02 March 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 114
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Close air support
***
Sagami Maru had arrived at Naga and docked with the newly constructed pier late the previous evening. While the port was referred to as Naga by the humans, that wasn’t entirely the case as Naga City was actually 12 miles inland from this particular port. This was a natural anchorage in the area, and the Japanese Navy had been very busy building it up in the last three months.
This particular pier was located at Balonnay where the Sagami Maru would be unloaded and its cargo then moved by truck to the rail head in Naga City. From there the cargo would be shipped to the various points it was needed by either an army or navy quartermaster, depending on which service the cargo belonged to.
In the case of Sagami Maru, the rations, ammunition and other items were bound for the Navy quartermaster’s staging area. This included Sam and Emi-Chan’s crate home, which was stacked up into a cargo net and lifted by ships crane onto a waiting military truck at the dock. Having had full well enough excitement from the cat on the ship, both rats were more than happy to ride the truck to where ever it was going.
And where it was going was directly to the harbor master’s office…via the quartermaster’s staging area. The trip took most of the day. By the time the sun set the crates, rats and all were neatly stacked in an out of the way corner of the harbor master’s warehouse until such time as Commander Murakami could come and claim them.
Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
There will be a short break as my opponant will be gone for about 1 week. Because I am allowing him to read this AAR, that means I need to keep the game a good bit ahead of the AAR. There will be few if any additions until we are actively playing again.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
03 March 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 114
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Close air support
***
Tamon stood on the fantail of Kasumi watching the aircraft roar off the decks of the carriers behind them. Kasumi had been appointed to point picket duty today, which meant staying in front of the carriers. This was done in hope of finding submarines before they could get in range to fire a torpedo at the larger ships.
Joining him on the fantail was the ship’s engineer Hinata Saito. The two had served together on board Kasumi for the past two years and had developed a friendship. Hinata was a quiet and reserved man, very much unlike most of the officer’s aboard the destroyer. Hinata also spoke fluent English as he had spent a few years in the United States before the war. This gave the two men an even stronger bond, as they had much in common and had learned much from their time abroad.
“And there they go again.” Hinata was referring to the airplanes roaring off the decks of the carriers. “The Americans, they are stubborn. They will not give up or run away as easily as the Chinese.”
“I found the British to be much the same. It is no surprise that they still hold Singapore. This is not going to be the quick easy war the army promised the people.”
“The Dutch seem to be resisting as well. If they were not cut off from their homeland, they might prove more difficult to dislodge as well. What have we gotten into Tamon?”
“I don’t know, but I see a long road ahead of us my friend.”
DD Kasumi attached to TF 114
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Close air support
***
Tamon stood on the fantail of Kasumi watching the aircraft roar off the decks of the carriers behind them. Kasumi had been appointed to point picket duty today, which meant staying in front of the carriers. This was done in hope of finding submarines before they could get in range to fire a torpedo at the larger ships.
Joining him on the fantail was the ship’s engineer Hinata Saito. The two had served together on board Kasumi for the past two years and had developed a friendship. Hinata was a quiet and reserved man, very much unlike most of the officer’s aboard the destroyer. Hinata also spoke fluent English as he had spent a few years in the United States before the war. This gave the two men an even stronger bond, as they had much in common and had learned much from their time abroad.
“And there they go again.” Hinata was referring to the airplanes roaring off the decks of the carriers. “The Americans, they are stubborn. They will not give up or run away as easily as the Chinese.”
“I found the British to be much the same. It is no surprise that they still hold Singapore. This is not going to be the quick easy war the army promised the people.”
“The Dutch seem to be resisting as well. If they were not cut off from their homeland, they might prove more difficult to dislodge as well. What have we gotten into Tamon?”
“I don’t know, but I see a long road ahead of us my friend.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
04 March 1942
DD Kasumi attached to TF 114
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Close air support
***
A coded message was sent out from 2nd Fleet Headquarters early in the morning. At least two Allied submarines had been spotted near Manila. Before Tamon could report the message to Commander Murakami, a flash message from Akagi had to be decoded.
:::Allied submarine activity in area. ASW patrols to be increased:::
DD Kasumi attached to TF 114
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Close air support
***
A coded message was sent out from 2nd Fleet Headquarters early in the morning. At least two Allied submarines had been spotted near Manila. Before Tamon could report the message to Commander Murakami, a flash message from Akagi had to be decoded.
:::Allied submarine activity in area. ASW patrols to be increased:::
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
05 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
The orders for Kasumi to dock with the repair ships came overnight. By sunrise, Kasumi was being towed into its final mooring position by a couple of harbor tugs. Kasumi finally found herself moored next to a destroyer tender and a bustle of activity.
Technicians and mechanics scurried about the destroyer’s decks making notes, inspecting pipes, and generally getting in the way of the crew. There were repairs to be made, parts to be manufactured, and Kasumi was going to need basically all of her boiler tubes replaced. They were going to be here a while…
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
The orders for Kasumi to dock with the repair ships came overnight. By sunrise, Kasumi was being towed into its final mooring position by a couple of harbor tugs. Kasumi finally found herself moored next to a destroyer tender and a bustle of activity.
Technicians and mechanics scurried about the destroyer’s decks making notes, inspecting pipes, and generally getting in the way of the crew. There were repairs to be made, parts to be manufactured, and Kasumi was going to need basically all of her boiler tubes replaced. They were going to be here a while…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Multi-part Update [:)]
06 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
“Yes sir?”
“Ah, Harada. I have a job for you. You will need to find a truck and go to Naga to retrieve three crates for me. Be very careful with them, the contents are valuable.” Murakami handed Tamon a piece of paper. “You will need this to claim them.”
“Yes sir.”
And with that Tamon found himself tracking down a truck to commandeer on the pier. One half an hour and quite a bit of haggling later, Tamon was on his way to the harbor master’s office. He had no idea what was in the crates, and the road trip only gave him time to ponder the contents.
After another half an hour, Tamon found himself standing in a small office in a corrugated tin building. In front of him, was a short, fat, sweaty clerk who was acting as the harbor master’s inventory officer. Tamon handed the man the paper given him by Commander Murakami and was told to wait. Ten minutes later, the clerk returned along with a dock worker pushing a dolly loaded with three mid sized crates. The crates had no special markings, only marked that they were the property of Commander Murakami.
The dock worker loaded the crates onto Tamon’s commandeered truck, and Tamon was on his way back to Kasumi…
***
Sam and Emi-Chan were awakened when the crate began to move. No doubt the crate was being sent to a new destination. After considering their options, they decided it would be for the best if they stayed in the crate and rode it to the new destination. The harbor master’s office had been spartan compared to the freighter, with little in the way of edible food. The fat human at the desk left almost no crumbs for them to scavenge and there were no ration crates in the tin building. Certainly the new location would be better…
06 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
“Yes sir?”
“Ah, Harada. I have a job for you. You will need to find a truck and go to Naga to retrieve three crates for me. Be very careful with them, the contents are valuable.” Murakami handed Tamon a piece of paper. “You will need this to claim them.”
“Yes sir.”
And with that Tamon found himself tracking down a truck to commandeer on the pier. One half an hour and quite a bit of haggling later, Tamon was on his way to the harbor master’s office. He had no idea what was in the crates, and the road trip only gave him time to ponder the contents.
After another half an hour, Tamon found himself standing in a small office in a corrugated tin building. In front of him, was a short, fat, sweaty clerk who was acting as the harbor master’s inventory officer. Tamon handed the man the paper given him by Commander Murakami and was told to wait. Ten minutes later, the clerk returned along with a dock worker pushing a dolly loaded with three mid sized crates. The crates had no special markings, only marked that they were the property of Commander Murakami.
The dock worker loaded the crates onto Tamon’s commandeered truck, and Tamon was on his way back to Kasumi…
***
Sam and Emi-Chan were awakened when the crate began to move. No doubt the crate was being sent to a new destination. After considering their options, they decided it would be for the best if they stayed in the crate and rode it to the new destination. The harbor master’s office had been spartan compared to the freighter, with little in the way of edible food. The fat human at the desk left almost no crumbs for them to scavenge and there were no ration crates in the tin building. Certainly the new location would be better…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
***
When Tamon arrived back at the pier, he found Hinata and Katsuo at the gangway.
“Commander Murakami sent us to help you unload the crates. He wants us to take them to the officer’s ward room. Do you have any idea what is in them Tamon?” Hinata had not been told of the contents either.
“No I don’t Hinata. They’re heavy, but not that heavy. I can’t tell anything else about them. No labels, only the Commander’s name on them.”
“Perhaps the Commander will tell us in time. I assume when he wants us to know, he will tell us.” Katsuo offered.
The three men took a crate each and stacked them neatly in the officer’s ward room. What ever was in the crates would make itself known in good time.
***
Later that evening, Commander Murakami had all the officer’s gathered together in the ward room. On the table was one of the mysterious crates. No one had yet noticed the small hole chewed into the corner of the crate.
“Gentlemen,” Murakami spoke, “you are all probably quite interested to know what are in these crates that I’ve had brought aboard the ship. This one that I have set on the table is for us. The other two I will be saving as barter items I can use when the need arises. Goto, would you please open the crate?”
Katsuo used a pry bar and opened the lid of the crate. As he was pulling the lid up, a large brown rat jumped out onto his arm and began climbing upward. With a loud shriek, Katsuo drew back and slung his arm to dislodge the ascending rat. Whether it was pure luck or perfect aim, Katsuo managed to fling the rat out of an open porthole on the side of the ship. The rat cleared the rail and landed on the roof of a passing lighter…
***
In the confusion, no one in the room noticed the smaller white rat that jumped onto the deck and made her way down the ship’s corridor. The terrified female could only think of one thing, finding a place to hide. She also didn’t noticed the three sailors she ran past in the corridor. Only later would she realize that Sam was gone from her life…
“Hey! Did you see that?” Hideyoshi shouted.
“See what?” Arata asked.
“You mean that rat?” Isamu queried.
“Yes. It was a solid white rat. It is a good omen. Such a creature on the ship could bring us good luck.”
“Do you really believe that Hideyoshi?” Isamu looked skeptical…
***
“Well that was certainly a surprise. Did it bite you Goto?” Murakami asked.
“No sir. I believe I am not injured. Just …shocked I guess.”
“Very well, go ahead and have a seat.”
With the rat seemingly no longer a problem, and Katsuo finally calmed down. The men turned their attention back to the crate. The crate itself was filled with a dozen glass bottles. Murakami pulled on of them bottles out.
“These bottles are very special, and likely will be very rare in the coming months.” Murakami stated as he held the bottle for the officers to see. “What we have here are three crates of Jameson Irish Whiskey.”
“Where did you manage to get that…er…if you don’t mind my asking…sir.” Akira asked.
Murakami chuckled before answering. “I won a bet with an old friend, and let’s leave it at that. What is important to all of you is that I have decided to share my winnings with my officers. So enjoy it while it lasts and try to make it last a while.”
“And what of the other crates?” this time it was Hinata asking the question.
“We will store those unopened…on second thought we should probably check for more rats.” Murakami paused a moment. “As I was saying we will store them and use the whiskey to barter for items we need as the need arises. In a time of war there will be shortages of goods, this way we will have something of value to trade for the things we need. Now then, Sanada would you be so kind as to pour everyone a drink?”
When Tamon arrived back at the pier, he found Hinata and Katsuo at the gangway.
“Commander Murakami sent us to help you unload the crates. He wants us to take them to the officer’s ward room. Do you have any idea what is in them Tamon?” Hinata had not been told of the contents either.
“No I don’t Hinata. They’re heavy, but not that heavy. I can’t tell anything else about them. No labels, only the Commander’s name on them.”
“Perhaps the Commander will tell us in time. I assume when he wants us to know, he will tell us.” Katsuo offered.
The three men took a crate each and stacked them neatly in the officer’s ward room. What ever was in the crates would make itself known in good time.
***
Later that evening, Commander Murakami had all the officer’s gathered together in the ward room. On the table was one of the mysterious crates. No one had yet noticed the small hole chewed into the corner of the crate.
“Gentlemen,” Murakami spoke, “you are all probably quite interested to know what are in these crates that I’ve had brought aboard the ship. This one that I have set on the table is for us. The other two I will be saving as barter items I can use when the need arises. Goto, would you please open the crate?”
Katsuo used a pry bar and opened the lid of the crate. As he was pulling the lid up, a large brown rat jumped out onto his arm and began climbing upward. With a loud shriek, Katsuo drew back and slung his arm to dislodge the ascending rat. Whether it was pure luck or perfect aim, Katsuo managed to fling the rat out of an open porthole on the side of the ship. The rat cleared the rail and landed on the roof of a passing lighter…
***
In the confusion, no one in the room noticed the smaller white rat that jumped onto the deck and made her way down the ship’s corridor. The terrified female could only think of one thing, finding a place to hide. She also didn’t noticed the three sailors she ran past in the corridor. Only later would she realize that Sam was gone from her life…
“Hey! Did you see that?” Hideyoshi shouted.
“See what?” Arata asked.
“You mean that rat?” Isamu queried.
“Yes. It was a solid white rat. It is a good omen. Such a creature on the ship could bring us good luck.”
“Do you really believe that Hideyoshi?” Isamu looked skeptical…
***
“Well that was certainly a surprise. Did it bite you Goto?” Murakami asked.
“No sir. I believe I am not injured. Just …shocked I guess.”
“Very well, go ahead and have a seat.”
With the rat seemingly no longer a problem, and Katsuo finally calmed down. The men turned their attention back to the crate. The crate itself was filled with a dozen glass bottles. Murakami pulled on of them bottles out.
“These bottles are very special, and likely will be very rare in the coming months.” Murakami stated as he held the bottle for the officers to see. “What we have here are three crates of Jameson Irish Whiskey.”
“Where did you manage to get that…er…if you don’t mind my asking…sir.” Akira asked.
Murakami chuckled before answering. “I won a bet with an old friend, and let’s leave it at that. What is important to all of you is that I have decided to share my winnings with my officers. So enjoy it while it lasts and try to make it last a while.”
“And what of the other crates?” this time it was Hinata asking the question.
“We will store those unopened…on second thought we should probably check for more rats.” Murakami paused a moment. “As I was saying we will store them and use the whiskey to barter for items we need as the need arises. In a time of war there will be shortages of goods, this way we will have something of value to trade for the things we need. Now then, Sanada would you be so kind as to pour everyone a drink?”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
07 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
Emi-Chan was completely lost. This ship was not like the freighters she had been on before. And Sam was no where to be found, she was on her own again. The only thing she could do at the moment was find a place to hide and maybe find something to eat. And with that, a large green colored wooden box looked promising.
And just when she thought she was safe, the top of the box started creaking open and she found herself looking a surprised looking human staring down at her. She was simply too frightened to move at this point. “I’m going to die” was the thought that crossed her mind.
“Hideyoshi! That white rat is here in my lock box!” Arata was completely stunned by finding it there. “What should I do? It’s not running!”
“It’s not?” Hideyoshi queried.
“No, its just staring at me!”
“I have an idea. Don’t startle it.” Hideyoshi’s parents had sent him a care package with some treats from home. He quickly opened the brown paper wrapping he kept them in and broke off a little piece. Then he slowly made his way to Arata’s lock box. The little white rat seemed to terrified to move, even as Hideyoshi reached down into the box.
Emi-Chan was confused. This second human seemed to be offering her a piece of food. Her experiences had always been that humans didn’t like rats. Still she was hungry, and these humans certainly didn’t seem to want to hurt her. In the end, her hunger won out over her fear, and she began nibbling at the piece of sweet cookie the human had set in front of her.
“This is a very good omen. This rat could bring luck to the ship. But we will need to keep somewhere that the cook won’t find it. He’ll certainly kill it if he sees it.”
“Perhaps we could put it in a jar?” Arata asked.
“That will work for now, but it will need a proper cage. And we will have to get the captain’s permission to keep it on board.”
By this time Isamu had walked into crews quarters. “Well if you are determined to keep the filthy vermin so be it. Maybe it will bring us good luck, who knows. Here…” Isamu reached into his own lock box and pulled out a glass jar with a lid. He emptied its contents into the box and handed it to Hideyoshi. “You can use this. I’d rather not have it running loose in here. Just remember, it is against standing orders to keep a pet on the ship. If the officers find out there will be consequences.”
Hideyoshi put another piece of cookie into the jar and laid it on it’s side in Arata’s box. Soon Emi-Chan went in after the food and the lid was secured. Trapped like a rat! Still the humans did not seem to want to hurt her, as they kept giving her pieces of sweet cookie through out the day. Things could be worse, she guessed…
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
Emi-Chan was completely lost. This ship was not like the freighters she had been on before. And Sam was no where to be found, she was on her own again. The only thing she could do at the moment was find a place to hide and maybe find something to eat. And with that, a large green colored wooden box looked promising.
And just when she thought she was safe, the top of the box started creaking open and she found herself looking a surprised looking human staring down at her. She was simply too frightened to move at this point. “I’m going to die” was the thought that crossed her mind.
“Hideyoshi! That white rat is here in my lock box!” Arata was completely stunned by finding it there. “What should I do? It’s not running!”
“It’s not?” Hideyoshi queried.
“No, its just staring at me!”
“I have an idea. Don’t startle it.” Hideyoshi’s parents had sent him a care package with some treats from home. He quickly opened the brown paper wrapping he kept them in and broke off a little piece. Then he slowly made his way to Arata’s lock box. The little white rat seemed to terrified to move, even as Hideyoshi reached down into the box.
Emi-Chan was confused. This second human seemed to be offering her a piece of food. Her experiences had always been that humans didn’t like rats. Still she was hungry, and these humans certainly didn’t seem to want to hurt her. In the end, her hunger won out over her fear, and she began nibbling at the piece of sweet cookie the human had set in front of her.
“This is a very good omen. This rat could bring luck to the ship. But we will need to keep somewhere that the cook won’t find it. He’ll certainly kill it if he sees it.”
“Perhaps we could put it in a jar?” Arata asked.
“That will work for now, but it will need a proper cage. And we will have to get the captain’s permission to keep it on board.”
By this time Isamu had walked into crews quarters. “Well if you are determined to keep the filthy vermin so be it. Maybe it will bring us good luck, who knows. Here…” Isamu reached into his own lock box and pulled out a glass jar with a lid. He emptied its contents into the box and handed it to Hideyoshi. “You can use this. I’d rather not have it running loose in here. Just remember, it is against standing orders to keep a pet on the ship. If the officers find out there will be consequences.”
Hideyoshi put another piece of cookie into the jar and laid it on it’s side in Arata’s box. Soon Emi-Chan went in after the food and the lid was secured. Trapped like a rat! Still the humans did not seem to want to hurt her, as they kept giving her pieces of sweet cookie through out the day. Things could be worse, she guessed…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
08 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
Repairs to the ship were progressing well. Most of the boiler tubes had been pulled out and only needed be replaced by the new ones being manufactured on board the repair ship. In such a state, Kasumi was most definitely going nowhere soon.
Commander Murakami called his officers to the ward room at lunch. He did not say why, which was his custom; just that all officers were to be in attendance. Tamon had a suspicion he knew what was to be discussed, as there is no such thing as a secret on board a warship. The enlisted men were all talking about it when they thought no officers could hear…
After all the officers had finished their meal, Murakami spoke up. “I’m sure you are eager to know why I called you all here. Perhaps some of you already know, or at least have a good guess. It seems that a handful of crewman from the signals department have managed to capture a white rat on board the ship.”
Katsuo spoke up. “Sir, you say captured? We have not disposed of it already?”
“No, we have not. The enlisted men on board the ship have become convinced that this rat is an omen of good luck. They have asked to keep it on board as such.”
This time it was the XO, Akira Sanada that spoke up. “Sir, with all due respect it is a filthy rodent, no matter what color it is. Navy regulations strictly forbid keeping of pets on board a warship.”
“I know the regulations and I agree it is just a filthy rodent. Normally I would just have it killed and tossed overboard. However, the crew is convinced that it is a sign of good luck, and sometimes that is all it takes to make the difference between miracles and disaster. The men’s own beliefs are often far more powerful than the guns and armor on the ship. And for this reason I have decided to allow them to keep the rat on board, provided it stays inside a cage. I do not want it running about the ship freely.”
“And they will need a proper cage to keep it in, as I assume they do not have such an item yet?” was Hinata’s response.
“That is correct Lieutenant Saito. I was hoping you would be able to come up with something in that regard.”
“Yes sir, I will have to locate some supplies from the dockyard, but I should be able to construct a cage for the rat,” was Hinata’s reply.
“Very well. Are there any other questions?”
It was Tamon’s turn to speak up. “Just one sir. Have they named it?”
Murakami chuckled. “It seems they have. Seaman Sato suggested Emi-Chan. He said that it seemed to fit. You have some very strange sailors under your command Lieutenant Harada. Ok gentleman, the ship now has a white rat as a good luck charm, let us hope it works. That will be all. Dismissed.”
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Disbanded in port
***
Repairs to the ship were progressing well. Most of the boiler tubes had been pulled out and only needed be replaced by the new ones being manufactured on board the repair ship. In such a state, Kasumi was most definitely going nowhere soon.
Commander Murakami called his officers to the ward room at lunch. He did not say why, which was his custom; just that all officers were to be in attendance. Tamon had a suspicion he knew what was to be discussed, as there is no such thing as a secret on board a warship. The enlisted men were all talking about it when they thought no officers could hear…
After all the officers had finished their meal, Murakami spoke up. “I’m sure you are eager to know why I called you all here. Perhaps some of you already know, or at least have a good guess. It seems that a handful of crewman from the signals department have managed to capture a white rat on board the ship.”
Katsuo spoke up. “Sir, you say captured? We have not disposed of it already?”
“No, we have not. The enlisted men on board the ship have become convinced that this rat is an omen of good luck. They have asked to keep it on board as such.”
This time it was the XO, Akira Sanada that spoke up. “Sir, with all due respect it is a filthy rodent, no matter what color it is. Navy regulations strictly forbid keeping of pets on board a warship.”
“I know the regulations and I agree it is just a filthy rodent. Normally I would just have it killed and tossed overboard. However, the crew is convinced that it is a sign of good luck, and sometimes that is all it takes to make the difference between miracles and disaster. The men’s own beliefs are often far more powerful than the guns and armor on the ship. And for this reason I have decided to allow them to keep the rat on board, provided it stays inside a cage. I do not want it running about the ship freely.”
“And they will need a proper cage to keep it in, as I assume they do not have such an item yet?” was Hinata’s response.
“That is correct Lieutenant Saito. I was hoping you would be able to come up with something in that regard.”
“Yes sir, I will have to locate some supplies from the dockyard, but I should be able to construct a cage for the rat,” was Hinata’s reply.
“Very well. Are there any other questions?”
It was Tamon’s turn to speak up. “Just one sir. Have they named it?”
Murakami chuckled. “It seems they have. Seaman Sato suggested Emi-Chan. He said that it seemed to fit. You have some very strange sailors under your command Lieutenant Harada. Ok gentleman, the ship now has a white rat as a good luck charm, let us hope it works. That will be all. Dismissed.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
09 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: none
Damage: System 03
Orders: Refit
***
Emi-Chan was finally out of that horrible glass jar. Of course her current situation, while more comfortable, could hardly be said to be better. But at least the wire mesh cage they had her in was filled with straw. The humans were feeding her well too.
Even with her current situation, things could be far worse. At least these humans had not been aggressive, and she was fairly certain she would come to no harm here on the ship. If only Sam were here…
“Well she seems happy enough. It is a she right?” Tamon asked.
“Yes sir. You can tell by…” Hideyoshi started.
“I really don’t want to know seaman.” Tamon cut him off.
“Well that should hold her sailor. Some of my best work. Emi-Chan has a high quality home now.” Hinata was quite proud of the cage he had constructed. And it was well built, a cage only an engineer could design.
And the two officers left the enlisted men to care for Emi-Chan.
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: none
Damage: System 03
Orders: Refit
***
Emi-Chan was finally out of that horrible glass jar. Of course her current situation, while more comfortable, could hardly be said to be better. But at least the wire mesh cage they had her in was filled with straw. The humans were feeding her well too.
Even with her current situation, things could be far worse. At least these humans had not been aggressive, and she was fairly certain she would come to no harm here on the ship. If only Sam were here…
“Well she seems happy enough. It is a she right?” Tamon asked.
“Yes sir. You can tell by…” Hideyoshi started.
“I really don’t want to know seaman.” Tamon cut him off.
“Well that should hold her sailor. Some of my best work. Emi-Chan has a high quality home now.” Hinata was quite proud of the cage he had constructed. And it was well built, a cage only an engineer could design.
And the two officers left the enlisted men to care for Emi-Chan.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
10 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Refit
***
The work on the boiler pipes was proceeding as expected. The work would be finished in another day or two. Kasumi was also getting some new radio equipment while in port. Two new short wave sets to be exact. These were a newer model and should be able to pick up transmissions from a greater range.
Tamon and most of the signals crew spent the rest of the day securing wiring and learning to use the new sets. They were a great improvement over the older set they had been using. And with two sets instead of just one, they could listen in to more than one frequency at a time.
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 03
Orders: Refit
***
The work on the boiler pipes was proceeding as expected. The work would be finished in another day or two. Kasumi was also getting some new radio equipment while in port. Two new short wave sets to be exact. These were a newer model and should be able to pick up transmissions from a greater range.
Tamon and most of the signals crew spent the rest of the day securing wiring and learning to use the new sets. They were a great improvement over the older set they had been using. And with two sets instead of just one, they could listen in to more than one frequency at a time.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
11 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
This day was also spent training and familiarizing the signals crew with the new radio sets. The reception was very good. What they picked up was a mix of signals from English speaking bomber crews attacking a ‘large formation of ships’. Some voices were undeniably British and American, while others were thickly accented. Shortly after these messages stopped, an urgent coded message came over the code radio.
:::Battleship Fuso. Under heavy air attack. Four Torpedo hits, multiple bomb hits. Major flooding and fires. Speed reduced to 11 knots. Diverting to Kuching for emergency repairs. Requesting assistance.:::
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
This day was also spent training and familiarizing the signals crew with the new radio sets. The reception was very good. What they picked up was a mix of signals from English speaking bomber crews attacking a ‘large formation of ships’. Some voices were undeniably British and American, while others were thickly accented. Shortly after these messages stopped, an urgent coded message came over the code radio.
:::Battleship Fuso. Under heavy air attack. Four Torpedo hits, multiple bomb hits. Major flooding and fires. Speed reduced to 11 knots. Diverting to Kuching for emergency repairs. Requesting assistance.:::
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
12 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Another coded message from Fuso:
:::Additional flooding over night. Speed further reduced to 9 knots. Current location 120 miles West of Kuching:::
“Sounds bad” Arata commented.
“Fuso was struck by four torpedoes Sugiyama. Such an attack on this ship would have us all swimming shortly there after. Fuso is a tough ship, well crewed and captained. They might yet save it.”
Tamon decided to tune in one of the civilian stations, he managed to pick up RKO…
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. The Secretary of Treasury announced today that the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco would be given control over all Japanese-American properties. In the same statement, he announced that the Farm Security Administration would be given control over all Japanese-American farms and farm equipment….”
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Another coded message from Fuso:
:::Additional flooding over night. Speed further reduced to 9 knots. Current location 120 miles West of Kuching:::
“Sounds bad” Arata commented.
“Fuso was struck by four torpedoes Sugiyama. Such an attack on this ship would have us all swimming shortly there after. Fuso is a tough ship, well crewed and captained. They might yet save it.”
Tamon decided to tune in one of the civilian stations, he managed to pick up RKO…
***
“This is an RKO Radio News report. The Secretary of Treasury announced today that the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco would be given control over all Japanese-American properties. In the same statement, he announced that the Farm Security Administration would be given control over all Japanese-American farms and farm equipment….”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Cameo appearance of Hibiki's Crew With permission of Cuttlefish. Thanks for the permission/inspiration CF.
13 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Tamon reported to the captain on the bridge as requested.
“Ah, Lieutenant Harada. I have a job for you. Please go the ward room and retrieve six bottles from the unopened crates and meet me at the gangway.”
“Yes sir.”
Tamon gathered the whiskey and found Murakami waiting for him on the pier.
“Follow me Harada.”
They walked to the other side of the docks where a older destroyer was moored. As they approached Tamon was easily able to identify it. The ship was the Akatsuki class destroyer Hibiki. Though the ship was easily 5 years older than Kasumi it was in excellent repair, the crew obviously took pride in the condition of their ship, as it should be.
As they walked up to the gangplank of the Hibiki they were met by a naval Lieutenant who smartly salutes as Commander Murakami approaches.
“Permission to come aboard Lieutenant Miharu.” Murakami says as he returns the salute.
“Permission granted Commander Murakami. Lieutenant Commander Ishii is expecting you sir.”
As Tamon and Murakami boarded Hibiki, a gruff looking Chief Petty Officer walked up and saluted.
“Chief Shun, would you show Lieutenant…”
“Harada sir”
“Would you show Lieutenant Harada to the galley and gather up the cans of fruit as Captain Ishii requested.”
“Yes sir.” Shun replied.
And with that Murakami went to the ward room with Lieutenant Miharu while Tamon followed Chief Shun into the heart of the ship. The Chief didn’t have much to say on the way, not that Tamon really expected it. In fact, Tamon was a little relieved that the Chief had little to say; as there was no doubt that the man was intimidating even when being polite. Tamon could only imagine how much more intimidating he would be if angered.
After they finally arrived at the galley, the Chief spoke. “If you will wait here Lieutenant, I will have the men gather the items on the list.” Shun pulled aside one of the enlisted seaman and told him something Tamon could not quite make out. Soon the young seaman returned with a box of canned goods.
“Here you go Lieutenant. Six cans of strawberries and a 5 kg bag of sugar, compliments of Hibiki and the British Army. If you will follow me, we will return to your commanding officer.”
***
Meanwhile in the ward room aboard Hibiki…
“That will be all Lieutenant Miharu. Welcome aboard Murakami-san. It has been a long time.” Ishii respectfully bowed to the senior officer.
“Yes it has old friend. I see they have given you a good ship.” Murakami replied
“Yes, Hibiki is a good ship. It is also nice to see they have given you command of a ship and released you from that desk in Tokyo.”
“Kasumi is a fine ship. Though it seems the previous captain was a strict disciplinarian, you know the type. It’s one thing to expect obedience from the crew, it’s is another to punish them so harshly for minor infractions.”
“Yes, there are better ways to instill a sense of obedience into the crew,” Ishii reflected.
“So Ishii-san, how did you manage to procure canned strawberries? We’ve been unable to get any kind of fruit since departing from Saigon.”
“Kota Baharu. It seems the British left in a hurry, and with our task force being anchored for a short amount of time following the British retreat, we managed to…”
***
An hour later Murakami and Tamon were on their way back to Kasumi with six large tins of strawberries and some sugar.
13 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Tamon reported to the captain on the bridge as requested.
“Ah, Lieutenant Harada. I have a job for you. Please go the ward room and retrieve six bottles from the unopened crates and meet me at the gangway.”
“Yes sir.”
Tamon gathered the whiskey and found Murakami waiting for him on the pier.
“Follow me Harada.”
They walked to the other side of the docks where a older destroyer was moored. As they approached Tamon was easily able to identify it. The ship was the Akatsuki class destroyer Hibiki. Though the ship was easily 5 years older than Kasumi it was in excellent repair, the crew obviously took pride in the condition of their ship, as it should be.
As they walked up to the gangplank of the Hibiki they were met by a naval Lieutenant who smartly salutes as Commander Murakami approaches.
“Permission to come aboard Lieutenant Miharu.” Murakami says as he returns the salute.
“Permission granted Commander Murakami. Lieutenant Commander Ishii is expecting you sir.”
As Tamon and Murakami boarded Hibiki, a gruff looking Chief Petty Officer walked up and saluted.
“Chief Shun, would you show Lieutenant…”
“Harada sir”
“Would you show Lieutenant Harada to the galley and gather up the cans of fruit as Captain Ishii requested.”
“Yes sir.” Shun replied.
And with that Murakami went to the ward room with Lieutenant Miharu while Tamon followed Chief Shun into the heart of the ship. The Chief didn’t have much to say on the way, not that Tamon really expected it. In fact, Tamon was a little relieved that the Chief had little to say; as there was no doubt that the man was intimidating even when being polite. Tamon could only imagine how much more intimidating he would be if angered.
After they finally arrived at the galley, the Chief spoke. “If you will wait here Lieutenant, I will have the men gather the items on the list.” Shun pulled aside one of the enlisted seaman and told him something Tamon could not quite make out. Soon the young seaman returned with a box of canned goods.
“Here you go Lieutenant. Six cans of strawberries and a 5 kg bag of sugar, compliments of Hibiki and the British Army. If you will follow me, we will return to your commanding officer.”
***
Meanwhile in the ward room aboard Hibiki…
“That will be all Lieutenant Miharu. Welcome aboard Murakami-san. It has been a long time.” Ishii respectfully bowed to the senior officer.
“Yes it has old friend. I see they have given you a good ship.” Murakami replied
“Yes, Hibiki is a good ship. It is also nice to see they have given you command of a ship and released you from that desk in Tokyo.”
“Kasumi is a fine ship. Though it seems the previous captain was a strict disciplinarian, you know the type. It’s one thing to expect obedience from the crew, it’s is another to punish them so harshly for minor infractions.”
“Yes, there are better ways to instill a sense of obedience into the crew,” Ishii reflected.
“So Ishii-san, how did you manage to procure canned strawberries? We’ve been unable to get any kind of fruit since departing from Saigon.”
“Kota Baharu. It seems the British left in a hurry, and with our task force being anchored for a short amount of time following the British retreat, we managed to…”
***
An hour later Murakami and Tamon were on their way back to Kasumi with six large tins of strawberries and some sugar.
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
14 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Hinata was already in the ward room when Tamon entered to get his morning cup of tea. The ship’s engineer was studying what looked to be some blueprints on the table before him. Having known Hinata for several years, Tamon knew that to speak to him while he was concentrating on the task before him would yield him little more than grunts in response.
However, Hinata must have sensed that Tamon was curious about the blueprints. “It is the schematic for our Kampon boilers.”
“There is a problem?”
“Yes, the number 2 boiler is not building up pressure as it should. The repair technicians have been unable to find where the problem lies.”
“There is a danger if the boiler is having problems?”
“Yes. They are under high pressure at operational speeds. It is possible that they could explode if there is a problem.”
“That would not be good.” Tamon was not an engineer, but he had no doubt what would happen if one of the Kampon boilers over-pressured and exploded. Kasumi would likely not survive such a catastrophe. “It can be fixed I assume?”
“Yes. Most likely we have a pressure leak due to the new tubing beign installed. Likely just a weak weld seam. Finding it will be the challenge.”
“I see.”
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Hinata was already in the ward room when Tamon entered to get his morning cup of tea. The ship’s engineer was studying what looked to be some blueprints on the table before him. Having known Hinata for several years, Tamon knew that to speak to him while he was concentrating on the task before him would yield him little more than grunts in response.
However, Hinata must have sensed that Tamon was curious about the blueprints. “It is the schematic for our Kampon boilers.”
“There is a problem?”
“Yes, the number 2 boiler is not building up pressure as it should. The repair technicians have been unable to find where the problem lies.”
“There is a danger if the boiler is having problems?”
“Yes. They are under high pressure at operational speeds. It is possible that they could explode if there is a problem.”
“That would not be good.” Tamon was not an engineer, but he had no doubt what would happen if one of the Kampon boilers over-pressured and exploded. Kasumi would likely not survive such a catastrophe. “It can be fixed I assume?”
“Yes. Most likely we have a pressure leak due to the new tubing beign installed. Likely just a weak weld seam. Finding it will be the challenge.”
“I see.”
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
-
thegreatwent
- Posts: 3011
- Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2004 3:42 am
- Location: Denver, CO
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Fun AAR Shark, I look forward to more[&o]
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Glad you are enjoying it. Updates have been sparse this week because I've been sick with the flu. So much for taking the flu shot to prevent it. [8|]
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
Good reading Shark. I've spent the last 2 days with your story and you're now on my to follow list. Nice weaving of CF's Hibiki into your AAR. Feel 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: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
15 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Technicians scurried about Kasumi’s engine room like an army of ants with a single purpose in mind. All of the boiler tubes were removed from the number 2 boiler for a second time in an attempt to repair the newly developed pressure leak. Both Captain Murakami and Engineer Saito were displeased that the work was having to be repeated.
Of course, the crew of the signals section was of no use fixing Kasumi’s boiler, so Tamon set his men about thoroughly cleaning the radio room and applying a fresh coat of paint. To help ease the monotony of the process, Tamon tuned in Radio Tokyo…
***
"This is a Radio Tokyo News report. Germany is promising that the Soviet Union will be 'annihilatingly defeated' in the upcoming spring offensive. A spokesman for Chancellor..."
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
Technicians scurried about Kasumi’s engine room like an army of ants with a single purpose in mind. All of the boiler tubes were removed from the number 2 boiler for a second time in an attempt to repair the newly developed pressure leak. Both Captain Murakami and Engineer Saito were displeased that the work was having to be repeated.
Of course, the crew of the signals section was of no use fixing Kasumi’s boiler, so Tamon set his men about thoroughly cleaning the radio room and applying a fresh coat of paint. To help ease the monotony of the process, Tamon tuned in Radio Tokyo…
***
"This is a Radio Tokyo News report. Germany is promising that the Soviet Union will be 'annihilatingly defeated' in the upcoming spring offensive. A spokesman for Chancellor..."
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'
RE: Thunder in the Pacific: Shark7 vs Schwartzkie
16 March 1942
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
The complete lack of speed at which the mail can reach members of the military can at times be mind boggling. In fact, the mail that was transferred on board the Sagami Maru along with the crates of whisky containing Sam and Emi-Chan have only now found their way down to the docks. From this point, they have been destributed to the various ships and the crews on board.
Of course the arrival of mail does not excuse one from the mundane routine of a warship. Decks must still be swabbed, maintenance carried out, and drills run. Only after all other activities are completed my the sailors enjoy the news from home…
***
My son,
Your little sisters are too curious for their own good. I cannot explain in this letter, but perhaps the next time you are home you can convince them that they do not need to explore every thing. Maybe they will listen to you.
The factory has increased production. Your father spends far more time there than at home. It should be expected now that we are at war, but your father is showing signs of fatigue. The long hours are already taking a toll on him physically.
Your brother has completed training and has been assigned to a unit. The 4th Infantry Division. I pray for his safety as I do yours…
DD Kasumi
Location: Naga
Course: None
Damage: System 01
Orders: Refit
***
The complete lack of speed at which the mail can reach members of the military can at times be mind boggling. In fact, the mail that was transferred on board the Sagami Maru along with the crates of whisky containing Sam and Emi-Chan have only now found their way down to the docks. From this point, they have been destributed to the various ships and the crews on board.
Of course the arrival of mail does not excuse one from the mundane routine of a warship. Decks must still be swabbed, maintenance carried out, and drills run. Only after all other activities are completed my the sailors enjoy the news from home…
***
My son,
Your little sisters are too curious for their own good. I cannot explain in this letter, but perhaps the next time you are home you can convince them that they do not need to explore every thing. Maybe they will listen to you.
The factory has increased production. Your father spends far more time there than at home. It should be expected now that we are at war, but your father is showing signs of fatigue. The long hours are already taking a toll on him physically.
Your brother has completed training and has been assigned to a unit. The 4th Infantry Division. I pray for his safety as I do yours…
Distant Worlds Fan
'When in doubt...attack!'
'When in doubt...attack!'