The Sikatuna Incident

Disclaimer: High School Fleet belongs to Reiko Yoshida

Chapter 1: Distress Call and Decisions

After the harrowing game of cat and mouse with the German battleship – the Admiral Graf Spee – that resulted in a direct hit to the bigger warship's hull and caused it in cancelling its pursuit, the crew of the destroyer – the Harekaze – finally earned a much needed downtime in the form of a hot bath and scrumptious dinner of the ship's renowned curry. Deputy-Captain, Mashiro Munetani was about to take a bite out the meal that was provided to her by a close associate, Hiromi Kuroki of Engineering, when the message box at the bridge, where she was presently staying, flashed and rang. She looked at it rather nervously. For less than twenty-four hours, the Harekaze, and all its hands, have been involved in a series of bizarre events that have led them to this grievous point.

It all started when they left port, along with the rest of the squadron of ships, all manned by the latest batch of fresh students of the Yokosuka Girls' Marine High School, destined to partake in a naval training exercise meant to showcase all they have studied and trained for, so that they may become full-fledged Blue Mermaids, enforcers and protectors of the seas. Unlike the rest of the ships of the fleet, the Harekaze developed a couple problems early on. One, Rin Shiritoko, the ship's panicky helmsperson committed a slight directional error that placed the Harekaze off course from the rest. Second, the destroyer in question suffered an engine malfunction that caused it to go on a full stop, leading to it of being left behind by the fleet. But those were just the beginning of their troubles. Upon arriving at the their rendezvous point in Nishinoshima New Island, where the rest of the ships were waiting for them, the instructor ship – the Sarushima, without warning and provocation opened fired at them and with live rounds no less!

In spite of the shock and confusion of the situation that time one thing led to another and the Harekaze and its crew were forced to fight back. They counterattacked, using the only dummy torpedo they had meant for the training exercise and scored a direct hit on the Sarushima, forcing it cease its attacks and allowed the Harekaze to leave the combat area. Since then the crew has been reflecting on the action they committed and decided to wait for further orders and for a possible reprimand from headquarters. However, they were further shocked when they learned later on that command has labeled them as mutineers and as a menace not only to Japan but to the rest of the seven seas. In other words, they are considered a threat to all law abiding seafarers and ports around the world and need to be dealt with through extreme prejudice, something only the likes of pirates deserve. This was proven with their encounter with the Admiral Graf Spee which was on a visit to Japan from Germany. The German 'small battleship' took matters into its hands back then. Although they were outgunned and suffered from a faulty engine, teamwork and Captain Akeno Misaki's quick thinking won the day for the crew of the Harekaze. However, Mashiro was not that optimistic as the phone rang a couple more times. To the young Deputy-Captain its ringing was the sound of foreboding.

I'm so unlucky. Here I am, all alone on the bridge while the rest were enjoying their meals down at the galley. I just know picking up that phone would lead to something really bad.

Mashiro shook her head, causing the ponytail tied at the back of her head to sway back and forth.

No! I am the Deputy-Captain of the Harekaze! I mustn't let my doubts and some superstitious nonsense cloud my judgement and resolve. I must show that Misaki that I have what it takes in being a better leader than her!

She carefully set her tray of food to the side and slowly picked up the receiver and pressed it to her ear. Her eyes suddenly widened with concern.

The entire bridge personnel were assembled at what was considered the brain and control center of the Harekaze after being summoned by Mashiro with regards over the latest development.

"According to the message the Deputy-Captain received, the Philippine ship, the Datu Sikatuna, has lost power and is dead in the water some fifty nautical miles south, south east from our present position." Kouko Nosa stated while swishing through the tablet she had in hand which displayed the relevant information regarding the concerned ship that sent a distress call a little while ago.

"What do we know about the Sikatuna?" asked Mei Irizaki. A spunky girl by nature, but right now she was on the serious side of things.

Kouko lightly smiled and continued. "Like the Admiral Spee, the Sikatuna is supposed to be on a friendly visit to Japan." She monetarily paused to swish to the next page of her device. "The Datu Sikatuna is a Canon-class Destroyer Escort from the U.S. which was transferred to Philippine hands in the mid-century. Its displacement is 1,240 tons standard; with a speed of 21 knots max. Compliment of weaponry includes: 3 Mk 22 dual purpose guns, 1 Mk 1 twin 40mm gun, 8 20 mm cannons, 3 Mk 15 torpedo tubes, a Mk 10 Hedgehog projector, 8 Mk 6 depth charge projectors, and two Mk 9 depth charge racks."

"So…" All eyes turned to Shima Tateishi's voice. The girl tends to be soft-spoken and rarely says much. That is why everyone on the bridge was rather amazed by rare moments like these when she speaks out. "We are faster and have better guns…"

"Don't forget, we have an overstrained engine that might give in anytime." Mashiro pointed out, glancing darkly at her Captain. She blames her for her reckless decision making that have pushed the Harekaze to its limits. Akeno seems not mind her Deputy-Captain though, keeping to herself for the time being.

"W-Why, Shima? What makes you think we get to fight them? Maybe they just need our help?" said Rin Shiritoko, who has been the most affected by all that has happened so far. In spite of that however she has been a very capable helmsperson, having spared the Harekaze from the brunt of punishing jeopardy so far with minimal damage.

"Or maybe…" Kouko modulated her voice to do an Admiral Ackbar impression. "IT'S A TRAP!"

Mashiro facepalmed at this. "While you're antics never ceases to annoy me, Kouko, you might have a point." She turns her attention back to Akeno. "What say you, Captain? You have been rather quiet for a while."

The rest also anxiously waited for the words of wisdom from Harekaze's Captain. Her decisions have gotten them, and the rest of the crew, through with relative safety up to this point.

Akeno mind was now clear. She knew what she had to say, knew what to do.

"Whether it's a trap or not, we as future Blue Mermaids cannot turn a blind eye to the possibility of somebody needing our help, whether they're friend or foe." She stares at everyone present, waiting for someone among them to question her judgement. "You know this very well, Shiro." Her eyes rested on Munetani, calling her by the nickname she gave her.

Mashiro frowned. She still has not come to accept Misaki to refer to her in such a manner. But the rest of what she said was so true. Even if they will end up as criminals, or worst end up in a watery grave, it is one of the duties of a prospective Blue Mermaid to render service for the sake of others, even if it means risking one's life in the process. But Mashiro is Mashiro, cold and unbending.

"As your Deputy-Captain, I will follow you're orders, to best of my abilities, Captain." Mashiro said,

Akeno smiled. "I couldn't ask anything less of you, Shiro. Though I would appreciate it if you could guide me sometimes in my decision making. After all, I couldn't do it all alone, and there would be times I might commit mistakes…"

The Deputy-Captain could not believe what she was hearing from her immediate superior. Akeno has been known to be bullheaded. Whatever comes the girl's mind she does it without considering others feelings and opinions. At least, that is what Mashiro thinks, especially in her case. But Akeno's rather humble display caused her to become flustered.

"Well...as long as we see eye to eye on some things…"

"It's decided then! Everybody, man your stations. Rin, set course for the Sikatuna!" Akeno exclaimed, spoiling Mashiro's mellow moment.

"A-Aye, aye! Setting course now!" Rin said halfheartedly but her efforts at the wheel said otherwise.

"Hey!" cried Mashiro, suddenly feeling ignored and played. But Akeno turned to her after settling things with the others in the bridge.

"Shiro, take over for me!" Akeno said, turning to leave to head for the decks below.

"Where are you going?" Mashiro could not help asking her.

"To prepare for countermeasures. Just in case."

AN: Had to post this because the request for this series was granted. This is planned to be a shorts, at most up to 3 chapters. I'm hoping to see others will contribute their stories in this latest established category soon.