Commander's Rounds

Entry 109: Making the Pay Grade

Albert sat across from Musashi as the fox inspected the papers he brought her. Everything he said lined up with what was printed there, plain as day. "...What I don't understand, is what kind of person goes through this just on a whim?"

"Clearly, me." He said, leaving it at that. "While we have on-base accounting services, they're not the sort of people who would necessarily note this as any kind of discrepancy, just that the numbers are adding up. It stood out to me because I thought you might be interested, considering her relationship with your sister. However, any way you examine it, the fact remains that Kashino doesn't receive the same bonus pay from your government as combat ships."

Musashi nodded. "This is clearly a problem that will have to be addressed- This is exactly the kind of thing that is being kept hidden from my sister." Her tall ears twitched. "Now, I wonder... Why exactly are you so invested in this that you would take pains to bring it to me?"

"I work with her regularly." He put his hands in his lap. "I don't receive that pay either, but Kashino is sometimes asked to go to sea and help recover disabled Kansen or enemy equipment. And considering our opponent, it is prudent to consider all waters potentially dangerous. Ideally, she would just be able to file a complaint to get this matter rectified, but unfortunately, these matters can require certain connections in order to be expedited."

"Unfortunate indeed." She said. "I assume that you have already brought this to the commander's attention?"

"The commander has a great deal on his plate at the moment, and not merely in the professional sphere. And seeing as this is a Sakura Empire matter, I thought you should at least be notified."

"You thought correctly." She said, and handed the papers back to Albert. "I'll see what can be done. My sister may well be displeased by this discovery, but uncovering these sorts of things is why I'm here." She put on a smile. "...That reminds me. How exactly did you come to be here?"

"An administrative clause, more than anything else." He replied, and sat up fully straight. "The base had grown to the point that I was assigned to assist, despite the help the commander was already receiving."

"Just an official matter, then." She decided to lay down on her side, draping her tails over herself. "Still, it seems to have done Kii some good. I don't know if you knew this, but she doesn't have many friends in the Empire. She's considered to be rather uncouth and loutish, as far as foxes go, which means she has the temerity to be honest about how she feels. I think the fresh air has been good for, her, don't you?"

Albert was given pause. "...I think that's something better answered by Kii herself."

Musashi's lips slowly turned up into a smile. "Good answer."

The junior officer continued. "Anyway, I may have to speak with some of the higher-ranking members of your government if I'm going to end up resolving this matter, so I would like to have your support as well."

"Don't worry, you can expect me to support any action you make." She rolled over to lay on her front, her ears twitching at him.

"Any action is very broad." He replied. "Surely you must have some boundaries in mind."

"As long as you don't kill anyone, the sky's the limit." She giggled. "Perhaps not even that. But when I say that I will back anything you do, I mean it, and remember that Yamato has complete confidence in me as well, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Feel free to go where your imagination takes you. Anyway, the person you'll have to deal with is Takuma Kenzo, Vice Minister of Defense. He's not well-liked, but he hasn't been touched by any scandals worth mentioning."