Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

[HarryM]

Yes! Superb! [&o]

[Feinder]

Excellent!
 
Completely unrelated to the current scene, but relvant to the "other than blowing stuff up" part of this AAR...
 
I was just wondering - did/does the IJN do Shell-backs and Polly-Wogs?  Or did you already cover that?
 
-F-

[Onime No Kyo]

Damn, CF! My brain is still stammering at that last one! [&o][&o][&o]

[BigDuke66]

Superb!!!


@Feinder:
Shell-backs and Polly-Wogs???

[Cuttlefish]

ORIGINAL: Feinder

I was just wondering - did/does the IJN do Shell-backs and Polly-Wogs?  Or did you already cover that?

-F-

They did have some kind of line-crossing ceremony, but I haven't been able to find any details so I have never included it. From what I can learn a great deal of bowing in the direction of the Emperor was involved. Since a lot of their traditions were derived from the Royal Navy they might have also had something similar to Shell-backs and Polly-Wogs. I almost hope not. The hazing would have been absolutely brutal.

[Cuttlefish]

May 20-22, 1943

Location: Truk
Course: Disbanded in port
Attached to: None
Mission: None
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Await further orders

---

The next couple of days pass quietly. Chief Engineer Sakati takes advantage of the time to do some maintenance on the engines, and other work is done to keep Hibiki in fighting trim. The interlude is shorter than was hoped, however. On May 22 Hibiki recieves new orders:

[font="Courier New"]You are attached to Task Force 36 under the command of Captain Yoshimura. Task force will proceed to Rabaul to prepare for action against enemy ships and facilities at Gili Gili.[/font]

“Ah, the reward for a job well done,” is Captain Ishii’s only comment as he passes the order to Lieutenant Miharu.

“Another job, sir?” says the executive officer, reading the order.

“Yes,” says Captain Ishii. “The same job again, in this case. Recall any crew ashore and make preparations to get underway, Exec.”

“Yes sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu, and goes to put these orders into effect.

[Cuttlefish]

May 23, 1943

Location: 140 miles east of Mussau Island
Course: South
Attached to: TF 36
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 439

Orders: Proceed to Rabual in preparation for an attack on enemy facilities at Gili Gili

---

The Screening Force, as Yoshimura’s ships are designated, make their way south to Rabaul in single column. Hibiki is in the lead, followed by destroyer Tachikaze. Then comes the flagship, light cruizer Isuzu, followed by destroyers Nokaze, Namikaze, and Kuretake.

This is a faster and smaller screening force than the last one that ventured into enemy waters. It does not escape the notice of Captain Ishii and his officers that the force is made up of fast but older ships. Though not a young ship Hibiki is by far the newest and most powerful of the destroyers.

The conclusion is inescapable that this force is designed to battle enemy torpedo boats. Tachikaze, Nokaze, and Namikaze, the three Minekaze-class destroyers, would match up well with old enemy four-stack destroyers but be outclassed by newer opponents. Kuretake is well suited for fighting torpedo boats but not anything heavier. Even light cruiser Isuzu is over twenty years old.

The other conclusion Captain Ishii draws is that this force is expendable. He does not mention this, though he suspects that Lieutenant Miharu realizes it too. The Japanese Navy does not wish to risk losing ships of more modern design to the enemy’s torpedo boats. And if a more powerful enemy surface force is encountered they can harass the enemy and buy time for the bombardment force as well as anyone.

Ishii does not mind this. As the captain of a destroyer he is well used to the idea that it is his job to come between the enemy and the Imperial Japanese Navy’s more valuable assets. If it comes to fighting torpedo boats, well, Hibiki has already sunk three of those. If they get into a fight with something bigger they will do what they can, and Ishii has confidence that they will do it well.

[Lecivius]

Oy vey ... methinks something is doomed to a watery grave soon

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish

It does not escape the notice of Captain Ishii and his officers that the force is made up of fast but older ships. Though not a young ship Hibiki is by far the newest and most powerful of the destroyers.

The conclusion is inescapable that this force is designed to battle enemy torpedo boats. Tachikaze, Nokaze, and Namikaze, the three Minekaze-class destroyers, would match up well with old enemy four-stack destroyers but be outclassed by newer opponents. Kuretake is well suited for fighting torpedo boats but not anything heavier. Even light cruiser Isuzu is over twenty years old.

It would seem that Hibiki has the best chance of any ship in the squadron. As the flagship, Isuzu is the most obvious target. The thing that worries me most is whether Wolffpack --ahem, the Allies-- have laid any mines.

[Onime No Kyo]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

It would seem that Hibiki has the best chance of any ship in the squadron. As the flagship, Isuzu is the most obvious target. The thing that worries me most is whether Wolffpack --ahem, the Allies-- have laid any mines.

Theyve been there 3 times and havent seen any. Although that might have changed.

What worries me is that the AI targeting tends to pick on the stronger ships, and after the CL, Hibiki is it! [X(]

[tocaff]

Nothing lasts forever, ecept WITP PBEMS!

[Onime No Kyo]

Sometimes I think CF is just trying to get her hit with a bomb or something so he has a legitimate reason to take her back to the HI.....and write a steamy love scene between Ariga and his lady love. [:D]

[kaleun]

Can't see a problem with that. You've got to have some steamy scene in a movie. That will make it PG 13 which is always good.

[Onime No Kyo]

Except this one will be quickly followed by a bloody murder, reminiscent of certain scenes in Goodfellas and Casino. [:D]

[Cuttlefish]

May 24, 1943

Location: Rabaul
Course: None
Attached to: TF 36
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 403

Orders: Proceed to Gili Gili and screen bombardment force from attack

---

Simpson Bay sparkles under bright sunshine as Hibiki drops anchor. Not far away battleships Yamato, Musashi, and Kirishima form an inspiring sight, riding at anchor with jungle-clad slopes rising behind them. Ensign Handa comes up on deck to see to the lowering of the two ship’s boats. This duty complete, he spots Ensign Izu standing by the rail, gazing out at the big ships.

“Still wishing you had pulled battleship duty?” he asks, coming up beside Izu. Izu turns and looks at him.

“No, not really,” he says. “I was just admiring how splendid they look.” He turns and looks back out at the big ships. “If they offered me a transfer to Yamato tomorrow I would be tempted, but I think I would say no.”

“You jest!” says Handa. Izu shakes his head.

“I swear it’s true,” he says. “This has become my place. You know how the Captain says that the crew of a destroyer is like a family. Well, I am more at home here now than I ever felt at home, really.”

“I know what you mean,” says Handa. “I am just surprised to hear you say it. You used to say you wanted to be where the glory was, to be where you could make an impression.” Izu shrugs.

“Hibiki is not the newest or fastest even of the destroyers,” he says. “But I am sure you have noticed. When you talk to sailors from other ships and mention that you serve aboard Hibiki you receive a certain amount of respect. The men who count, who know what goes on out here, they know what we have done.”

“Yes,” says Handa. “That is true.”

“And think about it,” adds Izu. “Every surface action of the war has involved cruiser and destroyer forces. The battleships command attention wherever they go, but for a chance to win glory in battle this is where one should be. Hibiki and other ships like her, that is where all the real work gets done.”

“Well said,” comments Handa. He claps Izu on the shoulder. “You may be growing up, my friend.”

“Perhaps,” says Izu. He gives Handa a sidelong look. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t get you back for leaving that sea urchin in my shoe the other day.” Handa laughs.

“I know,” he says.

[Cuttlefish]

May 25, 1943

Location: Rabaul
Course: None
Attached to: TF 36
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 403

Orders: Proceed to Gili Gili and screen bombardment force from attack

---

Shiro approaches Taiki and comes to attention. Taiki can tell from the look on his friend’s open, friendly face that Shiro is concerned about something.

“What’s on your mind, Seaman Kuramata?” he asks.

“It’s Seaman Ariga, Petty Officer Takahashi,” answers Shiro.

“Oh?”

“Yes. He has been growing more and more downcast. It started when we saw that movie at Truk. I think it was a mistake for him to be reminded about women and romance.” Taiki nods slowly.

“I’ve been afraid of this,” he says. “He has been running on nothing but determination for a long time now,” he says. “He can’t even talk about it with anyone because of his oath. He needs something to give him hope, to keep him going.”

“I figured it was something like that,” says Shiro. “You’re clever. I was hoping you could think of something we could do.”

“Well,” says Taiki, “we aren’t going to sail until the weather turns, and it’s supposed to be sunny for at least the next couple of days. That gives us some time. I will try to think of something.”

“Thank you, Petty Officer!” says Shiro.

“Don’t thank me yet,” says Taiki. “I have no idea what we are going to do.”

[Cuttlefish]

May 26, 1943

Location: Rabaul
Course: None
Attached to: TF 36
Mission: Surface Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Proceed to Gili Gili and screen bombardment force from attack

---

Shiro and Riku are wandering down a street in Rabaul. Riku has trailed along unenthusiastically while Shiro ventured into several shops, and he now expresses a desire to return to the ship.

“Soon, soon,” says Shiro. “What is the matter with you, anyway? You are usually eager to look for fresh supplies for the ship.” Riku shrugs.

“I don’t know,” he says. “I just don’t feel like it today.” Shiro eyes him.

“Hm,” he says noncommittally. He peers down a narrow side street and then brightens. “Hey, there we are. Just what you need, Ariga-san!” Riku looks down the street.

“What?” he says. Shiro starts down the street, tugging at him.

“Come on, you will see,” is all he says. He leads Riku to a nondescript door beside which is a wooden sign bearing Chinese characters. He pushes the door open and goes inside. Riku follows.

Within is a small room smelling of herbs. The only furniture in the small front room is a table, at which is seated an old Chinese man. Before him are set a wooden tablet, a sheet of parchment, and a pen and inkwell.

A lot of the businesses in Rabaul are run by Chinese. They were here when the Australians were here, and they have simply carried on as before under their new masters. Most of them are considerably younger than this ancient specimen, however. His beard is long and white and face is deeply wrinkled.

Despite his age he cocks his head alertly to one side when the two sailors enter. “Come in, gentlemen,” he says. “Approach, please.” His Japanese is good. Shiro pulls the confused Riku towards the table.

“What is this?” Riku asks.

“A fortune teller,” says Shiro. “We shall have our fortunes told! How much?” he says, addressing the old man. The ancient reaches out a bony finger and taps the wooden tablet. The sailors look and see carved there a schedule of services and prices carved in Chinese, English, and Japanese. The services include such things as:

Foretelling any single event
Telling a fortune
Telling a fortune in detail
Fixing the marriage day

“This is foolishness!” exclaims Riku.

“Not if I pay for it,” says Shiro. “Come on, it’s worth it if it keeps you from brooding for a few minutes.” He taps the wooden tablet. “A detailed fortune for my friend.” The old man nods slowly

Be seated, young man,” he says, indicating the chair opposite him. Riku does so, reluctantly. The old man dips his pen in the inkwell.

“Now,” he says, “tell me the day and hour of your birth.”

“Uh, October 22, 1921,” says Riku. “At 10:39 in the morning.” The old man begins inscribing a series of Chinese characters on the parchment. “What is he doing?” Riku asks Shiro.

“He is weighing the balance of elements in your destiny,” whispers Shiro. The old man nods, not looking up from the paper.

“Gold, earth, wood, water, and fire,” he says. He then begins drawing more characters, connecting some with lines and drawing one or more parallel lines beneath others.

“If he tells me I am going to take a long journey over water I am leaving!” hisses Riku.

“Shh!” Shiro replies. The old man mumbles to himself in Chinese, then puts down the pen.

“Give me your hands,” he says to Riku. There is enough command in his voice that Riku involuntarily holds out his hands. The old man takes them in his and closes his eyes for a moment. His bony hands feel dry and papery, but his grip is surprisingly firm. After a moment he releases Riku’s hands and opens his eyes.

“Your destiny speaks strongly to me,” says the old man.

“Yeah?” says Riku skeptically.

“First of all,” the fortune teller says, “you will come in years ahead to control much wealth and power. But they will never control you. You have already stepped away from that path. I see a happy old age for you, with many honors and much respect and friendship.” Riku makes a noncommittal noise.

“At the center of everything I see a woman,” says the old man. Riku’s attention sharpens a little. “She dwells on an island and is strongly connected to the sea. Her heart belongs to you as yours belongs to her.” Now Riku stares at the fortune teller.

“Yet there is something between you,” murmurs the old man. “It seems like a mountain, dark and formidable. I do not know what this is. But I foresee that you will pass through darkness and fire and conquer this mountain in the end. You and she will have three sons and three daughters, and you will be blessed with great happiness and many grandchildren.

“Do not mistake me, there is pain and difficulty ahead for you. The war hangs over you like a dark cloud. But if you are patient and hold to the oath that I feel wrapped around you…” Riku interrupts him with a gasp. The old man stops, and Riku makes an impatient gesture.

“My apologies, please continue,” he says urgently. The old man grunts.

“Yes, this oath that binds you more strongly than chains,” says the old man. “If you can hold to it you will achieve your goal in the end. I cannot tell you anything more.” Riku jumps up.

“Did you hear that?” he exclaims to Shiro. “Six children!” He turns and shakes the hold man’s hand vigorously. “Thank you, thank you!” he says. He turns and heads for the door.

“Aren’t you going to stay and hear my fortune?” asks Shiro.

“Tell me about it later,” Riku says. “I have work to do!” He grins happily and leaves, a spring in his step.

There is a moment of silence, then the curtain at the back of the room rustles aside. Taiki steps into the room.

“That was well done, Xuan,” he says to the old man. The old man inclines his head in acknowledgement. Taiki hands him a small roll of bills, which are quickly whisked out of sight.

“I still feel kind of bad tricking him like that,” says Shiro. The old man looks at him.

“Don’t,” he says. “You have given him what he most needs – hope. And belief is a powerful thing. A man who is determined to succeed, who believes he will succeed, is very hard to stop. It may well that what you have done this day will sustain his spirit and lead him to his desire.” Shiro thinks about this.

“It doesn’t sound so bad, when you look at it like that,” he says.

“And now, young man, shall I tell your fortune?” the old man asks him.

“Sure,” says Shiro. He stops suddenly and looks at Taiki. “You didn’t tell him anything about me, did you?” he says. Taiki laughs.

“No,” he says. “This one will be for real.”

“Are you so sure the other one was not?” murmurs the old man to himself as Shiro sits down. But neither of the sailors hears him.

[1EyedJacks]

“Are you so sure the other one was not?” murmurs the old man to himself as Shiro sits down. But neither of the sailors hears him.

Don't mess with Chinese Fortune Tellers - they take their job seriously... <grin>

Nicely done AAR Cuttlefish - thank you for letting me read over your shoulder. This has the makings of an epic adventure.

[FeurerKrieg]

[&o]

Okay, CF, what's the Paypal account that we can all make donations to so you can quit your job and start multiple WITP games and write AAR's full time?

Truly excellent writing!!

[kaleun]

Truly outstanding!