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RE: In Drydock

 
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RE: In Drydock - 4/22/2007 9:52:23 AM   
goodboyladdie


Posts: 3469
Joined: 11/18/2005
From: Rendlesham, Suffolk
Status: offline 		Getting him to appear may be a small problem anyway...

I understand he doesn't even talk to his agent these days!

(apologies to cuttlefish, btw. The fact that this is the most read current AAR also means that is probably the most spammed)

< Message edited by goodboyladdie -- 4/22/2007 9:54:58 AM >

(in reply to kaleun)
Post #: 541
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 7:13:06 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Japanese_Spirit

Nice update Cuttlefish! You know, I did have an idea but once the war does end, do you think you will do a part on what each crewman did with their lives afterwards? That would be pretty good. Also, in regards to tactics, it wouldn't be unseemly unrealistic if you were to try not just taking Wake back but also going for Midway and possibly even Hawaii as a last resort.....but, this is just an idea.

And last but not least, in regards to your film, how about John Wayne as a submarine Captain or playing Admiral Halsey? You can't have a decent Pacific War film in without John Wayne. Heck, John Wayne could lead a Destroyer...... Perhaps even fight the Japanese on Nanomea? Just ideas for a possible memoriable film.


I actually have given some thought to posting a wrap up describing what happens to each surviving member of the crew after the war. I will almost certainly do this. Right now it's impossible to say what kind of post war era our heroes are going to see. It could be a future where Japan triumphs...or it could be one where Japan lies in ruins. And of course we have no idea what will happen to Hibiki between now and then.

John Wayne should certainly have a role in the film. It isn't clear yet who he would play, but there's a lot of war to go still. So far the only Western role that needs filling is the British pilot, Frank Barnwell. I just can't see Wayne in that role.

And of course if we are able to get John Wayne then I don't think we would have any problem getting Toshiro Mifune to play Captain Ishii.

quote:

Original: goodboyladdie

Who will get the cameo of Milo?



Good question...he's gotta be in the movie, though, he's too much fun to leave out. John C. McGinley wouldn't be a bad choice at all.

quote:

Original: kaleun

Ziyi Zhang (Memoirs of a Geisha) for Nanami.



Approved.

(in reply to Japanese_Spirit)
Post #: 542
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 7:15:41 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		June 26, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 18
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Taiki Takahashi steps out onto the deck of the Hibiki looking somewhat dazed. In his hands he holds a folded piece of paper. He leans against a bulkhead and unfolds the letter, reading it again as if fearing the contents had changed since Lieutenant Miharu had handed it to him. The letter is very brief. It says:

Seaman First Class Takahashi Taiki,

You are hereby ordered to report immediately to Sargeant School at Yokahama. Upon successful completion of the thirty day command course you will be duly promoted to Petty Officer Third Class, with all the responsibilities and privileges thereby entailed.

It is signed by Captain Ishii and a member of Admiral Takasu’s staff. Taiki folds the letter again and puts it away, then turns to find and tell his friends. He still looks rather dazed.

---

“But you are coming back to the Hibiki, right?” asks Riku a little plaintively. Taiki is packing his sea bag.

“I don’t know,” he says. “I hope so, but I expect I will be assigned where I am needed.”

“Well…I am happy for you, whatever happens. You deserve it, Taiki-san.”

“Thank you,” says Taiki. He looks at Riku. “Stay out of trouble, okay?” Riku nods. Taiki hoists his bag over his shoulder and heads for the deck, followed by his friend.

As they exit onto the deck a fair number of the crew are there to greet them. There are many farewells and good wishes for Taiki. Shiro presents him with a shogi set he has made. Riku gives him several tins of salted sea urchin eggs.

At last Taiki salutes the officer of the deck and crosses the gangway from Hibiki to the edge of the drydock. He turns around for a last wave to his friends. After a long look at the destroyer he hoists his bag once again and heads for the train station.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 543
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 7:16:55 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		June 27, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 18
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Taiki removes his shoes and steps tentatively into his parent’s modest home. Both his mother and his father come hurrying forward. His mother firmly embraces him, and then his father greets him with equal warmth. Taiki then looks past them at the third figure coming more slowly to greet him. The right side of his brother’s face is covered with patches of shiny scar tissue, souvenirs of the burn injuries he suffered off Wake Island, and he is walking with a slight limp.

Taiki clasps his brother’s hand, and is pounded firmly on the shoulder in return.

“So, you have been promoted!” his brother says. “I knew you had it in you.”

“How long can you stay?” His mother asks, smiling up at him.

“I have to leave tomorrow,” says Taiki. His brother nods.

“They are training them quickly these days,” he says. “The course Taiki is attending would take him half a year in peacetime. He must learn it all in a month.”

Taiki looks at his family. He knows his mother will have a grand dinner planned, doubtless more than the family can afford, but he also knows it is no good protesting. It has been a long time since the four of them were together. He is somewhat taken aback by his brother’s appearance. The scarring is worse than his brother had lead him to believe in his letters. But he seems healthy and energetic, and if he is bitter at the change to his handsome appearance Taiki has seen no signs of it so far.

Taiki allows himself to be led further into the house. His mother will no doubt have tea waiting. He has no idea what his future holds, but for the moment it is good to be home.


(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 544
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 7:18:02 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		June 28, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 17
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 545
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 7:19:14 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		June 29, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 16
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Hibiki’s efforts to complete repairs get a boost when the new repair vessel Tairyo Maru finishes its conversion from the freighter it was until very early in the war. It is launched nearby in Osaka, and as there are more vessels en route to Kobe for repairs the ship is ordered to remain in the area and assist in repairing Hibiki. This is welcome news to Captain Ishii, who has been trying not to fret at the pace of the work. He knows that in reality things have been progressing reasonably well, but anything that will get Hibiki back in the water more quickly is all to the good.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 546
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 7:20:42 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		June 30, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 14
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

1st Fleet Headquarters, Kobe:

Admiral Takasu: Send me the requisition, I’ll get it passed through quickly.

Captain Ishii: Thank you, sir. *salutes and turns to depart*

Admiral Takasu: Oh, one more thing, Captain. *Ishii turns back*

Captain Ishii: Sir?

Admiral Takasu: Weren’t you asking about Inazuma the other day?

Captain Ishii: Yes sir. Why? Have you heard anything?

Admiral Takasu: You will be pleased to know that she somehow managed to reach Kwajalein safely. As soon as they finish pumping her dry she will be headed back to Japan for repairs.

Captain Ishii: *smiles* I am very pleased to hear that. Thank you, sir.



(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 547
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 8:11:20 AM   
AU Tiger_MatrixForum


Posts: 1606
Joined: 10/9/2006
From: Deepest Dixie
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

So far the only Western role that needs filling is the British pilot, Frank Barnwell. I just can't see Wayne in that role.



I would like to recommend Rowan Atkinson.



_____________________________

"Never take counsel of your fears."

Tho. Jackson

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 548
RE: In Drydock - 4/23/2007 4:30:09 PM   
princep01

 

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline 		Oh, yeah, funnnnnyyy!  I can imagine the crew of the Hibiki's action if "Frank" came aboard and made that expression....."hello, old sports....just having a nice swim after trying (earnestly) to sink you blighters".  Back in the drink for Rowan.

(in reply to AU Tiger_MatrixForum)
Post #: 549
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:17:26 AM   
Onime No Kyo


Posts: 16842
Joined: 4/28/2004
Status: offline 		As long as were throwing casting suggestions around, how about this fella? Strong chin, stiff upper lip....dashing eye makeup.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Mighty is the Thread! Great are its works and insane are its inhabitants!" -Brother Mynok

(in reply to princep01)
Post #: 550
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:18:40 AM   
Terminus


Posts: 41459
Joined: 4/23/2005
From: Denmark
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Onime No Kyo

As long as were throwing casting suggestions around, how about this fella? Strong chin, stiff upper lip....dashing eye makeup.





I think you mean FANTASTIC makeup!

_____________________________

We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.

(in reply to Onime No Kyo)
Post #: 551
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:34:40 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 1, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 12
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Captain Ishii and Chief Engineer Sakati are standing on the scaffolding along the port side of the Hibiki. The damaged area has been removed and new hull plates are being welded in place. Sakati runs his hand along one of the new welds.

“This is good work,” he says.

“I’m worried that the repairs will leave a weak point in the hull,” says Captain Ishii. Sakati shakes his head.

“If done properly the seams will actually leave the hull stronger,” he says. “That is, for ordinary wear and tear. As far as resisting enemy bombs and gunfire, well, it will provide us as much protection as before.” Captain Ishii smiles thinly.

“Which is to say almost none at all,” he says. “But that is life aboard a destroyer.”

“Aye,” says Sakati. “I have heard that the American sailors call their destroyers ‘cans made of tin’.”

“Cans made of tin!” says Captain Ishii. “Yes, that describes it perfectly.” He pats the side of the destroyer affectionately. “Cans made of tin,” he repeats, chuckling. He and Sakati complete their inspection and climb back up onto the deck of the Hibiki.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 552
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:36:00 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 2, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 11
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

At 8:17 in the morning Captain Ishii is sitting at the desk in his cabin with a cup of tea. He takes a sip and sets the cup down. Out of reflex he puts it in the depression designed to hold it, despite the fact that the ship is steady as rock in its cradle.

Suddenly he frowns, leaning forward. Tiny ripples are beginning to dance across the surface of the tea. A second later Ishii can feel the ship begin a faint but peculiar back and forth rocking motion. He can hear a few pops and creaks of shifting metal.

Real fear jolts through Ishii. He knows exactly what is going on, and knows his ship could not possibly be in a worse position. He lunges out of his chair and flings open the cabin door. By the time he emerges into the companionway, however, the unnatural rocking motion has all but stopped. After a few seconds more the ship lies still in its supports once again.

Ishii takes a tour up on deck just to make sure everything is all right. All is in order. The earth lies restlessly beneath Japan, but this was just a small tremor; had the Hibiki been in the water they would not noticed it at all.

Captain Ishii well remembers the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. It would not take an event of nearly that power to wreck his ship right now. Though he finds it slightly ironic he does not hesitate to send out a prayer to his ancestors to keep his ship safe until it can get back into the war.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 553
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:36:40 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 3, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 10
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 554
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:37:51 AM   
Terminus


Posts: 41459
Joined: 4/23/2005
From: Denmark
Status: offline 		Dang... Nothing like a little earthly rumble to keep you on your toes...

_____________________________

We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 555
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:38:00 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 4, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 9
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

It is raining heavily in Kobe. Steaming into the harbor come four Japanese warships, two destroyers escorting heavy cruisers Chokai and Suzuya. The destroyers are simply in need of a basic overhaul, but the two cruisers are showing obvious battle damage. Like Hibiki both were hit by enemy aircraft during the blockade of Wake Island.

The strain of maintaining the blockade is beginning to tell on the Imperial Japanese Navy. So far the blockade has cost the Americans a great many planes and a number of ships, while the Japanese have lost few planes and no ships. But the Americans continue to resist, and quite a few vessels have been forced to return to Japan for repairs. A number of ships still there will be in need of overhaul when the operation is concluded.

The Japanese defensive perimeter in the Pacific continues to strengthen, however, and it is the Navy’s plan to withdraw behind this perimeter once the Wake operation is concluded for a brief period of rest and recovery. As a result the Americans will meet the full might of the Imperial Japanese Navy if they attempt to attack. In such a battle the Japanese will inevitably prove victorious, securing their Pacific empire for good and forcing the Americans to the peace table.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 556
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 3:45:14 AM   
Japanese_Spirit

 

Posts: 108
Joined: 9/6/2005
From: United Kingdom
Status: offline 		Excellent updates once more Cuttlefish! And that certainly would be interesting to read. However, for now, the war is already providing enough interest and excitement for the reader (not for the crew, however)

And on a last note, may I offer the veteran actress, Machiko Kyo as an offer to play Nanami (although considering her age, the widow Rin Shun would probably be in order)

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 557
RE: In Drydock - 4/24/2007 5:39:45 AM   
Feinder


Posts: 6589
Joined: 9/4/2002
From: Land o' Lakes, FL
Status: offline 		I'll be interested to know how he's going to explain things when Capt Ishii eventually gets replaced by Capt John Paul Jones via the infamous "leader bug". Even the Toketai (or whatever they're called), couldn't manage that!



-F-

_____________________________

"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me


(in reply to Japanese_Spirit)
Post #: 558
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 3:02:25 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 5, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 8
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

From the diary of Petty Officer Third Class Taiki Takahashi:

I somehow had the thought that officers, even non commissioned officers, had it easy compared to enlisted men. How very very wrong I was! The discipline at Sergeant School is even worse than my basic training. Infractions, real and imagined ones, are punished swiftly and brutally. I have a nice collection of bruises already, and I am better off than some.

That is mostly because I am learning all of the rules and regulations we must know more swiftly than most. The physical training is more difficult for me. I am not weak or feeble, but what is demanded of us would tax even a strong man.

I do not know where I am finding the time or the energy, but at night I am taking extra lessons in hand to hand combat from one of the instructors, a CPO named Hitoshi Sato. He is a decent enough fellow, and a good instructor. I will never be another Shun, but I may do all right. If I survive!

I miss the Hibiki and my friends aboard. I hope they are doing well. Riku had better be staying out of trouble.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 559
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 3:05:14 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 6, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Aboard the Hibiki:

Riku is tired as he comes off duty. Over the last couple of months he has slowly become the indispensable right hand man of the ship’s quartermaster. He has tackled the job with energy, and has shown a real flair for organization and stowage. Riku enjoys the work more than he thought he would, and the fact that it gives him a free hand in loading and stowing crates of his own aboard the ship is a nice bonus.

The young sailor has kept his word to Taiki and has made no effort to contact the lovely Nanami Shun. He is no less love struck, however, and in his off hours he cannot help thinking about her. His friends are in fact worried about him, for he has completely stopped visiting the local geishas.

Instead of wrangling a pass off ship and carousing, in fact, this evening he is trying his hand at love poetry. He has little skill with the classic forms such as the tanka or haiku, but this does not stop him from trying. He works for a while in a fever of creativity, crouched in a corner of the bunkroom where he slings his hammock.

When he stops and reads what he has written, however, he is filled with chagrin. His feeble efforts are an insult to the beauty that is Nanami. In disgust he wads up the sheet of paper on which he has been working. He goes for a stroll up on deck and while up there pitches the offending ball of paper into the harbor. Then he returns to the bunkroom and crawls into his hammock for some much needed sleep.

---

Chief Petty Officer Shun walks along the deck of the Hibiki. His sharp eyes miss absolutely nothing. Even sailors who are doing their jobs energetically and well twitch a little nervously as he walks past. For those who are not, a single baleful look is usually sufficient to produce the desired results.

The Chief spots a wadded up piece of paper wedged in one of the scuppers. Offended by the litter, he reaches down and picks it up. He can see a few hand written characters upon it, and out of curiosity he uncrumples it and reads. As he does so he slowly becomes absolutely still. His color deepens until his face is suffused with red. The paper is crushed once again in his powerful hands.

Finally he takes a deep breath. He recalls an Okinawan saying: “Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.”* This is enemy action. He has no idea who has written this drivel, no idea who has dared to think about his daughter, but he intends to find out. Oh yes, he intends to find out.

---

*Okay, unlike the other sayings included in this AAR this is not an authentic Japanese or Okinawan proverb. These words will not, in fact, be written for another 17 years, when they will appear in a book written by a man who is currently an officer in an enemy navy. But I wanted to use the phrase.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 560
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 3:21:17 AM   
Onime No Kyo


Posts: 16842
Joined: 4/28/2004
Status: offline 		Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.....Fleming? For some odd reason, I feel a real sense of dread for Riku.

Happy to see an update. After two days, I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms. :)

_____________________________

"Mighty is the Thread! Great are its works and insane are its inhabitants!" -Brother Mynok

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 561
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 11:12:42 AM   
cantona


Posts: 239
Joined: 4/29/2006
From: Gibraltar
Status: offline 		Oh dear Riku

_____________________________

1966 was a great year for english football...eric was born

(in reply to Onime No Kyo)
Post #: 562
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 4:00:15 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		Having daughters is God's way of punishing you for being a man.
You hope that your daughter(s) do not run into a man like you were at that age.

_____________________________


(in reply to cantona)
Post #: 563
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 4:08:16 PM   
Admiral DadMan


Posts: 3627
Joined: 2/22/2002
From: A Lion uses all its might to catch a Rabbit
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Having daughters is God's way of punishing you for being a man.
You hope that your daughter(s) do not run into a man like you were at that age.

OMG YES!

For the Sins of my Youth,
May God have mercy on my Soul...

_____________________________

Scenario 127: "Scraps of Paper"
(\../)
(O.o)
(> <)

CVB Langley:

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 564
RE: In Drydock - 4/27/2007 10:24:36 PM   
Capt. Harlock


Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
quote:

Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, three times is enemy action.....Fleming?


Correct. "Goldfinger", to be precise. But the saying was left out of the movie, so very few people remember it.

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to Onime No Kyo)
Post #: 565
RE: In Drydock - 4/28/2007 1:01:40 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 7, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Noburo Kanai tests the action on a spring-loaded pressure release valve, frowns, and takes the assembly apart again. He takes out a jeweler’s file and rounds and polishes the edge of the valve plate, then reassembles it and tests the action once again. He nods in satisfaction.

Kanai is in boiler room three aboard Hibiki, leading the work to rebuild the damaged oil-fired Kampon boiler. He is not a member of the crew, but is instead a civilian employee of the Kobe naval facility. He has been working on boilers for over 30 years.

The valve would probably have worked fine the way it was. It certainly would have passed inspection. But Kanai would not have been able to look at himself in the mirror in the morning if he had not done the best job possible. He of course wants the brave sailors of the Hibiki to be able to push their engines to the utmost, confident that they will perform as needed. Success in the war is vital to everyone in Japan. It is more than that, though. In doing the best that he can Kanai honors those who raised him and those who taught him. He also honors his ancestors, not one of whom, he is certain, would be tolerant of shoddy or substandard work.

The machinist packs up his toolbox. The remaining work is up to the ship’s crew, and the chief engineer, a fellow named Sakati, seems quite capable. Tomorrow Kanai and the rest of his crew will get started on heavy cruiser Suzuya. There is no lack of work these days, that is certain. He stands up and gives the big boiler a friendly pat on his way out. It will do just fine as long as the fellows running the ship try and stay out of the way of any more bombs or torpedoes.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 566
RE: In Drydock - 4/28/2007 1:02:20 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 8, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 4
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 567
RE: In Drydock - 4/28/2007 1:03:36 AM   
Cuttlefish

 

Posts: 2454
Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
Status: offline 		July 9, 1942

Location: Kobe
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Repair the ship and get back in the war.

---

Riku is hard at work below decks, taking inventory in one of the ship’s narrow storerooms. He works around a pallet loaded with 80-pound bags of rice, counting, and then moves on to several crates of canned goods. The light in the room is dim, and the stacks of bags and crates throw dim shadows into the corners.

Riku moves cheerfully about his work, occasionally shifting a box or crate. Everything must of course be properly secured before the ship sets sail. Suddenly he pauses. Something, some hint of movement or whisper of sound, alerts him and he straightens up and looks around.

The room seems to be deserted except for himself. His eyes fall on the single door into the room, though, and he frowns. It is ajar. Riku would have sworn he closed it properly behind him when he entered.

Though it is warm in the storeroom Riku feels suddenly cold. Something, some atavastic sense perhaps, tells him he is in danger. His mother would have said it was a friendly spirit attempting to warn him. Whatever it is, Riku is inclined to listen to it. He remains frozen in place, his eyes trying to see into every corner and into every pool of shadow. He suddenly very much wishes he had brought a flashlight with him.

The room is completely quiet. The young sailor starts to relax. Quit being such an infant, he thinks to himself, jumping at shadows for no reason.

He starts to turn back to his work and that is when the hand shoots out from seemingly nowhere and seizes him by the throat. The grip is horribly strong and utterly implacable. Riku is lifted off the ground and slammed against a bulkhead. Riku is unable to retreat from the terrible hand clamped around his neck.

The hand connects to an arm, and the arm to Chief Petty Officer Shun. The Chief’s face is completely without emotion, which is somehow more terrifying than anger or rage would be. Though dazed from the impact against the bulkhead and already starting to feel the effects of oxygen deprivation, Riku realizes that this has nothing to do with Navy discipline. This has to do with murder. He frantically lashes out with his feet and his fists, battering at the man who is trying to choke him to death. The Chief rocks with the blows but does not move, and his grip is unchanged. Riku’s blows quickly weaken.

It is only as his vision begins to dim that Riku realizes why he is dying. He tries to say her name, but he can make no sound. No sound at all.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 568
RE: In Drydock - 4/28/2007 1:11:38 AM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline 		Wow.

(in reply to Cuttlefish)
Post #: 569
RE: In Drydock - 4/28/2007 1:17:31 AM   
TAIL GUNNER

 

Posts: 1152
Joined: 4/27/2005
From: Los Osos, CA
Status: offline 		That totally sent a chill down my spine.....excellent writing!

_____________________________

"If you want peace, prepare for war."

(in reply to Mike Solli)
Post #: 570
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