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Belated Battleships (KanColle) [REHOST]

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Legends: Chapter 4

Tegran wouldn't deny she was a bit nervous as she stood at the door to Admiral Carraway's office. Her nerves weren't out of any lack of confidence in her abilities but rather a lingering side affect of being a kanmusu. Meeting a new CO was always intimidating, meeting an Admiral the word itself more than just a title. The Admiral was SecNav's chosen delegate. His designated apostle sent to spread His orders. Tegran's only comfort was that she was not alone in her instinctive fear.

"I wonder what he will think of us, being late reporting in and all." mused Olympia. The armored cruiser had her thoughtful face on, blue eyes titled slightly up, palm cupping her chin. Strands of her blonde hair had escaped her bun and now hung in ringlets around her face.

Her companion by contrast was a bit more enthusiastic, her scarlet red hair bouncing about her shoulders as she danced in place. "My first military assignment, ooh how exciting!"

"Now, now let's not get too worked up here Big U." Tegran chided while Olympia just rolled her eyes, more used to the excitable liner's antics.


Olympia and United States had both reappeared as kanmusu after New Jersey's explosion destroyed their hulls. They'd been wondering in a daze ever since but had happily met Tegran shortly after she arrived in New York. United States had been the first to recognize her. Tegran had made a few trips transAtlantic back when she was still Tiffany Andrews and United States, like most ocean liners, recognized her as one of them although she had no idea of her full identity. She greeted Tegran with a hug so tight that it popped several rivets and left the older girl gasping for breath.

Olympia, dully informed by United States' stories, was more professional. "So the mysterious kanmusu arrives." She said, offering a simple handshake.

Upon discovering that Tegran was headed for Lakehurst, United States was happy to accompany her. Olympia agreed to go along as well, if only to keep the hyperactive liner in line.

Now the three stood outside Admiral Carraway's office. "You two wait outside until I call you." Tegran said.

"Aww, okay." United States pouted.

"We shall wait here." Olympia agreed.

Tegran nodded, then knocked. "Enter."

At Carraway's approval, Tegran went inside. "Captain Tegran Sheera, RN reporting as ordered sir." She greeted.

"At ease Captain." Carraway had a pile of folders on one side of his desk but he held one in front of him currently. It was hers. "Your record breaking ascension in the ranks has impressed many, even on this side of the pond. I have one question for you however."

"Ask it sir." Tegran said.

"You could've had your choice of any base in the world to be stationed at, why pick a foreign one?" Carraway's question was as much a test as it was curiosity. Tegran decided to opt for the most honest answer she could give, while still disguising a lie.

"Well sir, as I have already proven under Collingwood's command, I have a good understanding of kanmusu. Not just the ships but the girls as well. I requested this assignment because if I may be frank sir," At Carraway's nod, she continued. "I requested this assignment because America has yet to grasp the proper formula for summonings. And while I cannot claim to understand all its particulars myself, I am the only officer available who has the best knowledge of it. Also, once you summon a kanmusu, there is a fine juggling act that must be performed. Get it wrong and the shenanigans will become your nightmares for weeks!"

Oh how much she didn't envy Collingwood in that department. The early summons were a disaster. Not the summonings themselves, but the aftermaths. "And you feel you can, assist us through the teething troubles Captain?" Carraway asked.

"Yes sir." Tegran replied. "And on that note, I have something to offer you at this moment."

"Yes Captain?"

"Kanmusu summonings are not as straightforward as they may appear at first. As there are actually two parts to them. The first is separating the girl from her hull. The second, is often what you see in the summoning circle. The summoning itself. Separation and summoning are two different steps. Although in most cases, the second is the only one you see as most kanmusu that have been summoned have had their hulls sunk or scrapped a long time ago."

"So what your saying is that ships don't have to be sunk to become kanmusu."

"Correct. Museum ships of a certain age, their hulls being 100 years or older can in fact self summon. Their spirit, previously invisible at least to those who don't believe they exist, appears in solid form but she is still bound to her hull. Although she can in fact separate at any time of her choosing. I can tell you that on my side of the Atlantic, HMS Victory had been around as a girl since your Civil War although she had chosen not to separate from her hull until now. As she felt she was not needed. WW2 nearly did it and she would've answered the call as a kanmusu had America not joined the war when it did. Constitution also has been around long enough to see both World Wars, going so far as to serve as a nurse in the Pacific. Japan's Mikasa, turning 100 just a few years ago is also present as a physical entity but has chosen so far not to separate from her hull. There is one other example I would like to bring to your attention. As she and her companion are both prime examples of the two different ways a kanmusu can be born. USS Olympia as you know was destroyed when New Jersey's magazines detonated."

"I am aware, yes. The Navy and the Coast Guard are having a hell of a time cleaning up the mess." Carraway said.

"Becuna was spared the worst of the explosion as Olympia took the brunt of it but the damage that she took is still extensive enough that I believe she will soon be scrapped and thus available for summoning. But back to the main point. Olympia had already self summoned before she had been sunk although she had yet to separate from her hull. With her hull now gone, she is a full kanmusu. New Jersey's explosion also caused significant and fatal damage to another ship docked downstream and downwind at the time. I have brought both her and Olympia here to report for duty."

With that, the two ships who had been waiting patiently and rather impatiently outside now stepped inside. Olympia was the picture of military discipline as she made a graceful entrance. United States by contrast was barely able to keep from sprinting up to Carraway's desk.

"May I present United States Protected Cruiser Olympia; designation C-6, and Steamship United States."

At Tegran's introduction both ships stood rigidly at attention. Olympia had her spine rimrod straight and United States was doing her best to copy her, going so far as to lift her chin to match the cruiser's profile. Tegran hid a smile.

"Welcome both of you." Carraway said. "As you've no doubt heard by now the United States desperately needs more kanmusu on the east coast. United States, you're to go to Boston and be refitted to carry cargo."

"Yes Admiral."

"Olympia, I'm afraid I don't have a cruiser barracks just yet so for now you'll have to bunk in the destroyer dorms."

"Understood Admiral." "United States, I'm assigning you the rank of Lieutenant. Olympia, you'll hold the rank of Commander, both effective immediately. You'll report to Captain Sheera who will in turn report directly to me."

"Sir!" The three ships (one disguised as human) all replied.

"Dismissed."
 
Last edited:
LadyPearl said:
Legends: Chapter 4

Tegran wouldn't deny she was a bit nervous as she stood at the door to Admiral Carraway's office. Her nerves weren't out of any lack of confidence in her abilities but rather a lingering side affect of being a kanmusu. Meeting a new CO was always intimidating, meeting an Admiral the word itself more than just a title. The Admiral was SecNav's chosen delegate. His designated apostle sent to spread His orders. Tegran's only comfort was that she was not alone in her instinctive fear.

"I wonder what he will think of us, being late reporting in and all." mused Olympia. The armored cruiser had her thoughtful face on, blue eyes titled slightly up, palm cupping her chin. Strands of her blonde hair had escaped her bun and now hung in ringlets around her face.

Her companion by contrast was a bit more enthusiastic, her scarlet red hair bouncing about her shoulders as she danced in place. "My first military assignment, ooh how exciting!"

"Now, now let's not get too worked up here Big U." Tegran chided while Olympia just rolled her eyes, more used to the excitable liner's antics.


Olympia and United States had both reappeared as kanmusu after New Jersey's explosion destroyed their hulls. They'd been wondering in a daze ever since but had happily met Tegran shortly after she arrived in New York. United States had been the first to recognize her. Tegran had made a few trips transAtlantic back when she was still Tiffany Andrews and United States, like most ocean liners, recognized her as one of them although she had no idea of her full identity. She greeted Tegran with a hug so tight that it popped several rivets and left the older girl gasping for breath.

Olympia, dully informed by United States' stories, was more professional. "So the mysterious kanmusu arrives." She said, offering a simple handshake.

Upon discovering that Tegran was headed for Lakehurst, United States was happy to accompany her. Olympia agreed to go along as well, if only to keep the hyperactive liner in line.

Now the three stood outside Admiral Carraway's office. "You two wait outside until I call you." Tegran said.

"Aww, okay." United States pouted.

"We shall wait here." Olympia agreed.

Tegran nodded, then knocked. "Enter."

At Carraway's approval, Tegran went inside. "Captain Tegran Sheera, RN reporting as ordered sir." She greeted.

"At ease Captain." Carraway had a pile of folders on one side of his desk but he held one in front of him currently. It was hers. "Your record breaking ascension in the ranks has impressed many, even on this side of the pond. I have one question for you however."

"Ask it sir." Tegran said.

"You could've had your choice of any base in the world to be stationed at, why pick a foreign one?" Carraway's question was as much a test as it was curiosity. Tegran decided to opt for the most honest answer she could give, while still disguising a lie.

"Well sir, as I have already proven under Collingwood's command, I have a good understanding of kanmusu. Not just the ships but the girls as well. I requested this assignment because if I may be frank sir," At Carraway's nod, she continued. "I requested this assignment because America has yet to grasp the proper formula for summonings. And while I cannot claim to understand all its particulars myself, I am the only officer available who has the best knowledge of it. Also, once you summon a kanmusu, there is a fine juggling act that must be performed. Get it wrong and the shenanigans will become your nightmares for weeks!"

Oh how much she didn't envy Collingwood in that department. The early summons were a disaster. Not the summonings themselves, but the aftermaths. "And you feel you can, assist us through the teething troubles Captain?" Carraway asked.

"Yes sir." Tegran replied. "And on that note, I have something to offer you at this moment."

"Yes Captain?"

"Kanmusu summonings are not as straightforward as they may appear at first. As there are actually two parts to them. The first is separating the girl from her hull. The second, is often what you see in the summoning circle. The summoning itself. Separation and summoning are two different steps. Although in most cases, the second is the only one you see as most kanmusu that have been summoned have had their hulls sunk or scrapped a long time ago."

"So what your saying is that ships don't have to be sunk to become kanmusu."

"Correct. Museum ships of a certain age, their hulls being 100 years or older can in fact self summon. Their spirit, previously invisible at least to those who don't believe they exist, appears in solid form but she is still bound to her hull. Although she can in fact separate at any time of her choosing. I can tell you that on my side of the Atlantic, HMS Victory had been around as a girl since your Civil War although she had chosen not to separate from her hull until now. As she felt she was not needed. WW2 nearly did it and she would've answered the call as a kanmusu had America not joined the war when it did. Constitution also has been around long enough to see both World Wars, going so far as to serve as a nurse in the Pacific. Japan's Mikasa, turning 100 just a few years ago is also present as a physical entity but has chosen so far not to separate from her hull. There is one other example I would like to bring to your attention. As she and her companion are both prime examples of the two different ways a kanmusu can be born. USS Olympia as you know was destroyed when New Jersey's magazines detonated."

"I am aware, yes. The Navy and the Coast Guard are having a hell of a time cleaning up the mess." Carraway said.

"Becuna was spared the worst of the explosion as Olympia took the brunt of it but the damage that she took is still extensive enough that I believe she will soon be scrapped and thus available for summoning. But back to the main point. Olympia had already self summoned before she had been sunk although she had yet to separate from her hull. With her hull now gone, she is a full kanmusu. New Jersey's explosion also caused significant and fatal damage to another ship docked downstream and downwind at the time. I have brought both her and Olympia here to report for duty."

With that, the two ships who had been waiting patiently and rather impatiently outside now stepped inside. Olympia was the picture of military discipline as she made a graceful entrance. United States by contrast was barely able to keep from sprinting up to Carraway's desk.

"May I present United States Protected Cruiser Olympia; designation C-6, and Steamship United States."

At Tegran's introduction both ships stood rigidly at attention. Olympia had her spine rimrod straight and United States was doing her best to copy her, going so far as to lift her chin to match the cruiser's profile. Tegran hid a smile.

"Welcome both of you." Carraway said. "As you've no doubt heard by now the United States desperately needs more kanmusu on the east coast. United States, you're to go to Boston and be refitted to carry cargo."

"Yes Admiral."

"Olympia, I'm afraid I don't have a cruiser barracks just yet so for now you'll have to bunk in the destroyer dorms."

"Understood Admiral." "United States, I'm assigning you the rank of Lieutenant. Olympia, you'll hold the rank of Commander, both effective immediately. You'll report to Captain Sheera who will in turn report directly to me."

"Sir!" The three ships (one disguised as human) all replied.

"Dismissed."
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Wow, Olympia and United States. As well as reports on the other old ships who self summoned. Great update!
I wonder how a ship girl refits for cargo. A big hiking pack? Guess we'll find out.
 
Gangut is absolutely tiny compared to an Iowa class now that I got to compare them side by side.



Reminds me of this

 
Gangut was one of the early dreadnoughts. Iowa, on the other hand, was not only one of the very last battleships, she was a special-purpose design intended for extreme high speed (by battleship standards) and was thus significantly longer than would have been typical--more typical proportions would be a North Carolina or a South Dakota (or Yamato or Montana, for similar length to Iowa at broader beam and higher displacement). It's unsurprising that, comparatively, Gangut is smol.

(If I'd been in charge of KC!Iowa's character design, I'd have actually made her a bit gangly instead, to represent that extreme length-to-beam ratio...)
 
Anyone else look at that and think: Sky and Sara's daughter? :)

*Awaits the barrage of Sky-bullying that might come from above comment* :D
 
rdfox said:
. Iowa, on the other hand, was not only one of the very last battleships, she was a special-purpose design intended for extreme high speed (by battleship standards) and was thus significantly longer than would have been typical--more typical proportions would be a North Carolina or a South Dakota (or Yamato or Montana, for similar length to Iowa at broader beam and higher displacement).
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Actually now that you mention that fact there is something i have wondered for many years and have never found an answer... Why DID the USN build the Iowas with such a high design speed?
I mean my understanding was that when they were designed they were intended to operate not with the carriers but with the other American battleships like the North Carolinas and SoDaks.. the fact that they could keep up with the Carriers where the previous classes could not was to the best of my Knowledge just a bonus..
 
evafan002 said:
Actually now that you mention that fact there is something i have wondered for many years and have never found an answer... Why DID the USN build the Iowas with such a high design speed?
I mean my understanding was that when they were designed they were intended to operate not with the carriers but with the other American battleships like the North Carolinas and SoDaks.. the fact that they could keep up with the Carriers where the previous classes could not was to the best of my Knowledge just a bonus..
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Because Kongou, apparently.

(What I know is that Fast Battleship trend was started by Kongou, who was built by British for IJN (pre-WW2). I presume because of this, Navy around world start experimenting with faster ship, compromising either big guns, thicc armor, or using torps. Some trying by upgraded their cruiser into battlecruiser, pushing tonnage limits)

(Then Pearl Harbour attacked, and the death bell for Line Battleship was rang)
 
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