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Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (4/25/2008 10:09:37 PM)
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January 17, 1944
Location: Tokyo
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders.
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It is well after dark when Yamato and her escorts reach Tokyo Bay. Luck, the extra anti-submarine measures taken, or both have gotten them through without attack. Captain Ishii brings Hibiki smartly up to her assigned pier and soon the destroyer is on berth.
Morning brings with it a row of ambulances. Sick sailors are taken off the ship while steam lines are run aboard along with the water and power lines. The heads and bunk spaces are going to be thoroughly cleaned and then repainted.
One of the first of the healthy crewmen off the ship is Taiki. He heads to a nearby headquarters building where there are telephones set aside for the use of crewmen and ruthlessly appropriates one. He then spends a couple of hours trying to put a phone call through to Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, where his parents live. Japan’s telephone system is one of the most extensive in the world, but placing a long-distance call still takes time, money, and persistence.
Eventually, however, he gets through, and soon afterwards he is talking to his father.
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“A three-day pass so you can get married?” says Lieutenant Miharu. “I am sorry, Takahashi, but I don’t think I can honor that request.”
“Sir,” says Taiki in anguish, “I have waited over half a year for…” The ship’s executive officer holds up a hand.
“I know the circumstances,” the ship’s executive officer says. “But for something like this I think we need to consult the Captain. Ah, there he is now.” Taiki is aghast.
“Sir,” he says, “please, I understand. You don’t need to…”
But Lieutenant Miharu is already signaling to Captain Ishii, who has just come out on deck. “Captain Ishii, sir, could I have a moment?” calls the lieutenant. Captain Ishii walks over.
“What is it, Exec?” he says. Taiki stands braced at attention.
“Well, sir, Petty Officer Second Class Takahashi here wants a three-day pass so he can go get married. I told him that sadly I could not honor that request.”
“Quite right,” says Captain Ishii seriously. He turns to Taiki. “I am surprised at you, Takahashi. A three-day pass?”
“Sir,” says Taiki, biting back a groan, “if I am required aboard ship then of course I withdraw my request.”
Captain Ishii snorts. “This ship is going nowhere soon,” he says, “not with almost fifty crew in the hospital.” He clasps his hands behind his back and addresses Lieutenant Miharu. “There is no way we can grant Petty Officer Second Class Takahashi a three-day pass,” he says. “However, I think Petty Officer First Class Takahashi could get a seven-day pass, could he not?”
Lieutenant Miharu nods. “That is what I was thinking, sir,” he says. It takes a moment for this to sink in, but when it does Taiki’s jaw drops a little. Lieutenant Miharu smiles.
“The paperwork is already taken care of,” he says. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a folded piece of paper. “Congratulations on your promotion and your upcoming wedding,” he says. He gives Taiki the pass.
Taiki looks down at the pass and then up at the two officers, still stunned.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” says Captain Ishii. “Get out of here, young man.”
Taiki suddenly smiles and then salutes. “Yes sir, I will. Thank you, sir. Sirs.” He hurries below to grab his duffel. If he is quick, he thinks, he should be able to catch the afternoon train to Maebashi.
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