AN: To answer some reviewers' questions, the letters I canonically write/post take place at the later/final years of the abyssal war, when there are plenty of shipgirls to go around but not many adversaries left (the seas are largely under human control, aside from the occasional raid/abyssal fleet assault which are summarily dealt with). Because of this, well...let's just say they get a little antsy and dial up the antics, shall we?
These also at most semi-canonical with Zuluverse, unlike most of my stories. The characterizations will be similar, but the actions won't necessarily be true. Anyway, onwards the post!
"The German Word" - A transcript guestwritten by the user TheBudgieAdmiral
From: Royal Navy battlecruiser Renown (pennant number 72)
To: Admiral Collingwood
Subject: Prinz Eugen calling people "Fraulein"
Dearest Admiral Collingwood, sir,
It has recently come to my attention that the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen has a habit of calling every ship spirit she meets "Fraulein".
While many ship spirits under my command or that I am affiliated with see no wrong in such behavior, some have taken odd actions in response to her calling them the name, and have in return started name-calling the hapless German cruiser.
Jutland, for example, has done this repeatedly in the past. I shall refrain from repeating the exact wording in this document, however, Prinz Eugen acted rightfully insulted and hurt, and had to be comforted by Belfast and Bismarck for a whole ten minutes after returning from her mission.
It seems like many see the term as derogatory or insulting for reasons unbeknownst to myself.
Others are now more suspicious of the term and see it as threatening for an unknown reason. Belfast explained to me that it may have something to do with the portrayal of Nazis in popular post-war media, where the term is often used equally to the American way of calling a lady "girl".
It seems like the term carries negative annotations for many, in multiple different ways.
I therefor turn to you, Admiral, in the hopes of raising awareness of this issue and maybe conceiving a joint plan of action to counter this misunderstanding. Maybe an obligatory German course for ship spirits likely to operate with German units on a regular basis could destroy the misconceptions?
Yours most sincerely, Renown (pennant number 72)
From: Admiral Collingwood
To: "Shipgirl Force Scapa Flow"
Subject: Language Problems and Cultural Crash Courses
Dear Shipgirls,
Recently it was brought to my attention that there appear to be butting misconceptions about the German cruiser Prinz Eugen, specifically her repeated use of the word "Fräulein".
Please be advised that this wording is neither derogatory or insulting nor threatening or offensive!
Whoever insulted Prinz Eugen because of this (not going to name any names, you know who you are) is to take the next opportunity to ask for forgiveness from the German cruiser!
Furthermore, I have conversed with Admiral Hartmann over the matter and the suggestion of a voluntary German course for the British shipgirl force has been raised. We have come to the conclusion that a two-sided crash course in each other's language and traditions is to the benefit of everyone involved.
Admiral Hartmann has asked around and it seems that Tirpitz has volunteered to lead this course with assistance from Vanguard. If you are interested in such a course, please contact either one of them with your contact details. Fair seas to all participants!
As they say: Danke für's Mitmachen!
Sincerely, the Admiralty.
From: Tryon
To: Renown
Subject: German courses
Hey Tryon,
Did you hear about the plans for the German courses? Tirpitz will be holding them!
Soon, we'll all be spouting "Heil H!tler" if this continues!
We must do something against this outrage!
Renown
From: Royal Navy battlecruiser Renown (pennant number 72)
To: Tryon
Subject: RE:German courses
Dear Tryon,
This message has been forwarded to Tirpitz and Admiral Collingwood. I suggest you seek cover and dialogue as soon as Tirpitz' rage has calmed.
Good luck to you, because you will need it.
HMS battlecruiser Renown (pennant number 72)
v
Budgie's Note: First snip for this thread. I plan to write more, any hopefully some more humorous ones too, once my inspiration returns from holidays.
My notes: Tryon is a rename of one of the more troublesome HMS Anson's (the youngest of the planned Admiral-class Battlecruisers) in Rulesverse. Because she kept getting annoyed at the other HMS Anson, the admiralty decided to rename her to HMS Tryon, after the officer of the same name.