well
he does not want to stop, nor hand it over to some one else
we are going to crawl along, apparently at about 4 turns a fortnight
so I have to live with that i suppose, but I did tell him that if we reach christmas and i still feel like an opponent who is there for his convienience sake I would quit.
It is not now I told him about the game for me, but the AAR writing experience.........
Not being able to sit down every night to write is killing me
We await a turn
The little ship that could.
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: The little ship that could.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
ORIGINAL: 1275psi
well
he does not want to stop, nor hand it over to some one else
we are going to crawl along, apparently at about 4 turns a fortnight
so I have to live with that i suppose, but I did tell him that if we reach christmas and i still feel like an opponent who is there for his convienience sake I would quit.
It is not now I told him about the game for me, but the AAR writing experience.........
Not being able to sit down every night to write is killing me
We await a turn
I'm sure I'm speaking for all those who follow your AAR that not being able to read about the exploits of the characters who have so masterfully crafted is killing us too. We all hope that the game and AAR will follow through to its inevitable conclusion, but even if it doesn't, you have given us one hell of a good ride. Thank you Sir.
Regards, Paul
RE: The little ship that could.
So cantona has sent a turn, but while away "think about continuing"
No way would he hand it on.
In a way i totally understand, so I have offered sincere apologies for upsetting him, and accepted "that what it is, is what it is"
SoI have a turn, and can but hope they continue, no matter how slow
post on AAR coming after dinner!
Thanks for kind comments in the meantime guys
No way would he hand it on.
In a way i totally understand, so I have offered sincere apologies for upsetting him, and accepted "that what it is, is what it is"
SoI have a turn, and can but hope they continue, no matter how slow
post on AAR coming after dinner!
Thanks for kind comments in the meantime guys
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
29th of may 1945
Hiroshima, only a month ago such a cold empty place, bustels with life and vigour again.
On the surface, a casual viewer could easily be decieved - here is a harbour busy, everywhere one looks, the Kure grey of imperial warships alongside, at anchor, going into refit.
But like a cancer patient enjoying a brief remission, the deep illness and weakness is there to see, the fatal weaknesses that ultimately will kill.
So many of the ships here today are destroyer size, or smaller.
Fast transports. E class escorts, numbers, numbers, ...........but no real hitting power.
In the roads, task force 44 is being formed, Vice Admiral Yamada commanding
CA Mikuma.............a patchwork of new steel on her upperwoks, on her flanks. She has been hit hard many times has Mikuma.
Destroyers:
harazuki
natsuzuki
Fujinamo
Kiyoshimo
Oyashio
yukikaze
And tomorrow.............Susuzuki
This is all there is in Japan, all the warships of note left. Now they gather, readying for the last act of this terrible play.....
On Susuzuki the madness of last day preperations
She steams on fwd unit today, a million arse painful problems have killed the after unit, Okano will never know where the hours will go as he battles them. He will succeed, MUST succeed.
Hirate is busy too............assigned to ammunition parties, fuelling team, stores.........chuck a watch in, and resume the whole mad circus.
They have sweated and prayed to make Hiroshima in the past, now, like slaves pulling the last blocks into place, over them in Pharoh's tomb, they bend mind and spirit to get Susuzuki ready to leave, to leave possibly forever.
And the truth must be told
Nary a thought of home will pass their minds............and maybe for the best, for that thought is too painful to bear right now....
Only one thing is missing from the day, the usual exercises, the hands to action stations, the hands to leaving ship stations.........the fire drills, all the rest.
Susuzuki has a new command team.
Today, of them, nary a sign.
Hiroshima, only a month ago such a cold empty place, bustels with life and vigour again.
On the surface, a casual viewer could easily be decieved - here is a harbour busy, everywhere one looks, the Kure grey of imperial warships alongside, at anchor, going into refit.
But like a cancer patient enjoying a brief remission, the deep illness and weakness is there to see, the fatal weaknesses that ultimately will kill.
So many of the ships here today are destroyer size, or smaller.
Fast transports. E class escorts, numbers, numbers, ...........but no real hitting power.
In the roads, task force 44 is being formed, Vice Admiral Yamada commanding
CA Mikuma.............a patchwork of new steel on her upperwoks, on her flanks. She has been hit hard many times has Mikuma.
Destroyers:
harazuki
natsuzuki
Fujinamo
Kiyoshimo
Oyashio
yukikaze
And tomorrow.............Susuzuki
This is all there is in Japan, all the warships of note left. Now they gather, readying for the last act of this terrible play.....
On Susuzuki the madness of last day preperations
She steams on fwd unit today, a million arse painful problems have killed the after unit, Okano will never know where the hours will go as he battles them. He will succeed, MUST succeed.
Hirate is busy too............assigned to ammunition parties, fuelling team, stores.........chuck a watch in, and resume the whole mad circus.
They have sweated and prayed to make Hiroshima in the past, now, like slaves pulling the last blocks into place, over them in Pharoh's tomb, they bend mind and spirit to get Susuzuki ready to leave, to leave possibly forever.
And the truth must be told
Nary a thought of home will pass their minds............and maybe for the best, for that thought is too painful to bear right now....
Only one thing is missing from the day, the usual exercises, the hands to action stations, the hands to leaving ship stations.........the fire drills, all the rest.
Susuzuki has a new command team.
Today, of them, nary a sign.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
May 30th
It is past midnight, a warm, gentle still night
Mioko lies quietly on the futon, Hirate gently breathing , deeply asleep beside her
How little I know of you husband. But how good you are too me..............
And how I love you so.........
Tomorow, maybe the day after, they will take you away again
Before, before when you were away, I thought i could manage.now, now it all seems so impossible.
You are so strong, my husband
Please be strong enough...............to live...............to return
In her most inner parts, a new life stirs.
We need you husband. In these days ahead, we need you.
It is past midnight, a warm, gentle still night
Mioko lies quietly on the futon, Hirate gently breathing , deeply asleep beside her
How little I know of you husband. But how good you are too me..............
And how I love you so.........
Tomorow, maybe the day after, they will take you away again
Before, before when you were away, I thought i could manage.now, now it all seems so impossible.
You are so strong, my husband
Please be strong enough...............to live...............to return
In her most inner parts, a new life stirs.
We need you husband. In these days ahead, we need you.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
Admiral Yamada considers his orders.
They seem simple enough.
Here in the bay, two new fast transport task forces are being assembled. task force 44 would "provide distant cover'
That damn vague term again..............
In the phillipines, apparently, there remained selected men, air support men mainly, who would be brought home.
Provided of course, the hidden buka's, the american carriers, helldivers allowed them.............
He reviews the plans, the logistic arrangements.
It seems strange, fuel for once will not been an issue............in Takao, it seemed, there is fuel a plenty.
They seem simple enough.
Here in the bay, two new fast transport task forces are being assembled. task force 44 would "provide distant cover'
That damn vague term again..............
In the phillipines, apparently, there remained selected men, air support men mainly, who would be brought home.
Provided of course, the hidden buka's, the american carriers, helldivers allowed them.............
He reviews the plans, the logistic arrangements.
It seems strange, fuel for once will not been an issue............in Takao, it seemed, there is fuel a plenty.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
May 31
Ogowa and Diogowa are cycling again, returning from the coast again.
Both men are trimmer now, these quiet days have allowed plenty of exercise, not nearly enough flying , too much cycling.
As they make their way down the lane that passes the strip threshold (and which then will turn north towards the gate) an airplane passes noisily overhead, wobbling unsteadily , low, its movements through the air uncertain.
Both men halt, and watch it begin its uncertain circuit.............and shortly another follows it.
The Front line fighters have flown little this month, but these poor excuses for aircraft, the Shiragiku, they have flown almost constantly.
Diogowa's eyes follows them grimly."I cannot believe that it has come to this friend..........."
Ogowa does not answer.
12th flottilla has taken over the other half of the field............12flottilla, command of this new madness, the divine wind.....
"its not that we must die for Japan eventually " Diogowa watches yet another trainer pass overhead .'its just that they would throw men such as us, experienced men, away so ...so...........gods............with such little purpose....."
Ogowa again cannot answer. He has known fear many times these years, but this new fear ............
Daily now.........when would the orders come............orders to join the 12th flottilla command
Ogowa and Diogowa are cycling again, returning from the coast again.
Both men are trimmer now, these quiet days have allowed plenty of exercise, not nearly enough flying , too much cycling.
As they make their way down the lane that passes the strip threshold (and which then will turn north towards the gate) an airplane passes noisily overhead, wobbling unsteadily , low, its movements through the air uncertain.
Both men halt, and watch it begin its uncertain circuit.............and shortly another follows it.
The Front line fighters have flown little this month, but these poor excuses for aircraft, the Shiragiku, they have flown almost constantly.
Diogowa's eyes follows them grimly."I cannot believe that it has come to this friend..........."
Ogowa does not answer.
12th flottilla has taken over the other half of the field............12flottilla, command of this new madness, the divine wind.....
"its not that we must die for Japan eventually " Diogowa watches yet another trainer pass overhead .'its just that they would throw men such as us, experienced men, away so ...so...........gods............with such little purpose....."
Ogowa again cannot answer. He has known fear many times these years, but this new fear ............
Daily now.........when would the orders come............orders to join the 12th flottilla command
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
Susuzuki is ready again for sea.
Decks cleared away, boilers lit, connected, online, turbines gently turning under full vacuum.
Hirate and Okano look one last time at the shores of Hiroshima
With effort, home can almost be seen
"Come friend, the watch calls us"
"yes..............damn it"
Togther they turn, slip inside the grey world about them
Duty calls.
Decks cleared away, boilers lit, connected, online, turbines gently turning under full vacuum.
Hirate and Okano look one last time at the shores of Hiroshima
With effort, home can almost be seen
"Come friend, the watch calls us"
"yes..............damn it"
Togther they turn, slip inside the grey world about them
Duty calls.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
1 June 1945
Under a brilliant summer sun, and across calm bright blue seas barely disturbed by any breeze, task force 44 steams steadily south east, aiming to skirt Naha to the south before trying to penetrate the waters south of takao.
Susuzuki steadily shakes herself down, there are the usual calls to action station, a quick fire drill, but it is not long before these finish and the real work begins.
These waters are deadly now, and her crew soon are at state two, guns manned, depth charge racks at the ready.
A quiet tension fills her decks and passageways.
This is, of course, normal. But there is another new tension , one that Susuzuki has not experienced for a long time, a new,. very, very serious one, this new captain, this Ashada..........is he any good?
They have watched him carefully, watched the manouvres at the wharf..............a lot of orders, yes............but maybe he needs to get the feel of this greyhound ?.....maybe.
Now he stands at the starboard bridge wing, passive. equally observing his crew as they observe him
"Bridge, One engine!"
The navigator, who currently has the helm , bends to the speaker tube
"Bridge"
"request to commence surface blows 2 b boiler " The Navigator turns his head towards Ashada. A slight nod
"Approved, steady revolutions for 15 minutes"
"Roger Bridge, thankyou!" the voice from below carries clearly across the bridge
Ashada speaks 'Who is that nav?"
""That would be petty Officer Okano sir"
Ashada merely nods
So. That is the man, or one of them. A confident man,, I must be very careful................
The morning passes swiftly
At 0930 hours, the first attack.
SS Carp, from well outside the task force's outer rim, flings a long range hail mercy strike at the Cruiser, the fish spreading across the still blue.
It is a wise move, to strike from so far, the fish leave tracks all too easy to see in these calm waters, the response swift.
Admiral Yamada dispatches three destroyers to the attack, Yikikaze, Oyashio, and Susuzuki.
Funnels suddenly belching black, the three grey hounds, these gray wolves, swing, take bones into their teeth, and race toward the source of those deadly tracks.
Under a brilliant summer sun, and across calm bright blue seas barely disturbed by any breeze, task force 44 steams steadily south east, aiming to skirt Naha to the south before trying to penetrate the waters south of takao.
Susuzuki steadily shakes herself down, there are the usual calls to action station, a quick fire drill, but it is not long before these finish and the real work begins.
These waters are deadly now, and her crew soon are at state two, guns manned, depth charge racks at the ready.
A quiet tension fills her decks and passageways.
This is, of course, normal. But there is another new tension , one that Susuzuki has not experienced for a long time, a new,. very, very serious one, this new captain, this Ashada..........is he any good?
They have watched him carefully, watched the manouvres at the wharf..............a lot of orders, yes............but maybe he needs to get the feel of this greyhound ?.....maybe.
Now he stands at the starboard bridge wing, passive. equally observing his crew as they observe him
"Bridge, One engine!"
The navigator, who currently has the helm , bends to the speaker tube
"Bridge"
"request to commence surface blows 2 b boiler " The Navigator turns his head towards Ashada. A slight nod
"Approved, steady revolutions for 15 minutes"
"Roger Bridge, thankyou!" the voice from below carries clearly across the bridge
Ashada speaks 'Who is that nav?"
""That would be petty Officer Okano sir"
Ashada merely nods
So. That is the man, or one of them. A confident man,, I must be very careful................
The morning passes swiftly
At 0930 hours, the first attack.
SS Carp, from well outside the task force's outer rim, flings a long range hail mercy strike at the Cruiser, the fish spreading across the still blue.
It is a wise move, to strike from so far, the fish leave tracks all too easy to see in these calm waters, the response swift.
Admiral Yamada dispatches three destroyers to the attack, Yikikaze, Oyashio, and Susuzuki.
Funnels suddenly belching black, the three grey hounds, these gray wolves, swing, take bones into their teeth, and race toward the source of those deadly tracks.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
The B-29's that arrive over Fukuyama, 19 strong, achieve almost total surprise. Intercepted by only 3 oscars, they are able to bomb undisturbed, shattering several hangers, and destroying a great many fragile illusions..............
Ogowa and Diogowa watch them pass back over head westwards as they return to China, glittering crosses high above Hiroshima.
"I would say, Diogowa, my old friend, that we will be called upon very shortly again"
Ogowa growls "And about time too.........."
They are not wrong
Within the hour Ogowa's eagles recieve the word.
30% Combat patrol, 20000 feet,
Area of patrol...........southern Japan.
All of it.
Ogowa and Diogowa watch them pass back over head westwards as they return to China, glittering crosses high above Hiroshima.
"I would say, Diogowa, my old friend, that we will be called upon very shortly again"
Ogowa growls "And about time too.........."
They are not wrong
Within the hour Ogowa's eagles recieve the word.
30% Combat patrol, 20000 feet,
Area of patrol...........southern Japan.
All of it.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
Even as Hirate opens the throttles on his fuel pumps, his blowers, as his boys leap to the burners in that so familiar drill, as Okano feeds the raw steam power into the rising shriek of the turbines, on the bridge it is already going bad, and from bad to worse
The drill, so practised, is this.
One destroyer to the left flank, one to the very launch point, the last to the right flank, distance 1000 yards.
Susuzuki has the right, Oyashio the centre.
The attack has come from bearing 070, and to make this point she veers some 20 degrees , fully expecting Susuzuki to veer with her.
Asada misses it........and only the yell of the lookout alerts him to the rapidly closing gap
"Gods!".......Right full rudder!"
Susuzuki responds instantly, heeling hard, peeling away from the danger, but also the enemy...
She will carve the ocean in a great turn, carve it even as Oyashio makes her attack, as the enemy undoubtably dodges to where she should have been, dodges and escapes.
First combat
Nil damage inflicted
Unless, of course, you count Asada's reputation.
The drill, so practised, is this.
One destroyer to the left flank, one to the very launch point, the last to the right flank, distance 1000 yards.
Susuzuki has the right, Oyashio the centre.
The attack has come from bearing 070, and to make this point she veers some 20 degrees , fully expecting Susuzuki to veer with her.
Asada misses it........and only the yell of the lookout alerts him to the rapidly closing gap
"Gods!".......Right full rudder!"
Susuzuki responds instantly, heeling hard, peeling away from the danger, but also the enemy...
She will carve the ocean in a great turn, carve it even as Oyashio makes her attack, as the enemy undoubtably dodges to where she should have been, dodges and escapes.
First combat
Nil damage inflicted
Unless, of course, you count Asada's reputation.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
There is one more action this day
At Johore Bahru, Japan makes its last stand
The allies, who have been busy chasing them down the length of the peninsula, have redirected their armour, confident that only the remnants of an army faces them.
The attack begins at dawn, a deliberate advance, totally Western in approach, heavy artillery, battalion advances, a timetable, objectives.........the whole shebang
The defenders fight totally different.
"Move to the sound of the guns, get in close, and fight them face to face!"
The British, the Indians, the Aussies advance into the jungles, and soon, so soon, find themselves entangled in bitter close combat, the type where artillery, objectives, battalion advances mean nothing....................
3 full divisions have been conserved by Japan in Malaya. 6 regiments shipped in from the DEI's
The attack is repulsed
In malaya, the commonwealth forces bleed some more...........
(1 to 3. 5200 japanese caso's, 4800 allied)
At Johore Bahru, Japan makes its last stand
The allies, who have been busy chasing them down the length of the peninsula, have redirected their armour, confident that only the remnants of an army faces them.
The attack begins at dawn, a deliberate advance, totally Western in approach, heavy artillery, battalion advances, a timetable, objectives.........the whole shebang
The defenders fight totally different.
"Move to the sound of the guns, get in close, and fight them face to face!"
The British, the Indians, the Aussies advance into the jungles, and soon, so soon, find themselves entangled in bitter close combat, the type where artillery, objectives, battalion advances mean nothing....................
3 full divisions have been conserved by Japan in Malaya. 6 regiments shipped in from the DEI's
The attack is repulsed
In malaya, the commonwealth forces bleed some more...........
(1 to 3. 5200 japanese caso's, 4800 allied)
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
Midnight, 2nd June
I-176 slides slowly across the dark bay, her look outs still carefully scanning the dark forests.
But there is no sign of life.
Russia, it seems sleeps.
'Hiei!"
One of the lookouts points. A shaded lamp flashes.
The rubber dingy soon slides alongside, the Executive officer leading three others back onboard.
The dingy is stowed, the diesels thud heavily,and the dark shadow seeks the safety of the sea.
Below, in the Captains box that they call a cabin, the mission debrief
"And?"..........the Captain asks.
"They were here sir..........there is no doubt. I found this, near the beach............
A tin can
Once that contained sardines
Canned in Tokyo...........
I-176 slides slowly across the dark bay, her look outs still carefully scanning the dark forests.
But there is no sign of life.
Russia, it seems sleeps.
'Hiei!"
One of the lookouts points. A shaded lamp flashes.
The rubber dingy soon slides alongside, the Executive officer leading three others back onboard.
The dingy is stowed, the diesels thud heavily,and the dark shadow seeks the safety of the sea.
Below, in the Captains box that they call a cabin, the mission debrief
"And?"..........the Captain asks.
"They were here sir..........there is no doubt. I found this, near the beach............
A tin can
Once that contained sardines
Canned in Tokyo...........
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
2 June 1945
SSI-33 takes a shot , a big shot with 6 fish at The CV hancock near darwin
And misses
To be honest, such a blunder deserves the retribution so swiftly dealt
SSI-33 takes a shot , a big shot with 6 fish at The CV hancock near darwin
And misses
To be honest, such a blunder deserves the retribution so swiftly dealt
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
Ogowa clears the end of the field, wheels the big fighter up and over Hiroshima bay, leading a dozen plus higher and higher, seeking the advantage of the sun.
Its good to be in the air again, to be alive
To be hunting.
"Hello swift arrow...........we have business for you"
Ground control...........and today , on the job.
"A dozen big birds, over Nagasaki now, angels 16.......course due east......"
Hiroshima?..........or Fukuyama again?
We will intercept.............and in plenty of time.
The air is clear, japan falling below beautiful. The sky so blue.
Impossible to believe death is here
Impossible
Flecks of black, there, on the horizon............climb you barsted, climb, they are coming........yes, the AA shows the way.
Finger on radio
"Swift arrow, turning right, angels 20"
"We have you swift arrow.........there will be other arrows joining you"
Good, but I will not need them............
Ogowa glances left, right.........nods of acknowledgement.
That is Japan below................and we swear to defend it with our blood
The left hand moves forward, the engine bellow rises, the stick goes over hard, the world spins around him, the glittering bombers grow, and grow
S401 leads the attack!
Its good to be in the air again, to be alive
To be hunting.
"Hello swift arrow...........we have business for you"
Ground control...........and today , on the job.
"A dozen big birds, over Nagasaki now, angels 16.......course due east......"
Hiroshima?..........or Fukuyama again?
We will intercept.............and in plenty of time.
The air is clear, japan falling below beautiful. The sky so blue.
Impossible to believe death is here
Impossible
Flecks of black, there, on the horizon............climb you barsted, climb, they are coming........yes, the AA shows the way.
Finger on radio
"Swift arrow, turning right, angels 20"
"We have you swift arrow.........there will be other arrows joining you"
Good, but I will not need them............
Ogowa glances left, right.........nods of acknowledgement.
That is Japan below................and we swear to defend it with our blood
The left hand moves forward, the engine bellow rises, the stick goes over hard, the world spins around him, the glittering bombers grow, and grow
S401 leads the attack!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
Hit the flanks
Hit the flanks
Come in hard at them, fire, fire, hit, hit the barsted, dive underneath, , tracer chasing you, stick hard, hard the other way, right leg to the wall, GEE's, GEEs!.......pulling back, head over shoulder, calculating the distance to the now wonderfully perforated beast, as you zoom up, up, , chandell, world spinning, and stick forward, the giants grow, grow huge...........head on attack!, and firing, firing, firing, , and through.................guns empty.
Ogowa pulls away, tracks the bombers............
Two already are going down, and even as he watches, a third burns, the flames spread, the wing crumples..............
Hiroshima is passing below, and more fighters rise.............
Ogowa spins his plane down back towards home, a final vision of a fighter and bomber coming violently together, and by no accident either.
His eagles still rise coming the other way, eager to chase, to strike , to harrass.
The raid is utterly brocken
Ogowa's eagles have feasted.
Hit the flanks
Come in hard at them, fire, fire, hit, hit the barsted, dive underneath, , tracer chasing you, stick hard, hard the other way, right leg to the wall, GEE's, GEEs!.......pulling back, head over shoulder, calculating the distance to the now wonderfully perforated beast, as you zoom up, up, , chandell, world spinning, and stick forward, the giants grow, grow huge...........head on attack!, and firing, firing, firing, , and through.................guns empty.
Ogowa pulls away, tracks the bombers............
Two already are going down, and even as he watches, a third burns, the flames spread, the wing crumples..............
Hiroshima is passing below, and more fighters rise.............
Ogowa spins his plane down back towards home, a final vision of a fighter and bomber coming violently together, and by no accident either.
His eagles still rise coming the other way, eager to chase, to strike , to harrass.
The raid is utterly brocken
Ogowa's eagles have feasted.
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
4 June
Susuzuki spends a quiet day.
The ocean rolls past, the turbines whine, the wake boils
defects are tackled (there are always defects after a refit............for some of us, refits seem to have a secret agenda, break more than they repair), and mostly rectified.
Rumours fill the ship, they are obviously no longer headed south, but to where?
It is too much to hope that they will return to Hiroshima.
But , as many think, heading north must be good........the war, after all, is down south
Susuzuki spends a quiet day.
The ocean rolls past, the turbines whine, the wake boils
defects are tackled (there are always defects after a refit............for some of us, refits seem to have a secret agenda, break more than they repair), and mostly rectified.
Rumours fill the ship, they are obviously no longer headed south, but to where?
It is too much to hope that they will return to Hiroshima.
But , as many think, heading north must be good........the war, after all, is down south
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
'This is madness"
General Sugiyama stands before the council, and cannot help himself........"once again, he repeats himself. "Madness!"
"But is it general?."....Cmdr Konoiu asks ""Sometimes, problems such as these must be tackled head on"
"But what is there to gain?.........what do you think we can achieve?'
CMDR paul wieghs in " the barsteds are going to knife us in the back, you know it, I know it............let us strike first, the confusion may buy us time......."
"TIME!.........time for what?..........you have some sort of answer to a losing war perhaps that you are hiding from us?"
CMDR paul smiles..........'No, there are rumours that the allies do......."
"But you wish to attack the Russians nevertheless?"
'yes"
For a minute the General cannot reply, the concept is so monstrous that he cannot grasp it.
Attack the Russians?
Madness!
General Sugiyama stands before the council, and cannot help himself........"once again, he repeats himself. "Madness!"
"But is it general?."....Cmdr Konoiu asks ""Sometimes, problems such as these must be tackled head on"
"But what is there to gain?.........what do you think we can achieve?'
CMDR paul wieghs in " the barsteds are going to knife us in the back, you know it, I know it............let us strike first, the confusion may buy us time......."
"TIME!.........time for what?..........you have some sort of answer to a losing war perhaps that you are hiding from us?"
CMDR paul smiles..........'No, there are rumours that the allies do......."
"But you wish to attack the Russians nevertheless?"
'yes"
For a minute the General cannot reply, the concept is so monstrous that he cannot grasp it.
Attack the Russians?
Madness!
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt
RE: The little ship that could.
CMDR Konoiu bows reverently before the Emperor
'And general Sugiyama? he took the suggestion?"
"Not well, I am afraid"
A silence
"he is loyal, but lacks long range vision, our general"
"He may be right, your honour"
The Emperor nods, but then quickly, as if he has mentally rehearsed these words many times in the nights gone by, speaks
" The Russians are annoyed with us, for many...........ahhhh.........many reasons. They Will attack us, will try for Port Aurthur, manchuria. We cannot stop them.
But imagine this, you are the Americans.......marooned still in the phillipines, and suddenly the Russians are winning the war for you, are threatening to gain what must not be gained, a deep water port to the pacific.............
What would you do Konoiu?"
"I do not know sir"
"I do...........I would rush all plans, i would go for, how they would say it, I would go for "A Hail mary pass".........and risk........"
"Risk a decisive defeat"
"And be forced to sue for peace.........."
Yes"
"But the Russians?"
An emperors mind turns to certain crates, certain agreements.
"Oh, i am sure a solution can be found"
'And general Sugiyama? he took the suggestion?"
"Not well, I am afraid"
A silence
"he is loyal, but lacks long range vision, our general"
"He may be right, your honour"
The Emperor nods, but then quickly, as if he has mentally rehearsed these words many times in the nights gone by, speaks
" The Russians are annoyed with us, for many...........ahhhh.........many reasons. They Will attack us, will try for Port Aurthur, manchuria. We cannot stop them.
But imagine this, you are the Americans.......marooned still in the phillipines, and suddenly the Russians are winning the war for you, are threatening to gain what must not be gained, a deep water port to the pacific.............
What would you do Konoiu?"
"I do not know sir"
"I do...........I would rush all plans, i would go for, how they would say it, I would go for "A Hail mary pass".........and risk........"
"Risk a decisive defeat"
"And be forced to sue for peace.........."
Yes"
"But the Russians?"
An emperors mind turns to certain crates, certain agreements.
"Oh, i am sure a solution can be found"
big seas, fast ships, life tastes better with salt