"And so, I look forward towards working with you," bowed Ryuusei, showing his appreciation towards the admiral sitting in front of him.
"Same here. You'll start tomorrow, I've informed the aircrafts carriers about you. Use the rest of the day to familiarize yourself with the base, I'll have our public relations' director take you to your quarters first," replied admiral Yamamoto, a well-built man with a fierce expression.
"If you will, I'll take my leave now,"
And with that, Ryuusei left the room, feeling the 1000-ton burden disappearing from his shoulders.
"So, how did it go?" asked Takahashi, a young girl playing the role of the public relations' director for the Kantai program. Takahashi was also a close associate to Ryuusei, being the one who initially introduced him to the program and offering him a good job at the base.
Quality control, it's very important. Mankind is slowly winning the war but according to recent data, the performance throughout the war has been decreasing slowly, with fewer and fewer victories. Every ship designation would be assigned several quality inspectors to combat this issue, Ryuusei was one of them.
"I'm hired."
"Wonderful! It's always wonderful to have more staff on hand. So, to your quarters?"
"Yeah, I'd like to dump all my luggage there first before exploring the base."
"Alright then, just follow me!"
Both Ryuusei and Takahashi walked down the corridors of the administrative building, chatting along the way with the sun shining in through the open windows.
"It's bright again today,"
"That's good, it accentuates your dark blue hair perfectly," commented Takahashi on Ryuusei's hair.
"Well, thanks. I guess the sun is good. You're as energetic as always, aren't you?"
"I'm the public relations' director, I have to be energetic."
"So about my job as a quality inspector, when will there be more personnel on board with me?"
"Hmm, so far you're the first to be hired. To make sure this isn't a bad investment, the admiral will take some time to deliberate about it."
"In short, I'm the pilot guinea pig for this program."
"Exactly!" pointed out Takahashi, a wide grin on her face.
"I can feel the stress of this job already…"
"Just to let you know, you can't resign until the pilot phase ends."
"I know, I read the terms and conditions."
"All 101 pages of it? So diligent, I'm sure you'll have no problems with this job."
Their conversation continued all the way to the aircraft carriers' building.
"It's a pretty huge building…," said Ryuusei, examining the building of the aircraft carriers.
"The destroyers have two buildings. Well then, I'll be taking my leave now, I have stuff to do. To help you get along have this map. On the back is the internet password. See you around!"
"Likewise, see you around.
Ryuusei nodded and waved at Takahashi, who began walking in the opposite direction.
Well then, time to meet the people I'm inspecting.
Ryuusei opened the door to the aircraft carriers' dormitory to be greeted by all the aircraft carriers.
"Welcome," greeted the aircraft carriers as they bowed.
"Thank you, the quality inspection starts tomorrow so be at ease for today."
Introducing myself to them would show them that I put effort into my work. I'll do that.
"Well, I'm sure the admiral has informed all of you. I'm Ryuusei, your sole quality inspector for now. I look forward to seeing your excellence and discipline during my tenure here."
No response.
Well, that's to be expected.
"To start with, I'd like to at least know your names. From your right please,"
There're all formal introductions, like most introductions. But I got all their names.
"So: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryuu, Souryuu, Shoukaku, Zuikaku, Taihou, Houshou, Shouhou, Zuihou, Ryuujou, Junyou, Hiyou, Chitose and Chiyoda. Did I get all your names right?"
"Yes, you did," responded Akagi.
"Alright, well, I won't be in for the rest of the day as I'll be familiarizing myself with the base's facilities but I'll be available at night. Do you all have a schedule?"
God, that makes me sound like some sort of male prostitute. Anyways, if they have a schedule it'll make life easier. I already have one on hand just in case.
"Yes, we do, a copy of our schedule is in your room already, along with copies of our service history," this time it was Kaga who responded.
"I appreciate the initiative. By the way, where is my room?"
"Down the corridor, first room on the right. If you would excuse us,"
"You're all excused, well then, have a good day."
Nerve-racking, isn't it, working with only females. Luckily, I happen to have experience working with girls.
"Ah…," Ryuusei let out a sigh, stretching himself.
I'll unpack everything tonight, for now I'll walk around the naval base while reviewing their schedule and service papers.
Shutting the door behind him and hanging a sign with the words 'Out' on it, Ryuusei walked out of his room. As he walked out of the door he spotted Akagi, walking pass his door.
Ryuusei silently nodded, acknowledging Akagi's presence. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, he quickly tried to dart off. Whenever men met women, either one will feel uncomfortable.
"Excuse me, but don't you think that simply nodding is a little bit rude?" questioned Akagi.
"I'm extremely sorry," apologised Ryuusei as he turned around to bowed slightly. "I don't have a thing for communicating with women you see,"
"That's why you should practice, Mr. Ryuusei."
"I'm working on it, but it takes time, these kinds of things are hard to improve, Akagi."
I opted to call her by her actual name without any honourifics. I hope she gets the message.
"Did you make that sign by yourself? Ryuusei?" asked Akagi, pointing towards the sign on Ryuusei's door.
Ah, she did.
"Ah, yes, I did. I used to work in the field of education until the war broke out. Those were better times. I think I should get going, otherwise I won't be able to see the entire base's compound today. The base is very big after all. Goodbye then, Akagi."
"Goodbye, Ryuusei."
Leaving the carrier dormitory, Ryuusei set off to explore the rest of the naval base. First stop, the cafeteria for food.