RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (Full Version)

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Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/11/2007 11:18:00 PM)

March 27, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: North
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Destroy enemy PT boats at Wake Island.
---

Task force 6 prepares to depart:



[image]local://upfiles/23804/D9DD965FC8D44EE0A204153F76BB799C.jpg[/image]




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/11/2007 11:24:21 PM)

March 28, 1942

Location: 105 miles north of Rongelap
Course: North
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 445

Orders: Destroy enemy PT boats at Wake Island.

---

Hibiki slices through the water near Rongelap atoll, 500 meters behind the next ship in line, destroyer Uzuki. The day is sunny and bright, and Taiki pauses by the rail to watch a pair of sea turtles swim slowly away, disturbed by the passage of the Japanese warships. He continues to watch them as they fall astern, and does not notice the stocky form of Chief Petty Officer Shun come up behind him.

Shun: Seaman Takahashi.

Taiki: *whirls and braces to attention* Chief! I was...I mean, I wasn't...I mean...

Shun ignores the stammering seaman and steps up to the rail beside him. He gazes a moment at the turtles, now almost out of sight. Taiki stays at attention, scarcely daring to breath. Captain Ishii does not tolerate excessive physical punishment aboard his ship, but the Chief is a law unto himself. Ishii knows that Shun uses his fists with clinical precision, and believes that a wise captain does not interfere with his petty officers unless absolutely necessary.

After a moment Taiki dares a sidelong glance at the Chief. Shun is continuing to gaze out at the water, a quiet look on his gargoyle-like features. Taiki remains braced.

Shun: There are many turtles in these islands.

Taiki: Y..yes, Chief. I have never seen so many.

Shun: I used to swim alongside sea turtles in the Ryukyu islands when I was a boy. I knew that they were old and wise, and thought that perhaps I could learn some of their wisdom and patience.

Taiki has no idea what to say to this, and remains silent.

Shun: I think perhaps it must have worked. How else could I remain sane while being plagued by the loitering, clumsy idiots that the Imperial Navy passes off on me as sailors?

He turns and faces Taiki again. His face is stern. Taiki thinks for a moment that perhaps he sees a glint of amusement in the Chief's eyes, but then decides he must be imagining things.

Shun: The turtles may indeed be wise, and they know the secrets of long life. You do well to study them.

Taiki: Yes, Chief.

Shun: But, Seaman Takahashi, you would also do well to move a great deal faster than they do.

Taiki: Yes, Chief.

Shun: Good. Then be about it, sailor. Now.

Taiki flees, amazed at his escape. He moves much faster than a turtle and does not look back.




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/11/2007 11:26:45 PM)

March 29, 1942

Location: 360 miles south-southwest of Wake
Course: North
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 415

Orders: Destroy enemy PT boats at Wake Island.




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/11/2007 11:33:15 PM)

March 30, 1942

Location: 360 miles south of Wake
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 179

Orders: Destroy enemy PT boats at Wake Island.

---

It is night at Wake Island. Admiral Goto's ships cruise stealthily towards the island, looking for their prey. It is cloudy and very dark.

Captain Ishii: Train guns to port. I want every pair of eyes that we can muster
on lookout.

Lieutenant Miharu: Yes sir.

Captain Ishii: The darkness may protect us from their planes, but it helps those PT boats more than it does us. This is like a man looking for a poisonous snake by reaching down a hole to see if it's there.

From behind Hibiki a searchlight on Suzuya suddenly stabs out towards the island. A PT boat is illuminated. Others can be glimpsed as more searchlights come into action. The PT boats are only 2000 meters away and are already banking away from the Japanese ships. Everyone in the task force knows what this means.

Captain Ishii: Hard left rudder! Searchlights!

Confusion reigns in the Japanese column as ships begin turning hard to avoid the unseen torpedoes. The PT boats are already fading into the darkness. There is a long, tense moment, and then the night is shattered by an explosion. Heavy cruiser Kako has taken a torpedo.

Hibiki's searchlights steady on the nearest PT boat. As it banks away this boat is raking the ship ahead of Hibiki, destroyer Uzuki, with 20mm and machine gun fire. One of Uzuki's searchlights goes dead.

Captain Ishii: Course zero degrees! Gunnery officer, engage that boat!

Chief Gunnery Officer Kuwaki gets the range and bearing from the directional range finder. He has no time to calculate a complete firing solution, but at this close distance can use some guesswork. His instructions are relayed quickly to the forward turret.

The twin 5" guns boom. A short way behind the PT boat two columns of water geyser upwards from the miss. The PT boat completes its turn and races away.

Kuwaki: Adjust one half degree right. Fire!

The guns boom again. There is an explosion as a shell of the second salvo hits the PT boat dead amidships. A second later there is a fireball as the PT boat's 2000 remaining gallons of avgas fuel explodes. All that remains of the PT boat is the bow, burning furiously. After a moment it too sinks.

Captain Ishii: Well done!

Kuwaki: Thank you, sir.

No other targets are in sight. None of the other ships in the task force were able to get off a shot. Admiral Goto signals the task force to reform and depart the area. Kako is able to make some headway, and the task force limps slowly away from the island.

Lieutenant Miharu: I hope we can get far enough from the island by daybreak to avoid air attacks.

Captain Ishii: Kako seems able to keep up. But right now our greatest peril lies ahead, Exec.

Lieutenant Miharu: Sir?

Captain Ishii: Oh yes. Admiral Shimizu is not going to be happy about this.

---

Hibiki takes out PT-26:



[image]local://upfiles/23804/C5377A2A6FC341B1ADCDB43004B69E34.jpg[/image]




saj42 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 12:47:57 AM)

Long may the combat reports favour the Hibiki.....
Did the crew gain any experience for that night combat?




rtrapasso -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 1:00:11 AM)

It appear Uzuki also took some damage, as a couple of days ago she was only at 8 damage, and now she is smoking (?and on fire??)




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 1:06:10 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Tallyho!

Long may the combat reports favour the Hibiki.....
Did the crew gain any experience for that night combat?


Sadly no. The crew started with day/night experience of 75/66 and came out of the fight the same way. Since they gained 3 points after their first day combat and 1 point for their second I thought they might pick up a point or two, but it was not to be. It really was a quick fight - boom, 5" shell hit, massive explosive damage, PT boat sinks - so maybe the game takes the duration of the battle, number of shots fired, etc. into account when assigning experience gained.




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 1:10:57 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: rtrapasso

It appear Uzuki also took some damage, as a couple of days ago she was only at 8 damage, and now she is smoking (?and on fire??)


Uzuki was hit several times by 20mm and machine gun fire from PT-26 before Hibiki sank the PT. It was enough to push Uzuki's damage to 11/0/8 and trigger the "smoking" animation.




Japanese_Spirit -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 6:08:09 AM)

PT Boats are certainly to be watched for it seems. I guess it is true that small can equally be as powerful as large.




goodboyladdie -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 10:45:24 AM)

I find them to be generally poor against a Surface Action tfs until they get radar. Then they become very dangerous. Before radar they are a good bombardment deterrent, but the results often disappoint.




princep01 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 7:11:00 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Japanese_Spirit

PT Boats are certainly to be watched for it seems. I guess it is true that small can equally be as powerful as large.



Personally, I alway draft the big, fast guys over the small, fast guys:). One relatively small shell and poof! the small, fast guy is gone, while the big, fast guy sails away despite the big torp hit. Size does matter. Point taken, though, J_S.

Great exchange between your star sailor and Chief Shun (the unavoidable), Cuttlefish. You demostrate excellent writing skills. If it is not too personal a question, do you write for a living?

P




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 9:51:56 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Great exchange between your star sailor and Chief Shun (the unavoidable), Cuttlefish. You demostrate excellent writing skills. If it is not too personal a question, do you write for a living?



Thanks for the compliment, I was fond of that scene myself. And kudos for the Jack Vance reference! To answer your question, only sort of. I write and design help systems and manuals for a software company. It has about the same relation to real writing that driving a bus does to NASCAR racing.




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 9:54:01 PM)

March 31, 1942

Location: 300 miles north-northeast of Kwajalein
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 149

Orders: Return to Kwajalein.

---

On the bridge of the Hibiki:

Radio Operator: Sir, signal from Suzuya. Admiral Goto is detaching Sazanami to escort Kako. The rest of the task force will proceed ahead to Kwajalein.

Captain Ishii: Send message acknowledged. Engine room, bring us up to 28 knots.

Lieutenant Miharu: Kako is riding a bit lower in the water than she was this morning. I hope she makes it.

Captain Ishii: She reports that her watertight integrity is mostly holding around the hull breach.

Lieutenant Miharu: Mostly?

Captain Ishii: As you say, Exec, let us hope she makes it.




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 9:56:02 PM)

April 1, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: None.

---

6th Fleet Headquarters, Kwajalein:

Captain Ishii: *enters and salutes* Sir!

Admiral Shimizu: Hello, Ishii. Relax. Well done at Wake, at least your crew accomplished something.

Captain Ishii: Thank you, sir. We were in the right position, that's all.

Admiral Shimizu: You had a chance and did not fail. That is not luck, Captain, that is training and execution.

Captain Ishii: Yes, Admiral. Thank you, sir. Is there any word about Kako?

Admiral Shimizu: Still afloat and on her way back here. It looks like she will make it. In fact, that is why I wanted to talk to you.

Captain Ishii: Sir?

Admiral Shimizu: Once she is made seaworthy again she is going to need yard time in Japan. I want Hibiki to escort her there.

Captain Ishii: Sir, with respect I...

Admiral Shimizu: I am sorry, Captain. I have here an order to begin rotating all Fubuki and Akatsuki class destroyers under my command back to Japan for an extensive refit. I know you would prefer to stay in the fight, but do not worry. There is going to be plenty of fighting ahead for everybody. Besides, I understand that some of the changes that will be made are based on recommendations by you and several other ship captains. You will come back to the war with a more capable ship.

Captain Ishii: Yes sir.

Admiral Shimizu: More specific orders will be cut later. It will be a few days before we know when you can sail. In the meantime you may grant time ashore for your crew as you see fit.

Captain Ishii: Thank you, sir. *salutes and departs*




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 9:59:13 PM)

April 2, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: None.

---

In the forward crew's mess aboard the Hibiki:

Shiro: Hey, did you guys hear? We are going back to Japan!

Taiki: Yes! And for at least a month, the officers say!

Riku: Home? Now?

Shiro: Yes, home!

Riku: Will we be coming back to Kwajalein?

Shiro: *shrugs* Who knows? So far we've been everywhere from Malaya to the South Pacific. I imagine they will send us where they need us, like they always do.

Riku: Taiki? Do you think we will come back to the Central Pacific?

Taiki: It's possible. Why, Riku? You look worried.

Riku: *laughs uneasily* I am never worried, you know that. I just want to be where the fighting is.

Everyone at the crowded table stops talking and eating for a moment and looks at Riku. Riku tries to look properly fierce, then gives up.

Riku: Ah, never mind. Hey, let's have some more rice down at this end of the table!




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 10:01:43 PM)

April 3, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 6
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort heavy cruiser Kako back to Japan.

---

On the bridge of the Hibiki:

Lieutenant Miharu: Captain, Kako is coming into port.

Captain Ishii: Good news, Exec! How does she look?

Lieutentant Miharu: Not too bad, sir. Lower in the water than when we left her and with a slight list to port.

Captain Ishii: Good. The sooner she is pumped dry the sooner we can be on our way home.





Cap Mandrake -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/12/2007 11:38:18 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish
...
Riku: Taiki? Do you think we will come back to the Central Pacific? ...


He'll be fine if they make it back by the end of May [;)]




1EyedJacks -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/13/2007 12:36:31 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

April 1, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: South
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 5
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475


Admiral Shimizu: I am sorry, Captain. I have here an order to begin rotating all Fubuki and Akatsuki class destroyers under my command back to Japan for an extensive refit. I know you would prefer to stay in the fight, but do not worry. There is going to be plenty of fighting ahead for everybody. Besides, I understand that some of the changes that will be made are based on recommendations by you and several other ship captains. You will come back to the war with a more capable ship.

Captain Ishii: Yes sir.

Admiral Shimizu: More specific orders will be cut later. It will be a few days before we know when you can sail. In the meantime you may grant time ashore for your crew as you see fit.

Captain Ishii: Thank you, sir. *salutes and departs*


Just curious - did captains normally stay with their ship from start-to-finish of war or did they roate out? When Hibiki goes in for refit would they rotate out some of the officers? Did Japan have a version of OCS to promote promising enlisted men? I was just thinking that it would give you an option to expand your coverage of the war if you also followed some of the officers or sailors if they are rotated to another ship.

Do they perform a shake-down cruise on ships/crews after a major refit or do they just send the ship back to war?




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/13/2007 1:29:21 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: 1EyedJacks

Just curious - did captains normally stay with their ship from start-to-finish of war or did they roate out? When Hibiki goes in for refit would they rotate out some of the officers? Did Japan have a version of OCS to promote promising enlisted men? I was just thinking that it would give you an option to expand your coverage of the war if you also followed some of the officers or sailors if they are rotated to another ship.

Do they perform a shake-down cruise on ships/crews after a major refit or do they just send the ship back to war?



It varied, but most captains changed commands at least once or twice during the course of the war. In real life, for example, Captain Ishii took command of another destroyer in August '42. Two weeks after that he was relieved of command for reasons unknown and I have not been able to learn what happened to him for the rest of the war.

In "Japanese Destroyer Captain" Hara complains bitterly that the Imperial Navy would sometimes reshuffle ship's crews apparently at random. He felt that this was a bad practice, as it took time for the crew of a ship to mesh properly and that teamwork was vital on a small ship like a destroyer. Hara himself commanded two different destroyers, then was assigned to command of a torpedo school for much of 1944, and then took command of a light cruiser just in time to join Yamato on her final sortie.

As far as enlisted men being promoted, I have been looking for information about this myself and would appreciate any insights anybody else might have. I know that the Naval Academy was very elitist and that applicants were rigorously screened. This policy was not relaxed at all until late into the war. I don't know if an enlisted man or draftee would have a chance of being considered. But there were many other schools, such as Torpedo School, Gunnery School, etc., and I don't know yet how they considered and accepted applicants.

As far a shake-down cruises after a refit go, it looks like doing so was standard practice. As the war went on time, ships, and fuel became scarce and submarines became more numerous and the shake-down period became perfunctory or even nonexistent.

I haven't decided yet whether the crew of Hibiki will stay together or whether some reassignments might occur down the road. Doing so has advantages: it would give us a wider look at the war and would give me an insurance policy in case Hibiki gets sunk. On the other hand the narrow focus is part of the premise of the AAR, seeing what a conflict this huge looks like from the deck of one small ship. We will see.




goodboyladdie -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/13/2007 10:39:08 AM)

I trust your instincts O Mighty Fish. This is so tightly written that I am completely hooked. Every time I sink the Hibiki it will feel like I am shooting a friend (or a neighbours much loved pet - you get the idea). Thank you very much for all the time and effort you are putting into this.[&o][:)]




histgamer -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/13/2007 10:48:15 AM)

I like the very limited scope.[&o]




Capt. Harlock -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/13/2007 10:21:49 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish


Admiral Shimizu: I am sorry, Captain. I have here an order to begin rotating all Fubuki and Akatsuki class destroyers under my command back to Japan for an extensive refit. I know you would prefer to stay in the fight, but do not worry. There is going to be plenty of fighting ahead for everybody. Besides, I understand that some of the changes that will be made are based on recommendations by you and several other ship captains. You will come back to the war with a more capable ship.



One hopes Admiral Shimizu is referring to extra AA guns. Otherwise, it's a long way to go for torpedo reloads!




Mike Solli -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/13/2007 10:45:41 PM)

The Fubuki class is due an upgrade in May 42.  Yes, they receive a substantial AA increase (12 to 102 in stock).




Onime No Kyo -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/14/2007 2:41:20 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish
Shun: I used to swim alongside sea turtles in the Ryukyu islands when I was a boy. I knew that they were old and wise, and thought that perhaps I could learn some of their wisdom and patience.


Uh-oh! The Chief is getting senimental. Someone is getting their butt kicked shortly. [X(][:D]




Onime No Kyo -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/14/2007 2:51:33 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock


quote:

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish


Admiral Shimizu: I am sorry, Captain. I have here an order to begin rotating all Fubuki and Akatsuki class destroyers under my command back to Japan for an extensive refit. I know you would prefer to stay in the fight, but do not worry. There is going to be plenty of fighting ahead for everybody. Besides, I understand that some of the changes that will be made are based on recommendations by you and several other ship captains. You will come back to the war with a more capable ship.



One hopes Admiral Shimizu is referring to extra AA guns. Otherwise, it's a long way to go for torpedo reloads!


Maybe Riku finagled this trip so he could load up on urchin roe before the shortage hits. [:D]

We have the makings of a real Japanese Milo here. [&o]




1EyedJacks -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/14/2007 3:53:11 AM)

Hi Cuttlefish,

So far this is all I can dig up on training and this is really for pilots...

http://rwebs.net/dispatch/output.asp?ArticleID=50

I'll post more info if/when I find it.





Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/15/2007 1:02:04 AM)

April 4, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 6
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort heavy cruiser Kako back to Japan.

---

Since the crew of the Hibiki has a few days in Kwajalein before CA Kako is ready to go let's take a moment and look around the place.

The very large lagoon at Kwajalein is encircled by 97 islands. Many of these are quite small, and the total land area of all the islands is only about 16.8 square kilometers. Japanese activity is centered on the islands of Roi and Namur at the north part of the atoll and the largest island, Kwajalein itself,
at the southern end, though there is also activity on some of the other islands.

The islands are flat, most no more than 20 feet above sea level. Many of the islands are thickly covered with brush, grass, and palm trees. The ring of islands is pierced by a number of passages, though only a few are navigable by large ships. The lagoon itself is one of the largest in the world, though there are shallow areas the Japanese vessels are careful to avoid. Coral reefs are unforgiving to even steel-hulled warships.

Right now the atoll is a very busy place. There are some 50 Japanese ships docked or at anchor in the lagoon. Dominating the scene are the battleships Hyuga and Mutsu. There are also seven cruisers and a dozen destroyers. At the moment 16 transport or cargo vessels are riding at anchor, and there are four submarine tenders in the lagoon, each with one or two submarines tied up alongside. Numerous small boats are busy running personnel and supplies to and from from the various ships.

Three tankers are lined up, taking turns offloading their supply of fuel into the storage tanks on Kwajalein. At a dock at Namur a cargo ship is loading food and ammunition for a run down to Tarawa. Kwajalein is the hub of all Japanese shipping in the Marshall islands, and from here fuel and supplies are constantly being shipped out to the rest of the Marshalls and to the recent Japanese conquests of the Gilberts, Nanomea, and Baker Island. Shipments to locations further southwest, such as the Solomons, New Caledonia, and Port Moresby, are currently being handled out of Truk.

There are also a lot of aircraft present. An airstrip on Roi is currently the base of a daitai of Zero-sen fighters. South at Kwajalein are over 60 G3M and G4M bombers. The lagoon is home to a number of smaller floatplanes and nine of the big H6K patrol planes, though several of these are absent at any given time on search missions.

Japan has occupied Kwajalein since the end of World War I. Until recently, however, it was a pretty sleepy place. Some new construction began about two years ago, and since the start of the war the pace has increased considerably. Right now the focus is on expanding the airfields and building up the port facilities, especially the fuel storage tanks. New barracks, headquarters, and storage buildings are going up all over the atoll. At the moment few defenses are being constructed. This is a base for offensive operations, and the thought that the atoll might someday come under American attack has crossed few minds as yet. Most aboard the Hibiki would laugh if it were suggested; the major subject of discussion aboard ship is how long it will be before the Americans realize they are beaten and sue for peace.

Most of the work is being done by a large contingent of Korean laborers, overseen by civilian and military engineers. There are few of the native Marshall Islanders in evidence; since the war began most of them have been displaced to the smaller islands in the atoll.

In addition to the Japanese naval personnel there is a small but growing Japanese army presence on the island. After several regrettable incidents they are now somewhat segregated from the Imperial Navy sailors and troops. The crew of the Hibiki has heard quite a bit about the current argument between the Army and the Navy. The Navy is more than ready to attempt to regain Wake Island and recover the face they lost when the Americans recaptured it. The Army, however, has so far dragged its feet, claiming that the necessary troops are unavailable. The Navy, having little choice, has reluctantly agreed to postpone the invasion until May or June.

At the moment the only risk to Japanese forces in the area comes from American submarines. Several of these are known to be lurking at the north end of the Marshalls between Eniwetok and Rongelap. There are about a dozen patrol craft operating in several small task forces working to keep the shipping lanes safe. All of these ships are away from the atoll at the moment, though they come back every few days to refuel.

Amid all this activity the Hibiki is quietly anchored. The crew is using this respite to catch up on a lot of routine maintenance, trying to stay ahead of the wear and tear inflicted by the many long miles she has recently traveled. Despite this the time in port is a welcome break for the crew. They have spent a lot of time at sea lately, and while relatively little of the time has been spent in actual combat the possibility of attack from on or under the sea or from the air has been always present. It feels good to spend some time ashore and to not be exposed to constant danger, though virtually everyone aboard continues to scan the air and sea almost as a reflex.

And they have another reason for going energetically and cheerfully about their duties. As willing as all of them are to stay and fight, they are looking forward to their upcoming voyage home.



[image]local://upfiles/23804/6E008FA29AFD4E7F9085C24E02E57B04.jpg[/image]




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/15/2007 3:14:47 AM)

April 5, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 6
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort heavy cruiser Kako back to Japan.




Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/15/2007 3:17:43 AM)

April 6, 1942

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 6
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 6
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Escort heavy cruiser Kako back to Japan.

---

With the Mutsu back in port, Taiki and his brother have a chance to talk before Hibiki departs for Japan.

Taiki: You are leaving again tomorrow?

Noburo: Yes. It is time to throw some more 16" shells at the Americans and make sure their stay on Wake Island is an uncomfortable one.

Taiki: Watch out for planes, Noburo. The last time we were there they were much more aggressive than they were the first time.

Noburo: *grimaces* I know. The new bombers they have there are a twin engine type like our G4Ms, but with a flat stabilizer at either side of the tail. They are very accurate.

Taiki: *nodding* B-25s.

Noburo: Hey, that's pretty good, Taiki! You're right! *Taiki shrugs*

Taiki: I have picked up a few things here and there, that's all. As I said, be careful.

Noburo: The bombs can't really hurt old Mutsu. They do some superficial damage and start some small fires, but they can't get through our armor. Anyway, I have something I want you to give to Mother. *he digs out a small box* It's just some sea shells, but I think she will like them.

Taiki: I think she will.

Noburo: And here is a letter for her, and one for Father.

Taiki: I will take good care of all of them.

Noburo: Be well, Taiki. We'll see you back out here in a couple of months.

Taiki: *grins* I doubt it. By then my valiant brother will have singlehandedly forced the Americans to surrender!

Noburo: *snorts* It is good that you are going home, you have obviously spent too much time in the tropical sun!

Taiki: Goodbye, Noburo.

Noburo: Goodbye, Taiki. *the two men embrace and then go their seperate ways*




histgamer -> RE: Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki (3/15/2007 3:42:08 AM)

Very good im loving ur story so far.

I think some interesting soap opra stuff could occur once your men are in port refitting.




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