SSGN's New Chance

First Meeting

MOMENTS BEFORE, TAKAO'S PERSPECTIVE

After docking, I-19 ponders about a black tube-like structure with a string going out of its rear. I decided to give a report on that to Nagato and investigate it.

NAGATO'S OFFICE, 10:30 HOURS

Takao reports on their calm patrol and also mentions the "black tube." Nagato then asks I-19 to describe the "tube" in detail. Then they realise in shock that it is a submarine. Given the advanced design, they assume it to be of siren origin. Investigation was launched to assess its firepower.

PRESENT TIME, 11:25 hours

I was doing final checks before taking a shore leave. I also thought of how to respond if someone asks of my intention. I figured that given my uniform, I would claim myself "to be on an inspection."

Exiting the sub, I admired the eastern style of landscape and architecture: "So beautiful. So this is the Japan of this world: Sakura Empire. Named after the Sakura tree that is exclusive to its territories. Who would have thought pink would be so elegant?" were my thoughts during the stroll.

As I was strolling around the base, I was mostly in the residential and commercial district. One shop was run but what appeared to be a catgirl. Since I had a recogniton manual with me the whole time, I later learned that the catgirl or "neko" in question was Akashi, their repair ship.

Curiosity got the better of me and I went to the piers checking out the ships of Sakura Empire. Shimakaze, Fubuki, Takao, Akagi, Yamato. All the ship classes of Japanese/Sakuran ships each serving its own set of tasks. It was then that I saw someone run from HQ to the port. I was officially spotted by one of their heavy cruisers: "A man at this base? Who are you and what are you doing here?" asked Takao in surprise, shock and suspicion. Shipgirls usually choose a commander among themselves so seeing a man show up at the base is extremely rare as it usually only happens twice a year.

"I could ask you the same thing. I am merely here on an inspection after I got sent here. Why such a hurry?" I responded, trying to fool them by the disguise of an experienced admiral or inspector. Sometimes, having a uniform is too useful for my own good.

"One of our submarines saw what appeared to be a prototype of a Siren submarine in our waters. It looked like a black tube or giant torpedo with a string going out of its back. We are trying to assemble a fleet to capture or sink it." Takao responded. When she said black tube with a string, I immediately knew what they were referring to. What they didn't know is that the very captain of the ship is talking with her at this very moment.

"What do you mean saw?" I asked as I am not aware of ship-mounted optics other than the periscope during this period.

"Well, when I-19 had her rigging out, she apparently saw the tube that I just described," answered Takao. "Do you know anything about it?"

So I left out an important detail of this world: Ships can summon their rigging and their ships. The girls are their own ship's embodiment. So thats how she spotted me without me knowing. Yet she didn't pay it too much attention until they returned. If I play my cards wrong, I have a one-way ticket to a cell. Especially when the sub was 250 metres behind me.

"We have been monitoring the situation for a week already and went to speak with the commander of the base about it. Where can I find them?" I asked trying to deescalate the situation. Until I-19 showed up.

"Hey hey, Takao why the runnin- Huh? Who is that man and what is that thing in the distance- *gasp* THATS THE TUBE, THATS THE TUBE I SAW BEFORE WE DOCKED!!! AND TO THINK ITS THE SIZE OF A CRUISER..."

"Now, care to explain that, sir?" asked Takao in an intimidating tone. My cover was blown and I had no way out of this other than being honest. "I guess it can't be helped, huh? Fine then, my true identity is K-206 Murmansk, Oscar I-class nuclear guided missile submarine of Russian origin. Or Northern Parliament for that matter. And that "tube" back there is my sub."

"Nuclear-" "Guided missile?" girls asked in unison. They asked in curiosity, having never heard of those words before. "Yes, I do not run on oil so I am only limited by food and water. As for the missile, do you know what rocket is?" "Yes" "Guided missile is basically a rocket but it can steer itself towards the target or preset location," I responded.

"I see. Given the situation you are coming with us," ordered Takao. "Fine by me, perhaps I could be of great use~" We then proceeded to the commander's office.

NAGATO'S OFFICE, 11:40 HOURS

While we were heading to the office, I was pondering between giving them the truth and pretending to have gotten lost. Since they were the first faction I encountered and wanted to be on friendly terms, I decided to go with the honest route. When we were at the office, Takao knocked on the door. She then entered leaving me with I-19. After a minute, we were both allowed in.

After entering the office, I saw a fox? Maybe animal features are a running theme in Sakura Empire indeed. "A man? And he is supposed to know more?" asked the fox curiously. "That is correct, Nagato-san. Everything will make sense after he tells his story." mentioned Takao trying to reassure Nagato of the situation.

"Well then I guess I shall start with the names. I am K-206 Murmansk, an Oscar I-class nuclear guided missile submarine. Nuclear and guided missile parts will be explained later. Bear with me cause I do not originate from this world. I was sunk in my previous world and next thing I know, I am here. As for the calm patrol, I may be responsible for that because on my way here, I managed to sink a siren cruiser. Pleasure to meet you, Takao, Nagato, I-19." And so my monologue ended.

"First of all, how do you know our names and two, how did you sink a ship without having to deal with reinforcements. When we attack siren ships, we always have to deal with reinforcements at least triple the numbers of the original patrol?" Asked Nagato in utter shock. "To answer your question, dear Nagato, as a submarine, I enjoy the benefit of stealth and as far as names go, after I woke up in my submarine, I ran into something that I am familiar with, albeit with different content this time." Following that statement, I pulled out the Manual. "Allow me to introduce to you the Recognition Manual. Database of all ships from this period. Sakura, Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Iron Blood, Northern Parliament. All the profiles, stats and weapons that they have. Very dangerous book if you ask me."

To say their jaws were dropped was an understatement. I could see they they had mixed expressions of shock, admiration and concern. "Perhaps I could alleviate your concern by stating that I am willing to join your ranks since you are the first faction I ran into. How about that, Nagato?"

"We will think about it after we see your abilities. As for now, we'd like your basic stats." Answered Nagato with now serious expression.

"Don't get surprised after I tell you this information. I guess the Manual will help, too."

I placed the manual on the table and opened the page detailing my own submarine.

"Now now, I am 143 metres long with 20-metre beam at displacement ranging from 12,500 tons surfaced all the way to 22,800 tons submerged. Top speed of 32 knots submerged, 15 knots surfaced. I have 28 stores for 533 mm and 650 mm torpedos. I have 4 533 mm tubes and 2 650 mm ones. I also have additional 24 VLS tubes which is where my cruise missiles are." Another monologue down, one more collective shock to go.

"I-I can only imagine how much firepower that brings you." Said Takao in an absolute surprise from the displacement, but most notably, speed and weapons. "Speaking of, how do you refill your ammo and torpedos?" I asked knowing they are the shipgirls. "Simple, you eat your usual food and you have your ammo back." That's convenient. I guess I'll get my USET-80 loaded back after all.

"As for your afternoon, you will be introduced to the rest of the shipgirls and we will start with the test right after. Meet me in this office in 3 hours." Said Nagato. "Yes ma'am" I saluted back. "Perhaps a lunch would be nice. Do you know a good place, Takao?" I asked with intention of refreshing myself "Perhaps we could try some traditional dishes. Certainly wouldn't hurt for a change." "Ok, let's go. Would be a shame if I lacked a torpedo or two." With that, we headed out to have a lunch. By this time, it was already 12:00 hours local time.

To be continued...
Estimated word count: 1520