The Future of Tomorrow Brought Today

Chapter 6: Trip to Newport Part 1

Date: July 6, 1943

Location: Pearl Harbor

Time: 8:30 am

Commander Jon and Captain James walk along the walkway overlooking the piers around USS Montana as the ship is being refueled.

"Are you sure you don't need more any shells?" Asks Jon.

"We still have plenty of AP and haven't even touched our HE shells yet. Although we could use some more anti aircraft shells for the 127mm guns as well as more ammunition for the AA guns." Replies James.

As they continue to walk they come across Captain Joseph overlooking his ship being resupplied.

"Morning Joseph, which cup of coffee is that?" Asks James.

"It's only my first. My ship is almost ready to set sail, how about yours?" Joseph responds.

"Should be ready in a few minutes."

"I apologize Joseph that we don't have 20mm belts for your planes. And before I forget, do you want any of our reserve planes to make up for the losses you've taken?" Jon offers.

"We appreciate what you could do for us. As for your offer, I will kindly decline. We will make due with the planes we have." Replies Captain Joseph.

Just then Midway's XO Sam Jewel reaches the walkway and approaches the group.

"Are you sure Captain? We lost 18% of our planes and we only have 29 Bearcats, and 32 Skyraiders left." The XO informs.

"As I said, we will just have to make due with what we have."

Captain James the speaks up. "What about the IJN Shikishima and the IJN Yoshino?"

"Unfortunately the only thing we could do is refuel them. Captain Ren told me he still has half of his AP shells and three fourths of his HE shells left. As for the Yoshino. Jiro reports that his ship still has most of their shells. Both said that they still have enough ammunition for their AA guns." Jon answers.

"Well thanks again for everything you've done for us."

"No problem captain. Now if you excuse me I have to go get started on my daily tasks."

Time: 9:30 am

After an hour all four of the new arrivals were refueled and ready to depart. Eagle Union naval personnel and many ship girls came out to wave as the ships headed to the harbor entrance. Upon reaching the entrance to the harbor USS Midway let out a long toot from the ship's horn. An aft signal light blinked in rapid succession in the direction of the headquarters building. Jon smiled as he read the morse code message through a window.

"Of course you'll be back, I'm counting on it." Jon muttered to himself.

Jon then turns back to the table in the middle of the meeting room. New Jersey, Iowa, Saratoga and a handful of naval personnel were gathered around the table.

New Jersey then states "One thing is for certain, Sakura Empire is already reacting to those ships arrival."

"The Sakura Empire is likely to use their large carriers in this war, especially now that they know about USS Midway." Says Iowa.

Jon approaches the table before replying "Which is why I hope Midway is successfully converted into a kansen. Until then we'll have to hold the line. Not even Enty is strong enough to match Shinano or Hakuryuu. Midway is the only carrier that I know of that could win in a one on one engagement with them. We'll just have to hope that Sakura is hesitant to use their key players while we prep our own. Intel reports that a Sakura fleet left port and is heading to the South Pacific. They might be trying to cut off our supply lines to the Oceanic Republic (Australia). Inform Port Moresby that they may be the target."