Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish
As for me, every time I look at him I worry about you. I know that in public I am supposed to smile and say what an honor it is to have you risk your life for Japan but in my letters to you I can say that if you do not come back to me alive I will be very, very angry with you. I do not care if the censors read it or not. You are to come back to me safe and sound, do you hear me?
That may not sound properly obedient or docile. Well that is just too bad. Maybe I am not a proper wife. But come home safe, sailor, and I will show you just how obedient I can be.
Appart from the "grivoiserie" that some could find in there, i feel this letter is a real love letter, with many more things behind the words. Congrats for the emotion, CF.
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Just when you think it couldnt get any better....
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Cuttlefish
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- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
May 22, 1945
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Paymaster Lieutenant JG Kataoka is in his office. The office consists of one small desk, wedged into a corner of forward storeroom number two and surrounded by drums and crates, and one fairly sturdy iron safe next to the desk. Right now the portly officer is seated at the desk and holding at a bundle of money. He looks at it as he turns it over in his hands.
The money comes from the latest pay ration, which he has just signed for. The rest is now secured in the safe, though Kataoka has done this out of habit rather than out of any need for security. He is pretty sure that the money is next to valueless.
Oh, it looks nice enough. They went with a dragon design this time, he notes. But it is the lack of serial numbers that really catches his eye. It shows that the government has all but given up pretending that its military scrip has any real value. It can be used, in rapidly increasing quantities, to obtain goods and services anywhere in the Empire, but the merchants that receive it may as well be receiving piles of blank paper.
Kataoka is an accountant by profession, not an economist, but he knows enough about the subject to guess that Japan now stands on the edge of total economic collapse. It won’t really get bad until the war ends, he thinks. Right now it still has some value because the military insists it does, and the military has guns. But take away that prop and what you are left with is toilet paper.
He remembers that not long before the war two yen were worth an American dollar. The last figure he heard was sixteen yen to the dollar, and that was some time ago. He wonders what it is now. Three hundred yen to the dollar? That, he thinks, tells you all you need to know about who is winning this damned war.
Still, he will do his job and issue it to Hibiki’s crew, and the sailors will spend it on women or drink or send it home to try to help their families. Since pay scales have not been adjusted much since the start of the war it will buy very little, whatever they use it for. At least they still get three meals a day and a place to sleep. That is more than many in Japan have, these days.
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Paymaster Lieutenant JG Kataoka is in his office. The office consists of one small desk, wedged into a corner of forward storeroom number two and surrounded by drums and crates, and one fairly sturdy iron safe next to the desk. Right now the portly officer is seated at the desk and holding at a bundle of money. He looks at it as he turns it over in his hands.
The money comes from the latest pay ration, which he has just signed for. The rest is now secured in the safe, though Kataoka has done this out of habit rather than out of any need for security. He is pretty sure that the money is next to valueless.
Oh, it looks nice enough. They went with a dragon design this time, he notes. But it is the lack of serial numbers that really catches his eye. It shows that the government has all but given up pretending that its military scrip has any real value. It can be used, in rapidly increasing quantities, to obtain goods and services anywhere in the Empire, but the merchants that receive it may as well be receiving piles of blank paper.
Kataoka is an accountant by profession, not an economist, but he knows enough about the subject to guess that Japan now stands on the edge of total economic collapse. It won’t really get bad until the war ends, he thinks. Right now it still has some value because the military insists it does, and the military has guns. But take away that prop and what you are left with is toilet paper.
He remembers that not long before the war two yen were worth an American dollar. The last figure he heard was sixteen yen to the dollar, and that was some time ago. He wonders what it is now. Three hundred yen to the dollar? That, he thinks, tells you all you need to know about who is winning this damned war.
Still, he will do his job and issue it to Hibiki’s crew, and the sailors will spend it on women or drink or send it home to try to help their families. Since pay scales have not been adjusted much since the start of the war it will buy very little, whatever they use it for. At least they still get three meals a day and a place to sleep. That is more than many in Japan have, these days.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
May 23, 1945
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
At 1000 hours a boat from shore comes alongside Hibiki. Up the ladder comes a slender, neatly dressed captain in the Tokubetsu Koto Keisatsu. The name is usually shortened to Tokko, though they sometimes call themselves “Peace Police.” “Thought Police” is the term used by many other Japanese, as their job is to seek out subversives and members of dangerous ideologies and arrest them. With the Tokko officer are two guards. Bringing up the rear is a lieutenant of the Tokkeitai.
Lieutenant Kuwaki, the officer of the deck, is there to meet them. He greets them courteously enough, though he is obviously not thrilled to see them. The Tokko captain announces that he wishes to see Leading Seaman Hikaru Shoji. It is also desirable that the ship’s captain join them, he says.
Kuwaki wastes no time in sending for both. He then stands there in an at ease posture and offers no further comment.
Ishii gets there first. He strides up and exchanges salutes with the Tokkeitai officer, then speaks.
“I am Lieutenant Commander Ishii, captain of this ship,” he says in a slightly terse voice. “To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”
“I am Captain Hisoka Karubo,” replies the Tokko officer. “With me is Lieutenant Inaba.” He does not introduce the two pieces of muscle. Lieutenant Inaba bows slightly but offers no comment. Ishii notes that Inaba has positioned himself a little apart from the Tokko.
“We are here,” continues Karubo crisply, “to investigate a case of subversion and defeatism regarding one of your men, Captain. One Hikaru Shoji, to be precise.”
“Subversion?” asks Ishii in a low voice. He can feel anger begin to build and forces it down for the moment. Karubo nods but is spared reply by the arrival of Shoji himself. The sailor is still buttoning his jacket and approaches the group with obvious trepidation. Despite his nerves he comes quickly forward and offers a crisp salute.
"Leading Seaman Shoji reporting as ordered, sir,” says Shoji.
“Ah, Shoji,” says Captain Karubo. He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a letter, then hands it to the sailor. “Are you the one who wrote this letter?” Shoji takes the letter and looks at it.
“Yes sir,” he says in obvious confusion. “I wrote this to my sister last month. What is…” He is interrupted by Karubo reaching out and taking the letter back. Karubo reads from the letter.
“’I don’t think the fighting can last much longer,’” he reads. “’We are doing our best but the enemy is too strong. It is bitter to say but I think that we will be defeated before the year is over.’” The Tokko officer lowers the letter. “Captain Ishii, this kind of talk is defeatism at its worst. Left unchecked it can spread throughout a crew like a cancer. Wisdom dictates that we take this young man and assess his activities at length.”
Now the anger within Ishii is pulsing redly behind his eyes. He takes a long breath before replying.
“The course of wisdom,” he says, “is to leave this valuable crewman where he is so that he can continue to do what he has done for three and a half years, which is battle the enemy.” Shoji, who looks scared half to death, manages to notice his captain’s reference to him as “valuable.” He straightens slightly and squares his shoulders.
“In any event,” Ishii continues, “the Tokko is a civilian agency. You have no authority here.”
“You would be surprised where we have authority these days, Captain,” says Karubo silkily. “But just to make sure the niceties are observed we have Lieutenant Inaba, who does have authority here.” Lieutenant Inaba inclines his head slightly, though again he says nothing and shows no expression.
A small group of onlookers has gathered, though they keep a polite distance. Ishii sees that Shun, unobserved by the Tokko men, has come up along the rail and is standing quietly close by. His demeanor is casual but Ishii notes that he is just within arm’s reach of the two guards.
Ishii glances at Inaba. He knows that the Tokkeitai was formed in part to guard the Navy from interference by the Tokko and the Kempeitai, among others. He wonders what is actually going on to bring such an alliance aboard his ship. There are possibly deep waters here, waters he knows he would do well to understand better before doing something rash. The best course would be to turn Shoji over to these men and then secure his release as quickly as possible. He opens his mouth to give assent.
“I will see myself in hell before I let you take a loyal crewman off this ship on such a charge,” he finds himself saying instead. Kuwaki, standing nearby, twitches an eyebrow. Shun spreads his feet slightly apart and shifts his weight forward. Ishii is not sure, but he thinks Lieutenant Inaba smiles slightly. Captain Karubo’s mouth tightens into a thin line.
“Do not force me to arrest you as well, Ishii,” he says. Ishii folds his arms but says nothing. Karubo looks around. Hibiki’s men stand silently, watching. Karubo assesses the situation, then shrugs.
“So?” he says. “It is your funeral, Captain. Come,” he orders his men, then turns and climbs back down the ladder. Inaba salutes, his face impassive once again, and follows them. Below the boat’s engine roars into life and heads back towards shore. Ishii sees that Karubo is haranguing Inaba as they pull away.
Ishii lets out a long breath. The crew disperses without needing to be told, though there is much conversation among them.
“Sir…” begins Shoji. Ishii turns to him.
“You have nothing to apologize for, Seaman Shoji,” Ishii says to him, not unkindly. “Resume your duties.”
“Sir!” says Shoji, and salutes. He turns and trots away. Behind him Ishii walks to the rail and looks out towards shore.
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
At 1000 hours a boat from shore comes alongside Hibiki. Up the ladder comes a slender, neatly dressed captain in the Tokubetsu Koto Keisatsu. The name is usually shortened to Tokko, though they sometimes call themselves “Peace Police.” “Thought Police” is the term used by many other Japanese, as their job is to seek out subversives and members of dangerous ideologies and arrest them. With the Tokko officer are two guards. Bringing up the rear is a lieutenant of the Tokkeitai.
Lieutenant Kuwaki, the officer of the deck, is there to meet them. He greets them courteously enough, though he is obviously not thrilled to see them. The Tokko captain announces that he wishes to see Leading Seaman Hikaru Shoji. It is also desirable that the ship’s captain join them, he says.
Kuwaki wastes no time in sending for both. He then stands there in an at ease posture and offers no further comment.
Ishii gets there first. He strides up and exchanges salutes with the Tokkeitai officer, then speaks.
“I am Lieutenant Commander Ishii, captain of this ship,” he says in a slightly terse voice. “To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”
“I am Captain Hisoka Karubo,” replies the Tokko officer. “With me is Lieutenant Inaba.” He does not introduce the two pieces of muscle. Lieutenant Inaba bows slightly but offers no comment. Ishii notes that Inaba has positioned himself a little apart from the Tokko.
“We are here,” continues Karubo crisply, “to investigate a case of subversion and defeatism regarding one of your men, Captain. One Hikaru Shoji, to be precise.”
“Subversion?” asks Ishii in a low voice. He can feel anger begin to build and forces it down for the moment. Karubo nods but is spared reply by the arrival of Shoji himself. The sailor is still buttoning his jacket and approaches the group with obvious trepidation. Despite his nerves he comes quickly forward and offers a crisp salute.
"Leading Seaman Shoji reporting as ordered, sir,” says Shoji.
“Ah, Shoji,” says Captain Karubo. He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a letter, then hands it to the sailor. “Are you the one who wrote this letter?” Shoji takes the letter and looks at it.
“Yes sir,” he says in obvious confusion. “I wrote this to my sister last month. What is…” He is interrupted by Karubo reaching out and taking the letter back. Karubo reads from the letter.
“’I don’t think the fighting can last much longer,’” he reads. “’We are doing our best but the enemy is too strong. It is bitter to say but I think that we will be defeated before the year is over.’” The Tokko officer lowers the letter. “Captain Ishii, this kind of talk is defeatism at its worst. Left unchecked it can spread throughout a crew like a cancer. Wisdom dictates that we take this young man and assess his activities at length.”
Now the anger within Ishii is pulsing redly behind his eyes. He takes a long breath before replying.
“The course of wisdom,” he says, “is to leave this valuable crewman where he is so that he can continue to do what he has done for three and a half years, which is battle the enemy.” Shoji, who looks scared half to death, manages to notice his captain’s reference to him as “valuable.” He straightens slightly and squares his shoulders.
“In any event,” Ishii continues, “the Tokko is a civilian agency. You have no authority here.”
“You would be surprised where we have authority these days, Captain,” says Karubo silkily. “But just to make sure the niceties are observed we have Lieutenant Inaba, who does have authority here.” Lieutenant Inaba inclines his head slightly, though again he says nothing and shows no expression.
A small group of onlookers has gathered, though they keep a polite distance. Ishii sees that Shun, unobserved by the Tokko men, has come up along the rail and is standing quietly close by. His demeanor is casual but Ishii notes that he is just within arm’s reach of the two guards.
Ishii glances at Inaba. He knows that the Tokkeitai was formed in part to guard the Navy from interference by the Tokko and the Kempeitai, among others. He wonders what is actually going on to bring such an alliance aboard his ship. There are possibly deep waters here, waters he knows he would do well to understand better before doing something rash. The best course would be to turn Shoji over to these men and then secure his release as quickly as possible. He opens his mouth to give assent.
“I will see myself in hell before I let you take a loyal crewman off this ship on such a charge,” he finds himself saying instead. Kuwaki, standing nearby, twitches an eyebrow. Shun spreads his feet slightly apart and shifts his weight forward. Ishii is not sure, but he thinks Lieutenant Inaba smiles slightly. Captain Karubo’s mouth tightens into a thin line.
“Do not force me to arrest you as well, Ishii,” he says. Ishii folds his arms but says nothing. Karubo looks around. Hibiki’s men stand silently, watching. Karubo assesses the situation, then shrugs.
“So?” he says. “It is your funeral, Captain. Come,” he orders his men, then turns and climbs back down the ladder. Inaba salutes, his face impassive once again, and follows them. Below the boat’s engine roars into life and heads back towards shore. Ishii sees that Karubo is haranguing Inaba as they pull away.
Ishii lets out a long breath. The crew disperses without needing to be told, though there is much conversation among them.
“Sir…” begins Shoji. Ishii turns to him.
“You have nothing to apologize for, Seaman Shoji,” Ishii says to him, not unkindly. “Resume your duties.”
“Sir!” says Shoji, and salutes. He turns and trots away. Behind him Ishii walks to the rail and looks out towards shore.
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Oh, it looks nice enough. They went with a dragon design this time, he notes. But it is the lack of serial numbers that really catches his eye. It shows that the government has all but given up pretending that its military scrip has any real value. It can be used, in rapidly increasing quantities, to obtain goods and services anywhere in the Empire, but the merchants that receive it may as well be receiving piles of blank paper.
Kataoka is an accountant by profession, not an economist, but he knows enough about the subject to guess that Japan now stands on the edge of total economic collapse.
Yet another impressive vignette. I salute the way you show the early mood of invincibility slowly fading from the officers and crew.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
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Capt. Harlock
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- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
There are possibly deep waters here, waters he knows he would do well to understand better before doing something rash. The best course would be to turn Shoji over to these men and then secure his release as quickly as possible. He opens his mouth to give assent.
“I will see myself in hell before I let you take a loyal crewman off this ship on such a charge,” he finds himself saying instead.
As Shun said some time ago, Ishii occasionally shows more guts than sense . . .[:D]
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
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Canoerebel
- Posts: 21099
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- Location: Northwestern Georgia, USA
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Every now and then ordinary people create extraordinary things that manage to avoid all the "proper" channels and become popular hits with the public. There was, for instance, a church in Albany, Georgia, that produced the movie Facing the Giants that became immensely popular. And some of you may remember Blair Witch Project, a movie made by some college students with a video camera or two.
I see no reason that a story as fascinating, well-written, and well-researched like this one couldn't do the same. I actually haven't read the entire chronicle; I only started dabbling in it about four months ago, and have become a regular reader over the past month as it became obvious that the Hibiki was fighting a lost cause (something dear to the hearts of Southerners). But judging from what I've seen thus far, and the abundant praise given by others, I think it would have a chance.
I think the way to do it would be to find a smaller publisher willing to give it a shot on a smaller scale; then hope that word-of-mouth would generate such demand that it would sort of snowball.
That's just one man's idea, but Hibiki is really a treasure. It's hard to find a good read these days - at least, a good read not infected by vulgarity and sleaze.
I see no reason that a story as fascinating, well-written, and well-researched like this one couldn't do the same. I actually haven't read the entire chronicle; I only started dabbling in it about four months ago, and have become a regular reader over the past month as it became obvious that the Hibiki was fighting a lost cause (something dear to the hearts of Southerners). But judging from what I've seen thus far, and the abundant praise given by others, I think it would have a chance.
I think the way to do it would be to find a smaller publisher willing to give it a shot on a smaller scale; then hope that word-of-mouth would generate such demand that it would sort of snowball.
That's just one man's idea, but Hibiki is really a treasure. It's hard to find a good read these days - at least, a good read not infected by vulgarity and sleaze.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
May 24, 1945
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii is in the officer’s wardroom aboard heavy cruiser Tone. Also present are Rear Admiral Yamamoto, Captain Okada of Tone, Commander Ashida of Amagiri, and Commander Fujiwara, in charge of the base facilities at Hakodate. Ashida has a story very similar to Captain Ishii’s and Yamamoto has convened a meeting aboard his flagship to discuss the situation.
The five men are seated at the largest of several tables. You could drop Hibiki’s wardroom in here and never notice the missing space, Ishii thinks. Stewards clear away the remains of a fine meal and small cups of sake are poured. The social niceties out of the way, Yamamoto gets down to business.
“It is political,” Yamamoto tells them. “What has happened to you, Ashida, and you, Ishii, has occurred all over Japan over the last few days. Always it is Navy men who are accused. Many have been arrested and there has been trouble. Navy Guard troops marched on a prison in Yokahama yesterday and freed a dozen men at gunpoint. Shots were fired.”
The other officers give him their strict attention. Yamamoto takes a sip from his cup and resumes speaking.
“What is happening,” he says, “is that the Army fears they are losing their ability to control the course of the war. They think that Prime Minister Yonai may be on the verge of seeking peace. Thus they are attempting to discredit the Navy as defeatist so that they may move to resume power. Using the Kempei would be too obvious so they have drafted the Tokko into doing their dirty work for them.”
“What of the Tokkeitai?” asks Ashida. Ishii had been wondering the same thing. Yamamoto smiles slightly.
“So far their stance is to appear to cooperate while in reality doing as little as possible,” says Yamamoto. “In effect they are like a man attempting to appear to run very fast while remaining in the same spot.”
“What do we do, sir?” asks Ishii.
“We do not cooperate,” says Yamamoto shortly. “No more sailors are to be removed from their ships.” His mouth twists. Like his higher-ranking namesake, Yamamoto detests politics. “This is being addressed at the highest levels. With luck this clumsy attempt to make us all look like defeatists will be exposed for what it is.” He picks up a piece of paper and looks at Ishii.
“Lieutenant Commander,” he says, “I have here a request that you be arrested.” He tears the paper in two. “So much for that. I would not worry if I were you, Ishii. Your record in battle is well known and speaks for itself. I doubt very much that the Tokko will attempt to push the issue.”
"Thank you, sir," says Ishii.
“Sir,” asks Okada, “why do the Army ministers simply not resign, dissolving Yonai’s cabinet?”
“I’m not certain,” says Yamamoto. “It is rumored that the Emperor has made it clear that he wishes Yonai to remain in power. The Army may feel that this ploy of theirs is necessary to lay the groundwork before they make such a move.” This statement causes a stir among the other officers. For the Emperor to get involved in politics even to extent of expressing a strong opinion is very unusual.
“In the meantime,” Yamamoto concludes, “instruct your men to guard their thoughts even in their letters and casual conversations. Report any arrests to myself and Commander Fujiwara immediately. I believe we can bring enough pressure ashore to secure their release quickly.”
Commander Fujiwara nods. “I think we can, Admiral.”
“Army bastards,” mutters Okada. “It would be a great pity if one of Tone’s turrets accidentally discharged while aimed at their headquarters building.”
Yamamoto does not smile. “Pray that it does not come to that, Captain Okada,” he says gravely.
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
Captain Ishii is in the officer’s wardroom aboard heavy cruiser Tone. Also present are Rear Admiral Yamamoto, Captain Okada of Tone, Commander Ashida of Amagiri, and Commander Fujiwara, in charge of the base facilities at Hakodate. Ashida has a story very similar to Captain Ishii’s and Yamamoto has convened a meeting aboard his flagship to discuss the situation.
The five men are seated at the largest of several tables. You could drop Hibiki’s wardroom in here and never notice the missing space, Ishii thinks. Stewards clear away the remains of a fine meal and small cups of sake are poured. The social niceties out of the way, Yamamoto gets down to business.
“It is political,” Yamamoto tells them. “What has happened to you, Ashida, and you, Ishii, has occurred all over Japan over the last few days. Always it is Navy men who are accused. Many have been arrested and there has been trouble. Navy Guard troops marched on a prison in Yokahama yesterday and freed a dozen men at gunpoint. Shots were fired.”
The other officers give him their strict attention. Yamamoto takes a sip from his cup and resumes speaking.
“What is happening,” he says, “is that the Army fears they are losing their ability to control the course of the war. They think that Prime Minister Yonai may be on the verge of seeking peace. Thus they are attempting to discredit the Navy as defeatist so that they may move to resume power. Using the Kempei would be too obvious so they have drafted the Tokko into doing their dirty work for them.”
“What of the Tokkeitai?” asks Ashida. Ishii had been wondering the same thing. Yamamoto smiles slightly.
“So far their stance is to appear to cooperate while in reality doing as little as possible,” says Yamamoto. “In effect they are like a man attempting to appear to run very fast while remaining in the same spot.”
“What do we do, sir?” asks Ishii.
“We do not cooperate,” says Yamamoto shortly. “No more sailors are to be removed from their ships.” His mouth twists. Like his higher-ranking namesake, Yamamoto detests politics. “This is being addressed at the highest levels. With luck this clumsy attempt to make us all look like defeatists will be exposed for what it is.” He picks up a piece of paper and looks at Ishii.
“Lieutenant Commander,” he says, “I have here a request that you be arrested.” He tears the paper in two. “So much for that. I would not worry if I were you, Ishii. Your record in battle is well known and speaks for itself. I doubt very much that the Tokko will attempt to push the issue.”
"Thank you, sir," says Ishii.
“Sir,” asks Okada, “why do the Army ministers simply not resign, dissolving Yonai’s cabinet?”
“I’m not certain,” says Yamamoto. “It is rumored that the Emperor has made it clear that he wishes Yonai to remain in power. The Army may feel that this ploy of theirs is necessary to lay the groundwork before they make such a move.” This statement causes a stir among the other officers. For the Emperor to get involved in politics even to extent of expressing a strong opinion is very unusual.
“In the meantime,” Yamamoto concludes, “instruct your men to guard their thoughts even in their letters and casual conversations. Report any arrests to myself and Commander Fujiwara immediately. I believe we can bring enough pressure ashore to secure their release quickly.”
Commander Fujiwara nods. “I think we can, Admiral.”
“Army bastards,” mutters Okada. “It would be a great pity if one of Tone’s turrets accidentally discharged while aimed at their headquarters building.”
Yamamoto does not smile. “Pray that it does not come to that, Captain Okada,” he says gravely.
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flaggelant
- Posts: 262
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:00 pm
- Location: Netherlands
RE: Small Ship, Big War
great writing, as allways!
and again a new insight into the war
out of curiousity; did a similar situation really develope in the late years of the war?
(the storyline is so good that there's no telling if it could've been or not)
and again a new insight into the war
out of curiousity; did a similar situation really develope in the late years of the war?
(the storyline is so good that there's no telling if it could've been or not)
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: flaggelant
out of curiousity; did a similar situation really develope in the late years of the war?
(the storyline is so good that there's no telling if it could've been or not)
No, the situation is my invention. I think it seems plausible, though, given that the political situation in the AAR has developed slightly differently than it did in real life (i.e., the Navy has a bit more political clout due to the fortunes of war) and that there was general witch-hunting for "defeatists" late in the war.
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Capt. Harlock
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RE: Small Ship, Big War
out of curiousity; did a similar situation really develope in the late years of the war? (the storyline is so good that there's no telling if it could've been or not)
At this point historically, the Japanese prime minister was Kantarō Suzuki, who was in fact a Navy man, but also a baron. AFAIK, there was no attempt to remove him until he convened a conference over the response to the Allied Potsdam Declaration, which did not happen until July 26, 1945.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: Small Ship, Big War
ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish
ORIGINAL: flaggelant
out of curiousity; did a similar situation really develope in the late years of the war?
(the storyline is so good that there's no telling if it could've been or not)
No, the situation is my invention. I think it seems plausible, though, given that the political situation in the AAR has developed slightly differently than it did in real life (i.e., the Navy has a bit more political clout due to the fortunes of war) and that there was general witch-hunting for "defeatists" late in the war.
Notice the parallel to the open season on real and suspected defeatists in Germany towards the end of the war in Europe. Or the mass hangings of real and suspected deserters.
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Cuttlefish
- Posts: 2454
- Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:03 am
- Location: Oregon, USA
RE: Small Ship, Big War
May 25, 1945
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
“I still can’t believe you pulled it off, Ariga,” says Oizuma.
“I couldn’t have done it without almost the entire crew contributing,” says Riku. “It cost more money than you would believe and even then I had to throw in some extras. We’ll be sending several work parties ashore tomorrow.”
“Will that be okay?” says Yoshitake. “And what about the ceremony?”
“It’s all set,” says Riku. “I have some inside help. We just need to decide who is actually going to do it.”
“You will, of course,” says Yoshitake. Riku shakes his head.
“I can’t,” he says. “I’m Shun’s son-in-law now, I can’t be seen using that to get any kind of favor. Shoji is out for sort of the same reason, it wouldn’t look right.” He pauses and looks at Yoshitake. “How about you?”
Yoshitake pales. “I couldn’t!” he says. “You know me, Ariga, I’m just not good with words. I’d mess everything up.”
“Hmm,” says Riku, but does not disagree. He looks at Oizuma. “How about you, Snake Man? You’re educated and speak well enough when it suits you.”
“I very much regret,” says Oizuma, showing no regret at all, “that I will be on duty on the bridge then. There is no way I could do it.”
Riku looks at Shiro, sitting quietly in the corner. Shiro looks back.
“Oh, no, Ariga,” he says. “You can’t…”
“You are quiet and sincere and honest,” says Riku ruthlessly. “Everyone on this ship likes and respects you. You are well-spoken. It has to be you.”
“He’s right,” says Yoshitake.
“Yes he is,” says Oizuma.
Shiro sighs, obviously seeing that further argument is useless. “All right,” he says reluctantly. “I’ll do it.”
---
Later that day there is a rap on Ishii’s cabin door. Ishii looks up from his desk.
“Come in,” he says. The door opens to reveal Lieutenant Miharu.
“Sir,” says the exec gravely, “there is a matter on the foredeck that requires your immediate attention.” Ishii grimaces.
“Gods,” he mutters. “What now? And why aren’t you asleep?” Miharu does not answer, just holds the door open while Ishii puts on and buttons his jacket. Together the two descend the tower and exit via the starboard side. Ishii follows Lieutenant Miharu up the steeps metal stairs to the foredeck, wondering what calamity is about to be precipitated on him this time.
He stops short when he sees almost half the crew, in their dress whites, lined up waiting for him. He hears movement behind him and turns to see more crew coming out along the rail. Above others crowd the AA platform and observation wings.
“What the hell is going on, Exec?” he growls. Lieuenant Miharu says nothing but merely stands aside. From somewhere Ishii hears the voice of Shun, speaking in a roar.
“Ship’s company, attention!”
There is a loud rustle and thump of feet all around Ishii as the crew snaps to attention. From out of the front rank steps one of the sailors, Leading Seaman Kuramata. He has a sheathed sword in a formal carry posture. He approaches Ishii but rather than saluting he takes the sword across both hands and bows low. Ishii says nothing but waits to find out what on earth is going on. Kuramata straightens and speaks.
“Captain Ishii, sir,” he says. “Please accept, on behalf of the entire crew of the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Hibiki, this token of respect and esteem.” He extends the sword.
Numbly Ishii reaches out and takes it. The scabbard is a thing of beauty, black lacquered rayskin over finely crafted wood and fitted with silver. He grasps the ivory hilt and draws the blade, which is a bit over two feet long. Sunlight glitters on steel. Ishii looks along the blade and sees that patterns seem to run like water just under the surface. The edge is sharper than a razor. It is the blade of a master craftsman, and Ishii has never seen a finer.
He owns a ceremonial blade, of course, the finest kai-gunto his family could afford after his commission. It is a decent blade and far superior to those being made these days, but nothing at all like this.
“It is a Shigetsuga,” Lieutenant Miharu murmurs, referring to the renowned swordsmith. Ishii’s eyes widen slightly. He sheathes the sword and looks around at the assembled men rigidly holding their salutes.
“I accept,” he says in a hoarse voice. In the face of such a gesture he can do nothing else. Kuramata bows again and returns to his place in rank.
Ishii faces the men on the foredeck and returns the salute. He holds it for a moment and only Lieutenant Miharu is close enough to see the unshed tears in his eyes. Then he lowers his hand The assembled men do likewise.
“Well…” begins Ishii, then stops and clears his throat. “Well, Exec, let’s get these men back to work, shall we?’ Lieutenant Miharu nods briskly, once.
“Ship’s company, dismissed!” roars Shun. The men stream away and soon the two officers are left almost alone on the foredeck. Lieutenant Miharu quietly withdraws and finally Ishii can furtively swipe at his eyes. Then he turns and descends to the main deck, cradling the sword as gently as though it were a child.
Location: Hakodate
Course: None
Attached to: TF 21
Mission: Surface combat
System Damage: 3
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475
Orders: Await further orders
---
“I still can’t believe you pulled it off, Ariga,” says Oizuma.
“I couldn’t have done it without almost the entire crew contributing,” says Riku. “It cost more money than you would believe and even then I had to throw in some extras. We’ll be sending several work parties ashore tomorrow.”
“Will that be okay?” says Yoshitake. “And what about the ceremony?”
“It’s all set,” says Riku. “I have some inside help. We just need to decide who is actually going to do it.”
“You will, of course,” says Yoshitake. Riku shakes his head.
“I can’t,” he says. “I’m Shun’s son-in-law now, I can’t be seen using that to get any kind of favor. Shoji is out for sort of the same reason, it wouldn’t look right.” He pauses and looks at Yoshitake. “How about you?”
Yoshitake pales. “I couldn’t!” he says. “You know me, Ariga, I’m just not good with words. I’d mess everything up.”
“Hmm,” says Riku, but does not disagree. He looks at Oizuma. “How about you, Snake Man? You’re educated and speak well enough when it suits you.”
“I very much regret,” says Oizuma, showing no regret at all, “that I will be on duty on the bridge then. There is no way I could do it.”
Riku looks at Shiro, sitting quietly in the corner. Shiro looks back.
“Oh, no, Ariga,” he says. “You can’t…”
“You are quiet and sincere and honest,” says Riku ruthlessly. “Everyone on this ship likes and respects you. You are well-spoken. It has to be you.”
“He’s right,” says Yoshitake.
“Yes he is,” says Oizuma.
Shiro sighs, obviously seeing that further argument is useless. “All right,” he says reluctantly. “I’ll do it.”
---
Later that day there is a rap on Ishii’s cabin door. Ishii looks up from his desk.
“Come in,” he says. The door opens to reveal Lieutenant Miharu.
“Sir,” says the exec gravely, “there is a matter on the foredeck that requires your immediate attention.” Ishii grimaces.
“Gods,” he mutters. “What now? And why aren’t you asleep?” Miharu does not answer, just holds the door open while Ishii puts on and buttons his jacket. Together the two descend the tower and exit via the starboard side. Ishii follows Lieutenant Miharu up the steeps metal stairs to the foredeck, wondering what calamity is about to be precipitated on him this time.
He stops short when he sees almost half the crew, in their dress whites, lined up waiting for him. He hears movement behind him and turns to see more crew coming out along the rail. Above others crowd the AA platform and observation wings.
“What the hell is going on, Exec?” he growls. Lieuenant Miharu says nothing but merely stands aside. From somewhere Ishii hears the voice of Shun, speaking in a roar.
“Ship’s company, attention!”
There is a loud rustle and thump of feet all around Ishii as the crew snaps to attention. From out of the front rank steps one of the sailors, Leading Seaman Kuramata. He has a sheathed sword in a formal carry posture. He approaches Ishii but rather than saluting he takes the sword across both hands and bows low. Ishii says nothing but waits to find out what on earth is going on. Kuramata straightens and speaks.
“Captain Ishii, sir,” he says. “Please accept, on behalf of the entire crew of the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Hibiki, this token of respect and esteem.” He extends the sword.
Numbly Ishii reaches out and takes it. The scabbard is a thing of beauty, black lacquered rayskin over finely crafted wood and fitted with silver. He grasps the ivory hilt and draws the blade, which is a bit over two feet long. Sunlight glitters on steel. Ishii looks along the blade and sees that patterns seem to run like water just under the surface. The edge is sharper than a razor. It is the blade of a master craftsman, and Ishii has never seen a finer.
He owns a ceremonial blade, of course, the finest kai-gunto his family could afford after his commission. It is a decent blade and far superior to those being made these days, but nothing at all like this.
“It is a Shigetsuga,” Lieutenant Miharu murmurs, referring to the renowned swordsmith. Ishii’s eyes widen slightly. He sheathes the sword and looks around at the assembled men rigidly holding their salutes.
“I accept,” he says in a hoarse voice. In the face of such a gesture he can do nothing else. Kuramata bows again and returns to his place in rank.
Ishii faces the men on the foredeck and returns the salute. He holds it for a moment and only Lieutenant Miharu is close enough to see the unshed tears in his eyes. Then he lowers his hand The assembled men do likewise.
“Well…” begins Ishii, then stops and clears his throat. “Well, Exec, let’s get these men back to work, shall we?’ Lieutenant Miharu nods briskly, once.
“Ship’s company, dismissed!” roars Shun. The men stream away and soon the two officers are left almost alone on the foredeck. Lieutenant Miharu quietly withdraws and finally Ishii can furtively swipe at his eyes. Then he turns and descends to the main deck, cradling the sword as gently as though it were a child.
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Beautiful. I cannot find the words. [&o][&o][&o]
"We have met the enemy and they are ours" - Commodore O.H. Perry
RE: Small Ship, Big War
A fine gift of thanks to a fine skipper and person. Well done CF.
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
-
Ambassador
- Posts: 1756
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:15 pm
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
RE: Small Ship, Big War
I don't login that often these days, but this is praise I could not miss.[&o]
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Ishii looks along the blade and sees that patterns seem to run like water just under the surface.
That is indeed the mark of a superior Japanese sword. Beautifully done.[&o]
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
RE: Small Ship, Big War
Well done SIR!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Small Ship, Big War
You have painted the perfect picture with your well crafted story.
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