Aaaaarghhh!
Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
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napoleon1066
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:14 pm
- Location: Arlington VA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: kaleun
Aaaaarghhh!
They become pirates?
Fortis cadere, cedere non potest!
RE: Small Ship, Big War
That is why Ariga and I were summoned to his cabin one day and given a most unusual assignment…
Thus was Karaoke invented.
Show me a fellow who rejects statistical analysis a priori and I'll show you a fellow who has no knowledge of statistics.
Didn't we have this conversation already?
Didn't we have this conversation already?
RE: Small Ship, Big War
I refer you to Kaleun's post...[X(]
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
December 10, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii and Lieutenant Miharu are conferring in the Captain’s cabin.
“…that’s how it looks to me,” Ishii is saying. “What is your opinion, Exec?”
“The same,” replies the lieutenant. “The crew is still ready for a fight, but the mood here in port is poor and the longer we stay here, idle, the more it will affect them.”
Captain Ishii paces a few steps, about as far as he can go in the cramped cabin. “We need to give the men something to do, something that will keep them sharp and put an edge back on their fighting spirit. Chipping paint is not going to do it. Calisthenics would be a good start, and maybe we should start up Sugiyura’s combat classes again.”
“That might help,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “But I think we need something to really hold their interest and to create a spirit of competition.”
“Sugiyura could hold a tournament,” muses Ishii. “But I’d like to see something that has the men working together, as well. Something like…ah, I have it!” The lieutenant gives him a curious look, and with increasing enthusiasm Captain Ishii proceeds to explain his idea.
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii and Lieutenant Miharu are conferring in the Captain’s cabin.
“…that’s how it looks to me,” Ishii is saying. “What is your opinion, Exec?”
“The same,” replies the lieutenant. “The crew is still ready for a fight, but the mood here in port is poor and the longer we stay here, idle, the more it will affect them.”
Captain Ishii paces a few steps, about as far as he can go in the cramped cabin. “We need to give the men something to do, something that will keep them sharp and put an edge back on their fighting spirit. Chipping paint is not going to do it. Calisthenics would be a good start, and maybe we should start up Sugiyura’s combat classes again.”
“That might help,” says Lieutenant Miharu. “But I think we need something to really hold their interest and to create a spirit of competition.”
“Sugiyura could hold a tournament,” muses Ishii. “But I’d like to see something that has the men working together, as well. Something like…ah, I have it!” The lieutenant gives him a curious look, and with increasing enthusiasm Captain Ishii proceeds to explain his idea.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 11, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii is seated at the desk in his cabin when there is a knock on his door. He tells whoever it is to come in and the door opens to reveal Shiro and Riku. The two sailors step in, looking slightly nervous.
“Ah, Ariga and Kuramata,” says Captain Ishii. “Relax, I have a job for you two.” He rises from his desk and throws open a trunk. He rummages around inside it for a moment and pulls out a baseball glove, which he hands to Shiro. Shiro turns it around in his hands as he looks it over.
What he is holding bears little resemblance to the baseball gloves that Japanese and Americans will use sixty years hence. In fact even Captain Ishii’s hero Hank Greenberg might think it was on the small side, though any American ballplayer from the World War I era would recognize it readily enough. It is made of stitched leather, just a little larger than an ordinary glove one would wear as protection against the cold. Leather straps form a small pocket between the thumb and forefinger.
“I am told you are the best craftsman aboard the ship,” the captain tells him. “I want you to make eighteen of these. Oh, and make a few to fit the right hand as well. I also need you to make some baseball bats. Use the hardest, finest-grained wood you can find.”
“Yes sir,” says Shiro automatically. Whatever he had been expecting when he was summoned to Captain Ishii’s cabin, it certainly wasn’t this. Captain Ishii turns to Riku.
“You, Ariga,” he says, “will obtain the leather and wood that Kurumata needs. And see how many baseballs you can find. We may need several, I expect that Chief Shun will be playing. I have spoken to your superiors, you are both released from other duties until this job is done.”
“Yes sir,” says Riku.
“Good,” says Captain Ishii. “Work as quickly as possible, I want to begin tryouts tomorrow.”
“Tryouts, sir?” says Shiro.
Captain Ishii smiles at him. The captain’s face has been rather more dour than usual lately, but right now it is alight with enthusiasm.
“Yes indeed," he says. "We are going to play some baseball."
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii is seated at the desk in his cabin when there is a knock on his door. He tells whoever it is to come in and the door opens to reveal Shiro and Riku. The two sailors step in, looking slightly nervous.
“Ah, Ariga and Kuramata,” says Captain Ishii. “Relax, I have a job for you two.” He rises from his desk and throws open a trunk. He rummages around inside it for a moment and pulls out a baseball glove, which he hands to Shiro. Shiro turns it around in his hands as he looks it over.
What he is holding bears little resemblance to the baseball gloves that Japanese and Americans will use sixty years hence. In fact even Captain Ishii’s hero Hank Greenberg might think it was on the small side, though any American ballplayer from the World War I era would recognize it readily enough. It is made of stitched leather, just a little larger than an ordinary glove one would wear as protection against the cold. Leather straps form a small pocket between the thumb and forefinger.
“I am told you are the best craftsman aboard the ship,” the captain tells him. “I want you to make eighteen of these. Oh, and make a few to fit the right hand as well. I also need you to make some baseball bats. Use the hardest, finest-grained wood you can find.”
“Yes sir,” says Shiro automatically. Whatever he had been expecting when he was summoned to Captain Ishii’s cabin, it certainly wasn’t this. Captain Ishii turns to Riku.
“You, Ariga,” he says, “will obtain the leather and wood that Kurumata needs. And see how many baseballs you can find. We may need several, I expect that Chief Shun will be playing. I have spoken to your superiors, you are both released from other duties until this job is done.”
“Yes sir,” says Riku.
“Good,” says Captain Ishii. “Work as quickly as possible, I want to begin tryouts tomorrow.”
“Tryouts, sir?” says Shiro.
Captain Ishii smiles at him. The captain’s face has been rather more dour than usual lately, but right now it is alight with enthusiasm.
“Yes indeed," he says. "We are going to play some baseball."
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Sounds like it is opening day for the Hibiki baseball season - I can hear Captain Ishii say "Play Ball!" [:)] Good timing, with opening day just a few days away.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 12, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Allied invasion forces are spotted approaching Luganville on Espiritu Santo. No defensive action is contemplated by the Japanese forces on Kwajalein. The island has already been written off and the remaining garrison there given up as lost. It galls the Japanese to give up the place without a fight and saddens them to think of the brave men there who will soon be dead, but there is nothing to be done. At the moment there are not enough ships in the Marshalls to stop a force half the size of the one now bearing down on Luganville.
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Allied invasion forces are spotted approaching Luganville on Espiritu Santo. No defensive action is contemplated by the Japanese forces on Kwajalein. The island has already been written off and the remaining garrison there given up as lost. It galls the Japanese to give up the place without a fight and saddens them to think of the brave men there who will soon be dead, but there is nothing to be done. At the moment there are not enough ships in the Marshalls to stop a force half the size of the one now bearing down on Luganville.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 13, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Shiro drafts a couple of helpers and gets busy making baseball equipment. Captain Ishii, meanwhile, announces tryouts for two teams, one to be lead by himself and one by Lieutenant Sakati. They will play several games against each other to hone their skills, then the best players will form a team to challenge teams from other ships in the anchorage. The Navy has constructed a very nice baseball field on Kwajalein itself, one that is seeing little use at the moment.
Ishii expects that competition to earn a place on one of the two teams will be keen. He also thinks that the games should engage the interest of most of those who are not playing. The sport is very popular in Japan and it will give the sailors something to talk about and, more important, something to bet on.
---
“Me, sir?” Taiki says. “Of course, sir, if you order it, but I don’t know the first thing about baseball.” Captain Ishii has just asked him if he would consider being the umpire for the upcoming games.
“It is not an order,” says Ishii. “It is a request. But I think you would be a good choice. You have a keen eye for angles and trajectories. More important, you are widely respected and well regarded as fair by your fellow crewmen. Your impartiality would not be in doubt. As for the rules…” He reaches into his pocket and draws out a battered little book, which he hands to Taiki. “Here they are. I know how quickly you memorize things.”
“Well then of course I accept, sir,” says Taiki. “Though wouldn’t an officer be a better choice?”
“Not at all,” says Ishii. “I want the men to feel free to speak their mind to the umpire, and having an officer in that position might inhibit them. As a petty officer, though, you will be in a good position to deal with everyone on the field, from officers to enlisted men.”
“Yes sir,” Taiki says with more enthusiasm than he really feels. He does not know much about baseball, but he does know that in the Japanese version of the game umpires are not treated the same way they are in America. Fans will invariably be polite, of course, but players may routinely heap verbal and physical abuse upon them. “It should be…interesting.”
Captain Ishii grins at him. “Oh yes,” he says. “It will be that.”
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Shiro drafts a couple of helpers and gets busy making baseball equipment. Captain Ishii, meanwhile, announces tryouts for two teams, one to be lead by himself and one by Lieutenant Sakati. They will play several games against each other to hone their skills, then the best players will form a team to challenge teams from other ships in the anchorage. The Navy has constructed a very nice baseball field on Kwajalein itself, one that is seeing little use at the moment.
Ishii expects that competition to earn a place on one of the two teams will be keen. He also thinks that the games should engage the interest of most of those who are not playing. The sport is very popular in Japan and it will give the sailors something to talk about and, more important, something to bet on.
---
“Me, sir?” Taiki says. “Of course, sir, if you order it, but I don’t know the first thing about baseball.” Captain Ishii has just asked him if he would consider being the umpire for the upcoming games.
“It is not an order,” says Ishii. “It is a request. But I think you would be a good choice. You have a keen eye for angles and trajectories. More important, you are widely respected and well regarded as fair by your fellow crewmen. Your impartiality would not be in doubt. As for the rules…” He reaches into his pocket and draws out a battered little book, which he hands to Taiki. “Here they are. I know how quickly you memorize things.”
“Well then of course I accept, sir,” says Taiki. “Though wouldn’t an officer be a better choice?”
“Not at all,” says Ishii. “I want the men to feel free to speak their mind to the umpire, and having an officer in that position might inhibit them. As a petty officer, though, you will be in a good position to deal with everyone on the field, from officers to enlisted men.”
“Yes sir,” Taiki says with more enthusiasm than he really feels. He does not know much about baseball, but he does know that in the Japanese version of the game umpires are not treated the same way they are in America. Fans will invariably be polite, of course, but players may routinely heap verbal and physical abuse upon them. “It should be…interesting.”
Captain Ishii grins at him. “Oh yes,” he says. “It will be that.”
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Fleet champs from the Hibiki? What are the odds of them with a small crew beating the team from a CA or BB? Could Shun be the ringer of a hitter hinted at? There should be lots of Yen floating around betting on the games soon. Who cares about the war? PLAY BALL! 
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
For one thing, they need team names! Don't forget!
I can see it now. The crew of the Hibiki holds the pennant for the IJN, and the 5th Div for the IJA. It's a dubviously ref'd game, bottom of the nineth. Hibiki is down 5-4, 1 out, Ariga on 2nd and Shun at bat. The 2nd pitch is "wild" and glances Shun in the kneck. Shun calmly stalks up to the pitcher's mound, without dropping the bat...
-F-
I can see it now. The crew of the Hibiki holds the pennant for the IJN, and the 5th Div for the IJA. It's a dubviously ref'd game, bottom of the nineth. Hibiki is down 5-4, 1 out, Ariga on 2nd and Shun at bat. The 2nd pitch is "wild" and glances Shun in the kneck. Shun calmly stalks up to the pitcher's mound, without dropping the bat...
-F-
"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me
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bradfordkay
- Posts: 8596
- Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:39 am
- Location: Olympia, WA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
One batting box glare from Shun, and it would take quite a pitcher to throw inside.
fair winds,
Brad
Brad
RE: Small Ship, Big War
The team's name would be a certain snake's name. She is a talisman and now could be a team mascot also.
Runner on 2nd, Shun at the plate...intentional walk. Of course on the next play he would break up a sure double play by sliding in very hard at 2nd and the defensive player would drop the ball while the tying run scored. Game called due to air raid....
Runner on 2nd, Shun at the plate...intentional walk. Of course on the next play he would break up a sure double play by sliding in very hard at 2nd and the defensive player would drop the ball while the tying run scored. Game called due to air raid....
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
97,000 hits!
Holy Shiznit baby!
Way to go CF!
-F-
Holy Shiznit baby!
Way to go CF!
-F-
"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me
RE: Small Ship, Big War
"We may need several, I expect that Chief Shun will be playing."
Priceless...
Priceless...
Andy
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 14, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Most of the crew goes ashore to watch or participate in the tryouts. No one gets to be a spectator at first, however. Lieutenant Sugiyura leads the assembled crew in a vigorous round of calisthenics. While the men rest afterwards Lieutenant Sakati and Captain Ishii get the tryouts organized.
Competition is expected to be keen for a spot on one of the two teams. Many of the men have played before, at least casually, and a handful of men have more extensive experience. Several of the enlisted men have played for company teams in the past. To everyone’s surprise it turns out that that the noted drinker, Seaman Moshizuke, was once a promising shortstop and played professionally for a few months before going into the navy. The medic, Lieutenant JG Nakagawa, played center field for Hosei University in Tokyo, and Petty Officer Okubo was a pitcher who once had a tryout with the Hankyu Baseball Club of the Japanese Baseball League.
Ishii and Sakati next put the contenders through an extensive series of drills; running, batting, fielding, and throwing. Both take extensive notes. Later, after they and the men return to the ship, the two get together in the captain’s cabin and create their teams using a method any schoolboy would quickly recognize; they take turns picking players until both have a team of fifteen.
So far it seems that Captain Ishii’s plan to divert the men and give the crew something else to think about has been a success. The ship is filled with comments about the tryouts and speculation about who will make the teams. This speculation is accompanied by some spirited if low-level betting. Hibiki is still stuck at anchor in the December sunshine, but for the moment at least speculation about defeat is replaced by speculation about curveballs and double plays.
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Most of the crew goes ashore to watch or participate in the tryouts. No one gets to be a spectator at first, however. Lieutenant Sugiyura leads the assembled crew in a vigorous round of calisthenics. While the men rest afterwards Lieutenant Sakati and Captain Ishii get the tryouts organized.
Competition is expected to be keen for a spot on one of the two teams. Many of the men have played before, at least casually, and a handful of men have more extensive experience. Several of the enlisted men have played for company teams in the past. To everyone’s surprise it turns out that that the noted drinker, Seaman Moshizuke, was once a promising shortstop and played professionally for a few months before going into the navy. The medic, Lieutenant JG Nakagawa, played center field for Hosei University in Tokyo, and Petty Officer Okubo was a pitcher who once had a tryout with the Hankyu Baseball Club of the Japanese Baseball League.
Ishii and Sakati next put the contenders through an extensive series of drills; running, batting, fielding, and throwing. Both take extensive notes. Later, after they and the men return to the ship, the two get together in the captain’s cabin and create their teams using a method any schoolboy would quickly recognize; they take turns picking players until both have a team of fifteen.
So far it seems that Captain Ishii’s plan to divert the men and give the crew something else to think about has been a success. The ship is filled with comments about the tryouts and speculation about who will make the teams. This speculation is accompanied by some spirited if low-level betting. Hibiki is still stuck at anchor in the December sunshine, but for the moment at least speculation about defeat is replaced by speculation about curveballs and double plays.
-
Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 15, 1943
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii christens his team the Tigers, while Lieutenant Sakati names his team the Dragons. Paymaster Kataoka handles the betting for the first game, which will be held in three days. The odds initially climb to 4 to 1 in favor of the Tigers on the basis of Ishii’s superior baseball knowledge and on the fact that Shun will be the Tiger’s catcher. They drop to 3 to 1 as some of the more superstitious reflect that Benzaiten is more likely to favor a team named the Dragons. The odds go down to 2.5 to 1 when it is learned that Okubo will be pitching for the Dragons. Okubo is not widely admired but he is the best pitcher on board and those who understand baseball understand the importance of pitching.
Hibiki has been away from Japan for some time and the men have had few chances to spend their pay. Consequently Kataoka is soon holding a considerable amount of money, with all bets meticulously recorded. This raises interest in the upcoming games to an even higher level. Even those who have no interest in sports or competition have an interest in money.
---
Petty Officer Okubo is at first indignant that any team with himself as the pitcher should be the underdog. After reflecting on things, though, he begins to see an opportunity. If he bets a large sum of money on his own team he might make a small fortune if he wins. And he intends to win. He trusts his ability, of course, but only a fool gives his opponent a fair chance at victory. He begins to reflect on what else he might do to guarantee that his team comes out on top.
Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: Disbanded in port
Mission: None
System Damage: 1
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii christens his team the Tigers, while Lieutenant Sakati names his team the Dragons. Paymaster Kataoka handles the betting for the first game, which will be held in three days. The odds initially climb to 4 to 1 in favor of the Tigers on the basis of Ishii’s superior baseball knowledge and on the fact that Shun will be the Tiger’s catcher. They drop to 3 to 1 as some of the more superstitious reflect that Benzaiten is more likely to favor a team named the Dragons. The odds go down to 2.5 to 1 when it is learned that Okubo will be pitching for the Dragons. Okubo is not widely admired but he is the best pitcher on board and those who understand baseball understand the importance of pitching.
Hibiki has been away from Japan for some time and the men have had few chances to spend their pay. Consequently Kataoka is soon holding a considerable amount of money, with all bets meticulously recorded. This raises interest in the upcoming games to an even higher level. Even those who have no interest in sports or competition have an interest in money.
---
Petty Officer Okubo is at first indignant that any team with himself as the pitcher should be the underdog. After reflecting on things, though, he begins to see an opportunity. If he bets a large sum of money on his own team he might make a small fortune if he wins. And he intends to win. He trusts his ability, of course, but only a fool gives his opponent a fair chance at victory. He begins to reflect on what else he might do to guarantee that his team comes out on top.
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Petty Officer Okubo is at first indignant that any team with himself as the pitcher should be the underdog. After reflecting on things, though, he begins to see an opportunity. If he bets a large sum of money on his own team he might make a small fortune if he wins. And he intends to win. He trusts his ability, of course, but only a fool gives his opponent a fair chance at victory. He begins to reflect on what else he might do to guarantee that his team comes out on top.
Are the players even allowed to bet? Seems like a bit of a conflict of interest there... Some guy named Pete Rose comes to mind... [;)]
-F-
"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me
-
bradfordkay
- Posts: 8596
- Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:39 am
- Location: Olympia, WA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
I wonder how many of these guys are concerned with making the Combined Fleet Hall of Fame? [:'(]
fair winds,
Brad
Brad