by Andrew Nguyen » Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:48 pm
These are the notes from the prequel story to Godzilla: Return of the Darkness called Cloaked Darkness.
Operation Arctic Watch:
1. Fighting in enclosed spaces and also in harsh weather, in this case cold weather.
2. Test of threats against enormous air and submarine threats for long periods of time.
Godzilla: Cloaked Darkness
Act I
Due to the chaotic situation of the world now, the United States and its allies hold large exercises. One particular one is in the Bering Sea and it is between the United States and Japan. Once they reach the area, the exercises get underway and they deal with search operations and anti-submarine operations. However, certain incidents start to occur and it eventually worries both fleets. Accusations start to fly and it almost nearly comes to blows.
At the same time though, satellite imagery starts to detect a large heat bloom but due to bureaucratic and communications problems, it does not reach its intended recipients for some time.
In the near future, the world is sliding on the knife’s edge into chaos. The Eurasian landmass has had multiple conflicts that have risen to the level of World Wars. Although America has recently made true honest attempts to gain back its moral high ground, her military and that of her allies had a hard time keeping things calm as they themselves have done ugly things still.
When a new wave of intelligence reports arrives into the hands of the president of the United States, he and the military commanders arrange military exercises with their allies. Among the exercises would be one in the Bering Sea between the Americans and Japanese. Both the US Navy and the JMSDF begin to prepare and soon their respective forces arrive in the region.
At the same time, reconnaissance satellites pour through the area to ensure that there would be no problems. However when they looked over the Bering Sea, the satellites picked up an odd anomaly as their photographs showed that there was a powerful heat bloom in the area. While it was a worrying development, the satellite technicians did not felt it was a worrying development, as it did not match any threat that they knew to look for from their foes.
Both naval forces arrive and soon the exercises get under way. They consisted of engagements dealing with submarines as well as engagements between powerful surface groups. While the surface engagement exercises go well as can be expected, the submarine exercises start to turn sour as a mysterious force begins to hunt down the American Los Angeles class submarines. Horrified by the sudden assaults, the surviving Japanese and American submarines could only make their way back to the main fleet with no evidence of what had happened.
Rumors start to fly about the cause of the loss of the submarines and they eventually lead to the feet of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. Only through hard negotiation by the lead commanders had ensured that problems would not proceed any further. Both fleets separate from each other and maintain distance while their commanders consult their governments.
Back in Japan, satellite technicians examine the photos from the region when they suddenly find a link that they wished that they never really did.
Act II
To smooth things over, the command staffs of both fleets hold a conference to deal with the problem. However, in the midst of the meeting, the Japanese commanders receive the photographs. At first, they keep their consul on the matter while they dispatch their own submarines to verify the information.
Soon Tokyo and Washing receive independent word of the possibility that the monster known as Godzilla has returned. After short and decisive deliberation on the matter, both leaders commit their forces to engage the creature. With air reinforcements flying in, the combined fleet heads north and soon confirms that Godzilla is very much alive.
The combatants engage and Godzilla immediately throws the fleet onto the defensive as he blasts his way forward. Eventually, they manage to drive him back north and extricate themselves to the south. Despite that, the performance of the combined force worries its commanders and it gets them to do some hard thinking.
As both Japan and the United States attempted to solve the problems that had developed in the Arctic Ocean, the data from the satellite teams reaches the Japanese government. Stunned at what it meant, the Japanese (many if not all who remember very well) do present the proof although they do not tell who is exactly responsible. They do not need to as the US intelligence agencies soon discover for themselves to culprit responsible. Stunned as well, both immediately agree to send their fleets north as well as reinforcements into the region.
In the Arctic, the American and Japanese fleet commanders hold a meeting on the John C. Stennis in order to get to the bottom of the disturbance. At first, it gets heated but eventually calms down for plans to be made although the Japanese will not reveal why at the present time.
That depends on a meeting in Tokyo where the participants are also tense. There after opening up the meeting for all, the defense chiefs reveal to the horror of everyone in the room that the greatest nemesis that Japan has ever known has returned. At first, all wonder out loud how they are going to reveal the information to their allies before they put an edited version to present together to the Americans via their ambassador.
In Washington, a similar meeting occurs and when the chief of the CIA reveals what he has found, it has the same result among its intended ears. Fight or provide logistical support at first before CIA breaks the news. However, after learning just what they are up against, the participants in the room all agree that they will join with their allies in combating the legendary monster.
-Comment by the president when he hears form the CIA chief that he heard all the rumors and to find out that it is true.
The news that they are to go to a war footing surprises the fleet commanders particularly the Americans. In the case of the Japanese, it frightens them. Getting to work, the combined fleet undergoes hasty retraining and re-fitting of weapons as reinforcements arrive at nearby bases. Rumors and speculation start to fly as the news comes in to prepare for combat.
-On that part, the re-supply includes a mix of re-fitting the anti-air missiles to fire at surface targets and stocking up with weapons designed to hit surface targets.
Soon the combined fleet is heading north with its main warships in the lead and the carriers and subs following behind them. The formation resembles at times an arrow formation. All of them have their sonar switched to active pinging with aircraft operating all around the formation.
A short time later, the sonar systems on the lead ships picked up the presence of the large target heading straight for them. The Americans want to verify what it is but the Japanese commanders knowing exactly what they are facing request battle stations. As this gets underway, the commanders argue for several minutes but when the target reveals itself, all arguments cease as the fleet opens fire on Godzilla. The ships engage first for several moments before the aircraft (lead by aircraft from the carriers) head in to engage although they immediately get a close up brush with friendly fire.
Godzilla quickly reaches their lines and a close-quarter brawl develops as the ships attempt to avoid being bludgeoned to death as well as his main weapon, his atomic breath.
Both the Japanese and American political leaders observe the action by satellite with both having horrific shocks at what they are facing.
Both the Japanese and the US military attempt last minute training and they dust off old but still very advanced weapons as well as integrate reinforcements. The preparation is too short as they spot the target heading straight at them. Soon everyone gets a good idea of the opposition, as the culprit is none other than Godzilla himself.
Not hesitating for a second, the combined fleet engages Godzilla who quickly returns the favor by unleashing his destructive power for all to see. Already suffering damage, the fleet commanders improvise in order to stay alive against the king of the monsters. As a continual stream of aircraft fly in to the battle zone in penny packets, the ships and subs regroup to try to push Godzilla back but it is to no avail and just adds to the quickly increasing butcher’s bill. Eventually with a massed volley fire tactic against Godzilla from all directions, the ships disengage and head south towards relative safety. In turn, Godzilla has enough for now and heads back north.
Having seen via satellite what they faced, the commanders in chiefs of the respective military forces quickly agree on the goal of the mission and they all start to get to some hard thinking since they all knew what would happen if Godzilla decides to truly re-emerge for all of the world to see.
Act III:
After long deliberation and using air and missile cover to repeatedly block Godzilla’s advance, the combined force launches an all out assault on Godzilla. Despite their best efforts, Godzilla blasts his way through and nearly reaches the open ocean before they manage to temporarily drive him back. They finally manage to lure him near the large icebergs in the area and they start to bury him by directing all of their firepower onto the icebergs.
The fleets make their way back to their respective homelands and while the Japanese personnel manage to get by fine with the population, the Americans have a bitter homecoming particularly at the hands of a very powerful US senator who has gotten wind of what had truly happened. He and his allies subject the American commanders to such a pounding in the courts and committees to the point where they resign from the service in complete disgrace. Fortunately, though both the American and Japanese governments begin to prepare for the fight ahead against the monster and they have a time limit of three years.
Working almost non-stop on trying to figure out a plan while drawing in as many reinforcements they can afford to get their hands on the combined military force prepares to confront Godzilla once more. It is none too soon as the monster has begun to head south once again and this time it seems nothing can stop him.
Relying on continuous air support, the combined fleet tries to stop Godzilla's advance and if possible push him back. They manage to do this but at a heavy price particularly in aircraft. The battle seesawed back and forth and it seemed that eventually Godzilla would triumph. Only by concentrating their fire and attacking him from behind as he headed south, could the combined fleet pull him back from the Pacific Ocean. However, all of them knew that they could not hold on like this forever and that they had to defeat him now.
Eventually the fighting managed to move north into the very midst of the large icebergs that dominated the area. Seeing no other choice, the military forces launch an all out do or die attempt that eventually lures Godzilla into a trap and then they focus their remaining firepower onto the icebergs around the monster. Though Godzilla continued to put up exceptionally heavy resistance, the resulting avalanche managed to bury him completely in the ice.
Stunned at the carnage they endured, the two fleets take stock of the losses before they send in the reports to their respective governments. Once they do the Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the United States of America attempt to figure out their options while ensuring with literally every asset at their disposal that nothing of what truly happened should leak out. While the security on the Japan side is safe, since those that heard the full story immediately understood its implications and the need to prepare for the horror, it is a much different story in America. Many in Congress put the American fleet commanders on trial for their despicable and intolerable behavior. Although the commanders (with assistance from the government) defend themselves as best they can, the senators rip into them so much until a large portion, partiuclarly bombarding them with the fact that the deaths that had occured were on their hands (many with some of the finest records in the service) of them are forced to resign in disgrace as they are charged with the damming insult of all in the service "dereliction of duty". The news soon comes close to sparking off an incident similar to the infamous "Revolt of the Admirals". The results horrify the US president although he and his allies soon put a stop to the Congress when they moved against them, and resume preparations including an important "off the record" meeting to organize a defense against the great darkness that everyone knew would come again very soon. One of the things that they do is find a new lead commander and eventually a name comes up that both governments soon keep a track of.
The two fleet commanders along with the commander of the Pacific Fleet and government officials are called in to explain themselves to the audience why they had an enormous butcher's bill.
-Shortly after the aftermath of Operation Arctic Watch, military and government representatives of America and Japan gather to begin planning for the oncoming threat. This proceeds in two stages: first talking directly about the threat and dealing with the lead-up (mainly dealing with the other countries since they're going to need the help). Furthermore, although with only limited access to records, the Japanese knew that part of the difficulties in facing Godzilla last time came from the limited help they had.
-Comment on the Senator and wondering why about why is he doing this. When senator hears about it he is in shock as he realizes what this may mean. Takes different measures to persuade the president that it is not their fight and if so, must use immediate extreme measures.
-The first phase of the meeting: discusses what forces can be involved on both countries development of new technology and a command structure.
-The second deals with the issue of the other countries since both America and Japan know that they are going to need help and perhaps they could keep control of events. Some argue that when things do blow up in their faces, they should aim for a knockout punch. Others disagree as they feel that it will leave bad blood and make the job that much more difficult.
Shortly after this, the fears of a new war have come to pass as the actions of America as well as other circumstances help take the world the final step to a new world war. When America and Japan receive word, there is shock, silence and depression. They realize that history may well truly damm them.
G Dossiers:
First G war: 1984, 1989-1995.
Task Force: Created in late 1991, disbanded early 1996. While it mostly consisted of Japanese, several foreign volunteers are also part of the task force.
The Arctic Incident: Operation Arctic Watch
World civil war:
Starting point: Actions by America to prevent war actually result in it happening as it is a mix of being the last straw and the thing that broke the camel's back. It spreads like a virus to others and leaps through other countries. Firefights and brushfire rage in different locations and soon a situation resembling a hydra emerges.
Combatants: US, Japan, and convenient allies against a mix of conventional (mainly in Russia, China, and North Korea) and guerilla fighting (Middle East and South America).
Regions: Multiple regions around the globe with a mix of conventional and guerilla fighting.
If we cannot win it here, nay, have the stomach to stand our ground in a long war against a human enemy then how are we going to stand against the great darkness when it emerges from its prison.
The new Godzilla war begins
Goal: To defend the world against the threat of Godzilla
Mission: Once the threat re-emerged onto the world, the organization of the militaries of Japan and America would change focus to deal with the threat
Government
Nakamura: Prime Minister of Japan
Nelson: President of the Untied States of America
Military
James Larsen: Task Force Supreme Commander.
Like most of his colleagues, he entered the service in the early 1980s. In the later half of the 1980s, he applied to being a pilot and earned his wings. He participated in the Gulf War and in the Balkans before serving in a stint at the naval academy. Around the same time, he had also begun research on long forgotten and at the time obscure wars as well as Asian affairs. Among one of his mentors at the academy is a future veteran of the Arctic Incident and a carrier admiral himself. Making his way gradually up the ranks, he would eventually assume command of the USS Enterprise just prior to the World Civil War. Two of his interesting battle experiences on the battlefield occurred in the area around North Korea as well as Vladivostok and in the sieges in the Baltic Sea where he would also at times go ashore as well. While in Japan, he forged good relations with the Japanese officers that he worked with. Though being part of different flagships, the one he served on the most was USS Enterprise. Once the war ended, he took leave of the service and reports last placed him to be in Japan.
-While a part of me would prefer to keep the main character the way he is, consider to make a change and turn this into a Japanese main leader of the task force. As a result, he would be an air force commander.
Akira Tanagawa: Task Force Supreme Commander
A Japanese air force general and the supreme commander of the task force created to battle Godzilla. Served in the previous war as commander of an elite fighter wing in brutal battles against the kaiju and worked well with members from other nations. Afterwards, he took part in a leadership capacity during a Japan Defense Agency study of the war against Godzilla in the aftermath of its nearly tragic end. When the job was finished, he kept his own copies of the notes used to put the report together before higher ups discarded it. He later traveled abroad as part of his duties as well as other matters. Those travels have taken up long periods and have taken Tanagawa to different parts of the globe. As he had taken command of the forces in the south, Tanagawa did not directly participate in Arctic Watch though elements of his command had headed northward as part of the reinforcements. Although he suspected as much, he did not find out the complete truth until several years later. In the World Civil War, he fought both in the northern and southern Asian sectors and particularly went through hard fighting in the northern sector. After the war and despite the rumors, he retired from JASDF and currently resides in Tokyo.
Yamata: Commander and liaison of all naval elements of the task force. Served in Korea, Indian Ocean, and Somalia. He participated in Operation Arctic Watch as captain of the flagship of First Escort Force, JMSDFS Huyga. He worked directly with Tanagawa several times during the World Civil War.
Richardson: Commander and liaison of all air-force elements of the task force. He is also one of the Americans who fought in the last war, his role being that of a commander of another elite fighter wing. From time to time during that war, he worked alongside Tanagawa. Afterwards, Richardson’s career took the normal route with service during the wars in the Middle East.
Tazaki: Commander and liaison of all ground force elements of the task force as well as that of the Eastern armies
Harmon: Co-Commander of Eastern armies. American who fought in the last war. Later did his time in both Afghanistan and Iraq (half and half in both battle zones).
Shiratori: Commander of Northeastern armies
Riley: Co-Commander of Northeastern armies. Later did his time mostly in Afghanistan though he had also served in Iraq.
Tanaka: Commander of Northern armies.
Cox: Co-Commander of Northern armies. While he did some time in Afghanistan, Cox served mostly in Iraq.
Maxwell: Commander of the USS Enterprise and part of the fleet unit in charge of defending Tokyo
Shindo: Commander of the combined fleet units responsible for the defense of Tokyo and commander of the JDS Ise. He fought in the Indian Ocean and Somalia.
Williams: Commander of the USS George Washington and though stationed in Yokosuka, he is part of the fleet in charge of defending Hokkaido. Entering the service in the late 1970s, Williams would earn his wings in the mid 1980s and he would first see action in the Gulf during the war between Iran and Iraq. Later, he would command a squadron in the first Gulf War and then an air wing from 1999 to the end of 2001. Williams would then serve in a stint at the US Naval Academy before transferring to Asia. Later he would assume command of a carrier and be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. He would participate in the Arctic incident and came close to losing his command. Williams would remain in the Pacific during the World Civil War and besides a stint in the Middle East; he would serve in the different areas of Asia.
Shimada: Commander of the combined fleet units responsible for the defense of Hokkaido from the JDS Huyga though stationed in Yokosuka. He spent a small amount of time in Korea and most of his battle experience against other human foes was in Somalia.
Miki Odaka: Commander and special liaison to the task force
Though somewhat younger than her commanding officers, she has had the most experience in warfare. Gifted (or perhaps cursed) with a specialized ability, she became involved in the war against Godzilla while still a teen. She had seen and done things that most people have done in their thirties and forties. In the aftermath, she dropped off the grid although rumors have gone around of her living in America.
Yoshida: A well-known Japanese scientist, Yoshida has dealt with the issues of nuclear and chemical weapons and their harmful power. When she was younger, Yoshida participated in dealing with the infamous subway attacks of 1995. Afterwards, she participated in UN inspection teams in the former Soviet Union and in Iraq. After leaving Iraq, she returned to Japan, continued her studies, and now has worked with several prestigious organizations on issues dealing with cancer and diseases.
Katherine Blanchard: Former naval pilot, reporter and special liaison to the task force. Entering the mid 1980s, Katherine had a somewhat hard fight up the ranks due to the times but she got her chance to participate in combat during the Gulf War. Afterwards she would participate in several of the other conflicts at the time with some of them alongside James Larsen. While proving herself a capable pilot, Katherine would not get the chance to have command and eventually came close to resigning from the service. However, the World Civil War changed that and she commanded a naval air wing. Though she did have at times a cynical side, she managed to get along very well with most people and had a knack for negotiation and dealing with the most bull-headed of people. In addition, Blanchard had a knack for helping out in drawing up operational plans and sorting through seemingly obscure information and making sense of it to her colleagues.
Gondo: Former naval officer, defense consultant and special liaison to the task force
Served in the JMSDF though with a large portion in staff positions and did participate in direct combat against Godzilla in its later stages. In the aftermath, she participated in a research group that dealt with the conflict against the kaiju as part of the Japan Defense Agency. During that time, she worked with Akira Tanagawa and forged a good working friendship with him. Afterwards, she participated in operations off Somalia before the World Civil War. During the conflict, she also participated in the expeditionary operations. After the conflict ended, she retired and became a defense consultant and studied in foreign affairs. She can be somewhat of a cynic at times.
*either this or try to name Nozaki.
Note for the Japanese characters: Although they had witnessed the first Godzilla war, none had a ringside seat as Miki Odaka. In addition, the commanders had all fought in the fighting’s later stages.
My main characters are all commanders and they are the main leaders in defending the world against Godzilla. They know that it is the most difficult task that they have ever faced in their careers and their lives. Many (particularly the Japanese) are veterans of the last war and the others have read up about it and want to help, perhaps feeling that they need to serve something better after the experience they have gone through in recent years. They also try to rally the world to deal with the threat but it has been shortly after another horrific world war and the scars have not healed completely amongst the combatants. The commanders though are willing to work with everyone. Some of the other nations want to use extreme measures for different reasons, which include revenge amongst the lead countries as well as being the victor against Godzilla. As for the Americans themselves a good portion see this as a chance for redemption.
PS new change: some of the Americans had witnessed the war as well and all of the Japanese served in the first war as well with most (if not all) seeing it in its later stages and being lucky to tell about it.
Task force components
Army:
JGSDF: Eastern (Tokyo), Northeastern (Sendai), and Northern armies (Sapporo)
US Army: US Army Japan
Navy:
JMSDF: Escort Flotilla 1 and 3, Maizuru, Ominato and Yokosuka District
US Navy: US Pacific Fleet: Seventh Fleet. Three carriers are tasked to participate in the operation. Also amphibious assault ships head to Japan to back up the main carriers.
Air Force:
JASDF: Northern and Central Air Defense Force
USAF: Pacific Air Force: Fifth air force with support from the Seventh and Eleventh air force
Weapons:
Tanks:
M1A2
Type 90
Type 10
Aircraft:
F-15 Cs, Es, Js Eagles
F-16 Falcons
F/A-18E/F Super Hornets
Harrier II
F-2
F-22
F-35
ATD-X
F-X
Infantry Fighting Vehicles:
M-2/M-3 Bradley
Stryker
Type 89
Artillery:
HIMAS
MLRS
Type 88 SSM
M109A Paladin
M110 howitzer
Type 75 howitzer
Type 99 155mm howitzer
FH-70
M777
M198
89mm rocket launcher.
Helicopters:
AH-64D
OH-1
AH-1 Cobra
Bio-weapons: via use of samples of Godzilla cells collected in the ruins of the cities. Last time they used such weapons, they had scientists who were truly experts. This time while they still have true experts and more advanced technology, they still run into difficulty in creating the weapons. Perhaps even more so.
Other participants
British contingent: Transferred through Brunei and Canada
Army: General Barclay: Kosovo, Iraq then in Afghanistan
Navy: Vice-Admiral Randolph, HMS Prince of Wales: Kosovo, Iraq, and Somalia
Tanks:
Challenger 2
FV107 Scimitar
Warrior IFV
European Union contingent: under the Eurocorps designation.
Air Force: General Henri Devarre, veteran of Afghanistan and Lebanon
Army: General Franz Schroder: Afghanistan and Kosovo
Navy: Admiral Jacques Millerand, Charles De Gaulle. Veteran of Afghanistan
Tanks:
Leopard 2
Leclerc
ERC 90 Sagaie
AMX-10RC
Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie
Puma IFV
Russia: Far Eastern and Siberian Districts. Transferred through Khabarovsk and Vladivostok.
Army: General Andrei Malinovsky, the Caucasus, 2nd Chechnya War and Georgia.
Pacific fleet: Admiral Vladimir Kosygin, participated in Georgia and Somalia. Formerly commanded Northern Fleet. Admiral Kutnezov
Tanks:
T-72
T-80
T-90
Infantry Fighting Vehicle
BMP-2
BMP-3
BMD-3
China: Shenyang and Nanjing military region
North Sea Fleet: Admiral Zhang: Somalia. Flagship Ningbo
Army: General Shu Tong: Participated in the Sino-Soviet Disputes, and participated in several pacification campaigns in the western areas of China.
Tanks:
Type 96
Type 99
Infantry Fighting Vehicle
ZBD97
ZLC2000
Other contingents
India: Counter-insurgency activities, peacekeeping operations and Kargil War
Korea: General Kim. Transferred through Pusan.
Tanks:
Arjun
K1A1 88
K2 Black Panther
K21 IFV
One type of vheicle only.
Helicopters: A mix of heavy and medium. Shoot and scoot
Tanks: Drive like hell and go for the weaker units first then go to tanks. If run into air, get the hell out of dodge.
Last edited by
Andrew Nguyen on Thu Dec 03, 2009 9:41 pm, edited 56 times in total.