RE: Small Ship, Big War

RE: Small Ship, Big War (Full Version)

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Capt. Harlock -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/3/2009 8:19:45 PM)
quote: Surely, the Japanese commanders tell themselves, not even the Americans have the resources to mount a new offensive yet. Surely not. Oh, I think they do. And then there's always the Brits, who if memory serves me have been receiving some potent ships around this time . . .

princep01 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/4/2009 2:35:26 AM)
Lt. Mihura is a thoughtful and calculating man. Perhaps this is more true of him than even the Captain. The good Lt. knows that the end of the war, one way or another, is not far away. He is a man that understands the thoughts and sentiments of those that directly serve with him. I suspect he knows that Seaman Chuyo would rather live or die as a sailor serving his country , rather than a lab guinea pig doing the bidding of doctors and scientist directed by those that probably had a hand in creating the problem in the first event.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/4/2009 11:09:26 PM)
February 5, 1945 Location: Kure Course: South Attached to: TF 43 Mission: Bombardment System Damage: 0 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 475 Orders: Return to Kure --- Nanami Ariga walks down the hill to the bunker overlooking the beach. The bunker is a new addition to the area. It is occupied by four soldiers and Nanami and her grandmother have gotten in the habit of taking them a snack every afternoon. There are a number of such bunkers between here and Kunigami, the closest village to the north. Nanami understands that in other parts of Okinawa there is much more digging and building going on. This stretch of coast is not considered a likely invasion sight because of the reefs offshore. As she approaches the bunker she can see that all four soldiers are up on top, looking upwards. This is unusual. Rarely does she find all four awake. “Hello!” she calls out. “Hey, Mrs. Ariga!” says Private Aoki, turning around and seeing her. He is the youngest and most gregarious of the four. “Come on up.” Nanami sets down the covered bowl of miso soup she has brought them by the recessed back entrance, then walks up and around to where she can simply step onto the roof. All four men have returned to looking at the sky, passing a pair of binoculars around with a little good-natured bickering. Curious, Nanami shields her eyes from the sun’s glare and looks up. Far overhead a single silver speck is circling. But what of that? Airplanes are not an unusual sight here. Aoki seems to discern her confusion. “Forgive us for being rude,” he says. “It’s just that none of us has seen one before, until now.” “Seen what?’ says Nanami. “The enemy,” Aoki replies. “That plane up there is not one of ours.”

mdiehl -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/5/2009 4:41:46 PM)
quote: Far overhead a single silver speck is circling. But what of that? Oh, CRAP! [image]http://www.geocities.com/cinemorgue2/harveyfierstein.jpg[/image]

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/5/2009 11:22:38 PM)
February 6, 1945 Location: Kure Course: South Attached to: TF 43 Mission: Bombardment System Damage: 0 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 475 Orders: Return to Kure --- Oizuma sits on the floor next to his bundled hammock, reading a newspaper. Benzaiten the snake is draped across his shoulders as he does so, and every now and then Oizuma is forced to shift positions to accommodate the heavy snake’s restless movements. Shiro, the only other occupant of their bunk area at the moment, looks up from the piece of wood he is carving. “I thought she would sleep for another couple of days at least, after catching that rat,” he says. “I thought so too,” says Oizuma. “We are probably going to receive orders sometime in the next few days.” Shiro just looks at him curiously, so Oizuma goes on. “She always gets like this before we are ordered out,” he explains. “I’ve only noticed it recently but it seems to be true. Just wait. Two days, three at the most. You’ll see.” Shiro is long past the point where he would doubt such a pronouncement. “I see,” he says. “Maybe I had better write a couple of letters, then.” “Good idea,” says Oizuma. On his shoulders Benzaiten shifts position again, testing the air with her tongue.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/5/2009 11:24:21 PM)
February 7, 1945 Location: Kure Course: South Attached to: TF 43 Mission: Bombardment System Damage: 0 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 475 Orders: Return to Kure --- Riku, Shoji, and Yoshitake receive a day’s liberty ashore and decide to spend the time in nearby Hiroshima, which offers a greater variety of diversions and entertainments. It also has less of an overwhelming naval presence than does Kure, which makes it easier to forget about the war for a while. It is hard to escape all thought of the war, however. In the early afternoon the three men sight a large convoy coming into Hiroshima Bay. Professional curiosity impels them to watch for a while to see what kind of ships they are. It turns out that the convoy consists of seventeen freighters, none of them small, shepherded by a pair of old destroyers and several C-class escorts. The freighters are heavily laden and all of the ships look as though they have been at sea for some time. “Where do you think they have come from?” asks Shoji. Yoshitake shrugs but Riku looks over at him. “Somewhere in the Southern Resource Area,” he says. “Just where is hard to say. Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra? They could be from almost anywhere down there.” “That’s a lot of stuff, whatever they’re carrying,” says Yoshitake. “I’ll bet it’s needed, too.” Riku nods. “It’s why we started this damned war,” he says. “Iron, rubber, tin, I’ll bet there’s all kinds of stuff on those ships.” “Tungsten?” asks Yoshitake. Riku looks dubious. “Maybe,” he says. “I don’t know if they have any tungsten down there. Why do you ask?” “I heard someone talking about a shortage of tungsten the other day,” says Yoshitake. “I thought bringing it up would make me sound smart like you.” “Is there food aboard?” says Shoji. It is close to lunch time and he is feeling hungry. “Maybe,” says Riku. “If it were peacetime or the war was going better I’d be sure of it. Sugar and pepper, coffee and tea, other spices…” He gets a bit of a dreamy look. “That, my friends, is treasure, better than gold and jewels. Those could be treasure ships.” “Uh oh,” says Yoshitake with a laugh. “He’s getting that look again. Let’s go get something to eat before he starts going on about tariffs and exports and stuff like that.” He grabs Riku’s arm and tugs him away. “Come on, Riku.” Riku allows himself to be led away, but not without one backwards glance at the slowly approaching ships. “Hey, what is tungsten, anyway?” Shoji asks.

tocaff -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 6:17:17 PM)
So convoys are still getting through to Japan with what we assume to be raw materials for the hu gry war machine. They didn't make mention of any damaged ships in the convoy, which I found interesting. Are the sea lanes being kept open?

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 7:40:21 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: tocaff So convoys are still getting through to Japan with what we assume to be raw materials for the hungry war machine. They didn't make mention of any damaged ships in the convoy, which I found interesting. Are the sea lanes being kept open? That is certainly the inference here. I'll discuss this and the effect it has had on the game (among other topics) after the game concludes.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 7:47:42 PM)
February 8, 1945 Location: Kure Course: South Attached to: TF 43 Mission: Bombardment System Damage: 0 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 475 Orders: Return to Kure --- Tori Shima, at the southern end of the Izu Islands, is nothing more than volcanic cone rising out of the sea. It is a lonely place. Though it is only some six hundred kilometers south of Tokyo few human beings have set foot there since an eruption in 1902 killed all one hundred fifty of the island’s inhabitants. As if to underscore the “keep out” sign nature has posted on the place there was another big eruption just a few years previously, in 1939. The island is 2.7 kilometers wide, and 1.5 kilometers of that is caldera. There are no trees and only the hardiest of scrub vegetation grows there. Otherise there are only sea birds, basaltic cliffs, and the reek of sulfur. All of this, of course, is surrounded by ocean. It is difficult to imagine a less inviting place to attempt a paradrop. Yet this is exactly what several hundred American paratroops attempt to do in the early morning hours. Their bravery is unquestionable, their sanity perhaps less so. The transport planes carrying them skirt the steaming caldera and swing around to the north side of the island, where there is the most room between caldera and ocean. The men jump at the lowest possible altitude. There is almost no wind, one of the reasons the attempt is being made today, two previous attempts having been scrubbed. No one goes into the caldera, and fewer than feared into the water. Most of the casualties come from jumping at such a low altitude and landing on the rough, gritty, and unforgiving volcanic terrain. The Allies now hold Tori Shima, scarcely a stone’s throw from Japan. What they intend to do with such a place is still a mystery, however. --- Tori Shima, seen from the south: [image]local://upfiles/23804/5385ECB70D8345FFB01492B0F3D20136.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 7:58:38 PM)
Build a Lvl-2 AF within 2 months with 10,000 Engineers like in my Forlorn Hopes AAR!

Capt. Harlock -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 8:26:54 PM)
quote: Build a Lvl-2 AF within 2 months with 10,000 Engineers like in my Forlorn Hopes AAR! I sure didn't see a place to build an airfield in that picture! But it's apparently possible to do so in the cyber-universe of WitP. (Will the Admiral's Edition have a random chance of volcanic eruption?[:D] )

rtrapasso -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 10:06:25 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock quote: Build a Lvl-2 AF within 2 months with 10,000 Engineers like in my Forlorn Hopes AAR! I sure didn't see a place to build an airfield in that picture! But it's apparently possible to do so in the cyber-universe of WitP. (Will the Admiral's Edition have a random chance of volcanic eruption?[:D] ) Heh -- the US was able to build air bases on what was ocean... it took a lot of dredging, but they were able to do it in reasonable amount of time... The airfield at Bermuda (now the international airport for Bermuda) was built on what is mainly ocean bottom, with one edge of an island (formerly Bird Island (aka Longbird Island)). In the case of Tori Shima, they would probably push part of the caldera (using explosives) into the ocean to provide an airfield. EDIT: The Bermuda runway is 9700+ feet long... it took ~ 2 years to complete a c. level 9 airfield from a (max) 0 airbase... [image]local://upfiles/7543/EDC23B16CC5A4A19B94E63FC7D88224B.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 10:15:34 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: rtrapasso quote: ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock quote: Build a Lvl-2 AF within 2 months with 10,000 Engineers like in my Forlorn Hopes AAR! I sure didn't see a place to build an airfield in that picture! But it's apparently possible to do so in the cyber-universe of WitP. (Will the Admiral's Edition have a random chance of volcanic eruption?[:D] ) Heh -- the US was able to build air bases on what was ocean... it took a lot of dredging, but they were able to do it in reasonable amount of time... The airfield at Bermuda (now the international airport for Bermuda) was built on what is mainly ocean bottom, with one edge of an island (formerly Bird Island). In the case of Tori Shima, they would probably push part of the caldera (using explosives) into the ocean to provide an airfield. WHEN did that take place? Doubt if it was 1944/45! I REALLY Like the 'random volcanic eruption' idea! Could we get an AE Person to answer this pressing question??? [8D]

rtrapasso -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 10:18:35 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: John 3rd quote: ORIGINAL: rtrapasso quote: ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock quote: Build a Lvl-2 AF within 2 months with 10,000 Engineers like in my Forlorn Hopes AAR! I sure didn't see a place to build an airfield in that picture! But it's apparently possible to do so in the cyber-universe of WitP. (Will the Admiral's Edition have a random chance of volcanic eruption?[:D] ) Heh -- the US was able to build air bases on what was ocean... it took a lot of dredging, but they were able to do it in reasonable amount of time... The airfield at Bermuda (now the international airport for Bermuda) was built on what is mainly ocean bottom, with one edge of an island (formerly Bird Island). In the case of Tori Shima, they would probably push part of the caldera (using explosives) into the ocean to provide an airfield. WHEN did that take place? Doubt if it was 1944/45! [8D] Quite right - it was in (very late) 1941 - 1943... before the US really got into gear... [:D]

John 3rd -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/6/2009 10:30:17 PM)
I am impressed--seriously--didn't know that. I am; however, hinging all my hopes on the AE "random volcanic eruption" rule.

mdiehl -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/9/2009 5:10:08 PM)
Bomp.

ChezDaJez -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/12/2009 2:15:33 AM)
X 2

mdiehl -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/13/2009 7:10:39 PM)
[image]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Douglas_X-3_Stiletto_USAF.jpg[/image]

Dave3L -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/13/2009 10:08:40 PM)
Civilization. *(You know, one of those 4X games?)*

cantona2 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/13/2009 10:41:20 PM)
Come on CF [&o]

CarnageINC -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/14/2009 7:43:58 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: John 3rd I am; however, hinging all my hopes on the AE "random volcanic eruption" rule. [:D][:D][:D]LMAO[:D][:D][:D] Good one

Cuttlefish -> Spring Training (3/14/2009 11:09:43 PM)
Hey there everyone. I am sorry for not having posted for a week or so. I got sick and then left on vacation while still recovering. The good news is that it turns out that Florida is considerably warmer this time of year than Oregon is and I felt better almost as soon as I got off the plane. The bad news is that I have been too busy watching baseball games and soaking in the sun to write. I will get something posted soon, though. In the meantime I was thinking of heading over to Tampa tomorrow (I'm staying in Lakeland) and taking a look at the SS American Victory museum ship. Has anyone been there and if so do you recommend seeing it?

tocaff -> RE: Spring Training (3/15/2009 12:39:33 AM)
Hmmmm, Tampa you say? My esteemed opponent is visiting Port Richey and I'm in Bonita Springs for 4 more days. He offered to meet me "midway" to which I responded only if he didn't trash the KB. We could've arranged a mini WITP convention at the SS American Victory.

rjopel -> RE: Spring Training (3/15/2009 11:14:38 AM)
Man, I wish I was at home in the US right now so we could meet. The SS American Victory is a pretty interesting tour. The guys who run the tour are almost all merchant marine guys. Tell them what you're doing and you may be able to get a personal tour of the ship. I'd also recommend the Aquarium since it's right there. Enjoy the weather in Tampa. ryan

Feinder -> RE: Spring Training (3/15/2009 11:15:53 AM)
I live in Land o Lakes (just north of Tampa). SS American Victory is a nice (part of) afternoon. It's a Victory ship, so it's not like your touring the Alabama or anything. But it is nice. It'll take you about 2 hours. It's docked by the FL Aquarium, which is also very nice, and could round out the day. And there are good eats down there (they call it Channelside). Follow the signs for the Florida Aquarium thru downdown. It's actually -behind- the AQ and a little hard to see. But you'll figure it out. Getting -out- of downtown can be a real PITA, but trying to give directions to you via internet is wasted effort. Dang. I'd meet you for a beer CF, but we're taking the family on a different outing today. -F-

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/15/2009 4:07:49 PM)
February 9, 1945 Location: 60 miles south of Osaka Course: South Attached to: TF 43 Mission: Bombardment System Damage: 0 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 439 Orders: Intercept enemy fast transport convoys at Tori Shima --- “Is this another bombardment run, sir?” asks Lieutenant Sugiyura. “Because how would we be able to tell if we destroyed anything there? I’ve seen that island, the whole place looks like it’s been shelled already.” He is referring to the orders the task force has just received to sail immediately towards Tori Shima. Captain Ishii shakes his head. “No, it’s an interception. Enemy destroyers have been spotted moving towards the island. It seems likely they are going to try and move more men and supplies there under the cover of darkness. We are to try and discourage this action.” Sugiyura grins widely. “Ah, that is fine, then! I will see that my men and torpedoes are ready for a battle!” Lieutenant Miharu looks a bit more dour. “Sir, if we get caught anywhere around there during daylight we can expect a vigorous response from enemy aircraft. Our last attempt to move south was almost a disaster.” “We will be in and out and well clear by daybreak,” says Ishii. “The enemy is right in our back yard now and this does have advantages for us. Unless something goes wrong we should be in little danger from air attack.” “Yes sir,” says Miharu. “And of course plans hardly ever go wrong in wartime,” he adds in a murmur to himself. Captain Ishii politely pretends not to hear him. The task force departs immediately to transit the Inland Sea. By tomorrow they should be in position for a swift move towards Tori Shima.

Feinder -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/16/2009 5:21:13 AM)
So what did you think of the American Victory? Did you look east at 7pm and see the big streak in the sky? (that would have been the Space Shuttle: you can see it from Tampa). -F-

John 3rd -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/16/2009 5:26:32 AM)
Damn. I forgot about the launch! Will watch it right now on NASA TV.

John 3rd -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/16/2009 5:44:01 AM)
Nothing prettier then a flawless night launch of the Shuttle! [:D][:D][:D]

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (3/16/2009 11:15:13 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Feinder So what did you think of the American Victory? Did you look east at 7pm and see the big streak in the sky? (that would have been the Space Shuttle: you can see it from Tampa). -F- I enjoyed touring the ship! There are few places you can't poke around in and it really gives you a feel for what life aboard a WWII merchantman was like. Sure, it isn't a battleship or an aircraft carrier but the Allied war effort wouldn't have gotten very far without this ship and hundreds like her. I recommend seeing it. I also had a wonderful talk there with 83-year-old veteran of the merchant marine named Jim Waters who served in the Pacific from 1943 on (he joined when he was 16). He was there to field questions and I asked a lot of them, all of which he was happy to answer. Cuttlefish at the forward 3" gun: [image]local://upfiles/23804/D3E1FCA8B1B8455989E05B91073DF047.jpg[/image]

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