　Chapter 5 Part 8 | Let's Introduce

　He'll eventually need to hear of their deployments, callsigns, stuff like that. However, he most definitely isn't in the mood to intently listen to 22 people's stories.

　He again open his eyes, scanning over them all. They're certainly a happy bunch. "Introductions?"

　Sukagawa smiles and looks to her squad-mates. "Okay everyone, sound off~!"

　Now more spread throughout the room, everyone quiets down, allowing each other a window of time.

　"Ahem... I'm Yoneda Hiroyuki, 1st Lieutenant."

　"You know me already - Sukagawa Setsunaaa!"

　"Yagi Tetsu, private."

　"Amagi Koichi, Ensign!"

　"Hi sir~! Chinen Reiko, you're favourite private~! Heh."

　"Tabata, Nobo. Private."

　"Corporal Kojima, Sir."

　"Glad to meet you, Sir. I'm private Otsuka Shig."

　"Inaba Kyou, Lance Corporal."

　"Sir. Staff Sergeant Okuma Masahiko."

　"Sergeant Goto Nao, reporting."

　Shigure had retrieved a notepad, jotting down their names. Lifting his head briefly and turning to the room's other side, waiting expectantly.

　"Ahh... Akiyama Ume... Private."

　"Yo Sir! Amano Isamu here! Private."

　"And I'd be Private Hayashi Izanagi, Shigure."

　He gets a disapproving glance from the Commodore.

　"Yamauchi Shuichi - Corporal."

　"Lance Corporal Matsuyama Isao here."

　"Corporal Kin."

　"Hello sir... I'm Lance Corperal O-... Oe Junko."

　"Private Takahashi Chiiiyooo~"

　"Tamaki Mikio. Sergeant."

　"Miyake Kazuki - Private!"

　"Iw- Oh, I'm the last..? Ah, em. Anyway, I'm Leading Private Iwata Megumi..."

　A final scribble from his pen, and he slips his notepad away. "Well. A pleasure to meet you, everyone." Shigure gives a slight salute in return for their introductions. Which they respond cheerfully in kind.

　Chatter had re-started, murmurs whether or not the Commodore approved of their first impressions. The room's large enough to comfortably house Akasha squadron in it's entirety. Clearly an area for socializing and the likes. However, Shigure had slowly lost that skill, and finds himself unsure how to continue.

　"What's next sir? Any announcements? Something...?" Sukagawa leans forward from the crowd, as if she'd be selected as Akasha's ambassador.

　"Hm..." A lot is in order. So much is needed to know about everyone, yet so little time... and will. A frown is plastered on his face, thinking. "How many deployments has this squadron been on?"

　"Uh.. I think it varies sir... Should we know this?"

　"Sir." 1st Lieutenant Yoneda approaches forward. A shimmer of light from the gold insignia on his epaulette. "It'd be an average of 2, Sir. Peacekeeping operations in Okinawa."

　They may have the same 'feel' as the old Akasha squadron he's so familiar with. Experience however, is no where near on par. "2? Hmph. I take it you are the junior officer in charge?"

　"Affirmative, Sir. 1st Lieutenant Yoneda Hiroyuki, at your service." He salutes rigidly towards Shigure. A face of seriousness and determination.