Johnston wandered to her usual table in the mess hall, her tray overflowing with today's lunch; an extra large slab of meatloaf with a healthy heaping of ketchup.
But the meatloaf didn't matter to the destroyer. What REALLY mattered to her was the side of mouthwatering apple tart, extra large, to go with her 100% authentic Seattle coffee.
Indeed, Johnston was something of a trend-breaker. She eschewed the UN violation in a cup, which was the infamous Navy coffee for something more elegant from her birthplace.
"You're back already, Jojo?" Hoel called out, or rather mumbled while her mouth was stuffed with meatloaf, crumbs falling out inelegantly; Johnston's brain automatically translated what Hoel actually said, which was something along the lines of 'Yurr ba alra'y Juuu?'
"Yeah," The destroyer answered, setting her tray down. "Line went faster than usual, probably cuz no Fleet carrier in front, holding up the line while they pile their trays high."
"Speakin' of carriers, lookit who's joinin' us today." Heermann pointed her fork behind Johnston.
Johnston twisted in her seat to see who Heermann was pointing at; coming down the aisle between the tables, was a group of light carriers.
The destroyer recognized the light carrier in front, leading the group as Kitkun Bay almost immediately, followed by White Plains, Gambier Bay, Kalinin Bay, Fanshaw Bay and St. Lo.
Essentially the entire Taffy 3 contingent, but what caught Johnston's eyes was the Fleet carrier in the CVE's midist.
"Well, well! I'll be doggone!" Johnston whistled, somehow the Taffy 3 carriers managed to invite their idol, Enterprise to lunch.
It was no secret the CVE's looked to the Grey Ghost as their source of inspiration, nearing idol-worship.
Johnston herself never encountered Enterprise back during the days when she was an steel ship, but she HAD heard of Enterprise's exploits even back then.
"Ah..." Hoel piped up, having finally finished chewing and swallowed her mouthful, pointing in the opposite direction. "The Iowa sisters and Massachusetts."
Johnston glanced at the battleship group approaching the carrier group.
Battleships approaching carriers.
Battleships approaching carriers.
Johnston's face became wet with heavy perspiration.
Battleships approaching carriers.
Her grip tightened on her tray, causing the metal to groan and creak.
Battleships approaching carriers.
Captain Evans's hands tightened around his binoculars as he surveyed the horizon full of the approaching enemy fleet as the Johnston weaved in and out along the fleeing light carriers.
"Full ahead, helmsman." The captain tersely ordered, "Prepare to lay smoke once we're clear."
Johnston let out an strangled cry, as she sprang into action. "N-no! Retreat!"
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Admiral Briggs buried his face deeply into his hands as he mumbled, "Continue, Taney."
Modified command ship, USCGC Taney nodded as she flipped an page on her clipboard. "...Then Johnston suddenly grabbed the pepper shaker and flung herself at the battleships while laying a thick, blinding and choking cloud of pepper while yelling at the carriers to retreat while they can, in an almost desperate voice."
"I'm hearing an 'and' there." The admiral moaned.
"Yes sir," Taney affirmed, as she flipped another page over. "Hoel and Heermann jumped in, and somehow they managed to force the battleships to retreat upon account of burning eyes caused by the pepper cloud. Needless to say, the other destroyers pledged their undying admiration towards those three."
Admiral Briggs let out a long suffering sigh. "Write this down, Taney, First thing to do tomorrow is to get Johnston to PTSD counseling."