SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN

13 MAY 2021

GMT+6 1300

Over two days have passed since the Kii had left Heard Island, and yet again it was another frosty day, though the amount of snow has certainly decreased significantly. The mighty battleship gracefully plowed through the icy waters at a good 20 knots, in a lonely passage across the cold sea. In this area, there was no need for worry for any nearby vessels; normally nobody would want to traverse or patrol this part of the globe, a remote area of the Indian Ocean.

However, compare it to life on board the Kii and you would find it a thousand kilometers away. The crew was rather busy; some were busy checking on the engines and boilers, some were busy checking the projectiles for the warship's weapons, while some were inspecting the ship's systems, looking for any faults that had to be rooted out.

Most of the crew were at the mess halls though; it was lunchtime. Today's lunch item was curry rice, with miso soup and a complimentary scoop of ice cream for dessert. Another rather realistic interpretation to life on board the Yamato.

During the Pacific War, the Yamato was considered one of, if not, the most luxurious warship in her time. Being both the flagship of the Combined Fleet and Japan's pinnacle of naval engineering, the Yamato had features that were considered unusually good for a warship at that time; air-conditioning, full-course meals, and even vending machines that dispense ice cream and ramune. Couple that with the fact that she spent most of her service life in port due to her massive fuel consumption, and you'll understand why she earned herself the nickname "Hotel Yamato".

It was only natural for Anderson to replicate the same features for Kii, minus how she would spend her service life.

Back to the Kii.

In Mess Hall A, Masata watched with amusement as Hikari delightedly wolfed down her plate of rice.

"Slow down, you're going to choke if you keep up that speed."

Iwata paused for a moment to shoot a glance at Yamasaki.

"You have no idea how long I've not tasted Japanese food after I left the country," she muttered while she continued devouring the plate. "I've been eating rations so much I actually will feel sick if I were to take another can."

"But that's because you refused to eat the food served at the dorm cafeteria," Masata replied. "You yourself told me you detest the food there."

Hikari froze for a few moments. "Well, you have a point," she managed to agree while blushing, then finishing up her rice and picking up the plastic ice-cream cup.

"So," Masata began, "we have a meeting with the captain and the boss later at 2:30, right?"

"Mhmm," Hikari managed to reply before she swallowed her mouthful of ice-cream. "The Captain and Director both want to discuss the trip's plan with both of us. Apparently there are currently two paths we can take, so they want both our opinions to help them make a decision," she explained before returning back to her dessert.

"I see."

GMT+6 1441

KII'S CONFERENCE ROOM

"Considering the ship's range, I suggest we take the route south of Australia, via the Timor Sea, if we want to end this voyage on a single full tank, without wasting time for a refueling session as sitting ducks," Hikari stated.

"The route has a higher possibility of us running into other vessels," Masato countered. "I suggest we take the route south, refuel a few hundred kilometers off Tasmania via a refueling vessel dispatched secretly, then continue the journey via the Tasman and Coral Seas."

Yamamoto and Anderson both remained silent, observing the latest of the many debates the younger pair usually had between each other.

"Well, they're always like that, disagreeing on multiple issues?" Anderson asked the older man.

"Yes," replied Yamamoto, "but it's a positive thing."

'How so?" Anderson questioned, taking an interest to what the captain had said.

"Well, both children may have different opinions, but this shows that both of them are very competent in strategic planning. Both of them have the same interests; keeping the Kii out of danger. The route that Iwata chose allows for a shorter journey, but an increased possibility of the vessel being discovered and tracked. Yamasaki's route of choice is almost completely safe and guarantees a near-hundred percent chance of a successful stealth passage, but takes a longer path and requires the Kii to have a refuel if she were to make it to Kure." Yamamoto took a pause to look at Hikari and Masato, the debate moving on to the "hotter" areas. "They would certainly be valuable assets for the Defense Forces."

The argument went on for a full 30 minutes, before Anderson and Yamamoto finally came up with a final decision. "We will use Yamasaki's proposal to take the southern route. The day after tomorrow, radio the backup refueling vessel currently moored at Sydney to rendezvous with us, via our designated radio frequency. I will provide Communications Officer Iwata the designated rendezvous point's coordinates by either tomorrow or on the day itself. That is all," the Captain concluded, as both officers saluted and gave a clear "Yes sir."

"Now, return to your duties. I'll be at the navi bridge shortly. You two are dismissed."

GMT+6 1820

"Looks like the captain took my proposal this time," Masato commented, both him and Hikari standing on the bow of the Kii.

"Well, your suggestion was honestly more reasonable than mine, so of course the Captain would choose yours," was the reply from Hikari.

"Aw, don't say that, your suggestion was equally good as well. Besides, it requires less of a hassle, so I say it's also well-thought out."

"You think so?"

"Of course."

The two of them watched the setting sun behind the vessel, signifying that the end of the day had come. Masato took a moment to glance at Hikari, her long brown hair flowing in the wind, before continuing his gaze towards the stern.

"Do you think we'll make it?" Hikari suddenly blurted out.

"Make it to where?"

"To Kure, of course."

"Isn't that an obvious answer? We'll make it to Yamato's home port, no doubt about it," Masato's eyes gleaming with determination and confidence.

The Kii continued on her journey across the ocean, the evening sunlight being reflected off her hull. It was indeed a beautiful sight, especially if you looked at the sun from in front of the battleship.

The crew had no idea that an American guided-missile destroyer had just finished its surprise patrol a few thousand kilometers south, and was heading back to Sydney Harbor to resupply.

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Z160234Z

FR: USS GERALD D FORD

TO: SICOHALE FIVE

CONFIDENTIAL SPECAT EXCLUSIVE FOR USS PORTER //N45822//

DEPART HMAS PENGUIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND INTERCEPT UNIDENTIFIED BB EN ROUTE TOWARDS AUSTRALIA. DISABLE VESSEL'S PROPULSION AND/OR POWER PLANT IF RADIO CONTACT YIELDS NO RESPONSE. BOARD ONCE VESSEL CONFIRMED TO BE OUT OF POWER.

SINK VESSEL IF PROVEN TO BE A THREAT TOWARDS OTHER SHIPS. THE ADMIRAL SENDS HIS REGARDS.