1275psi
Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005 Status: offline
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And now, less than 24 hrs after going into dock, Zuiho is sliding out again. Four fat and very ugly tugs take her in hand, and move her down the roads, where she anchors There is still much to do. There is some time however, for much has changed in the last 24 hrs. Kato takes in the harbour roads, and contemplates what is no longer here. The fleet carriers are gone, Nagumo has re fuelled, and sped out again. His last words still circulate in katos mind. They stir excitement, and not a little apprehension. "Sorry Kato, one last mission. Pull it off, and you can meet Taiho in Truk. She is nearly ready......" One last mission. One last mission, but not today. Nagumo has left but six destroyers in Singapore, and three are still in dock. Six is barely enough. To sail with only three, suicide. By last reports, some seven Bukas lurk below the surface of the straights. With luck, they can remain there, they will make the Indian oceon via batavia this time. But they must go soon. Below decks, Hidaka scowls. The memorandum in his hand speaks volumes for all that is wrong with this war. 'Due to unforseen circumstances, your expected Conversion to the new TBD, has been delayed..........." Unforseen circumstances......... Why, with this bloody nation, is it always unforseen circumstances............ In the ready room, Ogawa, Diogawa and Uto are deep in conversation. "Is it true Uto?" "From the mouth of 22nd Flotilla himself" Silence. "Surely not a dozen a day?" Diogawa, plainly, does not believe the news Uto grimaces "On some days, many more" Ogawa's voice is hard. "Alright then. If the Army airforce is "broken' as you suggest in Burma, more the reason for us being here. Either our pilots are no good, or their planes are too many, or too good. I, for one, think this might finally do some good" "Good?" "yes good. sorry to say this Uto, but your father, our 'beloved' herbiesan, is an idiot for not advancing new fighters. How old is the KI 43 anyway?!" All nod heads in agreement "too old" 'yes, too old, but like everything it seems, Bushido will carry us through............" "And Bushido is bull............." Charges gang, as usual, work. there is a shiny new Condensate pump to fit, to set to work There are boilers to light, systems to flash New plate work to paint Few care today, for most hearts are light. Zuiho has recieved mail. "To Father I have no idea where you are, or when you will get this. But it does not matter, for at the moment, I am safe. I am in Japan, in training command, whipping stupid boys into shape. They are going to return me to my old squadron at some point, but not just yet! I think I saw your ship a few months ago, you were making far too much smoke! So, I am good, here is the news from home....................... ...............your son Fuchida
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