>>2271099
>>Allow them to continue

So what's our track record for overhearing conversations so far?

>>2271099
>>Allow them to continue
>>2271126
think 50/50
could be wrong

>>2271099
>>Interrupt the conversation

"Sorry but I couldn't help but overhear. Or perhaps I could help abit. Bring him out for drinks. Hint abit with maybe some dating advice."

>>2271099
>>Interrupt the conversation

>>2271099
>Interrupt the conversation

File: Innocent Irako.jpg (100 KB, 700x1000)

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‘Hey, you two.’

The both of them perform what was practically a pirouette to face you, surprise more than evident on their faces. You give a light, casual wave of greeting and immediately find neither are too eager to return it. As you peer at their expressions, you realize that you might as well not bother to hide what you’d heard—or to what extend you had understood the situation. It was more than evident—in bringing up the Carriers, Zuikaku and Kaga—that Mamiya was taking a reference point of a particularly sore component that the Shamans hadn’t quite seen fit to fully install in KanMusu: the emotional adjustment to a relationship. In Irako’s case, in specific context to her current relationship with your self-proclaimed “Number Two”.

‘Couldn’t help but overhear,’ you continue, not missing a beat. ‘Talking about Fingers, huh?’

‘Commander!’

To your surprise, it’s Mamiya who’s indignant at your course of action, putting it all out on the table like that. To you, however … it hardly mattered. There was no sense trying to pretend that you hadn’t been standing there for all of five minutes as the both of them threw sentence after sentence out on the pavement in this cold, drab weather (You rather envied that they were able to withstand the cold so neatly). It was too obvious from the picks and bits just what the conversation was framed upon. You would have been an idiot to not be able to pick up that Mamiya was doing her best impression of a concerned girlfriend in trying to impart dating advice to her fresh-faced comrade.

However, you also saw it fit to cut right in precisely because her concerns were built around the outside looking in; a complete lack of experience that was merely supplemented by the experiences of her friends and peers. Besides, as a well-seasoned veteran of that particular aspect of human society, it was only right that you would bestow your knowledge upon the chickadees that didn’t know a storm from a breeze.

You were managing six women under one banner and had thus far kept yourself from being turned into paste for two whole months!

The math couldn’t be wrong.

‘If you’re wondering how to go about it,’ you begin in a slow drawl, ‘might I suggest actually taking it easy’—Mamiya couldn’t have kept that triumphant huff down even if she tried—‘until the both of you are comfortable on where things are headed. No need to get ahead of yourself and just getting into the sack for a go just because—’

‘The sack?’

Irako’s interruption has you frowning. How opaque did you have to be on a subject she had already discussed?

‘You know … man and woman? The beast with two backs? Culmination of love? Surrender optional?’

She tilts her head in confusion. You decide not to dawdle. It was cold and you were keen to step out of this chill and into Mamiya’s (hopefully) toasty establishment.

‘There’s no point rushing into the hanky-panky if both of you aren’t keen,’ you elaborate crisply.

‘H-Hanky panky,’ Irako repeats, as if it’s the first time she had said the word, ‘yes, sir, I understand completely, thank you.’

She turns to Mamiya, giving her an apologetic glance.

‘I’m sorry, Mamiya, you’re right, I,’ she sighs, ‘I shouldn’t rush things, should I?’

The brown-haired KanMusu gives a good-natured giggle and a nod, pleased with the outcome.

‘I’ll just,’ Irako pauses, before raising a fist in fervor, ‘I’ll just tell him that … I’m not ready to hold hands while we walk down the street just yet!’

>‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)
>‘Yeah, that’s … totally what I was getting at.’ (Damage control)
>‘Can we go inside now, please? Mamiya? If you have a moment to spare?’ (Direct)
>Make do with an annoyed expression
>Write-In

>>2271216
>>‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)

>>2271216
>>‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)

then.

"Wait. Nevermind. In the end its a matter between you two so the same advice still stands."

>>2271216
>>‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)
"Man, you two are too pure for this world."

>>2271216
>>‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)

>>2271216
>>‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)

>>2271224
‘Wait, this is about holding hands?!’ (Disbelief)
i am rather jealous, somehow

I'll be resuming the session in about half an hour because some cousins tried messing with the modem AGAIN and actually BROKE it this time. We were able to get a new one about two hours ago. We are also a couple hundred bucks poorer from their antics.

T minus (approximately) 10 minutes.

File: I Was Looking For Tea I Swear.jpg (345 KB, 800x1200)

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You stare at the smiling pair, incredulous.

‘Wait, you were talking about … holding hands?’

‘Yes, of course,’ Mamiya returns, frowning. ‘What did you think we were discussing?’

You shake your head, unwilling to answer that question quite just yet, but … you supposed you should have known better. It was pretty much written in black and white that the sex drives of KanMusu that weren’t Carriers were either minute or non-existent at all … but then again, Takao, Nachi, Nagato … not to mention Iowa. The latter two were more than enthusiastic, even if Iowa took a little bit of warming up to the prospect of having you as a—for lack of better word—lover. Maybe it was just the fact that you wanted to feel like you weren’t alone in the universe in your desire to have ancient war machines from another dimension to cry out your name as they shivered in delight at the sheer force of an orgasm.

‘Nothing … just forget about it.’

The both of them spare each other a confused glance, but thankfully, neither of them choose to pursue your unsaid assumption.

‘Ah, I have to go and see him!’

Irako claps her hands together, turning to Mamiya, who raises a hand and shoos her away. She doesn’t even bother throwing up a salute as she bids her farewell to you, practically skipping off towards her destination; it was like she was performing a ballet through a flower field, only with the flowers replaced with the knick-knacks that the reconstruction crew and the military had left lying around.

‘’You must be freezing, sir,’ Mamiya speaks once again. ‘Would you like to come inside? I have some nice choice tea that just arrived this morning.’

You couldn’t give an answer quickly enough.

Mamiya leads you inside, where you see that the establishment seemed to be empty, save for two girls—two KanMusu, Kawakaze and Hamakaze—shuffling a pair of cards as they sat at a table on the side, looking bored out of their minds. She scampers all the way behind the counter, briefly diving under and coming up with a huff … before disappearing past the door and into the back kitchen. You walk up to a vacant table yourself, pulling up a chair and scanning the place. It really was bigger on the inside. Now, more apparent than before, with only three patrons present. Still, the scent from the kitchen is unmistakeable. Mamiya kept busy, even when she didn’t have to.

‘Here you go, sir.’

You look up to see your host, carrying a large thermos and having set a small mug on your table. She pours the contents of the thermos, which you’re all too eager to consume. It was one of those days. And on those sort of days, a pick-me-up of piping hot tea was just what the doctor ordered.

‘Is there anything else I can do for you, Commander?’

>>2271711
>'Murakumo's planning to start a ... dojo of sorts. Tenryuu's only willing to take part if I can get a bigger class. I was hoping you'd be able to help there.' [EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING]
>'Takao's looking for help with a book drive. I was hoping if there was anything you could do to draw a bigger audience.' [FONT OF KNOWLEDGE]
>'No, but I'd like to just have some company, if you could spare it?' (Casual talk)
>'No thanks, Mamiya.' (Drink alone)

>>2271713
>>'Murakumo's planning to start a ... dojo of sorts. Tenryuu's only willing to take part if I can get a bigger class. I was hoping you'd be able to help there.' [EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING]

>>2271713
>>'Murakumo's planning to start a ... dojo of sorts. Tenryuu's only willing to take part if I can get a bigger class. I was hoping you'd be able to help there.' [EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING]

>'Murakumo's planning to start a ... dojo of sorts. Tenryuu's only willing to take part if I can get a bigger class. I was hoping you'd be able to help there.' [EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING]

>>2271713
>'Murakumo's planning to start a ... dojo of sorts. Tenryuu's only willing to take part if I can get a bigger class. I was hoping you'd be able to help there.' [EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING]

>>2271713
>>'Murakumo's planning to start a ... dojo of sorts. Tenryuu's only willing to take part if I can get a bigger class. I was hoping you'd be able to help there.' [EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING]

File: Mama-miya.png (218 KB, 709x1001)

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You might as well get what’s at the top of your list out of the way.

‘Murakumo’s planning to start a … dojo of sorts,’ you start, ‘but Tenryuu’s only going to be taking part if I get a wider audience. Seeing as you hold the widest net in Yokosuka, I thought you—and the restaurant—would be able to help me advertise a little; have some word of mouth going.’

‘Tenryuu asked?’

‘She’s not asking, but,’ you pause, rubbing the back of your neck, feeling as though you were pushing through the limits with her already, ‘you do have pretty much everyone that’s a KanMusu coming in here. I’d be able to get wider exposure for Murakumo at the same time … would you be willing to do that for me, Mamiya?’

‘What dojo is this for? Some arts class?’

You tilt your head. You supposed that it did count as much.

‘Murakumo’s trying to get an extracurricular course up and running on the benefits of melee weaponry,’ your elaborate, prompting an understanding sound from your apron-clad host. ‘She’s tried running one before, but not a lot of the KanMusu were interested. Something about not a lot of KanMusu are comfortable using things that aren’t extensions of themselves or something? I don’t know … something like that. She reckons that it’ll be able to bulk up overall performance and survival chances if KanMusu are able to operate without their guns and immediately falling back on their fists and elbows.’

She wears a slight frown at your explanation.

‘I understand that, sir,’ Mamiya nods in a drawl, ‘but … you’re Tenryuu’s Commander, aren’t you? Why don’t you just give her the order?’

You pause.

It had indeed crossed your mind, but …

>‘Wait, yeah … I AM her Commander!’ (Elect to go back to Tenryuu and push her to do it regardless)
>‘Well, there’s a little more to it than that. I thought about killing two birds with one stone here.’ (Try to convince Mamiya)
>Write-In

>>2271780
>>‘Well, there’s a little more to it than that. I thought about killing two birds with one stone here.’ (Try to convince Mamiya)
Rather she join willingly instead of being strong-armed into it when she's got other stuff to do.

>>2271780
>‘Well, there’s a little more to it than that. I thought about killing two birds with one stone here.’ (Try to convince Mamiya)

>>2271780
>>‘Well, there’s a little more to it than that. I thought about killing two birds with one stone here.’ (Try to convince Mamiya)

>>2271780
>Write-In
"It's a extracurricular course, she joins if she wants to, although I highly recommend for her to sign up on this course, it does not hurt to learn something new now and then."

>>2271780
>Well, there’s a little more to it than that. I thought about killing two birds with one stone here.’ (Try to convince Mamiya)
>It isn't just about tenryuu either, this is a chance to both increase our girls' survivability and mission success rate. It's to help raise the odds for them coming home alive. That's why I'm asking getting more of the kanmusu interested, for their sake as well, not just to get Tenryuu to join.

File: Tongue.jpg (238 KB, 827x1008)

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‘Well, there’s a little more to it than that,’ you admit, sighing, ‘I really want Murakumo’s dojo to succeed. If what she’s saying is right, then there’s a fundamental skill out there on the battlefield that’s missing—improvisation … and having a handy backup in case the primary route of action fails. She has a good point that KanMusu are a little … archaic in the ways, no offence’—she replies with a quick ‘None taken’—‘and they probably—you probably—have the right to be. You’ve been running point on this war for ten years now, after all.’

You take a sip of your tea, before setting it down and biting your lip. Mamiya had apparently taken a seat across from you during the course of your rant (If it could even be called that). Regardless of your lack of elegance in the delivery, however, the point still stood … and it wasn’t as if anyone that was involved—or were pending their involvement—was straightforwardly adverse to it. Even the Admiral had thought it was a good idea.

‘The Admiral thinks it’s a good idea, too. He already gave Murakumo the go on clearing up a timetable or schedule for her to do her thing. I even have Yamato and Sendai on board.’

‘Yamato is … ?’

‘Yeah,’ you nod, sipping another bout of hot tea, ‘she’ll be serving as a proctor.’

You pause for a moment, remembering just what it was that she brought to the table.

‘Beats me what an umbrella does out on the battlefield, though.’

Mamiya gives a small nod. It appeared that she was at least considering her response … you couldn’t well force her to do it, after all. Pushing any more than the placement of an offer here was tantamount to wanting to be run over by a car to spite traffic. Mamiya was probably the only KanMusu in Yokosuka that could make or break your social life in these parts with a word alone. Everyone came here; even humans, despite the section being practically specialized to give KanMusu their fill, even if they didn’t really need the sustenance. You lean back in your chair, waiting for her answer … and hoping that she’d give a favourable response.

She probably would, of course.

Mamiya didn’t seem like the type to turn down someone in need. She’d even showed Fingers kindness, after all.

‘I’ll do my best.’

You nod.

‘However,’ she continues, ‘if I do this, would you mind … doing me a favour?’

You tilt your head; that was something. ‘What kind of favour?’

‘I … haven’t thought about it yet,’ she admits, ‘but if or when the time comes, could I at least be able to come to you if I needed the help?’

>‘I don’t know …’ (Reluctant)
>‘Sure. You know where my barracks are.’ (Accept her terms)
>‘You’ll do this or I’ll report you for being uncooperative.’ (Press/Bully)
>‘On second thought, I think I will go ask Tenryuu.’ (Cut it off)
>Write-In

>>2271882
>‘Sure. You know where my barracks are.’ (Accept her terms)
what could possibly go wrong

>>2271882
>‘Sure. You know where my barracks are.’ (Accept her terms)

>>2271882
>‘Sure. You know where my barracks are.’ (Accept her terms)
This seems ominous

>>2271882
>‘Sure. You know where my barracks are.’ (Accept her terms)

>>2271882
>>‘Sure. You know where my barracks are.’ (Accept her terms)
Who would want to bully the mothership?

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You decide to accept her terms. There probably wouldn’t be more to it than trying to find some people to help out in her kitchen.

‘All right,’ you nod, agreeing to the condition. ‘You know where my barracks are.’

She gives a nod right back. ‘I do … and I’ll get started getting the word around as soon as I can.’

‘Thanks, Mamiya, you’re a lifesaver.’

‘Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?’

>‘Takao’s looking for help with a book drive.’ [FONT OF KNOWLEDGE]
>‘No, but it’d be nice to have some company.’ (Casual talk)
>‘No, nothing else.’ (Drink alone)
>‘No … and I should get going.’ (Drink up and leave)
>Write-In

>>2271963
>‘Takao’s looking for help with a book drive.’ [FONT OF KNOWLEDGE]

>>2271963
>‘Takao’s looking for help with a book drive.’ [FONT OF KNOWLEDGE]

>>2271963
>‘Takao’s looking for help with a book drive.’ [FONT OF KNOWLEDGE]

>>2271963
>>‘Takao’s looking for help with a book drive.’ [FONT OF KNOWLEDGE]

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‘Before I forget … Takao’s looking for help with a book drive. I was wondering if you’d be able to help with that, too?’

‘A book drive?’

‘She’s running a small reading session for some kids … and she thinks that it’ll at least be some good for them to be able to get their minds off things with some books,’ you explain further, taking another sip of your drink, ‘which the city … really doesn’t have a whole lot of. I think she’s going through some comic books right now.’

‘Comic books?’

You scratch your head. You really should have gone through the finer details of what Takao actually wanted of you, but … you’d been so busy that the only thing that you’d been able to do back then was agree to helping her out. Still, it wasn’t as if it was a big ask, anyway … even if you didn’t know the first thing about collecting books.

However, what you did know … was that any endeavour that required the help of the community needed the word spread out. Right now, there was no other establishment—or person—that fit that role better than the apron-clad KanMusu that had her head tilted, thoroughly lost with your request.

‘It’d be nice if you’d be able to get the word out; get people into digging up anything old that they finished or don’t have a use for. Storybooks, picture books, pop-up books … anything that the kids’ll find interesting.’

Mamiya scratches the side of her face, smiling nervously. ‘I’m not sure if I’d know what the children would be interested in.’

‘You don’t have to,’ you assure her. ‘All you need to do is get the word out that we’ll be starting a book drive and all children’s books—even some comics are welcome to be dropped off.’

She considers it for a moment … before giving a joyful nod.

‘All right!’

>‘That’s it, then. Thanks for everything, Mamiya.’ (Finish your tea and leave)
>‘So, on to less stressful topics … how’ve you been doing?’ (Initiate small talk with her)
>‘You mind if I just sit here a while?’ (Leisurely sip your tea alone)
>Write-In

>>2272465
>>‘So, on to less stressful topics … how’ve you been doing?’ (Initiate small talk with her)

>>2272465
>>‘So, on to less stressful topics … how’ve you been doing?’ (Initiate small talk with her)

>>2272465
>‘So, on to less stressful topics … how’ve you been doing?’ (Initiate small talk with her)

>>2272465
>>‘So, on to less stressful topics … how’ve you been doing?’ (Initiate small talk with her)

File: Spoiler Image (86 KB, 600x800)

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‘So, on to less stressful topics … how’ve you been doing?’

‘I’ve been very busy, actually,’ she discloses, although by the her tone, you’d expected her to be a bit more distressed rather than cheerful, ‘but not in the way you think.’

‘Not in the way I think?’

She gives a light, uncertain laugh, scratching her cheek in response to your confusion.

‘A lot of the girls … well, they send me letters now and again, and occasionally, if I have time on the week, I take out a request to get myself off inland or up north to the other bases to meet up with them. The Carriers make up the bulk of my correspondence, of course … Zuikaku, Katsuragi … I think they finally cleared Shoukaku out for light patrol duties. I feared the worse for her when the attacks came in.’

You tilt your head, not quite catching on, but …

‘Shoukaku?’

That name stood out to you, somehow.

‘Zuikaku’s sister,’ she reveals—that was probably why. ‘She was badly hurt on a mission a few months back. A lot of us feared the worse … and Zuikaku didn’t, well, she didn’t handle it that well when the report came in. I don’t think anyone of us would have banked in on her making a recovery at all, but … she’s kept in contact with me, and the ISSF was able to put her back together proper.’

You frown, wondering why she’d taken such a depressed mode of voice with the news. If you’d had a friend who’d just checked out from a crippling accident with his ability to walk restored, you’d be cheering for the clouds.

‘That’s good news, isn’t it?’

She sighs again.

‘Well, Zuikaku was—is having a little bit of a guilt trip now. She kind of feels … guilty, I suppose, for not being there for her sister.’

That was … understandable, you suppose. You’d feel like a heel too, given the circumstances of the absence.

‘I think she’s being a little too harsh on herself, though,’ she says insistently, before appearing to wilt under the weight of her declaration, continuing, ‘but I do think if I was in Shoukaku’s place, I wouldn’t be too happy that she’d effectively skipped town on me, either.’

You frown deepens.

‘I,’ she pauses, before resting her elbows on the table and clutching her head, continuing, ‘believe that she just couldn’t handle seeing Shoukaku like that. Core damage, well … it’s not something that has anything close to a positive outlook from the onset. KanMusu, we … we can regrow whole limbs, organs, so long as the shock doesn’t cause a total shutdown of our capacities, but … one you get the core damaged, even a crack, fixing it … well, the chances are slim if you’re expecting someone to get back out there on the week.’

You give an understanding nod, prompting her to continue.

‘I think Zuikaku, well, I think she gave up from the get-go … I think it’s still eating at her; that she hadn’t believed her sister would have made it …’

>>2272699
>'That's just silly. I'd throw my hands around them and just be happy they're breathing. It's not as if I can't just throw myself and beg for forgiveness, right?'
>'That's a needle stack I'm not pricking myself on.'
>'Yeah, I'd be pissed too, if that ever happened to me, that is. She should definitely stay away.'
>'Anything else?' (Move on from the topic)
>Write-In

>>2272699
>>'That's just silly. I'd throw my hands around them and just be happy they're breathing. It's not as if I can't just throw myself and beg for forgiveness, right?'

>>2272702
>>'That's just silly. I'd throw my hands around them and just be happy they're breathing. It's not as if I can't just throw myself and beg for forgiveness, right?'
>along as their still alive you can make amends

>>2272699
>>2272710
This.

File: Eh It Fits.jpg (126 KB, 850x1140)

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‘That’s just silly.’

Your response is blunt and to the point.

‘Wh-What?’

‘Even if that person hated me for not being able to be there, to not even want to see them like that, in that state,’ you declare, if a little too haughtily than you’d intended for it to be. ‘it’s not as if that I can’t step back in and take my hits, right?’

‘I think you’re over-simplifying the issue here, sir.’

Her reply is curt, but it’s more a light veer to the right rather than a blatant ask to drop the issue altogether. Thinking about it … there was something familiar about the issue, even if it wasn’t exactly similar to anything that you’d been through. You don’t think you would have ever run away from such a—

No, never. You hadn’t done it before. It wasn’t as if someone was laid about in a hospital dying and you’d elected not to be there for them at any point in your life. The condition was too specific, too narrow.

So why was it so … familiar?

‘Maybe,’ you admit, if only a little, ‘but … the first thing I’d do is actually put up that I’m actually happy that they’re still here. I wouldn’t … I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for abandoning them, for refusing to see them in that sort of undignified state, but I’d at least put up that I want them to keep being in this world. I’ll take the licks and all the insults, but I’d tell the person that I’m damned glad that they’re still her with me—even if they hated me for not being there … I think that it’s important that you have your feelings on the matter known. Zuikaku probably feels horrible about it, right? If her sister—if Shoukaku—thinks that an apology isn’t enough, then Zuikaku can throw herself as her own stool.’

‘I don’t think it’s that … easy. Or straightforward, for that matter, Commander.’

Her light giggle rings in your ears, clearing up the air, which you notice had probably been this heavy by the time you’d chosen to put in a blunt response to the matter.

‘That’ll be between the both of them, though,’ you say, a little less insistent than your previous statement, but one that you believed got the point across well enough, ‘but I do feel that letting things go unsaid makes it worse in the long run. Zuikaku got cold feet and couldn’t stand to see her in that state and from what you’ve told me, Shoukaku—’

You cut yourself off. That hadn’t been a component that Mamiya had kept from divulging any more than the basic outline.

‘How does her sister feel?’

She sighs, much more heavily this time.

‘She … hasn’t said anything about what she feels on the matter,’ Mamiya folds her fingers into a tent, staring at the wall across from the table. ‘She hasn’t so much as mentioned Zuikaku in her letters and … Zuikaku can’t help but talk about her sister.’

‘It’s a very … delicate situation.’

>>2272792
>‘Maybe I was being a bit … blunt with that, but …’ (Re-approach the situation)
>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)
>‘Right, I think I should get going.’ (Leave)
>‘I think, yeah, we can leave that at that.’ (Change the topic)
>Write-In

>>2272796
>>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)

>>2272796
>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)

>>2272796
>>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)

>>2272796
>Write-In
"Even if it is a complex situation, It's a lot better for that person to try do something than let yourself drown in your own sorrow."

>>2272796
>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)

>>2272796
>‘Maybe I was being a bit … blunt with that, but …’ (Re-approach the situation)

>>2272796
>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)

>>2272796
>‘I stand by what I said. Can’t let that fester.’ (Reinforce your stance)

>>2272792
This >>2272811

>>2272811
supporting this

Sorry guys, but no session until tomorrow evening at best. Something's come up.

Well, that thing is settled. I'll be running this afternoon about 2.30 PM my time.

File: Food Girl.png (275 KB, 600x800)

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‘I stand by what I said,’ you huff, crossing your arms and leaning back in your chair. ‘Letting it fester’s not going to be good … for anyone involved. I’m not trying to defend Zuikaku … or trying to say that her sister’s feelings are unwarranted if she’s hurt; I’m not trying to say that, at all. The longer this goes on, though, the worse off the both of them’ll end up being. I mean, I can understand how Zuikaku feels; that she doesn’t feel like she should even have the opportunity to speak, but … you’re not gonna make things any better by just keeping quiet and letting someone come to their own conclusions. People tend to miss the mark when it comes to the unsaid things, you know? They think the best or the worst of anything that they’re not given a clear cut picture of. Rationality’s thrown out the window when emotions come into the picture—and I can’t say that it’s any different from you KanMusu, no matter how differently you wanna preach that angle.’

Mamiya grimaces, looking away. ‘I don’t think either of them would appreciate the bluntness of that particular droplet, Commander.’

You sigh, running your hands through your hair.

‘Probably. That doesn’t, however, change that Zuikaku shouldn’t sweat the details and just take the licks like any man—sorry, I mean woman—should. I don’t want to sound crude’—to that, Mamiya fixes you with a flat stare—‘but for me, the best course of action is to let anything that’s left unsaid be said. You let that stew around for too long, it’ll … one day you won’t get the chance to say it.’

‘That’s really what you think?’

‘I’m not going to tell people to be eloquent when it comes to conveying the honesty of their emotions, especially when the misunderstandings pile up and up and up,’ you shrug, perhaps in a manner a little too detached than you would have liked. The point still stood, however. ‘I’m no bleeding heart, but, well, when you screw up to that magnitude, when in the other person’s head the thing that you did was pretty much just short of selling you off at the jingle of a coin … well—even if you’re not going to get an apology in this lifetime, you better at least clear the air. Things can get worse. With humans, they almost always do.’

‘Too many things left unsaid?’

You pause.

Were they?

Were there things that you had wished you said but had been too prideful, too cowardly or just too uncertain to take that step with without the assurance of an outcome? The answer rumbled and crackled in the deep recesses of your mind, right as Mamiya peered at you with searching eyes.

Were they?

>>2275833
>‘Just speaking from a human perspective, is all.’ (Neutral)
>‘You can’t take back the screw ups, sometimes you can’t even fix it. It’s worse if you don’t try.’ (Push)
>‘From my experience … yeah. So she better hop on it. It doesn’t get prettier. This stuff doesn’t heal by just staring at it.’ (Regretful)
>‘You mind if we talk about something else?’ (Change topic)
>Write-In

>>2275837
>‘From my experience … yeah. So she better hop on it. It doesn’t get prettier. This stuff doesn’t heal by just staring at it.’ (Regretful)

>>2275833
>‘From my experience … yeah. So she better hop on it. It doesn’t get prettier. This stuff doesn’t heal by just staring at it.’ (Regretful)

>>2275837
>>‘From my experience … yeah. So she better hop on it. It doesn’t get prettier. This stuff doesn’t heal by just staring at it.’ (Regretful)

>>2275837
>>‘From my experience … yeah. So she better hop on it. It doesn’t get prettier. This stuff doesn’t heal by just staring at it.’ (Regretful)

File: Mothership.jpg (288 KB, 620x819)

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‘From my experience … yeah,’ you let out with a sigh, staring into your half-drunk cup, ‘so if she’s going to apologize at all … she better get to it. It doesn’t get prettier, no matter how long she waits. It doesn’t heal by just staring down at it.’

‘You seem to be a little invested into this, sir,’ she comments with a smile. One that you immediately recognize as an attempt to lighten the mood after your … semi-tirade on the matter.

‘Yeah, I,’ you pause, considering your words properly, ‘but I think that I actually have an authority of this, though. Too many things left unsaid; things you want to say sorry but you fuss over about; words that you can’t even string together without feeling that they’re enough or would suffice and you just decide to try another approach that never happens … rinse and repeat. The hem and haw of apology is probably the most human flaw in existence, no room for argument for it. You’d think that we’d get it into our thick skulls that nothing mattered more after thousands of years of being around, huh?’

‘I won’t hold you against it, sir,’ Mamiya reassures you, albeit with an amused tone. ‘However, I do think that the gloves for this matter should be approached more … delicately. I will take your advice into consideration, however.’

You put a grimace on yourself.

‘Yeah, I guess I would be doing the same thing.’

‘Oh no, I’m not devaluing anything you have to say,’ she interjects in a hurry, ‘but, well … at the end of the day, I have the right too, don’t I? To be able to discern the methodology best to employ in my approach of the matter?’

You frown … and a small smirk creeps up your lips right after. ‘You sound a little bit like Nagato, saying that.’

Mamiya’s eyes widen slightly, before she lifts a fist to her mouth, giggling. ‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’

The both of you share a smile. You look down at your cup, and deciding that it was best to finish it up before the chill got to it. It was a little … strange, really, having this sort of conversation with Mamiya. Despite the rather … personal weight of the topic at hand, the KanMusu before you was rather amicable. While Nagato was pretty much the den mother for your Division (Your person included among that count, of course) and a picture of authority that went with tact and professionalism, Mamiya was …

Motherly. Familial. Sisterly, if she had the rough edges under that amicable exterior of hers. If there was nothing else that you had contributed or taken away here, you at least understood just why she got along with virtually everyone on-base.

Sipping the last droplets of your beverage, you set the cup down, feeling a little bit warmer than you had been, trudging outside.

‘Would you like more tea, sir?’

>>2276003
>'No, thanks, I have some other errands to run. Thanks, Mamiya.' (Go on with your day)
>'Not going to say no to that.' (Stay on a little while longer)
>'Does it come with your company?' (Stay on and try to convince her to keep chatting with you)
>Write-In

>>2276007
>'No, thanks, I have some other errands to run. Thanks, Mamiya.' (Go on with your day)

>>2276003
>>'No, thanks, I have some other errands to run. Thanks, Mamiya.' (Go on with your day)

File: Tea.jpg (50 KB, 849x565)

50 KB JPG

'No thanks,' you decline her offer with a smile, getting to your feet. 'I have other errands to run. Thanks, again .. for the hospitality.'

She gives one right back.

'You're welcome,' she replies, picking your cup up, 'and Commander?'

'Yeah?'

Her smile brightens further.

'Don't be a stranger.'

2/4
>EXECUTE TASK (Specify)
>Look for KanMusu (Specify)
>Seek out Officers/Staff (Specify)
>Visit Location (Specify)
>District Management
>Wander
>Write-In

>>2276102
>District Management
its about time we check in

File: Fingers.jpg (33 KB, 225x350)

33 KB JPG

Impossibly, it had become only become colder since you’d gone inside Mamiya’s for a swig of that hot tea of hers. Now, sitting in the passenger’s seat of the buggy and staring down at the back of a military truck that seemed to be hauling cement and cables, you wonder if it was already too late to just hop out and rush back to the warm graces of your previous host. Around your rumbling chariot, gaggle upon gaggle of crew, soldiers and civilians made their way, all of them intent on making it to the plaza before it closed, no doubt. Just as you were.

Fingers had done a decent enough job at keeping things running while you were still in the hospital bed, but as the man who had been put in charge of the task at hand … you felt the responsibility to at least check that everything was going smoothly, if nothing else. The honk of the buggy horn shakes you from your stupor. You turn to the driver, scowling at the same view that stood before you, chewing on his pipe as his youthful features turned purple from the frustration of traffic. You peek out of the buggy, checking to see what the hold up was—and spy someone in an army uniform clambering over the head of the truck, waving his arms at … something to the right that was obscured from view.

‘I swear, sir,’ the driver starts in a low, deliberate, drawl, ‘you’d think with the war going on, there’d be less traffic in a damned disaster area.’

You offer him a good-natured smile, not replying.

‘Most of the cities are emptying up, anyways,’ one of your fellow passengers cuts in. ‘With the deal that Hasza’ds cut with the Lords, a lot of the city folk are pretty much crawling across the border. Didn’t think that the exodus would be this bad, though. Not to mention how it’s gonna look like once all this is over.’

‘That’s a big if, yeah,’ a voice directly behind you counters, ‘no offense at all, right, sir?’

‘None taken.’

You wonder if the keeper had made it across the border with her children. She’d elected to make the cross for the sake of her children … and with the impending refugee crisis, you didn’t know if she’d be open to the idea at all, now.

You’re not able to finish the thought, however, as the truck in front begins to move … and so does your buggy. Behind you, the conversation turns to more local politics—on whether the Lords would vote to enforce martial law after ten years of war.

It’s not long before the driver arrives at the plaza of the commercial district, where you spy your self-proclaimed number two in his usual spot, scribbling on a clipboard as several of your men—clad in Admiralty uniforms—listened intently to his words. You jump out and thank the driver, hurrying towards the small group under the tree.

‘Fingers!’

‘Boss!’

Your men immediately drop into a salute.

>>2276232
>'I'd like to go over some changes.' [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]
>'Is there anything you'd like to brief on?' (Inquire on any Shop Requests)
>'How are things looking here on the whole?' (Ask for advice on changes)
>'Just came to see how things were doing. Keep up the good work.' (Leave)
>Write-In

>>2276245
>>'Is there anything you'd like to brief on?' (Inquire on any Shop Requests)

>>2276245
>>'Is there anything you'd like to brief on?' (Inquire on any Shop Requests)

>>2276245
>'Is there anything you'd like to brief on?' (Inquire on any Shop Requests)

File: Hot Ramen.jpg (67 KB, 640x427)

67 KB JPG

‘Is there anything you’d like to brief me on?’

‘Yeah, actually … The Ramen Ojii-san is having a little bit of trouble, for one,’ Fingers reveals. ‘He’s not a big name at all, so he’s been trying to ask the guys on what kind ramen he should shift about with his menu for the cold weather. The usual fancy clientele this ain’t, so he wonders if he should take in something new to give out to the boys and anyone who drops by for a spell, yeah?’

‘Why doesn’t he just ask at around, then? Shouldn’t his customers have a better platform for feedback on what they want?’

‘Sure,’ Fingers shrugs, ‘but he’d still rather get some advice. Never know whether something good or bad comes with change or staying still.’

‘What kind of changes is he looking at?’

‘Speciality menus, mostly. He’s thinking of bringing some more spices and fattening stuff into his menu, but he doesn’t want to take a risk if no one wants to eat it. You know, like pork and the like … but he’s also thinking of keeping some sustainability up and switching to a vegetable and spice menu. According to him, the first one’s got a bigger chance of reaping in some customers, but the second one’s easier to manage … even if he doesn’t get a base for the comin’ cold, yeah?’

You nod.

‘So, boss, what’ll it be?’

>‘Neither. Tell him to keep the same old menu.’
>‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us … maybe we could use some hot meat over the period.’
>‘Winter vegetables are low-risk. If nothing else, it’ll keep him afloat.’

>>2276382
>>‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us … maybe we could use some hot meat over the period.’

>>2276382
>‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us … maybe we could use some hot meat over the period.’

>>2276382
>>‘Winter vegetables are low-risk. If nothing else, it’ll keep him afloat.’

>>2276382
>‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us … maybe we could use some hot meat over the period.’

>>2276382
>>‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us … maybe we could use some hot meat over the period.’

>>2276382
>>‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us … maybe we could use some hot meat over the period.’

"I'd definitely come down for some I'll pass the word along back at base."

File: ADMIRAL CARD GAME.png (59 KB, 210x210)

59 KB PNG

‘It’s going to be cold for a lot of us,’ you nod. ‘Maybe we could use some hot meat for the next few months.’

‘Right,’ he nods, giving a tick with his pen. ‘Then … on to the next one, Boss.’

‘Next one?’

‘The Card Shop Baa-Chan just got contacted by the company that makes the cards that they want her to make the brand more … what’s the word again? Visible, I guess, around these parts. She’s drawn up a bunch of ideas, but, well, I dunno which one you’d approve of, so I decided to run ‘em by you in person.’

‘Run them by me?’

Fingers brings up what appeared to be … hastily-scribbled notes on crumpled pieces of paper. They appeared to be written in the old script, which meant that this was what he had been talking about. You pick the sheets out of his hand, bringing them up and reading through them. They were all ideas to promote the latest release of booster pack. Ones that would be coming within the next month or so. You scan to the bottom, finding Shigure’s name apparently on one of the title sets for the new season of card games.

‘She’s got it all planned out right there.’

‘I can read, Fingers.’

You consider the drawn up plans. A celebrity tournament sounded promising. A competition between Yokosuka’s KanMusu playing decks themed around their own cards to promote the latest booster release did sound like a good idea … but you wonder if it would be wise dragging the girls away from their posts just to promote some cards. There was also a local bi-weekly league with a promo release that she had in mind … much more low-key, but sustainable. You didn’t know if there was as big an audience of enthusiasts as expected, however. Especially with this being the front-lines.

The last one was …

IRAKO, MY IRAKO—

‘Fingers, what the Hell?’

‘Oops!’ he declares in embarrassment as he grabs it out of your hands. ‘Yeah, sorry, that’s mine, boss.’

You shake your head. Honestly; didn’t he know to separate work from his personal life? Perhaps one of these days you’d sit him down and threaten to break his fingers if he so much attempted another run at poetry or fancy prose.

The last one was—and you had to scan the sheet again to believe that this truly was a suggestion—for volunteers to dress up in the way that those television show Admirals did and ran spectacle dramatic duels all over town promoting the new booster pack releases. You knew exactly how that would go. Loud, bombastic teenagers yelling what card they would play for whatever purpose in over-the-top and ultimately unnecessary fashion … probably wearing multi-coloured wigs and edged sleeves with hook and chain accessories to emphasize just how outlandish it all actually was.

‘Well?’

>>2276566
>'A celebrity tournament sounds good. Should have enough girls around here that play.'
>'A Bi-Weekly League isn't as intrusive. Go with that.'
>'The last one. DEFINITELY the last one.'

>>2276570
>>'The last one. DEFINITELY the last one.'

>>2276570
>>'A Bi-Weekly League isn't as intrusive. Go with that.'

>>2276566
>'A Bi-Weekly League isn't as intrusive. Go with that.'
we could joint the league too, and the girls so its a nice two in one

>>2276570
>'A Bi-Weekly League isn't as intrusive. Go with that.'

>>2276570
>>'The last one. DEFINITELY the last one.'

>>2276570
>>'The last one. DEFINITELY the last one.'

>>2276570
>>'A Bi-Weekly League isn't as intrusive. Go with that.'

>>2276570
>>'The last one. DEFINITELY the last one.'
time to DUEL

>>2276579
>>2276581
>>2276582
>>2276593
>>2276596
>>2276604
>>2276617
>>2276643
Flipping a coin. Coin flipped.

File: Jotting It Down.jpg (13 KB, 300x462)

13 KB JPG

You make your decision.

‘All right, Boss,’ Fingers nods, jotting it down. ‘Anything else that you wanna go over?’

>‘I’d like to reallocate the workload.’ [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]
>‘How are things looking here on the whole?’ (Ask for advice on changes)
>‘Just came along to see how things were going. Glad they’re up and running again … somewhat.’ (Leave)
>Write-In

>>2276740
>‘I’d like to reallocate the workload.’ [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]

>>2276740
>>‘How are things looking here on the whole?’ (Ask for advice on changes)

>>2276740
>>‘How are things looking here on the whole?’ (Ask for advice on changes)
>>‘I’d like to reallocate the workload.’ [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]

Ask him for his advice first then move immediately to reallocate.

>>2276740
>>‘How are things looking here on the whole?’ (Ask for advice on changes)

>>2276740
>I’d like to reallocate the workload.’ [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]
>‘How are things looking here on the whole?’ (Ask for advice on changes)
Compatible vote

File: Fingers.jpg (102 KB, 500x707)

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‘How are things looking here on the whole, Fingers?’

‘Well, we got things running a little smoother compared to before; making some money, mostly from the crew and the soldiers that drop by for a visit when the guys aren’t. We get the occasional civilian coming in, though, but as it stands, a lot of ‘em just hang around instead of going straight for the shops. Not a lot of ‘em are big on the luxuries just yet, so … we try to do what we can to not fleece ‘em.’

‘Noble of you,’ you comment.

‘It’s what you woulda done, right boss?’

You don’t reply.

‘Well, help’s still kinda limited, but we’re doing well enough to afford some extra hands here and there.’

‘Where would you suggest I put those hands, then?’

Fingers pauses for a moment.

‘As things are, yeah, there’s nothing that needs particular attention other than the fact that you probably wanna put those hands to work,’ he advises, tapping the clipboard in thought, ‘but really … it’s up to you how you wanna go about things. Just gotta remember the basics, though.’

You frown, confused. ‘Wait, how are you speaking like that?’

‘Like what?’

‘The words you’re using,’ you point out. ‘Why are they highlighted in red and blue?’

‘Oh, that—well,’ Fingers jabs a thumb towards the collection of the audience staring through a computer screen, ‘the GM’s been kinda in the muck on how much hand-holding you and your player-controllers need … he’s just making sure the points are emphasized so the players that tell ya whether ya need ta breathe or sit down don’t cry foul that he didn’t explain things thoroughly. Frankly, it’s just to make sure things aren’t too opaque for them—for you—to get.’

‘Well, if he’d explained things clearer, then my player-controllers wouldn’t need to complain now, wouldn’t they?’

‘Yeah, well, that’s what I’m here for,’ Fingers shrugs, ‘so remember the basics—for fuck’s sake, man, use some consistent word colouring if you’re going to highlight something—which are: if there are a lot of focuses that ya got on a higher level, make sure your Security is up there with ‘em. For example, if you have a bunch of ‘em at a [HIGH] Focus Level but your Security is put to a [LOW] Focus Level, you might not be raking as much dough as you think you should.’

‘Right,’ you nod again, ‘so is there anything I should be focusing on?’

‘It’s up to you, really, what you think is best to make money. Do you want more shops? Do you want to make more shops happy so you can garner the rewards? Do you want to control your income? It’s all up to you, really.’

‘What does Special do?’

Fingers frowns.

‘No idea … probably something special.’

‘GM foresight, everyone,’ you both groan.

>>2278151
>‘I’d like to reallocate the workload.’ [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]
>‘Just came along to see how things were going. Glad they’re up and running again … somewhat.’ (Leave)
>Write-In

>>2278151
>‘I’d like to reallocate the workload.’ [DISTRICT MANAGEMENT]

File: District Management.jpg (121 KB, 850x493)

121 KB JPG

'I'd like to reallocate the workload.'

Finger nods, gesturing for you to follow him.

>Re-shuffle/Allocate Focus Points*

*District Management is located in the Statistics section under the District tab

>>2278162
for what i see, we should maximze the growth, for the extra pointage
so change management to priority while keeping all at default

Question: GM, what does the [Special] stat do, really?

Answer: Special cutscenes, interludes, and a small chance of unlocking bit-part quests within the plaza. Either involving your girls or the other girls on-base or perhaps even any other member of the cast. For example, you might catch a scene of Iowa drooling as she stares at food through a window or Kongou complaining to her sister Hiei in front of a bakery. Just examples.

P.S. That's what I'm going for, for now, unless I think it's shite or not impactful enough.

>>2278162
Reduce Growth to 1.

That frees up 5 points total that we can use and growth only affects the chance of a new store opening.

Then set management to 7 for highest possible growth.

>>2278313
Instead of growth dropping, why not special? It seems like the least detrimental stat to leave alone for a bit.

People are asking about [Special]'s penalties.

It's the only stat with none, but you're effectively decreasing the chance for some nice encounters/scenes for the sake with min-max. In essence, it's the "fuck lore, let's go for the stats" attribute.

>>2278617
Also for got to mention: [Special]'s focus being raised does not apply to the "raise [Security]" penalty. You're only suggested to raise [Security] with the others.

>>2278162
management at high priority, and everything else at default

>>2278162
Special to one, management to max

Rolled 2 (1d4)

>>2278173
>>2278313
>>2278693
>>2278694
Since you guys seem to be the only ones making hard-tack choices, I'll take your vote. Let's see which one the dice wills to shape the story from.

File: NUmber Two.jpg (20 KB, 300x225)

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You let out a low whistle as you walk back out of the shop. If nothing else … you’d learned that Fingers and your men had still kept busy, even with the place practically fixed up. Your self-proclaimed number two hums in content as he ticks off the latest round of changes that you had made. Everyone had an idea of what you were aiming for with the shift in priorities … so there hopefully wouldn’t be any standing concerns that would be coming your way for the foreseeable future. Fingers was a skilful man-manager, if nothing else … and from your own observations in the last half an hour, your men were still keen on making a proper difference to the community instead of folding back to their old ways (for the most part).

Things were—dare you say it—looking pretty good.

‘Well, that’s about it,’ Fingers declares. ‘They all know what to go about doing. Reconstruction ain’t quite up to speed, but the guys’ll have the rest of the shops ready if anyone else plans to come in.’

‘Right,’ you nod. ‘Good job, Fingers.’

‘Eh,’ he shrugs nonchalantly, almost dropping his pen. ‘It’s what ya put me here to do, right? Wouldn’t be good on ya image if yer number two ain’t doin’ things up to scratch, innit?’

You chuckle. ‘I suppose so.’

‘Well,’ he glances around, ‘there anythin’ else ya wanted, Boss?’

1/4
>‘Yeah, you free for a chat?’ (CONSUMES ACTION POINT)
>‘No, I have a few more things to take care of before I head back.’ (Leave)
>Write-In

>>2280529
>>‘No, I have a few more things to take care of before I head back.’ (Leave)

>>2280529
>>‘No, I have a few more things to take care of before I head back.’ (Leave)

>>2280529
>‘Yeah, you free for a chat?’ (CONSUMES ACTION POINT)

File: Maybe One Day.jpg (15 KB, 269x187)

15 KB JPG

‘No,’ you shake your head, ‘I have a few more things to take care of before I head back.’

Fingers nods, tucking his clipboard underneath his arm.

‘Well, see ya soon, Boss!’

1/4
>EXECUTE TASK (Specify)
>Look for KanMusu (Specify)
>Seek out Officers/Staff (Specify)
>Visit Location (Specify)
>District Management
>Wander
>Write-In

>>2280766
>EXECUTE TASK (Specify)
EVERYBODY WAS KUNG-FU FIGHTING (MURAKUMO PERSONAL)

Look for ikazuchi

Ah fuck. We forgot to ask fingers about the book drive.

>>2280808
this

>>2280815
You would have had to consume an action point for that. District Management still requires some on-hand orders from your person to bark it out. You can always try the next day. Just choose Fingers specifically instead of District Management as the option.

File: Zuchi.jpg (12 KB, 264x191)

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You decide to try and find Ikazuchi. She was the last name to cross off Murakumo’s hit-list, after all, and the sooner you could get it over and done with, the better.

However, there was a problem there. You didn’t actually have any particular clue as to her current locations. You hadn’t seen her at Mamiya’s … and going back there just to ask wasn’t an option, as it’d be about time to get back by the time you arrived and had asked, but if she were there at this moment, then it wouldn’t be—no, no …

You shake your head, carefully considering your options. What did you know about Ikazuchi?

She was an enthusiast of the card—

You spare a quick glance at the shop, managing to peer inside. She wasn’t there. That crossed one place off the shortlist. She was usually hanging out with her sister Inazuma, but you didn’t know where Inazuma was, either … and if you were right, none of your men were probably acquainted with anyone that wasn’t Irako or anyone from your Division. You doubt they’d even recognize the description if you put it forward to any of them.

However, there was also the fact that she served as one of the Vice-Admiral’s ships … and you knew where he was at this time of the day: the gym. You didn’t look forward to facing the Trainer, though; you doubt that he’d be understanding of any excuse that involved you not doing crunches or lifting weights.

You couldn’t rule out the possibility of her being on-base either—that was where you’d last seen her, after all.

Rubbing your chin, you begin considering your next move.

>Write-In

>>2283236
>go ask Ooyodo about Ikazuchi's schedule
or barring that
>go to the gym and talk to the VA

>>2283303
Either one is valid because in-character, you're not her Commander/VA/Admiral. You wouldn't know where she would be.

>>2283303
Supporting going to Ooyodo

>>2283303
Lets go see ooyodo

File: It's Ooyodo!.png (1.03 MB, 1723x2056)

1.03 MB PNG

You forgo waiting for a buggy, deciding to leg it instead.

It doesn’t take long for you to manoeuvre the alleys and the streets, passing by several civilians—who were, much to your surprise, helping the reconstruction crew with further rebuilding efforts—as you made your way to the outer block of the town. You stumble onto the road, earning a curious glance from a few more civilians that looked like they were carrying rucksacks and other pieces of luggage … and heading up to the residences on the hill. There looked to be three … maybe four small families, couples, half of them sparing you odd glances while the others were chattering about one thing or another. From what you could catch, it mostly involved the horrible upturn of weather that had come lately.

Rubbing your hands for a little more heat, you morph into a light jog, intent on reaching Ooyodo—and some warmth—before your nipples turned into glass cutters. Whoever had had the uniforms and fatigues cut up like this clearly didn’t have a mind on the encroaching winter times. Ooyodo would know where Ikazuchi would be assigned … and even if you couldn’t catch up with her today, you’d at least have a gist of where she would be later on, anyway. The sight of army trucks greet you as you come up to the main road leading to the beach … and find yourself pleasantly surprised at seeing some of the stores on the side open for business. Liquor stores, news stands … they were all packing a mix of reconstruction crew members and military personnel. There were even some civilians standing by the stores, sipping what appeared to be cups of hot soup.

That was a plan, all right.

You could certainly use some right about now.

Perhaps rationing would be able to spare you some. Pepper and tomato didn’t sound so bad …

It’s about five minutes of light jogging and avoiding military personnel and MPs before you come right up to the MP tent … only to see that it was a lot scarcer than you remembered. There used to be groups lined up outside chatting up the day, but glancing at it right now, there didn’t seem to be any difference from a circus tent closing up and getting on their way.

Which was what it probably was, judging by the large bodies of MPs carrying furniture and crates out onto the sidewalk.

‘The next truck should be here in about twenty minutes, gentlemen … get the generator and call the maintenance crews to cut off any external power.’

There she was. Ooyodo, standing by some crates and cables, her hands on her hips as she barked her orders.

‘DO NOT LEAVE THE RECORDS WITH THE FILING CRATES!’

She kicks a box on the ground for emphasis, glaring pointedly at her fellow staff members.

You hope that her response to you would be an improvement.

‘Ooyodo.’

For a moment, you feel like your head had been vivisected.

Only for a moment, though.

‘Commander,’ she returns curtly.

>>2283608
>'Been keeping busy?' (Casual talk)
>'You know, maybe you should try being a little softer on the MPs ... they're only human.' (Joke)
>'Nothing. Just saying hi!' (Leave)
>'I was wondering if you'd be able to tell me where I could find Destroyer Ikazuchi.' (To The Point)
>Write-In

>>2283629
>>'I was wondering if you'd be able to tell me where I could find Destroyer Ikazuchi.' (To The Point)

>>2283629
>>'I was wondering if you'd be able to tell me where I could find Destroyer Ikazuchi.' (To The Point)

>>2283629
>Write-In
“Everything ok?”

>>2283629
>>'I was wondering if you'd be able to tell me where I could find Destroyer Ikazuchi.' (To The Point)

>>2283629
>'I was wondering if you'd be able to tell me where I could find Destroyer Ikazuchi.' (To The Point)

File: ZuchiRai.jpg (194 KB, 850x1511)

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‘I was wondering if you’d be able to tell me where I’d be able to find Destroyer Ikazuchi.’

She blinks, her surprise more than obvious. ‘Ikazuchi? What for?’

‘I’m running an errand that needs her … attention, so to speak.’

Ooyodo adjusts her glasses as her heels click together.

‘Wouldn’t it be more convenient to arrange a meeting or to pass on the message to her Vice-Admiral, then?’

That … hadn’t crossed your mind, actually. It did make sense Ikazuchi was under the Vice-Admiral … and you knew where he was. Even if he couldn’t direct you to where she was accurately (with it being this late in the evening), you would at least have an audience with someone who could pass the message on or—in the best case scenario—sign her up by his own signature. She was his subordinate, after all … and Ikazuchi didn’t seem to be the type to turn down a request from her own superior Officer. As the thought crosses your mind, you see Ooyodo’s expression turn from annoyance to frustration, the realization that you hadn’t thought up such a simple solution hitting her just as it had you.

‘Give me a moment,’ she sighs, kneeling and picking the top of the box. ‘I should have the timetable—’

‘You have everything right in there?’

She stares up at you, unamused by your interruption.

‘Please give me a moment.’

You step away, giving a quick nod of compliance just for good measure.

It’s not long before she pulls out a file as thick as your arm, flipping it open to a heavily-highlighted page.

‘She should be finishing up with the equipment attunement,’ she announces in a monotone voice. ‘You should be able to catch her if you’re able to pick a buggy up.’

>Try for a buggy (DC: 20 5d6)
>‘That’s a no-go, then … do you know where she’ll be assigned to tomorrow?’ (Inquire further)
>‘Thanks.’ (Leave)
>Write-In

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>2283936
>>Try for a buggy (DC: 20 5d6)
>>Write-In
"Thanks ooyodo. I'll buy you a drink next time."

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>2283936
>>Try for a buggy (DC: 20 5d6)
fuck it, lets give it a go

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>2283936
>>Try for a buggy (DC: 20 5d6)

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>2283936
Try for a buggy

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>2283936

File: She Own A Bar.png (557 KB, 700x866)

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You curse aloud as you skip back from the road to the sidewalk. You’d tried in vain in the last ten minutes to get a buggy … or even an Army Truck. The evening was beginning to make way for night … and you needed to get someplace warm before anything else on your person dropped and died. You’d have to try tomorrow … and realize that you’d failed to ask Ooyodo where Ikazuchi would be posted. That had been silly, really … trying to crunch your time to fit as much as you could on an already-narrowed schedule—it would be another thing on your list for you to sort out tomorrow, you supposed.

Tucking your arms underneath your armpits, you awkwardly begin your journey back to the barracks.

The streets were—much to your surprise—still bustling. Men and women; civilian, contractor or military; all of them were out in this chilly weather enduring the ocean breeze, most of them cackling, some of them listening to the radios perched on top of crates and boxes, and some of them even enjoying some hot rations that they had no doubt been given by the Army. Still—people were outside, laughing and chatting as though New Years’ was already around the bend and not just the end of autumn.

‘I hope that they’ll have the city back up by Dawn’s Light …’

Dawn’s Light?

Now that was something you hadn’t thought about in a long time.

‘They have the electricity and most of the blocks running … not a lot of folks coming back, though. Not a lot of the businesses are, either.’

‘Well, at least they got the heating units up. Don’t think we’d be able to survive out here for long … your block has thermal blankets, right?’

‘Just got ‘em. Don’t know about C through E, though … they’ll have to sort themselves out.’

You duck past several more men, picking up the pace, coming up to a familiar haunt. Mamiya’s had its lights on already—of course it would; the evening was just about done with its shift, after all … and with it already being autumn, there wouldn’t be long before the snow came rolling along. The tables were all lined up outside and the road was clear … save for the mix of crew members and military personnel standing around and talking about Heaven knew what.

It was cold and you wanted to be under a warm shower before—

‘Hey, you!’

You freeze in your tracks, turning around to see … a man about your size, all bundled up in a jacket, three annoyed-looking man following after him and mumbling under his breath. No, you were wrong … he wasn’t your size. He was the same height, but he definitely looked—

Familiar.

You knew this man. He’d been the one who’d—

‘You told me to break up with my fiancee!’ he cries out, an obvious slur in his voice.

One of his friends puts a hand on his shoulder in what appeared to be an attempt to pacify him. ‘Look, I told ya not to order the strong stuff … let’s—’

‘Lemme go!’ he roars—or rather, whines—as he shrugs his friend’s attempt at pacifying him off, advancing menacingly towards you. ‘You told me … you said that it’d work out! You told me that … that … you’re the reason for all this shit!’

A brief glance tells you that there was a gathering of onlookers … and despite his size, his friends looked rather reluctant to put another hand on his person, allowing him to advance—more like stagger—towards you.

‘I loved her! And now … and now I don’t have her.’

>‘Gentlemen, your friend is clearly drunk … and it’s not even 1800 yet. For shame.’ (Have his friends remove him)
>‘You’re the one who broke that trust. Don’t pin it on me,’ (Try to reason with him)
>Cold clock him
>Turn around and leave without saying a word
>Write-In

>>2284250
>‘You’re the one who broke that trust. Don’t pin it on me,’ (Try to reason with him)

>>2284250
>>‘Gentlemen, your friend is clearly drunk … and it’s not even 1800 yet. For shame.’ (Have his friends remove him)

>>2284250
>>Turn around and leave without saying a word

>>2284250
>>Write-In
Wave to the friend to come forward.

Lets get him off the streets and out of the crowds face. Last thing we need is a brawl and the MPs coming in.

He probably needs a bit of a talking to. And some help maybe.

>>2284250
>You’re the one who broke that trust. Don’t pin it on me,’ (Try to reason with him)
>I said that it would work out, but that doesn't mean nothing would come of it. You hurt her, not me, but if you love her too much to lose her than go win her back. Real men don't give up, they work for their dreams.

>>2284315
This

>>2284250


>>2284315
This

You guys up for a session?

File: Scrawny Man.jpg (11 KB, 320x240)

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His speech is slurred and his accusation sounds as though it had gone through some sort of twisted filter … but you’re definitely sure that you hadn’t told him to go and call off the marriage. If your recollection wasn’t mistaken, you’d said something more along the lines of him needing to be honest with his fiancee on the topic of his cheating ways and his cold feet. You hadn’t insinuated in any way that he should have straight up dropped her. If anything, you suspected that it was more the other way around …

He was probably too drunk to tell the difference, anyway.

His shoulder pointing towards you and his eyes practically spinning as he glared daggers at your person (Although, in your opinion, they actually felt like butter knives), his knees clacking together with every half-step he tried to shuffle towards you. Drool was oozing from one corner of his mouth; he looked more like a risen zombie than he did a drunk. How did he even pass basic training being that small in size, anyway? From what you saw, practically every other member of the military could have made the shortlist of body-building qualifiers on a good day.

That was neither here nor there, however. You had no intention of giving this spectacle anymore attention than it had already gained.

You lift your fingers, gesturing for his friends to collect him before he embarrassed himself any further.

They do so. There aren’t any apologies, but there are quick nods of thanks that you hadn’t snowballed it as only you could have. You wave it off, turning on your heel, intent on heading back to the—

‘YOU BASTARD!’

You spin around, the glass of the half-filled bottle gleaming as the small man brings it down like a hammer …

>Dodge! (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 16)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>2286534
why did i feel like this would happen

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>2286534

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>2286534

>>2286540
Because I'm cliched and predictable in that sense.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>2286534

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>2286534

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>2286534

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>2286534

File: Sergeant 4.jpg (147 KB, 850x1202)

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He’s quick.

It’s not hard to see where that military training showed.

However.

You’d fought superhumans, stared down creatures from the eldritch abyss and had your butt kicked by opportunistic punks on your way home more times than you had fingers on one hand. It would have been embarrassing to be cold-clocked by a partly-filled beer bottle. More for yourself than anything else. So he’s fast; that arm stretched out, his elbow uncoiling with his shoulder to maximize the damage … but there was one thing that you had on him—and you don’t even realize it until the bottle is mere inches from your nose.

Your reach.

Your prosthetic raises stop him by the wrist … with some force, just for extra emphasis. He lets out a squeak of pain, the bottle immediately coming loose in his grip. You manage to catch it before it hits the ground; no use wasting a bottle, even if you weren’t that keen of a drinker. He struggles pathetically in your hold, comically trying to pull his arm free from your grip as though it was lodged in a hole. If there was no hint as to his inebriated nature, the fact that he looked like an utter caricature right now, did.

His friends immediately rush to take him. You don’t turn away this time, half-wondering how someone so small had escaped the clutches of four men around your size or larger. You toss and catch the bottle in your hand as you watch him make gargling noises, struggling to get out of their hold, having half a mind to shove the neck of the object as a pacifier for the drunk.

Immediately, the four of them scamper away, the legs of the inebriated party flailing towards the dark evening sky as they did so. You shake your head, staring at the bottle in your hands … it looked like some sort of Haszadian drink, if the characters were any indication.

‘I suppose that I should be apologizing on their behalf, shouldn’t I?’

You turn around to see The Sergeant—her usual uniform traded for a tank top and some exercise shorts—smirking at you, her hands on her hips. You lift the bottle in your hands. There was still some of its contents left … but you had no desire to take a swig of something someone had practically chugged down from the container itself.

‘No need,’ you chuckle, shaking your head. ‘It’s not like I haven’t seen my fair share of drunks … especially ones that look at me and see an easy target.’

She throws back her head, laughing.

‘Well,’ she manages, gesturing towards the entrance to Mamiya’s, smirking. ‘Are you?’

‘Am I what?’

‘An easy target,’ she grins. ‘Buy you a drink?’

>‘No thanks, had a busy day.’ (Decline the invitation)
>‘Why not?’ (Accept the invitation)
>‘I’ll skip the drink, but if you want some company …’ (Accept the invitation, but decline the offer of a drink)
>Write-In

>>2286667
>‘Why not?’ (Accept the invitation)

>>2286667
>‘Why not?’ (Accept the invitation)

>>2286667
>>‘Why not?’ (Accept the invitation)

>>2286667
>>‘Why not?’ (Accept the invitation)

>>2286667
>>‘Why not?’ (Accept the invitation)

File: Drink.jpg (173 KB, 1200x628)

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You weren’t a particular fond drinker. The only time you ever did so was when you had the cash to spare to actually have a night on the town back during your days in the kitchen … and even then, with people eventually moving on from you into their own circles, you didn’t have any compelling need to follow through with the action of wasting yourself. You had your daily dose of KanMusu propaganda and were gullible enough to be entertained by Admiralty-sponsored shows. Drinking yourself to oblivion was hardly an option in those days.

That didn’t mean, however, you had it in you to turn down an invite when it was so graciously given.

‘Why not?’

As you walk into the restaurant, you toss the bottle into one of the smaller bins placed by the entrance. It wasn’t as if you were going to drink any of that anyway. The place was bustling. The blonde chef looked like he was doubling as a fellow server-cum-waiter for the night, zooming from table to table at speeds equal to his partners-in-crime. Irako slid from one table to the other, picking up orders and placing meals as though she was in the middle of a dance recital. In fact, you wondered why there wasn’t a band on viola and cello accompanying her movements, or any of the other KanMusus, really, that were helping run point on the serving of the masses.

And they were the masses.

You hadn’t seen it this crowded since Talent Night.

Nonetheless, The Sergeant manages to lead you to her table. A small one by the wall, a bottle and a glass already poured.

A KanMusu—a short-haired, puffy-cheeked girl in a school uniform and apron—walks up to the both of you, wearing a bright smile, despite looking as though she’d just manoeuvred through a marketplace.

‘Anything I can get you, Commander?’

>‘Something … light.’
>‘Sake, warm and easy.’
>‘Do you have anything strong? With some kick to it, maybe?’
>Write-In

>>2286817
>>‘Do you have anything strong? With some kick to it, maybe?’

>>2286817
>‘Something … light.’

>>2286817
>>‘Sake, warm and easy.’

>>2286817
>>‘Sake, warm and easy.’

>>2286817
>‘Sake, warm and easy.’

File: Sake.jpg (4 KB, 194x259)

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‘Just some sake will do,’ you decide, ‘warm and easy.’

The girl gives a light bow, heading back into the fray.

‘What are you, a salaryman?’

‘Might as well be,’ you muse, chuckling. ‘When they advertised for recruits, I wouldn’t have thought that 90 percent of the job entailed me sitting down at a table.’

‘I wouldn’t have decided to go to Officer’s School if I wasn’t prepared for some ink and folders,’ she smiles, taking a sip of her glass before noisily slamming it onto the floor, ‘but … well, I suppose it’s part and parcel. Not all war’s holding up a flag and jumping into the heart of enemy forces.’

‘Reality and fiction rarely reconcile,’ you nod in agreement, ‘but I can’t say that I’m not thankful for the occasional reprieve. The KanMusu are sheer engines at that … I don’t know how I’ve kept up with them for this long, if I’m being honest. It’s a whole diff—’

‘Your sake, Commander!’

The KanMusu plants your glass, pouring the contents of the accompanying bottle until it was about three-quarters full before setting it next to the Sergeant’s own choice of alcohol. Again, she gives a quick bow before skipping away to tend to her other duties, leaving you with your drink. You decide to get a head star on things, downing half of the glass … only to let out a hiss at it hits the back of your throat.

It was warm; definitely warm.

‘Amateur.’

>‘Not that much of a drinker.’ (Confide)
>‘Where were we again?’ (Redirect)
>‘And what are you having?’ (Challenge)
>Write-In

>>2286948
>>‘Not that much of a drinker.’ (Confide)

>>2286948
>‘Not that much of a drinker.’ (Confide)

>>2286948
>>‘Not that much of a drinker.’ (Confide)

>>2286948
>>‘And what are you having?’ (Challenge)

>>2286948
>>‘Not that much of a drinker.’ (Confide)

>>2286948
>>‘Not that much of a drinker.’ (Confide)

File: Sergeant.jpg (133 KB, 550x469)

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‘Yeah,’ you chuckle, feeling the corners of your eyes begin to water. It had been some time since you’d deemed it an occasion to down one. ‘Sorry, but I’m not that much of a drinker.’

‘Should’ve started with something lighter, then.’

You lick the roof of your mouth, finding the after-taste morph from a sock in the jaw to a pleasant, relaxing massage. You’re reminded to pace yourself. Drinking yourself under the table wasn’t an option—especially not with all these Army folk around.

‘It’s the only drink whose name I can remember,’ you reply a little defensively, ‘but I definitely don’t remember it stinging this much.’

‘Depends on where you get it,’ she hums, lifting up her own glass and swirling the contents with a motion of her wrist, ‘which is why I stick to the easy and acquirable.’

‘Like beer?’

‘I still have to show up for duty the next morning; something strong enough to kick me but not gentle enough to give me a soft landing is just right for the working woman.’

You snort, staring into your glass. ‘The working woman, huh?’

‘It’s not easy for someone who crawled through administration and bureaucracy counters to get enough respect among their peers,’ she responds, a little more crisply than you expected. ‘The Major’s an exception, but … fraternizing with a subordinate a little too messily can get people talking. Best to keep an arm’s length and a professional beat when handling your subordinates, you know?’

She takes a quick gulp.

‘It can get a little lonely sometimes, I guess.’

>‘I don’t think that should extend that far back. You can still just enjoy a drink and stay professional about it.’
>‘Yeah, I can see where you’re coming from. That’s … yeah, that’s inviting the gossip brigade.’
>‘So you’re kept at an arm’s length by fellow Sergeants too? That’s kinda harsh.’
>‘You’re talking to the wrong person about that kind of thing.’
>Write-In

>>2287143
>‘You’re talking to the wrong person about that kind of thing.’
im pretty sure we broke all the no fraternization rules with shipgirls day one

>>2287143
>>‘So you’re kept at an arm’s length by fellow Sergeants too? That’s kinda harsh.’

>>2287143
>>‘So you’re kept at an arm’s length by fellow Sergeants too? That’s kinda harsh.’

>>2287143
>>‘You’re talking to the wrong person about that kind of thing.’

>>2287153
>>2287156
>>2287158
>>2287171
Flipping a coin. Coin flipped.

File: Tank Top Sergeant.jpg (58 KB, 800x500)

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‘So you’re kept at an arm’s length by your fellow Sergeants,’ you let out a low whistle, pouring yourself another half-glass and downing it. ‘Can’t say that’s not harsh.’

It was easier to swallow this time.

‘You know, I thought that that was the kind of stuff you left behind in high school … didn’t think elitist jerks were still around barking marching orders.’

You snort, garnering a confused stare from your drinking partner.

‘What?’

You take another drink. Was it you or was the sake getting better by the gulp?

‘That’s pretty much everywhere, don’t you think? People who already have their perceptions built up and don’t bother to test the person out for themselves … get their own measure of whether they want to be with you; whether they don’t. You’re going to get that wherever you go—no use pouring yourself a mug of it. You just have to push yourself through if no one else is going to push next to you. Your responsibility’s to that badge, right? Last time I checked, it wasn’t a likeability contest.’

She laughs, lifting her cup and taking another sip as she follows it up with a relenting nod.

‘That’s not wrong,’ the Sergeant confides, moving her class away from her lips. ‘I wonder how many I’ve had.’

‘I’m not saying that it’s easier to do it with a monkey of that size on your back,’ you continue, feeling an itch in your throat, ‘but if people don’t want to get to know you or are unimpressed … why bother at all? You don’t have to force them to bend to what you think. So long as the people you’re responsible to think you’re doing a damn good job, that kind of validation doesn’t matter, does it?’

‘That’s a bit of a self-centred approach, don’t you think, Commander?’

‘Oh, it is, I’m not going to kid about that,’ you give a few rapid nods of agreement, taking another sip of sake, ‘but I’m not going to go out of my way to get the approval—or force the approval—of someone that I have no obligation to … and if they’ve already got their ideas about me, they can think what they want. So long as the people I do care about don’t tumble down that slope … I guess I can go on.’

You pause for a moment, considering just what you had said.

‘Don’t take that at face value, though,’ you backtrack a little bit. ‘I’m as pathetic as they come.’

‘Nice to see that humility,’ she snorts, before pausing. ‘Can I let you in on a secret?’

‘Yeah?’

She leans across the table, wearing a tight smirk. ‘When I first saw you … I thought you’d be a complete and utterly insufferable prick.’

>‘I am insufferable. Just ask my Division.’ (Joke)
>‘Why?’ (Confused)
>‘What?’ (Offended)
>‘Oh, I am. It just shrinks back in the presence of pretty girls.’ (Flirt)
>Write-In

>>2287357
>>‘I am insufferable. Just ask my Division.’ (Joke)

>>2287357
>>‘I am insufferable. Just ask my Division.’ (Joke)

>>2287357
>>‘I am insufferable. Just ask my Division.’ (Joke)

"Probably need to get something to apologise to houhou too, now that i think of it."

All right, guys. Good session. I'll rein in the rest of the day later.

Sorry folks. Was banned. Session in 15 minutes.

File: Leadership.jpg (66 KB, 636x900)

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‘I am insufferable,’ you joke, taking another swig. ‘Just ask my Division.’

She tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear, taking another sip of her drink. ‘I’ll take your word for it.’

As you take the opportunity to down another glass of your sake, you try to take in the atmosphere a little better. It was definitely crowded … but you couldn’t make heads or tails of the why. Everyone just seemed to be taking a load off a little more … excessively than usual. Enough that Irako actually looked like she was making an effort to keep up with the orders. To their credit, however, they weren’t nearly as cruel or as rowdy as that bunch that you’d encountered when you were an inexperienced scamp (You still were, of course, but right now you were an inexperienced scamp that had lost the functionality of his right arm and eye and had scored some points in political upheaval), and even the more rowdy ones were more engrossed at throwing friendly insults at each other than they were interested in starting any silly business.

‘So,’ she begins, catching your attention. ‘Since you’re talking about your Division … do you have any difficulty commanding them about?’

‘Commanding them about?’

She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. ‘Bad terminology … I mean, is it easy at all? Do they violate order? Not follow them at all? Go off course?’

You think about it for a moment.

The incident with Aquarius—Shigure’s insubordination—was fresh on your mind … and you hadn’t even expected it to simmer for that long. Nachi’s and Tenryuu’s doubts and reluctance to follow your commands when you’d first taken the up the job had hamstrung you to the point of doubt, but …

It couldn’t be helped, you supposed. You were fresh meat and they were seasoned to the point of marination.

‘Once in a while,’ you admit, running a hand through your hair, ‘but generally, it’s only when I’m an incompetent ass … or trying to lord over when I shouldn’t be.’

‘That’s a pretty glaring to admit.’

‘I’m not going to preach that I’m perfect,’ you sigh, ‘but I guess I have to confess that in the scheme of things I … think that I depend on them than they are on me.’

She wears a small grimace, staring into her glass. ‘Such truths ring true for all forms of leadership, I suppose.’

‘Hm?’

‘Relying on the ones under you. It’s an unspoken fact in the seat of command,’ she declares nonchalantly. ‘We’re not miracle workers, after all … everything we do is to maximize what we get from the ones we lord over, so to speak.’

The Sergeant takes a sip of her drink.

‘I suppose in tabletop terms, your job is to buff them up and roll up the game plan before even a single die is thrown on the board.’

>>2289808
>'That's simplifying it a little, don't you think?' (Reluctant response)
>'You play Tabletop?' (Curious)
>'You have the same issues, no doubt.' (Follow through)
>'So ... did you come in here to just drag me in for a drink and talk about dice and leadership, or ...' (Inquire)
>[Drink silently]
>Write-In

>>2289808
>'You play Tabletop?' (Curious)

>>2289810
>>'You play Tabletop?' (Curious)

>>2289810
>'You play Tabletop?' (Curious)
hello fellow nerd

>>2289810
>>'You play Tabletop?' (Curious)

File: Do You Regret It.png (67 KB, 245x180)

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‘You play Tabletop?’

‘Sure do,’ she confirms, pouring herself another cupful. ‘It was a hit with the cadets back in Officers school. This was when it first came out, of course … haven’t found any time or interest to follow through with it any further since I made Sergeant. Too busy.’

‘No one plays around here?’

‘I just told you that I’ve been too busy,’ she repeats tersely, ‘and even if I did find the time, it’s not exactly easy to draw up a bunch of people and organize a dedicated group … in fact, I think it’s been a year and change since I’ve seen that box of mine.’

You tilt your head slightly, chuckling. ‘That’s interesting.’

‘What is?’

‘That you’d actually have a hobby like that.’

‘Contrary to belief, it’s a practice of discipline by design,’ she states curtly (and a little defensively, but you’re not keen on pointing that out), holding up her thumb and index finger as if for emphasis. ‘Scheduling, organizing, recruiting … and once you’re done with that, then you actually have to set up the players for the board and finalize the parameters of the setting. It was a chore sometimes, really, trying to find a Friday where we actually had time to put our assignments aside for a game. Not that we ever actually managed to finish it.’

You nod. You could relate, after all. Back in your college and high school days it was a nightmare just trying to make sure everyone was on the same page … and you had only been given that task of organization once. You weren’t too into it, of course, preferring to slave away the latest chapter of the book, but when your dormitory had something running, taking part was something you almost always failed to pass up. You could still remember your player character, a wizard, setting off a trap on a failed check and unceremoniously getting his head removed from his shoulders.

Good times.

‘Yeah,’ you nod in agreement. ‘I played that back when I was in college, too. I started to pick it up during high school, but … well, it was hard to find a consistent group for anything resembling a session.’

‘Do you play around here?’

‘No,’ you sigh. ‘No time.’

‘So what do you do with your free time?’ she asks, placing her elbows on the table and setting her glass down.

‘Haven’t found much of it to call it free, sadly,’ you grimace, taking another gulp of sake. It had a more tangy quality to you now; a change from the stinging sensation in your mouth when you had first taken a swig. ‘I guess I … sleep in or go to the gym. Haven’t actually found anything that fits into my schedule that’s non-intrusive other than reading a book … and I’m practically almost always on call for Abyssals that break the borders, so …’

You trail off, to which the Sergeant gives an understanding nod.

‘Do you regret taking that post up? Being a Commander?’

You pause, mid-drink.

>Write-In

>>2289855
“That’ll mean regreting meeting everyone whos come into my life in these months. I’ve lost an arm and an eye but if given the choice once more, i’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

>>2289855
no, sure it isnt a live of dreams, and it gets really hard to make do, even if sometimes the town and pepole you want to help and protect plain hates you, but when the shipgirls, the crew, the army, hell even the toen get it going, working as one, its something so grand, so amazing i dont have words on how great it feels
atleast, thats how i take it

kinda like getting a sesion running with everyone full into the game, to use tabletop as an example

>>2289855
>>2289883
this

File: To Good Company.png (97 KB, 582x321)

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You consider it for a moment.

If you hadn’t been on that bus—no, if you hadn’t decided that the journey was worth the risk. If you hadn’t come here to try and do better than you had thus far done with your life. You’d still have a working arm that you wouldn’t have to drag out and clean now and again. You’d have an eye that didn’t give you a major headache from seeing rivers and branches of colour where there really shouldn’t be anything but air. There wouldn’t be an annoying voice in your head with a sentence on everything you did that she deemed an annoyance.

You wouldn’t have known the women behind the posters and the action figures.

You wouldn’t have known what it was like to truly put your life in someone’s hands … and to put your back against those that would do the same. There wouldn’t have been that dry brand of Kaga’s humour as she disappeared up the stairs. Samidare’s eccentricities and Shigure’s fears would be an unknown to you; you wouldn’t care to know them … nor anybody. You would be living a life with one name to that list: your own and no one else’s. Everything that had happened, good and bad, had changed you. That shadow in that lonely apartment was still there, in fragments, but you feared a return to it no longer. You cannot fear the impossible.

The answer is simple.

‘Not one bit.’

She raises an amused eyebrow.

‘Not one bit?’

‘Nope,’ you take nonchalant sip, wearing a large grin as you feel the heat crawl up your cheeks. ‘I lost an arm an and eye playing dice with stupid odds, but regret it? No, I think as far as things have gone, it’s a pretty even trade.’

‘Is that really how you see it?’

‘Between the choice of who I was before I took this job and the suffering Commander that I am now? Buried in paperwork? Having to double-box a whole district and making sure my team’s active? Having to endure the sheer vitriol of a populace that only sees me getting my butt kicked all over the ocean and with no end to the war on my back? You damn right I do.’

The Sergeant laughs; loudly. Enough that she contributes to the din that’s all around the restaurant … and—you manage to notice before they turn their eyes away—drawing a few curious stares from your fellow patrons. She wears an amused smirk as she pours and downs another glass, several droplets spilling from the edge of her mouth and onto her chest.

‘You’re something, Commander.’

You shrug, replying, ‘So I’ve heard.’

She tents her fingers, letting out a light hum as she peers at you over her intertwined fingers with a gaze most curious … before suddenly raising her glass, wearing a lop-sided smirk.’

‘To the continued mercies of good company … may they never fade.’

You pour a glass of sake yourself, meeting hers with a delightful clink.

‘To good company!’

END DAY 56

That's the end for the thread. Hope you guys enjoyed it. As always, suggestions and the like are welcome below.