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Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (12/13/2007 3:21:08 AM)
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August 11, 1943
Location: 175 miles south of Tokyo
Course: South
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Escort tankers to Truk
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As it turns out one of the tankers is delayed by mechanical problems. The convoy cannot wait, so six tankers and their escorts depart Tokyo Bay in the morning. The tankers form into three columns of two ships each, with one destroyer on each flank. The convoy is led by the escort vessel Hirado, a new Etoforu-class patrol craft. Though only 255 feet long Hirado has radar and better sonar than either of the destroyers carries.
The day is sunny and clear, and for some time Hibiki’s crew can see the hills of Japan receding behind them. Finally, however, the hills vanish below the horizon. Once again Hibiki is alone except for the other ships in the convoy and the wide sea surrounding them all.
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Taiki springs lightly up the steps leading to the foredeck. As he does so he is hailed by Senior Petty Officer Aikawa, who is standing near the base of the tower. Aikawa beckons him over, and Taiki steps quickly over to present himself.
“I was looking for you, Takahashi,” Aikawa says. “You have a new man in your gun crew, correct?”
“Yes, Senior Petty Officer,” Taiki says. “Seaman Nonaka, a loader.”
“Lieutenant Kuwaki has asked me to remind all gun captains that it is important that the new men are quickly trained to achieve the same speed as the more experienced hands,” Aikawa says. “Especially with the Type 96’s it is important to maintain as high a rate of fire as possible.”
Taiki nods. “I had planned to start holding drills immediately,” he says.
“Good, very good,” says Aikawa. “Did you have a good leave, Takahashi?” he asks.
“Yes, I did,” says Taiki. “Though I had a little trouble buttoning my jacket this morning. My mother is an excellent cook.” Aikawa laughs.
“I know what you mean,” he says. “So is my wife. She insisted on making all my favorite dishes every day. But don’t worry, after a week of trying to gulp down ship’s food in a tilting mess we will be…” He is interrupted by the swift approach of an officer. It is Midshipman Tanabe, Ensign Handa’s replacement. Tanabe is fresh out of the Naval Academy and his uniform is spotless, pressed, and correct in every detail. Both petty officers turn to face him and salute.
Tanabe glares them, his young face set with anger. “What is this?” he says. “Two petty officers, standing idly about and gossiping like fishwives?”
“My apologies, sir,” says Aikawa promptly. “We will swiftly return to our duties.”
“See that you do!” says Tanabe sternly. “You are petty officers, you are supposed to set an example for the crew. I will not tolerate levity and chatter while you are on duty, is that clear?”
“Yes sir,” chorus both petty officers.
“I will have my eye on you both,” says Tanabe in what is intended to be an ominous tone, then he stalks away. Taiki glances at Aikawa. The Senior has been aboard Hibiki for more than five years. He is a tall, stern-looking man, no longer young, and it is impossible for Taiki to associate him with “levity and chatter.” Yet he betrayed no expression and made no protest while being dressed down by Tanabe.
Aikawa catches the look and gives the slightest of shrugs. Tanabe is new and will learn. Or he will not. Aikawa has seen them come and go over the years, and knows that trying to explain anything to a young officer determined to make an impression only makes things worse. This is the Navy, and if one expects things to be fair one is doomed to disappointment. Taiki responds to the shrug with a slight tilt of his head, acknowledging that he understands, and the two men go their separate ways.
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