Against the Tide Imperial: The Struggle for Ceylon (The Usurper's War: An Alternative World War II B by James Young (classic book list .txt) 📗

he walked up. Yamaguchi did not recognize the stocky man, but did note his lieutenant general rank. His peer’s uniform also looked as if he'd been doing a lot more than just directing the assault on Ceylon from afar.

“Thank you,” Yamaguchi said, bowing. The gesture was politely returned.

"I am Lieutenant General Akira Nara, and it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

I cannot tell if the man is being sarcastic or not. Of course, one never knows with any of the Army these days.

"Likewise, General Nara," Yamaguchi stated. "Your offensive in the Philippines was of great service to the Emperor. I am surprised, however, that you requested my presence here for the British surrender."

"I did not request it," Nara said. "Field Marshall Wavell did."

Yamaguchi raised an eyebrow at that.

"I've never met Field Marshall Wavell in my life," he stated. "Why would have request my presence at the surrender?"

"It would appear that the Edwardian general, Percival, spoke highly of the Navy's conduct during Singapore's turnover," Nara said.

His tone, so even for a voice that holds that much venom.

Yamaguchi stopped and looked at Nara, eyes narrowing.

"Has it occurred to you that one's enemy asking for a senior officer by name could be a ruse?" Yamaguchi asked.

"Are you frightened, Yamaguchi-san?" Nara asked sarcastically. "I mean, surely a great warrior such as yourself is not concerned with the possibility of death in the Emperor's service!"

Yamaguchi smiled.

"If I respected any of you Army jackals as men, I would challenge you to a duel right here," he replied. "But I do not strike animals, it is beneath me."

He saw that his words had struck home, Nara's face starting to darken as his hand unconsciously dropped to the sword at his side. Yamaguchi raised an eyebrow as he looked at the Army officer, seeing the veins starting to bulge at the side of the man's neck. The Army squad accompanying them stepped backwards from the two officers as if to give them room.

This is why our nation is in our current situation: Army hotheads who say stupid things, act even more foolishly, then just expect the Navy to accept their idiocy.

Nara gripped the sword tighter. Yamaguchi made no move for his own weapon.

The nation prospered when the Russians killed so many of you back in 1941.

"It is indeed fortunate for you that my desire to see our nation succeed in this war far outweighs my own sense of honor," Nara spat. "Perhaps you should be more grateful at the nice new harbor the Army will be providing for you shortly."

"That harbor may be the only thing that makes any of this worthwhile," Yamaguchi said. "Lead on."

Nara looked as if he wanted to argue, but the distant crump! of artillery appeared to have him think better of it. Turning on his heel, the Army officer strode off at a brisk walk. Yamaguchi followed, the squad of soldiers falling in behind him.

After about ten minutes, Yamaguchi followed Nara around a curving path into an open park. Two British soldiers stood behind a table, with one holding a Union Jack and the other a white bedsheet nailed to length of lumber. Both men looked angry, as if they were being forced to participate in an act of utter perversion.

I imagine large white flags aren't standard issue in any military.

Seated at the table were a pair of older British gentlemen, neither of whom he recognized. Squinting for a brief second, Yamaguchi deduced that the officer wearing Army versus RAF rank was likely Field Marshal Wavell. Both men stood as Nara and Yamaguchi approached.

"Vice Admiral Yamaguchi, I presume?" Field Marshal Wavell said evenly. Yamaguchi noted that the man did not extend his hand nor offer any other honors.

Even in this situation, when they are about to be defeated, the insulting behavior continues. Perhaps it is time to ensure all parties present have the proper mindset.

"I am Vice Admiral Yamaguchi," Tamon responded. "I assume you are here to discuss the terms of your surrender, should we offer any."

Wavell's expression faltered at that last comment. The RAF officer with him regarded the Army squad behind Yamaguchi and Nara wearily, while the two men holding flags glared with even more hatred.

"Yes, I am here to negotiate a cease fire within the parameters given to me by Her Majesty's government," Wavell replied. "I assumed by your acceptance of free passage for me and this party that you wished to negotiate."

"His Majesty's Imperial Navy are not barbarians," Yamaguchi stated. Yamaguchi had to fight not to smile as Nara stiffened beside him at the insult of not electing to use "forces" in lieu of his specific service. "As I am the senior commander in the area, I assure you that you will be returned safely to your lines regardless of this meeting's outcome."

Wavell nodded, and Yamaguchi could see that he acknowledged both the guarantee and the implicit threat of what continued resistance might bring.

"It would appear that your forces have managed to defeat the Far Eastern Fleet and currently control the seas around this island," Wavell said slowly, as if trying to talk while simultaneously remembering something he'd read. "As such, continued resistance will only serve to further increase our casualties while having no effect on the issue at hand."

My aviators must have done almost as much damage as they believed.

One of his continued issues of doubt had been pondering just how badly his fliers had actually damaged the Royal Navy's forces. But if Wavell was surrendering almost wholly due to the damage done, it was obvious the Kido Butai had administered a great shock.

"Would you really dishonor your nation by surrendering while you still have the means to resist?" Nara burst out, incredulous. Wavell turned and regarded the man coolly.

"I follow the orders of my rightful sovereign, sir," the British officer replied. "My Queen has directed that we are to limit casualties while