Chapter 10: Untimely Visit
"That ought to be the most boring and inactive battle I have ever experienced," Yardun said with a monotone voice. The group of men is heading back to their quarters with the only person missing is Nate as he is tending to those who had been shot or incapacitated by enemy attacks. Fighting and what can only be deemed as an uneventful evening of just firing shells to support a ground battle. The occasional, almost futuristic tech enemy jets and planes would come by with their payloads and guns in an attempt to raise the casualties. The current modern-day anti-air guns are still able to do their jobs as intended to shoot them down.
"Uneventful? You're kidding, right? The enemy pumping lead into the deck, the shuddering of the ship when the bombs are hitting near or DI us? The napalm? All of that is just a Wednesday afternoon to you?" Stiles was yelling, flailing his arms with his words in an attempt to make a point. To be honest, if this was Stiles' first rodeo. It would be understandable considering what is said in a text or shown in movies is much more different than an in-person experience of course when your life's on the line. But, it certainly wasn't the first nor the last battle that we will have with the current puppet government and we are currently fighting. He certainly needs to suck it up if he couldn't even handle that small battle.
"Yeah, and what? I have fought a few battles scarier than that little shit. Trust me, things only get worse so get ready."
"He is right, my friend. Things will only get scarier for you. So brace yourself."
"Why can't everyone just cool down and celebrate Shikikan's promotion? Not everyone is able to reach ensign in a matter of a couple of months while in service," said Yardun while everyone was entering their quarters.
"Jesus Christ kid. You really are determined to reach your goal," Nikolai said, pulling back his foldable chair to sit at a poorly made makeshift poker table.
"No kidding. If you keep this up, you will reach the rank of lieutenant in maybe two years."
"Yeah, thanks for the encouragement guys."
"Hey, if you do become a higher rank. How about you toss around that cocky asshole Mckinley," Monroe joshed digging through his bag to then pull out a sketchbook and graphite pencil.
"You know that I can't do that. Even if I really wanted to, that is your own personal beef that you can deal with yourself."
"Seriously Monroe. Quit being so self-centered," said Yardun.
"It's part of my charm."
Everyone started to chuckle at Monroe's self-proclaimed sarcastic statement. Shikikan must admit that Monroe can be annoying at times but he certainly could be the reason why morale is so high after all of the blood and death in the past months. All of their time together, he felt the most distant in terms of relationships compared to anyone else with each other. He was still comfortable with having them around no matter what happened.
"Have you guys ever wondered how those assholes managed to get their hands on such advancements?" Stiles followed after their little laugh being the first to sit at his usual seat which was closest to the quarter's door at a makeshift poker table.
"Not much really to be honest. I heard a few conversations from command and the commander about something with sirens. Maybe it's a code name for a project or their order name or an acronym for all we know," said Shikikan as he unfolded a chair at their little card table.
"Well, one thing's for sure. Those guys are just a bunch of rich assholes in an attempt to establish dominance in an attempt to create a new nation through strength and steel. Fucking pricks if you ask me," Monroe stated as he was sketching.
"Yeah, anything else that's new Monroe that you would like to say."
"I do. And it is that you're always acting like a moody teenager. Seriously, just tell us what is wrong? Is it me? Is it us? Is it the war?"
"That's because the young chap is a teenager. He is like what? sixteen?" Yardun pulled up a chair and started to shuffle a red deck of cards.
"No, it's just— personal issues, okay?"
"And after all this time we had spent together. I thought you loved us."
"Quit the dumb drama, Monroe. Nobody likes it," Nikolai sat across from Shikikan as he was dealt two cards from the deck.
"Okay, you old polar bear."
Nikolai hearing Monroe's what he sees as an insulting comment gave him a soul-piercing glare. At that moment, Monroe swallowed hard as Nikolai extended his arm to reach for a playing card from the deck and flung it towards Monroe's chest. Monroe quickly used his sketchbook to shield it from the upcoming spinning card for it to be embedded deep into his sketchbook cutting through several of the pages. A near close call for him, his fingers would have been wounded or maybe even served from his hand if he had moved it a few centimeters away from the card's position.
"I told you, no more Russian jokes. If you do it again, I'll show you what I did to a bear while I was out camping. Do you understand!"
"Yes sir!" He bobbed his head while he was shaking his knees.
"Heh. How amusing," said Shikikan, picking up his handed cards.
"So, my friend. What is it that is bothering you?"
"How about I ask him?" A voice came from the doorway catching everyone's attention to turn towards the source.
"Hey ya, Nate. Care for a game of poker? Texan Holdem. It's your bread and butter."
"Well, there really isn't a comfortable spot for me to sit at. I'll just spectate for now. I'm confident that I can take all of your chips in a matter of hours. Thanks for the offer anyway, Yard."
"Yard? What?" Everyone said in confusion at the new nickname
"You are saying that we've known each other since we were kids."
"Nah, just a short nickname instead of the whole Yardun name. Just sounds ridiculous and made up on the spot by your parents. But in all seriousness, let me see if I can crack this case."
"We haven't even attempted to get to know this guy. Yet here you are, here to take the spotlight because you are so knowledgeable. Nerd," said Stiles, peeking at his given hand.
"Shut up. Anyways, I'll give you a few questions, and please answer them honestly okay?"
"Yeah whatever you say. Just note that all my answers might not be honest," Shikikan placed a chip into the pot.
"Is it really a good idea to let a teenage boy gamble," questioned Monroe moving away from his bed to pull out a poorly hidden playboy book and his foreman notebook.
"It's just for the occasion, Засранец (shitass is the best way to put it). For the young man's achievements. Besides, we aren't playing with actual cash on the line. I'll fold this round," Nikolai said, handing his cards to Yardun the dealer.
"I thought we would be celebrating with an off-duty celebration like I don't know. A diner or some fancy restaurant."
"Enough, back on track. Here is the first question. How do your parents treat you?"
"I rarely get to see them be honest. I never got to see my dad. My mom rarely comes home due to being involved in several operations as she is part of a special duties unit. My mother's mom was the one who was the one who took care of me and my sister. When she passed away, my uncle was the one who took care of us. I'm raising the bet," he placed a few chips out.
"Oh, you have a sister? Does she talk to you a lot?"
"Well, we talk occasionally. Don't really talk to each other when we are in our rooms or much at home in general. She does give me emotional support. But, that all came to a halt when she had to go work to support the family when my mother was gone."
"Okay, second question. Do you have any friends or a best friend in your life that you could look to?"
"No, I did spend time with a group of people. But, I didn't socialize with them. The closest person to a best friend was my ex-girlfriend Eveline. Even then we didn't spend much time or talk at all."
"I see, I see. Well, that explains a lot about your personality and social skills. Lack of authority figures and social skills. Well, that will all change today. You know why?"
"No. Alright, are we revealing?"
"Yes," said everyone playing.
Flipping over his cards revealed a seven and eight of clubs while Stiles had a five of hearts and king of hearts.
"Shikikan wins. Here are the pot's contents," Yardun pushed the small stack of chips towards Shikikan's stockpile of chips.
"You damn river rat!" Stiles has lost plenty of his chips. His own overconfidence in flush caused him to lose a great deal.
"Hey, whatever it takes to win. All is fair as long as it's within the rule book," Shikikan happily stacked his winnings, "So what is this about changing?"
"Well isn't that obvious? We all are here to help you break out of your antisocial shell. We are all here to help you get comfortable with us. As your friends and colleagues of war." This made Shikikan feel strange. Someone who had asked him told him that is included in a group without his own opinion or input. Strange indeed. He was unresponsive and speechless.
Guess nothing really changes.
"Thanks, I guess."
"Are you not appreciative of our newly bonded friendship? Jeez, have you been living your life in the dark," said none other than Monroe who just has to ruin the mood. We all just deadpanned at him in silence in the hope that he doesn't have more to blurt out. Monroe took their expressions as a sign to leave the room.
"I'm going to get a cup of coffee. I'll see you guys later," he said, walking out the room.
Shikikan decided to answer Monroe's question without him, " It just feels strange that I have someone to truly lean on without asking. Everyone sees me as invisible."
"Hey, it's all good around here. As long as we get through this war together, you have nothing to be worried about," Nate said as he beamed a smile, "So how about you relax and enjoy yourself while we all can."
"We can talk about our life stories again," said Nikolai.
"Yeah. Yeah, that sounds nice actually. Can you tell me more about this bear incident that you encountered while camping?"
"I'll tell you if you manage to take a quarter of what I have."
"Game on old man."
"Like the enthusiasm. But my friend. Don't call me an old man."
Half of his body felt cool and warm. Something large, warm, and soft can be felt on his back. It was probably just one of his hugging pillows that he is leaning on all night. His half-lidded eyes were being blinded by the sun's rays as it seeped through his window curtains with a light breeze hit his skin. The commander steadily shifted his body to notice that his body seemed to be caught. His legs were intertwined with two objects that are long, warm, and tender. Looking down, he sees two arms wrapped around his chest and the abdominal regions of his body firmly hugging him. Light breathing can be felt hitting the back of his neck followed by a familiar seductive voice.
"Ufufu. Shikikan-kun~."
"Is that you Atago?"
"Yes. Good morning, Shikikan!"
"Why were you hugging me all night?"
"Was I now?"
"Yes, up to now."
"Hmm— I don't remember much."
"Can you let go?"
"Mmmm," She thought for a moment and answered decisively, "No."
"Can you at least let me move my body a little?"
"And let you get away. I~ don't~ think~ so~"
"We both need to get up eventually. Might as well get up now."
"Still, no. It's your day off. Might as well spend all that time with me~"
"If I make breakfast for you. Will you let go?"
"If you call me onee-san at least once."
"I refuse. As your commander, I demand you to let me go."
"Not today you're not. You are off duty today."
He sighed at her ridiculous request, cursing under his breath. If he didn't do what she said, he would be here all day. With her clinging on to him. He concluded with himself that it is better to swallow his pride and do.
"Onee-san, can you let go," he murmured sheepishly.
"What was that?"
"Can you please let me go onee-san!" He cried out. If he could die on the spot he would. His embarrassment had his blood rushed up to his face and his body heating up. His face now a deep crimson red. I want to die, I want to die, his mind repeated.
Atago feeling satisfied with Shikikan's dignity broken, let him go to see him scurrying towards the bathroom. Atago, now laying on her back, started to lightly hum away to pass the time and smile at her accomplishment.
Finishing up and dressing in another pair of casual clothing which is a white-collar shirt and a black pair of jeans. Now entering his living room, he sees that the TV's screen is on the menu screen from last night's movie. Remembering last night's incident again made a smile creep across his face. His mind quickly shutting it down after remembering the rest of the incident leading up to now had him shaking his head slightly.
Shutting the screen off, he headed for the kitchen to start making breakfast for both himself and his unwanted house guest. Bringing out a few eggs and sausages from the fridge and leaving them on the counter. Opening a plastic bag that contained a loaf of whole wheat, he took four from the sliced up loaf and placed them in a toaster oven, and let them toast. He pulled an iron skillet out from a cabinet along with two plates and started to clean it out before drying and placing the skillet over a hot stovetop to heat it up. The process of cooking had started as he added some oil and cracked a few eggs and started to cook the sausages. Eyes were glued on the skillet as he started to season the sunny side up eggs and push around the sausage for evenly cooked sides.
"Shikikan!"
"Yeah?"
"Do you have an extra toothbrush I can use?"
"Why do you go back home and clean yourself?"
"It would be faster for me to do it here."
"I didn't have you sign up nor approve of you being my new roommate in my house."
"Don't be so mean!"
"If you pay for it then sure."
"How about I repay you in another way?"
"Like what? An IOU?"
"It's something much better than you would expect~"
"I highly doubt that you can give me or do a favor that wouldn't tick me off."
"So is that a yes?"
"Fine. It's in one of the bottom cabinets parallel to the mirror on the left side of the top shelf. If you do anything that ticks me off in even the slightest or is out of line. You will be sent to the central command for disciplinary training."
"Okay~"
"And I'll know if you stole anything."
The sunny eggs and sausages were carefully placed on the two plates on the kitchen counter with two sunny sides up and two breakfast sausages in each with a side of three cherry tomatoes. While he was finished decorating the plate, the oven chimed letting him know that the toast was ready. Finishing fitting everything into the full morning breakfast, he poured himself a cup of coffee that had been brewing while he was sleeping. Taking a nice long whiff of the aroma of the coffee, he let out a heavy satisfied breath of relief as he held the mug firmly bringing it up to his lips for a sip.
A few footsteps became earshot from where Shikikan was standing. Looking over his shoulder, he sees none other than the one that he slept in bed with unwillingly.
"Good… morning," she said, yawning between her words while stretching her arms.
"Well, at least it was proper this time."
"Since you brought up what happened. I guess you enjoyed it~"
"Like hell. It was more than uncomfortable knowing that I could be squeezed to death at any moment. Your grip was already making it hard for me to breathe."
"Maybe I was a little too rough last night?"
"You think? I exhausted myself thinking that I would die, sleep was minimal," Shikikan brought out the silverware to set it on the dining table with both of their breakfast dishes, "If you want coffee, help yourself."
"You should feel safe when you are around me knowing that your big sister will protect you from anything and anyone."
"More like a captive and the captor scenario. You know I just realized that the more time we spend together, it usually results in trouble."
"Trouble? What can you possibly mean by trouble" she asked, slightly tilting her head. Just the audacity of this one makes him want to just take out a riding crop and beat her into shape as a disciplined soldier. What was possibly stopping him from doing so, of course, public display and gossip can make his life even more difficult than it already was. Does she even know what she is even getting into? Sighing at his troubles he emptied his mind and thought of ways for him to spend his causal time. Then it hit him like an incoming train or lit up lightbulb above his head.
"Just eat up, I have plans for you and me later today," he settled down in his seat as he gestured her to sit and eat.
"Ara, is this an unexpected date proposal?"
"You can see it however you want it to be. But to me, it will be putting you in your place," picking up one of his breakfast sausages to take a bite, he continued, "You most likely won't like what I have planned for you."
"Then I guess I will look forward to our little outing~," she said ending with a giggle.
"Will the kansen, Bismarck, Enterprise, and Belfast meet me at my office now in the next two minutes," Shikikan voice rang throughout the base.
The commander shut off his PA system and sat in his office chair to start organizing his desk from yesterday when he was studying away. Atago is sitting pretty at one of the couches waiting patiently for the other kansen to arrive. While organizing the found a folder labeled battle statistics and analysis that Enterprise had kept away from him sitting at the edge of the desk. His focus broke away from organization and reached out for the office folder and started to swing open the folder to read its contents with the multiple pages of each of the fleets.
Battle Simulation The Brief Rundown
Team SKK
Fleet 1
Helena: Although she didn't show much in battle due to early retirement. She showed great dexterity in engaging multiple plane targets, getting a total of around seven planes shot down. She seems to get some sort of anxiety when she is about to engage with the enemy; she will be given psychoanalysis by our science team leader Dr. Corrian at a later time. She retired to a critical hit by Bismark at around 700 meters behind cover. We recommend another test run for a real-life battle simulation for further studies.
Combat Efficiency: Her radar scans are able to scan a great deal of distance of around 9 or more nautical miles being able to detect hundreds of targets big or small. She is able to relay a great deal of information but tends to have tunnel vision when a larger force is incoming. This ultimately led to her early retirement due to not picking up Bismarck at her location. She will be a great scout due to her speed and size when we need a point of defense or offense.
Cleveland: Same as Helena, she didn't see much battle other than her aerial fight with the fox and crane sisters. Her engagements were rather bold and her chemistry with Helena is a bit notable as she is able to reassure Helena during the battle. Another one for the recommendations for further testing on real-life combat.
Combat Efficiency: Her specialty is her anti-air weapons capabilities. So far she has about double of the second-highest aerial kills with a count of 33 confirmed plane kills. She was the first to be retired from a hit from Bismarck as she was trying to move Helena out of the way.
Essex: Showed promising results in terms of aerial combat. Her abilities and her efficiency with her planes. Her relationship with the flagship Enterprise seems to be friendly like senior and junior for the most part. She seems to have the need to prove her abilities. Her retirement has to do with the need to play hero to protect her fleet's flagship but her actions weren't because of her lack of self-preservation. Will look more into that with Dr. Corrian.
Combat Efficiency: Having the second highest plane count due to her high dogfighting abilities and seems to get stronger as the battle goes on. Her capabilities with plane bombardments and plane torpedoes are somewhat similar to Enterprise's own. Her vitality is good as she is able to evade most of the attacks. If we are able to further increase her hull's ability to take more, she will be one of our strongest so far.
Enterprise: One of the most well-performing ships while battling. She showed great composure when facing the enemy when attacking, such as Zuikaku. Her speed is great and able to give out orders in a well-timed manner. But, she seems to be a little reckless when fighting. Her tenacity and determination will prove well in a real combat situation.
Combat Efficiency: Her planes were able to hit their marks when sent out and deal a great amount of damage to large clusters of enemies. Her choice of weaponry of a strangely designed bow is proven questionable, but no matter when she was forced to go head to head with Zuikaku in close quarters.
Fleet 2
Belfast: Her main gun batteries were sufficient enough to do damage. She seems concerned with having to protect the vanguard from damage. This might have to do with her duties as a maid. More into that when put into questioning.
Combat Efficiency: Her main guns are able to do a constant stream of damage combined with her torpedoes can do some serious damage given that she didn't keep everyone safe. The smoke cover that she provides for her fleet is great for increasing evasion without the consequences of decreased hits on targets. Will be great for support and getaways. While she is on choppy water, her speed changes a good deal but is still able to evade incoming attacks not too far without a white cloud.
Javelin: Has a reckless and bold nature but knows her boundaries in terms of staying with her fleet for safety. Her mobility is barely hindered by the effects of the harsh waves. When given armor from Illustrious, she seems to get a little more daring. She might have some sort of thrill through her fighting style.
Combat Efficiency: Her bold fighting style combined with her evasion and high damage outputs for her torpedoes can prove beneficial for hit and run or guerilla warfare tactics on enemy fleets. Her guns lack serious firepower when reloading torpedoes. Recommend a more powerful gun battery.
Illustrious: Her mobility as an aircraft carrier is a little bit slower than others. Recommend further training through harsh waves is required along with agility. She tends to stretch her back a lot while being idle. Will investigate further into what causes her fatigue.
Combat Efficiency: Only able to hit a few of her targets when sending out her waves. Her special ability to give armor that negates almost all incoming damage makes up for it during their engagement. Like said before, increased mobility and training through harsh weather are needed.
Fleet 3
Atago: Very similar in terms of guns and skills to her younger sister but topped her sister being one of the top-performing ships during the simulation. Being able to keep her composure even when being hit several times. Her speed lets her be able to keep up with Takao and deploy her double torpedo attack just like her sister.
Combat Efficiency: Her guns are much more powerful and her torpedoes are a bit lackluster but still deadly for the job in inflicting large amounts of damage. If she were to use live ammunition of HE shells in this simulation, she might have performed better in taking out Amagi's vanguard.
Takao: An excellent soldier on the field as she is able to both defend and attack under fire and immense amounts of pressure. Her speed across the water is noteworthy as she can pick up speeds and evade incoming attacks a bit similar to destroyers but still is a large target compared in size which is what caused her retirement when being bombarded.
Combat Efficiency: Her torpedoes and guns are able to dish out large amounts of damage. But, her torpedoes hit a bit harder than her main gun batteries along with an ability to send out two waves in quick succession. Her most eye-opening ability is her dexterity with her katana. Being able to cut up incoming bullets from fighter planes.
Nagato: Her leadership skills are impressive as to be expected from the IJN flagship. Similar to Enterprise, she is able to quickly assess the situation and rally up her fleet to quickly move and relocate when needed.
Combat Efficiency: Her shells do a great deal of damage and she is able to give moral support to her vanguard ships. The biggest flaw is that she tends to overshoot or miss her targets. Her overall accuracy is around 40%. Statistics will be given in a few days. Recommend aim training.
Team Amagi
Fleet 1
Akagi: Showed great performance when sending off her planes. Her fiery temper could cause some issues when listening to her superiors when given the orders to do so. Her devotion to her older sister, Amagi is absolute and her relationship with her other sister Kaga shows great promise as they get along great and are able to get along quite well.
Combat Efficiency: Her preemptive strike, letting her be able to send out her planes on shorter notice can easily put people off their guards without any sort of intelligence ahead of time. Again, her chemistry with her sisters is absolutely top-notch when paired together creating a hard scenario for anyone caught underneath their bombardments.
Kaga: Same as her sister Akagi, they perform very similarly to each other. But, Kaga tends to get ahead of herself at times and attacks in a very aggressive manner. She also seems to hold some sort of grudge against Amagi.
Combat Efficiency: Her skills and plane's performance are just like Akagi's. Her aviation is a bit noticeably better than her sister's.
Yukikaze: Her overconfidence in herself shows to be nothing to laugh at. Not only can she provide support for her team, but she also avoids a lot of incoming fire and hits just as much back. She is maybe even the best destroyer we have.
Combat Efficiency: Her ability to evade attacks like any destroyer is maybe better than any other destroyer during this test. That combined with her impressive skill to hit her targets spot on makes her a formidable opponent to go up against.
Fleet 2
Zuikaku: Showed malice towards Enterprise but regardless, she was respectful with the outcome when Enterprise was forced to retreat. Like the fox sisters, showed a great performance when cooperating with her sister.
Combat Efficiency: Her air raids paired with the fox sisters made sure that there wasn't any place left untouched when within bombing range. With her sister's protection, she is able to go in and take fights just like Javelin. Another noteworthy point, just like Takao. Her use of her sword proves to be eye-opening when cutting through incoming projectiles.
Shoukaku: Unlike her sister, she was much calmer and didn't show any resentment, and cared very much for her sister's protection with support from her own planes and her ability to provide a bit of protection from one of her abilities.
Combat Efficiency: Just like said before, she is very similar to her younger sister. Being able to go on a large-scale bombing raid will prove beneficial just like the fox sisters. Her ability to grant decreased damage resistance will also prove to be useful.
Ayanami: Tends to distract herself from the battle whenever she is idle. This is possibly due to her not being willing to participate.
Combat Efficiency: A very well-rounded ship in terms of torpedoes, firepower, and evasion. Her torpedoes are the most important part of her form of attack, being able to take some vanguard ships down on their knees.
Fleet 3
Bismarck: The one who Amagi found the most useful in picking off and sneakily taking out unguarded ships. Her shells are most likely the most powerful out of all of the battleships during this test. As the leader of the Iron Blood faction, she is nothing short in leadership and communication between her fellow Iron Blood ships.
Combat Efficiency: Her firepower from her shells is extremely strong and combined with her range of being able to snipe down any target is what makes her stand out the most. Combine that with her rallying call to help her vanguard ships in being more efficient in taking incoming fire and dishing out damage.
Prinz Eugen: Messes around with her older sister a lot whenever idle. She tends to also mess around with the flagship too, but she tends to shake off any sort of teasing. Her metal hounds tend to be rather aggressive when facing off against her opponents.
Combat Efficiency: Her firepower lacks in comparison to practically every ship that was part of this test. What is most interesting about her and her sister is being able to protect themselves from incoming fire with what seems to be an invisible shield. Even without it, she can take some serious punishment that would normally sink a regular ship.
Hipper: Tends to be hot-headed when out in battle. She also tries to get her sister to stay in line, free from any distractions.
Combat Efficiency: Just like her sister, lacks firepower but can tank a lot of hits along with an invisible shield.
Z23: Also just as serious as Hipper minus the hotheadedness, has great focus when it comes to completing a mission and accessing the situation for practical choices.
Combat Efficiency: Proves to be pretty resilient and has high vitality for a destroyer. Her firepower can be seen as very powerful whenever firing and able to incline damage comparable to torpedoes.
Thesis: As the main point of this simulation was to test the combat capabilities of the kansen it was also to find out the answer of bonds between commander and kansen. There is a possibility that this is true but requires more evidence and testing.
Conclusion: Requires more time and results from a kansen. Needs an unknowing test subject and catalysis to bond more. When a subject is found, report to Dr. Corrian for further instructions and make sure that no kansen reads this.
Shred when finished
At the very bottom of the page, says the approval from the government to be clear in creating such an experiment was needed and has been stamped with a red approval seal confirming its passing.
Putting down the pages back in their respected place before, the three kansen he requested had finally arrived with Belfast appearing first followed by Bismarck and Enterprise as they came into the room.
"Hello Shikikan, what is this about? You are off duty today and yet you are working," questioned Bismarck.
"Yes, yes. But it isn't me who is working today. I will only be supervising the three of you."
"Master, if I may comment," Belfast said respectfully.
"Yes?"
"What activity exactly are you planning to have us do that involves supervising us?"
"Ah, I'm glad you asked. You know how you three all very boldly questioned my authority as a commander by literally speaking to my face and refusing to leave? Well, it's about to tell you all who is in charge of this base. I will be your drill sergeant for the entire period of my rest."
"So we will all just be doing exercises?" Asked Enterprise.
"Yes, and your punishment will go according to the level of how much of a pain in the ass you four have been to me. More on that later, but for now. We are going to the training room."
All of them have arrived at the training room with the four kansen lined up standing straight as Shikikan stood in front with Takao standing by his side in a confused manner.
"Uh, Shikikan. What exactly is this," she questioned, scratching the side of her head.
"Well, you see Takao. These four need to know their place in this base. So I am here to give them a lesson."
"And I thought you were finally here to come back to me to continue our lessons together."
"Ehhh, I will when I find the time during my schedule. But, I can guarantee you that I will return once their training is over. I think we had enough talk, for now, we will discuss this later. Now listen up, the four of you are here because you have done something that every soldier shouldn't do and that is questioning my position. Your punishment will go according to how much you have done to tick me off. Starting with Belfast you are to do twenty push-ups, Enterprise, twenty-five, Bismarck, thirty, and finally Atago, forty."
"Shikikan? Do you think you are being a little too hard on your big sister," she openly said.
"Oh? Is that not enough for you? Fine, let's make it forty-five."
"Shikikan, what about the time we spent together?"
"Am I hearing fifty?"
She finally shut her hole and looked miserable in doing so as her head was down with her ears drooping.
"You really aren't playing around Shikikan," said Takao.
"Of course not Takao. Anyways you better start now before I start increasing it. Cause you still have so much more ahead of you," he said, still looking at the four kansen as they proceed to start their punishment.
"You know, Takao. How do you manage to live with such a nuisance of a sister such as Atago?"
"She will come around and grow on you. It's a lengthy process, but you will get used to it."
"Well, I hope that this process will end as soon as possible if she truly wants me to not see her as who I see her as of right now."
"Speaking of her. You texted me about her being at your house. Am I correct?"
"Yes indeed."
Hearing this, she immediately lowered her head with both hands in front creating a formal bow signifying an apologetic manner.
"I'm sorry on my sister's behalf. I should have come to your aid as soon as you required my help."
"No it's fine, it's fine. We— shared an important moment."
"What is that supposed to mea-"
The door to the training room opened up revealing a fellow female soldier came barging in making Shikikan and Takao divert their attention towards her while the other four kansen continued with their pushups.
"Commander Shikikan, sir," she said, walking up to him casually.
"Yes?"
"There is a civilian that won't leave the front gates claiming that he wants to see you."
"Yes, and can't you see I'm busy disciplining these kansens?"
"Yes, and he claims to know you too."
"Ugh, these fans and news reports need to go away. Do you fire a warning shot?"
"Yes, but he still claims to know who you are and demands that you visit him and something about how you owe him a favor."
"You got to be fucking kidding me," he murmured. Sighing, he turned towards Takao.
"Can you take over for me Takao? I need to deal with whoever this idiot thinks he is."
"Of course, Shikikan."
"When they are done, have them run laps around the room. Belfast and Enterprise have to do three, Bismarck, four, and Atago need to do six. If they cause any trouble for you, you are free to add more laps."
"Yes, Shikikan."
"If I'm not back by the time they are done. Do whatever you think would be acceptable as a matter of training."
Leaving the room with the soldier, there was a jeep waiting for them outside of the facility. Taking his seat in the passenger seat, he looked over at the soldier's name tag which read the words Claire Elysis.
While she was driving, he asked her, "So, can you tell me more about this person?"
"Not much. We thought he was some sorry drunk bastard with the mind of a seagull. He really didn't flinch when we fired a warning shot. He also claimed to have your contact number and demanded that you were to show up at some point."
"Too bad for him, I left my phone at home. Where it should be when in a base of operation. And you decided to come to me because?"
"Well, we don't see this every day with some person having the balls to come up to a military checkpoint and say that he knows you."
"Still seems ridiculous."
Arriving at the checkpoint, he sees a man standing a few feet away from a soldier who looked quite familiar. Finally coming within hearing distance.
"Hey! I'm talking to you— oh hey Shikikan!"
"You got to be fucking kidding me. Monroe?"