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Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (9/7/2007 1:56:26 AM)
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March 17, 1943
Location: Tjilitjap
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 72
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 381
Orders: Await further orders
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“All right, sir, I will post an announcement,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “I’ll try to make things clear, the crew is bound to have questions about this.” He pauses, then smiles. “I guess I do too, but I know that there is little point in questioning the will of the Imperial Japanese Navy.” The two men are discussing changes to the rank structure for enlisted men and non-commissioned officers. The changes were actually made several months ago, but the directive announcing them has only now caught up with Hibiki and the rest of Ozawa’s ships.
The actual rank structure has not changed, but the titles for the various ranks have. A Seaman First Class, for example, is now a Senior Seaman, while Seamen Second Class are now Leading Seamen. The titles of Seaman First Class and Seaman Second Class are now held by former Seaman Thirds and Seaman Fourths. The changes in the noncom ranks are similar, though Chief Petty Officers are still Chiefs.
“If I had to guess,” says Captain Ishii, “I would say it is to encourage the men. This looks more and more as though it will be a long war. The Navy can’t give everyone a promotion to recognize their efforts, but maybe they think this will make the men feel as though they are getting somewhere. Or perhaps there is some more practical reason, I do not know.”
“Practical reasons?” ask the lieutenant. “There might not be any. This is the Navy, after all.”
“Good point,” says Captain Ishii.
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“What do you make of it, Petty Officer Second Class Takahashi?” asks Riku. He is standing with Taiki reading one of the announcements posted around the ship.
“I do not know, Senior Seaman Ariga,” Taiki answers. “I had hoped someday to be promoted to PO2. Now I have the title, but my grade is still P-4 and I notice my pay has not increased.”
“What about Hibiki?” asks Riku. Taiki looks confused.
“What about her?” he asks.
“Well,” says Riku, “I wonder if we are still serving aboard a destroyer. Perhaps Hibiki is a light cruiser now.” Taiki snorts, trying not to laugh.
“Of course, and my grandmother is a battleship,” he says. “That’s enough of that sort of talk. I assume you have duties, Ariga?” Riku snaps to attention with flair.
“Yes, Petty Officer,” he says. “I shall be about them with efficiency and enthusiasm.” He turns and saunters briskly away. Taiki permits himself a smile as he watches his friend leave, but then his face turns more thoughtful as he thinks of the letter he has yet to answer.
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Hiryu watch: Sys 42, Flood 64, Fires 0
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