>>3383449
>>‘I see a Princess, I drop everything and run. Failure is an option.’
run like hell, since all the times we've run into those 2 things, we do not come out of them well

>>3383462
cause think about it
>Nee-chans corpse nearly got us shot in the head if her spirit ate us i cant remember that one exactly and gave us BEST GIRL
>Sister Sara popping up to say hello put Nachi and Sushi out of commission in a minute and nearly ate our brain
>Oni attack during our black op mission at the end

>>3383449
>‘I see a Princess, I drop everything and run. Failure is an option.’

Yea. Princess. Where operations are flung at them just to divert them.

Fuck that. We barely have enough firepower.

>>3383449
>‘I see a Princess, I drop everything and run. Failure is an option.’

Umbubu, bring me my brown pants is what it is time for

>>3383449
‘I see a Princess, I drop everything and run. Failure is an option.’
We whould need moosashi and something else to equal, and aint got nothing of the sort

>>3383486
Sushi was paralyzed within 2 minutes of Sister Sara popping up

>>3383449
>>‘I see a Princess, I drop everything and run. Failure is an option.’

File: Ready.jpg (145 KB, 850x600)

145 KB JPG

‘I see a Princess … I drop everything and bail my team out of there,’ you reply, a mechanical quality to your voice. ‘The mission’s compromised, the operation a failure … and I get the Hell out of dodge, right?’

‘Make sure you remember that this time.’

You wince as the room turns its attentions to Yuubari … who now adopts a look of utter annoyance. One that you can’t really hold against her. With your rather frequent habit of keeping her maintenance schedule … occupied … the venom at the tip of her tongue really was the most shallow the cuts could go. Her mercy is, as always, appreciated. You give a tight smile and an apologetic bob of your head; it’s a futile gesture on your part, but nonetheless, it is still an honest gesture.

Akagi’s ensuing giggle is way too reminiscent of Taihou’s for your liking.

‘My, there must be a story to that, no?’

‘Akagi.’

If there was doubt to who had command of the room, The Admiral’s stoic rumble is a reminder to do away with it.

‘Yes, well,’ Akagi resumes, clapping her hands together. ‘Back to the … assignment, then. Your job’s clear cut, Vice-Admiral. The Admiralty wants you to go get past lines, inspect the states of Agamemnon and Paris, retrieve any surviving personnel or KanMusu and if the Modules are still in an activated state, to disable them before retreating. Nothing fancy or special but … harder done than said.’

‘Anything else I should know?’

‘Everything that concerns the more … intimate details of your assignment is in that folder.’

You pick up the piece of cardboard, untying and pulling out what appeared to be several hastily-clipped sheets of paper, every single one of them emblazoned by a the Admiralty’s mark in a top or bottom corner. You pull up a sheet, one after another. The details were definitely here. Names, a crude layout of both complexes, potential dangers (generators and gas connections) and a summary of the structure.

‘Hm?’

You squint your eyes as you bring up one of the clipped sheets … and notice that The Admiralty’s seal was absent, replaced by a printed—

‘What’s this?’ you question, confused at the symbol. It didn’t look like anything that you’d encountered before. It looked like an incomplete six-point star, with the upper and lower horizontal lines missing, accompanied by a circle striking through the middle of each line.

Akagi scoots over to you, frowning.

‘Oh, that’s … Vanzer’s, I think. They sent a contingent to help with operations on both sites, but … if anything went wrong or right, I suppose that we’re only about to find out for ourselves.’

You flip through the pages.

Nothing but a list of progress reports and professional back-and-forths. Nothing … strange.

‘You ready, sir?’

You nod.

>ASSEMBLE SQUADRON

>>3383544
welp lads cause of our stupidity our team is already made CAUSE WE SENT ALL THE OTHERS ON A LVL FUCKIN 2 PATROL
>Iowa, Nachi, Houshou and Shigu

>>3383559
We sent them on a lvl 4 patrol, 2nd hardest, but yeah otherwise we will have to make due with who we have, which thankfully is an actual elite squad since we sent our less upgraded members on patrol+Nagato

>>3383544
Ayyyy, everything is fucked.

Iowa
LAMBDA EMERGENCY SHIELD (Mk. 1)
WHITE DEVIL CONSERVATION DRIVE (Mk. 1)

Houshou
LAMBDA EMERGENCY SHIELD (Mk. 1)
EXPERIMENTAL TARGETING UNIT - Getsu (Mk. 1)
WHITE DEVIL CONSERVATION DRIVE (Mk. 1)
LAMBDA EMERGENCY SHIELD DRIVE (Alpha)

Nachi
LAMBDA EMERGENCY SHIELD (Mk. 1)
WHITE DEVIL CONSERVATION DRIVE (Mk. 1)

Shigure
LAMBDA EMERGENCY SHIELD (Mk. 1)
WHITE DEVIL CONSERVATION DRIVE (Mk. 1)
LAMBDA EMERGENCY SHIELD DRIVE (Alpha)

>>3383565
this seems apt

>>3383565
pretty much we fucked ourselves choice wise here, welp no use complaining, looks good me
i would say using the ORB system on Shigu might be a good idea but with our stats as they are, we're gonna need all our firepower in case shit goes down

You wash your face in the basin, feeling the chill of the morning breeze wash over your features. Despite having done it countless times before; there is no need for you to feel … nervous. And plenty of reason for you to jump into the sea and just die of hypothermia, probably. You thank the technician, sliding the basin over as you walk over to the railing, eyes observing the newly-fitted RAY. The bay doors closed; the cranes whining with their chains clinking; the shuffling feet of technicians and officers, engineers and mechanics and their tiny floating friends, all twirling and chirping about, some of them even carrying wrenches and other tools of the like. Down by the craft, you the braided ponytail of one of your girls disappearing past the doors. They’d be ready on the hour.

You turn your head to face the hangar doors behind you, wondering why they hadn’t been closed. It seemed a little counterproductive for a heating system (or this sad excuse for one) to be left running with a seven foot wide gap letting all the warmth out. A cry of warning sounds as men march in with wheeled trolleys, stacks of cables and metal boxes being hauled in. An immediate answer; one that doesn’t satisfy you, but an answer nonetheless. If that was the case, why leave the heating on at all, then? Nonsensical.

‘Vice-Admiral?’

You almost jump at the call to attention.

It’s … an odd, pencil-necked man. Taller than you, but looking as though the slightest breeze would topple him.

‘Yes?’

‘Well, uh, I just need some of your time to go over these, uh, signatures, sir, if that’s all right with you?’

A warning klaxon sounds.

That hour just turned into ten minutes, at best.

>‘I’ll talk to you when I get back, all right?’
>‘Uh, sure. I think I have time.’
>Write-In

>>3383594
>>Write-In
"Ive got to get down to the hanger. Come on, walk with me. Tell me whats this about."

Walk and Talk.

Walk and taaaaaalk.

>>3383595
sounds good

>>3383595
Supporting

File: Pencil Neck.jpg (74 KB, 980x552)

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‘You mind walking down with me?’

He adjusts his glasses, clearing his throat.

‘Sorry, sir, but I’m in a bit of a rush,’ he replies, taking out a few sheets of paper from what you observe to be a very … decorated dossier. You didn’t believe in unicorns or judging people, but the mess of childish drawings of large-headed mares with spiral horns on their heads shooting out sparkles and rainbows … you really can’t help but teeter on that edge, if only just a little. ‘I was given some of these requisition forms and I was hoping that you’d clarify some of them for me, because, uh, frankly, we can’t contact the filing reference and we just need you to, uh … clarify … them.’

‘Then what’s that?’

He smiles a little too brightly for your taste.

‘Oh, this? It’s from that kids show. My niece is living with me and she just loves putting these stickers on—’

‘I mean what do you have in your hand.’

‘Oh, uh … well,’ he clears his throat again. ‘These are my, uh, reference copies and they came in several hours back and we tried contacting your attendants but they couldn’t find you and no one in the department wants to sign off on something without actually making sure you asked for it and—’

You raise your hand.

The man had a mouth on him, if nothing else.

‘I’m really sorry to—’

You hear the light hum of the magic engine.

It wasn’t launch yet.

>‘Later, all right?’
>‘All right, what’s this … thing I alleged signed for? A couch?’
>Write-In

>>3383614
>>‘All right, what’s this … thing I alleged signed for? A couch?’

>>3383614
>‘All right, what’s this … thing I alleged signed for? A couch?’

>>3383614
>>‘All right, what’s this … thing I alleged signed for? A couch?’
WE DID ORDER SOMETHING

is it the casting couch?

File: Tiny Bear.jpg (22 KB, 130x185)

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You had time.

Or rather, you hoped you had time.

‘All right,’ you concede. ‘What’s this … thing I allegedly signed off on? A couch?’

He doesn’t answer. The technician gestures for you to follow him … and you do. The klaxons sound again, as do the designations and the like—fitting the RAY up with whatever it needed to run—to go with the yells of the engineers doing the fitting. You don’t enjoy stepping out into the cold, especially not with only one layer to your name. Feeling your molars involuntarily gnashing on the inside of your mouth with the punch of sea breeze hitting you with that first foot in frozen muck. Washing your face was a bad idea. You can almost feel the ice forming now.

‘I’m really sorry for bothering you like this,’ he says again. You don’t accept the apology. ‘But when we found out that you were going off on an op, we thought that we’d get this out of the way as fast as we could manage. I think one of your girls might find it useful.’

‘Useful?’

You dodge a pair of burly men hauling a large crate. They don’t even apologize for almost ramming the side of your head.

But you had more immediate concerns than people like that.

‘Well, uh, it came last minute … and we couldn’t look up the references in time,’ he explains himself, ‘but if you signed off on it, there’ll probably be no, uh … problem locking it to one of your, um … Squadron. Where applicable, of co—OW!’

He curses up a storm as he grasps his foot, hopping on one leg and glaring down at the object of his hatred. It was another crate, of course. More square than an oblong, with all sorts of … warnings placed on the container. It looked brand new, unopened, with all manner of tape and a list of details off on the side.

‘Took you long enough!’

You turn your head to see … a familiar face.

It was the kid from the MagiTek office, who, in addition to his intellect, had the common sense to come out in a thick coat. He looked like a fuzzy, tiny, bespectacled bear cub, holding onto what appeared to be two clipboards and a folder. He walks up to you without ceremony, practically brushing his older, taller compatriot aside (his abrasiveness met with a gruff hiss) before shoving all three documents under your proverbial nose. You take them out of his hand … and let out a sneeze that sends him reeling.

‘Rude,’ he comments.

You’re not in the mood to bite.

‘Did you sign off on this?’

You skim through the contents of the clipboard.

It’s your signature, all right.

It’s not, however, your handwriting that precedes it. You had seen it before, however. The date, though … yesterday?

>‘What’s in the crate?’ (Inquire)
>‘When did the order come in?’ (Inquire 2)
>‘My signature. Not my handwriting.’ (Reject)
>[Guess the whose handwriting it belongs to]
>Write-In

>>3385882
>>[Guess the whose handwriting it belongs to]
"This must the Special Requisition Form Murakumo had me sign."

>>3385905
this

>>3385882
This>>3385905

File: Worried Kid.png (287 KB, 640x480)

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‘This must be what Murakumo had me sign off on,’ you mumble, scrutinizing the handwriting. It was a fit … and it did look familiar enough. You read off the details … it was a fit; definitely. ‘I did sign off on this … Murakumo said it was a surprise, but, uh … yeah, this is definitely her handwriting.’

‘So you did sign off on it?’

You give it another look.

‘Definitely,’ you declare firmly. ‘Beats me whatever the Hell she had me sign off on, though.’

The both of them fix you with an incredulous pair of stares.

‘You don’t check what your KanMusu use your signatures for?’

‘She said it was a surprise,’ you reply defensively. It’s not as if you’d allowed Murakumo free rein on the matter; you were a professional, even if you didn’t look the part six days out of seven. ‘Besides, it’s not as if I didn’t ask her before I read the thing.’

The both of them give each other a look.

Why did people feel the need to judge you all the time?

‘Well, here it is.’

The taller man kneels, unbuckling the corners of the container … and exposing it to the elements. You shuffle your feet and bend over to get a closer look of the device, curious. It looked a strap of sorts, with wires and ports that were unused. It was probably wide enough to wrap around a bicep, with something akin to a … goat’s skull with motorcycle pistons as horns serving as an aesthetic decoration or the base of the device in question. You’re not sure. All KanMusu MagiTek had an odd quality about them, really. For all you knew, it could have functioned as a belt buckle or a chest strap.

‘What is it?’

‘Our latest foray into the development of melee combat! Chidori!’

‘Chidori?’

The teenage technician, unfazed by his colleague’s eccentric behavior, smacks you in the chest with another plastic folder.

‘It’s all in there.’

SPECIAL ITEM: SNS-669 “CHIDORI”
EQUIPPABLE BY: DESTROYERS ONLY
STAT BONUS: Support (+1)
BONUS EFFECT: +2 to ALL DEFENSIVE ROLLS while in Melee Range.

You let out a whistle of approval.

‘How’d you guys cobble this together under, uh … such short notice?’

The youngest of the bunch huffs arrogantly, pushing up his glasses.

‘You kidding me? A lot of this stuff is put on a pull-it-push-it basis. We’re running low on stuff now, of course, but we got stuff to spare if you can get through the paperwork to let these go. A little spit and a little shine is all we do. It’s not like you’re having us fix you up a magic engine overnight.’

‘So, wait, all this stuff is … in storage?’

‘And not under official authorization for release,’ he continues. ‘But, well … not much trouble to get this out now that you’re Vice-Admiral.’

You open your mouth … before closing it again.

‘So, do you want us to fix this up with the team or …’

>>3386017
>'Hand it to the team. Ask them to fit it on Shigure.' (Shigure)
>'No, I don't have anyone I want to fit it on right now.' (Don't equip)

>>3386019
>>'Hand it to the team. Ask them to fit it on Shigure.' (Shigure)
>+2 to def rolls in melee range
Shigu does like to get up close

>>3386019
>>'Hand it to the team. Ask them to fit it on Shigure.' (Shigure)
No point in waiting on the mystery box item.

>>3386019
>'Hand it to the team. Ask them to fit it on Shigure.' (Shigure)

File: Ohayo.jpg (183 KB, 850x978)

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You make your decision.

‘Hand it to the team. Ask them to fit it on Shigure.’

He hands you the clipboard.

It’s almost reflex at this point.

‘On it, Vice-Admiral.’

They haul the crate away without much ceremony. You let out another sneeze and slap your cheeks. You hadn’t had much opportunity for rest lately, and the fatigue was getting to you. It’s a bit of a struggle to remain energetic at this point (and the frost on your cheeks from splashing water on yourself had proved counter-productive) but try your best, in any case. The twosome disappears behind a forklift, heading into the confines of the Prep Dock. Rubbing your hands together, you make a beeline for the entrance, your boots sloshing through the mud as you near the—

‘Vice-Admiral!’

It’s a fairly recent intonation that you’re not yet used to … but it’s more than distinctive in the frigid hours of Yokosuka’s dawn.

The Carrier Akagi walks up to you with a bright smile on her face; one that you find to be a crude simulacra of … formality, if you had to pin it down to one thing. There’s an odd aura about her. Not quite dangerous, but at the same time, enough to instill a desire for you to bolt somewhere without her presence.

‘I thought that you’d be getting prepped by now,’ she starts cheerfully, taking dainty (and they were dainty) steps towards you. ‘No good for a Vice-Admiral to be so … casual on the eve of such a critical assignment.’

>‘I had something to take care of. If you’ll excuse me.’ (Make like a tree and get out of here)
>‘What can I say? It helps with me anxiety.’ (Casual)
>‘Carrier Akagi.’ (Formal)
>Write-In

>>3386090
>‘What can I say? It helps with me anxiety.’ (Casual)
“Honestly though, R&D came through for me in a big way. Something that’ll help tip the odds in our favour out there.

Need something?”

>>3386090
‘Carrier Akagi.’ (Formal)
Lets try not dig ourselves into a grave right on the beginning

>>3386090
This>>3386096

>>3386098
Do it. Free me from this purgatory.

>>3386090
>>Write-In
>while i may be inclined to being casual at times Miss Akagi, i was just made aware of some gear that i had requested had just arrived and had to sign off on for it and have R&D send it down to the prep zone for installation

>>3386102
>while i maybe inclined towards being too casual at times*

>>3386096
Sounds good to me

>>3386090
>>‘What can I say? It helps with me anxiety.’ (Casual)

File: tips fedora.jpg (79 KB, 601x995)

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‘What can I say? It helps with my anxiety.’

It wasn’t as if you were still in the office.

As much as you wanted to listen to the advice of your two superior officers … being dismissive with Akagi hit a little too close to how the kids treated outcasts. Maybe she was a little … odd, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t extend some measure of informal courtesy. After all, you’d gotten along with Mamiya and the rest off hours just fine; how bad could Akagi’s case be? Zuikaku had dated an abuser and Kongou and The Vice-Admiral had their own issues. Being irritating wasn’t a sin.

‘It’s nice to see a Commander that knows when to confess his own doubts.’

Your response gets a smile that’s a little too wide to be honest … and a reply with intentions you’re unsure of pinpointing.

‘Well, we’re out of the office, aren’t we? No need to bring that rank and file stuff here.’

‘You’re on duty,’ she counters, albeit a little playfully.

You’re reminded of Takao … if only a little.

‘That I am,’ you answer, running your hand through your hair. ‘Doesn’t mean that I can’t hold a casual conversation once in a while.’

Akagi giggles behind a raised hand, stepping towards you with narrowed—yet shimmering—orbs.

‘Oh, you’re definitely a rare one.’

You laugh.

She’d closed that distance quickly.

>Excuse yourself (Get back to the operation prep)
>Talk more about the on-goings of the operation
>Bring up the politics between the Admiralty and the other entities
>Talk about her fellow Carriers and their allegiances, as well as hers
>Write-In

>>3386154
>Talk more about the on-goings of the operation
This is safe enough, and some more info is never bad

>>3386154
>>Talk more about the on-goings of the operation

>>3386154
>>Talk more about the on-goings of the operation

>>3386154
>Talk more about the on-goings of the operation
Gesture for her to walk with us back to the hanger. Better to be closer so that we will require less time to get ready.

>>3386166
that is a smart idea, talk and walk

>>3386154
This>>3386166

>>3386166
This

no thread today bois, Mech decided it was a good idea to eat 2 jumbo bags of chips and 3 KFC wings while his D is still on the mend. he is suffering for his food lust

>>3388208
Rip.

May God have mercy on his mortal coil.

>>3388208
I can't even say that's stupid, only may he recover quickly

>>3388208
he needs to rest, how can he fap to rias if his d is not in the best working order

Sorry lads, can't run today either. Have guests around and most of the "duty roster" has gone out to accompany my cousin for her tonsil operation.

I'll try to put something up today.

>>3396729
Is it your dick?

File: ANGRY ANGRY SAMI SHIP.jpg (265 KB, 706x1000)

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>>3396761
Shut up, man. Also, session in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

>>3396973
Ain't convincing anyone with that image, MECH.

30ish minutes left, folks. Happy April Fools.

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‘Anything candid that you’d like about the operation?’

You take a step forward towards the door of the hangar, gesturing for her to follow. While you weren’t averse to the idea of following through on a conversation with the Aircraft Carrier, you certainly didn’t like the prospect of having to do so with icicles forming at the tip of your nose. She takes her place next to you as you begin the slow walk back towards the slightly more reasonable environment of the Prep Dock, the sounds of moving machinery and indicator warnings beginning to blare with every step you make towards the gap. Akagi, to your left, adopts a slightly thoughtful expression, her head tilted upwards as she appears to consider your answer.

She appears to have one by the time you step under the roof.

‘Nothing more than I’ve already given you, sir,’ Akagi answers, giving a slight bow of apology. ‘I’m not … purposed to give an opinion outside of the scope that I’m designated.’

You blink, surprised.

‘That’s, uh … pretty rigid.’

You thought that she’d have a more elaborate opinion.

‘You really don’t have one?’

She tilts her head, creasing her brows. ‘Pardon?’

‘Well, I’m just used to hearing Kongou and Nachi and the like actually having counterpoints to what the operation parameters are,’ you communicate, shrugging. ‘It’s … well, it’s a little surprising that you wouldn’t have one, being, uh, you know, being someone with a … you know, stake in the mission? I guess? I mean, I’m not totally happy with at least eighty percent of the load that they gave me and seeing as you’re, uh … deeper in the grease and muck than I am, I thought you’d be able to … offer something?’

She lets out a stutter, resembling you when the teacher called on you in class to answer a blackboard query that you hadn’t paid any attention to.

‘You’re … asking if I’m happy with the present situation … sir?’

‘Well,’ you hesitate, before continuing. ‘I’m asking if there’s anything that you’d like to add. I mean, I don’t think any of us are … happy, for what value that carries.’

Akagi bites her lip.

You feel like you should say something to—

‘It’s not so much that I … am unhappy with the situation, but I believe that we’re operating in sub-optimal states that could be rectified by a more … synergistic approach that wasn’t plagued by the inadequacies in the upper echelons and the lack of resources and experience in the lower rungs. I think that we’re venturing into … unknown waters when we really shouldn’t be, in a manner of speaking.’

‘You’re implying that there’s a choice in the matter, though,’ you counter pointedly. ‘We can’t afford not to take our shots.’

She gives a small smile in return, tilting her head.

No response, though.

She’s really creeping me out. Like, seriously.

>>3397325
>'Miss Akagi?' (Prompt her to continue the conversation)
>'Not to say that there's anything wrong with that, of course.' (Agree with her)
>'Anyway, uh ...' (Get personal)
>'Well, I better see if they need me.' (End the conversation)
>Write-In

>>3397329
>>'Well, I better see if they need me.' (End the conversation)
>>Write-In
"Ma'am. Tip our cap at her."

I can't.

I am a weak man. I can't resist.

>>3397331
This but with m'lady

>>3397329
>'Not to say that there's anything wrong with that, of course.' (Agree with her)
she aint wrong really
we're better off then when we started but our situation is still shit and the Brass aint exactly helping here

>>3397329
>'Miss Akagi?' (Prompt her to continue the conversation)

>>3397341
>>'Not to say that there's anything wrong with that, of course.' (Agree with her)
Changing vote to this

>>3397345
sorry m8, cant change votes
been that way since thread 1

>>3397341
this

>>3397331
You're not wearing your hat, but I can go with the base option no problem.

>>3397331
>>3397341
Well, it's a tie with 2 votes each. 10 minute extension and if not, a coin flip. Like always.

>>3397329
>>'Miss Akagi?' (Prompt her to continue the conversation)

Okay, typing now.

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‘Not to say,’ you start again, rubbing the back of your neck as a particularly loud siren goes off. A quick glance tells you it isn’t intended for your crew, though; a man and a woman were bickering off to one side, the man clutching what appeared to be a hose that was half a foot thick. Some fueling issues, probably. ‘That you aren’t right, of course. That there’s anything wrong with that opinion, at all.’

She lets out a light hum.

‘You’re oddly honest, sir, if I may say so myself.’

‘No, no, I just … well, it’s nice to hear that even someone, uh, like you—I mean, in your position—actually understands just how far up our backs are against the wall with this,’ you confide, offering her another smile. It was refreshing to know that there were KanMusu out there that understood the situation as much, even with the Court of Admirals continually cracking their whips at your back. ‘I mean, uh … considering how you’ve actually assessed the current state of things and came to your own conclusions. It’s … nice.’

Akagi giggles behind a gloved hand.

‘You’re quite the charmer, sir.’

You tilt your head, almost moving to scratch your crown. You hadn’t intended to be such, but it was good to know that Akagi didn’t feel totally obliged or duty-bound to serve as your audience. It doesn’t sound insincere enough for you to perceive as such, anyway. She gives a small nod, placing her hands behind her back before swinging herself to the right in an odd goose-step, raising her chin and turning her head up to the metal ceiling. You look upwards to see a gang—two gangs of fairies—chasing each other around the steel beams in what looks like a strange game of tag.

‘I wish that things would have turned out better between the ISSF and the Admiralty,’ she continues, ‘then maybe things wouldn’t … be as bad as they are now.’

She sounds more tired than guilty.

‘I … hope you don’t mind me being more opinionated on this,’ she starts again, not bothering to even wait to see if you were. ‘I’m not going to say that I, um … have an inclination to go rogue or anything or that I’m dissatisfied with you at all. I just … think that us not being on the same page on what to do and how to do it is hindering progress more than it’s helping you with the war and I just—URGH!’

Akagi buries her face in her hands.

You raise a visible eyebrow. That was something you didn’t expect.

‘I don’t know how you humans do it,’ she lets out, seemingly exhausted from her slight. ‘I mean … how do you tell yourselves that you’re willing to throw lives away for the sake of convenience and—’

She cuts herself off, looking away. Her face is oddly red.

‘F-Forgive me, sir. That was out of line.’

You blink. That was … almost neurotic, really.

How very human.

>Write-In
>‘Quite all right.’ (End Conversation)

>>3397436
"We dont, we just accept things as they are; if there is one thing that Humanity has proved since the dawn of time, it is our singular ability to stand even against the worst odds, No matter who or what we're fighting, we keep going. Either for Religion, family, love, honor or even something as simple as hatred or spite, it is what we do best, we die standing.

>>3397436
>>Write-In
>thats something i ask myself a lot whenever bureaucratic problems arise from the Brass, we may be better off then where we were after the Attack but we are still in a bad position and all this arguing and finger pointing isnt helping us in the slightest and thats not even touching upon the politics. but despite all the problems we make for ourselves, we'll keep fighting till the end cause thats all we can do to support you girls who fight on the frontlines

>>3397448
this

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‘It’s not as if you don’t have a point there, though,’ you sympathize. ‘It’s not as if the endless flow of administrative tape is doing any favors countering your case with every damned development. Things have gotten a little better than the days after the attack, but, well, the Admiralty’s got their job weighing what they have to spend and what they’re willing to spend. I can’t say I don’t sympathize with them, but I do wish that they’d make things a little easier for you girls. Pointing fingers and throwing up fists to bureaucrats and politicians isn’t helping us any … and I expect things to get worse before they get better. At the end, all you can do, really, is fight. Whether it’s with a half-empty magazine or a dull knife, you can only do as much as you’re able and allowed to.’

Your cheeks turn red as you bring yourself back to the present, embarrassment piling up. You must sound like such a bore to her.

‘Sorry,’ you apologize, sighing and tucking your hands underneath your armpits before sparing the gap to the outside world one irritated glance … and wishing someone would just close it. ‘Didn’t mean to ramble there.’

Akagi giggles again.

‘No, I … I thank you,’ she returns, her own cheeks red. Her temperature regulation probably hadn’t kicked in just yet. ‘It’s not often that a human is able to be so … personable. Not to say that I’d … brand you with a label, of course. I mean, your gender. I just … I’m unused to, um … such responsiveness. Thank you.’

‘Uh, no problem,’ you return. ‘It’s nice to talk trash about your bosses sometimes.’

Her eyes widen with something akin to fear.

‘Not that we’re directly doing that, of course,’ you return, remembering just which category she filed under. ‘It’s, uh … it’s okay to not be happy with every meal they put on your plate, yeah?’

‘I don’t eat that often,’ she replies, smiling, ‘but I believe I understand what you’re trying to say, sir.’

You nod, feeling a creak between your jaw and your throat. ‘That’s … good, then.’

‘But,’ Akagi starts again, her smile turning apologetic and her tone taking a more formal volume, ‘considering just what I am, it would be a waste to practice, for my perspective. So while I do accept what you’re trying to communicate, ultimately, I, uh … I believe the word is that I think that I’ve been around too long to humor that particular … attitude or approach.’

You give a small chuckle.

‘Nice to know that even KanMusu can be around humans enough to get jaded by our inclinations.’

You had Nachi and Shigure to enforce your point, but the fact that the isolated incidents not being so isolated made you feel a little … vindicated somewhat.

‘I do admit that it’s a chore to manage,’ she returns, tossing a strand of hair over her shoulder. ‘But it’s something that I … have. For the most part.’

>>3397560
>'You talking about your Carrier sex drive?' (Direct)
>'Good for you.' (End the Conversation)
>'Well, if it's working for you, then there shouldn't be a problem moving forward as you are.' (Extend)
>'Are we still talking about how bureaucracy is terrible or is this veering into more personal territory?' (Reluctant)
>Write-In

>>3397563
>'Well, if it's working for you, then there shouldn't be a problem moving forward as you are.' (Extend)

>>3397563
>>'Are we still talking about how bureaucracy is terrible or is this veering into more personal territory?' (Reluctant)

>>3397563
>'Are we still talking about how bureaucracy is terrible or is this veering into more personal territory?' (Reluctant)

>>3397563
>>'You talking about your Carrier sex drive?' (Direct)

my fever is making my horrible decision making skills even worse

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You give as uncertain a glance as you can manage.

You wish someone would really shut those damned doors.

‘Are we still talking about how bureaucracy is terrible?’ you question, shoving your hands into your pockets. ‘Or are we … veering into more personal territory?’

Akagi gives another apologetic smile, tilting her head. ‘I wouldn’t be honest if I denied it,’ she laments, scratching the side of her cheek. ‘Forgive me. I can be … unsubtle at times.’

You raise your hands, knowing the slip all too well.

‘Eh, don’t worry about it, really,’ you blurt out in a verbal stumble that you didn’t really intend for your words to come out as. ‘I just, well … I have a sense for these things. Especially when you’re taking care of a bunch of KanMusu trying to get used to, uh, human behavioral patterns and logical dead-ends. You really can’t blame yourself for becoming … well, human, in that sense.’

Akagi goes a little wide-eyed, for whatever reason. Had you said something profound … or just plain shocking?

‘W – What?’

She lets out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her head. ‘Sorry, I believe that, well, I suppose the term would be deja vu?’

‘Deja vu?’

‘No, um,’ Akagi stutters, raising her hands and anxiously waving them as though to cast some ward of sorts. ‘That’s … well, someone said the same thing to me a long time ago. I … I just didn’t think that I’d be hearing someone else saying something to the same effect. Not that I agree, of course’—you note the swerve that she makes with that last sentence—‘but it’s a little funny to know that there’d be a human who’d say the same thing … hah. Funny.’

Despite her use of the word, she didn’t sound like she was amused at all. If anything, her expression had considerably darkened since that little stumble through your vocabulary, biting her bottom lip as brown eyes occasionally flashed and turned away. The tips of her toes tip loudly into the concrete floor, the vestiges of her KanMusu strength leaking through as you feel a pulse of emotion practically pouring out of her like sweat through the pores of her skin. She is annoyed, irritated; you didn’t need two months of reading the moods of guardian revenants to pick the cues up, and whatever you had said—with the memory of the one who had, according to her, said the same thing—done something to set her off.

To her credit, however, Akagi is able to at least make the effort to not drag you into it.

Even with the indicators being so opaque.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve was an appropriate commonality for KanMusu, really. Carrier or otherwise.

‘Ah, my apologies, sir!’ Akagi utters quickly, swiftly dipping into a bow. ‘I didn’t mean to—’

You wave it off. ‘It’s all right,’ you reassure her, raising your hands. ‘Like I said, it’s—’

This time, you manage to stop yourself. You give an apologetic smile of your own.

Akagi gives a tight nod.

‘I’m sorry, it’s … we didn’t really part on good terms,’ she laments, her head drooping sadly. She raises a hand to her forehead giving it a forceful rub, muttering, ‘stupid Kaga …’

>‘Oh, Kaga? How is she?’ (Curious)
>‘Yeah, that does sound like something Kaga would say.’ (Amused)
>‘I think I should get going, Miss Akagi. Pleasure chatting with you.’ (End Conversation)
>Write-In

>>3397662
>>‘Yeah, that does sound like something Kaga would say.’ (Amused)
the logical side of me is saying to leave it at that and get on with the mission
every other side is saying WE MUST SEE THE FEDORA TIPPING

>>3397664
This

>>3397664
YESH, THIS BY EVERYTHING THIS
FINALLY, A WORTHY OPPONENT!
OUR BATTLE WILL BE LEGENDARY

>>3397662
>>3397664
This is a hole of our making and we willingly jump headfirst into it.

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>>3397672
>>3397668
>>3397664

>>3397662
>‘Yeah, that does sound like something Kaga would say.’ (Amused)

>>3397662
>‘Yeah, that does sound like something Kaga would say.’ (Amused)
This whole thing is like a trainwreck, I can't look away.

>>3397664
>support
Let's do this!

>>3397664
but why

Be running in a bit. Need to pick something up for grandma and grandpa since they're flying off tomorrow for Adelaide.

>>3399900
k
also nice digits

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‘Yeah,’ you let out, wearing a slight grimace. ‘That does sound like something Kaga would say.’

She turns her gaze up to you, eyes wide and mouth in disbelief.

‘You … know Kaga?’

You open your mouth to give a reply. You want to say that you did know her. That without her guidance and irritating smirk you wouldn’t be half the man that you are now. That you terribly missed her and that you wished that you had been able to convince her to stay instead of having to let her go off to do what she deemed to be a duty above her loyalties to you. That she was—is—a friend and a lover and that there were few that you would have trusted with your insecurities and the uncertain step forward alongside.

But your instincts keep you from doing so.

Because that disbelief that Akagi wore had given way to what you can only describe as a contortion of expression to resemble a wall of fury and annoyance being held back by what you can only presume to be your station. She does not look ready to raise a fist, however. Nor does she look inclined to give the closest being in the vicinity a righteous beating. That discipline held back a checked lot of emotions …

And you’re not sure if further mention of the word Kaga was the right way to go about it.

‘I, um …’

>Write-In

>>3400469
>"I was her commander for a while..she...she transferred away sometime ago, my apologies if I brought up some memories that I shouldnt have."

Protecc the fedora girl

>>3400469
>Yes ma'am i know Kaga and while i would like to go into more detail at the moment, the mission is about to start and i need to get to the RAY. Maybe we can continue our conversation after it ends if you would like to?

>>3400509
Supporting

>>3400469
>Write-In
“Akagi are you alright? You seem to be on the verge of some seizures.” Hand on her forehead.

Distractions~

>>3400469
>>3400544
do it. Literally cant end up worst.

>>3400544
>>3400561
I would like to note that my vote goes with running away once she goes bheh and what.

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‘I do.’

She opens her mouth to speak.

You’re too quick for her to catch, however. Much too quick.

‘But as much as I’d like to get into more detail regarding our mutual acquaintance,’ you power on, glancing at the crew around the RAY, ‘I think that I have more important things to get to … and I think I’m running—’

‘Vice-Admiral!’

You turn around.

It was Houshou.

Perfect timing.

Akagi gives you a nod. As much as she wanted to press on, she was much too professional to do it with something like this looming. Especially when urgency was this transparent. As Houshou closes the distance between the both of you, Akagi elects to leave in accordance with your declaration. She respected that your time wasn’t to be wasted … or you believe that she did. Throwing up a salute, she excuses herself from your immediate presence, marching towards the gap without another word as soon as your fingers touch your forehead in a return to the acknowledgment.

Your view of her is obscured by a gaggle of mechanics and engineers marching in through the doors, before completely vanishing from your sight. You’re not allowed to tick a list of prospects to her possible destination, however, as the familiar sound of sandals hitting concrete clatter closer towards you, somehow more emphasized by your receptors above the clanging and banging of metals and arguing crew members.

‘Houshou.’

To your surprise, she leans to your right, peeking curiously past your form.

‘Houshou?’

‘Sorry, I just … were you … was that Akagi?’

>‘No.’ (Lie)
>‘Is there a reason that you’re out of prep right now?’ (Divert)
>‘It was, yeah.’
>Write-In

>>3400653

>‘Is there a reason that you’re out of prep right now?’ (Divert)

>>3400653
>‘It was, yeah.’
Walk and talk

>>3400653
>>‘It was, yeah.’
walk and talk we need to move towards the RAY at least

>>3400653
>>‘It was, yeah.’

>>3400661
This

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‘It was, yeah.’

Houshou brings a hand to her mouth, frowning. You mirror her expression. Was Akagi that disliked? No … Houshou’s expression didn’t have anything negative on it. Not a line of worry. What you do see, however, is an expression that scratches every surface of puzzlement. There are questions that she wishes to be answered … and with Houshou, you’re unsure if any verbal waltzing on your part would deter her curiosity. You wonder just what she motions to ask, eyes darting between you and the space where Akagi had once been.

‘Did she come down with you?’

That one’s easy enough to answer.

‘No, she … well, I met her outside when I was signing off on some of the requisition stuff,’ you explain breathlessly, slapping your hands either side of your thighs.

Houshou nods. She believes you.

As she should. It’s the truth, after all.

‘Something wrong?’

‘No,’ Houshou answers quickly, her expression morphing into a scowl. ‘I just … I wish she’d just stop being immature about everything and just talk to us. She’s such a mule sometimes, thinking that she knows best …’

You cock an eyebrow, surprised. You hadn’t gotten that from Akagi at all. She may have not seemed like an honest character, but she was certainly easy enough to chat with. You’d encountered humans that found it hard to agree to disagree. Akagi was definitely a league above them, if nothing else.

‘Really? She seems all right to me …’

Houshou turns her gaze to you.

‘What were you both talking about, anyway?’

>‘None of your business.’ (Dismissive)
>‘Just shooting the breeze about the op. She acted weird when she brought up Kaga, though.’ (Honest)
>‘Eh, nothing much, She was just asking random stuff, mostly. Small talk and the like.’ (Lie)
>‘About how rapists are rapists, no matter how much they try to change that.’ (Cruel)
>Write-In

>>3400718
>‘Just shooting the breeze about the op. She acted weird when she brought up Kaga, though.’ (Honest)

>>3400718
>>‘Just shooting the breeze about the op. She acted weird when she brought up Kaga, though.’ (Honest)

>>3400718
>>‘Just shooting the breeze about the op. She acted weird when she brought up Kaga, though.’ (Honest)

>>3400718
>‘Just shooting the breeze about the op. She acted weird when she brought up Kaga, though.’ (Honest)

>>3400719
This

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‘Just shooting the breeze about the op,’ you say, rubbing the back of your neck. ‘She started acting weird when we brought up Kaga, though …’

Houshou’s eyes practically shoot up into her head. ‘You mentioned Kaga?’

‘She brought it up,’ you cry out defensively. Why did people always think the worst of you? ‘I just … well, she asked me if I knew her. No reason to lie about that, right?’

Houshou lets out a sigh, massaging her temples.

Your worry builds again.

‘Right?’

‘Oh? No, no, not at all, sir,’ Houshou lets out, waving her hands in a pacifying gesture. ‘It’s just … I’ve been trying to talk her for some time and she’s … just been avoiding everyone.’

‘She shy or something?’

You didn’t get that vibe from her at all.

Houshou snorts. That was probably the first time that you’d heard her do that when it came to the topic of another KanMusu.

‘I think being a little less upfront would help her, actually,’ your Carrier sighs, placing a hand on her cheek and shaking her head. ‘She’s always been … headstrong with her stances, but ever since Zuikaku got her boyfriend, she’s been utterly insufferable. I know that it shouldn’t be bothering me at all, but I wish she’d just talk to someone instead of trying to just … step into other KanMusu’s lives and trying to dictate terms like she lives through them! It’s just so … incredible! Don’t you think so? That she can just manage this attitude in the middle of war?’

It’s hard not to laugh. Houshou could be adorable at times, despite her best efforts.

Her rant is one of those times.

‘Well, it’s not like Zuikaku’s boyfriend’s gonna be coming along anymore,’ you reveal with a satisfied snort. ‘That’s a prick if there ever was one to grace the earth, I tell you …’

Houshou sighs. ‘I know … but I kind of hoped that the both of them would’ve worked it out somehow,’ she lets out, much to your surprise, pinching the bridge of her nose. ‘I think the rest of us were happy one of our kind had at least something to come back to that wasn’t just a dip in green goo and another set of forms to fill out.’

A grunt escapes her throat.

‘What a mess,’ she mumbles, before raising her head up in a tight, wry smile. ‘But I guess some things just aren’t meant to be.’

She pauses.

‘You didn’t tell Akagi about … what you did, did you?’

You shake your head. ‘About Zuikaku’s boyfriend? Nah,’ you answer, shrugging. ‘Never came up. She just brought Kaga up and, well, you came in and—’

‘Oh, I’m sorry for interrupt—’

‘It’s fine,’ you wave it off. ‘But yeah, that’s … as far as it went. Why?’

Houshou sighs again.

Maybe you were digging into something too … personal for your own good.

You think?

>>3400771
>'So, uh, you wanted to tell me something or ...' (Back to business)
>'Why's Zuikaku such a big deal to her if Kaga's the one that irritates her? Am I, uh, missing something?' (Confused)
>'She seems like a nice enough girl. Why don't just try and corner her while she's here or something? I mean, even if she isn't, she's a professional.' (Negotiate)
>'This getting really confusing and I don't want anything to do with it.' (Wash your hands of the matter)
>Write-In

>>3400771
>'Why's Zuikaku such a big deal to her if Kaga's the one that irritates her? Am I, uh, missing something?' (Confused)
>'She seems like a nice enough girl. Why don't just try and corner her while she's here or something? I mean, even if she isn't, she's a professional.' (Negotiate)
Do we have time for both of these? If not, then I'll take the negotiate option.

>>3400777

>'She seems like a nice enough girl. Why don't just try and corner her while she's here or something? I mean, even if she isn't, she's a professional.' (Negotiate)
This but for after the operation

>>3400777
>'She seems like a nice enough girl. Why don't just try and corner her while she's here or something? I mean, even if she isn't, she's a professional.' (Negotiate)

>>3400777
>>'She seems like a nice enough girl. Why don't just try and corner her while she's here or something? I mean, even if she isn't, she's a professional.' (Negotiate)
>why dont we try to talk to her together after the mission?

You shake your head.

You didn’t need poisonous annoyances whispering into your ear.

I will remember this.

‘Look, Houshou, if you’re worried … she seems like a nice enough girl,’ you say, trying your best to sound upbeat. You didn’t know the details, but perpetuating the chasm wasn’t something that you were keen on being an accessory to; especially not when it came to the social well-being of the KanMusu under your charge … or otherwise. ‘Why don’t you just try and corner her while she’s here? I mean … I could be wrong, but she doesn’t seem like the type to just blow someone off, at least. You can at least expect her to be professional and disciplined about it, right?’

Houshou gives her ponytail a tug, grumbling.

‘I guess,’ she concedes. ‘It’s not as if I know what I want to say to her right now, anyway …’

You cock a half-smile, placing a hand on her shoulder.

‘Well … one thing at a time, then.’

She hangs her head. ‘I’m sorry to waste your time like this,’ she apologizes; unexpected and … unnecessary. There is no need for her to apologize; it wasn’t as if it ground into your skull anymore than any other neurotic. It might have actually not grated on you at all.

You loved listening to their problems.

As disturbing as that sounded.

You are a man, after all. You liked finding solutions to problems. Women included.

Especially women.

‘Not a problem.’

>‘So, what are you out of prep for? Something you needed me to sort out or …’
>‘You know, high school clique stuff isn’t something that I can imagine you girls getting up to in your free time.’
>‘Are all Carriers like this or is this just something of a … special case?’
>Write-In

>>3403225
>>‘So, what are you out of prep for? Something you needed me to sort out or …’
>i know i am late for RAY prep

>>3403229
This

>>3403229
supporting

‘So, what is it that you’re out here for?’ you question. It was probably something you should have asked in the first place, but you couldn’t be bothered. ‘Must be pretty important if you’re skipping out on your gear adjustments …’

She covers her face in her palm.

‘Oh, um, yes, well … um,’ she pauses, ‘I’m not sure if it’s of any immediate concern, but when the tech unit were readying us, I couldn’t help but notice that the, um … paper stack was a little, uh, awkward, I suppose.’

You tilt your head. Awkward?

‘Awkward? Like … uh, crooked and organized?’

Houshou gives a quick shake of her head. ‘No, nothing like that, I think,’ she answers. ‘It’s just … I know how you and Nagato fill details out and as messy as things are on your table, I know you don’t sign off on more than you want to. Not that I don’t notice the occasional, um … extras, sir, but I’ve noticed that there’ve been more copies coming in in regards to our Division’s operations. I didn’t really think of it that much, but when the they put me in line and went over the … process, I can’t help but notice that there’s been more unnecessary additions to the … pile. More copies of the same thing being signed off.’

‘That’s for the bureaucracy to sort out, right? They probably decided to finally go full masochist.’

She bites her lip, not at all amused by your quip. ‘If you say so.’

You pause, considering her troubled expression.

‘Is there a reason for me to worry about this? Why would I have to care about extra copies of … forms going around? I mean, it’d be easier for the records to be traced in case one goes missing, right? What’s wrong with a few copies lying around? Especially with all the misfiling going around.’

Houshou sighs, before throwing up a smile and a nod.

‘You’re right,’ she replies agreeably. ‘I suppose that would just be bureaucracy at work. I suppose that would make the most sense. Waste of ink and paper, though, don’t you think?’

She laughs.

You join her.

The weight of disapproving stares and muttering spectators practically grinds against the back of your skull, but you couldn’t care less. Houshou being paranoid over some extra paperwork was just …. it was hilarious, really. Not that you didn’t sympathize. You suspect your own sleepless nights to be from the subconscious dread of a stack as high mountains, unchecked and unread.

Waste of paper didn’t even begin to describe it.

‘It’s probably just the administrator in me, sir.’

You give a nod of your own. So what if there were one or two—

I’m organized enough to know the difference between a document in triplicate and a one-off form.

You freeze.

‘Sir?’

>'Uh, nothing.' (End conversation)
>'Houshou, could you notify the crew to send extra copies of those ... extra copies to me. Please? Thanks.' (Pursue)
>Write-In

>>3403422
>>'Houshou, could you notify the crew to send extra copies of those ... extra copies to me. Please? Thanks.' (Pursue)

>>3403422
>>'Houshou, could you notify the crew to send extra copies of those ... extra copies to me. Please? Thanks.' (Pursue)

>>3403422
>>'Houshou, could you notify the crew to send extra copies of those ... extra copies to me. Please? Thanks.' (Pursue)

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I'm really sorry, guys. My phone fucked up just now and I'm in the middle of making sure it's actually working again.

>>3403422
>'Houshou, could you notify the crew to send extra copies of those ... extra copies to me. Please? Thanks.' (Pursue)

>>3403422
>'Houshou, could you notify the crew to send extra copies of those ... extra copies to me. Please? Thanks.' (Pursue)

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It could really be nothing. An anomaly that just happened to mutate from the annals of administrative criss-crosses that couldn’t be helped. After all, bureaucracy was about making a mess of things where there really shouldn’t be. Why should and would this be an anomaly that stood out in that jumble? What made this stand out?

Truth be told, not much. Loudmouth’s insistence that she didn’t do misfiles wasn’t a branch to hang from and neither was Houshou’s confusion at the extra sheets flying about. Paperwork had a tendency to spiral off on its own and at worst, you think that it was just some techie trying to make sure every detail was accounted for, with or without your permission. It wouldn’t be the first time someone on your side slipped something by without concern to you.

But if there were extra pieces of paperwork flying about, you would be a poor Vice-Admiral to not at least track down the where and the why.

It’s not like it’d add much to the quagmire that was your desk, anyway.

‘Houshou,’ you start, ‘could you notify the crew to send extra copes of those … extra copies to my desk, please?’

Houshou’s guys go slightly wide. ‘Sir?’

‘Would you?’

She gives a quick succession of nods.

‘And what about the … present copies?’

You raise a hand.

‘Leave them be,’ you declare, to which she gives another nod. ‘Just tell the technicians to prepare a batch of copies of those duplicates. Make it a triplicate; tell them it’s for review.’

Houshou throws up a salute.

‘Yes, sir.’

The klaxon’s horn blares again, accompanied by the sound of heavy, bumping machinery.

‘ENGINE IN PHASE! INTERFACE INACTIVE!’

You share a nod with your Carrier. It was time to get back to work.

END INTERLUDE