Legends

Chapter 28~ What Big U Got Up to in Boston

Big U skipped along as she browsed Boston's shops. A flea market was out in full force and she'd be remiss if she didn't try some of the local cuisine before she returned to New Jersey. Constitution would say skipping was beneath a kanmusu of her station but the liner didn't care. She was a passenger ship converted to a troop carrier, a role that her predecessors found demeaning. Well some of them did anyway. Queen Mary rather enjoyed the part she played in helping her country but then again she'd always been a little prone to unladylike habits. Big U even more so.

Passing by a tray of fresh vegetables (eww!!), Big U's attention was captured by a small store titled "E's Shop for Models". The recent war had turned most places into a hub for shipgirl activity. Model building had really taken off in the states, never mind in Japan. That entire country had become one giant version of Akhibara it seemed like. Letting loose with a childish giggle, Big U waited for the crosswalk to clear before crossing the street and going inside. The old fashioned style of sailing ships in bottles adorned the window, among them one of Constitution which Big U eyed appreciatively. Finding one of Theabaud, she picked it up, resolving to give it to Bluenose as soon as possible. With a note addressed from "Theabaud" herself no less. Big U would be remiss if she didn't participate in the time honored tradition of matchmaking. She tucked the bottle into one of her holds, reminding her crew to mark it as merchandise to be paid for. Big U was not a subthief, thank you very much! She had some standards.

Big U resumed her browsing, giving an adorable squeak and blushing like mad when she saw herself. Well a model of herself anyway. The model was beautifully well done and featured her in her current wartime configuration. She picked it up to admire it more carefully. Whoever made this knew more than the average civilian population. Constitution had only just completed her rigging the day before yesterday.

"Like it?" Big U had radar so she wasn't surprised to know she wasn't alone. She turned to face the newcomer, the shop's owner.

She was of similar height to the liner, maybe an inch shorter at most. She had a strong athletic build and was dressed simply in a blue T-shirt and jeans. Her hair was blonde but had been so bleached by the sun it looked white. Violet eyes looked kindly on her.

"It's very well done." Big U managed. "Do you know who made it?" She asked.

"Aye. I did." The woman replied. "And judging from the blush on your face, I'm guessing you're Big U?" She said.

Big U nodded. "My name's Eleanor." They shook hands.

"How did you know what my rigging looked like? It only just got finished." Big U asked.

"I have a sister who works in the yards. And in my spare time I go down there myself." Eleanor replied. "I saw you getting refitted."

"Oh. Well, you do an amazing job." Big U gestured around her to all the models.

"Oh it's a hobby of mine." Eleanor shrugged. "I've always been fascinated with naval history."

"Really?"

"Not a very girly occupation, I know." Eleanor laughed. "But it runs in my family. My great-grandfather served on the Enterprise in WW2. I have a model of her as well if you want to see?"

"Ooh yes!" Big U grinned, ignoring her crew's more lecherous thoughts. Her own interest was purely scientific, thank you.

Eleanor led her to the next isle over where not one but five different models of Enterprise sat on the shelf. Each of a different scale and configuration. "This one is the oldest. As built design from 1938."

"It's beautiful." Big U whispered and it was. Enterprise was presented in , her squadrons sitting perfectly aligned on her deck. Her tower was bare other than the enlarged 6 placed on it but the models were laid out in an almost narrative way, displaying the design changes and awards given the famous ship throughout her career. "How much?" She asked.

"Those I'd take 200 for." Eleanor replied.

Big U thought for a moment, then decided on the pre-war model. "I keep making models of her in the hopes that she might be summoned." Eleanor sounded somewhat frustrated that her efforts hadn't come to fruition.

"She'll come when she's ready." Big U assured her.

"You're right, kiddo. My grandfather was an engineer aboard her. He used to tell me Big E would listen to him on her terms and no one else's." Eleanor smiled. "Anything else you want to look at?"

"Do you have individual planes? I think Normandie would appreciate them."

"Hmm. Ah, I have just the thing." Eleanor ran to the back and Big U heard the sounds of rummaging. It was a few minutes before Eleanor emerged with a few models clutched in her arms.

"I have a Dauntless in 1:10 and 1:15 scales. A Wildcat in 1:5 and 1:10. And a Hellcat in 1:10." She said.

"Ooh the 1:5 wildcat!" Big U grinned.

Happily, the liner paid for her merchandise, including the Theabaud in a bottle one she'd found earlier.

"Feel free to come back any time you like." Eleanor said.

"I will." Big U promised as she was handed her bag. "Bye Eleanor."

She skipped out the door, nearly running into two pedestrians on her way out. Eleanor chuckled and rolled her eyes at the liner's silliness. Ah, civilians always so full of energy and innocent. Well, maybe the later didn't quite apply to Big U. Eleanor had seen the way she'd looked at some of her models. She made a mental note to pretend she hadn't seen anything. Last thing she needed was Constitution going all momboat on her ass. By Halsey the frigate could be scary sometimes.

Big U continued her shopping spree until she returned to the waterfront. Constitution seemed to have a sixth sense for she met her there. "I hear you had fun at E's."

"Were you spying on me?" Big U pouted.

"Didn't have to." She replied which answered nothing. "It's a popular spot for new summons. Eleanor, bless her, has been a local in these parts for at least three decades now. She only took over her father's shop when he was killed early in the war. She's a strong good girl and certainly comes in handy when I'm trying to round you crazy kids up."

Big U giggled, taking the crazy kid comment as a compliment. Constitution knew it two which is why she smiled and rolled her eyes but said nothing. Instead, she gave Big U a pat on the head which the liner leaned into. Constitution was very good at playing the role of grandmother. She let her kids run around but maintained enough control to keep the mayhem to a minimum. So she thought at least.

Big U rummaged through her holds only for a few seconds before she produced what she wanted, the in the bottle model of Constitution. "I found this at E's. For you." She grinned, handing it to her before backing off.

The liner was already halfway down the block and laughing hard enough to barely keep sailing straight when she heard Constitution roar "SS UNITED STATES!!!"