robopanda
My avatar is the original Avatar!
- Location
- The Northern Air Temple
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Unfamiliar to Millie. Nuri recognized it.
Harry And The Shipgirls: Prisoner of Shipping (A HP/KanColle Snippet Collection)
- Thread starter Harry Leferts
- Start date
- Crossover
Sandy River DL
(Verified Destroyer Leader)
- Location
- Lake Michigan
- Pronouns
- Her/She
T'would appear I missed The first part of Nuri's last line.
Or is it just Millie who's not familiar with Hoppou's IFF tag?
(dammit sendai'd)
Snippet 4: MagisterAurelius
- Location
- Pacific NW
Ship of Fools 10.75 - The end of the date
It had been a wonderful time for all three girls in the village. Draco even had made extra effort to get to know more about Niobe and Cleopatra. It was when the girls had been sharing their and crews regrets in their ship lives, that Draco opened up. With considerable hesitation, he told all three of his girlfriends about the worry driving his pursuit of wandless magic and arcane power.
As he divulged what he went through while paralyzed by the basilisk, the three girls all held his hands and passed meaningful glances between themselves.
Draco took a breath and then got his biggest fear off his chest. "I... I know there's a lot of people who think my father would deserve whatever he gets from Voldemort. But I can't stop wanting to not let it happen. I don't want my father and mother to die. He's my dad." The girls said nothing, but all three of them hugged Draco tightly.
-0-
As they walked up to the gates of Hogwarts, Draco to enter and the girls to leave, a bushy haired Gryfindor stomped out of the castle and pointed her wand at Draco.
"Draco Malfoy, just what in Merlin's name are you plotting in seducing MY SISTER!" Hermione hissed at the blond boy. "I will give you to the count of ten to start running, then I will turn you into a fine red mist."
"Hermione Dagworth-Granger! You will do no such thing!" Cleopatra stepped in front of Draco to face off against Hermione.
As the two girls began to argue, Draco sat in stunned thought. Granger is Cleo's sister? Wait wait wait.. Granger is a DAGWORTH-GRANGER! Oh oh shite.
"Ahem," Draco gently laid a hand on Cleo's shoulder and moved into the line of fire. "Is it true. You are a Dagworth-Granger?"
"Yes you piece of sister-seducing slime! My blood opened the wards on the manor and my great grandfather was the younger squib brother of Medea Dagworth-Granger. So what Malfoy?"
"I apologize."
"Wut?" Hermione just stared at Draco slackly.
"Yes. First year where I called you a filthy Mud-blood. I now learn that I was in error. I apologize for slurring against your heritage. It was wrong of me to do so and I beg your forbearance." Draco stopped and considered for a moment. "You know, you could have made my social standing hell? Slurring a family line like I did has caused blood feuds in the past. Thank you. I owe you Hermione."
Hermione sputtered. "Why? Why would you apologize for that ... oh oh my god it's worse than I thought! YOU'VE SLEPT WITH MY SISTER!"
Draco replied confusedly, "Yes, last night I slept with Cleo, Johnston and Niobe. Why is that a problem?"
"DIE!" Hermione screamed.
-0-
Later on in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione flopped into a chair and tried to desperately massage her migraine away. She sighed heavily.
"Problem Hermione?" Ron inquired while he was playing a game of chess with Harry.
"My airheaded sister Cleopatra is dating Draco Fucking Malfoy is the problem Ron."
"I thought he was dating Johnston?" Harry looked up from the game.
"Oh no, he's dating three girls now. Johnston, Cleo and a German girl Niobe."
"Wait, are they all ship-girls?"
"Yes Harry. Draco must be jealous of you or something. He's clearing following your lead."
"Poi?"
----
Okay... that's enough to say that Chapter 10 is now complete.
It had been a wonderful time for all three girls in the village. Draco even had made extra effort to get to know more about Niobe and Cleopatra. It was when the girls had been sharing their and crews regrets in their ship lives, that Draco opened up. With considerable hesitation, he told all three of his girlfriends about the worry driving his pursuit of wandless magic and arcane power.
As he divulged what he went through while paralyzed by the basilisk, the three girls all held his hands and passed meaningful glances between themselves.
Draco took a breath and then got his biggest fear off his chest. "I... I know there's a lot of people who think my father would deserve whatever he gets from Voldemort. But I can't stop wanting to not let it happen. I don't want my father and mother to die. He's my dad." The girls said nothing, but all three of them hugged Draco tightly.
-0-
As they walked up to the gates of Hogwarts, Draco to enter and the girls to leave, a bushy haired Gryfindor stomped out of the castle and pointed her wand at Draco.
"Draco Malfoy, just what in Merlin's name are you plotting in seducing MY SISTER!" Hermione hissed at the blond boy. "I will give you to the count of ten to start running, then I will turn you into a fine red mist."
"Hermione Dagworth-Granger! You will do no such thing!" Cleopatra stepped in front of Draco to face off against Hermione.
As the two girls began to argue, Draco sat in stunned thought. Granger is Cleo's sister? Wait wait wait.. Granger is a DAGWORTH-GRANGER! Oh oh shite.
"Ahem," Draco gently laid a hand on Cleo's shoulder and moved into the line of fire. "Is it true. You are a Dagworth-Granger?"
"Yes you piece of sister-seducing slime! My blood opened the wards on the manor and my great grandfather was the younger squib brother of Medea Dagworth-Granger. So what Malfoy?"
"I apologize."
"Wut?" Hermione just stared at Draco slackly.
"Yes. First year where I called you a filthy Mud-blood. I now learn that I was in error. I apologize for slurring against your heritage. It was wrong of me to do so and I beg your forbearance." Draco stopped and considered for a moment. "You know, you could have made my social standing hell? Slurring a family line like I did has caused blood feuds in the past. Thank you. I owe you Hermione."
Hermione sputtered. "Why? Why would you apologize for that ... oh oh my god it's worse than I thought! YOU'VE SLEPT WITH MY SISTER!"
Draco replied confusedly, "Yes, last night I slept with Cleo, Johnston and Niobe. Why is that a problem?"
"DIE!" Hermione screamed.
-0-
Later on in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione flopped into a chair and tried to desperately massage her migraine away. She sighed heavily.
"Problem Hermione?" Ron inquired while he was playing a game of chess with Harry.
"My airheaded sister Cleopatra is dating Draco Fucking Malfoy is the problem Ron."
"I thought he was dating Johnston?" Harry looked up from the game.
"Oh no, he's dating three girls now. Johnston, Cleo and a German girl Niobe."
"Wait, are they all ship-girls?"
"Yes Harry. Draco must be jealous of you or something. He's clearing following your lead."
"Poi?"
----
Okay... that's enough to say that Chapter 10 is now complete.
ijnfleetadmiral Omake: Lucius' reacts to Draco's girlfriends
ijnfleetadmiral
CinC Rengo Kanmusutai
- Location
- Admiral's Bridge, HIJMS Kongo
Can't remember if ol' Lucy knows about Draco's two new girlfriends or not. If he doesn't, I can picture this scene:
Lucius: Draco, I've heard a rather unsettling rumor recently.
Draco: Oh, Father?
Lucius: You are currently romantically involved with not one, but three different shipgirls.
Draco: *Struggles not to blush* Y-yes, that's right, Father. Johnston, Cleopatra, and Niobe. *Pulls out wizarding photo* These are my ladies. This was taken on a recent Hogsmeade date we had together.
Lucius: *While Narcissa squees over the photo of her baby boy and his girls* I see. I trust you know what you are doing. Pray do not hurt them because while they are personifications of Muggle weapons, they could still turn you into strawberry jam and not even the Dark Lord could do anything about it.
Draco: I am not going to be foolish enough to hurt them, Father.
Lucius: Good. Now, on a more personal note...*grins* three beautiful women at once? And they don't mind sharing you? That's my boy!
Narcissa: *Smacks Lucius on the arm* Lucius!
Lucius: My dear, I have to congratulate our son on his achievements...it's only right. *Grins at Draco, who smiles back*
Narcissa: *Scoffs and shakes herhead* Men! Pureblood or Muggle, they're all the same sometimes...
Lucius: Draco, I've heard a rather unsettling rumor recently.
Draco: Oh, Father?
Lucius: You are currently romantically involved with not one, but three different shipgirls.
Draco: *Struggles not to blush* Y-yes, that's right, Father. Johnston, Cleopatra, and Niobe. *Pulls out wizarding photo* These are my ladies. This was taken on a recent Hogsmeade date we had together.
Lucius: *While Narcissa squees over the photo of her baby boy and his girls* I see. I trust you know what you are doing. Pray do not hurt them because while they are personifications of Muggle weapons, they could still turn you into strawberry jam and not even the Dark Lord could do anything about it.
Draco: I am not going to be foolish enough to hurt them, Father.
Lucius: Good. Now, on a more personal note...*grins* three beautiful women at once? And they don't mind sharing you? That's my boy!
Narcissa: *Smacks Lucius on the arm* Lucius!
Lucius: My dear, I have to congratulate our son on his achievements...it's only right. *Grins at Draco, who smiles back*
Narcissa: *Scoffs and shakes herhead* Men! Pureblood or Muggle, they're all the same sometimes...
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- Location
- Somewhere
As an odd side note, St. Catherine of Alexandria, who the sword is named for and dedicated to, is believed by modern historians to actually be a Christianized retelling of the story of Hypatia, with the sides reversed. Like how St. Brigid is a christianized Irish goddess. (That's why she was removed from the calendar of Saints before being restored as an "optional memorial" in 2002.) The last guardian of the Library of Alexandria.
Jadesteele
Out of my Mind - Back in 5 Minutes
- Location
- half-way between 'Crazy' And 'Eccentric'
This brings to mind a important detail - have the various allied abyssals shared iff data? It would be awefully unfortunate if say Hoous flet responed to what they thought was an attack only to find that, for example, Scarpa and her adopted girls were visiting...
- Location
- Mountains of Appalachia
Reposting what I said on SB.
Colombe du Chasteler: "This is exactly how a du Chasteler or Malfoy should view the importance of family. Well done, Cousin, Draco, well done!" *salutes*
I can see it, and I think considering the clear collapse of the SoS and the clear political importance of having good ties to the muggles afterward, Lucius would unbend quite a bit to allow Draco to accumulate the Malfoy Flotilla.
Plus, since Hermione is a 'pureblood' if you squint the right way, so is her sister (ship) Cleopatra and as for Johnston and Niobe, well aristocrats have been known to have mistresses. This would obviously be on paper to provide a fig leaf for Draco's marriages, since Johnston is going to be #1 or #1A in the Bridal Sweepstakes.
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Snippet 14: RCNAnon
- Location
- USA
Weasley's Warship Workshop 3
"Sorry we didn't get to talk much before things got started Angie. I wanted to ask how you were doing." Ron looked up to the large woman, her coveralls still covered in oil and grease despite the fact he was rather certain she'd not done anything heavy during the procedure. The pair were walking out of the repair baths along with Duke after Summer had finished with the Battleship Princess.
"It is no matter Ron, Summer had something important to give you and repairing a damaged abyssal is very much her territory. I was happy to watch and corroborate some of those American reports they've passed around." Angie shook her dirty brown head cheerfully and patted Ron on the back with a thump that nearly caused him to stumble. "I am doing well though, thanks to you and your friends. Especially since the repair baths have been finished."
Ron smiled and nodded. "I heard they were working better for you than the ones at Portsmouth?"
"A little bit my friend, perhaps 5-10% faster on most things. Not enough to truly exclaim that things are best only done here but not inconsiderable either." Angie nodded to herself. "I believe it is because the pool is ah… "Home" as you might say. So I am more attuned to it."
"That does make sense." Ron nodded along. "I take it you're having no issues with the Royal Navy then?"
"No no no." Angie waved her hand in front of her face. "Not the officers at least. They are quite pleased to see me, even if one or two are upset that I eat so much." Angie grinned at that. "But a woman like me needs lots of fuel to work so they are quiet. What I am having trouble with are those stubborn battleships."
"The battleships?" Ron asked, cocking his head to the side as the two were about to enter the back door.
"Ja like Ms. Duke. She is perhaps not as bad as some but they are all stubborn about their repairs." Angie switched into a falsetto as they made their way to the kitchen. "No Angie, I am fine. Please ignore the GAPING HOLE in my side and take care of the little ones yes?" Angie snorted. "As often as not the little ones are merely rattled and scuffed. They are quick to heal and recover. Battleships, with their silly pride and honor try to hide the fact they are leaking oil or down a boiler if they can. I am your repair ship! I care not about your pride only that you are healthy for the next sortie!" Angie gave her head one last large shake as if she was a queen pronouncing and edict that had just finished.
"I… uhm..." Duke started to speak but then stopped almost immediately.
"You were about to say that you did not think you were that bad ja?" Angie turned to look at Duke.
"Yes, I was." Duke couldn't help but smile wryly. "Until I remembered some of my sisters and even myself in certain situations."
"You are one of the good ones then. You at least recognize you have a problem." Angie was clearly satisfied at that and Ron couldn't help but chuckle.
"I'm reminded of Warspite before I fixed her. She was just a little bit stubborn about her injuries."
It was Duke's turn to chuckle.
"That is like saying water is wet Ron but you have a point."
As they entered the kitchen Ron spotted Victoria in a state he'd never seen her in before. She actually looked mildly frazzled, what with several of her hairs out of place and the pinch of her eyebrows set close enough to be visible.
"Victoria, is something wrong?" Ron called out to the maid, causing her to look up immediately.
"Young Master." Victoria turned towards him immediately, the look of worry and the stray hairs somehow disappearing as a mask of calm appeared on her face. "I… there is not a problem per-say but..." There was a pause as Victoria collected her thoughts. "You do not know anyone who would perchance pull a low joke on you involving a harlot?"
"I… what? No." Ron was startled by the question, "Nobody that I can think of. Harry and Hermione don't have that sense of humor and Fred and George would get killed by my mother."
Victoria took a deep breath, clearly having expected an answer like that while desperately wanting it not to be.
"Then I am obliged to report that I believe the French… Guest..." Ron knew immediately that Victoria wanted to put "Harlot" there but was too focused to. "You are expecting is at the front gate. On a motorbike."
Ron wasn't sure which part Victoria disapproved of more, the fact that whatever Jean-Bart looked like did not meet her standards or the fact that she was on a motorcycle.
"Well then we should let her in." Ron knew that was what Victoria didn't want to hear but this was a request directed at him by a British ally through formal military channels. Not something he could avoid simply because Victoria didn't think the best of her.
"Yes Master." Victoria bowed her head formally and Ron could feel something happening in the meantime.
"Thank you Victoria. Will you prepare something for us? I think this is going to be a long meeting."
Victoria bowed her head, clearly relieved to be doing something more familiar so she could ignore what was coming up the drive.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
On the road, fifteen minutes earlier.
Jean-Bart grinned as her hair whipped behind her, the engine on her BMW S1000RR howling beneath her. She couldn't open it up to the full throttle given the road shape and condition but she enjoyed it nonetheless. Say what you wanted about German shipbuilding but they did great motorcycles. At least this way she could reach some proper speeds.
Her mind turned towards her worries for a moment, of what Ronald Weasley might say about her condition. He'd repaired Warspite that was undeniable and he seemed to have an understanding of engineering far beyond his age. Yet she had no knowledge of anything like her particular condition happening elsewhere and if he had no ideas…
She shook herself mentally. That was no way to think at a time like this. Not when the sun was out and she had a free road to work with. Things like worrying about showing her rig could happen later when they were about to occur.
Instead she opened up the throttle more, wondering if she could find a spot flat, long and empty enough to try and hit close to the top speed. Probably not but she could hope.
Ten minutes later she pulled up to a stop, having not found the stretch of road she wanted but still managing to have pushed herself over 120KPH for one last burst of speed before she'd gotten to the manor house.
As she did pull up she had to admit that it was impressive in its own way. An old style to be sure, square even from a distance but the yards were relatively well tended and there appeared to be someone out and working on them from what she could see. However for some reason the gate was closed and she didn't see a button to press for a bell or entrance. Frustrated for a moment she considered simply driving around the thing as there wasn't a fence around the whole manor but she go the feeling that would be a bad idea, for multiple reasons.
Thankfully the thing finally opened after a couple minutes. Perhaps there was a timer on the thing? She shook her head as she pulled up the drive, the engine beneath her barely murmuring while her own boilers were steadily building pressure she had no release for. As she reached the front door she saw it open and several people stepped out.
The first one she noticed was the battleship. Not quite as tall as her and not quite as fast, the KGV class was still a respectable foe. Rather, she would have been if there had ever been a chance of France and Great Britain coming to blows. The blonde's hair was just about at length with hers and that brought a small grin to her face as her fellow ship of the line examined her with respect in turn. Perhaps they could talk about the issues of having quadruple turrets and long hair some time.
The second was the maid. Of moderate height and relatively nondescript build, she looked average. Even her hair was somehow average despite being just slightly more blonde than brown. Yet that wasn't what caught her eye. Instead it was the look she was getting from her. Oh it was perfectly polite enough. Yet she'd had enough people disapprove of the way she dressed and acted that she could tell she would find no friend there.
Finally the one she'd actually come to see. He was… still young. His face at least and his height still spoke of growing through the awkward stages of puberty. Shaggy red hair on top of his head and dressed appropriately for meeting a guest. Yet it was his eyes that changed her immediate opinion of him. For they were much more mature than what a boy his age would normally have and he was not leering at her. Nor was he even apparently shocked by her outfit. That could be both good or bad but she was leaning towards good.
As she stood from her bike and let it settle, she could feel his eyes on her. She thought for a moment he was ogling her while she wasn't paying attention but as she turned and started walking towards them his eyes stayed, watching her walk. That was also strange. Still she forced her face into a more polite arrangement as she got close and opened her mouth.
"Hello. I am Jean-Bart, second ship of the Richelieu class. I am here to meet Ronald Weasley."
Of course she didn't know those words would change the course of her life.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ron's first impression of Jean-Bart was that she was… different.
Standing on the front step to meet their guest along with Duke and Victoria gave him a good view of the French battleship as she arrived on a sleek looking motorcycle and settled herself on the drive.
For one, most of his experience was with British battleships. He'd met a few Japanese ones when he'd gone to see Harry over the summer but Nagato had been just as proud and regal as any of Duke or Warspite's sisters and he'd only seen the others for a brief time. While Jean-Bart certainly had a presence of her own it was subtly different than the rest.
Alright, so this is default Jean-Bart look. In the HatSG verse she has a bit less cleavage showing and her shorts are Magical Ship-girl Short Shorts. They cover all of her aft to her leg. No more no less and you'll never be able to see a curve there but you might imagine it. Still plenty to get a Victorian maid's dander up over.
It wasn't her outfit. For all that her shorts were nearly as short as the swimsuit bottoms Duke had worn in Japan or that her top showed off plenty of cleavage, he'd seen worse. The piratical them she seemed to be sporting overall was no odder than the maid outfits a few of the British cruisers wore, though the thigh high sock on one leg and the long boot on the other made her look slightly lopsided she wore it well nonetheless.
It wasn't her looks either. While part of Ron was informing him that her legs went up and up and up… it was a small part that he easily suppressed. If he'd not seen a ship-girl before it would have been different of course but between Warspite, Duke and his many times at the naval base he was as thoroughly inoculated against shipgirls looks as a man could realistically be. Her long brown hair was drawn up in a ponytail similar to Duke's, going down behind her aft though not quite to the ground like Duke's could do. That probably had something to do with how tall she was, a couple inches taller than Duke at least. Her eyes were striking, being a reddish pink but they fit her like the rest of her outfit did.
It was only when she started walking towards them that Ron's tickling senses finally clued in and kicked him in the rear. Jean-Bart had a runners grace, one that if he'd seen them in person would have reminded him of the Iowa class of the Americans. At least she was supposed to. If he'd not noticed Duke's injury earlier he might have missed it but Jean-Bart had a hitch in her step. It wasn't anything major, a subtle thing that he could just barely see much less pinpoint.
Yet it was there and because of that or perhaps only in part, Jean-Bart had the appearance of a battleships normal grace but it was a front. A veneer covering up something she'd rather not have anyone else see.
Of course then she was right in front of them and he had no more time to ponder.
"Hello. I am Jean-Bart, second ship of the Richelieu class. I am here to meet Ronald Weasley." Her voice was mild, forward if not rude and she looked him right in the eye as she spoke.
"A pleasure to meet you Jean-Bart. I am Ronald Weasley but please feel free to call me Ron. This is Duke of York of the King George V class and this is Victoria Passell, the head maid. Would you like to come inside? We have some refreshments made up and we can sit comfortably while we talk."
Ron fell back on formality for a moment, his mind still not quite sure how to process Jean-Bart and her attitudes. She didn't seem mean spirited to him at least which meant that he could work with her.
The brunette paused for a moment and nodded.
"Yes, that would be welcome thank you." Jean-Bart seemed perhaps slightly off put by his welcome but he wasn't sure if it was his reaction of if she'd been expecting something different.
Ron lead the way inside, with Victoria taking up the rear. They'd prepared a sitting room again, this time less formally but still with two chairs for Ron and Duke with another for Jean-Bart. There were sandwiches prepared and some lemonade in place of the mornings tea. The three settled down for a moment, items being passed around until everyone was waiting.
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you want to meet me?" Ron spoke after setting down his glass. "It's an honor to meet you of course but Admiral Whitcomb didn't say anything else about it other than you wanted to talk."
Jean-Bart paused for a few moments, her eyes focused somewhere on the floor before they rose up to meet Ron's.
"Please understand that this is difficult for me to talk about. I am… private, about my issues since I do not like to… bother people about them if there is nothing they can do."
Ron nodded, settling back in his chair as Jean-Bart spoke.
"I understand. I take it that you think I can do something to help you? Whatever it is?"
Jean-Bart nodded in turn.
"Yes. You are the best… no, the only person that I have found that may be able to do so. Understand I've been looking since I've come back, nearly three years now, for a fix and have found nothing. The repair baths do nothing and even the repair ship I consulted could not. At least she did not think so since the baths would be required for her help."
Ron's mind rapidly put together the pieces of what she was saying into a mostly coherent picture.
"You have an engineering problem you want me to help with? Something to do with your engines?"
Jean-Bart's eyes widened in surprised.
"Yes, how did you…?" She frowned for a moment. "Somebody told you."
Ron shook his head.
"No, you have… a hitch in your step. Or perhaps I should say you have a missing stroke in your engine where you're expecting power to be but it isn't."
Jean-Bart met Ron's eyes as the chair creaked in her hand.
"Truly you did not know this beforehand? Were not told anything?"
Ron nodded.
"I just noticed it in the way you walked, I swear. I don't know what exactly it is but between that and me only being good at one thing..." Ron shrugged.
Duke looked over at Ron and snorted, a clear sign of disapproval at his statement.
"If I may ask… how can you be so certain?" Jean-Bart clearly wanted to believe Ron but she was having trouble doing so. "You are not wrong but it could simply be a wise guess even if what you say about not being told beforehand is true."
Ron looked back to Duke and smiled slightly.
"Do you mind Duke or should I do Warspite instead?"
Duke blushed and shook her head in the negative, even as Jean-Bart looked between the two in mild confusion.
"No, you can show her Ron. I don't mind." Her voice was somewhat soft but there was definitely a note of pride in it.
"Victoria." Ron called out, the maid stepping from the corner she'd been in to hand him a pen and paper she'd gotten from somewhere.
"Thank you." Ron pulled the nearby table closer to him and grabbed the straight edge he'd taken to sticking in his pocket. "This will take a couple minutes." He looked to Jean-Bart for a moment before he began to draw.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Jean-Bart watched first in confusion, then in comprehension and finally in amazement as the teenager in front of her worked.
At first she didn't understand what he was doing, the lines and markings he was drawing meaning nothing to her. It wasn't until she saw the multiple notations he was making as he went that she started to understand. Finally when she did understand and saw him complete what he was working on she was amazed.
It was a yard quality diagram of a boiler room, with top and side views included on it. Judging by the blush on Duke of York's face, it was hers and Ronald, Ron, had done it without looking at anything. Without speaking to anyone about it. Just off the top of his head.
He finished the diagram, looked at it and then offered it to the British battleship.
"What do you think Duke, pretty good?" He spoke as if he'd simply drawn her a picture instead of a detailed work on her interior.
"Yes." Duke of York smiled as she held it for a moment and her hand touched the boys, affection clear. "Here." She handed it over to Jean-Bart.
Jean-Bart looked at the drawing closely as she held it in hand. She tried to find anything at all wrong with the drawing. Even if she didn't know her British counterparts exact dimensions she could tell if it was more or less right simply by the way it was setup.
It was as far as she could tell, perfect down to the last marking. Perhaps even better than a builders print if such a thing were possible.
She handed the print back to Duke, who carefully took the item and set it on the table next to her.
"You can do that from memory." It was a statement from her and not a question. "For her."
"I did an entire book for Warspite. Stem to stern and keel to aerials." A return statement from the boy. Not a boast, just an assertion. "I needed to know that so I could fix her. I can do more for Duke but not quite everything yet. Her turrets are my main concern but it wouldn't be fair if I didn't do the same."
Jean-Bart felt part of her warm at the thought of somebody knowing her that well, even as she watched the long haired blonde in front of her clasp the boy… no he was too mature for that, the hand of the young man in front of her.
"I believe you." She said, feeling a ball of tension somewhere in her boilers release. "I do." She felt the barest of smiles come onto her face. "Which means I think you can actually help."
Ron nodded, leaning forward. "Then what exactly is it I need to do?"
Jean-Bart paused, her mind racing as she thought of all the things wrong with her.
"I think perhaps I should show instead of simply tell."
"The repair pool then? You should be able to rig up there."
Jean-Bart nodded, even as she was surprised at the casual mention of a repair pool on the property. "Yes, I think that's appropriate."
Ron nodded again and stood up. "Lets go then."
As she stood, Jean-Bart matched eyes with Duke of York for a moment. They didn't say anything but Jean-Bart thought that the British ship understood where she was coming from. Perhaps she did know what was wrong with her. If she did she hadn't said anything… and she clearly believed in him.
That was enough for her.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Wew another long one. There should be one more part with all of this before I go onto other things but I hope you are all still enjoying. Questions, comments, concerns welcome as always.
"Sorry we didn't get to talk much before things got started Angie. I wanted to ask how you were doing." Ron looked up to the large woman, her coveralls still covered in oil and grease despite the fact he was rather certain she'd not done anything heavy during the procedure. The pair were walking out of the repair baths along with Duke after Summer had finished with the Battleship Princess.
"It is no matter Ron, Summer had something important to give you and repairing a damaged abyssal is very much her territory. I was happy to watch and corroborate some of those American reports they've passed around." Angie shook her dirty brown head cheerfully and patted Ron on the back with a thump that nearly caused him to stumble. "I am doing well though, thanks to you and your friends. Especially since the repair baths have been finished."
Ron smiled and nodded. "I heard they were working better for you than the ones at Portsmouth?"
"A little bit my friend, perhaps 5-10% faster on most things. Not enough to truly exclaim that things are best only done here but not inconsiderable either." Angie nodded to herself. "I believe it is because the pool is ah… "Home" as you might say. So I am more attuned to it."
"That does make sense." Ron nodded along. "I take it you're having no issues with the Royal Navy then?"
"No no no." Angie waved her hand in front of her face. "Not the officers at least. They are quite pleased to see me, even if one or two are upset that I eat so much." Angie grinned at that. "But a woman like me needs lots of fuel to work so they are quiet. What I am having trouble with are those stubborn battleships."
"The battleships?" Ron asked, cocking his head to the side as the two were about to enter the back door.
"Ja like Ms. Duke. She is perhaps not as bad as some but they are all stubborn about their repairs." Angie switched into a falsetto as they made their way to the kitchen. "No Angie, I am fine. Please ignore the GAPING HOLE in my side and take care of the little ones yes?" Angie snorted. "As often as not the little ones are merely rattled and scuffed. They are quick to heal and recover. Battleships, with their silly pride and honor try to hide the fact they are leaking oil or down a boiler if they can. I am your repair ship! I care not about your pride only that you are healthy for the next sortie!" Angie gave her head one last large shake as if she was a queen pronouncing and edict that had just finished.
"I… uhm..." Duke started to speak but then stopped almost immediately.
"You were about to say that you did not think you were that bad ja?" Angie turned to look at Duke.
"Yes, I was." Duke couldn't help but smile wryly. "Until I remembered some of my sisters and even myself in certain situations."
"You are one of the good ones then. You at least recognize you have a problem." Angie was clearly satisfied at that and Ron couldn't help but chuckle.
"I'm reminded of Warspite before I fixed her. She was just a little bit stubborn about her injuries."
It was Duke's turn to chuckle.
"That is like saying water is wet Ron but you have a point."
As they entered the kitchen Ron spotted Victoria in a state he'd never seen her in before. She actually looked mildly frazzled, what with several of her hairs out of place and the pinch of her eyebrows set close enough to be visible.
"Victoria, is something wrong?" Ron called out to the maid, causing her to look up immediately.
"Young Master." Victoria turned towards him immediately, the look of worry and the stray hairs somehow disappearing as a mask of calm appeared on her face. "I… there is not a problem per-say but..." There was a pause as Victoria collected her thoughts. "You do not know anyone who would perchance pull a low joke on you involving a harlot?"
"I… what? No." Ron was startled by the question, "Nobody that I can think of. Harry and Hermione don't have that sense of humor and Fred and George would get killed by my mother."
Victoria took a deep breath, clearly having expected an answer like that while desperately wanting it not to be.
"Then I am obliged to report that I believe the French… Guest..." Ron knew immediately that Victoria wanted to put "Harlot" there but was too focused to. "You are expecting is at the front gate. On a motorbike."
Ron wasn't sure which part Victoria disapproved of more, the fact that whatever Jean-Bart looked like did not meet her standards or the fact that she was on a motorcycle.
"Well then we should let her in." Ron knew that was what Victoria didn't want to hear but this was a request directed at him by a British ally through formal military channels. Not something he could avoid simply because Victoria didn't think the best of her.
"Yes Master." Victoria bowed her head formally and Ron could feel something happening in the meantime.
"Thank you Victoria. Will you prepare something for us? I think this is going to be a long meeting."
Victoria bowed her head, clearly relieved to be doing something more familiar so she could ignore what was coming up the drive.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
On the road, fifteen minutes earlier.
Jean-Bart grinned as her hair whipped behind her, the engine on her BMW S1000RR howling beneath her. She couldn't open it up to the full throttle given the road shape and condition but she enjoyed it nonetheless. Say what you wanted about German shipbuilding but they did great motorcycles. At least this way she could reach some proper speeds.
Her mind turned towards her worries for a moment, of what Ronald Weasley might say about her condition. He'd repaired Warspite that was undeniable and he seemed to have an understanding of engineering far beyond his age. Yet she had no knowledge of anything like her particular condition happening elsewhere and if he had no ideas…
She shook herself mentally. That was no way to think at a time like this. Not when the sun was out and she had a free road to work with. Things like worrying about showing her rig could happen later when they were about to occur.
Instead she opened up the throttle more, wondering if she could find a spot flat, long and empty enough to try and hit close to the top speed. Probably not but she could hope.
Ten minutes later she pulled up to a stop, having not found the stretch of road she wanted but still managing to have pushed herself over 120KPH for one last burst of speed before she'd gotten to the manor house.
As she did pull up she had to admit that it was impressive in its own way. An old style to be sure, square even from a distance but the yards were relatively well tended and there appeared to be someone out and working on them from what she could see. However for some reason the gate was closed and she didn't see a button to press for a bell or entrance. Frustrated for a moment she considered simply driving around the thing as there wasn't a fence around the whole manor but she go the feeling that would be a bad idea, for multiple reasons.
Thankfully the thing finally opened after a couple minutes. Perhaps there was a timer on the thing? She shook her head as she pulled up the drive, the engine beneath her barely murmuring while her own boilers were steadily building pressure she had no release for. As she reached the front door she saw it open and several people stepped out.
The first one she noticed was the battleship. Not quite as tall as her and not quite as fast, the KGV class was still a respectable foe. Rather, she would have been if there had ever been a chance of France and Great Britain coming to blows. The blonde's hair was just about at length with hers and that brought a small grin to her face as her fellow ship of the line examined her with respect in turn. Perhaps they could talk about the issues of having quadruple turrets and long hair some time.
The second was the maid. Of moderate height and relatively nondescript build, she looked average. Even her hair was somehow average despite being just slightly more blonde than brown. Yet that wasn't what caught her eye. Instead it was the look she was getting from her. Oh it was perfectly polite enough. Yet she'd had enough people disapprove of the way she dressed and acted that she could tell she would find no friend there.
Finally the one she'd actually come to see. He was… still young. His face at least and his height still spoke of growing through the awkward stages of puberty. Shaggy red hair on top of his head and dressed appropriately for meeting a guest. Yet it was his eyes that changed her immediate opinion of him. For they were much more mature than what a boy his age would normally have and he was not leering at her. Nor was he even apparently shocked by her outfit. That could be both good or bad but she was leaning towards good.
As she stood from her bike and let it settle, she could feel his eyes on her. She thought for a moment he was ogling her while she wasn't paying attention but as she turned and started walking towards them his eyes stayed, watching her walk. That was also strange. Still she forced her face into a more polite arrangement as she got close and opened her mouth.
"Hello. I am Jean-Bart, second ship of the Richelieu class. I am here to meet Ronald Weasley."
Of course she didn't know those words would change the course of her life.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ron's first impression of Jean-Bart was that she was… different.
Standing on the front step to meet their guest along with Duke and Victoria gave him a good view of the French battleship as she arrived on a sleek looking motorcycle and settled herself on the drive.
For one, most of his experience was with British battleships. He'd met a few Japanese ones when he'd gone to see Harry over the summer but Nagato had been just as proud and regal as any of Duke or Warspite's sisters and he'd only seen the others for a brief time. While Jean-Bart certainly had a presence of her own it was subtly different than the rest.
Alright, so this is default Jean-Bart look. In the HatSG verse she has a bit less cleavage showing and her shorts are Magical Ship-girl Short Shorts. They cover all of her aft to her leg. No more no less and you'll never be able to see a curve there but you might imagine it. Still plenty to get a Victorian maid's dander up over.It wasn't her outfit. For all that her shorts were nearly as short as the swimsuit bottoms Duke had worn in Japan or that her top showed off plenty of cleavage, he'd seen worse. The piratical them she seemed to be sporting overall was no odder than the maid outfits a few of the British cruisers wore, though the thigh high sock on one leg and the long boot on the other made her look slightly lopsided she wore it well nonetheless.
It wasn't her looks either. While part of Ron was informing him that her legs went up and up and up… it was a small part that he easily suppressed. If he'd not seen a ship-girl before it would have been different of course but between Warspite, Duke and his many times at the naval base he was as thoroughly inoculated against shipgirls looks as a man could realistically be. Her long brown hair was drawn up in a ponytail similar to Duke's, going down behind her aft though not quite to the ground like Duke's could do. That probably had something to do with how tall she was, a couple inches taller than Duke at least. Her eyes were striking, being a reddish pink but they fit her like the rest of her outfit did.
It was only when she started walking towards them that Ron's tickling senses finally clued in and kicked him in the rear. Jean-Bart had a runners grace, one that if he'd seen them in person would have reminded him of the Iowa class of the Americans. At least she was supposed to. If he'd not noticed Duke's injury earlier he might have missed it but Jean-Bart had a hitch in her step. It wasn't anything major, a subtle thing that he could just barely see much less pinpoint.
Yet it was there and because of that or perhaps only in part, Jean-Bart had the appearance of a battleships normal grace but it was a front. A veneer covering up something she'd rather not have anyone else see.
Of course then she was right in front of them and he had no more time to ponder.
"Hello. I am Jean-Bart, second ship of the Richelieu class. I am here to meet Ronald Weasley." Her voice was mild, forward if not rude and she looked him right in the eye as she spoke.
"A pleasure to meet you Jean-Bart. I am Ronald Weasley but please feel free to call me Ron. This is Duke of York of the King George V class and this is Victoria Passell, the head maid. Would you like to come inside? We have some refreshments made up and we can sit comfortably while we talk."
Ron fell back on formality for a moment, his mind still not quite sure how to process Jean-Bart and her attitudes. She didn't seem mean spirited to him at least which meant that he could work with her.
The brunette paused for a moment and nodded.
"Yes, that would be welcome thank you." Jean-Bart seemed perhaps slightly off put by his welcome but he wasn't sure if it was his reaction of if she'd been expecting something different.
Ron lead the way inside, with Victoria taking up the rear. They'd prepared a sitting room again, this time less formally but still with two chairs for Ron and Duke with another for Jean-Bart. There were sandwiches prepared and some lemonade in place of the mornings tea. The three settled down for a moment, items being passed around until everyone was waiting.
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you want to meet me?" Ron spoke after setting down his glass. "It's an honor to meet you of course but Admiral Whitcomb didn't say anything else about it other than you wanted to talk."
Jean-Bart paused for a few moments, her eyes focused somewhere on the floor before they rose up to meet Ron's.
"Please understand that this is difficult for me to talk about. I am… private, about my issues since I do not like to… bother people about them if there is nothing they can do."
Ron nodded, settling back in his chair as Jean-Bart spoke.
"I understand. I take it that you think I can do something to help you? Whatever it is?"
Jean-Bart nodded in turn.
"Yes. You are the best… no, the only person that I have found that may be able to do so. Understand I've been looking since I've come back, nearly three years now, for a fix and have found nothing. The repair baths do nothing and even the repair ship I consulted could not. At least she did not think so since the baths would be required for her help."
Ron's mind rapidly put together the pieces of what she was saying into a mostly coherent picture.
"You have an engineering problem you want me to help with? Something to do with your engines?"
Jean-Bart's eyes widened in surprised.
"Yes, how did you…?" She frowned for a moment. "Somebody told you."
Ron shook his head.
"No, you have… a hitch in your step. Or perhaps I should say you have a missing stroke in your engine where you're expecting power to be but it isn't."
Jean-Bart met Ron's eyes as the chair creaked in her hand.
"Truly you did not know this beforehand? Were not told anything?"
Ron nodded.
"I just noticed it in the way you walked, I swear. I don't know what exactly it is but between that and me only being good at one thing..." Ron shrugged.
Duke looked over at Ron and snorted, a clear sign of disapproval at his statement.
"If I may ask… how can you be so certain?" Jean-Bart clearly wanted to believe Ron but she was having trouble doing so. "You are not wrong but it could simply be a wise guess even if what you say about not being told beforehand is true."
Ron looked back to Duke and smiled slightly.
"Do you mind Duke or should I do Warspite instead?"
Duke blushed and shook her head in the negative, even as Jean-Bart looked between the two in mild confusion.
"No, you can show her Ron. I don't mind." Her voice was somewhat soft but there was definitely a note of pride in it.
"Victoria." Ron called out, the maid stepping from the corner she'd been in to hand him a pen and paper she'd gotten from somewhere.
"Thank you." Ron pulled the nearby table closer to him and grabbed the straight edge he'd taken to sticking in his pocket. "This will take a couple minutes." He looked to Jean-Bart for a moment before he began to draw.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Jean-Bart watched first in confusion, then in comprehension and finally in amazement as the teenager in front of her worked.
At first she didn't understand what he was doing, the lines and markings he was drawing meaning nothing to her. It wasn't until she saw the multiple notations he was making as he went that she started to understand. Finally when she did understand and saw him complete what he was working on she was amazed.
It was a yard quality diagram of a boiler room, with top and side views included on it. Judging by the blush on Duke of York's face, it was hers and Ronald, Ron, had done it without looking at anything. Without speaking to anyone about it. Just off the top of his head.
He finished the diagram, looked at it and then offered it to the British battleship.
"What do you think Duke, pretty good?" He spoke as if he'd simply drawn her a picture instead of a detailed work on her interior.
"Yes." Duke of York smiled as she held it for a moment and her hand touched the boys, affection clear. "Here." She handed it over to Jean-Bart.
Jean-Bart looked at the drawing closely as she held it in hand. She tried to find anything at all wrong with the drawing. Even if she didn't know her British counterparts exact dimensions she could tell if it was more or less right simply by the way it was setup.
It was as far as she could tell, perfect down to the last marking. Perhaps even better than a builders print if such a thing were possible.
She handed the print back to Duke, who carefully took the item and set it on the table next to her.
"You can do that from memory." It was a statement from her and not a question. "For her."
"I did an entire book for Warspite. Stem to stern and keel to aerials." A return statement from the boy. Not a boast, just an assertion. "I needed to know that so I could fix her. I can do more for Duke but not quite everything yet. Her turrets are my main concern but it wouldn't be fair if I didn't do the same."
Jean-Bart felt part of her warm at the thought of somebody knowing her that well, even as she watched the long haired blonde in front of her clasp the boy… no he was too mature for that, the hand of the young man in front of her.
"I believe you." She said, feeling a ball of tension somewhere in her boilers release. "I do." She felt the barest of smiles come onto her face. "Which means I think you can actually help."
Ron nodded, leaning forward. "Then what exactly is it I need to do?"
Jean-Bart paused, her mind racing as she thought of all the things wrong with her.
"I think perhaps I should show instead of simply tell."
"The repair pool then? You should be able to rig up there."
Jean-Bart nodded, even as she was surprised at the casual mention of a repair pool on the property. "Yes, I think that's appropriate."
Ron nodded again and stood up. "Lets go then."
As she stood, Jean-Bart matched eyes with Duke of York for a moment. They didn't say anything but Jean-Bart thought that the British ship understood where she was coming from. Perhaps she did know what was wrong with her. If she did she hadn't said anything… and she clearly believed in him.
That was enough for her.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Wew another long one. There should be one more part with all of this before I go onto other things but I hope you are all still enjoying. Questions, comments, concerns welcome as always.
- Location
- Mountains of Appalachia
Awesome as always! I did the more detailed analysis and feedback on SB, but this was wonderful.
I shall be disapointed if Victoria at some point does not sniff and mention that the house certainly does not need any more 'French Tarts' to Ron or perhaps even Dreadnought. Although, I will think that at some point she will marginally warm up to Jean-Bart as 'the exception that proves the rule' about the French.
- Location
- england
will all of these side stories like weasley's warship workshop be added to the threadmarks?
- Location
- USA
Thanks!
I'm sure that French Tarts will come up in some manner. Probably around Warspite or Dreadnought though. I had a bit of snip in mind where Victoria got huffy and Ron had to ask her to leave but that's not in her character and professionalism even if she does think Jean-Bart is dressed as a hussy.
Edit: A buddy is much different from hussy autocorrupt!
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- Location
- Mountains of Appalachia
They along with my stuff will wind up in Sidestories in the next threadmark update.
That said, Weasley's Warship Workshop is the sequel/continuation to the Ron, Duke and Warspite stories.
- Location
- england
ah thanks for that, i was worried when i couldn't figure out where they were in the list
- Location
- Mountains of Appalachia
Well considering that 'tart' is period slang for prostitute and the upper-class British view of the French during the Victorian/Edwardian era was 'a bunch of licentious perverts'.... Then you can add Jean-Bart's uniform, and yeah.
Victoria will no doubt be keeping an eagle eye on matters to insure the Young Master's sleep is not disturbed by a midnight delivery of 'French tart' to his room. Which will be funny if Jean-Bart decides for a late night refueling run and gets misconstrued enroute to the kitchens.
Dreadnought and Warspite would understand that reference. Duke, Jean-Bart, and certainly Ron probably will not understand that Victoria is not discussing dessert pastry recipes from France then.
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- Location
- USA
Oh, Victoria is going to have Big Brother is watching levels of security on the Young Master when Jean-Bart is around. Jean-Bart for her part is a bit of a restless sleeper so I could see something like that happening since her rangefinders are jury rigged and she doesn't have any radar at the moment.
What will really grind Victoria's gears is the first time Jean-Bart offers to take Ron for a ride on her bike and the first time she falls asleep next to him. Each is a massive sign of trust from Jean-Bart but it's still the Young Master alone with a French Tarts.
I can see Dreadnought being cautious about the matter because that's what she does, Warspite less so though she'll keep an eye out on it. Duke is a maybe, Jean-Bart probably actually does know what that means but Ron certainly doesn't. So, awkward slips of the tongue ho!
Sakuya's Butler
A refined Butler to a knife wielding Mistress.
- Location
- ↓, ↘, → + Punch
The only ONLY nitpick I have with this chapter, is that you didn't show Jean-Bart's fairies, mainly her command crew and all her senior engineering fairies, being utterly floored and speechless at watching him work.Weasley's Warship Workshop 3
"Sorry we didn't get to talk much before things got started Angie. I wanted to ask how you were doing." Ron looked up to the large woman, her coveralls still covered in oil and grease despite the fact he was rather certain she'd not done anything heavy during the procedure. The pair were walking out of the repair baths along with Duke after Summer had finished with the Battleship Princess.
"It is no matter Ron, Summer had something important to give you and repairing a damaged abyssal is very much her territory. I was happy to watch and corroborate some of those American reports they've passed around." Angie shook her dirty brown head cheerfully and patted Ron on the back with a thump that nearly caused him to stumble. "I am doing well though, thanks to you and your friends. Especially since the repair baths have been finished."
Ron smiled and nodded. "I heard they were working better for you than the ones at Portsmouth?"
"A little bit my friend, perhaps 5-10% faster on most things. Not enough to truly exclaim that things are best only done here but not inconsiderable either." Angie nodded to herself. "I believe it is because the pool is ah… "Home" as you might say. So I am more attuned to it."
"That does make sense." Ron nodded along. "I take it you're having no issues with the Royal Navy then?"
"No no no." Angie waved her hand in front of her face. "Not the officers at least. They are quite pleased to see me, even if one or two are upset that I eat so much." Angie grinned at that. "But a woman like me needs lots of fuel to work so they are quiet. What I am having trouble with are those stubborn battleships."
"The battleships?" Ron asked, cocking his head to the side as the two were about to enter the back door.
"Ja like Ms. Duke. She is perhaps not as bad as some but they are all stubborn about their repairs." Angie switched into a falsetto as they made their way to the kitchen. "No Angie, I am fine. Please ignore the GAPING HOLE in my side and take care of the little ones yes?" Angie snorted. "As often as not the little ones are merely rattled and scuffed. They are quick to heal and recover. Battleships, with their silly pride and honor try to hide the fact they are leaking oil or down a boiler if they can. I am your repair ship! I care not about your pride only that you are healthy for the next sortie!" Angie gave her head one last large shake as if she was a queen pronouncing and edict that had just finished.
"I… uhm..." Duke started to speak but then stopped almost immediately.
"You were about to say that you did not think you were that bad ja?" Angie turned to look at Duke.
"Yes, I was." Duke couldn't help but smile wryly. "Until I remembered some of my sisters and even myself in certain situations."
"You are one of the good ones then. You at least recognize you have a problem." Angie was clearly satisfied at that and Ron couldn't help but chuckle.
"I'm reminded of Warspite before I fixed her. She was just a little bit stubborn about her injuries."
It was Duke's turn to chuckle.
"That is like saying water is wet Ron but you have a point."
As they entered the kitchen Ron spotted Victoria in a state he'd never seen her in before. She actually looked mildly frazzled, what with several of her hairs out of place and the pinch of her eyebrows set close enough to be visible.
"Victoria, is something wrong?" Ron called out to the maid, causing her to look up immediately.
"Young Master." Victoria turned towards him immediately, the look of worry and the stray hairs somehow disappearing as a mask of calm appeared on her face. "I… there is not a problem per-say but..." There was a pause as Victoria collected her thoughts. "You do not know anyone who would perchance pull a low joke on you involving a harlot?"
"I… what? No." Ron was startled by the question, "Nobody that I can think of. Harry and Hermione don't have that sense of humor and Fred and George would get killed by my mother."
Victoria took a deep breath, clearly having expected an answer like that while desperately wanting it not to be.
"Then I am obliged to report that I believe the French… Guest..." Ron knew immediately that Victoria wanted to put "Harlot" there but was too focused to. "You are expecting is at the front gate. On a motorbike."
Ron wasn't sure which part Victoria disapproved of more, the fact that whatever Jean-Bart looked like did not meet her standards or the fact that she was on a motorcycle.
"Well then we should let her in." Ron knew that was what Victoria didn't want to hear but this was a request directed at him by a British ally through formal military channels. Not something he could avoid simply because Victoria didn't think the best of her.
"Yes Master." Victoria bowed her head formally and Ron could feel something happening in the meantime.
"Thank you Victoria. Will you prepare something for us? I think this is going to be a long meeting."
Victoria bowed her head, clearly relieved to be doing something more familiar so she could ignore what was coming up the drive.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
On the road, fifteen minutes earlier.
Jean-Bart grinned as her hair whipped behind her, the engine on her BMW S1000RR howling beneath her. She couldn't open it up to the full throttle given the road shape and condition but she enjoyed it nonetheless. Say what you wanted about German shipbuilding but they did great motorcycles. At least this way she could reach some proper speeds.
Her mind turned towards her worries for a moment, of what Ronald Weasley might say about her condition. He'd repaired Warspite that was undeniable and he seemed to have an understanding of engineering far beyond his age. Yet she had no knowledge of anything like her particular condition happening elsewhere and if he had no ideas…
She shook herself mentally. That was no way to think at a time like this. Not when the sun was out and she had a free road to work with. Things like worrying about showing her rig could happen later when they were about to occur.
Instead she opened up the throttle more, wondering if she could find a spot flat, long and empty enough to try and hit close to the top speed. Probably not but she could hope.
Ten minutes later she pulled up to a stop, having not found the stretch of road she wanted but still managing to have pushed herself over 120KPH for one last burst of speed before she'd gotten to the manor house.
As she did pull up she had to admit that it was impressive in its own way. An old style to be sure, square even from a distance but the yards were relatively well tended and there appeared to be someone out and working on them from what she could see. However for some reason the gate was closed and she didn't see a button to press for a bell or entrance. Frustrated for a moment she considered simply driving around the thing as there wasn't a fence around the whole manor but she go the feeling that would be a bad idea, for multiple reasons.
Thankfully the thing finally opened after a couple minutes. Perhaps there was a timer on the thing? She shook her head as she pulled up the drive, the engine beneath her barely murmuring while her own boilers were steadily building pressure she had no release for. As she reached the front door she saw it open and several people stepped out.
The first one she noticed was the battleship. Not quite as tall as her and not quite as fast, the KGV class was still a respectable foe. Rather, she would have been if there had ever been a chance of France and Great Britain coming to blows. The blonde's hair was just about at length with hers and that brought a small grin to her face as her fellow ship of the line examined her with respect in turn. Perhaps they could talk about the issues of having quadruple turrets and long hair some time.
The second was the maid. Of moderate height and relatively nondescript build, she looked average. Even her hair was somehow average despite being just slightly more blonde than brown. Yet that wasn't what caught her eye. Instead it was the look she was getting from her. Oh it was perfectly polite enough. Yet she'd had enough people disapprove of the way she dressed and acted that she could tell she would find no friend there.
Finally the one she'd actually come to see. He was… still young. His face at least and his height still spoke of growing through the awkward stages of puberty. Shaggy red hair on top of his head and dressed appropriately for meeting a guest. Yet it was his eyes that changed her immediate opinion of him. For they were much more mature than what a boy his age would normally have and he was not leering at her. Nor was he even apparently shocked by her outfit. That could be both good or bad but she was leaning towards good.
As she stood from her bike and let it settle, she could feel his eyes on her. She thought for a moment he was ogling her while she wasn't paying attention but as she turned and started walking towards them his eyes stayed, watching her walk. That was also strange. Still she forced her face into a more polite arrangement as she got close and opened her mouth.
"Hello. I am Jean-Bart, second ship of the Richelieu class. I am here to meet Ronald Weasley."
Of course she didn't know those words would change the course of her life.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ron's first impression of Jean-Bart was that she was… different.
Standing on the front step to meet their guest along with Duke and Victoria gave him a good view of the French battleship as she arrived on a sleek looking motorcycle and settled herself on the drive.
For one, most of his experience was with British battleships. He'd met a few Japanese ones when he'd gone to see Harry over the summer but Nagato had been just as proud and regal as any of Duke or Warspite's sisters and he'd only seen the others for a brief time. While Jean-Bart certainly had a presence of her own it was subtly different than the rest.
It wasn't her outfit. For all that her shorts were nearly as short as the swimsuit bottoms Duke had worn in Japan or that her top showed off plenty of cleavage, he'd seen worse. The piratical them she seemed to be sporting overall was no odder than the maid outfits a few of the British cruisers wore, though the thigh high sock on one leg and the long boot on the other made her look slightly lopsided she wore it well nonetheless.
It wasn't her looks either. While part of Ron was informing him that her legs went up and up and up… it was a small part that he easily suppressed. If he'd not seen a ship-girl before it would have been different of course but between Warspite, Duke and his many times at the naval base he was as thoroughly inoculated against shipgirls looks as a man could realistically be. Her long brown hair was drawn up in a ponytail similar to Duke's, going down behind her aft though not quite to the ground like Duke's could do. That probably had something to do with how tall she was, a couple inches taller than Duke at least. Her eyes were striking, being a reddish pink but they fit her like the rest of her outfit did.
It was only when she started walking towards them that Ron's tickling senses finally clued in and kicked him in the rear. Jean-Bart had a runners grace, one that if he'd seen them in person would have reminded him of the Iowa class of the Americans. At least she was supposed to. If he'd not noticed Duke's injury earlier he might have missed it but Jean-Bart had a hitch in her step. It wasn't anything major, a subtle thing that he could just barely see much less pinpoint.
Yet it was there and because of that or perhaps only in part, Jean-Bart had the appearance of a battleships normal grace but it was a front. A veneer covering up something she'd rather not have anyone else see.
Of course then she was right in front of them and he had no more time to ponder.
"Hello. I am Jean-Bart, second ship of the Richelieu class. I am here to meet Ronald Weasley." Her voice was mild, forward if not rude and she looked him right in the eye as she spoke.
"A pleasure to meet you Jean-Bart. I am Ronald Weasley but please feel free to call me Ron. This is Duke of York of the King George V class and this is Victoria Passell, the head maid. Would you like to come inside? We have some refreshments made up and we can sit comfortably while we talk."
Ron fell back on formality for a moment, his mind still not quite sure how to process Jean-Bart and her attitudes. She didn't seem mean spirited to him at least which meant that he could work with her.
The brunette paused for a moment and nodded.
"Yes, that would be welcome thank you." Jean-Bart seemed perhaps slightly off put by his welcome but he wasn't sure if it was his reaction of if she'd been expecting something different.
Ron lead the way inside, with Victoria taking up the rear. They'd prepared a sitting room again, this time less formally but still with two chairs for Ron and Duke with another for Jean-Bart. There were sandwiches prepared and some lemonade in place of the mornings tea. The three settled down for a moment, items being passed around until everyone was waiting.
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you want to meet me?" Ron spoke after setting down his glass. "It's an honor to meet you of course but Admiral Whitcomb didn't say anything else about it other than you wanted to talk."
Jean-Bart paused for a few moments, her eyes focused somewhere on the floor before they rose up to meet Ron's.
"Please understand that this is difficult for me to talk about. I am… private, about my issues since I do not like to… bother people about them if there is nothing they can do."
Ron nodded, settling back in his chair as Jean-Bart spoke.
"I understand. I take it that you think I can do something to help you? Whatever it is?"
Jean-Bart nodded in turn.
"Yes. You are the best… no, the only person that I have found that may be able to do so. Understand I've been looking since I've come back, nearly three years now, for a fix and have found nothing. The repair baths do nothing and even the repair ship I consulted could not. At least she did not think so since the baths would be required for her help."
Ron's mind rapidly put together the pieces of what she was saying into a mostly coherent picture.
"You have an engineering problem you want me to help with? Something to do with your engines?"
Jean-Bart's eyes widened in surprised.
"Yes, how did you…?" She frowned for a moment. "Somebody told you."
Ron shook his head.
"No, you have… a hitch in your step. Or perhaps I should say you have a missing stroke in your engine where you're expecting power to be but it isn't."
Jean-Bart met Ron's eyes as the chair creaked in her hand.
"Truly you did not know this beforehand? Were not told anything?"
Ron nodded.
"I just noticed it in the way you walked, I swear. I don't know what exactly it is but between that and me only being good at one thing..." Ron shrugged.
Duke looked over at Ron and snorted, a clear sign of disapproval at his statement.
"If I may ask… how can you be so certain?" Jean-Bart clearly wanted to believe Ron but she was having trouble doing so. "You are not wrong but it could simply be a wise guess even if what you say about not being told beforehand is true."
Ron looked back to Duke and smiled slightly.
"Do you mind Duke or should I do Warspite instead?"
Duke blushed and shook her head in the negative, even as Jean-Bart looked between the two in mild confusion.
"No, you can show her Ron. I don't mind." Her voice was somewhat soft but there was definitely a note of pride in it.
"Victoria." Ron called out, the maid stepping from the corner she'd been in to hand him a pen and paper she'd gotten from somewhere.
"Thank you." Ron pulled the nearby table closer to him and grabbed the straight edge he'd taken to sticking in his pocket. "This will take a couple minutes." He looked to Jean-Bart for a moment before he began to draw.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Jean-Bart watched first in confusion, then in comprehension and finally in amazement as the teenager in front of her worked.
At first she didn't understand what he was doing, the lines and markings he was drawing meaning nothing to her. It wasn't until she saw the multiple notations he was making as he went that she started to understand. Finally when she did understand and saw him complete what he was working on she was amazed.
It was a yard quality diagram of a boiler room, with top and side views included on it. Judging by the blush on Duke of York's face, it was hers and Ronald, Ron, had done it without looking at anything. Without speaking to anyone about it. Just off the top of his head.
He finished the diagram, looked at it and then offered it to the British battleship.
"What do you think Duke, pretty good?" He spoke as if he'd simply drawn her a picture instead of a detailed work on her interior.
"Yes." Duke of York smiled as she held it for a moment and her hand touched the boys, affection clear. "Here." She handed it over to Jean-Bart.
Jean-Bart looked at the drawing closely as she held it in hand. She tried to find anything at all wrong with the drawing. Even if she didn't know her British counterparts exact dimensions she could tell if it was more or less right simply by the way it was setup.
It was as far as she could tell, perfect down to the last marking. Perhaps even better than a builders print if such a thing were possible.
She handed the print back to Duke, who carefully took the item and set it on the table next to her.
"You can do that from memory." It was a statement from her and not a question. "For her."
"I did an entire book for Warspite. Stem to stern and keel to aerials." A return statement from the boy. Not a boast, just an assertion. "I needed to know that so I could fix her. I can do more for Duke but not quite everything yet. Her turrets are my main concern but it wouldn't be fair if I didn't do the same."
Jean-Bart felt part of her warm at the thought of somebody knowing her that well, even as she watched the long haired blonde in front of her clasp the boy… no he was too mature for that, the hand of the young man in front of her.
"I believe you." She said, feeling a ball of tension somewhere in her boilers release. "I do." She felt the barest of smiles come onto her face. "Which means I think you can actually help."
Ron nodded, leaning forward. "Then what exactly is it I need to do?"
Jean-Bart paused, her mind racing as she thought of all the things wrong with her.
"I think perhaps I should show instead of simply tell."
"The repair pool then? You should be able to rig up there."
Jean-Bart nodded, even as she was surprised at the casual mention of a repair pool on the property. "Yes, I think that's appropriate."
Ron nodded again and stood up. "Lets go then."
As she stood, Jean-Bart matched eyes with Duke of York for a moment. They didn't say anything but Jean-Bart thought that the British ship understood where she was coming from. Perhaps she did know what was wrong with her. If she did she hadn't said anything… and she clearly believed in him.
That was enough for her.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Wew another long one. There should be one more part with all of this before I go onto other things but I hope you are all still enjoying. Questions, comments, concerns welcome as always.
A yard quality draft, off the top of a 13-yr old boy's head? Using nothing but a straight edge ruler?? Somewhere inside Jean-Bart, there is a chief engineer fairy swearing vilely, that Ron wasn't born French. Immediately followed by him practically begging his ship not to let Ron out of her sight, ever.
Whitcomb is going to be gloating like the devil himself the next time he meets with his French opposite, no matter that they are allies now.
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- Location
- Knoxville, TN
Hate when I miss a key point. Yes I noticed all of the freed souls but how did I miss the first mentioned were those of SAILORS. Any bets that new summons might have new fairy crew members or perhaps stowaways that are now able to get some payback on Azzy?
Shaithan
Re-class is happiest class
- Location
- The worst part of Germany
Scapa Flow is not an abyssal. She's an Installation girl like Halifax, the spirit of HMNB Scapa Flow.
Blame Barricade for not properly updating the chart on this for years now.
Now, as far as Wandering Princess is concerned, Wanko likely gave the IFF data to Hoppo, seeing that she has the IFF data from when she dealt with Wandering Princess.
Wandering Princess also has Portia's IFF, but those fleets will give the other a wide berth. And there won't be any cooperation between them.
ijnfleetadmiral
CinC Rengo Kanmusutai
- Location
- Admiral's Bridge, HIJMS Kongo
And we meet the next member of Fleet Weasley. She just doesn't know it yet.
*Dark mutterings under breath by a house personification*
What else can one say to something like that? VIVE LA FRANCE!
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Harry Leferts
Suave Shadow Cabal Kaiju
Generally, yes.
That would likely be her response, yes.
Well... Hoppou just found out...
Yup, she's never met Hoppou before after all.
Eh, not really...
Wait, did Hermione just blow her cover there?
Huh, well, I am not that surprised really...
That makes entirely far too much sense...
Now this is interesting. Ron is definitely getting better and better at Engineering if he is able to tell what is wrong with her at a glance and to also drawn yard quality drawings of Duke's turret from memory alone.
Yes, they will be.
:lol
That would be just plain hilarious.
Well... that goes without saying really...
Those a really old ships though...
And we meet the next member of Fleet Weasley. She just doesn't know it yet.
*Dark mutterings under breath by a house personification*
What else can one say to something like that? VIVE LA FRANCE!
Harry Leferts Omake: Harry gives Regina a hand
Harry Leferts
Suave Shadow Cabal Kaiju
Have an omake:
_______________________________________
Cooler swinging from his hand, the now twenty five year old Harry whistled a bit before walking into the area of the base given over to repairing allied Abyssals. Walking in, he could see Regina laid out as Hoppou bustled around. At seeing him, Regina brightened some, "Harry? What are you doing here?"
Reaching her, Harry gently kissed her before stroking her hair, "Partially coming by to check up on you." Even as the blushing Re-Class looked up at him, he continued, "Shinano-Chan said that you got somewhat banged up during the last battle."
From where she was gathering tools, Hoppou smiled a bit, "Yes, Big Brother. Some bangs and dings for the most part, easy fix for Hoppou! But.... one part will be a bit harder for Hoppou."
With a hum, Harry looked over at Regina's arm... or what was left of it since a heavy shell had blown it apart at the elbow. Seeing the Abyssal look down a bit, he had a twinkle in his eye as he shook his head, "I suppose that you were... disarmed then."
Giggles escaped the Re-Class even as the small Princess shook her head. As she got herself under control, Regina gave him a look, "Harry, that's not funny."
At his raised eyebrow, she looked away with a blush. If anything, that made his eyebrow raise still further, "You giggled at it."
Chewing her lip, Regina was silent before looking at him, "Um, well, I guess it was kind of funny..."
In reply, Harry gave her another kiss, this one she leaned into. Pulling back, he chuckled, "I'm glad to hear your giggles, Regina. Almost as beautiful as you."
While the Abyssal blushed and giggled again, Hoppou rolled her eyes, 'Big Brother is silly.' It was then that she remembered something and gave him an odd look, "Wait..." Turning, she gave him an odd look, "Big Brother stated he came down only partially to check on Regina. What other reason is Big Brother here for?"
Slowly, Harry raises the cooler, "Iku-Chan and the other Submarines were in the area and found Regina's arm and brought it back. So I figured on bringing it here." Glancing at the stub, he frowned, 'I wonder if it is bad that this doesn't bother me like it doesn't bother them when they get hurt like this.'
Just sighing, Hoppou smiled, "Thank you, Big Brother. If Hoppou has old arm, easier to fix for Hoppou." As he set down the cooler and opened it to reveal the recovered arm, she tilted her head to the side, "Though Big Brother could have sent someone else to deliver it."
Right then, a familiar twinkle entered his eyes as he lifted the lower arm of the Re-Class from the cooler. Grinning, Harry held it up, "I just figured that I should come by and... give you a hand with this."
Utter silence met him before Regina began madly giggling enough that she fell back. Meanwhile, Hoppou gave him an unamused look before bringing out her squirt bottle and spraying him, "Big Brother too silly."
All Harry did was grin between sputters.
_______________________________________
Cooler swinging from his hand, the now twenty five year old Harry whistled a bit before walking into the area of the base given over to repairing allied Abyssals. Walking in, he could see Regina laid out as Hoppou bustled around. At seeing him, Regina brightened some, "Harry? What are you doing here?"
Reaching her, Harry gently kissed her before stroking her hair, "Partially coming by to check up on you." Even as the blushing Re-Class looked up at him, he continued, "Shinano-Chan said that you got somewhat banged up during the last battle."
From where she was gathering tools, Hoppou smiled a bit, "Yes, Big Brother. Some bangs and dings for the most part, easy fix for Hoppou! But.... one part will be a bit harder for Hoppou."
With a hum, Harry looked over at Regina's arm... or what was left of it since a heavy shell had blown it apart at the elbow. Seeing the Abyssal look down a bit, he had a twinkle in his eye as he shook his head, "I suppose that you were... disarmed then."
Giggles escaped the Re-Class even as the small Princess shook her head. As she got herself under control, Regina gave him a look, "Harry, that's not funny."
At his raised eyebrow, she looked away with a blush. If anything, that made his eyebrow raise still further, "You giggled at it."
Chewing her lip, Regina was silent before looking at him, "Um, well, I guess it was kind of funny..."
In reply, Harry gave her another kiss, this one she leaned into. Pulling back, he chuckled, "I'm glad to hear your giggles, Regina. Almost as beautiful as you."
While the Abyssal blushed and giggled again, Hoppou rolled her eyes, 'Big Brother is silly.' It was then that she remembered something and gave him an odd look, "Wait..." Turning, she gave him an odd look, "Big Brother stated he came down only partially to check on Regina. What other reason is Big Brother here for?"
Slowly, Harry raises the cooler, "Iku-Chan and the other Submarines were in the area and found Regina's arm and brought it back. So I figured on bringing it here." Glancing at the stub, he frowned, 'I wonder if it is bad that this doesn't bother me like it doesn't bother them when they get hurt like this.'
Just sighing, Hoppou smiled, "Thank you, Big Brother. If Hoppou has old arm, easier to fix for Hoppou." As he set down the cooler and opened it to reveal the recovered arm, she tilted her head to the side, "Though Big Brother could have sent someone else to deliver it."
Right then, a familiar twinkle entered his eyes as he lifted the lower arm of the Re-Class from the cooler. Grinning, Harry held it up, "I just figured that I should come by and... give you a hand with this."
Utter silence met him before Regina began madly giggling enough that she fell back. Meanwhile, Hoppou gave him an unamused look before bringing out her squirt bottle and spraying him, "Big Brother too silly."
All Harry did was grin between sputters.
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"Errr... big brother?"
"Yes Hoppou?"
"It is a Re-class arm, but unless Regina had two left ones..."
". . . huh. Back in a bit."