A few words from the author: readers are appreciated, reviewers are appreciated even more. Loads of thanks and appreciation to Ghost Man for beta-reading.
Please note that some of the parts in this story are somewhat improbable. Creative liberties were taken.
Warning: Do not use this fanfiction for anything other than its intended purpose. The author cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from intentional misuse. (However if intentional misuse somehow cures cancer, the author takes full credit, all responsibility, and any money made using it.)
"Chinese"
"Japanese"
"English"
Enjoy
February 14, 2010; 1504 local time; ADF AWACS (1), Sea of Japan.
The crew of E-767 flew high above the sea. They were attempting to locate the hostile fleet, which reports indicated was moving to Maizuru.
"We have radar contacts bearing fifty three degrees." A young operator said.
"How many?" An officer asked coming over to the operator.
"Almost a hundred ships, maybe more." The young man said, not turning away from the displays.
"That has to be the objective." The officer said with a degree of nervousness. "What is their current speed?"
"Twenty knots, maybe more."
The officer nodded and turned to a man on a computer.
"Give me an estimate on how long it would take that fleet to reach Maizuru."
The man at the computer started typing and began to do the calculations. Withing a few minutes he had the answers. "Seventeen hours, give or take, depending on the tides."
The officer nodded as the radar operator's face suddenly took on an expression of disbelief.
"That can't be right, sir we're getting something big on the radar."
"How big?" The officer asked, slightly worried.
"Aircraft Carrier big."
The officer gritted his teeth before turning to a communications operator. "Contact JSDF headquarters. Tell them we have found the hostile fleet. ETA (2), seventeen hours. We also have reason to believe that they are in possession of an aircraft carrier."
"Yes sir"
--
February 14, 2010; 1703 local time; JSDF command headquarters, Tokyo, Japan
Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, Japan's minister of defense, sat at the planning table along with is staff. The situation in Hokkaido was deteriorating. Not more than an hour ago, his command had lost contact with Hakodate. Yoshiyuki had to make a hard decision. The Seiken undersea tunnel between Hakodate and Aomori was still operational. Reports from Aomori indicated that it was currently being used to ferry civilians and wounded away from the battlefield; it was also being used to move reinforcements to the front. The problem was what to do if it fell into enemy hands. The enemy would have a way to move troops and equipment across the Tsugaru Strait to Honshu, bypassing all coastal defensive lines.
"Sadamoto-sama. . . I'm sorry to interrupt, but the enemy fleet has been spotted. It has been confirmed that the fleet is moving towards Maizuru."
The Minister of defense nodded. He quickly had his subordinates call up all military forces in and around Maizuru, putting them into a state of readiness. The naval forces in Maizuru were ordered to make sail and stop the enemy fleet.
--
February 14, 2010; 1849 local time; Japanese warship Hyuga, Maizuru, Japan.
The Hyuga floated in its slip, moored to the dock at Maizuru. She was the first of a new class of "helicopter destroyers", Hyuga actually looked more like an aircraft carrier than anything else; with its large, flat deck and control tower off to the side. The flight deck was abuzz with activity as the nine Harrier (3) jets were being loaded onto the ship (4).
Admiral Juzo Okita attempted to focus on the task at hand; making the vessels ready to defend against the coming fleet.
"Status report." Juzo barked to one of the men on the bridge.
"The last two jets are being stowed as we speak. All ordinance is loaded and stowed. Fuel is sufficient for fifteen hundred nautical miles. Galleys are stocked and sorted. All personnel are aboard." The officer said.
"And what of the other ships?" The Admiral asked.
"The Atago (5) and Haruna (6) are fully prepared, and the Amagiri (7) will be ready within the hour. The Abukuma (8) is having trouble with her engines; she won't be sea worthy for another five hours. The Myoko (9) is getting her AEGIS systems worked on, she won't be ready for another day. We have had no word yet from the Shimakaze (10) or the Mineyuki (11)."
"What about our submarines?"
"The Narushio and Suppon are armed and fueled."
"Any news back about additional air support?"
"We have confirmation of eleven F-2 fighters (Japanese variant of the F-16) from various airbases ready for departure, with another six ready in three hours "
"Good, good, we disembark in five hours. I'll be in my quarters. . ."
"Yes Admiral."The officer said as Juzo left.
--
February 14, 2010; 1934 local time; VIP quarters, JMSDF helicopter destroyer Hyuga
A knock came at the door of Juzo's quarters. The commander looked up from his desk, "Come in" he said.
The door opened and a young seaman entered, he stood rigidly at attention and saluted.
"At ease sailor," The older man said. "What do you need?"
"I have come to report that the Shimakaze and Mineyuki are ready. We also have received word that the Abukuma is almost ready, a work crew is still fixing her engines but they can continue to make the repairs while she is underway."
Juzo looked distant for a moment before turning to the sailor, "What's your name son?"
"Sasumu, Kodai Sasumu." The young man said. "Why do you ask?"
"You look a lot like your brother, you know that?"
"You know my brother?"
"Yeah, he lives in Aomori doesn't he?"
"Yes he does, how did you know him?"
"I knew your father, we go back. Anyway, tell the captain I'll be back on the bridge in a few minutes."
"Yes commander"
". . . And when you get the chance, give your brother a call."
Sasumu nodded before leaving. Juzo waited for a few moments before making his way to the bridge.
"Captain, get me the radio. I wish to address the men."
The captain nodded before having a communications officer give the commander a microphone.
"Pilots, sailors, fellow officers; this is Admiral Okita. I would like to take a few moments to address you all before we leave. As you all know, this will be the first sea battle fought in the defense of Nippon (12) since the days of the Empire. Once more, a mighty fleet comes to conquer our sacred islands."
The commander paused.
"In days past we have prayed for the blessings of the Kamikaze (13), but such days are no more. We are the new protectors of Nippon, we are the bulwark against those who seek to rule us, WE are the Kamikaze incarnate. The power of our warships is the new wind. The will of our sailors, the new lightning. The wisdom of our commanders, the new storm clouds."
Admiral Okita took off his officer's hat. He reached into his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a strip of cotton cloth. He unrolled the cloth, revealing a red disc between two kanji. The kanji read "Fighting Spirit". Okita took the cloth (known as a hachimaki) and tied it around his head (14).
"Today, we go to battle. I wish all of you to know that we will be going into harm's way. Some of us may not return. . . but if we are successful in driving back the Chinese, the sacrifices of today will ensure a continued tomorrow for Nippon. So make yourselves ready. We have trained for this day, and as long as I am alive, I will not let these invaders desecrate Honshu with their footsteps!"
As Juzo turned off the radio, he heard several cheers coming from around the bridge.
"Very inspiring, sir." The captain said.
Juzo grunted and gave a half smile. "Raise the jacks! I wanted these ships underway two hours ago!"
--
February 15, 2010; 0123 local time; Chinese aircraft carrier Bai Duan, Sea of Japan
The Chinese carrier Bai Duan sailed toward the coast of Japan. She was surrounded by her twelve escorts. Commander Xiong stood on the bridge.
"Commander, we have confirmation of a fleet moving in from Maizuru. They are eighty kilometers outside of weapons range."
"How many ships?"
"Two guided-missile destroyers, two helicopter destroyers, two destroyers, and one destroyer escort. We are also picking up fighter aircraft and at least one submarine." The seaman rattled off.
"Detach the battle group from the main force, launch all fighters and tell the forward elements to prepare for phase two."
"Yes commander"
--
February 15, 2010; 0153 local time; Sea of Japan
The two fleets prepared for battle. The naval jacks of their respective nations fluttering on the masts.
The first shots were fired by the Narushio. Two submarine-launched anti-ship missiles flew out of the torpedo tubes towards one of the Chinese destroyers.
"Anti-ship ordinance inbound."
"Hard to port, prepare the missile defenses!"
"Aye captain."
The gatling cannon of the AK-630 CIWS (Soviet-made version of the Phalanx) spun and started spewing bullets, knocking both missiles off course.
As the two fleets closed the distance, anti-ship missiles began to be exchanged. Fighters on both sides prepared for battle.
"All wings report in."
"All wings report."
"Nanbu wing, standing by."
"Tiger wing, standing by"
"Arisaka wing ready"
"Panther wing, standing by"
"Juuken wing, standing by"
"Viper wing, ready"
"Taka wing, awaiting orders."
The planes of Nanbu and Juuken wings formed up as they prepared to engage the thirty Su-33 "Flankers". Half the planes of Arisaka wing formed up near the Harriers as they prepared to attack the ships.
"Flankers inbound one o'clock, All units engage!"
"Engage!!"
"Viper three, follow my lead."
"Panther wing, focus on the F-2's"
"Viper seven, bandits on your tail."
"Juuken four, fox two."
"AAAAAAAUUGGHHH!!"
"Too close for missiles, switching to guns."
"Nanbu four, enemies on your tail."
"I can't shake him!"
The cannon of the Flanker fired, ripping through the tail of the F-2 and sending it into a dive.
"I can't hold it, ejecting." A pilot said, instinctively reaching for the ejection actuators before launching himself from the cockpit.
--
February 15, 2010; 0228 local time; Japanese warship Hyuga
The Hyuga and the Abukuma stayed back from the battle, out of range of all but the longest hitting weapons.
"Status report!" Juzo shouted.
"Nambu and Juuken wings have taken heavy losses, Taka wing has lost all but three of its harriers. Ordinance is exhausted on Nanbus five, seven and two. Ordinance exhausted in Juukens four, six, and three. The Atago has taken a hit, but can still fight. The Haruna's helicopter deck has been destroyed. We've lost the Narushio and Mineyuki. . ."
"What about losses inflicted?" The commander interrupted impatiently.
"Ten confirmed fighter kills, two enemy destroyers hit, one derelict and one sunk. Unconfirmed hits on two destroyers and a frigate."
"Dammit, we're not causing enough damage. Tell the fleet to close in. Captain!"
"Yes admiral?"
"Get me the Prime minister. . ." Juzo said grimly.
--
February 15, 2010; 0248 local time; Helicopter destroyer Haruna, Sea of Japan
The remaining ships of the two fleets were now close enough to see each other. They opened up with all their weapons; guns, missiles, and torpedoes.
"Give me the range of our nearest targets." Daisuke Shima, captain of the Haruna, barked.
"Enemy destroyers at seven, eight, and thirteen nautical miles. Enemy missile cruiser at seven and a half nautical miles."
"Have 'A' turret target the closest destroyer. 'B' turret, target the cruiser."
The Haruna's two five-inch turrets swiveled in their mounts, aiming in two different directions.
"FIRE!" the captain shouted.
The two turrets opened fire as projectiles from both fleets continued to fly. Flames could be seen on the aft flight deck.
"Captain, the Phalanx ammunition is exhausted."
"Dammit."
"Incoming!!"
A huge fireball erupted from the port side as a shell impacted a few inches above the waterline.
"We're taking on water."
"Seal off areas four-A and three-B"
The Haruna was now listing to the side, but she was still fighting, her five-inch guns firing one shell after another.
"Captain, the engineers are reporting a leak in the fuel tank."
"Contact the Hyuga, tell them we have to turn back."
"Aye captain."
"Hyuga, this is Haruna, we have taken heavy damage. Fuel is leaking, request permission to disengage."
"Haruna, this is Hyuga, you have a green light to disengage. Shimakaze will cover your retreat."
"Rodger that Hyuga."
The Haruna began to turn around, its movements painfully slow as it started crawling towards Maizuru. One of the Chinese fighters noticed the retreating ship.
"Target of opportunity sighted, Tiger three watch my tail."
The two fighters flew towards the wounded ship. They both launched missiles at the Haruna. The missiles flew towards the ship the first impacted the bridge, incinerating those inside. The second missile hit the side of the ship causing another fireball. Before the crew could respond, the fire from the impact ignited the leaking fuel. The flames made their way to the fuel tank and reacted violently, causing a massive explosion that almost broke the ship in half. The explosion rocked every boat on the water, several windows on nearby ships were cracked by the shock wave.
"Hyuga, this is Shimakaze. We have lost the Haruna."
Another flight of fighters came in, covering an enemy frigate. The frigate opened fire with its guns, hitting the bridge of the Shimakaze.The fighters followed in with anti-ship missiles, tearing gaping holes into the starboard side of the destroyer. The ship was now derelict, floating dead in the water. The enemy frigate closed in and gave it the final blow with her torpedoes.
--
February 15, 2010; 0219 local time; Japanese warship Hyuga, Sea of Japan
The situation had deteriorated beyond hope. Admiral Okita knew this. Along with the Haruna and Shimakaze, they had also lost the Suppon, the Amagiri had taken several bad hits, the rest of the harriers were shot down, and only seven of the F-2's remained.
"Order a withdrawl, we can't hold them."
"Yes commander!" The captain said turning to a com-officer. "Signal for a retreat."
"Yes, captain. Hyuga to all remaining ships, commence advance to the rear. Atago and Abukuma will provide cover."
"I'm going to my quarters, I do not wish to be disturbed." Juzo said, with a heavy sigh.
Juzo made his way to his quarters. He took off his hachimaki, and opened a drawer. He searched through the drawer before finding what he was looking for. He pulled out a pistol and loaded it. . .
before putting it to his temple. . .
--
February 15, 2010; 0249 local time; Chinese destroyer Gang Hu
The bridge of the destroyer was filled with celebration as the wounded Japanese fleet disengaged. Even with the smoke screen put up by the Abukuma; they had managed to sink the Atago and even score a hit on the Hyuga.
In a corner of the room, one young seaman stood. His mind was less jubilant than those of his crewmates. Noticing the young man, one of the officers went over to him.
"What's on your mind, sailor?"
The young man looked up, "I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"About the battle, about how lucky we are to be alive. . ."
"Indeed, it is a day to be proud."
"Is it?"
The officer paused.
"How different are we from those we killed?" The sailor said, his eyes getting slightly damp
"What do you mean?"
"Were they not sailors like us?"
"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?" The officer said, not liking where this conversation was going.
"I mean. . . they're sailors, we're sailors, and only alive by the grace of-"
The officer put his hand to the young man's face. "If you don't want to get put in for re-education, I suggest you drop the subject. Now."
The sailor nodded before leaving the bridge. As the sailor walked outside on the deck, a song he had learned in the church he attended (secretly attended, of course) came to his head.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea. . .
"Amen" He murmured, bringing his hand up to a salute in the direction of the battle. Saluting those who had died. . . friend and foe. . .
--
February 15, 2010; 0735 local time; Hinata Inn
Motoko came down from her training to find the rest of the Hinata group glued to the television set.
. . . government have confirmed it, last night's naval engagement has failed to deter the Chinese. Statements released by the government state that the battle has only slowed the enemy fleet down. Estimates say that the fleet will make landfall by mid-afternoon. Civilians in and around Maizuru are being evacuated as GSDF and MSDF forces continue to move in. The Diet has sent several requests for support to Russia, unfortunately the Russian government stated that it was unable to help. According to a press release from their Parliament, Chechen rebels have sabotaged the Trans-Siberian railroad. More on this story later.
Haruka entered the room, carrying a long bag. She turned off the TV before ushering the younger residents off to school with assurances of their manager's safety before heading upstairs.
Mitsune (quite sober after watching the news), followed her at a distance. Haruka went into the manager's room and unzipped the bag, pulling out a side-by-side 12 gauge shotgun.
"What do you want, Kitsune?" Haruka said, making the woman jump.
"Where did you get that?"
Haruka put some oil on a cloth, wiping the barrels. "I've had this for a while now, I bought it before I went on my first expedition. Seta helped me pick it out."
"Really, somehow I didn't see Seta as one who would allow such things, much less know what one to pick."
"Martial arts may be impressive, but it's hard to impress a charging animal."
"You ever used it?" Mitsune asked.
"Once or twice, up until now it just sat behind the counter of the tea shop as a robbery deterrent."
"Why'd you bring it here?"
"Because I'll be dammed if I left you all unarmed. Didn't you see the news?" Haruka said, her voice slightly louder than usual.
"But what about Kaolla and all her high-tech stuff?"
"It's all non-lethal, always was."
"You're kidding." Mitsune said, wondering how the resident genius could come up with a way NOT to kill people with her inventions.
"Nope, her and Hina had an agreement. All devices she made would not be able to harm a human, and she has stuck to that agreement."
"Can't she make weapons now?"
"No, think about it; if her non-lethal inventions can cause as much destruction as they have, do you really want her working on something that could kill?"
Mitsune's eyes suddenly widened as she grasped the implications of what the elder Urashima was saying.
"I guess you're right. What about Motoko and her sword tricks?" She said.
"She is capable of doing major damage up close, I'll admit that. However, I don't think she could handle killing another person. At least not psycologically."
"What about you?" The resident alcohol enthusiast asked.
"Yeah, I've killed a few people before. Mostly looters, never liked it."
Mitsune shrugged before pulling a bottle out from who knows where, "Sake?"
"Don't mind if I do." Haruka said, getting a glass out. 'Might as well'
"I hope this ends soon. . ." Mitsune said before taking a swig out of the bottle, Haruka nodded before having her own drink.
(1) AWACS: Airborne Warning And Control System (A recon plane, usually fitted with sophisticated radar systems)
(2) ETA: Estimated Time to Arrival
(3) Harrier jets are one of the few Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft that have a fixed wing. They can be launched from a helipad (which the Hyuga has several of).
(4) Japan probably doesn't have Harriers, but I put them in to give the Hyuga an active role in the battle.
(5) Atago: Atago class guided-missile destroyer, DDG-177
(6) Haruna: Haruna class helicopter destroyer, DDH-141
(7) Amagiri: Asagiri class destroyer, DD-154
(8) Abukuma: Abukuma class destroyer escort, DE-229
(9) Myoko: Kongo class guided-missile destroyer, DDG-175
(10) Shimakaze: Hatakaze class guided-missile destroyer, DDG-172
(11) Mineyuki: Hatsuyuki class destroyer, DD-124
(12) Nippon: Native name for Japan
(13) Kamikaze: Japanese for "divine wind", Juzo is referencing the the typhoon that destroyed the Mongol invasion fleet, not the suicide pilots of WWII.
(14) Tying a hachimaki is the Japanese equivalent to rolling up one's sleeves, signifying determination.
--
Extras (in order of appearance)
Juzo Okita: Captain of the Yamato in "Space Battleship Yamato" (season 1)
Narushio: Named after a submarine in "Blue Submarine No. 6"
Suppon: Japanese for "snapping turtle" (named after the submarine in "Submarine 707")
Susumu Kodai: Battle chief of the Yamato in "Space Battleship Yamato" (season 1)
Daisuke Shima: Helmsman of the Yamato in (I'll give you three guesses, the first two don't count) (season 1)