October 27, 2023,
I got my hands on Haruna's injury report. It states the following:
"At 1442 Haruna was at the vanguard of an ad-hoc formation. She deliberately broke formation to draw fire, being hit by 3 suicide-dives and 2 large-caliber shells almost instantaneously. Yukikaze was first to attend to her after launching the final attack on Escort Water Princess 73 (now held captive). She notes heavy bleeding from the lower abdomen or upper thigh despite the lack of obvious wounds. Haruna was brought back to the support fleet rendezvous point to await the arrival of the command ship to use the medical facilities on board."
It seems the first responders weren't aware of the reality. I follow on with Akashi's medical report:
"Haruna was attended to at 1630. She was conscious; her condition was stable. Injuries consistent with information on injury report: 3 aircraft hits; 2 on the rigging and 1 on left thigh; 2 hits from 16in equivalent shells, 1 on the rigging and 1 to lower abdomen. No penetrations or broken bones. Basic scans show no internal damage. Reports of heavy abdominal bleeding attributed to menstrual flow. Her mental state seemed unnatural and she was mostly unresponsive. She seemed shell-shocked, almost catatonic at times. Would recommend 2-3 days of rest for physical injuries to heal and close supervision until her mental state improves. Opted to discharge her to let her change into a fresh uniform and rest in her bunk to make space for other patients."
Akashi did not put 2 and 2 together, and I don't think she was feigning ignorance. It is likely she has deemed it impossible for shipgirls to get pregnant.
Haruna has still been catatonic for most of the day. She woke up before I did, and curled up into the fetal position lying on her side facing away from me, staring into emptiness. I tried talking to her, asking if she is alright, but there was only silence. She refused to eat, drink, or even take a bite of her favourite candy bar. She didn't even want to look me in the eyes. I don't know what to do. I don't know who I can ask for help. I don't want High Command to know what's going on. I can't trust anyone who isn't a shipgirl assigned to my base, yet if even Akashi does not think shipgirl pregnancies are possible, I don't know how they would take the news, let alone if any of them will be able to help in a meaningful way.
Fixing this is going to take some time. As far as operational responsibilities go, I have nothing left on my plate, since the fleet's job is done, and the only duty left is to be on standby to repel counterattacks. I hope the command team could afford a few days of my absence, as much as I hope that Haruna will be alright.
Please be alright, darling. Please...