>>199886
>joke

>>199886
waifu war

>>199886
>Joke about it

>>199886
>Joke about it

>>199894
>>199908
>>199918
I think we should tell the truth with the joke though.

>>199886
>Joke about it

>>199886
>>Joke about it
Casualty in a waifu war. Don't ask. Wasn't my fault anyhow.

>>199926
Nah man. This "waifu war" was totally our fault. Don't lie to our doc.

>>199886
>>Joke about it

>>199886
>Joke about it
Waifu's are serious business.

File: Akashi Alternate.png (703 KB, 696x782)

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You lie down, your head against the rather hard pillow. Akashi takes a rather large bottle from the inside of her coat, setting it down on the apparatus next to you. Briefly, you wonder if there are any needles involved – Akashi doesn’t take one out, but she does take a sealed piece of cloth with some gibberish over it… and a picture of a fairy wagging its finger.

A real fairy does pop up soon, taking its place on Akashi’s head, looking at you curiously.

‘So what happened?’ Akashi repeats, this time in a more demanding voice as she reaches for a bottle on the lower tray of the apparatus next to you. You look to the Vice-Admiral, who gives you a nod of acknowledgment – the all-clear to disclose.

That didn’t mean you couldn’t be a little more imaginative with it.

‘I took up boxing.’ You nod seriously; Akashi raises an eyebrow at you, pursing her lips.

‘I see.’ She replies, taking out a small notepad from the tray.

‘Thing is, though,’ you say with a grimace, ‘I think my head’s gone a little fuzzy…’ Akashi looks a little worried now, ‘did we have a conversation yesterday? I think we did… can’t remember what we were talking about, though.’

‘We did. I gave you a bunch of my reports on Tenryuu and Nachi…’ she bites her lip, ‘That jog anything?’

Akashi pours some of the bottle's contents onto the cloth.

‘No,’ you shake your head, and Akashi’s eyes do grow wide this time, ‘but it rings a bell.’

She presses on your jaw with it.

Hard.

‘I thought you were my medic!’

You gingerly hold your cheek, while Akashi nonchalantly glares at you, her hand gleaming with the moist blue aura that came from the Fairy’s Tears. None of the KanMusu, not even the Vice-Admiral, moves into to assist you. You would be rolling around with eyes wet if your pride allowed it, but you take it on the (proverbial) chin, sending a look of betrayal at your attending medic, who gestures with a tilt of her head to remove your hand.

You shake your head petulantly. That had hurt.

Akashi would not be denied, however – and for someone who was barely taller than Houshou, she had a tremendous strength to her person, enough to get pry your hand away for another – albeit gentler – dab of the cloth. It stings, and you grit your teeth to manage the pain, but Akashi is relentless – and thorough – in her care of your head.

‘Commander, I know you and the Vice-Admiral had a scuffle.’ She glares harder. ‘What I’m asking is what in the world could have made you idiots – !’

‘Hey!’

‘Think was so important that it’s worth a pair of bad ankles, a bruised jaw, a cut on the head, bruised knuckles, shoulders, and, as you put it,’ She takes out a wrap of bandages. ‘my precious time?’

You mumble incoherently.

‘Guy stuff.’

Akashi rolls her eyes, applying the ointment, or whatever this was, more thoroughly on your jaw.

>Write-In

>>200017
>>Write-In
Waifu wars. I named you as one of the contenders.

>>200017
Over women and my ego.

>>200017
>deflect
"Anyway, I've been having hallucinations while talking to people. Of a weird cave, and of floating over water. "

>>200017

This >>200119
We need to find out why that happened.

>>200119
this
>hey akashi, i've been having hallucinations even though i've been taking my pills, what the fuck man

did we take our pills? i don't remember

>>200165

Earlier yeah. So the last chapter.

File: Spoiler Image (25 KB, 640x352)

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‘I know you’re probably not in the mood, but I want to – !’

‘Take off your top.’ Akashi says, not looking up from her clipboard at all.

‘What?’ You feel a little conscious – battered and worn after only a day they were, but you did not feel all right stripping yourself in front of your Division; never mind that you and Takao had no secrets from each other where that counted.

‘I’ll get you a new set from surplus – they probably have a bunch lying around that’s your size.’ Akashi says so almost automatically, again gesturing to your shirt with a nod. ‘So, strip.’

‘I’d rather…’ You nervously begin, only for Akashi to indicate with a point of a finger that she didn’t have a care about how conscious you were about your… figure. You begin unbuttoning, albeit reluctantly. ‘I’d be happy to.’

Tenryuu pops out of her tortoise blanket fortress, sending you a look that said all that could be said of your current predicament and just how she was enjoying your embarrassment. You scan a look across the tent and see that those present busy themselves with other things – chatting with each other, mostly.

‘Don’t worry, Commander.’ Tenryuu chirps with a grin. ‘We don’t wanna look at you anyway.’

‘Thanks, Tenryuu.’ You offer sarcastically, to which her grin only grows wider.

Strangely enough, now relieved of your shirt, you feel a mite more free. The sudden stinging touch of Akashi’s tender cloth hits you again and you fight back a recoil – mostly for your pride. You don’t think that the KanMusu under your Division would appreciate seeing you roll around like a baby. Akashi’s cloth stings, but there’s also a soothing feeling from them – now, mostly at your jaw. Whatever it was Akashi was doing with that, you find yourself welcoming it as she continued.

The bandage fits around your head comfortably, and your body, still stinging, is tended to by a few more patches Akashi applied to you. As she seems to put the last of the wraps and patches around your forearm, you find it appropriate to ask her a question that had on your mind.

‘Akashi, am I supposed to be getting any side-effects from the pills you gave me?’

‘No.’ She presses quickly. Your shoulders are in less pain, but more sensitive. ‘Why?’

‘I’ve… been seeing things.’ You admit.

‘Commander?’ Akashi looks at you, once again with worry. ‘Seeing things?’

‘You know, like, last night… I felt… I saw…’ You remember it vividly, the aggression… the control… the focus. ‘I was Shigure, Nachi and Temryuu all at once.’

She drops her bandage roll.

‘Ex – Excuse me?’

‘The Quickening.’

You turn to see Nagato, her arms crossed and looking at you seriously. Then to the Vice-Admiral… whose grin could split a mountain.

‘Now this is interesting.’

>Ask Nagato
>Ask Vice-Admiral
>Ask Akashi

OOC: I was gonna put that for later. Sheesh!

>>200281
>>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200281
>>Ask Akashi

We mentioned it to Akashi, so might as well start with her.

>>200281
>Ask Akashi
She better give us a straight answer.

>>200281
>Ask Akashi
Give it to me straight doc.

>>200281
>Ask Akashi
akashi, by the love of all dont tell me i am even more cyborg-y
it is cool and all but, didnt ask for this and bla bla bla

>>200281
>Ask Akashi

>>200281
>Ask Nagato
Apparently she knows/suspect something.

OOC: Just to clarify, the Vice-Admiral is the one who just said the last line. Sorry. 'The Quickening' is said by Nagato.

>>200281
>Ask Nagato
But he hasn't beheaded anyone lately. Has he?

>Ask Vice-Admiral
He used to do what we do. He might know something from the human perspective.

>>200281
>Ask Nagato

>>200281
>Ask Akashi

>>200339
It was pretty clear who said what imho. still going for
>Ask Nagato

File: All Rights Reserved.jpg (90 KB, 1220x648)

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Akashi looks a little surprised at you; you yourself have a sense of dread washing over you like a waterfall. She feels

‘Akashi, what – what’s the Quickening?’

‘It’s an uncommon phenomenon.’ Akashi bites her lip, looking worriedly at you, then back to the Vice-Admiral as you follow their looks, you see the Vice-Admiral nod in her direction; she continues, sighing. ‘Commander, do you know what they call the link forged between the KanMusu and their Human in the RAY Interface?’

You frown at her.

‘Of course I do.’ You rub the back of your neck, feeling your intelligence a little insulted. It’s called the Stream.’ She beckons for you to continue, and you don’t feel insulted anymore – you feel that they’re justified. ‘I didn’t… memorize it proper, but from what the proctors said it’s like… if you have a strong spirit, a strong mind… you make the KanMusu… stronger or something?’

‘In layman’s terms, you’re right.’ Akashi takes a stand. ‘What the – what makes the RAY such a marvel of human and fairy engineering and magic is that it dips into the human resonant field – the plane that your soul, your mind and body operate on unconsciously, and enables it to be tapped into and to anchor the KanMusu’s spirit onto this plane and their plane more effectively. This event thus allows the KanMusu’s in question… to fight better.’

You don’t get that gibberish, but it did – somewhat – sound like what the proctors had said before they stamped the big red mark on your examination.

‘Well, so what does that mean for me? The Stream and all that, I get, but… what does this… the Quickening? Do I just take some more meds for it, or something?’

Akashi seemingly ignores you, closing her eyes in concentration. You feel a little more dread coming over you as she mumbles to herself – from your experience, whenever doctors talked under their breath, they were either annoyed with you or were about to give you bad news. You didn’t care much for either one.

‘No,’ she says with a finality, looking at you with a smile, ‘I’m sorry, your… your case, if it really is a Quickening is quite hard to find.’ She actually looks happy for a moment, which you don’t care much for either – she looks at you like you’re a science experiment gone wrong in the right way. ‘In 45 cases of Admirals and other KanMusu Command Personnel since the formation of the Admiralty, only 7 have exhibited the evidence of a Quickening.’

‘Again, still not getting what a Quickening is!’

‘It’s a psychic feedback. An after-effect of pushing into the Stream with the KanMusu that sticks with you even after you cut the link. From old studies, I think yours is just the first phase of such an experience!’

She sounds a little too happy. Maybe Nagato or the Vice-Admiral can explain it better.

>Ask Nagato
>Ask Vice-Admiral

OOC: RETCONNING that 45 to 34 and that 7 to a 6.

>>200490
>>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200490
>Ask Nagato
HELP

>>200490
>Ask Nagato
That's swell and all, but I had hallucinations before I even tried to use the RAY. When the Admiral enrolled me, I saw a cavern. Nagato, you were there ...?

>>200490
>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200525
OOC: Sorry if I sound annoyed, but I am BUILDING UP TO THAT. Sheesh. This whole OPENING SCENE is to address ALL your hallucinations and WHY you have them. God damn it.

>>200490
>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200536
I'm just explaining my vote: Nagato has been present to one occurrence and had some reaction iirc.

>>200490
>Ask Nagato

>>200490
>Ask Nagato

Also we should make a joke about Highlander.

>>200490
>Ask Nagato

>>200490
>Ask Vice-Admiral

File: I - It's Not As If I Don'(...).png (189 KB, 512x288)

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‘Nagato?’

You look to your Battleship, her lips hidden by a fist, a frown upon her features; she definitely looks like she’s pondering something. You open your mouth, but Nagato suddenly snaps to attention and looks at you with wide eyes, as if a sudden, shocking realization had come upon her being.

‘The fairies… they must have given it to you.’ Nagato says, barely above a whisper. ‘Or at least opened it up for you to tap into.’

‘Excuse me?’ You’re now more lost than ever.

‘Commander, do you remember that time in the Command tent?’ Nagato jogs your memory a little more. ‘When you took the oath to be sworn in to the Admiralty?’

‘Yeah?’ You raise an eyebrow, rubbing your shoulder, before jolting up, your jaw hurting as you address Nagato, a little annoyed and very much surprised. ‘Wait, you knew I saw that cave?! With the fairies?!’

Nagato looks away, biting her lip.

‘I sensed something.’ She says, an unsure tone creeping into her voice. ‘I couldn’t be quite sure what it was.’ She then nods, her face grim. ‘That must have been when they activated it. They must have cast something, but I thought that… because it was so typical, I only thought they’d merely cushioned and fully activated your Stream abilities with the recital of the Oath.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me any of this before?’

‘Because I’ve been to the induction of almost a dozen Commanders and they’re all the same.’ She answers, annoyed with your accusatory tone, before slumping her shoulders. ‘I didn’t think to check with you; that… that’s an oversight on my part.’

At least you weren’t crazy. That was nice to know.

‘Do you know what the Quickening is?’

‘It’s a bond.’ She holds her hands up, moving them – open and close. ‘It’s an after-effect of the Stream; as Akashi said, there haven’t been many cases of it.’ She nods to Akashi, who nods right back. ‘I didn’t think that you’d be one of those with one, sir.’ She slumps her shoulders, crossing her arms. ‘Sorry.’

‘Don’t be. I kinda get I’m the bottom of the – !’

‘It has nothing to do with that.’ She cuts you off with a wave of her hand. ‘Sir, when you went into the Stream in the RAY, when the team were in danger, their heightened emotions must have fed back to you. Your resonance field and theirs matched.’ She finishes.

That made sense, you supposed. You were very much anxious and more panicky than the typical Commander… and Nagato had said – what happened, happened. It felt a little ironic a trait that you wanted to be rid off ended up giving birth to this situation.

‘And if I would…’

Nagato looks at you, then to the bed, then to Nachi and Tenryuu, to Takao… before turning beet red and trembles, looking at the ceiling.

‘Nagato?’

'This is really happening...'

The Vice-Admiral barks loudly.

>Ask Vice-Admiral
>Write-In

>>200793
>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200793
>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200793
>Write-In
>be suspicious
food your commander can't eat, stream activation... Are there more "typical" things you're hiding?

>>200793
>Ask Vice-Admiral

Or maybe
>Fire your sidearm into the air and yell.

>>200793
>Ask Vice-Admiral

>>200793
>Ask Nachi and Tenryuu what they think of this whole Quickening business.

>>201099
This then. The Vice-Admiral is kind of a jerk, trying to force us into impressing our troops instead of caring about them.

>>200793
>vice-admiral: well sir, any closing comments?

>>201099
this

>>201137
We bonded with him now though.

>>201137
Vice-Admiral is alright in my book.

>>201182
Plus i have a sinking feeling he was one who went through the quickening

>>201099
I'm cool with this.

>>200793
>>201099
This

>>200793
>>Ask Vice-Admiral

File: Spoiler Image (326 KB, 800x1119)

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So when are we going to get fuck Nagato's armpits?

File: KongNO.jpg (9 KB, 300x168)

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>>202499
never

>>200967
Dude it was funny the first few times but now it's just annoying.

File: dude what.jpg (110 KB, 1096x650)

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>>202499

File: dyewocT.jpg (182 KB, 1280x1707)

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>>200967
Dude, you must resolutely wait until a moment where we have socially fucked up on an inconceivable level, when we have messed up so badly that doing the stupid thing sounds like a good option.

File: Vice Admiral.jpg (87 KB, 421x676)

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‘I’m a little surprised you didn’t know full details about the Stream.’

‘Not more than what they told us during the auditions.’ You shake your head, feeling a little embarrassed.

You bite your lip as the Vice-Admiral sets his crutches down and the creak of the bed reaches your ears. To tell the truth, right now you’re more than a little worried. You hadn’t excelled in the application, and were a little slow on the uptake, but having so much dropped on you… it made you a little more curious than you would have expected when you first threw your name into the ballot.

‘Vice-Admiral, if there’s anything you can tell me…’

‘I do.’ He nods. ‘Still, if Nagato is right about sensing the fairies giving you a Quickening, I’d keep that under wraps.’ He gestures to Nagato, then to Akashi. ‘Akashi, I want this conversation strictly off the records.’

‘What conversation?’ She doesn’t look up from her clipboard.

‘Good girl.’

‘What’s the difference between my Quickening and the other… six cases?’

‘For one, and this is following Nagato’s suspicion, I kid you not, you’re the first one to have a pathway opened up for them.’ He says seriously. ‘Like Akashi said, there were six cases before you – none of them were bestowed; most of them were activated from an involuntary reflex, trauma, battle high, whatever it is you want to call it.’

The Admiral takes out a toothpick from his pocket, chewing on it.

‘You know about the Override, correct?’

‘Yeah… somewhat.’ You admit.

‘Think of the Quickening as the complete opposite of that.’ He nods solemnly. ‘You can’t get more naked than to bare your soul to someone; where you’re at your most vulnerable – the Shamans called it Empathy Resonation; the vast majority of humanity has it, but only a select few can access it without having their brains fried or worse.’

Your attendant’s words reach you again.

‘That’s why the Admiralty an application process – they’re not weeding out the weak. They weed out the people who can’t keep it under control – and, of course, the ones who screw up their tests.’ He gives you a smirk. ‘Those with Empathy Resonation under control can keep the Stream going without burning out in it.’ He looks away from you. ‘Those people are the ones we bring into the Reserve and into the Command units. People like you.’

‘That doesn’t explain to me what it really is, though.’

‘The RAY Interface opened a back door into your mind from your Squadron’s experiences – one that was already unlocked, presumably, by the fairies.’ He says, fumbling over his own words. ‘When you stepped into the RAY Interface, the Synchronization opened it.’

He smirks at you.

‘Must be a nice.’

>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘Is there anything else I should know about this?’
>‘How are the KanMusu effected by this?’

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>203842
>>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 each)

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>203842
>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 each)

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>203842
>Suspect/Perceive

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>203842
>>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 each)

>>203842
>‘How are the KanMusu effected by this?’

>>203842
>‘How are the KanMusu effected by this?’

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>203842
>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 each)

>>203848
>>203850
>>203855
>>203856
You guys

>>203906
Are lucky. Write-up in 30 minutes.

File: Like 'Nam Except More Recent.jpg (1.51 MB, 1771x1254)

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‘Vice-Admiral, you’re…’ Your eyes widen as you realize just what it was that he had brought up. ‘you’ve had it too, haven’t you?’

‘Yeah… I’m one of ‘em.’ The Admiral laughs mirthlessly.

‘Was it like mine?’ You’re a little too enthusiastic, and catch yourself; the Vice-Admiral was an enigma, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t be delicate about the situation.

‘I was the fourth to be diagnosed with a Quickening.’ He says, matter-of-factly. ‘It was on my… third mission, I think… in the summer.’

‘What happened?’ Your curiosity rises to the surface; you rub your bare shoulder with your prosthetic, hanging on his word.

‘Like I said, high-intensity situation, enemies coming from all sides, going way over my head.’ He laughs, once again, mirthlessly – and with a hint of disgust to his person. ‘Thing that made mine special was… I hit the Override.’

The whole room looks at the Vice-Admiral as though he’d just confessed to a crime; even Nagato stiffens slightly as she hears the words leave his mouth. He scans the room, not missing a beat, continuing his tale.

‘Pried it open, forced my way into the fold; we’d already lost our CL, and the CAs were taking way too much punishment for them to keep going. I think… I think we were about to lose the objective – we were being outgunned.’ He snaps his fingers, smiling darkly. ‘I hit it… and forced my Resonance to match theirs.’

He looks at you with a mix of emotions – regret, conviction, justification, among others. You could only understand it too well… you would have hit the button, too.

Wouldn’t you?

‘You don’t think that a life and a mind don’t have the same bearing, but when you hit that switch…’ He shakes his head. ‘I can attest, to you and for your benefit, that it’s one threshold you don’t ever want to meet.’

‘My Quickening happened as soon as the mission ended and I stepped out of the interface.’ He recalls. ‘I was on a beach with black sand, and the fairies on the horizon, dancing. I went into some kind of trance and was bed-ridden for a month – happens to half of the cases.’ He sighs. ‘When I got out I felt like I’d been upgraded or something… and that half my Division – or what was left of it – had transferred.’

‘Why?’

‘Because of the Override.’ Nachi practically snarls. She’d approached the bed. ‘So you’re the one Myoukou-nee talked about.’

‘You knew Myoukou?’ The Vice-Admiral looks up.

‘She was my sister.’

Nachi grits her teeth.

‘You… I don’t even know what to say to you. I don’t know whether to thank you for bringing her home alive… or to tear you a new one for what you did.’

‘Nachi.’

‘Butt out, Tenryuu.’

‘Nachi.’ You raise yourself to your feet.

>Assert Yourself (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)
>Be Diplomatic (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)
>Placate Nachi
>Support the Vice-Admiral

>>204019
>Placate Nachi
Asking for rolls before the choice is decided isn't nice.

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>204019
>Be Diplomatic

>>204032
Changing my vote

>Placate Nachi

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>204019
>>Be Diplomatic (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)

>>204031
If I specify a 1d12, only one guy needs to get 8+.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>204019
>Be Diplomatic (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)

>>204019
>Placate Nachi

>>204055
>1d2

Rolled 7 (1d12)

>>204019
>>Be Diplomatic (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>204019
>Be Diplomatic (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)

Rolled 2 (1d12)

>>204055
whoops

>>204019
>Placate Nachi into asserting yourself.

>>204079
So does this mean we're going the diplomatic route?
If so, I'm in full support of it.

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>204019
>Be Diplomatic (Roll a 1d12. 8+ is a success)
May as well try.

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>>204116
/tg/ can't NOT go full diplomancer

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‘Nachi.’ You voice is still calm, surprising even yourself. ‘Please remember that you’re addressing a superior officer.’

‘You – !’

‘Please.’ You nod to her, addressing her not as a Commander… but as a person.

She looks at you with a look that could only be described as betrayal. It hurts a little bit, but you feel that where you stood right now – between a possible conflict – was the right one. She snarls at you, gesturing with her head to intimidate you into backing down from your position. You look up to her from your seat, unflinching. The Vice-Admiral is looking at you, but you don’t look back.

Takao is hesitant to step in… or rather, it seemed more like she was trusting you with the situation.

You certainly hoped you could repay that faith in the next few moments, because you had a woman capable of leveling a whole building looking at you with something that would have sent most men running for the hills.

‘What? You’re butt buddies with him now?’ She practically spits out.

‘Nachi!’ Nagato warns, but Nachi would have none of it, marching right up to the Vice-Admiral; at this you raise yourself, getting between the both of them before anything could proceed.

You put your hands in your pockets, mumbling a calming mantra under your breath. Nachi had turned her attentions to Nagato – and her record for insubordination was on full show now, if it wasn’t before – and for a moment you admire someone who had the guts to stand up to someone higher than their weight class…

Until you realize, of the two of them, Nachi was deadlier.

‘And you’re gonna just stand there next to a guy who – who violated my sister and you’re gonna side with him?!’ She practically yells at Nagato, pointing an accusing finger at the now-tense Battleship. ‘You know what it’s like, you uppercrust snob?!’ She turns to the Vice-Admiral, her face scrunched in anger. ‘You gonna draw a diagram, Vice-Admiral?’

You feel a touch on your left arm, and realize it’s the Vice-Admiral’s gesture to you to move out of the way. He doesn’t look at Nachi, his eyes focused elsewhere… or his mind is, you can’t tell proper; he’s more still than an empty pond, a serenity… and fire to his expression that you can’t make sense of.

‘I have no excuses, soldier.’ He says softly, a sad smile gracing his lips. ‘The bones can’t handle that kind of weight anymore.’

Nachi bares her fangs.

‘Nachi.’ This time your voice takes a warning tone.

‘You’re gonna keep protecting your butt buddy there, wannabe?’ She throws you an ugly look - a sneer full of contempt. ‘We’re in here because of you, so don’t think for a moment that you got any weight in here!’

You don’t rise to it. You want to get your point across.

‘I would have hit that switch too.’

TBC

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‘Y – You – !’

You don’t see it, but you expect it. Nachi throws a straight right hook to your cheek, dropping you to a knee. You feel yourself shake from the pain, and you wonder if a bone is clocked as she had hit where the Vice-Admiral had clocked you – repeatedly – not too long ago. Everyone looks in shock, unable to believe the scene unfolding before them. You yourself find it hard to believe that Nachi – even with her given record – had struck so hard.

Even worse, it felt like she wasn’t pulling any punches, either. She’d struck you good.

‘SIR!’

Nagato rushes to you, her worried gaze blocking your view of your assaulter. You don’t want to, but hold onto her arm to get your bearings a little better. You see Akashi, more furious than you ever thought she had the capacity to be, getting to her feet, clipboard cluttering on the floor as she rounded on her. It didn’t matter to Akashi, it would seem, that she wasn’t a combat-inclined KanMusu.

A part of you wondered if Akashi would win at the end of the day on sheer vitriol.

‘Nachi, you psycho – !’ Tenryuu was on her feet by now, glaring daggers out of her good eye at her fellow Division member; Nachi paid her no heed, however, trembling with rage and looking down at you.

You raise your hand to stop her. All eyes are on you, now.

‘If it meant bringing your sister back alive… would you have done it, Nachi?’ You wince, getting to your feet with Nagato’s help. You smirk at her, gingerly touching your cut lip. ‘Asking as a wannabe here.’

‘Commander – !’ Nagato doesn’t want to let go yet, but you assure her with a hand on the shoulder.

‘I’m all right, Nagato.’ You insist, this time rounding on the furious KanMusu. She tries to say something, but a swipe of your hand shuts her up. ‘The Vice-Admiral made the choice. He made the choice that rather than being a corpse at the bottom of the sea, he would be happier knowing that she hated his guts and still breathing.

‘I don’t need to know this man for fifty years to know that. That he made the call not to complete the objective – but to make sure that she’d reach home alive.’

Nachi raises another fist to strike you, tears at the corners of her eyes. You raise your prosthetic, catching the blow, to her shock.

‘He’d rather you hate him and still breathe than step to the pew and give a eulogy on how brave you are.’

You meet her eyes, daring her to cut you off.

‘So I’d do it in a heartbeat, and I’d sign off on your transfer the next day.’

Nachi doesn’t say anything; you feel her considerable strength pressing against your prosthetic, and you wonder why your knees don’t buckle…

She pulls back her fist, nursing her wrist.

‘I’m not saying sorry.’ She insists… but you do hear a reluctance to her tone as she looks away, holding her arms.

You rub your cheek, wincing.

>Write-In

>>204226
>"You don't need to. Just get some rest."

>>204226
>"You don't need to. Just get some rest."

>>204226
>'You just did.' Then try to get this ship (your company) straight before you anchor (=sleep).

>>204226
>"You don't need to. Just get some rest."

>>204226
>'As long as you understand'.
Also where is Murakumo? I haven't heard of her in a while.

>>204246
Mission paperwork. She's the only one fit and able, after all.

>>204226
>"You don't need to. Just get some rest."

File: Only A Lot Yellow-Er.jpg (308 KB, 1024x833)

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‘I’m not expecting one.’ You say seriously. Nagato and Nachi both look at you, surprised; you turn on your heel, wincing as you take a seat on another bed. You feel a chill on your shoulders as you realize that your shirt, ruined, was on the chair and unfit for wear. ‘Is there a spare hospital gown anywhere? Because I’m feeling very conscious.’

You actually feel a need to cover your chest. Being shirtless in front of people was not your idea of having an afternoon. Nachi doesn’t look at you, crossing her arms – Nagato throws her a small glare, making her way to the other side of the bed. Nachi’s clocking of you may have hurt, but at least you’re durable enough that there’s no immediate bruising – or a loss of teeth, for that matter.

You sigh, scratching the back of your head. You really wanted a shirt.

‘Nachi, go get some rest.’ You practically order her to do so, not turning to give a look; Akashi approaches you again, with the cloth – you feel a jolt as she applies it again, wincing. You elect not to protest, but you do feel the need to satisfy your curiosity. ‘What is this, anyway?’

‘The lowest concentrate of fata aqueous. It’s used for more practical wounds… bruises, bumps, and – wait a minute – !’ Akashi grits her teeth, exasperated, but keeping her voice down. ‘Haven’t you ever heard about not fighting battles you can’t get away from in one piece? She could have killed you.’

‘Nachi wouldn’t.’ You wince. You give the Vice-Admiral a look, smiling as best you can. ‘I’m her Commander; besides…’ You begin chuckle, but cease as the roof of your mouth proved a little too sore to indulge in your humor, ‘I owe her one.’

You could count this as keeping the books even, after all. She had promised a knock when she got out.

‘I appreciate it, Commander,’ The Vice-Admiral nods at you, before tiredly continuing, albeit softly, ‘but there are some battles I’d rather you not come between. Keep that head screwed on tight, because you might go over and under.’

You nod in understand, but still… if there’s anything you learned…

It’s that you were her Commander.

‘With respect, sir,’ The Vice-Admiral cracks a small smile at that, ‘the moment she stepped into the matter, it became the issue of my Division, and thus my responsibility – personal or not, sir, I’m assigned to her – and the rest of them. Regardless of how you feel about my interference, Vice-Admiral… I have to insist that this matter is definitely well within my jurisdiction – as both your subordinate and her superior.’

The Vice-Admiral crosses his arms.

‘Why do I have a gut feeling that there’s a snipe at me somewhere in that mess?’

‘I assure you, Vice-Admiral,’ your eyes glint with mischief, ‘there isn’t.’

He laughs softly… holding out a fist.

You give it a good bump.

‘Men.’ Nagato mumbles.

Takao grunts, agreeing.

>Write-In

>>204265
>"So when do I get out? I have district management, plus a casserole to make."

>>204265
We should probably rest a little bit before getting back to our district management duties.

>>204265
>Check if Akashi has any more verdicts regarding your health, then go do Paperwork.

>>204265
>"So when do I get out? I have district management, plus a casserole to make."

>>204265
>"So when do I get out? I have district management, plus a casserole to make."

>>204275
>>204285
>>204295
OOC: It's already established thread before last that you realized you were in over your head with the casserole and needed to get more information before leaping in. He's still making it, but he needs to get more information on how to get the cooking done. It'll be addressed in later choices/progression.

>>204297
That's why I didn't vote for it. Doing it now means our supposedly good cooking would taste bland as fuck to the girls.

We should look into figuring out if anything besides Tanaka salt provides taste to food for the girls.

>>204297
I guess the casserole part can be removed, and a bit of >>204283 can be thrown in.

>>204265
>Check if Akashi has any more verdicts regarding your health, then go do Paperwork.

File: Oh Commander, You Want To Die~.png (245 KB, 512x512)

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Akashi tends to you meticulously, occasionally throwing a glance at her now-calm patient Nachi. Little stings of pain hit you now and then, but you ultimately find that the Fairy’s Tears worked pretty well as a general cure-all for your injuries, minor as they were. Nagato and Takao discuss something you can’t quite make out – and you know not to pry into this one, if any of the girls’ interactions told you. Like the Vice-Admiral had said, there were some things that you just don’t butt into, after all.

‘Akashi?’

‘Hm?’ She acknowledges you, nursing your shoulders – that stinging sensation still there as she worked.

‘I’m all right, right?’

‘Excuse me?’ She looks up from her work, frowning at you.

‘Whatever happened to me… it’s not gonna effect me doing my job, is it?’

‘Oh, no.’ Akashi nods sarcastically. ‘You can definitely get back into the saddle as soon as you get out of those flaps. I suppose you have some gang wars to disrupt, an Abyssal to challenge to a game of chicken, some spelunking into a stronghold, wrestle the Grand Lieutenant into submission on the top of a falling building and maybe take in the surf during a firefight?’ She snaps a disapproving glare with her smile. The sarcasm wasn’t just dripping – it was solid. ‘But, yes, you are as healthy as you can be.’

‘Just… the first one, actually.’

Akashi lets out a muffled cry – a mixture of annoyance, acceptance and the emotion of why-me-why-oh-Heaven-why.

‘You know, when I was joking about you getting into trouble the moment you got out of my sight, I meant on you keeping it. As. A. Joke.’ Akashi grunts, giving you a good slap. A small tear falls out of your eye. ‘What in the world are you planning to do tonight? Vice-Admiral? What’s he doing tonight?’

The Vice-Admiral sighs.

‘He’s been assigned a district – the commercial area.’ The Vice-Admiral nodded. ‘The Deputy Mayor gave the Admiralty full form to act out, so we’re getting started straight away – the Commander volunteered to negotiate with the gangs.’

‘Negotiate what, exactly?’ Akashi practically hyperventilates by now, and you try to calm her down, only to have repeated slaps on your shoulder for your effort.

‘To negotiate their… eviction.’

Akashi smiles. It reminded you a lot of Nagato’s smile, in fact, when she was twisting your leg. You scoot yourself away from the pink-haired woman, who flexed her fingers like she was casting a sort of hex, a light cackle escaping from her otherwise sealed lips. Nagato and Takao scoot away from her, effectively abandoning you.

She turns to you.

‘I want that arm back in one piece when they identify your body tomorrow.’ She says with a finality. ‘Shirt’s in the closet, help yourself. Don’t worry about blood.’

Akashi raises her arms and exits the tent.

>‘Lunch?’
>Stay and chat (Specify)

>>204310
>‘Lunch?’

>>204310
>‘Lunch?’
Oh Akashi. You're so cute yet scary

>>204310
>‘Lunch?’

>>204310
>‘Lunch?’

>>204310
>Stay and chat with the Vice-Admiral.

>>204310
>Lunch sounds good. Heard it's good to eat when your body needs repair. Not to mention, I have my gut to keep nice and smooth.

File: This Show Was Good.jpg (568 KB, 1368x1824)

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As Akashi had said, there were many white T-shirts in the closet. Fortunately, as well, they had one – just one – enough to fit your bulk.

‘So, who’s up for lunch?’

You try to sound cheery, looking around the tent, but it seemed like some sort of dead morning after with Akashi’s departure. Nachi was back in her bed, going through her book and ignoring everyone else; Tenryuu was lying down in her bed, occasionally throwing glances at Nachi. Your two healthy subordinates stopped talking with your question, while the Vice-Admiral, on crutches, looked in thought.

‘There should be some grub at the MASH mess.’ He announces, looking around the tent with one swoop. He jabs a thumb in the direction of Takao and Nagato. ‘That is, if you’re willing to part with your girls for a bit.’

You remember that Takao and Nagato can’t eat human food. You almost smack yourself in the head for your forgetfulness of that one key fact.

‘Damn… Nagato, Takao… what are you guys going to have?’ You try to look apologetic, but Nagato and Takao don’t seem to mind at all – even if you do.

‘Don’t mind us, sir.’ Takao gives a respectful bow. ‘They got some nutrient supplements here for us to have.’

‘Nutrient supplements?’ It rang a bell; for real, this time.

The Vice-Admiral raises gives them a look, before breaking out into loud laughter. After a moment, he shakes his head, before giving Takao a look of amusement. Takao turns a little red; you don’t know if it’s from the stare or from the embarrassment – but you hope it wasn’t a repeat of yesterday’s fiasco. With the public opinion of KanMusu meals, especially with that attack… you couldn’t be sure, at all.

The Vice-Admiral gives you a pat on the back, smiling. It looked like he was fondly recalling something, if his expression said anything about it.

‘Another Day In The Army.’ You definitely know he’s thinking about his past days in the service. ‘Can’t believe those soppy duds found a way to make their stuff KanMusu-worthy.’

‘It’s not great, but… it’s food.’ Nagato smiles sadly – if only briefly, before shrugging. ‘Everything’s pretty much the same to us.’

‘We’ll just get some extra portion here, Commander.’ Tenryuu gives you a thumbs-up – she’d take care of Nagato and Takao for the time being; or, at least… get them fed.

You tell yourself to try a little harder.

‘We can go to Mamiya’s if – !’

Nagato would have none of it, however, waving you off and pointing an amused finger to the exit of the tent.

‘Sir, really.’ She gives you a reassuring smile. ‘Go, have some Officer time.’

The both of you leave the tent; the mess hall’s signage is visible down the pathway.

‘Sir, you okay with those?’ You indicate his crutches.

‘I’m fine, Commander.’ He nods at you with a friendly smile. ‘I’ve been in worse.’

You nod.

TBC

File: Solid Man.jpg (78 KB, 1024x612)

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It doesn’t take long for the both you to reach the mess hall. Once you do, however, you and the Vice-Admiral find yourselves face-to-face with a line that seemed to go all the way back to another medical tent. The both of you give each other a look, before locking yourselves to the back of the line, with two dozen or so Admiralty personnel, both voluntary and commissioned, standing before you and your meal.

There was a huge temptation to pull rank on the servicemen that stood between you and your goal, but you decide against it. You didn’t want them to think you were denying them their own meals by using your position as leverage. You doubt it’d sit well with the volunteers and the injured, if not with the commissioned.

At the back of your head, you wonder if it’s a possibility to have anything delivered to the barracks for you to cook. As it stood, supplies were spread thin across the coastal towns, but you couldn’t help but be curious of the prospect of actually preparing your own food. It had been a month since you’d whipped something up for yourself proper, and the Admiralty applications had only served the same standard – albeit decent – meal for you and the other applicants and prospectus during the course of the elimination.

As the Vice-Admiral takes a few steps forward, so do you. Behind you and ahead of you, chatter is apparent and very topical.

‘Did you hear about Maizuru? How’re they going to bring the defenses up from that ruin?’

‘If you ask me, we’re screwed anyway. You saw what happened.’

‘Heard there’s some kind of super project being built in Kure. All of them doohickeys, even; just you wait, the Abyssals are gonna get the butt-whooping of their lives when we get up and running again!’

‘Do you have anything on the Western Front? Heard they’re decimated – what’s gonna happen to us now?’

‘It’s all just noise.’ The Vice-Admiral’s voice shakes you from your reverie; he gives you a look of reassurance. You lean in slightly to get a better ear for his words. ‘It’s all just noise, Commander,’ he whispers. ‘We’re just in line to get some grub is all.’

You give a good-natured nod, putting your hands in your pockets as you go back to waiting. You can’t help but overhear the people talk, though. Most of them have a worried tone to their voice – a select few have some faith and a lot more have views on the League of Nations intervening.

You don’t even notice you’re at the front of the queue until a man gives you a light push.

You come face-to-face with an ancient man with a large, hot pot filled with familiar-looking stew. He pours it automatically, giving it to you.

‘Thanks.’

He doesn’t seem to hear you – and you walk over to a table with the Vice-Admiral, setting down your food… and begin to eat.

>Ask about the Vice-Admiral's past
>Talk about current post
>Chat about the Admiralty
>Shoot the breeze

>>204452
>Talk about current post
we gonna need help to put this post back on feet
and Vice admiral knows his stuff

>>204452
>Ask about the Vice-Admiral's past

>>204452
>Talk about current post

>>204452
>Talk about current post

>>204452
>Talk about current post

File: Busy Luncheon.jpg (181 KB, 789x472)

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‘What do you think about your current post?’ The Vice-Admiral looks up from his gruel, motioning for you to give an answer.

Funny, you were about to ask the same thing.

‘I… I can’t say for sure.’ You say honestly. ‘I’ve never been part of paramilitary before, so everything from the last two weeks has been a Hell of an experience. The Division’s been really good to me, all things considered. So’s the Admiral.’

You take a spoonful of your stew. It tasted the same as your last bowl. Maybe a little blander.

‘I’m sure.’ The Vice-Admiral nods, tapping his spoon against his bowl. ‘Yokosuka was surprisingly left more intact than Maizuru and Ominato. I don’t know if it was down to luck or just good defensive maneuvers.’ He grimaces. ‘At least we’re working at about 40-50 percent – more than I can say for the other two stations.’

You get to what you thought would be the crux of your discussion.

‘What can we do around here, really?’ Your shoulders slump, words from days before echoing in your ear. ‘I mean, from what I’ve heard, the Admiralty isn’t exactly well-liked.’

The Vice-Admiral laughs behind a closed fist.

‘Well, later on, I’ll be sorting out the Forces, and maybe we can address some of their fears.’ He nods to you. ‘Right now, we’re operating without an effective border. You don’t have to worry about that unless I tell you to – the Forces are my responsibility. You just sort out your Division.’

He pours a glass of water from a pot jug on the table.

‘If my team arrives by tomorrow or this evening, I can get this done sooner.’

‘What’s so important about having a border so early?’ You frown.

‘First line of defense.’ He says simply, taking a sip. ‘You have a member in your Division that was transferred out from what’s left of the Patrol teams. I thought you’d know about it.’

‘Samidare.’ You nod; you make a note to ask her about it when you had the chance.

‘Well, the whole force just got a re-shuffle. I think we’re down to two active Admirals-Vice-Admiral placements now. We’re also down to five Divisions – including yours, of course.’ He cricks his neck. ‘My team’ll be transferring, Commander, but I’ll probably still need your help – and your Division’s – once in a while.’

‘I understand, sir.’ You nod, taking another spoonful of your stew.

‘We’ll also get an Expedition Force up and running again.’ He adds. ‘For that, I’ll probably ask you to lend me a KanMusu or two as well. At least we’ll get some tactical edge back.’

‘What about the restoration of the town?’ That topic irked you.

‘That’s for all of us to pitch in.’ He says grimly; he wasn’t looking forward to it. ‘If you can get yours sorted out, we can move from there.’

>Ask about Vice-Admiral’s past
>Chat about Admiralty
>Talk about the gangs
>Shoot the breeze

>>204544
>Shoot the breeze

>>204544
>Ask about the Vice-Admiral's past

>>204544
>>Talk about the gangs

>>204544
>Talk about the gangs
i have no damn idea how to pull that off, and a full assault make really horrible PR

File: Food.jpg (414 KB, 2048x1365)

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‘So, I know I said that I was going to sort out the gangs…’ You feel a little sheepish, recalling your tantrum from the morning.

You had done so without thinking, and right now were reaping the first eke of consequences. You just realized that you had elected yourself to settle the matter of district jurisdiction with someone who was effectively a crime lord. In hindsight, that tantrum was not one of your smarter ideas, but in any case, you’d been given the responsibility to sort it out – you’d just declared – boasted – that you’d have it done on the dot and on your terms.

‘How am I supposed to do that, exactly?’

The Vice-Admiral sighs, tapping his fingers on the table. He looks at you tiredly, and you give him an apologetic smile. Your actions must have topped the list of braggarts and idiots because you feel a like a damned fool for making it in the first place. You hang on to the Vice-Admiral’s next few words, wondering if there’s anything that could be of use to you.

‘Any way you can.’ He says grimly, taking another sip of his drink. ‘I’m actually kind of surprised that they took over a whole district so quickly. I didn’t think there’d be so much chaos that they’d be able to take over straight away.’

‘I’m thinking of bringing a few MPs and going in for a talk.’ You reveal – you’d just thought of that a few seconds ago.

‘You better watch your back in there – even if they’re not going to kill you, they’ll sure as Hell brownbeat you.’ He says, scrunching his mouth. He then continues, solemnly and seriously, ‘A word of advice – if you’re thinking of bringing any of the girls in with you, don’t.’ The next words hold a warning tone to them. ‘Bring some protection if you need it, but don’t drag the KanMusu into a scuffle.’

‘Why?’

‘Because if things get ugly… they’ll get ugly.’ He doesn’t drop the deadly serious tone of warning – in fact, it heightens with his every word. ‘And if they train their guns on humans… the fairies get really ugly and so does the Admiralty. It’s down to your discretion, of course, but I’d keep any of your girls out of it unless you really know that they’re not going to pull a mess on whatever you got planned.’

You open your mouth to say something, but the Admiral has you beat.

‘You know they’ll put your life before theirs at the first sign of trouble, Commander.’

You let out a breath, admitting he did have a point…

‘Do you know who the boss is?’

‘I’m sorry, Commander, but you’ll have to ask around in there yourself.’ He scratches hischin. ‘From my experience it’s always the cleanest guy around. Bosses don’t like to get their hands dirty.’

The Vice-Admiral takes a spoonful of stew.

‘But whoever he is, vigilance is going to be your best friend in there.’

>Ask about his past
>Chat about Admiralty
>Shoot the breeze

>>204637
>Shoot the breeze

>>204637
>>Shoot the breeze

>>204637
>Ask about his past

so any idea how to get a grave plot for Atago? I mean if the military can't can we chip in for a plot of land in a civilian cemetery

>>205238
>Atago
who is that and why should we care?

>>205289
Read the previous thread.

>>205289
Because Takao wants a plot of land/tomestone for her since she died.

Also because despite being promised by the higher ups she was denied and asked us for help in which we accepted

>>205238
We have to convince them that they deserve a proper rest like everyone else who has served and died protecting their country.

Especially considering that, when you think about it, when a shipgirl dies in this war, it's actually the SECOND time they have given their lives for their homeland and its people. Shouldn't someone who died for their country twice get the proper respect of being buried with honor?

Perhaps somehow getting the public to pressure them?

>>204637
>Ask about his past
Isn't it uncommon for someone from the military to be in the admiralty?

>>204637
>Ask about his past

>>204637
>Shoot the breeze
>>205311
skipped the lewd

>>205579
It wasn't in the lewd though.

>>205579
Now why would you do a thing like that?

>>205373
>Shouldn't someone who died for their country twice get the proper respect of being buried with honor?
Even more so since the second time is, presumably, for the good of all humanity.

>>205658
i really dont get the hate at shipgirls, mayve its that "its stronger than us" fear

>>206062
Not to mention the fact that they are commanded by a non-government organization that potentially has no accountability. If an NGO had super-powerful soldiers IRL, I would be incredibly suspicious, regardless of their mission statement.

Imagine if the Red Cross suddenly started equipping all of their people with Iron Man armor. Their goals may be noble, but you can bet the rest of the world is doing to at least be leery about them from that point on.

File: I'd Rather Be Out There.jpg (13 KB, 410x353)

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‘Sir, I’m curious… just how did you end up in the Admiralty?’ You take a gulp of water. ‘You were Air Force, right?’

‘Not really, but I like to think so.’ He smiles fondly, setting down his spoon. ‘I was part of the Imperial Ranger School. Probably the last batch since the war broke out.’

‘You’re a Ranger?!’

‘I was in training to be one.’ He corrects you. ‘My mother was military before she got herself killed; my father… well, he…’ He trails off for a moment, running a hand through his hair, ‘anyway, I finished school, and as soon as I could, put my name into the Academy scholarship roll.’ He smirks, patting his wrist. ‘This is cheesecake compared to what I went through then. They ran a Hell of a course.’

‘I’m sure.’ You then frown, realizing something didn’t add up. ‘Wait, as soon as you – aren’t you supposed to be at least 19 to even apply?’

‘Lied about my age.’ He says simply.

‘Didn’t they catch on?’

‘They did,’ He chuckles, lifting his cup to you. ‘but they couldn’t actually say no to a 17 year-old that ran rings around the other 86 prospects.’

‘So what happened? How’d you end up here?’

It wasn’t every day you saw a cross-organization transfer – especially not one from a respected military branch to what was effectively a paramilitary resistance.

‘You know as well as I do how conventional warfare does against the Abyssals.’ He says simply. ‘I think we were all a little desperate then – four years into the fight and all we had to show for ourselves were body bags. Navy, Army, Air Force, Legions… every single one of them – sent into the grinder, didn’t matter who or where.’ He nods at you grimly. ‘You’ve seen the films, I think – you’re probably old enough to remember, too.’

You may have been a child, but you remember those first years all too well. It’s not a time you’d like to come back to.

‘Anyway, the Admiralty came knocking in its first year.’ He gulps another swig, ‘Back then, they were just a branch of the Nations… they established first contact with the fairies, and they were looking for their first soldiers… their first Commanders.’ He frowns. ‘They must have gone through thousands, if not millions of us in that first screen. I think I was about your age… maybe a little younger when I was brought out of the Reserve.’

‘So you’ve been Vice-Admiral for quite a while, huh?’

‘Nope. Just about a week, actually.’

‘Seriously?’ You balk.

‘I don’t like standing in the background – I don’t like paperwork and I don’t like explaining myself to a liaison on my unorthodox tactics.’ He takes another spoonful. ‘As far as I’m concerned, I’d rather be out there in the muck.’

You can’t actually help but respect that.

>Chat about the Admiralty
>Shoot the breeze

>>206322
>Shoot the breeze

[x] Shoot the breeze

>>206322
>Shoot the breeze

>>206322
>>Chat about the Admiralty

>>206322
>Shoot the breeze

>>206322
>>Shoot the breeze

File: Shoot The Breeze.jpg (131 KB, 361x469)

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‘You know, this isn’t actually that bad.’

‘It’s better than the standard gruel you get in the Air Force.’ He jabs a spoon in your direction, talking with his mouth full. ‘Although, we had this one cook who made a mean ramen dish back at the Academy.’ He whistles after swallowing, emphasizing his point. ‘And I mean, mean. Had a kick like you wouldn’t believe.’

‘I’d believe it.’ You agree, nodding and taking another spoonful. It really wasn’t that bad; to you, at least. ‘Not that hard to get ramen with a kick.’

‘Not like this guy did.’ The Vice-Admiral leans back, waving his hands. ‘Believe me, Saturday nights, we even had Officers queuing for a chance at the good stuff.’

‘Sounds like I should give it a try one day.’

The Vice-Admiral intertwines his fingers, nodding at you – or rather, your girth. You frown back at him. Even if you’d accepted your state… you didn’t like it being pointed out so readily and easily.

‘First, you got to drop a few pounds.’ He digs in again, pointing at you with the spoon. ‘Or a few belt sizes; that can’t be regulation.’

‘I can’t help it, sir.’ You feel a little defensive.

‘Not when you’re under my Command, soldier.’ He shakes his head, training a lazy gaze upon you. ‘If you’re alive tomorrow, I’m dragging your ass out. I’m sure your ladies’ll appreciate a less round man between the sheets.’

You glare at him, to which he smirks, taking a drink.

‘Can you not?!’ You practically balk. ‘Shouldn’t you be warning me off the KanMusu instead of pushing any sort of fraternization that goes over reg limits?!’

‘Can’t tell me you don’t think about it.’ He points out to you, and you cross your arms. ‘You are a male,’ he adds, ‘and despite what 99 percent of the human populace thinks, they are – !’

‘I am honestly surprised they didn’t kick your horndog ass out by now, sir.’ You interrupt, glaring right at him, ‘Respectfully speaking.’

‘I’m surprised your lardy ass got busy with any of those chicas.’ He smirks.

You open your mouth to retort, but the sound of a banging cooking utensils. You turn to see at least six men – six punks – crowded around the serving table, one of them carrying a pot and the others rounding on the old man who had served you.

‘Put that pot down, you whippersnapper!’

‘Come on, old man, you got three more. I’m sure you can spare one pot? We’ll even wash it up for ya!’

‘I don’t see a tag and I don’t see you in line!’ He pokes the larger man with his ladle. ‘If you’re missing either of those, I’m not serving you squat!’

‘Come on, old man, spare us a bit, huh?’ He puts an arm around the old man, giving the worst business smile you’d ever seen.

‘Get your hands offa me!’

The Vice-Admiral gets to his feet.

‘Can’t have a meal in peace these days.’

>Ignore the ruckus
>Address the ruckus

>>206444
>>Address the ruckus

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>>206444
>Address the ruckus
Use our nascent diplomatic skills to surely successfully head this off

>>206444
>Address the ruckus

I kinda hope it's the same punks from before, if only to make a comment like.
>Are you drunk and grabbing men's asses again?

>>206444
>Address the ruckus

>Address the ruckus

>>206444
>>Address the ruckus

>>206444
>Address the ruckus, with a flying dropkick

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‘Put that pot down and let him go, kid.’ The Vice-Admiral, calm and collected, hobbles with his crutches to the serving table. The six of them regard him with a sneer, before looking to each other and chuckling. ‘I’m not going to ask twice. Let him go.’

The one holding the old man smirks, before doing so.

Upon observation, you realize that these people weren’t personnel at all. All of them were clad in a weird amalgam of outdated clothing with an assortment of clothes that wouldn’t look out of place in a thrift shop that was undergoing a closing down sale. That being said, it was a mite better than some of the civilians that had got caught in the battle; at least they weren’t sporting rags, even if their taste in clothing left a lot to be desired.

But bad clothing or no, they weren’t the least bit intimidated by the Vice-Admiral.

The Vice-Admiral wasn’t, either.

‘Soldier, go and get the MPs.’ He orders one of the men in line – one of the personnel in line, in particular, who points at himself before looking around. The Vice-Admiral sighs. ‘Yes, you. Get going. Now.’

‘Y – Yes, sir!’

‘Hey, man, chill, we’re just here to grab a bowl.’

‘Then either get a hole in your chest or grab a uniform.’ The Vice-Admiral says strictly, addressing the one leaning on the table. You briefly wonder why the other personnel were steering clear of these punks; none of them looked like they wanted to get involved. ‘This is for personnel and patients only.’

‘Where do you get talkin’ to me like that, friendo?’

‘He’s the Vice-Admiral.’ You step in, hands in your pockets. ‘And if you want to get some grub I suggest you follow his advice.’

‘We’re just here for some soup, man.’ One of them grins at you. ‘No need to get all jumpy about it.’

‘It’s stew.’ You frown, taking a few steps until you were shoulder to shoulder with the Vice-Admiral. ‘And if you want some, you’ll either need to register yourselves as personnel or – !’

‘Blah, blah, blah!’ One more interrupts, making a motion with his hands, to which the others let out a laugh. ‘Look, I’m gonna let this slide on ya, ‘cause you both look like a newbie. Ya see, the boss ain’t havin’ any of that civvie shit no more. He wants somethin’ a little classier; you guys seem like you got a lot to spare, am I right?’

This one seems to be the leader of the group, who’s a little shorter than the rest, but a lot more overdressed.

‘You guys can pull out yer bleedin’ heart nonsense and whatever, and it ain’t our business. Ya a man in uniform, and we get that, yeah.’

He approaches the both of you, sneering for all to see.

‘But what the boss wants, the boss gets.’ He glares at you. ‘And if the boss don’t get what he wants… the ones outside them curtains… get.’

You don’t feel like flinching. So you don’t.

>‘Let’s Talk’
>'Vice-Admiral?'
>[End Negotiations]

>'Vice-Admiral?'

>>206690
>[End Negotiations]
We literally have a metal robot arm that breaks peoples' bones. Let's use it.

>>206690
>>[End Negotiations]

We, Humanity, are at fucking war. Cause the motherfucking Abyss are going to fucking come back. What do you dumb shitheads not understand? They don't fucking care about your boss.What tough shit you think you are, you're beneath them. And they will get you.

>>206690
>'Vice-Admiral?'

>>206690
>'Vice-Admiral?'

>>206690
>'Vice-Admiral?'
Let the boss take the lead. It's why he makes the big money.

>>206690
>>'Vice-Admiral?'

Much as i want to hurt them, we just got out with Akashi, she might not appreciate us going back to the fold.

I'm a bit worried about the long term implications of this.

Also, I think people voting to [end negotiations] are forgetting several things. Most importantly: we can't use shipgirls to fight humans and the personel around us seem know who they are but are unwilling to interfere.

>>You briefly wonder why the other personnel were steering clear of these punks; none of them looked like they wanted to get involved.

There is also the bit about us needing clear the gangs from our district (these power may or may be related to that).

I really don't want get into a gang war without having anybody on our side who is willing fight the gangs.

>>206690
Distract them while the mp gets there.
>'Lets talk'

>>206690
>[End Negotiations]
Metal arm

>>206690
>>'Vice-Admiral?'

File: Whatcha Gonna Do About It Orah.jpg (54 KB, 640x320)

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‘Vice-Admiral?’ You await his orders.

‘Leave,’ The Vice-Admiral doesn’t back down from his stance, hobbling a little more. ‘there’s no place for thugs here.’

‘There’s a place for you pricks, though.’ The smaller man grins maniacally, leaning back on his right foot. ‘Same as the dirt!’

His kick, aimed at the left crutch of the Vice-Admiral, misses completely, staggering off-balance from not hitting its target. The Vice-Admiral, calm and collected as can be, uses the free crutch to catch his attacker’s foot, knocking him off balance in a sudden movement, hitting either side of his foot before grabbing him by the collar… and with his full weight, brings the tip right down upon his foot.

The man screams.

‘My toe! My toe!’ He bawls, the Vice-Admiral’s hand reaching for his throat, pinching hard with his index finger and thumb. ‘YOU SON OF A – !’

‘I don’t think I have to repeat yourself.’ He says coolly, looking at the shocked onlookers. ‘If your boss is hungry he can go queue up for rations with the civilians. If he wants a scoop out of this pot, he’ll enlist.’

‘You – !’

A sense of deja vu washes over you – the punks are too scared to move, the Vice-Admiral has the man in a painful grip… and the MPs are on scene, looking at each other in confusion on who they were supposed to pull off.

‘I presume you’re from the commercial district?’ He questions.

‘You guys are dea – !’ The Vice-Admiral squeezes.

‘I’m not looking for trouble. I presume that none of you are.’ He glares at all of them. ‘That right?’

‘Y – Yeah, we’re the head hon – CRIKE – !’ Weight. Toe.

‘I want only one word from any of you. That word can be either a yes or a no. Anything else...’

He puts more weight on the crutch; the man cries out once more.

‘Got it?’

All of them, even the man in his hand, nods frantically.

‘You’re from the commercial district.’

‘Y – Yeah.’

‘You in contact with your boss?’

‘Yup.’

‘Are you able to arrange a meeting between us tonight?’

‘U – Um…’

‘Yes or no.’ He repeats.

‘N – No…’

‘Why not?’

One of them steps up, balling his hands into tight fists. He meets your superior’s eyes.

‘The – The boss ain’t bowin’ two some two bit sleazeballs like you. He the man in this town, now.’

They regard one another, and the Vice-Admiral throws the man in his hand to the ground, his comrades rushing to pick him up.

‘Got guts.’ He nods at the punk who had stepped out. ‘I’ll be sending one of my Officers over tonight to skim over a few details. Tell him whether he’s ready or not, this is happening, and if he doesn’t so much as show a nose… Then I’ll come for him.’

He looks to the old man.

‘Pour a pot for 'em.’

‘Sir?’ The old man questions, shocked.

‘They've got injured.’

>Write-In

>>207053
>Go over the meeting plan with the Vice-Admiral.

We should plan this as well as we can right now, in case things go pear-shaped later.

>>207053
>Go over the meeting plan with the Vice-Admiral.

>>207053
>>Go over the meeting plan with the Vice-Admiral.

File: Ya Jerk.jpg (14 KB, 309x309)

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There’s no cheer in the crowd, no whoop of glory. The rousers were given their pot of stew and escorted away from the tent by three MPs; the Vice-Admiral hobbles back to his seat, with you in tow. You feel dirty looks thrown at the both of you as you reach the table. Somehow, you feel, this particular part of the good deed shtick didn’t go down right with you. Mumbling goes over most of the personnel as you finally sit. The Vice-Admiral rubs his temples as you do, throwing a grimace.

‘I’m sorry for that.’

‘Don’t worry about it, sir. I think I would’ve done the same thing.’ In fact, you already did the exact same thing, but he didn’t need to know that; no sense being a braggart, after all.

‘I’m afraid I may have been a little headstrong there.’ The Vice-Admiral lets out a breath and a curse, pushing what remained of his stew away. ‘Now he’s going to expect you, and you need to be a b – !’

‘Thanks a lot, you sap!’

A bunch of chopsticks spill over your table, as you look up to see two personnel, their tags indicating their voluntary status, towering over your table. One of them was holding back the other with little success. The Vice-Admiral doesn’t answer, but meets his exasperated gaze, regarding him with no emotion but acknowledgment. You keep yourself steady, too.

‘You couldn’t have just given him a God-damned pot without pulling off that shit, could you?’ He practically yells. The Vice-Admiral says nothing. ‘Now they’re gonna turn that shit on our families – the town up to friggin’ eleven!’

‘I – I’m sorry, sir, we didn’t meant to interrupt, we’ll – !’

‘I’m sick and tired of you guys pretending like you care about – !’

‘You’re right, we don’t.’

To your surprise… you say it.

‘We’re just like you.’ You raise yourself from your seat, not having a specific reason why… but assuring the man of your position – of everyone’s position under this tent. 'It’d be a whole lot easier for us to pack our bags, cut our losses, and rebuild. With or without you, it shouldn’t really matter, now should it?’

You let out a breath.

‘I’m not going to send you away with the delusion that we’re going to be there for you. We’re not. Our purpose is to one end and one end only: the end of the Abyssal threat. Humanity’s continued survival. Just like you, we’re looking out for number one.’ You lean over. ‘But we also have our responsibilities. Namely, to our neighbors, our comrades… and to those we owe.

‘So we don’t care about you.’ You finish. ‘But they just crossed into our house. And that makes them our problem, too.

‘So we’ll settle it.’ You nod. ‘You want a shot?’

He actually looks stunned.

>Ask the personnel
>Let the Vice-Admiral continue

>>207169
>Ask the personnel

>>207169
>Ask the personnel

>>207169
What does 'Ask the personell' mean entail?

>>207184
OOC:The scene transitions to you picking up that the personnel know who those punks are.

>Ask the personnel

Guessing this option is asking volunteers to participate in anti-gang operations.

>>207169
>Ask the personnel

>>207169
>Ask the personnel

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The man backs away, glaring… but not before the Vice-Admiral grabs his hand.

You and the man, in surprise, look to the Vice-Admiral, whose gaze holds one of curiosity and determination. He raises himself without his crutches – the way he looked right now positively scared you.

‘You know something about those men, don’t you?’ The Vice-Admiral questions, not letting his firm grip wilt; the man looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

‘Of – Of course I do. Everyone here knows.’ He tries to gather confidence, but with a man of grit… he might as well be cowering.

You take point, crossing your arms.

‘So, are you gonna tell us?’ You look around the tent for effect. ‘Any of you?’

The Vice-Admiral gives you a slap on the forearm. He mouths, too much.

‘As if,’ He looks defiant, finally getting himself out of the grip of the Vice-Admiral, glaring at the both of you with pure disdain; he smirks, ‘I’m only doing this to keep my family fed. I don’t have a – !’

‘Soldier.’ You move in, trying to sound as intimidating and strict as you could. ‘Who were they?’

It seems to work. The man and his friend look at each other, turning their noses at you, before finally hiving an answer.

‘They’re… They used to be part of a motorcycle gang around these parts. They were usually small-time, maybe some hasslin’, but… they never went up and up, you know? Can I go now?’

‘That’s not all we want to hear.’

He opens his mouth to say something, but the other volunteer steps in.

‘Sir.’ He gives a salute to the both of you. ‘About two weeks ago – immediately after the attack – one of the larger gangs, one of the Yakuza offshoots… their remnant, recruited them.’ He tries to recall something in his statement. ‘They… They wanted to use the chaos to start fresh. I mean… with the local police pretty much gone, there wasn’t a lot we could do to do anything to keep them away.’

Another man, a burly person covered in grease and holding a mop, walks up to the, you realize, now-larger congregation.

‘They took over the commercial plaza first… that’s where the money is, ya know.’ He clicks his tongue. ‘But… well, with the conditions of the town like this, their boss… he’s not happy holding something that’s worth less than dirt now, but he’s definitely holding that gang together.’

‘Anything on him?’ You question again.

‘Just that he’s moved up the chain quite a bit since the attack.’ He replies. ‘And that he’s not happy holding just the commercial plaza anymore.’

‘He’s been causing shit all over town.’ A woman, dressed in the same manner as the burly man, steps out. ‘We’ve been asking the Deputy Mayor to – !’

That’s all you needed to hear.

‘I think I get it.’ The Vice-Admiral looks at you. ‘So, what do you think we’re dealing with here?’

>Write-In (What kind of person do you think their boss is?)

>>207562
>Someone who used to be the whipping boy to the larger yakuza gangs and feels he may need to prove himself

>>207562
Isn't that the place the deputy mayor was trying to give to those "private contractors"?

>>207562
>>207570

>>207562
The leader is a bloodthirsty control freak.

>>207562
>Someone ambitious, smart enough to go for the money first, not happy that it means jack, and has the leadership skills to hold his gang together

File: This Is How You Do It.jpg (94 KB, 581x578)

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The both of you sit back down, piecing together what you know. The makeshift and sudden congregation disperses, and you and your superior push your meals aside, putting together an unorthodox first meeting.

‘So we’re looking at someone who’s pragmatic. He did go for the money first… but he’s ex-Yakuza, too.’ You fight a grimace – you didn’t show it, but the man did sound quite intimidating to you from the descriptions.

‘Probably not much foresight on his part.’ The Vice-Admiral nods. ‘The money’s useless with the town like this… and since he’s an offshoot gone rogue, if he so much as goes back into one of the inner cities, they’ll gut him.’

‘He’s ambitious… probably wants to prove himself if he did this so fast. He must’ve had it in mind for a long time to do it so quick.’ You interlock your fingers, biting your lip. ‘If he is Yakuza, I think he’d be one of the middle-men or something.’ You nod – to your surprise, the Vice-Admiral frowns, confused. ‘I mean, this is effectively a military town, and being so close to the ation… it’s not like a Clan would want to keep a big profile here. He must have been put here just to let people know they’re there.’

‘So he’s either a small fry making it big… or he’s pushed out here for punishment.’

The Vice-Admiral looks at you seriously.

‘We can’t underestimate him.’ He raises a finger. ‘First, I don’t think he’ll like it very much. If what they say is right, he’s got a Hell of an inferiority complex. Secondly, there’s the fact he’s able to hold the gang together says a lot of things about him – or nothing at all. He’s either really charismatic, or that the thugs are really just that dumb.’

‘Could be both, really.’ You shrug.

‘Worst case scenario.’ He points at you. ‘Keep your body language tight and try to look… submissive. If those guys told their boss about me – and effectively, you…’ the Vice-Admiral smirks. ‘he’s going to think you’re some sort of errand boy. See that it stays that way until talks start.’

‘So, typical me?’

‘I’ve known you for less than four hours, and we both know that’s not typical you.’

You can’t help but smile at that.

‘What if he’s a psycho?’

‘Unlikely. He wants his reach far and wide – he’s impatient or just a really good organizer to get it done so fast.’ ‘And since he’s Yakuza, you can bet he’s going to go full class on you. Probably a Hell of a talker.’

‘So, who do I bring?’ You blink. ‘The MPs?’

‘Yeah. But you also need…’ he groans, as if in disbelief. ‘an accessory.’

‘I don’t have any jewelry.’

‘I’m not talking about that.'

Then, you get it.

‘I thought you said you didn’t want m – !’

‘I know what I said.’ He sighs. ‘But he’s going to expect you to have one.’

You rub your temples.

>Choose which KanMusu to bring with you

>>207741
>Takao

Gotta get that diplomacy.

>>207741
>Nagato

She's our most trustworthy companion and she's going to look hella intimidating to the thugs.

>>207741
>Takao

>>207786
That might backfire. We don't want to make him feel threatened.

>>207741
>Takao
We've seen how good she is at talking. I bet if anyone can give a run of it, it's her.

>>207741
>Takao

>>207741
>Samidare

File: aa_think_think_think.jpg (50 KB, 218x301)

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‘There’s only one KanMusu to bring into the middle of a negotiation, right?’

You grimace, still rubbing your temples. Takao was the obvious choice. You had thought of the others, but you’d experienced first-hand how she’d handled herself this morning; how she’d carried herself with confidence and balance. You run a hand through your hair, sighing. You needed to look the part, anyway, and loathe as you were to admit it, Takao had all the makings of a sexpot accessory.

‘Takao is a talker,’ he nods, smiling. ‘But make sure she doesn’t take over the conversation. If she’s playing your accessory, she needs to look the part down pat. And she needs to act it better.’ He interlocks his hands, frowning. ‘Remember, he’s going to be addressing you – and you alone. He might throw a few comments her way now and again, but he’s definitely not going to forget about you.’ The Vice-Admiral frowns now. ‘And keep your temper in check. If Takao does her job, I need you to not explode.’

‘I got it.’ You say, a little flushed. ‘How am I supposed to negotiate him out of a whole district?’

The Vice-Admiral grimaces.

‘That’s your job, soldier. I’m sorry to say, but you’re going to have to figure it out yourself.’

‘No pressure.’ You say, with a little more sarcasm than you intended. ‘Maybe I’ll just tell him we’ll train our cannons on him if he doesn’t move. That usually work s… mostly.’

‘Sorry, Commander, but that’s going to be on you.’ He does look sorry, though, this time. ‘I’ll be sending some formal wear your way to the barracks later this evening. A buggy will pick you up at about 1900 with three MPs, so look fresh and sharp.’ He grabs his crutches as he finishes. ‘I’ve got some other business to attend to.’

The Vice-Admiral sighs, getting to his feet. You feel a little more weight on your shoulders now.

‘Good luck, Commander.’ the Vice-Admiral gives you a salute and you raise one in return, getting out of your seat. ‘And don’t forget… tomorrow, we start training.’

You find a smile making its way to your face as the man turns around, walking out of the mess tent. You sit down, focusing on your prosthetic for a while, thinking. You had to think about something that could get the boss to relinquish control… which, to you right now, was pretty much impossible. If the stories were true, he’d be stepping over your corpse long before he’d let you sniff power on that lawn.

You don’t know how long you’re in that chair, racking your brain.

Threaten?

Co-erce?

‘Want seconds, Commander?’ the old man surprises you, walking past you with an almost empty pot. ‘Just to show my appreciation… I was gonna give some if I had any left over to the Vice-Admiral, too, but...’

‘It’s all right. I was just leaving.’

>Go to Nachi and Tenryuu’s unit
>Go back to the Barracks
>Go somewhere else (Write-In)

>>207860
>>Go somewhere else (Write-In)
> Where the MP headquarters are. There's some things that you need to check on.

>>207860
>Go to Nachi and Tenryuu’s unit
You're giving us this option, which means there's probably something interesting waiting for us there.

>>207860
>Go to Nachi and Tenryuu’s unit

>>207860
>Go back to the Barracks

>>207866
This, also armory we need some self protection

File: I Got It From Getty.jpg (21 KB, 530x298)

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Finding some time to kill, you head back towards Nachi and Tenryuu’s unit. You make your way through the crowd – it was the late afternoon now, and the personnel were getting right back to work, so it was a little crowded with a seeming majority of them having gone off-base for who-knows-what.

You arrive at the tent, about to open the flap to enter, when you hear several voices talking – and talking loudly.

‘There’s no point in arguing about it anymore.’ Takao’s firm voice sounds. ‘What happened, happened; and if we’re going to get through this we’re just going to have to manage if it goes badly for any of us.’

‘Are you even listening to yourself?!’ Nachi’s outrage is easy to make out. ‘This isn’t just a Commander we’re talking about – we’re talking about a true blue Quickening! Do you know how dangerous it is for us? For him?’ There’s a disdain in her voice you find too similar. ‘I may not like him that much, but I sure as Hell don’t want to kill him!’

You feel your blood run cold as the words reach your ears. Your find yourself outside the flap, your hand in mid-motion as you continue to listen to their words. Death? Did death truly awaited you?

‘No one is going to kill him, Nachi.’ Nagato’s calm voice breaks through to you. She sounded more authoritative now than you were used to. Nagato’s tone is that of a soldier’s – a Commander’s – calming down her hysteric troops. ‘The fact that he has a Quickening doesn’t change anything of our post to him as our Commander.’

‘I’m kinda with Nachi here.’

‘Whoa, Tenryuu?’

‘I really don’t want to be, but she’s got a point.’ You take a small peek to see Tenryuu stretching out her arm. ‘Whatever he is, good or bad, he’s a little bit more volatile… a little less from what we’re used to. I mean, I’ve always had pretty good Vice-Admirals, and this is my first time in a Division… but if the feedback loops back to us, we’re talking major meltdowns here. Everyone knows how much damage one of us can do.’

You feel something drop in your chest.

‘But I – !’ Takao is cut off, apparently.

‘Takao, you don’t get to say anything until you’ve gone into the Stream with his head.’ Tenryuu says in an uncharacteristically serious tone. ‘I’m not jumping to conclusions, but if the feedback’s saying anything is that he’s not stable.’

You clench your hands into fists.

‘I’m saying this because I like the guy… and he’s okay, but…’ Tenryuu hesitates. ‘A Quickening? I don’t think I want to be there if a surge goes bad.’

‘The fairies gave it to him.’ Nagato’s voice says. ‘If they did do it, I’d trust their judgment.’

‘The fairies’ll also send us back to limbo if we so much as look at a human funny.’ Nachi grumbles. ‘Their judgment sucks.’

‘Not all humans are that bad, Nachi...’

>Go inside
>Walk away

>>207985
>Walk away
I don't trust ourselves to be composed enough for this.

>>207985
>Go inside

>>207985
>Walk away
Let's not ignite that powder keg.

>>207985
>>Go inside
>Make sure you make some sound before going in. This shit can wait, work on dealing with looters first.

>>207985
>Go inside

Oh boy.

>>207985
>Go inside
Tell them they can quit. Just raise their hand, and they will stay at base.

>>207996
>>208000
>>208002
>>208006
>Commander already showing signs of losing his cool
Guys. We already saw the commander loose his cool only a couple hours ago. He is not in the right state for this shit.

>>207985
>Walk away
Everything will go wrong.

>>207985
>Walk away

>>207985
>Walk away
I think we should discuss this with Nagato in private first.

>>208013 >>208029
Better not provide a way for your team to voice their concerns?

>>207985
>Go inside

>>208036
Walking away now doesn't mean we won't be discussing their concerns. But it's better to do it when everyone (the Commander especially) has thought on it and calmed down.

>>208043
Agree,
>walk away
Checking MP/records for info on crimelife seems like a good idea.

>>207985
>Walk away

>>207985
>Walk away
Yeah no. Let's just...deal with that later.

>>207985
>Walk away
Find someplace to meditate and think.

>>207985
>Walk away

>>207985
walk awat

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>>207985
>Just walk away

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>>209242
Just walk away

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You sigh, keeping your cool. The girls may have sounded angry, but they also sounded worried. You reach back, giving your soldiers a good crick and turning on your heel, before placing your hands in your pockets. A member of personnel, likely under Akashi, walks up to the flaps looking at a clipboard.

‘Sorry,’ you get his attention – he turns his confused gaze to you, ‘would you please tell my team that I need to get ready for tonight… and to tell the blue one – Takao – to meet me at the barracks before 1800 for an assignment. Tell them I said it was urgent.’

You quickly walk to the exit of the compound, hoping to catch one of the buggies – preferably not the old man’s – to the barracks. The crowd’s still there and there’re a lot of things on your mind, but you find that whatever it is, you can wait for later, you decide. You shuffle your way through a particularly busy bunch of people – carrying apparatus that looked like it could kill you when dropped on your head – before finally getting to the exit, which was surprisingly scarce save for a few MPs.

‘Commander?’

‘Commander!’

You turn your gaze to see Murakumo with a bound stack of what looked like paperwork under an arm, while Samidare had what looked like a heavy-looking sack slung over her back. For someone so small, it looked like a stark – and funny – contrast. You give them a nod of acknowledgment, and the both of them fall into a crisp salute.

You have to admit, Samidare really did look kind of adorable doing that with such a big sack.

‘Samidare! Murakumo! Wait up will ya?!’

You turn your attentions to the new voice, only to see Kiyoshimo and another girl with dark and slightly wavy hair, who looked tired and haggard from hauling a sack each. You realize that there’s a sort of resemblance with Kiyoshimo, from the way of their dress to their features – although you find Kiyoshimo’s face was a little sharper and less rounded compared to the new girl’s, but you didn’t need much of a hint to tell you she was a KanMusu too.

‘Come on, you guys! Our load’s heavier than yours, you know?’ Kiyoshimo says in exasperation.

‘I wish we could’ve caught a buggy or something.’ the dark-haired girl groans, setting down her sack onto the cracked pavement. ‘I was a ship. Not a cargo truck, ya .’

‘Girls.’ You offer them both a smile, despite your mood.

‘O – Oh!’ the dark-haired girl drops straight into a salute. ‘Good afternoon, sir! My name is Naganami!’

You give your own, albeit lazier, salute.

‘Nice to meet you, Naganami.’

‘I’m surprised to see you here.’ You turn your attentions to Murakumo.

‘I am the only one in working condition… I had to fill out their paperwork.’ She gives you a smirk. ‘Since you left so early yesterday.’

>Talk to Murakumo
>Talk to Samidare
>Talk to Kiyoshimo
>Talk to Naganami

>>209581
>Talk to Murakumo

>>209581
>Talk to Murakumo

>>209581
>Talk to Samidare

>>209581
>Talk to Murakumo

>>209581
>>209778
Actually, after going over the ship profiles a few threads ago, I'd like change my vote to

>Talk to Samidare

She is apparently an up and coming diplomat and internal problem solver. Given the current atmosphere in our division, and that we're taking Takao with us it sounds prudent see if she can help keep things together while we're gone.

>>209581
>Talk to Samidare

>>209581
>>Talk to Samidare

>>209581
>Talk to Murakumo
She's the one currently talking with us right? Would be impolite to just start talking with someone else.

>>209581
>Talk to Murakumo

>>209915
We're talking to all of them. We've all said hi to each other, but other than that we haven't gotten into any discussion. Moving on is socially fine at this juncture.

>>209581
>Talk to Samidare
>>209242
>>209275
Glad I'm not the only one who thought of this.

File: Hai Hai!.jpg (181 KB, 850x1202)

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‘How’re you settling in, Samidare?’

‘Nicely!’ She moves to salute again, the bag’s weight making her teeter off-balance slightly. ‘Whoops!’

Murakumo rolls her eyes.

‘That’s great.’ You give her a smile, hands in your pockets. ‘Thanks for the oak branch this morning; it really did help a bit.’

‘Hee!’ She grins toothily.

‘Samidare, I need you to do something for me if you can.’ You say seriously.

‘I’m all ears, sir.’ She tries to look serious, dropping the bag as she goes into a salute.

The bag heavily drops onto the sidewalk with a loud clank. Murakumo rubs her temples, fighting a groan caught in her throat as Samidare fusses over the bag, tearfully lifting it up and very much embarrassed for her clumsiness. Kiyoshimo and Naganami were seated on their bags, scrunching their mouths at the sight.

‘Wish you were all fingers, too.’ Murakumo mutters.

Everyone heard it, though, and Samidare looks down guiltily. You send Murakumo a look, to which she shrugs, gesturing back to Samidare.

‘If there’s anything going around in the Division, I want you to report to me.’

‘L – Like a snitch?!’ Her eyes grow wide, fearful.

‘No, not like a snitch.’ You raise your hands to calm her down. ‘Samidare, I read your file. You’re definitely leader material; and I’m gonna help you with that – one of the things you got to keep going… is to see if people are unhappy with things.’ You try to explain it as simply as you can. ‘You’ve kept your teammates from each other’s throats before, I know.’

‘Um…’ Samidare bites her lip, looking unsure.

‘We’re not always going to get along, so I want you to keep things cool and report to me whenever things go too sour so we can get it done as fast as we can, okay?’

‘So I’m not a snitch?’ She glances at you for confirmation.

‘No.’ You put a hand on her shoulder, putting yourself on bended knee – literally. ‘You’re a not a snitch. You’re being a good teammate.’ You assure her again, elaborating on yourself once more. ‘I’m not telling you to report to me everything you can get your hands on… but if you can, I want you to make sure everyone’s getting along. Tell them you have my express gratitude and my permission to keep things from boiling over.’

Samidare lets out a small whine as she ponders your words. You don’t know how long you’re on that one knee, but it’s not long. Samidare looks back at you with that chirpy show of teeth, and another salute.

She knocks over the bag again, and you can’t help but chuckle to help get it upright again; and once again she throws you the salute with a grin.

‘Yes, sir!’ She says in an upbeat call.

Murakumo’s snickering catches both your attentions.

‘Why don’t you just adopt her while you’re at it, sir?’ Murakumo smirks at you.

You give Murakumo a flat look.

>Talk to Murakumo
>Talk to Naganami
>Talk to Kiyoshimo

>>210029
>Talk to Kiyoshimo

‘Why don’t you just adopt her while you’re at it, sir?’
She has no idea how fast I would adopt some of these shipgirls as daughters if I could.

>>210029
>Talk to Kiyoshimo

>>210029
>Talk to Murakumo

Alright Murakumo, what is it? If I'm reading her right she's feeling left out and is trying to get our attention through snide comments and putting other people down. The knee jerk reaction is to punish her by delaying speaking to her. But I think that is the wrong course of action in this case.

Her comment about how she is having to do all this paperwork for us because we weren't there yesterday bears consideration. We don't want to let the impression that we are either never there or never willing to pay attention to her take root.

That doesn't mean we have to act like we appreciate her recent comments, though.