NationStates Jolt Archive

Night had fallen in Japanese Antarctica. Heihachiro Shinsaku was stressed out. He was up to his chin in debt, his long day at the Shipyards made his eyes sore and his house was falling apart. He needed a break, so he headed for his sleeping quarters. The last thing he needed was an interruption.

Right when he touched door knob, the fax machine went off. The message began printing out:

To: Shinsaku Heihachiro

The Nihon Rikujo requests your presence at the Office of Operations, Drydock 3 at Shizuoka Shipyards. We cannot tell you the reasons as these means of communication lack the security to transmit sensitive information. Please come right away and make sure no one knows where you are going.
-K. Uchiyama
Secretary of the Navy

He was completely puzzled. Sensitive Information? What could that mean? At first, he believed someone was playing a joke on him. However, he realized that his fax number was unlisted in public records, and the only people other than his close family that would know it was his employer. And apparently, the government. In fact, he was going to call his boss to see if the site would be opened, but before he could even head for the phone, the fax machine got an incoming message.

Why Haven't You Left Yet?

It had to be some sick joke. Shinsaku headed to see if someone was watching him through his window, but the doorbell rang. He answered it. Standing outside was a strange man in a white cloak, bearing a large rifle. Needless to say, Shinsaku was petrified.

"You are needed immeadiately," the man said. He moved his cloak, exposing the official seal of Japanese Antarctica, and the kanji characters for "elite soldier". It was a Kumori, a member of Japanese Antarctica's secret police force.

Shinsaku opened his mouth. "Now wait just a minute, who are you and what does the government want from me?" He blinked, and the man disappeared.

Moved by fear, Shinsaku got into his car and headed for Shizuoka Shipyards.

A small black car pulled into the parking lot of Shizuoka Shipyards.Shinsaku got out and headed for the Dry Dock Office of Operations. He wasn't sure why he was wanted at the shipyards, only that the reasons were urgent and important. Shinsaku put his hand in his pocket and reached for the fax that he had received earlier that night, and reflected on what had happened:

***


***

Shinsaku walked on the cement path. The ground was littered with shavings of random ores, which stuck to the soles of his shoes. Shinsaku was extremely scared. What does the government want from me? Was he a Kumori? Or worse, what if that guy was a Yakuza? It wouldn't matter. He was already in too deep. If he had stayed and ignored the command given to him by the government, and if that man was in fact a kumori, Shinsaku would be dead right now. But if that man was a Yakuza, Shinsaku's would be in a great deal of trouble in the next few minutes. What would the Yakuza want from a poor engineering graduate?

A voice shouted out to him. "Shinsaku-san, come over this way." The voice was strangely familiar. He still wasn't sure who it was, but it gave him a feeling that everything was ok. He moved to the direction of the voice. It was coming from one of the warehouses at Drydock 3. The lights were on inside. Shinsaku walked toward the door and knocked. The door swung open. Shinsaku could not believe his eyes. "Kobayashi Sensei? What are you doing here?"

"I have been looking forward to see you Gakusei. It's been quite some time since we last met."

"How true. In fact, now that you mention it, I'd like to ask you a question. Why did you leave Syowa Institute of Technology?"

"You mean the uniform doesn't give it away? I thought you were smarter than that!" smiled Kobayashi. He was right, Shinsaku had completely missed the all white uniform and hat that his former teacher was now wearing. It was clear, Kobayashi was now working for the Nihon Rikujo.

"Excuse me if I am being rude Kobayashi Sensei, but, what are you doing in the Navy?"

"Settle down Gakusei, we'll catch up with one another real soon. But right now, I'm going to explain why you've been summoned here. The Nihon Rikujo needs your talents. Follow me."

The smile disappeared from Shinsaku's face. So this is what this whole thing is all about. Shinsaku followed his teacher, as he was led down several flights of stairs. This part of the Shipyard complex was unfamiliar to him, and more questions filled his head. Then, suddenly, Kobayashi stopped at the entrace of a door.

"Before I lead you any further, I have to tell you this. This is your last chance. You can turn back now if you wish to do so. What we are going to ask of you is not going to be easy, but the reward will be great if you accept."

Shinsaku paused for a moment. What could Sensei be asking of me? He did mention talents, so I guess he wants me to... I have to do this. Besides, I really could use the money.

"I accept. Let me guess, you want me to design you a new ship?" Shinsaku smiled. If there was one thing he was proud of, it was his engineering skills. Although he only graduated a year ago, he was making his way up the ladder at Shizuoka Shipyards, receiving promotion after promotion. In fact, he was the lead designer of the Chikugo class destroyer, one Japanese Antarctica's newest ships. "Just tell me what you want, and I can put it on paper."

Kobayashi smiled back. "I'm glad you're confident with this. I'm even more happy that you're so eager to start working." He twisted the doorknob, and pushed the door open. "Welcome aboard."

On the other side was a vast room. Two men in suits, and a military-unformed man stood on the other side. At first, they looked shock, but their faces soon showed signs of relief when Kobayashi bowed to them. The men bowed back.

"Welcome to Operation Aotenma. I'd like you to meet Yamada-san, Shoji-san, and Admiral Suzuki."

Shinsaku was surprised. What was an important figure like the Admiral doing here? "It's an honor to meet you sirs. Especially you, Admiral Suzuki." Shinsaku bowed, and the three bowed back.

"Gakusei, I'd like to apologize to you for the inconvenience I've placed you in."

"Sensei, meeting you again is no inconvenience."

Kobayashi smiled. "I at least owe you an explanation as to why you and I are here right now." He cleared his throat. "As you know, I ended my career at Syowa Institute of Technology about a year and a half ago. The reason why I did this was the Nihon Rikujo offered me a contract to lead the JAICE operations at Osaka International Seaport in Japan. At first, I thought it would be selfish to leave my students, but I convinced myself that by serving my country, it would be enough to make up for my leave."

Shinsaku began thinking to himself. Hmm, so he joined the Imperial Combat Engineers... that explains a lot. He continued to listen.

"After six months of service there, I was asked by Admiral Suzuki and the Navy to work on the Shusaka Class Battleship."

Admiral Suzuki then picked it up. "The Shusaka is a fine ship, however, it's missing something. Other than it's main guns, there is little it can do to fight other Super Dreadnoughts. At best, the Shusaka can only induce a stalemate if it were to engage another Super ship."

Kobyashi looked down. "I was asked to create a weapon that could sink a Super Dreadnought. At first, I concentrated on new munitions for the main guns, but anything I thought up was either too expensive, physically impossible, ineffective, or all three. Clearly, we needed something else. And that's when I realized that we needed a torpedo. I'm embarassed to admit this, but, I have little experience in designing torpedoes and submarines. That is why Japanese Antarctica has very few submarines in its fleets."

At that moment, Shinsaku understood what was going to be asked of him. "Therefore, you came to me, so that I could develop an underwater weapon."

"Very good, Gakusei. Very well, let's get started."

Months later...

Shinsaku was pleased with the progress that his team was making. In only half a year, the planning stages were already near the closing stages. Five miniature scale prototypes had been built for Project Aoitenma. In fact, in a few minutes, he would give his presentation on the concept behind the weapon. Shinsaku eyed his wrist, mildly anxious about what this event could mean for his career. The minute hand moved slowly. 7:59. At that precise moment, Kobayashi and Ryusaki, as well as their associates filed into the room. They all took the seats before them.

Shinsaku cleared his throat, ready to deliver the presentation. He had this all planned out the night before. "Good Evening, Gentlemen. Welcome to the "Project 10A briefing session. In the next few moments, I will outline the basic concepts for the weapon that you have so kindly contracted Shizuoka Shipyards to develop. Please direct your attention to the monitor on my right."

Shinsaku pushed a button on his remote.

Project 10A- Aoitenma

Goal: Develop a weapon capable of neutralizing a Super Dreadnought

"Super Dreadnoughts are very resilient against most weapons available today. Modern Anti-Shipping Missiles to a Super Dreadnought would be a fly to a horse; a minor annoyance, but overall, of little threat. I'm sure that the possiblility of using nuclear weapons was immediately erased, considering Japanese Antarctica's current stance on the use of nuclear weapons. Therefore, we would need conventional weapons to be increased in magnitude in order to effectively neutralize a Super Dreadnought. In other words, we need to scale up the size of the weapon."

Shinsaku hit the button again. The screen displayed the AShM and cruise missiles in Japanese Antarctica's possession.

"An AShM was a possibility. We were aware of your reccomendations, but we believed that an AShM concept was worth considering. However, the countermeasures for missiles are very sophisticated. A missile of considerable size would be easily shot down by a fighter or a SAM."

Shinsaku hit the button once more.

"The solution, as you suggested, would have to be a torpedo. But not just any torpedo. This is a torpedo of massive proportions. Larger than anything else created. Gentlemen, I present to you, the Kaiten-kai!"


http://kryogenix.cbstaff.com/nationstates/kaitenkai.jpg


Shinsaku paused for dramatic effect. He observed several of the men in awe. Some were already conversing amongst each other. Even Kobayashi and Ryusaki, who usually sat expressionless, were astonished.

"This is the basic concept diagram. In the early stages, we had two options: a stealth design, or a speed design. We chose to design the torpedo around speed because we had doubts a torpedo of this size could go undetected, even with the latest stealth technology.
The inspiration, which you may have determined from the name, comes from the WWII-era Kaiten suicide submarine. Essentially, we are creating a submarine sized torpedo. Unlike the Kaiten, the torpedo will be unmanned, and it will take advantage of modern technology.
As I mentioned earlier, speed was what we determined would be the greatest asset for a weapon like this. Therefore, the natural choice would be the Alfa class submarine, which is one of the fastest and deepest diving submarines known to man. The propellor and fins as well as bridge area are removed, leaving a torpedo shaped chassis.
This is where we borrow from the Russians again. I'm sure that you are all aware of the BA-111 Shkval torpedo. The Kaiten-kai will use the same concept. In the rear, four rocket engines will be mounted to provide the thrust. The gas tank will be located in the center, with pipes leading to the nose of the torpedo to create the bubble. Near the front will be the warhead, and eletronics are in the nose."

He paused to allow them to absorb what had been said.

"Current expenses have been approximately $200 million, which covers labor, equipment, operating and hardware expenses. Not included is the price of the Alfa Class submarine which has been lent from the mothball fleet."

Shinsaku peered towards the audience to see their reaction. They seemed indifferent towards the current expenses.

"At this time, my team will demonstrate the scale prototypes, and I will further explain how the weapon works. After, we will return inside and I will entertain any questions that you have."

...