[A/N: Hey all, I decided that rather than letting a visual novel I was writing a few years back...
Kantai Collection: Sailing Towards the Dawn
- Thread starter acecipher
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[A/N: Hey all, I decided that rather than letting a visual novel I was writing a few years back go to waste, I should re-write it slightly as a quest. I hope it is enjoyable to you all and I actually get to the interesting parts before I feel too self-conscious to continue writing aaaaaaaa and the take on pseudo-transhuman merger of ship and girl and all the terrible implications therein. If this gets off the ground, I'll put up a glossary here, and a character sheet, but for now I hope the post is illustrative of the basics of the world. ]
Jiro sighed. He looked up out the window of the rather luxurious quarters he had been assigned. He had only received his promotion a week ago, and only been out of the Academy for a year. Now he was Lieutenant Hanagawa… He was stepping into big shoes, but that was what was expected of him. He came from a long line of naval commanders, and was carrying on the good old family tradition. His own enthusiasm for a naval career had its own origins in his childhood, and he had pursued it with a vigor and single-mindedness that made his family proud, even his hard-nosed father. And it had been a fairly straightforward path with his family's history in the service--even without relying on his Great Uncle's Brass.
He shook his head to clear it. He needed to focus on the path before him, and questioning his decisions--or the wisdom of men more knowledgeable and older than himself--would do no good. He stared at the ocean he would soon find himself sailing over. It looked peaceful--of course it was, here, near the shore. He and his family had seen to that. With the Abyssals out there, though, it would be his job to keep it that way--unless he could find a way to eliminate them all, that is.
But to succeed, Jiro would need command of a Fleet. Not just the task force he likely would be given command of now, but the full might of the Japanese Navy. With that, he could set off into the Pacific, and eliminate the largest hive currently known. And with that, he could set forth to conquering the other theaters in Humanity's war for survival, and gain his name, and his family's name, a place in the annals of Naval History.
He realized he had raised his clenched fists in front of his chests, and was practically smirking. He reminded himself that it was unbecoming of an officer to be so prideful and self-centered. No, it wouldn't be just him and his family, but he would be carrying the honor of the fleet serving under him as well. The brave shipgirls who would be fighting alongside him would also earn their own positions in the halls of glory. All the girls in the fleet had all made the sacrifice to join the navy and be neurally linked with a warship. Without a pilot (almost always female) matching the specific brain-wave pattern to interface to the ship, the fully-automated neural-computer interface wouldn't allow the automated warships of the modern Anti-Abyssal fleets to coordinate their firepower or systems effectively. They deserved a special mention on the history books of mankind, especially the sacrifice the girls they were before, and their families, had to make. It was truly selfless to choose to meld yourself with the shipgirl's personality cores, and become their pilot.
He breathed in deeply, satisfied with correcting his overreach, but his breath released in sputtering surprise as a knock came from his door. A flash of anger marked his expression as he turned around, someone daring to disturb his reverie, but the voice coming from the door gave him pause. "L-Lieutennant….." came the soft, almost halting voice. "I wanted to make sure you were up, Jiro, I figured you would be, but i case you weren't, I… Y-you would never forgive yourself if you were late…." The gentle voice of your childhood friend Alice, to be your Executive Officer as Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tsubakura Nadeshiko, floated in to greet Jiro.
JIRO:
[ ] ...nervously curses under his breath. "Wh-what… why's she here so early…. Is Alice trying to embarass me already…" He says, feeling the blush on his cheeks. "I-I'm up!" he responds at the door.
[ ] ...tries to calm himself before answering politely, "Yes, Nadeshiko. I'm here, thank you for coming to wake me. W-we shouldn't dally though, we both have to report in twenty minutes to the base commander to assume our post."
[ ] ...curses under his breath. "Shit, what's that clingy woman doing? Does she want people to suspect us of favoritism? I need her to get over her emotional nature. She's going to be my second-in-command, and by god, she's got to learn how to command, dammit. What's with that half-assed greeting?"
Personality stats: Jiro
Severity: Neutral
Temperance: +2
Affection: +4
Passion: +1
Tsubakura's decision
Humanity:
Shipgirl:
FREE WILL: +2
Relationships
Jiro x Tsubakura: +2
Jiro x Hibiki -2
Alice x Hibiki +1
Severity: Neutral
Temperance: +2
Affection: +4
Passion: +1
Tsubakura's decision
Humanity:
Shipgirl:
FREE WILL: +2
Relationships
Jiro x Tsubakura: +2
Jiro x Hibiki -2
Alice x Hibiki +1
Jiro sighed. He looked up out the window of the rather luxurious quarters he had been assigned. He had only received his promotion a week ago, and only been out of the Academy for a year. Now he was Lieutenant Hanagawa… He was stepping into big shoes, but that was what was expected of him. He came from a long line of naval commanders, and was carrying on the good old family tradition. His own enthusiasm for a naval career had its own origins in his childhood, and he had pursued it with a vigor and single-mindedness that made his family proud, even his hard-nosed father. And it had been a fairly straightforward path with his family's history in the service--even without relying on his Great Uncle's Brass.
He shook his head to clear it. He needed to focus on the path before him, and questioning his decisions--or the wisdom of men more knowledgeable and older than himself--would do no good. He stared at the ocean he would soon find himself sailing over. It looked peaceful--of course it was, here, near the shore. He and his family had seen to that. With the Abyssals out there, though, it would be his job to keep it that way--unless he could find a way to eliminate them all, that is.
But to succeed, Jiro would need command of a Fleet. Not just the task force he likely would be given command of now, but the full might of the Japanese Navy. With that, he could set off into the Pacific, and eliminate the largest hive currently known. And with that, he could set forth to conquering the other theaters in Humanity's war for survival, and gain his name, and his family's name, a place in the annals of Naval History.
He realized he had raised his clenched fists in front of his chests, and was practically smirking. He reminded himself that it was unbecoming of an officer to be so prideful and self-centered. No, it wouldn't be just him and his family, but he would be carrying the honor of the fleet serving under him as well. The brave shipgirls who would be fighting alongside him would also earn their own positions in the halls of glory. All the girls in the fleet had all made the sacrifice to join the navy and be neurally linked with a warship. Without a pilot (almost always female) matching the specific brain-wave pattern to interface to the ship, the fully-automated neural-computer interface wouldn't allow the automated warships of the modern Anti-Abyssal fleets to coordinate their firepower or systems effectively. They deserved a special mention on the history books of mankind, especially the sacrifice the girls they were before, and their families, had to make. It was truly selfless to choose to meld yourself with the shipgirl's personality cores, and become their pilot.
He breathed in deeply, satisfied with correcting his overreach, but his breath released in sputtering surprise as a knock came from his door. A flash of anger marked his expression as he turned around, someone daring to disturb his reverie, but the voice coming from the door gave him pause. "L-Lieutennant….." came the soft, almost halting voice. "I wanted to make sure you were up, Jiro, I figured you would be, but i case you weren't, I… Y-you would never forgive yourself if you were late…." The gentle voice of your childhood friend Alice, to be your Executive Officer as Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tsubakura Nadeshiko, floated in to greet Jiro.
JIRO:
[ ] ...nervously curses under his breath. "Wh-what… why's she here so early…. Is Alice trying to embarass me already…" He says, feeling the blush on his cheeks. "I-I'm up!" he responds at the door.
[ ] ...tries to calm himself before answering politely, "Yes, Nadeshiko. I'm here, thank you for coming to wake me. W-we shouldn't dally though, we both have to report in twenty minutes to the base commander to assume our post."
[ ] ...curses under his breath. "Shit, what's that clingy woman doing? Does she want people to suspect us of favoritism? I need her to get over her emotional nature. She's going to be my second-in-command, and by god, she's got to learn how to command, dammit. What's with that half-assed greeting?"
Last edited:
II
- Location
- Los Angeles
JIRO:
[X] ...tries to calm himself before answering politely, "Yes, Nadeshiko. I'm here, thank you for coming to wake me. W-we shouldn't dally though, we both have to report in twenty minutes to the base commander to assume our post."
TEMPERANCE +1
Jiro took a few deep breaths, calming himself before he set out to respond to his subordinate. He couldn't be too comfortable--that would be nepotism, and while the enforcement of regulations had slipped with the decline of humanity, families like his still held up some semblances of honor. He had to temper himself and get along with his female colleagues.
"Yes, Nadeshiko. I'm here, thank you for coming to wake me. W-we shouldn't dally though, we both have to report in twenty minutes to the base commander to assume our post."
He walked over to the door, grabbing his sachel and cover along the way, and opened the door. Standing there, automatically at attention, was Lieutenant Tsubakura, who had been with you since the days of your youth, when you played together as Alice and King Arthur. Her face was mostly impassive, but a slight nervousness shone in her eyes, both likely because it was a huge promotion for the both of them, and because it was with him.
"You don't have to stand at attention when greeting me in the morning, Tsubasa. As my Executive Officer, you can still treat me with some level of familiarity, You can be At Ease.." Nonetheless, he saluted her, and she returned it.
"Th-thank you, sir--Lieutenant Hanagawa. I'll take that into consideration… i-in the future." She relaxed her stance after finishing speaking.
An awkward silence descended between the two for a few seconds, before Tsubakura spoke up again. "W-well, I know it's rather early, And you don't like to be too early, but it's. Etter than being late, so…."
"Yes, Tsubakura, we should be getting along sooner rather than later. Its better than just standing here, anyways." He felt some tinge of regret that he couldn't bring her inside-- they would get to talking too much and likely make themselves late to report in--but he didn't let it bother him too much.
She nodded, and the two of them headed down the hall.
The two walked in silence, arriving at the office of Rear Admiral Honda. His secretary, another Lieutenant like they, told them that the Admiral was still reading briefings, and when it was their allotted time, he would show them in.
At only two minutes past the appointed time, they were let in to the office of a man with a stern, angular face, and greying beard. His head was shaved bald, and he carried the air of a grizzled sailor about him. Nonetheless, after the customary exchange of salutes, a smile crossed the Admirals face. "Well, glad to meet you two. You've gotten quite the promotion, Lieutenant… both of you. You aren't the most undeserving, given how you managed to save your entire task group with quick thinking and action, when the other members were taken out of commission. It's terrible that people of your age have to take the level of responsibility you two had to show… Well, it's a miracle that fewer lives are on the line, given that we have our shipgirls. I came up in the Navy when we still had fully-manned ships; the near-complete automation of current navies has cut down on our casualties so much, and allowed the balance of forces to mostly shift to commissioned officers… all thanks to the sacrifice of some young, noble women." His eyes drifted to Tsubakura for a moment, saddening perceptively as a frown invaded his face. "Well…. I figure I should get down to the business you know of, before we get into business we don't. I'll explain in a moment, but let me get to explaining your assignment," he said, his face going back to a stony expression.
"Lieutenant Hanagawa: You are to assume command of the Sixth Destroyer Division as of this moment, with Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tsubakura as your adjutant. The shipgirls, and their other staff, will be assembled for your inspection at 0800 hours. You are to take a shakedown cruise from our current location, Maizuru Naval Station, up to Sakhalin and patrol the waters there, where there have been minor reports of Abyssal activity, and Rendezvous with Task Force 198, currently patrolling the Siberian Coast. If this cruise does not find any serious mechanical defects, you are to continue on to the Aleutian Front, passing through the Kurile chain on a patrol, and heading up to help with the siege of Attu. This action, while not to the glory-filled dangerous Southern Ocean Front, will be vital in securing the safety of the North Pacific Transit Route and fully re-opening a wide sea lane to the American continents. If this can be done, we can accomplish a major transition of our forces to bolster our southern offensive lines.
"And, with that said, I must come to the second matter I have been told to inform you of. Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tsubakura," he said, his tone dropping as a grave expression spread onto his face, "The recent development of the next-generation of Drone-Carrying warship has progressed to the Neural Mapping stage. There was a review of all eligible and willing brain scans within eligible service ages, and as if your brain was a reflection of the stunning record you both have, you are in the unusual position to qualify for any of the three ships currently laid down. This in and of itself is outstanding; however, it is not without its own risks. You are well aware of the costs of even a well-matched third or fourth generation Neural Link can have, with associated personality erasure and amnesia, but the third ship, the Katsuragi, poses special risks, as the neural mapping went an unusual direction that, while still suited to your brain structure, indicates that it may have a severe clash with your personality. In case you were not aware, this makes severe side-effects of the process almost guaranteed, if you are Neurally Linked to take over as the shipgirl, and may include other complications above and beyond the relatively peaceful transition observed in most shipgirls."
Both of them stood there, at attention, unable to do anything else as the announcement that had filled both of them with pride changed into a shocking, and sudden revelation. Admiral Honda was known to his family to be a man who was bold and did not hold anything back, and he gave no pretenses, giving them the full details and perils of the possible procedure.
"Of course," he continued, his eyes regaining some of their lustre, "Being as you two are, you should be aware that Lieutenant Tsubakura cannot be drafted for this under any circumstance, being a commissioned officer in good standing. Your service on the battlefield is enough to exempt you from this, given even a simple 'No,' as is your privilege for your valor offering to serve. Due to the extreme closeness of this match, however, the Neural Design Commission overrode the normal exemptions and forwarded this offer anyways. It is fully your decision, and should be yours alone--it is truly your very self that hangs in the balance. I suggest, given my years, that you do not rush the decision."
He sighed. "Well, now that I've given you the heavy surprise burden, I figure I should at least see to my duty that you can carry on with your normal duties up until you are ready to make that leap into the water, if you decide to do so. It's currently 0732, right on time. Things should be set up for your review and assumption of command over your unit in 18 minutes; I will go about seeing to the last-minute organization. It's the least I can do for burdening you with such news, and I figure you two, having known each other for so long and having to work together for the foreseeable future, will want to discuss it in private. You may stay in this office until then, but make sure you're on time to retain your command. If you can't do at least that, you're going to have a lot of trouble pushing the hard future in front of you out of the way on the waves--the place where the Navy most needs you to be on your toes. Get it out of yourselves, as much as you can, now. Dismissed." He saluted, and with the salute returned, walked out a side-exit, presumably to rally the shipgirls.
The pregnant silence hung in the air for thirty seconds, a minute, two minutes, before Tsubakura finally asked, "So…. that was… surprising. What… what's your thoughts on that all, Jiro?" She asks, something between fear and wonder in her eyes.
JIRO:
[ ] ...Violently rejects the idea that she should be anyone else than who she is. "Tsubakura--Alice… You have a full life already. You don't have to throw it away. You're already doing all your country and humanity needs you to."
[ ] Extra Write-In.
[ ] ...Supports the idea of a Neural Link. "It would put you on the cutting-edge of technology, and your fleshy body can only help so much… but think of how much you could do as a warship!"
[ ] Extra Write-In.
[ ] ...Feels that he shouldn't have any input. "It's not my place to play around in your life, Tsubakura. It would be irresponsible of me, and a conflict of interest. I should be the last person to tell you what to do."
[ ] Extra Write-in.
[ ]Write in.
A/N: Well, today got distracting, but I am glad I managed to get this up now. Hope the drama ramped up enough for you all. I won't be locking this until at least Monday Morning PST. But, feel free to add in whatever you want. If there's enough popular support for additional options, I'll try to work them into the subsequent post, and while I can guarantee nothing, I do look forward to what you all may have in mind.
PS: I meant to also explain the attributes you will be picking up with all your decisions, but I will be more able to do that in the morning, not at 3AM.[/COLOR][/b]
[X] ...tries to calm himself before answering politely, "Yes, Nadeshiko. I'm here, thank you for coming to wake me. W-we shouldn't dally though, we both have to report in twenty minutes to the base commander to assume our post."
TEMPERANCE +1
Jiro took a few deep breaths, calming himself before he set out to respond to his subordinate. He couldn't be too comfortable--that would be nepotism, and while the enforcement of regulations had slipped with the decline of humanity, families like his still held up some semblances of honor. He had to temper himself and get along with his female colleagues.
"Yes, Nadeshiko. I'm here, thank you for coming to wake me. W-we shouldn't dally though, we both have to report in twenty minutes to the base commander to assume our post."
He walked over to the door, grabbing his sachel and cover along the way, and opened the door. Standing there, automatically at attention, was Lieutenant Tsubakura, who had been with you since the days of your youth, when you played together as Alice and King Arthur. Her face was mostly impassive, but a slight nervousness shone in her eyes, both likely because it was a huge promotion for the both of them, and because it was with him.
"You don't have to stand at attention when greeting me in the morning, Tsubasa. As my Executive Officer, you can still treat me with some level of familiarity, You can be At Ease.." Nonetheless, he saluted her, and she returned it.
"Th-thank you, sir--Lieutenant Hanagawa. I'll take that into consideration… i-in the future." She relaxed her stance after finishing speaking.
An awkward silence descended between the two for a few seconds, before Tsubakura spoke up again. "W-well, I know it's rather early, And you don't like to be too early, but it's. Etter than being late, so…."
"Yes, Tsubakura, we should be getting along sooner rather than later. Its better than just standing here, anyways." He felt some tinge of regret that he couldn't bring her inside-- they would get to talking too much and likely make themselves late to report in--but he didn't let it bother him too much.
She nodded, and the two of them headed down the hall.
The two walked in silence, arriving at the office of Rear Admiral Honda. His secretary, another Lieutenant like they, told them that the Admiral was still reading briefings, and when it was their allotted time, he would show them in.
At only two minutes past the appointed time, they were let in to the office of a man with a stern, angular face, and greying beard. His head was shaved bald, and he carried the air of a grizzled sailor about him. Nonetheless, after the customary exchange of salutes, a smile crossed the Admirals face. "Well, glad to meet you two. You've gotten quite the promotion, Lieutenant… both of you. You aren't the most undeserving, given how you managed to save your entire task group with quick thinking and action, when the other members were taken out of commission. It's terrible that people of your age have to take the level of responsibility you two had to show… Well, it's a miracle that fewer lives are on the line, given that we have our shipgirls. I came up in the Navy when we still had fully-manned ships; the near-complete automation of current navies has cut down on our casualties so much, and allowed the balance of forces to mostly shift to commissioned officers… all thanks to the sacrifice of some young, noble women." His eyes drifted to Tsubakura for a moment, saddening perceptively as a frown invaded his face. "Well…. I figure I should get down to the business you know of, before we get into business we don't. I'll explain in a moment, but let me get to explaining your assignment," he said, his face going back to a stony expression.
"Lieutenant Hanagawa: You are to assume command of the Sixth Destroyer Division as of this moment, with Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tsubakura as your adjutant. The shipgirls, and their other staff, will be assembled for your inspection at 0800 hours. You are to take a shakedown cruise from our current location, Maizuru Naval Station, up to Sakhalin and patrol the waters there, where there have been minor reports of Abyssal activity, and Rendezvous with Task Force 198, currently patrolling the Siberian Coast. If this cruise does not find any serious mechanical defects, you are to continue on to the Aleutian Front, passing through the Kurile chain on a patrol, and heading up to help with the siege of Attu. This action, while not to the glory-filled dangerous Southern Ocean Front, will be vital in securing the safety of the North Pacific Transit Route and fully re-opening a wide sea lane to the American continents. If this can be done, we can accomplish a major transition of our forces to bolster our southern offensive lines.
"And, with that said, I must come to the second matter I have been told to inform you of. Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Tsubakura," he said, his tone dropping as a grave expression spread onto his face, "The recent development of the next-generation of Drone-Carrying warship has progressed to the Neural Mapping stage. There was a review of all eligible and willing brain scans within eligible service ages, and as if your brain was a reflection of the stunning record you both have, you are in the unusual position to qualify for any of the three ships currently laid down. This in and of itself is outstanding; however, it is not without its own risks. You are well aware of the costs of even a well-matched third or fourth generation Neural Link can have, with associated personality erasure and amnesia, but the third ship, the Katsuragi, poses special risks, as the neural mapping went an unusual direction that, while still suited to your brain structure, indicates that it may have a severe clash with your personality. In case you were not aware, this makes severe side-effects of the process almost guaranteed, if you are Neurally Linked to take over as the shipgirl, and may include other complications above and beyond the relatively peaceful transition observed in most shipgirls."
Both of them stood there, at attention, unable to do anything else as the announcement that had filled both of them with pride changed into a shocking, and sudden revelation. Admiral Honda was known to his family to be a man who was bold and did not hold anything back, and he gave no pretenses, giving them the full details and perils of the possible procedure.
"Of course," he continued, his eyes regaining some of their lustre, "Being as you two are, you should be aware that Lieutenant Tsubakura cannot be drafted for this under any circumstance, being a commissioned officer in good standing. Your service on the battlefield is enough to exempt you from this, given even a simple 'No,' as is your privilege for your valor offering to serve. Due to the extreme closeness of this match, however, the Neural Design Commission overrode the normal exemptions and forwarded this offer anyways. It is fully your decision, and should be yours alone--it is truly your very self that hangs in the balance. I suggest, given my years, that you do not rush the decision."
He sighed. "Well, now that I've given you the heavy surprise burden, I figure I should at least see to my duty that you can carry on with your normal duties up until you are ready to make that leap into the water, if you decide to do so. It's currently 0732, right on time. Things should be set up for your review and assumption of command over your unit in 18 minutes; I will go about seeing to the last-minute organization. It's the least I can do for burdening you with such news, and I figure you two, having known each other for so long and having to work together for the foreseeable future, will want to discuss it in private. You may stay in this office until then, but make sure you're on time to retain your command. If you can't do at least that, you're going to have a lot of trouble pushing the hard future in front of you out of the way on the waves--the place where the Navy most needs you to be on your toes. Get it out of yourselves, as much as you can, now. Dismissed." He saluted, and with the salute returned, walked out a side-exit, presumably to rally the shipgirls.
The pregnant silence hung in the air for thirty seconds, a minute, two minutes, before Tsubakura finally asked, "So…. that was… surprising. What… what's your thoughts on that all, Jiro?" She asks, something between fear and wonder in her eyes.
JIRO:
[ ] ...Violently rejects the idea that she should be anyone else than who she is. "Tsubakura--Alice… You have a full life already. You don't have to throw it away. You're already doing all your country and humanity needs you to."
[ ] Extra Write-In.
[ ] ...Supports the idea of a Neural Link. "It would put you on the cutting-edge of technology, and your fleshy body can only help so much… but think of how much you could do as a warship!"
[ ] Extra Write-In.
[ ] ...Feels that he shouldn't have any input. "It's not my place to play around in your life, Tsubakura. It would be irresponsible of me, and a conflict of interest. I should be the last person to tell you what to do."
[ ] Extra Write-in.
[ ]Write in.
A/N: Well, today got distracting, but I am glad I managed to get this up now. Hope the drama ramped up enough for you all. I won't be locking this until at least Monday Morning PST. But, feel free to add in whatever you want. If there's enough popular support for additional options, I'll try to work them into the subsequent post, and while I can guarantee nothing, I do look forward to what you all may have in mind.
PS: I meant to also explain the attributes you will be picking up with all your decisions, but I will be more able to do that in the morning, not at 3AM.[/COLOR][/b]
Last edited:
III
- Location
- Los Angeles
JIRO:
[x] ...Feels that he shouldn't have any input. "It's not my place to play around in your life, Tsubakura. It would be irresponsible of me, and a conflict of interest. I should be the last person to tell you what to do."
Free Will: +1
Temperance: +1
And because I really like the idea, and feel that if a write-in sub-option gets a majority of the total vote, it should be included:
[x] Write in: I just want you to carefully consider it. This is something that will change your life forever. I... don't want you to lose what makes you yourself. You're a wonderful friend. And... whatever you choose, I'll be there to support you. Okay?
Tsubakura Relationship Score: +1
Free Will: +1
Route Flag tripped: Give her a hug!
To note: Even if people vote for different main options, If everyone agrees on a sub-option and it's chosen in part with the winning main option, I like throwing things in. I'll stop myself now before I rant on player agency and other nerdy RPG stuff.
Jiro looked back at his subordinate uncomfortably. She was… always with him, and always stuck with him, and always came to him for a second opinion. Theirs was a friendship borne of many years and trials together, and not one that would easily separate them, especially with their posting together.
But this? This was something that went beyond most decisions; it went even beyond their decision to serve together (not that either of their parents would have had it any other way). This was a thing that really got to who she was as a core person. This could change her forever, take her away forever. And even with how close they were, how intertwined…. There was a limit to how much one person should influence another. While his was normally toeing the line, this was clearly a morally black area.
"Tsubakura… I… I'm glad you value me as a friend, and would ask my opinion on this. But this… This is really serious. I… We already are co-dependent, practically, but this… It's not my place to play around in your life, Tsubakura. It would be irresponsible of me, and a conflict of interest. Really, I should be the last person to tell you what to do right now."
Tsubakura nodded solemnly and remained passive. However… that wasn't quite the answer she wsa looking for. And a moment after he said it, Jiro knew that he needed to take it that one step further, because just saying 'It's not my decision' left her alone, and searching, and without the one constant in her life. He breathed in and started speaking again.
"I just want you to carefully consider it. This is something that will change your life forever. I... don't want you to lose what makes you yourself. You're a wonderful friend. And... whatever you choose, I'll be there to support you. Okay?" He looked down at her, channeling every bit of warmth and affection he had into that statement.
She stared back, and he drilled his eyes into her. And after a moment, her fear, her passive nature, the lonely look, all started melting away, and she stood there, as Alice… as his friend.
"C-could… I really could use a hug… right now. That's what I… want, from you." she said softly. Jiro nodded, wrapping his arms around his friend and pulling her close. He could feel her warm face against him, and smell the shampoo she used. It was a very intimate moment between the two of them… one he was surprised they hadn't had more of, given how often they were together, alone.
And it was with that last thought that Jiro saw the blushing, quivering girl standing quietly in the doorway, trying not to look at them. His eyes fixed on her, something she immediately looked away from. Given his current pose, he stood there transfixed, unable to quite do anything but stare. Her nervousness slowly grew, until she could take it no more, and quickly blurted, "The admiral sent me to tell you the parade ground is out the east wing and then turn north," before running away. Tsubakura let out a surprised sound, having not known the girl was there at all, and squeezed tightly against him, whimpering quietly.
Life always had to have some complications, didn't it?
Flag Tripped: Give me a Hug: Affection +1; Tsubakura Relationship Score: +2
After extracting himself from the squeeze of the hug and calming Tsubarkura down, Hanagawa led her out of the building in what he figured was the correct direction. However, when he exited, there was another girl standing on the steps, looking straight at him. She had a look on her face that could only be described as impassive. By her uniform she seemed to be a shipgirl, and probably a Destroyer. Her staring, however, was clearly getting to Tsubakura in her currently fragile state, so Jiro figured he should do something.
But this… well, it promised to be only the start of an interesting day.
JIRO:
[ ] Salutes, adressing her with the appropriate pomp and seriousness expected from someone in the military. "Who are you, and what is your business with me? More importantly, why is a Destroyer like you staring so intently at me, a superior officer?"
[ ] Decides there's been enough seriousness for one morning, and greets her with a friendly attitude. "Hi there! I was told the parade grounds are this way. Or were you looking for me in particular?"
[ ] You greet her professionally, ask for her name and rank. "I am Lieutenant Hanagawa, and this is my XO, Lieutenant j.g. Tsubakura. What are you here for, Destroyer?"
I'll give you one reminder as QM: Not everyone reacts the same. You're an officer, in the military. You have a place and a purpose.
[x] ...Feels that he shouldn't have any input. "It's not my place to play around in your life, Tsubakura. It would be irresponsible of me, and a conflict of interest. I should be the last person to tell you what to do."
Free Will: +1
Temperance: +1
And because I really like the idea, and feel that if a write-in sub-option gets a majority of the total vote, it should be included:
[x] Write in: I just want you to carefully consider it. This is something that will change your life forever. I... don't want you to lose what makes you yourself. You're a wonderful friend. And... whatever you choose, I'll be there to support you. Okay?
Tsubakura Relationship Score: +1
Free Will: +1
Route Flag tripped: Give her a hug!
To note: Even if people vote for different main options, If everyone agrees on a sub-option and it's chosen in part with the winning main option, I like throwing things in. I'll stop myself now before I rant on player agency and other nerdy RPG stuff.
Jiro looked back at his subordinate uncomfortably. She was… always with him, and always stuck with him, and always came to him for a second opinion. Theirs was a friendship borne of many years and trials together, and not one that would easily separate them, especially with their posting together.
But this? This was something that went beyond most decisions; it went even beyond their decision to serve together (not that either of their parents would have had it any other way). This was a thing that really got to who she was as a core person. This could change her forever, take her away forever. And even with how close they were, how intertwined…. There was a limit to how much one person should influence another. While his was normally toeing the line, this was clearly a morally black area.
"Tsubakura… I… I'm glad you value me as a friend, and would ask my opinion on this. But this… This is really serious. I… We already are co-dependent, practically, but this… It's not my place to play around in your life, Tsubakura. It would be irresponsible of me, and a conflict of interest. Really, I should be the last person to tell you what to do right now."
Tsubakura nodded solemnly and remained passive. However… that wasn't quite the answer she wsa looking for. And a moment after he said it, Jiro knew that he needed to take it that one step further, because just saying 'It's not my decision' left her alone, and searching, and without the one constant in her life. He breathed in and started speaking again.
"I just want you to carefully consider it. This is something that will change your life forever. I... don't want you to lose what makes you yourself. You're a wonderful friend. And... whatever you choose, I'll be there to support you. Okay?" He looked down at her, channeling every bit of warmth and affection he had into that statement.
She stared back, and he drilled his eyes into her. And after a moment, her fear, her passive nature, the lonely look, all started melting away, and she stood there, as Alice… as his friend.
"C-could… I really could use a hug… right now. That's what I… want, from you." she said softly. Jiro nodded, wrapping his arms around his friend and pulling her close. He could feel her warm face against him, and smell the shampoo she used. It was a very intimate moment between the two of them… one he was surprised they hadn't had more of, given how often they were together, alone.
And it was with that last thought that Jiro saw the blushing, quivering girl standing quietly in the doorway, trying not to look at them. His eyes fixed on her, something she immediately looked away from. Given his current pose, he stood there transfixed, unable to quite do anything but stare. Her nervousness slowly grew, until she could take it no more, and quickly blurted, "The admiral sent me to tell you the parade ground is out the east wing and then turn north," before running away. Tsubakura let out a surprised sound, having not known the girl was there at all, and squeezed tightly against him, whimpering quietly.
Life always had to have some complications, didn't it?
Flag Tripped: Give me a Hug: Affection +1; Tsubakura Relationship Score: +2
After extracting himself from the squeeze of the hug and calming Tsubarkura down, Hanagawa led her out of the building in what he figured was the correct direction. However, when he exited, there was another girl standing on the steps, looking straight at him. She had a look on her face that could only be described as impassive. By her uniform she seemed to be a shipgirl, and probably a Destroyer. Her staring, however, was clearly getting to Tsubakura in her currently fragile state, so Jiro figured he should do something.
But this… well, it promised to be only the start of an interesting day.
JIRO:
[ ] Salutes, adressing her with the appropriate pomp and seriousness expected from someone in the military. "Who are you, and what is your business with me? More importantly, why is a Destroyer like you staring so intently at me, a superior officer?"
[ ] Decides there's been enough seriousness for one morning, and greets her with a friendly attitude. "Hi there! I was told the parade grounds are this way. Or were you looking for me in particular?"
[ ] You greet her professionally, ask for her name and rank. "I am Lieutenant Hanagawa, and this is my XO, Lieutenant j.g. Tsubakura. What are you here for, Destroyer?"
I'll give you one reminder as QM: Not everyone reacts the same. You're an officer, in the military. You have a place and a purpose.
Last edited:
IV
- Location
- Los Angeles
A/N: Well, I can't say I didn't warn you.
A/N: Simply to clarify matters, without further disruption in the story: All personel, including shipgirls, are at least the minimum service age of 18. No child-soldiers yet, they're not that desperate. I mean to introduce such details in the story before they're needed, but this one snuck up on me.
JIRO:
[X] Decides there's been enough seriousness for one morning, and greets her with a friendly attitude. "Hi there! I was told the parade grounds are this way. Or were you looking for me in particular?"
Affection +2
Jiro x Hibiki -2
Alice x Hibiki +1
Jiro locks eyes with the silver-haired girl before her. They traded steely gazes, before Jiro blinked his away. There had been enough seriousness for one morning, especially with that bombshell of a revelation earlier. He cast his face in a friendly smile, and squatted down so as not to tower over her.
"Hi there! I was told the parade grounds are this way. Or were you looking for me in particular?" He asks, with a wide smile.
The Destroyer reacted immediately, but not in the way Jiro had intended. She gracefully took two steps back and dropped into a fighting stance. "You have five seconds to report who you are and what your purpose in finding the parade grounds is. If you mean to sabotage them, I will stop you here and now," she says in complete seriousness.
"N-no, that's not it…" he says, rising. "I'm Lieutenant Hanagawa, and th--"
"Lieutenant (junior grade) Tsubakura," says Tsubakura, snapping off a salute for a moment before taking a bow. "We are to report to the Parade grounds to assume command of the Sixth Destroyer Division, but our guide wandered off. Please excuse our interruption."
"Thank you Lieutenant j.g. Tsubakura. I am the Destroyer Hibiki, assigned to the Sixth Destroyer Division. I cannot trust that this man is not holding you hostage, and seeking to do harm unto you, me, or other base personnel. Any and all suspicious subjects are a potential danger to this base and its strategic military assets, and I must respond with appropriate seriousness to potential threats. After all, this man must have done something to scandalize Jintsuu so as to make her run out of here hiding her face."
Tsubakura shifted her head imperceptibly to glance at the off-balance Jiro.
"L-L-Lieutenant Jiro Hanagawa! I look forward to serving with you!" He stammers after a moment, also picking up a salute.
The tense atmosphere permeated a moment longer, before Hibiki rose to attention, and returned the salute. "Very well. I will trust you for now, as you seem to be capable of proper custom as befitting a Lieutenant. I will proceed to guide you to the parade grounds and present you to the Admiral to verify your story. Lieutenant Tsubakura, please stay behind this man and subdue him if he causes any disturbance or steps out of line." She pivoted, her drill perfect, and started marching off.
Hibiki led them to a large open tarmac, where there were a dozen people assembled. The admiral was standing to one side, his aide to the left of him. Across from him stood two lines of sailors. One, headed by the brunette in orange from earlier, had three other girls next to her, dressed identically to Hibiki. There was one with purple hair and eyes, kept long but within reason. It was the other two girls that nearly caused Jiro to stumble. Though he hadn't seen them for six years since they became eligible for service, the two girls he stared at were formerly his twin cousins, Shizune and Shizuru. But the girls standing at attention now were the Destroyers Inazuna and Ikazuchi, girls who has been integrated into weapons of war. Not that they had protested, at all-no one from their family would, given the chance. But due to either the demand for their service on the front lines, they had only received reports and occasional letters for the past few years.
That probably meant the other girl was likely the shipgirl for the Akatsuki. The other platoon of people would be their support staff: the bridge staff in the first squad, and the damage control teams in the ones behind them. He'd have to get to know them all, as the small crew of about thirty would be serving as all the human decision-making needed for the Destroyer Division.
Hibiki saluted at the Admiral, and fell in place, her sisters making room for her. Hanagawa marched up and reported, with Tsubakura in tow. As the commander, it was his duty to assume command by inspecting the unit, first the shipgirls, then the command and support staff. Jintsuu was an immediate surprise, her chest showing off a venerable war chest of experience: Several campaigns dating back to the early days of shipgirl deployment and several in the Southern Waters, several medals showing a wide array of special-forces deployments, including special night-combat missions, and plenty of medals for meritorious conduct and victory in battle.
Akatsuki was no slouch either: though she didn't have the same record of service, she did have three campaigns in the southern waters under her belt, and a special award for torpedo tactics. Hibiki had served a campaign up north, and had been even commended by the Russian Navy. Though his cousins were one campaign shorter than the other two, Hanagawa was still proud to see that they too carried unit citations for their bravery in battle. All of them were knowledgeable, sharp, and disciplined. This was a godsend of a unit to be working with.
A/N: I intend to expand upon the minor characters further later, but wish to get this post out in a timely manner. Know that there are a Chief Engineer, a Navigator, a Comms technician, a Sensors technician, a chef and assistant, and a doctor and two medical assistants. There are five damage control crews of five men each, one aboard each ship.
When he finished with his platoon of support staff, he reported back in to the Admiral in front of his men--they were now fully and truly under his command. "So, How do you feel, Lieutenant?" the Admiral asked after exchanging salutes.
"I am proud of the Sixth Destroyer Division, sir! Its personnel are first-rate, examples of the Navy's finest, and I could not ask for a better command, SIR!" he reported, tears practically welling up in his eyes.
Severity" +1
"VERY WELL," bellowed the Admiral. "If that's so, then this review is one step away from being over. You now have to tell your men just how excellent they are, and how they'll make you feel." He looked over Jiro, obviously watching how this young man in front of him would react to the pressure of having to speak to his command.
JIRO:
[ ] ...picks up on his earlier pride, rallying them around the mission that they have, the duty they have to the military, and how important service to their country is, at all costs.
[ ] Write-in.
[ ] .... gives a level-headed speech about how he plans to lead the Sixth DesDiv dutifully and frugally.
[ ] Write-in.
[ ] ...gives a rousing speech on Victory, On battle, On the glory that lies ahead of them in their upcoming mission and how they must serve excellently and faithfully.
[ ] Write-in.
[ ] ...bawls and cries over the beauty of the shipgirls assembled before him, and the other personnel too.
A/N: Coloration will also be pending later. I did want to get this up by tonight, and I have.
A/N: Simply to clarify matters, without further disruption in the story: All personel, including shipgirls, are at least the minimum service age of 18. No child-soldiers yet, they're not that desperate. I mean to introduce such details in the story before they're needed, but this one snuck up on me.
JIRO:
[X] Decides there's been enough seriousness for one morning, and greets her with a friendly attitude. "Hi there! I was told the parade grounds are this way. Or were you looking for me in particular?"
Affection +2
Jiro x Hibiki -2
Alice x Hibiki +1
Jiro locks eyes with the silver-haired girl before her. They traded steely gazes, before Jiro blinked his away. There had been enough seriousness for one morning, especially with that bombshell of a revelation earlier. He cast his face in a friendly smile, and squatted down so as not to tower over her.
"Hi there! I was told the parade grounds are this way. Or were you looking for me in particular?" He asks, with a wide smile.
The Destroyer reacted immediately, but not in the way Jiro had intended. She gracefully took two steps back and dropped into a fighting stance. "You have five seconds to report who you are and what your purpose in finding the parade grounds is. If you mean to sabotage them, I will stop you here and now," she says in complete seriousness.
"N-no, that's not it…" he says, rising. "I'm Lieutenant Hanagawa, and th--"
"Lieutenant (junior grade) Tsubakura," says Tsubakura, snapping off a salute for a moment before taking a bow. "We are to report to the Parade grounds to assume command of the Sixth Destroyer Division, but our guide wandered off. Please excuse our interruption."
"Thank you Lieutenant j.g. Tsubakura. I am the Destroyer Hibiki, assigned to the Sixth Destroyer Division. I cannot trust that this man is not holding you hostage, and seeking to do harm unto you, me, or other base personnel. Any and all suspicious subjects are a potential danger to this base and its strategic military assets, and I must respond with appropriate seriousness to potential threats. After all, this man must have done something to scandalize Jintsuu so as to make her run out of here hiding her face."
Tsubakura shifted her head imperceptibly to glance at the off-balance Jiro.
"L-L-Lieutenant Jiro Hanagawa! I look forward to serving with you!" He stammers after a moment, also picking up a salute.
The tense atmosphere permeated a moment longer, before Hibiki rose to attention, and returned the salute. "Very well. I will trust you for now, as you seem to be capable of proper custom as befitting a Lieutenant. I will proceed to guide you to the parade grounds and present you to the Admiral to verify your story. Lieutenant Tsubakura, please stay behind this man and subdue him if he causes any disturbance or steps out of line." She pivoted, her drill perfect, and started marching off.
Hibiki led them to a large open tarmac, where there were a dozen people assembled. The admiral was standing to one side, his aide to the left of him. Across from him stood two lines of sailors. One, headed by the brunette in orange from earlier, had three other girls next to her, dressed identically to Hibiki. There was one with purple hair and eyes, kept long but within reason. It was the other two girls that nearly caused Jiro to stumble. Though he hadn't seen them for six years since they became eligible for service, the two girls he stared at were formerly his twin cousins, Shizune and Shizuru. But the girls standing at attention now were the Destroyers Inazuna and Ikazuchi, girls who has been integrated into weapons of war. Not that they had protested, at all-no one from their family would, given the chance. But due to either the demand for their service on the front lines, they had only received reports and occasional letters for the past few years.
That probably meant the other girl was likely the shipgirl for the Akatsuki. The other platoon of people would be their support staff: the bridge staff in the first squad, and the damage control teams in the ones behind them. He'd have to get to know them all, as the small crew of about thirty would be serving as all the human decision-making needed for the Destroyer Division.
Hibiki saluted at the Admiral, and fell in place, her sisters making room for her. Hanagawa marched up and reported, with Tsubakura in tow. As the commander, it was his duty to assume command by inspecting the unit, first the shipgirls, then the command and support staff. Jintsuu was an immediate surprise, her chest showing off a venerable war chest of experience: Several campaigns dating back to the early days of shipgirl deployment and several in the Southern Waters, several medals showing a wide array of special-forces deployments, including special night-combat missions, and plenty of medals for meritorious conduct and victory in battle.
Akatsuki was no slouch either: though she didn't have the same record of service, she did have three campaigns in the southern waters under her belt, and a special award for torpedo tactics. Hibiki had served a campaign up north, and had been even commended by the Russian Navy. Though his cousins were one campaign shorter than the other two, Hanagawa was still proud to see that they too carried unit citations for their bravery in battle. All of them were knowledgeable, sharp, and disciplined. This was a godsend of a unit to be working with.
A/N: I intend to expand upon the minor characters further later, but wish to get this post out in a timely manner. Know that there are a Chief Engineer, a Navigator, a Comms technician, a Sensors technician, a chef and assistant, and a doctor and two medical assistants. There are five damage control crews of five men each, one aboard each ship.
When he finished with his platoon of support staff, he reported back in to the Admiral in front of his men--they were now fully and truly under his command. "So, How do you feel, Lieutenant?" the Admiral asked after exchanging salutes.
"I am proud of the Sixth Destroyer Division, sir! Its personnel are first-rate, examples of the Navy's finest, and I could not ask for a better command, SIR!" he reported, tears practically welling up in his eyes.
Severity" +1
"VERY WELL," bellowed the Admiral. "If that's so, then this review is one step away from being over. You now have to tell your men just how excellent they are, and how they'll make you feel." He looked over Jiro, obviously watching how this young man in front of him would react to the pressure of having to speak to his command.
JIRO:
[ ] ...picks up on his earlier pride, rallying them around the mission that they have, the duty they have to the military, and how important service to their country is, at all costs.
[ ] Write-in.
[ ] .... gives a level-headed speech about how he plans to lead the Sixth DesDiv dutifully and frugally.
[ ] Write-in.
[ ] ...gives a rousing speech on Victory, On battle, On the glory that lies ahead of them in their upcoming mission and how they must serve excellently and faithfully.
[ ] Write-in.
[ ] ...bawls and cries over the beauty of the shipgirls assembled before him, and the other personnel too.
A/N: Coloration will also be pending later. I did want to get this up by tonight, and I have.