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Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (7/10/2007 1:08:22 AM)
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January 10, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 452
Orders: Await further orders.
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Ensigns Izu and Handa are seated at a small table in a bar on Kwajalein. Since the incident during the combat class the two men have discovered that they have many things in common. One of these things is their unmarried state. Both men have courtships that were interrupted by the war, and both are worried whether their prospective brides will still be available when they return to Japan.
“I agree, the most important thing is to show the father forthrightness and respect,” Handa is saying. “But it is also important to show tenderness to the woman you are courting. There are two reasons for this. First, she will be favorably impressed. Never underestimate the powers of persuasion some young women have with their families. Second, it will show the father that you are capable of treating his daughter well.”
“But you don’t want to show that you are indecisive,” argues Izu. “You want to show that you will be firmly in control of your future family.” Handa shakes his head.
“It is a lot like being a good officer,” he says. “Take Lieutenant Miharu, for example. Have you ever heard him raise his voice? Yet every order he gives is instantly obeyed. Being in control, whether of a ship or a family, is not just about demanding loyalty, but about giving it too.”
“Run a family as you would run a ship?” asks Izu. Handa grins.
“Well, except for making them chip paint all day,” he says. Izu is about to reply when Petty Officer Third Class Takahashi enters the bar. He looks around, spots the two ensigns, then walks swiftly over to their table and salutes.
“I beg your pardon, sirs,” he says, “but I am to tell everyone ashore that all crew are to report aboard the Hibiki immediately.”
“Do you know why?” asks Izu. Taiki shakes his head.
“No sir, I do not. Only that...well, look for yourselves, sirs.” He gestures around them. Only now do the two ensigns notice that the bar, packed full when they entered, is now more than half empty. Other men are quickly finishing their drinks and leaving.
“Thank you,” says Handa. “We will head back to the ship at once. Carry on, Petty Officer.” Taiki salutes and heads off in search of more of the Hibiki’s crew. “Come on,” says Handa, and the two men leave and head for the docks.
As soon as they can see the water both men know that something big is happening. The lagoon is being plied by dozens of boats, their wakes criss-crossing as they ferry men to their ships. Out in the anchorage several big warships are already moving. There is no air of panic, but no one is wasting any time, either.
“What do you think?” asks Handa. Izu looks out at all the activity.
“I think we had better get aboard,” he says. Handa nods, and the two men head down to the docks.
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