"Wake up Commander."
Slowly opening my eyes, I find Eugen shaking me by the shoulder, "I'm awake," I mumble groggily, "What's wrong?"
"Kaga has just reported in that the enemy fleet is turning to the South," Eugen answers.
"Are we able to launch an effective air strike?" I ask supressing a yawn.
"Not yet," Eugen replies with a shake of her head, "However, Kaga suggests that we can cut the distance between us, if we make our turn to the South now."
"Have we cleared the Eastern most coastline?" I ask.
"Almost," Eugen replies, "If we make part of our turn now and then the remainder once we clear the coast, Kaga reckons we could launch a strike this afternoon."
"Do it," I say supressing another yawn.
Looking across the bridge out through the forward windows, I can barely make out the horizon in the dim morning light.
"What time is it?" I ask when Eugen returns from the radio.
"A little before four in the morning," Eugen replies, "You passed out from exhaustion after you finished your call from the Admiral."
"That explains why I'm in what I can assume is the captain's chair," I comment, to which Eugen nods once, "It fails to explain why my legs feel all numb."
"I guess you were right," Eugen begins with a laugh, "You really aren't all that alert without your daily intake of coffee."
"You'll get no argument from me on that," I comment finally realizing the reason for the numb sensation in my legs. For curled up fast asleep in my lap was Uzuki.
"Any chance you can find somewhere for her to sleep that's not my lap, so I can get to work on plotting an intercept course now that we know where the enemy might be heading," I ask.
"Of course, Commander," Eugen replies carefully picking Uzuki up and carrying her off the bridge towards one of the compartments that had been set-up as a sleeping quarters.
Rubbing the stiffness out of my legs, I make my way over to the chart table, where I find most of my predicted intercept points for the reconnaissance aircraft have been updated showing that the enemy fleet had stayed true to form and had skirted around the Territorial Waters claimed by Australia.
Plotting the course suggestion for our pursuit from Kaga, I estimated that we could shave almost four hours off, and Kaga's prediction of an afternoon strike could well be a worst-case scenario and that we may even be in effective range by noon.
Behind me, I overhear Eugen speaking animatedly. Turning I see her walking in my direction holding the satellite phone to an ear in one hand and a steaming mug in the other. Wordlessly holding the mug out for me, I take it to with a nod of thanks as the scent of fresh coffee reaches my nose.
"He's standing right here, I'll let you speak to him," Eugen says down the line. Handing me the phone, "Some Sea Lord called James Adams. Says he got this number from Jensen." She explains.
Taking the phone from Eugen in confusion, "This is Nathan Harrison."
'About bloody time,' a male voice on the other end retorts, 'Do you know how busy I am right now. I don't have the time to deal with your secretary.'
"I don't have a secretary," I comment drily.
'You just let anyone answer your phone?' the man comments, 'Certainly not something one would believe given your reputation.'
"You know you're not the only one who is busy," I retort, "So unless you have something of importance to talk about, I'd like to get back to work."
'Straight to the point,' the man laughs, 'Jensen did mention that you rarely wasted words on idle chatter. The names James Adams, I'm the First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.'
"Oh right," I reply, "You're the one that Jensen spoke of the other day, mentioned that you were telling anyone that will listen that the German Navy is responsible for an attack on one of your Carrier Fleets."
'And I can prove it!' Adams exclaims.
"Yes, I've seen the video that was leaked to the press," I reply, "It's hardly proof that the Germans were behind the attack."
'It's more than enough,' Adams boasts, 'But before I go any further, I need to know that I can trust you.'
"You mean the security clearances that the US Navy issue me to work on projects for them isn't enough," I say stepping out onto the starboard wing.
'Your security clearances are all in order,' Adams answers, 'But the fact you have a German National on board your ship is a concern.'
"I hate to say this Admiral," I comment with a smirk, "But I'm not aboard my ship. That German you spoke with a moment ago. It's her ship that I'm presently aboard."
'What happened to your ship?' Adams asks cautiously, 'The file we have on you lists you as the Captain of the Research Vessel Intrepid.'
"The Intrepid was attacked and sunk some months ago," I report, "I'm assuming that Jensen mentioned that I've been working on a project that ties into the attack your fleet was involved in last week?"
'He did mention something about strange sightings of un-manned ships,' Adams admits, 'But nothing about you leading the project looking into it from a German ship.'
"I'm based on whichever ship is best suited at the time," I reply, "Also the ship itself is probably best described as not having an official connection to any country at the moment given its history."
'What is that supposed to mean?' Adams asks.
"Are you in front of a computer at the moment?" I ask.
'I am,' Adams replies.
Rattling off the IP address for the Midway server from memory, I guide the First Sea Lord through the numerous security checks one has to go through when attempting to access the server from any location not registered to the program.
'Alright,' Adams says, 'What exactly am I looking at?'
"Go to the folder labelled RV Intrepid," I instruct, "You need to watch the first video file in the list. It shows the final ten minutes from the Intrepid's on board camera system before she sank."
As I wait for Adams to watch through the video, I look out across the distance to where the outline of the Kaga is just visible, and whilst the poor light and fog make picking out any clear details impossible. The unmistakable sound of an aircraft engine ramping up before rapidly fading away into the distance as another scout plane takes to the skies to maintain the constant watch over the enemy fleet several hundreds of kilometres away is all the confirmation, I need to know that Kaga is on watch.
'Alright,' I finally hear the Admiral speak up, 'Maybe you are on to something. We have images of similar looking vessels that were part of the attacking forces. However, it doesn't prove your claim that Germany is not responsible.'
"By itself, no it doesn't," I admit, "It also doesn't point the finger at them, or anyone else for that matter. But if I may ask, what makes you so certain that Germany is behind the attack on your fleet?"
'The description of the lead ship of the force that attacked,' the Admiral replies.
"And that description was?" I press.
'Three separate watch officers all described the same ship as leading the enemy assault,' Adams explains, 'When we went through the archives of all known ships that could match the size described. The only answer was that it was a Bismarck class battleship.'
"My naval history is probably lacking, compared with yours. But weren't there only ever two ships in that class. Both of which were sunk by the Royal Navy and Royal Airforce respectively," I point out.
'I admit that it has raised a large number of questions in my office,' Adams replies.
"I'm sure it did," I say in reply, "Perhaps I can provide some answers. If you go back to the main folder directory and go into the folder labelled Project Dawn, then into the sub folder labelled Bismarck."
'Okay,' Adams replies with a wary tone.
"There are a couple of videos in there, but before you view them, I suggest you read the file labelled First Encounter, followed by the Medical Report from the lab team." I instruct.
As Admiral Adams reads through the reports, that myself and several of the research techs and medical team back at Midway had compiled since the first appearance of Bismarck, I hear numerous mutterings of disbelief.
After several minutes of this the Admiral speaks up once more, 'I know that a lot of my peers are claiming that I've lost my marbles. But what you've got here is certifiable.'
"Jensen basically said the same," I answer, "Why don't you look at the videos then. There are also the other sub folders as well. All thoroughly documenting everything we've uncovered since this first began. Along with quite a number of possible theories we are yet to prove."
Through the phone, I hear one of the videos from the live fire exercise that we conducted outside the atoll playing.
'Why do I see what appear to be vintage Japanese dive bombers in this video?' Adams asks.
"We conducted a live fire exercise off the coast of Midway," I answer, "The dive bombers form part of the airwing from Akagi and Kaga."
'Didn't the Americans sink those two during the Battle of Midway?' Adams asks.
"They did," I reply, "Just the same as the English sank the Bismarck and Tirpitz."
'Okay,' the Admiral relents, 'I know when I'm out of my depth. What exactly are we dealing with here. I'm not fully convinced that Germany isn't involved yet, but you're making more sense than anyone else that has offered an opinion.'
"To tell the truth," I begin, "I'm still not fully sure what this is exactly. However, I'm positive that whatever this is, it's something not from this world."
'Go on,' Adams insists.
"You remember that first video you watched," I answer, "The one showing the attack and sinking of the RV Intrepid?"
'Yes,' Adams answers, 'But how does that prove your theory?'
"Did you watch the view from the Bridge Camera?" I ask.
'I did,' Adams replies, 'I meant to ask you about that. It looks like whatever that was shot you.'
"They did," I reply, "The whatever as you called it, called itself Peace Breaker. There's a folder in that directory covering what little we know on her as well."
'It looked like something from one of those Sci-Fi television programs,' Adams comments.
"I have to agree," I say, "However during the very brief chance I had to speak before being shot at. She all but confirmed that she was responsible for the total loss of an American Carrier Fleet including the USS Gerald R. Ford."
'That is quite the claim,' Adams admits.
"It is. But as no one has seen any sign of the ship or any of the escorts from the fleet for that matter, it's looking more likely to be fact than fiction," I reply, "But if I can ask. How was it that your Carrier Group was able to escape? I heard that the Commander recognized the enemy tactics and was able to counter them to break away."
'All of our officers' study our naval history in detail,' Adams boasts proudly, 'We have such a rich history, that it is mandatory study to become an officer.'
"So which battle was it?" I ask finally seeing the connection.
'The Battle of Trafalgar,' Adams replies.
"Wait!" I exclaim, "I know my naval history is poor to say the least, but didn't that battle take place in 1805?"
'Sure did,' Adams chuckles, 'Lord Nelson gave both the French and the Spaniards a damned good thrashing.'
"Yes, I remember watching a documentary on that battle a couple of years ago," I reply, "But if those were the tactics employed against your forces, that solves my theory on what this new enemy is currently doing."
"It doesn't look good," Kaga reports.
Looking up from the chart table, scattered with numerous charts covered with notes on various naval battles lay. "What doesn't look good?" I ask seeing the frustrated look etched on her face.
"I haven't had any reports come in since the first one, this morning," she replies.
"Your scout planes haven't been able to maintain contact?" I ask, rummaging through the pile of charts to find the one covering the pursuit of the fleet that had attacked Darwin.
"I can't confirm if they made contact or not," Kaga says, "Aside from the first scouting pair. None of the others have returned."
"So, that was this sighting," I comment tapping a mark on the chart.
"Yes," Kaga confirms, "And the report indicated that the enemy appeared to have increased their speed as they were further South than predicted."
"Meaning our chances of launching an assault are gone," I comment quietly.
Scanning the chart I speak aloud, "The last report still had them heading South?"
"It did," Kaga confirms, "They were on a heading of one six five."
Tracing a path along that heading from the last known point, I then map out a target area the enemy fleet may have travelled into should they have changed course. "Okay," I instruct, "Send out fighter groups. If your scouts haven't returned, it's most likely that the enemy has finally realized that someone has been tracking them."
Kaga nods in approval, "I'll see to it at once."
"Have Akagi do the same," I continue, "This area here is the target area to search." I finish handing Kaga the chart.
"And do we continue to head South?" Kaga asks.
"For now, we continue on under the assumption that the enemy plans to launch an attack on the Chinese Fleet currently docked in Sydney," I reply, "If they fail to make an appearance there. Then we'll head back to Midway and re-group."
"Judging by the look on your faces, the enemy have remained unsighted," I say on seeing both Akagi and Kaga enter the bridge in the late afternoon.
"There's nothing out there," Kaga reports, "The entire region we searched is empty."
"Not the news I was hoping to hear," I comment, turning my attention to the chart showing the East Coast of Australia. "Any thoughts on how they would conduct an assault on the Naval Yard in Sydney?" I ask the room at large.
"They've copied tactics from previous battles so far," Eugen comments, "So they'll do the same again surely."
"Doubtful," I reply, "There has never been an Air Raid on Sydney. The only time there was any assault launched against the harbour, it was conducted by midget submarines."
"Do you believe that is their plan this time?" Pensacola asks from the rear of the bridge.
"I can't rule it out," I answer with a shrug, "But we've seen no evidence that their fleet has any kind of submarines, midget or otherwise."
"Their fleet composition suggests that they are a carrier force," Kaga concludes, "If I was leading the fleet, I would set about launching pre-dawn, with the aim to have my air wing begin their first attack run at first light."
"First light tomorrow is six thirty-three," I say checking the weather reports on the open laptop, "Any suggestions on where they will launch from?" I add looking to Kaga.
"That depends on the capabilities of their aircraft," Kaga replies, "We know nothing about them, aside from the fact the ones we engaged at both Pearl Harbour and Darwin are marginally slower than our fighters."
"Right," I reply nodding in agreement, "I've been studying the various parts we recovered from the Darwin raid, but I'm not able to offer anything that helps to determine how they perform. Although I did discover that none of the aircraft we recovered appeared to be equipped with any form of self-defence."
"Does that really help us though?" Eugen asks.
"Possibly," I answer, "If we can set-up an ambush ahead of them."
"Why not leave it to the Australians?" Pensacola asks.
"I would," I say turning to face her, "However, they won't take my calls. Meaning I can't warn them. And I have no idea how the Chinese would react if I were to reach out to them."
"Have you tried?" Eugen asks.
"No," I answer, "But I did contact Jensen and let him know what might be coming. Hopefully he has better luck."
"What's the plan now, Commander?" Eugen asks.
"I'm going to assume that the enemy will strike against the harbour in Sydney," I begin, "It's the only real target in the region. If I'm wrong however, then we will have no choice but to re-group back at Midway."
"How do you believe they'll attack?" Pensacola asks looking down at the lone chart spread across the table.
"As you can see the chart is blank," I answer, before turning to Kaga, "If it were you conducting the raid. How would you do it?"
Picking up a pencil from the table, Kaga circles a section of empty ocean, "I would launch from this region. Fly in low over the coast here, before turning to the naval base." She concludes marking a flight path.
Looking at the chart, deep in thought, I shake my head slowly, "That wouldn't work."
"Go on," Kaga says.
"The Naval Yard is located here," I explain pointing to a section of the harbour, "Now whilst dive bombers would have no problem striking this area. The only way for a torpedo bomber to launch is if they came in over this part of the city to line up on a very narrow channel given the geographical layout of the harbour."
"You sound like you know the area well," Kaga states.
"I should," I reply, "I spent my youth on the waters of Sydney Harbour."
"Is it possible to launch torpedos against the Naval Yard?" Akagi asks.
"It's not impossible," I admit, "But the tactics you used at Pearl Harbour wouldn't work given the steep hills surrounding the harbour, especially along the required flight path to line up the Naval Yard to attack."
"Do you think the enemy knows this?" Kaga asks.
"I would have to assume they do," I say, "At the very least, I'm going to plan a defence based on them knowing exactly how the harbour is laid out."
"That would be wise," Kaga agrees, "So how do you intend to defend the harbour?"
Taking the marker pencil from Kaga, I plot out a course from our current position towards the presumed launch area, "The main element of the fleet will make best possible speed to here," I explain, "As soon as we receive word of the enemy attack and the direction they came from, we will launch a counter attack against their fleet, by flying a reverse course into this region."
"And who is going to tell you when the enemy attacks?" Eugen asks, "No one has acknowledged your warnings."
"For that matter," Kaga points out, "Whilst I agree with your tactics on how to engage the enemy fleet. You've left the harbour completely at the mercy of the enemy."
"I intend to have a warm welcome waiting for them," I answer.
"Okay, Commander," Kaga says, "Your plan certainly has merit. But you are overlooking one key element."
"The fact that Akagi won't be in position in time," I reply with a slight smile.
"Exactly," Kaga says, "I know you've likened a lot of what you've witnessed as best described as magic. But what you are suggesting is simply not possible."
"Under normal conditions, I agree," I answer, "However I have a theory I'd like to test. And if I'm proven correct, will allow my plan to succeed."
"Alright, what theory is that?" Kaga asks.
"Whether the elements of your Air Group can be used by Akagi and vis-a-versa," I explain.
"It might be possible," Kaga says, sharing a look with Akagi, "But to what end?"
"For the defence of the harbour, Akagi won't have need of either her dive or torpedo bombers. However, given the large scale of the aerial assault we saw in Darwin, we can expect similar numbers over Sydney."
"And my fighter groups won't be enough by themselves to counter," Akagi concludes.
"Yes," I reply with a nod, "Even if we are to add Kaga's fighter group to yours, you are still vastly outnumbered."
"What will this test achieve then?" Kaga asks.
"The element of surprise firstly," I answer, "At least that's what I hope for."
"And after that?" Kaga presses.
"After that we will have our intercept course," I explain, "And you can launch every available bomber against the enemy and the gun boats can close in to engage as well."
"And how do you plan on getting Akagi into the harbour ahead of the enemy," Kaga states, "You've still not explained how that will happen."
"Pensacola will launch one of her scout planes to transport Akagi ahead," I explain.
"This is either going to be a brilliant counter offensive, or a complete failure," Kaga comments quietly.
"Fortune favours the brave," I reply.
"Even I can't tell if this is bravery or foolishness," Eugen comments from behind me.
Raising a pair of binoculars to my eyes, I watch on as Pensacola turns into the wind, before launching one of her floatplanes from one of her centrally mounted catapults.
As the floatplane rapidly climbed into the early evening sky, "Every act of bravery has its elements of foolishness," I comment lowering the binoculars, "And we've got nothing to lose taking this gamble."
"I suppose you are right," Kaga concedes, "But it is a huge risk none the less."
"I know," I agree.
