Read Online Pearl Harbour - A novel of December 8th by William R. Forstchen, Newt Gingrich - Free Book Online Page A

use were those guns against planes? And a bigger ship would simply be a larger target to hit from above.
    He said nothing, looking aft as they raced off and then the engine throttled back, speed dropping. They were coming down, and he saw the landing field, a broad open grass plain with a paved strip in the middle.
    Nose pitched up, speed dropping, strange for a second--he thought with nose up they should climb but then realized it was actually the throttle that controlled climbing and dropping; by pitching the nose up with the throttle nearly closed, Fuchida was bleeding off speed and the plane was dropping.
    The ground came racing up, he braced nervously, and then ever so gently there was a slight lurch, and they were down, rolling straight down the center line of the landing strip, slowing more, then taxiing over to a hangar, and then silence as the engine shut down.
    Fuchida, already unstrapped, stood up, then turned to look at James, flight helmet pushed back, goggles off, grinning.
    “What do you think?” he asked, and again there was that boyish enthusiasm.
    James unsnapped his harness, taking off goggles and helmet, and, a bit shaky, stood up. Fuchida was now out on the wing, extending a hand to help him out, for which James was grateful; his back was more than a little stiff. He backed down along the wing and alighted on the ground, knees feeling a bit weak.
    Several enlisted men were by the plane, and Fuchida ordered them to refuel and for someone to find a staff car to take their guest back to his ship.
    “You didn’t answer me,” Fuchida said, putting his hand on James’s shoulder.
    “The flight, it was beautiful,” he said, hesitating a bit.
    “Your stomach feels fine now?”
    “Yes.”
    “You seem troubled, my friend.”
    James nodded, unable to hide what he was thinking, that moment when the joy of flying had changed to something else, the realization of the game they were playing at and all the frightful implications of this machine of canvas, wood, and gasping engine.
    “I see your point now,” James said quietly.
    Fuchida nodded, understanding, and he seemed troubled as well.
    “You showed me something I never really understood until I was out there with you.”
    “And your report to your admirals?” Fuchida asked. James hesitated.
    “Perhaps I shouldn’t have taken you on this flight. Maybe I’ve made you a convert.”
    James nodded.
    “I honestly hope we will not be enemies some day, Commander Watson,” and he spoke formally now, using James’s official title as if speaking to a superior.
    “What could be gained by either side?” James replied.
    “But we are professionals and must answer to our orders when given.”
    “A war between us?” James replied. “Hard to imagine.”
    “Yes. I hope you convey that in your report as well. Do not underestimate us; that is always a fatal mistake for any country to do. Do not misread us.”
    “Nor should you underestimate us,” James replied forcefully.
    Fuchida did not say anything for a moment, then nodded in reply.
    “I will remember that as well.”
    A small car, an American Ford, came onto the field and rolled to a stop by the plane, the driver getting out. One of the ground crew had already fetched James’s overnight bag from the small cargo hold while another helped him out of his leather flight jacket, James a bit embarrassed that it was stained with the remnants of his breakfast.
    He started to hand over his goggles and helmet.
    Fuchida smiled and shook his head.
    “Keep them as a souvenir of the flight.”
    James grinned and nodded his thanks.
    He truly liked this man, in fact something had happened in the plane and the night before. Drink with a potential enemy and you might find common ground, and that he had done last night. Flying had done the rest. This man loved his work, not just as a warrior, but he could sense the joy Fuchida felt as well, and he had shared that as they had soared over cherry and peach orchards in