>>1680077
>nagato

>>1680077
Tenryuu

>>1680077
>Tenryuu

>>1680077
Iowa

>>1680077
Iowa

Yes we're back

>>1680077
Nachi

Tenryuu

>>1680077
>Samidare

>>1680077
Samidare

File: I Am Loyal To You.jpg (34 KB, 282x336)

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Groggily—and with much effort—you open your eyes.

'Tenryuu?’

You’re greeted by a giggle, followed by a light, displeased, harrumph. Shaking your head, you turn from one side to another … only to discover that your guess had been, by all accounts, wrong. The light of your room was a little dim, but there was no way you could mistake the demure, yet thoroughly seasoned, visage of your only other Carrier, Houshou. She was clad in her normal state of dress and wearing a look of bemusement, one corner of her lips jutting upward and an eyebrow raised as she was on her knees, as if you had done or said something wrong.

Impossible. You had been asleep the last several hours. At least. After the clock struck midnight—and Nagato and Nachi carefully explaining the possible avenues of appendage retrieval—you had elected to turn in. Musashi and the rest had You couldn’t have screwed up in your sleep.

Could you?

‘I believe that we need to talk about how your interests in Tenryuu lead on to the point that that’s first name that comes to mind in the morning, sir,’ she answers, tightly, but lacking any sort of anger or emotion, ‘but I … I wanted to check on how you were doing. Nagato and Ooyodo told me that you and Takao had gone off base for an errand, so I wasn’t able to talk to you.’

‘Talk to me?’ you mumble, almost incoherently. It was still quite early in the morning … and that trip in the car had given you a little bit of a sore factor down your lumbar; one that hadn’t quite subsided just yet. ‘Whatever for?’ you groan the words, a little more harshly than you had intended, ‘I thought you were supposed to–’

In an instant, every pore in your body seems open. Your senses hit immediate overdrive as your muscles creak and rush yourself into a heightened state of awareness. Your jaw, suddenly feeling loose, drops as you realize that Houshou was the one on her knees, by your bedside, wearing a befuddled expression at your sudden failure to gather the appropriate words to convey your surprise.

‘Houshou, what are you doing here?’

‘That’s what I … I wanted to talk to you about,’ she breathes, steadying herself. That was what you should have been doing; not her. ‘I declined the rescission of my loan term under your Command, sir. With your permission, I … would like to remain as your subordinate for the foreseeable future.’

She places her hands on the floor, bowing her head.

‘My commission is to you, sir.’

You look away from her, pinching the bridge of your nose.

‘Are you … displeased with my action?’

>‘I … am, actually.’ (Convey your annoyance)
>‘No, I … well, I guess I’m confused right now. Why?’ (State your agreement)
>‘We’re not talking about this. Shoo.’ (Dismissive)
>‘Considering that you took me by force, shouldn’t I have the right to be?’ (Angry rebuke)
>Write-In

>>1680149
>nope, welcome back carrier houshou
Ha, called it

>>1680149
>‘No, I … well, I guess I’m confused right now. Why?’ (State your agreement)

>>1680149
>>Write-In
"Houshou, wouldn't this put you in a difficult position with the shamans and the ISSF? Are you sure you want to do this?" (Willing to accept but worried for her situation this decision may cause)

>>1680149
>‘No, I … well, I guess I’m confused right now. Why?’ (State your agreement)

>>1680149
>>Write-In
"Ara ara, please be kind to me."

>>1680149
>>1680152
This

>>1680152
I vote this

>>1680152
This

File: Houshou.jpg (44 KB, 299x371)

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There is one thing that comes to mind before all others. Staring straight at the blue-eyed, petite KanMusu before you, you move to address that concern first.

‘Houshou,’ you begin with the utmost seriousness, ‘wouldn’t this put you in a difficult position? Considering how big the schism is between the ISSF … between the Admiralty and the Shamans, is this really the best decision for you to take? I’m not trying to second-guess or judge as it is, but with everything that’s been going on, aren’t there ramifications? Especially considering how everyone’s getting into the picture now, aren’t you, you know … scared of them?’

You’re reminded, again, that she had been fighting this war since you had to ask for the ironing of your school trousers. Houshou folds her hands over her lap, closing her eyes and looking upwards, her expression stoic. There is a tired aura about her; not of fatigue or a lack of rest, but something that seemed to echo with age, experience and … maybe there was fatigue there. You couldn’t say there wasn’t, but Houshou’s demeanor looked like that she had gone through the motions time and time again—that this wasn’t the first time that she had been asked the question.

‘My loyalty … is to humanity, sir,’ she answers.

She doesn’t sound quite as honest as you expected, however … there are echoes of your own spouting of duty and sticking to your guns somewhere in there. Before you can jump on either, however, she—for the first time since you could remember—cuts you off with a raised hand and a stern look right at you, making you instantly think of the First Admiral’s own regal demeanor. You don’t pursue; you know it would come in time. Instead, you give her a nod, prompting her to continue, although she probably would have done so anyway.

‘As a Carrier,’ she begins, suddenly looking very hesitant, ‘I do understand my duties, my … mission here, so to speak. More than anyone else, I believe. I have seen my comrades and my superiors fall and I think to answer the whims of bureaucracy would be an insult to their memory.’

She adopts a more peaceful look, but her smile turns sad.

‘I disagree that just because a whim cannot be carried out … that I would have an excuse to shirk my duties again,’ she declares confidently, levelly, ‘and I have spent too long sitting to the side just to find myself some peace of my own to consider it again, really, so…’

Houshou leaps forward as soon as she trails off, her face red as she grasps your hands.

‘Even if you don’t return my feelings,’ she continues confidently, ‘I believe that … if I were to fall and if all of us were, I think that, being with you, I…’

She trails off again … before whipping her head upwards.

‘I believe that you’ve earned my loyalty, and I will fulfill my duties to you before a piece of paper telling me to go away.’

>>1680260
>'I'm honored, thank you.' (Accepting)
>'I think that you should reconsider. Politics are going to be the death of me if this keeps up.' (Reject)
>'It's great that you want to stay in the fight, but maybe you could offer your services under another banner?' (Accept, Reassign)
>'I don't want you around. Not after what happened. How arrogant could you be to think that this makes it all okay?' (Bluntly and harshly excise her)
>Write-In

>>1680260
>'I'm honored, thank you.' (Accepting)

>>1680260
>'I'm honored, thank you.' (Accepting)

>>1680271
>>'I'm honored, thank you.' (Accepting)

File: momboat charm.png (1.34 MB, 1280x1024)

1.34 MB PNG

>>1680271
>>'I'm honored, thank you.' (Accepting)
You know what the choice is gonna be, MECH

>>1680271
>>'I'm honored, thank you.' (Accepting)

>>1680278
Peeing in her rectum is always an acceptable option to consummate love, yes.

File: Yes This Is Houshou You C(...).jpg (28 KB, 240x234)

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You say the only thing that you can say, really.

‘I’m honored,’ you give her an accepting nod. ‘Thank you, Houshou.’

Her cheeks take an even more prominent shade of pink, but she manages to give a small bow of her own, getting to her feet … and dropping on your mattress with a light flop. A sort of awkward silence seems to permeate through the walls as Houshou leans back and forth, more than likely pondering a few thoughts of her own. For a brief moment you stare at her back and shoulders in confusion, more than anything wondering why she hadn’t seen fit to go up and back to her own room just yet. It was still the wee hours of the morning, and while you weren’t quite as irritated at being disturbed from your sleep as you would have in the past … it still puzzled you that she hadn’t taken her leave right after you’d given her your acceptance of her decision to stay and fight the good fight.

‘It doesn’t displease you, does it, sir?’

You tilt your head, confused even further. Wasn’t it apparent enough that you had felt honored by her move to continue being your subordinate? What was she getting at now?

‘I don’t think I get what you’re asking.’

‘I mean,’ she begins tentatively, ‘you must have heard about the … dealings that The Admiralty and the Shamans have gone about when it comes to the Carriers, I just thought that, well, you’d be a little bit more hesitant—I understand that you … accept my decision, sir, and I appreciate it, but…’

She trails off, looking a little more hesitant.

‘But?’

Her cheeks are prominently pink now, you find.

‘It … doesn’t displease you? Not at all? With both sides like this and my being under your Division?’

You sigh.

>‘What about Kaga? Is she sticking around?’ (Divert)
>‘It does, but, well, you decided to stay—and you’re my responsibility, for better or worse’ (Reluctant)
>‘Why would it?’ (Dismiss the concern)
>‘You pin me to the couch, use me as your personal toy and this is what has you concerned?’ (Annoyed, Personal)
>‘Houshou…’ (POMF)
>Write-In

>>1680320
>‘Why would it?’ (Dismiss the concern)
we ALREADY are up shit creek with the command hating us


>pomf
we are meaning to show her the way of love not sex

>>1680320
>‘Houshou…’ (POMF)
>>1680325
We can do both anon

>>1680320
>>‘What about Kaga? Is she sticking around?’ (Divert)

>>1680320
>‘Houshou…’ (POMF)

>>1680320
>‘Why would it?’ (Dismiss the concern)

Let's not pomf her right off the bat, we have stuff to do today. We've had a lot of love and fun with her recently. And we should focus on other things than waifus.

>>1680325
>>1680327
>>1680334
>>1680413
Coin flipped. Sorry, computer froze like Hell and had to restart. After this post, session's over.

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Sometimes, you wondered if KanMusu just had a tendency to over-complicate things. Straightening your tee’s creases, you pull your legs towards you, crossing your legs as you bring yourself upright in an attempt to at least show you meant business. Hands on your heels, you lean forward, eager to make yourself clear—or at least clear enough that it didn’t make Houshou explode fussing over the details. Gathering your thoughts, you rub your jaw, the words simple and concise with no room for argument or misinterpretation.

‘Why would it?’

Houshou looks away … and your remember just why you had barely squeaked past your college classes all that time ago.

‘Houshou,’ you start again, hoping to redeem your fumble, ‘whatever you’re worried about on my part … I’m glad to have your around. Even after … everything that happened between us, you’re as valuable to me as you are to the rest of humanity—even if they don’t care for it. So, really, I’m going to emphasize this as clearly and directly as possible: if you’re worried about getting me angry by this decision, Houshou … don’t.’

She doesn’t say anything back.

‘If you’re worried about where I’m standing on this, there’s … well, there’s three stances,’ you raise your hand, pausing briefly as you hold up three fingers to emphasize your point, ‘that I’m taking with this. The first of which is that … I’m relieved that you’re staying. As a Commander, I need all the tips and tricks I can get … and with you around, the less I’m likely to screw up on one of my idiotic tangents; and believe me, Nagato needs all the help she can get.’

She giggles into a fist, her shoulders quaking as she looks away. You put down your hand, taking in a deeper breath.

‘The second of which is that … on a broader note, outside looking in-wise, Carrier or no … everyone here respects you, if not outright likes you. So you don’t have a soul that’ll be glad for you being gone anymore than they would m—’

You stop yourself. You could think of a few that didn’t want you around, that was for sure.

‘Thirdly,’ you shuffle uncomfortably, ‘on a personal basis, Houshou, I—’

You find a hand on your mouth, Houshou’s blush spreading all the way to her ears, her hands cover your lips like a lid on a can, stopping you from saying any further, before drawing away. She wears a peaceful look on her face, pink as it is, her eyes focused on the ceiling now.

‘I don’t need to hear the words, but thank you, Commander.’

Houshou pauses, biting her lip … before shyly turning towards you again.

‘Although, I could use a little…’

She trails off, wiggling her bottom suggestively.

>‘Please tell me that’s a joke.’ (Unamused)
>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)
>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)
>Write-In

>>1680584
>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)
an interesting offer, truly, but what the hell happened to her?

>>1680584
>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)

but I wanted to lewd Houshou.

>>1680584
>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)
Damn it just give the lady what she clearly wants

>>1680584
>>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)

>>1680584
>>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)

>>1680584
>>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)

>>1680584
>>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)

>>1680584
>>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)

>>1680584
>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)

File: kongou confused.png (331 KB, 360x640)

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Have we given the bookmark to Nachi yet?

>>1682376
If you had to ask, no.

>>1682376
Nay

>>1680584 #
>>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)

>>1680584
>‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’ (Divert)

>>1680584
>>‘You know what? The sooner I get this over and done with, the better.’ (POMF)

>>1682376
nope, I believed we planned to give it to her right after the mission, so that it didn't mess with her head.

>>1680588
>>1680601
>>1680747
>>1680765
>>1681134
>>1681242
>>1681463
>>1681475
>>1682364
>>1682401
>>1682407
>>1682466
Coin flipped.

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You’re not distracted by her invitation.

All it does is remind you of something else that required your more immediate attention.

‘Speaking of which … Kaga?’

She doesn’t answer immediately.

It only confirms your suspicions.

‘Kaga,’ Houshou begins, slowly and deliberately, ‘to my knowledge, has taken heed of the Shamans’ demands that the Carriers are to return under their jurisdiction—out of the Admiralty’s dominion, at least until further notice.’

‘Figures,’ you harrumph, crossing your arms.

Houshou looks away from you, an uncertain expression falling upon her face.

A strange, unfamiliar feeling creeps upon you. Not so much a burning ember in your belly more than it is a cold spike in your neck, a cold anger, coupled with disappointment. Looking further into this, they were two emotions that you shouldn’t have been able to reconcile, given the context. After all, there was no need for you to be on the verge of a tantrum just because something wasn’t going your way … you were past that feeling of frustration, really, truly. You couldn’t even call it that. It was just … minor; alien, all the same, of course—it was an unfamiliar emotion that seemed to take its place upon your brow, after all, and considering everything there really, really was no need for you to feel this way.

Orders were orders, after all; it was what you had told yourself time and time again and as much of an unwillingly rebellious pawn you were, you didn’t feel any need to impose that belief on anyone else’s. They could do what they wished … and it was childish, selfish, anyway, for you to—

‘Commander?’

You’re interrupted from your thoughts by Houshou’s concerned gaze.

‘Yeah?’

And you realize just why your thoughts were jumbled and why confusion and frustration were knocking on your door with abandon.

It was because that she had stayed.

Houshou, despite all the demands and the politics, had decided that you were worth standing right beside, come Hell or high water. That her being her gave you an almost arrogant sense of self-worth, of value, that against all odds, you had become someone that another would willingly violate and traverse words in stone just to be next to. That Houshou was here despite the orders; that she had chosen to be with you, that you were worth the bother … and Kaga, by her absence, had decided that you weren’t.

Her presence had brought about a thought—a dichotomy—of Kaga’s actions in context.

This was probably the closest that you had ever come to a woman dumping you.

‘Is there something the matter, sir?’

Houshou spares you a worried glance, her brows crinkling together.

>‘No, nothing’s wrong.’ (Denial)
>‘Is this what … being dumped feels like?’ (Muse)
>‘So what about her things?’ (Professional)
>Write-In

>>1682876
>‘So what about her things?’ (Professional)
we werent dumped, she did as ordered and all

but sure it feels like it

>>1682876
>‘So what about her things?’ (Professional)

>>1682876
Voting this:
>‘So what about her things?’ (Professional)

But we are like that beneath the professionalism:
>‘Is this what … being dumped feels like?’ (Muse)

>>1682876
>‘So what about her things?’ (Professional)

>>1682876
>‘Is this what … being dumped feels like?’ (Muse)

A moment of weakness

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You try your best not to dwell. As much as you wanted to, brooding over something like this wasn’t something that a Commander would do … and even if Kaga wanted to leave, to kick yourself over the assumption of her reasoning was immature, childish. It was your responsibility to stay the course, and if she had declined continued tenure under your service, then that would be that, then. You could mull over the details later; now, thought, there were more important things to think about.

Namely, the fact that she had left her toiletries and change of clothes behind.

‘What about her things?’ you inquire thusly.

‘Things?’

‘Kaga left a bunch of her stuff behind … is she going to come back to pick them up or do I have to organize something to send her stuff over?’

‘Oh,’ she lets out dully, ‘I believe that she’ll be coming over to pick her things up herself. She’s … sorting her own matters on-base.’

‘She’s still around?’ you blurt out, surprised.

‘Yes,’ Houshou tilts her head, evidently confused by your line of questioning, ‘it’s not as if that she’d just be spirited away with just a spell after the order was issued. Kaga is still attached to several on-base operations. Even with the ISSF issuing the order of withdrawal, there’s still procedure that has to be carried out … and even if the ISSF disagrees with the procedure, they respect The Admiralty enough to allow them to sort out anything outstanding. The Shamans know that they’re fighting a war, sir … they’re under no delusions of our purpose.’

‘Could’ve fooled me.’

There’s a lot more venom in there than you would have previously thought you were capable of.

‘I know that it looks frustrating on the outside looking in,’ Houshou says diplomatically, her hands folded over her lap and her shoulders stiff, ‘but please understand that the Shamans, they’re—well, they’re a lot more conservative when it comes to their knowledge; theirs and the fairies’.’

‘That I understand. What I don’t get is what they hope to achieve by keeping the frontlines crippled,’ you grumble, letting our your frustrations. ‘Not that The Court of Admirals isn’t any better, biting the hand that feeds; feels like we’re caught in the middle of a bad divorce.’

Houshou lets out a giggle, covering her mouth with both hands in embarrassment. It takes a while for her amusement to subside.

Perhaps one good thing did come out of this mess.

‘Whatever your feelings on The Admiralty, I believe that they will understand the intent behind the action,’ she sighs, glancing at the ceiling, ‘Right now, without the ISSF, their operations will be put on hold … The Court of Admirals wouldn’t be so stupid to organize anything without The ISSF at least being there in the wings to oversee.’

At her reassuring smile, you tilt your own head in confusion.

Did she not know?

>>1683126

>‘Sure, let’s go with that.’ (Don't tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)
>‘About that…’ (Tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)
>Write-In

>>1683131
>>‘About that…’ (Tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)

>>1683126
>‘About that…’ (Tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)
now comes the "wife sees her man go to war, shipgirl edition"

thats gonna hurt

>>1683131
>>‘About that…’ (Tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)

>>1683131
>‘About that…’ (Tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)

>>1683126
>‘About that…’ (Tell her about the Admiralty's offensive campaign)

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You ponder her words for a moment. Indeed, it would seem that your remaining Carrier had remained in the dark in regards to The Admiralty’s response to the recent politicking that had gone around from pen to paper to table. You wrestle with yourself for a moment; Houshou didn’t seem like the type that would explode

‘About that,’ you clear your throat, catching her attention. ‘The Admiralty’s running an offensive campaign in response to the ISSF’s withdrawal. I deploy with the Division tomorrow.’

She goes ashen. Her jaw seems to slack as the sound of something dying and whining escapes her throat, her disbelief more than apparent. It would have been hilarious any other time—and on any other topic—but considering that you had left The Admiral’s office voicing your own vehement disagreement to the Court’s course of action, you are only able to reach an understanding. She struggles to find the words, bringing a hand to her mouth, as if to stop something unsavory from leaving her lips.

‘Th-That’s nonsensical,’ she almost shrills; you have to give her credit for restraining herself so. ‘To run operations at a time like this … we’re already at half strength—no, not even half strength. As it is, The Admiralty can’t hope to sustain a proper offensive set without the Shamans—the ISSF. We’ve been working at a snail’s pace for fear of straining the little resources we have left … if any operations are to be conducted, they would have to be made at an even less strenuous push.’

Your only response is an affirmative—almost nonchalant—nod.

‘You’re sure about this?’

‘I was given my assignment today,’ you reinforce, nodding in acknowledgment, ‘and apparently, it’s the first of a few offensive sets to maintain a proper defensive front,’ you briefly pause, weighing your next words, ‘although, I suspect that it’s as much out of practical worry as it is about being a power play.’

‘Power play?’

Her lips contort into a snarl … the first that you’d seen up close and personal. It’s enough to send you reeling, holding up your hands up, as if to relinquish any accountability to the matter at hand.

‘H-Hey, wait a minute, you didn’t let me finish,’ you manage, hoping your placating tone didn’t garner another violent reaction from her. ‘The Admiral thinks that this maneuver’s out to show that The Court’s still the big man on campus … but, reading through files, they also have a point. The shoreline defenses are hardly standing as is … and with Hajime’s loss adding on to Maizuru and Ominato, they can’t just sit down and wait for another seaside town to fall. I disagree, but … I underst—’

You’re interrupt by Houshou raising herself to her full height, wearing a deep scowl.

‘You’d compromise the awareness of the risks entailed just to see an operation this reckless justified?’

>>1683385
>'Houshou, calm down.' (Professional)
>'That's a little uncalled for, don't you think?' (Personal)
>'I never said I supported it, but I do understand.' (Justify)
>'I didn't before, but hey, take that tone with me and maybe I will.' (Antagonize)
>Don't answer her
>Write-In

>>1683397
>'I never said I supported it, but I do understand.' (Justify)

>>1683397
>'I never said I supported it, but I do understand.' (Justify)

>>1683397
>I never said I supported it, but I do understand.' (Justify)

>>1683385
>'I never said I supported it, but I do understand.' (Justify)

File: Uohsuoh.jpg (131 KB, 850x1202)

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‘I never said that I supported their decision,’ you interject quickly, frowning as you try to justify your stance, ‘but I do understand where they’re coming from.’

You didn’t agree at mobilizing at all.

But you did see that, bureaucracy and red tape aside, The Court of Admirals had been forced to play the cards that they were dealt. Going through the files and folders with Musashi and Nachi, you had realized just how vulnerable the coast was to Abyssal attacks. It wasn’t as if they were predictable to begin with, but the encroaching forces, remnants of the larger assault weeks before, was pressuring any possible defense that The Admiralty would mount—and in addition to that, intercept forces wouldn’t have proper time to get prepped to run interference without given a wider berth.

Even if it was essentially a power play, you could see the practicality of the action.

Whatever words you had, however, didn’t seem to placate the KanMusu before you; not one bit. Instead of turning to your line of thought, she immediately goes stone-faced, pursing her lips as she regards you. You open your mouth again, seeking to further reinforce your stance on the matter … before closing it. You had said something wrong—there was something in your words that she had disagreed with. An opinion that was yours that held her to an echelon of disdain. You don’t move to backtrack; you had made yourself clear on your stance, and even if you’d just paid lip service to Houshou on the matter, you doubt that she would be accepting of it at all.

It was amazing to see how much she resembled Samidare at the moment … and how dangerously Yuubari-like her glare was. Still, you don’t say a word … now for fear of what Houshou might do to you if you said the wrong thing. You felt like a child that had said something rude and disappointing to the disapproval of their parent.

To your relief, it softens a moment later, the tension slowly deflating from the air of your room.

‘Very well then, sir,’ she nods curtly, before offering a half-hearted salute, ‘have a good rest.’

She leaves without another word, out the door without so much as a suggestive comment or a libido-frenzied leap. You’re in your room, in a creaky old mattress, the warmth that had once been shared with you gone and your raggedy blanket on the creaky old floor. Sighing, you drop onto your back, hoping to catch a precious few more moments of rest before the day finally came along, and with it, more problems.

Houshou had decided to throw everything to the dogs for your sake. To be there by your side, to whatever end.

You can only hope that you hadn’t made her regret her decision to stay almost immediately.

[END INTERLUDE]

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I'd like to apologize. I forgot to clean my computer since last year. The thing overheated, so I had to buy a new fan and some other parts. I'm still running some stress tests on the new parts, and I'm getting my fans going into overdrive on a lot of my games. When I'm done, I'll update my twitter. Thank God the only real damage was my RAM screwing over itself. Mainboard's still fine.

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With that sorted, I'll be running a power session after my prayers. That's approximately 2 and a half hours from now.

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It had been a while since you’d showered by your lonesome.

Then again, it had been a while since you’d tossed and turned so badly trying to get back into a state of slumber that you’d decided to forego it altogether and just skip to your daily cleaning ritual. A cold one, in particular, to put you right awake. You needed to be at your absolute best today. As soon as you were done with your paperwork, you’d have precious few hours to sort out whatever it was that you needed to before you launched with your Squadron. Due to the lack of company—and conversation—the shower was quick, and you were able to get back to your room to don your clothes with minimal fuss, leaving not moments later in your formal uniform and making your way downstairs, intent on preparing breakfast before your attendants arrived.

With the silence in the barracks as it was, it was quite a surprise to see your Specialist working up a sweat in the space where the couch once stood, quiet and focused, her arms and hips moving up and down without so much as a drop in pace, even with your arrival. You almost let out an appreciative whistle, impressed that she was up so early and already getting into the grind without so much as a ritual. Standing by the doorway into the common room, you watch her lift her legs and arms as she bends into a right angle, her shoulders looking like they were screaming for her to stop from the sheer stress she’d built up.

After a minute, she does.

She actually looks like she could go for a few more rounds doing whatever she was doing just now, despite the sweat sticking to her skin.

‘Good morning, Commander,’ she finally greets, offering a nod and, true to form, gets right back to her workout, dropping onto one hand … all the while not breaking eye contact with you. ‘It’s rare to see you up this early. It’s not even oh-six-hundred.’

‘Couldn’t sleep,’ you answer with a shrug. ‘I thought that I’d … fix myself breakfast before getting started with work.’

For the first time since you’d arrived to the bottom of the stairs, Loudmouth lets out a grunt.

‘There’s a lack of provisions around here that contain the proper nutrients to ensure an acceptable diet,’ she manages, fully concentrating on the task at hand. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d say that this was a civilian dwelling instead of a makeshift set of quarters.’

You know that there’s a jibe in there somewhere. You let out a brief chuckle, nonetheless.

‘So, what’ve you been up to lately?’

‘Your Division has been receptive to my training methods,’ she replies, not missing a beat. ‘I believe that we’ve been able to see some measure of progress in regards to first strike tactics. Hopefully it’ll be of practical use to you, too.’

+1 1d8 whenINITIATING FIRST STRIKE ON CONTACT (BATTLE)

‘Good to know, but…’

>>1693019
>
>‘I was just wondering how you’ve been … adapting since you’ve arrived.’
>‘Have you heard from the Navy since?’ (Ask opinion on current affairs)
>‘Is there anyone you’ve taken a shine to since you took this post?’
>‘Care to tell me about your time in the Navy?’ (Ask about her past)
>‘I think I’ll fix up something. You interested in some pancakes?’ (End Conversation)
>Write-In

>>1693019
>‘I was just wondering how you’ve been … adapting since you’ve arrived.’

>>1693019
>‘Is there anyone you’ve taken a shine to since you took this post?’

>>1693023
>>1693025
Flipping a coin. Coin flipped.

>>1693020
>>‘I was just wondering how you’ve been … adapting since you’ve arrived.’

File: She Has An Apology.jpg (102 KB, 850x1203)

102 KB JPG

‘I was just wondering how you’ve been,’ you raise your hands, gesturing your little finger and your thumb to try and communicate your inquiry the best you could, ‘you know, adapting to the changes since your arrival.’

‘It’s different,’ she replies quickly, not stopping her exercise at all, even though now her eye contact with you was practically non-existent, ‘and I the Division needs a lot of adjusting to … but I’m surprised at how little paper that we go through.’

You frown, confused at what she went. Was she talking about the toilet? You were probably the only one that used it with enough regularity to make any change there.

‘Paper?’

‘Paperwork,’ she clarifies. ‘In the Navy, you have about eight forms to fill out before you put in a drill request or exercising permission for a rotation. I think I’ve only had to fill in three tops to get a request approved or denied, and even then, it’s a turn to actually be able to talk to the people that turn you down.’

You shrug nonchalantly, not quite knowing how to reply to that.

‘That’s a good thing, then?’

‘A little,’ she replies tightly, the veins of her forearm practically pulsing as the words reach your ears, ‘but it leaves a lot of openings to abuse … forms in triplicate are a sort of safety filter to make sure things don’t go through too easily and to help so that clashes on rotations and jurisdiction’—she flips back onto her feet with one almighty push and a loud grunt—‘be kept to a minimum. I’m only going to say that I’m surprised that it’s so direct … you don’t have a very formal chain of command outside on-site.’

The irony was palpable.

‘Oh, we do,’ you can’t keep the amusement out of your voice, however, ‘but I think The Admiralty knows better than to throw a jam in the wheels.’

‘Understood,’ she responds, rubbing her neck with both hands, ‘and the Division’s been good enough with my instruction … not that I wouldn’t expect, but…’

‘’But?’

She hesitates, if only briefly.

‘I always had the impression that … KanMusu would be a lot more … uppity before I joined up,’ she admits breathlessly, to which you fight down a smirk of your own, ‘The Navy isn’t exactly fond of the fact that we—they’ve—been relegated to the sidelines and clean-up work, and with the … manner of propaganda that The Admiralty seems to have taken with them, I have to admit that I fell into that mire,’ she pauses again, rubbing her own shoulder, ‘but they appear, if a little too casual to my taste, completely dedicated to their work.’

She drops into a small, formal bow, her hands at her sides.

‘So, I’ll have to say that at the very least, I owe an apology for my misconception.’

You say the only thing that comes to mind.

‘Apology accepted.’

Nodding, Loudmouth makes a move towards the doorway...

>>1693094
>‘Before you go, um, anyone you’ve taken a shine to since you took up the post?’
>‘Mind if I ask you about your time in the Navy?’
>‘Any news from the Navy since you took up this post?’
>‘Hang on, you must have worked up a sweat. Can I offer you some pancakes?’
>Write-In

>>1693094
>‘Before you go, um, anyone you’ve taken a shine to since you took up the post?’

>>1693094
>‘Any news from the Navy since you took up this post?’

>>1693097
>>‘Before you go, um, anyone you’ve taken a shine to since you took up the post?’

>>1693094
>‘Hang on, you must have worked up a sweat. Can I offer you some pancakes?’

File: Loud Snipers.jpg (274 KB, 850x1097)

274 KB JPG

‘Before you go,’ you call out to her, stopping her in her tracks, ‘and I hope you don’t mind me asking this because it might sound a little awkward, but … is there anyone that you’ve taken a shine to since you took up this post?’

‘A shine to?’

‘Yeah,’ you rub your neck, feeling a little silly now that the words had finally left your mouth, ‘I mean, is there anyone that you’ve … you know, been able to get along with particularly well? I just want to know because, well, since … I’m going to admit that you’re pretty much in this situation because of my screw up and I just wanted to know if you’re getting along with anyone in particular or—’

You cut yourself off, running a hand through your hair. Rambling always seemed to occur at the most embarrassing of times with you … and this was probably the first time you’d tripped over your words, your sentences in a long while.

Outside, you may have looked—or at least you hoped to have looked—the part of a defender of humanity, but as you fumble for words, you realize that for all your bravado and posturing, there was still some remnant of that man that worked the stove who had trouble getting his point across when the moment called for it. Loudmouth, in all her kindness, takes a leaf out of Nagato’s book, allowing you room … but not without a small, understanding chuckle of her own.

She smirks, crossing her arms under her breasts as she tilts her head, a prompt for you to continue. When you don’t, however, she takes a step forward, the amused glint still twinkling in her eyes.

‘I believe that I outgrew the rhetoric when I graduated high school,’ she jokes, ‘but if I may ask … is there a reason behind you asking me this, Commander?’

You pause, allowing your jaws to find the needed rhythm so you didn’t just babble all over again. You didn’t need to look anymore an incompetent dork in front of a former Special Operative-cum-KanMusu Combat Instructor. To her credit, Loudmouth is kind enough to not move beyond her own brief line of questioning … one that you have an actual answer to, in fact.

‘I just wanted to know if you were getting along with anyone—everyone,’ you explain honestly; you’re not sure if Commanders were supposed to worry about anything but what was on the table, but you did, anyway, ‘I mean … it’s my job to know if anyone’s getting along or has a buddy to help ease the transition, and since you’re new, I thought…’

You sigh, shaking your head as you observe the new smirk that had found its place on her visage.

‘Forget about it. Dismissed.’

‘If I may be honest sir,’ she suddenly declares, ‘I believe that if you’re asking if there’s someone you believe that I have grown to pick up a sense of respect and camaraderie towards …. you would be the candidate.’

You blink, dumbfounded.

‘Huh?’

>>1693158
>‘Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I did just hear you say that you believed that we got along, right?’ (Disbelief)
>‘Your opinion is duly noted. Thank you, Specialist … Loudmouth.’ (Concise)
>‘Sure. Let me just check if there’s an invading horde outside the barracks.’ (Sarcastic)
>‘I think that’s the first time a human woman’s actually said that about me.’ (Jest)
>Write-In

>>1693158
>‘Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I did just hear you say that you believed that we got along, right?’ (Disbelief)

>>1693159
>>‘I think that’s the first time a human woman’s actually said that about me.’ (Jest)

>>1693158
>>‘Your opinion is duly noted. Thank you, Specialist … Loudmouth.’ (Concise)
>>1693158

>>1693159
>>‘I think that’s the first time a human woman’s actually said that about me.’ (Jest)

>>1693159
>‘Your opinion is duly noted. Thank you, Specialist … Loudmouth.’ (Concise)

>>1693159
>>‘I think that’s the first time a human woman’s actually said that about me.’ (Jest)

>>1693159
>‘Your opinion is duly noted. Thank you, Specialist … Loudmouth.’ (Concise)

File: Sniperu.jpg (49 KB, 1280x720)

49 KB JPG

‘I think that’s the first time a human woman’s actually said that about me,’ you snort, shaking your head in amusement. That, indeed had been the first time someone of the fairer sex had called you the one person that they felt they got along with the best. ‘The most I got out of my interactions with the ladies is a raised palm and a declaration of their relationship status. I can probably count on one hand the times I was able to properly communicate intent.’

She wipes her lips with her fingers, her normally-stoic act all but forgotten.

‘Or if you’re just trying to butter me up for some sort of schedule rotation, in which case, shame on you, Miss Specialist,’ you declare playfully, placing your hands on your hips in an exaggerated manner. ‘Don’t stop, though, your validation feeds my ego. It requires enough sustenance to stay this pompous and insufferable.’

Loudmouth chuckles loudly, covering her mouth with a fist before looking away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

‘I’ll keep that in mind.’

The both of your share amused smirks, feeling a lot more at ease than you previously were. That small remark that you had made with Houshou had, upon closer inspection, been the source of your anxiety—you’d felt a little more annoyed, a little more troubled … and it was enough to keep you from drifting off right back into the land of dreams. Despite it having nothing to do with the context of the now, Loudmouth’s validation—true or false, joking or grounded—had taken the stuffiness that had gathered in your gut and permeated through the pores on your skin.

You felt a lot more comfortable now. More prepared to tackle the working day … and the looming night that came after.

‘So, back to my question … and this is just to make sure that I’m not deluded or mishearing things,’ you pause, holding back a bemused chortle, ‘I’m the person that you say that you believe you’re getting along with the best.’

‘By all accounts, correct,’ she chirps, ‘although, that may just be saying more about the surrounding company than the present one.’

For a moment, you’re taken aback … before it dawns on you at just what she was talking about.

‘Very funny.’

She chortles, shaking her head before moving towards the common room’s exit. Your stomach, as well, takes this as the cue to demand its share of attention, and you find that, with your feet pointing towards the kitchenette, you can’t delay its whims any longer.

But you still had something else to say.

‘You know, Loudmouth…’

‘Yes, Commander?’

‘You never seemed the type to indulge in … you know,’ you gesture awkwardly with your hands, ‘just sitting down and having a chat … shooting the breeze and, well, smiling.’

She doesn’t answer, wearing a triumphant smirk before disappearing up the stairs, leaving you to your lonesome.

END INTERLUDE

Power session later in abit for the combat~

>>1696722
I thought there was paperwork to do

The rules for Shipgirl Commander have been updated, so please have a look-see as to what's going on so you don't get lost.

File: LEIA (2).jpg (73 KB, 600x800)

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‘I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth,’ you mutter thickly, struggling to swallow the salty substance, as impersonal and flat as it was, ‘and at this point, I really don’t care, but how were you able to get instant noodles on-base?’

‘We have our ways, sir,’ your bulky attendant declares smugly, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

Your attendants sit across from you, slurping the contents of their cups as LEIA, the only one without one, stares at the three of you with a look of abject disapproval as she goes through the folders in her hand, some kind of long candy stick in her mouth that she had chosen to suckle on with instead of the meal that you were currently feasting upon. Sure, you had had breakfast not too long ago, and of course, Nagato would be no doubt agitated by the sheer violation you were putting upon yourself and with your body practically yelling in protest at being fed such a nonsensical excuse for nourishment, you suppose you really should put it down…

But nostalgia died hard, if it died at all, and even the days of your lone self by the radio slurping away at what little you could afford seemed to grow warmer with every noodle that you downed past your maw. LEIA continues to scrutinize the both of you as she shuffles more of the documents in her hand, the one point of resistance against the collective indulgence of instant, boiled noodles. Never mind that they couldn’t hold a candle to—and you’d forgive yourself for tooting your own horn one of these days—your own meals nor were they even good enough to stand on on its own.

It was like welcoming back an old friend. One that mooched, slept on your couch and didn’t pay his part of the rent, but a friend nonetheless.

‘Sir, what do you think about Haszad and Taiyouga teaming up?’

You look up from your meal to see LEIA, a curious gaze in her eyes, directed right at you.

‘Yeah, I was wondering about that,’ your bulky attendant chimes, setting down his cup. ‘You know, since we’re going to be apparently working with the guys from there … being part of The Admiralty and all that.’

You set down your cup, pushing yourself off the table to take one of the folders from your lanky attendant.

‘I don’t think we’ll have to deal with them directly,’ you try to reassure him, even if it did came out as somewhat half-hearted from your side, ‘or at least … I hope we don’t have to. We got enough on our plate as it is without bringing the politics from over yonder into this.’

‘Yeah,’ your lanky attendant says in agreement, ‘all we can do is what we can, right?’

You hold back a smile, crossing your arms as you proudly survey your attendants.

‘We’re only able to do what we can,’ you chuckle, your words resonating with your attendant’s, ‘and right now … that’s signing off on paperwork.’

You move to really start your day.

>>1697947
POINTS AVAILABLE 5/5
>District Duties 2/3 [SAME]
>Supplementary Duties 2/2 [RESTORED-1]
>Division Duties 3/4 [REPLENISHED]
>Base Duties 2/2 [RESTORED-1]

>>1697955
>Division Duties - 2 points
>Supplementary Duties - 0 points
>Division Duties - 3 points
>Base Duties - 0

>>1697955
>>Division Duties - 0 points
>>Supplementary Duties - 2 points
>>Division Duties - 1 points
>>Base Duties - 2

>>1697955
Supplementary-2

Division-1

Base-2

>>1697955
>Supplementary Duties - 2 points
>Division Duties - 1 points
>Base Duties - 2

>>1697985
>>1698001
>>1698027
>>1698089
CURRENT ACTIVE BONUSES:
>Supplementary (Certain Topics Available to Converse) [SUSTAINED]
>Base Duties (Temporary Combat Bonuses/Save Rolls) [SUSTAINED]

NEW ALLOCATION
>District Duties [2/3]
>Supplementary Duties [0/2] (BONUS ACTIVE, SUSTAINED)
>Division Duties [2/4]
>Base Duties )Temporary Combat Bonuses/Save Rolls) [SUSTAINED]

File: I THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE (...).jpg (2.42 MB, 2961x1969)

2.42 MB JPG

‘And that’s it for the day,’ you declare, signing off on the last sheet of paper. ‘Nice work, everyone.’

Your bulky attendant raises his two arms in the air, forming fists as he lets out a not-quite-enthused whoop, thankful that this part of the day was now over. LEIA, meanwhile, looked like she was about to fall asleep, playing with a pen and pencil in her hands as though they were chopsticks, her work neatly stacked right next to her. The lanky attendant gets to his feet, picking up the large rucksacks that held the papers from before, moving to stow them away once again, looking a mite more exhausted than the other two. You don’t blame any of them for their less-than-upbeat demeanor. Your bulky attendant had to make four trips to the maintenance tent to double-check several forms, LEIA had misread several of the inventory notes—which she had been adamant on correcting on her own terms—and your lanky attendant had to spend the better part of the morning waiting on the MagiTek Department to give a proper reply—on your Division’s latest allocation and the next one—only to somehow draw the ire of a few of the higher-ups on perceived impatience.

Then, of course, was the fact that you had to somehow negotiate supplies with some annoying liaison that had allegedly veto-ed several standing orders from you to the departments because of forms that didn’t even have a right to exist in the first place. The day—the half day, anyway—had been exhausting for everyone … and even for the spitfires that made up your support crew, having to deal with that much didn’t leave room for anyone else to be cheerful any more than they were just relieved to have it all over and done with.

It felt like the lot of you had just finished class and were allowed to go home.

‘You’re going off to see your girlfriend today, Attendant?’

Your lanky attendant lets out a snort, wearing a wry smile as he picks up your documents, shoving them neatly into place within the large rucksack.

‘I think she’s good,’ he chortles, slinging the bag over one shoulder as the bulky attendant comes over to pick one up. ‘I don’t want to wear her out so often … she’ll probably go crazy and tell me to get on with it if I keep to—’

‘We’re going off to lunch,’ LEIA interjects—a little rudely, you might add, ‘sir?’

‘Right,’ you rub your shoulder. You supposed that that they wanted to catch up with whatever they had planned for themselves now. ‘Dismissed, you three. Have a good one.’

‘You too, sir … and good luck tonight.’

‘Thank you, attendant.’

Giving one last salute, the three of them step out of the barracks, hauling their work for the day.

You didn’t have as much time to go about your errands today, not with the operation looming.

3/4
>Visit Locations
>Look for your KanMusu (Specify)
>Look for Admiralty Staff
>District Management
>Write-In

>>1698448
>>Look for your KanMusu (Specify)
Samidare

>>1698448
>District Management
we really need to talk to fingers already

>>1698448
>District Management We are at the point of too many waifu will ruin our laifu if we dont shore up our infrastructure

>>1698448
>Visit Locations
Somewhere we didnt explored(I cant find the file with all the city locations).

>>1698467
this

>>1698448
>District Management

File: Fingers.jpg (33 KB, 225x350)

33 KB JPG

You jump out of the buggy, taking a good look around as you gathered your bearings. It looked like things were finally getting in shape. The plaza, even if it was a little empty, was in finer condition than you had seen it the last time that you had seen the place. There was the odd sign of your men here and there, with most of the bunch sitting by the tables set up outside the card shop’s store, but the majority of them seemed to not be within the immediate vicinity of the plaza. There were a few civilians, of course, gathered here and there, most of them young teenagers, sitting by the empty shops and chatting away, while a few of the elderly sat on the new benches that littered the plaza, staring off into the distance, some of them puffing on their pipe.

‘YES!’

Startled by the sudden, loud and obnoxious whoop of joy, you turn to its source … only to find just where your men were: beneath you.

Fingers, wearing a sweaty, disheveled excuse of a white formal shirt, cries out with sheer delight as he peered down a manhole, one of your men, one with a large head and a purple mohawk, raising his hand to your self-proclaimed second-in-command, an enthusiastic slap of the palms echoing throughout the plaza. Fingers, with your presence still unnoticed by his person, grins happily as he taps his toes (he had seem to have foregone shoes today), waving what appeared to be a black rod in his hand.

‘Okay, you tell the guys on the other end that if they drill right through ta the main, we don’t have ta actually push it in,’ he says, peering into the hole at the now-descending man, ‘and that if they hit a wall, call ‘em Army boys and tell ‘em that it didn’t work. We don’t wanna break through half the damn pipes just to get one toilet workin’, a’ight?’

‘Got it,’ the man’s voice echoes through the hold, a brief thumbs-up appearing before dropping from view.

‘And wouldja—’

Fingers is interrupted by what appeared to be a clipboard and notepad launching right out of the manhole, his fast hands plucking them out of mid-air before he frowns, leaning over into the hole and peering into its depths.

‘What about my pen, huh?’

After a brief pause—and some incoherent, muffled sounds that could only be the voices of your men underneath—he recoils in disgust.

‘Fine, keep ‘em!’

Grunting, he stands at his full height … and finally notices you.

‘Oh, Boss! Been a while,’ he jogs over to you, his mood more upbeat than before. ‘What can I do ya for?’

>‘I’ve come to collect my stipend.’
>‘With how things are running … do you have any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’
>‘How’s morale?’
>‘Do you have any suggestions on how I should take the distribution?’
>‘How are you and Irako progressing?’
>‘Actually, keep at what you’re doing.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

>>1710416
>>‘How’s morale?’

>>1710416
>‘How’s morale?’
>I don't spend as much time as I should with you guys, just want to make sure everything's ok.

>>1710416
>>‘How’s morale?’

>>1710416
>‘How’s morale?’

>>1710416
>‘With how things are running … do you have any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’

File: Fingersyo.jpg (25 KB, 354x263)

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‘How’s morale?’

It had been some time since you’d check on how your men were doing. You’d visited a few times, but outside of the brief grunts of acknowledgment and the odd encounter, there hadn’t been opportunity for you to properly gauge the mood of the volunteers, the grunts, under your direct command. Fingers shrugs nonchalantly. He seemed to care about it a mite less than you did … despite being the one to have called you out on your neglect not too long ago.

‘It’s … okay, I guess,’ he rubs his bald head, his tone iffy, ‘I mean, no one’s complainin’ about ya bein’ a bastard or nothin’, Boss, so I guess you’re still in the clear as far as opinion goes.’

You chuckle at the jibe.

‘Even with you?’

Fingers grins widely.

‘You’re asking if I’m gonna rat out on the one guy who actually played wingman out of his own kind heart?’ he feigns a look of hurt, touching his chest for emphasis. ‘Come on, give me some credit, Boss.’

The both of your share a chuckle.

‘If there’s anything that guys need, you just come and say the word and I’ll see what I can do to get things running a little smoother.’

‘Eh,’ Fingers furrows his brows, tilting his head from one side to the other, ‘well, things are running well, as far as the guys are goin’; and we got sleeping bags, fires and jobs to keep us busy—payin’ jobs—and we’re helpin’ with the war effort and that nonsense, right? We’re good,’ he suddenly smirks, clicking his tongue and winking playfully, ‘so long as ya stay alive, I don’t think any of us got any complainin’ ta go about, but … if you do feel the need to just come over and have a chat or just check up on the guys and what we’ve been up to, ya can haul butt down here anytime, eh?’

‘You lot didn’t strike me as the bleeding heart type,’ you snort, rubbing the back of your neck.

‘We ain’t, not by a long shot, Boss,’ he replies, shrugging, ‘but, well, ya asked me.’

You nod, patting down your chest.

‘That I did.’

It was good to know that things hadn’t gone rotten in at least one corner of your life, even if it was just Fingers and your District crew.

‘In any case, yeah,’ he shrugs again, his lips going lop-sided, ‘we ain’t in trouble right now. Nothin’s sky-high on the priority list and ya took care of the trouble from before—took yer own sweet time, but ya did it. So long as ya check on us every few days and drop in for a beer or two once in a while, I think we’ll be doin’ just fine as far as the gang’s concerned.’

You give an acknowledging nod.

‘I’ll keep that in mind.’

>‘I’ve come to collect my stipend.’
>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’
>‘Do you have any suggestions on the distribution?’
>'How're you and Irako doing?'
>‘Actually, keep at what you’re doing.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

>>1710887
>>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’

>>1710887
>>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’

>>1710887
>‘Do you have any suggestions on the distribution?’
Business first, then we'll talk about the miss

>>1710889
>>1710901
>>1710904
>‘I’ve come to collect my stipend.’
>'I'd like to re-distribute the manpower.'
>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’
>'How're you and Irako doing?'
>‘Actually, keep at what you’re doing.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

Sorry, guys, my bad. Re-worded the options.

>>1710976
>>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’

>>1710976
>>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’

>>1710976
>>‘Any suggestions for how I distribute manpower?’

File: Hn.jpg (20 KB, 300x225)

20 KB JPG

‘Any suggestions on how I should be distributing the manpower?’

‘Well, that’s up to you, Boss,’ Fingers answers, glancing at his clipboard before turning his attentions back towards you, ‘since you’re the one running this and all.’

‘Yeah, but you’re around here a lot more often than I am,’ you answer, gesturing to his person, ‘can you offer me any tips at all on where I should be heading?’

Fingers opens his mouth, before closing it, tapping his bottom lip with the corner of the clipboard, humming as he adopts a thoughtful look.

‘Well, I can tell ya that there are a bunch of new recruits,’ he tentatively begins, smacking the top of his clipboard, ‘you might wanna sort them out as soon as possible, first.’

‘New recruits?’

‘Yeah, ya put a decent chunk of guys in charge of crew recruitment,’ he smirks, waving the clipboard, as if to put emphasis on his point, ‘that tends ta happen when ya focus your efforts, ya know?’

‘Right,’ you acknowledge. You had put quite a bit into that particular sub-section last time. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that you had some extra hands on deck. ‘What about the merchants and the rest?’

‘Well, as far as the district goes, from what I see?’ he rubs his chin, glancing upwards as he hums once more. ‘You got a few stores set up, which is nice … but you’ve kinda stalled on the flourish index here,’ He accentuates the point with a small grumble and wiggling one hand. ‘As in, yer not exactly in the red, but … I think that word’s—what’s the word again? Yeah, stagnant. That’s it. You’re not pushin’ it hard enough, I think. Not that I mind, though—less work for me.’

You nod. You supposed that you could address it now…

‘Well, with more stores coming along, you’ve got more trouble, but you got enough guys in charge of keeping the toughies quiet for now,’ he shrugs, ‘might change in the future, though, so ya never know when ya need a few more bodies.’

‘We still have delinquency around here?’

‘It’s not so bad, but we need ta take care of our own,’ Fingers chuckles, placing his hands on his hips. ‘I mean, that’s what the guys upstairs put ya in charge of this place for, right?’

You nod again.

‘Go on, Fingers.’

‘Oh, and, uh,’ he flips through several sheets on the clipboard, humming and grumbling, before stopping at one particular sheet. ‘ya really need ta pick up with the development. Considerin’ the plaza’s rep, yer liable ta run into a deficit if things get too bad. More stores’ll get ya there, I think.’

‘All right, Fingers, thanks.’

>‘I’d like to sort out the District now.’ (DISTRICT MANAGEMENT)
>‘Leave it as is.’
>‘I think you’re doing a good job running things here; be seeing ya.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

>>1711282
>‘I’d like to sort out the District now.’ (DISTRICT MANAGEMENT)
Clearly we need to reorganize some stuff

>>1711282
>‘I’d like to sort out the District now.’ (DISTRICT MANAGEMENT)

>>1711282
>>‘I’d like to sort out the District now.’ (DISTRICT MANAGEMENT)

How should we redistribute?

>>1711294
seems like security is A-OK as is
and recruitment is good as is
so majority (lets say 2/3) to development and 1/3 to recruiting?
seems good to me, atleast

>>1711307
How do you read the district tab?

>>1711318
i think mech has yet to update it/give us the new numbers

>>1711282
10 added prosperity
2 added to crew
4 added to merchants

>>1711461
this is good

>>1711461
I'm ok with this.

Distributing the unallocated.

File: Fairy Sparkle.jpg (770 KB, 1920x1080)

770 KB JPG

It doesn’t take long to assign the newcomers to the positions. Most of your time spent on this particular endeavor, however, had you shuffling through several of the documents relating to the new prospective stores that looked to do business in the district. Many of the old business owners had cut their losses and sold off their stalls and plots, but there was still a significant enough amount to actually give you the feeling—fleeting as it may be—that there could, eventually, be a sense of normalcy waiting to return to the town’s waiting, expectant arms.

‘All right, tell ‘em thanks, right?’ Fingers finishes up the small meeting, giving a friendly wave to a departing member of the Imperial Army personnel as he tucked the forms under his arm.

The Army had a lot more to do with the rebuilding of your plaza than you had thought.

Previously, you had wondered where so many of your men had gone off to, and upon discovering that many of them were in the sewers below, the wonder turned to confusion because as far as you knew, you hadn’t issued any orders to assist with the restoration—proper restoration—of the District’s pipelines. It had been unfortunate, but the best you could do was take care of that mess—and what a mess it was—after the buildings were properly sorted out. You hadn’t suspected that Fingers and some of the Army’s engineers had decided to team up and tackle a few problems that you had mulled over without so much as a hostile stick-toss between the both of them.

You’re not sure if that spoke more of your lack of people skills or Fingers’s uncanny ability to show you up just when the expectations weren’t quite as you … predicted.

‘Better get back to work, huh, Boss?’

‘Right,’ you nod in response, ‘keep me informed, won’t you?’

‘Sure will,’ he replies in good nature, ‘you take care, Boss.’

You raise your hand, waving him off … right as a foursome of fairies zoom past you, chirping loudly and actively, dust trailing in their wake … and one more, popping right above you and looping around a more idle fashion.

‘Where are you off to, little guy?’

Perhaps—and this is only a guess on your part—you should have been more delicate in your manner of address, because the fairy trailing behind the group turned right around, huffed very audibly despite its size and in response to your call of little guy, turned her helmet-clad head … and blew a mighty raspberry.

One day, with great resolve and with as much hope as one could muster in this mortal coil, you pray would learn to actually remember that ladies, no matter their species, size or race … wanted to be treated like ladies.

2/4
>Visit Locations
>Look for your KanMusu (Specify)
>Look for Admiralty Staff
>District Management
>Write-In

>>1711804
>>Visit Locations
Army Bar.

We should start spending more time with the VA, admiral and army personnel to shore up the war effort.

>>1711804
>Look for your KanMusu (kaga)
I'm all for exploration and building military relations, but we need to do this now before it's too late.

>>1711821
I second this

>>1711821
secondin'

>>1711821
might as well

>>1711839
Find kaga and sort things out