Cuttlefish
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Joined: 1/24/2007
From: Oregon, USA
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December 28, 1943
Location: 60 miles northeast of Nauru Island
Course: South
Attached to: TF 25
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 2
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 396
Orders: Attack enemy forces at Espiritu Santo
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Ensign Izu has just completed an examination of the lowering mechanisms for the ship’s boats when he is approached by Midshipman Konada. Konada’s bearing, as always, is ramrod-straight and his uniform is impeccable. He comes up to Izu and salutes crisply.
“Hello, Konada,” Izu says. “What can I do for you?” At Lieutenant Miharu’s request he has ceased tormenting the young midshipman with practical jokes, but it hasn’t been easy. Konada is always so painfully stiff he makes an almost unbearably tempting target.
“Sir, may I speak with you about a private matter?” Konada asks. Izu raises an eyebrow. Konada has never figured out that Izu was responsible for the practical jokes and seems to look up to him, though Izu doesn’t know why. Konada rarely speaks about anything other than ship’s business, though, so this might be interesting.
“Certainly, Midshipman,” he says. “What is on your mind?”
“Sir, I have already completed my first combat cruise,” says Konada. “As you know, it is customary for midshipmen to receive a promotion following their first cruise. Yet I remain a midshipman, not an ensign.”
“And you want to know why,” says Izu. “Have you spoken to the captain or the executive officer? They are the ones responsible for the decision, of course.”
“No sir,” says Konada. “I though…I thought that perhaps such a conversation might go better if I first had some idea about the direction it might take.” Which proves, Izu thinks to himself, that the young man is not entirely stupid.
“I understand,” Izu says. “And while I do not know the reason, of course, I can make a guess if you would like to hear it.”
“Sir, please,” says Konada. “If you would speak frankly I would take it as a favor.”
“Very well,” Izu says. “I will begin with a question. Why, in your opinion, do you think you deserve the promotion?”
Konada thinks for a moment. “Sir, I have carried out all my duties punctually and according to regulations. I do not think there have been any flaws in my bearing or appearance. Given that, and the fact that a promotion is customary, why wouldn’t I be promoted?”
Izu sighs. “I am going to tell you something that should not be a surprise to you,” he says. “Captain Ishii does not give a damn about appearances or regulations. Oh, if Hibiki is to be inspected we turn out as well as any ship in the navy, you may be sure. But the captain is a fighter. He wants officers who will fight and who can inspire the men under them to do the same.”
“I am ready to fight,” says Konada.
“I am sure you are,” Izu says. “But I think the captain is waiting to see it. I would guess that he wants to see that you can show initiative and lead men, not just follow regulations and orders.”
“I think I understand, sir,” says Konada thoughtfully. “Thank you for your honesty and advice.”
“Good luck,” says Izu.
“Thank you, Ensign Izu,” Konada says. He salutes and departs. Ensign Izu turns and looks out over the water. He suddenly remembers a conversation he had with his father a long time ago. He stands lost in thought, remembering.
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The place is Korea and the year is 1930. Young Tomio Izu is walking with his father down the street towards the division headquarters where his father is currently posted. Tomio has a new uniform and is as proud of it as he is of his father, who he is convinced is the best and most important officer in the Japanese Army.
“When I am an officer,” Tomio announces proudly, “I will shout orders and all the soldiers will obey.” He raises his high, piping voice. “Attention! Forward, march!” His father laughs.
“But there is more to being an officer than just shouting orders, Tomio,” he says. “An officer must study and learn so that he knows what orders to give, and when. He must be able to obey orders as well as give them. And he must be an example to his men, so that they have confidence that his orders are wise.” Tomio thinks about this as he hurries along, trying to keep up with his father’s long strides.
“Then I will study hard and learn to be a good officer so that I can give good orders,” he says.
His father looks down at him. “You will be a fine officer one day, I am sure,” he says. “Just remember that leading men is not the same thing as just ordering them around. Some officers never do learn the difference. Ah, here we are, and here is the photographer. Stand here, as straight as a soldier. Just so. Now remain still.” Father and son stand together as the photographer takes the picture.
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