Down the Rabbit Hole - A Kancolle RP (IC)

[Fantrum]

Hast thou not gone against sincerity,
Hast thou not felt ashamed of thy words and deeds,
Hast thou not lacked vigor,
Hast thou exerted all possible efforts,
Hast thou not become slothful

Remember to apply on the OOC Thread before posting!

Operational Sector Eastern Sea - West, Naval District

It had been a long day, and it was only getting longer for poor Glorious. She'd spent the entire morning in meetings discussing the continued reconstruction, specificly focusing on the Base's defunct airfield. Apparently the fairies tasked to clear it and get it running again were hitting problems. Whether it was late lunch deliveries, broken down equipment, or a rain storm, the damn things just weren't making the kind of headway Glory had expected of them. Which was in fact, very bad. Seeing as command wanted that strip for their planned operations in the area. In truth, she wanted it too. She believed in carriers wholeheartedly, but the simple fact was that an island based field couldnt be sunk and didnt need repairs after every use.

Such was the mathematics of war. And also the reason she was probably already going grey. It was at trying times such as these that Glory liked to imagine what her sisters might do. Honorable would probably just find someone to yell at, Expedition would just quietly shake her head and mutter something mystic, and Exploration... well Exploration might actually handle the situation better. If she ever got the chance, Glory would have to write to her sister, and ask for advice. Running a base was hard. Running a base while half of it was a rotted mess was just downright stressful.

Sometimes she resented being selected as secretary ship, but someone up high must have believed in her, even only being a battlecruiser. Regardless, the job was weighing heavy on her already, and the other Kanmusu had only just started arriving! Luckily shed managed to secure the rebuilding of the dorms and cafe, so at least they wouldnt go hungry or cold. She could pat herself on the back for that one. Lost in thought, the blond opened the door to her headquarters building and blinked in the harsh afternoon sun.

Had it really been all morning? Stupid meetings. She cursed under her breath and stepped out into the damp air, instantly being assaulted with the feeling of wearing a moist towel. It wasnt something she liked, but had grown almost used to it by now. Having already spent weeks on the shitty island prepping the base for operations did wonders for her acclimation. Though new girls would probably find it pretty uncomfortable.

Advancing out across the still patchwork of stones that could loosely be called a road, Glory found her way to the Dorms. A long one story building that, while old, had been extensively remodeled and renovated. It stood a short distance from the cafe and a good five minute walk from the docks. The outside was a brick structure painted brown to better blend in from the air, with windows inset in obvious intervals. The secretary ship wanted to make sure people were settling in, but then thought better of it.

As much as she wanted to dive right in, it wasnt proper for her to enter their home like this. With a huff of disgruntled air, she turned and instead headed for the Cafe. She ordered a quick bite to eat and resolved instead to get something on her stomach before she called the entire district together for their first official brief. And shed need it, the thought of public speaking still turned her stomach. Unfortunately it was something to get used to, if she wanted to keep being a Secretary ship.

[Kraicia]

HLFFS Van Ruller
En-Route to Base

Van Ruller was kneeling in the water, floating on the surface on her knees while the afternoon beamed down upon her. She was at rest to the surprise of many, which was quite unusual, since any shipboy/girl in their right mind would be asking to get shot out of the water if they did the same. This was especially worsen by the fact that her four masts were standing tall along with her sails and Kraician flag fluttering in the wind.

But what was perhaps the most disturbing details about Van Ruller herself was the fact that she didn't appear entirely human. Instead, her hair was completely composed of tentacles, some reaching as far down to the middle of her back, while some were resting on her shoulders alongside the other tentacles. Her ears were also pointed in an elf-esque manner, swept back and long like that of the fins on a lionfish.

To make matters even worse, Van Ruller was barely recognizable if not for the style of clothing appropriate with the usual Kraician naval attire for sail-propelled ships. White and gold were the standard colors of Kraician sail-propelled shipboys/girls, while the other/modern shipboys/girls wore the standard black and green colors on their Prussian-inspired uniforms. Quite sadly, coupled with Van Ruller's hideous state of appearing more like the sea than human, her cloths and skin were covered in barnacles, moss, and algae, giving her clothing a completely moldy appearance.

Her sails were also that of plant material than military-grade fibers, combined with her hat (a black wide-brimmed hat with a cleft front peak with a bit of a flare and a rolled back and gold trims) in an equal state. The gold trims were barely recognizable among the moss and barnacles on her hat, almost in a manner as if the hat was being consumed by the sea and nature alike, only held together by the hat's military-grade fibers and the tentacles among Van Ruller's hair that adjusted the hat every so often when it was misplaced by the wind or sea.

The daytime was hateful and dreadful time of day for Van Ruller, doing more harm than good for a female kanmusu like herself. While many see daytime as a luminous and lively savior, Van Ruller saw and felt the sun as a death ray. Even in her sleep, she felt the searing heat of the sun beat down on her algae/barnacle covered pale skin, bringing the vegetation to life but bringing pain to Van Ruller herself as she flinched every once in a while, sometimes prompting some of her tentacles to jump briefly for every time she flinched.

She had been out to sea longer than what the High Holtland Fleethood had recommended her - no more than ten days or she'll end up becoming more like the sea than human. She had been out at sea for twenty days, which is suppose to be her final day that she reached her new base of operations alongside other ships. She had been instructed that it was somewhere tropical, which Van Ruller deeply resented behind the Fleethood's back, most importantly because she was going somewhere where it was hot and bright - two things she hated the most aside from the enemy.

[The Selkie]

Operational Sector Eastern Sea - West, Naval District.
SDFS Carman Fea.
To introduce myself, SDFS Carman Fea.
Some people describe me as a beautiful woman and while I would agree, such flattery will get you nowhere (was what I would like to claim, but I am a girl, after all, so...). My brown-blonde hair reached well past my waist, bound back by a green ribbon. In general, I preferred green, the deep green of my tunic especially, over the Scarlet and White of the Cult. Don't know why.
Anyway, my eyes were of a deep blue, but usually not a warm blue.
I had arrived with my people, the torpedo boat SDFS Búraló Liath and the seaplane tender SDFS Faoileán a few minutes ago, got rid of our rigging. The climate was... humid, to say the least, something we got acquainted with over the course of our journey, but not quite used to.
The dampness made my clothing, which was made with colder environments in mind, stick to my body and feel bad. No way I was going to change my usual attire to something skimpier, though!
As it was, however, exiting the docks, I wore a small frown on my face.
The base was not in good shape, but that was expected, as it had been abandoned and reduced in importance for quite a while now. It would still be a good chunk of work for us to get it up and running.
"Lilly.", I spoke to our destroyer, sometimes the only responsible adult around. "Take Faoileán and get something to eat."
"Yes, Ma'am." The oceangoing torpedo boat nodded, confirmed. "What will you do?"
"I'll go to the Admiralty and report, that we have arrived.", I replied in a strict tone, which softened a bit. "The two of you did good work, enduring this long cruise. I'll join you later."
"Yes, Ma'am.", the two of them replied and beamed with pride. Praise was in short supply, when I was around and led - but all the more deserved, usually. I would not be leading here, though, unless someone would entrust a squadron to me.
"We'll be off!", Faoileán added, the lad in his dark leather jacket most likely dying of heat soon.
We might request a torpedo boat or two of the Archipelago-Group or maybe even Mommy Amy, for they were used to such climates.
I nodded and the two were off.
Now, where was the Admiralty...

SDFS Faoileán. En route to the Cafe.
Alright, let me put it this way, 'En route to the Cafe' means 'The Cafe is our destination, no ruddy clue as to where it is.'
The layout of this base was completely new to me and Lilly.
So, first stop, before we got rooms assigned to us, were the Dorms, not to unload our stuff, but to get our bearings. The building looked old from the outside, but comfortable, which was always a plus.
I should add, that the Cafe was our preferred destination, every shipgirl base had one, even small ones like Shella or Dumhach, but if we found the mess hall before that happened... well, I wouldn't complain.
"We're lost, aren't we?", Lilly asked from behind me.
"Not lost.", I corrected, "Just getting our bearings." A beat, I felt her raising her eyebrow. "Alright, we have troubles with pathfinding. And I am not going to send one of my planes up."
"So..."
"We'll find our way on our own.", I told her with a smile. "Just you see!"
Lilly raised an eyebrow.

[Higher Japan]

OSES-W, naval district

"This heat..." I muttered, wiping the sweat off my brow as i closed in on the naval district, the distinct grey buildings marking out the silhouette of the base. As i got closer, i could slowly hear my radio come to life as it began to pick up on a friendly frequency. As the range finders and radars spun, I radioed towards the base a message indicating my arrival as I promptly removed my coat. Army green was a horrible choice, should've stuck with admiral white.

My name? Higashikawa, Higashikawa of the Higher Japanese Imperial Navy.

Now you might be thinking why in the hell I'd be complaining about the heat when i served in the pacific, basically resting along the equator also known as the hottest regions of earth? Simple, I didn't. I was preoccupied in the north, born and raised. This obviously led to me taking command of the northern operational bases for a while but since then, let's just say that records are very blurry. For now, the admiralty had reshuffled command there and I was obviously sent to the middle of nowhere the East, a desolate outpost they said, abyssal presence had increased. In my wake obviously the 5th supply fleet would be following up shortly, but admiralty and more importantly some command staff from the navy has been talking about a special transfer, said they built her off paper.

I wasn't built for combat by any means, believe me i tried. The last time that happened half of the bridge was on fire. But now admiralty had refitted me, new 132 mm guns and with them new self disposing technology. They also gave me what, 10 mm of extra belt armor? If you ask me I honestly don't know what admiralty is doing but I've heard even more rumors on top of the special transfer. A new ship they said, another built off paper, except they've...to put it simply decimated the initial holding cell.

Closing in, I placed a finger on my ear as a radioed base.

"This is HJIN Higashikawa, I have been recently posted to this base. Requesting permission to dock.

[Sterkistan]

SRN Battleship Diamantina LM
Operational Sector Eastern Sea - West, Naval District.
Enroute to Base

---

Dia chugged through the water, holding her parasol low as the tropical sun beat down. It was muggy already, and the unbridled sun was not helping in the slightest. She reached down, running her hand through the water, which was cool against her hot skin. She was tempted to splash her face but decided against it as she drew close to the base.
Her fairy captain was lounging on her shoulder, fanning herself with a makeshift fan made of paper and cardboard, with her dark red uniform jacket undone and pulled over her head.
She clicked her radio, realising she was drawing into the base's radar range
"U-Uh, this is Sterkian Royal Navy Battleship Diamantina. I'm approaching the base."
She pulled into the base a few minutes later, disconnecting her rig and stepping up onto the dock. She gave her rig the once-over as her crew crawled from the steamy depths of the rig. taking drinks from water bottles and flapping their shirts over each-other to cool off.

Dia was tempted to stay in the dock with her rig, but the ambient heat from the beating sun on the old tin roof eventually got the best of her. She stepped onto the old cobble path and wiped the sweat from her brow, adjusting her hat. She needed a cold drink badly, and it appeared there was a cafe on this base.
She set off, moving at a brisk walk with her hat pulled low on her face, she didn't want people to ask about the eyepatch, so it was easier if they just didn't see it.

Dia spent about 20 minutes searching for the cafe, before she came across a faded sign, signifying its location. She opened the door, poking her head inside.

[Fantrum]

FNS Kreech River
Standing duty in HQ

To say that Kreech hadnt been expecting anything during her watch would be a small understatement. As it was the Heavy cruiser was actually asleep at her post when the radio headset still perched on her ears screeched into her brain. Jolted from her wonderful dream, she groggily wiped the sandy blonde hair off her sweat covered face and tried desperately to remember what had just been transmitted to her.

The little hamster in her head finished its computation and she palmed her face in frustration. Of course there were ships coming in! It was on the damn schedule and everything! "Read you loud and clear, permission granted." her stoic voice filled the small map room as she released the transmitter and sat back in her chair. Now that the task at hand was complete, she could get back to her very important nap.

Of course she hadnt gotten more than a few heartbeats into it before the radio came to life a second time. Actually being awake, she heard the full message before responding, "Diamantina, District control, we read you, proceed to dock." With a huff, she let go of the equipment and set the headphones down. At this rate she would have to actually stand the duty! Of course if Glory walked in on her asleep at her post again... shed probably get sent to the Ark Circle as punishment... And Kreech shivered at the mere thought of such a horrible place.

Instead of trying to sleep again, the tall girl decided to do her job and started scratching off names on the list she had been given. It was a roster with all the ships that were due to be stationed at the district, and she was supposed to mark them off as people arrived. Supposed to. As it stood she had just a few names marked, it really wasnt her fault if they didnt check in on the radio! Her short work complete, she stood and stretched out her sore legs. The white stockings she wore were fashionable of course, but they were hot as hell, and shed end up losing them in favor of simple blue dungarees later once she was off duty.

Deciding that the stuffy little room was killing her, Kreech left the prison cell behind and started roaming the building. She had just rediscovered the front door to the HQ when it slammed open in her face and there stood someone she hadnt yet met. She was tall, not a destroyer by anyone's guess, had piercing blue eyes, a commanding presence, and long brownish blonde hair.

Kreech was halfway into saying sorry and moving along when she realized this was a new ship trying to check in. Then the further realization that she was wearing a very distinguishing duty belt and armband with the words "HQ Duty" on her arm struck like lighting. "Fuck me..." She muttered under her breath, before conceding defeat and instead asking, "How may I help you?"

FNS Glory
Trying her best

For what amounted to a shack with a grill, Glory had to admit they made amazing cheeseburgers. As she finished cramming the last bite into her salivating mouth, someone opened the door behind her. In her most undignified pose, Glory froze. Then she quickly swallowed the last morsels and cleaned her face with a nearby napkin, attempting to regain her composure before whoever it was saw her in such a state.

Turning, she made eye contact with another kanmusu. "Good afternoon," Glory managed, "Im Secretary Ship Glorious, welcome to the base." As she spoke, she waved her hand at the barely repaired cafe around her. Sure it had tables, hardwood floors, sturdy walls, a kinda clean kitchen. But it also had wood rot, that horrible mildew stench, and a complete lack of what some may call, Air conditioning. A little self consciously, Glory chuckled and shrugged, "We're still setting the place up." She instead geustured to the menu before her, "They serve great food at least, surely you must be famished after your trip in." Sitting back down Glory had a sudden thought, "Oh! Dont forget to settle into your dorms, if you dont have one, you'll be assigned one in a bit when I call the district together..."

And then Glory remembered she had responsibilities outside of rolling out the welcome mat for new additions and jolted upright from her chair. "Sorry! I have to run, feel free to get situated!" The last words she shouted over her shoulder as she exited the building. She was late for another stupid meeting. She needed an assistant or something for all this work, oh well, that was something she'd have to figure out later.

[Kraicia]

HLFFS Blákksdorff
En-Route to Base

One thing Blake hated about the world outside of Kraicia was the heat. He was born to embrace and live in the cold and stormy weather, not bathe out in the sun, except in the Afro-Holtland or Arab-Holtland Commonwealths. The former was humid and tropical, while the latter was sandy, dry, and rocky, which was essentially being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

He was sweating, even as he tucked his sleeves up and took off his white gloves and black peaked cap in an effort to cool himself down. His four diesel engines weren't doing him any better, burning oil that was drilled from the Arab-Holtland Commonwealths (Yemen and Oman), refined in Africa, and then shipped to Kraicia. West Africa may have been apart of Kraicia's colonial possessions, but the tropical climate was something Blake greeted in disgust and discomfort if he was honest.

His fairy captain, whom had his sleeves tucked up as well, was looking through the binoculars held among his white gloved hands. His peaked cap was still on despite the searing heat, and the fact that because he was sitting on Blake's right shoulder, he was getting the full brunt of the sun. The left side shoulder was a little dark, casting a slight shadow for some of the fairy crew to reside for whenever they came out on deck.

A few of the officers were on deck with the captain, one of whom had a map mounted on a clipboard, which displayed the possible radar range of this new base. The captain stopped looking through his binoculars and inspected the map the officer was holding, promptly nodding to each before the group returned within Blake. Moments later, Blake came to his 'realization' that he was getting in range of this unknown base's radar range, hence why he pressed his left hand on his throat microphone (hidden underneath his collar) and relayed in English with a thick accent, "This is HLFFS CC-118 Blákksdorf, requesting to dock, over."

He had adjusted for the designated frequency ahead of time, long given the information needed to make contact with his 'new home' somewhere in the world. With his rigging wielding his three quadruple-barreled 6in gun turrets, plus his 30mm AA gun defenses, he was prepared for the possibility of air threats in case first contact gone horribly wrong somehow or another. Against a battleship, he stand no chance aside from his superior accuracy and fire rate, but without armor, he was practically an elongated tin can - an unarmored light cruiser meant to appear like a heavy cruiser.

Prinz Eugen be feeling like she's being mocked by Blake had they ever met in person...

[Offer Erapia]

G.E.N Jason Bach, 57 miles from base



Jason trudged along at his max speed of 26 knots. Although his optimistic levels were high so was his fatigue. He'd been out at sea for more than ten days he was tired and aching from the long journey it seemed all he wanted now was a long sleep on a comfortable bed.

"Come on just a couple of miles to go you can do it!"

He said to himself trying to cheer himself up. And it wasn't just him who was deadbeat tired a few of his fairies were snoozing away on one of his shoulder mounted eight inch guns. But despite all the tiredness he was happy about meeting new people and fighting abyssmals. Jason wondered if there were any other cruisers like him at the base. Pondering on the thought Jason gave himself a little mental smack in the face.

"Who am I kidding of course there cruisers there and, furthermore, I'm willing to bet there are battleships and carrier's too."

Saying this only fueled Jason with more passion to meet the new people. His slouched shoulders straightened and he raced ahead at flank speed. Turning his gaze, from ahead to the side, Jason looked at the vast blue seemingly endless ocean. He watched the waves Bob up and down, churning and choppy from the aftermath of the storm that had appeared a few days prior.

The house ticked by and the anticipation of arriving at the base kept Jason alert and aware. His joy seemed to flush out his soreness. It wasn't long before there, on the horizon, a small dot appeared it grew larger and larger by the minute.

"Yeah! We did it Guys! Guys! Wake up were here!"

He shouted giving the snoozing fairies a slight jostle. The three small figures slowly stirred and soon awoke with yawns and small protests. Reaching toward his headset Jason turned on his radio to contact the base.

"This is Jason of the Grand Erapian Navy, ETA is five minutes, permission to dock over!"

[The Selkie]

FNS Kreech River
Standing duty in HQ

To say that Kreech hadnt been expecting anything during her watch would be a small understatement. As it was the Heavy cruiser was actually asleep at her post when the radio headset still perched on her ears screeched into her brain. Jolted from her wonderful dream, she groggily wiped the sandy blonde hair off her sweat covered face and tried desperately to remember what had just been transmitted to her.

The little hamster in her head finished its computation and she palmed her face in frustration. Of course there were ships coming in! It was on the damn schedule and everything! "Read you loud and clear, permission granted." her stoic voice filled the small map room as she released the transmitter and sat back in her chair. Now that the task at hand was complete, she could get back to her very important nap.

Of course she hadnt gotten more than a few heartbeats into it before the radio came to life a second time. Actually being awake, she heard the full message before responding, "Diamantina, District control, we read you, proceed to dock." With a huff, she let go of the equipment and set the headphones down. At this rate she would have to actually stand the duty! Of course if Glory walked in on her asleep at her post again... shed probably get sent to the Ark Circle as punishment... And Kreech shivered at the mere thought of such a horrible place.

Instead of trying to sleep again, the tall girl decided to do her job and started scratching off names on the list she had been given. It was a roster with all the ships that were due to be stationed at the district, and she was supposed to mark them off as people arrived. Supposed to. As it stood she had just a few names marked, it really wasnt her fault if they didnt check in on the radio! Her short work complete, she stood and stretched out her sore legs. The white stockings she wore were fashionable of course, but they were hot as hell, and shed end up losing them in favor of simple blue dungarees later once she was off duty.

Deciding that the stuffy little room was killing her, Kreech left the prison cell behind and started roaming the building. She had just rediscovered the front door to the HQ when it slammed open in her face and there stood someone she hadnt yet met. She was tall, not a destroyer by anyone's guess, had piercing blue eyes, a commanding presence, and long brownish blonde hair.

Kreech was halfway into saying sorry and moving along when she realized this was a new ship trying to check in. Then the further realization that she was wearing a very distinguishing duty belt and armband with the words "HQ Duty" on her arm struck like lighting. "Fuck me..." She muttered under her breath, before conceding defeat and instead asking, "How may I help you?"

FNS Glory
Trying her best

For what amounted to a shack with a grill, Glory had to admit they made amazing cheeseburgers. As she finished cramming the last bite into her salivating mouth, someone opened the door behind her. In her most undignified pose, Glory froze. Then she quickly swallowed the last morsels and cleaned her face with a nearby napkin, attempting to regain her composure before whoever it was saw her in such a state.

Turning, she made eye contact with another kanmusu. "Good afternoon," Glory managed, "Im Secretary Ship Glorious, welcome to the base." As she spoke, she waved her hand at the barely repaired cafe around her. Sure it had tables, hardwood floors, sturdy walls, a kinda clean kitchen. But it also had wood rot, that horrible mildew stench, and a complete lack of what some may call, Air conditioning. A little self consciously, Glory chuckled and shrugged, "We're still setting the place up." She instead geustured to the menu before her, "They serve great food at least, surely you must be famished after your trip in." Sitting back down Glory had a sudden thought, "Oh! Dont forget to settle into your dorms, if you dont have one, you'll be assigned one in a bit when I call the district together..."

And then Glory remembered she had responsibilities outside of rolling out the welcome mat for new additions and jolted upright from her chair. "Sorry! I have to run, feel free to get situated!" The last words she shouted over her shoulder as she exited the building. She was late for another stupid meeting. She needed an assistant or something for all this work, oh well, that was something she'd have to figure out later.

SDFS Carman Fea, Admiralty.
When I had finally found the bloody Admiralty and made my way inside from the blasted heat, I pushed the door open, maybe with more force then necessary...
...only for the door to be stopped by something which turned out not to be a doorstopper, but something, that looked more like a fellow kanmusu.
A fellow kanmusu, in who's face I just slammed a door.
Well... I must admit, that there are better ways to introduce oneself, especially as I saw the 'HQ Duty'-Armband.
"Fuck me...", I believe my ears picked up, but I was not sure, so I didn't comment, before the girl spoke: "How may I help you?"
I saluted.
"Good afternoon, SDFS Carman Fea.", I introduced myself, "I would like to know, who I report to in order to... well, get my kanmusu situation on this base." I glanced at the armband again. "I take, that it would be you, Miss...?"

[Fantrum]

FNS Kreech River
HQ

Hesitantly, Kreech returned the salute and then stepped back into the building behind her, waving for Fea to follow. "Carman Fea..." She said back to herself, she vaguely remembered a name like that on her list and cursed the girl's inability to use a damn radio instead of coming in person. "FNS Kreech River, and yeah," She started weaving her way back to her previously forsaken prison cell, "You check in with me, but the boss is gonna get everyone together later." In short fashion the two were in the map room, and Kreech River scribbled on her paper next to Fea's name.

"I can assign you a room right now or you can wait until the brief later, actually..." She looked down at her paper, someone had already predesignated the rooms, ah wonderful! Less work was always welcome in Kreech's book. "Youre in room 300. There isnt much to do on base as it is, so my suggestion is to get settled in and wait for the boss to call everyone up, operations are expected to start tomorrow."

No sooner had she stopped talking did the large radio set start screeching again. "Ugh." She said aloud, "If you'll excuse me." In a fashion some might describe as kinda rude Kreech turned away from Fea and donned her headphones. Oh god, how was she supposed to pronounce this guy's name? The crusiser gulped and gave it the old college try anyway, "Blakesdoorf, District Control, Youre cleared to dock." It was an unfortunate reality that her calm, monotone voice was perfect for radio comms, something Secretary Ship Glory had already picked up on no doubt. Of course that also meant she was the unofficial base talker when it came to operations, and the last place Kreech wanted was to be stuck inside all day while others were getting shot at and having fun.

Then another person demanding her attention cropped up, "Jason, District control, youre cleared to dock," More scribbles on her paper. It was surprising that they werent tripping over each other out there, with how many ships were trying to dock out there. Sighing, Kreech cursed her bad luck on being on duty on the same day the fleet was due to arrive. It was gonna be a long post.

[The Selkie]

FNS Kreech River
HQ

Hesitantly, Kreech returned the salute and then stepped back into the building behind her, waving for Fea to follow. "Carman Fea..." She said back to herself, she vaguely remembered a name like that on her list and cursed the girl's inability to use a damn radio instead of coming in person. "FNS Kreech River, and yeah," She started weaving her way back to her previously forsaken prison cell, "You check in with me, but the boss is gonna get everyone together later." In short fashion the two were in the map room, and Kreech River scribbled on her paper next to Fea's name.

"I can assign you a room right now or you can wait until the brief later, actually..." She looked down at her paper, someone had already predesignated the rooms, ah wonderful! Less work was always welcome in Kreech's book. "Youre in room 300. There isnt much to do on base as it is, so my suggestion is to get settled in and wait for the boss to call everyone up, operations are expected to start tomorrow."

No sooner had she stopped talking did the large radio set start screeching again. "Ugh." She said aloud, "If you'll excuse me." In a fashion some might describe as kinda rude Kreech turned away from Fea and donned her headphones. Oh god, how was she supposed to pronounce this guy's name? The crusiser gulped and gave it the old college try anyway, "Blakesdoorf, District Control, Youre cleared to dock." It was an unfortunate reality that her calm, monotone voice was perfect for radio comms, something Secretary Ship Glory had already picked up on no doubt. Of course that also meant she was the unofficial base talker when it came to operations, and the last place Kreech wanted was to be stuck inside all day while others were getting shot at and having fun.

Then another person demanding her attention cropped up, "Jason, District control, youre cleared to dock," More scribbles on her paper. It was surprising that they werent tripping over each other out there, with how many ships were trying to dock out there. Sighing, Kreech cursed her bad luck on being on duty on the same day the fleet was due to arrive. It was gonna be a long post.

SDFS Carman Fea. Admiralty.
Although I was unaware of the HQ Duty Vessel's thoughts, allow me to say, that I didn't know it in any other way: The arriving vessel reported to the Admiralty about its arrival, in person. If a group arrived, the flag-carrying vessel. It was naturally to me...
Anyway.
I nodded along, followed, didn't even manage to get out a yes or no before the lass, FNS Kreech River, was occupied elsewhere.
Gods, give me patience...
That was rich coming from a lass literally named in honour of a Goddess, but anyway.
I waited until she had finished her receiving of the two new arrivals and then spoke up again: "I would like to add, that SDFS Búraló Liath and SDFS Faoileán arrived with me and are currently resupplying. They'll be at the assembly." I let a short beat pass. Well, Rhiannon-class Light Cruisers were built as flagships as well... "Say, do you need help here?"
I ignored my stomach rumbling in protest, but a small blush told about how successful that was.
"Point me towards what needs to be done and I'll do it.", I offered her, "Including getting something to drink... Gods, this room is like the inside of boiler!"

[Kraicia]

HLFFS Elliotsjökull
En-Route to Base

The clanking sound of a diesel engine roared to life before swooshing water erupted momentarily. The hull of a T-15 Torpedo Boat slipped from Elliot's hands while he crouched into the water. The Kraician sailor fairies in their black and red sailor uniforms were complimented by grey life-jackets and a black fur-padded cap with an internal radio headset on their heads.

At 18 knots and sailing with the wind, the Kraician flag (dark grey, black, and dark red tricolor) fluttered in the wind, attached to Elliot's spanker sail and the top of his masts. As a sailing kanmusu, his rigging consisted of a mast attached to his back, specifically his third-central mast, which bared all five square-rigged sails. The sides of his rigging each contained two masts with their square-rigged sails as well, all the while decked with AA guns facing out towards the sea from their perspective sides.

At 7ft tall (880ft long for the actual ship), the deck (armor hidden underneath) was white, while the hull was black and the waterline was a dark red, corresponding to the color of the Kraician flag. His thigh-high boots were black, his long-sleeved uniform was of the standard white, dating back to the 17th century as the Kraician navy's previous standard color until black and green took over after the Napoleonic Era. On his head was a white tricorn with a gold and black trim, bearing the standard dark grey and dark red cockade pinned to the left side of the tricorn.

All this white clothing may have helped to deflect the sun rays, but the heat still manages to seep through and onto his 'flesh'. Out of his own pride, however, prevented him from taking off his gloves or removing any bit of his cloths, refusing to bow down to the tropical afternoon heat, standing tall, straight, and indomitable as being one of the largest ships of the Second World War alongside Yamato/Musashi/Shinano. There was something so absolutely 17th century about Elliot, symbolizing himself as one of the most formal European males, specifically a half-man and half-ship that could timelessly sail the seven seas as great as the late KMS Pruessen.

On the other hand, he looked as if he belonged in another era, not so much belonging in the modern age alongside the steam and diesel powered ships all around him. In fact, he was not surprised anymore whenever someone glared at him in scrutiny, believing that he would be sunk the moment he entered combat, which on the contrary was untrue. His Kraician-Dutch designers and engineers from the JONA project were not inept, since they built Elliot with a mixture of Dutch and Kraician features - strong structural integrity (Kraician-Dutch; internal honeycomb structuring and bracing) and heavy-hitting armament (Kraician-Dutch; T-15 Torpedo Boats).

He was nowhere as fast like the smaller four-masted bermuda-rigged HLFFS Van Ruller, whose shallow draft and low freeboard allows her to get up to speed very easily and sail within rivers and fjords without any problem. Speaking of the sailing cruiser in question, one of his torpedo boats off to his starboard side spotted an eerily familiar ship in the distance, quite honestly an all to depressing sight. Elliot didn't have to say anything as the crew from the T-15 boat flagged him down while returning to formation, hence why Elliot instead took out his telescope and used his left eye to spot HLFFS Van Ruller in the distance at rest and becoming apart of the sea.

She was 17 miles away, sailing at full sails and with the wind, undergoing the usual tacking and jibing maneuver given her lateen sails. According to the reporting T-15 boat, Van Ruller's radio was silent, explaining why Van Ruller remained asleep, unbothered about the sloshing of the tropical waters and searing heat. If anything at best, Elliot's usual course of action with Van Ruller during the day was to just wake her up for the time being and get her to the best under his guidance, that way she could lose that horrifying tentacle hair and pointed ears, plus the algae, barnacles, and moss that mottled her cloths, sails, and rigging.

So upon putting his telescope away, he spared no regret in making a brief smile before he sailed his way to Van Ruller just twenty minutes later. Once up close to her starboard side, his fourteen T-15 Torpedo Boats were trailing behind him in a single line formation, reducing their noise level as they equal Elliot's varying speed of 10 to 16 knots; however, the fairy sailors on board Elliot were up on the masts and reeling up the sails to reduce speed. Being 36,410 tons heavy when fully loaded compared to Van Ruller's 10,700 tons fully loaded, Elliot was not much stronger than Van Ruller due to his sail propulsion, which would have been different had he been a typical steam or diesel powered vessel.

Van Ruller was on her knees and had her eyes closed, sleeping with her hat (a black wide-brimmed hat with a cleft front peak with a bit of a flare and a rolled back and gold trims) still on her head only able to mask the top of her head and tentacle hair. Goodness, where had he seen such transformation like this before? Maybe it was because he was thinking about a certain tentacle-bearded man that cut out his heart out of guilt and cruelty for reason regarding forgotten love.

Oh how such a somber gentleman that became Elliot himself, subsequently proceeding instead to transfer some of his crew on board to check up on Van Ruller's own, shortly awakening Van Ruller with her eyes opening in no time at all. Turning her head towards Elliot with a stern and silent glare, her tentacle hair became more lively as they grabbed the small group of sailors that boarded her and chucked them back at Elliot. The fairy sailors were not thrown with too much, hence why Elliot calmly caught most of his boarding sailors in his right hand, while a few were caught in his left hand or perfectly tossed back on his deck without the use of either hand.

Standing up at her full height of 6'7ft tall, Van Ruller was not happy to find that somebody had awoken her from her nocturnal sleep, hence why she sneered apathetically at the 7ft tall Elliotsjökull, "You awoken me. Why?"

"We're only 30 miles away from our final destination, my love." Elliot serenely spoke, unbothered by Van Ruller appearing like a genderswapped version of Davy Jones, "Wouldn't want to be adrift at sea forever, not when you look like the sea if anything."

"An insolent yet unnerving gentlemen you are nonetheless." Van Ruller growled, whom her vampire fangs showed every so often as she spoke among her tiresome hissing, "Why do I get the feeling you can't introduce yourself without a partner?"

Elliot chuckled, shrugging his shoulders for a moment before counter so sedately, "I never said or planned anything like that. Besides, you'll be back to bed in no time once we reach our destination."

"Then stop making me waste time." Van Ruller coldly warned, "I'm tired and I hate making people scream. It's already bad enough that this heat is killing me."

"Allow me to lead the way, love." Elliot said in taking the initiative, his fairy sailors unraveling his sails once more, while the T-15 Torpedo Boats made a loose perimeter around the two ships.

And that actually reminded him, he got applied his hand on his hidden throat microphone, which was hidden underneath his collar and spoke, albeit with a thick Dutch-Kraician accent, "Goedemiddag, District Control. This is HLFFS LSD-09 Elliotsjökull and HLFFS CC-077 Van Ruller, requesting for clearance and docking, over."

[Sterkistan]

SRN Battleship Diamantina LM
Operational Sector Eastern Sea - West, Naval District.
Base - Cafe

---

Dia shrunk from the doorway as the ship inside shot up from her seat and started talking to her.
"I-Um-I'm Dia-" She got halfway through her sentence when the secretary ship started her next tangent. Rushing out of the cafe.
She stepped aside and let her pass. Before going into the cafe and ordering a burger like the Secretary ship was eating, as well as a cold drink.
Dia sat down and idly waited until she got her burger and drink. She tucked in, keeping an eye on the door in case somebody came in.

[Jebslund]

Hornissennest, Adelheid, and Erika
Heat and humidity. To most ships, it was oppressive, but, to Hornissennest, it was merely an excuse to wear the tropical Wasserarmee uniform, which was a lighter blue and made of thinner material, with the orange portions brighter, and a sun visor as she patrolled the waters around the base. Hornissennest had been deployed to nearly every climate imaginable, acclimating her to the various discomforts the world had to offer, in addition to pain being an old friend thanks to her rather drawn-out end as a steel-and-oil ship. Indeed, the humidity was quite refreshing after the dry cold of her last posting. The fact that she'd been here a while already, given that the base, prior to her arrival, had lacked any sort of air power, certainly didn't hurt.

On either side of her were Erika and Adelheid, singing a sea shanty as they skipped beside her. As usual, the pair were in a cheery mood as they kept watch for any enemy air power foolish enough to attempt to attack, keeping track of the jets that flew around in pairs, the hornets of Hornissennest's nest, so as to not fire on them in the event of an attack. Every now and then, one or the other would do a cartwheel, much to Hornissennest's annoyance, or, even more gratingly, a frontflip or backflip.

Kerriott, Turmfalke, and Mary Read Kerman
Kerriott sang happily as she cleaned the grill, making sure every last spot was shining. So far, she hadn't had too too many orders, but the one she'd filled had featured the cooking she was known among Jebslunden shipgirls for, and the things she'd heard had made her absolutely determined to get the kitchen in tip-top shape as soon as possible. This meant cleaning what she could between orders, with help from Mary Read Kerman when she wasn't taking orders or goofing off, and Turmfalke, when she wasn't replacing parts of the walls or leaning on the quartermaster for that AC unit she'd ordered longer than she'd have liked ago. As things stood, though, Kerriott felt they'd done a good job, and the remark she overheard from the secretary ship about the great food had her beaming and redoubling her efforts.

Turmfalke, meanwhile, was somewhat less content as she inspected one of the walls carefully, looking both for wood rot and the source of the mildew stench. She'd already marked several spots on the wall where the wood planks needed replacing, as well as a couple areas on the floor, and she'd only gone through half the building. Then there was the matter of that quartermaster *still* not having scrounged up that AC unit for her, which caused her quite a bit of frustration. As she worked, the heavy cruiser made no acknowledgement of the other occupants of the room, preferring instead to focus on her work.

Mary Read Kerman, on the other hand, relished the newcomers as a chance to get a moment's respite from cleaning. "Welcome to the base Cafe! Can I start you off with anything? A drink? Some fries? Bread?", she asked, grinning in a way Kerriott assured her was absolutely adorable as she held a pad of paper and a pen to take the order with. Working in the mess wasn't always fun, but this was one of those times when she loved it, largely because it was an excuse to take a break from cleaning as well as a chance to eavesdrop.

[Offer Erapia]

G.E.N Jason Bach, Docking at port




Jason's engines died from a whirring to a murmur as he cut them and drifted into a dock. His fairies jumped from his rigging and landed on the platform to aid him getting out of the water. Once out of the water Jason stretched his aching limbs they stung and burned with fatigue. He yawned and walked down the dock and onto the sidewalk. As he walked Jason was momentarily blindsided by a strong growl and quick stabbing pain in his gut.


"Well so much for sleep, but, I bet the food here is good"


He murmured to himself and walked towards what he thought was the cafe. He hadn't got his directions down since his arrival a few short minutes ago. So he wasn't entirely sure where to go. He'd just have to follow his gut, which was growling even louder now. The building grew from a quarter sized dot to a large, decently intact, structure. Walking toward the door Jason outstretched his hand and grasped the cold, hard handle. Stepping inside Jason was caught with a sudden oder. It smelled damp and the scent of rotting wood lingered in the air. Trying his best to ignore the musky smell Jason took a seat and opened the menu.

After a while Jason finally decided that a hearty meal was in store and ordered a hamburger with a side of fries and to finish it off a tall glass of water. Waiting for his food Jason looked around to better see the internals of the building. It turned out the inside wasn't all that bad, sure, it smelled but a fresh coat of paint and a redo of the walls and it would look brand spanking new. Plus, if he could further prove his opinion, it was already in decent shape the ceiling was ok and so were the floor boards. All in all it wasn't bad and he could certainly live with it.

Upon further gazing around Jason noticed a girl that he had not seen when he first walked in. She had long black hair and a white hat with a black ribbon attached. She also had a bluish parasol which covered most of her face. Jason knew it wasn't right to stare but he couldn't help but notice how shy she looked. When his food finally came his stomach groaned with hunger and anticipation and it wasn't long before Jason was chowing down but even as he ate he would glance at the girl from time to time. He wanted to ask her something but he was too busy devouring his food in front of him maybe after he had finished his meal he'd approach her and hopefully he would make a new friend.

[Kraicia]

HLFFS Blákksdorff
Arrival to the Base

Ten minutes after radio contact and clearance was established, Blake can see the docks up ahead, finally arriving at last and embracing the sight of the base. There were some structures still in need of refurbishing and upgrades due to the tropical heat and humidity, but nothing new that some good old construction crews can fix. His diesel engines slowly died down from their mechanical clacking and rumbling, allowing Blake to drift into port and then step onto dry land at last, or specifically the concrete docks.

His rigging and his three quadruple-barrelled 6in gun turrets were still attached to him, whom he kept on, suspecting with the vacancy around him that a friendly fire situation was going to happen. His fairy captain, however, alongside some of the officers came out on deck, specifically Blake's right and left shoulders, viewing their new home with silent watchful eyes. Taking his black peaked cap off his head, Blake gently ran his left hand across his blonde hair, exhaling a breath of air before he walked further towards the base.

He needed to get his rigging off, whom he decided to do that by heading over the warehouses. Ten minutes later, he emerged from the warehouses without his rigging and turrets, this time wearing his peaked cap on his head once more, but keeping his sleeves rolled up and his white gloves on. There was a reason why he felt discomfort in warmer climates like Africa and the Middle East, being built and raised most of his life to endure the harsh and frigid Atlantic seas and climate as a true native.

"Guð hvíla sjahlar unser, herrar meinir." He somberly murmured to himself and his fairy sailors in particular, "Því að við höfum gengið í helvete."

He was instructed from briefing long ago that after docking, he was ordered to go back out to the docks and await the other Kraician ships to arrive, specifically HLHFFS Elliotsjökull and Van Ruller. They were two other Kraician ships to arrive, with the other ships yet to be announced and make their arrival somewhere in the future. For now, walking out to the docks again, Blake took the binoculars secured on his left hip and looked outwards towards the sea to spot for the two sail-powered Kraician ships.

---

• (1). "Guð hvíla sjahlar unser, herrar meinir." = "God rest our souls, gentlemen."
• (2). "Því að við höfum gengið í helvete." = "For we have entered into hell."

[Higher Japan]

OSES-W, naval district

"Beginning docking." I said, slowly moving into the docks as I felt the machinery click onto my rigging before removing it. As it stepped out of the bay and into the land, I sighed once more. The entire base was in severe disrepair, airfields were practically non-existent, but at least majority of the required facilities were here. Just before I left, I heard a different signal calling in, another similar signal to mine. "Higashikawa here, who's calling." "Tokai, bringing the new girl over." I gulped for a moment as I looked at the horizon. Ah right, one of the paper girls had finally got an escort, and by the looks of it...Tokai was the unfortunate soul.

As she came in and stopped outside of port, she released a latch on a box she was hauling along. Just like a coffin, I thought as the girl came out. "This is Avvo-chan, I forgot her full name so ask the secretary about her. Girl's a little messed up, doesn't have a complete soul. Well, gotta go, the South East still needs me!" She shouted as I stared at Avvo. This...paper girl, she appeared like a real kanmusu in full honesty. Her flight deck wasn't too weird, a solid one at her side with the landing section facing upwards and painted in grey. Her rigging was ordinary as well, anti air emplacements, the bridge, some dual purpose cannons. What was weird was that she didn't have any quiver for her obscenely large longbow which was more than a head taller than her. As she silently docked, she merely walked passed me towards the administration building, weird.

Quickly running up to her, I simply followed along as we reached the building. Weird, the entire trip was silently, wasn't she supposedly unstable? More important, the secretary ship is waiting. Knocking the door, I walked in with Avvo as I quickly saluted the secretary ship. "Ma'am, reporting in. My name is Higashikawa and this is Avvo, we will be serving in this sector from this day forth. If you require any help please do voice it out as I am still a command ship at heart at least."

[Fantrum]

FNS Kreech River
HQ

It was with a heavy heart that Kreech realized Fea wasnt going away easily. That was just her luck. "Sorry," She muttered lamely, then grabbed a pen and began scribbling on her paper, "I dont know why they only have one of me here, makes life hell." There wasnt much inflection in her voice as she spoke, but she wasnt lying. Then again, she'd kill to have even one of her fourteen sisters with her. Even that stuck up bitch Watershed, her class nameship, would have been a welcome addition. Oh well.

At the other girl's offer of help, Kreech cracked a ghost of a smile. She seemed well meaning, and while Kreech always did her best to avoid people, she appreciated kindness. It was definitely something in short supply these days. Maybe she'd been too hasty with her judgement this time around. "Actually..." She started before another screech came from the radio, drawing her attention back to her actual job.

"District control copies all, you're cleared to dock." With yet another heavy sigh, the cruiser reached up and slipped the headset off. Setting it down on the desk she turned to Fea, "I need to eat something, youre welcome to..." She hesitated just a second, "Join me if youd like, Ill show you where the cafe is." As she spoke, she unclipped her duty belt and yanked the armband off, setting both next to the headset. She was allowed an hour for chow, and she was damned if she wasnt going to escape her personal oven for at least a while.

FNS Glory
Secretary Ship's office, HQ

That bad day that Glorious had been having before was not getting any better. The burger had been a small bright spot in a sea of shit, and it was only getting deeper for her. If she wasnt careful she'd sail straight into a torpedo, and at this point, a shit torpedo was the last thing she needed. She had come back to her office to find several fairies literally screaming at one another while the Fleet oilier VIS Kindred Spirit and Destroyer Tender FNS Polar watched on helplessly.

Once the situation had been diffused, Glory was further dismayed to learn that the whole thing had been about the importance of wasting time on the airfield or expanding the dock facilities. Both of which were top priorities for the poor girl, yet the meeting had supposed to have been about renovations to the Dorms! The logistics of the whole operation were going to kill her if she wasnt careful.

Or one of the faeries would give it a damn good go, given the way one reacted when she sided against him. Regardless, they were all further interrupted when two ships all but kicked in her office door, startling the hell out of Kindred and Polar. Glory on the other hand, recognized divine intervention when she saw it, and jumped at the opportunity.

Returning their crisp salutes, she strode from around her desk, which was cluttered with innumerable papers, "Ah, some of the new ships!" She didnt gesture for them to sit, and didnt sit herself, "Im Glorious, the district Secretary ship, and this," She pointed to the first of her attendant auxiliaries, a shorter woman with a matronly look, sharp green eyes, and light auburn hair, "Is VIS Kindred Spirit, our base Quartermaster." Then she waved at the next, an average height woman who looked very uncomfortable in her blue dungarees and smiled from behind her long black hair, "And That is FNS Polar, shes head of our construction efforts thus far."

Introductions quickly dealt with, Glory approached the pair of newcomers and gently pushed them out the door, "You two must be famished, let me show you the way to food and the dorms, Im sure they've already got your names on the doors by now!" As she crossed the threshold, a sheepish looking secretary ship slammed the door on two very confused looking auxiliaries. "Its not far from here, Ill show you the way!" She felt kinda bad for walking out on what was obviously a hot issue, but goddamn, if she stayed in that horrible place for a second longer, shed lose her damn mind.

As it was, the sun was starting to dip, which meant it was nearly time for her to call the fleet together and give them their welcome aboard brief. She already knew what the next day's operations would be, but preferred to offer the troops as little as possible, so as to not disturb their first night's sleep. The secretary didnt like the fast pace of ops starting on the base, in fact she'd prefer several weeks of working up before even considering setting out on the high seas. But as her boss had outlined to her, the mission this particular base had been assigned really couldnt wait. Oh well. She'd just have to wing it, as she always did.

[Sterkistan]

SRN Battleship Diamantina LM
Operational Sector Eastern Sea - West, Naval District.
Base - Cafe

---

Dia shrunk into her seat as another person entered the cafe, sitting down in another section of the rather modestly-sized establishment.
She pulled her hat down further over her face and angled her parasol. She didn't want to have to speak to anyone, she just wanted to be left in silence.
But her heart sunk as she felt him staring, and occasionally glancing at her as he ate. She wanted to leave, to escape his glares. For all she knew, he thought she was a freak. Staring at her like some kind of monster dug up from the unholy pit it should have stayed.
She wanted to leave, but her legs wouldn't move. So she kept eating, hoping that she wouldn't draw a crowd.

[Kraicia]

(May-June 1945, Pacific Ocean; HLFFS Elliotsjökull en-route to Okinawa)

---

HLFFS Elliotsjökull & HLFFS Van Ruller
Arrival to the Base

Over the horizon, two white uniformed kanmusu slowly emerged, the 7ft tall Elliotsjökull and the 6'7ft tall Van Ruller. Accompanying them was the T-15 torpedo boats, forming a loose circular perimeter around the two ships as they began to see the new base. Using his telescope, Elliot look on the sight of the base in the distance, traveling at a steady 19 knots with all his sails fully deployed and going with the wind.

The base was in a derelict state, seriously needing refurbishing and upgrades, signifying that the base seemed to have not been in use for a long time. But speaking of time, it wasn't long until Elliot scoped out a far away glint at the harbors, originating from a blonde-haired and black uniformed ally, whom Elliot knew too well if all has gone according to plan. Putting his telescope down, he went on his throat microphone, automatically setting the frequency to make contact with the faraway kanmusu at the docks in native Holtlandic, "This is HLFFS LSD-09 Elliotsjökull, confirming your identity, over."

There was a brief radio silence, whom HLFFS Van Ruller awaited impatiently as indicated by some of her tentacle hairs scrunching tightly; however, she didn't have to wait long either as a radio signal came back both on Elliot and Ruller's radios, "This is HLFFS CC-118 Blákksdorf, I read you. Welcome to our new HQ."

"Copy, Blákksdorf." Elliot replied back, adding in the Germanic trilled 'r' sound in Blake's full name, "Hvernig var móttakan?"

"Enginn er heima ennþá." Blake stoically replied back with robotic simplicity,

"Enginn?"

"Enginn."

"Rétt þú ert. Við munum vera þarna fljótlega, aus." Elliot conclude sedately, ending radio contact with Blake.

"Nobody is home?" Van Ruller grumbled suspiciously.

"It's fishy." Elliot cryptically teased while retaining seriousness to the situation, "But no doubt that those ruins have seen better days."

"Then it is a poor base but I suppose that's what we're sent to nonetheless." Van Ruller growled coldly and boringly, though just as she and Elliot were sailing ahead, she couldn't help but lag slightly behind, sail a little close to Elliot's port side, and have her longest hair tentacles wrap and constrict Elliot's left hand, wrist, and forearm.

"Don't think I didn't catch that little slur, Elliot." Van Ruller hissed, showing her fangs as she warned the larger and taller five-masted square-rigged shipboy, "I warned you that I'm tired and sick."

"Yes you have." Elliot stoically agreed, retaining a stern and strong look as the hair tentacles around his left arm tightened, slicking his left sleeve and glove with slime and algae from the tentacles, "Must I also tell you that land is within our reach. Now mind you, and keep those hands to yourself."

With a brief sneer, Van Ruller relinquished her tentacle hair off Elliot's left sleeve and glove, but leaving due to the slime, his left sleeve was stained as a result of his dry humor. Nevertheless, he could only hold his pride back as he and Van Ruller sailed into the docks of the new base, their fairy sailors reeling up their sails on the masts. The Kraician flags from the spanker sails fluttered proudly even as the sails were being reeled or brought in for the day, starting with Elliotsjökull stepping onto the concrete docks of the new base.

Not far away was Blake himself, holding a pair of binoculars in his left hand and approaching the two sailing ships as they arrived to the docks. All three ships hoped that no one was looking, since when it came to Van Ruller, things were kind of freaky for the moment ... literally and metaphorically. The tentacle hair, pointed ears, and ominous green eyes, combined with the algae, barnacles, and moss forming on her hull, cloths, sails, and rigging, made for an incredibly ugly and horrifying sight for those who have never seen Van Ruller before.

Luckily, upon which Elliot gentlemanly offered his left hand to Van Ruller, she stepped onto land at last, where something magical yet eerie occurred before the shipboys... or anyone watching from a distance. The aquatic plant life growing on Van Ruller began to slowly slosh right off, starting from her feet and legs, where algae, moss, barnacles, and slime sloshed onto the ground underneath her. At the same time, her tentacle hair slowly morphed away, replaced by long beautiful flowing brown hair, alongside her eyes reverting back to brown, and her fangs and ears morphing back to normal as if they never existed.

But unfortunately for Elliot, some of the foliage and slime coming off of Van Ruller made their way onto Elliot's left hand, sleeve cuff, and at the tip of his thigh high boots. For a moment, Van Ruller staggered as her true original human form came back to life, leaving behind a trail of slime and decaying aquatic plant life behind as she left the sea and stepped onto land. Blake could only behold the spectacle before him as he stood there alongside Elliot and watched Van Ruller revert back to normal.

Arching her head back slightly, a soft breath of air escaped Van Ruller's lips, relieved that all that life from the sea left her and removing some extra tonnage of weight. Even her hat (a black wide-brimmed hat with a cleft front peak with a bit of a flare and a rolled back and gold trims) had reverted back to normal as well, revealed as a brand new hat as if nothing bad had happened at all, concluding her transformation back to normal. Standing before the two shipboys, she looked upon both males and softly sighed, "Thank you, Elliotsjökull, your company is appreciated. Now, Blake, I only belong in the cold and comfortable night. Where must I get my rigging dismantled?"

"The warehouses over there," Blake advised foremost, pointing Elliot and Van Ruller towards the same warehouse that Blake gone to get his rigging removed, "Can help you two get your rigs off. Head there first before you start exploring the base. Also, my apologies, Van Ruller, but it seems that you'll have to accompany us. If I'm honest, we're in unknown territory."

"You are right, Blake." Elliot agreed, though not without adding his opinion to the equation, "But lady is not to be kept waiting. So lead the way, fine man."

With a curt nod, Blake gestured the two sailing kanmusu to follow him to the warehouses, where they emerged not long after without their rigs, appearing like ordinary human beings at last...

---

• (1). "Hvernig var móttakan?" = "How was the reception?"
• (2). "Enginn er heima ennþá." = "Nobody is home."
• (3). "Enginn?" = "No one?"
• (4). "Enginn?" = "Nobody."
• (5). "Rétt þú ert. Við munum vera þarna fljótlega, aus." = "Correct you are. We'll be there soon, over."

[The Selkie]

FNS Kreech River
HQ

It was with a heavy heart that Kreech realized Fea wasnt going away easily. That was just her luck. "Sorry," She muttered lamely, then grabbed a pen and began scribbling on her paper, "I dont know why they only have one of me here, makes life hell." There wasnt much inflection in her voice as she spoke, but she wasnt lying. Then again, she'd kill to have even one of her fourteen sisters with her. Even that stuck up bitch Watershed, her class nameship, would have been a welcome addition. Oh well.

At the other girl's offer of help, Kreech cracked a ghost of a smile. She seemed well meaning, and while Kreech always did her best to avoid people, she appreciated kindness. It was definitely something in short supply these days. Maybe she'd been too hasty with her judgement this time around. "Actually..." She started before another screech came from the radio, drawing her attention back to her actual job.

"District control copies all, you're cleared to dock." With yet another heavy sigh, the cruiser reached up and slipped the headset off. Setting it down on the desk she turned to Fea, "I need to eat something, youre welcome to..." She hesitated just a second, "Join me if youd like, Ill show you where the cafe is." As she spoke, she unclipped her duty belt and yanked the armband off, setting both next to the headset. She was allowed an hour for chow, and she was damned if she wasnt going to escape her personal oven for at least a while.

FNS Glory
Secretary Ship's office, HQ

That bad day that Glorious had been having before was not getting any better. The burger had been a small bright spot in a sea of shit, and it was only getting deeper for her. If she wasnt careful she'd sail straight into a torpedo, and at this point, a shit torpedo was the last thing she needed. She had come back to her office to find several fairies literally screaming at one another while the Fleet oilier VIS Kindred Spirit and Destroyer Tender FNS Polar watched on helplessly.

Once the situation had been diffused, Glory was further dismayed to learn that the whole thing had been about the importance of wasting time on the airfield or expanding the dock facilities. Both of which were top priorities for the poor girl, yet the meeting had supposed to have been about renovations to the Dorms! The logistics of the whole operation were going to kill her if she wasnt careful.

Or one of the faeries would give it a damn good go, given the way one reacted when she sided against him. Regardless, they were all further interrupted when two ships all but kicked in her office door, startling the hell out of Kindred and Polar. Glory on the other hand, recognized divine intervention when she saw it, and jumped at the opportunity.

Returning their crisp salutes, she strode from around her desk, which was cluttered with innumerable papers, "Ah, some of the new ships!" She didnt gesture for them to sit, and didnt sit herself, "Im Glorious, the district Secretary ship, and this," She pointed to the first of her attendant auxiliaries, a shorter woman with a matronly look, sharp green eyes, and light auburn hair, "Is VIS Kindred Spirit, our base Quartermaster." Then she waved at the next, an average height woman who looked very uncomfortable in her blue dungarees and smiled from behind her long black hair, "And That is FNS Polar, shes head of our construction efforts thus far."

Introductions quickly dealt with, Glory approached the pair of newcomers and gently pushed them out the door, "You two must be famished, let me show you the way to food and the dorms, Im sure they've already got your names on the doors by now!" As she crossed the threshold, a sheepish looking secretary ship slammed the door on two very confused looking auxiliaries. "Its not far from here, Ill show you the way!" She felt kinda bad for walking out on what was obviously a hot issue, but goddamn, if she stayed in that horrible place for a second longer, shed lose her damn mind.

As it was, the sun was starting to dip, which meant it was nearly time for her to call the fleet together and give them their welcome aboard brief. She already knew what the next day's operations would be, but preferred to offer the troops as little as possible, so as to not disturb their first night's sleep. The secretary didnt like the fast pace of ops starting on the base, in fact she'd prefer several weeks of working up before even considering setting out on the high seas. But as her boss had outlined to her, the mission this particular base had been assigned really couldnt wait. Oh well. She'd just have to wing it, as she always did.

SDFS Carman Fea. Admiralty.
Unaware of the commotion going on upstairs, or of our flagship departing the Admiralty herself, I nodded.
"It would be my pleasure.", I told Kreech River and let her lead me. I smiled slightly - sure, I knew, that I was not exactly the easiest ship to be around of, but that didn't mean, that I minded company. In fact, like all Selkie-Kanmusu, I was a social person, so while 'making friends' was not a top priority for me, it was important.
So, why not start here and now?
One could look at it cynically, saying, that friends and comrades made a better fighting force, but as said, that would be cynical. I was not a cynical person.
So, pondering the ramifications of friendship here, I let Kreech River both lead me and then shook off the thought: "Can you tell me a bit about the district and the others already here?", I asked Kreech River.

[Offer Erapia]

G.E.N Jason, base cafe



The heavy cruiser stood from his table and slowly made his way over to the girl with the parasol. The only thing that sounded his approach was the creaking of the floorboards. To be honest Jason's heart was thumping in his chest he was rather nervous of talking to someone new as anyone would be. But this was a good chance to ask her where the dorms are he was still gonna have that nap even if it cost him all his gear. Though as he drew closer Jason could of sworn he saw the girl tense up almost as if she didn't want to talk. He quickly dismissed this and stood just a few feet away.

"Uh...erm h-hello may I...uh....ask a question"

It turns out that Jason might have been a little more nervous than he originally thought. This would explain why his words came out in fragments. He let out a small cough and strengthened his voice slightly.

"Do you know where the dorms are?"

He said with a smile along with soft blue eyes. Jason hoped this shy girl would give him an answer even if it wasn't a good one. And it wasn't just the question that got him to walk over but ever since he walked in she had covered her face with her hat and her parasol. Was she scarred? Did she have something to hide? Or was there something else she was doing?.

[Jebslund]

G.E.N Jason, base cafe



The heavy cruiser stood from his table and slowly made his way over to the girl with the parasol. The only thing that sounded his approach was the creaking of the floorboards. To be honest Jason's heart was thumping in his chest he was rather nervous of talking to someone new as anyone would be. But this was a good chance to ask her where the dorms are he was still gonna have that nap even if it cost him all his gear. Though as he drew closer Jason could of sworn he saw the girl tense up almost as if she didn't want to talk. He quickly dismissed this and stood just a few feet away.

"Uh...erm h-hello may I...uh....ask a question"

It turns out that Jason might have been a little more nervous than he originally thought. This would explain why his words came out in fragments. He let out a small cough and strengthened his voice slightly.

"Do you know where the dorms are?"

He said with a smile along with soft blue eyes. Jason hoped this shy girl would give him an answer even if it wasn't a good one. And it wasn't just the question that got him to walk over but ever since he walked in she had covered her face with her hat and her parasol. Was she scarred? Did she have something to hide? Or was there something else she was doing?.

Turmfalke
Let it never be said that Turmfalke could not keep up situational awareness even when focused on a task. The heavy cruiser had been keeping an eye on the room even as she'd been marking spots that needed repair, and the newcomer had been working a nerve with his staring at the battleship who *clearly* wanted to be left alone. For the moment, though, the staring wasn't enough to warrant action on her part. At least, not the kind of action she was contemplating taking, even without her rigging.

And then he did something that worked that last nerve. He could have approached Mary Read Kerman, who had been taking orders. He could have approached her, Turmfalke, busy as she was. He could have sucked it up and searched on his own. But he did none of these. Instead, he went to the one person in the room *clearly* not interested in talking. Turmfalke didn't so much walk over to the other heavy cruiser as storm over, anger in every line of her body. "Hey, Blödmann! Take a Scheiß hint! She doesn't want to talk to you!", she snapped, glowering at the shipboy as she spoke, "Here's a verdammt map. Dorms are clearly marked. Now get back to your meal or Verpiss dich!", she continued, handing him a map she'd drawn in her first week at the base.

[Offer Erapia]

G.E.N Jason, base cafe



Jason felt awkward at the prolonged silence left between him and the shy girl. He was about to say something when a sharp voice cut the silence. The sudden sound caused Jason to jump and his head turned to where the voice had came from. His eyes barely had time to register before a girl loomed in front of him. Putting his hands up innocently Jason took a cautious step back, eyes wide as can be.

"I-i didn't mean no h-harm...i-i...was just going to ask where t-the dorms are!"

He choked in a slightly high pitched voice. He had known from first glance that the girl was shy but he never thought it would be that bad. Taking a deep, yet nervous, breath he turned and bowed to the girl at the table.

"I'm so sorry i-i didn't...."

He couldn't find the words but he could find the feeling of piercing eyes behind him. He looked back to the girl who had shouted at him and his vision was filled with a hand. At first he thought he was going to be struck and so he gave a flinch. But after some time he slowly looked and was slightly surprised to see the unnerved girl handing him a piece of paper. He slowly took the paper in his hands and looked at it. It was some sort of map it was decently drawn and Jason could see where it said dorms.

"T-thank you"

He said and headed towards the door he was slightly upset about the scenario but what could you expect. As he opened the door and stepped outside he muttered something under his breath.

"Eine Dichtung nicht blasen"

It was a simple phrase but one that a bilingual person would understand. As Jason looked at the map he continued to walk slowly but surely making his way to the dorms.

[Kraicia]

G.E.N Jason, base cafe



Jason felt awkward at the prolonged silence left between him and the shy girl. He was about to say something when a sharp voice cut the silence. The sudden sound caused Jason to jump and his head turned to where the voice had came from. His eyes barely had time to register before a girl loomed in front of him. Putting his hands up innocently Jason took a cautious step back, eyes wide as can be.

"I-i didn't mean no h-harm...i-i...was just going to ask where t-the dorms are!"

He choked in a slightly high pitched voice. He had known from first glance that the girl was shy but he never thought it would be that bad. Taking a deep, yet nervous, breath he turned and bowed to the girl at the table.

"I'm so sorry i-i didn't...."

He couldn't find the words but he could find the feeling of piercing eyes behind him. He looked back to the girl who had shouted at him and his vision was filled with a hand. At first he thought he was going to be struck and so he gave a flinch. But after some time he slowly looked and was slightly surprised to see the unnerved girl handing him a piece of paper. He slowly took the paper in his hands and looked at it. It was some sort of map it was decently drawn and Jason could see where it said dorms.

"T-thank you"

He said and headed towards the door he was slightly upset about the scenario but what could you expect. As he opened the door and stepped outside he muttered something under his breath.

"Eine Dichtung nicht blasen"

It was a simple phrase but one that a bilingual person would understand. As Jason looked at the map he continued to walk slowly but surely making his way to the dorms.

HLFFS Elliotsjökull, HLFFS Van Ruller, & HLFFS Blákksdorff
Base Exploration

The 6ft tall Blákksdorff has some reason to feel inferior, given that he was dwarfed by the 6’7ft tall Van Ruller and the 7ft tall Elliotsjökull. Fortunately Blake, he had no trouble fitting through doorways, which is was happened when he and the two sailing ships were exploring the base in an attempt to locate the HQ building somewhere. Their first stop ended up taking them to the air field, which was not much other than the crumbling tarmac and hangar bays; however, this was nothing compared to the next places they found.

Walking past some buildings still under construction, Blake’s silent curiosity got the best of him as he entered one of the buildings, not realizing that it was in fact the destroyer dormitories. While he could make through the door without any problem, so could Van Ruller ... if not for her hat to come off as it clipped the top of the door and flew off her head. Bothering not to pick up her har given her sleepy and apathetic state, it was Elliot who caught Van Ruller’s hat before he crouched down slightly himself so that his head and hat wouldn’t clip the top of the door frame.

“Looks small.” Blake pondered our loud in Holtlandic, initially not speaking to anyone in particular, “This can’t be it.”

“Do you even know where you’re even going?” Van Ruller dryly and coldly inquired, “I have little time for hide and seek games.”

“No. Not when neither of us have a map.”

“Aye, briefing failed to provide us with one.” Elliot chimed in, whom was looking out the window for a moment before bringing his attention to the situation, “Then again, they we’re denied access to further information about this place.”

There was a momentary silence that fell upon the three Kraician ships, frustration slowly stemming from Van Ruller’s presence as they stood their pondering in silence. But suddenly, Elliot had an idea as he looked out the window again, “Ah, what do we have here?”

Van Ruller and Blake looked at Elliot, walking over to the window where he was standing and looked out to see what he was seeing. There was foreigner shipboy walking around outside in the distance with a map, focused upon getting to his destination as indicated by his undisturbed presence. Compared to him, the three Kraicians were truly lost, though they were not called the Guardians of the Atlantic for no reason given their history as the first to find and inhabit the Kraician archipelago.

“Let’s follow him, but keep quiet.” Blake proposed after watching the foreign shipboy (GEN Jason) for a moment, walking away in an attempt to exit the building.

“Ah I don’t think so.” Elliot said as he grabbed the back of Blake’s collar with his right hand, halting the light cruiser in his place, “Where do you think your going? Sneaking around upon our first sign of life here like a hunting mission? Even you new cruisers lack confidence.”

“I’m not unconfident, Elliot.” Blake grumbled as he was dragged back by Elliot for a brief second, “We just can’t trust anyone here just yet until we see who is in charge.”

“That’s not the point, Blake.” Elliot countered sedately as he let go of Blake and began walking outside, with Van Ruller and Blake in tow, “We don’t greet new people by stalking them. This isn’t the battlefield.”

“I disagree.” Van Ruller nodded negatively with calculative execution and cold mannerism, “While he is wrong about sneaking around, he is right about the trust issue. I may care only for sleep and the night, but I too don’t trust anyone here either. My concern is getting directions and some leadership around here, then I can be at rest and assured that this isn’t the battlefield either.”

“Ah well, not with a long face, my love.” Elliot nudged, oblivious by the fact that he wasn’t paying attention to rounding a certain corner and meeting a certain foreigner from earlier...