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Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (2/26/2008 1:38:58 AM)
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November 8, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 4
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 444
Orders: Await further orders
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Captain Ishii comes back aboard following a visit ashore. Shortly afterwards he calls his officers into a brief meeting in the officer’s wardroom. Once everyone is settled in he comes quickly to the point.
“The enemy has a great many ships at Noumea,” he says. “Reconnaissance photographs show a lot of transports there. There are enemy surface forces near Efate, and our positions there have been under almost constant air attack for the last two days. It seems almost certain that Efate will be invaded soon. Our fleet will head south before dawn tomorrow in an effort to meet and smash this invasion.”
There is a stir among the officers. “Excuse me, sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “Do you know why? I thought we had already largely evacuated the place and conceded it to the enemy.”
Captain Ishii taps a finger on the table, thinking. Then he looks up at the assembled officers.
“What I am about to say does not leave this room,” he says. “I should not even know it, but Admiral Ozawa does not believe in leaving his men in the dark. Am I clear?” There are nods and a chorus of “yes sirs” from around the table.
“Naval intelligence has been able to put together an idea of the size of the enemy fleet,” he says. “It is a force of formidable size. We do not care whether we lose the island or not, but we do care about that fleet. The fact is, gentlemen, that they have more ships than we do. More carriers, more battleships, more of everything.”
Lieutenant Sugiyura makes a scoffing noise. “How could they have so many ships?” he says. “Especially with the losses we have inflicted on them?”
“I do not know,” says Ishii. “Most of the British fleet is there as well, we know that. As for the rest, Admiral Yamamoto and the rest of the Navy seems to believe the reports.” Even Sugiyura looks dismayed at this.
“There are two factors at work here, gentlemen,” Ishii says. “First, there is a peace proposal in the hands of the Americans and British even as we speak. If accepted, it would guarantee the safety and power of Japan for the foreseeable future.” At this even the usually quiet Sakati looks up, eyes intent. “The second factor,” Ishii continues, “is this. The enemy is adding new ships with terrifying speed. If we do not face and defeat them now, we may lose the chance to do so.” There is silence as the assembled officers absorb this.
“There you have it,” says Ishii. “If we win a convincing victory it may well end the war. If we fail the war shall continue and likely become a desperate one for us indeed. I am not one for giving speeches, you all know that. But the battle before us will indeed be the decisive battle. I know that I can count on each of you to do his duty to the utmost. For the Emperor, for our national essence, for all of Japan, we must not fail.”
Lieutenant, Kuwaki slowly pushes back his chair and stands. “Sir,” he says, “your words fill me with resolve. We will not let you down, sir.” The other officers also stand.
“I know you won’t,” says Ishii. He looks around the table. “That is all. Let’s get this ship ready to sail.”
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