[legendsport]

May 8, 1943 - San Francisco, California:

"...Radio Tokyo reported early this morning that the garrison of Oahu has surrendered to Japanese forces. The War Department confirmed the report later today. This leaves the Japanese in control of the entire Hawaiian archipelago and removes the most forward base of the U.S. Pacific Fleet."

Dr. John Carey felt like crying. If his wife and son weren't sitting beside him, he felt that he would have. As it stood, he knew he needed to keep up a strong front for their benefit.

"Wow, looks like the West Coast is now the front line, huh Dad?" Johnny asked.

John looked at his son, noting how Johnny - like himself - was trying to put a brave face on things.

"I guess so, Johnny. Keep in mind that the Hawaiian Islands are pretty far from California, so the enemy will have a real hard time hitting us here."

His son mulled this over for a moment before responding, "But we don't have much here, either. Most of the Army's over in Africa and things aren't too promising there."

The radio was talking about the reception the USS Yorktown had received upon the big ship's arrival at San Diego. The Navy Department had pushed training ahead so that the carrier could into the Pacific as soon as possible.

"When's Intrepid due to launch, dear?"

John frowned before replying, "Well, they're supposedly pushing construction, but it'll be late fall before she's ready."

"Things could get hairy around here long before then," Johnny said glumly.

John could only hope his son was exaggerating.

May 22, 1943 - Camp Charlie, Oahu, Hawaii:

Ironic it certainly was - but enjoyable? Not a chance. Camp Charlie, which had housed Japanese POWs for six months or so, was now housing American POWs. Lt. Hiram Rosen, once a jailer, was now the jailed.

"Things are pretty grim, heh, Hiram?" asked Captain Will Talbot, another pilot who had had the bad luck of being shot down on a mission over Hawaii before the invasion, and after spending four months jailed on the Big Island, was now on Oahu with everyone else.

"You can say that again, sir." Hiram replied, then began ticking items off on his fingers. "Let's see - Hawaii is completely conquered, so we've got nothing in the Pacific. The latest reports say the Aussies took a licking at someplace called Guadalcanal, the Germans have crossed the Suez Canal and are driving towards Palestine, and the Russians are falling back all across the line with the Germans probably in Moscow by the end of summer. All in all, I'd say we've lost this war."

Talbot looked skeptical. "I wouldn't go that far. The mainland hasn't been touched, and even though the cussed isolationists kept us from getting geared up, the factories have to be churning by now. There's not a country on this Earth can keep up with our factories. We'll be turning things around, pretty pronto, I figure."

"Sir, I sincerely hope that your assesment is dead-on. If not, we're going to be here a long, long time."

Talbot took a look around the camp. "Yeah, we may be in paradise, but our hosts aren't exactly the most hospitable bunch in the world."

Hiram thought about Watanabe. That little guy was, all things considered, not a bad fellow. I wonder how he's doing now that he's been "liberated?"

May 30, 1943 - aboard IJN Hiryu, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii:

The work of clearing the debris of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from the big base at Pearl Harbor was progressing with typical Japanese efficiency. Watanabe, rescued on the second day of the invasion, was back with his unit aboard Hiryu.

Captain Toda had Watanabe firmly locked in his unpitying gaze. "I have heard disturbing reports of fraternization with the enemy, lieutenant."

I guess he means the baseball games, Watanabe thought, but didn't say a word.

"You understand that you are already disgraced. Capture is not an option for a servant of the Emperor."

"I was knocked unconcious after ejecting from my aircraft. I attempted seppuku several times but the Americans prevented me from success."

Toda frowned. "Yes, I know of their so-called 'respect for life.' Because of your value to the Emperor as one of our most-experienced pilots, your capture and failure to end your life has been forgiven."

Watanabe inwardly relaxed - until Toda continued, "There is the matter of your playing baseball with the Americans, however."

Watanabe waited patiently, none of his nervousness showing. Surely a game of baseball does not constitute fraternization?

"I am inclined to recommend at least a demotion in grade to ensign for this stupidity," Toda began, then added, "However, you did successfully escape from the camp when the invasion began and no harm to our cause was done. So you may return to the squadron. We still have much work to do."

Watanabe, much relieved - though showing none of it - saluted and headed for the flight deck. A reunion with the A6M5 was awaiting and only his love of baseball could compare with the great joy of flying.