MESSAGE TO READERS: This story will go from rated T to M due to future material with the pieces of the story that will implying or referencing to sexual themes, but nothing directly explicit.

"Current events are moving along as the simulation planned." A voice penetrating through the sound of waves crashing against rocks as the stars lit up the sky. Underneath them were two figures along the group of rocks, facing the ocean. The cliff of a small island was to their backs. Their naval equipment shone a neon color. One sat, observing the sky as the other stood at attention.

"Of course they would be," the figure sitting replied. "The simulations have never failed us. It is a pity, though, I was hoping for something more exciting."

"Shall we execute the next phase of testing, Observer Alpha?" the figure standing asked. Her equipment was shaped of that of a manta ray with cannons reaching out from the flaps on each side. Two tri-laser cannons rested by her hips. She wore a black dress with leggings to match.

Suddenly, an octopus tentacle shot out to her before circling her head and gently caressing her hair. The tentacle glowed a neon like hers.

"Now, now, Tester Beta, what did we say about names?" Observer Alpha asked, the tone sounding threatening. She leaned her head back, her neon pupils hollow.

"Sorry, Agent Alpha."

"Good, good." The tentacle patted her head before retreating back to Observer's side. Seven more tentacles were present, each wrapping around the cannons that hovered below her. She looked like a small and petite woman, wearing a black headdress along with a dress that barely covered her body. "I suppose that the Empress will want to continue, but let's hold for a little longer. It appears an unknown variable had appeared in Azur Lane."

Tester nodded. "As you wish, but Purifier will be against this decision."

Observer waved her off. "Purifier, that girl." The atmosphere became tense as Observer's tentacles wrapped even more tightly. "It won't matter though," she assured, "after all, you are all replaceable." She giggled in delight, a demented smile forming across her face as she gazed up at the stars.

"I wonder what this timeline will show us."

Commander

The sound of pen scratching paper filled Titohoru's ears as he wrote on a paper that was handed to him moments. South Dakota stood in front of him, looking down at the file in her hands with a frown. Moments later, she handed him another paper. He sighed in exhaustion and despair.

"Commander, I would advise you try to finish paperwork before sighing," South Dakota informed him bluntly. He looked up and watched her read another document held in her hand as she used her forearm like a desk.

"I know, I know," he responded, resting his head on his arm as he signed off another document. "I wouldn't think so many things would pop since that attack yesterday." He grimaced; it was attack that was executed too close to the base. He looked down at the paper in front of him: the contents of it was an order of more weapons and ammunition for the base. He held up the paper to South Dakota. "Doesn't Akashi take care of paperwork like this? She is the base clerk."

"Usually that it the case, but orders of weapons that are not under Azur Lane jurisdiction need to be signed off from someone who isn't a shipgirl," South Dakota explained, her expression remained neutral. She had moved to the filing cabinet and placed a yellow folder in one of the shelves. "And with you being the highest commanding authority, your signature is required for the order to take place."

"But still, I feel like this could be done by another Admiral besides me," Titohoru muttered. South Dakota shrugged and continued with her work.

The door to the office then opened with Amagi coming through the entrance. She looked at him before eyeing the paperwork on the desk. "Did I catch you at a bad time, Commander?" She bowed apologetically before excusing herself.

Titohoru caught her before she left. "No! It's fine, I'm available for the moment, Amagi." She nodded, standing by the door: she wasn't going to be here for very long. "What did you need?"

"Commander, I was wondering if you wanted to meet at the Strategy Room this evening to do some pre-planning," she offered, a warm smile appearing.

Titohoru said nothing for a few moments before answering. "I guess we could do that," he answered with a smile before going back down to his work. On the inside, however, he was dead; he would not have any time for a nap.

"Very well." She flashed a small smile before leaving the room, the clacking of her wooden sandals echoing down the hallway.

"Commander, I'm not usually good at understanding people, but you look depressed," South Dakota observed as she gazed at him. Titohoru shrug, making a small whimper in agreement. He looked to her, and to his surprise she was smiling while gazing out the window, as if she were reminiscing. "It's strange, the old Commander would act the same when stuff like this happened. . ."

He watched in awe as he recorded this moment to his memory. There was a smile; a warm, loving smile that he had never Seen her, or anyone else make in his lifetime. Not even his mother showed a reaction like that. Then it hit him: the old Commander, this man, had a strong relationship with South Dakota, a relationship that was too strong to break or fade. He wandered if all the shipgirls at the time had the same kind of relationship. He looked to his desk an continuing filing paperwork, letting South Dakota relish in her memories for a little while longer.

Some time passed before South Dakota began working again. Her attitude seemed to brighten and she moving at faster pace than before, Titohoru could barely keep up with her.

He decided to speak up, "South Dakota."

"Yes, Commander?"

"What was the old Commander like?"

He knew he was treading into awkward territory, but it seemed to be an appropriate time to ask. South Dakota paused and looked down.

"It's hard to describe him exactly, but in brief terms he had a bit of every personality in him: it seemed he fit in well with every shipgirl in Azur Lane."

"I see," Titohoru spouted, gritting his teeth and clenching his fist. Must of been one hell of a guy. Will I be able to even match him?

"Now that I think about it," South Dakota spoke out again, "I believe almost every shipgirl had a strong affection towards him."

Great. "I'm guessing you had the same feelings as everyone else," Titohoru assumed, but South Dakota shook her head.

"He was more of a good friend and adequate leader to me," South Dakota remarked to him. "Also, he had been married to a human woman before coming to the academy. Apparently the two had been high school sweethearts." Titohoru had signed the last paper as she finished her sentence. He looked up and saw her gaze at him curiously. "Commander, I have to ask why you're so curious about your predecessor."

"Oh! Well . . ." He tried to make up an excuse; it would be humiliating to say that he was envious of the old Commander.

"If you're worried about getting along with the other shipgirls, you shouldn't be so concerned," South Dakota stated, breaking his train of thought. "I don't believe any ship girls here hold any animosity towards you.

"And about my affection towards the Commander, I'm sure he wouldn't have been attracted towards me." Titohoru choked on his water as he took a sip. "Are you alright, Commander?"

"I'm fine, but I found that statement quite. . . amusing," he blurted. He realized he could've reworded that statement better.

"Oh?"

He coughed a little to clear his throat. "When it comes to you ship girls, you're all like supermodels," he remarked, taking a swig of water. "And pardon me if this seems offensive, but I've noticed that a lot of you dress in a risqué manner." He was expecting a insulted gaze from South Dakota, but she merely shrugged.

"Well these clothes happen to be our uniforms," she explained to him. He made an 'ah' sound as he reacted to her statement. What the hell happened when creating them. "Well these were the clothes that appeared on us when we were created."

Titohoru folded his hands together, staring at her. If that's the case, then whoever is responsible, that Creator person, must have been a huge perv. He recalled back to the introduction meeting with the Eagle Union, remembering the view of the so-called submarine ship girls. Never mind, he was probably some sort of pedophile. He thought of Eldridge and her uniform. Yep, most likely a pedophile and pervert. "I see."

He stood up from his chair and stretched. Now that he done with paperwork, he might as well spend the noon outside and about. "Care for a walk?"

"Whatever the Command requests of me."

He gave a smile, but she did not. Her expression was now blank after reminiscing after the old commander. They left the office with the door closing with a click. The hallways were empty like always despite the couple of shipgirls going to class. What do they need to learn? I should check it out sometime.

They exited through the main entrance as they heard the cries of seagulls flying overhead. In the small distance, the soft crashing of waves could be heard, but he had to listen closely to hear them. The smell of the slowly familiar, salty air entered his nostrils as he breathed in. It was beginning to feel like home, but he knew it couldn't replace his old one. I'll finish this war as fast as possible.

"Are there any exercises going on right now, South Dakota?"

"Negative, Commander, but the Light Cruisers will be in about two hours."

"I see."

Titohoru frowned; he was finally outside, but there seemed to be nothing to do. There were now at the fountain, the anchor sitting tall at the center of the island. Titohoru turned to bench that was near them and sat down, South Dakota did the same.

There was silence for a minute. Titohoru shifted in his spot restlessly; it was unbelievably awkward. Finally, he snapped, deciding to bring up their past conversation.

"This Old Commander, could you tell me more about him?" Titohoru asked her. South Dakota turned and smirked. He was offset by the reaction.

"You seem obsessed with him today, Commander. But, I don't mind," she told him. Titohoru wandered if she made an attempt at teasing him. She voice was so monotone that he couldn't tell.

"I just wandering how he did things around here," Titohoru explained to her. "To be honest, you make it sound like he made everything easier."

She shook her head. "Quite the opposite, actually." She looked ahead, staring towards the fountain. "We were still new to this world; it had only be ten years and there was no central organization such as Azur Lane. I remember that us shipgirls were still skeptical of humans."

"How's that?" Titohoru asked, interrupting her.

She shrugged. "We were kind of worked to exhaustion most days and really only seen as war machines. Most of us didn't have the type of personalities we do today." There was a gust of wind that swayed the trees as well as South Dakota's hair. There was a certain aura of joy emanating from her. Titohoru kept his focus on her. "But the Commander let us open up our emotions to him, crazy as it may seem." She leaned forward and crossed her right leg over her left.

"I see." Titohoru murmured.

"And I think that his enthusiasm as well as him charm became alluring to us. Well at least to most us," she continued.

"As in romantic?"

She nodded.

"I see. Thank you for going over it again, even though I had already asked about it," Titohoru got up from the bench and stretched. He shoved his hands into the pants pockets as he began walking. "I need to take a walk. You are dismissed for now, and don't worry about any future paperwork until I get back." He didn't look back to address her.

"Commander," South Dakota called to him. He halted himself, turning to meet her eyes. There were serious, but they were also soft from her usually look. Her long braid of hair swayed as another big gust of wind blew through. She was now standing. "I know you think that you aren't capable of getting along with the other shipgirls." He said nothing. "However, I am happy that I'm getting to know you better." Her lips stretched to show a smile, a confident one at that. "Remember what I said, Commander: just give it time and they'll warm up to you."

There was a small pause before he smiled back, waving his hand as he walked off. She stood there, the bright rays of sunlight glistening off her beautiful, black hair.

I hope what she says is right. He took a deep breathe, making way towards the canteen; he didn't have a proper breakfast. The scent of salt in the air was still as potent as ever.

(* * *)

Titohoru walked through the entrance and looked around; the canteen was empty besides a couple of people eating. He flicked up his right wrist to look at the watch that was wrapped around it. It's just past lunch hour, but it still seems too empty. He frowned before shrugging off the thought; he didn't have to wait to get his meal. His footsteps echoed with loud taps, he was wearing his dress shoes which complimented his Admiral's uniform.

It didn't take long to obtain and pay for his meal, leaving the cash register to find a spot in the dining area.

"Yoo-hoo, Commander!" A voice had called out his name, and he barely heard it. He looked up, but didn't not see anyone in front of him. "To your left, Commander!" He turned his head and saw a woman in her 20s with blue hair that was tied up into a ponytail. She looked identical to Helena despite looking several years older. In her hair was an ornament that resembled radar on a ship. Her clothes seemed to fit tightly around her body, her cleavage visible as well her thighs. The white and blue dress complimented her white garter-belt as well as the blue, unattached arm sleeves. Her warm smiled felt welcoming the moment her gazed at it.

"What's taking so long, Commander~" She asked, her hand raised, wiggling her fingers at him. He smiled in return, his hands full at the moment.

"Oh, my bad," he apologized, "I didn't realize I was needed at the moment."

"It's nothing important really," she assured him, "I was wondering if you wanted someone to keep you company while you eat. Is that okay?" Her eyes flashed to his, and he felt his heartbeat increase. There was a certain look in her that was aggressive, but he couldn't tell what it was. She was nice and friendly, but Titohoru had the feeling this ship-girl wasn't showing her true nature.

"Su-Sure," he stammered, "I could use the company." He walked over to her while forcefully trying to slow his heartbeat down. THe shipgirl's warm smile stayed the same as she gestured him to follow her. They ended up at a high-standing table that had an empty tray sitting there.

They took their seats, the shipgirl sitting opposite to him. The shipgirl positioned herself where her elbows sat on the table with her face resting in her hands. Titohoru could feel the gaze on him. He flashed a look to her eyes and they stared right back. He felt uncomfortable, but not in the normal way. After all, while sitting like that, her cleavage was in view, right underneath her face. Her warm smile was still present, and her eyes became warm, too.

What the hell is with these uniforms?

He finished eating, gulping down the last bite. "You know, this entire time and I haven't learned your name," he spouted. She perked up from the sentence. "It's kind of weird, too, because I feel like I've seen you before."

"Well, Commander, I attended the introduction meeting," she informed, "Maybe you noticed me there?"

"Well, let's just say you look older the last time we met."

She did not respond, following a short pause. However, it was soon interrupted by the shipgirl laughing as she waved off the comment. "You're quite the comedian, Commander, but I see now. You must be referring to my little sister, Helena."

"Okay, so that must make you one of the Brooklyn-Class light cruiser's," he though aloud. She nodded with a delighted smile. It didn't take long to go through his memory of studying the shipgirls in the folder. "Then you must be St. Louis."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander," she announced. "However, you can call me Lou. To be honest, I've been waiting for an opportunity to catch you alone?"

Titohoru raised his eyebrow. "Why? I'm usually walking back to my quarters alone-why not then?"

She giggled. "Ever since that meeting, you've caught my eye." She ignored the question completely and her tone of voice change from playful to seductive. "You had a such an adorable look on your." Adorable? "I've also seen you training every morning." She leaned forward, getting uncomfortably close with Titohoru. "Tell me, is that work related or just a hobby of yours~Ufufu." She inched closer, licking her lips. He watched her eyes moved down to his stomach area. He could feel his face heat up rapidly. He had to change the subject. Now.

"It's a mix of both," he answered quickly, grinning nervously. He was right to trust his instinct; he was watching St. Louis' true nature beginning to unveil. "So, what you were doing here alone before I showed up." He wanted to change the subject.

Her posture changed with the demand, retracting herself to her seat and leaning on her right arm. Her playful look became pouty. "I'm waiting for Lulu to get here for lunch." He was shocked by how her mood changed so drastically.

"Lulu?"

"Oh! My sister, Honolulu," she informed. Titohoru remembered that shipgirl from the files: a redhead with twin-tails with a similar looking outfit to St. Louis'. St. Louis sighed, "that girl insisted on training this morning, and now she's running late." She tapped her fingers; her eyes were wandering his body again.

This woman is so. . . assertive. It's not like he didn't like the flirting, he just found them surprising as well as uncomfortable; it was the first time he had met her after all. He got off the the high-chair and grabbed his tray as well as St. Louis'. "Here, I'll go put these up." He didn't wait for a response and he moved to the nearest trash can. The trash fell into the bin and he placed the trays on a platform above it.

He returned to the table, sitting back down as St. Louis began chatting again. "You seem to be adapting well, Commander. Though, didn't you have a bald eagle on your shoulder at the meeting?"

"Jefferson? Yeah, Akashi takes of him for me during the day," he responded while fiddling with his hands. God, why am I so nervous now? "Things have been smooth besides the the couple currents events going on now." The doors to the building opened and he watched a few people walk in.

He turned back to St. Louis, her eyebrows creased. Oh no. "So Commander, do you have a lover?"

Where did that come from? "N-no," he admitted, blindsided by the question. Damn, what is with her? Why is she trying to get into my personal life? "No, not at the moment." He watched as the corners of mouth lifted up slowly.

"Really, because I've seen you with Eldridge almost everyday for the past couple of weeks."

What. "Where did you get that idea from?!" He interjected, flabbergasted at the statement. He caught the attention of some people, but they quickly went back to their business. He leaned in close to her. "Do you know what would happen to me if that was true?" he whispered.

She shook her head, laughing softly still. "Commander, you misunderstand that is a taboo topic I'm going over. Eldridge is well over 70 years old: the same age as me."

Titohoru shrugged. "Yeah, but it's still sickening to think about. Besides, the general public doesn't even know that fact." He leaned back to his seat. The conversation fell silent for a moment.

St. Louis spoke up. "Well if that's the case, would someone like me suite your interesting."

"You're sure getting straight to the point."

"Ufufu~ Well if Eldridge took a liking to you on day one, then there must be no reason I can't take a liking to you either." Her hand fell on top of his and she leaned close to him. He could feel his heartbeat increase. Her was inching closer

. . . and closer.

Her face leaned next to his. He could feel the wind as she whispered into his ear. "Well then, Co~man~der~, I'm waiting for your answer~." His face began to heart up once again.

"What are doing, Louis!" A voice demanded next to them. Titohoru jumped at the sudden sound; he had been entranced by St. Louis' words. He felt her hand get off on his as well as sit back into her seat. His eyes moved to the voice that had spoken. It was Honolulu, flustered as she stared at the two of them. "God! St. Louis why are you always behaving this way?"

"Oh, Lulu, you finally arrived," St. Louis greeted. Her warm, innocent smile was back.

"Don't call me Lulu!"

Titohoru sat there as the two conversed to each other. However, it wasn't long until they finished and was greeted by Honolulu.

"Good afternoon, Commander," she said as she sat down. Her eyes were focused on him.

"Good afternoon," he replied with a smile. "I'm guessing you're the person St. Louis has been waiting for."

"Yes, but I told her I was probably going to be late." Honolulu sighed, looking at her sister suspiciously. "Was my sister bothering you, Commander?" He heard St. Louis giggle at the question.

"No, no," he lied: he was quite uncomfortable by her sudden advancements, but he didn't want to stir trouble between them. Honolulu eyed her St. Louis again, whom had a normal smile. He knew that she knew it was a lie as well.

"I see."

Honolulu flicked the hair off her left shoulder, letting it fall behind her. Her eyes were now focused on St. Louis and the two brought up conversation. Titohoru sat there, his eyes wandering where he knew they shouldn't be. He could control himself as he noted that Honolulu had as much exposed at her sister.

His eyes moved back up to their faces, and he saw a flustered, irritated look on Honolulu's. Oh shit. "Commander, don't look there!" she ordered him. She covered her chest and began getting defensive with him. Titohoru began panicking as he realized he messed up. Big time.

"I see he isn't different from the others, Louis," she claimed.

"Wa-wait! I-" he tried to plead, but was interrupted by St. Louis.

"Now now, Lulu," St. Louis chimed in, "it isn't entirely his fault: you always say you don't want men to look there, yet you dress like that."

"That's because I don't have any other uniforms!"

The two bickered, but it was more like Honolulu talking defensively as St. Louis sat there with a playful smile. He finally realized that St. Louis could be a scary person when she goes on the offensive. I should've figured that out sooner, though.

He waited nervously for them to finish: He had just started covering ground with the shipgirls; he didn't need any bad conspiracies going around, especially not now.

"Ufufu~, Commander, are you worried about your reputation?" St. Louis asked as if she read his mind. "Don't worry, Honolulu may be quick to judge, but she isn't the type of girl to spread rumors." She hugged Honolulu tightly as the redhead remained flustered.

"Thank you," he said relieved as he bowed his head. "I hope we can get past this misunderstanding, Honolulu." The only thing he heard was St. Louis laughing in response.

"It wasn't your fault Commander, Honolulu is just self-conscious about her breasts."

"Shut up, Louis!" Honolulu muttered angrily, still covering her cleavage with her arms. Her bright red face was turned to him. "I-I'll forgive you—but just this time!" She then excused herself to get food as she jogged away from the table.

For the next hour, the trio sat in conversation around the table. The topics swayed from daily life to discussing missions to telling their stories from years ago. Titohoru couldn't help but feel fascinated at the two sisters' tales of their battles from the Pacific to all the way to the Mediterranean. Their stories gave a glimpse to the Siren's powers in the seas and also to their brutality. They even talked about the Navy's Nightmare from ten years ago. They told him that the Admiral's body was gone, and that a half-burnt hat and a blood splatter was all the remained.

"It's a shame that the Old Commander went out like that," Honolulu acknowledged. Titohoru only nodded as he looked down at the table. There was a stiff silence after the story ended.

"Oh! Commander," St. Louis spoke, the sound of her voice soothing the dense atmosphere. "I couldn't help but wander why you bothered to sign up." It was the question that he knew the most.

"I was told that my father was still alive," he answered bluntly. "And was told I wouldn't be able to know where he was until I agreed to join the Navy."

"I guess you know where you're father is now?" Honolulu assumed.

He paused, then shook his head in embarrassment. SHIT! He completely forgot to get that information. "No, I guess. . . I was focused on the town in California that got blown to smithereens." He brought his head back up and unconsciously look at the time: he had to go back to work. He stood up from his seat, getting the attention of the two sisters. "Anyways, I have to head back to work."

St. Louis nodded as she got up as well. She stretched her arms and yawned. "Well then, Commander, I hope to you see you soon." Honolulu muttered something similar, which he barely heard. He nodded, tipping his hat in a farewell manner.

"Commander, one more thing!" St. Louis' voice echoed.

Titohoru had no time to turn when he felt a body press against his back. There was a soft sensation towards his upper-body as he heard words whisper in his ear. "If you want ever want to have another talk again, I'm free in the evenings~. Then we can chat all night long~." She blew into his right ear. He could feel himself getting aroused at the situation as she moved away from him. He turned to her face her, only for his eyes to greeted with her blowing a kiss in his direction.

"I-I see," he stuttered before meekly smiling. In the corner of his eye, he saw Honolulu staring in shock at her sister. "Well then, I'll take you up on that offer sometime." With that, he exited the building, leaving the context of her invitation up to his imagination. God, these shipgirls have the weirdest personalities. He looked up at the sky, the sun was past it's high point in the sky. I stayed out later than I thought.

He hurried back to his office, running along with a wide smile on his face.

(* * *)

Titohoru observed the orange dusk sky from his office window. He stood alone as he collected his binder and other materials; he had relieved South Dakota from her secretary duties for the day.

There's still more to do. He sighed to himself. There always seems to be more, anyways. He moved out the room, closing the door and strutting through the hall. The hallways echoed the his footsteps. It felt like the building was abandoned, even though it was 7:00 P.M.

He turned the corner, holding his items in his left hand, his arms swaying back and forth in a small motion. He was meeting Amagi for pre-planning of the upcoming sorties and scouting missions. He was looking forward to it: her calm, warm aura seemed to naturally soothe his body and soul.

It didn't take long until he was facing the same doors to the strategy room; the same room where he suffered a defeat from the Sakura Empire shipgirl. He inhaled deeply and released a large breath at an attempt to calm himself. He gripped the door knob and twisted it roughly. Pulling the door open, he was met with an unexpected sight.

There were about 9 shipgirls, including Amagi, in the room, whispering to each other has they looked to him. Above all, he saw the stormy, grey eyes of Enterprise gazing at him, carving a hole into his soul.

Sorry for taking so long.