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More great updates Cuttlefish

September 17, 1942

Location: 250 miles east of Noumea
Course: North by northeast
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 339

Orders: Proceed to Luganville to take on fuel and supplies.

---

Taiki manages to catch Riku alone up on deck near the aft dual 5” turret. He holds up a hand as he approaches, forestalling Riku’s attempt to come to attention.

“Forget that for now, Riku-san,” he says. “This has nothing to do with rank. I want to speak with you as friend to friend.” Riku relaxes a little and looks curious, though a bit wary.

“Yes?” he says. Taiki leans against the rail and crosses his arms.

“I’ve been thinking about what you told me, about your smuggling activities. And I wanted to ask you a question.” Riku cocks his head a little to one side.

“I wondered when you would get back to that,” he says. “I figured that with us coming to a port you would have to make a decision about what to do.”

“Do you have any business interests in Luganville?” ask Taiki. Riku shakes his head.

“No,” he says, “I presume someone else is the main distributor for the South Pacific. I have the Central Pacific. Is that what you wanted to ask?”

“No,” replies Taiki. “My actual question is this: why are you doing it?” Riku looks surprised.

“Why? To make money, of course,” he answers. Taiki nods.

“Of course,” he says. “Then let me ask you another question. Why do you want to make money?” Riku leans against the rail beside Taiki and thinks about his answer for a moment.

“At first it was an end in itself,” he says at length. “Then after I met…her, I knew I had to do it. Shiro once told me that being the best sailor in the Navy would not be enough to win Shun’s approval, and he is right. This war will not last forever, and when it is over I think I can make something of myself. With what I have learned and the money I am making as seed money, I think I can become a successful businessman. Being rich…well, I think that is a strong recommendation for any parent. Shun will see that I can take care of his daughter.”

“I see,” says Taiki. “I thought it was something like that. Think about this, though, my friend. Even if Shun does not know how you got the money to start this business career, do you think you can keep it secret from Nanami forever, if you do somehow succeed in marrying her? Or even if you do, do you think that it is a good basis on which to build love and a family?” Riku looks a little confused.

“It might be a little like trying to build a nice house on a rotten foundation,” Taiki continues. “The house might seem like a good one, but sooner or later cracks will appear in the walls and things will start to fall apart.” Now Riku looks more thoughtful.

“But what should I do, Taiki-san?” he asks. “How can I win her without money?” Taiki smiles.

“I think you are underestimating yourself,” he says. “I think you have shown that there is a lot you can do when you put your mind to it. You have already won the respect of many on the ship through your talents and your honest hard work. I rather think that if you really need to be rich, you can find ways to do it, ways that earn the respect and admiration of both father and daughter.”

“Do you truly think so?” asks Riku. Taiki nods.

“I truly do,” he says. “At any rate, I wanted to tell you that I am going to do nothing about what I have learned. You are free to do as you will.” Riku lets out a long breath.

“Thank you,” he says. Taiki steps away from the rail.

“We will see,” he says. “I wish I knew whether or not I was doing you a favor.” He walks away. Behind him Riku turns around. He stands looking down at the water rushing past the side of the ship, a thoughtful look on his face.

September 18, 1942

Location: 70 miles south of Efate
Course: North
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 307

Orders: Proceed to Luganville to take on fuel and supplies.

September 19, 1942

Location: Luganville
Course: None
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 276

Orders: Proceed to Luganville to take on fuel and supplies.

---

The crew of the Hibiki get their first look at Espiritu Santo as the task force approaches from the south. They see a large and mountainous island covered with forests and vegetation. Luganville, the principal Japanese base, is on the south coast. It is not visible as the ships approach, however, as it lies hidden behind Aore Island. The Segond Channel between the two islands forms a large and sheltered anchorage.

The Japanese have occupied the New Hebrides since late February, and in the almost seven months since have built up their facilities at Luganville considerably. Anti-aircraft emplacements dot the area, and several contingents of engineers are continuing work to improve the airfield and the defenses. There is also a detachment of naval landing force troops present.

Despite this the base is something of a rear area. Most of the troops and aircraft are deployed at Efate to the south or Noumea to the southwest. As Hibiki enters the channel and drops anchor the only planes visible are a handful of H8K flying boats. There are five ships already present; three freighters, a minelayer tender, and a seaplane tender.

There had been a significant mixed British and French population here before the war, but there are few if any signs of them by the time of Hibiki’s arrival. No one asks what has become of them; it is possible that no one really wants to know the answer.

The extensive coastal plantations remain, however, and provide a bounty of fresh food to the weary crewmen. Coconuts, pineapples, mangos, island cabbage, seafood, several kinds of nuts, fresh beef and more are there for the eating. For the men of the Hibiki this is a gift beyond price. Captain Ishii lets as many of the crew ashore as possible the afternoon they arrive. Those who remain aboard wait impatiently for their chance tomorrow.

Even here the Japanese ships cannot let their guard down completely. Efate has already been attacked once, and despite the peaceful appearance of the island the enemy is not all that far away. The beautiful and idyllic South Pacific has become a region with some sharp teeth indeed, and not all of them belong to the sharks.

Absolutely outstanding work, cuttlefish.  The conversation between Taiki and Riku is a gem.  just excellent. 

Yeah, what he said.

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish


Despite this the base is something of a rear area. Most of the troops and aircraft are deployed at Efate to the south or Noumea to the southwest. As Hibiki enters the channel and drops anchor the only planes visible are a handful of H8K flying boats. There are five ships already present; three freighters, a minelayer tender, and a seaplane tender.

Even here the Japanese ships cannot let their guard down completely. Efate has already been attacked once, and despite the peaceful appearance of the island the enemy is not all that far away. The beautiful and idyllic South Pacific has become a region with some sharp teeth indeed, and not all of them belong to the sharks.

I would imagine there would be attacks, since Fiji is still in Allied hands. Things may change when the USAAF in the Pacific converts from expensive B-17's to more plentiful B-24's. But it looks like the struggle for "The Island of Death" (Guadalcanal) may never take place.

As impressed as I am by the writing, I'm falling down at the turnaround time for turns. Looks like you guys are doing like 2 or 3 turns a day? I have trouble keeping that pace in an AI game [X(]

I have kept that pace on occassion, but only on particularly ggod days.

As impressed as I am by the writing, I'm falling down at the turnaround time for turns. Looks like you guys are doing like 2 or 3 turns a day?

I think he said earlier that he was behind in his writings of over a month game time. Thus, he is still in catch up mode. [:D][:D]

ORIGINAL: qgaliana

As impressed as I am by the writing, I'm falling down at the turnaround time for turns. Looks like you guys are doing like 2 or 3 turns a day? I have trouble keeping that pace in an AI game [X(]

We're moving this game along at a pretty good pace. We started four months ago (Jan. 24, I think) and the current date in the game is Oct. 5, '42. That's about 2.5 turns a day average, not bad considering that he's in Germany and I'm in Oregon.

I wish I could do 2.5 turns a day!  Sure would be nice for life to slow down and allow that...
 
Nice work as always Cuttlefish.
 

September 20, 1942

Location: Luganville
Course: None
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 273

Orders: Take on fuel and supplies.

---

Captain Ishii is standing on the bridge, watching another boatload of Hibiki’s sailors head for Luganville. Lieutenant Miharu, who has just returned, joins him there.

“Hello, Exec. How are things ashore?”

“I think it is safe to say the men are enjoying themselves,” replied the lieutenant. “A number of them may be in less than peak condition tomorrow, in fact.” Captain Ishii nods.

“They’ve earned it,” he says.

“My presence was having an inhibiting effect, I think,“ comments Miharu, “so I decided to return and let the men enjoy themselves.”

“Good. They need to get it out of their systems today,” says the captain. “I have received word that we are leaving again tomorrow. Admiral Yamamoto has decided to pull the fleet together at Kwajalein, according to Nagumo.” Lieutenant Miharu sighs.

“I admit, even I had hoped for more time. Do we know why?” Captain Ishii shrugs.

“No doubt he has his reasons,” he says, “but they have not been communicated this far down the chain of command. We may learn more once we’re there. For now, make sure everyone is back aboard as midnight, whatever their condition. We will be leaving early.”

“Yes sir,” replies Lieutenant Miharu.

September 21, 1942

Location: 175 miles north-northeast of Luganville
Course: North by northeast
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 442

Orders: Proceed to Kwajalein.

---

Shortly after dawn the carrier task forces form up again off Espiritu Santo. The ships pick up speed as they leave that green island behind them and head northeast. There is no sign of enemy air or submarine activity, so as far as the Japanese know their location and destination remain a complete mystery to their foes. Of course, the location of the American carriers is also a complete mystery to the Japanese, but this causes few worries. If the enemy carriers are rash enough to put in an appearance everyone is certain that their swift destruction will be the inevitable result.

Aboard the Hibiki it is business as usual as they head out into open water, though there are more headaches aboard ship than is typical. Lookouts stand to their posts, watching carefully for the enemy. The sonar operator pings for enemy submarines, though at this speed the chance for a detection is small. In the engine rooms Sakati and his men keep a watchful eye on the machinery, which is beginning to pile up the miles since the last refit.

Hibiki takes up position on the right flank of the task force, screening Shokaku on her starboard side. The powerful carrier groups head for Kwajalein and whatever task the Imperial Navy has set for them next.

September 22, 1942

Location: 60 miles northeast of Ndini
Course: North by northeast
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 411

Orders: Proceed to Kwajalein.

September 23, 1942

Location: 300 miles north-northeast of Ndini
Course: North by northeast
Attached to: TF 79
Mission: Air combat
System Damage: 7
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 380

Orders: Proceed to Kwajalein.

You just did that so you can wrap up the Riku/Milo connection. [:-][:D]

ORIGINAL: Onime No Kyo

You just did that so you can wrap up the Riku/Milo connection. [:-][:D]

Nah, I actually hadn't planned to wrap that up for some time. It was fun and offered a lot of plot hooks going forward. But it seems demanded by other things that are going on. And of course we don't know for sure what Riku is going to do next.

I had not planned to introduce the Riku/Milo connection at all. But Cap Mandrake picked up on my little tribute and ran with it a bit, and it got woven into the story. A lot of this AAR is like that; since I can never be sure what is going to happen next I don't plan ahead much and just go with what seems to fit when I sit down to write.

It works!

You might not want to put your current plans into the heading of this thread, as your opponent will read it as well. It is displayed on the main WitP forum if this thread is the latest in the AAR subforum.
For this time I fixed it for you [8|][:D]

P.S. I hope there were no plans to take Hawaii?! [;)]