Read Online Fiends of the Rising Sun by David Bishop - Free Book Online
Authors: David Bishop
Tags: Science-Fiction
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acknowledged the wisdom of these words with a nod, not trusting himself to say more in such august company. Yes, he had fought in China, but merely as one soldier in a much larger army. To stand in the presence of the emperor and have him talk with such candour, it made Hitori dizzy. He felt some small inkling of how the weight of history and the expectations of a nation must bear down upon the narrow shoulders of the man standing opposite. What price divinity in such circumstances? He realised the emperor was looking at him, waiting for an answer to a question Hitori hadn't heard. "I'm sorry, my lord, I was too busy thinking about what Lord Constanta is offering."
"Indeed," Hirohito said, his brow furrowing. "We asked what you thought of our prospects in a war with the Americans."
"In truth, I know little about them as a nation. From this distance they seem scattered, lacking in unity, a people without the sense of community or collective purpose to be found here in Japan. I've heard it said the Americans lack the stomach for war; otherwise they would have come to the aid of Europe long before now. If we strike a great enough blow against them, I believe it will cause one of two reactions. Either they will retreat in shock, or they will strike back with a force ten times as strong as the injury they suffered."
"We fear the latter will probably be the case," the emperor sighed. "The United States is a young nation, but a proud people. We'll need all possible weapons against them if a war is our collective destiny. That is why we're asking you to surrender yourself to Constanta, to sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the empire. It is not an order, Hitori, but it is the wish of your emperor. Will you do this terrible thing, in the hope it may turn the tide of war?"
Hitori bowed his head, picturing the face of his young wife, trying to imagine what his infant son must look like. He would weep for them another day. "Yes, my lord, I will do it, for my family, my country and for you."
"Thank you. Few will ever know the truth of the sacrifice you are making, but we believe it is for a higher cause and all will be well." The emperor took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping. "It is good that you enter into this devilish pact of your own will, with the best of intentions. Remember that in the dark times that lie ahead. You do this for the noblest of reasons."
"Yes, my lord."
"There is one more thing we must ask you to do for us."
"Yes, my lord?"
"Always remember where your true loyalties lie. No matter what this monster says to you, no matter what temptations Constanta may offer, always remember you are one of us. Zenji Hitori is a true servant of the Japanese Empire, and he always will be. Constanta may lay claim to your soul, but we own your heart."
FROM: Military Police Sergeant J. M. Hook, Honolulu City Station.
RE: Incident at Tokyo Joe's Bar and Grill.
Multiple reports detailing a disturbance of the peace at the above-named establishment were received at around eighteen hundred hours. Due to the number of reports received and the suggested level of disturbance indicated by these reports, it was decided prudent to send all available MPs to the scene. Upon arrival, the nature of the disturbance was ascertained. It proved to be a free-for-all within the establishment, involving men of all ranks and services. A brief assessment of the situation adjudged there to be significant property damage in addition to the violent conduct, and swift action was deemed necessary.
Half the detail of MPs was despatched to the south side of the establishment and entered from the beach, while the rest of the men entered from the street. Upon securing both access points, those engaged in violent activity were given ample warning to cease and desist all such activity. This warning went unheeded and direct action was required.
Appended is a listing of all those arrested at the scene of the affray, along with notes about
"Indeed," Hirohito said, his brow furrowing. "We asked what you thought of our prospects in a war with the Americans."
"In truth, I know little about them as a nation. From this distance they seem scattered, lacking in unity, a people without the sense of community or collective purpose to be found here in Japan. I've heard it said the Americans lack the stomach for war; otherwise they would have come to the aid of Europe long before now. If we strike a great enough blow against them, I believe it will cause one of two reactions. Either they will retreat in shock, or they will strike back with a force ten times as strong as the injury they suffered."
"We fear the latter will probably be the case," the emperor sighed. "The United States is a young nation, but a proud people. We'll need all possible weapons against them if a war is our collective destiny. That is why we're asking you to surrender yourself to Constanta, to sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the empire. It is not an order, Hitori, but it is the wish of your emperor. Will you do this terrible thing, in the hope it may turn the tide of war?"
Hitori bowed his head, picturing the face of his young wife, trying to imagine what his infant son must look like. He would weep for them another day. "Yes, my lord, I will do it, for my family, my country and for you."
"Thank you. Few will ever know the truth of the sacrifice you are making, but we believe it is for a higher cause and all will be well." The emperor took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping. "It is good that you enter into this devilish pact of your own will, with the best of intentions. Remember that in the dark times that lie ahead. You do this for the noblest of reasons."
"Yes, my lord."
"There is one more thing we must ask you to do for us."
"Yes, my lord?"
"Always remember where your true loyalties lie. No matter what this monster says to you, no matter what temptations Constanta may offer, always remember you are one of us. Zenji Hitori is a true servant of the Japanese Empire, and he always will be. Constanta may lay claim to your soul, but we own your heart."
FROM: Military Police Sergeant J. M. Hook, Honolulu City Station.
RE: Incident at Tokyo Joe's Bar and Grill.
Multiple reports detailing a disturbance of the peace at the above-named establishment were received at around eighteen hundred hours. Due to the number of reports received and the suggested level of disturbance indicated by these reports, it was decided prudent to send all available MPs to the scene. Upon arrival, the nature of the disturbance was ascertained. It proved to be a free-for-all within the establishment, involving men of all ranks and services. A brief assessment of the situation adjudged there to be significant property damage in addition to the violent conduct, and swift action was deemed necessary.
Half the detail of MPs was despatched to the south side of the establishment and entered from the beach, while the rest of the men entered from the street. Upon securing both access points, those engaged in violent activity were given ample warning to cease and desist all such activity. This warning went unheeded and direct action was required.
Appended is a listing of all those arrested at the scene of the affray, along with notes about
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