Kantai Collection: A New Force For Good

The First Sortie

"It's been decided by the higher ups and myself that all newly summoned ship girls will hereby hold the rank of Ensign. Promotions will be made based on actions both on and off the water." Anya informed the seven as they stood in front of her desk.

The seven were currently decked out in their NWU's. Or, four of them were. Lexington, Bristol, and Ellyson had rather elected to wear their summoning outfits. Enterprise gave a nod.

"So it's for sure we hold a full rank now?" The carrier asked. Anya gave a nod in response.

The day's date was August 7th. It had been a full week since the riggings had arrived. In that time, each and every one of them had put more than enough practice time both on and off the water.

"Yes, you seven are officially Ensigns of the United States Navy. Although, make no mistake. There were some who thought you should've started lower. And then there some that thought you should be raised all the way to a five star admiral for your past service.... It was an interesting discussion to be sure...." Anya recalled, thinking back to the multiple person discussion, few people sticking out to her more than others. "But anyways, that's not all what I called you here for..."

"Then what might've you called us in here for, Admiral? It has to be quite important...." Langley reasoned. Anya gave a nod in response.

"And it is." Anya informed her as she leaned back in her chair, the black fabric making Anya's own NWU's stand out against it. "Today, you seven will be deployed in a joint operation with a selected set of the Japanese ship girls."

"Wait, really? We're going on Sortie on such short notice?" Lexington asked. Anya gave a nod.

"Yes. Your first sortie will occur today. But it's not short notice by any means. This has been in the works since you girls got your riggings. It's just that the Captain and myself finally feel that you seven are adequately prepared for it." Anya informed them.

"So what exactly does this sortie entail?" Arizona questioned. Anya looked to the Battleship as she answered, leaning back in her chair as she did so.

"We'll go over that as soon as the full force gets here." Came the response.

Fortunately for the seven, they didn't have to wait long as Ishigara soon entered the office. He was closely followed by Mutsuki, Kisaragi, Fubuki, Shirayuki, Shigure, Yuudachi, Tenryuu, Tatsuta, Takao, Atago, Shokaku, and Zuikaku.

Ishigara came to a stance as the girls traded short greetings with eachother, albeit some more grudgingly than others.

Anya gave a sigh. This wasn't new though. Even though the girls had some connections among eachother's ranks, there were still plenty of cold shoulders to be had. For example, Arizona with Shokaku and Zuikaku.

Although the Super Dreadnaught had made some ground with a few of the ship girls here, she still had ill feeling towards the Japanese carriers that called Yokosuka home. The feeling was not one sided though.

Zuikaku would attempt to get a reaction out of the Battleship whenever the two ended up within earshot together. The attempts varied from different verbal insults to bringing up the past. It never got much in results though. Either Arizona blew the Japanese carrier off or Shokauku intervened, resulting in a very miffed Zuikaku either way.

Anya watched as the girls interacted for a moment, Takao and Atago taking it upon themselves to include Arizona in their conversation. A feat which Arizona seemed almost to happy to oblige if it meant Zuikaku would not get the chance. Then she realized something was missing. Or, someone.

"Admiral, I thought you had said that Nagato and Mustu would be in attendance as well?" Anya asked. Ishigara gave a nod in response.

"I did. But It would appear that Mustu was not feeling up to snuff today. She assured me she was fine to sortie, but Nagato would have none of it. Last I heard, the younger of the two was barricaded in their room, enforced of course....." Ishigara recalled. Anya raised a brow as she looked at the man.