“Fourteen is good?” Midori asked with a large smirk on her face. Fourteen bullets had gone through the bullseye ring, the remaining one through the next outer ring.
The Sgt Major shook his head. “Ma’am, I was told you’re not FBI or law enforcement. So what really is your occupation?”
“Would you believe I’m a CPA?”
 |
A brief synopsis- Army Captain Tom Slater having been successfully transformed into a woman, begins the training phase of Operation Swan Song.
This story is dedicated to Sharonna. Sharonna created a few stories featuring what she called the ‘Community Service’ program. My transformation and plot in this story were inspired some by Sharonna’s story U.S. Marshals.
Note- I used a plot device once used in a Tom Clancy novel, “The Bear and the Dragon.” Chalk it up to a lack of computer expertise or imagination from me. I just didn’t know how else to work this part of my plot. In any event it’s just a very tiny bit of the story that follows.
I want to say thank you to Andi, Circe, and in particular Daphne for their help with this story.
Enjoy. This is a long story with just a smidgen of sex.(Two scenes and not till later in the story) If you’re looking for either a short story or lots of sex, don’t bother reading.
Tom felt really unpleasant when she woke up. Her head was aching, she felt nauseous, and just weak all over. On top of that, Tom’s stomach was making gurgling noises. She was feeling very hungry.
Other than that, Tom didn’t feel any physical differences at first. Her eyesight appeared the same, as did hearing. The same could be said about the rest of Tom’s senses.
Tom looked down the bed at herself. She was covered with a bed sheet, but one arm was out in the open. It had no hair, was soft and not very muscular. At the end were some very un-masculine like fingernails.
“It really worked.” Tom said out loud in a soprano sounding voice with a Japanese accent.
Tom then pressed the buzzer for the nurse. May as tell who whoever was here he...she was awake. While she waited, Tom peeked down her hospital gown.
“I got breasts.”
“You certainly do,” Said nurse Christine Jennings as she came into Tom’s room. “How are you feeling?”
“Crappy.”
“It’s that way for the first twenty-four hours.”
“So everyone has told me.”
Christine smiled. “Let me take your vitals. When I’m done, we can talk.”
Tom waited patiently for the nurse to do her work. ‘This is so unreal. Someone pinch me, this has to be a dream.’
After noting Tom’s BP and pulse, Christine started asking some questions. “Do you feel any shortness of breath?”
“No.”
“You don’t have any chest pains? Or feel as if your heart is racing?”
“No but I feel a little dizzy.”
Christine nodded. “Yes I felt that way too.”
There were still a few more questions for Tom to answer, which she did. Tom also mentioning to Christine about the headache she had and how her body ached.
“That’s normal. When I go outside, I’ll get you some Tylenol. You’re allowed to take them.”
“Thank you. Right now I’m hungry.”
Christine moved a tray table over close to Tom’s bed and poured her patient a cup of water. Tom drank every last drop of it.
“You’re lucky, I have no other patients right now. I’ll be back shortly.”
“Christine, what time is it?”
The nurse reached in her pocket to remove something. “I was told to give this to you. The time is a couple of minutes before 2 or 1400.”
Tom clipped the time piece to her wrist as Christine exited the room. In addition to having breasts, the Army Captain now had a female wrist watch.
“What’s next a set of three inch heels for when I get out of bed?” Tom asked the empty room.
Not long after Christine left, Tom got a visit from one of her doctors. He examined Tom and asked her some questions.
Tom had a question or two of her own. “How am I, Doc?”
“You are doing very well Miss Sasaki.”
It wasn’t till Christine got back, that Tom got an explanation. “You were given a new name.”
“The doctor called me Miss Sasaki.”
“Yes I was supposed to tell you.”
Tom concluded the FBI and Army had to give her a temporary identity till she actually took the place of Hiromi Sato. “One question, my first name isn’t Midori is it?”
“Yes it is.”
“That’s my mother’s maiden name.”
“Oh. Does it bother you?”
“No, not at all.”
Later on Gabrielle would explain the name to Midori. Saying someone at the FBI picked it out for her after reading the Army Captain’s personnel file.
“If I must have a woman’s name, might as well be my mother. I love her very much.”
Gabrielle smiled. “That is a good way to approach it Captain.”
That conversation took place later on. Back to the present, Midori’s soup was ready for her. It was chicken noodle.
“One piece of advice. Eat slowly, there is less chance you’ll vomit if you do.”
“Thanks Christine,” Midori said before taking a taste. “It’s not bad.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“When can I get out of bed?”
“Not yet, but don’t worry. You have a catheter inserted.”
“I noticed that already.”
Christine explained to Midori that it was unlikely she would need doing her other personal business. Patients receiving the DNA therapy were usually constipated for 2-3 days after treatment.
“When you do go, the shit will hit the pan.” Christine joked.
“Pan?”
“That’s a joke. Pan, fan, bedpan. Get it?”
Midori laughed. “I get it.”
“Want a hand mirror to look at yourself?”
“No, it isn’t necessary. It can wait.”
“When they let you out of bed, I’ll bar the door for you. You can look in the big mirror as long as you need or want to.” Christine smiled at Midori.
“Thanks.”
“That’s what I did afterwards. Though it was kind of revolting too.”
“What do you mean?”
“My DNA came from my sister Charlene. Instead of having a slightly older brother, Charlene has a identical twin sister now.”
Midori finished her soup then. What was she to do next? Read her book or talk to Christine? After a few seconds thoughts, Midori decided the book could wait.
Christine and Midori talked for about a half hour. The Army Captain and the nurse talked some about what is was like to have their gender changed. It was a productive talk for Midori, it soothed over a lot of the doubts she still had in regards to what lay ahead for her.
“You and I don’t have the same reasons for having our gender to be reversed, but Midori I think I can relate to how you feel. You’re where I was just twenty-three months ago. You feel almost like an alien, a person in some different world. Don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“You shouldn’t. Use what you’re doing as a challenge. A challenge to grow and learn. If you do, you will be a better person from this time you spend as a woman. You’ll emerge as a deeper and more wonderful man in the end.”
“You’re right.”
“Don’t worry about getting changed back. The doctors will get it right for you, tell yourself that. Better yet, don’t think about it at all. Concentrate on the job you’re working on right now. You can’t be distracted by something that is months or a year or more off. Am I right?
Again Christine hit the nail on the head for Midori. “Yes you are.”
“Midori I don’t know what you’re about to do but it has to be important for our country. You’re making a sacrifice, and it is just a temporary one, I feel honored to know you. You’re a hero to me.
“I’m not a hero. What I’m doing is just my duty.”
“Midori, you are a hero.”
Christine’s talk with Midori proved to be a turning point for the Captain. From then on she’d be focused on her assignment. What would happen after Japan was to be buried and forgotten for the time being. Midori didn’t need to be distracted in the dangerous days that lay ahead of her.
Gabrielle noticed the attitude change when she arrived at Ft. Detrick around 1900 hours. By then Midori was feeling fewer sides effects from her gender change. The dizziness was gone, and her headache greatly lessened since the time she woke up.
“It’s time for me to go to work,” Midori told Gabrielle only moments after the FBI agent entered the room. To prove her point, Midori threw her copy of Fiasco in a garbage can next to her bed. Tom Slater would get a chance to read the book another day. “What can I do now to prepare for Japan?”
“Quite a bit. Why don’t I show you.”
“Please do.”
Gabrielle had brought a laptop computer with her to Detrick. On it was all the known information on Hiromi Sato, plus the Yakuza Crime family run by Goro Watanabe. There were videos, briefings, police and intelligence reports etc. Everything the Bureau, with the assistance of Japanese police, could dig up.
Midori was shown the files on the computer. “Are they in Japanese?”
“Just the newspaper clippings.” Gabrielle explained. The Microsoft Windows operating system on the PC able to read either English or Japanese.
“I need to improve my reading skills. Gabrielle can you please bring some Japanese newspapers or publications the next time you come up?”
“Of course.”
The following morning, Midori was allowed to get up and walk around. She still felt a little weak, but not too bad. Midori felt certain she would be 100% fit by the end of Friday worse, and probably much earlier than that..
Midori spent almost all of Thursday reading and memorizing what Agent Tanaka brought on the Watanabe Yakuza family. Midori took this very seriously. One slip up in Japan could kill her.
Major Hollins and Gabrielle paid visits on Thursday. Both were glad to see Midori almost 100% fit. Gabrielle also brought Midori the Japanese publications she requested.
It was on Thursday when Midori took time out to check out new female body. Not that Midori needed confirmation of her new gender, this was just to satisfy her curiosity.
“That formula of Dr. Wagner’s is like magic.” Midori said as she stared at the naked woman’s reflection in the mirror. The body of the former Tom Slater stood 5'4 and weighed 119 lbs.(Not long after getting out of bed, Midori was weighed and measured by one of the Doctors who were attending her.) The undergarments and clothing furnished to Midori earlier in the day, showed she wore a size four dress, six shoes was a 32b bra size.
Midori spent some time looking at her breasts. They may not be big, but they were a nice pair. Tom Slater was one of those guys who didn’t think big breasts meant beautiful. He would have certainly gotten a rise out of Hiromi’s.
A few other things of note, were a small scar on Midori’s right knee and a mole on her left butt cheek. If Midori was expecting the massive tattoos some members of the Yakuza had on their bodies, she was to be disappointed. There was just a small tattoo of a dragon on her left leg a few inches above the knee.
Midori was still participating in self-voyeurism when Christine walked in the room. “Midori, I came....”
Startled by the presence of the nurse in the room, and feeling ashamed of what she was doing, Midori threw her arms across her body as if they were a fig leaf. “Christine, I’m sorry. I was....”
Christine turned around so as to face away from her patient. “Midori you are doing what I and every one else who went through a gender change here has done. You’re doing nothing wrong.”
“I was checking myself out.”
“I don’t blame you. What do you think?”
“This is incredible.” Midori grabbed a nearby bathrobe and put it on. She felt embarrassed standing naked in front of the nurse, even though the Captain knew she shouldn’t be.
“Sure is.’
“You can turn back around. I got a robe on.”
Christine faced towards her patient. “You didn’t have to. I’ve seen more naked bodies than I can count.”
The purpose of Christine’s visit to tell Midori of some tests she would be having over the next few days. A PET Scan, a EEG, and the treadmill test. The PET Scan would be done Thursday afternoon at a nearby hospital. Midori would be driven there around 1300 hours.
“These are just routine. The doctors do it to make sure no problems cropped up from your transformation. They rarely do.”
“I understand. Thanks Christine.”
“You’re welcome Midori. I’ll leave you alone. If anyone needs to come in, I’ll make sure we knock first.”
“Don’t worry, I’m done.”
“No, go back to what you were doing and enjoy the view,” Christine said as she began walking over to the door. Before letting herself out, the nurse winked at Midori. “You’re a real cutie. Talk to you later.”
Midori had all those tests that Christine informed her of. The results came back normal.
When she woke up Friday morning, Midori felt almost entirely fit. There being almost no side effects from her transformation left. When the doctor came by to examine her, Midori asked if she could begin working out a little. The doctor gave the ok, but said for Midori to not push herself too hard.
Courtesy of Christine, Midori was given a Army sweat suit. After putting this clothing on, the Captain went about doing his old exercise regime. Pushups, situps, and some stretching exercises. Midori felt no discomfort doing any of these. In actuality Midori was discovering her new body was very physically fit.
The last part of the workout was the daily jog Tom Slater used to do. At first Midori planned to only jog a mile, a run from the building she was housed in, to another base building that the Captain calculated to be about a half mile away. Midori reached her halfway point with ease, and then decided to push on further. In all, Midori ran almost three miles that day.
Later on Midori told all of this to Gabrielle Tanaka when the FBI agent came to pay a visit. “I’m ready to get out of here.”
“That’s good Midori and I’m glad to hear it. We’ll have to get a doctor’s ok first, but I’m guessing Sunday will be your last day here.”
“Good. I’m eager to get started on this assignment.”
Gabrielle was glad Midori was enthusiastic about her mission. The agent was wondering to herself what had happened to the Captain over the last few days. On arrival at Detrick, Tom Slater seemed very much the reluctant warrior.
“When I leave here, am I going to Japan straight away or somewhere else?”
“Somewhere else. South Korea actually. Don’t worry Midori, you’ll be briefed before going.”
“Want to quiz me about the Watanabes?”
Gabrielle proceeded to ask Midori about the briefing she had gotten using the laptop. Midori answered almost all the FBI agent’s questions correctly.
“Impressive.”
“I better memorize everything I can about these Yakuza. It will my ass if I don’t.”
“Such a nice ass too.”
Man and woman, woman and woman, the sexual tension was still there between the FBI agent and the Army Captain. Midori found that very interesting.
“I regret I have only one ass...gender err....life to give for my country.” That comment resulted in a laugh.
“Before I forget,” Gabrielle said taking an object out of her purse. It was an envelope with a CD disk in it. “We have some more information about the Watanabe Yakuza plus Hiromi Sato.”
Midori took the CD. “Thanks, I’ll study this after dinner. Could you stay around and have a meal with me?”
“Unfortunately no Midori. I got to go back to Bureau headquarters after I’m done here. There are some interesting and useful things we discovered about Ms. Sato.”
“Like what?”
“Hiromi Sato was once one of Japan’s elite marathon runners.”
“Really?” Midori asked. Thinking back, it didn’t surprise her. While out running, Midori hadn’t felt spent at all after running three miles.
“Yes, really. She was first alternate for Japan’s 2000 Olympic team. You do remember who won the women’s marathon that year?”
Midori nodded her head. “Sure do. I never saw my Mom scream so loudly as when Naoko Takahashi crossed the finish line at the Sydney Olympics. Which is pretty incredible if you knew how uninterested my mother is normally about sports.”
“Mom didn’t tell you to ask her on a date if you two ever met?” Gabrielle joked.
“No, never. Gabrielle, I got two questions about Hiromi Sato. Maybe you can fill me in.”
“I’ll try.”
“First how did we get her DNA for Dr. Wagner?”
“We have a source close to Hiromi. They got us the sample.”
Midori nodded. Sooner or later Midori would be briefed on who the source was. “Second question, How did Hiromi get to be so influential at such a young age? I mean, she isn’t even five years out of Tokyo University. Is she related to the Watanabes or have some other connections to them?”
“Midori I have to be honest, we don’t know.”
Gabrielle gave Midori a rundown of what she had to look forward to the next two days. After this task was over, Gabrielle left.
It was almost 1800 when Midori decided to go get some dinner. There was a cafeteria on base about a mile walk from where the Captain was staying. On her way out, Midori stopped by the nurse’s station.
“I’m going out to dinner. Is that all right?”
“Of course,” Christine replied. “I want to wish you well Midori. Starting tomorrow I will be off for three days.”
“Thank you Christine, I appreciate it. It has been nice knowing you.”
That Friday evening there was a meeting of the Swan Song committee. Gabrielle Tanaka was in attendance.
Swan Song was formed by the FBI with the cooperation of Japanese and South Korean police authorities. Its only mission was the eventual destruction of the Watanabe Yakuza family.
FBI Deputy Director, Grant Williamson was the chairman of Swan Song. The committee only had five members but could co-op other people if needed. Japanese and South Korean officials had also put aside their usual animosity towards one another in order to achieve the committee’s goal.
To bring down a crime family, more than one person is needed. In all almost two hundred people(at one time or another) would be assisting Midori Sasaki/Hiromi Sato behind the scenes to penetrate the Watanabe organization and hopefully cause its destruction.
Friday’s meeting was about Phase two of Swan Song. “Are your resources in place Inspector Kim?”
The meeting was being done by teleconference. Inspector Kwang-bok Kim was the South Korean representative. “Yes, but Dr. Cho is not available till Wednesday earliest.”
“That isn’t a problem inspector. Ripley won’t be arriving in Seoul till Tuesday evening.” Deputy Williamson said.
Ripley was Swan Song’s codename for Captain Slater. It coming from the Sigourney Weaver character in four Science fiction movies, the first of which was ‘Alien’. The code name was Special Agent Tanaka’s idea.
Ripley’s delayed arrival in South Korea, was also due to a medical hold placed by Dr. Wagner. Midori had complained of being imbalanced on a few occasions. This was not an unusual symptom among Doctor Wagner’s patients, still Swan Song was being cautious.(One previous DNA patient was discovered to have a brain tumor two weeks after their release from Detrick) Midori would undergo an MRI Friday evening as a precaution.
“We have some bad news.” Inspector Yoshida of the Kanagawa prefecture police reported. “Agent Lily was found dead early yesterday a.m.”
“Do we know the cause of death?” Agent Tanaka asked. Lily was one of three people Swan Song had within the Watanabe organization. Now with Lily dead, only one agent remained, they were known as Chrysanthemum. Three months earlier, an agent codenamed Sumo, had been brutally murdered.
“An autopsy is being done as we talk, but a drug overdose is the probable cause. We believe Lily’s death to be the result of foul play.”
“Is there anything new regarding Chrysanthemum?”
“No, not at this time.” Inspector Yoshida said.
A few more things were gone over before the meeting was adjourned. Agent Tanaka, who knew of Japanese authorities dismal record of breaking the Yakuza, was beginning to re-think Swan Song. Was Captain Slater being sent to certain death?
Gabrielle kept those doubts to herself when she saw Midori the next day. “It’s set, you’re leaving on Monday from Dulles Airport to Incheon. It is a non-stop flight ”
“I’ll arrive there Tuesday afternoon or evening South Korea time?”
“Correct. If you don’t mind, you’re going to check out of here tonight and come stay at my place one night.”
“I don’t have a problem with that. Gabrielle you do so much running around, anything to make it easier for you is fine with me.”
“Thanks Midori, it will make it much easier. My boss signed off on it.”
“That’s good.”
“I’ve planned something for tomorrow.”
“What is that?” Midori asked and Gabrielle told her. “Interesting ”
“We better get going. There are a lot of things for us to cover today.”
“You’re going to teach me how to be a woman.” Midori remarked. “By the way, my things arrived last night while I was having an MRI done.”
(The MRI was negative, and as soon as this was confirmed, Dr. Dietrich released the hold on Midori. In any case Midori wasn’t having any balance problems anymore.)
Today Gabrielle would give Midori lessons in women’s clothes, accessories, jewelry, makeup and other areas of female life that men that are almost always ignorant of. With Midori departing in two days, it would have to be a crash course/ Gabrielle would have more time down the road. to further educate Midori before she took Hiromi Sato’s place.
Midori paid close attention to what the Special Agent taught her. Especially the lessons in makeup and color coordinating clothing. Gabrielle thought most men were horrible at the later.
“Would you believe I once saw a man wearing a dark purple shirt and brown pants?”
“I’ll believe it.”
For Midori, it meant matching up the clothing she was provided. The two suitcases she got had clothes for ten days .
“You’ll receive more once you get to South Korea.”
“Gotcha.”
After the lesson was over, Gabrielle planned to quiz Midori on what she had learned. First she had a question to ask of the Army Captain. “You’re flying to Incheon on Monday, what clothes would you wear?”
Midori answered immediately. “That outfit, along with matching shoes, purse and camisole.”
Gabrielle smiled. “Excellent Captain. That would make you appear to be the traveling executive businesswoman that your cover says you are.”
“It was just a good guess.” Midori replied back with a slight grin.
Midori was doing well so far as the color co-ordination and the other lessons Gabrielle gave her. The FBI agent telling Midori she was a quick learner.
There was also a lesson in hair care. While Hiromi Sato's hair reached only a few inches beneath her shoulders, this was still many times longer than the hair style Tom Slater was accustomed to. Gabrielle taught Midori how to brush and comb it properly, plus how to use hair clips.
The lessons in makeup were basic. They consisting of how to use face powder and lipstick. Midori caught onto these without much struggle.
“The real Hiromi Sato uses a ton of eye makeup. If you ask my opinion, she uses too much.”
Gabrielle grinned. “Midori, I happen to agree with you.”
“I wonder if she gets a discount for buying it in bulk.” This quip by Midori caused Gabrielle to laugh.
When they were through with the makeup lessons, Gabrielle and Midori got to the last task of the day. The briefing in regards to Midori’s trip to South Korea.
“Have you ever been to the Republic of Korea?” Gabrielle knew Captain Slater’s military service inside out. While the officer hadn’t been ever stationed in South Korea, it was still possible Tom had visited the country.
“No, never. My Dad was stationed there, but his tour was unaccompanied. I was ten at the time, and Mom and us kids stayed behind in Japan while Dad was stationed at Camp Red Cloud.”
The next thing Gabrielle did was open a large Manila envelope she had brought. Inside it were keys plus various identification for Midori. A Japanese driver’s license was in a lady’s wallet which contained American money totaling one thousand dollars and travelers checks in a similar amount.
“Gee I can almost settle down in the ROK if I want. Forget the Army, find myself a husband and start a family.”
Gabrielle laughed. “I don’t see you doing that Captain.”
“Me neither. By the way, since we’re talking about the ability to reproduce, when do I start menstruating?”
“Approximately four weeks from the date of your gender change.”
“I was just curious.”
“Every woman’s cycle is different, I’m sorry I can’t be more specific.”
“No problem Gabrielle. I grew up with two sisters and was engaged to get married once. All of that gave me a little bit of an education.”
“If you don’t mind me saying, Karen was a complete idiot, when she dumped you. It makes me question if she ever loved you.”
“Forget it Gabrielle. I have, its ancient history to me now.”
Another document Midori got was a Japanese passport. She was officially Midori Sasaki, born May 1st, 1982 in Tokyo Japan.
“The passport is real. It was supplied by the Japanese so you need not worry about it.”Midori nodded her head. She was fully aware of Japan’s cooperation. If only Midori knew of the Swan Song committee.
Gabrielle’s briefing on Midori’s trip to Seoul and her visit to that country didn’t take long at all. It mostly consisted of Midori being told where to go on arrival, who would contact her, and where the Army Captain would be going in the ROK after that.
“People will be there to help you when you get to the base. Your lessons and training begin as soon as you arrive.”
“When do you get there?”
“Not sure. At least a week after your arrival but not more than two weeks either.” Gabrielle was taking a week’s vacation. Her sister Candace had just had a baby boy named Michael Lawrence Ishii. He was scheduled to be baptized the Sunday after next.
Once the briefing was over, it was time for Midori to leave Fort Detrick. Everything Captain Tom Slater had brought with him to the base was either to be put away for safekeeping till after Japan, or discarded.
In the end Midori had just the two suitcases full of clothes, a computer bag containing the FBI issued laptop given to the Captain by Gabrielle, and a airplane carry-on bag with some miscellaneous items stored in it. It was around five p.m. when all of these items were put in Gabrielle’s SUV for the drive to the FBI agent’s apartment in Arlington Virginia
On her way out of the building she had been staying in since Monday, Midori was given a white card like envelope by the nurse who was on duty. To Midori Sasaki was neatly printed on front. Midori thanked the nurse.
On their way to Arlington, Midori and Gabrielle stopped to have a quiet dinner at a Thai restaurant. After that they went to the FBI agent’s apartment. Feeling mentally exhausted, Midori hit the sack not long after 10 p.m.
The following day saw Midori and Gabrielle go to the FBI training facility in Quantico Virginia. There they were met by a Marine Sergeant Major named Mike Dowd. Mike was there at the request of the Swan Song committee. The Sergeant Major giving Midori a crash firearms refresher course.
After introductions were made, things got right down to business. “How much experience do you have with firearms?” Sgt. Major Dowd asked.
“A little Sgt. Major.”
“Well I’m going to teach you the right way to use a gun. Now listen carefully.....”
While Midori thought the firearms training was unnecessary for someone with almost eight years spent active duty in the army, she paid attention anyway. Acting like she was a total beginner. There would a time to show off if Midori was patient.
The weapon chose for Midori’s lesson was a Glock 22, a semi-automatic pistol. It used .40 mm. ammunition and came with a fifteen round magazine.
Sgt. Major Dowd spent almost two hours teaching Midori about the Glock 22. First describing the gun and then demonstrating to his student how to handle it properly. “Now hold the gun firmly like I said and fire. Firing one round only.”
Miidori was all set. She plus Gabrielle and the Sgt Major all having ear coverings on. A paper target standing some thirty-three feet away, was what Midori would be aiming at.
Midori didn’t fire one bullet as told, but emptied its entire magazine in quick fashion instead. When done, Midori put the Glock 22 down on the ledge. “Think I did all right?”
Sgt Major Dowd gave Midori the result moments later. “Holy shit.”
“Fourteen is good?” Midori asked with a large smirk on her face. Fourteen bullets had gone through the bullseye ring, the remaining one through the next outer ring.
The Sgt Major shook his head. “Ma’am, I was told you’re not FBI or law enforcement. So what really is your occupation?”
“Would you believe I’m a CPA?”
“Yeah and I’m Commandant of the entire fucking Marine Corps. Your lessons are over Ma’am.” Sgt. Major Dowd then walked off in a huff, muttering underneath his breath about his day and time being wasted.
“Thank you Sgt. Major,” Midori said to the departing marine. She also called out “Have a great day.”
Gabrielle let out a loud laugh once Dowd was out of earshot. “Guys rarely like being out shot by a couple of women.”
“They sure don’t. So can we have that pistol match like I mentioned earlier?”
“Just as long as money is on the line. How about $100 to the winner in addition to another $50 for every point of margin between us. Sound good?”
“You’re on.”
“Want to do the popup range or continue with the paper targets?” Gabrielle asked.
Midori knew what the popup course consisted of. Silhouettes with images on them would appear from behind trees or in windows. The shooter has to make a quick decision if the popup is a threat or not.
“No, lets go with the paper targets.” Midori told Gabrielle. Because of Gabrielle’s FBI training, she would have a decided advantage on the popup course.
Final score of the match? 494 to 491 in favor of Gabrielle. As soon as they were done, Midori went looking for money to pay off her bet.
“Shit, I’m so used to having a wallet in my back pocket.”
“You’ll get used to carrying a purse in no time.” Gabrielle remarked back.
“I just hope I don't leave it somewhere first.”
“Midori, you have adjusted great. I’m not lying when I say that.”
“Thanks. Lets get our purse....purses and let me pay you what I owe.”
“Forget it for now Midori. You can do it after Japan. The money you have at the moment is the bureau’s.”
“I forgot. By the way you’re one of the best shots I know.”
“Thank you. Lets call it a day here, what do you think?”
“Lets do that.”
The trouble Midori and Gabrielle had now was what to do for the rest of the day. It wasn’t quite 2 pm in the afternoon and both women weren’t hungry or anything.
“I don’t want to go to the hotel. What am I going to do there? Sit around and watch television the rest of the day? I had enough of that when laid up at Reed.” Midori said to Gabrielle as they pulled out of a parking space.
“There’s a mall not far away with a movie theater? Want to go there? We can see a show maybe or just walk around?”
Midori looked over at Gabrielle. No matter whether he was male or female, the Army Captain found the FBI agent a very attractive woman. Had Gabrielle just asked him on a date? “ The mall is fine with me.”
On the way to the mall, Midori asked about the firearms refresher course she had just taken. Why had the Bureau ordered it? It wasn’t like Midori didn’t know anything about guns.
“It didn’t make sense to me either, but my bosses said it was a must.”
“Will the Sgt. Major say I passed?”
Gabrielle laughed. “I don’t think that’s a problem.”
When they arrived at the mall, Gabrielle and Midori lucked out. A new comedy movie was showing at 2:30. After the movie was over, Gabrielle and Midori walked around the mall till almost 6 p.m.
Midori made no purchases in the mall, instead she and Gabrielle engaged in some window shopping or in the case of one store, the trying on of shoes. While there, Midori had a sudden realization.
“Shit I totally forgot what today is.”
“You got a lot on your mind.”
“I know, but it’s still careless of me. Is it all right if I make one call at the hotel?”
“Absolutely. If the bureau objects, I’ll pay the bill. They won’t say anything.”
“I won’t talk long.”
“Talk as long as you need.”
On their way to the hotel, Gabrielle gave the Midori a last minute pep talk. “Midori, starting from the time you’re picked up in Seoul, you need to be Japanese. Live it, breathe it, eat it, think it, sleep it. Every minute of every day. For your own sake.”
“Gabrielle I know. I’ll not disappoint you or the Bureau.”
“Midori it isn’t that. I’ll be worried about you when this mission finally gets under way.”
Taking Gabrielle’s right hand as the FBI agent continued to drive, Midori reassured her friend. “If I can survive an IED going off 10 yards away from me in Iraq, I can survive anything the Yakuza throws my way.”
Midori and Gabrielle arrived at the Hilton Hotel, Washington Dulles Airport, just a few minutes before 7 p.m. “Good luck till I see you again Midori.”
Still inside the FBI agent’s SUV, Midori and Gabrielle, were looking each other in the eye. Their faces only a foot apart. “Thank you Gabrielle for everything. You take care.”
Midori and Gabrielle’s faces slowly reached out for each other. Hoping for a kiss on the lips, Midori got a kiss on the cheek instead.
“Bye Midori.”
Midori climbed out of the SUV. A hotel porter coming over to assist her. ‘May as well start playing my part’ Midori thought to herself.
“Young man, could you please take my bags out for me. I have a reservation for tonight.”
“Of course Ma’am.” The bellhop replied. Once her bags were placed on a cart, Midori went inside the hotel to check in.
Midori made her phone call around 2100 hours. Before doing that, Midori had gotten settled into her room, freshened up, and had dinner in the hotel restaurant. After finishing her meal, Midori went back upstairs to her room.
There she took a bath. After a long day spent working with firearms, some of Midori’s muscles ached. Particularly those in her upper arms. The warm bath helped alleviate the soreness.
The phone number Midori was calling got answered on the third ring. “Hello.”
“Hi Simon, can I speak to Mom?”
“Who am I talking to?”
Midori then realized the error she just made. Her brother-in-law didn’t recognize whom he was speaking to. “Simon can you please put your mother-in-law on the phone?”
A few moments later, another person was on the phone. “Hello.”
“Hi Mom, it’s me Tom. Happy Mother’s Day.”
“Hello Tom. Thank you for calling. I been thinking of you all day today.”
Midori felt ashamed about almost forgetting Mother’s Day. “Mom I almost forgot about today. I’m sorry.”
“No need to be sorry. You are busy right now. Are you on mission for Army yet?”
“Almost Mom, I leave tomorrow.” If Midori Slater considered it strange to be talking to her son now as a woman, the mother didn’t show it.
“You be careful.”
“I will Mom. I love you.”
Midori talked with her mother for a few minutes more. Tom Slater’s parents were in Idaho visiting for a few days but would be returning to Washington on Tuesday. Through her talk with Mom, Midori learned her parents were having a very good time. Particularly since they were getting to see their grandson Shannon.
“Your father wants to speak to you. Hold on.”
Midori waited less than a minute. “Hello Son.”
“Hi Dad. How are you?”
“Good, good. Your mother said you will be leaving tomorrow.”
“Yes Dad, I will. Sorry but I probably won't be able to call on Father’s Day.”
“That’s all right son. You have a job to do. Remember what I reminded you about?”
“Yes Dad. Duty, honor, country.”
“Exactly. I know you’ll do your best for our country and both your Mother and I. Hold on, your mother wants to talk to you again..”
“Goodbye Dad.”
After his mother got back on the phone, the phone call began to resemble ones Tom had with his Mom in the past. Mrs. Slater telling her son to be safe and careful while she was gone.
“I’m proud of you Tom. Never forget that. I will always love you, no matter what.”
“I love you too Mom.”
“When you get back, come visit us.”
“I will Mom, I promise.”
“Bring that nice FBI girl.”
Midori knew her mother worried for him, even if she showed no fear. The next thing Midori said was meant to make his Mom feel a little better. “Gabrielle and I are already becoming friends.”
It was true. Midori and Gabrielle had become friends in only a matter of days. Their personalities seeming to mesh. Would that continue after Japan? Midori hoped so.
Mrs. Slater got more than a little excited after hearing what her son said. “Tom, I would be very happy if you marry Gabrielle one day.”
Funny but Tom could never remember Mom saying the same when he became engaged to Karen Gibson in the spring of 2001. Not that Mrs. Slater hadn’t liked Karen, but there hadn’t been this sound of joy in his mother’s voice before. Midori hoped she wasn’t giving her mother false hope.
“I will try Mom, I promise. Mom I got to go.”
“Love you Tom. Be careful for me.”
“I will. Love you too Mom. Bye.”
“Bye.”
After hanging up the phone, Midori sat at the edge of the bed thinking. Would she ever see Mom and Dad again? Midori couldn’t dwell too much on the dangers facing her. It could effect her mission.
Midori planned on watching some television before going to bed, but first she wanted to do something else. It was time to open the card given to her at Ft. Detrick the day before.
Midori was astonished by the type of card someone had given to her. It was for Mother’s Day.
Inside it was a long note or rather a short letter.
Midori,
Let me be the first person to ever wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you had both a safe and enjoyable day.
Now you may think me nuts for calling you a Mother but I’m not. Today is a day to honor Mothers, not just those who are ones already, but those who long to be one, and those who can be a mother. In other words all women.
Ok I know you’re only a woman because our government or the Army asked you to do them a favor. Still if for this one year only, you are a woman and one who should be congratulated or honored today.
Did you call your mother today? I’d understand if you didn’t but I’m sure she was in your thoughts today. If you couldn’t see her, always remember our Moms are always with us in our hearts. I think you will understand what I mean. You always came across to me as someone in touch with their emotions.
Let me wish you success and good luck on whatever job or work you’re doing in the months ahead. May God protect and bless you. You’re a brave woman Midori and I mean it when I say I consider you a hero.
A few more things. If you ever need someone to talk to, and have the opportunity to do so, give me a buzz. I wrote my phone number and email address down just in case. If you’re in the Maryland/Washington DC/Baltimore area maybe we can even get together and chat.
This is just an offer from a friend. One who knows a lot of how you got to be feeling right now. You’re both getting used to and seeing the world in a whole different light. I was like you not long ago, and can relate to the experiences you’re having.
Anyway, Happy Mother’s Day again. I know you’ll get back safe, I feel it in my heart. You’ll come back to Detrick and get your male body back. It’s a shame, you’d make a beautiful woman not that you aren’t cute now . One thing is certain, your experience will make you a better man in the end. I’m being honest when I say, some woman will be very lucky to have you for a husband one day.
Sincerely,
Christine Jennings
Midori was moved by the thoughtful and kind card. She planned to keep it and thank Christine one day for giving it to her.
The Monday after Mother’s Day was the real thing for Midori. Her first full day living as a woman out in the real world.
It started at the unusually late hour(For Tom Slater that is) of 0630. After doing her morning exercise and stretching routine,(but without any morning jog.) Midori put on some temporary clothes before going downstairs for breakfast.
After having breakfast, Midori returned to the room and just killed time till 0900. Then she began getting ready in for the day in earnest. First showering throughly for it would be a long time before her next, and after that by getting dressed and made up for the day. It was 1015 when Midori left her room to go downstairs to check out. A bell hop having already come upstairs to collect the Captain’s bags.
If someone wanted to look like a business woman about to make a long flight, Midori couldn’t have done much better. She was wearing Navy blue pants with matching shoes and blazer. Under the blazer Midori had a white camisole on. Pearl earrings adorned both ears, with a similar necklace around her neck. This was the outfit Midori had chosen two days earlier and it meeting with Gabrielle Tanaka’s approval.
Midori left on the 1030 airport bus to Dulles. Her flight wasn’t till 1:30 but the old habits of Tom Slater hadn’t died with his old form, Midori was giving herself plenty of time. Her Korean Air flight was on-time, and after checking in at the counter for Business Class customers, Midori went straight to the security checkpoint.
Midori Sasaki hated the hassles that came with flying in the post 9-11 world but she felt they were needed. Terrorists wanted to bring more death and destruction to the United States. To stop this required vigilance. Waiting in long lines and having to take one’s shoes off to go through security were minor conveniences compared to having yourself and others flown into a skyscraper or monument. There were still men and women who would do it if given a chance.
After security, Midori went to KAL’s airport club. From what she could see, the flight to Incheon was heavily booked. Midori killed more time in the club by reading a book she had brought with her.
If not for having no cell phone, Midori may have given Gabrielle a call. If only to say her flight was on time, or maybe just to have someone to talk to. For at that moment, Midori was feeling all alone.
Midori boarded her flight when Business Class customers were called. For her flying comfort and convenience, Midori had both the roller and laptop computer bags with her in addition to a purse.
Once on board the plane, Midori went straight to her assigned seat, 9B. As soon as she got there, Midori stowed the book(A Japanese romance novel given to Midori by Gabrielle. Midori was using it in order to improve her reading aptitude) she brought and the laptop computer down below.
Getting the rollerbag up in the overhead proved to be a struggle for Midori. Her arms were still sore from the day before, and this caused Midori trouble lifting.
“Let me do that for you.” A man around thirty-five years of age said to Midori. Without waiting for Midori to reply, the gentleman put the bag in the overhead compartment.
“Domo arigato.” Midori said with a slight bow of her head. The helpful gentleman would be seated next to her in Seat 9A. A few moments later a flight attendant asked if Midori wanted Champagne, Orange Juice, or another beverage before taking off. Midori selected the champagne After getting her drink, Midori kicked off her shoes and made herself comfortable for the long flight.
The flight was what Midori expected it to be, long and boring. Midori spent almost all of her time in route either reading(The book was dreck in Midori’s opinion. Tom Slater being a person who didn’t read books of the romance variety. Still the Captain knew a good book when she read it. This particular piece of Japanese literature left much to be desired), listening to music or just sleeping. The plane getting to Inchon a few minutes before 1700 local time. Arrival in the ROK was as routine as the flight for Midori, and after clearing customs, she got onboard a Korean Air limo for the ride into Seoul.
Like in Washington, Midori was booked into a Hilton Hotel. Freshening up, including the taking of a shower and a call to room service for dinner, were Midori’s first actions after getting in room 805. She was glad to be on solid if unfamiliar ground.
Midori had trouble sleeping that night. It wasn’t jet lag, but rather anticipation of what lay ahead. Midori was feeling very wound up. So shortly before 2300, Midori donned some clothes in place of her pajamas and went downstairs for a snack. The Hilton having a 24-hour restaurant
While in the restaurant, Midori noticed a man in his mid thirties eying her. Not just once or twice for a second or two, but repeatedly and for long periods of time. Midori had drawn the attention of a man for the first time.
Midori ignored the guy, and instead finished eating and drinking the slice of pie and glass of milk she had ordered. After paying her bill, Midori went back to where the elevator was. She was surprised to see the guy there. He seemed to be waiting for Midori.
“My name is Lance, yours?”
“Midori.”
“Nice to meet you Midori.” The guy made small talk for only a few seconds before getting right to the point. “Want to come to my room for a good time?”
Right then the elevator doors opened, Midori stepped forward like she was going on, but then stopped. Lance passing her in the process and getting on board.
“You’re not coming? I promise to show you a good time.”
Without saying a word, Midori answered in a very unladylike way. Midori giving Lance the finger.
Unfazed, Lance blew Midori a kiss just moments before the elevator door closed in his face. A few minutes later Midori got on another elevator car for the ride upstairs.
“Welcome to a man’s world, Midori Sasaki.” Midori muttered once she was back in room 805. Life had changed for the Army Captain in a way he would have never thought possible less than two weeks previous.
While Lance was a total prick in Midori’s book, she couldn’t forget her seat mate on the plane. His name Bob Hall and he had proved to be pleasant company for Midori on the trip over to South Korea. Bob, who was some type of businessman, spoke glowingly to Midori about his family and kids(Even sharing pictures of them) back in Virginia. All the time Bob speaking to Midori in halting Japanese, a language the businessman was trying to learn.
So if Lance was a prick, Bob was a total gentlemen, helpful to women in need, and a loving family man. Midori knew there were many types of men between the two extremes she had encountered in her first two days out as a woman. She would try hard to remember the Bob Halls of the world, while ignoring the Lances.
Midori was fully aware Asia’s culture and society were considered patriarchal and male chauvinistic in nature by Western standards. It was true, and Midori or any one woman couldn’t change it. The Captain would roll with the punches, knowing in the end she’d get an experience that may do wonders one day for Tom Slater. He’d have a better appreciation for women.
The dessert and glass of milk did wonders for Midori. She fell fast asleep less than a half hour after getting back to her room.
Midori was seated in the Hilton Hotel’s lobby the next morning. She was waiting for someone to pick her up. This time Midori was dressed casually, a powder blue blouse plus white pants. Gabrielle had briefed Midori that someone would be picking her up at 1000 Wednesday morning.
While she waited, Midori passed the time by trying to calculate what nationality everyone was that walked by her. It was a practice taught to Tom Slater by his mother years ago. Midori Slater said she could tell by a person’s facial, what particular nationality of Asian they were. When able to check her work, Midori Sasaki was proved rarely wrong.
Midori was doing this little game as she waited to be picked up. Excluding Hotel employees and westerners, Midori surmised that most men and women who passed her seat in the hotel lobby were Japanese like her.
Japan and South Korea are two countries separated by the relatively small Sea of Japan, but the chasm between the two societies is much wider. Japan ruled the Korean peninsula for almost half of the 20th century and this caused hard feelings between the two nations. There are few quicker ways to get a Korean angry at you than to call them a Jap.
Both countries are fiercely nationalistic in addition to being economic competitors. Midori knew all of this and wondered how Japan and South Korea came to co-operate on the matter of bringing down the Watanabe Yakuza family. There had to be a reason, but at present Midori was clueless to what it could be.
Midori had just checked her watch, discovering it was ten minutes after ten, when a Western man entered the hotel. By both his demeanor and haircut, Midori was guessing this had to be the person picking her up. He had military written all over him.
“Are you Midori Sasaki?”
“Yes I am.”
“I’m Corporal Joseph Marsh United States Army, and I been directed to pick you up and transport you to Camp Casey,” The Army soldier said as he showed Midori his identification. “Are these your only belongings?”
“No. The bellhop has two more suitcases of mine. They’re right over there.”
“Please follow me Ma’am.”
The drive to Camp Casey took almost two hours. Casey is the biggest American military installation in South Korea and is close to the North Korean border.
On arrival at Casey, Midori was taken to where the base’s main food court was. Not feeling terribly hungry at the time, Midori got only a salad to eat.
After that Midori was taken to where she’d be spending the next five weeks. A square two story building. On the first floor was an office, and that was where she found Major Ed Hollins already waiting for her.
“Good afternoon Captain. I hope your trip was uneventful.”
“It was sir.”
“Captain, we have little time to waste,” Major Hollins said as he handed Midori one sheet of paper. On it was a schedule of Midori’s activities. Almost all her non-sleeping hours were accounted for one way or another for the coming week. “You will start training the minute you leave this room.”
“No problem sir. I’m ready.”
“Good. Any questions at this time?”
Midori had some. Mostly about where she would be quartered on base, how she would get about and a few other miscellaneous details. Major Hollins filled her in.
“I’ve never been to Casey before sir.”
“It’s not a hard base to learn Captain. Anything else?”
“No sir.”
“Then report to Room 12 on the second floor. Professor Yamada is expecting you.”
“Yes sir.” After saluting his commanding officer, Midori left the room.
Professor Yamada was waiting patiently upstairs for his student. After a brief introduction, the Professor who had only one student, began class.
“I’m here to help improve your knowledge of and fluency in Japanese. We begin today.”
“Sensei no okage de, gambarimasu!”
Midori’s lessons in the weeks ahead were grueling. Afternoons were spent with Professor Yamada from 1230-1600 hours. With the help of textbooks, Midori worked hard to improve how she both spoke and read Japanese. Textbooks weren’t the only way Midori learned either. Scenes were staged, like how would Midori order a meal at a restaurant, ask for directions, things like that.
Mornings were spent with Professor Cho, a famous Korean economist(but one was also fluent in Japanese) who taught Midori a crash course in Economics and everything financial. Those classes started at 0730 and ended at 1200. In between classes there was a half hour for lunch.
Every morning Midori’s day began at 0600. First with exercise, with a shower and breakfast to follow before class with Dr. Cho. Evenings weren’t exactly free. Midori had briefings on the Watanabes and everything known on Hiromi Sato to attend plus lessons in Japanese history, with an emphasis on the Yakuza to learn.
Midori also had to study for the next day’s lessons and review what she had learned so far. This all coming before bedtime, which was supposed to be 2200 hours but often lasted till midnight.
This taking place seven days a week, always at Camp Casey.
On Sundays there were no classes. Instead Midori would spend the day watching Japanese television via satellite or watching shows that were taped during the week for the Captain to watch. This in order for Midori to be up on Japanese pop culture.
Midori also had to familiarize herself with Japanese pop music. According to sources, Hiromi Sato was very much into Japanese popular music. It was said Hiromi attended the occasional concert.
There was a lot for Midori to learn but she never complained. Instead she put all her energy into the complicated and multi-layered training she had to undergo. For Midori knew one slip up as Hiromi Sato could be fatal for the Captain.
Gabrielle arrived in South Korea during Midori’s second week of training. The FBI agent stopping by to check up on Midori late on a Friday night.
“You’re doing well I hear.”
“Thanks Gabrielle. I’m really trying to do my best.” Midori said as she rubbed her eyes.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m just a little tired.”
“Your trip, did it go smoothly?”
“Yes except for the guy at the Seoul Hilton who offered to show me a good time up in his room.”
Gabrielle asked for Midori to elaborate. Midori did just that, which caused her friend to laugh. “I would have given Lance the same reply you did.”
“I’ve become a woman in the service of my country but there are some things I just won’t do. Besides I still like women.”
“Are you saying you’re gay Captain?”
“No, not at all. For the moment, I’m just a straight man trapped or encased in a woman’s body.”
Gabrielle grinned. “Good answer.”
“It isn’t original. Some years ago I heard some male radio talk show host say he was a lesbian in a man’s body.” Midori said as she began to rub her eyes again.
Gabrielle and Midori only chatted a few more minutes before the Captain excused herself in order to prepare for bed. The following morning Gabrielle went to speak to Major Hollins.
“Major, I believe we need to work some rest time into the Captain’s schedule. If not she is liable to burn out before stepping foot in Japan.
“I’d like to Agent Tanaka, but we have a very tight schedule to maintain.”
Gabrielle wasn’t budging. She could see the tiredness in Midori’s face the night before. “We’re still over 70 days from D day. Every one of her instructors says Captain Slater is doing better than anyone hoped for, plus we have extra time built in for any problems that may arise. Can’t we give the Captain a break one day and one night a week?”
After giving it some consideration, Major Hollins agreed to Agent Tanaka’s proposed schedule change for Midori. At the end of the day, Gabrielle shared the news with Midori.
“So what am I supposed to do tomorrow?”
“That’s up to you. Your day is totally free.” Gabrielle told Midori. “You can stay at Casey, go into Dongduchon or even visit Seoul if you want.”
Midori wasn’t certain what she would do the next day but there was one thing she didn’t want to do. “The last thing I’ll do is watch any Japanese soaps. I’m so tired of that programming. Why do women watch that crap?”
Gabrielle sympathized with Midori. She wasn’t a fan of soap operas either. “I guess women are supposed to like drama.”
Midori spent Sunday working out at one of Camp Casey’s gyms. Some of the time there was spent using a punching bag. Other than that, Midori watched a movie, played some billiards versus a Army Sergeant and generally took a break for the day. On Monday Midori felt refreshed, this proving Gabrielle to be right about the Captain needing some down time.
After five weeks at Casey, Midori was considered ready to move her training to Japan. Using a Air Force transport plane, Midori and Gabrielle Tanaka were flown from Osan Air Base South Korea to Misawa Air Base Japan. It was there Midori would continue her training..
As the weeks passed, Midori got more detailed briefings on Goro Watanabe, the branch of the Yakuza he headed, plus Hiromi Sato. Some of the information was either interesting, very useful, or both.
First there was some of Goro Watanabe’s habits. For a head Obuyan, Goro was a surprisingly public man. Goro didn’t mind at all having his picture taken by the local media. Often smiling and waving to the cameras when these photo ops happened.
Goro also liked to be seen in the presence of Japan’s biggest sports stars. He owned a box at Yokohama Stadium, home to the Yokohama BayStars Baseball team. Goro was usually in attendance at half or more of the BayStars home games. There was quite a collection of photos of the Yakuza head with some of Japan’s top baseball stars, including Hideo Nomo and Ichiro Suzuki, both of whom went on to play professional baseball in the United States.
Other Japanese athletes who met Goro on at least one occassion, included figure skater Midori Ito and golfer Ai Miyazato. Goro’s sports interests were quite wide, and it was rumored he owned a piece of the BayStars baseball team.
There was new information on Hiromi Sato also. The first impressions the Swan Song committee had in regards to Hiromi’s proficiency in English, were almost all wrong. Based on a reliable source, it was learned Hiromi spoke and read at least fair English. Hiromi supposedly being able to read English language newspapers as part of her work.
“That’s important to know.” Midori said after being told this new information.
Gabrielle still had a good point. “Midori, you must still become Japanese. It’s one thing that Hiromi knows and speaks English, but she’s Japanese in almost every other aspect of her daily life. You have to continue becoming Japanese in order to pass as this woman.”
“You’re right Gabrielle.”
There was good reason to believe some politicians, plus Japanese police and self defense officials, were in Goro’s side pocket through the use of bribes. While in Japan, Midori’s security and cover were taken very seriously.
Still in order for Midori to pass as a Japanese, she had to get out sometimes into public. In order for the real Hiromi Sato’s doppleganger not to be noticed, Midori was ‘disguised’ with the help of a Hollywood makeup artist. Some makeup, a change of hairstyle, a set of glasses, and no one would think Midori and Hiromi Sato were the same person.
“Before I was cute, now I’m ugly.” Midori said to Gabrielle shortly after the makeup artist was done.
“You’re not ugly.”
Midori wasn’t buying it. “Come on, tell me the truth.”
“Ok, you’re ugly then.”
Ugly was good so far as Midori was concerned. For after two weeks moving around other parts of Japan, Midori entered the lion’s den one may say. That was when she, Gabrielle and the makeup artist paid a visit to Yokohama, the base of the Watanabe organization.
Visiting Yokohama was dangerous but essential. For Captain Tom Slater knew little about the city or how to get around it. As Hiromi she would be expected to know all of that. So it was vital for Midori to familiarize herself with the city of 3.5 million people.
Five days were planned in Yokohama for this important training. The cover for Midori was pretty simple, actually almost out in plain sight. She and Gabrielle were to be Japanese-American sisters paying a visit to Yokohama with their adoptive father.(The Hollywood makeup man) All three of them staying in one of the City’s major hotels, The Pan Pacific.
While in Yokohama, Gabrielle and Midori took the names of Daphne and Tiffany Brown.(The makeup man was Ted Brown). All the proper documents were supplied to make the women and ‘their adoptive father’ appear authentic to anyone who cared to check on them.
“I’m Daphne?” Midori said looking at the documents she and Gabrielle had gotten. “You weren’t behind this, were you?”
“Hell no. I rather be called Gabby than Tiffany any day.”
“Daphne and Tiffany. We’re a couple of girly girls.”
“Yes but ones that can blow a guy’s pecker off if provoked.” Midori and Gabrielle shared a good laugh after that joke.
Daphne and Tiffany played the part of spoiled rich college students playing tourist as their wealthy father saw to business. Their clothing, including Juicy Couture, 7 for all mankind jeans, plus Miu Miu handbags, were all designer brands. For moving about Yokohama, Heidi and Tiffany rented a red convertible sportscar.
If adjusting to being female had been hard, learning to drive on the left like people did in Japan, was tougher at first for Midori. Things began to change her second day in Yokohama. Driving on the left, and even finding her way around town becoming like second nature to Midori.
It was on their second day in Yokohama, that Midori and Gabrielle made a discreet scouting trip. Passing within three blocks of Hiromi Sato’s apartment.
“Goro, lives in the penthouse or top floor, Hiromi on the floor underneath. All residents of the building are either Watanabe employees, family members or old and trusted friends.” Gabrielle said pointing out the Negishi Bay Tower. She and Midori had temporarily parked the convertible some five blocks from the apartment building.
Midori nodded. “Are we sure there isn’t something going on between Goro and Hiromi?”
“Positively nothing. Goro is married and has one son. We better get out of here before someone notices.”
Midori still wasn’t convinced as she drove off. Married men, even ones with their family living nearby, were known to have affairs. It would also account for why Hiromi had risen so fast in the Watanabe Yakuza. There really was a lot Midori didn’t know about the Watanabes or Hiromi Sato. Would her ignorance be Midori’s undoing one day?
"Are we sure Hiromi is single?"
"Yes. A check was made by the Japanese, there is no record of her ever being married."
'Probably a career woman, married to her job.' Midori thought. Japan had plenty of those of late, as evidenced by the country's declining birth rate.
On the fourth day of their ‘visit’, Midori and Gabrielle paid a visit to the Mt. Fuji area. This to some is considered the prettiest part of Japan. For surrounding Fuji, are many lakes. This making it a popular tourist destination.
It was while driving around the Mt. Fuji area that Midori had her second deja vu moment. “You know its like I was here yesterday. I think to myself where I want to go, and it comes right to me.”
“You said once that your mother took you here as a child sometimes.”
“Gabrielle that’s not it. It’s like I was here just days ago.” Midori said as she turned off a main road. “If we drive this road another four kilometers we’re almost at the home of Keiji Watanabe.”
“I believe you Midori. Why don’t we turn around? We shouldn’t take any chances.”
“You’re right Gabrielle.”
Midori and Gabrielle returned to Yokohama later that evening. As soon as she was alone in her hotel room, Gabrielle made a discreet phone call. It in order to set up an urgent meeting of the Swan Song committee.
The meeting took place Sunday night around 11 p.m. Japan time. By then Midori and Gabrielle had left Yokohama and were now living in a safe house in the northern Japanese city of Aomori. It was there that Midori would get her final, Phase V training, before taking the place of Hiromi Sato.
Midori wasn’t aware of the Swan Song meeting, for she was asleep at the time. In addition to Gabrielle Tanaka, Major Ed Hollins, Deputy Director Grant Williamson, Dr. Wagner and Inspector Yoshida were all on the teleconference call. All five committee members being in different locations.
“What is your opinion Dr. Wagner?” Major Hollins asked the research scientist. This after Agent Tanaka explained about Midori’s deja vu moments when in and around Yokohama.
“Some patients after my DNA therapy gain the memories of the person whose DNA was selected for them.”
“You mean the Captain may now have some of Hiromi Sato’s memories? Gabrielle asked.
“Yes Fraulein Tanaka.”
“That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.” Major Hollins said thinking out loud. Inspector Yoshida seemed to agree. “Agent Tanaka, did Ripley show any side effects from these memories?”
“No major she didn’t.”
“What is your take on this Dr.Wagner?”
Dr. Wagner prefaced her comments by saying she and her research scientists were still studying what effects retained memory had on those who had the DNA therapy. “Our data is not sufficient enough to make a final conclusion.”
“But your tentative opinion doctor?”
“It shouldn’t interfere with the Ripley’s work. I think it may rather prove useful.”
“Are we all in agreement then?” Deputy Director Williamson asked.
Gabrielle had no reason to contradict the doctor. She only called the meeting as a precaution. “We are Major.”
“Thank you Agent Tanaka for sharing this information with us. It is the opinion of the committee that these issues won’t adversely affect either Ripley’s safety or the success of Swan Song. This meeting is adjourned.”
After Yokohama, Midori began her final briefings before actually taking the place of Hiromi Sato. What started out as a 100 day operation was now down to its last twenty-five.
For the first time since leaving Ft. Detrick, the pace of operations began to slack off. Midori being declared ready by her instructors and the Swan Song Committee. One of Midori’s final briefings involved lessons in how to install computer software.
It was two weeks before D Day, when Midori learned about the Swan Song committee. She and Gabrielle were chatting over a beer while watching television. “How many people are working behind the scenes on this?”
“At one time or another or now?” Gabrielle asked. “I’d say almost two hundred for the first, at present about fifty.”
“But only a few know my identity?”
“Yes Midori, that’s correct. We been using a code word for you. We’re even tight lipped about that.”
“What is it?”
“Ripley.”
“Like believe it not I’m a woman?”
“No like the Sigourney Weaver character in the Aliens movie series. It was my idea.”
“You remembered me telling how Stewart got me into that movie when I wasn’t old enough to see it?”
Gabrielle laughed. “Yes I did, because I envied you having a brother who would do that for you. My oldest sister Roxanne wouldn’t do shit for me.”
“How about Swan Song? Where did that name come from and what does it mean?”
The title of the committee was pretty simple as Gabrielle explained. It arose from the names of two people killed by the Watanabe Yakuza. The first was the US airman Fred Swanson who had been murdered because of his debt to a loan shark.
The other part of the committee’s name came from a South Korean Judge whose family name was Song. Less than two months after sentencing a Watanabe cousin to a long jail sentence for drug trafficking in the ROK, the Judge and his wife were found murdered in their home. South Korean police believed the Watanabes were responsible for the killings but lacked proof.
“That’s why the South Koreans co-operated in the plan to infiltrate me as Hiromi Sato?”
Gabrielle nodded. “Yes it is. They want Goro Watanabe taken down as bad as we and the Japanese authorities.”
“I’m ready to my best. The anticipation is killing me now.”
Right then Midori felt like a soldier knowing they were only hours away from battle. Gabrielle understood how the Captain felt. “I know Midori. Eleven days from now is the best time to begin the snap and switch.”
“I understand that. Is there a Plan B in case Hiromi Sato doesn’t show up?”
Gabrielle nodded. “Yes but we hope not to have to use it.”
“Can I ask you a favor?”
“Absolutely.”
“Can I call home again tomorrow? It is my mother’s birthday.”
“We can do that Midori. You’re a good son.”
“I got the best parents.”
Midori called her mother just before 0800. the next day. It was late afternoon in Washington state. The Slaters were home.
The phone conversation closely resembled Midori’s mother’s day call. Mr. And Mrs. Slater were very happy to hear from her son. Midori telling them her training was almost over.
“Mom this is the last time I can call.”
“I understand Tom. You remember me during mission.”
“Mom, I’ll never forget you. I love you.”
Gabrielle was nearby and trying not to listen but couldn’t help doing so. The FBI agent wishing she and her parents got along similarly to how the Slaters did. Instead Gabrielle avoided her Mom and Dad, who still didn’t approve of her career choice. That’s why the agent had gone home only twice in the last two years and only called infrequently also.
“Are you working still with that nice FBI agent?”
“Yes Mom, she’s here. Hold on for a minute.”
Gabrielle tried waving off Midori. “No, I don’t want to.”
“Mom just wants to say hi.” Midori said as she handed Gabrielle the phone.
After some hesitation, Gabrielle took it. “Hello Mrs. Slater....yes we’re working together....he is doing good.....oh.........Yes I will try.......Thank you.......Nice talking Mrs. Slater, say hello to Mr. Slater for me. I’ll put your son back on the phone.”
Midori talked with her mother a few more minutes before saying hanging up the phone. “Mom turned fifty-six today.”
“She looks good for her age.”
Very little or nothing was planned for that day and Midori was itching to get into action. Gabrielle had another idea. “You know what we both need?”
“What’s that?”
“A manicure and a pedicure.”
Midori looked at her nails. “You got a point. Lets get going then.”
Six days before the snatch of Hiromi Sato was to take place, the unexpected happened. Inspector Yoshida got a message from one of two Yokohama plainclothes policemen who were keeping a discreet surveillance on Yakuza accountant.
“Beancounter(Hiromi Sato) is moving. She has baggage with her.”
“Repeat.”
“Beancounter is MOVING AND HAS BAGGAGE with her.”
“Tail her but be discreet. Check back in after you find out where Beancounter is going.” Inspector Yoshida told the plainclothesmen. Then the policeman picked up his phone to begin a series of long distance calls.
An emergency session of the Swan Song committee was called into session via teleconference call a few hours later. Midori was allowed to sit in.
“Beancounter took a flight to Chitose this afternoon.” Chitose was the location of Hokkaido island’s largest airport.
“We thought she wouldn’t be leaving till Friday.” Deputy Director Williamson remarked. “Do you we know yet what caused the change in plans?”
“No sir. Her plane is en route to Chitose at this moment. I’m trying to put together a team to follow Beancounter once she arrives in Chitose but her departure has caught us unprepared.”
While Director Williamson grilled the Japanese officials on how this could have happened, Midori turned to Gabrielle and whispered. “Does this mean it will be Plan B then?”
“Don’t know Midori. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Another twenty-four hours passed before Swan Song discovered the reason for the abrupt departure of Hiromi Sato for Chitose. It was because the woman’s Great Aunt and person who had raised her, Emiko Takagi, had suffered a stroke. Emiko was eighty-three years of age and not expected to live.
Discreet enquiries made at the hospital told Swan Song that Emiko Takagi was on life support and that Hiromi Sato was staying at her Great Aunt’s bedside. A second meeting of the Swan Song committee in the same numbers of days had everyone re-evaluating Plan A and if it was still possible.
Plan A’s genesis came from one of the Hiromi Sato’s few known tendencies. Every year in Japan there is the festival of Bon. Bon is when Japanese return to the place they grew up, honored their dead ancestors and often had family reunions. Hiromi Sato was from the city of Kushiro on Hokkaido’s north eastern coast. Every year Hiromi would return home at the time of the Buddhist holiday, always visiting her Great Aunt in Kushiro.
This known movement of Hiromi Sato wasn’t the only reason Swan Song had been planned and scheduled as it was. There were two other key factors. First was the fact that Hiromi made these trips unaccompanied. Without the goon squads that usually accompanied high ranking Yakuza wherever they went.
Secondly, after Bon was over, Hiromi Sato always took some time for herself. After some investigation was done, it was discovered that Hiromi had a small cabin near Mount Ishikari. Hiromi would stay at the cabin for anywhere from two to four days and always by herself.
The cabin was the location chosen for the snatch of Hiromi Sato and putting Midori in her place. Now if her Aunt died, would Hiromi still make her annual visit to the cabin?
“May I ask a question?” It was the first time Midori had spoken up at a Swan Song meeting.
“Of course Captain.”
“Are we certain Hiromi Sato is always alone at this cabin? I mean there has to be a reason this woman goes there.”
“We’re ninety percent certain Hiromi visits the cabin by herself. The reason? Your guess is as good as mine Captain.” Replied Major Hollins.
Gabrielle spoke up. “This is just my and a few other’s theory. We think Hiromi Sato goes there to take a rest.”
Midori nodded her head. ‘What all of you are telling me is this is all guesswork. Great if its not your ass on the line, instead its MINE.’
A plan to make the snatch and switch in Kushiro was proposed but ultimately rejected. Since arriving at her Aunt’s bedside, Hiromi Sato had been in constant contact with friends and family in Yokohama. If Hiromi suddenly went quiet, suspicions may be raised. There was also the fact that associates or family could arrive in Kushiro to be at Hiromi’s side. This could happen at any time.
While the Emiko Takagi death watch continued, discussions about Plan B took place. What Midori found out was- There was no real Plan B.
Any possible Plan B also consisted of snatching Hiromi Sato when she traveled outside the Yokohama/Mt. Fuji area. The drawback in this plan, and it was sizable, was that Hiromi’s other travels were almost never known in advance.
Inspector Yoshida filled in the known details of Hiromi Sato’s prior international. “She has been abroad to Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Zurich Switzerland, and London England. All in the last three years”
Most of those cities made sense based on their importance in the world financial community and Hiromi Sato’s known role in the Watanabe Yakuza. Her most recent trips were to Hong Kong in June, Singapore in May and Australia in January.
“We were notified of the Hong Kong trip. By the time we learned of it, Hiromi Sato had already left for the city.” Inspector Yoshida informed Midori.
What little was known about these trips was discussed. Which wasn’t much, only when traveling to Australia had Hiromi traveled without Yakuza backup. While down under, Hiromi made a visit to Alice Springs.
“Who the fuck goes to Alice Springs in January? It’s 115 in the shade there at that time of the year.” Major Hollins remarked. Being located south of the equator, January was summertime in Australia.
After considerable discussion, no action was taken. However it was mentioned at the end of the second meeting, that if the snatch couldn’t take place on Hokkaido within the next month, Swan Song may have to be aborted. Either temporarily or permanently.
Midori decided to have a Japanese beer after dinner that night. Gabrielle noticed the odd choice in beverage by her friend.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“No, come on and tell me.”
Midori looked at Gabrielle, then at her beer, then back at Gabrielle before speaking. “Since before I left Detrick, I’ve put aside any and all reluctance that I had about this mission.”
“Yes Midori, I know you have.”
“Now I’m being told this whole thing could end up being cancelled. That means I got to go back to Dr. Wagner and both you and I know what that means?”
“You get to be a man again.”
“If the formula works.”
“It will.”
Midori drank some more of her beer. “Stop bullshitting me Gabrielle. We were both there. Dr. Wagner said it is only fifty percent.....”
“Fifty two percent.” Gabrielle corrected Midori.
“Whatever. Fifty-two percent successful. So how do you think I feel?”
“Midori you got to think it will work.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one who got their gender changed permanently for a mission that ended up never happening.”
Gabrielle didn’t say anything while Midori drank some more beer. The Captain had to express her feelings.
“As much as I may have disliked it, if I’d gotten that cocksucker Watanabe and his family dead or thrown in jail for life, I would at least feel my sacrifice was worth it.”
“Midori it isn’t over yet.”
“I am going to get drunk if you don’t mind.”
“Captain I can order you to stop drinking.”
Midori looked at Gabrielle and then at the beer she was drinking. Japanese beer tasted like shit to the Captain. The threat to get drunk was an empty one.
Right then someone began knocking at the door. Gabrielle went to see who it was. While the FBI agent was doing this, Midori got up to use the bathroom.
When Midori was done, she found Gabrielle waiting for her. “We got some news. Emiko Takagi died three hours ago. There is going to be a funeral in two days.”
Operation Swan Song may not be cancelled after all.
Emiko Takagi’s funeral went off as announced. In addition to Hiromi Sato, Keiji Watanabe and six other known members of the Watanabe Yakuza were in attendance. Plus another fifteen to twenty men and women. These were either friends or co-workers of Hiromi.
Swan Song kept the burial ceremony under discreet surveillance with the use of long range cameras. After the funeral was over, the first good news in almost a week occurred.
Hiromi Sato didn’t return to Yokohama. Instead she went back to her Aunt’s home.
Another committee meeting was held. By this time Gabrielle, Midori, and other participants in the planned snap and switch were at a 7th Division Army installation near Chitose. Everyone ready to move on one hour notice. Others were watching the home of Emiko Takagi
“It was hoped we could detain Miss Sato in order to interrogate her and extract more information before putting you in her place Captain, but that doesn’t look possible now.” Director Williamson said.
‘I’m going in blind then. You know being stuck as a woman might not be so bad after all.’ Midori thought to herself.
The details of the snatch operation were now made known to Midori. Originally the plan was to take Hiromi at her cabin. Use thiopental to learn anything from Hiromi, then insert Midori in her place. All while making certain no one saw the switch.
The remoteness of Hiromi’s cabin, made this the ideal place. However it wasn’t known if Hiromi would still be going there. Instead a raid was set for 0530 hours the next day and would take place at the home of the late Emiko Takagi.
Some good news arrived during the meeting. It was learned Hiromi Sato had just made plane reservations to return to Yokohama in five days.
“She called Yokohama and spoke to one of the Watanabe shareigashiras,” Inspector Yoshida said after returning to the room. The policeman had stepped out for almost twenty minutes. “ Hiromi Sato said she would be flying to Yokohoma four days from tomorrow.”
A messenger then came into the room with a slip of paper for Inspector Yoshida. “We’ve confirmed an All Nippon Airways reservation for that date in the name of Hiromi Sato. A 11:17 a.m. flight from Chitose to Haneda Airport.” Tokyo/Haneda, rather than Narita, was the airport most convenient for people living in Yokohama.
“Then we’re a go for tomorrow. Are you ready Captain?”
“Yes sir, I am.”
“Good. Tomorrow is Day one, at the end of Day three you will get your final briefing. Then on Day four you become Hiromi Sato. Day five is the day you return to Yokohama.” Major Hollins explained.
“Understood sir.”
The next day the snatch team went in. It consisted of five men and one woman. They were successful in capturing Hiromi Sato, without either a struggle or a shot being fired. To make it look like Hiromi went away unannounced, her rental car was driven off by one of the team members.
Two nights later, Midori got briefed on what was learned from Hiromi Sato. It wasn’t much, thiopental aka truth serum, is notoriously unreliable.
Gabrielle wouldn’t be seeing Midori off on Day four. “Good luck, please come back in one piece. For me.”
“I’ll try.”
“When you get back I want to see you Tom.” Then Gabrielle reached out with her face, Midori met her halfway, the end result was a brief kiss on the other’s lips.
Major Hollins saw Midori just before she left for Kushiro the next morning. “There are three countries depending on you Captain.”
“Yes sir, I understand.” Midori replied back. After being wished good luck, Hiromi Sato drove off. From that point on, that was who Army Captain Tom Slater would have to convince the world she really was.
The drive to Kushiro was uneventful, with Hiromi arriving at the home of the late Emiko Takagi shortly before 4 p.m. No adults were around in the small alleyway where the house was, however there were three or four children outside playing. None were paying particular attention when Hiromi let herself into the house.
Hiromi spent the rest of the day familiarizing herself with the possessions she now had. There were few surprises, the real Hiromi dressed well but conservatively. The only two things of note were a prescription, a small white pill that Hiromi was to take daily. After getting herself a glass of water, Hiromi took the pill.
During her briefings, Hiromi had been advised she might suffer from allergies. So far, Hiromi had no sign of this or any other medical issue. Perhaps it was seasonal, or maybe the Army and FBI had gotten their information wrong. If the later, what was the medication for then?
The other item Hiromi found among her possessions was much more interesting. After looking through one of the handbags she now owned, Hiromi learned she was now the owner of a Glock 26 handgun. Also known as a Baby Glock.
At about the same time that Hiromi Sato re-appeared in Kushiro, a private jet took off from Chitose Airport bound for the United States. On board were FBI Deputy Director Grant Williamson, Army Major Ed Hollins and Special Agent Gabrielle Tanaka. Their destination? Washington DC.
Gabrielle would only be away from Japan for a short time. Till Swan Song was terminated, the FBI agent would be in close contact with those Japanese also working on the operation. Gabrielle would have quite a few cross Pacific plane trips to do in the days ahead.
Few trips would be as interesting as the first one for Gabrielle. Only minutes after takeoff, Grant Williamson and Major Hollins began having a conversation. Gabrielle wasn’t a part of the chat, but couldn’t help hearing it.
“Good luck Captain Slater and may God be with you.” Major Ed Hollins remarked as he looked out the plane’s window.
“What do you think are the chances of Captain Slater surviving Swan Song?”
“One in ten.”
Gabrielle’s ears perked up on hearing this. She began to listen more carefully without it looking like she was eavesdropping. That Gabrielle appeared to be reading, proved to be helpful.
“You’re right. There is too little we know about the Sato woman. Sooner or later the Captain will be tripped up.”
“Overall I think Swan Song’s chance of success is at least fifty-fifty. The Captain should at least be able to start phase six. When we start receiving those computer downloads, the Watanabes goose should be cooked. For good.”
Deputy Director Williamson nodded. “One life lost won’t matter much if that happens. Captain Slater isn’t married?”
“No. The only family he has is his parents and two married sisters. There is no one else.” Major Hollins said.
‘There’s me you dumb fuck!’ Gabrielle thought to herself as she fought to keep her feelings deeply buried inside herself. Three months of working side by side with Captain Slater had caused the FBI agent to grow closer to that person than anyone Gabrielle had ever met before.
Gabrielle growing fond of or falling in love with Tom Slater wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. If anything happened to Tom Slater, and Gabrielle was fully aware of the extreme danger the Captain was in, she would be deeply hurt. These idiots were so cavalier in regards to Tom Slater’s fate, it made Gabrielle want to scream.
“If the Captain dies, we’ll have her remains sent home for burial.”
“That is if THERE are any,” Major Hollins added. “Her body is liable to end up at the bottom of Tokyo Bay if she’s caught.”
Gabrielle wanted to get up and slap the shit out of these two male jerks, but remained seated. ‘One day you two will get your payback. Payback is a bitch!’ The FBI agent thought to herself.
It wasn’t till they were halfway across the Pacific, that Gabrielle learned a new bit of intelligence about Hiromi Sato. It arrived in an email from Inspector Yoshida and it would certainly complicate the life of Captain Slater in the months ahead.
“Holy shit,” Gabrielle muttered under her breath. “How will Tom react when she finds out about this?”
To be continued in Part Three
Comments
Interesting Concept
Interesting ending there... Might be nice to know what "drugs" the captain is taking on the Rx...
One thing bothered me on the DNA based change. How does the DNA include the information on the SCAR & the Tatoo?
Looking forward to the next twists and turns.
Please Continue!
This story really grabbed me. It's an outrageous plot but it's also very interesting. Trying to replace someone and live their life would be so surreal!
The genetic memories (I'm assuming that's what they are) make for an interesting twist and should make it easier to assimilate. They may even save her life.
I look forward to more - much more. I did notice the tattoo and scar issue. They'd have to be duplicated manually but that's a minor issue.
Thanks and please keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
- Terry
Duty, Honor, Country, Family - Part 2
I wonder how they keep catching the spies.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine