>>1076971
>‘Why are you here… in pyjamas, sir?’
defuse a bit the tension, here

>>1076971
>‘Why are you here… in pyjamas, sir?’

>>1076971
>‘Aren’t you going to start interrogating me?’

>>1076971
>>‘Aren’t you going to start interrogating me?’
failing that, debrief me

File: Credit to Deviantart.jpg (349 KB, 1440x838)

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'Why… are you in pyjamas, sir?’

The Grand Lieutenant takes his hands out of the bowl, wiping his wet hands with a piece of brown cloth on one of the mobile tables. It actually wasn’t so much that you were seeing him in pyjamas – rather, it was more of the fact that you had caught your superior in such an odd and casual ensemble that made you unable to restrain yourself from addressing it. For a moment you wonder if you had brought up the wrong thing, as he stiffens and straightens his lab coat.

‘Because, Commander, I was having a well-earned 8 hours of sleep after a busy day trying to run the numbers when I had a call asking for a qualified Doctor to tend to a – and I quote – Yokosuka Commander who had a close encounter with an Abyssal Command Unit and needed immediate treatment.’ He says it coolly, as neutrally as one could manage. It had been a stupid question anyway… but you can’t help but feel a little grateful that The Grand Lieutenant had seen you valuable enough to jump right out of bed to tend to your health. A little, anyway. ‘Thankfully, the Fairies did what they could to keep you stabilized… even if they didn’t know heads or tails of what they were putting in you.’ He picks up a small basket, setting it onto one of the tables with a grunt, his back now toward you. ‘It’s not a cure-all, I’m sure you know.’

You nod. You’d heard as much for Akashi… but that didn’t mean that it didn’t have its uses. Including tonight’s incident, you count that it must have been at least the fourth time that Fairy’s Tears – Fata Aqueous – had stepped in to save your life. Understandably, you didn’t discount The Grand Lieutenant’s implication that just because it was there to patch you up,

‘Yeah. Something about a twenty-five percent success rate or something?’

‘Reliance on Fairy’s Tears has shown no adverse effects on the patients who have had a positive response to the treatment.’ He picks up a clipboard from one of the small pigeonholes beside the mobile tables. ‘However, magic has always been an unknown factor in calculations… I would suggest you that you don’t think that every time you come back from a mission with a boo-boo that it’s going to be a bottle splash and a tick on a clipboard.’

Your mind wanders back to Aquarius… but you bite your tongue before you could point out the hypocrisy of his words.

‘It…’ You fight down a grimace before picking up your shirt and hopping off the bench, ‘never crossed my mind, sir.’

‘See that it doesn’t.’

Frowning, he looks downward… and lifts the fabric of pyjamas to his nose.

‘I could have sworn I told Yuudachi to take these to the launderette a week ago.’

>‘Aren’t you going to start interrogating me?’
>‘About Iowa…’ (Reveal Iowa’s secret)
>Write-In

>>1077006
>‘Aren’t you going to start interrogating me?’

>>1077006
>>Write-In
'Will you be the one conducting the debriefing?

>>1077006
This one goes for me
>>1077012

>>1077006
>So what's the doc' orders now?

File: Explain.png (1.69 MB, 1920x1080)

1.69 MB PNG

‘Sir, about my debriefing – !’

‘It’s all been taken care of, Commander.’ He informs you. You find yourself a little confused… you hadn’t said a thing and as far as you knew, your team had been taken away for treatment. ‘My Commander has already submitted the report. I will go through it first thing tomorrow…’ He trails off, raising his wrist to his nose. ‘Afternoon.’

Had he known about how the Command Unit had come so close to the RAY?

‘Thankfully, it would seem that any auxiliary forces have seen fit to vacate the immediate premises in the face of our offensive initiative.’ You blink – was that a tone of… satisfaction in his voice? ‘You’ve given us some breathing room, Commander; even if it has come at the cost of one of our few operational RAYs. The retrieval Squadron will bring it back to the base – this base – to undergo repairs.’ He turns on his heel, making his way towards the exit. ‘Although, you do never cease to amaze me at the bouts of trouble that you seem to raise wherever you go.’ He chuckles darkly. ‘I’ll be seeing you, Commander. I hope you don’t thrash another asset if we decide to deem you fit for duty again. I don’t know if I can trust someone who deems it fit to ram into a Command Unit or engage that close to a conflict zone.’

‘Sir, I didn’t engage the Command Unit up front out of my own volition.’

He doesn’t reply, turning to face you again.

‘Shall I assume that it’s because you saw fit to play the hero again, Commander?’ Rather than a question, it’s more of a venomous accusation. You can feel his patience beginning to wear thin. ‘That you didn’t do it because you wanted to… but because you thought it was the right thing to do?’

‘No, sir.’ You reply steadfastly. There was no point antagonizing him. ‘I didn’t – !’ You shake your head. There was no use to draw it out any longer than you had. ‘I did not actively seek to engage the Command Unit. It ghosted past my sensors and disabled my RAY.’ You rub your prosthetic, looking downwards. ‘When it came into the cockpit… my eye, this eye… it didn’t see a thing.’ You bite your lip, wondering how to explain it better. ‘It was like she was cloaked in darkness or some – ?’

‘You’re positive that there was no malfunction on the RAY’s sensors?’

‘Yes, sir.’ You gesture to your eye. ‘And when I looked at it with this, I couldn’t see it… there were these little monkeys around it – !’

‘Monkeys?’ He frowns for a moment, before something clicked. ‘Imps.’

‘Sir?’

‘They’re called Imps.’ He clarifies. ‘The lowest rung of Abyssals. Hardly a threat, even in droves… scavengers of their own dead. Cushions of meat.’

You let out a breath.

‘Well… I think they’ve finally found a use for them, sir.’

He raises an eyebrow.

[redEND DAY 42[/red]

File: SNORE.jpg (3.3 MB, 4000x3000)

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You grumble as you roll your shoulder. Around you, several beds laid empty… and you realize that you had taken up temporary residence in the Ominato Engineering Quarters – specifically, Unit 04’s. For some reason or other, the number of engineering crew members had dwindled in Ominato since the attack… and Unit 04 had more than enough room to house an injured Commander. You clutch your head, feeling for the strap of your eyepatch – The Grand Lieutenant had been kind enough to give you one after the both of you stayed up all night discussing and writing up a proper report on the findings from last night’s battle. It was, admittedly, a bit of a chore to try to explain how you were blind to the Abyssal Command Unit’s presence.

Apparently, it wasn’t a known fact that PT Imps – those goblin-like creatures – were able to mask the presence of other Abyssals. Especially not to the extent that they were effective enough to do so to cover the whole aura and sensory signal of a Command Unit. You pinch the bridge of your nose, grimacing as you realize that despite the support on the bed… you felt a lot more comfortable sleeping on the floor of your own base – that, of course, and the company of your Division’s KanMusu was much more preferable to a few snoring men who you didn’t know… not that either were here right now, anyway. Through the layers of canvas of the tent you make out that the sun was high up – and that it was probably closer to noon than it was to sunrise.

Scratching you belly and the back of your neck, you push off and head outside the tent. The Grand Lieutenant had promised to arrange a transport for you to get back to Yokosuka today, but hadn’t given you the time. You assume that it would probably be as soon as possible – you doubt that he wanted you to be on his base any longer than necessary.

Ominato was nothing but the base.

The town had been – as Hiei had described – torn asunder. While in Yokosuka there were standing buildings and blocks… Ominato didn’t offer anything more than ruin after ruin. The only place over two storeys that looked like it was still standing was the base’s main building – and even then, it looked like half of it had been warped away, replaced by rows of tents. The base was significantly further from the town than you expected. Yokosuka’s was practically on its shoulder.

That hadn’t given the Abyssals pause. You see a few forms in the distance… but the town was well and truly decimated.

You begin to make your way to the makeshift courtyard… when you hear the sound of helicopters flying over, carrying what looked like military-issue jeeps. Several men run past you to catch up.

‘Good afternoon, Commander.’ A serious voice sounds next to you.

You turn on your heel…

>A young man
>A young woman

>>1077083
>A young man

>>1077083
>A young woman

>>1077083
>A young man

>>1077083

>A young woman

>>1077085
>>1077087
>>1077089
>>1077093
Coin flipped. Winner decided.

Ending the session now.

File: Spoiler Image (523 KB, 650x920)

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‘Sorry, I…’ You frown as you observe him. ‘Have we met?’

As far as you knew, there weren’t any acquaintances that fit the description of the young man you were face-to-face with. He was clad in fatigues similar to yours… if of a slightly darker shade. In contrast to you, he looked like a well-fit male – and the fatigues themselves looked like they were about a size too big for him. If you didn’t know any better, you would have mistook it for a flight suit that those pilots used. There was something of a permanent scowl upon his person, with icy gray eyes and… surprisingly well-maintained brown hair to go with the rigid, pointed jaw and sharp nose. Not to mention the youthful cheekbones that betrayed his experience. Although, looking face-to-face, you had an inkling that he was older than he looked… maybe.

‘I’m the Commander around these parts.’ He introduces himself, raising his hand for a salute. You notice that his hand, like yours, is a Kantai Steel prosthetic… but you can’t make out whether it’s a mere exoskeleton or a full-on replacement. ‘I was told by The Grand Lieutenant that you were taking up a bed at one of the Engineering Tents.’ His voice is gravely – if you wanted to make a guess at his voice, you would have put it somewhere in its early 40s. ‘I’d just like to apologize for how badly things went last night.’ He takes an unapologetic look, breaking that seemingly permanent scowl. ‘Believe me, it wasn’t my intention to leave you to pick up any of my slack.’

‘If there’s anything I learned, Commander,’ you grimace, turning to another overhead flying chopper, this one smaller than the rest. ‘Nothing ever goes to plan in this line of work.’

‘True.’ He smiles wryly, gesturing for you to walk with him. Seeing no compulsion to reject the gesture, you follow him. ‘Still, I have to admit – it was a mistake on my part. There was a malfunction on my sensors and stabilizers when I was moving to meet with you at the rendezvous point. I had run an emergency diagnostic on the run… and the sensors positioned me some way southwards of my posting – if I’d done a check-up before I left the Prep Dock, things wouldn’t have been so…’

‘Chaotic?’ You offer, slipping past several maintenance crew members.

‘Messy. Yes.’ He sighs, raising a hand to his face. ‘I was told to give you cover support; I didn’t think it was supposed to be mop-up duty.’

‘Well, at least you came through when it counted… and everyone…’

You see the smiling, chirping faces of the Fairies… no more.

>‘Where’s the Vice-Admiral?’
>‘I’m looking for my Squadron, actually.’ (Look for your Squadron members)
>‘I thought there were more Commanders around.’ (Comment on how he seems to be the only one)
>‘I was told that I’d be able to depart soon.’
>‘I didn’t know it was this bad.’
>Write-In

>>1077129
>‘I thought there were more Commanders around.’

>>1077129
>‘I thought there were more Commanders around.’ (Comment on how he seems to be the only one)

>>1077129
>>‘I thought there were more Commanders around.’ (Comment on how he seems to be the only one)

>>1077129
>>‘I’m looking for my Squadron, actually.’ (Look for your Squadron members)

>>1077129
>>‘I’m looking for my Squadron, actually.’ (Look for your Squadron members)

>>1077132
>>1077134
>>1077219
dont we already konow the answer to this?
its the same reasion we got picked and are like the only one.
every one eisl died

>>1077283
we are not the only one, plus this was a big op
we cant be just 3 commanders
we just cant

>>1077290
its looking like it is
or they are off doing other things and cant t help us right now

>>1077129
>‘I’m looking for my Squadron, actually.’ (Look for your Squadron members)

>>1077129
>>>‘I thought there were more Commanders around.’ (Comment on how he seems to be the only one)

>>1077129
>‘I’m looking for my Squadron, actually.’ (Look for your Squadron members)

>>1077129
>>‘I’m looking for my Squadron, actually.’ (Look for your Squadron members)

>>1077129
>>‘I thought there were more Commanders around.’

>>1077132
>>1077134
>>1077219
>>1077277
>>1077280
>>1077460
>>1077467
>>1077973
>>1078260
>>1078664
Coin flipped. Winner decided.

File: Ominato Commander.jpg (22 KB, 350x341)

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‘I would’ve thought that there would’ve been more Commanders around.’ You mention. From what you understood after all those briefings, there should have been at least four… and if they weren’t in Yokosuka, they must have been posted at Maizuru or Ominato. ‘Are you the only one on this base?’

‘The only Commander here, yeah.’ He answers solemnly. The both of you walk past a parked truck filled with barrels – one of the men unloading the barrels hands the Ominato Commander a checklist; he doesn’t spare a moment signing it off, gesturing for you to wait. After a while, he’s handed what looks like a small clipboard, which he tucks under his arm. ‘Unless you’re willing to transfer here.’ He smiles wryly. ‘I could use the extra hands – The Grand Lieutenant’s always got something on the agenda… if there’s anything to sign-off on or a dispute that happens, I’m the one that they get by default.’ Despite how arrogant it sounds on paper… his tired visage tells that it’s more responsibility than he would like. ‘Supplies, jurisdiction, they drop pretty much everything into my pigeon hole.’

‘Sounds crazy.’ You nod. You had three attendants to help you with your workload; not to mention Fingers – you’re surprised that they couldn’t afford one for the Ominato Commander. ‘Don’t they have someone like an assistant or something to help you out?’

‘I have my Division… and they do what they can,’ he rubs the back of his neck, sighing heavily, ‘but I try to ease the paperwork and day-to-day stuff off of them when I can. I’d rather have them ready for the next mission or fresh for patrols than helping me around.’

‘The Admiral gave me two attendants. I find it weird that The Grand Lieutenant couldn’t afford to give you one.’

‘I had one… but I gave him the sack.’ His lips thin, rolling his shoulders as his ever-present frown seems to deepen. He quickly adds, ‘He wasn’t much of a worker, anyway. Didn’t bother asking for another one.’

You grunt, deciding not to pursue the issue.

‘There’re two more Commanders, but last I checked they were assigned to another Admiralty Base.’ He shrugs. ‘Don’t bother asking me which one – I’m in the dark about it as much as you are.’

He lets out another heavy sigh.

‘Between the both of us, Commander, I didn’t even give this job a thought when the war started. I couldn’t be bothered with it – I lived up north in Sakai. We barely feel it, there. My brother was the one who wanted to give – !’

He pauses… before walking on ahead.

'Lunch should be boiling about now. Coming, Commander?’

>‘Your brother?’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘Isn’t there a Vice-Admiral?’
>‘I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’
>‘I didn’t think Ominato had it this bad. Yokosuka’s got things pristine by comparison.’
>Write-In

>>1079538
>>‘I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

>>1079538
>>‘Isn’t there a Vice-Admiral?’

>>1079538
>>‘Isn’t there a Vice-Admiral?’

File: Such A Harsh Word To Use.jpg (32 KB, 223x350)

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‘Isn’t there a Vice-Admiral around, at least?’ You inquire. You find it hard to believe that there wasn’t even a Vice-Admiral around to help sort things around the base out. ‘If The Grand Lieutenant’s in charge, shouldn’t there at least be someone who he’s assigned to help delegate the base’s day-to-days?’ Your arm creaks slightly as you fold your arms over your chest, meeting the Ominato Commander’s gaze. ‘Other than you, I mean. I know that as Commanders, we do a load of work… but you seem to be – I don’t know, the de facto go-to man going by what you’re saying.’

He smirks, running a hand through his hair… but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

‘I don’t know if you realize this, Commander… but Ominato was picked into pieces. Barely anything, let alone anyone, was left standing.’ There’s an edge to his tone as he meets your solitary gaze. ‘I wasn’t even on the base when it happened – The Admiralty had just contacted me to finalize my training program when they hit. By the reports, none of the prospectus made it out alive.’ He goes more stone-faced, lips thinning into a line. ‘Of all the times The Abyssals chose… they couldn’t have picked a better time to tear this place apart.’

You bite your lip. You had been there on the day of the assault… and you had no wish too revisit it.

‘You mentioned reserves… wouldn’t they be able to bring anyone out of there?’ You press on as the both of you continue walking. ‘If they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel, how bad can the bottom of the barrel get?’

He sighs again.

‘They would… if there were any reserves left.’ He places his hands in his pockets, not quite meeting your eyes, his hawk-like stare looking on ahead. ‘I was out of town for my brother’s memorial service. The Admiralty made a big show of the recruitment drive – you know how it goes; girls, balloons and speeches. They’d just pushed a big operation and took a big chunk of sea back. I don’t think anyone expected a head-on attack to catch them with their pants down after that. Goes to show what happens when you get too cocky.’

‘I find hard to believe that there aren’t any reserves still in the picture.’ You make your confusion known.

‘Well, believe it, Commander. As far as I know, it’s just us.’ He pauses. ‘Unless you count the ones that just decided to disappear into thin air.’

‘Disappear?’

He snorts.

‘Deserter’s a harsh word to use.’

>‘What was that about your brother?’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’
>‘I didn’t think Ominato had it this bad. Yokosuka’s got things pristine by comparison.’
>‘Actually, I think I should check to see when my transport is going to be departing.’
>Write-In

>>1079880
>>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

>>1079880
>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

So we finally meet somebody who's in an even worse boat than us

>>1079880
>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

>>1079880
>>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

>>1079880
>>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

>>1079880
>>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

>>1079880
>>‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you?’

File: Medical Unit.jpg (63 KB, 746x500)

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Despite your grumbling stomach… your mind wanders on ahead to what had happened to your Squadron. You’d seen them last night… and there had been an unspoken assurance on the part of the base’s crew that they would be taken care of. Still… you couldn’t help but put them at the top of your concern – and as tempting as the prospect of finally being able to meet another man who was in pretty much the same boat as you, your worry for your Division members trumped any desire to sit down and talk with your newfound acquaintance.

‘I think I’m going to go look for my Squadron, if it’s all the same to you, Commander?’ You try to sound apologetic, but a rushed, hurried tone overtakes your voice… and the small, understanding smile that the Ominato Commander gives you in return tells you that he doesn’t mind one bit.

‘Of course.’ He nods stiffly – though not with any annoyance you could see. It must have just been the way he was. ‘Do you know where they are?’

‘Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me.’ You scratch the back of your head. You’d actually planned to look for the Grand Lieutenant and ask him for directions… but considering the Ominato Commander was here, you decided to save yourself the trip and just ask it outright. ‘Would you know where the MASH or wherever it is that they took them.’

‘The Recovery Unit’s right beside the main building – about two tents over.’ He raises a finger, pointing right back to the base’s main building. ‘You can’t miss it – it’s the one with the… abstract beetle on top.’ That was a strange addition. Before the thought strikes wondering why, he raises his hands. ‘Don’t ask me – Miyuki thought it was a good idea to have something different.’

You both share a firm handshake, parting ways. You make your way to the main building, peering upwards at several members of the reconstruction crew as you walk right past the main entrance. The building, as before, hadn’t taken out the idea that it had been cleaved roughly down the middle – there didn’t appear to be any working stairwells heading upwards either… makeshift platforms and harnesses were in abundance.

‘It’s a miracle this place is still standing.’ You spy the congregation of tents beside it. ‘Right, two tents over and…’

You eventually see the ugliest piece of art you had ever laid eyes on, set on a tent that was as comparable in size to the Command Tent back in Yokosuka. Tilting your head slightly, you conclude that it was probably a beetle.

You put a hand on the entrance flap…

A man steps out.

‘Oh, afternoon.’ He tips his cap. ‘You must be that Commander that docked in yesterday. I’m the KanMusu Maintenance Crew Chief… your girls're doin’ fine, but I don’t think they’re gonna be stirrin' anytime soon.'

>‘I’ll come back another time, then.’ (Leave, Write-In)
>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)

>>1080778
>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)
We may as well go in for a minute and see them.

>>1080778
>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)

>>1080778
>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)

>>1080778
>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)

>>1080778
>>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)

>>1080778
>>‘I’ll be quiet.’ (Go inside)

File: No, Not Like This..jpg (61 KB, 485x598)

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‘I’ll be quiet.’ You reassure the man, who thins his lips and looks up at you… before finally conceding and gesturing for you to enter. With one last nod and a soft words of thanks, you enter the room.

Instantly, you’re greeted with an odor that you can only equate to a toilet that had been sterilized top to bottom. There was a strong, thick musk that seemed to invade not just your nose, but your very skin. It wasn’t like that unfortunate lab accident with sulphur from years back, but the thickness in the air is enough to almost make your lips dry and your eyes water. There didn’t seem to be a haze of any sort… but that didn’t make it any less stuffy for you. You look around for something to cover your lips – you can feel it invading the roof of your mouth now. Now, more than ever, you’re reminded of an acidized washroom… only that someone had forgot to neutralize the cleaning agent with some air fresheners.

You turn around to ask the man what the stench was… only to see that he had gone, leaving you in this tent, alone.

You look around to see what looked like several large bath-tubs filled with green liquid that seemed to be boiling. There were two rows, each and every one of them filled and lined with what looked like complicated electronic apparatus and three cylinders at the foot of each tub, one with blue liquid and the other with a glowing yellow… gas-like substance.

Nearing one of the pools, you peer inside.

It shames you, a little, at least, to realize that you were able to tell just who it was in the tub by the curvature and sag of her breasts.

‘Hey, Kaga.’

You sit by the edge of the tub, grimacing at her…

Was she awake?

As quick as thunder, her left hand grabs you, gripping your arm with a strength that you hadn’t felt for a long time. Her eyes, animalistic and irises slitted, rise along with the rest of her face out of the clear pool of green, her face dangerously close with yours now. Your prosthetic barely hangs on from her dragging into the pool with her… the smell, stronger than ever, hits your nose. In your belly, something churns.

Kaga raises her right arm out of the minty green pool of glowing liquid, wisps of blue and silver dancing around her wet limb as she begins to caress you with… flaming, fleshy bone. Pristine white finger bones, wrapped with pulsing, growing flesh begin to coil to the tip of what you can only assume would eventually become her fingers. The small cords of what can you only describe as burning but not cooking flesh dances as the blue flame begins to fade, leaving glowing blue tips on red, bloody ends of what you think were the motor components that were her nerves, fine and thin, coiling like snakes searching from prey.

You feel a little something come out the tip of your groin’s fruit.

>Stay conscious (Roll a 1d6 each)

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1080899

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1080899

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1080899
i know where this is going, and it aint good

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>1080899
need a better roll. i should have some good dice karma built up...

>>1080945
damnit, i bet this is because i didn't poi~ enough.

File: let go.jpg (40 KB, 799x570)

40 KB JPG

Dice gods please glitch out and give us a 10

>>1080954
Seeing as it's now impossible to win, I'll begin the write-up now.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>1080899

File: Breathe, Commander.jpg (257 KB, 1920x802)

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It’s hot. Scorching, in fact.

You’re on some beach somewhere, clad in your trunks and a white shirt, overlooking a pristine blue sea. You don’t know how you got here or why you’re here… but you’re extremely thirsty. Not strange, considering that it was such a hot day at the beach… the sand was more of a frying pan than it was a bed, but for some reason or other you don’t feel like getting up. It was a conundrum, really. A laziness takes you over and instead of getting to your feet, you roll to your side, wincing as the rough texture of the sand scratches your cheeks. You can feel your lips drying and your stomach requesting for you to get up… but for some reason or other, you feel like it’s something you can put off.

Perhaps when you finally start to cook… which, by the rising flames, you would – ?

You’re no longer at the beach. You’re sitting in the middle of a desert as a storm rages above. In the distance, you see the lightning dance; the thunder rumbles in agreement. A sudden bout of fear overtakes you and you get to your feet and begin to take a step forward, only to find yourself… standing again. You take another step and once more you find yourself where you’d started, your two feet planted firmly. You raise your left foot, stepping downwards and…

There you are again, as though you hadn’t moved at all.

Above, a shadow looms, a formless giant with its mouth wide and jaw slacked. You can see teeth and blue eyes; it moans as its titanic hands, its hundreds of hands fall around you, trapping you where you are. It needn’t have bothered. You couldn’t have moved anyway.

A shriek reaches your ears. You drop to your feet and clutch your ears, tears pouring from your eyes and blood from your nose as the looming giant falls and the clouds become black smoke…

A clawed hand shoots from the dried earth, tearing the giant in half… and another titan turns its head towards you, its expression one of disdain, its massive dark horn pronounced over its pale white body.

Idiot. How careless can you be?

You cry out, bringing your head up… and vomit a familiar green goo onto your pants. You find yourself facing the Grand Lieutenant, the Crew Chief standing right behind him.

Kaga, wrapped in a towel, sits on the edge of her tub, her expression one of fear.

‘Breathe, Commander.’ The Grand Lieutenant says, giving your back a good pat. ‘Breathe.’

He hands you a small bottle with a straw in it.

‘Drink this.’ You open your mouth to say something, but he would have none of it. ‘Don’t argue with me. Drink it all and don’t spit any of it out.’

You take it.

‘Of all the crew you disturb, you go after your Carrier. You must be a special kind of stupid.’

>‘What was that?’ (Curious)
>‘Thanks.’ (Thank The Grand Lieutenant)
>‘Lesson learned.’ (Joke)
>Write-In

>>1081019
>>‘What was that?’ (Curious)

>>1081019
>‘What was that?’ (Curious)

>>1081019
>‘What was that?’ (Curious)

>>1081019
>>‘What was that?’ (Curious)

>>1081019
>>‘What was that?’ (Curious)

>>1081019
>‘Thanks.’ (Thank The Grand Lieutenant)

File: She's Not Smiling.jpg (180 KB, 850x1202)

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‘What was that?’

The Grand Lieutenant puts his hands on his hips, staring down at you through those intimidating sunglasses. You want to open your mouth to defend yourself… but considering the circumstances, you’re not quite sure if you didn’t merit a good scolding from him this time. You were already – presumably – high on the list of people he didn’t have a particular liking to… and with this little incident, you had a virtual guarantee that you were probably going to stay high on that list for a long time. You spare Kaga a glance, but her cheeks are red and her eyes are looking at anywhere but at you.

‘That was the result of you dabbing your hand into the middle of an uninstallation process.’ He walks towards Kaga’s tub, giving the apparatus a strong smack. You notice that the others haven’t stirred. ‘You are very lucky that your little episode only resulted in convulsions and loss of consciousness.’ You look downward, guilty. ‘We could have lost a Carrier, not to mention your valuable behind.’ He sneers. ‘The last thing I need is another gap to be plugged and an explanation as to why a Carrier and her Commander undertook a lover’s suicide.’

Your ears turn red… you can’t bring yourself to look at The Grand Lieutenant’s annoyed visage.

‘What’s… an uninstallation process?’

‘To heal a KanMusu’s body after certain degrees of damage, it has to be taken apart piece by piece.’ He explains, taking a calmer tone than he had used before. ‘In the same mold that building blocks and electrons, neutrons and protons work to make atoms, KanMusu are made formed of a magical energy… one that is divided into the core, the external and their soul. The external is their outer body – the grounding point that links their soul and their core. The core is where the magic literally happens. It is a versatile component, allowing for the installation of weaponry, magic and the like. This pool is enchanted with magic to take that KanMusu safely apart piece by piece so it can try to fix it well enough.’

‘Wait.’ You get to your feet, wiping away the green goop on your pants. ‘Then… what does Akashi do? If this… heals them?’

‘It doesn’t heal them.’ The Grand Lieutenant takes off his glasses, giving them a good wipe. ‘It merely attempts to bring injuries and corrupted components that are otherwise not able to be mended by conventional magic to a level that makes it easier for crew members to adequately conduct their operations.’ He places the glasses back on. ‘Prolonged exposure… or an overlooked over-sensitivity, in some cases,’ Kaga fidgets at the second one, ‘can result in madness. These are to be used in moderation… and diagnostics are run to ensure that the processes have minimal lasting side-effects.’

You can feel a glare upon you again.

‘A process that you have interrupted.’

>Write-In

>>1081079
fuuuccccccckkkkkkk................
just sat near her and hand grabed me should i leave now??

>>1081079
just leave the medical tent
its not like we can actually do something

>>1081079
>Apologize
Also thank the Grand Lieutenant.

>>1081079
Apologize, thank the GL, and take our leave

>>1081079
>Apologize, mention the weird vision, and leave

Nee-san saves the day(again?)

>>1081380
and kick our ass for it

>>1081396
day to day stuff

>>1081380
Nee-san a best.

>>1081418
are we into this? couse we do things that make this happens alot

>>1081079
Forgot to vote, so going for this
>>1081314

File: Hello.jpg (514 KB, 702x993)

514 KB JPG

‘Thank – !’

You gaze upon the disapproving Grand Lieutenant then to the Crew Chief, whose gaze is to the red-cheeked and guilty-looking Kaga, who was clutching her… hand, deformed as it was. Upon realizing that your eye was on her, she turns away, hiding the bone and sinew even further, saying nothing. The Crew Chief looks Kaga up and down – not with lecherous eyes, but with a tired and restrained stare, as if feeling sorry for her. You can’t help but feel embarrassed that you had raised such a ruckus as her superior. A part of you chastises yourself being so careless… but another part argues how you could have not known about all these details – and why hadn’t anyone bothered to tell you?

‘I am frankly quite surprised that you’re out of the loop when it comes to your KanMusu’s maintenance.’ He says it coldly, placing his hands behind his back. ‘With the time that they spend in recovery, I would have thought that you would have known about this process and just how much danger you put yourself into by trying to break it.’

‘I didn’t try to break it.’ You rub your shoulder, letting out a guilty sigh. ‘The most that I did was just say hello.’

The Grand Lieutenant visibly stiffens. You see his brow furrow and his mouth open and close like a guppy – an odd expression, given just how much you were used to him looming and glaring at you. A sound dies as it leaves his mouth and he slowly turns to Kaga, who clutches her hands to her chest even tighter… and you can see the red in her ears positively glowing compared to before. The Crew Chief, for some reason or other, lets out a heavy sigh and rolls his eyes, unceremoniously raising a hand and, in quite sudden surprise to you, turns around and waves goodbye, grumbling as he exits the tent. You can’t make out what he’s saying, but you’re quite sure that lech and idiot were somewhere in that string of words.

‘Interesting.’ The Grand Lieutenant chuckles, a slight smirk upon his features. ‘In any case, Commander, I would think that it’d be best if you… leave for now. Your Squadron still seems to be recuperating,’ he gestures to the other tubs. You don’t dare peer inside after the incident with Kaga. ‘They’ll be cleared for transfer to a normal ward soon enough.’

You can’t stop yourself.

‘How soon?’

‘No longer than several hours.’ He takes an assuring tone, gesturing to the flaps.

You begin to get a move on… but as you move past Kaga, you feel a tug on your shirt; you turn around to see your Carrier, her healed digits on the fabric of your top.

‘Commander.’

She raises her morphed hand, the odd sight of dancing blue flames, bone and growing flesh raising to give you a…

‘Hello.’

Giving an apologetic smile and a polite nod to your wet Carrier, you leave the tent.

>Look for The Ominato Commander again
>Wander about
>Write-In

>>1083460
>>Wander about
lets see who we run into

>>1083460
>Wander about

>>1083460
Lets go get some food. We might run into someone important there

>>1083460
>Look for The Ominato Commander again

>>1083460
>>Wander about

>>1083460
>>Wander about

>>1083460
>>Wander about
think about veisons and ho w we know nathing

File: Bote.jpg (98 KB, 1024x686)

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Despite the protests of your stomach, your curiosity overtakes your need to sit down and have a meal. You had never been to another base of the Admiralty’s before – prior to your interest in joining and swimming in the glory that you had assumed would come with the position of being a KanMusu Commander, you hadn’t even bothered to find out what bases were where, so caught up were you in the scent of a dream. The layout looked the same… but Ominato, probably because of the further distance it was from where the town once stood, seemed to have more space for amenities – not that there were many standing anymore.

As you walk away from the main building, your attention is brought to a field that was littered with large crates and a large, spread of canvas with two poles laying on the wayside. A tent had just been taken down – they must have used to the field to put whatever supplies were inbound – or outbound, you couldn’t tell. What surprises you is that the field appeared to once have been a playing field… for either lacrosse or hockey. Save for the horribly torn netting and the rusty edges of the nets, it was probably still available for use. Not that you were interested in either sport, but it was nice to know that The Admiralty at least put in a recreation facility on-site. You hadn’t seen anything of the sort in Yokosuka.

Then again, maybe it had just been turned inside out like the rest of the base.

As you walk a bit more, you notice the helicopters from before resting on the pads. You see a few men appearing to be unloading things, each and every one of them seemed to be chatting actively throughout the whole exercise, but you can’t tell about what – after all, you were still pretty far off. One of them barks loudly at something – and another man marches up to the helicopter, the pilot in tow, helmet and gear fastened… dragging what appeared to be a large sack.

A sudden blare catches your attention – a buggy drives past you, hauling plastic milk crates of what appeared to be bottles, yelling at several men walking in the opposite direction. One of them gets off, raising a bulky arm at his compatriots on the buggy before making his way to a large tent – this one filled with mechanical components of some sort and playing shelter from the afternoon sun for a few men downing bottles – from the uniform, you suppose that this must be the maintenance crew. The man waves to his colleagues, catching a thrown bottle and joining them.

You walk past the tent… and make out a ruined building by what appeared to be a populated makeshift dock where the tugboat from before stood silently.

Even here, you knew a KanMusu’s practice range when you saw one.

>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break
>Talk to the men unloading things from the helicopters
>Head to the makeshift docks
>Head to the range
>Write-In

>>1083755
>>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break
Lets try not to get in everyone's way while they work

>>1083755
>>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break

>>1083755
>>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break
Might as well get the lowdown from regular folk

>>1083755
>>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break

>>1083755
>>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break

>>1083755
>>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break

>>1083755
>Talk to the maintenance crew taking a break

File: MAW.png (140 KB, 2052x2400)

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You head towards the tent. Since they were here, you elect to at least take the opportunity to take a grounds-eye view of the base.

The men were a collection of characters, each and every one of them in varying states of dress, but all of them drinking from the same beer cooler. There were four of them – a mousy-looking man that was chatting the fastest and loudest; a tattooed man with what appeared to be an odd mathematical equation written clearly on the side of his face, who was disagreeing with some point that the mousy-looking man had brought up and was actively rebutting it with a point of their own. There was a man with glasses and what you understood to be prayer beads of some sort, tiredly watching his two aforementioned colleagues bicker; last but not least was a large man who was fully-dressed in uniform – who you recognize to be the man that had jumped off the buggy not moments ago, scribbling something on a clipboard. His mouth was suckling on the bottle as though it were a –

‘Heya!’

The mousy-looking man greets you, pushing away his grey bangs and giving you a wave. The tattooed man shifts in his seat – an assortment of cardboard boxes and crates fashioned into a makeshift armchair – and peers at you curiously. You raise your prosthetic to return the greeting. The other two continue their work, either ignoring or too busy to notice your presence.

‘Good afternoon,’ you give a nod back. The mousy-looking man flashes a pair of buck teeth in return – the tattooed man nods right back. ‘I was just passing through and I thought I’d ask – ?’

Your stomach rumbles. Not enough to wake up an Abyssal Command Unit, but loud enough that it shakes the glasses-wearing man from his reverie to peer up at you. Your cheeks turn red as the tattooed man and the mousy-looking fellow smirk, turning to the large man, who had disappeared behind a pile of crates.

‘Still not as loud as yours, lard bucket!’

The tattooed man snickers as the largest of the small group raises a visible hand – and a very visible finger – to his colleague. The man in the glasses gets up from his spot resting by the pole over to the cooler of drinks, popping it open.

‘Do you want cherry, lemon or something strong?’

‘Excuse me?’

He dives into the cooler and tosses you a bottle – you barely catch it with your prosthetic.

‘Too late. Enjoy.’

You mouth a word of thanks, your cheeks still a little pink.

‘You’re that Commander that docked in yesterday, ain’tcha?’ the tattooed man questions. You reply with a nod. ‘So how did you end up thrashing a RAY that bad… but not sink it?’

The other two snicker.

‘Just lucky I guess.’

The mousy-looking man raises a beer, gesturing to a crate.

‘Have a seat. It’s scorching out there.’

>‘Were you here during the attack?’
>‘How have things been?’
>‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’
>Write-In

>>1083979
>>‘How have things been?’

>>1083979
>>‘How have things been?’

>>1083979
>>‘How have things been?’

>>1083979
>>‘How have things been?’

>>1083979
>‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’

File: I Like My Paycheck.jpg (172 KB, 1200x676)

172 KB JPG

‘How have things been?’ You inquire.

The mousy-looking man gestures to the helipad across, where the men were unloading what looked to be a large metallic tube of sorts.

‘It’s as bad as it looks. Or as well as it can be, if you’re a glass half-full type of guy.’ He shrugs. ‘We do our best to get things running, but between the KanMusu Maintenance Crew needing this and that and sorting out the power distribution for the docks and the tech, not to mention the supplies coming in being as consistent as melted butter, it’s a nightmare to work with if you don’t ease into the pace. Schedule’s erratic, too. Some days we don’t do anything but when someone gets a breakthrough, wham..’ He hits his fist, clutching his drink, into an open palm. ‘You’re working 72 hours straight and breathing in sand and tar.’ He smirks, taking a sip of his bottle. ‘Still, The Admiralty pays right through the nose for civilian contractors, so I don’t think any of us can complain.’

You nod in understanding. It would seem that things were the same here as they were in Yokosuka. You pop your bottle and take a sip – it was… creamy.

‘Speak for yourself,’ the tattooed man chimes, ‘money’s good and all that, but I wish they’d give us a vacation or two.’ ‘I mean, damn, the town’s rubble – they could at least put in a bus commute inland or something.’ He lifts his bottle, staring at it with a stern, annoyed gaze. ‘I think I’ve gone through my stack of stash five times over. Nothing to do around here.’

‘You can always take up that sewing class that nice KanMusu offered you.’ The mousy-looking man smirks at his friend. ‘I think she’s still running it.’

‘That’s sissy work.’ You frown at the words. You thought it was useful back when working at the kitchen.‘Besides, my brother’s a tailor. I got enough scars on my thumbs helping him out at the shop – you don’t know pain until you got a klutz saying sorry over an’ over again drawing blood on your fingers. I thought I told you guys this before?’

‘No, you were talking about a step-brother who was a cobbler.’ He makes a gesture with his hand. ‘You know – bad with a hammer?’

‘Oh yeah.’ His eyes widen, probably remembering said event. ‘Anyway, I wish they’d give us something extra for all the hard work we’re doing here.’

‘Why don’t you talk with the Commander or the Grand Lieutenant?’ The man with glasses offers his piece, raising a disinterested eyebrow. ‘I’m sure they can offer you a deduction on your salary in exchange for a trip inland.’

That did seem sensible.

He balks, presenting his tongue as though disgusted.

‘No way, dude. I like my paycheck, thanks.’

>‘Were you here during the attack?’
>‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’
>Write-In

>>1084285
>>‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’

>>1084285
>‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’

>>1084285
>>‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’

File: Beer Drinking Under A Tent.jpg (2.11 MB, 3072x2304)

2.11 MB JPG

‘I can’t help but notice that there’s almost no restoration work going on in the town.’ You bring up a point of curiosity. Last you had heard of Ominato, there had been news of supplies and assistance given to get it back up speed – what you hadn’t expected was half a barren warzone down the road where it used to be. ‘I know supplies were being sent here. What’s up with that?’

None of the three answers, thinning their lips or clicking their tongues. The large man, who had had been behind the crates, walks up to you with a solemn expression, popping his own bottle and looking out to the bright horizon.

‘The Lords decided that Ominato wasn’t worth the risk – the whole place has been declared a no-go zone and put under the jurisdiction of The Imperial Taiyouga Armed Forces.’ He reveals, making you almost balk with surprise. It seemed like an uncharacteristic movement on their part to abandon a town just like that – even one as flattened as Ominato was. ‘I don’t know what they got planned for it, but about a week and a half back, there were transports taking everyone to sites inland.’ You take another sip of your drink – the man turns towards where the town once stood, gesturing with his bottle. ‘Last I heard, there was some kind of deal being cut – with everything that happened here, I don’t think I can blame them for doing it.’

‘Yeah, you guys catch the news on what’s happening on the other side of the country?’ The tattooed man clicks his tongue, jumping to his feet and rolling his shoulders. ‘I think they’re running some sort of exodus on the coasts to get into – you’ll never believe this – Haszad.’ You nod slowly – you’d heard as much. ‘Haszad’s not saying no to ‘em, either, if it’s right.’

‘I heard a little about that, yeah.’ You nod.

Your mind wanders to the Zookeeper and her children – she had stated her intention of leaving the nation… but after your experience with Haszad first-hand, not to mention the political turmoil from the incident with Yamato and Musashi –

‘Damn, the country’s not even under yet and they’re all abandoning ship?’ The man with the glasses snorts, chugging down the bottle. ‘Hell.’

‘Anyway, we’ve been given straight up orders to stay away from the town – or what’s left of it.’ ‘The only thing The Admiralty did was clear what it could – since the orders come in, they’ve stayed out and so have we.’ ‘Wish we could do something about it, but it seems like whatever they have planned… well, that’s their business, right?’

You don’t comment on it, raising your bottle in the same gesture as the large man… and taking a large gulp of your beer.

It was, indeed, their business.

>‘Were you here during the attack?’
>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING
>Write-In

Also, session's closing for the next few hours. See you folks in a bit.

Remember to have fun.

>>1084468
>>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING

>>1084468
>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING

>>1084468
>>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING

>>1084468
>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING

File: FunComic.png (341 KB, 750x2880)

341 KB PNG

>>1084468
>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING

You mean 'FUN' (pic related)

>>1084468
>>‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’ CONTINUE WANDERING

File: Inaccurate, but amusing.gif (472 KB, 500x191)

472 KB GIF

You have a few more sips as the conversation topics change from the serious matter of the city to celebrity gossip. A chuckle escapes you as the group discusses LEIA – your celebrity-turned-assistant – and how the large man had to send letters back home to cheer his twin sisters up after they had sent him a booklet detailing how the world was hollow without LEIA in it. The men talk about the current music scene – the only topic the man in glasses seems to have an interest in, launching into a tirade about how the bugle took a back seat to its brothers the trombone, trumpet and the saxophone – he’s met with jeers at this suggestion from two of his colleagues, before they talk about the baseball scores and the current scandal rocking the minor league. You lose your span of attention somewhere between The Tornados and The Armadillos, finally noticing that you had enjoyed their company for a good half an hour

‘Thanks for the drink, guys.’

You set the empty bottle with the others in the plastic crates.

‘No problem.’

‘Hey, uh,’ the large man stands up, catching your attention, ‘you’re the Commander that came in from last night, right? The one from Yokosuka?’

‘Yeah.’ You nod, acknowledging the fact. It surprises you a little that they’d just invited you over for a drink – but you suppose that it would’ve been silly to assume their lack of knowledge in the case of your identity.

After all, word spread quickly back in Yokosuka – how could it not here?

He bites his lips for a moment, before letting out a huge breath – there must have been something on his mind that related to that.

‘I was wonderin’… there should be a place in Yokosuka – I dunno if it’s still standing; thought you’d know – Mamiya’s?’

‘I know Mamiya, yeah.’

‘No, no, I mean… there’s a guy working there, right?’ There’s a hopeful sound in his voice. You are aware of a certain loud chef – was that who he was referring to? ‘Spiky hair, kinda short. He – He should be a waiter.’ There’s a rushed quality to his voice – an anxiousness that you find, somehow, uncomfortable. ‘Wears an orange bandana and all that.’

You blink… you don’t remember anyone of the sort matching that description.

‘No, sorry… the only guy I know that works there is some middle-aged guy who helps her with the cooking.’ You answer – he visibly deflates at your answer. ‘Haven’t seen anyone like that around. You want me to go and ask for you?’

‘I…’ he shakes his head, hoisting his helmet and breaking into a grin, forced as it was, ‘it’s fine, sir. Have a good one.’

The others get to their feet – it seemed that their break was over.

You decide to get going, too.

>Head to the makeshift docks
>Head to the range
>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite (Roll a 1d6 each)
>Write-In

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1084881
>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite

here comes our shitty luck!

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1084881
>>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite (Roll a 1d6 each)

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1084881
>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite

Hopefully hes killing one of our girls because thats the only time when we roll well, that and bargain bin diving.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>1084881
>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1084881
>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>1084881
>>Try and see if you can make it in time for the Commander’s prior lunch invite (Roll a 1d6 each)

File: Ominato Commander 2.jpg (112 KB, 759x768)

112 KB JPG

The mess tent, thankfully, wasn’t too hard to find. Not that you could miss a green tent as large as a house with what appeared to be a large caricature of the what you assumed to be Haruna – as poorly drawn as it was – with a small speech bubble preaching the merits of rest, a proper diet and some words of encouragement that could have been easily mistaken for a suggestive nod in the other direction. It was an open air tent – and much, much, larger than the one that was at the Yokosuka MASH. Despite the increase in size, however, the patrons appeared to be scarce – and the Ominato Commander nowhere in sight. Deciding that you might as well not have this opportunity to fill your stomach go to waste, you walk up to the serving counter, where two portly middle-aged women rest on their elbows, giggling as they hissed and slapped at each other, staring at something.

‘You’re so naughty.’ One of them smacks the other again. ‘He’s probably about your son’s age, you know?’

‘Excuse me?’ You grab their attention.

‘A little bit late for lunch aren’t you, sonny?’ One of the women push themselves of their elbows, frowning. ‘Sorry to say, but all we got is some warm bread and some cool gruel and beans left. If you’re alright with that, that is?’ She then eyes you up and down, scowling. ‘Wait, you’re not a beggar, are ya?’

‘What?’

‘We used to have some people sneaking in here to grab a bite.’ She crosses her arms. ‘I know every face that’s been in here and I sure as butt haven’t seen you around before, sonny.’

‘You probably wouldn’t have.’ You answer coolly, dropping into a slight, respectful bow. ‘I just arrived last night.’

‘Right.’ She pours a bowl and puts some bread on the tray, handing it over to you. ‘Just don’t let the MPs catch ya. An’ I didn’t know nothin’ about it, if they ask.’

You look around – there were at least a dozen empty chairs and… The Ominato Commander stood in a corner, just out of view by one of the poles, dipping his bread into broth similar to yours. It would seem that you would be able to have your lunch date with him after all. Thanking the two ladies again, you walk over to his table and set your meal down.

‘Commander,’ he looks up to you in surprise, ‘I thought you were headed to the Recovery Unit to see your Squadron?’

‘Just did.’ You pull the chair, taking a seat… before noticing something strange. ‘I thought you were getting lunch – you look like you’ve barely touched anything on that tray.’

‘Long queue.’

He gives you a half-smile, before sighing and playing with his food again.

>‘You mentioned your brother…’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘Something on your mind?’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’
>‘I saw the report on one of your missions.’
>‘Your Division been giving you a hard time?
>Eat in silence
>Write-In

>>1086546
>>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1086546
>>‘Something on your mind?’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
Dice gods please!

>>1086546
>‘I saw the report on one of your missions.’

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>1086546
>‘Something on your mind?’

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>1086546
>‘Something on your mind?’

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1086546
>>1086583
Changing to this(please dice gods)

>‘Something on your mind?’ (Roll a 1d6 each)

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1086546
>‘Something on your mind?’ (Roll a 1d6 each)

File: shoukaku yeah.jpg (29 KB, 250x291)

29 KB JPG

>>1086582
>>1086591
>>1086594
>>1086597
>>1086599
>22

File: Sub-Commander Nagato.jpg (242 KB, 850x606)

242 KB JPG

‘Something on your mind?’

The Ominato Commander breaks his bread and begins to chew it, as if ignoring your question. The quick glance that he gives you before he chows down, though, tells you that he’s very much deliberating on how to answer. Your first instinct is to give a friendly push and probe him… but the wiser part of you holds back and waits for him to come to you. You don’t know what he could have on his agenda that troubled him so, but you know that the worst thing to do with a man of his disposition – professional and courteous – was to barge right in. You dip your own bread in the broth, anticipating his next words.

Sure enough… he gives you a guilty smile, finally ready to talk.

‘Nothing, I…’ He lets out a snort and a laugh after, ‘You have a good team.’

‘Yeah,’ you confess; it was nice that someone outside could give a positive opinion of your girls – even if it was a fellow Commander. Especially from a fellow Commander. Your mind wanders back to Yokosuka – and the shower incidents that had plagued you virtually every morning. ‘I don’t think I would’ve been able to make it this far without all of ‘em chipping – although I could do without the snark from time to time. You haven’t heard the best material in verbal warfare until you’ve met my Nachi.’

‘I bet.’ He folds his fingers and sets his elbows on the table, looking thoughtful. ‘Your Sub-Commander, the Battleship Nagato, she used to be posted here, right?’

‘Nagato?’ You frown, wondering what could have brought that particular tidbit out. A sense of familiarity or camaraderie, perhaps? ‘I think she was, yeah.’ You try to remember the details – it had been so long… but you do recall that Irako had mentioned it somewhere along the line back at the bar when she had dropped details of Nagato’s tenure as The Untameable Mustang. ‘She and The Admiral – my Admiral – were here before the both of them transferred to Yokosuka.’ You lean back, eyes peering upward to the canvas ceiling. ‘I think Shigure, Yamato and Musashi were here too at one point or another, come to think of it…’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Nothing.’ You shake your head. You’d almost gone off-tangent. ‘What’s up?’

He fidgets slightly, as if hesitant to continue. You curiously gaze at him, wondering just what was on his mind.

‘If it’s all right with you, Commander,’ he begins slowly, his nervousness swept away, ‘I’d like to arrange a transfer for your Sub-Commander from your Division and her posting to mine.’ He says it in a neutral, stern tone. ‘In return, I’ll transfer Battleship Haruna into yours.’

Your eyebrows shoot into your hair – you hadn’t expected that.

‘What do you say to that?’

>‘I’d have to discuss it with her first.’ (Consider it)
>‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ (Inquire)
>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)
>Write-In

>>1086789
>>‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ (Inquire)

>>1086789
>>‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ (Inquire)

>>1086789
>‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ (Inquire)

>>1086789
>>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)

>>1086789
>‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ (Inquire)

I mean, we're gonna refuse anyway but more information could be useful.
>Captcha: All street signs!
>Only a stop sign

Yeah yeah, I said we're gonna refuse!

>>1086789
>>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)

>>1086789
>>‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ (Inquire)

Nagato would crush our testicles into a fine paste if we so much as even considered transferring her.

>>1086924

Which is why I went with (Inquire) instead of (Consider). If she didn't kill us, the Admiral and Vice Admiral would.

>>1086789
>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)

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You find that it takes a bit longer than you’d like to get your tongue wagging again. The proposal was sudden… and altogether surreal. You had never been requested by anyone to send someone from your Command over to theirs – then again, you had never met someone who had the gall to suggest something to you… or another Commander, for that matter. You set down your bread, your brows crinkled in confusion, your mind trying to make sense of what the Ominato Commander had just put forward. There’s a word that’s stuck in your throat – you’re not sure if you’re ready to retrieve it right now, peering into his eyes and letting out a breath, trying to collect yourself.

‘May I ask why you would want this transfer?’ You try not to sound so condescending or arrogant, but you find yourself hard-pressed to even care, so sudden the request. ‘You seem to have a good team make-up; not to mention that you have Haruna on your side.’ He doesn’t reply, remaining as stony-faced as he was before. ‘You do know that you have one of the Four Horsemen right there, right? I mean,’ you set your elbows on the table, a smile for some reason or another making its way onto your features, ‘back before… I would’ve thought anyone else would’ve been crazy to trade one of The Admiralty’s poster girls for…’ you don’t quite know how to put the next words together, ‘someone who refused to be a poster girl.’

‘Then why don’t you do it now?’

Your head practically springs back up.

‘What?’

‘It’s an even trade, isn’t it?’ He sounds calm, collected… in control. A part of you is eerily reminded of The Grand Lieutenant’s demeanor when you’d first met him. ‘I’ll keep it simple – I’ve been an admirer of the Battleship Nagato’s ability to lead and bring synergy to any composition. That intangible quality of hers is something that I feel my Squadron – as good as they are – lacks. They’re good fighters, but they need someone in her mold to push them harder, better without making them feel as though they’re being dragged behind.’ He offers you a disarmingly friendly smile – there’s honesty in it, but you’re not sure that you like it. ‘In comparison… you need a battle-tide changer, don’t you? Someone to give you that last edge. That final push.’ He gives you a confident nod. ‘You’re aware of Haruna’s service record – what she’s capable of… besides, I heard one of her sisters was there, right.’

It's sound, but for some reason… hollow.

‘To tell you the truth… I was going to ask if she was available for transfer back after the attack.’ ‘I never got an answer – now that she’s with you, I thought that we’d talk this out, Commander to Commander.’

You don’t think that’s the whole truth, either.

>‘I’d have to discuss it with her first.’ (Consider it)
>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)
>Write-In

>>1087066
>>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)

>>1087066

>(Refuse, Adamantly.) "Nagato's synergy IS my edge. I would be crazy to give it up."

>>1087066
>>Write-In
>you are aware that I have Musashi herself right? why would i need a battle-tide changer when i have her?

Sushi is a battle-tide changer

>>1087080

While I agree, I think we should keep that to ourselves. I don't know if it's common knowledge that the Yamato sisters are back.

>>1087066
>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly) Besides, i dont want to get any more injuries from nagamon if she finds out i even considered it

>>1087085
It's not. In fact, their recovery is one of the things that you're supposed to shut up about, as per The Court of Admirals and its Anti-Headache Division

>>1087095

Yeah, let's...not piss off the Court any more, please?

>>1087066
>Write-In
Why don't you ask Nagato herself for this?

>>1087066
Supporting >>1087079

>>1087119
Because it would be rude, dude. You don't headhunt a prospect without talking through their Boss. That's courtesy.

>>1087066
>>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)
>MFW I missed 4 hours.
Also, for everyone's safety, just no.

I'll be back after prayers, folks.

>>1087066
>>‘I refuse.’ (Refuse, adamantly)

Why are we refusing out of hand pretty much? Should at least dig a little more, and talk to nagato about it. .

>>1087787
We don't need intricate details on everything that happens around us, and I see no reason in practically kicking out Nagato just because another Commander asked us to do so, especially after what we've been through together with her.

>>1087787
Because waifus.

Also because of the whole part where she specifically asked to get transferred into our division, knowingly getting demoted from a prestigious position to do so. And the part where she's been in our division since the start. It engenders feelings of camaraderie and creates hostility against the idea of willingly letting her go to trade places with somebody else, possibly permanently.

>>1087787
In part its what >>1087797 said, but you gotta think about how streams work. It would be like trading your uncle or a sibling for someone else's uncle or sibling. Its just not cool

>>1087787
Just cuz he asked? why? I happen to like keeping Nagato happy much more than addressing whatever problems he has.

>>1087066
>>‘I’d have to discuss it with her first.’ (Consider it)

>>1087787
>>1087797
>>1087798
>>1087799

Moreso because his offer was to increase our combat capability...which we have out the whazoo thanks to Mushashi and possibly Iowa. All trading Nagato would do is to exchange one experienced heavy hitter on our team for another, and damage camaraderie in our unit at a time when the Abyssals are still feeling feisty.

Maybe we can change our lineup after things settle down a bit, but right now? When we're finally getting the hang of our unit and our KanMusus are starting to work together smoothly? That sounds like madness.

That and Nagato is pretty much our Commander's girlfriend.

>>1087858
What about poor takao anon?

>>1087874

Nagato has as much as said we're her boyfriend. And I'm not sure our Commander can survive arguing with a battleship just yet.

I mean, if Anons are that determined to ship the Commander with another KanMusu, transferring Nagato would do it. It also will more than likely wreck our career and unit too.

>>1087877
Dont forget the bureaucracy hell aka the paperwork

>>1087893
Yeah, how far behind do you guys think we are? We really need to get an adjutant or pressgang LEIA into doing some of our paperwork while we're on missions at least.

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There’s no hesitation on your part. The words that come through are firm – clearer than almost any thought that had come before.

‘I’ll have to refuse.’

The Ominato Commander lets out a chuckle, returning to his meal. The disappointment is evident upon his features… but there’s a sort of acceptance, and strangely, a weird relief that raises from his being now. He shares a look with you – for a while, you see what you assume to be a tinge of thankfulness, but only for a moment.

‘I expected as much.’ There’s a little more emotion in his voice now. He tears off another pinch of bread, giving you a small smirk. ‘Can’t blame a man for trying, though.’

‘I can.’ You jest, picking up your own piece and tearing it off for a dip. ‘But, what kind of example would that set for our Division?’

His shoulders shake as for some reason or other, the both of you throw your heads back, sharing in a laugh. You don’t know why you’re laughing – only that right now, it feels strangely appropriate to do so. The tension in the air made by the topic of Nagato and Haruna’s now non-existent exchange is swept away as the both of you go back to the first peg of two young men from unprecedented circumstances finding familiar game in the uncertainty of war.

It was disgustingly poetic, but at the same time, oddly appropriate… and comforting.

‘Ya mind, ya fruitcakes? Some of us are trying to eat in peace, ya know?’

You both halt your laughter, turning to a table where four men sat, smoking cigarettes and looked to be anything but eating… if the cards in their hands and the bottle of what was probably some of the strongest liquor among the bottom rungs was set with a bunch of cups and saucers. They’d probably just arrived. You give an apologetic wave and nod… while your compatriot adopts his stern look once again, shooting his own annoyed glance over to their table.

‘Aren’t you boys supposed to be on duty?’

‘When you sign off on the right supplies, Commander, then I can get to work.’ The man from before gestures with the cards in his hand. The Commander sighs – you can hear him counting backwards from twenty. ‘Till the right parts come, the rest of us think of making more productive use of our time.’

The man smirks, winking and waving him off with a fan of cards. The Commander turns back to his meal.

‘It’s got nothing to do with me.’ He groans. ‘Some joker from inland brought in the wrong type of acid mix for use. For all the flak people give KanMusu, they sure as Hell don’t know just how bad they can screw things up themselves.’

>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’
>‘I read the reports.’
>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’
> Eat in silence
>Write-In

>>1087933
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’

>>1087933
>>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’

>>1087933
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’
Means to inquire about their general activities as a Commander. It's the more formal option

>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’
This is pretty much two husbands bitching about their loving wives and kids.

>'I read the reports.'
This is more serious talk about day-to-day activities regarding Admiralty structure and the like.

>>1087935
You can re-vote on the option since the former two might be read off as the same choice for people who couldn't get the context and tone.

>>1087933
>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’

>>1087905
>>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’
THIS, we need to know who his waifu is, also more breaking of ice and how he deals with lewd cvs

>>1087933
>>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’

>>1087933
>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’
Lets see if he invaded a foreign nation for hes waifu.

>>1087933
>>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’

>>1087933
>‘Your Division riding your ass as hard?’

>>1087940
>>1087941
>>1087943
>>1087946
>>1087947
>>1087948
You're a bunch of dudes at a bar clinking glasses and bitching.

>>1087973
what else commanders do in down time?

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‘Am I right in assuming that your Division is riding your ass as hard?’ You smirk in his direction. He laughs back at you, setting his meal aside and leaning forward.

‘Not in the way that you think.’ He lets out a tired sigh, grimacing.‘They’re a competent group as a bunch of fighters… I kind of expected to be a Commander twenty-four-seven, not turn into my father at this point in my life.’ He groans into his hands and leans back, letting out another laugh. ‘I’m not even in my thirties yet, damn it.’

‘Your father?’ You frown, wondering how that related to his role… until you realize that you yourself were taking a few books out of parenting and mentoring manuals to delegate your Division’s day-to-day activities – if only without you yourself realizing the full implications until but a moment ago.

‘Between five kids, a wife and a farm and being tugged in a thousand directions.’ He clarifies. You could relate to that, too.

‘I get what you mean.’ You offer a sympathetic smile, remembering the time you had to fish Nachi out from the her toilet-enabled depression and shower her; not to mention how you had to get Samidare and Shigure working together without tearing one another apart… and your mounds of paperwork and litigation waiting for you every morning. ‘I’ve seen Haruna, though. She seems like she’s got a good head on her shoulders.’

He sighs even more tiredly than before, rubbing his temples and setting his elbows on the table again.

‘On a scale of power and experience, I don’t think I’ve seen a lot of KanMusu that can carry a battle like Haruna… but she has a bit of an… inferiority complex.’ He grimaces – there was probably more to it than that. Samidare had that problem – although one could argue that Samidare just binged one too many manga issues and thought they were good places to get inspiration from. ‘That, and I think she misses her sisters something fierce. I know I can count on her when it matters, but sometimes I just want to tell her to stop moping around and do something. She’s great with the other Division members though – they don’t say it, but I know they look up to her and Katori.’ ‘I’d be lost without the both of ‘em, but if there’s anyone I can’t function without it’s Katori.’

‘Who’s Katori?’ There’s a resigned look in his eyes… but some relief, too. ‘Your Sub-Commander?’

‘Somewhat.’ He raises his hand, evening it out and wobbling side-to-side to highlight his indecisiveness. ‘I didn’t delegate a formal assignment for it – I lived on the farm, so we just did what my Dad told us to do whenever he said to do it. I was the eldest, so I was usually in charge – but I shared duties with my brother when things got too big for me to handle alone… and just like my brothers and I, the both of them just can’t stop slinging things over the fence at each other.’

TBC

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You can’t help but laugh at the tone he takes. It’s a frustrated and tired one – with a hint of amusement to it, but you really can’t. You just feel the least bit superior in that aspect – you could at least say firmly and confidently that the structure of your Division was set in stone; you were the figurehead, Nagato did the heavy-lifting, keeping you in line and covering for you whenever you needed it while Houshou kept everyone else calm… except you, who she delighted in ruffling only second to Tenryuu and Nachi.

At least you think you had it better.

‘I didn’t think Battleship Haruna could be antagonistic with anyone.’ You remember the days of propaganda posters and recruitment drives – they had sold her character as sweet and formal, if a little more traditional and reserved than most women viewed themselves to be. To you, anyway. ‘She seemed so sweet.’ You pause. ‘Although, I may have been delirious at the time.’

‘She is sweet.’ He assures you. ‘But man, I wish she’d take some of that aggression with Katori and throw it in Tone’s way.’ He laughs – he probably didn’t really mean it. ‘Tone’s not bad, but she’s a horrible influence on my Destroyers.’ He pauses for a moment. ‘Except Miyuki – she’s… a little more up there than most; hard to bring her down. Bundles of energy but – fair play to her, all on her own. Satsuki and Asashio are exceptionally hard workers – I was hoping that Nagato could have made them even better if you said yes.’ He snorts. ‘Tone brings them around for whatever adventure she has – she and Miyuki try to keep us above water as well as they can, but the less time I spend wondering what they get up to during off hours and the more time I know they’re having sessions at the range or out by the shore, the more assured I am.’

You fight down a small laugh. He did sound like a worried father.

‘You need a balance of both, I think. You don’t want to push them too much.’

‘Yeah, but I worry you know. I don’t think I’m supposed to worry this much – I saw all those Commanders back in the day and they were cool as ice.’ He hesitates for a moment, contemplating something. ‘But then I think about the what happened in the assault… you can’t second guess on your decisions, can you – and you want your team back alive.’ He gestures with his hand. ‘I think I can live with them hating my guts for my tenure if it means they live to breathe another day.’

You shift uncomfortably in your seat. That sounded a lot like something a certain someone once said.

‘Damn.’ He grunts into a fist. ‘I sound like a geezer.’

>Confide in your own complaints with your Division
>Comfort him and talk about something else
>Write-In

>>1087989
>Comfort him and talk about something else
if anithing we are mostly in the same position

>>1087989
>>Comfort him and talk about something else
Minus the fact that we're always in the MASH and that our Barracks is collapsing, I think we're doing okay.

>>1087989
>Comfort him and talk about something else

>>1087989
>>Confide in your own complaints with your Division
he opened up to us so its just right to tell things too, maybe not the sexual ones but the other stuff

>>1087989
>>Confide in your own complaints with your Division

>>1087999
Changing to

>Confide in your own complaints with your Division

because why not

>>1088012
I don't allow changes in decisions unless it's a mistake on my part or if an anon states that it is unclear in the first place.

>>1087989
Let's keep the fact that we're screwing half our division on the downlow.
>>Comfort him and talk about something else

>>1087989
>Comfort him and talk about something else

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>>1087989
also, haruna is not daijoubu with katori being close with this guy, maybe good to give him the headsup before things head south

>>1087989
>>Comfort him and talk about something else

>>1087989
>Comfort him and talk about something else

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‘I feel for you.’ You grimace, lifting the cup of broth and downing it. It’s a little cooler than you like, but the slightly salty aftertaste and the ‘But… I didn’t expect to be a part-time exterminator when I was an assistant cook, either.’ You feel a twitch in your lips as the memories of staying up until dawn with a net and an old-fashioned rat trap came back. To this day you’re not sure if that warranted extra pay or was just part of your duties. ‘Sometimes, you have to just do things that aren’t in the job description. If everything went as planned and the only thing you needed to worry about was the next piece of paper from the higher-ups, well… that wouldn’t be life now, would it?’

‘Could be a lot more convenient.’ He bites into his own bread. ‘I lived on a farm – I like things systematic and uncomplicated.’ He pauses briefly. ‘But… I can see your point, I guess. If you take out the human factor out of things… they just trudge, don’t they? No color in the sky if it didn’t bother to make a small mess of things.’

‘If that’s how you want to put it.’ You nod – you don’t quite get the analogy on offer, but you do see that he at least understands where you’re coming from… you think. ‘Not that I don’t miss the easy life once in a while, but if I wanted things to stay the same old routine…’

You pause, unable to continue. What would have happened if things had stayed the same?

You think back to the thick air of the greasy kitchens you’d worked in – the dirty stoves, the piles of pots and pans… how almost every day was spent behind the scenes where one uppity boss or another would come in with another unreasonable demand and the occasional bit of advice that you’d take to heart with the earful that you’d get for breaking another backroom practice. You remember toiling over the stoves, trying to speak with someone next to you, only to find them altogether inconsequential once the hours were up. A working relationship and a man to pass over the next ingredient for a hungry customer, that’s what they usually were to you. Maybe a co-worker would catch your eye and you’d try to make a move on her, only to hesitate once you saw that little ring on her finger – shying away and being embarrassed for yourself.

That you would be comfortable with the mundane and go back to a low to mid-end rented apartment, a routine that had shaped you for the years since you practiced stumbling from job to job.

You would have never thought someone else’s life would be more valuable than your own.

That in losing almost all feeling in your arm was worth another warm hand held in the other.

‘I wouldn’t have cared to change at all.’

>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’
>‘I read the reports.’
>Eat in silence
>Write-In

>>1089636
>>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’

>>1089636
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1089636
>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)

>>1089636
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’ Also, how do you deal with carriers being carriers?

>>1089636
>‘How goes the Commander-ing?’ together with this >>1089667

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‘How goes the Commander-ing?’ You smirk, biting off a piece. The broth really wasn’t bad.

‘At’s hard as it can be.’ He sighs, lowering his head into his roofed hands.

‘You seem to have a bigger portion on your hands than I do. All I have is a District and a Division to look after… and I got attendants to help me with day-to-day things like armaments and supply routes.’ You nod, sympathizing. You never thought that you’d have things this much better. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever had to personally sign-off for on-base approvals and the like on your scale.’ You turn your gaze to the chaotic scene of the crew working on the base, right outside the tent. ‘Seems like a lot of walking to do.’

‘Well, I’m a farmboy, so I’m used to it.’ He shrugs, smiling wryly. ‘The hard part about this job is dealing with the contractors. My Division listens to me just fine – for value of listen, anyway – but the human factor in the day-to-day’s excruciating. I used to complain that banks were slow but damn if some of the contractors just don’t get things right once in a while.’ He dips his bread into the broth, tossing it into his mouth quickly. ‘I think I can count the number of times orders have gone through properly on one hand.’

‘Sounds like a chore.’ You scowl, pointing a finger at him. ‘And that you really need someone to help you with that sort of thing.’

‘Katori tries, but I send her to the range every chance I get. She doesn’t need to be sitting through this with me. I’d rather her focus on getting our Squadron performances up than being behind a desk going through folders.’ He scrunches his brows, looking thoughtful. ‘Maybe I should get a computer.’

You almost balk. Even if you worked a whole year back in the kitchen and lived off instant meals, you don’t think you could afford one by the end of it.

‘They’re expensive as Hell.’ You emphasize the last word. They weren’t particularly commercial, but you’d passed a technical showcase and the number of digits almost made you vomit. ‘I don’t think any place outside of a heavy duty industry building has those.’

‘It’d up productivity by a mile.’ He argues. ‘Besides, I see all that science fiction crap that The Admiralty uses for briefings and the like. They can afford to give us one.’

You frown. The Admiralty did have all that gear lying around… but they seemed to be more single-purpose machines than anything else, also the fact that the Fairies were involved in their development lent you the opinion that it wasn’t meant for public or casual use. Still… it would be pretty nice if you could have been able to automate the day like you did with the RAY.

‘Maybe.’ You concede, if only slightly. ‘I wouldn’t complain if it got easier.’

‘Don’t think anyone would.’

>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘I read the reports.’
>Eat in silence
>Write-In

>>1090026
>>‘I read the reports.’

>>1090026
>'I read the reports.'

Don't fall for it! Computers don't decrease you workload a whit. They just let people pile more on you!

>>1090026
>>‘I read the reports.’

>>1090026
>‘I read the reports

>>1090026
>>‘I read the reports.’

>>1090026
>‘I read the reports.’

For reference which console era are we in ?

>>1090107
Famitsu era

>>1090107

I think the Famicom was mentioned, though one of our destroyers wants to buy the Hot New Super Famicom or equivalent.

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>>1090107

>>1090026
>>‘I read the reports.’
I'm very curious about how the computers he's talking about work. Old computers were so adorable.

Also, when we get back, we need to get on with those KanMusu cooking lessons. With how battles have been going, I'd like to see that casserole we promised before one of the girls dies.

Also handholding, all the handholding

And try to complete takao's task has been 3-2 weeks since we ask the admiral

>>1090401

Huh. You're right. It's Inactive instead of Complete. We do need to follow up on it so we can get a firm answer. Or come up with another approach.

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‘I read the reports.’ You begin, taking a more serious tone. The Commander, knowing what you were implying, thins his lips into a line and nods. The succession of missions thus far had worked – to a degree. What bothered you right now was the next step – there didn’t seem to be a particular direction the Admiralty wanted to head towards. ‘What do you think The Admiralty’s got on its agenda next?’

‘Well, we’re doing as well as we can be doing… which is saying a lot.’ He coughs into his fist before taking one of the napkins and wiping his lips and fingers. ‘With the League of Nations being unable to convene, though, it looks like the Lords are playing the watchdog now.’ He sets his elbows on the table, leaning in. ‘What worries me, though, is the fact that the military’s moving in on our turf. Call me territorial, but didn’t the Shamans specify that the help of the fairies specifically came with the condition that any outside force stays out of Admiralty affairs?’

‘That’s more to do with the tech and the magic being misused, I think.’ You shake your head. You didn’t know the full details – but from your understanding that seemed to be the general rule when it came to the magic and technology that the Shamans shared. That it would be for the war against the Abyssals, and only the war. ‘Besides, they’re doing what they can to keep the public as assured as possible.’ You find yourself hesitant to continue, but are able to do so after a lengthy pause. ‘I think what’s important in this case is to get the public believing in us again. Even if it only looks nice… The Admiralty has to make a decision that won’t have the people looking to lynch our heads.’

‘I didn’t think it was that bad for us.’

‘Well, screw-ups don’t usually result in a counterattack wiping our towns and virtually crippling every base on this side of the country.’ You sigh tiredly, peering at the Ominato Commander, who himself looked deep in thought. ‘The Admiral – my Admiral – told me that last night’s operation was as much a show of force as it was as an immediate tactical response. The push was meant to throw back the Abyssals just as much as it was to get them on their guard again. Show them that we’re still up and throwing punches… for all good that’ll do. I don’t know if we’ll survive another attack like last night.’

‘Stealthy Abyssal Command Units aren’t high on my list, either.’ He comments gruffly, shuddering. ‘I’m surprised you’re still in one piece.’

You pause.

‘Yeah, so am I.’ You grimace slightly, rubbing your prosthetic up and down. ‘Hopefully that’ll be the last we see of ‘em.’

Your good eye locks with his pair… and you feel a twitch in the corner of your mouth.

The both of you laugh. Loudly, humorless… and in resignation

>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>Eat in silence
>Write-In

>>1090682
>>Eat in silence

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>1090682
>>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
Dice gods please

>>1090682
>>Eat in silence

>>1090682
>>Eat in silence

>>1090682
>>Eat in silence

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>1090682
>>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
meh, might as well go for it. Watch me get a 1

>>1090777
lucky 7s and a 6 on the dice. RNG is really screwing with me lately.

>>1090777
Kek has blessed your roll anon. too bad the other vote has more

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1090682

>‘You mentioned your brother before.’ (Roll a 1d6 each)

>>1090682
>Eat in silence

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You don’t talk much after that. The both of you munch away at your meal. Your bread had gone cold during the course of your conversation to suit the already-cold broth, but knowing that there would probably be nothing after, you eat it anyway; beggars couldn’t be choosers, after all. Outside, you can hear trucks and buggies rolling past, dropping off staff and materials while the occasional helicopter flew overhead, but never landed. Under the tent, the occasional curse word reached your table, along with cries of frustration as the men that the Ominato Commander previously addressed immersed themselves into their session, banging glasses and one time, even spilling the ash of their cigarettes. It’s not long when your bowl is clean and your bread is gone.

‘Commander.’

The both of you look up to see a pair of MPs, looking as stern as ever.

‘The Grand Lieutenant would like to speak with you, sir.’ He hesitates slightly; The Ominato Commander doesn’t argue, getting to his feet without so much as a comment.

‘Did he mention what he wanted to see me about?’

‘No, sir.’

The Commander nods, walking between them… when the MP turns to you with the same stern gaze.

‘The Grand Lieutenant said that you had to go too, sir.’ He clears his throat right after, the same hesitance in his voice.

You frown… but get to your feet anyway. You walk alongside the Ominato Commander, the two MPs flanking you as you begin to make your way to The Grand Lieutenant’s quarters – that also doubled as his office, as yesterday’s small jaunt after your report about the PT Imps – that’s what they called those small creatures – and what you had divulged of their alleged newfound capabilities. It hadn’t been installed that far from what you understood to be the infirmary, where you had been treated – for value of treated – last night. The Grand Lieutenant, despite his title and demeanor… wasn’t a man of indulgence.

You walk up the ramp. The door to his quarters open, to reveal, as you had seen last night, the same tidy bed nestled in the corner and picture of an old man who you assumed was a family member and a simple affix table stacked with mounds of paperwork of an official nature and a few office chairs along with filing cabinets with letter and number designations. There wasn’t much in the way of decoration, other than the gold Admiralty anchor, crooked on the wall behind the table and a small wooden end table by his bed that looked untouched.

The Grand Lieutenant, however, was not present.

‘He’ll be with the both of you shortly, sirs.’ Both MPs bow, exiting the room and leaving you and the Ominato Commander alone.

>‘What do you think he wants to see us for?’
>'I actually thought that he'd have his own mobile mansion.' (Comment)
>‘Do you want to see what we can find here?’ (Mischievous, roll a 1d6 each)
>Sit down and wait quietly
>Write-In

>>1091446
>>'I actually thought that he'd have his own mobile mansion.' (Comment)

>>1091446
>'I actually thought that he'd have his own mobile mansion.'

>>1091446
>>'I actually thought that he'd have his own mobile mansion.' (Comment)

>>1091446
>>'I actually thought that he'd have his own mobile mansion.' (Comment)

>>1091446
>'I actually thought that he'd have his own mobile mansion.' (Comment)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>1091446
>>‘Do you want to see what we can find here?’ (Mischievous, roll a 1d6 each)

>>1091446
>>‘What do you think he wants to see us for?’

File: That Is All.jpg (26 KB, 579x385)

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A few minutes pass. You curiously peer around, making sure you didn’t touch anything… not that there seemed to be anything to touch other than that end table and the drawer. He didn’t seem to even have any spare clothes lying around… although he could easily have them stored somewhere you couldn’t see. All in all, the place didn’t look any different from your visit in the wee hours of the morning – and the simplicity of it all still surprised you. You walk over to his bed – grey sheets, a single pillow and what looked like a sheet of cloth that was neither a blanket or a cover… and the familiar picture of a stubble-decorated thin-faced gentleman looking right at the camera in a faded, tinted brown.

‘I actually thought that he’d have his own mobile mansion.’ You mumble, looking at the end table. It was probably the only thing with discernible monetary value here.

‘Contrary to whatever you assume of me, Commander, I am not one for sentiment or luxuries.’

You jump, almost stumbling as you spin around to see The Grand Lieutenant – somehow he had managed to enter without making so much as a creaking door. Reflexively, you raise your hands up in a salute to his stoic features – he seemed uninterested of any critique that you had of the state of his quarters, his gaze as piercing as it always was. You gather yourself quickly, dropping your arm and straightening your back.

‘Sir.’

He looks to his right towards the picture of the old man.

‘You wanted to see the both us, sir?’ The Ominato Commander speaks up, you silently thank him for saving you from any further embarrassment.

The Grand Lieutenant doesn’t answer, turning away from you and walking towards his table and setting himself down on his chair with a squeak. Silently, he gestures for the both of you to take your seats, which you do. He doesn’t speak for a while, taking a small folder out from the stack on his right and setting it on the table, bringing a fist to his lips and eying it as the silence begins to take over. Neither you nor the Ominato Commander dares to break it.

He finally looks up from the folder, taking a neutral expression.

‘There’s a few things on the agenda… but first of all, I’d like to address your current situation, Commander.’ He gestures to you. You bite the inside of your lip as you wait for the hammer to fall. ‘The RAY has been successfully recovered as of this afternoon. However, with the damage that it’s sustained, I find it unlikely that restoration is possible, even with fairy magic. The craft will be stripped of its Magic Engine – after which I will decide whether to return it to your base… or if it would better serve The Admiralty in the hands of another Commander.’

You open your mouth… and nod.

‘I also want you to come with me to Admiralty HQ in four days time.' He slides the folder towards you nonchalantly. 'That is all.’

>Write-In

>>1091584
>anything else, sir?

>>1091584
>>Write-In, "May I ask about the nature of the HQ visit?"

>>1091584
>Inquire about transportation back to Yokosuka.

Surely we're not staying here for 4 days with all the paperwork we have waiting for us back at base.

>>1091600
this works. probably is a full debriefing of the Stealth incident.

>>1091584
this goes for me
>>1091602

File: Spoiler Image (43 KB, 850x850)

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‘Does that mean I’m not going back to Yokosuka for the time being?’

The Grand Lieutenant folds his fingers, looking up from the sheet of paper he had pulled from the stack.

‘You will be.’ He clarifies. ‘However, I can’t in good judgment clear your Division for travel until they are fully treated.’ You look downwards, feeling a little guilty. Were you partly to blame for that delay? ‘A helicopter transport will be take you directly to Yokosuka this evening – they’re running on a schedule, so just flash them the card in that folder and the controller will direct you to your piggyback. This was the best I could arrange on short notice.’

You nod in understanding.

‘Then what about this… testimony?’

‘It will be conducted in four days time.’ He leans back on his chair, a ghost of a smirk playing on his features.‘I don’t see any reason to deprive a healthy Commander of his day-to-day workload. I’m sure that with everything that has happened in the last 12 hours, you’re already behind on some stacks. It would be irresponsible and negligent of me to keep you from your duties.’ His expression changes, becoming more stern right after. ‘However, I must also emphasize that you visit Akashi once you get back to base to continue any treatment.’

‘I thought that there was nothing wrong with me?’ You frown.

‘There’s plenty wrong with you, Commander.’ You spy the Ominato Commander letting out a low snort. You choose to ignore it. ‘I am talking about the further treatment of your injury – and as a practitioner who rarely dabbles in arcane methodology, it would be better if you got a second opinion from someone who does. Not to mention how hard it must be to have an improperly-aligned prosthetic.’

You don’t reply, absently touching your metallic arm.

‘I will be sending one of my attendants to retrieve and bring you to Admiralty HQ in 4 days time.’ He says with a tone of finality and ‘I trust that you’ll be able to keep yourself alive until then, barring any… unusual occurrences?’

‘Yes, sir.’ You pick up the folder, tucking it underneath your arm. ‘What is this testimony about? Is it about what the… mission last night?’

‘Among other things.’ He answers enigmatically, gesturing to the door, which was still slightly ajar. ‘That will be all, Commander.’

You stand up and give him a rigid salute before heading for the door. There was no point in pursuing it anymore than you already had – you didn’t want to aggravate The Grand Lieutenant anymore than you already had. You had to get back to your base as soon as –

‘VICE-ADMIRAL!’

You’re knocked off your feet by what appeared to be a small, barreling… blonde ball of energy. The assaulter tilts her head, silently regarding you.

‘Poi?’

>Apologize
>‘Vice-Admiral?’
>Get up and be on your way
>Write-In

>>1091826
>Apologize

>>1091826
>>‘Vice-Admiral?’

>>1091826
>>Write-In
>Poi in return
let it begin.

>>1091826
>‘Vice-Admiral?’

>>1091826
>>Apologize

>>1091826
>>‘Vice-Admiral?’

>>1091826
>‘Vice-Admiral?’

File: Poi2.jpg (134 KB, 768x1024)

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‘Vice-Admiral?’ You frown, turning your head left and right as you feel confusion taking over. As far as you knew, the Ominato Commander had told you that there wasn’t a Vice-Admiral around these parts – that didn’t seem to bother the girl, however, energetically hopping to her feet, cheeks pink without so much as a word to you and fixing her gaze on something – or someone – behind you.

You pick up your folder and the pass, wobbling into a stand and rubbing your belly. Whoever this KanMusu was, she was a lot tougher than she looked – then again, that was something you could probably attribute to all the others. There was an innocence – a purity in her eyes as she tilted her round face. She barely came up to your elbows in height, her pale blonde hair oddly bobbling up and down as she leaned left and right, trying to look past you. You look down upon her, only to see that, still, she was ignoring you. The sound of a squeaking chair wheel catches your attention – you turn to see the exasperated Grand Lieutenant getting out of his chair, mumbling something under his breath… and coming right beside the two of you.

‘Yuudachi.’ The Grand Lieutenant addresses the short blonde KanMusu, his tone… oddly gentle, but otherwise exasperated. ‘What did I tell you about addressing your superiors by rank?’

‘Yuudachi?’

That name rang a bell.

‘Sorry, Vice-Admiral!’ She salutes seriously, the long white scarf whipping around and softly striking you as the KanMusu stood on her tip-toes, jumping up and down like an excited puppy. ‘I’m here to…’ She tilts her head sideways. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. Grand Lieutenant!’ The Grand Lieutenant rubs his temples… but you do see the ghost of a smile play upon his lips. ‘Grand Lieutenant. Shigure’s here!’ She energetically declares.

You could have sworn he let out a small curse at the words.

‘Yes, Yuudachi… she’ll be with us for the next day or so.’ He mentions neutrally, gesturing to you. ‘This is her new Commander. He runs the First Operations Division at Yokosuka.’

As she looks up at you, with those slightly puffed cheeks and red eyes, you remember just where you heard that name from.

‘You’re Shigure’s sis – ?’

You feel your eye buzz.

A chill goes up your spine as you turn to view outside – the sun was in the middle of setting, but that wasn’t what caught you. Outside, you saw a familiar form take clumsy, wet steps in the dirt leading to the pathway. You take a step outside, slightly in disbelief at what your eyes were seeing.Shigure stood in the nude, her eyes half-lidded in a haze, dripping in the green gunk that your Division had been immersed in… she was hunched over, teeth bare, her hands shaped like claws.

Her eyes glowed an eerie sheen of blue.

Yuudachi only smiles.

‘Ah, Shigure-chan, we were just talking about you.’

Shigure doesn't return it.

TBC

File: horrified hoppo.png (239 KB, 517x425)

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>>1092119

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_HxvojfiUw

Appropriate music for >>1092119