Rear Admiral Katsuo Shimoe had known little rest since he had arrived at the KNF Headquarters in Kyushu. In addition to doing an inspection on the West fleet operations and logistics, he had been reviewing the latest orders provided by Admiral Sakamoto, and the disposition of the forces in the system.
In the past hours, he had switched to interviews with officers and staff from the West fleet, and he was awaiting the arrival of the next officer in his provisional office.

Mutsu Ryuzoji, a lieutenant in the Naval Forces currently assigned to the West Fleet, approaches the office of the rear admiral. She takes a deep breath as she takes a halt right at the door of his office. Given this is the first time she is to meet a member of admiralty board in person, she was deemed to be nervous about it.
She moves her hand upwards and hits the door with two of her fingers, knocking it softly. She enters in after a few seconds standing only a few meters away from his desk.

She delivers a military salute - "Itto Kai Ryuzoji reporting in!" - Her hand unintentionally kept steady by her forehead, before finally lowering it down. - "You wanted to see me, Shimoe-Kaisho?"

"Ah, Ryuzoji I presume? At ease. Yes, I have been contacting with some of the officers of the Fleet. Please take a seat."

Shimoe observed the young officer with silver hair, quite an unusual feature in kusarians. Reports by Mutsu and about her painted the image of a competent fighter, and an untested future squadron leader, should the chance appear.
Memories of his own track through the ranks of the KNF made him scratch his left hand, the synthetic skin and prosthetics still feeling alien to the what was the remainder of his limb.

Mutsu moved slowly and carefully to one of the seats next to his desk, sitting down on it with her hands on her knees. Her form was firm and steady, leaning forward as she tries to not show any kind of unintentional disrespect to her superior officer.

She had removed any and all assorted accessories she had usually worn, excluding hardly removable silver dye on her hair she usually inserts. In opposite of the stereotype female ranking, her personality was a rather straightforward, impatient and tense. But that was not the case towards her superior officers, aside from the nervousness she knew her boundaries, mostly.
The synthetic skin on the Admiral left hand could be noticed by Mutsu compared to his natural hand, yet she decided to not comment on it. - "Is something the matter, admiral?"

"Ryuzoji-kaii, you have served in several posts in the Nagumo and Myoko, it seems. Most of your assignments were aboard our Battleship flight wings, correct? How long have you been in service of KNF?"

"Hai. I've been patrolling mostly in the Shikoku and Kyushu star systems, extending to New Tokyo." - She pauses - "I've been serving in the Naval Forces for 6 months now."

"Hmm, quite a short period. You have already seem some action in the lines, however."

Shimoe gave some pause, before pulling the main topic of the conversation.

"I'm in need of some pilots for assembling a new fighting division. This unit will be operating in some new conditions, and I was hoping I wouldn't be fully staffed with brand new academy recruits alone. Our more veteran officers are in short supply, and already assigned to many important tasks.
I see that you are not fixed to any squadron yet, and have yet the freshness to adapt to new scenarios without old habits pulling you down. Ryuzoji-kaii, I offer you the opportunity to integrate this new unit."

"As for what is new on this assignment, it is quite simple." - He says, as he props up a hologram of a Bustard carrier.

"In the past year, the KNF has been testing one of these civilian vessels for autonomous carrier operations in space. The launching and logistic systems are similar with our own in Tokugawa class Battleships, but we need to improve them to military standards.
Extensive testing and operations require a permanent unit to be operating with it. If all goes well, the Admiralty is foreseeing a greater implementation of carriers and carrier based flight units in our fleets for the future."

Shimoe observes the lines of the bustard for a while longer, before turning his gaze back to Mutsu.

"Our kind mothership is called Houshou. Would you be part of its band of warriors? Your collaboration would be essential for the success of this endeavour."

Her eyes kept studying and observing the hologram of the Bustard in front of her carefully. She turns her gaze back to Shimoe, deciding whether she should or not accept his offer, hesitating to give an answer.
After a short while of silence and mere staring, she finally takes her decision - "I may be new to Naval Forces, but if you believe that I will be a good addition, then I cannot disagree." It will be an honour to work with you and the rest of the division. Disappointment is not in my dictionary, kaisho."

"That is good to hear. I will arrange for your transfer papers soon enough. I hope to see your achievements and performance from up close in the coming months.

As usual, expect more details on your mail box in the coming days." - Shimoe says relieved.

"Hai, Kaisho!" - she stands up - "I will be looking forward to working with you." - she pauses after moving a few steps back towards the door - "Anything else, admiral?"

"No, that will be all. Good luck with your duties Ryuzoji-kaii. Dismissed." - Shimoe said, pleased with energetic and slightly nervous disposition of Mutsu.

"Uh... Hai, Kaisho!" - she bows slightly - "Excuse me!" she politely responds as she heads to the door, leaving the office.

Katsuo Shimoe checkmarks another name in his list, seemingly satisfied. Whatever traces of a smile fade quickly, as he checks his list. Still another eight interviews before dinner....