What have I gotten myself into?
Secretary Ship Nagato stood imperiously in front of Saratoga. Sara got the distinct impression the battlewagon was taking great pains to enjoy this.
"We obviously cannot send a Kanmusu into combat who cannot even communicate with her teammates, let alone function effectively with that team. Therefore you will be tutored in Japanese by Kongo. You will also take classes with the Unryu sisters and Shinano."
Great. Those girls have never so much as launched a single aircraft! I was pioneering carrier tactics! Hell! Big E and I were the first carriers equipped to handle nighttime operations! Me and four girls who probably don't know which end to launch their planes from. Swell.
Nagato continued. "Surprisingly We picked up an unexpected bonus there. Kasagi was summoned. I expect you and the others will do your utmost to help her."
"Yes ma'am."
"Very good. Naturally you will room with your classmates and take meals with them. This means; of course, that you will need to be accustomed to a Japanese diet, not an American one."
I wonder if they expect me to shit Japanese style? Saratoga wondered with a touch of bitterness. "Permission to speak freely ma'am?"
Nagato quirked her head. "Denied. Miss Saratoga, you may believe that I harbor some special ill will towards you. That opinion would be incorrect. What I have is a responsibility to my fleet and my Admiral. You are an untested element in that fleet. It is my duty to make certain that every Kanmusu can operate effectively in whatever operation that we may be assigned.
"Furthermore, there WILL be Kanmusu who DO resent you very much. Imagine how bad that would become if I granted you special consideration. I am providing you the opportunity to prove yourself fairly to the Kanmusu of this fleet. I suggest you make the most of it. Now. Sakawa will show you to your quarters. Dismissed."
Saratoga saluted, turned on her heel and left, following the eager young cruiser.
In Nagato's office, her sister Mutsu sighed.
"I'm not sure I see the point in putting up with this American. The fleet will never accept her."
"They might." Nagato smiled wryly. "I actually have high hopes for our American friend. She is one of the most experienced carriers we could hope to get aside from Division 1 or perhaps Division 5. While she is proving herself, she will also be able to share that experience with five completely untried carriers without us having to pull a carrier off the line. "
"I see." Mutsu nodded thoughtfully.
"Let us hope she does also."
