Maine's Dream Shoukan 1977

Ep. 2 | Seattle Incident

January 5th, 1977
07:15
USS Turner Joy, c. 180 miles off the coast, United States

After the decision from the Top Brass to strengthen US maritime security, more frequent patrols are added due to the absence of Surface Search installations. Part of the United States Navy in the Seattle Area is now tasked with extra patrolling on the west of their Home Port as part of the Special Vigilance Belt. It's a bright day with a mild breeze.

"In breaking news of this morning, the DJIA[1], recorded a significant drop, plummeting by approximately 20%. This sudden market decline among the U.S. investment community raised concerns regarding the current economic landscape. In response to said crisis, President Gerald R. Ford had signed a Federal Bail-out into effect, following animous approval from Congress. The primary objective is— as quoted "to provide much-needed support" to major enterprises and banks, ensuring the preservation of jobs and economic stability."

"Under the Federal Bail-out, substantial financial support is being pumped into the economic recovery process. With an initiative to call oil companies into action, urging for them to adopt heavy crude oil refineries as part of the broader National Retribution Act."

"Next on politics, The joint democrat-republican debate will be held today at 20:00 and broadcast nationally. Discussing their opinion regarding the President Ford administration, National Emergency, and their policies in the future. Soon-to-be President Jimmy Carter also announced his participation in this debate."

"Near the capitol, Ford's opposition protestors held a peaceful demonstration. Demanding the resignation of the president following the Federal Bail-out that they deem to be propping up the Big Banks. Republican Ronald Reagan was present in North Dakota following his campaign to advocate for compensation for the Incident victims."

"As for the military, The budget is greatly cut to maintenance only. The money will be spent on self-sustaining conversion and financial securities. Over 40,000 National Guards and more than 100,000 Federal Agents were mobilized across the country in an effort to deal with the crisis."

Sitting in his cabin in leisure, all the lounged limps were loosely placed on the soft cushion of the sofa. In his left hand held a cigarette, its ashes slowly fell like snowflakes onto the vivid red carpet floor. Leaving a stain vibrantly standing out from the plain surface. His eyes are flimsy and on the verge of closure. The Radio he opened for a while was only just a lullaby to his empty mind that has been wandering around the corner of the room. It appears that he put no thoughts into the recent morning news.

His reverie is broken as the door is knocked on his cabin, waking him up from his senseless thoughts. Someone had come to see him and still by the door.

"Commander Eugene, Officer-of-the-Deck required your present, sir." the Ensigned notified. He stands completely idle as he pleasantly waits.

(shit) Eugene botheredly thought.

"In a minute!" he shouted, getting himself up in response.

While dressing. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror. Appearing the loosely dressed US Naval Officer in Winter Uniform. His coat hung unbuttoned, leaving a somewhat messy image.

Once finished with his garment. All the way he walked through inside the metallic structure. With subordinates stopping by to salute him. As he becomes present at the Bridge, all eyes from the Officers meet and immediately salute him. What they can see is a rugged and weathered officer walking in, giving off the impression of a black-haired drunkard. (see ref: Das Boot (1981), Kaleu Philipp Thomsen).

"Good morning to you all." Eugene rasped with a hoarse voice while rubbing his eyes, relieving himself from minor dizziness.

"Good morning, sir. I've been waiting for you." Lieutenant Commander said. Acting as the current OOD[2]. In his hand which he's holding is a binocular, its straps are hanging around his neck.