August 19, 1943
Location: 250 miles northeast of Truk
Course: Southwest
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 289
Orders: Escort tankers to Truk
---
The Japanese have concentrated their aircraft carriers and most of the Combined Fleet at Truk. They expect an Allied lunge towards Lae, which seems the next logical move in the enemy’s active campaign in New Guinea. All of this activity cannot be concealed from enemy reconnaissance planes. The response has been, as the Japanese have noted, a very heavy concentration of submarines around Truk. The enemy no doubt wants to keep as many eyes as possible on the Japanese fleet. And if a Japanese carrier were to find a torpedo or two that would no doubt be a nice bonus.
Into this ring of submarines sails Task Force 46. Without knowing it they are entering the overlapping patrol zones of three US submarines; Grunion, Cuttlefish, and Bonefish. Though the task force is zigzagging the tankers are still painfully easy targets.
But only if they are seen. Shortly before the Japanese ships arrive Grunion is pulled to the south by a false report of enemy ships east of the archipelago. Cuttlefish, which already has a reputation as a hard-luck boat, develops battery trouble and remains at the northwest end of her patrol leg while repairs are underway. And Bonefish has no information that the Japanese tankers are approaching the area and is also out of position as they come through.
Through this unintentional but fortunate gap lumber the tankers and their anxious escorts. They pass completely unnoticed and the ocean remains as calm around them as if it was peacetime. By the time the sun rises the next morning the Japanese ships are entering the large and spacious anchorage at Truk. As the tankers queue up to unload their badly needed cargo Hibiki drops anchor. The first and most important part of the voyage has been a success.
Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
HUZZA! HUZZA! HUZZA! oh crap this aint a british boat.[:D]
oh well.
It would seem that Hibiki's luck is continuing to hold.[8D]
Well done so far Cuttlefish. I am pleased the boat named after you... failed.[:D]
[&o][&o][&o][&o][&o][&o][&o]
oh well.
It would seem that Hibiki's luck is continuing to hold.[8D]
Well done so far Cuttlefish. I am pleased the boat named after you... failed.[:D]
[&o][&o][&o][&o][&o][&o][&o]
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goodboyladdie
- Posts: 3470
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:35 pm
- Location: Rendlesham, Suffolk
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner
[:@]Hate sub-laid mines...[:@]
Watch out Hibiki-boys! Be carefull...
Your collar is not straight GH. If you can't find your sunglasses, they are on top of your head...[:)]
Art by the amazing Dixie
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
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- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish
Shortly before the Japanese ships arrive Grunion is pulled to the south by a false report of enemy ships east of the archipelago. Cuttlefish, which already has a reputation as a hard-luck boat, develops battery trouble and remains at the northwest end of her patrol leg while repairs are underway. And Bonefish has no information that the Japanese tankers are approaching the area and is also out of position as they come through.
Through this unintentional but fortunate gap lumber the tankers and their anxious escorts. They pass completely unnoticed and the ocean remains as calm around them as if it was peacetime. By the time the sun rises the next morning the Japanese ships are entering the large and spacious anchorage at Truk.
Chalk up another one for Benzaiten! (I hope Jagfluger has his blood pressure medication handy . . . )[:D]
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
August 20, 1943
Location: Truk
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 261
Orders: Escort tankers to Truk
---
Hibiki spends some time at the docks at Dublon Island to refuel. While this operation is underway Captain Ishii goes ashore to confer with the other captains in the task force and to pick up news and information.
Other islands in the archipelago house most of the Army troops and air bases here, but Dublon is the center of Japanese naval activity at Truk. Ishii is astounded at the changes to the island since Hibiki’s first visit here in the spring of 1942. A new complex of a dozen reinforced concrete buildings is being constructed as naval headquarters and will be operational soon. There are new harbor facilities, including a thirty ton floating crane and a 2500 ton dry dock. The fleet hospital with 850 beds is now operational, and there are new stores, radio facilities, and recreational establishments.
There are a lot of auxiliary and cargo ships in the anchorage but very few warships. Ishii gathers what news he can and then returns to his ship. There he speaks with Lieutenant Miharu and informs him that it will take two days to unload the tankers. Hibiki and the convoy will then return immediately to Japan.
“I had thought we might be detached and remain here,” comments his executive officer. “There must be some destroyers that need work in the Home Islands that could make the trip back in our place.”
“Apparently not,” says Ishii. “As you have seen, the fleet is not here. It is somewhere to the southwest, keeping an eye on the enemy’s movements.”
“What’s going on?” asks Lieutenant Miharu.
“The enemy has attacked and captured Salamaua,” Ishii says. “No surprise, the place was virtually undefended. Lae is expected to be next, and it will be a much more seriously blow if they succeed there. More to the point, the landings at Salamaua were covered by at least two enemy carriers, and perhaps as many as six. They apparently had no desire to repeat their experience in taking Buna, when our carriers appeared and cost them many ships.”
“Our own carriers are in the area,” says Miharu. “Why didn’t they attack?”
Ishii shakes his head. “The enemy was very careful to keep his carriers under the cover of their land-based air,” he says. “I don’t need to tell you what a formidable asset that is. With the fall of Port Moresby and the expansion of the airfield at Buna the enemy now has a great number of airplanes in the area.” Lieutenant Miharu vividly remembers seeing hordes of enemy heavy bombers over Rabaul and agrees.
“That’s all I was able to pick up about where matters stand,” says Ishii. “That, and that we are supposed to get those tankers back to Japan as soon as possible. But I do not know why.”
“Then with your permission, sir, I will authorize brief leaves for the crew this afternoon and tomorrow,” says Miharu. “And I will speak to Paymaster Kataoka about taking on some fresh fruit and other stores.”
Ishii nods. “Do that,” he says. “We still have to get back out through that submarine cordon, and I want to have the crew as rested and alert as possible.”
Location: Truk
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 261
Orders: Escort tankers to Truk
---
Hibiki spends some time at the docks at Dublon Island to refuel. While this operation is underway Captain Ishii goes ashore to confer with the other captains in the task force and to pick up news and information.
Other islands in the archipelago house most of the Army troops and air bases here, but Dublon is the center of Japanese naval activity at Truk. Ishii is astounded at the changes to the island since Hibiki’s first visit here in the spring of 1942. A new complex of a dozen reinforced concrete buildings is being constructed as naval headquarters and will be operational soon. There are new harbor facilities, including a thirty ton floating crane and a 2500 ton dry dock. The fleet hospital with 850 beds is now operational, and there are new stores, radio facilities, and recreational establishments.
There are a lot of auxiliary and cargo ships in the anchorage but very few warships. Ishii gathers what news he can and then returns to his ship. There he speaks with Lieutenant Miharu and informs him that it will take two days to unload the tankers. Hibiki and the convoy will then return immediately to Japan.
“I had thought we might be detached and remain here,” comments his executive officer. “There must be some destroyers that need work in the Home Islands that could make the trip back in our place.”
“Apparently not,” says Ishii. “As you have seen, the fleet is not here. It is somewhere to the southwest, keeping an eye on the enemy’s movements.”
“What’s going on?” asks Lieutenant Miharu.
“The enemy has attacked and captured Salamaua,” Ishii says. “No surprise, the place was virtually undefended. Lae is expected to be next, and it will be a much more seriously blow if they succeed there. More to the point, the landings at Salamaua were covered by at least two enemy carriers, and perhaps as many as six. They apparently had no desire to repeat their experience in taking Buna, when our carriers appeared and cost them many ships.”
“Our own carriers are in the area,” says Miharu. “Why didn’t they attack?”
Ishii shakes his head. “The enemy was very careful to keep his carriers under the cover of their land-based air,” he says. “I don’t need to tell you what a formidable asset that is. With the fall of Port Moresby and the expansion of the airfield at Buna the enemy now has a great number of airplanes in the area.” Lieutenant Miharu vividly remembers seeing hordes of enemy heavy bombers over Rabaul and agrees.
“That’s all I was able to pick up about where matters stand,” says Ishii. “That, and that we are supposed to get those tankers back to Japan as soon as possible. But I do not know why.”
“Then with your permission, sir, I will authorize brief leaves for the crew this afternoon and tomorrow,” says Miharu. “And I will speak to Paymaster Kataoka about taking on some fresh fruit and other stores.”
Ishii nods. “Do that,” he says. “We still have to get back out through that submarine cordon, and I want to have the crew as rested and alert as possible.”
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
August 21, 1943
Location: Truk
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Escort tankers back to Japan
---
Petty Officer Okubo is ashore on Dublon Island. His task is to keep Hibiki’s enlisted men from having too much fun. This is a job that suits him well, because if there is one thing he enjoys it is preventing other people from having fun.
The actual orders to the crew are to avoid being “drunk and disorderly.” Since Hibiki is headed back out to sea tomorrow the crew are just supposed to stretch their legs and relax a bit. Dire penalties have been threatened for those who overstep this restriction. Waking up in the morning with a hangover the day the ship sails is kind of a naval tradition, but Captain Ishii does not want someone who is trying to spot something as subtle as a periscope amid sun-dappled waves to be suffering from a throbbing headache while they do so.
Thus Okubo and several other officers and noncoms are ashore keeping an eye on things. So far Okubo has not had an opportunity to bring anyone up short. That’s the trouble with a veteran and well-trained crew, he thinks, they know where the lines are and don’t usually step over them.
As he passes a warehouse he sees Ariga and several other sailors loading a small truck with crates. He doesn’t even consider going over and harassing them, not since that little conversation he had with Shun a couple of months ago. He moves on, coming to a row of bars and gambling houses.
The first place he checks appears to be a haunt of naval guard troops – the 41st Naval Guard unit is in charge of security for the island – and he moves on after a quick look around. The second place has a couple of tables full of Hibiki’s sailors, but they are doing more eating than drinking. He gives them a hard look just to let them know he is watching and then leaves.
As he approaches the third place he sees a pair of Hibiki’s sailors entering ahead of him. He steps inside, blinking for a moment as he moves from the bright sunshine to the dimness within. The tables are crowded with sailors, but these are merchant types. He does not see his crewmen. His eyes narrow. Ah, he thinks, they are trying to stay out of sight by using a private room. If they think they can fool Okubo by such tactics they are mistaken. He sees a closed door at the back and knows from long experience that this will lead to such a private room. He strides towards it.
“Sir, I am very sorry, but this is reserved,” says the proprietor, a short, balding little man who appears suddenly in front of him. “They wish to remain private.”
Okubo growls at him. “I’ll bet they do,” he says. “Move aside!” The proprietor gives a nervous shrug and does so, and Okubo wrenches open the door.
A dozen men are seated cross-legged around a table inside the small, smoke-filled room. They turn hostile eyes on him, and Okubo realizes why they wished to remain private. This is a navy island, and soldiers from the 56th Infantry Division would naturally want to keep a low profile while here.
The soldier nearest the door, a sergeant, snubs out his cigarette before standing. “You want something, sailor boy?” he growls. Okubo pales a little. The man is almost as broad through the chest and shoulders as Shun is.
“My mistake,” he says quickly. “I was looking for two of my sailors.”
“Ah,” says the sergeant. “I do not think you will find them here.” He grins suddenly. “Try the brothels. They usually give the women the day off when a new navy ship comes in. The sailors put on kimonos and take their place.” There are hoots of laughter from the soldiers behind him. Okubo clenches his fists. This is more than he is willing to stand and take from some ape.
“At least,” he says, “sailors use women, not the local wildlife.” There is sudden silence from the table. The other eleven men stand up, and they look angry. Okubo realizes this would be a good time to leave. Before he can put this plan into action, however, the sergeant lunges towards him.
To give Okubo some credit he puts up a pretty good fight for the short time the fight lasts.
---
Taiki is strolling along a street in front of several bars and other dives. He is keeping an eye on the crew ashore to make sure they stay out of trouble. In fact he does not expect to have to take any action; the crew knows what is expected of them and he is just “showing the flag” to give them a bit of a reminder.
As he passes a bar, though, one of Hibiki’s sailors comes running out. “Hurry, Petty Officer, they’re killing him!” says the man.
“What? Killing who?” demands Taiki, but he is already moving, following the man inside. The place inside is mostly empty, except for a handful of merchant sailors and another of Hibiki’s men. They are all looking at a closed door at the back, near which stands the proprietor, wringing his hands.
“It’s Petty Officer Okubo!” says the sailor. “He came in right behind us and charged into a room full of soldiers!” Taiki frowns. He can hear the sound of blows even from here. He looks around quickly and realizes that while he can count on the two men from Hibiki there may not be much other help to be had here.
He strides over to the door and throws it open. There are a dozen soldiers in the room, and several of them have Okubo up against a wall. Okubo looks dazed, and there is blood on his face. The soldiers turn and look at Taiki, and the looks are decidedly unfriendly. Taiki’s mind races.
“There are fifty men from his ship headed this way!” he tells them urgently. “Quickly, run while you can!”
The soldiers do not stick around to verify Taiki’s claim. They release Okubo, who slumps to the ground, and bolt out the back door. Within ten seconds the room is vacated. Taiki breathes a deep sigh and then goes to check on his fellow petty officer. Okubo is semi-conscious at best and he is obviously hurt. Taiki directs the two sailors to help him, and together they semi-carry him out to the street.
Riku has a work crew nearby, Taiki recalls, and they have a truck from the motor pool. Taiki sends one of the sailors to have them bring the truck over here. This is done, and Okubo is laid in the back across some Chinese cabbages. Taiki climbs in beside him and Riku puts the truck in gear and heads towards the docks.
Location: Truk
Course: Docked
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Escort tankers back to Japan
---
Petty Officer Okubo is ashore on Dublon Island. His task is to keep Hibiki’s enlisted men from having too much fun. This is a job that suits him well, because if there is one thing he enjoys it is preventing other people from having fun.
The actual orders to the crew are to avoid being “drunk and disorderly.” Since Hibiki is headed back out to sea tomorrow the crew are just supposed to stretch their legs and relax a bit. Dire penalties have been threatened for those who overstep this restriction. Waking up in the morning with a hangover the day the ship sails is kind of a naval tradition, but Captain Ishii does not want someone who is trying to spot something as subtle as a periscope amid sun-dappled waves to be suffering from a throbbing headache while they do so.
Thus Okubo and several other officers and noncoms are ashore keeping an eye on things. So far Okubo has not had an opportunity to bring anyone up short. That’s the trouble with a veteran and well-trained crew, he thinks, they know where the lines are and don’t usually step over them.
As he passes a warehouse he sees Ariga and several other sailors loading a small truck with crates. He doesn’t even consider going over and harassing them, not since that little conversation he had with Shun a couple of months ago. He moves on, coming to a row of bars and gambling houses.
The first place he checks appears to be a haunt of naval guard troops – the 41st Naval Guard unit is in charge of security for the island – and he moves on after a quick look around. The second place has a couple of tables full of Hibiki’s sailors, but they are doing more eating than drinking. He gives them a hard look just to let them know he is watching and then leaves.
As he approaches the third place he sees a pair of Hibiki’s sailors entering ahead of him. He steps inside, blinking for a moment as he moves from the bright sunshine to the dimness within. The tables are crowded with sailors, but these are merchant types. He does not see his crewmen. His eyes narrow. Ah, he thinks, they are trying to stay out of sight by using a private room. If they think they can fool Okubo by such tactics they are mistaken. He sees a closed door at the back and knows from long experience that this will lead to such a private room. He strides towards it.
“Sir, I am very sorry, but this is reserved,” says the proprietor, a short, balding little man who appears suddenly in front of him. “They wish to remain private.”
Okubo growls at him. “I’ll bet they do,” he says. “Move aside!” The proprietor gives a nervous shrug and does so, and Okubo wrenches open the door.
A dozen men are seated cross-legged around a table inside the small, smoke-filled room. They turn hostile eyes on him, and Okubo realizes why they wished to remain private. This is a navy island, and soldiers from the 56th Infantry Division would naturally want to keep a low profile while here.
The soldier nearest the door, a sergeant, snubs out his cigarette before standing. “You want something, sailor boy?” he growls. Okubo pales a little. The man is almost as broad through the chest and shoulders as Shun is.
“My mistake,” he says quickly. “I was looking for two of my sailors.”
“Ah,” says the sergeant. “I do not think you will find them here.” He grins suddenly. “Try the brothels. They usually give the women the day off when a new navy ship comes in. The sailors put on kimonos and take their place.” There are hoots of laughter from the soldiers behind him. Okubo clenches his fists. This is more than he is willing to stand and take from some ape.
“At least,” he says, “sailors use women, not the local wildlife.” There is sudden silence from the table. The other eleven men stand up, and they look angry. Okubo realizes this would be a good time to leave. Before he can put this plan into action, however, the sergeant lunges towards him.
To give Okubo some credit he puts up a pretty good fight for the short time the fight lasts.
---
Taiki is strolling along a street in front of several bars and other dives. He is keeping an eye on the crew ashore to make sure they stay out of trouble. In fact he does not expect to have to take any action; the crew knows what is expected of them and he is just “showing the flag” to give them a bit of a reminder.
As he passes a bar, though, one of Hibiki’s sailors comes running out. “Hurry, Petty Officer, they’re killing him!” says the man.
“What? Killing who?” demands Taiki, but he is already moving, following the man inside. The place inside is mostly empty, except for a handful of merchant sailors and another of Hibiki’s men. They are all looking at a closed door at the back, near which stands the proprietor, wringing his hands.
“It’s Petty Officer Okubo!” says the sailor. “He came in right behind us and charged into a room full of soldiers!” Taiki frowns. He can hear the sound of blows even from here. He looks around quickly and realizes that while he can count on the two men from Hibiki there may not be much other help to be had here.
He strides over to the door and throws it open. There are a dozen soldiers in the room, and several of them have Okubo up against a wall. Okubo looks dazed, and there is blood on his face. The soldiers turn and look at Taiki, and the looks are decidedly unfriendly. Taiki’s mind races.
“There are fifty men from his ship headed this way!” he tells them urgently. “Quickly, run while you can!”
The soldiers do not stick around to verify Taiki’s claim. They release Okubo, who slumps to the ground, and bolt out the back door. Within ten seconds the room is vacated. Taiki breathes a deep sigh and then goes to check on his fellow petty officer. Okubo is semi-conscious at best and he is obviously hurt. Taiki directs the two sailors to help him, and together they semi-carry him out to the street.
Riku has a work crew nearby, Taiki recalls, and they have a truck from the motor pool. Taiki sends one of the sailors to have them bring the truck over here. This is done, and Okubo is laid in the back across some Chinese cabbages. Taiki climbs in beside him and Riku puts the truck in gear and heads towards the docks.
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Onime No Kyo
- Posts: 16846
- Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:55 am
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Well, at least he finally put his money where his mouth is. I'm hoping it will teach him some humility. [:-]
"Mighty is the Thread! Great are its works and insane are its inhabitants!" -Brother Mynok
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Ah, the old inter service rivalry. This really continues to get better and better.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Well done and one can only wonder what Shun might have done...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Shun probably would have never put himself in the position the dim-witted ape did, but, if he had, the Sgt. would currently be without a tongue, if he was fotunate enough to still have an attached head.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Well done and one can only wonder what Shun might have done...
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Shun vs the IJA? It would take a platoon just to wear him down. [;)]
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
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BigBadWolf
- Posts: 584
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- Location: Serbia
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DuckofTindalos
- Posts: 39781
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:53 pm
- Location: Denmark
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: princep01
Shun probably would have never put himself in the position the dim-witted ape did, but, if he had, the Sgt. would currently be without a tongue, if he was fotunate enough to still have an attached head.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Well done and one can only wonder what Shun might have done...
He'd still have his tongue... It would be stuck to the floor by means of a pair of chopsticks, but still...[:D]
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
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DuckofTindalos
- Posts: 39781
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:53 pm
- Location: Denmark
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: BigBadWolf
I'm afraid to ask, but who (or what) is Shun? [&:]
Oh dear, oh dear... Well, if the Hibiki was a USMC unit, Shun would be a veteran Gunny, pissing napalm and flossing with barbed wire. Except that this is a Japanese fighting ship, so he doesn't say very much, just oozes massive amounts of menace wherever he goes. He's the Hibiki's Senior Chief.
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
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BigBadWolf
- Posts: 584
- Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:01 am
- Location: Serbia
RE: Small Ship, Big War
[X(]
Oh boy....do I feel stupid now... I was under the impression that it was some Japanese sumo champion or something...even tried googling him...
The funny thing is, I do read this AAR.... Must be a memory failure thing [:'(]
Oh boy....do I feel stupid now... I was under the impression that it was some Japanese sumo champion or something...even tried googling him...
The funny thing is, I do read this AAR.... Must be a memory failure thing [:'(]
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DuckofTindalos
- Posts: 39781
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:53 pm
- Location: Denmark
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: BigBadWolf
The funny thing is, I do read this AAR....
See, you may say that... But by asking who Shun is, you're making sure that nobody believes you...
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Well done and one can only wonder what Shun might have done...
I actually thought about writing that scene with Shun in Okubo's place, and then again with Shun in Taiki's place. But princep01 is right, Shun would never have blundered into the situation Okubo did. In Taiki's place he would have come up with a much more direct solution than Taiki had to, but in the end I decided it was more interesting if the problem was solved with brains instead of brawn. Besides, having Shun not directly involved sets up another little scene, which I will try to write and post later today.
Another reason I avoided having him in the scene (and maybe part of the reason for BigBadWolf's brain glitch) is that I try to avoid having Shun appear too often. I think he's one of the most interesting and complex members of the crew, and he is a lot of fun to write about. But I almost never show things from his point of view. He remains in the background, never around unless you have just screwed up, in which case he almost always turns out to be standing right behind you...
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
August 22, 1943
Location: 100 miles north of Truk
Course: North
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 460
Orders: Escort tankers back to Japan
---
The mood on the bridge is tense as Hibiki and the other ships head north away from Truk. There is no way of knowing whether or not enemy reconnaissance planes spotted the tankers while they were unloading, and whether the enemy might be thus be waiting for them. Even without specific intelligence about the tankers or their likely route there are still enough submarines out there that the chances of encountering one are uncomfortably high.
The task force left the archipelago before dawn, and by now they are out of range of any enemy search planes. The tankers, riding much higher in the water than they did on the trip in, proceed placidly along. They are again led by Hirado, while Hibiki and Akebono roam around on the flanks like worried collie dogs.
Midshipman Tanabe is on the bridge this watch. He glances from time to time at Captain Ishii, who is sipping a cup of tea with the relaxed attitude of a man enjoying lunch at a nice tea house. Yet Tanabe has already come to know that the captain misses nothing, and has observed that the men around him miss nothing either. Tanabe hasn’t figured out yet how the captain maintains such control without seeming to try, but he is determined to learn.
One thing that Tanabe hasn’t gotten used to yet is the apparently casual disregard for regulations regarding uniforms. Ishii’s jacket is unbuttoned, for example, and the sonar operator is wearing no hat. Tanabe has already learned to stop mentioning it, but it continues to bother him.
Two men come up onto the bridge. One is the medical officer, Lieutenant JG Nakagawa. He is accompanied by Chief Petty Officer Shun. Shun is one of the men aboard who is almost always in proper uniform, with razor sharp creases and shoes shined to a bright gleam. Today, however, he is sporting a uniform violation so egregious that Tanabe almost chokes.
“How is he?” Ishii asks them, without seeming to notice.
“Sir,” says Nakagawa, “he has a fractured left cheekbone and a mild concussion. I have removed two teeth, he will need to have more work done when better dental facilities are available. He has various bruises and a cracked rib on the left side. I would say it will be several days before he can return to duty, but he will be fine.”
Ishii nods. “Very well,” he says. “Your report, Chief?”
“He apparently thought some of our men were holding a private party, sir,” growls Shun. “And found some soldiers instead. Words were exchanged. They threw the first punch.” Shun gives one of those grimaces that always chills Tanabe, especially because it means the Chief is smiling. “Brave army men, they took him on at twelve against one.”
“I see,” says Ishii. “I think then that no action against Petty Officer Okubo is warranted. It sounds like his injuries are more than enough punishment for any bad judgment he displayed. Were you able to identify his attackers and lodge a complaint, Chief?”
“I am sorry, sir, I could not,” says Shun.
“Too bad,” comments the captain. Only now does he glance up at the cap Shun is wearing, the item that first attracted Tanabe’s attention. It is an army-issue cloth field cap. “Nice hat, Chief,” Ishii says.
“Thank you, sir,” says Shun, and gives another of his frightening smiles. “A nice sergeant gave it to me last night.”
Location: 100 miles north of Truk
Course: North
Attached to: TF 46
Mission: Transport
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 460
Orders: Escort tankers back to Japan
---
The mood on the bridge is tense as Hibiki and the other ships head north away from Truk. There is no way of knowing whether or not enemy reconnaissance planes spotted the tankers while they were unloading, and whether the enemy might be thus be waiting for them. Even without specific intelligence about the tankers or their likely route there are still enough submarines out there that the chances of encountering one are uncomfortably high.
The task force left the archipelago before dawn, and by now they are out of range of any enemy search planes. The tankers, riding much higher in the water than they did on the trip in, proceed placidly along. They are again led by Hirado, while Hibiki and Akebono roam around on the flanks like worried collie dogs.
Midshipman Tanabe is on the bridge this watch. He glances from time to time at Captain Ishii, who is sipping a cup of tea with the relaxed attitude of a man enjoying lunch at a nice tea house. Yet Tanabe has already come to know that the captain misses nothing, and has observed that the men around him miss nothing either. Tanabe hasn’t figured out yet how the captain maintains such control without seeming to try, but he is determined to learn.
One thing that Tanabe hasn’t gotten used to yet is the apparently casual disregard for regulations regarding uniforms. Ishii’s jacket is unbuttoned, for example, and the sonar operator is wearing no hat. Tanabe has already learned to stop mentioning it, but it continues to bother him.
Two men come up onto the bridge. One is the medical officer, Lieutenant JG Nakagawa. He is accompanied by Chief Petty Officer Shun. Shun is one of the men aboard who is almost always in proper uniform, with razor sharp creases and shoes shined to a bright gleam. Today, however, he is sporting a uniform violation so egregious that Tanabe almost chokes.
“How is he?” Ishii asks them, without seeming to notice.
“Sir,” says Nakagawa, “he has a fractured left cheekbone and a mild concussion. I have removed two teeth, he will need to have more work done when better dental facilities are available. He has various bruises and a cracked rib on the left side. I would say it will be several days before he can return to duty, but he will be fine.”
Ishii nods. “Very well,” he says. “Your report, Chief?”
“He apparently thought some of our men were holding a private party, sir,” growls Shun. “And found some soldiers instead. Words were exchanged. They threw the first punch.” Shun gives one of those grimaces that always chills Tanabe, especially because it means the Chief is smiling. “Brave army men, they took him on at twelve against one.”
“I see,” says Ishii. “I think then that no action against Petty Officer Okubo is warranted. It sounds like his injuries are more than enough punishment for any bad judgment he displayed. Were you able to identify his attackers and lodge a complaint, Chief?”
“I am sorry, sir, I could not,” says Shun.
“Too bad,” comments the captain. Only now does he glance up at the cap Shun is wearing, the item that first attracted Tanabe’s attention. It is an army-issue cloth field cap. “Nice hat, Chief,” Ishii says.
“Thank you, sir,” says Shun, and gives another of his frightening smiles. “A nice sergeant gave it to me last night.”
