Legends

Chapter 7~Training

Normandie joined the other shipgirls under Tegran's command, something that had the Titanic kanmusu torn between squealing with joy or curling up on the floor in despair! Olympia had seen how smitten she was, she was captivated by Normandie. And the French girl's flirtatious demeanor wasn't helping! But Tegran was determined not to let her feelings show too much. If Bluenose caught wind of this, she'd never hear the end of it!

Most of the destroyers were off on patrol, leaving just a small group for Tegran to deal with today. At the end of the line were Bluenose and Theabaud. The two famous schooners stood at attention and it was almost comical to see how they worked to imitate the larger ships. Hindenburg and Macon were the ships the schooners were trying to imitate. Given Hindenburg's German professionalism and Macon's rigidity, a far cry from her excitable sister, not an easy task. Behind them and well hidden enough that Tegran had to rely on her special senses just to know that she was there, was Harder. The submarine was almost as good at hiding as she was. Next in line came United States. The speedy ocean liner had just returned from a refitting in Boston and now sported 6, 4.5 inch guns in dual mounts on her deck. As well as a pair of 40 mm guns. Next to her and at the front of the line was Normandie. Her empty quiver had been filled partially with a handful of arrows. Trial aircraft for her to get used to before she was given a full compliment of planes. She sported a gun armament similar to an Essex's. They were all gathered on the banks of the Delaware River, 15 miles or so upstream from Camden near the town of Stockton.

Tegran could hear a scratching sound in her hear and one eye flickered down to see fairy!Andrews scribbling away on his notepad. With the ability that all kanmusu had, she took enough attention away from her fleet to scold him silently. "What are you doing?!"

"Taking notes. That Normandie's got an armament that with a little deck reinforcement, would be perfect for you!" He replied.

She hissed softly through her teeth. "Get down before someone sees you!"

"No worries there my dear. I am the master of disguise." He replied and Tegran groaned. There was no use talking him out of it.

She returned her full attention to her fleet and paced in front of them, Olympia watching silently behind her. Her hands were clasped behind her back like a classic drill sergeant. She spoke like one too.

"Convoys. They were a vital part of winning the last war and they are just as vital today. Most of you are used to operating on your own but today will be all about teamwork. You will have to work together to achieve your mission."

"And, what is our mission Captain?" asked Normandie in that shy yet alluring voice of hers.

Tegran brushed her red hair across her cheeks to hide her blush. "You are going to play a miniature convoy. Harder here will play the role of U-boat trying to sink you."

Harder waved. "Hello!" She called timidly.

"United States will be the transport ship." United States waved excitedly.

"Hindenburg and Macon will act as long range scouts, scanning the path ahead for any signs of submarines and then reporting back. You do not engage until you have made contact with the convoy." Tegran stressed and the two airships nodded. Tegran noticed how Hindenburg's fairies were dutifully taking notes and she was aware of Andrews on her shoulder doing the same thing.

"Bluenose and Theabaud will be our first line of defense. Once the airships radio in it'll be your job to confirm the sighting. Use your speed and maneuverability to outwit the submarine and draw it in towards the bigger guns." The two schooners grinned almost giddily. "If the destroyers were here, they'd do the depth charging. But since they aren't, you two will have to do your best. Normandie will cover you as she's on CAP duty."