Chapter 101 - Chapter 98: Starry Trip

The rest of the day went by normally. I rush through my usual paperwork, with Zuihou's help. After lunch, we packed our bags for the trip. I assigned Kashima and Prinz Eugen to look after the trainees while Shioi and Ooyodo tend to matters on the base while we are gone. I had told them of the modelling job HQ wants to dump on us and they got pretty excited. Ooyodo had booked the 1530-hour slot for the Shinkansen. The trip to Kyoto station from Nishi-Maizuru is 1 and a half hours, so we need to leave pretty soon if we were to catch it."Leave the base to us~" (Shioi)"Have a safe trip~!" (Prinz Eugen)"I will buy some souvenirs for everyone!" (Zuihou)"Do your best at the modelling job." (Shigure)"Unnn!" (Zuihou)"We haven't decided anything yet. We will hear what that CEO has to say first.""But why is the CEO coming down to do the negotiations herself? (Shioi)"I heard she is weird one. This is our chance!" (Suzuya)"Woah! Suzuya?!"Where did she come from?"Where did you get that intel from?""Fufufu~ Don't underestimate Suzuya's ability to know about everything and anything related to fashion. This CEO rarely makes a public appearance and even if she does, she always wears a helmet which hides her face and carries a stuffed toy around." (Suzuya)"What's her name?""Hm... That's nothing about her real name either. She refers to herself as 'Comet-chan', which is totes a nickname. See? Isn't she mysterious? I would love to meet her!" (Suzuya)"Comet? What a weird nickname...""Ah. Admiral, we have to go now." (Zuihou)"Right. We are off.""Get Comet-chan's signature for me!" (Suzuya)"Okay~" (Zuihou)We took the bus to Higashi-Maizuru station, and then, the Rapid Express train to Kyoto Station. Once there, we managed to board the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station. By that time, the sky was starting to dim."Wah~~!" (Zuihou)Zuihou looked out of the window, watching the scenery speeding past us."We are moving so fast!" (Zuihou)"You never get tired of watching that, huh.""Unn~ I mean, it's fun. Ah. Look. A heron!" (Zuihou)We just passed a river. How did she catch that while we are moving so fast?"Admiral, can I listen to some music?" (Zuihou)"Sure. You didn't have to ask permission.""Just in case you don't like it." (Zuihou)I pet her head,"I'm just going to close my eyes for a bit.""Unn. I will wake you up when we get there." (Zuihou)She took out her earphones and plugged it into her phone. I closed my eyes."...♪ [Hey, join us, we are Starry-starry jet]. Running through the sky like a stream♪" (Zuihou)She is singing? I opened my eyes a little to take a peek. Zuihou continuing humming and swaying to the music she is listening,"... ♪[Take-off] Let's become a comet tonight ♪ Party mind in these sleepless streets ♪ I'll be a comet together with you ♪ Let's ♪ get ♪ excited ♪"As long as she is enjoying herself. I can also use a little lullaby amidst the train engine noise.I closed my eyes and relaxed...."In a shor- a brief stop at Tokyo Station." (???)"Admiral. Wake up." (Zuihou)I opened my eyes as I feel a light shake."We are reaching Tokyo already." 9Zuihou)Already? I could have sworn I just closed my eyes.I did a little stretch and stood up to grab our bags from the overhead shelf."Here."I passed Zuihou her bag,"Thank you." (Zuihou)We exited the train as it came to a stop. Just another hour and 15 minutes on another train and we will be Yokosuka."The next train on the Yokosuka Line is coming in 5 minutes." (Zuihou)"Let's walk a little quicker. This station is way too big."We rushed to the platform heading to Yokosuka, just in time as the train doors were about to close. It is already dark out so there is anything to see except for the street lights and lighted signboards which are commonly scattered around the city.The train was packed, which was expected, since every office worker in Japan is rushing to get home. I inevitably pin Zuihou against the train doors, standing in between her and the other passengers.Zuihou blushed as she looked at me. I have seen this in manga and anime but never thought I would have the chance to do this myself."You alright?""Y-yes!" (Zuihou)"Stay close to me.""Okay..." (Zuihou)After a few stops, the number of people in the train decreased, and some seats were even freed up, letting us sit down. Zuihou watched that PR video for the umpteenth time as she laid against my arm."What is that? Cosplay?" (Random dude)"Ah. Isn't that the girl in that video? The shipgirl one." (Random woman)"Now that you mention it, it looks like her." (Random dude)I should have got her to change into something else before leaving."Who is that guy?" (Random woman)"I don't know. Her manager, perhaps?" (Random dude)"Oh my. What a cute girl." (Old lady 1)"I wonder which shrine she is from." (Old lady 2)She is getting a little too much attention...After passing through numerous stops, we finally reached Yokosuka."Should we get dinner first? Or would you like to put our bags at the hotel?""Let's get something to eat. I'm hungry." (Zuihou)"Heh. I was hoping you would say that. I'm starving.""Can we eat at that curry shop? The one we had before." (Zuihou)"Sure. It's near our hotel as well.""Yay!" (Zuihou)After having a late dinner at that curry place, we finally checked in at the hotel which I booked."Tokomaki Keita-sama. 2 nights at the Premium Suite with a sea view. Did I get that information right?" (Receptionist)"Yes. And what about my request?""Yes. We have blocked the room for another 2 nights just as requested. Kindly inform us of your decision tomorrow. Otherwise, we will have to release the room." (Receptionist)"Understood. Once a decision has been made, I will inform you guys.""Your room is on the 24th floor. This is our room number and keycard." (Receptionist)The female receptionist passed me our room keys. Room number 2416."Thanks.""Thank you. Please enjoy your stay." (Receptionist)"Let's go, Zuihou."Zuihou is exploring the lobby... She looks excited."Zuihou! Let's go.""Okay!" (Zuihou)My girlfriend skipped to my side and we entered the elevator."This is a beautiful hotel." (Zuihou)"Yep. It's even better than the pictures."We head up to our room on the 24th floor and walked through the long corridor. 2416. 2416. Ah. Here it is. I tapped the keycard on the door scanner and a little 'beep' can be heard. I pushed opened the door."Wow!" (Zuihou)"Woah. This is better than I expected."The room was almost as big as my office. There is a large bed, a large 65" TV, a small refrigerator hiding in the TV console and all the other amenities you can expect from a luxurious hotel room. However, the main attraction has to be the huge window providing an amazing view of the bay area.Zuihou rushed towards the window. Even in the darkness, you can make put the waves and still see the lights from the ships anchored within the safe zone and the turrets protecting the sea area. It will look better when the sun comes up."WOW! It's the sea!" (Zuihou)I joined her at window. Okay. Maybe the night view isn't so bad after all. The lights from the boats and turrets resemble stars littering the sea. As if trying to imitate the ones in the sky. "It's beautiful..." (Zuihou)"You will be able to see more during the day. But yeah. Do you like it?""I love it! Was this the hotel you wanted to book back then?" (Zuihou)"Yeah. I wanted it to be a surprise back then but... You know what happened..."Zuihou hugged me,"Thank you. I love you, Admiral."I returned her hug,"I love you too, Zuihou."I leaned in to kiss her, repeating what I did to her this morning."Fuah... Admiral..." (Zuihou)"Zuihou...""Erm... We should rest for the day now." (Zuihou)"Why? The meeting doesn't start till 1300 hours.""I know. But I want to explore Yokosuka Naval Base first." (Zuihou)"Fine. I'm feeling exhausted from all that travelling as well.""Do you want to bath first?" (Zuihou)"I will take one after you."Zuihou went into the bathroom as I sat on the bed."Wow! The bathroom is big too!" (Zuihou)"How about I go in with you?""No! Admiral, wait outside! No peeking!" (Zuihou)I can hear the bathroom door click. Sounds like she locked the door. Let's check. I went over to see if I could open the bathroom door. It is locked."Hey!" (Zuihou)Oops. She heard me.After a while, a fluffy Zuihou wearing pink pajamas and a towel wrapped around her hair exited the bathroom."Admiral, I'm done." (Zuihou)"Okay.""I didn't fill up the bathtub." (Zuihou)"No worries. It will take a while for it to fill. We can soak in the tub tomorrow."I grabbed my sleepwear and went into the bathroom. Oh wow. It really is big. The tub is big enough to fit three people.After taking my bath, I sat on the bed with Zuihou and turned on the TV. It's still a little early to turn in for the night. Zuihou continued to look out the window.Before long, sleepiness begins to set in and I shut off the TV. Taking this as a cue, Zuihou drew the curtains and joined me in bed. I shut the lights and laid down next to her."I wonder how the meeting is going to go tomorrow." (Zuihou)"Who knows. I hope it doesn't drag on too long.""Admiral?" (Zuihou)"Yeah?""The meeting is about a modelling job with Zuikaku, right?" (Zuihou)"Yep. I still don't understand the need to get involved with them. Whatever it is, we will hear more about it tomorrow.""If Zuikaku and I were to accept the job, will you be okay with it?" (Zuihou)Oh? I got up and rest on my head on my hand. I can't really see her, but I can tell she is just right next to me."What is this? You are interested?""Um... A little, I guess." (Zuihou)"My little plane freak is interested in modelling? Did the Abyssals cease to exist?""Muuu~! I don't care anymore! Admiral, you dummy!" (Zuihou)She is probably puffing her cheeks like she usually does when I tease her. I can hear her turn away from me. She is angry. I can't help but laugh a little. I just love her reactions."Ahahaha. I'm sorry. My bad."I scoot closer to Zuihou and wrapped my arms around my girlfriend. More specifically, her stomach area. I can feel her warmth through her pajamas."I was just joking. Forgive me. 'Kay?"I shake her a little."Ehe~ That tickles~" (Zuihou)"If taking on that job is what you want, go for it. But if the conditions are unfavorable, I will reject it."I'm not letting some fashion company run by a weird CEO try to take advantage of my girlfriend or any of our shipgirls.I can feel Zuihou grab and push my hands gently away. My eyes are getting used to the darkness as I watch her turn around to look at me again. She let out a little chuckle,"I get it." (Zuihou)She held my hand,"Modelling sounds fun. But, like you said, let's make a decision after the meeting." (Zuihou)I stroked her hair with my other hand and kissed her cheek,"Good night, Zuihou."Good night, Admiral." (Zuihou)-------------------------------------------The next morning, the first thing I saw was the blinding morning sun. I don't know when did Zuihou wake up, but when I opened my eyes and let the effects of a natural flashbang wear off, she was already looking outside the window like an excited child. Hell, she has already changed into her uniform."Good morning, Zuihou.""Hm? Ah. Good morning, Admiral. Look! Look! Akagi-san and Kaga-san are launching their planes for the morning Combat Air Patrols." (Zuihou)She can see them from here? Even though this hotel is close to the bay area, it's still a distance from Yokosuka Naval Base."Woah! They are launching Reppus!" (Zuihou)What time is it now? 0845 hours. We still have plenty of time before the meeting."Where do you want to go later?""Mmm... The Mikasa Musuem! And then, Yokosuka Base! I want to meet with Akagi-san and the others before lunch." (Zuihou)So we are having lunch at the base's mess hall."Okay. Let me freshen up and we will go get some breakfast.""Unn." (Zuihou)Once I'm done changing into my uniform and grabbing what I need, Zuihou, with a red scarf, and I went to the hotel's cafe to have our breakfast. It was a buffet style with a basic selection, like toast, croissant, fruit tarts, the usual stuff one could find in a hotel's breakfast selection. It's delicious, though. The croissant is crispy on the outside and soft inside. After our breakfast, we went to the Mikasa Historic Memorial Warship. It was still the same as the last time we went but Zuihou looks like she is enjoying herself nonetheless. Well, the history of the Mikasa and her achievements that she gained a century ago is certainly interesting. This time, I got a better score in that VR game they have in the ship's hull area.Before making our way to the naval base, we stopped by the nearby Bo*k-Off store. Zuihou wanted to buy something; an album featuring a blue-haired girl on the cover art."I didn't know you're into idols.""Suzuya introduced her songs to me a little while ago. I like her voice and her songs are so cool." (Zuihou)I looked at the name of the album she bought,"Stellar. By Hoshino Suisei. Is this the song you were singing on the Shinkansen yesterday?""It is one of them in the album. Wait. You heard me?! I was singing it out loud?!" (Zuihou)"Only a little. Any louder and you would have become the next rising star.""Noo! How embarrassing!" (Zuihou)Two more hours before the meeting starts...After clearing and getting our visitor passes at the guard house, Zuihou and I entered Yokosuka Naval Base."Ah! Zuikaku-san!" (Zuihou)As we walked inside the base, we spotted the other two who were dragged into this meeting as well. Zuikaku turned around,"Oh! Zuihou, what are you doing here?" (Zuikaku)"The same as you. We were called to the meeting with the HoshimaChic CEO." (Zuihou)"You too?! Admiral, did you know about this?" (Zuikaku)"...Maybe...?" (Yuito)Yuito looked away from his shipgirl, avoiding eye contact. Either he forgot about it, or didn't read the rest of the telegram properly. Classic Yuito."You just said HQ called us to attend a meeting with some CEO of some fashion company. Good grief." (Zuikaku)"Well. Well. There is still some time before the meeting. How about you and Zuihou explore and meet up with your others?" (Yuito)"Oi! Don't try to run away from this!" (Zuikaku)"Go on. I will see you at 1200 hours in the mess hall.""Yeah. See you later, Admiral." (Zuihou)Before Zuikaku could catch Yuito, Zuihou pulled her away."Zuikaku-san, let's go." (Zuihou)"Hm? Where to?" (Zuikaku)"To see Akagi-san and Kaga-san. And everyone else." (Zuihou)"Gh! I rather not see that woman, but fine. Just don't expect me to be friendly with her." (Zuikaku)She is definitely referring to Kaga.As Zuihou dragged Zuikaku along, I wrapped an arm around Yuito's shoulder."Oof! Keita..." (Yuito)"Long time no see. Did you seriously not know we were coming?""I think Azusa mentioned it... Maybe I was too busy with something..." (Yuito)"Oh well. Let's leave it at that. What have you been up to nowadays? How's Zuikaku and Shoukaku treating you?""Having two girlfriends is harder in real life than in manga or anime." (Yuito)"Are you bragging?"Yuito and I went to Irako's bar. Irako is basically Yokosuka's version of Mamiya. Though it's called a bar, Irako mainly sells sweets and non-alcoholic drinks during the day, just like her senpai. She has a night menu too, just like her senpai.Yuito and I passed the time, chatting about the recent events happening at our individual ends. It sounds like he has it harder than me. Currently he has to handle 15 trainees and deal with the sudden increase in Abyssal ships appearing the Nansei Island Territory. No matter how many times they liberate the area, it will be repopulated with Abyssal ships within the next few days. Moreover, these Abyssal ships were of the middle to higher ranking types, not the usual small fries that would typically be found roaming the territory."Maybe a Princess is in the area?""There were no signs of one. If the sea nearby were to turn red, I would have noticed. Good thing the girls are still energetic enough to fight but this can't go on for too long. I plan to request the Marshall Admiral for some reinforcements and find a way to put an end to this." (Yuito)"Did you search the outside the Nansei area or just within?""Just within... AHHH!!!" (Yuito)That surprised me! I nearly spilled my soda. Yuito stood up all of a sudden and screamed."Wh-what? What's wrong?""Shit! Why didn't I think of that?!" (Yuito)He whipped out his phone and dialed a number. After a short while, it sounds like someone answered,"Azusa, get Shoukaku and Taihou to launch some Recon planes and scout the areas off Okinoshima island and beyond. Deploy four squadrons of recon planes and scout the entire area beyond Okinoshima. Keep expending our search radius as much as possible and don't stop till you confirm there are no anomalies. Do it now. A Princess might be lurking just beyond our territory. I will explain more later. Yes, I know. I can't believe neither of us thought of that. Right. Yep. Report to me in an hour. If there really is a princess, put together a subjugation fleet and sink that bastard. You are in charge now, I will leave it to you. Yeah. I won't tell Zuikaku about this. She will definitely rush back. Thanks. I owe you one." (Yuito)Yuito hung up and sat back down."You alright bro?""Damn it! How didn't I think of that?" (Yuito)What is he... Oh."You didn't check outside the territory?""No! I didn't. If an Abyssal Princess appeared outside the territory and kept spawning those monsters, it would all make sense why those monsters keep appearing in the Nansei Island area. They weren't spawning, they were invading." (Yuito)"Need my help with the subjugation?""Thanks, no thanks. This is an oversight on my part so I will handle it." (Yuito)"You mean, Azusa-chan will handle it.""That's... Screw you." (Yuito)"Hey. Don't hate me just cause I'm stating facts."My phone begin vibrating in my pocket. It's Zuihou."Yep?""Admiral, where are you? Zuikaku and I are in the mess hall now." (Zuihou)"Got it. We will meet you guys there."Yuito and I head to the mess hall, where our girlfriends are waiting. As usual, Zuikaku is arguing with a stoic Kaga while Akagi is stuffing herself with copious amounts of food. Yamato and Musashi are there too. The whole table got a little noisy with Hiyou's and Junyou's inclusion. Yuito kept checking his phone. At one point, he had a sour expression. I can see him glancing and giving me a small nod. Looks like there really was a princess involved.After our noisy lunch, the four of head to the meeting room in building 5.We stood outside the meeting room, making sure our uniform and grooming are acceptable."Ready?"The other three gave a nod.In the first place, why am I the vanguard? Ah. Screw it.I knocked on the large metal door."Admiral Tokomaki Keita from Maizuru Nava District, reporting in!""Admiral Hirasawa Yuito from Sasebo Naval District, reporting in!" (Yuito)"Shoukaku-class Aircraft Carrier, Zuikaku!" (Zuikaku)"Shouhou-class Light Aircraft Carrier, Zuihou!" (Zuihou)The door opened inwards and Ise greeted us."Hello. Come on in." (Ise)Uwagh! The Marshal Admiral is here! I knew and expected that but his presence is still overwhelming.We saluted the Marshal Admiral,"Good afternoon, Marshal Admiral.""Good afternoon, everyone. Take a seat. Our guests should be arriving soon." (Marshal Admiral)"Thank you so much!" (All)The four of us sat on the right side of the table."What a surprise. I didn't expect my daughter's little idea to gain this much popularity. To the point where two of our shipgirls caught the attention of a fashion brand. You two are very lucky." (Marshal Admiral)"Th-thank you very much." (Zuihou)"Well, being lucky is kind of our thing at this point." (Zuikaku)"Marshal Admiral, I have a question. If you don't mind me asking.""Go on." (Marshal Admiral)"Why would the CEO of this... HoshimaChic company be interested in working with us? A military organization and a fashion brand are worlds apart.""I am just as bewildered as you are. In the email, they just said they are interested in collaborating with us and would like to negotiate the terms. I thought it was some kind of scam but the sender's email address checks out. Anyway, it would be best if we heard the reason from their mouth. I believe this collaboration would give more exposure to our shipgirls. More importantly, this can be an interesting experience for our shipgirls who are constantly risking their lives on the frontlines." (Marshal Admiral)"Wouldn't this type of emails and calls be filtered through the guys at CyberSec?" (Yuito)That's what I wanted to ask as well."Don't worry. Everyone is doing their jobs. It was just a coincidence that I decided to check the organization's general enquiry email and intercepted it before CyberSec could do anything." (Marshal Admiral)Before I could ask more questions, there was a loud knock on the door."Looks like they are here." (Marshal Admiral)"Ensign Utsugi Miyabi, reporting in! I have brought... Erm... HoshimaChik's CEO and her partner! Permission to enter!" (Ensign Utsugi)Ise went over to open the door. A skinny ensign walked in and saluted us. Behind him, a tall lady with pink hair tied into a side ponytail wearing a suit and a slightly short person wearing a grey plaid dress uniform with part of the skirt being dark blue and ruffly, black shoes and asymmetrical socks. She is also wearing a blue motorcycle helmet with starry patterns and hugging a Panda plushie. If I were to hazard a guess, this is the CEO."Thank you, son. You are dismissed." (Marshal Admiral)The ensign left and Ise closed the door."Good afternoon, Marshal Admiral. And I believe you two are the Admirals from Maizuru and Sasebo? My name is Hoshino Makina." (Hoshino Makina)Hoshino? This is the second time I'm hearing that family name today. It will be funny if she is related to that idol Zuihou is currently interested in.The motorcycle helmet lady seems oddly excited. She is making small, little hops."Good afternoon. I'm Kirihara Mikoto. And this is wife, Ise." (Marshal Admiral)"I'm Tokomaki Keita. Admiral of Maizuru Naval District. A pleasure to meet you.""Glad to meet you. I'm Zuihou." (Zuihou)"Nice to meet you. My name is Hirasawa Yuito, Admiral of Sasebo Naval District." (Yuito)"2nd ship of the Shoukaku-class aircraft carriers, the younger sister, Zuikaku. Pleased to make your acquaintance." (Zuikaku)"Pleased to meet all of you. This is-" (Hoshino Makina)The motorcycle helmet lady tugged on Hoshino-san's sleeve. Her voice is muffled by that piece of equipment she is wearing."Nee-chan, I will do the introductions myself." (???)Nee-chan? They are sisters?"Sure. You are going to take that off, right?" (Hoshino Makina)"Yep." (???)"Okie~ I will prepare the NDA forms." (Hoshino Makina)NDA forms?"Let's see. Sorry to spring this on you but first, I need everyone to sign this Non-disclosure Agreement. This is to protect our company and most importantly, my sister's identity." (Hoshino Makina)"I was informed of this, but I didn't expect it's for the sake of one person." (Marshal Admiral)I scanned through the NDA form. An NDA just for one person? How suspicious...Oh well. If someone wants their identity to be confidential, I can respect that. I signed the agreement and handed it back to Hoshino-san. The others have signed it as well. Hoshino-san looked through the forms, before turning to her sister."Thank you very much. Now then," (Hoshino Makina)She stepped aside while the CEO stepped forward. She took off her helmet, revealing her light blue hair which is tied in the same style as Hoshino-san and blue eyes. Heck, the two of them look like twins.Hold on... She looks a little familiar..."Eh?! No way! You are-" (Zuihou)"Pleased to meet you. I'm Hoshino Suisei!" (Hoshino Suisei)