/jp/ - Otaku Culture

Their fears for the worst materialized the next day. Using blinker lights, spotters on the islands signaled "much activity" at the gun positions on the mainland. From experience of past years, the patrol ships knew the drill and prepared as best they could. Our tin can's 5-inchers could not accomplish much against the heavy guns, but they were ready, as were the smoke generators on the fantail and damage-control shoring.

Out of the sunset came the first booming, crackling bangs of artillery, with tall waterspouts immediately erupting. They already had a bead on the ship, but Captain Dreyer was ready.

"I've got the conn," he bellowed from the bridge wing. "All ahead flank! Left full rudder!"

The destroyer surged ahead, heeling sharply to port, spray billowing over the forecastle. A great tower of water rose to starboard just where the ship would have been on her previous course.

"Rudder amidships!" Then he yelled to the telephone talker, "Make smoke, make smoke." And to the helm, "Right full rudder!"

Ear-splitting explosions came from overhead. Metal smashed n the decks and funnel just aft of the bridge. The express-train sound of incoming rounds continued on all sides with terrible fury. The smell of cordite was intense, and the sound deafening.