Chapter 5: Escape
What other methods are there? Can we build a raft ourselves and drift to Australia like Robinson?
"What other options do we have?" Pato said with frustration, "We have no backup, no heavy weapons, no troops, nothing at all..."
Amidst the violent rocking of the fishing boat, the Japanese warship gradually receded, ultimately vanishing from the horizon. Everyone let out a cheer, then collapsed onto the fishing boat.
The last group of evacuees, including General MacArthur and his entourage, departed from the base last night aboard a B-17 bomber. The remaining individuals have no means or plans for retreat. Their only current plan is to surrender to the Japanese, hoping that the Japanese will act in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and provide them with relatively humane treatment. However, Ron knows that the Japanese have no regard for Geneva; countless records from subsequent generations have documented the heinous crimes committed by the Japanese against prisoners of war. Their only current plan is to surrender to the Japanese, hoping that the Japanese will act in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and provide them with relatively humane treatment. Yet, Ron is aware that the Japanese have no regard for Geneva, as countless records from subsequent generations have documented the heinous crimes committed by the Japanese against prisoners of war. Moreover, one such incident—the Bataan Death March—is about to occur to them.
If you ask me, we should build a raft, in the style of the indigenous people. Even if we are unfortunate enough to encounter a Japanese warship, they may not necessarily be inclined to pay us any mind. Moreover, even if we are indeed captured, generally speaking, the navy tends to treat prisoners with more civility than the army does.
The people in the cabin could not see the situation outside; they could only hear the sound of the Japanese warship's engines. Everyone's heart was in their throat, and Ron felt an intense thirst. He reached for a water bottle with his trembling hand but could not open the cap after a long time. He looked up and saw Klaus staring at him, his face as pale as a corpse.
The boat glides across the tranquil sea, the waves rhythmically rocking the vessel. Most of the soldiers, who have been playing poker for several hours, are now weary; the mixed feelings of fear, tension, and excitement that accompanied their early departure have long since faded. In this gently swaying little boat, several soldiers gradually drift off to sleep. Like them, Ron also feels his consciousness becoming hazy, and he knows that he is about to fall asleep.
The next day, a single-masted fishing boat quietly set sail from the harbor, heading northeast
The urgent task is to prepare supplies, control the vessels, and find a more professional sailor
Fishing boats like this still exist at sea, as fishermen must continue their livelihoods even amidst war. At this time, the Japanese were still focused on dealing with the American military, so they did not pay much attention to such small fishing boats. After departing from the port, the fishing boat sailed northeast. Along the way, it encountered several other similar fishing boats.
"Shut up!" Ron shouted, "We can't scare ourselves to death. We need to find a way! And there are civilized people among the Easterners; my friends Marcos and Codis are civilized people fighting for God and justice!"
A Japanese destroyer passed by a small fishing boat, and it was evident that the Japanese forces were unfamiliar with the traditional fishing areas of the local fishermen. Consequently, they did not notice the vulnerability of the fishing boat appearing in an inappropriate location. The destroyer sailed arrogantly past the small fishing boat, which was no more than ten meters long, while the proud sailors on board could not be bothered to acknowledge the vessel. Only the waves stirred up by the bow of the ship caused the small boat to rock violently. The proud sailors on board could not be bothered to acknowledge the vessel. Only the waves stirred up by the bow of the ship caused the small boat to rock violently
We do not necessarily have to use a raft; is there anyone who can sail? I know there are several sailing fishing boats in Cagayan" said Tom, the captain of the ground crew.
In order to maximize safety, all white individuals, except for the Marcos brothers, were not allowed to leave the cabin. Consequently, several Americans had to huddle in the cramped cabin with a map, idly playing poker. The sun rose higher and higher, and it was nearing noon. The ship had traveled far, away from the usual fishing areas, and now, on the vast sea, no other vessels were visible. Only the waves gently lapped against the hull with a soft sound. The clear sky occasionally revealed a few unidentified seabirds flying by. Aside from this, the entire world seemed to have faded away.
I am very hungry, Ron murmured
This is an opportunity. If I were alone, perhaps I could do nothing, but if I can rally them, maybe... With this thought in mind, Ron spoke up: "I must say, Klaus, your hopes are likely to be in vain. The matter of the Japanese killing prisoners is not mere rumor, but a fact, and even a part of their tradition."
Shall we assign the tasks accordingly
After drinking a bowl of thin porridge, which Ron had requested himself, as he was aware of his current condition, particularly the state of his digestive system, he learned from others some unfavorable, even very bad news
Many years later, when Carreras returned alive from the prisoner of war camp, those present on that day all remarked that Ron's acting was absolutely Oscar-worthy. Of course, not many people lived to see that day. Moreover, when they learned about their experiences from Carreras, they all felt fortunate to have been deceived at that time
In a daze, Ron seemed to feel as if he had returned to a familiar time. For a moment, he thought he had just finished a night shift on a project proposal, rushing to his pillow before the sun fully rose. After dozing off for a while, he would have to get up to wash his face with cold water, then submit the proposal to Director Zou before the morning meeting, providing necessary explanations for the key parts. After another moment, he felt as if he had encountered a long holiday during the Golden Week, filled with thoughts of sleeping until noon, yet he had to groggily remember that he had promised his girlfriend to accompany her shopping in the morning. After dozing off for a while, he would have to get up to wash his face with cold water, then submit the proposal to Director Zou before the morning meeting, providing necessary explanations for the key parts. After another moment, he felt as if he had encountered a long holiday during the Golden Week, filled with thoughts of sleeping until noon, yet he had to groggily remember that he had promised his girlfriend to accompany her shopping in the morning.
"No way? They should adhere to the Geneva Conventions... My former neighbors were Japanese, and they were all very kind," Klaus said
On that noon, Ron woke up. As he opened his eyes, there was a moment of blurriness, and then, as his vision gradually cleared, he finally recognized the white expanse before him as the ceiling of the pilot dormitory, which he was already familiar with, now marred by a ring of black mold due to dampness. A warm breeze, slightly tinged with saltiness from the sea, wafted through the half-open window and brushed against his face
"How is this possible... he is just a... besides, there is a convention..." Klaus stammered, breaking the silence.
"If there were no war, it would not be impossible to build such a raft." Marcos, who had been silent, spoke up, "Our tribe could construct a raft like this to travel from one island to another. However, now, if such a raft encounters a Japanese warship, it would be a dead end"
Clearly, the battles during this period have significantly elevated Ron's prestige among everyone, and this statement immediately silenced Pato
The entire room was terrifyingly silent, with everyone looking pale and not uttering a word. In this deathly silence, it seemed as if something was trembling...
"No, I did not reincarnate in this era to provide the Japanese with practice materials for beheading or assassination," Ron thought to himself. "I must escape!"
In this state of confusion, Ron felt as if someone had nudged his shoulder. Before he could even open his eyes, he mumbled, "What’s going on? Can’t a person get a moment of peace even on a day off?" As he uttered these words and slowly opened his eyes, the vibrant illusions—plans, shopping streets, and even the girlfriend who had just been linked to his arm—suddenly vanished. Only the lingering warmth of a sweet kiss from his dream seemed to remain on Ron's lips. It took him quite a while to be certain that he had just woken up and was not transitioning from one dream into another even more bizarre dream.
There is nothing impossible about this. "" Pato interrupted him, "" Don't mention that damn treaty again! The newspapers have reported on their bombing of civilians in China, even the massacre in the capital of China! Their officers held killing contests in the capital of China, seeing who could behead 100 people first, and this was reported by their own newspapers! These Easterners, even when dressed in suits, are still a bunch of savages at heart! You can ask Marcos and Codis how common it is to behead captives in their tribal wars! "" These Easterners, even when dressed in suits, are still a bunch of savages at heart! You can ask Marcos and Codis how common it is to behead captives in their tribal wars! ""
"So, is everyone preparing to surrender to the Japanese?" Ron glanced around at everyone. There were not many people left in the base who were familiar with Ron; either they had died in battle or had withdrawn. The remaining unfortunate souls he was somewhat familiar with were now mostly gathered in Ron's room, including the ground crew members Tom and Klaus, the one responsible for the debugging of airborne weapons, Pato, and two local natives—Ron’s aide Marcos and his brother Codis.
"Have you woken up?" a voice came through.
Ron paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts while also observing everyone's reactions. He noticed that with his words, the atmosphere seemed to grow even more despondent, with only Klaus appearing to want to say something.
However, Marcos, who woke him up, had no intention of concerning himself with those minor feelings. He nervously informed the recently awakened soldiers that a ship had appeared in the distance, seemingly a Japanese warship.
"I can operate a fishing boat like this," Codis said, "My brother and I have both worked as fishermen"
"To be honest," Klaus suddenly became excited, as if a drowning person had just grasped a straw. "This is not impossible. It is not typhoon season now, and we do not need to sail long distances. From here to Australia, there are countless small islands. We just need to go from one island to another, traveling by day and resting by night. If we are lucky..."
This message was like a fierce northwesterly wind, instantly blowing away everyone's drowsiness. All the people became restless; clearly, if the Japanese decided to deal with them, even if it were just a torpedo boat, this fishing vessel would be no match. Now, it seemed there was no other way but to pray to various deities. Marcos and the other locals emerged from the cabin, pretending to be busy with fishing, attempting to deceive the approaching Japanese warship. Now, it seemed there was no other way but to pray to various deities. Marcos and the other locals emerged from the cabin, pretending to be busy with fishing, attempting to deceive the approaching Japanese warship
I hope the Japanese are civilized... but I have heard... that they execute prisoners... I do not know..." Klaus's words were filled with fear of the unknown future
Who has the nautical chart? Bring it over to take a look... In fact, even if we don't go to Australia, finding a deserted island to spend a few years like Robinson Crusoe would be quite nice!
I want to tell you that this is not a rumor; it is a fact I witnessed with my own eyes. Just a few days ago, Carrera and I were shot down... My landing site was not far from Carrera's. He injured his leg during the landing, and I saw him being captured by the Japanese... Ron's voice paused once again, as if choked by some pain and fear. After a long while, he continued to speak in a fragmented manner: "I saw... I saw two Japanese soldiers holding him up, forcing him to kneel on the ground... A commanding officer, with a sabre... severed his head..." Ron's voice paused once again, as if choked by some pain and fear. After a long while, he continued to speak in a fragmented manner: "I saw... I saw two Japanese soldiers holding him up, forcing him to kneel on the ground... A commanding officer, with a sabre... severed his head..."