Butterflies And Dragons
Chapter 54:
Chorando Se Foi
The departure of Prince Rogers Nelson and Joan "Chyna" Laurer from the mortal world hit the Etajima Naval District and the Blue Mermaid Academy hard, as the flags flew at half-staff for two groundbreaking entertainers. The Admiral and Superintendent of the Blue Mermaid Academy, Kensuke Tanaka, had all of Prince's albums, and had Aoba, who was assigned fleet deejay, play every song 57 times in a mix to honor each year of Prince's long life.
Out on the fields of Olympia, Greece, a young maiden in a long flowing gown lit a cauldron, with two lines of young girls bearing witness. A man in a long white tracksuit game to genuflect and receive the flame and blessing, and an olive branch for peace. He then raised the flame high and took off, the fairies of victory accompanying him as the flame toured the cities of Greece for one week before departing for Brazil.
"I can't believe it," Ise said on the radio program one May afternoon. "We get a chance to interview an American ship for the first time."
"Yes, that is correct," said Hyuuga, the background music of "Lambada" by Kaoma playing in the background. "We have a special guest to kick off today's segment. We're super excited to have her on the program. Introduce yourself."
"My name is Iona Wallace McCrea, but I am known for having the spirit of the Battleship Iowa," said Iowa, dressed in a suit and skirt. "I can speak fluent Japanese, like I am right now. I am the only KanMusu whose ship self is a museum. Therefore, sinking me is nearly impossible unless Los Angeles is under attack by the Abyssals, or something like that."
"We don't want to tempt fate over there, but you seem to be in good spirits. Why did you decided to finally throw your name in?" asked Hyuuga.
"I missed being out there and being an instrument of peace. I never wanted to stop being on the waves, enjoying the essence of life. The ocean is so beautiful when you appreciate it and have been out at sea, like I had been for years. I've gone through hell and back. I'm seen it all. That's why people come out from all corners of the world to see me as a ship. Most, if any, don't realize that I am also a regular girl in college!"
"Isn't that surprising, Ise?" Hyuuga asked.
"At least you're not what people would call a Bimbo," Ise added.
"Actually, I prefer to see that in the form of the bread that is sold. But I prefer whole grains to buttermilk these days."
"Who are you going to support in the election? Trump or Clinton?"
"I'd like to be neutral and not pick a side because whoever wins in November will have my support because I see myself as an extension of the new president. I'll let you know in November at the same time the number 270 is reached."
"By the way, listeners, 270 is the number needed to win the White House in the general election in America," said Ise. "Iowa, do you ever get tired of bragging that you're the only American ship among our ranks?"
"Let me tell you this, Ise. And I will say this in Japanese and English. We may have demolished you in World War II and sent in the Atomic Age, but we picked you up, got you back on your feet, and made you into one of the most sophisticated societies in the world. Advocating peace, self-defense, and a dual appreciation of Western progressivism and Eastern traditions and customs is what I see in today's Japan.
"You see, we Americans are always on your side because you stand for progress and looking onwards to the future for the sake of humanity. We can't be your enemy forever. In the end, we're going to your friend and ally because the leaders of the free world want it to be that way. And when I'm done helping the Butterflies and Dragons this summer, I'll stop by the base and meet Admiral Tanaka. Be awesome in everything you do and reach for the sky, Japan. We'll be with you every step of the way. That is the power of the American spirit."
"Whoa!" said Hyuuga and Ise, applauding, the Failure Penguin and Miss Cloud spinning in circles.
"That was beautiful," Hyuuga said. "Unscripted, right?"
"I don't do scripts, I grew up being honest with what I say and do. I don't convolute anything. My feelings for this fleet are real and strong. I'm going to do my best to make our world proud. Battleship Iowa, reporting for duty!" Iowa saluted.
"At ease," Hyuuga said as Iowa beamed. "Well, I'm glad that you are back with us as a vital part of our team. Thank you. And how are our Olympians doing?"
"They've been giving one week off to relax and take their mind off training for the Games," Iowa said. "Next week the coaches and some JOC representative will go over itineraries, clearances, red tape...and I have a feeling that you guys are joining us as cover. Don't quote me on it; a fairy was telling me in a dream that that the whole entourage is coming to join the party. Even the ones from Europe."
"I guess we will let you listeners know of those developments later on following news regarding the elections in the Philippines," said Hyuuga. "Thank you, Iowa, get some sleep."
"Good night!"
"And we have our next guest, who, thanks to Akatsuki's blessing, is now the new flagship for Akeno Misaki, one of our notable Blue Mermaid Cadets. Introduce yourself," Ise said.
"Haruka Fukuyama, also known as Harukaze," she said. "It is an honor to be with this fleet and to see a better outlook on life."
"You will be one of the KanMusu that stays at the base, why is that?"
"I like to look after my entire fleet that is looking after me, including Akeno, who goes by Miike. Miike-chan always tell me that I remind her of her mom because of who I am. So she makes it a priority to put me in fleets where I can be of use and provide resources for the team. Some people are new to how the process works, so I teach those who are not familiar with their roles. But the learning curve isn't that steep. These are wonderful girls that can adapt."
"You saw the entire war off but took a beating. Do you regret anything?" asked Ise.
"If I did regret what I did then, i wouldn't be here talking with you and commiting my time to developing the Admiral's successors," Harukaze said. "I want the Blue Mermaid project to be relevant for generations and I can't do that if I have the audacity to dwell on the past. I refuse to do such things. I want to be here for the people that take of me like they are taking care of their mother or a big sister. And I will pay them back by being the best ship I can be. That is my promise. I have to keep it."
"But if you have to be called in to join the masses heading to Brazil in July, would you do it?"
"If it's the Admiral's orders, I will do it. And I will bring the entire cadet wing with me because they would love to have a party every once in a while."
"Thank you very much, Harukaze."
"Pleasure."
"Now let us go to our next guest, who is Zara's sister. Introduce yourself. Oh yes, and she is actually staying for a few days but will return to Italy to watch the Coppa Italia final. Go ahead."
"Buon giorno, I am Poliana Iachino, also known as Pola. Zara's younger sister. Please forgive me if I am a little bit tipsy, I am still celebrating Signore Claudio's masterpiece season for the Foxes."
"You brought some pizza too, I noticed."
"Have a slice before it gets cold! It's Pizza Hut, you know?"
"And you're drinking grappa, too."
"Finest ever. From PDO wineries in Emilia-Romagna. The genuine article. Want some?"
"This is for you, Leicester," said Hyuuga as Pola poured some glasses of red. "Cheers."
"CHEERS!" they all said, clinking glasses and having a sip.
"So! Let me get this straight," said Hyuuga, taking another sip from her snifter. "Is Leicester your team now in England?"
"Mmmm, if they win the Champions League I'll really adopt them; for now, I want Milan to crush Juventus on the 21st. I got tickets. I'm going with Roma, Littorio, Libeccio and Zara. Luxury box seats, and plenty of fine wine."
"So you think of yourself as a gourmet and a love of fine food and drink, huh?"
"If you don't enjoy the best food and drink on the planet, you have not lived at all," said Pola boldly, swigging her snifter, before clinking it. "I not only fight to keep the world safe...I want to deliver in style." She crossed her legs, stretched and relaxed. "I was raised in the high class societies of Milan with my sister, having a deep appreciation for the best the world can offer. Milan is home to wonderful music, fashion, cuisine, and sports."
"Pray tell us more?" asked Ise, a sweat drop down her head.
"I like AC Milan, but my sister likes Inter to offset things. On occasions when we don't have anything to do at La Spezia, we head to the San Siro to watch the football and see all the tifosi, the color, the glamour, the passion and drama that makes Serie A a league worth watching around the world. So my job is to help bring style and richness to the fleet. If the Admiral should take me to dinner, he should know what I want so I can show how much I appreciate his decisions. It's a big investment, but with the bauxite coming in every day and hour, all that can be recouped, I promise."
"Have you been to other cities in Europe?"
"Prinz and Bismarck are good fellows and they showed me around Munich and Ingolstadt and also Dortmund and Berlin. But they are more into beer. I prefer wine. Alcohol is alcohol, but at some point you do have to draw the line, you know? But Germany has their delegation, I have mine's as part of the Marina Militare, and I hear that the USA is going to join in as well and make this truly global in every sense of the word. I plan to visit Paris some time after the Olympics with Zara. Anyway..."
"Uh, Pola, what are you doing?" Hyuuga said, noticing her snuggling up to her.
"I'm about to sleep so I can't talk anymore," she whispered as her skirt dropped.
"Oh, for crying out loud..." Hyuuga would spend of the segment fondling and fingering Pola, much to Ise's bemusement. "And as I ensure that Pola's dream is a sweet one, our next guest also saw out the war in her past life and is ready to play a part in ensuring the success of the Blue Mermaid Cadet Wing Project. Introduce yourself."
"Mikami Kasuga, also known as Kamikaze. Good afternoon, it is an honor to be part of this fleet," she said.
"How do you like your time being used as a ship for the Blue Mermaid Cadets?"
"It's fantastic. Musashi herself is impressed by how fast the students learn the skills of commanding ships and using the best tactics to win battles without suffering a lot of damage. Harukaze and I were put to good use when we started being used for training exercises. I am gaining more and more confidence in the people I serve. The Admiral calls this element, this phenomenon, chemistry, I think that's what you call it. So I can say that I am building chemistry with my crew."
"That's really great. Have you heard about our four carriers that are doing Olympic work this year?" asked Hyuuga.
"Absolutely. Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu, right?"
"Exactly."
"They are the best archers we have. Zuikaku and Shoukaku are good, too. Ryuujou just sends planes out using some souped up iPad thingie, so that doesn't count."
"IPad?" Ise giggled. "Don't tell me..."
"Seriously, she swipes, swipes, swipes, swipes, swipes...she swipes to send out planes. Like using an iPad. Is that why you call her the flattop?"
Some stabbing sound effects could be heard in the background. "I think Ryuujou suffered heavy damage," Hyuuga said. She peered out the window. "And Nagato and Mutsu are dragging her to the drydock naked...oh dear, she needs to shave that...anyway, ahahahah, we were a little bit sidetracked, so, let me ask you this."
"Go on."
"Which one of the Butterflies and Dragons will win gold?"
"Kaga."
"A safe choice. Why Kaga?"
"She's a mom, she's accountable, she's no-nonsense and she delivers without complaints. That's why."
"Thanks for that. And good luck in working with that crew."
"Thank you."
"We have one more guest to chat with before we take you to your news break. Another member of the Kagerou class has jumped on board. Introduce yourself." By this point, Hyuuga had stimulated Pola's womanhood so much that she drained all the love juiced out of her and now she was truly asleep. Knocked. Out. Cold.
"Yasuko Mutaguchi. Oyashio. I also signed up to work with the cadets. They are pretty good students, most fo them at least. Honored to join all of you."
"Bonded with the Admiral, as per custom with all the others, I see."
"Pola is also bonded too, I noticed."
The bling from Pola's ring shown on the wing. Cha-ching. "She just wants to cash in, even when she sleeps, that's her schtick," Ise said.
"Unless a few others in this group, I didn't get to see the end of the war, I was sunk in May 8, 1943, when leaving Kolombangara. "I escorted a number of wonderful ships: Kumano, Suzuya, Kongou, Haruna, Choukai...I have decided to put the mess that was Guadalcanal behind me. I'm ready to do my part to help everyone."
"You seem to have an affinity for black cats, why is that?" Hyuuga asked.
"They are mysterious, sleek, nonchalant, a blessing for some, a curse for others...they are very balanced in what they do, that's why I like them. I even dress as them."
"I see you're in a bunnysuit but with cat ears and a tail."
"Like it?" she whispered, wagging her tail.
"Come here," Hyuuga replied as Oyashio snuggled next to Hyuuga. Now she had Oyashi and Pola on her lap, an arm around each girl, a hand pleasuring each girl. "I love it," she purred.
"Nyaaaaaaaaaan!" Oyashio meowed as she continued to act like a cat.
"Time for a commercial break," Hyuuga said in a manly voice. "This is Ise and Hyuuga, don't go away." Oyashio was about to blow.
"Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Ise put a palm to her forehead. Hyuuga was melting a couple of willing ships on a willy-nilly whim. Dilly ding, dilly dong, second verse, same song. Oh, that Hyuuga. In the background, the music continued to play...
Chorando se foi quem um dia só me fez chorar
Chorando se foi quem um dia só me fez chorar
Chorando estara ao lembrar de um amor
Que um dia não soube cuidar
Chorando estara ao lembrar de um amor
Que um dia não soube cuidar
A recordação vai estar com ele aonde for
A recordação vai estar pra sempre aonde for
Dança sol e mar guardarei no olhar
O amor faz perder encontrar
Lambando estarei ao lembrar que este amor
Por um dia um instante foi rei
A recordaçao vai estar com ele aonde for
A recordaçao vai estar pra sempre aonde for
Chorando estara ao lembrar de um amor
Que um dia não soube cuidar
Canção riso e dor melodia de amor
Um momento que fica no ar
A recordaçao vai estar com ele aonde for
A recordaçao vai estar pra sempre aonde for
Chorando estara ao lembrar de um amor
Que um dia não soube cuidar
Canção riso e dor melodia de amor
Um momento que fica no ar...
END CHAPTER 54
