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You’re interrupted from your combination of brooding and testing of your physical capacity by a loud cough – and Akashi, clad in an apron and bikini. You choose not to question it. You’d been on her bad side for more than a week.

‘Akashi.’ You nod, trying to sound friendly. ‘What’s up?’

Akashi doesn’t smile.

‘Well, you’ve started rumors going around that you’ve started your own private army, for one… which reached the top brass – not to mention your endangerment of assigned staff to your command. Bullet wounds in your officers aren’t exactly the mark of someone who handled the situation right.’

You wince. You deserved that.

‘The Admiral wants to see you as soon as you recovered; so does the Vice-Admiral, your Sub-Commander – !’

‘Sub-Commander?’ You blink.

‘Nagato.’ Akashi rolls her eyes, hands on her hips. ‘She’s about as annoyed with you as I am, though.’ She finally grins – like a lioness. ‘Difference is I know how to let go.’

Her sour mood returns instantly, taking out a notepad.

‘The Admiral’s on the grounds right now – I don’t think he’s in a good mood with what you pulled. At all.’ Akashi sighs. ‘He wants to meet with you as soon as possible – I’ll put a pair of earplugs underneath your pillows if you think you’ll be needing them.’

‘What?’

‘You did just get three MPs shot, sir.’ She says pointedly. ‘Not to mention make Takao draw her weapons on a human.’

‘I didn’t – !’ You then raise a hand, defeated. ‘Right.’

‘The Deputy Mayor’s here as well.’ You feel a headache coming on. ‘I don’t know why in the world he’s here, but… I don’t think I wanna know. That’s your burden to bear.’

She looks inquisitive now.

‘Also… and this is interesting, a Court Representative is here. Looks like you pulled off something that they didn’t particularly like.’ She frowns. ‘Or something that they like too much.’

‘Both bad, huh?’

‘My advice? Answer their questions and keep it short.’ She says honestly. ‘Don’t try to sound smart with them or you’re gonna be bringing a whole lot of brass on top of us.’

You nod.

‘The Vice-Admiral wants to see you as well, but only when you get discharged. He’ll be at the Command Tent, so once you think you’ve done up with business here, you can go see him. You’re still my patient until then, so if there’re people you don’t want to see, I’ll adhere to your wishes.’

She frowns again.

‘And there’s a man named “Fingers” who wants to see you, too.’ She scrunches her lips. ‘I think – I think he’s a member of that gang you just took over. He’s been prowling the MASH and telling people he’s with you – Big Boss.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘Stellar.’

>See the Admiral
>Meet with the Court Representative
>Meet the Deputy Mayor
>See your Sub-Commander
>See “Fingers”
>See the Vice-Admiral [Ends Interlude]

>>236570
>See the Admiral

We may as well go see him first. Also, welcome back.

>>236570
>See the Admiral
Everything is shit as usual for the Commander. News at 11.

I'm really worried about how bad this day will be. I missed that entire negotiations deal.

>>236570
>see the admiral
i think we can use the "they shot first!" defence on this

i doubt its going to work, but is something

>>236570
>See the Admiral
I worry about what the punishment for a shipgirl drawing their weapon is. I just hope it ain't de-summoning/banishment or something like that.

>>236570
>See the Admiral

better go see our boss first and as usual punished commander is suffering

>>236570
>>See the Admiral

>>236570
>See your Sub-Commander

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‘I think I’ll see the Admiral first – seeing as I owe him an explanation.’ You rub your temples – It was well way into your second week, and you reckoned that you’d pushed over the boiling point some time ago anyway – you hadn’t seen him since you were admitted; you supposed that he couldn’t be any worse to you than Akashi had been throughout the last several days. ‘Well, more of an explanation than most, anyway.’

‘All right, I’ll go get him.’

It doesn’t even take a minute and the Admiral is already in your immediate vicinity, ferocity kept in check – not that it meant much. His glare could have scared off a tiger and a pack of wolves before having a bear for breakfast. It takes all you can to not just wither under his gaze.

He pulls up a chair from the bed over, dragging it over and sitting down on it, arms crossed.

‘You have thirty seconds to say something that’ll keep me from decking you, kid.’ He growls. ‘Something that preferably explains why the Hell I had to send three men I’d entrusted in confidence to at least be able to walk back on to the job back inland for removal of bullets and treatment for semi-automatic weapon discharge!’

‘I take full res – !’

‘That goes without saying!’ You’re immediately cut off. ‘Not to mention making Takao draw her weapons on a human! Under your watch!’ He raises a finger at you, his voice more like a roar than raised. ‘I don’t have time for loose cannons here on this Base and I don’t have time to babysit screw ups like this! You know just how many people are up my ass on what you pulled?!’

His teeth bare at you – and you notice tired rings under his eyes as the veins on his neck seem to resist the force of popping.

‘The Lords are wondering if I’m having trouble with one Commander! The Court of Admirals wonder if I’ve thrown the word discretion and discussion of my damn vocabulary! Ooyodo’s had to deal with a surge of applicants into personnel and MP thinking we’re some sort of God-damn motorcycle gang!’ He raises his voice with every sentence – you wonder just where he gets his energy from – and when his gloved hands would find their place around your neck. ‘What the Hell do I call you now? Big Boss?! Hell of a week this is turning out to be!’

‘Sir, I – !’ You turn red, trying to defend yourself.

‘I’m not finished!’ He raises himself from his chair and you stiffen further, waiting for the end. ‘The only keeping me from taking that eyepatch of yours and shoving it down your throat is the fact that for some God-forsaken reason, I think…’

He puts a shaking hand on your shoulder, sighing as he uses the other to rub his temples.

‘I think you did the best you could.’

He lets out a huge breath – his grip on your shoulder is tight, but it’s not with ill intent; there is a quality of assurance and understanding to it.

TBC

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‘It was… What happened, happened, even if it couldn’t have – you got the gangs off the backs of the townfolks.’

He looks at you with a concerned gaze, as if trying to throw a sort of lifeline out to you – and to himself.

‘Kid, your responsibility isn’t just to the Command of the KanMusu – it’s to everyone in this Base. Everyone.’ There’s a questioning nature to the statement, you reckon. The Admiral’s voice weighs heavily – indeed, you did feel guilty over the men, but… the Admiral, with you and the others… you hadn’t thought how he would feel – and how he expected your conduct to be during the talks. ‘You’re not my first choice… and I know you know that, but you’re here and I expect you to act as though you are my first choice. Understood?’

You almost awkwardly raise your arm into a salute.

‘Sir, a – !’

‘I want you to know I expect better judgment and conduct next time.’ He sighs, waving you off – he’d cooled off a bit now, but his gaze still looked a little troubled. ‘The objective may have been met, but the fact remains that you still got three of the men under my watch almost killed and one of the KanMusu assigned to you. I did say you did the best you could.’

He gives you a nod and a look – a little bit of fondness, a lot of a wisdom and all authority.

‘But that only means there’s room for improvement – a lot of it.’

‘Yes, sir.’ You finally manage to say. ‘I apologize.’

‘Takao filled out your report.’ He says suddenly, taking out a few sheets of paper from inside his uniform, handing them over to you; you gingerly take them, going over them – injury reports, the admission of the personnel into transports bound inland, even the Boss, who had been handed to the authorities – with several addenda.

Your eyes widen as you realize just what Takao had done. You drop the forms, turning desperately to the Admiral.

‘Is she going to be – ?’

‘We have witnesses that she did draw her weaponry on a civilian…’ he nods at you.

Your blood runs cold… until the Admiral gives you a warm smile and a friendly pat on the shoulder.

‘A civilian who turned into an aggressor that was about to kill her Commander… and there are also witnesses that say she did not fire a single shot.’

You feel like you could cry in relief.

‘She’ll be okay.’ He chuckles. ‘In fact, we just cleared her yesterday morning. Although…’ He turns slightly red, coughing into his fist. ‘I would wait until you… get back to the barracks before any…’ He turns away, still coughing, ‘get up to any hanky-panky.’ His voice turns deadly. ‘Especially not in my very public MASH, Commander.’

You pretend not to know what he’s talking about as he leaves.

‘Commander?’ Akashi peeps in.

>Meet with the Court Representative
>Meet the Deputy Mayor
>See your Sub-Commander
>See “Fingers”
>See the Vice-Admiral [Ends Interlude]

>>236686
>See your Sub-Commander
Would it be possible to see Fingers after we're admitted? Doesn't seem good to be in bed when meeting with a gang member

>>236686
lets see subcom

>deputy guy
probably a "dindu nuthing you didnt find anything bout me corupt"

>>236686
>See your Sub-Commander

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>>236686
>See your Sub-Commander

This is gonna be good.

>>236686
>See your Sub-Commander

We should have tried to ask the admiral if he knew why the court rep was here.

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>>236686
>Meet the Deputy Mayor

>Although…’ He turns slightly red, coughing into his fist. ‘I would wait until you… get back to the barracks before any…’ He turns away, still coughing, ‘get up to any hanky-panky.'
...Well alrighty then.

>>236686
i guess takao has taken a lead from nagato then....maybe a very large lead

>>236736
I believe Mech said last thread Kaga is actually in the lead.

>>236753
I think Nagato is in third or fourth place now, depending on whether you count Houshou

Something most be done to correct that

>>236763
I think it's pretty safe to count Houshou. In fact, speaking of her, i bet when we get back she's going to try and slip us folk remedies for, 'vigor'.

>>236753
Wait, how far do you think Nachi will be bumped up when we explain what happened?

>>236763
I sort of figured that Nagato was probably tied with Takao. Either way, it seems like we're about to find out.

>>236776
I doubt she'll ever find out.

>>236795
I was referring to her inspiring the Commander's ascension to Big Boss.

From the last thread:
>Best not talk to her about it or she'll demand we ram it into her there and then.

>>236807
well, IF we tell her, better be in a calmer times, not right after we get shot up and lost an eye

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You get out of bed, watching the Admiral’s retreating back as you did so. You find a slight stiffness to your knee, but otherwise find that it is still slightly stiff, but that you could put your full weight on it. Whatever the Heavens had planned for you, you find yourself at least content that Fairy’s Tears worked on you as a cure-all, even if the healing process was a lot more painful than you’d like.

You sit on the edge of the bed, running a hand through your hair. You did feel a lot lighter – the last couple of weeks of forced dieting – from your first admittance – had done a little good for your body, at least. You knew that you’d lost a few pounds since getting on the bus way back when.

You bite your lip as you remind yourself just who it is that had been waiting out there.

‘I’m ready for the worst of it, Akashi.’ You sigh loudly, hoping that it would be swift and with mercy. ‘Let her in.’

‘I’ll get your body bag ready, sir.’ Akashi chuckles darkly as her head disappears again.

You find yourself waiting a little longer – you count the minutes and reach about a fifth of an hour when a familiar rustling sound reaches your ears and you turn to see Akashi, her face contorted into a satisfied smirk, her eyes looking at you like a sibling that had brought their parent to a squabble. Behind her, stood your Sub-Commander Nagato, her eyes narrowed, her hair much more disheveled than you’re used to – she’s not clothed in her usual wear either; she’s clad in what looked like the typical Sunday best you’d seen from girls in and around your hometown back on the break.

Her expression, though, is definitely all business, even if her manner of dress nowhere near indicated that she was.

Akashi lets out a sing-song voice as she leaves the both of you behind – you can see the silhouette of her cackling form through the canvas, though; but you don’t dare utter a word as the woman before you regards you with a look that would have mirrored Kaga’s on the day she’d kicked you through the door. You actually look around on her shoulder to see if any of her gear was hidden and ready to blast you to oblivion.

You don’t see anything – nothing but for two fairies who were arguing over some sort of discussion in that chirpy language of theirs. After a few minutes of silence, and the intimidating Battleship’s lack of a response, you decide to take the lead – if you were reckless in your last moments then, you’d be reckless in your last moments here.

‘Nagato?’ You begin tentatively – she looks straight into your eyes, but otherwise says nothing.

You try to give her the widest smile you can manage, but find that every time the edges of your mouth reach for your eyes, they droop again as if being sapped by the cold chill of her stare.

‘How’s the team?’ You say with a small laugh. ‘D – Doing fine without me, I hope?’

TBC

>>236834
brace for impact

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‘They’re fine.’ She mutters.

That was a good start. You press on.

‘And – and you?’

Before your eyes, Nagato… Nagato just breaks – right away and without hesitation, from her realm as your Second-In-Command. As Takao had broke into hysterics in the shower, as Kaga and Houshou had practically begged for your touch and your embrace… Nagato breaks in a way that you find… that only she could. She breaks protocol – she breaks her own rule of conduct and professionalism.

It’s frightening, you find.

‘I’m not fine.’ She hisses, crossing her arms and looking away. ‘You’re an idiot, you know that?’ She rounds on you, baring her teeth as so many other had before you, her lips quivering. ‘An egotistical fool Hell-bent on satisfying a shadow!’

‘I know I should’ve – !’ You’re silenced by a look from her – and she’s barely a reach away from you now – you feel small… but at the same time, you don’t feel that she’s entirely wrong either.

You had reached for Nachi. You had given in to that side of yourself.

‘Do you have something to prove?!’ She practically yells, barely softer than the Commander had been himself. ‘Something that makes you want to keep throwing yourself in danger?! Because I can give it to you – and it’s right over that horizon! All the death you can find right there, knocking on your door! Go ahead! I’ll carry you out there myself!’

You find yourself slightly hurt by the insinuation; you raise yourself to your feet, stiff as your knee is. Your prosthetic’s finger raises and tries to make a point – a stand. You are her Commander, and she is your Second-In-Command, after all… or, at least, that’s what the books say.

‘Nagato, I – !’

You’re immediately silenced by a jab of her hand into the air, finger out and a warning of pain if you continued. You wisely shut up.

‘Don’t you know how worried we were for you?!’ She pokes you right in the chest – hard. ‘How – How worried I was?’ She takes a step back, her voice growing softer with every word. ‘I haven’t even been on a mission with you yet, and… and you’re already covered in blood and blind?’

Technically, your right eye is in recovery – and that the arrangement is only temporary.

‘What’s up with that? You want to throw your life – then go ahead, it’s right out there.’

She gestures to your right, her arms shaking.

‘Don’t… Don’t keep us wondering if you’re going to come through that door again…’ Nagato’s voice trembles; she holds herself close as she turns away. ‘We don’t need someone who can’t put a value on that.’

She turns on her heel, heading for the flaps.

>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)
>Assert Your Position
>Apologize
>Let her leave

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>236873
>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

>>236873
>apologize
she's right, we fucked up and early got killed

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>236873
>>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>236873
>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

>>236873
>Let her leave
Assertion is being an asshole and apologizing for the umpteenth time won't mean anything to her at this time. We can apologize by our actions we take after this.

>>236873
>Let her leave
It's becoming kind of formulaic
1) make one choice
2) see everyone to hear their reaction about that choice.

>>236979
I think that's the point.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>236873
>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

What exactly are we perceiving?

>>237002
>What exactly are we perceiving?
a failure if someone votes for this and rolls anything but a 6.
Just vote for something else.

>>237002
Why she's so upset, though it seems obvious to me why.

>>237002
>>237010
>>237009

Fair enough. In that case.

>Apologize

>>236873
>>Apologize

>>236873
>Apologize

>>236873
>Apologize

>>236873
>Apologize

SUCH ARE THE SINS OF THE RENEGADE. PARAGON FOREVER.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>236873
> Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>236873
> Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>236873
>>Suspect/Perceive (Roll a 1d6 Each)

Tis better to try and fail then to never try at all.

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‘Nagato, I didn’t rush in because of my ego.’ You run a hand through your hair, sighing, at least that’s what you think this was about. ‘I went in because my team was in danger and – !’

Nagato angrily turns back to you, her black hair flowing like an angry horse’s whip and snapping with an almost surreal abandon as her eyes turn redder than you had ever seen before, marching right up to you – her fists are balled and the fairies that are on her regard you with shaking heads. Somehow, it only serves to make you more annoyed than fearing for your life.

‘I’m not talking about your ego!’

You cross your arms and raise yourself to full height to meet her, crossing your arms not backing an inch. Nagato’s features twist in a manner similar to Nachi’s – and for a moment you see gleam of something on her shoulders – a sort of aura that was aflame with pure emotion.

‘Well, it sure seems like it – you keep falling back to it every time you try to pick a bone with me.’

You internally wince – you’d meant it as a joke, but it’d been more accusatory than you’d liked.

‘Right.’ Nagato’s eyes narrow, cocking her head back and putting a hand to her side. ‘And why do you think that I have a bone to pick with you?’

‘So you do have one.’

Again, you wish you could cut off your tongue.

‘I expect a standard that I’ve grown accustomed to, sir!’ Nagato furiously raises a finger to your face - much like the Admiral had done before. ‘One that I believe is reasonable enough that it walks in line with the same values that this Admiralty is built upon!’

You rise to it, for better or worse.

‘You mean the same ones that make you just look the other way every time someone treats another KanMusu like they’re lower than dirt?’ You sound lot more sarcastic than you intend to be, a lot more malicious. ‘Those are definitely principles I can put my head on the block for.’

‘You don’t underst – !’

‘I understand that it’s not in my own nature, ego or otherwise to let that thing slide.’ You wave it off, meeting her eye-to-eye once more.

Nagato’s face grows purple.

‘With due respect, sir,’ She hisses dangerously. ‘I believe that the only reason you’re even sparing us a glance is because we’re nothing but pretty faces to you – you wouldn’t be paying a sliver of attention to Kaga or Houshou one bit if they were in rags on the street or if Kiyoshimo had been any less.’

You stagger at the words.

She pulls you into an awkward embrace, chin on your chest and – and putting herself over you through the fabric like Takao had, making you almost buckle.

‘I believe this was the pose that made you crawl over for a sign-up.’

She detaches herself from you quickly.

‘Nagato - !’

‘Get well soon, sir.’

And she’s gone.

>Meet with the Court Representative
>Meet the Deputy Mayor
>See “Fingers”
>See the Vice-Admiral [Ends Interlude]

>>238972
That went about as well as it could have gone. Being the Commander is suffering.

>Meet with the Court Representative

Deputy Mayor last. He's a dick.

>>239000
OOC: Don't blame me, blame the rolls. Also, blame my sleep cycle.

>>238972
>Meet with the Court Representative

>>238972
>>Meet with the Court Representative

>>238972
>Meet with the Court Representative
And this is why I just wanted to let her leave for the time being.

>>238972
>‘With due respect, sir,’ She hisses dangerously. ‘I believe that the only reason you’re even sparing us a glance is because we’re nothing but pretty faces to you – you wouldn’t be paying a sliver of attention to Kaga or Houshou one bit if they were in rags on the street or if Kiyoshimo had been any less.’
Well...on the plus side we now know IC what was bothering her. We also now have a challenge! Because uh...yeah we're going to have to find a way to fix this.

> the fairies that are on her regard you with shaking heads
Ok, that's just mean. Still, maybe we can ask them for help?

>Meet with the Court Representative

>>239005
I wasn't blaming you. I'll happily blame your sleep cycle, though!

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You rub your temples, annoyed with yourself. You’d definitely shat the bed with Nagato – and you knew that she was only worried for you, so why’d you say those things?

‘Sir, I’m sorry to bother you, but he insisted to be let in.’ Akashi’s voice sounds.

In walks a man that could only be described as… average. He looked a mix of the ancient and the vigorous, his eyes sunken and his cheeks thin. He carried around an aura that meant business, clad in a tie and suit, with pale eyes that looked at the pinnacle of boredom. His briefcase is handcuffed at his side to his left hand; you can’t tell whether he’s annoyed or just tired-looking.

The tag and pin on his chest says that he’s part of the Admiralty.

‘Good afternoon, Commander.’ He gives you a salute, which you return.

‘Good afternoon… Court Representative?’ You tentatively begin.

‘Commander, I’ve been through the reports – and I’ve been here for a whole day; I do not wish to spare another.’ He raises his hand, very much tired with the procedure. ‘What I require from you is the complete compliance – and your discretion and pragmatism in approach to what I ask, what I expect and what the Court requires of you as Commander.’

He takes the vacant seat, taking out a pair of reading glasses and a stack of paper from his briefcase.

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Good. Then we can begin.’ He nods. ‘I’ll give it to you straight, Commander, we’re not happy with the circumstances – no more than you are.’ He raises a hand to stop you from saying anyting. ‘The Admiral’s handling of the situation was expected to be swift, prudent and clean. Not the PR mess that you’ve apparently thrown us into this whole past week.’ He chuckles darkly. ‘A gang, Commander? Really?’

‘He… the guy, the leader took offense to my… attempts at negotiation.’ You remember Akashi’s words.

‘What happened in there, sir?’ It’s not a question at all – it’s more of an accusation. ‘The KanMusu and the injured MPs and a few witnesses from the gangs and scavengers showed the impression that you were the one who struck first.’ He flips to one shet. ‘The injury suffered by the man in question whom you struck first is an extremely dislocated and broken jaw; so if you could enlighten me from your point of view of the occurrence?’

‘I thought you had a full disclosure of the events?’ You frown, remembering the Admiral’s words. ‘Takao should have given it to you by now.’

‘Who told you that?’ He actually looks up from his documents, surprised.

‘I was told that the report had been given to you directly – and you know all this, so why – ?’

‘How keen of you.’ He practically grumbles – you’d caught on to a string… and seeing that you wouldn’t let go, he sets down the piece of paper. ‘Yes, this is a disclosure of the events that happened within the district.’

He pinches the bridge of his nose.

TBC

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‘However, this is also a debriefing that I want – and apology, if you will,’ He mutters the next few words, ‘to the Yakuza.’

‘WHAT?!’

‘The Admiralty has a deal with the inland branches – had a deal, anyway, to re-deliver their wayward Son back into their ranks.’

You feel your temper rising. You were not told just who the man in the mall had been – only guesswork on just how he would be. You'd marched in blind, again.

‘And when were you going to tell the Admiral that you’d set him up as a retrieval agency?’

‘Never, if we could help it.’ He says sternly. ‘It was strictly on a need-to-know basis – in return for the safe, which, after your actions, he most certainly is not in a state of – the Yakuza would be happy to part with a few of their sites for our usage and lend us a hand in the effort to acquire more.'

‘They couldn't have brought him in themselves?’

‘Because he’d amassed too much power in such a short span of time – more than they had accounted for, in fact.’ He looks thoughtful. ‘Him being able to amass a whole district to himself within a matter of days says much of his ability, don’t you think?’

He laughs darkly, sending chills up your spine.

‘And your ability to tear that apart within a matter of days speaks volumes on your value to the Court, for that matter.’

You’re not sure what to feel about that.

‘I might even write in a recommendation for you, if I could.’

‘So why tell me about all this?’

‘You asked, of course – and it’s not like the Court of Admirals to leave its successful – and breathing – operatives… hanging so to speak.’ He jabs his glasses in your direction. ‘Contrary to your belief, Commander, we do have this your best interests at heart; but know that if it ever came between you and the strength of the collective, well…’

‘You wouldn’t hesitate throwing me under the bus. I get it.’

You address another worry.

‘And Takao?’

He smiles in a manner most unsettling.

‘The KanMusu that accompanied you? You don’t have to worry about a thing – we’re a lot more forgiving of the circumstances than what you hear.’

‘I heard you throw them into limbo if they so much as look at others funny.’ ‘Doesn’t sound forgiving.’ You feel a sensation rising.

‘Commander – we are at war. We have no time to tolerate dissenters and problems that we could afford to be without – that being said, we do have your well-being at the forefront of our thoughts.’

‘But not if it costs you the war.’ You accuse, almost growling.

He laughs again, getting up.

‘I believe that goes without saying, Commander.’

>‘I believe that you owe the Admiral an explanation.’ (Roll a d12, 8+ wins)
>‘I believe that you owe us a lot more clarity.’ (Roll a d12, 8+ wins)
>‘What’s the price for victory, then?’ (Question their methods)
>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]

>>239275
>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]

We should really, really follow Akashi's advice on this one.

>>239275
>>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]

>>239275
>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]
No pushing this issue. Ain't worth it.

>>239281
>>239285
>>239295
Good lads.

>>239275
>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]

Gonna agree with everyone else. DO NOT ENGAGE THE G-MAN.

>>239275
yoloswag420
>‘I believe that you owe the Admiral an explanation.’

>>239303

We're apologizing to the Yakuza, big deal. At least it's not to the guy that shot our fucking men.

Rolled 10 (1d12)

>>239309
dangit, always mess up the roll.

>>239313
YOU FUCK OFF

>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]

>>239315
Muwahahaha. Poi~

>>239321
We dont need to shoot our gun in the air, we dont need to shoot ourselves in the foot and we most certainly dont need to piss off MORE PEOPLE

>>239275
>‘I understand, sir.’ [Ends Conversation]

>>239329
In my defense, I'm the guy who chooses tasteful moments to suggest going full Yosemite Sam. I don't think I've brought forward the suggestion for several threads now.

Poi~

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>>239337
are you also the one who thought picking nachi was a good idea?

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‘I understand, sir.’

‘I’m glad that you do, Commander.’

You feel a breath of relief escape you as the Court Representative leaves. Outside, you see Akashi bow to him – to which he nods succinctly, before departing. Akashi enters the room, now fully clad in the bikini and having ditched the apron, crossing her arms as she regards you – her foul mood is still apparent, but it’s now combined with the worry that she has; an expression that you hadn’t seen since you had been admitted.

‘That went a lot better than expected.’ She gives you a (reluctant) pat on the shoulder, snapping the straps of her bikini top before taking the vacant seat – her eyes betray some concern, but she’s as present as ever. ‘Glad to see you took my advice. Talking too much with the Court never ends up well.’

‘Can’t believe you guys aren’t disturbed working together.’ You rest on the bed, a little exhausted; Nagato and the Court Representative had taken a particular chunk of you, and you’re glad that Akashi’s at least here to keep you company.

‘Akashi, I’m going to honestly ask you because I don’t think I’ll get a chance and I don’t think it’ll be appropriate to ask the others, but…’ You rub your temples, wondering just why in the world this particular question piqued your curiosity. ‘Why are you girls so casual around me? I’m honestly… puzzled here.’ You might as well turn the conversation into something a little less heavy – and you were honestly curious.

‘Pardon?’

‘Akashi, I think I’ve seen more skin from women in the last three days than I have after twenty-odd years of life.’ You say flatly, a lot more accusing than you intend to be – it was true, though… as… welcome as it had been.

Akashi blinks, her confused look morphing into a smirk that would have sent you for the hills at any other time – she and Tenryuu were the Prank Queens of Yokosuka, and you had to be on edge to keep up on her turf.

Without warning, she takes off her top, revealing a pair of pert breasts, bare for you to see, dropping her top to the ground and crossing her arms underneath her chest.

‘I’m not falling for it, Akashi.’ You frown.

‘Not expecting you to.’ She winks, giving one of them a good tug. ‘Commander, we’re not human. I don’t think whatever dress codes or ethics you have actually applies to us in this sense.’ She laughs behind a closed fist – and you find her untying the knot on her bottoms, letting them fall to the floor. ‘Besides… as close as you get with us, this isn’t really a big deal…

‘Or is this a lot more uncomfortable for you than the Stream?'

She raises her arms over her head, swaying her hips at you, teasing.

‘Akashi...’ You turn away.

‘Oh, how cruel.’ She giggles.

She re-dons herself, chuckling as she gives a small spread as a parting snipe.

>Meet the Deputy Mayor
>See “Fingers”
>See the Vice-Admiral [Ends Interlude]

>>239348
I just double checked, i was not there for that vote.

I would have voted for Nachi though. Sometimes you gotta throw down and put punks in their place.

>>239365
>See “Fingers”

Let's meet the Kaz to our Big Boss.

>>239365
>See “Fingers”

>>239371
I respect your opinion but i wholeheartedly believe you will get us killed one of these days

>>239365
>See “Fingers”

>>239365
>See “Fingers”

>>239388
I was the second vote for Nachi. It just seemed like a Nachi situation at the time

>>239388
Doubtful, we're the chosen one. We'll just keep going more and more nuclear until the entire world turns against us, at which point we'll fake our own death and have Akashi assume our identity.

>>239365
>Meet the Deputy Mayor

We're going to be working with him a lot in the future, what with the district being our assignment. Do we really want to slight him so early on? Could make things difficult going forward.

>>239371
>>239406
>>236873
>You had reached for Nachi. You had given in to that side of yourself.
Don't give into the Nachi side people! That way lies madness, injury, and disgrace.

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>>239388
Poi~

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>>239443
I wonder what'll happen when we give in to the Shigure side of the Stream

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‘Can you bring that gang guy in?’

Akashi dons the last of her wear, before going outside the flaps to talk with some of the personnel. The conversation is animated, but hushed – the personnel peers inside to look at you before rushing off. Akashi doesn’t leave your sight; instead, she re-takes her place on the vacant chair, cross-legged.

It’s not even five minutes and a man who had an inch on you as well as some muscle to spare waltzes in, clad in a surplus-issued T-shirt and fatigues much too small for his person. His bald head and scarred features are distinctive, and he looks annoyed at being corralled in by the much smaller personnel.

‘So you’re Fingers?’ You begin neutrally, before frowning – his face was distinctive. ‘Wait, don’t I know you?’

He hurriedly bows, almost comically, fear in his eyes as he meets your one good one.

‘Y – Yeah, Boss, we… we met at the… when the Vice-Admiral… kicked LT’s butt.’

You remember it, though vaguely, but the form ia sort of familiar from that time…

‘You’re the one who called us a bunch of sleazeballs.’

‘Y – Yeah, sorry ‘bout that.’ He tries to smile in good nature, rubbing the back of his neck.

‘What’re you here for, Mr Fingers?’ You continue neutrally, getting out of bed and adjusting your eyepatch.

‘J – Ju – Just Fingers, Big Boss.’ He raises his hand, a nervous wreck. ‘I – I’m here to see you, actually.’

That part was obvious, of course.

‘A lot of the guys… the ones that didn’t ran off… we wanted someone for us to look up to, you know. Give us what we needed.’ He explains, looking away from you – his tone is apologetic, but his stance doesn’t slack at all. ‘We followed the Boss ‘cause he was the biggest and the baddest and took no crap from no one – not even the Admiralty.’

‘That has to be smart,’ Akashi rolls her eyes, crossing her arms, ‘side with the one guy scratching on the post of the other guy who’s keeping you alive.’

‘We ain’t sayin’ it was smart, Lady! We’re sayin’ it’s what we needed!’ He looks to Akashi, not missing a beat. ‘A lotta us… we ain’t got no future, you know… we can’t even put ourselves ta good use – the factory ain’t hirin’ no more and no one wants to go out to sea!’ He shakes slightly, as if confessing to a sin. ‘We… we needed somethin’… and we got it. A little slice a’ the big time, you know?’

He shuffles his feet.

‘Far from it for me to understand human culture, but…’ Akashi bites her lip.

‘Yer a KanMusu?’

‘That I am.’ Akashi says, though a little reluctantly – she’s bracing herself for the onslaught, you observe.

‘I ain’t judgin’. Yous guys keep us safe and all that – appreciated. Yer still girls ta me.’

Maybe Fingers wasn’t so bad after all.

‘Yer the Boss’s lady?’

Akashi’s grin couldn’t get more evil.

>TASK: STOP AKASHI (Roll a 1d6 each)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>239478
I wish.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>239478
hooh boy

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>239478

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Rollin' Hopefully we're not completely out of luck today.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>239478
This'll be good.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>239478

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>239478

>>239507
With luck this good we might even turn the situation around on her. Get Fingers to ask her out.

>>239514
Something tells me they'd make a cute couple.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>239478

Not sure if I even care but whatever.

>>239514
>>239518
I want them all though

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>>239522
No harems!

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>>239525
Its not a harem, its a fleet!

>>239529
Remember: more than six shipfu will destroy your laifu.

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>>239529
And the only guy to command a fleet is an admiral.

Which we aren't.

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>>239530
We would die happy, whats the problem with that?

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>>239533
yet

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>239478

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>>239535

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>>239539
Now isn't that just a wonderful Idea.

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>>239540
>Tatsuta

Even the non-scary images of her creep me out.

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>>239560
How can you be scared of such a sweetie?

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>>239567
>>239560
Its kuz hes a faggot

>>239567
To be fair, that one is pretty cute.

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You practically lunge as Akashi opens her mouth. Your hand covers the bottom half of her face – your decide to throw caution to the wind and pin her to the floor, ignoring the chuckles from the personnel and the confused and shocked gaze of Fingers, who takes a step back, unsure of what to do.

‘B – Boss? Lady? Am I interruptin’ nothin’?’

You raise your head, grin fully armed and absolutely implacable, straddling yourself on Akashi’s bare belly – behind your hand, Akashi’s muffled voice giggles and her eyes dance as they regard you, but you pay her no heed. The silver-tongued pink-haired harlot was more damaging than anyone could give her credit for, and you weren’t about to let her have the last say here

‘No, Fingers! Everything’s fine!’ You insist, showing all your teeth for good measure.

‘Ya sure? This ain’t some sorta – ?’

‘No, not at all!’

Akashi squirms under your touch, giggling in a manner that you tried to separate from Houshou when you had…

‘Akashi was just about to tell you that she’s my Doctor and I’m strictly her patient.’ You bore holes into her eyes with her gaze – she wouldn’t be having any of it, though. ‘That there’s nothing but the professional practice between the healer and the healed between us.’

‘If ya say so…’ He nervously regards the both of you, muttering something.

‘A lunch ration says he’s lying.’ One of the volunteers mentions, smirking.

‘Indeed.’ The other agrees.

‘Fingers,’ you practically beg, exasperated. ‘can you make it quick, please?’

Akashi says something. You know what it is, but you’re not about to release your hold on her mouth.

‘Boss.’ Fingers begins, taking a ready stance, raising his chin to you in a most military-like manner. ‘We wanna pledge our loyalty to ya. For real.’

‘What?’ You grow bug-eyed; you hadn’t actually meant it at the time.

‘No offense, Boss, ya kinda make us feel… inappropriate.’ He turns a little red, looking down to you. ‘We’re a buncha nobodies, and ya… ya just waltzed in and took down the old Boss with yer own two hands – if there’s anythin’ that we can understand from ya it’s that.’

He looks away from you, a little red. In comparison, you feel your chest practically swell at the words, even if you don’t show it/

‘Ya got yer life on track, so… if it’ll be all right, with ya, we’d like ta be sworn in to ya, if ya’ll have us.’ He says with a nod.

‘Can’t ya just sign in with the Admiral like everyone else? Or the Vice?’ You offer, not quite sure where to take this – under your weight and your hands, Akashi ceases her struggle.

‘If all’s the same to ya, sir…’ He insists, ‘we’ll be followin’ ya’ ‘till ya drop.’

‘Or someone better comes along, right?’

He grins.

‘Rules a’ Nature.'

He offers a hand.

>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)
>Refuse the offer.

>>239582
>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)

Better for them to be on our side than anyone else's.

>>239582
>>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)

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>>239582
Does accepting mean they get Volunteer status or does it mean they get to be MPs and the like?

>>239586
They get upgraded to Volunteer Personnel, yes. Later on, you have a hand in delegating your human forces to the restoration of the district, but that's for after.

>>239582
>>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)

>>239582
>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)

And now not only will we have responsibility of a bunch of botes that enjoy tormenting us, we shall also be responsible for a gang of criminals. Truly we are the Big Boss.

inb4 Takao cosplays as Outer Heaven and tries to get us to 'land' our 'helicopter' on her 'landing pad'.

>>239582
>>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)
Not only did we fix the problem, we got more hands to help. Its only a half botch this time

>>239592
You missed out on some supplies a "thanks" from the Yakuza/Admiralty if you didn't fuck it up, though.

>>239582
>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)

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>>239590
>Takao cosplays as Outer Heaven
>Not a Quiet cosplay

>>239593
If thats all we missed then im pretty proud of our lard ass of slightly lesser mass

>>239595
Looks like Nachi already has that down. Not that I wouldn't mind watching her dance in the rain.

>>239582
Ohhhh...that's a doozie. On the one hand it would give them something to do and give them a chance at bettering themselves. It would also keep them from forming a new gang, provide us with local knowledge and increase the size of our workforce. On the other...
>>236679
>Ooyodo’s had to deal with a surge of applicants into personnel and MP thinking we’re some sort of God-damn motorcycle gang!’
The Admiral is /not/ going to be happy with us making his navy into a motorcycle gang.

Bah, I've always been a proponent of a less-punitive and more reform-based justice system anyways. Lets see what comes of this.
>Take his hand (Accept the gangs into the Admiralty Personnel)

>>239596
What happened because your MPs got shot and you ad-hocced the mission:

-Yakuza did not assist Admiralty
-Admiral is pissed at you, somewhat
-Court of Admirals is annoyed by you
-MPs are kind of wary of you
-You gained labor/workforce for you district
-Sub-Commander gets pissed

What would have happened if you stuck to your role and were successful without getting your MPs shot:

-Yakuza is thankful and supplies Admiralty with what they need. They then give you a care package of supplies to get restoration on the ball.
-Admiral is pleased you handle situation well.
-Court of Admirals likes you a bit.
-MPs are okay with you being around
-You have a smaller workforce

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>>239602
This seems to be a recurring theme in this quest, "complete the objective, but fail to get the best ending"

>>239602
>>239603
failures are the seeds of victory, we shall rise from the ashes like a phoenix who just ate way too many big macs

>>239602
I'm fine with this outcome honestly. Nagato was going to get mad about something eventually.

>>239602
I definitely would have preferred the other approach. This approach means we have to give the admiral even more to chew on just to pick up gain what benefit we can.

>>239603
Only when it comes to the actual missions. We've been doing pretty well otherwise.

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You take his hand, shaking it firmly, getting to your feet and off Akashi. She grunts, sending you a glare of displeasure, very much annoyed at your aggressive attempt at getting her to keep quiet. Behind Fingers, the two personnel visibly stiffen with thinned lips at your decision – but what was done was done, and you’d sort out whatever fallout that came of this decision later. In the meantime, it would be best that the gang had at least a positive purpose and role in the restoration of Yokosuka, whatever that would be.

‘Right, Boss, so what’s the first thing on our agenda?’ Fingers lets go of your hand, punching a fist into an open palm, very much the enthusiastic newbie you had been before.

‘First thing’s first – you stop calling me Boss; you start calling me Commander, instead.’ He nods, and you think, for a moment that you’ve got the hang of the discipline shtick… a bit, anyway. ‘You understand that by saddling yourself with me, you’re taking sides with the Admiralty, right?’

‘I ain’t signin’ up with the Admiralty, sir, I’m signin’ up with you – we’re signin’ up with you.’

You rub your temples – that’s all well and good, but you answered to the Admiral, so they’d effectively be following the Admiralty’s designation’s anyway. You turn to Finger again, adjusting your eyepatch.

‘How’d you convince everyone else to put their names in the ballot?’ You question. ‘Ooyodo’s practically swamped with you guys putting in your applications for the last couple of days.’

‘Well… that was all you, Boss.’ He rubs the back of his head, a little sheepish. ‘There’re a buncha rumors goin’ around ya broke a gun in yer bare hands and took down the old boss’s goons single-handedly… I mean, a lot of people say that it happened – we kinda believed – !’ He looks a little too child-like and inquisitive for a man his age, eyes sparkling. ‘Didja?’

‘Some of it.’ You admit, rubbing your sore shoulder. ‘Not the part of the goons, though, I had a little help with two of them.’

‘And the other two?’ He doesn’t miss a beat – not at all.

‘Adrenaline, a table and a Kantai Steel prosthetic does wonders.’ You chuckle, despite yourself.

‘Damn.’ He whistles. ‘I’ll go tell the boys – who do we go to?’

‘Ooyodo.’ Akashi mentions, but not without a hint of reluctance. ‘She’s not gonna be happy with the recall of the rejections. I’d sleep with a bat under a bed if I were you, sir. Not to mention the requests for assignment that’ll come later on – you might want steer clear of her until tomorrow.’

‘All right.’ Fingers puts his hands, in his pockets, grinning widely. ‘All right, Big Boss.’

He gives you one final nod, turning to the stiff personnel.

‘Guess we’ll be workin’ together, huh?’

They grumble, leaving together.

Akashi turns back to you.

>Meet the Deputy Mayor
>See the Vice-Admiral [Ends Interlude]

>>239626
>Meet the Deputy Mayor

>>239626
>Meet the Deputy Mayor

>>239626
>Meet the Deputy Mayor

Time to bite the bullet.

>>239626
Well, I really hope we didn't completely alienate the MPs with that move.

>Meet the Deputy Mayor

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Before you can say anything else, the brisk strides of a man make themselves known, and the familiar face of the Deputy Mayor, purple and sunken, comes before you.

‘Deputy Mayor.’ You say with an edge.

‘Acting.’ He says crisply.

‘I’d like to discuss a few matters with you, if possible, as I’m dreadfully late and I was supposed to have had this talk with you for – Good Heavens, what are you wearing, woman?’ He turns to Akashi, appalled by her manner of dress.

‘My work-wear. Same as you.’ She says sharply, giving you a nod and turning his nose to him, leaving.

‘KanMusu.’ You move to correct him, but he’s already in his stride. ‘Commander, a week and a half ago, we discussed the transference of jurisdiction of the Commercial District into the hands of the Admiralty… I agreed to that under… the circumstances, but… new circumstances have been brought up in the last week or so and… I would like to review them with you.’

He smiles at you, like an uncle surveying a nephew.

‘You see, I’ve looked into the state of things, and… I’d like to offer some help to you – as goodwill, no hard feelings, you see.’

‘A little generous for you.’ You raise an eyebrow, crossing your arms.

‘I’ve always been generous, Sir Commander… I just… have my conditions to generosity, is all.’ he chuckles, handing you a plastic folder. ‘That is a document signifying the transference of restoration works and task delegation to the private contractors that the office of the Mayor has already signed with.’ He nods confidently. ‘Slightly modified, of course – with a little more… package for you.’

‘Package?’ You blink.

‘You see… I realize that it was rather unnecessary and callous of me to not include your stations into the deal… and just how horribly lopsided it was to be… un-inclusive of your own needs.’ He looks sorry, at least. ‘I have personally cut up my own pride and put it up on offer for you – the contractors have agreed to a fifty percent cut in return for control of certain buildings and their restoration and rebuilding. You will still have full control for the nine months period, of course, plus the pre-agreed watchdog measures… provided by our contractors.

‘And for those grueling nine months you’ll have so much more to work with – more supplies, more men, more tools… give the folks some hope of return to normalcy.’ He claps his hands together. ‘It’ll be like it never was.’

‘What do you get out of this?’

‘The fulfillment of a promise I made on my induction as Mayor.’ He puffs his chest, reaching into his pocket. ‘To bring this town to its full potential.’

He hands you a pen.

‘And what better hands to help guide it than the one who got the ball rolling?’ He ends with a wink. 'I trust your discretion in this... Commander?'

>‘No deal.’ (Disagree)
>‘All right, I’ll turn over some of the stake to you. (Agree)

>>239644
>>‘No deal.’ (Disagree)
While that stuff seems nice, this guy has already shown how he places his priorities

>>239644
>‘No deal.’ (Disagree)

If he's really serious and really upfront about this, why doesn't he come with us to find Takao and have her take a look at the papers?

I'm sure she'll find absolutely nothing untoward in them, hm?

>>239644
>‘No deal.’ (Disagree)

I feel like we have more than enough manpower. Plus Takao isn't here lo look over it with us, so I have no way of knowing if we're being screwed. Which is usually par-for-the-course for politicians.

>>239644
>no deal
we just got the workforce
and didn't this guy or one of his goons tried to go full coruption on this town? or im mixing

>>239644
>‘No deal.’ (Disagree)

>>239644
>‘No deal.’ (Disagree)

Were 4chan's servers having problems from around 05:00 until about 07:40 EST? I'm noticing a whole bunch of threads across different boards with two hour gaps in that area. Like, every thread on every board.

>>239652
>I feel like we have more than enough manpower. Plus Takao isn't here lo look over it with us, so I have no way of knowing if we're being screwed. Which is usually par-for-the-course for politicians.
Oh we're not being screwed, we're being /involved/. Geetting a reluctant party involved in an ongoing criminal act and then threatening to reveal their part in it if don't do as they say is a classic.

Also this a big red flag
>>239644
>the pre-agreed watchdog measures… provided by our contractors.

>>239667
Seems like it. During the tail end of that period I would get a "Connection error" message everytime I tried to post something.

>>239671
Ah okay. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't some kind of issue on my end.

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>>239533
>Aoba the ronery pimp.jpg
Anon, that's Maikaze. The dancing DD.

>>239734
Ah. Well, you can't expect me to remember every single DD

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>>239735
Well the anime made a similar mistake. Among other mistakes of course.

>>239740
didnt see it after the literal ocean of "shit sux, brah" posts and the director being a shoddy buckyfag

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>>239781
You made the right choice.

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‘It’s a little bit hard to take in…’ You admit, setting the paper down. He gets to his feet, patting your back in good nature, smiling down at you. ‘This’ll really help the people of this town, huh?’

‘Of course it will.’ His smile brightens, raising a finger and gesturing with it, carrying it out. ‘They’ll be thanking you, you know – your Admiral’s a cracking man, you know I didn’t mean what I said the last time… but he is rather… selfish. Possessive. He doesn’t like other people getting into his pie, so to speak.’

You chuckle, and he follow. You look up to him, smiling.

‘Can you get Akashi for me, please? I – I think I feel something coming along.’

‘Of course, Sir Commander.’ He claps his hands, getting to his feet. ‘NURSE!’ He frowns as the flaps remain as is. ‘NURSE!’ He looks down at you again, smiling. ‘Must be a little hard for you – such little attention given to such an important cog in the machine.’

You smirk at him – Akashi walks in as you do, frowning deeper than you’d seen before. Apparently being called Nurse hadn’t done any good for her mood. You nod at her, indicating to come over.

‘There you are.’ His voice is chirpy, but his sneer is anything but. ‘Come on, now, our good friend here needs some medicine. How could you leave him so?’ He laughs as Akashi grumbles, approaching.

‘Pen, sir?’ You raise your prosthetic, open-palmed; his eyebrows raise themselves in delight as he puts the instrument in your hands – you smile right back at him, nodding.

Then you snap it in half, not missing a beat.

‘C – Commander?!’

‘Akashi, take these papers to the Admiral. He should be nearby.’ The smirk doesn’t leave your lips as you. ‘Tell him to send a letter to the Lord about the little operation our good friend here’s been running.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Akashi smirks at the Deputy Mayor, who looks flabbergasted; Akashi turns her dancing eyes at you, saluting with absolute glee. ‘Shall I call on the MPs to escort your guest off premises?’

‘Of course.’ You nod, bowing slightly and jokingly. ‘Wouldn’t want him to let the door hit his ass on the way out.’

‘YOU BLUTHERING – !’

He swings, but it’s inexperienced, slow and full of fury. You don’t even catch it – you take a step back; he trips over his own momentum, hitting the instruments next to your bed. In almost comical fashion, he howls in pain, letting out curses. As his howls wind down, two MPs charge into the room, their batons out.

‘Help! Help!’ He cries out, pointing at the both of you. ‘They’ve gone rabid! Insane! They assaulted me!’

You give him a lazy look as the MPs shrug to each other. Akashi snaps her fingers, and the MPs get the Deputy Mayor to his feet, dragging him out like a child going for a time-out.

His yells grow more incoherent as he is moved from the room.

You just can't keep your smirk down.

TBC

>>239808
smooth operator operating

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‘Make sure you get that into the Admiral’s hands, Akashi.’ She nods, and you emphasize yourself. ‘No jokes – I don’t want him to be sneaking around talking to other people and dragging their asses into these schemes. He may be full of himself, but he didn’t become Deputy Mayor without know – !’

‘You don’t have to elaborate on it, sir, I get it.’ You turn a little red at Akashi’s pointedness, but nod all the same. You could reach a little too far and lose the effect, after all. ‘There’s a change of clothes in the locker there – you’ve shrunk a size, I think.’ She nods at you again, rubbing her bare belly.

‘Well, I haven’t had anything halfway decent for almost three weeks – not that I’m complaining.’ You admit, opening the locker – indeed, as before, there were T-shirts and standard pants. ‘Mind leaving?’ You look over your shoulder, a little embarrassed. ‘I kinda need to get ready now.’

Akashi crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow.

‘With due respect sir, I think I’ve seen enough of you to not be embarrassed.’ She winks – you don’t rise to it this time, sighing as you’re just too tired to argue right now. You discard your top, putting the t-shirt on first; Akashi had been right – you were a little smaller around there right now. ‘I think the buttons won’t pop this time.’ She says as you reach for the pants.

You bite down a snipe back at her, shuffling yourself out into them quickly. Akashi doesn’t say a word, but you can feel her eyes on you as you fully prep yourself into the new clothing. Your knee has a little trouble, but you manage anyway. Your doctor just stands there, observing you with an amused expression – and you try your best to not indulge her, at all.

‘Tidy fit.’ Akashi chirps, patting you on the back. ‘Ready to see the Vice-Admiral now, are you?’

‘Yeah.’ You nod at her, flexing your shoulder again. Your prosthetic doesn’t whine as much with the movement, but you do feel a lot less mobile than you did before – even if you felt you had a little more energy, too.

'Sir?’

‘Yeah?’

The sight tugs at you as Akashi’s concern finally breaks through the week-and-a-half long veil of annoyance; she puts her hands on your shoulder, biting her lip – she says nothing for a while and neither do you. You’d seen this Akashi before – you’d seen her on the night you met her.

Caring too much. Her utter refusal to just let go.

‘I don’t want you coming back in here for a long time, okay?’ She doesn’t address you formally, looking away.

You don’t say a word – you find that you can’t… but you nod – no promises.

You enter the familiar bustle of the MASH grounds, making your way to the exit. It isn’t long until you hear the familiar hum of a buggy… and stare into the face of…

‘Well, look who’s out!’

>Walk
>Ride

OOC: I apologize for the lateness. I had to do my Tarawih Prayers - and had to prepare as Imam and it cut into my posting. I'll be here for the next 4 hours ish.

>>239847
>Walk
Lets stretch our legs.

>>239847
>Ride

spend time with our friend

>>239847
we gon' rideeee

>>239847
>Walk
Take in the sights not at high speed.

>>239847
>Walk

>>239847
>Walk

File: Spoiler Image (1.4 MB, 1000x1433)

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‘Hey, old man, what’s up?’

You give a good-natured wave, though the humming sound of the buggy gave you a little rush of the heart. No matter how many times you’d been near the old man, his driving – when he was in the mood, of course – had never ceased to throw your ticker into more phases of overdrive than a rover.

‘You’re the one who’s up!’ He smirks, standing in his seat, hands over the windscreen. ‘Damn, I was afraid for ya, son. All of ya.’ His good feeling is infectious, and you find yourself chuckling, your mood lightened slightly. ‘The buncha ya were bleedin’ all over! Gave me frickin’ nightmares, that’s what!’

‘Thanks for that save, by the way.’ You nod – the old man had a place on the Admiralty, that was for sure – you don’t know if you would have survived without his crazily efficient – or just plain insane – driving capacity and possibly reality-bending changes of gear. ‘Would’ve been worse without you.’

‘Was suicide going in there like that in the first place.’ He growls, and you feel a little sheepish.

‘The others… they’ve been transported inland for further treatment.’ Your voice is a lot smaller than it normally is – the situation had deteriorated from your incompetence, after all. You repeat Akashi’s words to the old man, a little heavier on the shoulders. ‘We can’t get them treated properly here.’

‘Yeah.’ The old man nods, taking out a cigarette and giving it a light. ‘I know. I saw ‘em off.’ He smiles at you, chuckling. ‘Buncha gutsy guys, eh?’

You nod; that they were.

‘You want a ride?’ He gestures to his buggy.

‘Not this time, old man.’ You mean that honestly, your hands in your pockets. ‘Think I’ll walk. Stretch my legs a little.’

‘Right. You take care of yourself, son.’ He nods – he doesn’t drive off immediately, but you do walk away from him, a little stiff but a little glad as well from the conversation.

One week had done quite a bit to the restoration to the pavements – gone were the big piles of rubble that had taken up most of the pathways – there were patches of cement here and there and exposed cables with hazard signs; work had begun proper. While the buildings didn’t look like they were going to be the same, the more dangerous-looking ones had been knocked down. In the distance you see camps erected, bustling with people.

‘First steps,’ you mutter, smiling despite yourself. It was still quite a walk to the Command Post, but you’re glad to be able to take in the progress, ‘first steps for everyone, huh?’

Your thoughts drift to District Management – and how the new workforce would be put to work; there’d be a good place to start, later, to discuss with Fingers once they’d been recruited proper.

‘Excuse me!’

You blink, turning to the source of the voice.

It’s a…

>Spritely young woman.
>Serene young woman.
>Serious-looking lady.
>Confused-looking lady.

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>>239920
>Confused-looking lady.
Let's give Miss Poison Cooking the spotlight for once

>>239920
>Serene young woman.

>>239920
>Confused-looking lady.

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>>239920
>Confused-looking lady.

>>239920
>Spritely young woman.
kongo?
>Serene young woman.
thats haruna
>Serious-looking lady.
kirishima
>Confused-looking lady.
HIEEE

flip-floping between hiei and kirishima
they are all great waifus

>>239920
>Serene young woman.

>>239920
>>Serene young woman.

>>239920
>Confused-looking lady.

>>239920
>Serene young woman

OOC: Just a reminder - 10 minutes until voting closes.

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‘Excuse me! Excuse me!’ She runs up to you, huffing and puffing, this worried-looking and very much dazed young lady. ‘You… You’re part of the Admiralty, right? Sorry, I just got transferred here!’

You raise an eyebrow, surveying her. She was dressed oddly – clad in what looked like a priestess’s outfit, only with a tartan skirt that didn’t look anything like it was part out of the outfit, anyway. She’s shorter than you, only coming up to your head, hoisting a rucksack that looked too heavy for her liking.

‘How’d you know?’ You cross your arms – it wasn’t as if she was wrong, but it did strike you a little strange that she’d known straight away that you were.

She rolls her eyes, pointing to your eyepatch, arm… and of course, the giveaway – your tags.

‘Right.’ You feel a little sheepish, rubbing the back of your neck. The woman cheers, smiling – her mood is infectious, and you find yourself smiling right back. ‘You need to talk to someone?’

‘Well, I’m looking for – !’

It strikes you like a hard as you realize just who you were talking to.

‘YOU’RE HIEI!’

The woman staggers at the declaration, and your one good eye grows bug-eyed as your senses try to comprehend just who it is that stood before you. She looks a little uncomfortable, nervously looking around for someone else – as if you’d jump her right there and then. She’s not very wrong – you still can’t believe that Hiei of the Four Horsemen was right before you.

‘S – Sorry, Hiei, ma’am.’ You break into a salute, and she gestures at you to calm down. It’s not as if you could – as far as you were concerned you were talking to a War Hero in the flesh. ‘I didn’t mean to be – !’

‘Calm down, soldier.’ She laughs behind her hand – it’s more musical than you’d imagined; you honestly want to pinch yourself, but are just too scared to do so. ‘So, I take it you know where the Command Post is?’ She looks sheepish, scratching the back of her head. ‘Ended up at the old one – Teitan High or something?’

‘Y – Yeah, I’m… I’m actually on the way there as well.’ You compose yourself – remembering that you were still, despite your enthusiasm, a Commander under the banner of the Admiralty. ‘W – Would you like me to accompany you, ma’am?’

‘Eh?’ Hiei blinks, her mouth scrunching in thought, before offering a smile with a sigh, shrugging. ‘Well, why not, I’m kinda lost anyway – been a while since I was stationed here.’

Hiei puts her hands on her sides, hoisting her bag better.

‘But I don’t just let anyone accompany me, good sir,’ she grins widely, breaking into a curtsy. ‘May I know the identity of the gentleman, please?’

‘Ma’am – Commander of the 1st Division of Yokosuka, ma’am.’

‘Oh!’

She hooks her arm around yours, winking.

>Ask about her exploits
>Ask why she’s here
>Ask about her previous posting
>Write-In

>>240063
>Ask about her previous posting

>Hiei of the Four Horsemen
Is she pestilence because eating her cooking makes you sick, or famine because you won't be able to eat anything she cooks?

>>240063
>Ask why she’s here

>>240063
>Ask why she’s here

>>240070
If there're KanMusu who're beloved and marketed to the finish, it's Kongou and her sisters. They are considered the poster girls for the Admiralty - Kongou herself was the first KanMusu ever summoned, and they have been involved in three successful operations against Princesses attacking coastal cities. If the KanMusu in general are X-Men/Mutants and disliked, the Kongou class are the "Avengers".

One of their posters is the very reason MC came to Yokosuka.

>>240063
>Ask why she’s here

>>240070
Hiei = Pestilence
Kirishima = War
Haruna = Famine
Kongou = DESS

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‘If you don’t mind me asking, ma’am, just… why are you here?’ You remember the Division form – it had taken a lot of you to not fill out the special transfer request to bring them here… except not really – there had been a saying that you’d heeded – never to meet your heroes. ‘I’d never thought that the Four Horsemen would be apart.’

‘You’re really buying into that whole marketing shtick, huh?’ Hiei raises an eyebrow at you – you shut yourself up, tense. She looks apologetic, raising her free hand. ‘Hey, don’t have to get like that around me, Commander – I don’t bite.’

She chuckles softly, before regarding you kindly – you feel a little squeeze on your arm, feeling yourself in bliss. If you told the folks about this back in your hometown, they wouldn’t believe a word of it. You relax yourself, fearful of scaring her of – and to keep yourself from scaring her off.

‘So, sorry, but… yeah,’ you frown as the both of you walk past a few more ruined buildings. ‘I thought the four of you would never be apart. It’s kind of strange that you’re without your sisters; they’re not – ?’

‘They’re fine.’ Hiei says with a smile, kindly regarding you – despite the height difference, Hiei exuded an aura not unlike that of a cheerful older sister, her expression one of comfort and joy, drawing herself closer to your forearm before continuing. ‘We weren’t ready for the attack at all – at the time of the assault, the four of us were given R&R on a reserved island – we were recalled for an intercept order when we finally realized just what’d happened. Maizuru was in ruins – worse off than this.’

She gestures to the cracked buildings all around you, letting go of your arm as the both of you walked.

‘We were too late to do anything else – we mopped up what we could.’ She smiles sadly. ‘They weren’t cheering us after that fiasco, hah.’ She lets out a small, mirthless laugh. ‘The – The rest of our base, a lot of ‘em… a lot of ‘em…’

Hiei’s voice breaks, and she wipes a tear from the corner of her eye.

‘Anyway,’ she instantly reverts to her old self, but you feel a little tug in your chest to see her in this state, ‘we did what we could… regrouped – Maizuru went under martial law under the Lord’s order and we were ordered to split up. Kongou’s gone back to HQ – I don’t know where Kirishima and Haruna’re gonna be posted, but they’re definitely not staying there.

She smiles sadly.

‘No Commanders.’

You open your mouth to say something, but she immediately embraces you, grinning widely.

‘So, it’s always nice to meet fans!’ She chirps. ‘You got a favorite?’

You smile right back at her. Everyone had a favorite Horseman.

>‘Always found myself drawn to Kirishima.’
>‘I was big on Haruna.’
>‘Got her right around my arm.’
>‘Kongou was the bee’s knees.’
>‘Couldn’t say for sure.’

>>240150
>‘Got her right around my arm.’

But of course.

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>>240150
>‘Kongou was the bee’s knees.’

>>240150
>‘Couldn’t say for sure.’
increase density generators

>>240150
>‘I was big on Haruna.’
I do like them all though

>>240150
>‘Couldn’t say for sure.’

>>240150
>'Got her right around my arm'

>>240150
>‘I was big on Haruna.’

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>>240159
>>240287
Really mate?

>>240150

>‘Couldn’t say for sure.’

>>240287
>>240159
Looks like someone's new.

>>240150
>'Got her right around my arm.'

m'lady

>>240150
>'Got her right around my arm.'

>>240150
>‘Always found myself drawn to Kirishima.’

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>>240287
>>240159

>>240150
>‘Couldn’t say for sure.

I feel like 'never meet your heroes' was a clue.

>>240150
>‘Always found myself drawn to Kirishima.’

>>240150
>'Couldn't say for sure.'

Why does this feel like a trick question?

>>240150
>‘Couldn’t say for sure.’

>>240384
>>240345
>>240332
What did that post say? Can't see it 'cus I closed the page

>>240150
>'Got her right around my arm.’

>>239603
>get the best ending
Frankly I think this mindset is toxic to questing in general.

>>241991
He was trying to samefag. Seemed he forgot we have these ID On our posts to catch people trying to do such a thing.

>>240150
>>242064
Darn it, forgot to add the post number again.

>>240159
OOC: Invalidating this vote due to the samefagging. Not cool.

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Except for you, that was.

‘I couldn’t say for sure.’ Hiei releases you – you put your hands in your pockets, remembering all the recruitment posters that had the four of them. You didn’t have a particular favorite – mostly because they’d been advertised as a group – you couldn’t distinguish them from one to the other; their deeds together are what made them mighty, at least, to you. ‘Kongou was the first, and she’s been around pretty much since I was kid – can’t knock the classics… Haruna’s got the most pulling power with the guys – elegant, graceful – make sure to tell her when you see her again.’ You casually mention, jabbing a finger in Hiei’s direction. ‘Kirishima’s one of the best Battleships since the war started; back in my hometown, girls looked up to her something fierce.’ You chuckle. ‘Parents didn’t take too kindly to that, though…’

‘I reckon.’ Hiei smiled sadly – even if the Four Horsemen were popular enough to get a following among the youth… it didn’t do much to change the views of the KanMusu as the war went on – especially as the war went on and the body count went up. ‘You musta snuck a few posters in, though?’ She giggles, covering her mouth. ‘I know some of our fans go a bit over like that.’

‘Not me…’ You admit, you’d been too young, too pudgy to steal one of the Admiralty’s posters back then – the height of Four Horsemen popularity. ‘But yeah, between the four of you, I didn’t have a particular favorite. Although Haruna’s guns are probably the most impressive I’ve seen among the four of you.’ You blink, rubbing the back of your head. ‘Are they custom?’

‘All KanMusu weapons are.’ Hiei reveals. ‘They’re attuned to our grounding point here – made from Alchemy-ed Kantai Steel and synthesized to our souls!’ She says in a sing-song voice. ‘No KanMusu can fire another KanMusu’s customized weapon without a Hell of a feedback, no sir-ree!’

‘There are exceptions though, right?’

‘Well, if you’re in the same general weight class.’ Hiei looks thoughtful. ‘Save for Carriers.’

You nod. A part of you is still walking on clouds, though.

‘People wouldn’t believe that I met you, really.’ You smile fondly. ‘A lot of the kids my age back then thought you were the sunniest of ‘em all. I tried to sneak into one of your old tours for recruitment – but you guys canceled at the last minute – I think you had a mission or something… must be a busy life, huh?’

‘You know it.’ She regards you kindly, hoisting her bag for comfort. ‘All of us KanMusu. It ain’t easy being the face of the paramilitary, but what can you do?’ Hiei shrugs, to which you give a lop-sided smile – she chuckles. ‘We’re all in this together, my sisters, our comrades…'

Hiei lets out a huge breath.

'I like this side.' She says, winking.

>Ask about her exploits
>Ask about her previous post.
>Write-In

>Ask about her previous post.

>>242130
>Ask about her exploits

>>242130
>Ask about her previous post.

>>242130
>Write-In: "What side is that?"

>'I like this side.' She says, winking.
I have no idea what she ment by her last comment there. It seems ambiguous enough to be bait though, so figured I might as well ask.

>>242130
Seconding >>242175

>>242175
I think I'll switch my vote to this one. I'm curious about that too.

>>242179
OOC: I'm going to say that this is the last time I'm going to allow voting switches - mostly because that it's open to abuse in the latter stages and makes a mess of things - think before you vote or write-in your own ideas, or wait for a write-in and vote.

It's harsh, but no more vote switching.

>>242182
Okay. That's fair.

>>242130
>Write-In: "What side is that?"

>>242175
I think she might be referring to 'this side' as our reality, as opposed to where all the Kanmusu existed before being called here. But you've gotten me curious as well.

>>242130
>Ask about her exploits

>>242182
>mostly because that it's open to abuse in the latter stages and makes a mess of things
Ok, I can sorta see the second one, but what do you mean by abuse and why would it only be an issue in the latter stages? Are you planning some mechanical changes to how votes are done or something?

>>242212
OOC: When I start writing, usually at the 30-45 minute mark when active, then suddenly people change votes. I take tallies on every decision made - if I allow people to change it as they please, it's not fair. I want them to actually think before making the leap. No Vote Switching anymore.

>>242219
Ok, fair enough.

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‘Who’s side would that be?’ You blink, confused.

Hiei pouts, stopping in her tracks and putting her hands on either side of her. She then throws her arms wide, frowning, as if to embrace the whole world. You admit it is a strange sight, but you’re too confused to say anything – Hiei herself frowns deeper, snapping her fingers as if expecting you to get the point. She gestures to you, then back to the town and towards the horizon past the beach.

‘Your side, of course!’ She says loudly, as if it’s the most obvious answer in the world. ‘Humanity! This country! The fairies! My base!’ She shakes a finger in your direction, smiling and hunched over, talking in a sing-song voice. ‘You don’t know how good you have it, being around such life.’ She crosses her arms, regarding you with a sense of melancholy. ‘To be here… with my sisters, with everyone… even if it’s raining shells around us, I…’ She laughs lightly – her smile is more honest than expected. ‘I like being here – I like fighting next to you guys. Feels like home.’

‘That’s surprising.’ It’s all you can say.

‘Pardon?’

‘I’d thought that after about a decade in the service, you’d get a little… jaded.’ You rub the back of your neck. ‘No offense.’

Hiei rolls her eyes, walking right up to you and poking your chest rather forcefully.

‘If you’re trying to pull off the brooding look, it’s not working.’ She practically scolds you. ‘I’ve dealt too much with Kirishima to get put down by you I will live to see a dark tomorrow types.’ She laughs, giving you a shove. ‘Live a little.’

‘You were always the most cheerful of the Four.’ You keep yourself from staggering. ‘Save for Kongou, of course… didn’t think I’d get to see it this close myself.’ You turn to the smaller woman, the smile never leaving your face. ‘You’re not… like they marketed you, huh?’

‘Can’t fight a war with one mood… you’ll go crazy on both ends.’

‘So you like fighting?’ You blink. ‘You… like war?’

Hiei looks hums distantly.

‘I think every KanMusu loves battle.’ She begins, hands behind her back, standing on her tip-toes away from you. ‘And here… in the trenches and in the muck, there’s no feeling like it. We hide from it, try to be… more, and, well, it’s just not in us. I’ve always been one to fall into the thick of it – I love it in there.’

You’re not sure if you wanted to like her too much.

‘Oh.’

‘But… I don’t like to see suffering either.’ She says in a sudden swing of the mood. ‘Strange, huh? To love the thrill of battle!’ She declares loudly, before bringing her pumped fist down, rubbing her palms. ‘But… to can’t stand to see the ones you put your back to in pain.’

She waves her hands frantically, walking ahead of you.

‘Eh, let’s change the topic!’

>Ask about her exploits
>Ask about her previous post
>Write-In

>>242222
OOC: URGH. "WHOSE side".

Son of a bitch,

Well that's a...very different take on things compared to what we've heard and seen happen to literally every other shipgirl we've talked about. I wonder if she knows the others are treated.

I mean, hell they gave her her sisters R&R, but couldn't be bothered to keep their agreement with Takoa....

>>242222
>Ask about her exploits

>>242222
>Ask about her exploits

>>242241
OOC: Takao's agreement needed the consent of the existing Navy - which is not part of the Admiralty. Also, Hiei and her sisters are among the first two dozen KanMusu summoned - Houshou is in there, too. The Kongou sisters were marketed like Hell in the early days of the war, when mankind heralded the KanMusu as their saviors. Then... well, not much changed, and humanity got jaded.

They're very popular with kids who were around at the time, though. And are still the poster girls for the Admiralty to this day. The last operation gave them another chance to push the recruitment numbers towards victory.

With the Abyssal assault, things are worse off.

>>242222
>Ask about her exploits

Well, I can't think of anything else write-in at the moment. Asking about her exploits feels to fanboyis for my tastes though, so:
>Ask about her previous post

Along

>>242252
Wait a minute...Houshou was summoned back when shipgirls were awesome and popular and even then nobody would touch her? Were carriers shunned almost from the get go, or something?

>>242276
I think so, yeah. Carriers have always been the odd girls out.

>>242222
>Ask about her exploits

Let's not ask about the people she lost.

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‘You mind regaling me about some of your exploits?’

You hope you don’t sound too enthusiastic.

‘Oh?’ Hiei puts her hands on her hips, cocking her head.

After a while of looking at you, you see faint traces of red on her cheeks and she coughs into a closed fist, gesturing for you to take a rest beside the cement railing, putting her rucksack down and crossing her arms. You join her, cricking your neck as you lean onto it.

‘Well, I’m just like any other KanMusu out there, I guess.’ She begins, rather sheepishly. ‘I’m a soldier through and through.’ She takes out her fingers, flicking them out as she brings point by point. ‘I’ve been on the Forces, the First Fleet – proud of that – awarded the MVP, led my sisters a few dozen times, never been a Sub-Commander for a Division, mind you – that’s always been Kongou’s, Houshou’s or someone else’s shtick. Never mine.’ She shakes her head. ‘Had a couple ‘a campaigns – a couple ‘a failures… can’t tell you about any of the secret ops though – hush-hush and all that.’

You both share a smile. It’d been silly to think any less.

‘I’ve been through a lot, Commander – can’t really single things out when you’ve been through the years like I have.’

‘Are you calling yourself old?’ You smirk.

‘Ya damn right I am!’ She flexes a bicep. ‘Granny Hiei’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?’

‘So nothing stands out at all to you?’

‘Well, I think there’s one story I can tell ya about – I think there were five of us? First time I was ever without any of my sisters. Out of all of us, only Kongou’d ever been given an independent command before.’ She smiles, looking very proud – this must have been quite a story for Hiei to brag about it. ‘It was a task force – the campaign was to re-direct a Princess.’

Your eyes would have popped out of your sockets if they could.

‘A princess?!’ You gape in disbelief. ‘You saw – !’

‘Commander, I was the 8th KanMusu summoned. Of course I’ve seen one.’ She rolls her eyes, popping a few fingers. ‘I’ve seen quite a few, in fact.’ She slaps your prosthetic, grinning. ‘Now, keep quiet – Hiei’s got a yarn for ya!’

She cracks her knuckles, humming lightly as you waited on her.

‘They called it Operation Hollow Cloud. There were five of us on one Squadron, four in the other two – I as the Leader for my Op and the job on our end was to engage the first and second wave of incoming forces. The Princess?Keijunsei-Ki-Hime. Wouldn’t believe the what we had to go through to get her to turn the other way. I think it lasted about three weeks.’

She closes her eyes, letting out a breath.

‘My Squadron was myself as Leader, Atago, Hiyou, Fubuki – love the gal – and Tatsuta. It wasn’t my worst fire fight, mind you, been in a few worse ones but damn.' She elbows you, smiling fondly... sadly. 'This one was a doozy.'

TBC

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‘I was the Leader and Fubuki was Point Man. Hiyou and Atago were Support and Tatsuta was our scout. We got our clips and our job was to meet the first wave, right? We did – no problem for the first couple of hours, Fubuki took up top and we had a signal distortion. Intel had gotten the info on the second wave wrong – the Princess was headed our way. They’d be bypassing the first interceptors.’

You feel your blood run cold as Hiei’s face flashes for a second – and only a second – into a dark smirk, her eyes narrowing into a deep frown.

‘Damn.’ You let out in a low growl.

‘That’s right. You know how communication on the battlefield is the most important tool ya got? Well, imagine fighting without it.’ Hiei says it seriously, reaching to her ear as if to motion just how deprived she had been at the moment of her most base senses. ‘Sensors were screwing all over the place – we’d gotten into the Princess’s Sphere of Influence without being prepare for it – Tatsuta engaged her.’

‘Right away?!’ You snap your attention to that – it eerily reminded you of how Shigure had dashed.

‘Not like she had a choice. You’re not going to turn your back to a Princess in the middle of a firefight.’

That was true – but for someone to do that… that was more than bravery – that was insanity; recklessness.

‘How did you survive entry?’ You blink, surprised. ‘That’s at least whole five miles of – !’

‘I don’t wanna question that.’ Hiei lets out a breath, breaking a sweat at the mention. She shivers, hugging herself. ‘Luck. I’m sticking to that story and I’m not changing it.’

You don’t question it either.

‘So, there we are, five of us on Day Four of Operation Hollow Cloud. Half a clip each – Tatsuta’s the gutsiest one of us, bless her. I don’t think the Princess saw her coming with that stab. THWACK!’ Hiei smiles darkly, winking at you in a manner more frightening than what you’d expect from the Four Horsemen. ‘First strike is Tatsuta. Ever seen a head cracked open with a halberd?’

‘Messy.’ You nod, gulping slightly; you hope Hiei hadn’t noticed.

‘We had to change points straight away – Tatsuta wasn’t going to last a minute with that hit, even though we’d prepared for it – the possibility of engagement, even though I don’t think any of us would have expected her to head straight for us instead of the Primary Diversion Squadron.’

‘Sorry?’ You blink.

‘Fusou’s Squadron.’ She says grimly. ‘They were the ones meant to push her back… so now we have a Princess and a whole bunch of her buddies running around in a mess of a melee. Fubuki rushes in, empties one clip right in her gut – bam-bam – girl doesn’t go down. Not at all. ‘I think she ripped off Tatsuta’s arm right there – broke off engagement and made a dash towards the rear support.'

TBC

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‘I couldn’t let that happen, of course. So I broke formation myself, got Hiyou to re-direct her to me – I’d take her on one-on-one until the reinforcements got in.’

‘That’s insane.’

‘Ain’t it just?’

She smirks at you.

‘Anyway, I fire a shell in her face – I blow her head clean off; and she grows a new one. Unbelievable, right? Winds pick up, and I know she’s up to something fierce because I can feel myself… dying. Right there – being in a Sphere of Influence is Hell. You can die just standing.’

‘So, what – ?’

‘Took a leaf out of Ashigara’s book. Went crazy.’ She chuckles darkly. ‘I think I went one-on-one with her for an hour… I think my leg got turned inside out from the battle about fifteen minutes in – got careless. Most of my clips were emptied just trying to get her to haul ass back – not to mention the buzzards.’

She rubs her neck.

‘The Admiral was frantic, of course, trying to sort us out. Couldn’t blame him – no one would have expected the Princess to break through to the shoreline like that. I think I fired about four shells into her and she just kept coming – Hiyou was calling Plane after Plane to keep us alive; don’t care how you feel about Carriers, but that gal? Terrific.’ She says seriously. ‘Think we would’ve been screwed over without her.’ She raises her hand. ‘I think I went hand-to-hand for about two hours – lost the feeling in my fingers for a while.’

‘Shit.’

‘Even lost my pinky. Half-blind and had no way of communicating with the Admiral. She had a high-potential radar jamming signal – cut us off from most of the comms the moment we entered her Sphere.’ She shrugs. ‘Only orders we got were to bring her to the shoulder of an island a little off course, so that’s what we did, for better or worse. Heh.’

Hiei runs a hand through her hair.

‘Hiyou and Tatsuta carried us – sometimes literally, after. We got to the shoulder of the island where there was another dogfight… melee was joined and our phase of the Op was over.’ She stretches. ‘Not. Of course, it was stupid – we couldn’t see spit thanks to the jamming tech, so we had to follow through with the old standing orders trick. That we just follow what the last words were and hope nothing else changed.’

Hiei sighs, hugging her shoulders.

‘When the RAY becomes useless five minutes in. Sometimes you gotta bank on your instincts, yanno?’ ‘They succeeded in dragging her back out to sea. We couldn’t kill her – of course we didn’t… but it’s the only campaign I remember that… that we managed to keep a Princess away from any city.’

‘No civilians.’ She smiles at you. ‘Proudest moment in my life. Cost an island, though.’

Hiei hoists her bag, expression unreadable.

‘A month later, we paid due to the dead… and the war goes on.’

>Ask about her previous post
>Keep quiet the rest of the way
>Write-In

>>242492
>>Write-In
>"You think there's trick into killing a Princess? Maybe make sure they stay dead? That'd be pretty useful, right?"

>>242492
Seconding this.
>>242500

>>242492
>>242500
This

>>242500
>>242503
>>242511
Before I type out the next post, I'm just going to have to clarify:

'PRINCESSES ARE BAD NEWS. THERE ARE CAMPAIGNS DEDICATED TO MAKING THEM RE-DIRECT THEIR AGGRESSION. ON PUBLIC RECORD THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A KILLED PRINCESS IN MORE THAN A DECADE OF WARFARE.'

'EVEN THE MOST HARDENED KANMUSU GET JITTERS WHEN PRINCESSES GO ACTIVE. WHEN TWO GO ACTIVE THEY KISS THEIR LOVED ONES GOODBYE.'

You guys haven't even killed an Oni yet and you're already thinking about this? Come the Hell on. How many bloody times to I have to clarify this?

>>242519
Fast clarification. WH40K warfare or not?

>>242519
Im assuming alot of do planefag's as well. Good ideas are something we know little of

>>242522
OOC: Fighting a Princess it's like fighting a storm. The most KanMusu are able to do is re-direct them - What Hiei herself did with her team was nothing short of a miracle - and it cost her several body parts (Thankfully regenerated via Fairy's Tears).

>>242519
I figured as much. It just seemed like a good way to learn some more things about them in-character.

>>242492
>Keep quiet the rest of the way

/How/ many times does he have to say Princess' are literal fucking forces of nature? Hell, we just listened to how it tanked one of our most experienced, powerful battleships and barely gave any shits. Instantly regrowing a head? Shit, son.

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‘We’ve been fighting the Abyssals for more than a decade,’ You begin, biting the inside of your cheek, ‘but we haven’t even killed a Princess.’

‘Hm.’

‘Is there a way to kill them… permanently?’

Hiei laughs.

‘Punching a little above your weight, aren’t you?’ She smirks. ‘Commander, I think you’re new to the business, so I’m going to cut you short on that. On record, there’s never been a confirmed kill of a Princess.’ She puts her thumb and index finger into a loop. ‘Never. Ten years of pushing and the best result we’ve had came with the loss of some of the finest soldiers we ever had.’

You feel your shoulders droop – Hiei puts a comforting hand on your shoulder.

‘I’ve been part of 9 campaigns to re-direct a them when they go ACTIVE; every single one of those campaigns resulted in at least the loss of a half a Squadron and only six were successful. On record there have been 26 engagements involving Princess Class Abyssals and none of them did more than just push them back out to open waters.’

‘But – !’

She cuts you off with a raised finger.

‘You know just how much damage one Princess does when it goes ACTIVE, Commander.’ She nods. ‘Islands turned into ash, skies going red – you don’t need a lecture of their Sphere of Influence either, do you?’

‘No, ma’am.’ No, you did not.

‘I’m sorry.’ She genuinely does sound it. ‘It’s just… they’re practically invulnerable; you can unload all you want into their faces and it’s about as effective as stubbed pinky toe.’ She grits her teeth.‘They regenerate – they’re fast, strong – enough to tear you in two if they want. Sorry, Commander, but if you want to beat one… I can’t say.’ She smile sadly. ‘I never have.’

‘Couldn’t there have been any… breakthroughs?’ You sound a little desperate. ‘Notes? Anything?’

‘Not that I know of.’She shakes her head. ‘The best you can do is head out there with your guns and hope… hope half of them come home alive. There’s the Sphere of Influence – that’s where they get their minions from – KanMusu going in there, if they’re not strong enough, stand a good chance of just withering away.’ She chuckles. ‘Not to mention the intense and dangerous air pressure and the waves.’

‘But…’ Hiei bites her lip.

‘But what?’

‘There were rumors among the KanMusu a few years that… there might have been one kill.’

You blink.

‘Rumors is all they are.’ She hurriedly insists. ‘Keeps hopes up, though.’ She goes on. ‘There were rumors of… a Covert Op that was successful in the elimination of a Princess. It’s far-fetched, but… if you’re heavy into gossip, you can look into it. So far I think it’s just something to get us up when we’re down.’

‘Oh.’

‘Hey, it works, don’t knock it.’

>Ask about her previous post
>Keep quiet the rest of the way
>Write-In

>>242538
>>Write-In
"So are your sisters here? Or are they somewhere else?"

>>242538
>Keep quiet the rest of the way

>>242539
See:
>>240150