Cuttlefish
Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
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June 7, 1942
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 25
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Return to Japan for repairs.
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Lieutenant Miharu leans on the starboard rail of the Hibiki. Below him Midshipman Izu is supervising the loading of a cargo net full of provisions from a supply tender to the Hibiki. With him are Chief Petty Officer Shun and a PO2, along with several crewmen.
The lieutenant has had a worried eye on Izu for the last few days. Ever since the air attack that damaged Hibiki the young midshipman has seemed tense and depressed. Miharu has no idea why, since Izu’s performance during the attack was exemplary. He led a damage control team in fighting the fires with skill and bravery, and it is clear that he has earned promotion to Ensign once Hibiki returns to Japan.
At the moment Lieutenant Miharu is observing a problem he does understand. Midshipman Izu is busily giving orders to the petty officers, oblivious to the fact that they obviously know what needs doing better than he does. Miharu almost smiles. He did the same thing when he was a midshipman. It took some time before he learned that one does not need to shout orders in order to be in command. The petty officers bear it patiently and eventually the job is done, even with Izu’s help.
Later, Lieutenant Miharu approaches Izu. The midshipman salutes and stands at attention.
“At ease, Midshipman,” Miharu says. “Thank you for seeing the provisions aboard.”
“Yes sir, thank you, sir,”
“I have a question for you. Aboard any ship, who are the best and most experienced sailors?” Midshipman Izu answers immediately.
“The senior officers, sir,” he says. Lieutenant Miharu shakes his head.
“Officers are trained in many skills the average sailor does not possess or need,” he says. “But I am speaking about ordinary seamanship.”
“Well, sir, in that case the petty officers,” says Izu. The lieutenant nods.
“That is correct. Just as one example, Chief Petty Officer Shun has been in the Imperial Navy for almost twenty years. He has been aboard the Hibiki since 1935. In almost any task involving the day to day running of the ship, I defer to his experience and judgment.” Midshipman Izu is not by any means stupid, and he quickly sees what the executive officer is actually talking about.
“I see, sir,” he says. “Thank you, I will keep it in mind.” Miharu nods.
“Very good,” he says. “Carry on.” Izu salutes and departs. No need to also mention, Lieutenant Miharu reflects, that if he wished Shun could snap the midshipman in two like a breadstick. The Chief’s devotion to navy discipline is so strong that he would stand patiently and let the young officer strike him repeatedly if necessary.
The executive officer continues on his way. There is a lot more to do before the ship is ready to sail for Japan in the morning.
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