A mysterious message found my way to my computer, and it was completely anonymous save for 3 codenames in what looks like Russian. Peculiar, isn't it? Given that I know that only 4 people in town are fluent Russian, it's not hard to pin down who it is. It's not the junior dorm manager Tashkent, so it's obvious, isn't it? Not a mystery at all!
So this message from the Russians on the naval base is already quite intriguing, but it gets even more interesting. The first paragraph is context, which I'll try to summarize: wanting to know more about the underground operations of the base, the three of them snuck microphones onto the Admiral and Saratoga, the only Americans on base. Dashing plan, right?
They decided to leak some of the transcripts to me, just so I can write a little. I'm grateful! I wonder how much will be struck out by the censors, though...
Anyway! I'm including the best bits below, and there should be no top-secret info in there. Just silly exchanges on base. Translated all to English by yours truly!
<bzzt>
Verniy: Harasho. The mic is working.
Gangut: Thanks, comrade little one.
Verniy: You need to stop calling me that.
Tashkent (distant): Are you guys ready yet? We need to get moving! The admiral usually walks by for the morning exercises in 3 minutes or so!
Gangut: Aw, shucks. Let's get going.
...
*footsteps*
Tashkent: Good morning, admiral.
Tachyon: Why, good morning, Tashkent. Anything the matter?
Tashkent: Oh, I was wonder about <REDACTED>.
Tachyon: Ah, that'll take place next month. We still have quite a bit of preparation to do.
*sliding noises*
Tashkent: That's all I wanted to ask about. Thank you!
Tachyon: You're welcome. We'll be looking forward to your hard work when that time comes around.
*footsteps*
Saratoga: She's a nice girl, isn't she?
Tachyon: Definitely, definitely.
Tachyon: Ooyodo, what are we likely to encounter for the next few areas?
Ooyodo: Sir, we are expecting a light torpedo squadron followed by a carrier task force.
Tachyon: Understood. Hey, Akashi, is everyone fitted with the exercise gear yet?
Akashi (distant): Yup, ready to go!
Tachyon: Alright, let's see here... we should probably warm up with a single ship with no obstacles. Tell them to line up in formation. Line ahead.
Ooyodo: Roger. Get in position, formation line ahead. Prepare to engage a single ship.
Tachyon: Hmm, this doesn't make sense. With this kind of strategy, this shouldn't be happening. Your thoughts, Ooyodo?
Ooyodo: Sir, I'm no tactician. I delve more into the strategy.
Tachyon: Fair point. Sara, your thoughts?
Saratoga: I can't help but see good things from the fleet. I'm at a loss, too.
Tachyon: Let's see if the automated trainer picked anything up... ah, indeed. Tama's precision was atrocious. Even so, it's not because of her balance, which is impeccable... I think this calls for a one-on-one with Jintsuu.
Saratoga: Please go easy on her. She's still learning, after all.
Tachyon: It's wasting resources, though! Headquarters takes so much time to think of these scenarios, only to squander it like this.
Saratoga: Now, now. Don't lose your temper over small things like this.
Tachyon: *sigh*, you're right. Ooyodo, call them in and let Katori give them a little talk before we move onto the next scenario.
Ooyodo: Yes, sir.
Tachyon: Thank you, Ooyodo, for accompanying us to our morning exercises.
Ooyodo: It was a pleasure, sir.
Tachyon: Please do a scan over the documents for the upcoming set of operations. Let me know if there are changes that I should consider.
Ooyodo: Yes, I will, sir.
Tachyon: Dismissed.
<Door closes>
Tachyon: Ah, jeez. All this work is tedious.
Saratoga: Don't forget about my work, admiral. There are countless others making your life easier.
Tachyon: My mistake. Yes, you're right.
Saratoga: ...
Tachyon: That reminds me, I really feel like I'm not doing my job well as an admiral. I've been short of time ever since my other job started ramping up...
Saratoga: Don't worry about it. We're aware that you have other responsibilities, so just focus on doing what you do best.
Tachyon: Thank you for the reassurance... but I still feel lacking.
Saratoga: There's nothing to be worried about. Please, put your mind at ease.
Tachyon: *sigh*
Saratoga: It's 11 o'clock. Oh! I have some things I need to take care of with Kaga. She's really a formidable carrier, don't you think?
Tachyon: Yes, yes. If you need to take care of something, then please do.
Saratoga: Thank you.
<footsteps> <door slams open>
Saratoga: Aahh!
Kongou: Heeey Admiral! Don't you know it's Tea Time already?
Admiral: Sorry, not now. It's almost lunch anyway.
Kongou: But I want to drink tea with the admiral!
Tachyon: How about this... I'll ask for tea with my meal so we can drink some together.
Kongou: Yay!
Tachyon: Oh, are your sisters coming?
Kongou: No, just me and you!
Tachyon: Hahaha. Now then, should I call for the meal?
Tachyon: Aaand... there! That should be all the paperwork that needs to be sorted for now. Thanks for accompanying me, Kongou.
Kongou: *zzz*
Tachyon: Ah, goodness me. She's fallen asleep again.
*pause*
Tachyon: Hi, Haruna. Yes, it's- no, no, not that. Heh, you don't need to worry about that. I'm just calling to tell you that your sister fell asleep in the office again. Sorry to bo- oh? ...Alright then, see you in a little.
*keys jingle* *key inserted into lock* *file cabinet opens*
Tachyon: Event files go in here... progress reports go here... miscellaneous... alright! It's about 1400, so I probably should open up the neighboring rec hall.
*bolt moves* *heavy door creaks open*
Tachyon: Wow, there really are quite a few things in here. And who left a mess at the billiards table? Probably Jun'you's group. Well, time to boot up the consoles and see if my hands will cooperate. Just fetch the Les Paul out of the display case...
*door slams open*
Tachyon: Wai, watch it! Who is it?!
*rapid footsteps*
Tachyon: Hmph! You rascal! Come back here! Dammit. Looks like we have a prankster on the loose.
*shifting noises* *consecutive whacks on plastic*
Tachyon: Warm up with, I dunno, some Jordan? Sounds good.
*crowd chatter*
Tachyon: What's with the crowd around me?
Fubuki: It's just so amazing when the commander plays!
Tachyon: Aw, c'mon. I can't be that good, right?
Verniy: Wrong. It's mesmerizing.
Tachyon: You don't have to be so kind.
Verniy: By the way, Sara sent me here to inform you that Gangut will be taking care of your laundry as punishment for smuggling vodka.
Tachyon: Alright, good to know. *ruffle noise* Here, what song do you guys want to hear next?
*crowd commotion*
Tachyon: Darn, Souryuu. You've definitely gotten better. You've been practicing with Akagi, haven't you?
Souryuu: Yup! Y'know, Admiral, I feel like we should face off in table tennis more often!
Tachyon: I agree. And next time I won't go easy.
Souryuu: Aw, c'mon.
Tachyon: Here, let's get out of here. I'm closing the rec hall. Nobody's here, right?
Souryuu: Yes. Thank you for the match, Admiral.
Tachyon: There's no need to be so formal about it. It's just a friendly match, that's all.
Souryuu: Well, then. I'll be off. Planned sortie later in the afternoon, right?
Tachyon: Correct. See you then.
*door closes* *bolt set*
Tachyon: Yup, nobody's here.
*heavy door closes* *bolt set*
Tachyon: Man, it's already 1600? I have a meeting in 30 minutes. I have a little time, so I might as well swing by Akashi's for a second.
Saratoga: Now, now, Gamby. There's no need to cry. Everything's okay.
Gambier Bay: B-buut...
Saratoga: It's just a small mistake. We can fix it, no problems. What's important is that you learned, right?
Gambier Bay: Y-ye- *hic* -ess...
Saratoga: Here, I'll leave you alone. Don't worry about it. If you want to leave for your dorm, you can.
Gambier Bay: Tha- *sniff* -ank you.
*footsteps*
Ashigara: Hi, Sara.
Saratoga: Oh, hi! Anything you need?
Ashigara: Oh, no. I just wanted to remind you that there's a meeting with the officers in 20 minutes or so, and it'd probably be best if you reviewed these documents.
Saratoga: Oh, about preparations for the event? Thank you very much.
Ashigara: No problem. If you need bureaucrats to join you at the meeting, please let me know. I know that Kinugasa and Isuzu are on standby.
Saratoga: Ah, thank you. At most I'll need one person, so let Isuzu know that she will be needed if you could please. Thank you, Ashigara.
Ashigara: Of course.
Saratoga: ...now Gamby. Is everything all right? There's no reason to be a worrywart.
Gambier Bay: I'm feeling better... thanks...
Saratoga: I'll have to attend a meeting shortly, so please do take care of yourself, okay?
Gambier Bay: Got it...
Tachyon: Got all the papers, Kirishima?
Kirishima: Yes, all done.
Tachyon: Alright, let's get going, then.
*door opening* *footsteps*
Tachyon: Should be down the right to our right.
*footsteps*
Tachyon: Sorry to bother you with this kind of stuff. Ah, this should be it.
Officer: Greetings, Admiral Tachyon. If I could please have a word with you outside before starting the meeting.
Tachyon: Yes, but please make it quick. Kirishima, please go in without me.
Kirishima: Yes, sir.
*footsteps* *door closes*
Officer: Sir, it has come to my attention that certain conversations may be recorded without our permission.
Tachyon: That may be true, but it is purely through the security network.
Officer: Would you mind explaining this device, then?
Tachyon: That's a miniature remote microphone, isn't it?
Officer: Correct. We found it on Miss Saratoga after doing a cursory metal scan on her.
Tachyon: Wait a second... that's a major security breach, isn't it? We have to find who's doing this.
Officer: Precisely. Now, I didn't want to metal scan you in there to help save face, so I invited you here instead.
Tachyon: Thank you. I presume you need to scan me?
Officer: That's coreEEEE
<static>
And that's where it all e～nds. The scan probably broke many things, so the mic broke, so that's all I can show you for no～w. I didn't cut out as much as I would have liked, but hey! Hope you found it interesting!
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