2 days later.

“I am very sorry because we had joined your mission.”

“Don’t mind. It’s not your fault. But I should say it was not an accident but there had been some sabotage.”

“Sabotage?”

“Yes. The bolt of the shaft had been likely removed intentionally. Three of eight had been gone. Therefore the shaft could not resist the high pressure and broken. The mechanic had checked strictly for each time before diving. There had never been such accident before. Strange. After returning to the port we must report to　the Maritime Safety Agency. They will do the inspection. I am not sure we can find the suspect.”

For the first time Youich and Akane had felt uneasy. It was apparent that this accident had been projected in advance. After the departure the ship became completely a closed place. Nobody could access. That means someone on board was the suspect. Then who and why?

“Anyhow the submarine needs to be repaired. It will take about half a year. We are forced to suspend our missions for a while.”

One week has passed. Shocking news has broken through the world.

“Today’s morning the Chinese Government announced their secession from the COP26 Conference. The secession of the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gas has given the world a great impact. Regarding the reason the Chinese Government explains they could not be satisfied with the previous agreement especially about the time schedule for reduction of the emitting.

The US Government has already issued the official regrettable comment and other member countries are expected to follow.”

Watching the TV news at the Official Residence, the Prime Minister Tanaka summoned related Ministers.

“It had begun finally. Then what shall we do? As I said before, it is ‘To be or not to be’ question. The time for our decision has come earlier than expected. China is serious. They will continue to emit…, no, no, they will promote the emission of CO2 gas to make the Next Ice Age hasten.”

Eventually the Japanese Government decided not to issue any comment namely taking a neutral position against China’s announcement, instead of the US frequent demands.

The next day the phone rang on Youichi’s desk. It was from Akane. Her voice was very reluctant.

“I was suspended from the University for one month and ordered to stop my study hereafter.”

“Why? It was very important study and great discovery.”

“Because of that accident. Without official permission I had participated in the Governmental research mission. As the result that accident had occurred. ”

“No, no. It’s strange. It was not your fault. Just an accident.”

“The organization doesn’t think like that. Violation is violation. Someone should take responsibility.”

“I will help. Continue your works.”

“No, it’s impossible. My PC and the collecting samples had been confiscated. I cannot do anything without them.”

“Don’t worry. We can get another sample at Shimoda’s fishery market again. It’s not so difficult.”

But…

2 days later at Shimoda.

“So we have no Sea Catfish now.”

The market auctioneer said with embarrassment.

“Why?”

“Official notification had come to prohibit the landing of Sea Catfish. According to the Fishermen Cooperative, it was specified as the dangerous fish. If we catch them, we must throw them away on the sea.”

“It’s troublesome. We need it for our study. It’s very important.”

“Well, I cannot do anything…. W, wait a minute. Yes, Gengo, that old boy. He may have something. Go to his home. If you are lucky…”

The market auctioneer gave them Gengo’s address.

When they left the market, they met an unexpected women.

“Oh, Mr. Koyama. It’s has been long time. You are the last person who I see at such place.”

“Miss Katuragi, what are you doing here?”

“I came here for an official inspection tour. We should research the influence of Global Warming to the Japanese marine industries. The fishermen market seems to be heavily influenced by the reduction of catching.”

But Youichi found she told a lie. It was unusual for such high rank career official like Miss Katuragi to attend to such mission. Her real purpose is another something.

“Don’t’ bother us.”

Akane pushed in between them.

“Who is this lady?”

“She is Miss Akane Mizusima. She is now studying at the Tokyo Ocean University.”

“Oh, I have heard your name. You had participated in the submarine ‘Shinkai’ mission without official permission and had been involved in that accident. Am I right?”

“Don’t say that. It was not related to the accident.”

“I’m sorry. But please be careful. It is not a lesson of the University. A student must be like a student. See you again.”

Leaving a meaningful word, Miss Katuragi got on the black car.

“Bitch!”

Akane cursed with angry. But Youichi thoughtfully reminded everything happened. The secret meeting with Prime Minister, the accident of submarine, the suspension for Akane, and the official notification against the Sea Catfish.

Only persuasive answer was that their movements had been kept watching and intervened.

They visited Gengo’s home. It was located in the end of a narrow street. A typical fisherman’s village.

“Hello, is anyone there?”

After a while one aged man appeared. Around 80 years old, sun-burnt lined face had shown a long experienced fisherman.

“Are you Mr. Gengo? We had your name at the market.”

“Yes, I am. What’s up?”

“We are searching for the Sea Catfish.”

“Are you an official fellow? No Sea Catfish here. Get out.”

“No, wait. We are not an official. We are just studying the marine biology. The Sea Catfish is a very important role for that.”

Then they had explained the purpose to come here sincerely. Finally Gengo had invited them into his home.

“I can’t understand a difficult thing. But it was true I felt something strange in the recent sea. Nowadays we can seldom see a conger-eel, instead many monster like strange shaped fishes. I am very anxious about the future of our life.”

Akane and Youichi thought the climate change had already influenced the Japanese Fishery more than they had expected.

“Take anything as you like.”

Saying so Gengo opened the huge freezing case in which they found the frozen Sea Catfish. Akane skillfully dissected one as she had done before.

“You are the very wonderful cook. Where did you learn cooking?”

Old boy Gengo was impressed with her skill. Akane and Youichi smiled each other and said thank you for his kindness.

To be continued