As the Intrepid closes the distance it appears as though our presence is un-noticed. Whoever is floating ahead of the ship barely pays any attention to our approach.
Finally, the Intrepid draws alongside and without the need to issue any orders the ship comes to a stop and is held in place using the small positioning thrusters located along the length of the hull to maintain a safe distance.
Standing on the bridge wing looking down at the scene in the ocean just a short distance off the port side of the ship in complete disbelief, if someone had tried to tell me that one day I would witness a person standing on water, I would have laughed it off as the makings of a D-grade movie. But seeing it in person left me unable to move or think clearly.
All my experience and studies told me that it was impossible for one to stand on top of the ocean like it was nothing. But that was the least of what was racing through my mind. Nowhere outside of animation movies or Hollywood block busters with huge special effects budgets could possibly compare with the sight right in front of my eyes.
Turning to Kevin who had stepped out onto the wing I ask, "Okay this might sound really crazy. But tell me I'm not seeing a tall woman with long black hair wearing a white top, red dress and what I am assuming are fake fox ears and nine fox tails standing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean next to the ship?"
One look at the expression on Kevin's face confirms it for me. If I was seeing it, then he was too.
Climbing down to the main deck and reaching the side railing, I was still in shock at the sight before me. Quietly clearing my throat and composing my thoughts, I call out, "Good morning!"
At my words the woman's head snaps up and turns in my direction, "Who are you?" she demands.
"My name is Nathan Harrison I'm the Captain of the Research Vessel Intrepid," I begin, "We are responding to a request for help in a search operation."
The woman looks at me with a curious expression on her face, before finally replying, "And who are you searching for?"
"I'm told that the ship we are searching for is the Kaga," I answer carefully, "And we are meant to meet up with the Akagi to coordinate the search."
"So, you haven't seen her either then," the woman answers sadly.
"The only radar contact we've had since receiving this location point," I begin knowing how crazy I'm about to sound, "Is you."
My answer is met with considered silence.
"It would seem all is lost then," the woman finally replies looking down in despair.
Carefully considering the situation and what limited information I have to hand, I speak up once more, "I'm going to make a few educated guesses here. And feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Firstly, you were the person we spoke with via Morse Code three days ago?"
My question is met with a slight nod.
"So that would mean you are the Akagi?"
Another slight nod.
"How long have you been looking for the Kaga?" I push.
Akagi slowly looks up at me, "Almost three weeks."
"And when was the last time you saw her?" I ask.
"I'm not sure," Akagi confirms after a momentary pause, "My memory seems to be failing me there."
"Okay," I reply, "You say it's been almost three weeks since you started searching. And if I were to hazard another guess it looks like you've had next to no sleep during that time."
"How can I sleep when my sister is missing?" Akagi cries out.
"Fair point," I concede, "If you want. Why don't you come aboard? You can show me on our charts where you've looked and we can pick up the search for a while, whilst you rest."
Akagi looks at me suspiciously, "Why should I trust an American?"
For the second time in under a month I get the impression that I was staring death in the face, despite the lack of long-range guns pointed my way this time around.
"Another fair point," I admit, "However I'm not American. Firstly, yes, the Intrepid is registered in America, but we have a multinational crew on board, none of which calls America home. And secondly America is allied with Japan now."
Seeing my answer has had little effect I continue, "If you don't believe me then ask our guest." I indicate across to my right where Bismarck is standing watching on with seemingly mild interest, "Germany and Japan were allies in the past. Would you believe her word?"
And that was how just over two hours later the Intrepid was sailing at a rather sedate six knots towards the last reported position from the US Naval World War II records of where the IJN Kaga was last sighted before slipping below the waves after the Battle of Midway.
There were numerous complaints about our lack of speed from Akagi. However on explaining that we would be towing all our available side scanners, and ocean floor scanners in a bid to ensure that we missed nothing and that increasing our speed would lead to lower results meaning more time spent doubling back over the same piece of ocean numerous times we were able to get started.
It didn't take long for the usual boredom of grid search work to set in. I spent my time scanning the horizon through binoculars either from the bridge or scaling up the central mast into the Crow's Nest to help pass the time. However just like before we met up with Akagi the ocean remained devoid of any shipping of any sort.
On my return to the Bridge after my second trip around the ship, which also included a stop off in the galley to grab another mug of coffee, I found the crew going about their duties as per normal. On looking over at my chair I found that Akagi had finally succumbed to the need for sleep and had passed out from fatigue.
Placing my mug down on the chart table, I gently lift Akagi out of the chair and carry her down the corridor to the open door leading to my cabin. Carefully entering, I place her down on the bed before quietly making my way out of the small room and back to the bridge.
On returning I pick up my coffee and whilst taking a mouthful study the chart showing the planned course and the notes made from the areas we had already surveyed. "Captain, we have a faint radar contact to the east."
I look over to where one of the junior officers is looking across at me from in front of the radar screens, "Any indications as to what the contact is?" I ask.
"Whatever it is, it's very small and moving rapidly in our direction," came the reply, "Contact should be in visual sight within two minutes."
I walk out onto the Port Wing and begin scanning the horizon for the approaching contact. Mentally counting the time down, I reach the two-minute mark with still no sign. Turning back towards the radar operators inside, I hear the steady thrum of an engine. Turning back to see what is making the noise, I spot flying just above the waves a small aircraft.
"There's your radar contact," I call out, "Looks like someone is out for a joy flight."
"That can't be possible," replies Luke, "The nearest airfield is the one we use to get supplies in, and we don't have any light aircraft."
Looking closer at the rapidly approaching plane, I realize that he was right, "It looks almost like a vintage fighter," I comment, "How the hell did one get this far out from the mainland?"
As the plane zooms overhead, I follow its path taking in as many details as possible. Most of the plane is a blur due to its speed and low proximity to the ship as it passes overhead. The only detail that stands out clearly. A circular red disc on both wings and fuselage. As I watch in awe the plane makes a fast sweeping turn and races back on its original course off into the distance.
"What the hell was that?" I hear one of the crew from the main deck cry out in alarm.
Suddenly it occurs to me exactly what has just happened. Grabbing the ships main intercom and waiting for the ship wide alert to die down, "All hands! Retrieve all equipment now. All scanners to be returned to their racks like it happened yesterday!"
Replacing the intercom, I return to the chart and quickly plot the course the fighter had just retreated along. Ignoring the sensation of everyone on the bridge looking in my direction, I rapidly write down a course heading. Passing it to Luke at the helm, "As soon as the last scanner clears the water increase speed to maximum, but start heading on this course right now." I instruct.
Wordlessly Luke enters the new course into the navigation computers and I feel the ship start to make the turn. "Care to explain what you're thinking?" asks Kevin looking across from the opposite wing.
"We just got our first solid lead as to where to find our missing ship," I reply.
"Come again?" asks one of the researchers.
"Let's assume for arguments sake that we are dealing with a fourth case of a previously lost World War II ship returning to roam the world's oceans," I start, "We know the name of the ship we are seeking."
"Yes," the researcher replies, "We are looking for the Kaga."
"Well if we are in fact dealing with this phenomenon again. We can assume that the Kaga is an aircraft carrier," I answer, "And the Kaga during World War II was armed with A6M Zero fighters."
"Okay history lesson aside. Where is this theory taking us?" the researcher asks with a weary expression.
"The plane that just buzzed us was a Zero," I explain, "There's no land based air fields it could have come from aside from the one on Midway which is the opposite direction. Meaning that it was launched from a carrier somewhere in that direction. Most likely to scout out the area."
As I explain my theory the system indicating the status of the scanners blinks green indicating that the last of the scanners was clear of the water and no longer being dragged behind the ship. In response I also feel the ships motion increase as the engines ramp up and begin to push the Intrepid towards its top speed.
As the afternoon wore on the Intrepid surged through the low swells and with the radar still continuing to show no signs of any shipping in the area. "Isn't this meant to be one of the busier shipping lanes?" asks one the junior officers.
"Normally it is," I reply, "But if you'd read the maritime weather and news reports, you'd know that commercial shipping has been requested to sail further to the north due to reports of rogue waves in this area."
As I explain this the radar operator suddenly sat upright in his seat, "Something get your attention?" I ask.
"Radar just went down across the board," comes the reply as the operator rapidly runs through a system check and tries to re-boot the radar system.
"Signal jamming?" I query looking over the various radar charts all showing black screens.
"Maybe," the operator replies, "It's extremely hi-tech though it that's the case. Not even the US military is this good."
"So what systems are not affected?" I press.
"All our standard radar networks are out. Even mobile reception is out," reports Kevin as he scans across all the communication networks and radar systems.
"So, we are sailing blind right now?" asks Luke, "It's not much of an issue right now. But when the sun sets the chances of us sailing in circles increases."
As I think over the problem now facing us a potential solution comes from an unlikely source.
"Perhaps I can help?"
Looking back to the rear of the bridge I see Bismarck standing there. "How so?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.
"I'll sail ahead and you follow," Bismarck replies, "My radar and range finders should still be in working order."
Seeing no better options available to me I reply, "We've got nothing to lose. We might as well."
Twenty minutes later with the Intrepid having slowed back to a survey cruising speed, most of the crew were now lining up against the railings of the upper deck looking down on the launch deck with interest. I joined two of the senior research team waiting on the recovery deck.
Before long the sound of the cargo elevator could be heard, followed soon by many cries of astonishment from the assembled crew. I honestly couldn't blame them; this was the first time since Bismarck had boarded the Intrepid that she was wearing what the research team had simply labelled rigging.
If I thought my first impression of seeing a woman standing on the deck of my ship wearing four pairs of fifteen-inch guns like it was nothing out of the ordinary were intimidating I was very wrong.
It seemed as though Bismarck stood an extra two metres taller than normal. Although as she stepped down onto the recovery landing, she was clearly no taller than before when we discussed the plan on the bridge.
Seeing this sight in daylight for the first time I was amazed not only that I had been able to hold my nerve that night three weeks ago, but also highly aware that if that encounter had occurred during daylight hours, I probably wouldn't have been able to speak. The darkness that night despite the ships search lights had hidden what very clearly looked like shark's jaw cut into the leading edges of the hull sections of rigging where the guns where mounted too. It was almost like staring into the gapping maw of a great white shark coming in for the kill.
Supressing the urge to run for my life I instead ask, "Do you require any assistance getting into the water?"
"No need," she replies simply stepping off the edge onto the water like it was as simple as crossing the road.
"Well that explains how she managed to get aboard so easily," I mutter to myself with a smirk as I watch Bismarck skate across the wave tops with practised skill.
Walking back up the ship along the portside deck, I climb the ladder up to the Bridge Wing where I take up a position monitoring the horizon. I can see that the rest of the crew not on duty had continued to watch on from the lower deck.
"It's quite a sight."
Turning to see that Albert has joined me on the wing, "Was just bringing my report on the condition of the engines when I saw." He added, answering my unasked question.
"Sure is," I reply, "It doesn't seem right but somehow it also feels normal."
"Yeah," Albert said, "I can see now why my grandfather always said that she was a beautiful ship with a nasty streak."
Looking at Albert with a quizzical expression, "Say what now?"
"I don't like talking about it much," Albert admits, "It's not that I'm ashamed or anything. But people tend to judge."
"Well I won't force you to say it Albert," I say, "But I've got no idea what you are talking about."
"My grandfather was an enlisted sailor aboard Bismarck during the war," Albert answers quietly, "He was one of the lucky ones to be picked up by the Dorsetshire after the sinking."
Nodding in understanding to Alberts earlier comments, "I can understand why you don't talk about it much. I know my grandad didn't speak about the war much. But neither they or we have anything to be ashamed of. They both fought for what they believed in. It's not the everyday solider or sailors' fault that the political leadership fails to act with integrity."
We stand quietly watching the ocean waves before I once more break the silence, "So I'm guessing that you believe that she actually is the Bismarck then?" I ask nodding in the direction of the tall blonde woman currently skating just off the port side of the Intrepid.
"We've had a couple of conversations," Albert admits, "I know it's hard to imagine. But yes, I believe that she is the Bismarck. She can remember the names of every crew member including some details about my grandfather that only my family knows."
"To be honest," I concede, "After today I don't think anything is going to truly be hard for me to imagine anymore."
"I did hear rumour that our latest guest is a bit different," Albert chuckles.
"That's an understatement," I answer, "Finding a woman standing on the ocean is one thing. But to also have real fox ears and tails is right out of a sci-fi film. If I hadn't seen those ears actually twitch or the tails move independently, I would've brushed them off as costume props."
"Captain, I have a radar contact fourteen kilometres on that heading," Bismarck calls up, pointing a long staff in the direction of the contact.
"Turn five points to port," I call into the bridge. Turning back to Bismarck, "Do you want to come back on board?"
"Follow me," she replies, "I'll keep updating our course."
Without further words Bismarck sails off along our new course heading. The speed she was able to skate along the ocean was remarkable. I instruct the helmsman to increase speed and keep visual sight at all times.
As we sail across the Pacific, I was amazed at the speeds we reached. The Intrepid was rated to be able to sail up forty knots in calm seas, but we usually kept her at a sedate twenty-seven unless we were responding to an emergency or trying to either outrun or chase down a storm front. So, to see that we were travelling at thirty knots and not closing the distance to Bismarck who continued to skate across the waves like it was second nature was certainly something that had everyone aboard questioning their sanity.
As the sun continued to drop lower, we finally slowed to a cruise speed as we were approached by another ancient fighter. This one however we could clearly see was armed as below we could see the outline of a torpedo. Without warning however, the aircraft turned off its approach run.
We didn't have to wait long to see where the aircraft turned to as we soon saw the outline of another human figure standing with the sun directly behind them making it difficult to make out anything more than a rough outline.
Continuing our slow approach, I instruct the radio room to transmit a message stating our intentions.
We were either ignored or the signal jamming was still affecting the communications systems.
However, I had expected as much, and continued on until we were within range where I could try to have a conversation with whoever this person was.
Squinting my eyes against the glare despite wearing sunglasses, I could still only make out a rough outline of the person standing atop the ocean. If I hadn't already confirmed that Akagi was still asleep in my cabin, I would have been certain that it was her standing out there.
"I'll give you one chance to convince me why I shouldn't annihilate you where you stand!" the shadowed figure spoke with deadly calm.
Rolling the dice, I decide to take the most direct approach, "Because your sister is currently aboard this ship."
"Prove it!"
"There's a boarding ladder right there," I point out, "Or we have the launch deck at the stern. Either option works for me. I'll guide you to her from wherever you decide to board."
The figure moved closer allowing me to make out a few features. The most noticeable of these was the white hair. Styled much shorter than her sister, she wore virtually identical clothing although in a deep shade of blue rather than red.
Wordlessly she took hold of the boarding ladder and climbed up. Before I could move towards the wing ladder to descend to the lower deck, she had already crossed to the ladder and started climbing up.
"I get the feeling this one is more dangerous than the others," Kevin mutters quietly so only I could hear.
"Maybe," I whisper my reply, "But I still haven't had a gun pointed in my direction today, so I'll take that as a positive."
The woman calmly steps up onto the wing from the side mounted ladder and looks expectantly in my direction, "Well, where is my sister then?"
'Straight to the point,' I think to myself before opening the door leading onto the bridge, "Right this way."
I lead the woman down the corridor behind the bridge and stop outside the door to my cabin, turning to face her I say, "She's been asleep in here for the last eight hours. That's after I'm told she spent three sleepless weeks searching for you."
Without waiting for a reply, I quietly push the door open and step back to allow her to enter first.
"You first," she states.
I don't even bother with a reply, I can understand the reason clear enough. If it's a trap then I'd be the one caught and she still had an escape route. Stepping inside I walk over to the far side of the room which although doesn't make much of an impact due to the cabins small size. It does allow the woman to follow me in.
Ignoring me completely she stares down at the sleeping form on the bunk which takes up most of the space. Shaking her head and frowning slightly, "You never did know when to stop. Always pushing on beyond reason."
I quietly watch on as I feel the Intrepid begin to make way again as the roll of the ocean waves begin to have less of an effect on the ship.
"What will you do with my sister?"
"I'm not sure what you mean," I begin, slightly taken aback by the question, "We picked up a distress signal just over three days ago from her and came to help."
She looks at me with a blank expression.
"You're both free to leave at any time you want," I explain, "As far as the search operation side of things goes, we've completed our job. That is assuming that you are the Kaga."
"I am," Kaga replies, "So tell me. What happened?"
"Well that is a long story," I admit, "I can fill you in on the events after the Battle of Midway to the end of the war if that's what you mean. If it's why both you and your sister are now back and in a completely different form to that from when you sank in 1942. That's one of many questions we've been asking ourselves for the last three weeks."
"What do you mean?" Kaga questions tilting her head slightly.
"In the past three weeks, you are now the third person we've personally encountered that claims to be a warship from the Second World War," I explain, "And the fourth in total as our sister ship has encountered one as well."
My answer is met with silence.
"I understand that it's hard to believe," I continue, "However if you'll allow me, I can give you a very brief visual explanation of what I mean."
With a nod of her head, I turn to the laptop that was open on the desk. Seeing that the main page of the archives folder was still open, I quickly type in the file I am looking for and load up the attached video.
"This is a series of photos taken by both the Japanese and Americans of the ships involved in the Second World War," I explain, "There's a number of written accounts of the Battle of Midway as well if you want to see them."
Kaga took the offered seat in front of the screen and I press play on the slideshow, "I'll be back in a moment."
Stepping out of the cabin leaving the door open, I walk towards the rear of the ship and enter the galley. Seeing that some of the crew were having an early meal before beginning their overnight watches I decide to grab a tray and take the prepared meals back to my cabin rather than stick to the usual routine of eating with the crew.
On returning to my cabin I place the tray on the desk, "I brought food and drinks if you want," I begin. Sensing no movement from Kaga even reacting to my return, I look over to see tears rolling down her cheeks. My unasked question is quickly answered as I look at the laptop screen and see the image on the screen.
It's a pair of underwater photos taken from a submersible showing two different ship wrecks. The one on the left is labelled 'Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carrier Kaga' whilst the second is labelled 'Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carrier Akagi.'
"How is this possible?" Kaga whispers softly.
"I honestly don't know," I admit, "We were on our way back home to try to get some answers for our other guest, when we picked up Akagi's emergency transmission."
"What other guest?" Kaga asks looking at me.
"Her name is Bismarck," I answer, "She is going through a similar situation as you, having somehow returned despite having been sunk during the war."
"And how far away is home for you?" Kaga presses.
"If we turn around now and sail at full speed we should reach the break water just before dawn the day after tomorrow," I answer mentally laughing at the irony of the situation, "But we'll have to wait for sunrise before we can enter as the atoll at Midway where our home docks are as the reef is too dangerous to navigate at night."
"Very well," Kaga replies, "We'll go with you until we get the answers we seek."
"Fair enough," I say, "I'll leave you to rest. If you need anything, I'll be on the bridge. It's to your left once you leave this cabin. And if you need more food the galley is at the end of this corridor to the right."
Taking my leave, I close the cabin door behind me and return to the bridge. Sitting down in my chair and checking in with the duty officer of the night watch that we have managed to recover a working radar signal, I issue the orders to set course back for home.
As the ship turns back towards the west, I see Bismarck enter from the starboard wing, "I see you've got the radar working again?"
"It would appear so," I reply, "I'll have to get the engineering team to pull it apart when we get home."
"Speaking of home," Bismarck began, "I'm assuming that is where you are heading now."
"Yes," I acknowledge, "We should be back home in two days. And then we'll hopefully be able to start getting some answers."
"I see," Bismarck answers, "So you still need me to stay there then?"
"Ideally, yes," I admit, "At least for the short term. But as I said before, you're free to leave if that is what you want."
"I'd like to see Germany again," Bismarck says quietly, "It's been so long."
"I think we can work something out," I answer, "Leave it with me."
With a nod of her head Bismarck walks to the rear door leading off the bridge. "Oh, I almost forgot," I call out, "Akagi is still passed out in my cabin and Kaga is there also now. The next door down from mine is the First Mates, he's on duty tonight down in the engine room, so you can take his bunk for tonight."
