Hello people, here is the new chapter, thanks for your reviews. This chapter was longer than expected, I realized Mamiya was not in the Kantai Collection characters' section so I couldn't add her, too bad for it, hope she will be there soon.
It was morning, not quite early but sometime around ten o´clock. But for an admiral was quite late because he should be awake at five or six at morning, but maybe he overslept. The young man woke up and got changed into a new clean uniform.
He was expecting those two fleet girls to be outside his room waiting for him to come out to start their duty, but when he opened the door there was no one to greet him. Perhaps he was too idealistic to think such a thing, but he couldn't help it, after all the base doesn't have many people at the moment.
The admiral went out of the building and started to look around for those two girls. He was hoping he would find them quickly so he could tell them to help him with the arranging of materials. However, it wasn't needed, because he could see both of them walking at the other side of the road, picking up boxes and moving them from the storage to the factory.
-Guess I´m not needed right now- the man said it to himself, and finally choose to keep his pace to the entrance of the base. Perhaps the admiral was really desperate to be early waiting for the next the promised help to arrive.
He thought that perhaps he could wait there for a while, after all he was supposed to be there. However, after a few minutes without seeing anything the man turned back to return to his office, yet for some reason, he looked again into the road that connects the base with the port at the south of the island, the one used by anyone that reached that place from the navy, including himself.
His curiosity turned out to be quite lucky, because at the same moment he saw a figure walking in his direction. He was quite nervous and yet he wanted to know if again only one person was sent to his base.
"Give me a break…" he was expecting more people and again only one showed up. He thought it would be rude to wait there until the arrival so he walked to meet this new person. In the middle of the road he saw a girl pushing a supply cart, that got some bags and boxes. It was a pretty nice view though, as it appeared that the navy sent the first package of food to the base.
As the two of them approached, she stopped to greet him with a single bow.
-Good morning admiral! - the sound of fairies suddenly breaks up the silence, as four of them appeared from the boxes that she was carrying, curiously they look different that the ones from yesterday, maybe they change their appearance based on the job they made.
-Good day. I´m Mamiya, nice to meet you. I was sent here to help out with the food and supplies of the base- She was a girl with long chestnut hair tied with a red ribbon, she got a pink blouse and a blue skirt.
-Nice to meet you Mamiya – The admiral couldn't hide his happiness knowing that he will no longer need to repeat his amazing feat, fishing and cooking was not really his strength.
-Here let me help you- The man smiled and offer his help to the charming woman, he walked beside her wanting to take her place and push the cart.
-Don't worry about this admiral- the girl was ashamed for the sudden offer and tried to deny it, after all he was her superior and doing simple task was not supposed to be his job.
-Please I insist- he told her again, this time she accepted.
"Oh my god… What the hell!" The man felt that the cart was stuck, as if the wheels suddenly stopped moving. He checks them quickly and tried to push again just to realize that the cart was really heavy with all those supplies.
-Are you okay? - Mamiya asked concerned as the man was trying really hard.
-Yeah I´m fine, was just a muscle cramp…- He tried to hide the fact that it cost him quite a lot of effort to move the cart. He could not believe that the girl was moving it with such ease.
-Thanks admiral- Mamiya smiled and start to walk beside the admiral as he got used to the weight and the wheels were moving faster, doing his job easier.
-So… Mamiya I'm kind of curious, do you know anything about the recent emergency? - The admiral was now used to the cart so he asked what had been annoying his mind for a while. It was true that he should not question his superiors but… that letter left a lot curiosity in him.
-No at all, I was at another place when I got transferred to this island. It was kind of quickly with no explanation, but its fine, I already like this island- Mamiya sound happy about it, because she was at a boring place with nothing interesting to do.
-I heard there was a huge explosion! - One fairy yells at the admiral question moving her arms around to be noticed.
-Really? An Abyssal attack! - The man was surprised of the sudden explanation. He knew that the abyssal were quite unpredictable and sometimes hard to detect. He thought that maybe some strong fleet attacked somewhere.
-No, no, I heard there was a reeeally big dragon-monster with tentacles in its mouth that appeared from the ocean mist and ate everyone!- The fairy deny the other one, and explained her version mimicking the wings and tentacles of the monster.
-A monster? A new Abyssal perhaps! - The commander was in shock; it was a truth that new kinds of abyssal pop out from time to time. The new specimens were stronger and harder to defeat, sometimes they really look like monsters… but eating people was something new.
-That's nothing, I heard there were lights in the night sky and people disappeared out in the air!- The fairy explained another version of the emergency and they all three started to discuss which one was telling the truth.
-From the sky? - The man was confused to what they told him. There was something weird going on the navy headquarters but maybe they were overreacting.
-Yesh! And also there were strange sounds that came from the sea… and they were calling for your admiral! - The fourth fairy pointed at the man and laughed after, just like when someone told a horror story and ended up scaring everyone.
-What? - The man felt shivers to what the fairy said. The ocean is vast and terrible sometimes, maybe something was claiming for his life…
-Oh my! Don't worry about them, the fairies have a really big imagination- Mamiya tried to calm down the admiral, that suddenly looked quite pale.
-I see…- The man sighed and recovered his cool, after all they were fairies, and all they said are funny or weird stories, perhaps that's why are called fairy tale…
-Yeeeey! The new base! - The fairies shout when they saw the interior of the base, with all the buildings, roads and new places to explore. They get so excited that they forgot what they were saying a minute ago.
-Admiral where is the dining hall? - Mamiya asked when the all pass through the gates of the base. She was amazed because this base a lot bigger than the place she was stationed before.
-There is none for now… You see the base is new, so the premises are empty, so maybe you can take one of those? - He explained how things were there and how he thought it could improve. He keeps going to premise B, the same place where he cooked yesterday. So when they arrived Mamiya was awed with the view, even if it was just an empty building with no decorations or special properties.
-New kitchen! We can make dishes now! - The fairies suddenly jump out of the cart and run to the premise, going in to investigate what was inside.
-A premise... So it will be like a restaurant? - Mamiya eyes suddenly sparkled because all she was used to work were large kitchens, were lots of people were cooking at the same time. They used to prepare food for thousands of people every day, an amazing feat but leave her with little to no option to improve her own recipes and experience.
-Maybe, but on a larger scale. Perhaps in the future I´ll construct a dining hall like those in the navy… but for now it will be more like a cafeteria…- The only vision the man had was a big room with hundreds of tables and chairs, with soldiers, marines, officers and workers eating at the same place. His idea was a bit old, but it was the only one he knew to work on the naval districts.
-I…I always wanted to have one of those, a cute cafeteria with a pretty design- Mamiya was happy, imagining her perfect kitchen, the furniture, chairs, decoration, and even a terrace where people could drink coffee or tea, relaxing and eating some sweet desserts.
-Oh really… well Mamiya you can have your own cafeteria here then- The man was happy to give the place to her, after all she was sent to fill that job. He was really excited that he would never need to fish anything for need, leaving him with less things to be worried about.
-Thanks for giving me this chance admiral- The girl bowed in respect, she was smiling and feeling really good. She was looking spectacular and the man knew this, she looks a lot more mature and developed that Hatsuharu or Murakumo, specially around the breasts...
-No Mamiya… I should be the one thankful. You are like an angel that fall down to earth…- The admiral was really thankful he would never need to cook again, he was delusional, because he could at least have something good done in the base, and maybe he will eat some delicious food made by such a beautiful girl.
-Admiral? - She blushed trying to understand what the man was trying to say, but he was acting really weird all of sudden.
-Yes… If only I could marry you right now…- The admiral tried to tease the new girl. He was expecting that she was a shy girl and the only reaction of her to be her face turn completely red… however he received something entirely different.
The admiral felt quite heavy pain in his face, right after Mamiya slapped him.
-I'm sorry… Are you alright? Commander you can't say that on the first day we met. Its rude to play with the heart of a maiden like that…- She reacted unconsciously when she felt she was being mocking at. Because after all she was a woman with feelings like every other girl, and such a delicate topic should not be laughing matter.
-I'm really sorry I think I overreact, it was a just a joke and…- The voice of the admiral suddenly change back to normal. He felt quite dizzy for a moment feeling pretty sure his head remained in his place, but feeling like half of it was swollen.
-You graceless swine! Can you not calm down a little? - The angry voice of Hatsuharu sound right behind him. It appears she watched what happen. She was carrying some large boxes again to the factory.
-You... I'll make you eat these oxygen torpedoes! - Murakumo was also there too, she was really mad for some reason. She was trying to open the ammo carts, but was hard without some kind of tool. The admiral knew he was in danger and perhaps his second day would be his last if they both get close to him.
-Just how long have they been watching? - He wasn't really aware of his surroundings, so maybe those two heard everything he said and until she slapped they react.
-I'm deeply sorry you got to watch that, my name is Mamiya and I´ll be in charge of the food supplies of the base- The girl with the red ribbon walked in front of the admiral and stopped both girls before they could tear apart the admiral.
-It was my mistake, the admiral just wanted to help me with the food. Please wait a little and I will have made something good for you two- She greet them and tried to convince them that she was the one at fault there and not the young man. Hatsuharu and Murakumo stopped while they listened the word "food" again. They both have been working a lot since morning and they refuse to eat rations.
-Yes it was a mistake, I'm kind of foolish sometimes…- The admiral apologizes for his acts, it was dumb of him to do such a thing. Even if he didn't try to make fun of her, just to made a stupid joke.
Both fleet girls watched him and already knew he was telling the truth. But still they stay silent thinking many ugly things that they could do to him if he did the same kind of joke to them.
-Admiral come with me- Mamiya turned back and take the admiral by the shoulder, forcing him to go with her into the kitchen.
-Wait! wait! what? - Murakumo tried to stop them but it was too late, as he was already in Mamiya´s hands. She could only saw him walk behind the door and into the back of the premise, where the kitchen was.
-We´ll have to wait- Hatsuharu put the box on the ground and take a seat in a nearby table, while Murakumo did the same sitting next to her.
-I'm saved…- The young man left a sigh, feeling like his life was spared somehow.
-Admiral please refrain of doing that kind of joke again to me or any other girl. It's a really serious matter you know? - Mamiya scold the man with a firm attitude. She was really serious of her words, because not all girls take a joke in the same way, after all marrying someday was the dream of many girls, even in this era.
-Yes, I´m sorry- The man apologizes again and learned his lesson, he would not toy around with such matter unless its serious.
-Fine… Very well, I guess you can really help me here in the kitchen- Mamiya check out what was in the kitchen and in some cupboard. Then she turned back to the entrance to retrieve the supply cart and the take it to the kitchen again. She took out some bags and put it in one of the large metal tables.
-You can first get the vegetables out of the package and start by washing them please- She explained what she wanted and then turned to the cart again, to unpack other boxes. From one of them, where she got her personal stuff, she took out a white apron.
-I´ll get it done- The commander took the bags and watched how she wears the apron on top of her clothes.
The man did what she told her, took out some mushrooms and some small carrots. He then washed them on the sink and used some bowl to leave them in water for a while, then got rid of the water. While he did that Mamiya took out two bags of rice from the bottom of the cart, and then started to look around all the drawers looking for ingredients.
-Now would you kindly get the rice out of the bag and get it clean please. Get four large portions first and then another two for later use- She realized that the admiral followed her orders quite well, so she give him new ones.
-Okay, I'll do it- The man opened the bag, put some rice in a cup to fill with water, then used a strainer to let the water be drained.
-No that's not just right admiral. Please get this done properly, here let me show you- Mamiya realized the admiral wasn't an expert in the kitchen after all. So she went to teach him a thing or two. She took another bowl the size of the strainer and put the rice in it. Then she moves it with her hand as if she was squeezing the rice.
-You got to clean it with lots of water to remove impurities and for it to get a better taste. You can see the water turns white? Well you need to clean the rice until the water is clear- She keep moving it and then used the strainer to drain the water, after that she pour more clear water into the bowl.
-Remember: add water, wash and drain- She kept doing the same movements on the rice, and while doing so the admiral gets close to her.
-Like this? - He put his hand in the rice, feeling its texture and touching Mamiya hand by accident. He was really focused on learning that he didn't pay attention to that.
-Yeah… I mean yes, get it done quickly please- Mamiya removed her hand and blushed again. She could realize it was another mistake so she turned back and took out other bags
The admiral was amused with the rice, because he didn't realize the effort it takes to do such a basic dish. Mamiya took out an appliance out of the back of the kitchen, and cleaned it a bit. She was lucky the base got a rice cooker sorted, because it made a cook´s life easier.
It was just then that the man realized that the fairies where helping out too. Even if they are small it appears that they are quite useful, at least when someone is watching them. The young man, now a kitchen assistant got the nick of cleaning the rice quickly, so he could get all portions quickly.
-Admiral please help us! - One fairy yelled at the man. They were trying to cut in pieces the vegetables, but they were not very skilled and the kitchen knife was quite big for them to use properly. He put all the remaining rice in another bowl and help the fairies.
-Is it alright like this? - The man asked how big should the pieces should be. He was used to cut vegetables and food alike, because that was the job he was commissioned the most when he was a rookie.
-Smaller! - One fairy wanted smaller pieces. So the admiral took the knife and started to chop the already little mushrooms again.
-Yesh smaller for us too! - The fairies were happy, so they started to help the admiral in putting all the pieces in the oven.
-It's good to help out- The commander felt a different aura in the kitchen, as if they were really not in a naval base, just a single kitchen in a world where the abyssal army exists.
-At least you got some skill at this, you can help out better doing that- Mamiya recognized he was skilled and fast with the knife, so maybe he could do that instead.
-Well thanks, I guess cutting all those potatoes was finally useful- The admiral wasn't really a good cook but maybe he could chop ingredients all day.
-Well I will take care of the rice, in the meantime you can keep it up with the mushrooms and onions- She took the rice that the admiral prepared and put it in the rice cooker, programed it and let it to do its job. Then she took a package of meat of some sort and proceed to fried it with some of the vegetables.
Some spice here and there, a few minutes in the cooking pot and the smell of food started to rise upon the kitchen. It was kind of inviting so both ship girls change seats for some close to the kitchen, so they could check upon the status of the food from time to time.
-It's almost done- Mamiya told as she saw them approach.
-You are really good at this- The admiral got to admit he was hungry too, so watching her cooking was quite appealing.
-Of course, cooking is the reason why I was born- She said in a happy mood, she was smiling because she was doing the thing she loved the most.
A few more minutes passed and the food was ready, the rice cooker made a beeping sound as it finished. Mamiya prepared the plates serving a portion of rice with some meat on top and fried vegetables as garrison.
-The food is ready, girls please have a seat- Mamiya told the girls that were spying on the kitchen, even if they tried to hide it, so both returned quickly to their seats and wait patiently for their food to arrive.
-Better be good! - Murakumo said hoping it wasn't a mistake to let the new girl with the admiral alone for so long.
At the moment, some fairies appeared at the door, attracted by the smell of food. They were quite dirty as they have been constructing again but with no results. Poor factory fairies, maybe they need someone who can guide them, they look all worn out.
-Come here, there's some for you too- Mamiya invited them, they were part of the base so everyone should eat.
-Thanks! - They all were thankful and jump into the next table. At the time Mamiya let the kitchen fairies help her serving them in small plates with small portions, it was really cute to watch.
-Admiral have a seat with us- Mamiya serve two plates and sit next to Murakumo. The admiral still felt ashamed for his attitude, but he was so hungry he couldn't say no.
-Thanks for the food- The young commander sit next to Hatsuharu. Even if it was a bit strange at first they all started to eat, until they forgot whatever happened before.
They all eat in silence, having no need to discuss anything at the moment, so the food was pretty enjoyable and the taste was quite better than expected.
-It was delightful we enjoy it quite much. If you excuse us admiral, we shall continue arranging the ammo boxes in the storage- Hatsuharu finished her part and politely stand up. Murakumo ate what remained of her food fast and stand up a moment later. They both thank Mamiya for the food and walked to the door.
-Wait I can help you out- The admiral already finished his part and thought they should need his help, after all three would finish the task faster.
-No need admiral… you already seem to be quite happy helping Mamiya in the kitchen. You should stay here so I don't have to see you around the base- Murakumo suddenly tell him and waved her hand in disapproval, so the pair of fleet girls left the place in silence, giving the man no opportunity to join them.
There was awkward silence afterwards that last for a minute, while the man was thinking.
-It's alright admiral, you don't have to stay here if you don't want to- finally Mamiya decided to talk first. He already helped her a lot today, so there was no need for him to remain in the kitchen.
-She is right I should help you, after all I can't have a hungry fleet. It helps with morale and it's important for the base- The admiral was fine with the idea of keep helping, it was his duty and he will do anything needed to have a better place, maybe soon enough there will be a lot more people around so he can't lose this chance.
-Thanks I'll be in your care- Mamiya was happy for some reason. It's strange to meet an officer that takes his sense of duty so seriously.
And so the following hours the admiral helped Mamiya in the kitchen, helping arranging the ingredients, prepare food for the night, move chairs and tables, and many other things. They were silent hours though for they both only say a few words now and then.
Again the time for dinner arrived and continued like the midday, a few words and smiles. So when they were left alone again, as this time even the kitchen fairies leave with the factory ones, the only thing that remained was leave the kitchen ready for the next morning. The food and other ingredients were kept on the refrigerators, they cleaned the floor and the tables.
-It´s late commander, you should go to sleep- Mamiya said concerned. It was close to midnight and the base was now only illuminated by a few lights outside the buildings.
-That's true, it's quite late and I'm kind of tired… however you should choose a room for you Mamiya, there's plenty of them around- The man was worn out but there was still one thing to be done before he could return to his room.
-Let me escort you as I didn't have the chance to show you the base earlier- It was quite rude that they only had the chance to choose the premise but not all the base.
-Fine then, lead the way admiral- Mamiya smiled and took his personal stuff in a box, then took the man by the elbow as an old fashioned lady. She was a bit ashamed but that was something the admiral didn't noticed.
-There is where Murakumo and Hatsuharu rooms are, you can stay here if you want- He pointed the at the large building. Now at night it could be appreciated that it was largely empty as only two lights remained on.
-I would love to, but I think there should be another one closer to the cafeteria- Mamiya declined the offer, she was a non-combatant so having a place where the other amazing fleet girls where would be kind of strange to her.
-I think there is one, yet is quite smaller- He think of one small set of apartments, they were only five at most. However, they were quite privileged as that building complex was in an intersection of roads, and it was close to where his own room was.
-I´ll take one of those rooms, after all I need to be close to where I'm really needed- Mamiya was amazed how she was able to get such a good place to live and work, she was really lucky to be suddenly transferred.
-Here it is, guess the doors are open- The admiral showed the building entrance to her companion. The building wasn't really all that fancy, but at least there were some plant pot and perhaps a place to plant some trees, even if they were empty now.
-You have my gratitude- She left the admiral and take a few steps ahead, then bowed again in respect to the man in charge.
-Well… see you tomorrow- The admiral waved his hand and said goodbye.
-Admiral? - Mamiya stopped him before he could leave.
-Yes, what is it? - He turned to watch the pretty girl.
-In the future if you are still interested in a simple girl like me… I´ll still be here…- She said in a very soft and sweet voice, feeling really ashamed. She wasn't really sure what he will answer or if she could have any chance comparing herself to other girls.
-I…- The admiral was so surprised he was left speechless. He thought for a moment how pretty she really was and at how such a dumb joke could ended like this.
-I´ll remember it. Thanks and good night- The admiral finished his words with a smile, turned his back and started walking to his room.
-Good night- He could hear Mamiya soft voice as she went inside the building.
The young man was lost in his thoughts, he was walking slowly. He thought that he could visit his office before going to sleep. But right when he was walking on the road he suddenly returned to reality, as he was soaked in water that felt from above.
-I'm sorry admiral… I didn't think you were there…- He heard the voice of Murakumo as she was looking out of her window with a bucket in her hands. She couldn't hold it anymore and start laughing as she looked from the second floor how the man didn't realize she was waiting all along.
-You look refreshed commander. But we think you need another bucket to completely cool off…- Hatsuharu couldn't wait anymore and throw at him another bucket of water, this time his navy hat fell off.
-I was just being polite with her…- The admiral was soaking, he just bends to retrieve his hat.
-However I don't think this is a nice way to treat your superior in charge- He look at the two girls with an angry glare. He was quite annoyed but then he returned to his normal stance, and turned back from where he came to return to his room.
-Oh no! What are you gonna do? - Murakumo mocked the admiral and laughed again, she was so satisfied after seeing him wet.
-I´ll think about it… wait for your punishment tomorrow- The admiral only looked back at her once, but he got a grin in his face as he would enjoy the way both girls should be punished.
-Punishment? - Hatsuharu felt a shiver down her spine when she saw the admiral like that, she didn't think he could do something bad to them… right?
-Wait! Admiral it was just a joke! ADMIRAL!- Both Murakumo and Hatsuharu started to yell at the admiral from her windows, but he didn't listen. The admiral ignored the screams of both girls and went to his room to get some sleep, he locked the door so they couldn't enter in the night begging for mercy, however they remained outside his room for a few hours knocking and crying trying to explain it was a kid´s prank. Afterwards the pair returned to their respective rooms but they couldn't sleep at all thinking of what could happen to them the next day.