Phew. Zero here. Now that I look back on this book I realise how many errors and confusing dates I made so I cleared that up a bit.
First of all the dates were more advanced than they originally were and the ship girl fleet plus there Abyssal counterparts actually don't possess any submarines. Thanks for understanding.
--
"Alot changed in the world posterior the existence of the Abyssals.", explained Rear Admiral Ryan Eugene Decker to the assembled group of US Navy ship girls.
The Admiral and the entirety of the American fleet and their Allies were moved to the newly refurbished barracks which was in reality an exact copy of the Japanese dormitory style building. Currently he addressed the new US fleet in his office in the exact same room and floor of Ichiro's.
"Well I can already see that technology has improved leagues ahead of what we had in our time.", said Enterprise, to which the entire group unanimously agreed.
"Don't forget about culture too. It seems entertainment had a massive boost too and racial and sexual segregation is practically nonexistent.", came Iowa.
"Indeed. The world was at relative peace that we had enjoyed for quite some time now. Regardless of the odd Middle Eastern or Central African conflict we were safe and secure, and looked forward to entering another peaceful and prosperous year.", said Ryan.
"Until the Abyssals came along and ruined everything.", said Lexington, her words had an icy bite to them.
"As you all know in the folders I had you all briefed with, contained a brief history of Abyssal activity through NEWCCOM archives. But I'll elaborate further on that now.", said Ryan. "The world took the Abyssal war very badly as many simply refused to believe their existence. Only those who came into contact with them and survived to tell the tale actually firmly believed. A definitive answer was demanded by the general public as to why suddenly their loved ones abroad and or in the military were not coming home or why a body wasn't available for the funerals."
"Yeah, I remember how tourists said there must be some secret war going on against Russian or China. Real crazy stuff.", stated Lexington.
"Indeed. However, it was only when footage of the Combined World Fleet battles against the Abyssal forces was publicly revealed did people start taking it seriously. Frankly even I dismissed the Abyssals as a hoax until I actually fought against them in the Battle for the Pacific.", said Ryan.
"Combat shock wasn't it?", chirped Essex to which her admiral agreed.
"Battle of the Pacific sounds a bit grandiose.", stated Baltimore.
"Both fleets totalled over 200 vessels. Plus the main objective was to prevent the Abyssals from escaping the Pacific Ocean and invading all the other major oceans, threatening every coastline around the world. I think it fits properly.", said Lexington.
"Still nothing compared to the over 1000 vessels engaged in the Pacific War. That we won.", boasted the heavy cruiser again.
"Bold of you to make that claim when it was people like me, E and Sara that bled for time for you to come join the fight, latecomer.", said Helena, her tone increasingly hostile.
"Can it CL. We won 's all that matters.", said Chicago.
"Never underestimate the loss of life. Any battle or war is horrible. There's no glory behind it.", stated Lexington.
Ryan audibly cleared his throat, which silenced the majority of the assembled woman. "I'm new hear ladies, so please don't make my first order for you all to shut the hell up. America didn't win the war. The Allies won the war, so remember that. And Lexington is right...", he placed his Medal of Honour on the table, "... There's no glory in war. Only blood and sacrifice awaits those who enjoy it."
"Sorry, Admiral. It won't happen again.", apologised Baltimore to which her sisters followed.
"Accepted. I don't want to be a strict CO and neither do I want to be a laid back one. But I do want you all to fight not for glory or for superiority, but for honour, for not your country but for the world. When you do that, then you'll find glory. I pledged allegiance to the US Navy years ago, but I made a new pledge for the World Fleet."
"Admiral, we'll fight regardless. I hate any sort of domineering murderer and an entire fleet of them I will show no mercy.", stated Lexington.
"These Abyssals have become our new enemies. I don't fear them one bit.", said Enterprise.
"Never fought before, honestly. But I'm glad my first enemy is such vile creatures and not fellow warships.", said Montana.
"I understand you all are new to this whole human thing and are prone to acting on your newfound emotions. I understand you all have loss something or someone to the girls in the opposite dorm and I know you've suffered long at their hands but I ask you, to not under any circumstances treat them with disrespect or animosity. Don't let me make that an order.", said Ryan, his voice rigid with discipline. "Remember, the British, French and Russians were our previous Allies. But right now in this moment, everyone that isn't an Abyssal is an ally."
"Roger, Admiral Decker!", said the group unanimously, even saluting off.
"Anyway let's continue.", began Ryan before a light raised hand caught his attention. "Yes, Samuel?"
"You can call me Sammy. I've got a request, Admiral Decker.", said Samuel B. Roberts gleefully.
"What is it? I'll do anything in my power if it's reasonable.", replied Ryan.
"Can I sit on your lap while you give me headpats. I like 'em alot.", asked Samuel.
At that moment in time nearly the entire assembled group of ship girls had a multitude of actions and reactions. Some, like the Cleveland class outright collapsed in disbelief, whilst the Essex and Baltimore class looked at Samuel surprised and shocked respectfully. Enterprise, Alaska and Montana only showed slight surprise whilst Helena looked at her like she was insane. Laffey and Maddox only had jealous looks adorning their faces.
"Uhm. It's not a problem per se, Samuel. But...", and at the moment Samuel went puppy eyed. Ryan really found it difficult to refuse the adorable destroyer and conceded. "Fine. That request has been accepted."
"Yay!", cheered the gleeful destroyer as she bounded her way to Ryan and hopped on his lap, sitting upright with her body perpendicular to his chest.
"So let's continue...", stated Ryan, his face incredibly relaxed despite the relative uneasiness more than half his fleet felt. His first ship girl briefing, along withthe promised headpatting began.
"Come in.", said Ichiro, after a knock sounded on his door. "Afternoon, Admiral Yamamoto. I hadn't seen you since last night."
"I was busy working. Paperwork seems to be more troublesome when you're in this fleet.", said Ayano.
"That's true. But the experience is worth it. Besides most documents only require a gloss over and a signature and once you're done with them you tend to have a lot of free time.", stated Ichiro, stretching back.
"And the reason for the formality?", asked Ayano.
"We're in command of 100 plus very strong personalities. If we don't set an example they'll go undisciplined. And the thought of a fighting warship given human form acting like a common punk really scares me.", said Ichiro.
"Well with their being practically no other personnel on base besides the perimeter guards and Nora's team I'd thought we could be more-"
"Lax?"
"Lenient."
"Oh", said Ichiro, before handing his sister a team of papers binded together.
Ayano checked the front page which had the letters 'Ship Girl Fleet Official Roster Fleet Composition.'. "Lemme guess, you drew this up yourself?"
"Yes. Organising the fleet into a proper fighting force is just one of the duties of an Admiral of said fleet. In it is the list of every ship girl in the fleet as well as the divisions they are assigned to.", nodded Ichiro.
"Impressive. And very imaginative. Though, that goes without saying since you always liked writing in highschool.", stated Ayano, knowing of the fact that Ichiro had completed his high school career with top marks in calligraphy among others.
"I'll need you to go over that list a few times and relay it to Admiral Decker.", said Ichiro.
"You've only made one copy?", said Ayano.
"Of course. That report is extremely valuable and it's contents cannot leave this base hence I keep it in my desk and update it as I see forth. Besides, it's my work of art.", joked Ichiro with a rather satisfied grin.
"Oh.", said Ayano in the exact same manner her brother did earlier before seating herself in the sofa. "Let's review this then."
Fleet Composition
1st Torpedo Squadron:
Destroyer Division 1: (F) Jintsū, Fubuki, Mutsuki, Yūdachi, Yūgumo
Destroyer Division 2: (F) Sendai, Naka, Shigure, Kisaragi, Murakumo, Hatsuharu
2nd Torpedo Squadron:
Destroyer Division 3: (F) Tatsuta, Amatsukaze, Tokitsukaze, Yukikaze, Shimakaze
Destroyer Division 6: (F) Tenryū, Akatsuki, Hibiki, Ikazuchi, Inazuma
Destroyer Division 4: (F) Yūbari, Akizuki, Teruzuki, Suzutsuki, Hatsuzuki
Destroyer Division 5: (F) Z1 Leberecht Maass, Z3 Max Shultz, Z39 'Otto', Libeccio
Destroyer Division 7: (F) USS Laffey (DD-724), USS Maddox (DD-731), USS Samuel B. Roberts (DDE-413)
Destroyer Division 8: (F) HMS Jervis, Tashkent, Le Fantasque
"So I've got immediate questions on your work of art.", said Ayano.
"Proceed, Admiral.", said Ichiro with no small hint of amusement.
"You arranged two divisions into a torpedo squadron. Why only twice? I mean destroyers generally have torpedoes."
"Basically destroyers are trained to do torpedo attacks on enemy vessels during daylight. Our destroyers can do it at night, and proficiently at that. Hence the choosing of those four divisions to become two squadrons as their main use would be to conduct night and day torpedo attacks. That's what a Torpedo Squadron is."
"And the Akizuki class?", said Ayano, double checking the list.
"They've told me they're more geared to using their guns than torpedoes."
"Oh I see. So they're not that good at night attacks.", stated Ayano to which Ichiro nodded. "What about the bracketed 'F' before the name of the first vessel in each division?"
"That's a designation for the division's flagship. In the case of two flagships, say for example in a squadron or fleet build-up the most senior vessel is flagship."
"And why does Division 8 and 9 only have three vessels?"
"There's three vessels because I predict we'll have more vessels of those type being summoned and we can easily reorganize them into the gaps."
"Oh forgot. Why did you attach cruisers to some of the destroyer divisions?"
"Those divisions where a cruiser is attached generally see combat much more often and need to be led by an experienced fighter. Our light cruisers have been in service much longer than their contemporaries meaning they've the edge in battle experience.", stated Ichiro as his sister continued reading.
Battle Squadrons
First Battleship Squadron:
Battleship Division 1: (F) Yamato, Musashi
Battleship Division 2: (F) Nagato, Mutsu, Tosa
Second Battleship Squadron
Battleship Division 3: (F) Fusō, Yamashiro
Battleship Division 4: (F) Ise, Hyūgah
Third Battleship Squadron
Battleship Division 5: (F) Kongō, Hiei
Battleship Division 6: (F) Kirishima, Haruna
Fourth Cruiser Squadron
Cruiser Division 7: (F) Takao, Atago
Cruiser Division 8: (F) Chōkai, Mogami
Fifth Cruiser Squadron
Cruiser Division 9: (F) Myōkō, Nachi
Cruiser Division 10: (F) Ashigara, Haguro
Sixth Cruiser Squadron
Cruiser Division 11: (F) Furutaka, Kako
Cruiser Division 12: (F) Aoba, Kinugasa
Seventh Cruiser Squadron
Cruiser Division 13: (F) Tone, Chikuma
Eighth Cruiser Squadron
Cruiser Division 14: (F) Kuma, Tama
Cruiser Division 15: (F) Kitakami, Ooi
Ninth Battleship Squadron
Battleship Division 16: (F) USS Montana (BB-67), USS Iowa (BB-61)
Battleship Division 17: (F) HMS Warspite, Gangut
Tenth Battleship Squadron
Battleship Division 18: (F) Bismarck, Richelieu
Battleship Division 19: (F) Littorio, Roma
Eleventh Cruiser Squadron
Cruiser Division 20: (F) Zara, Pola
Cruiser Division 21: (F) Prinz Eugen
Twelfth Cruiser Squadron:
(F) USS Helena (CL-51), USS Cleveland (CL-55), USS Montpelier (CL-57)
Thirteenth Cruiser Squadron:
(F) USS Baltimore (CA-68), USS Little Rock (CL-92), USS Galveston (CL-93)
Fourteenth Cruiser Squadron:
(F) USS Boston (CA-69), USS Albany (CA-123), USS Chicago (CA-136)
Cruiser Division 22: (F) USS Alaska (CB-1)
"With every page I just have more questions.", shook Ayano her head. "How come you've skipped three cruiser squadrons and started at the 4th? Plus skipping 6 whole squadrons and resume battleship divisions at the 10th."
"Like the title says, the cruisers and battleships are all under the tactics of battle squadrons, which are meant to fight Abyssal forces head on in day or night actions. Hence I'm not skipping any numbers because in actuality the squadron numbers are 1st till the 15th battle orientated squadrons."
"How come the 8th and 12th only have one division but still are considered squadrons?"
"Just like with the destroyer divisions those gaps are meant to allow easier integration of new summons."
"And the three vessel squadrons?"
"I'm intending to have three American cruisers per sortie. Since they're gun focused they'll need more support so instead of a normal Japanese two vessel division they're a three vessel squadron to offer mutual fire support and AA defence."
"I'm guessing Alaska is in a division on her own so that vessels could easily integrate with her?"
"Exactly. Besides Alaska is a unique class of cruiser killer, so for the time being she's a unique asset in fleet actions. Hence, until another ship girl like her is summoned she's in her own division that can be easily attached to any other formation.", stated Ichiro. "You should be coming up on the Carrier Divisions now."
1st Carrier Division: (F) Akagi, Kaga
2nd Carrier Division: (F) Sōryū, Hiryū
3rd Carrier Division: (F) Ryūjō, Shōhō, Zuihō
4th Carrier Division: (F) Chitose, Chiyoda, Akitsushima, Commandant Teste
5th Carrier Division: (F) Shōkaku, Zuikaku
6th Carrier Division: (F) Hiyō, Jun'yō
7th Carrier Division: (F) Taihō, Unryū
8th Carrier Division: (F) USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73)
9th Carrier Division: (F) HMS Ark Royal, Aquila, Graf Zeppelin
10th Carrier Division: (F) Shinano
11th Carrier Division: (F) USS Essex (CV-9), USS Intrepid (CV-11), USS Lexington (CV-16)
12th Carrier Division: (F) USS Oriskany (CV-34), USS Anteitam (CV-36)
Auxiliary roles: Hōshō, Mamiya, Irako, Ōyodo, Akashi
"Based on what you said earlier I have no questions about these gaps. Except that Shinano is alone in Division 10.", asked Ayano.
"She is a large carrier. Even larger than the US carriers. Shinano is our first supercarrier and although having two carriers is better than one, she nearly makes up for both."
"That's very similar to Alaska's situation then.", conjectured Ayano to which Ichiro nodded. "And the girls in the auxiliary role don't see combat?"
"No. They're auxillary in this fleet so they help out. Ōyodo is mission, fleet and sortie controller. Hōshō trains our aircraft carriers and aircraft handling. Mamiya and Irako handle the base's food and supply situation along with Nora."
"Then what about Yuubari in RD, I think she's a pretty vital ship girl."
"Yuubari assists the fleet immensely and I would've placed her in an auxiliary role but she denied and insisted she fight in battle. I couldn't take that away from her, regardless of the risk."
"Such a kind Admiral.", teased Ayano. "Well, then I'll be off to Admiral Red."
"Don't forget. Any and all copies are to not leave this premises or saved in any other format that is digital. And it is only to be shared with personnel on this base.", said Ichiro, ordering it just for the sake of it.
"Sure, sure.", winked Ayano, promising she wouldn't really heed the order although she realistically wouldn't disobey it.
A few weeks thereafter the base was in a rather content state. Primarily due to the changing weather and the newly released fleet structure. The former meant sorties would be soon enough heightened to a state deserving of wartime levels, the previous chilly weather preventing any meaningful advances on both sides. The latter simply gave the fleet a refreshing start to the new year as Ichiro had drawn up the structure with the opinions of the ship girls at heart. Indeed it was practically a fleet designed by it's members.
"You feel at ease?", asked Furutaka.
"Yeah. The weather's clearing up so that means more campaigns will open up.", replied Kako. The group were currently with the majority of the cruisers in the mess hall.
"I assume the Abyssals will come out of their hiding places in the murky Pacific depths and realise this war's the end of them.", said Aoba.
"We don't really know where they come from, now do we.", said Kinugasa.
"True. Even Kaga admitted she couldn't remember the place she returned to. Heck, all she remembers is battle.", stated Myoukou.
"Speaking of battle, it seems that in the rainy season the majority of our Abyssal encounters led to stalemate battles.", said Nachi.
"What do you mean, nee-san?", asked Haguro.
"I mean, neither us or them had the advantage. We'd shoot at them, they'd shoot at us and then both of our forces hurry back home.", replied the heavy cruiser.
"Judging by what you're saying, you're worried we're winning tactically but not strategically?", came Ashigara's response.
"Exactly. Sure we can sink every Abyssal in existence, but we still haven't established where's their base of operations or their true nature.", said Nachi.
"It's in the murky Pacific depths.", said Aoba.
"Oh shut it you.", said Kinugasa.
"Anyway, all things aside you're right. Tactical victories never helped anyone.", said Mogami. "Tactics win battles, but strategies win wars."
"Nope, you're wrong! It's tactics win fights, strategies win battles and logistics win wars. Don't think any country hasn't won because of logistics.", replied Choukai hurriedly.
"Well our supply line is extremely effecient so we don't have to worry about running out of anything.", stated Myoukou.
"I would've killed to have this kind of logistics system back in the war.", said Kako.
"At least we know what it feels like to be on the winning side.", said Ashigara.
"You're right. I've never felt better.", replied Mogami, bringing a clut of rice held steadily between chopsticks to her mouth.
"Anyway all we have to do then is to improve our tactics because the Admiral will handle our strategies and logistics.", said Nachi.
"Which one? There's like three.", said Tone.
"Obviously Admiral Yamamoto.", came Kinugasa's response.
"Great. That narrows it down to two.", teased Tone.
"Ugh. Obviously I mean Admiral Ichiro Yamamoto.", said Kinugasa, slightly annoyed at the woman's insistence.
"What's wrong with Admiral Ayano Yamamoto? Or Admiral Decker for that matter?", came Aoba's response.
"Nothing. Hold on, don't even try to make me insinuate something.", said Kinugasa.
"Nothing is wrong with either Admiral. Although you've got to wonder if the attractiveness runs in the family.", said Ashigara.
"Excuse me?", responded Nachi, her eyebrow raised slightly.
"You heard me. I mean Admiral's quite the looker, and then comes his sister, who's honestly making me question my sexuality.", admitted Ashigara, much to the relative shock of the gathered group.
"What a lecherous cruiser.", joked Kinugasa.
"Boo-hoo, I bet you all were thinking about it before you go sleep or when you see her.", said Ashigara.
"Not at all. I believe it's much better to stay on the straight path so I've elected to be in the Admiral Decker camp.", said Atago.
"Wow! You've taken an American torpedo to the ass now you're interested in taking another American's torpedo most likely in the ass if you wanna keep your chastity.", joked Ashigara, to which many choked.
"I can only blame our crews for these lecherous thoughts. The wartime ones, obviously.", sighed Takao.
"It's amazing to live the way they lived. Like I don't even have to go through the agonizing procedure of having my bottom cleaned and scraped anymore.", said Atago.
"Oh my-", choked Kinugasa before nearly everyone at the table laughed.
"That's not what I meant! I keep it just as neat and tidy as I do everything else.", frantically tried Atago to calm the situation.
"Just digging yourself deeper aren't you.", laughed Ashigara.
Nonetheless the group, along with just about every one of the 100 plus people in the hall just enjoyed their meal with the staff working once again tirelessly.
"It's about time for a new operation.", said Ichiro at his table, which included the officers on base.
"To coincide with the new season?", said Ayano.
"Exactly. The rainy season prevented us from making any decisive advances and actions against the Abyssals.", stated Ichiro.
"I've been informed by Fleet Admiral Moran that the World Fleet hadn't operated much as they took advantage of the lull in the fighting to rest and recuperate.", responded Ryan, to which Karen nodded.
"News came in that the most major Abyssal confrontation was a skirmish off Midway atoll between an Abyssal carrier force and units of the US 7th and 3rd Fleets. Only a number of Abyssal planes and destroyers were lost before they retreated with the 3rd in hot pursuit.", said the Captain.
"Yes, and an Abyssal battle group arrived to successfully drive off the 3rd, which meant once again we couldn't locate their base of operations.", sighed Ichiro.
"That's because we're most likely doing it wrong.", said Ayano, to which everyone at the table lent an ear, "I've been thinking about this for a while. Abyssals can sense concentrations of surface vessels much like radar. So wouldn't sending fewer ships stealthily decrease the chances of detection and thus effectively shadow their forces until we can locate their position?"
"It's a good idea. No brilliant even. But I've already actually presented the idea to the Fleet Admirals of the World Fleet.", said Ichiro.
"What was their response?", said Ayano.
"They mumbled something about lack of appropriate vessels to undertake such a dangerous operation plus they're unwilling to send personnel in what they described as a suicide mission.", sighed Ichiro.
"Actually.", coughed Ryan to motion the group closer so he could speak barely above a whisper. "Along with the newconstruction of the Cruiser Model A project our navy has approved the laying down of a new class of fast stealth ships based off of vessel IX-529."
"You're talking about the Sea Shadow? But that vessel wasn't mission capable.", said Ichiro.
"It wasn't. This new class of vessels are. Their main mission would be stealth reconnaissance but many doubt it'll work due to Abyssal electromagnetic interference which is why the project only took off last year.", said Ryan. "This is all confidential information so I trust we'll keep this to ourselves.
"You have our word.", stated Ichiro.
"Thank you, Admiral. Anyway the existence of these vessels may mean that your proposal of shadowing Abyssal fleet movements might have been taken under serious consideration.", said Ryan.
"Damn top brass.", cursed Ayano.
"Honestly there's alot we don't know about this war. And your revelation means things are being kept by us by our very own government.", said Ichiro.
"Indeed, Admiral.", said Ryan.
"But I won't confront them and I don't expect any of you to either.", said Ichiro. "If we do they'll know we know something we shouldn't and they'll try to find the breach of information. Admiral Decker's career could be in jeopardy. So anything we discuss at this table we keep to ourselves and not whisper to a soul."
"Roger, Admiral.", said Ayano and Karen.
"Anyway this information does bring more possibilities to this war ending soon. If I can spare my girls from any further danger, it makes me much happier.", said Ichiro.
"I don't think it'd be correct to call woman dozens of years older than you your girls.", laughed Ayano.
"Last I heard a 108 year old battleship was in love with you.", joked Ryan. "You've certainly got quite the way with ladies, Admiral."
"Oh stop it.", sighed Ichiro, despite the smile that crept into his face which clearly meant, he was enjoying this as well.
"My what's all the racket here?", came the German accented voice of Nina.
"You'd want to be careful Nina, tiger here's into older woman.", laughed Ayano, to which even Nina showed mirth.
"I'm not particularly inclined to date my superiors but if I may, who is the older woman in question?", she asked, taking a seat at the table.
"Before that, have you met out new American officer?", said Ayano, motioning at Ryan.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Rear Admiral Ryan E. Decker. Most of my friends call me Red.", stated Ryan whilst shaking Nina's hand.
"Impressive to reach such a rank in such short years.", complimented the German woman, despite the two Yamamoto's at the table practically choking on how they've reached higher ranks in similar time but Nina never praised them about it. "I'm Warrant Officer Nina Göering, originally a naval architect commissioned into the German Navy and then transferred to this fleet via the Circle Two Program."
"So was the rank added before or after you transferred?", asked Ryan.
"After. Since I'm a specialist and on an active naval base a rank was needed to keep me on base. It's actually the same for the majority of the personnel here.", stated Nina.
"Even them?", Ryan had turned around in his seat to point at the cook's hastily preparing in the kitchen.
"Yes. They all hold one rank or another although it's all just enlisted. Only those with the qualifications of naval training can legally be on this base.", nodded Ichiro.
"This is practically the most valuable place on earth to many people up top. Hence security is strict.", said Ayano.
"Quite the job I signed up for.", laughed Ryan.
"Indeed, the experience is truly worth it. Now back onto our topic of the Admiral's fetishism of older women.", started Nina, to which Ichiro nearly choked.
"Sure. It's about a certain miss Kongou, I presume.", teased Ayano.
"That much is highly obvious. I remember how the first time she came into my warehouse for her first remodel into a fast battleship.", mused Nina. "The process is quite simple, a ship girl just lays on one of my Remodeling beds and sleeps for a bit, but a slight side effect would be a stimulation to their lobe that controls their dreams. It was hilarious, seeing miss Kongou squirming in her sleep saying 'Admiral' all the time."
The whole table burst into laughter loud enough that virtually every ship girl in the warehouse turned to look their way if only briefly. This of course included Kongou, who had stopped her conversation to briefly steal a glance at Ichiro, who's eyes landed upon her too. He quickly looked away when he realised the slight tinge on her cheeks meant her face was heating up.
"There's nothing wrong with feeling attraction to a woman. Age, role or experience be damned.", said Ayano.
"Yes, Admiral but we're talking about an asset to the war and a woman who has seven decades of life over Admiral Ichiro.", stated Karen matter-of-factly.
"Captain Sazanami is right. It would set a bad example if anyone found out any such advancements or relationships occured on this vital military installation.", said Ichiro, his stern voice failing to really convince everyone else.
"I remember reading about how a Dutch minesweeper evaded Imperial Japanese Navy detection detection and sailed from Java all the way to Australia.", stated Ryan. "I'm pretty sure you can keep such a relationship a good enough secret from the majority of the fleet, since that seems to be your main concern."
"And since not a single member of any navy or any unauthorized personnel at all for that matter is allowed on this base, I'm pretty sure something like a relationship will pretty much stay secret.", said Ayano. "Heck, we'll even swear secrecy right here and now."
"Nope. I am not going to date one of my subordinates. And neither are any of you going to press me to.", said Ichiro. "And that's an order."
Immediately the table went silent with sighs all around. The gathered group just decided to finish their meal, and when Nora came to join them no one invited her to join in the conversation of shipping the Admiral with a Ship girl.