5098. There are some unspoken rules that all shipgirls obey, no matter how crazy, insubordinate, or antagonistic they are, so it figures that some of our human personnel need this explained to them. If two shipgirls say they are family, they are. Remember, to shipgirls, family is everything, and next to no warships ever sail alone. Those who disagree with this rule, you have two options. Make an apology, or we'll let the pissed off older sisters deal with you.

"So, what's this inspector supposed to be doing?" asked an irate Goto.

"He is, and I quote, "Ensure that the Kanmusu currently stationed at Fleet Activities Yokosuka are displaying proper respect to authority, as expected of assets critical to the defense of Japan." said Ooyodo through gritted teeth. 'Sir, one question."

"Shoot."

"How the heck did Okida get anyone to vote for him? He's a snake."

"He's not the first snake to win votes, and unfortunately he probably won't be the last. Let's just make sure this one doesn't get anywhere near the magazines, rigging storage, or fuel tanks."

"Yes sir."

As she turned to leave, Goto called her back. "Wait, who's he interviewing again?"

"Uh, let's see. It just says any Kanmusu above light cruiser class. So, that adds to Taiho and Hiyo for carriers, with Soryu and Hiryu in a hour or so once the convoy comes in. Nagato and Yamashiro for battleships, and Nachi, Haguro, Maya, Chokai, and Mogami for heavy cruisers. Not counting Astoria and Canberra, though."

"Alright, well as long as he doesn't piss off Nachi this might be a quiet day."

Later

Taiho looked up from her book as Hiyo walked out of the conference room, gesturing her in. She sat down across from the inspector and smiled.

"Aircraft carrier Taiho, I presume?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, first I would like to get some background on you, as my file seems to only cover the basics."

"Okay. Where do I start?."

"From your summoning."

"Alright. Well, I'm the first and only carrier with an armored flight deck currently stationed in Japan, as well as the only on in the JMSDF. I can carry up to 85 planes in my air wing, though for normal operations it is usually around 65-70. I have two sister ships, Shoukaku and Zuikaku, and I'm usually deployed either with them on convoys or with Ryujo guarding the northern fishing fleet."

"That's enough, Taiho. Although, I am a bit puzzled by something you said."

"Which part?"

"You said you had two sisters, correct? Carriers Shoukaku and Zuikaku?"

"Yes."

"But you are of the Taiho class. Is that a sub-class?"

"Not exactly. When I was designed, my architects incorporated many features used in the previous class of fleet carrier, which were Shoukaku-nee and Zuikaku-nee."

The inspector groaned, shooting her the look of someone dealing with stupidity. "So, you're not a sub-class, yet you still refer to the Shoukaku class as your sisters?"

"Yes."

"Taiho, just because you share a engine part or door frame does not make you related to someone. As a Kanmusu, your "family" consists solely of members of your class. Are there any other Taiho class?" he asked, completely oblivious to Taiho's rapidly paling face.

"No." she quivered.

"Then there's your answer."

Taiho just looked at him, shaking, and then she abruptly stood up and walked out.

Carrier dorms

"So when does this inspector want to talk to us?" asked Soryu.

"Well, Taiho's talking to him now, so it probably would be best to go there as soon as possible." answered Hiyo.

"There's goes a nice relaxing lunch. Come on, sis, let's get this over wit.." Hiryu trailed off as Taiho stormed past them, entered her room, and slammed the door.

"Ok, that's not a good sign." said Soryu.

"Hiyo, go get Hosho. I got a feeling she's going to be needed." said Hiryu.

Hiryu and Soryu went up to Taiho's door and opened it. Taiho was hunched over on her bed, staring blankly at the nightstand with a picture of her and her sisters on it.

Two days later.

"Has she gotten any better?" asked a frantic Shoukaku.

"She still hasn't said anything, not even to Hosho." said Ooyodo as they ran down the hallway.

Taiho was still on the bed, completely still despite Hiryu and Hosho trying to get her to even acknowledge them.

Shoukaku kneeled down in front of Taiho while Hosho gestured to Hiryu to give them some space. As the door closed, the two carriers were alone.

"Taiho-chan, tell me what happened." Shoukaku said, but the younger carrier remained still, her eyes staring blankly.

"Imouto-chan, please." Shoukaku pleaded.

Taiho blinked, and suddenly seemed to notice her. Shoukaku watched, waiting for Taiho to do something when the younger carrier grabbed her in a fierce hug and burst into tears.

"Shh, shh. It's okay now, Imouto-chan. I've got you, and I won't let you go." said Shoukaku as she held her sister tightly.

The next day.

"I fail to see the point of your anger."

"You took one of the girls with the lowest self-esteem on the base and managed to convince her that she didn't have a family." grated Goto, visibly trying to resist the urge to throttle the inspector.

"She doesn't. She's the only one in her class." the inspector was about to continue when an arm clamped down on his shoulder.

"So, from that I guess you won't be apologizing for making my sister cry?" asked Shoukaku sweetly.

"Apologize for the truth? Hell no."

"In that case, Admiral, I'll take it from here."

Goto left the room just as the screams started.