You know, a guy like Petty Officer Okubo could bring back the practice of keel-hauling. An excellent character, Mr. Cuttlefish.
I also await, with interest, Okubo's brushback pitch to Shun. That may bring forth that most malevolant of "smiles" from the Chief.
Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
-
Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 18, 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
---
Riku checks his clipboard. He has just collected the last load of gear from Shiro and sent it ashore and now he quickly runs down the list of players on both teams. The only player unaccounted for is Moshizuke. Riku turns to Shoji, who is standing nearby.
“Hey Shoji, have you seen Moshizuke?” Riku asks him.
Shoji shakes his head. “I think he bunks aft,” he says. “I’ll go see if I can find him.” Riku thanks him and Shoji hurries away. He returns just a few minutes later.
“I found him,” he says, “but I don’t think he’s going to be playing baseball this morning.”
“Show me,” Riku says. Shoji leads him aft. They are followed by Shiro, who has just arrived on deck.
---
“Moshizuke, you idiot,” says Riku, lifting an empty bottle of sake. Moshizuke does not answer, as he is fast asleep on his pallet.
“The Captain is going to kill him,” says Shiro with worry.
“I’ll kill him!” yelps Shoji. “I have money on the Tigers! Wake up, Moshizuke, wake up!” He prods the recumbent sailor with his foot. Moshizuke stirs and mumbles but does not reach full consciousness.
“This calls for emergency measures,” says Riku. “Living in a family full of drunks has advantages. Shiro, bring me a green sea anemone, a big one, and an empty jar. Shoji, I need a bottle of vinegar, a little bit of grease, some squid ink, and a yam. Get the ripest one you can, overripe would be good.” The two stare at him curiously, but he shoos them out of the room and on their way.
---
The items are assembled. Riku works quickly, aware that time is growing short. He begins mixing ingredients in the jar. Both Shiro and Shoji watch curiously as he gets to the anemone, but when they see what he is going to do they turn quickly away. Shiro looks a little green in the dim light.
Soon the concoction is ready. It looks vile and gives off an evil smell. “Prop him up,” says Riku. The other two do so and Riku kneels. “Drink up,” he tells Moshizuke cheerfully, then opens the sleeping man’s mouth and pours in some of the liquid. He then quickly sets the jar down behind him and clamps Moshizuke’s mouth shut. The sailor swallows reflexively.
The results are interesting, to say the least. Moshizuke’s eyes suddenly snap open and he utters a muffled scream. Riku removes his hand and Moshizuke shoots to his feet, a wild look on his face.
“Aaaah!” he says. “Gaaah!”
Riku beams. “Grandmother’s recipe,” he tells Shiro and Shoji. “Works every time.”
---
“Glad you could join us, Seaman Moshizuke,” says Captain Ishii dryly as Moshizuke comes trotting up. Moshizuke’s eyes are still a little wild but he looks ready to play.
“Yes sir, I’m sorry sir,” says Moshizuke. His voice is a little hoarse. The captain eyes him but says nothing further.
“All right, let’s get this game started,” he says. He steps towards the field and raises his voice. “Play ball!”
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
---
Riku checks his clipboard. He has just collected the last load of gear from Shiro and sent it ashore and now he quickly runs down the list of players on both teams. The only player unaccounted for is Moshizuke. Riku turns to Shoji, who is standing nearby.
“Hey Shoji, have you seen Moshizuke?” Riku asks him.
Shoji shakes his head. “I think he bunks aft,” he says. “I’ll go see if I can find him.” Riku thanks him and Shoji hurries away. He returns just a few minutes later.
“I found him,” he says, “but I don’t think he’s going to be playing baseball this morning.”
“Show me,” Riku says. Shoji leads him aft. They are followed by Shiro, who has just arrived on deck.
---
“Moshizuke, you idiot,” says Riku, lifting an empty bottle of sake. Moshizuke does not answer, as he is fast asleep on his pallet.
“The Captain is going to kill him,” says Shiro with worry.
“I’ll kill him!” yelps Shoji. “I have money on the Tigers! Wake up, Moshizuke, wake up!” He prods the recumbent sailor with his foot. Moshizuke stirs and mumbles but does not reach full consciousness.
“This calls for emergency measures,” says Riku. “Living in a family full of drunks has advantages. Shiro, bring me a green sea anemone, a big one, and an empty jar. Shoji, I need a bottle of vinegar, a little bit of grease, some squid ink, and a yam. Get the ripest one you can, overripe would be good.” The two stare at him curiously, but he shoos them out of the room and on their way.
---
The items are assembled. Riku works quickly, aware that time is growing short. He begins mixing ingredients in the jar. Both Shiro and Shoji watch curiously as he gets to the anemone, but when they see what he is going to do they turn quickly away. Shiro looks a little green in the dim light.
Soon the concoction is ready. It looks vile and gives off an evil smell. “Prop him up,” says Riku. The other two do so and Riku kneels. “Drink up,” he tells Moshizuke cheerfully, then opens the sleeping man’s mouth and pours in some of the liquid. He then quickly sets the jar down behind him and clamps Moshizuke’s mouth shut. The sailor swallows reflexively.
The results are interesting, to say the least. Moshizuke’s eyes suddenly snap open and he utters a muffled scream. Riku removes his hand and Moshizuke shoots to his feet, a wild look on his face.
“Aaaah!” he says. “Gaaah!”
Riku beams. “Grandmother’s recipe,” he tells Shiro and Shoji. “Works every time.”
---
“Glad you could join us, Seaman Moshizuke,” says Captain Ishii dryly as Moshizuke comes trotting up. Moshizuke’s eyes are still a little wild but he looks ready to play.
“Yes sir, I’m sorry sir,” says Moshizuke. His voice is a little hoarse. The captain eyes him but says nothing further.
“All right, let’s get this game started,” he says. He steps towards the field and raises his voice. “Play ball!”
-
bradfordkay
- Posts: 8596
- Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:39 am
- Location: Olympia, WA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
After drinking that concoction, I am surprised that the poor fellow isn't in the heads puking his guts out...
fair winds,
Brad
Brad
-
Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 18, 1943 (continued):
The Tigers have been selected as the visiting team and bat first. Okubo retires the first two batters without trouble but then Torpedoman Hosogaya, the Tiger’s first baseman, singles. This brings Shun to the plate.
Most of the crew is seated along both base lines, watching the game and offering cheers, catcalls, and helpful advice to their shipmates. As Shun digs in, however, they all fall silent. Okubo versus Shun is without question the most awaited matchup of the game.
Taiki crouches behind the catcher and takes a deep breath. So far calling the balls and strikes has been easy, though standing there without protective gear of any kind he feels a little like he is standing out on a firing range. Okubo throws the baseball very hard. Shun settles into the right hand batter’s box. Taiki notes that the bat looks almost small in the Chief’s big fists.
Out on the mound Okubo rolls his shoulders to loosen them and then pitches. The first one is low and Shun watches it go by. Okubo’s next pitch is a fastball right on the outside edge of the plate. Taiki eyes it carefully and recalls that if any part of the ball crosses the plate at the appropriate level it should be called a strike.
“Strike!” he says, raising his right hand. Shun turns and gives him a baleful basilisk stare, then takes his stance again. The next pitch is almost identical, and Taiki again calls it a strike. This time Shun turns fully around and stares at him. Taiki straightens slowly and looks back Sweat trickles down the back of his neck, and it isn’t just from standing in the morning sunshine. Over on the first base bench Captain Ishii looks on impassively.
“One ball, two strikes,” says Taiki. “Take your stance, Chief.” He is pleased there is no quaver in his voice. Shun grunts and turns away, cocking his bat over his shoulder. Taiki can see he his now gripping the bat so hard his knuckles are white.
Okubo tries to do the same thing again, but this time the pitch comes in a couple of inches further inside and belt high. Shun swings so hard he grunts with the force of it.
Shun gets slightly under the pitch, but even so the ball sails high into the clear air of Kwajalein. There is a collective “ooh” from the onlookers as they follow the trajectory of the ball. In dead center field Lieutenant JG Nakagawa races back. He turns right up against the chain link fence and raises his glove. The ball drops into it and the inning is over. Shun, already nearing second base, simply shakes his head once and trots off the field.
---
It is now the bottom of the fourth inning. The Dragons lead, 2 to 1. Seaman Itokawa, one of the ship’s cooks, does not throw as hard or as accurately as Okubo but he has a pretty good curveball, a difficult pitch for most of Sakati’s players to hit.
Okubo leads off, however, and he has faced curveballs before. He waits on one and singles to left. The next batter hits a hard ground ball to shortstop. Moshizuke’s complexion is still an odd color but he moves quickly to his right and snares the ball. He turns and snaps a good throw to the second baseman. The second baseman snags it, forcing Okubo, but as he turns to throw to first and complete the double play Okubo comes in with a hard slide. Amid a concealing spray of sand and dirt Okubo lashes out and catches the second baseman under the left kneecap with a vicious kick. The man collapses, clutching his knee.
“So very sorry,” says Okubo, standing and moving solicitously to help the man, who is now rolling on his back. Nakagawa comes running in from the bench. He looks the knee over and then helps the man off the field. Ishii sends in a replacement and the game continues.
---
The game goes into the bottom of the eighth tied 4 to 4. Okubo again leads off and doubles down the left field line. The next two batters pop out and strike out, respectively, but then Nakagawa slaps a hard single to center. Okubo churns around third and heads to the plate. Shun moves up to block and the throw comes in on one hop, right on target. Okubo slides headfirst, reaching around Shun for the plate.
Taiki is standing right over the play and he sees Shun snag the ball with his bare hand. Shun brings hand and ball down in a hard tag right on the back of Okubo’s head.
“The runner is out!” calls Taiki. Okubo’s face bounces off the dirt. Taiki sees Shun bend over Okubo and hears him speak in a low voice.
“Try kicking another infielder and next time they will carry you off the field,” Shun says. Taiki steps back, giving no sign he has heard anything. Okubo stands, nose bleeding and face caked with dust, and reels away to clean up and prepare for the ninth inning.
Okubo may be getting tired, or perhaps Shun’s tag has a lingering effect. In any event the first batter walks, and then with one out Shun hits a line drive up the gap in left center field. It strikes the chain link fence so hard it sticks in the mesh. Taiki calls it a ground rule double, which leaves runners at second and third. Okubo takes a deep breath and strikes out the next batter, which brings Moshizuke to the plate.
Moshizuke has fielded his position well but has had trouble today catching up with Okubo’s fastball. This time, however, he grounds the second pitch hard past the shortstop. The shortstop dives but the ball hits a bit of coral or something and takes a hop past his outstretched glove and into the outfield. Two runs score and the Tigers lead for the first time, 6 to 4.
---
That is how the game ends. The Tigers score no more runs in their half of the inning and the Dragons go out in order in the bottom of the ninth. After the final pitch Shun straightens from his catching position and turns to Taiki.
“You did a good job today,” is all he says. He pulls off his catcher’s mitt and goes to join his teammates. Onlookers and players mingle, everyone talking about the game, and Taiki goes and mops his face off with a towel.
Captain Ishii is pleased with the game and gives the players the rest of the day off. The other crewmen return to the ship, talking animatedly about what they have seen. Those who made money are a bit more cheerful than those who lost their bets, of course. Already there is a lot of anticipation building for the next game, to be held in three days.
The Tigers have been selected as the visiting team and bat first. Okubo retires the first two batters without trouble but then Torpedoman Hosogaya, the Tiger’s first baseman, singles. This brings Shun to the plate.
Most of the crew is seated along both base lines, watching the game and offering cheers, catcalls, and helpful advice to their shipmates. As Shun digs in, however, they all fall silent. Okubo versus Shun is without question the most awaited matchup of the game.
Taiki crouches behind the catcher and takes a deep breath. So far calling the balls and strikes has been easy, though standing there without protective gear of any kind he feels a little like he is standing out on a firing range. Okubo throws the baseball very hard. Shun settles into the right hand batter’s box. Taiki notes that the bat looks almost small in the Chief’s big fists.
Out on the mound Okubo rolls his shoulders to loosen them and then pitches. The first one is low and Shun watches it go by. Okubo’s next pitch is a fastball right on the outside edge of the plate. Taiki eyes it carefully and recalls that if any part of the ball crosses the plate at the appropriate level it should be called a strike.
“Strike!” he says, raising his right hand. Shun turns and gives him a baleful basilisk stare, then takes his stance again. The next pitch is almost identical, and Taiki again calls it a strike. This time Shun turns fully around and stares at him. Taiki straightens slowly and looks back Sweat trickles down the back of his neck, and it isn’t just from standing in the morning sunshine. Over on the first base bench Captain Ishii looks on impassively.
“One ball, two strikes,” says Taiki. “Take your stance, Chief.” He is pleased there is no quaver in his voice. Shun grunts and turns away, cocking his bat over his shoulder. Taiki can see he his now gripping the bat so hard his knuckles are white.
Okubo tries to do the same thing again, but this time the pitch comes in a couple of inches further inside and belt high. Shun swings so hard he grunts with the force of it.
Shun gets slightly under the pitch, but even so the ball sails high into the clear air of Kwajalein. There is a collective “ooh” from the onlookers as they follow the trajectory of the ball. In dead center field Lieutenant JG Nakagawa races back. He turns right up against the chain link fence and raises his glove. The ball drops into it and the inning is over. Shun, already nearing second base, simply shakes his head once and trots off the field.
---
It is now the bottom of the fourth inning. The Dragons lead, 2 to 1. Seaman Itokawa, one of the ship’s cooks, does not throw as hard or as accurately as Okubo but he has a pretty good curveball, a difficult pitch for most of Sakati’s players to hit.
Okubo leads off, however, and he has faced curveballs before. He waits on one and singles to left. The next batter hits a hard ground ball to shortstop. Moshizuke’s complexion is still an odd color but he moves quickly to his right and snares the ball. He turns and snaps a good throw to the second baseman. The second baseman snags it, forcing Okubo, but as he turns to throw to first and complete the double play Okubo comes in with a hard slide. Amid a concealing spray of sand and dirt Okubo lashes out and catches the second baseman under the left kneecap with a vicious kick. The man collapses, clutching his knee.
“So very sorry,” says Okubo, standing and moving solicitously to help the man, who is now rolling on his back. Nakagawa comes running in from the bench. He looks the knee over and then helps the man off the field. Ishii sends in a replacement and the game continues.
---
The game goes into the bottom of the eighth tied 4 to 4. Okubo again leads off and doubles down the left field line. The next two batters pop out and strike out, respectively, but then Nakagawa slaps a hard single to center. Okubo churns around third and heads to the plate. Shun moves up to block and the throw comes in on one hop, right on target. Okubo slides headfirst, reaching around Shun for the plate.
Taiki is standing right over the play and he sees Shun snag the ball with his bare hand. Shun brings hand and ball down in a hard tag right on the back of Okubo’s head.
“The runner is out!” calls Taiki. Okubo’s face bounces off the dirt. Taiki sees Shun bend over Okubo and hears him speak in a low voice.
“Try kicking another infielder and next time they will carry you off the field,” Shun says. Taiki steps back, giving no sign he has heard anything. Okubo stands, nose bleeding and face caked with dust, and reels away to clean up and prepare for the ninth inning.
Okubo may be getting tired, or perhaps Shun’s tag has a lingering effect. In any event the first batter walks, and then with one out Shun hits a line drive up the gap in left center field. It strikes the chain link fence so hard it sticks in the mesh. Taiki calls it a ground rule double, which leaves runners at second and third. Okubo takes a deep breath and strikes out the next batter, which brings Moshizuke to the plate.
Moshizuke has fielded his position well but has had trouble today catching up with Okubo’s fastball. This time, however, he grounds the second pitch hard past the shortstop. The shortstop dives but the ball hits a bit of coral or something and takes a hop past his outstretched glove and into the outfield. Two runs score and the Tigers lead for the first time, 6 to 4.
---
That is how the game ends. The Tigers score no more runs in their half of the inning and the Dragons go out in order in the bottom of the ninth. After the final pitch Shun straightens from his catching position and turns to Taiki.
“You did a good job today,” is all he says. He pulls off his catcher’s mitt and goes to join his teammates. Onlookers and players mingle, everyone talking about the game, and Taiki goes and mops his face off with a towel.
Captain Ishii is pleased with the game and gives the players the rest of the day off. The other crewmen return to the ship, talking animatedly about what they have seen. Those who made money are a bit more cheerful than those who lost their bets, of course. Already there is a lot of anticipation building for the next game, to be held in three days.
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Well done!
Shun--as the catcher--would be terrifying if I was looking to slide into Home Plate!
Shun--as the catcher--would be terrifying if I was looking to slide into Home Plate!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
-
BrucePowers
- Posts: 12090
- Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:13 pm
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish
December 18, 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
---
Riku checks his clipboard. He has just collected the last load of gear from Shiro and sent it ashore and now he quickly runs down the list of players on both teams. The only player unaccounted for is Moshizuke. Riku turns to Shoji, who is standing nearby.
“Hey Shoji, have you seen Moshizuke?” Riku asks him.
Shoji shakes his head. “I think he bunks aft,” he says. “I’ll go see if I can find him.” Riku thanks him and Shoji hurries away. He returns just a few minutes later.
“I found him,” he says, “but I don’t think he’s going to be playing baseball this morning.”
“Show me,” Riku says. Shoji leads him aft. They are followed by Shiro, who has just arrived on deck.
---
“Moshizuke, you idiot,” says Riku, lifting an empty bottle of sake. Moshizuke does not answer, as he is fast asleep on his pallet.
“The Captain is going to kill him,” says Shiro with worry.
“I’ll kill him!” yelps Shoji. “I have money on the Tigers! Wake up, Moshizuke, wake up!” He prods the recumbent sailor with his foot. Moshizuke stirs and mumbles but does not reach full consciousness.
“This calls for emergency measures,” says Riku. “Living in a family full of drunks has advantages. Shiro, bring me a green sea anemone, a big one, and an empty jar. Shoji, I need a bottle of vinegar, a little bit of grease, some squid ink, and a yam. Get the ripest one you can, overripe would be good.” The two stare at him curiously, but he shoos them out of the room and on their way.
---
The items are assembled. Riku works quickly, aware that time is growing short. He begins mixing ingredients in the jar. Both Shiro and Shoji watch curiously as he gets to the anemone, but when they see what he is going to do they turn quickly away. Shiro looks a little green in the dim light.
Soon the concoction is ready. It looks vile and gives off an evil smell. “Prop him up,” says Riku. The other two do so and Riku kneels. “Drink up,” he tells Moshizuke cheerfully, then opens the sleeping man’s mouth and pours in some of the liquid. He then quickly sets the jar down behind him and clamps Moshizuke’s mouth shut. The sailor swallows reflexively.
The results are interesting, to say the least. Moshizuke’s eyes suddenly snap open and he utters a muffled scream. Riku removes his hand and Moshizuke shoots to his feet, a wild look on his face.
“Aaaah!” he says. “Gaaah!”
Riku beams. “Grandmother’s recipe,” he tells Shiro and Shoji. “Works every time.”
---
“Glad you could join us, Seaman Moshizuke,” says Captain Ishii dryly as Moshizuke comes trotting up. Moshizuke’s eyes are still a little wild but he looks ready to play.
“Yes sir, I’m sorry sir,” says Moshizuke. His voice is a little hoarse. The captain eyes him but says nothing further.
“All right, let’s get this game started,” he says. He steps towards the field and raises his voice. “Play ball!”
This reminds me a scene from Rio Bravo with John Wayne, Robert Mitchum and James Caan[:D]
For what we are about to receive, may we be truly thankful.
Lieutenant Bush - Captain Horatio Hornblower by C S Forester
Lieutenant Bush - Captain Horatio Hornblower by C S Forester
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
The items are assembled. Riku works quickly, aware that time is growing short. He begins mixing ingredients in the jar. Both Shiro and Shoji watch curiously as he gets to the anemone, but when they see what he is going to do they turn quickly away. Shiro looks a little green in the dim light.
Soon the concoction is ready. It looks vile and gives off an evil smell. “Prop him up,” says Riku. The other two do so and Riku kneels. “Drink up,” he tells Moshizuke cheerfully, then opens the sleeping man’s mouth and pours in some of the liquid. He then quickly sets the jar down behind him and clamps Moshizuke’s mouth shut. The sailor swallows reflexively.
War crime trial in Tokyo to follow!![: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
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
This reminds me a scene from Rio Bravo with John Wayne, Robert Mitchum and James Caan
Nope, you're thinking of "El Dorado". "Rio Bravo" was with the Duke and Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson. (And just happens to be my all-time favorite Western.)
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
-
BrucePowers
- Posts: 12090
- Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:13 pm
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock
This reminds me a scene from Rio Bravo with John Wayne, Robert Mitchum and James Caan
Nope, you're thinking of "El Dorado". "Rio Bravo" was with the Duke and Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson. (And just happens to be my all-time favorite Western.)
Ooh, you're right. My mistake ( both were good movies though).
For what we are about to receive, may we be truly thankful.
Lieutenant Bush - Captain Horatio Hornblower by C S Forester
Lieutenant Bush - Captain Horatio Hornblower by C S Forester
-
Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
December 19, 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
---
“I think your plan has worked well, sir,” Lieutenant Miharu tells Captain Ishii. “The morale of the crew seems remarkably improved.” Privately he thinks that the biggest benefit has been to Ishii’s own mood, but he does not say so.
“Thank you, Exec,” says Ishii. “It isn’t a substitute for action, of course, but that will probably come our way soon enough. The enemy has invaded Luganville and they are no doubt already planning further attacks.”
“I wonder where?” says the lieutenant.
Ishii shrugs. “If you figure that out let the top brass know,” he says. “I imagine that is the main subject of conversation in the Naval Ministry right now.” He pauses. “Heavy cruiser Takao has a baseball team. They have accepted my challenge and we will play a game next week.”
“Very good, sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu.
Ishii nods. “It will be interesting. They have a much larger pool of talent to draw from, of course, but I think we will give a good account of ourselves.” He stops and thinks for a moment. “Too bad we can’t challenge the Americans. What a civilized way that would be to settle our differences! Teams from both countries could meet at some neutral site and play a series of seven or nine games, with the winner able to dictate terms.”
“What about the British and their allies?” asks Lieutenant Miharu. “Do they play baseball in England?”
Ishii shakes his head. “No, that would be a problem,” he says. “They play a game there called cricket. I don’t really understand it. The bats are flat and there are things called wickets involved.”
“Wickets?” asks the lieutenant. Captain Ishii just shakes his head.
“You’ll have to ask the British,” he says. “I don’t think anyone else really understands the game.”
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
---
“I think your plan has worked well, sir,” Lieutenant Miharu tells Captain Ishii. “The morale of the crew seems remarkably improved.” Privately he thinks that the biggest benefit has been to Ishii’s own mood, but he does not say so.
“Thank you, Exec,” says Ishii. “It isn’t a substitute for action, of course, but that will probably come our way soon enough. The enemy has invaded Luganville and they are no doubt already planning further attacks.”
“I wonder where?” says the lieutenant.
Ishii shrugs. “If you figure that out let the top brass know,” he says. “I imagine that is the main subject of conversation in the Naval Ministry right now.” He pauses. “Heavy cruiser Takao has a baseball team. They have accepted my challenge and we will play a game next week.”
“Very good, sir,” says Lieutenant Miharu.
Ishii nods. “It will be interesting. They have a much larger pool of talent to draw from, of course, but I think we will give a good account of ourselves.” He stops and thinks for a moment. “Too bad we can’t challenge the Americans. What a civilized way that would be to settle our differences! Teams from both countries could meet at some neutral site and play a series of seven or nine games, with the winner able to dictate terms.”
“What about the British and their allies?” asks Lieutenant Miharu. “Do they play baseball in England?”
Ishii shakes his head. “No, that would be a problem,” he says. “They play a game there called cricket. I don’t really understand it. The bats are flat and there are things called wickets involved.”
“Wickets?” asks the lieutenant. Captain Ishii just shakes his head.
“You’ll have to ask the British,” he says. “I don’t think anyone else really understands the game.”
RE: Small Ship, Big War
The English don't either... That's why they keep losing...[:D]
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
-
Onime No Kyo
- Posts: 16846
- Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:55 am
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Great game CF.
I dont know a terrble lot about baseball but I seem to recall hearing that in Japan, unlike the US, pitchers are actually expected to hit as well as everyone else.
I dont know a terrble lot about baseball but I seem to recall hearing that in Japan, unlike the US, pitchers are actually expected to hit as well as everyone else.
"Mighty is the Thread! Great are its works and insane are its inhabitants!" -Brother Mynok
RE: Small Ship, Big War
I'm not really even a baseball person. I -might- watch the last game of the World Series if it goes 3-3. Other than that, I could really give a crap. But this was the most exciting baseball I've "see" (err... read) in a long time!
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"It is obvious that you have greatly over-estimated my regard for your opinion." - Me
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goodboyladdie
- Posts: 3470
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:35 pm
- Location: Rendlesham, Suffolk
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Terminus
The English don't either... That's why they keep losing...[:D]
Do keep up, Old Boy. We win as much as we lose these days...
Art by the amazing Dixie
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Must be a recent development...[:'(]
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
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goodboyladdie
- Posts: 3470
- Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:35 pm
- Location: Rendlesham, Suffolk
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Stick to handball and stop spamming the Hibiki! [:'(]
Art by the amazing Dixie
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Onime No Kyo
Great game CF.
I dont know a terrble lot about baseball but I seem to recall hearing that in Japan, unlike the US, pitchers are actually expected to hit as well as everyone else.
In those long-ago and far off days pitchers batted both in America and in Japan. There was also no astroturf, very few relief pitchers, and starting pitchers were expected to go on three day's rest. Football players routinely played both offense and defense. And they all did it for an average working salary.