Kuroshio

[WesternPeregrine]

The Kuroshio (Japanese 黒潮 "Black Tide") is a north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the North Pacific Ocean. This is a story of KNF officer Katsuo Shimoe transfer into the KDS-Matsumoto and what he witnessed there.
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Lost in thought, Katsuo Shimoe stood in front of the door of the commander of the New Tokyo 5th Operational Wing, Daichi Takegawa. The reason why he had been summoned still wasn't clear to him, but he guessed it wasn't related to the frequency he lost fighters in his patrols, as he had been making an effort to improve his performance.
Giving a sigh, he pressed the call console near the door and awaited the response from within. He then entered the office and saluted the commander, who motioned to Shimoe to take a seat.
The commander's somewhat wrinkled but stern face examined some of the documents on the desk integrated holoscreen, as if looking for the topic of the following conversation. Shimoe could notice that amongst those files his record sheet, and several communications messages.
With a clearing of the throat characteristic of a man of his age, commander Takegawa addressed the pilot.

“So, Santo Kaisa Katsuo Shimoe, congratulations on your recent promotion. It's not common for a pilot of the Myoko to have such an active performance in such a short time.”

“Thank you sir. It has been challenging but I have received good guidance from the senior members.”

“Hmm, and I guess with the new influx of fresh graduates, you had to give some guidance yourself. It's time we start putting to use some of that knowledge you acquired.” The commander interacts with the hologram, and a image of a Genji class Kusari Battleship near a nebula appears. Shimoe easily recognized the Battleship Matsumoto, stationed in Hokkaido.

“As the Central fleet increases it's ranks, we need sometime to redistribute some of our personnel to other sectors who are in need of some pilots who are not recruits.” - pointing to the image, he continues - “The Matsumoto is the center of our operations in Hokkaido and beyond, and it's always in need of experienced pilots to help quell the presence of outlaws.
The Matsumoto is the base for 4 squadrons, and together with the police wing of the Otaru Border Station they compose the 1st Flight Wing of the North Fleet. An opening on the 82nd Mixed Squadron has opened up and I want you to fill that post, as squadron leader.”

Katsuo was perplexed. “ As the squadron leader? Surely there is someone already inside the squadron able to handle that position.”

“The former squadron leader was lost to an ambush by blood dragons on the upper Rishiri last week, and his second in command had retired the week before. His replacement is still unfit for such a role.” Commander Takegawa rose form his chair and looked trough the office window. Outside the landscape of New Tokyo was under the constant rain, already a week nonstop.



“I feel that you have been doing a good job upholding our standards and laws, either on your patrols and in your behavior inside of the Navy. It would be good to spread some of that example to our men who are under pressure everyday out there.” - he sighed, and added- “There are also some tensions inside of that Flight Wing, which prevent us to transfer one of the other officers to replace the squadron leader and instead rely on one of “ours” to diffuse some of that tension. I'm sure the Captain will welcome your presence.”

The commander picked up a data holder and handed it to the officer.

“Inside are the details of your assignment. You will depart in a shuttle for the Matsumoto tomorrow. Make arrangements to have your vessels shipped there too in the next convoy. Dismissed.”

Shimoe wasn't totally convinced of the explanation given, but did do nothing more than salute the commander and leaving the office with the data holder in his hand. He headed back to the hangars to talk with the quartermaster and the logistics department.

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