Wonder No More
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October 1944. After almost three years of titanic struggle, the United States Navy has forced their Japanese opponents into one final massive engagement: The Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Aboard the battleship Yamato, Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki is the sole survivor of an American airstrike. With Center Force’s grievous losses and the sky still full of American airplanes, no rational person would criticize Ugaki for ordering a retreat. However Bushido is not rational, nor does Japan have the luxury of seeking battle another day. The Center Force must reach the American beachhead… or die trying.
Vice Admiral Willis Lee does not understand Bushido, but he can read a map. Despite aviators’ claims to have sent the Japanese fleet fleeing, Lee is considering insubordination when an engineering casualty forces his hand. Regardless of what dawn will bring for the carriers of Third Fleet, Lee will form Task Force 34 and take it south to guard the exit of San Bernadino Strait.
Meanwhile, the U.S.S. Johnston rides herd on a small group of aircraft carriers designated “Taffy 3” off the coast of Samar. To her captain’s disappointment, the tides of war have prevented her from participating in the unfolding battle in Surigao Strait. For Ensign Jack Murphy, things couldn’t be better. He’s happily counting down the days until the United States Navy strangles the Empire of Japan will happily serve the war effort by fishing aviators out of the ocean as long as they keep ditching. Fate has brought him to the Johnston, and he is ready for the fickle goddess to carry him just as safely off the destroyer’s deck when the war is over.
Unbeknownst to all three men, when dawn breaks on the 25th of October the lives of thousands will turn on their decisions. Titans will clash, with the fate of the Philippines hanging in the balance!
Note: Wonder No More is also included in James Young’s alternate history collection Dispatches From Valhalla along with his novella The Victorious Meeting.
