Shipgirl Commander XI
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>Statistics: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1p2K_evlFKjbblbSTf3ZSf-0xECyNHEeiQEgyiFdADcw
>Character:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F43-0W17qNQ3Q_FwOOQPYw8Rf4HmSCFrEcAv-uOPQD0/edit?usp=sharing
>Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=shipgirl+commander
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiceToTableTop
>OOC: Previously, on Shipgirl Commander >>236567
You don’t tumble to the floor – no, you don’t tumble. You drop. Like a man sapped of his strength and will and breath, your arms are wrap around and clutch desperately to the raven-haired seductress, raw and alive as any inferno had any right to be. You can feel her – you do feel her, through every groove in her clothes, the curve of her hips, you hold and grip as though possessed, frail and paradoxically conscious. Your mind drifts back to that night on the floor, her form beneath you – an unspoken, raw connection between man and woman that brought the both of you beyond your senses.
She’d discarded her top – thirty seconds, thirty minutes ago… who counted these things? Within the reaches of your mind a strong pull drags you between the edges of reality and the dreams of the present. Her chest, tainted by one long, raw, cross-shaped scar across presents itself to you – her arms, powerful and welcoming, wrap around your head. She moans as you stroke against her, taking in all that she had to give in that moment. Her scent is of smoke and earth, a strong and grounded fragrance echoing within you like an assault and a surrender in one instant.
You pull back from her, meeting her lips in a rough, hungry turn, your hands moving under the strap of the only article of clothing remaining; you trace your fingers along her curve again – she’s rough and real, as she always had been. She hungers, desperate and wondrous as a sight, aching for you… you.
You pull back once more, your control returning to the edge of your lips and the tips of your digits. She looks upon you with a gaze that seems to be caught in a dream – as much as you had been, but more. The absurdity of the situation is almost palpable, and raising your hands from her bottom to her bare back, you keep yourself grounded in the now, afraid that if she dragged you in again you don’t think you’d come back – willingly or otherwise.
‘Nagato, we’re… this isn’t…’
She ignores you – of course she would. She descends upon you again, the thin layers of clothing the only thing preventing you from meeting her absolute demand. A phrase plays at the back of your mind, strange and down-turning, but it does keep you conscious and informed. You wouldn’t fall.
‘Mm-hm…’
Her lips are wet and hot, her tongue is the last thing to leave your lips – a tracing and teasing lick that tickles the tip of your nose.
TBC
Her hands push onto your chest with a force you wouldn’t have believed before, but do now. This was Nagato – all Nagato.
‘We’re… we’re breaking proto – !’ You manage to utter between your own cries of lust, grabbing onto her hands as your back meets the plastic mat decisively. ‘You’re breaking protocol.’
She chuckles into your mouth – you can taste her… and she’s just spicy.
‘This is the Command… post…’ You breathe. ‘The Admiral’ll, he’ll…’
That seems to stop her in her tracks. Nagato, despite her manner of undress, manages to return to some sort of familiarity – albeit still resting her full weight on your uncovered nethers. You bite down the red in your cheeks – you did not need to provoke her anymore.
‘You know, for a man who claims he doesn’t have a clue of what women want, you sure do a good job of it.’ You don’t respond, your eyes fixed on her scar. ‘Commander?’
You raise a hand robotically.
‘I’m still reeling from shock, so if you’d give my brain a second to…’ You let out a sigh. ‘There we go.’
Nagato leans forward, her chest pressing against the fabric of your shirt – you prop your arms to support the both of you. She doesn’t seem like she’s in the mood for moving. Not at all.
‘I know this isn’t a very good time, but I honestly can’t believe that you’d consider me your… type.’
‘Why not?’ She looks at you quizically.
‘You strike me as the type that would go for…’ You admit. ‘older, mature and leveled fare.’
‘And who are you to judge me on what I want?’ You almost wince at the tone, but Nagato softens, giving you a quick, assuring peck on the lips. ‘You’re selling yourself a lot shorter than you should.’ She giggles, smirking. ‘Didn’t think you’d be the type to look a gift horse in the mouth.’
‘Only when she’s the Untamable Mustang.’
Nagato frowns, raising a hand to your forehead and giving it a flick. You find a smile working its way onto your features despite this and she nuzzles her nose against your cheek, sighing in content… and release.
‘I know you’re my Commander – you’re our Commander,’ she begins reluctantly – she rambles a bit, ‘and I know that I’m not a Carrier and you don’t think I have needs, but, if you can, I…’
She tips your chin with a hand, bringing you in for another brief kiss, her face crimson.
‘Once in a while, I’d…’ She admits. ‘I’d really like it if you look at me like I’m not… just a KanMusu.’
‘Nagato…’
‘You’re a beautiful man, Commander.’ She pats your chest, ‘Right where it counts.’
You hear the sound of shuffling feet and chaotic conversation.
The Admiral arrives, Ooyodo and Yuubari in tow. He surveys the both of you, eyes narrowing.
‘I hope to Heaven that you both were planning on stopping there.’
>Explain Yourself
>‘She started it!’ (Attempt Escape)
>Write-In
>>254172
>Explain Yourself
GAME OVER, MAN
>>254172
>Explain Yourself
>>254172
>Explain Yourself
>>254172
>Explain Yourself
I LISTENED TO YOUR REQUEST SIR, WE DIDNT DO IT IN THE MASH!
>>254172
>Explain Yourself
And people wanted to fail the resist roll last thread. Thanks god we didn't.
With Takeo and now Nagato showing their thirst, not to mention Kaga and Hounshou's emotional stimulation needs, the barracks are growing more and more dangerous.
>>254260
that aint no barracks, thats a damn mindfield
>>254272
A minefield we need to step on quite often
>>254272
And with our rooms lock not functional, you'll never know just who could be hiding behind our door.
Or who might sneak in when we are unaware/asleep.
>>254279
we are already sleeping with the "enemy" remember?you gonna get kaga
>>254290
Yeah, but with our lock less door, we may find ourselves stolen in the night and awaken in a different room.
Or our "enemies" surrounding us from all sides and preventing any escape.
>>254296
Little do they realize that getting caught was part of our plan!
>>254302
you are a big commander
‘S – Sir!’ You shove Nagato onto the floor, straightening what you had on – not that it matters, really, but it’s the intent that counted. As you straighten yourself within his neutrally-held gaze you feel a hard smack on your bottom – whether in tease, jest or annoyance, it’s Nagato, all right, but you don’t dare look away from the Admiral. You very much doubt you would survive the aftermath. ‘S – Sub-Commander Nagato and I were just… comparing battle scars, sir.’
He raises an eyebrow – behind him Yuubari grows a smirk and Ooyodo looks as mechanical as ever. Yuubari takes a hand, shapes it into a knife and drags it across her neck. Ooyodo has a twitch in the corner of her mouth – whatever it is, smile, smirk or giggle, it definitely is threatening to break out.
‘Battle scars, Commander?’ He crosses his arms, regarding you like a thieving vagrant. ‘You don’t think I was born yesterday, do you?’ He lets out a grunt, and you shake your head as he takes off his cap. His tone doesn’t change – the disapproval is still there, and it is deadlier than a Kantai Steel shell.
‘Admiral.’ Nagato’s voice sounds – all four of you turn to its owner, who had thankfully managed to put her top back on, and looked very much the apologetic receptionist. ‘Is there something you needed from me, sir?’ She gives a curt bow, showing the top of her head to the Admiral, who sighs.
She looks up from her position – you see a hint of a smile and a cool flash of red from her gaze, an unspoken understanding and a deep bond that didn’t need words to be frank. As the Admiral shifts his full attention to her, you mouth words that needed to be said, lest you tempt danger again.
I love you.
She smirks.
I know.
She raises herself from her position, her expression returning to stony focus. The Admiral sighs, handing her a folder, which she takes and reads through, biting her lip.
‘The new Patrol Force Sub-Commander is arriving today.’ He says, almost tiredly. ‘Ooyodo has the requisition form filled out, but I’d like you to make a change – the Advance Guard and the Expedition Forces are going to be housing themselves in a single barracks for the time being.’
Nagato frowns.
‘Sir?’
‘Considering that your old quarters are empty, I think it’d be best if we made do with the space we have.’ He grunts, crossing his arms.‘Since it’s your old room, I thought I’d offer you the courtesy.’ He smiles.
Nagato bows, going through her stacks of paper. He turns to you. You stiffen considerably, waiting a bark of commands.
He gestures at you to get closer - reluctantly, you do.
‘Commander, I understand that you have a mission tonight?' He says in a low voice. 'I’d like you to do me a favor if possible.’
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
>‘I’m not sure if I’m the man you want.’ (Decline)
>>254311
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
he helped us out and managed our shennanigans, how could we not?
>>254311
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
>>254311
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
>>254311
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
>>254311
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
>we didnt do it in the mash you know, just having a nice naked chat.
>please dont courtmarshal me
>anything to help sir!
>>254311
>‘I’m all ears, sir.’ (Accept)
He knows our track record, so it cant be anything too bad
‘I’m… I’m all ears, sir.’ You salute.
‘Forgive me, ladies.’ He chuckles, putting an arm around you and leading you out of the cubicle. ‘The Commander and I have a few things to discuss in private.’
Nagato, Ooyodo and Yuubari acknowledge your departure, huddling for a discussion of their own.The both of you go back to the briefing room, where the Vice-Admiral, his expression a lot more stony than before, sits against the apparatus, arms crossed and muttering under his breath.
‘Admiral.’ He nods.
‘Vice-Admiral.’ The Admiral returns with one of his own.
He takes his place between you and the Vice-Admiral, his expression stern and his hands behind his back, regarding you with a strangely subdued gaze.
‘Commander, it has come to my understanding that you have chosen to take reconnaissance on behalf of the Admiralty.’ He begins.
‘Y – Yes, sir.’
‘I want you to do me a favor. And this is entirely up to your discretion.’ He raises a hand.
‘Of course.’
The Admiral activates the apparatus, opening several blue-tinted windows with grids and maps of sort. He taps several of the prompts, opening more windows for you to see on the display.
‘These are the set coordinates for your scouting run – I believe that you have chosen to bring some of the experimental tech we’ve been sent.’ He says gruffly. ‘That’s good, because you might be needing it. I want you to go off-grid.’
‘Sir?’ You blink.
‘Specifically, to here.’ He points to a red area on the hologram. ‘That will be about 100 miles South-West from the border.’ ‘That’ll put you right in the smack dab and deep into an enemy defensive line – with the RAY and a little luck, you’ll get past it. Skirt the border between our waters and theirs, but don’t break until you reach a straight shot.’
‘There should be a tiny archipelago there to keep your blip well and covered – make a break right here and deploy the recon team.’ He waves a hand. ‘This is, of course, after your primary mission duties.’
He raises a finger to you.
‘I don’t want any enemy engagement. Your mission parameters are the same as before.’ He insists, smiling ‘Think of this as a favor to an old deck that’s supposed to be kicked off a decade ago.’
Despite yourself, you smile right back.
‘What’s this for, sir?’
‘It’s just a hunch, but…’ He grits his teeth. ‘one I hope I’m not terribly right with.’ ‘No engagement, Commander. The first sign of trouble, bail out.’ He nods at you gravely. ‘The moment you see any A-Rank units in that area, I want your Squadron back on the RAY.’
‘This is strictly off the books.’ The Vice-Admiral says heavily. ‘And even if you get there you can choose to turn back any time. No one’ll think any worse of you, Commander.’
>Perceive/Suspect (Roll a 1d6 each)
>‘Roger that, sir.’
Rolled 5 (1d6)
>>254389
>perceive
im all aboard with the mission but whats up?
Rolled 3 (1d6)
>>254389
>Perceive/Suspect (Roll a 1d6 each)
Maybe a missing girl is suspected to be alive there? Who knows.
Rolled 1 (1d6)
>>254389
>Perceive/Suspect (Roll a 1d6 each)
>>254389
>Perceive/Suspect
Excuse me for being dumb, but does that mean a d6 for perceive and another d6 for suspect?
>>254410
No. Only one d6. Their the same thing here.
Rolled 3 (1d6)
>>254389
>perceive
Not sure if dice works on mobile, but I'll give it a try.
Rolled 6 (1d6)
>>254389
Lets fish it out!
>percieve
>>254428
i bet is a old base or some abyss instalation recon
We seeeeeeeeee.
‘Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, I…’ You hope you’re not pressing too much. ‘I know that something’s bothering you about this. Would you mind telling me just what is it that you’re asking me to look for?’
‘Commander – !’
‘I’m sorry, sir, but… as a Commander I can’t knowingly put my Squadron under threat by flying in blind – blind-er.’ You try to sound firm, but it isn’t exactly as waterproof or steady as you want it to be. ‘So, if it’s all right with you, I’d like to know just what it is that’s got you so… curious.’
The Vice-Admiral smiles at you before giving the Admiral a smirk and a gesture with his head. The Admiral sighs, touching the hologram’s prompts and zooming in on a particularly black part of the display with red letters saying it was unavailable at better resolutions.
‘There were three sensor quakes in the area between the times of 0300 and 0500 five days ago.’ He taps on the display. ‘Two days ago there were four sensor quakes in the area between the times of 1900 and 2200.’
‘A sensor quake typically only occurs when one of their forces crosses onto our waters – it’s an early warning of a particularly large or significant assault force on their end… or a significant assault force that’s of an unknown or unidentifiable value.’ The Vice-Admiral nods to the text files on the display. ‘Communique with the Admiralty has established that whatever is out there is to be ignored until further notice – the old ignorance is bliss type of mentality, if you ask me.’
‘But they could still be right – that there could be no threat and it’s just another one of their Command Units mobilizing and teasing us, give or take a few units.’ The Admiral raises a hand. ‘I think it’s better to be safe than sorry, but if there is any real significant movement out there, I want to know who it’s from or what the Hell it is.’
‘What’s the worst that it could be?’
‘Kid, I don’t think we’re ready to know just what the worst could be.’ He grimaces. ‘If you’re willing, just take a short detour on the way back, drop your Squadron off at the shoulder of the archipelago and wait for their report.’ ‘Do not in any case or sense engage a hostile if present within those waters.’
‘Understood, sir.’ You salute.
‘That’s all there is, Commander.’ The Admiral smiles at you. ‘You’re free to roam around to do what you want until 2000 hours. Don’t worry about the tech – Yuubari will dress down your crew with what they need to know about it before you depart.’ ‘Just make sure you have everything on the Vice-Admiral’s desk before 1700 hours.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Anything else, kid?’
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>Find a certain Division member (Specify)
>‘Sir… was there ever a successful Op against a Princess?’ (Address Rumor)
>Write-In
>>254497
>‘Sir… was there ever a successful Op against a Princess?’
>>254497
>‘Sir… was there ever a successful Op against a Princess?’ (Address Rumor)
>>254497
>Find a certain Division member ( Shigure)
>>254497
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
if it was a princess or a oni we will be already on fire
it migth be a attack fleet, however
plus only a recon, just a look-see, no fighting
>>254497
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>>254497
>‘Sir… was there ever a successful Op against a Princess?’ (Address Rumor)
It keeps coming up, and highlighted in blue no less. We should at least explore this avenue.
>>254497
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
‘Sir, before I go, I heard rumors…’ You begin, sounding dumber by the word.
‘Oh?’ The Admiral raises his cap, frowning at you – you manage to courage to push onward, not at all fearing for the integrity of your own person – that’d been shot some time ago anyway.
‘Was there… ever a successful operation against a Princess?’ You let out.
‘Quite a lot. Why?’ The Admiral sounds almost confused by your awkward statement; you move to clarify.
‘I mean… one that’s succeeded in an actual kill?’
‘Where’d you hear that from?’ The Vice-Admiral frowns, crossing his arms; he doesn’t look affronted or afflicted by the question, but there is a little curiosity to his voice – you’d piqued a little nag for him, too, it would seem.
‘I was told me not to put too much stock into it, though, but… I’m curious.’
The Admiral pinches the bridge of his nose, chuckling. He finally looks at you with a grimace, a look that is a mixture of pity and amusement etched upon his features.
‘Well, they’re rumors all right. Can’t believe people are still listening to them.’ He chuckles. ‘Power of a good yarn, I suppose.’
‘Sir?’
‘It started about… three years ago, I think, when I first heard about it.’ He recalls, pulling out a pipe. ‘Not much to go by, only that it was a super secret Op of a Squadron that was given a kill order or a Suicide Mission. It’s a good story, but I can’t say that it’s anywhere near true.’
‘Why?’
‘For one… KanMusu are registered on record – if there was ever a KIA or MIA notice it would have been struck on record. The bases all share one roster – and right now, we share one with Ominato. For two, every single KanMusu that’s ever been summoned has an extensive and very public mission record.’ He mentions pointedly. ‘The number of missions succeeded and failed, it’s right there for reference.’
‘Even Covert Ops?’
‘No, those aren’t available, but…’ He’s reluctant to go on. ‘it’d be absurd to think that there would be an Operation that was successful in the kill of a Princess if we only managed to re-direct them with whole Campaigns. For one, it’d push us up a lot further in the war effort than we’ve been…’
‘So, what you’re saying is… if there’s a consistency in the records… there could be a truth to it?’
The Admiral practically drops his pipe. The Vice-Admiral bursts into laughter.
‘I knew I liked you for a reason, Commander.’
The Admiral shuts him up with a glare.
‘I could do it as a personal favor to you, kid, but I don’t have promises to spare.’ He raises his hands. ‘It’ll take me weeks to get a full roster on dates, but if you’re right, it could be something worth looking into. In my free time, of course; I still say it’s anorexic.’
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>Find a certain Division member (Specify)
>Write-In
>>254679
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>>254679
>Find a certain Division member (Shigure)
>>254679
>Find a certain Division member (Shigure)
>>254679
>Find Nagato again, talk about who to send on the mission, based on how she perceive the current mood among the kanmasu.
>>254679
>Find a certain Division member (Shigure)
>>254755
Seconding this
‘Admiral, I haven’t seen Shigure in a while, you wouldn’t happen to know where she is, would you?’
‘Shigure?’ The Admiral brings a hand to his chin, grunting.
He lights his pipe, much to the Vice-Admiral’s chagrin. The Admiral throws him a triumphant look in return, to which the Vice-Admiral frowns at – there’s a story there, but not one you find yourself interested in in the least.
‘I had her assigned to help Yuubari with Quartermaster duty while you were in care.’ The Admiral nods at you. ‘Check with her to see what she’s put your gal up to.’
The Admiral puts his hands behind his back, walking up to you with a stern gaze.
‘Also, if at any time you’ve lost track of your girls, your attendants’ll typically know where to find them within the hour. It’s their job and they’re good at it.’ The Admiral insists. ‘So don’t worry about losing track of them – they’ll also help you organize your meetings and briefings, so whenever you want to call a briefing, you can talk to them and they’ll huddle up the Division – no problems at all.’
He then raises his hands, shooing you away from the cubicle. You head towards Nagato’s cubicle, hoping to intercept Yuubari before she could take off. As it comes within your view within the narrow makeshift pathway, you see her just about leaving, stacks of paper in her hands.
‘Yuubari!’
‘Yes?’ She replies icily, hanging onto the stacks of forms.
‘I’m looking for Shigure.’ You explain, hoping you wouldn’t be pushing her too far with her inquiry – you didn’t know what would at all, in her case. ‘Would you know where she is?’
‘She should be in the Prep Dock.’ She replies tiredly. ‘I assigned her to do a little organizing and scavenging – she should be taking a break about now.’ Yuubari shuffles herself in place. ‘Sorry, is that all? Because I have to get these up to the maintenance crew before they go on one of their lunch breaks.’
You thank Yuubari and leave for the Prep Dock. It’s not that far away – you dodge a few maintenance boys and enter the Dock… and see a lone, dark figure, humming as she looks upon the RAY below.
‘Shigure?’
‘Commander.’ She acknowledges you in surprise. ‘I… I just finished up.’ She puts her hands behind her back, getting to her feet.
‘You’ve been helping Yuubari out since I went into recovery, huh?’ You try to sound friendly, chuckling as you walk up to her.
‘Admiral gave me the job.’ She chirps. ‘I like it; It feels like I can have all the time to myself.’
‘Do you mind if I join you?’
Shigure hesitates briefly, rubbing her forearm.
‘No, I…’ She stutters, before smiling. ‘I don’t, Commander.’
>‘What have you been up to since the Mission?’ (Inquire of her status)
>‘Why did you run off last time, Shigure?’ (Continue where you left off)
>Shoot the breeze
>Write-In
>>254857
>Shoot the breeze
Take it easy at first. We don't want to put a lot of pressure on her. She's nervous enough around us as is.
>>254857
>Shoot the breeze
>filename
>high probs of some PSTD
we are must be CAREFUL
>>254857
>Shoot the breeze
I'm going to bed for a while guys. Discuss what your next move is going to be so I'll be fresh for the next turn of actions.
![--shigure-kantai-collection-drawn-by-yukichi-eikichi--700306d5a79096b4a565e4210186dd7f[1].png](https://i.imgur.com/H2cM0N0.png "--shigure-kantai-collection-drawn-by-yukichi-eikichi--700306d5a79096b4a565e4210186dd7f[1].png")
>>254893
>>filename
What's the significance of the filename?
>>254946
Read it in reverse
>>254946
Read it backwards
![--shigure-kantai-collection-drawn-by-yukichi-eikichi--561c19513e7ef3051e66e80f98224112[1].png](https://i.imgur.com/MIJMbA4.png "--shigure-kantai-collection-drawn-by-yukichi-eikichi--561c19513e7ef3051e66e80f98224112[1].png")
>>254961
>>254963
Ah, should have suspected that since it is Shigure.
>>254981
I rather hope it was more of a joke, but... I guess we'll find out
>>254857
>Shoot the breeze
>>254857
>Shoot the breeze
>>254857
>write in, "so how did you kill the princess?"
>>254857
>‘What have you been up to since the Mission?’ (Inquire of her status)
Kind worried about Takao. We haven't spoken to get since we nearly four ourselves killed and she carried our bloody, broken body to the MASH. Its good to see Shigure, but we have a lot we need to do. I don't think we have time to just make small talk. It needs be medium talk at least.
>>256492
>Kind worried about Takao
So am I. Hopefully we have time to stop and talk to her before the briefing.
Granted, it's always so hard to tell how much time we have cause the time is never mentioned. At all.
>>256509
Yeah, only our deadline is mentioned. To me this means that we will be told when it is time to go (just like Kaga did last time). I don't think we're at risk of missing the operation (and probably not at risk losing the briefing, though may be unprepared), but we might not be able talk to everyone we want to before it happens.
‘Your casserole’s kinda overdue, huh?’ You try to lighten the mood, leaning against the railing as Shigure’s gaze doesn’t turn away from the RAY. In fact, she’s fixated on it more than before – her eyes are lidded and the distant – you push on, anyway, rubbing the back of your head. ‘Yeah, it’s harder than I thought it’d be. I apologize – I didn’t know about how you girls… tasted things. Or lacked thereof.’
You sigh, running a hand through your hair.
‘I should’ve been more sensitive about that.’ You say honestly. ‘I am trying to learn how to get it done, though, so, maybe I can… you know, make good on that when I’m up to speed on things.’
Shigure doesn’t reply, instead, she begins humming, almost irritatingly. You bite the inside of your cheek to keep yourself from saying something that might scare her off like you did last time; instead, you turn around and peer at the RAY as she is. The repairs had apparently gone off without a hitch, if the spangled new nose is any indication. The pylons and the rubs were connected to the craft on the level below, with a few fairies playing on the tip of its arms – although they could just as easily be testing it, you didn’t know much of what the fairies had to do with the RAY anyways.
The both of you sit lean against the railing, watching the fairies work below in silence for a good few minutes. Shigure doesn’t talk, neither do you, but you feel a little bit closer to Shigure just being here with her. It’s a stretch to say that you knew everything about her from the bat, but you feel strangely more understanding of Shigure and why she was as she was… there is a deathly, cold presence that shunned warmth and laughter with her, but all the same, it is as though it is… voluntary, a mask like that smile she wears.
‘So, any tips?’
She doesn’t say anything. Again, you mentally check yourself before you pushed too far – you move to walk away, releasing your grip on the railing, when some movement catches your attention.
‘Houshou and Mamiya can teach you, if you want to.’ Shigure turns to you, smiling. ‘I… can’t cook, but if you want to learn, then Houshou or Mamiya can teach you. They thought the first… cooks, I think.’ She bites her lip. ‘But Mamiya is very busy, I’m not sure if she’d…’ She turns away, catching herself before she said anything else. ‘Do we have a mission today, sir?’
‘Yeah, we do.’ You answer instantly, smiling – at least you got somewhere with her. ‘2100.'
Shigure hums, detaching herself from the railing.
‘I should get ready, sir.’
‘All right.’ You think that that’s enough for the day; it’s all on her own time, after all.
‘Commander?’ She looks at you, struggling slightly. ‘I still think I do my best work… solo.’
You nod. For now, this was enough.
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>Find a certain Division member (Specify, 3/4 left)
>Write-In
>>256634
>Find a certain Division member (Specify, 3/4 left)
Takao. We need to check up on her. See how she's doing.
>>256634
>Find a certain Division member
Takeo. She did pull out fat ass and the other three guys out of that shit situation. We owe her quite a bit, really.
>>256634
>Find a certain Division member, Takao
Should probably let her see that we're all right. Maybe apologize for putting her in that situation. Apologize for getting blood all over her dress.
>>256659
This
>>256634
>Find a certain Division member (Takao)
>>256634
>Houshou...can teach you
She can? Why that's fantastic! Saves us a bit of trouble locating a cook. Well hopefully, still to ask her about it. But hey, possible family bonding activity! I'm guessing we still need ingredients though. *sigh* Where are the traveling salt merchants when you need them, am I right?
>>256744
>Every lesson she charges you
>Every lesson's payment is a good fuck over the kitchen counter downstairs
>Girls pass by and just roll their eyes asking what's for dinner
>Depends on just how close you bring her to the brink
>Behind her you're thinking of recipes and SODs while you're alternating between front entrance and back
Oh, Houshou.
>>256748
>Every lesson's payment is a good fuck over the kitchen counter downstairs
Now that's just unsanitary. We put ingredients and food there.
>Other girls want to pick up cooking to get in on the action or get the Commanders attention.
>>256748
Nice.
‘Shigure, do you know where Takao is?’
‘She’s attuning her weaponry.’ Shigure indicates a ramp – the same ramp you had seen the Squadron’s relief had come out from the last time. ‘Down there; I’m positive.’
You nod to her and head down the cement staircase, passing by the makeshift control booth above. The staircase was unevenly and shoddily made – you stumble slightly as you take step after step; it doesn’t make it any better that your knee is still a little stiffer than usual and it takes you a little longer to reach the bottom level.
You walk over the side of the RAY, observing the pylons and the tubes connected to the craft. A light vibration goes through them – the repair or maintenance process must still be ongoing. You don’t look where you’re going and bump into someone, sending what looks like a toolbox and a fairy rumbling onto the ground; you sheepishly move to give a hand, only to have your eyes widen as you find to see just who it is.
‘Takao?’
‘S – Sir?’ She looks at you, pale and disbelieving, hands on the floor, tools scattered everywhere.
‘You’re looking healthy.’ You smile.
As fast as lightning, she gets to her feet… and slugs you right in the gut.
‘Oof!’ You grit your teeth in pain, dropping to your knees. You look up at her, nervously smiling -you had probably deserved that. Maybe more. ‘Nagato and Nachi give you lessons or something?’
Then she tackles you, ravenously devouring your mouth in a flurry of desperate pecks, sobbing all the while. She cries out for you, wrapping her arms around you and yelling obscenities as her hands cup your cheeks, anger and relief mixing in a manner most familiar to Nagato, you try to get a word in edge-wise, but she wouldn’t have it, not at all. Takao is rough, uncaring and relentless – her hands shiver as she holds you close, as if afraid you’d up and vanish.
‘DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED EVERYONE WAS?!’
You wince. Takao, you learned, had a pair of good lungs for anywhere and any time. It was, in all likelihood, what made her such a good speaker and able to hold the conversation and the attention of people for such a length. Not to mention her complete control over her body language… which, ironically enough, right now is the one thing she didn’t seem to bother having. She looks absolutely livid – right now if someone offered you money on a winner between her and Nachi you wouldn’t be quite sure who to put the coin on.
However, you realize that you are definitely still her Commander, and as undignified that your position is, there was a certain level of authority that you find that you had to establish… or control. Mostly because you’d only seen Takao this vulnerable and honest once… and you’re not quite sure if you deserve that level of recognition from a smart, suave and cunning beauty such as this, honestly.
TBC
>>256748
So she is willing then, excellent. Additional cleaning supplies must be aquired in advance.
>>256777
>Filename
I would. I honestly would. I'd take death by snu-snu from Takao and them hips.
‘I don’t – !’
You find yourself silenced with a glare and a set of bare fangs. You find your throat dry as her hold on you tightens – you don’t fight it. Takao had been worried for you. The both of you had walked into death and emerged alive and worse for wear; you hadn’t seen her for a week and some change, but for Takao… it seems like it was years. For her, you are as much ghost as you are alive.
She just refuses to let go, her arms around you, sobbing silently into your shoulder. You bite your lip, tentatively raising your prosthetic to sooth her – as much as it is to sooth you. There’d never been anyone like this in your life. No one to rush at you and curse at you at just why you hadn’t come back just… breathing and walking. Takao, as stoic as she was at the conference table…
You find that she’s just as much human, just as much capable of the most asinine worries as you are – as you did almost all the time. It’s a little overwhelming, a little frightening… but welcome; to know that there’s someone waiting for you by the door to come right back in and pounce as though you’d been gone an eternity – every single time.
‘Akashi didn’t want to let anyone in because you needed the rest and they didn’t know if the Fairy’s Tears were going to work, or…’ She kisses you – she draws it out slightly ‘You’re a moron. A true blue, idiotic and irredeemable moron!’
‘Hey, Takao…’ You chuckle, pulling back from her worried embrace. ‘It… It wasn’t that bad, really.’
She pinches your cheeks – painfully, she stretches them out, sending you a cold glare.
‘Don’t. You. Dare. Say that.’ She growls – you nod liked a cowed husband. ‘You dropped like a sack of potatoes after that stunt! What were you thinking?! There was blood everywhere – and you – you were talking about rugby and cookies when I had to bring your ass out!’ She hisses at you, bringing her face close to you. She’s scary, all right.‘Don’t you know how… how…’
She breaks down again, resting her face into your neck. You pat the back of her head, nervous at the hot and cold turn of events.
‘Heaven help me I have poor taste in men.’ She bemoans. You roll your eyes. ‘Of all the things that could have woken up it’s the fact that I have a thing for a devil-may-care hero type with a belly the – !’
She meets your eyes again, her crimson orbs wide.
‘You lost weight.’ She's almost in disbelief.
‘Yeah, I… The MASH isn’t big on luxuries, so…’ You give a small smile. ‘I think I dropped a belt size?’
She giggles, nuzzling into your chest.
‘Hey… um…’ You look down.
Hang on, didn’t people usually wear… clothes?
>‘Attuning your guns?’ (Inquire)
>‘What have you been up to since? (Inquire)
>‘Why are you naked?’ (Curious)
>On her sentence, or lack thereof
>Write-In
>>256777
>Mostly because you’d only seen Takao this vulnerable and honest once… and you’re not quite sure if you deserve that level of recognition from a smart, suave and cunning beauty such as this, honestly.
We are certainly consistent and tenacious in our self-view as a worthless coward if nothing else. At least we managed to tone it down after battling our fears in the stream.
>>256803
>to know that there’s someone waiting for you by the door to come right back in and pounce as though you’d been gone an eternity – every single time.
I wish I knew this feel
>>256803
>‘What have you been up to since? (Inquire)
Forgot to actually put a vote in previous post, whoops.
>>256803
>>‘What have you been up to since? (Inquire)
>>256803
>‘What have you been up to since? (Inquire)
>>256803
>On her sentence, or lack thereof
Tempted to ask about the nakedness, but really I'm interested in learning more about what "woke up". Does that mean what I think it means and she's stated experiencing a broader range of emotions? We must investigate!
>>256803
>‘What have you been up to since? (Inquire)
Aw, crap I was too slow wasn't I? There's not enough people left to convince. Ugh.
>>256833
I support you and the >her lack of sentence
option!
>>256847
Thank you comrade!
>>256803
>On her sentence, or lack thereof
>>256803
>‘Attuning your guns?’ (Inquire)
There's a /fit/ joke in there somewhere...
>>256803
>On her sentence, or lack thereof
Actually really interested in how this particular fairy bullshit works out.
>>256803
>‘What have you been up to since? (Inquire)
‘What have you been up to since the… incident?’
You congratulate yourself on a job well done. You manage to steer yourself away from the sight of her nude from, nested right on top of you as few had done before. Takao’s form, you notice, is dripping wet – from water. She’s without her clothing, dripping in water – saltwater, you find – and on top of you, unclothed, her hands resting on your chest and her nose tickling your admittedly sore neck. Takao pushes herself up slightly, propping against you with a shuffle as you pray for no one to catch the both of you like this. You very much doubt that you would survive the next onslaught from the Admiral.
‘Excuse me?’ Takao blinks, shuffling a little bit more; you want to ask her to move, but find that task, if it every could reach past your throat, to be one for the impossible.
‘I’ve been bedridden for a week and some change,’ you begin, cricking your neck to get a little more comfortable as you do so, ‘I just want to get up to speed on what you’ve been up to since.’
Takao bites her lip, leaning back. You ignore the sudden weight and pressure on your pelvic region, counting back from twenty as you wait for her explanation. Takao doesn’t look playful or teasing like she had before – despite her manner of undress, she’s very much still in the mood for on-point conversation.
‘Well… I was waiting for sentencing.’ She rubs her elbow. ‘I did pull my guns on a human, even if he was…’
Takao runs a hand through her hair – her frustration, though slight, is much coarser than most. You could feel the discomfort, the annoyance and fight in her voice, running her hands over her chest to seemingly keep herself from… doing something right there and then.
‘They let me go off with a warning yesterday.’ You nod; you had heard as much from the Admiral before, motioning for her to continue. ‘And I think I’ve been busy just waiting for you to get out since you were admitted.’She chuckles, but her eyes are hysteric, desperate again… she’s going somewhere you don’t know if you want to follow; but it doesn’t look like she’s giving you a choice in the matter. ‘I really tried to visit you – really, I did, but when Akashi finally said you were cleared, I – !’
She blubbers. She sobs. She loses all the coherency that made her Takao – you see her eyes morph into Houshou’s, Nagato’s, Kaga’s… a show of misunderstanding and confusion, desperation. Something that just breaks what you had known her to be.
As she clutches your cheeks, pulling you in for a slobbery, messy kiss, you raise your hands to her sides, steadying her. Takao’s eyes are disturbingly child-like – it’s as though she’s looking at you for the first time, and… there’s loathing in there. There is fear.
TBC
There’s all sorts of things directed at you in a mess of emotion that is so akin to a babe breathing in its first breath that all you can do is steady her the best you can. Her wet form nuzzles against your chest once more, a base creature desiring your attention. Yours and yours alone – you oblige her, kissing her wet locks and taking in the scent of the sea.
‘Takao?’ You say her name softly, like a prayer.
‘I was supposed to protect you.’ She lets our a wry smile, clutching your shirt roughly, painfully. ‘And because I couldn’t, you – I – !’
‘It’s all right, Takao…’ You ignore her physicality, her turmoil… all she needs is for you to be here – it is a call you would answer the best you can, the only way you can.
‘They got the KanMusu shrinks in after that.’ She laughs darkly, almost frightening you. ‘I was sent for evaluation; I was already skirting with it since, but… when they found out I’d pulled my weapons of my own volition, I was sent to one for the last week.’
‘You okay?’
‘No!’ She yells – as much as she means to, maybe more. ‘No, I’m not okay!’ She hits you hard in the chest. ‘I’ve been through this before! I’ve gone through the hoops for years and this is… this is…’ She buries her face in her hands, her shoulders trembling. ‘This is the first time... I believed I was right.’
You put your arms around her, keeping your silence.
‘When he hurt you, sir, I summoned my gear. As a KanMusu, I’m not allowed to point a weapon, much less knowingly attack with the intent to…’
She clenches her fists.
‘I wanted to. I wanted to hurt him, and…’ She laughs again. ‘They told me it was wrong to hurt him.’
There’s anger. Hate. A darkness to her tone… right before you, all of her, the good and the bad is there to see.
‘For a whole week, I just… I just heard them tell me again and again.’ She adopts a tone, almost sarcastically. ‘You are a KanMusu. That I wasn’t allowed to do what I did – not for anyone, not for you, but…’
She looks at you, as though pleading, as though regretful. But not at all.
‘But I never thought it was wrong.’ She confesses. ‘Something must be broken in me… sir? They keep telling me that wanting to hurt someone – a human – at all was wrong, but… I didn’t feel it was.’
‘Hey, come on, now – !’
‘I know I shouldn’t feel like this!’ She yells at you – as though you are the cause of all this, all this pain all this harm. ‘I’m a KanMusu! I’m supposed to protect… protect…’
You stroke her back, feeling her take in breath after breath against your chest, moaning through her sobs.
‘I don’t want you hurt… I didn’t want to let you get hurt, and I didn’t care if I…’ She grips your shirt tightly, looking up at you. ‘And they kept telling me that it was wrong and vile, but…’
Her eyes are red. So much red.
>Write-In
>>257074
>Sounds like love.
Maybe a tad fanatical, but aren't those first loves usually that...
>>257085
OOC: It's more that she doesn't understand, after 10 years of going by protocol and 3 years of being Kaga's "student", why the fuck did she want to blow the brains out of that guy holding a gun to your head. If it was an Abyssal, it wouldn't be a question, but...
For her to want to blow off the skull of a guy for putting bullets in you is a little alien to her. She's scared. Frightened that she wanted to do that.
But she doesn't feel sorry about it at all.
>>257074
>Write-In
"To be honest, I think you are in the right to feel how you feel. Hell, I know If I was the one to see YOU being hurt in front of me, I know I too would want to hurt him. I mean... It's emotions like that, to protect those whom you hold dear in your heart, that show you ARE more than a KanMusu.
You are Takao, a girl- no, a WOMAN, who has a caring heart and a protective soul. How can anyone not see how wonderful you are, or anyone with such qualities, for that?"
This is probably sappy as hell, but eh.
>>257074
>Write-In
"It's not wrong to feel like you did. Feelings aren't something you can control like that, like you're just a malfunctioning computer. What matters is what you /did/ with those feelings.
And however much you might have wanted to put a shell through someone's head that day, you /didn't/. You recognized it was a bad idea and stopped yourself, even if you didn't want too. You did good, Takao."
Forgive me if that sounds a little weird. Typing on my phone.
>>257085
Seconding this.
>>257101
>Hell, I know If I was the one to see YOU being hurt in front of me, I know I too would want to hurt him.
One of the reasons we did hurt him is that he told us he was going to have her gang raped.
Otherwise, excellent write-in.
>>257119
Ah, right. I had forgotten that he did say/imply that. Probably should work that in as well.
>>257119
>One of the reasons we did hurt him is that he told us he was going to have her gang raped.
Here's the relevant quote.
>>224699
>‘K – KanMusu?!’ The face of the man holding you contorts into a snarl, pressing the gun harder into your cheek. ‘I know the rules! You can’t touch me; you won’t so much as fire.’
>Takao’s features contort into a desperate glare, her summoned guns glowing with an orange light.
>‘Look out there! Look! It’s over! This is mine. All of this. You’re nothing here… and you will continue to be nothing here. They’ll show you every single side of our little world.’ He whispers into your ear. ‘They are going to enjoy every damn inch of her, errand boy!’
>And that’s when you make your move.
"Why do you think I went after him Takao?" You asked searchingly, "why do you think I attacked him despite the odds? Why do you think I did it again after failing the first time, despite what it would do to my bullet ridden body?"
"He was assaulting you the first time, forcing me to watch as he hurt you in a way that even you had trouble defining. As for the second time...he told me he was going to have you gang raped. That he was going abuse the fact that you loved me and wanted to protect me, combined with the rules saying you couldn't fight back to...to..." swallowing thickly you looked away and took a shuddering breath.
"You're not the only one who felt the need to protect those you love Takao," you told her kindly, looking her back in the eye. "Love is not a one-way street. At its best love drives us protect each other. A desire above and beyond any duty we may have to do so. It allows us go above and beyond what we would normally be capable of. I did that in the most direct, impulsive way I could. I succeeded, but you saw what it did me.
"You managed to resist long enough to think things through and figure out that attacking him directly would not end well. I'm grateful that at least one of us did."
"That feeling of proectiveness is not something to fear Takao. It is something to be aware of certainly. Something to take into consideration and channel into your actions if possible. But not fear, not regret, for you are more than just a KanMusu, you are fiercely capable woman. And at that moment, you wanted nothing more than to protect that which loved. There is nothing wrong with that."
Okay, so I just had to write that. It took me nearly an hour on this finicky tablet of mine to get it right but I had to get that out my system. I know I can't switch my vote, but that didn't really help. Muses are quite insistent you see. Now if anyone /else/ wants to vote for it; please, go right ahead.
>>257212
Pretty good anon.
‘It’s not wrong.’ You say, hardly more than whisper. Your hands holds her steady, afraid she might just burst. You repeat yourself, boring into her eyes. ‘It’s not wrong, Takao.’
‘You’re a good liar, sir.’ She chuckles without mirth, looking away from you – you feel a little tug in your heartstrings as you hold onto her; the positions are reversed and now it’s as though you’re the one desperate for her to not fade away. The twitch at the corner of your mouth kindles something inside you; something you’re positive you do not wish to see again. ‘You’re just not the best.’
You gather yourself, your grip on her firm, your gaze steady. There’s an indifference to her that feels aline to you – Takao had always been intellectual and back-and-forth with you. With her, it’s always as though you had… a dance partner – an experienced, mature lead to your inexperienced steps, giggling and winking as she took one step after the other, one that you would always follow clumsily and try to keep track with. Now, this Takao… she is still, looking inwards rather than out… and you realize it.
She is waiting for you to take the lead; [/i]just this once[/i].
‘I’m not lying.’ You raise a hand to her cheek, but she is stubborn – more than you expect, more than you are used to.
Takao is not headstrong and stubborn like Nagato. She is lined in a depressing arrogance… the arrogant finesse of the verbal waltz, the back and forth that you keep finding yourself thrown into with her.
‘What you did in there… the position that I put you in was wrong, Takao.’ You begin – it didn’t matter if you had her attentions – what mattered was that she understood. ‘What you felt, what you wanted to do to him… because of me?’ You laugh – she doesn’t; you press on. ‘As self-serving as I don’t want to sound with his, and it just is going to end up to anyway,’ you continue, almost grimly, of the root and the truth of your thoughts, ‘it’s not wrong to feel that way when someone you care about is on the line.’
The reaction is immediate and sudden – it is unexpected but at the same time, predictable. Takao is an intellectual; wise, experienced and strong in words and stance… but it is also a weakness.
The arrogant never see when they’re stepping into a swamp and not a meadow.
‘Of course I know that!’ She cries out, almost desperately, almost madly. ‘I’ve felt it before! I’ve had the backs of my sisters – my Squadrons, they’re… I’ve felt that before.’ She’s louder than she probably thinks, more abrasive than she intends to be, but you catch it all the same. ‘But never for…’
You wink at her, alleviating the dark mood, albeit slightly.
‘For a devil-may-care hero type with a belly that could fit a walrus?’
She laughs. No, she guffaws, covering her lips with her still-damp hands.
TBC
You smile kindly, praying at the back of your mind that you weren’t about to be slapped or worse, holding onto her wrists and prying them away from her hands. A little drool drips from a corner of her lips – she struggles to keep her wits about; you reckon right now she’s trying to divert herself back into her protocol.
‘You’re exaggerating.’ She giggles, surprising you – you might have been wrong about how ingrained she was in her ways. ‘It’s not that plump. In fact, there’s a little sag now.’
You bring your forehead close to her, feeling the heat of her being close in to you – you didn’t need a Stream, Quickening or RAY for this. You’re just two people, Commander and KanMusu, on the floor of an empty building, taking in each other as you always did.
‘Takao, whatever you felt in there, it’s okay.’
‘He was a human and – !’ She’s faltering, shaking, unsure.
‘And you wanted to protect me, Takao.’ You push.
‘I’m not supposed to…’ She looks away, the corner of her eyes threatening to spill tears.
‘Takao.’ You try with a little more. ‘Hey, come on, look at me.’ She does, shaking. ‘You felt the right thing that night – and you did the right thing by not firing, either. You did nothing wrong.’ Your voice forces it – the truth, into that your words. ‘You wanted to protect me. You wanted to make sure I didn’t get hurt and you did the best you could, even if you didn’t fire – even if you didn’t, you wanted to… enough to cross more lines that I would have liked you to.’
‘He's human…’
‘So am I.’ You close your eyes. This was the hard part. This would always be the hard part. ‘And I’ll always be happy that there that there's someone willing to put her neck on the line for me.’
You feel her wet breath on your lips. It drives you insane, just being like this.
‘It’s okay to feel that way. To go crazy, ape and roar and want to drop a whole hill down because…’ You smile. ‘because someone you care about would end up otherwise.’ There’s a little bit more force, a little more feeling in you, eager and wild. ‘Don’t care about what those shrinks say – Takao. It’s human to feel that way for the ones you love.’
Something hitches in he throat. There is a terrified and wondered look in her eyes as she takes it all in.
‘Let me tell you a secret, Madam.’ This gets a giggle from her – the tears spill over, and this time, they are happy ones. ‘I’d take more than three bullets and break more than his neck if it meant to keep you safe all over again.’
Takao laughs, loudly and sincerely, pecking your lips.
‘So this is what it’s like…’ She sighs, resting against your chest. ‘To…’
She shakes her head. You don’t bother to follow.
You just hold her, content.
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>Find a certain Division member (Specify, 2/4 left)
>Write-In
>>257339
>Find a certain Division member (Specify, 2/4 left)
Kaga. Also, what time is it IC? I hope we won't be late to our own briefing.
>>257350
OOC: Get that countdown to 0/4 and see what happens.
>>257339
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
OOC: Before I go on, just a short pop quiz. Are there characters you enjoy or any that you don't like? get some of the stuff is railroad-y to a lot of you, but are there characterizations that you find... boring?
>>257362
That worries me.
>>257374
So far, I can't think of any characters that I actually find boring. There are certain characters that obviously haven't been fleshed-out yet due to us not talking to them much. There are certain people I hope we get to see more of, like the GL, some of the other KanMusu in Yokosuka, and our new personnel from the district.
>>257339
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>>257339
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>>257339
Check on how much time we have.
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
>>257374
a fully activated yandere shigure would be a nice sight to see....for all 10 seconds that would take her to eviscerate everyone and everything that ticked her off that is
but thats just me liking yanderes
>>257339
>Find a certain Division member (Kaga)
after seeing our current fore runner, head to the briefing
>>257339
>find division member
Go find Kaga.
>>257339
>Go to the Barracks and prepare for Briefing
Briefing please
‘Takao, I’d like you to round up the others for me later.’ Her eyes widen at the sudden declaration, but you feel that it is somewhat necessary – there wasn’t time to keep at this, not much to keep it balanced. ‘We have a mission tonight. I’ll be briefing at around 1600 hours.’ You bite your lip, getting to your feet and helping her up. ‘You know where everyone is, right?’
Takao nods, a little confused. You give her an apologetic look, your gaze traveling down to her manner of undress. Oddly, she follows your stare, covering up her more… private institutions with a wink.
Several fairies fly down from the ceiling, chirping at her – she gives you a quick bow before walking past the ramp and into the chamber on the side. You reckon that it’s where the Squadron prepped up before heading out. You admire Takao’s work ethic – among other things – at making sure her gear worked fine as often as she could; you could never have that kind of discipline… although, you supposed, if there was any time for it, it could be now.
You head back up the uneven stairwell and outside – as you do, several maintenance boys salute you, heading back in. The lunch break had been done with not moments ago. You reasoned that it had been pretty good timing to get a move on with your work.
You make your way past the Personnel, some of them giving you apprehensive looks as you do, most of them the MPs. News had apparently traveled of your exploits to reclaim the Commercial District – you didn’t need a second look to know just why you had made the MPs apprehensive around you. While a lot of them probably expected to get roughed up in the line of duty, not many of them probably would have put money on you being involved with the Yakuza and then hiring their supposed attackers.
You walk past the familiar street, still a little ruined, back to the barracks. While you walk around, taking in the slightly-improved sights, you wonder just how much more could and would be done to get the town back to its former glory.
You arrive in front of your barracks compound, where you see three men arguing. You groan as you recognize all three of them: Fingers and your two attendants; of course, it had to be them.
‘Look, man, this is territory specified for the Admiralty’s troops. You can’t just put posters all around here.’
‘I’m tellin’ ya, I’m with Big Boss.’ He grumbles. ‘And I ain’t startin’ any trouble. Look, can ya just – ?’
You walk up to them, coughing for attention.
‘Boss!’ Fingers calls out.
‘Commander!’ The both of them salute.
‘What’s up now, Fingers?’
‘Um…’
‘He wants to post these around. I told him no!’
It’s a rather adorable drawing of Mamiya, holding up a microphone with the words “COME ONE COME ALL!” emblazoned in rather childish handwriting. There are several more copies in Fingers's hand.
>‘Fingers, what is this?’ (Inquire)
>Allow it
>Deny it
>>257581
>‘Fingers, what is this?’ (Inquire)
>'Fingers, what is this?' (Inquire)
It's probably an ad for Mamiya's, but better safe than sorry
>>257581
>‘Fingers, what is this?’ (Inquire)
please dont be a che style poster, the court is already kind of pissed with usit whould be awesome, however
>>257581
>‘Fingers, what is this?’ (Inquire)
>>257581
>‘Fingers, what is this?’ (Inquire)
>>257581
>‘Fingers, what is this?’ (Inquire)
You feel a headache coming along, but you ask anyway.
‘Fingers, just what am I looking at here?’
‘Well, ya see, that KanMusu shop? Mamiya’s? They kinda heard that we were in business with you, and – !’
‘Wait, you told her you were with the Admiralty?’ You blink; after the last fiasco, one would think Mamiya would be a little more apprehensive in bringing Fingers's type into her shop.
‘No, we said we were with you, sir.’
You sigh; that did explain a lot more.
‘All right, go on.’
‘Well, apparently a few days ago she managed to bag a guy who could actually cook for… you know, people. She’s been trying to get the place a little more friendly for the folks, so she wants to promote a… a sort of talent night to scout out for people that can show their skills and make the place… jumpy.’ Fingers finishes – rather impressive to say all that in one breath.
‘So this is a…’ You gesture for him to continue for you.
‘Open night.’ He pats his chest, smiling brightly. ‘Mamiya’ll be watchin’ too, so if yer good enough she might take ya in permanently!’
‘Fingers,’ you chuckle, despite yourself. ‘I think I’m a bit too busy for this.’
‘Whatever, boss,’ He isn’t deterred, spreading his hands like an enthusiastic salesman. ‘but yer girls… they might wanna have a go at this kind of thing, right?’
‘Maybe.’ You grimace slightly. ‘I haven’t been… attentive enough to know if they have any hobbies in that particular direction.’
‘They don’t need to be!’ He claps his hands together, grinning even wider than you thought possible. ‘That’s what an open night is about! Making a moron of yourself and having a good laugh at it!’
‘There’s gotta be more to this than meets the eye.’ You smirk. ‘I find it hard to believe a hardened gangster could be bothered with this at all.’
‘Hey, I’m yer right-hand man.’ He says proudly – your attendants growl at the declaration. ‘What I do reflects on you, ya know. And I ain’t the type to make put tripe on yer name, Boss.’
That actually does touch you.
‘That’s pretty damn decent of you.’ You admit. ‘So you just volunteered?’
‘Well… um…’ He turns a little red, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘That waitress girl was kinda cute…’ He grumbles the next few words. ‘She kinda won us over.’
‘Irako, you Devil.’ You mutter, impressed.
‘She just asked and when we mentioned you she was all like, crazy!’ He waves his hands all over – that did sound like Irako. ‘And then she told us to do a favor for ya and put this all over the Barracks on both the Forces or somethin’ and yer Division and the Personnel camps!’
‘So when is this going to be?’
‘It starts in a few day’s time.’ He shoves the flyer in your face. ‘Mamiya says she might make it a weekly thing, though, if turnout is good.’
>Allow it
>Deny it
>>257652
>>Allow it
>>257652
>Allow it
We should start a band with some of our division members.
>>257652
>Allow it
sure, why not
a night free of care is good for the girls, the crew and the civies
>>257652
>Allow it
I'm game. It sounds like a fun group activity too with the girls.
>>257661
It certainly could be a good all round morale booster. Certainly something this place needs in spades.
>>257652
>Allow it
It might be good for moral
‘All right, Fingers.’ You out up a hand, defeated. ‘You can put up the flyers, but I don’t want to see any of them littered on the ground. Just because the town’s in chaos doesn’t mean we have to be.’
‘Thanks, Boss.’
‘All right, you two, go and help him out.’ You walk past the both of them, raising a hand to Fingers for his attention. ‘Fingers, go easy on them. You two, I want the both of you to make sure Fingers puts them up right – make sure you don’t go too far beyond the compound range or we’re going to see a whole lot of these crumpled and complaints on our doorstep.’
‘Yes, sir!’ They both salute.
‘I also want the both of you to round up the Division.’ You add – the Admiral had said that they’d always be informed of the whereabouts of your team – it was that you’d put them both to good use with that. ‘I want them here by 1600, as I do the both of you.’
‘Yes, sir!’ They bark – Fingers, amused, cackles.
All three of them go on their way, bickering all the while. You hope they don’t eat each other alive.
Entering the barracks, you find no one around – the place is a great deal cleaner than it was before, the stains on the wall are all but gone. The floorboards are still creaky, but less rough than they were before. You enter the main hall, small as it is, to see that it now housed a great deal many more tables compared to before, huddled on one side. The kitchen counter looked to be a bigger mess – someone had been to work on it for sure since you’d checked into the MASH.
You’d check into it later. Right now, as you take out the rolled files from the pouch of your fatigues and set yourself down at a larger table that had taken the place of your last workspace, you get to work.
The grid had been traversed before, but with the assault from three weeks or so ago, the Admiralty wanted another check on the region. It was the point of many defensive battles in the past for the Admiralty – it said so on some of the files of some of the operations that had been undertaken in the immediate zone were hit and run missions by light Squadrons. Since the attack, though, it had all gone dark – the Admiralty didn’t like the lack of visibility in the immediate region – and had cautioned would-be sailors shipping for their livelihoods to get out of the immediate vicinity if they happened to cross into it.
The weather patterns there had been reported as irregular, which worried you somewhat. The fairies had protected the RAY’s means of contact, but if there was a storm brewing, you’d have to hope that the signal for both the RAY and the communications channels would be adequately fortified. You take note of this and request a weather report on a form. Better safe than sorry.
You read up on the gear, groaning as you go over the schematics and the details that the MagiTek Department had put you up to. You frown as you look over the details.
TBC
>>257652
>Allow it
The gear’s apparent designation is the T-65 Oceanic Recon Battlegear, or the ORB for short. It wasn’t the first of its kind – there had been a TEST type of the gear fitted before on KanMusu, but the risk of discovery and the lack of firepower was seen as a detriment. It featured the latest in recording technology and RADAR bouncing tech, specifically tuned for Abyssals by the fairies, but its grounding point completely took over the KanMusu. Their weaponry – save perhaps some custom handouts that didn’t have a link to their grounding point were nullified completely by attunement.
You flip a few pages, reading through it reluctantly. It didn’t look too shabby – not at all, in fact you wondered if you could get a set for yourself because it just looked too impressive not to try for yourself. You go through the specific schematics and capabilities of the gear. Its installation into CVLs granted the CVL’s planes a sort of stealth mode and complete physical control by the CVL – which was a surprise considering the principle of a plane launch according to the Carrier rules – it was effectively a drone, a mini-RAY in the hands of the CVL controlling it.
The CL’s and DD’s iteration of the gear was enhanced speed – and a tracking range that was double the size of the average sensor – it was like a full-body high-speed camera, able to record and take in the events around it at an astounding rate of accuracy, along with the standard stealth enhancement with the installation and attunment of the gear into their grounding point.
‘Impressive.’ You nod in approval.
‘What is, sir?’
You jump from your seat, raising to see all 9 of your Division members gathered in the Main Hall, along with your 2 attendants. Shigure blinks as you sheepishly rub the back of your neck – you see about half the Division looking at you quizzically, and the other half looking at you with a mixture of relief and other mixed feelings you can’t quite put together. She cocks her head, taking a step back, going right next to Murakumo.
‘Great to see you guys again.’ You say honestly, crossing your arms and leaning against the chair. ‘Unfortunately, I don’t have time to address any questions right now. The Admiralty’s dropped an assignment on us. Full blanket recon.’ You nod, to a few murmurs. ‘Along the way we’ll be testing a few new toys for the guys and gals of the MagiTek Department.’
Shigure visibly twitches at that mention, as does Murakumo.
‘I’ll be sending some of you south through hostile waters – this,’ you nod, raising a file, ‘is the T-65 ORB. Once equipped, your weapons systems installed into your grounding points will be taken over. That means no combat capabilities whatsoever.’
There are more murmurs.
‘It’s not ideal, but…’
>Choose number of Squaddies: (2-4)
>>257758
>3
Two running recon, one hanging back by the RAY as support.
>>257758
samidare, tenryuu, i want you on the zone, you only RECON no more, no less
nachi and kaga you will be on nearvy waters as support if it gets ugly
>>257775
Your ship may be shit, but your strats are spot on at least.
>>257758
>3
>>257775
You're only selecting the number of team members for now.
>>257787
You know how people tend to hate those who remind theme of their bad parts? I have really really bad luck.
>>257758
>4
There was a fair bit of discussion on this in the last thread, and I think we should go with Houshou, Tenryuu and Samidare as suggested for the outfit trials, and possibly Kaga or Nagoto in the RAY as backup if they need cover fire extraction. If it can work that way.
>>257782
Ah, guess that means
>4
OOC: If it's not clear to everyone - you keep the Stealth Mode outfits you choose to outfit should the mission emerge successful. The ones you don't equip are sent back to the Magitek Department.
>>257823
I'm still saying no to Hounshou cause of speed.
>>257832
I thought about that too, but since she can launch planes that act like stealth drones, she could probably hang back near the RAY with our fire support. That way if shit goes sideways, she can get aboard immediately.
>>257851
dont like it but it might be good in the long run, if we get another CVL
‘I’ll go with the full roster – 4 team members.’ You explain; there are murmurs all around.
You look to the sheet again, attempting to call out a name when a familiar voice – Tenryuu’s, breaks right out and cuts you off. You frown as you raise yourself from the sheet to give her a look. She looks rather embarrassed from cutting you off, but you gesture at her to go on with a nod. She hesitates, slightly, looking deep in thought and putting a hand to her chin, eyes right at you.
‘Wait, hang on a sec – it’s recon, right, so I can understand that we’re heading in there blind this time, but…’ you nod, acknowledging it. She goes on, undeterred, ‘are we really going to be heading into this without weapons? I mean, I’m not going to lie that I’m not a bit worried, but… what if we get into trouble? If these things,’ she gestures to the sheet of paper in your hand, ‘deactivate our systems, how are we supposed to defend ourselves?’
‘Technically, not all of you are going to be going in without your weapons. The ORB is limited to those of the DD, CL and CVL designations. That means that if you’re not any of those three, your weaponry is hot and ready – and you’ll be playing Support regardless of the team make-up.’ You look to Takao, Nagato and Nachi – the last of which thins her lips at the line. ‘The RAY will be parked in Hunker mode right on the border. If I do bring one of you gals for that role, you’re strictly going to be there providing potential cover fire if things go to… well… shit.’
‘Commander!’
‘Yes, Samidare?’
‘You can’t say that!’
The whole room snickers as you turn red, rolling your eyes and trying to look as undignified as you can at the glaring girl, who is hunched and scrunching her face at you rather pitifully. She just can’t pull it off.
There’s a cough that catches everyone’s attention, and the whole room goes silent. Houshou steps out from the group, biting her lip. You see the respect that her peers have of her – how she commands the room with a single stroke.
‘Makes a little sense.’ Houshou nods in understanding. ‘Although I have some reservations for the gear, it’s always nice to have a little extra insurance in case things… don’t go quite according to plan. Although, it is strange.’
She points to a particular point on the map.
‘I believe I’ve performed a campaign in this area before; I didn’t think the Admiralty would want another recon of it when they have it on record.’
‘The counterattack’s robbed us a little blind, more likely than not.’ Nagato says, channeling the Admiral. ‘This is a re-establishment of recon points, not seeking out new ones.’
‘That makes sense.’ Nachi nods in agreement.
‘All right, first member is…’
>TASK: Choose 1st Squadron Member - Member Name (Geared/Ungeared)
>>257880
>Tenryuu (Geared)
Since she's our only CL
>>257880
>Tenryuu (Geared)
She can keep her sword right?
>>257880
sami and tenryuu (geared)
if anyone says hosho i vote so
>>257880
>Tenryuu (Geared)
>>257880
Ugh, we were warned not to take more than 2 ships and maybe one support vessel. Hopefully this doesn't bite us in the ass.
>Tenryuu (Geared)
>>257954
Well, we wont get a perfect, but thats the kinda stuff we need to point out to our fellow questers earlier
‘Tenryuu, I’m going to have you take one of the suits.’
‘WHAT?!’ Tenryuu raises an accusing finger at you. You bite the inside of your cheek as you remember the conversation you’d overheard with her and the rest – while she had no quarrel with you, Tenryuu did agree with Nachi on the stability of your Stream; thanks to Kaga, that’d been addressed, but it didn’t lighten your own mood any further that she’d taken a side against you. ‘You’re sending me out there? Without weapons? In experimental gear that might get me killed or worse?’
‘I don’t think there’s much worse than getting killed out there.’ You try to joke – and it doesn’t work at all, Tenryuu’s mouth opens again to argue with you, but you raise your hand to keep her from speaking. You are still the Commander, after all. ‘Tenryuu, I’m sorry to send you out there on two missions in a row, but rest assured, I’m not as foolhardy as I was last time.’ You say – not quite desperately or pleadingly, but very much insistently. ‘I screwed up on my first mission. I should have been a lot more attentive and less emotional. Most importantly, I should have stuck to the plan.’
‘Doesn’t seem like it.’ You hear Nachi mutter to Murakumo with a nod at your general state, who holds a hand to her mouth, guffawing.
‘Nachi, if you’re not going to shut up, I want to ask you to step up here and share with the rest of us just what in the world you think is so important that you’d interrupt a briefing.’ You’re not in the mood for this – not out of rage, nor from a grudge, but as the Commander. Nachi smirks – of course, she does, and you cut her off with a raised finger. ‘Because if your teammates end up with their ears clogged from whatever gossip you’d like to share about your latest exploits, I’m not taking the blame for them coming back in body bags.’ You snap the fingers of your prosthetic. ‘You will. I’m sure that you’re familiar with the zips.’
Nachi actually looks hurt.
‘Savage.’ Houshou mutters.
You throw her a look and she quickly stiffens. This wasn’t about humiliating Nachi – there is no grudge, not petty take-back. You had screwed your last mission over, and even if they called you a demonic, venomous snake, there was no way you weren’t going to let your team not be fully informed of the consequences of the task – or the full details of the task at hand, for that matter.
‘I may have not made this clear to all of you enough.’ You cross your arms, surveying the room. ‘I may still be a few weeks into the job but I am not taking any chances. I do not want a single snide comment until I am done with the meeting. If you want to interject, you can do as Tenryuu so politely showed.’
None of them say a word. Nagato lets out a low whistle.
‘Good.’
>TASK: Choose 2nd Squadron Member (Geared/Ungeared)
OOC: Guess who learned not to take shit when on the job? Das right.
>>257982
We have made a monster, havent we?
>>257987
OOC: Not yet.
>>257976
>Houshou (Geared)
Houshou.....GEARED
>>257976
Get Samidare in gear.
>>257976
>Murakumo (Geared)
She is a good scout
>>258000
But shes triggered. Something bothers both her and shigure in this. Lets leave them out.
>>257976 #
>Houshou (Geared)
>>257976
samidare (geared)
>>258023
I could also agree with that.
‘Houshou, you said you’re familiar with the area?’
Houshou steps out from the group, biting her lip. She doesn’t look like anything you’d imagine a soldier would be, but you knew better – Houshou had the highest number of participated missions among Carriers prior to her retirement and been involved in more campaigns to push back the Abyssals than you could shake a stick at. It’s no secret just how much her steel made her character. She interlocks her fingers, walking up to you, addressing you not as a delicate flower.
But as a veteran called back into a proud service, her eyes glinting with a wisdom beyond yours.
‘I may have served there on a few Campaigns, a few operations in the region; if you’re going to send me out there I have no guarantee if the expectations would be as they are before or beyond the set parameters of the mission.’ She looks a little frustrated, looking away. ‘It’s been so long since I’ve wielded my gear… but I am able and ready, sir, if you will have me out there.’
‘You’re up as well.’ You agree with her point – Houshou fixes her gaze with you, bowing respectfully as you tick the boxes of the gear requisition form. ‘I think you’ll be an asset – I wouldn’t have arranged to bring you in if I didn’t see a place for you on the field.’ You nod gruffly. ‘You’ll do fine.’
‘I appreciate the faith, Commander.’ Houshou bows once more, heading back into the group.
‘You’ll do fine.’
‘Sir.’ She turns back to look at you, giving you a coy smile. ‘Glad to be of use.’
>TASK: Choose 3rd Squadron Member (Geared/Ungeared)
>>258079
>Samidare (geared)
>>258079
samidare (geared)
>>258079
>Samidare (Geared)
She's the only destroyer without a history of recklessness or insubordination. But we should make a point to tell the other members of the squad to look out for her.
>>258079
>Samidare (Geared)
>>258079 #
>Samidare (Geared)
The last girl to send will be tough. We need to think of the pros and cons for each of them before we vote, gentlemen.
>>258137
nagato is powerful but too slow for hit and run
nachi or takao are better options, in my opinion
>>258137
I definitely think Takao would be a solid option. Nagato isn't even a little bit stealthy, and Nachi isn't suitable based on her current demeanor.
>>258142
And with Nachi being so antagonistic and her feelings about our stream, she might not be the best option either.
>>258150
true, but i wanna give nachi a oportunity, a show of that she can focus
but yeah takao might be a better choice
>>258150
I think it should be takao or kaga. Kaga can launch her planes at a greater distance than takao can fire, so if things start going down her support can get there faster.
>>258156
The thing is, while I too want to get along better with Nachi and get her to better accept our stream, we shouldn't do it during a mission. We can work on the relationship once we return and it's the down time.
>>258161
Perhaps, but 2 carriers off by themselves with no escort is a terrible idea if something goes wrong on our end.
>>258161
Giant target. Go with someone smaller and more stealthy. We must not be detected. They is a mission fail condition.
Can always ask for volunteers.
Personally i would have only gone with 3, and they happen to be the 3 that have been chosen so far.
>>258191
>We must not be detected.
Fuck, good point.
>>258326
plus hosho can use the planes even with stealth if i got it right
>>257880
>‘I believe I’ve performed a campaign in this area before; I didn’t think the Admiralty would want another recon of it when they have it on record.’
... We trust the orders of the asshole vice-admiral that already hid once what we were really going to retrieve? We don't tell the team whose life we wagger wtf is going on? We don't push her to guess which data they might really want? We don't even take into account her hint that weird shit is happening?
I dont think it's in character. MC spent all his off-time trying to build trust ("hurr durr your a wymyn"), and when toying with their life he decides to throw all of it away.
>>258079
Voting for whoever, not geared.
>>258381
It's just autism, don't let it get to you.
Question QM, you said earlier that only carriers have a libido, which was another source of angst for shipgirls. Yet things were getting pretty hot and heavy with Nagato. How do you explain this? Is the Commander just catnip for Kanmusu?
>>258729
I think that they just dont understand libido or emotions. That or it may be the only way they know how to express love
>>258340
I've been thinking. We should have Honshou launch some of her stealth fighters/drones to fly ahead of Tenryuu and Samidare in a spread our pattern, so that they can hopefully catch sight of any potential enemy patrols that might be nearby. Honshou then can coordinate anything she spots back to the recon group and have them move on a safer route to where they need to be.
>>259318
Its been hinted that there will be no planes
‘Samidare, I’m going to have to ask you to suit up, too.’ You nod at her.
‘Y – Yes, sir!’ Samidare suits nervously. ‘I’m deeply honored to be of service, sir!’
‘There’s no combat here – hopefully – all you’ll be doing is a complete sweep of the grids and we’ll be right back before you know it.’ You nod at Samidare, who looks a little more mousy than usual. ‘Houshou and Tenryuu’ll be looking out for you. Listen to them and you’ll do just fine.’
‘Of course, sir!’
Samidare salutes, trying to put on a hardened expression, but it has more in common with a sad pug than it does a battle-hardened woman. You chuckle to yourself, shaking your head. Among the group you see Houshou giggling herself, nodding at you with a veiled smile after.
‘Okay.’
>TASK: Choose 4th Squadron Member (Geared/Ungeared)
I cannot think of anyone else to bring who would not impact the chances of success detrimentally. We are bringing twice as many ships as we were told to bring + the only ones smaller than a cruiser are traumatized + with so many ships anything bigger than a destroyer is asking for trouble = bad day. I would greatly prefer not choosing a fourth member but I doubt we will get that option /so/: here are my recommendations.
I say we go with either Murakumo or Takao. Those two are the only ones we have left that are smaller than a carrier and who aren't a) known for "aggressive, vengeful tendencies" (Nachi) or b) known to be willing to go off on her own (Shigure)[incidentally Shigure would have been perfect had we chosen to send a single ship out instead of a full roster]. Yes, Murakumo and Shigure had a bad reaction to MagiTek, but she won't be using it and with 13% the displacement of the next largest viable candidate she's far less likely to impact the mission by her mere presence.
Takao is bigger. A lot bigger. Not only does she displace way more than Murakumo, she also is twice the length, has a beam twice as wide, a draught twice as deep, and possesses twice as many noisemaker propellers.
That said, she is both far better armed and armored and is also untraumatized. She has floatplane scouts too, though why we would use those unstealthy birds (that are even less stealthy coming down) when we have a stealth carrier is beyond me.
Of course on the flip-side Murakumo would be a destroyer protecting a carrier, cruiser, and another destroyer. An issue to be sure...if we expect to not only fail the mission, but also violate orders and engage the enemy in combat instead of retreating. Like we were ordered to. Do we?
>>254389
>‘No engagement, Commander. The first sign of trouble, bail out.’ He nods at you gravely. ‘The moment you see any A-Rank units in that area, I want your Squadron back on the RAY.’
>>259591
>Takao (Ungeared)
>>259595
I think by no engagements, he means we don't actively try and start any shit. If the enemy is on to us, we will be fleeing. But we will more than likely might need covering fire during the pickup of our girls.
>>259618
Here's a quote from the last thread where the vice-admiral briefed us. It seems a bit more forceful on the issue. I think they're getting tired of us fighting everything.
>>245877
>‘Commander.’ The Vice-Admiral’s voice catches your attention again, and you turn around to see him cast a worried glance at you. ‘Remember what I told you – discretion means a whole lot more than valor – if you’re in over your head, don’t hesitate to back out. Sometimes things aren’t going to go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bull-headed enough to finish through.’
>‘I got it, sir.’
>‘This just gathering intel. We don’t need more Abyssals at the bottom of the sea… yet.’ He nods at you. ‘Brief your team properly and make sure they understand the no-engagement part if you’re going to equip them with the gear. That’s still on you.’
>>259632
Hence why the heavier vessel will only be there to cover the recon force's retreat in the event of us failing to remain undetected. Otherwise, she'll stay back with the RAY.
>>259645
Wasn't gathering Intel the original purpose of the mission, with testing of the stealth tech the optional bonus?
>>259595
I know your intentions are honest, but
>Takao is bigger. A lot bigger. Not only does she displace way more than Murakumo, she also is twice the length, has a beam twice as wide, a draught twice as deep, and possesses twice as many noisemaker propellers.
If you mention this kind of thing as though it is a mechanic of my Quest I am veto-ing your vote automatically. I've already mentioned that my own runs have nothing to do with what their real life ship sizes are or the KanColle game. Please do not mislead the other Questers by posting this statement as though it is true on what I run. This has nothing to do with the capabilities of the KanMusu during the quest.
>>259618
You are correct on this. Recon is all about being there without the enemy knowing you're there. You're not scouting as the info is not real-time but will be on record for reference. He's telling you to get in and out and not put yourself or your crew in more shit that you absolutely need to.
>>259645
No, it isn't.
PRIMARY: Do a sweep of the grids assigned in the mission.
SECONDARY: Use the Stealth Tech while doing the mission.
Optional/Request/Can Be Ignored: Recon another point that the Admiral says is off the current assigned Grid.
>>259658
Haven't seen that post of yours. Haven't voted either. Since I apparently won't be voting I suppose I might as well look it up. Any idea which thread its on?
>>259591
>Takao (Ungeared)
I mean, we can't gear her anyway.
Though the idea is of Takao in a skin tight stealth suit could be... Interesting.
>>259683
Every thread leading up to the first mission has me mentioning that it will have nothing in common with the KanColle combat mechanic. I don't even know why you're referring to the ships by sizes and with components you think are relevant when I have explained that they're practically water-walking Superhumans and nothing more than that.
Please do not take the liberty to explain the mechanics of combat of your own volition and ask me if you're unsure on how a KanMusu would hypothetically perform. It would confuse other voters and lead them to think that the mechanic that you explained would be the Quest's when it would be not.
Ask me if you're unsure on combat mechanics or any trivia on the Quest.
‘Takao. You’ll be taking part as Support.’ You nod at her, gesturing to the bulky attendant to come over. You hand him the documents, which he takes with a nod. ‘You won’t be following them into the dark zone, but if there’s anything at all that’s going to pull up that’s more than they can handle, I want you to provide cover fire for a retreat.’ You cross your arms; Takao looks away from you, a little more confused than you would have hoped. ‘Something on your mind?’
‘Actually, sir, yes.’ Takao frowns – you feel an uneasy feeling growing from your feet to the back of your spine; you guess that this is how all of her opponents felt whenever they went up against her on her own terms. ‘I’m actually… worried for myself.’ She rubs the back of her neck, grimacing. ‘If this is a reconnaissance assignment, wouldn’t I be slowing them down when I head out there, even if I don’t go into the dark zone?’
‘You’ll be within the RAY’s immediate radius.’ You answer with a nod. ‘Or, at least within retrievable distance.’ That meant less than thirty seconds from a pick-up. ‘Like I said, you’re not going to be heading into the dark zone if I can help it. Samidare, Tenryuu and Houshou will be doing that – your job is to provide, again, cover fire if any of the Abyssals throw a wrench into our gears.’ You nod. ‘It’s not something that’ll get you commendations,’ you admit, grimacing yourself, ‘but with the other three incapable of direct combat, you’re going to be the only way out of there if or when things get ugly.’
‘I understand, sir.’ Takao salutes at you again; ever the professional.
‘All right, and there’s one more thing, off the records.’ You wonder if you should be disclosing this with your team anyway, but you felt you owed them after that fiasco with the Grand Lieutenant and his little project. ‘The Admiral wants us to do a little recon for him, too, while we have the suits in our possession – we’ll be heading for an archipelago 100 miles or so South-West from the assigned grid after we’re done with blanket recon.’ You sigh as the next words leave your mouth. ‘This is strictly off the books and won’t be on record.’
There are murmurs all around, and you inwardly groan. You knew this wasn’t going to end up with cheers and raps from the get-go, but you steady your ground.
‘Off the books?’ Nachi, unsurprisingly, is the first one to voice her concern. ‘The Admiral actually wants us to head off-mission – well, after the mission a 100 miles off… for what?’
Everyone practically nods in agreement with her.
‘He says he doesn’t know. There’d been a few sensor quakes… and with the lack of recon from the Admiralty, he wants us to check it out. Again, no combat.’
There are murmurs again.
>TASK: Choose Squadron Leader
>>259813
Hrmm. Logic to me says Honshou or Tenryuu to lead the operation, with a slight lean towards Honshou. A part of me wants to give Samidare a chance, but I don't think this is the mission to try her on.
Thoughts fellow anons?
>>259836
I'm definitely voting for Houshou. She's got the most extensive background out of our team members, plus she seems like she can keep a very level head.
>>259836
This doesn't really matter and I'm just being a pedantic asshole, but why are you spelling it Honshou instead of Houshou?
Ignore that if you want.
anyway
>>259813
Houshou gets my vote.
>>259848
Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. Plus she has experience with leading. She was the only KanMusu to reach the rank of Vice-Admiral, after all.
>>259813
>Houshou
>>259874
You don't understand just how many tears I just wept when you remembered that tiny fact about her for your argument. Thank you for remembering the little things, Spectral.
>>259813
>Houshou
She's extremely experienced according to her profile. Though I'm curious as to why a retired vice-admiral ever got into the position of serving under us in the first place. That's a hell of a demotion.
>>259888
I have a tendency to re-read over our girls profiles every so often to make sure I always have a base understanding of the girls and where they are coming from.
Some things stick after so many re-reads.
>>259905
She retired. She was reactivated due to the circumstances from the Assault. She's lived off her days in retirement organizing orgies and the like and crying in the morning regretting what she did and why wouldn't anyone hold her like they should only to collect her pension and do it all over again within a couple of months.
>>259920
That does not explain why they reactivated her at what is effectively a low level combat rank. I don't think I've ever heard of a retired officer being reactivated in such a way. Their knowledge and experience is generally considered too valuable.
>>259920
>crying in the morning regretting what she did and why wouldn't anyone hold her like they should
Seriously, the poor girl needs love. If our assistants didn't have (inferior human) girlfriends already, I'd might have tried wrangling them into finding a shipgirl who needs love.
>only to collect her pension and do it all over again within a couple of months.
Didn't you say before she only did that once a year before?
>>259943Now, isn't that a million dollar question?
I wonder why?
>Showed apprehension and annoyance when you wanted to keep the debriefing from the Team.
>Was the only KanMusu to reach a rank reachable by a human.
>Quickenings and Carriers don't mix.
>Only KanMusu allowed to retire and not put into limbo or forced back into service.
>Could have been a Department head instead of being put in with the Commander's ragtag team.
There's something strange about this combination. Let's consult the magic 8 ball.
"Don't count on it"
>>259955
They don't always say "yes".
>>259955
There's alwaysone of Fingers' friends.
‘Houshou, you’ll be leading this Squadron.’ You nod to all of them – that’s one decision that doesn’t throw itself back at you; you pat yourself on the back for being able to do that well enough. ‘As always, Prep Dock XJ-9 will be our designation for mission preparation. Squadron members, you can leave right now to get your grounding points attuned with the new gear. I’ll see you guys down there.’
They turn on their heels to leave, already mumbling to each other… when something hits you. You don’t particularly think it’s important, but as the Commander, feel an obligation to do so, anyway.
‘Hang on!’ You call out, a little louder than you intended to.
They all stop in their tracks, looking at you in confusion. You gesture to the lanky attendant to come over to you, pointing to one of the spare flyers that hadn’t been put up or handed out yet.
‘All right, I think there’s a little announcement I have to make.’ You say, albeit reluctantly. You feel like a class rep doing this. ‘Mamiya will be holding open night in a few days time. It’ll be a good opportunity for you folks to unwind – have something to look forward to besides the next mission.’
‘Or a shower.’ Kaga calls out purposely. You turn red, at which the knowing figures all nod with wagging eyebrows, completely catching you off-balance; you try – try – to restore order back to what it is, but Kaga, Devil that she is had completely broken your momentum. She smirks – smirks – at you, winking. ‘Need some soap, sir?’
‘Come on, you guys – be mature about this.’ You pinch the bridge of your nose, although the red on your cheeks and the upturn of your lips say that she’d hit home with that particular comment. ‘Okay – there’s no need for any auditions or any talent for that matter.’ You chuckle at that, although no one else does.‘There’s no limit or restriction to what your act’s going to be, so if you guys have comedy skits, drama skits… instruments – !’
Shigure raises a hand. You nod at her to go on.
‘Is mayonnaise an instrument?’
You sigh.
‘No, Shigure, mayonnaise is not an instrument.’
She raises a hand again.
‘Horse radish is not an instrument either.’ You affirm.
Shigure actually looks sad at this, walking away holding jars and phallic vegetables to the quarters upstairs.
Nagato raises a hand, looking at you seriously.
‘Will you be taking part, sir?’
Your blood runs cold.
‘I… haven’t decided yet.’ You say truthfully.
Nachi raises a hand. You gesture to her, despite your reservations, to speak.
‘Sir, I think I speak for us all when I say… you really need a shower.’ Nachi frowns, biting her lips and looking around to a flurry of nods.
You frown, craning yourself to your shoulder, and…
‘Duly noted, Nachi.’ You look to Kaga. ‘Kaga?’
She rubs her temples, waving you away.
[END INTERLUDE]
>>260087
>Shigure actually looks sad at this, walking away holding jars and phallic vegetables to the quarters upstairs.
>>260087
>Shigure actually looks sad at this, walking away holding jars and phallic vegetables to the quarters upstairs.
Wait, where did she even get those? Was she carrying them around? Why bring them to the briefing? So many questions!
>>260087
Now a bit better-dressed and a little more fragrant – thanks to Kaga’s collection of odor-killing shampoos and soap – you re-enter the bustle of the Command tent. It’s back up to its usual levels of noise. The fairies are chirping at one another as they fly shoulder to partition, leaving trails of blue only a few take notice of. There’re a few arguments breaking out with the men and women running their shifts, but it’s only normal. After all, all of you were just about to launch another operation, and tensions were high as they could be.
You walk into the central command, seeing Yuubari and the Admiral, fit and ready, waiting for you. You weren’t late this time – you’d prepared in advance and you’d done your homework on the grid. Yuubari regards you neutrally, and the Admiral acknowledges you to step closer to the electronic display. A little lower you see the fairies arguing and chirping to one another, almost comically bopping each other on the head.
The familiar sound of a warning klaxon sounds – and you know that they’re prepping the RAY for launch this time. The staff outside the partition you look around, eyes to the canvas ceiling of the tent. The mission was barely more than an hour away from now, and you had to go over any last minute details over with the Admiral.
‘So you’re bringing Houshou for this one, huh?’ The Admiral chuckles, crossing his arms. ‘Good choice. She’s got a good head on her shoulders.’
‘That’s why I brought her, sir.’ You salute. You smile, though slightly. ‘I think it’d be best for me to have a little leadership lesson for myself with her around.’
‘I’m a bit iffy with your choice of Samidare, though.’ His lips thin – he frowns. ‘I’ve known her for years… she’s been a good asset, but I don’t know why you’d think she’d be a fit for this sort of thing.’ You nod. ‘Or is this one of those epiphany things?’
‘Well, sir, on record, it’s mentioned that she’s a good internal problem solver and a natural leader.’
‘You know it.’
‘Well, sir,’ you begin your own justification, ‘I think that she could use some real on-field experience. I know you think that she’s a little bit too soft for the heat of the action, but with the state of the Admiralty as it is… I don’t think any of us can help but get our hands a little dirty.’ The Admiral sighs at this. ‘I’m asking you to trust me. I’ve put my trust in her… and I think Houshou and Takao’ll guide her just fine.’
‘It’s your team. Your call, Commander.’ He says seriously, but not condescendingly. ‘Just make sure that…’
He sighs, unable to continue, but you understand.
‘You got it, sir.’
>‘How’s my team doing?’
>‘Any additional parameters you’d like to add, sir?’
>‘Ready and able, sir.’ (LAUNCH)
>>260148
>‘How’s my team doing
>>260148
>>‘How’s my team doing?’
>>260148
>>‘How’s my team doing?’
>>260148
>‘How’s my team doing?’
>>259683
>>259711
Ok, so as I mentioned earlier I've been going through the archives, searching by your tripcode but so far (up to thread 10) I haven't been able to find anything on combat mechanics. I have found a ton of stuff on lore and backstory, sure, but nothing that touches on combat mechanics, or the capabilities of kanmasu in anything but the most abstract manner (i.e. 'the fairies pulled them out of limbo, gave them fairy weaponry that explode when used by humans, and sent them to this world to fight abyssals. They have taken horrible losses that cannot be replenished.').
The only thing combat related I've been able to find is on the Abyssals. You've done a lot of work making the abyssals out to be a nigh unsinkable enemy that could steamroll both humanity and the kanmasu if they ever wanted to. But while /they/ are clearly forces of nature, you have explicitly stated that they are NOT kanmasu or in any way related to kanmasu other than being the enemy.
Frankly the district management mechanics, social mechanics, organization of the Admiralty, and overall backstory are all vastly better defined than the combat mechanics.
So I guess I'll just ask, what is the difference between kanmasu ship classes in this quest? I mean I know carriers and surface combatants have different methods of action to their weapons and I had thought size helped distinguish individuals within those groups given that
>>245749
>‘Heavy Cruisers, Carriers, Battleships are easily picked up by enemy sensors.’
But apparently not if your censure of me earlier was anything to go by.
>>260186
I'd like to clarify that the last sentence is refering to how you called them "water-walking Superhumans and nothing more than that", not the reasoning behind the post.
>>260186
I thought it was pretty heavily implied from the last mission just what the KanMusus' combat characteristics were. It's certainly obvious that the statistics of the real-world naval vessels would have little bearing on them in this quest though. I mean, why would the amount of propellers that Takao had have any affect on the performance of a woman who skates across water using fairy magic?
>>260186
Heavy Cruisers, Carriers and Battleships carry more Reimyoku/Spiritual Signature/Grounding. They are considered more powerful, more visible to Abyssal RADAR/Sensors/Senses.
It's like when Goku steps onto a planet. Everyone knows he's there. Only this applies to a certain range dependent on the Abyssals present. They required a higher amount of resources/energy/whatever for the fairies to bring to this world.
However, there are no such mechanics as "bows", "length", "height" as you described and took into consideration to convince other Questers to the point. Neither is there "dispalcement" as per normal ship specs. They're the spirits of ships given human form. Superhuman abilities added to the package.
Physical sensors are meaningless to the Abyssals. They sense the KanMusu as "threats".
However, there are exceptions. The Four Horsemen are the prime example of those that have control over how much they exude to their presence.
‘How’s my team doing?’
‘Yuubari?’ The Admiral gestures to the lab coat-clad woman, who brings up the display herself.
Yuubari brings up the tech and the schematics of the new gear – you see profiles for each of your outfitted members and Takao on the display. The gear did work differently for each of the different types of KanMusu – and the schematics Yuubari had elaborated further on the status of the equipment than your files did. From what you see, all of them had been fitted and declared ready.
‘They’ve been completely outfitted with the new tech.’ Yuubari begins, adjusting her glasses as she zooms in on Houshou’s particular profile, showing several detailed addenda on her state in relation to the new gear. ‘So far, it hasn’t shown any signs of misalignment with their grounding point, and should be able to go for activation on a field basis on your call when you get out there.’ Yuubari chuckles as she brings up Samidare’s and Tenryuu’s profiles. ‘Samidare’s a little bit too enthusiastic, though – it’s infectious.’
She gives you a look that’s a lot warmer and welcoming – and a lot more amused from which you’d usually expected from her. Yuubari usually dropped into a somber state.
‘Good to see you smile, Yuubari.’ You return with a smile. ‘Nice change from the scowl.’
Yuubari smirks at you, raising an eyebrow.
‘Commander, I’d like you to keep that sort of thing within your Barracks, if possible.’ The Admiral’s voice – with a deadly edge – reaches your ears; you heed it immediately.
Yuubari brings up another window.
‘It’s not comfortable to wear for them. I tried it on myself – it feels like you have a full stomach but can’t sit down, if that makes any sense. The tech works fine – state of the art, cutting edge – but that’s in a controlled environment.’ She scrunches her features, swiping away to a red-titled window with the words CALIBRATION on it. ‘It won’t kill any of your Squaddies from a malfunction, though, if you’re worried about that.’ She frowns, looking at you. ‘If there’s a worry about that I have with your crew…’
You hang on her word.
‘None.’ She smirks. ‘They’re fine and ready to roll out on your command.’ She raises her hands, shutting down the display. ‘You got some fine heads on the dash this time.’
‘No jitters at all?’ You inquire.
‘You can check on that yourself.’ She shrugs. ‘Most of these girls have been on this rodeo before, sir.’ Yuubari sends you a condescending wink. ‘If anything, you’re the rookie.’
‘Is that a jibe?’ You raise an eyebrow.
‘Commander.’ The Admiral sounds, almost tiredly. ‘Your Squadron will board the RAY as soon as you’re ready to enter the RAY Interface.’From what Yuubari’s said, there are no concerns. All on you.’
>‘Any additional parameters that you’d like to add, sir?’
>‘Ready and able, sir’ (LAUNCH)
>>260221
>‘Any additional parameters that you’d like to add, sir?’
>>260221
>>‘Any additional parameters that you’d like to add, sir?’
>>260221
>‘Any additional parameters that you’d like to add, sir?’
‘Any additional parameters you’d like to add, sir?
The Admiral shakes his head, leaning over the table.
‘No.’ He insists, his lips thinning into a line. ‘Nothing other than what I’ve told you.’ You nod and move to get a head to the RAY Interface and the mission, but the Admiral calls you to attention almost instantly as you make the movement. ‘Commander, the operation is the priority.’ He looks at you seriously – you don’t turn away. ‘Test the tech, launch get the grid scouted up and get back to the RAY and out of there.’ His shoulders droop as he goes on. ‘What – my request is strictly off the books and down to your discretion, understand?’
‘Yes, sir.’ You salute.
‘If you don’t think that it’s worthwhile at all, I won’t blame you. Head right back if you wish.’ He offers you a grimace, turning away and waving you off.
‘Of course, sir.’
‘Good luck.’
Yuubari gestures with her finger to follow her – which you do. There are no MPs this time, so it’s a little easier to maneuver out of the Command tent. Outside, the cool night air hits you along with the ocean breeze. Above you, the clouds gathered – it did look like there’d be rain, soon. You have mixed feelings about it. The last time you were caught in the rain, the Abyssals had arrived and wrecked the town and the Admiralty what for. You’re shaken from your thoughts by the hisses of Yuubari, who gestures you to continue to the Prep Dock.
The lights are dim, but the hustle and bustle of activity and noise is akin to a market. It brought a whole new meaning to no rest for the wicked, indeed. In front of the doors are two burly MPs in black and grey, regarding the both of you before Yuubari’s flash of her tag makes them nod and move aside to let you both in; you find that they look a little apprehensive at the sight of you, though.
You walk around the platform. The lights are bright in here – almost too bright – you raise your hand to your good eye, wincing in discomfort. As you adjust, your ears find the din of voices human and electronic; the place looks a lot more bustling than it had been before. There are men and women in caps and jumpsuits yelling at each other in the finalization of the RAY’s setup; you see from the railing a new apparatus – a crane, hoisting what looked like a long tube into a port on the top of the craft. A crew member yells at someone; you see fairies flying to the top of the crane.
You walk towards the cockpit.
Yuubari heads the other way, before turningand walking backwards, gives you a thumbs up. She then spins around, raising her hand.
‘You know the drill!’ She yells over the sound of machinery. ‘Your team’s already inside! 8 minutes!’
You open the cockpit… and see a familiar fairy, jumping in joy.
'Nice to see you again, buddy.'
You take a seat and don the band.
Let's get dangerous.
>Request Calibration
>Request Readout
>Bring RAY Online
>>260248
>Request Calibration
>>260248
>Request Calibration
A variety of windows pop up that you swipe away almost reflexively, all of them are familiar. Your thoughts leave you as you concentrate on the task, on the mission at hand. Outside the box, you hear the din of people chatting slowly dying down, muffled as it is. You grab the arm rests of the seat, biting your lip as you bring several windows up to triple-check before turning it on this time.
‘Request Calibration.’
A small hum resonates in the cramped room, and small lights begin to beep and flash under the green glow of the instruments in standby. The hum of the instruments reaches your ears – the fairy jumps onto your lap as it does before, and you smile down at it. You feel a familiar rush of sensations from your fingertips to your spine, a sort of pulse that, no matter how many times you go through, gets more alien and unfamiliar with every turn.
The attunement process had begun, and it is as uncomfortable as it was the last time.
The sensation of the seat too small, your shoulders heavier than they should be…
CALIBRATION INITIALIZING
ATTUNEMENT – 3%
‘It’s loading faster.’ You mumble, smiling at the fairy on your lap, who looks at you quizically. ‘Last time it took a damn hour.’ You chuckle, resting your head against the seat. It’s still uncomfortable as it is before, but you find that you don’t mind this time. ‘Think we’ll get out of this one without a scratch, buddy?’
The fairy shrugs before plopping on your knee, chirping something you can’t recognize.
You feel the rush of adrenaline leaving you from the high that the RAY Interface gave – it always felt like starting your first car, regardless of how many times you got into it.
Rather than the hour it did before… it takes the RAY only fifteen minutes to fully calibrate itself.
‘Well, what do you know? Prayers do reach Heaven.’
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
WELCOME, COMMANDER
>Request Readout
>Bring RAY Online
>>260268
>Request Readout
We must verify that the correct prayers were spoken.
>>260268
>Request Readout
So far so good.
>>260268
>Request Readout
The first thing you see is your vitals being shoved as statistics in your face, the blue glow of the interface showing several graphs to correlate with your status. You push it away, unconcerned, bringing up your preferred windows and frowning as you checked them. It didn’t take a genius to know Yuubari had probably updated the interface’s user-friendliness slightly – while it worked the same, several prompts were a little easier to manage compared to before.
‘Request Readout.’
REQUEST GRANTED
Yuubari had definitely upgraded the interface. The engine display is a lot more cohesive compared to before and the prompt showed their status much simpler – and at the same time much more detailed and relevant, compared to the last time you’d taken the RAY for a spin. You curiously tap the 3-D map of the RAY to find it had indicators on the placement of your Squadron within the craft.
‘Initializing thruster mapping and toggle.’ It’s almost a recital at this point.
INITIALIZING
The little fairy jumps on the physical HUD, waving its hands enthusiastically. You flip several of the physical switches – almost in a pattern, sighing as you lean back. If there was ever a time to see if some of the more recent RAY Interface tech worked, it would be now, anyway.
‘Enable permanent fixture on fuel efficiency.’
SYNTAX ERROR.( )
It had been worth a shot.
‘Commence equipment check.’
STATUS: GREEN
You bite your lip – maybe this next one would work?
‘Commence crew analysis and status check.’
STATUS: GREEN
You smile.
You flick a few more switches. As you do, the HUD of the RAY comes into complete view. You see the familiar bustle of the crew members scattering away from the immediate vicinity of the RAY – the HUD is alive and ready on your mark. You flick a switch to prompt another window and tap the display away.
The RAY breathes as you do.
Your hand is on the throttle, a little more anxious than before.
STATUS: Active
>Bring RAY Online
>>260284
>Bring RAY Online
>>260284
>Bring RAY Online
OOC: Guys. have to get ready for Iftar. Be back in 6 hours or so. Feel free to discuss whatever 'til then.
>>260284
>Bring RAY Online
Let's do it.
>>260284
>Bring RAY Online
>>260290
we should talk to yuubari about moding the RAY
extra capacity, more ways of support the girls and all that
