Nimitz followed Isaac to the Norfolk, walking up the gangway and walking past Norfolk into the lower decks.
"Commander..." Norfolk spoke softly as they passed by.
Isaac continued walking, prompting Norfolk to follow loosely behind him and Nimitz.
"Admiral, is something wrong between you two?" Nimitz asked.
"I refuse to believe that she's not upset. So I'm giving her the space she wanted back during the battle." Isaac said as they continued down the halls towards the medical bay.
Norfolk overheard his remark and gasped a bit before speeding up her walk and grabbing Isaac by the wrist and pushing him into a door along the wall.
"Admiral, Nimitz, the medical bay is down two more decks towards the stern. Commander will join you soon, I need a word with him." Norfolk said as she pushed Isaac through the door, closing it and locking it behind them.
"Norfolk, what is the meaning of this?" Isaac asked as he took a few steps back.
"Wanting space? Is that what you called it?" Norfolk asked as she tapped her foot on the floor.
"What else would you call it? We've been in that level of danger before and you never threw me off of my own ship. What made this battle any different?" Isaac asked accusingly.
Norfolk was hesitant to answer.
"My point made. You got mad, and kicked me away during your little hissy fit. So what changed?" Isaac asked.
"Alright! Maybe I pushed you away... and maybe me pushing you away caused us more harm than good. But it's not what you think." Norfolk said softly as she slowly approached Isaac.
"Then tell me, what am I to think?" Isaac asked.
"This is the first battle where I've have a real body. Something capable of stopping you from doing something stupid, like standing in the open when AP shells are flying past." Norfolk said as she cornered Isaac.
"And that makes it better?" Isaac asked.
"I... I only did it because something inside of me wants to keep you safe, damn it! I get the same feeling that I had on Shinano's ship whenever you're around. And I want to keep you safe until I figure out why!" Norfolk cried.
"Norfolk... is this you talking? The real you?" Isaac asked.
"What kind of question is that?!" Norfolk cried.
"Your vessel was created from my desire for a command ship, so some parts of you could have been changed once you were built." Isaac said.
"Commander... I feel the same thing for Nimi as well. I don't think you being the one to redesign my hull had anything to do with this. This is just... something I feel." Norfolk said as Isaac sighed.
"Give it some time. I want you to know for sure that this is something that you want." Isaac said.
"I... I'm not ready to sleep in the same room as you, that's a fact... but I know that this is the same yearning I have when Nimi and I are together." Norfolk said.
"As I said, give it some time. If this is something more than a fleeting feeling, I will always be open to accept you. But I don't want a fleeting feeling to be the reason you stick yourself to me." Isaac said as Norfolk backed up.
"That isn't the only reason I cornered you, Commander." Norfolk said as she bowed her head.
"What else do you have?" Isaac asked.
"I'm sorry for snapping at you. But even after all that, I only did it to keep you safe." Norfolk said.
"I have to admit, I was more surprised than angry, Norfolk. I wouldn't worry about it too much." Isaac said as he walked towards the door.
"Commander!" Norfolk said as she ran to block the door.
"Norfolk, please. I am heading to see Hood. Nimitz is waiting for me." Isaac said.
"I can't let you down there, Commander." Norfolk said.
"Norfolk, I am ordering you to move aside and let me through." Isaac said.
"I can't, I'm sorry." Norfolk said, standing firm.
"Are you refusing to follow a direct order?" Isaac asked.
"When you realize why, you'll thank me." Norfolk said.
"Norfolk, what happened to Hood?" Isaac asked.
"She hasn't woken up. Her wounds have been tended and the cube removed. But she is in a very deep Coma, and we are unsure as to if she will awaken. And if she does, we don't know if she will be the same." Norfolk said.
"Norfolk, I am ordering you to move. Allow me to see her. I have something that belongs to her." Isaac said.
"Commander... I don't think it's wise." Norfolk said.
"Wise or not, it's my duty." Isaac said, picking up Norfolk and throwing her on his shoulder, forcing her out of the way.
"Commander?!" Norfolk cried.
"I asked you to move, and you refused. So this is the result you get." Isaac said as he walked down to the Medical Bay onboard the Norfolk.
Nimitz sat at Hood's bedside as Isaac walked in.
"Everything alright, Admiral?" Nimitz asked.
"Yeah, Norfolk needed to have a conversation regarding the battle. So I indulged her." Isaac said.
"And she's on your shoulder, why?" Nimitz asked.
"She refused to move from the doorway, so instead of punishing her, I decided to embarrass her." Isaac said as he set down Norfolk and looked at Hood, who was connected to several machines, one of which was moving rhythmically in time with her breathing.
"Hood... I can't even imagine the amount of pain you were in during that battle. I did what I could to get you out." Isaac said softly as he kneeled next to her bed.
Isaac pulled out the passage from Commander Forrest.
"Hood... I don't know if you can hear me. But... I am Admiral Garner of Azur lane. I picked up the rope after your Husband, Commander Forrest. I have something that he left behind that belongs to you." Isaac said softly.
"Commander, she won't hear any of this." Norfolk said.
"I have faith that she will." Isaac said as he unfolded the papers in his hand.
"To my love... You may be the last one I am writing to, but that does not show you justice. While I claimed to never have a favorite between you three, You had stolen my heart from the start. Helena came close, but you always found a new way to win my heart. Hood... I love you. Nothing in the world could ever change that. But knowing that you have been gone for a while, and now the world is coming to an end... I can't see God granting me my wish of seeing you again. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye, my love. My heart will always yearn for your embrace. My soul will always weep, unable to hear your voice again. I love you more than life itself, Hood. And I can only hope that death was quick for you... as it will be for me." Isaac read before laying the pages down on the bed, under Hood's hand.
"Hood. I properly memorialized Commander Forrest on the Island of Niue. If it is your wish, I will send you there once you awaken." Isaac said as he removed his hat as a sign of respect.