- Location
- Trapped in the Warp
True, can't believe I forgot about her. That's going to be very, very scary for the USN and USMC.
Changing Destiny (Kancolle)
- Thread starter Skywalker_T-65
- Start date
True, can't believe I forgot about her. That's going to be very, very scary for the USN and USMC.
It's also going to make the IJA curse the existence of the USN much harder, as well as make any IJN land troops regret signing on with the military - the US can do it too, and unlike the Japanese, we've seen a USN shipgirl.
- Location
- Pacific NW
So far only the USN, the Regia Marina of Italy and the Kaiserliche Marine (defunct) have acknowledged Out-Of-Hull shipgirls. It is not confirmed that the maid attending the POW German admiral Lutjens is actually Gneisenau or not.
It is not confirmed but I think it is very heavily implied.
. Also, I think that the Kriegsmarine has acknowledged shipgirls in the latest chapter. Considering that Schreiber and that SS officer was sent to meet Turbine.
CompassJimbo
Where’s Your North?
- Location
- The former Rubber Capital of the World
True, but it's never been demonstrated if she can whip out her weapons or not. And even if shipgirls can't deploy their rigging unless at sea, they're still likely incredibly strong and durable.
Spectre
eternal servant to the Fire/EMS gods
- Location
- NY
you have to remember two things though. Shipgirls are massive resource drains that require a stabile logistical network to function for more than a couple days. Also the Island hopping campaigned involved pounding the isolated garrisons on a weekly, sometimes daily basis with a variety of forces ranging from land based bombers to passing cruiser divisions. Any IJN girls caught behind the lines won't be safe for long.
Whiskey Golf
Being of Editing & Technical Assistance
- Location
- Chained to my desk
Yeah, that was more for the benefit of the casual reader.
Chapter 54
Skywalker_T-65
Writer with too many ideas.
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- Plural/They/He/Her
Chapter 54
He's...really really nice, isn't he?
Turbine couldn't help but smile, despite herself. She walked alongside her father, through the streets and canals of Venice. If they got odd looks from civilians, she barely noticed. She imagined that a girl like her, walking with an Italian officer and a German Admiral, probably wasn't something that people saw often. It was hard to care. Since, every so often, her eyes would drift over to the German. And snap right back, when his blue gaze turned to her. He knew something. She could tell.
That man knew more about her than he was letting on. Yet, he was nothing but kind to her. He was nothing like the SS officer.
"It's been too long," Schreiber's rough voice tore her from her musings. Turbine chanced a look over at the German, only to see that he wasn't looking at her, but at Venice. "I haven't seen Venice in years. It's nice to see the City in such pristine condition, despite everything else."
Shaking his head, the Admiral turned to look over at Turbine, and not her engineer. His aged face crinkled in a kind smile, as he continued. "Though, I'll admit, it's much better to see you so well, Turbine."
While Turbine flushed and muttered a 'thank you' in a squeaky voice, her father stared at Schreiber with an appraising look. Carlo had been silent for most of the walk, seemingly content to just listen. And watch. Turbine hadn't really noticed that. She would now.
"You're handling this remarkably well." Carlo didn't mince words, either. He jumped right in, staring hard at the Admiral. His lips worked a little over his next words, before he continued, "You don't seem to be bothered at all. What do you know about this?"
Schreiber smiled, and shook his head. "Perhaps I do more know than you. Perhaps I don't, and I'm simply old enough that nothing surprises me anymore. Who really knows."
Turbine blinked, "What are you talking about?"
All she got was a shrug. A shrug pointedly in the direction behind them, where a group of German soldiers followed at a respectful distance. Now, Turbine wasn't young. She may have looked like a teenage girl, sure. By the standards of a warship, especially a destroyer, she was actually quite old. With age, came...not quite wisdom. More the ability to tell when something was off. And if there were visible Germans following them, there were probably ones hiding too. Watching. Listening.
He doesn't want the others to know anything?
Confusion showing on her face now, Turbine absently rubbed at her cheek and the mark under her eye. Why didn't he...?
"I see," Carlo had hit upon the same realization. The Italian didn't so much as look back at the Germans, settling instead for a shrug of his own. "That can wait for later. Is there anything you want to know?"
Schreiber smiled, if only slightly. "Many things, though I'll settle for knowing how the war is progressing down here. Being in Norway doesn't give me much room for finding out how your country is doing, you understand."
"Norway?" Carlo shivered, his scarred visage twisting in obvious distaste. "Who, in their right mind, would go to Norway?"
There was something that she was missing. Wasn't there? Turbine tugged on her father's sleeve, looking up at him with her bright brown eyes. "Where's Norway?"
"Very far north from here, even further than Germany." Schreiber answered with a chuckle, reaching out a hand to pat the destroyer on her head. A move that seemed entirely too familiar, even as Turbine instinctively leaned into it. Why did that feel so good? "It's very..."
"Cold. With a lot of ice and bears," Carlo deadpanned, still shivering despite the warm- salty -Venetian air rushing around them. He pointedly ignored the looks that civilians along the walkways, and in the canals, were giving him. "I wouldn't go there if you ordered me."
While Turbine stared in confusion, Schreiber laughed and it seemed like years came off his shoulders. The man was still bowed down by some unseen weight, it just seemed a little lighter now. If nothing else, if Norway was that bad, being in Venice had to be helping! Turbine may have spent more time in Taranto or Libya, yet, she loved Venice. It was so warm and peaceful here. The chattering crowds that bustled around them, showing no signs of acknowledging the very real war going on. The lack of bomb craters or flames.
The way that everyone just went about their lives in peace.
If nothing else, Turbine would never be able to thank her father enough for this. As uncomfortable as being away from the water made her feel...well. She loved being able to walk and talk with people. If the Germans weren't there, she'd probably be bouncing from store to store, trying out various things. Gossiping like she had done with her sisters.
"I'll be sure to tell the Führer how you feel, when I return to Germany." Schreiber joked, though the man twitched a little when he said that strange German word. Turbine didn't know what 'Führer' meant, though it was probably important?
For his part, the Admiral wasn't clarifying. He just sighed, and looked over at the various crowds.
"Be that as it may, I'm assuming the War isn't going that bad here. I couldn't see something like this in Germany, not with the British bombing us every night."
Picking up on the seriousness of that statement, Carlo stopped his mock shivering. He sighed deeply and raised a hand up to pinch at his nose, instead. "I wouldn't say that. While I've been ashore since Turbine was sunk, I still have friends in the Navy. After Taranto...we aren't beating the Royal Navy, not without the Regia Aeronautica doing more work." The engineer laughed mirthlessly, shaking his head in a mix of annoyance and resignation. "And it's hard enough to keep them from bombing our own ships."
Schreiber nodded along, even as he shifted his legs a little. His footsteps began to move in the direction of a busy street-cafe, the crowd shifting around to allow him his progress. "It's a similar situation in Germany, I'm afraid. Marshal Goering is quite stingy with his precious aircraft."
"Air Forces." Carlo spoke sagely, as if that explained everything.
Turbine just giggled and followed along, as they walked towards the cafe. Bright colors advertised some sort of food she'd never seen before. An absolutely delicious smell radiated out from the building too, overwhelming the smell of the canals. It was enough to make her mouth water and her stomach growl. Loudly. Turbine let out an embarrassed squeak, and looked down at her stomach is if it had betrayed her. The men on either side of her chuckled at her reaction, even while they both escorted her along.
Curious glances came their way, from the workers of the cafe and customers, when the door creaked open. A harried looking man walked over to direct them to seats, and Turbine couldn't tear her eyes away from the food.
There's...there's so much! I never saw food like this before!
Perhaps being a warship had some consequences she hadn't thought of before...
"If you would," Admiral Schreiber spoke in pitch-perfect Italian, when the younger man reached them. "Please give us an empty table, well away from anyone else. I would like some privacy."
"O--of course, sir. Please, right this way."
Turbine was too distracted to notice, of course, but the German Admiral had managed to land them seating well away from anyone else, with all the nearby ones already filled with chattering civilians. Creating enough noise that not a single person could possibly overhear an individual conversation. Especially if the people doing the conversation had no desire to be heard. For all that the food was important, that privacy was even more important.
And while Turbine didn't notice a thing...
...the same couldn't be said for her father figure.
This man is...interesting. Very interesting indeed.
Carlo Lombardi had not reached his age and experience without being observant. He had to keep an eye out for even the smallest of faults in an engine or boiler. He had to constantly watch for any of his crew making mistakes. He knew how to see even the smallest of details. He would never be a spy, of course. However, that was of little importance when it came to identifying someone trying to hide something. Admiral Schreiber was very good at hiding things. Even Carlo had no real idea what it was, that he was hiding. Just that it was something important.
Going into this cafe, where the German escorts and SS spies couldn't hear anything?
"There's something you want to talk about that you don't want them hearing, yes?" Carlo asked, rather bluntly, once they were seated. Turbine was too busy eating food she had never seen before, to notice. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone out of your way like this. I noticed what you did, out there."
Schreiber smiled, sardonically. "Yes, I imagine you would have. There are things that my countrymen are unaware of, and I would rather keep it that way." Here, he pushed silverware towards Turbine. Not a wasted movement. "First and foremost, I know quite a lot more about ship spirits than they realize."
Carlo nodded, "I expected to hear that. You're too familiar with Turbine."
"Hmm?" The destroyer looked up, curiosity shining in her brown-eyed gaze. "I noticed that too! You didn't seem to be surprised by me! At all!"
With a small sigh, the German shrugged. He didn't make any move to eat the food that had been left for him, as he continued to stare at Carlo instead. "Suffice to say, I've been familiar with the concept a lot longer than you could know. My old Blücher is much the same as Turbine, here. I might as well be her father."
That last word was directed with a hard stare, at the Italian engineer. Carlo met the stare, a hand creeping over to rest on Turbine's shoulder. Strange as it felt to acknowledge her as his daughter instead of his ship...he couldn't deny it. Turbine was the closest thing to a daughter he would ever have.
"As for keeping my countrymen in the dark? I'm sure you're quite familiar with how the SS views Turbine."
Needless to say, Carlo knew what Schreiber was getting at. He dropped the fork that he had picked up, suddenly sick to his stomach. Turbine looked at him with a concerned expression.
"Father? Are you alright?" Her voice radiated concern and worry. Carlo could only pat her on the head, absently.
"That monster doesn't deserve to be anywhere near Turbine." The Italian didn't mince words. His voice was every bit as cold as he thought Norway to be, and his eyes were hard as flint. "I've seen his eyes. I know exactly what he expects to do with her, and what he wants to do with the rest of our Navy."
Schreiber nodded, sighed, and leaned back in his chair. He placed his hands atop one another, tapping on the table. "You see my position, then. As a man of the Navy, I could never condemn my warships- my daughter -to the SS. That they sent me here, implies one thing. And one thing only."
"They suspect that I know more than I'm letting on."
Those words hung in the air. They answered a question that had been eating at Carlo Lombardy, ever since he had seen Admiral Schreiber for the very first time. Why did the Germans send this man? Even in Italy, the adventures of Bismarck were well known. Perhaps not as famous as in Germany, yet, still known. Why would the Germans willingly take the man who had lead them to such great successes, and send him to Italy over Turbine? They could surely spare an Admiral or two, yes?
If they suspected that Schreiber knew more than he let on...if they thought he could give them their own ship spirits...
I don't want to imagine what could happen. This alliance with Germany is one that I have little trust in. If they can conquer us, would they miss the chance? They already have so many men in our country...
"Why?" Carlo spoke just one word, though it was a loaded question. Why, indeed.
To that, Schreiber could only look at his hands and let out a weary laugh. He shook his head, amusement warring with exhaustion. "Blücher and Bismarck are impulsive girls, as I'm sure you can imagine." Considering what Turbine acted like- and was acting like now, with her cheeks stuffed with fine Venetian dining -Carlo couldn't deny the point. Schreiber knew that. "They have taken my dislike of the SS and made it their own. More often than not, I have to explain away things happening to SS or Gestapo men aboard my vessels. Events that can't be explained, and never happen to the regular Kriegsmarine crew."
Carlo nodded along, "Your superiors are starting to ask questions, now that Turbine has returned."
"Awkward questions that I find increasingly difficult to answer, yes." The German sighed deeply, a twisted smile on his lips. "Amusing it may have been at first, it is dangerous now. I can't protect them forever. Not with everything else."
Once more, Carlo had the feeling that Schreiber was referring to more than just the War. What, exactly, he was talking about? That was harder to say. He certainly couldn't be talking about working with the British or anything like that. Not the man who did so much harm to the Royal Navy. Perhaps he wasn't fond of the Nazis?
Ha. How many people are fond of the Nazis? I don't much like the Fascists, and the Nazis are every excess of Mussolini and then some.
"And that is why you're telling me this, now?" Carlo put that thought away for later, and got back to the point. "To...what? Prepare me for keeping secret how I brought Turbine back?"
Schreiber shook his head, "I don't expect that to happen. That secret will get out at some point, and I doubt we can do anything to stop it. No. What I want to do..."
The Admiral leaned forward, staring Carlo dead in the eyes. Blue cold as ice, and serious as any man had ever been.
"Is prepare for the fall of our governments. We cannot win this war. Even with girls like Turbine, we can't. I want to make sure our nations don't suffer, for the crimes of fools. The best way to do that, is to have our Navies loyal to us. Would I be wrong in assuming that you are loyal to the King, first and foremost?"
Carlo gulped, despite himself. What Schreiber was telling him...did he trust Carlo that much? Just because of how protective he was over Turbine? If the Italian were to tell the SS what he was hearing right now...
No.
Even if I did, they'd just throw me in a cell. An Italian? No German believes us. No German likes us. Schreiber...he's not a normal German.
And so, Carlo Lombardi sucked in a breath, and nodded. "Yes. If it comes down to it, I will follow the King over any orders from Rome."
"Good." Schreiber pulled back, and finally took a bite of his food. A small smile crossed his face, as he reached an arm over and pulled a squeaking Turbine into a side-hug. The Italian destroyer turned bright pink, even though she leaned into the gentle hug. Schreiber just continued eating with his free hand, while speaking between bites. "I do admit, it's been a long time since I had proper Italian food. You could teach the chefs back home quite a few lessons."
Carlo, recognizing what was happening, smirked. "You northerners don't know the first thing about proper cuisine."
"I can hardly dispute that point."
The two of them continued to make mindless conversation, while the words of earlier rang in Carlo's mind...
And now, we set out again. Without our best ships.
Standing atop her bridge, a young woman stared out at Taranto harbor. A dozen transports milled about, taking on the final supplies destined for Tripoli. Balbo and Guderian were ravenous for supplies and it took all Italy and the Regia Marina had- and more -to keep them supplied. This was the largest convoy thus far, and the escort reflected that. All three functional battleships in the Regia Marina were committed, in addition to every cruiser that could be spared. More than a few destroyers and torpedo boats ranged around the formation, preparing to take up their escort duties.
The battleship, standing atop her bridge, barely noticed that. Her attention was drawn to her sister and her...cousin. Caio Duilio and Giulio Cesare. The two battleships were never intended to do this alone. Nor was the battleship herself, really. They should have had the Littorio sisters to help.
Of course, Impero and Roma were incomplete. Littorio and Veneto were either being repaired from Taranto, or working up after those repairs. None of the modern ships would be here.
"Hey, big sis!" Duilio's voice rang over the harbor, from her close-by hull. "Are you ready to get some revenge?!"
A smile crossing her lips, the battleship pushed her brownish-red ponytail from her eyes. "Of course! If the English try that again, they won't know what hit them!"
"That's the spirit!"
Smiling at her sister, the battleship turned her eyes out to sea. Somewhere, out there, the Royal Navy lurked. They had more battleships. They had bigger and more modern battleships. Italy had not come out well, in her battles to-date. Yet...it didn't matter.
She wouldn't lose. She had seen Littorio burn and Cavour nearly roll over. Those memories were burned into her mind.
Andrea Doria was not going to let that happen again. Not if she could do anything about it.
...yeah. Same as last time. Work hates me and I loathe it. I've reset my availability (again) to get me off early enough that I'm not dead on my feet after every shift and have time to myself at night. Though that won't take effect for at least a month. That should work a lot to help me get back into the swing of writing, though. As will moving forward with some stuff I've wanted to do with the Italians for a long time.
We get Andrea Doria back, for that reason, as you can tell. I'll have to get back into her head again
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, despite the delay. Again. >.>
(I'll also have character art to toss in the post after this one)
Italian Botes
Skywalker_T-65
Writer with too many ideas.
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- Plural/They/He/Her
First up, we have the resident cute destroyer of the story and of the Italians:
And, as per usual with her, Turbine is a cute.
On the second side of things, the battleship from way back in the story:
I will add more to this post, as needed. Other Italian warships will have original designs. Clearly, Littorio/Roma/Pola/Zara don't count, since they have KC artwork already.
And, as per usual with her, Turbine is a cute.
On the second side of things, the battleship from way back in the story:
I will add more to this post, as needed. Other Italian warships will have original designs. Clearly, Littorio/Roma/Pola/Zara don't count, since they have KC artwork already.
MooGoesCow21
Just Listen to me....
- Location
- US Washington
I love this story sooooo much the characters are extremely likable I would say it's one of the best fics I have read
- Location
- Nashville
This is only going to end in tears and suffering isn't it?
Retsof
I will keep you safe.
well... war typically does...
- Location
- Philippines
*melts from prolonged exposure to Turbine cuteness*
I like the blend of slice-of-life and actual plot development in this update, as Schreiber and Carlo lays down the foundation for the "ship-girl-based resistance" in Italy.
Also, poor Andrea Doria. That is a death flag you are raising, girl
Well, at least she is sure to end up as a shipgirl...
I like the blend of slice-of-life and actual plot development in this update, as Schreiber and Carlo lays down the foundation for the "ship-girl-based resistance" in Italy.
Also, poor Andrea Doria. That is a death flag you are raising, girl
Well, at least she is sure to end up as a shipgirl...
- Location
- United States of America
Either that or they are beaten to the punch.
- Location
- Pacific NW
Or the frogmen instead just open up gaps in the anti-sub netting enough to let some of the Italian subs poke their nose in, fire some torps and scoot. The damage doesn't even have to be ships, just torps hitting docks and quays would cause problems for the British. Even if it is just temporary, that is still shit that must be fixed.
Seemingly feasible and effective if done at night as well.
Seemingly feasible and effective if done at night as well.
Spectre
eternal servant to the Fire/EMS gods
- Location
- NY
That actually would go even worse since the area around the harbor was still being transited during the infiltration and attack. trying to keep the mother ship nearby runs an even greater possibility of both the frog men getting captured or more likely Sirce getting sunk before they can do anything.
ijnfleetadmiral
CinC Rengo Kanmusutai
- Location
- Admiral's Bridge, HIJMS Kongo
So Cavour was sunk as in OTL...will Impero actually get completed this time around?
- Location
- USS Enterprise CV-6
You know assuming they can't figure out how to summon them post-war is going interesting in regard to the navies.
- Location
- Europe
First up, we have the resident cute destroyer of the story and of the Italians:
And, as per usual with her, Turbine is a cute.
On the second side of things, the battleship from way back in the story:
I will add more to this post, as needed. Other Italian warships will have original designs. Clearly, Littorio/Roma/Pola/Zara don't count, since they have KC artwork already.
Just a bit curious; What program did you use for that art?
- Location
- Central Standard Time
Koikatsu. It's a lewd game that also has a character creator.
Thebigpieman
I've got this, I think.
- Location
- United States
Actually...
From the last time this popped up.
- Location
- Europe
I had a feeling it was.
Skywalker_T-65
Writer with too many ideas.
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- Plural/They/He/Her
I only use it for the character designer. Even then, I only use it because:
A: Free
B: I cannot into art.
A: Free
B: I cannot into art.