Saint Louis was stopping by the office to drop off something The Commander had forgotten at the cafeteria. She walked down the hallway to see that the door was hanging open. For whatever reason it seemed that the mechanism to automatically close the door had broken. She didn't think of it much until she heard The Commander speaking in an odd manner.
"...controls are shot to hell, off to ride this bitch in! Eat this!"
The Commander made a noise seemingly to imitate that of a plane crashing into the water.
"Ox! Aww hell he didn't make it…"
"Poor bastard, but what a way to go."
Saint Louis stepped into the doorway to see The Commander holding two of his model fighters, one in each hand.
"Scratch one flat t-" he stopped abruptly when he saw Saint Louis watching him. "H-hey Lou! I was just going over some… dogfight modeling." His face was turning the reddest she had ever seen it.
"That was cute. I didn't know you had such childish fantasies John," Saint Louis said, taking genuine delight in Lockee's actions.
"No! It's a review of important company maneuvers! I wasn't playing I-"
"Hold on, I recognize those words, that was from Steel Wind!" Saint Louis failed to hold back laughter.
John put the model planes down then buried his face in his arms, "Glad you remembered my favorite movie Lou. I love hearing you laugh but I never thought it would be at me."
"And this will make it that much more memorable," Saint Louis was still laughing in the doorway.
John looked back up at her, "Lou, please. I will buy you anything you want just please don't tell anyone about this!"
"Oh? What worldly possessions do you think I desire?" Saint Louis asked.
he stared back at her with an expression of dread, "Come on, everyone has a price, new furniture? What if I get the lab to look into special modifications for you? I'll let you sleep in my room for the next week!"
"I don't think I desire anything money can buy, and while the offer to be with you for several nights is a pleasant one I will not accept. But darling do you really think I am the kind of person to hold something so personal like this over your head? My one request is that you get back to work. I still see that stack of papers over there," Saint Louis said.
"Oh that's it?" John let out a long exhale.
"Did you honestly think I'd make you reach further to please me?" Saint Louis asked.
"Kinda… if you were Akagi I'd have to be offering a whole lot more than a shopping trip," John said.
"Akagi doesn't know you do this?"
"I don't do this a lot ok. And no… why?" John seemed worried again.
"I won't tell her darling, your secret is safe with me, though if you're going to do this again maybe lock the door," Saint Louis giggled.
"I… won't. I'm keeping it in my head from now on," John was still red in the face. Saint Louis tried to ease embarrassment by rubbing his back.
"John, do not let this be a damper on your mood. Know that I enjoyed seeing that, it was very cute," Saint Louis said.
"Thank you, but I'm getting back to work," The Commander picked up his pen again.
"Alright darling, stay strong," Saint Louis bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Bye Lou, have a good evening," The Commander said. He jerked back in his seat and called out to her as she was about to leave. "Wait I just remembered something. Your ship hasn't gone through its shakedown cruise yet has it? I know it's short notice but that's long overdue, I'm setting that up soon ok?"
"Shakedown cruise? Ah yes. Just to ensure all facilities and systems are functional correct?" Saint Louis asked.
"Yep, maintenance staff will be aboard doing all the checks and setting things into place. We'll also do a bit of tests to ensure the guns and specialized ammunition are working. Sound good?" The Commander asked.
Saint Louis nodded, "Oui commander, I look forward to it."
"Alright, see you then," The Commander waved. As Saint Louis closed the door his expression changed and he shook his head. "I'm sorry Lou but you will not enjoy this."
The Commander had never seen Saint Louis so agitated. He knew her demeanor changed when dealing with other people but he never got to see it for himself. He already had to prevent her from going off on the staff in the engine room making a few missteps that could have caused long term negative effects. Now they stood in the fire control center, watching senior officer Rita Andreas working.
"Careful with the fire control radar. That is sensitive equipment," Saint Louis said.
"Relax mon cherie, I've handled lots of these things, besides I'm almost done already," Andreas said.
"Do not call me that. You don't have the right-" Saint Louis stopped when The Commander grabbed her arm.
"Lou, take it easy, I know this is extremely uncomfortable but it's necessary, and long overdue. And Andreas, please be a bit more respectful," The Commander said.
"I tend to run things quick and dirty, I've been told I don't have the most gentle of hands. Hmm, Saint Louis do have some really impressive tech going on. Sugar daddy commander there really gave you all the bells and whistles," Andreas let out a wolf whistle.
Saint Louis broke out of The Commander's grip, "You utterly disrespectful-"
"Both of you, take it down a notch, Louis, let's go outside, watching her is only stressing you out," The Commander grabbed Saint Louis by the arm again, this time with less compassion. If it were anyone else Saint Louis would have resisted but she settled for scowling at Andreas as The Commander dragged her out.
"Hmmph, the nerve, after they nearly ruined my engine systems too. Commander do not let her handle the hyper explosive shells with the same carelessness. I'd rather not suffer the embarrassment of taking severe damage on a shakedown cruise."
The Commander grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. "Lou, I know she's quite abrasive but Rita is very good at what she does. Let her do her job."
"She's never worked on a ship of my type," Saint Louis said.
"I know, but we gave her and all her team the schematics and documentation from your creation at the laboratory." The Commander took her hands and clasped them in his. "I trust her to do this correctly, do you trust me?"
Saint Louis sighed, "Very well darling. I will have faith in you, and her despite the lack of professionalism."
The Commander held her close and kissed her forehead. "Shakedown cruises aren't fun for any girl, but just think, once this is all done, we can have this all to ourselves on our off days. We can even get some nice furniture in here, just like Akagi."
"The former crew quarters are indeed quite lavish, I don't think I need that much finery though," Saint Louis said.
A sharp whistle cut through their intimate moment. Andreas leaned out the doorway, calling to them. "Hey Saint Louis, fire control is all set, let's get those guns blazing."
The Commander smiled at her, "I've been waiting to see your guns in action. Want to strut your stuff, show off for me a little?"
Saint Louis nodded, "As you command, I will do my best."
With the shakedown cruise deemed a success and all systems checked as operational, Saint Louis could breathe a sigh of relief knowing all these people would stop meddling with her ship.
"Merci everyone, your hard work is appreciated," Saint Louis said as the repair and maintenance staff stepped off her ship.
When the last person walked out of ear shot she let out a labored sigh. "I am glad that is over."
The Commander grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Yep, all done, dusted, and ready for combat."
"John, I'm going to go settle myself in my prayer now, would you like to join me?" Saint Louis asked.
"I have to get back to the office, your shakedown cruise was somewhat short notice and there's still some things left to do," he said. But when he looked down at her and into her bright red eyes that, at least to him, pleaded for him to stay, he just couldn't resist. He knew she wasn't the type to put on puppy dog eyes and it was all in his head but he had to stay with her. "Ok, Lou. I'll come sit with you."
Saint Louis led him up to the bridge, up closer to heaven he figured. Without words, Saint Louis found her place and knelt down, while The Commander sat cross legged in front of her. As Saint Louis put her hands together and closed her eyes, The Commander reached to put his own hands around hers. This practice, this… little ritual they had was special in a way John couldn't describe. He didn't join her in prayer per say, he wouldn't close his eyes and speak like her, but he would watch and listen. Occasionally he would hear her muttering under her breath, catching little bits of what she thought. He'd hear his name occasionally, he'd hear her say Akagi, Kaga, Amagi, Laffey, Unicorn, Ayanami, Javelin, Takao, Maya, Atago, Choukai, Belfast, Nagato, Enterprise… the list went on, probably wishes for their well being. He'd hear what sounded like hopes and plans for the day or evening, and of course thanks to God for facilitating the life she lived, and the happiness she could find within herself and others.
The whole time John never took his gaze off her. The light angled through the windows, casting an orange tint on her. He noticed the sheen in her steel colored hair, and swore that sparkles danced around her. He could only describe her as wondrous, gorgeous… beautiful in all facets. Even though he couldn't hear everything she said her words reached deep within him, giving him a strange comfort.
He knew that he had to go at some point, that there was still work to be done if he wanted to finish before the end of the day but… he could always work after hours, if only to stay with her for a bit longer.
"John you are fidgeting," Saint Louis said.
"Oh, sorry, am I distracting you?" The Commander asked.
"Non, but I know that means you have your mind on other things. If you need to go do not let me hold you back. I know you have responsibilities at the office," Saint Louis stayed in place, as if she wasn't even talking to him.
"Lou you are one of my responsibilities too," The Commander said.
Saint Louis broke her concentration. She opened her eyes. "I understand John, but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, at your discretion of course."
He smiled at her, "Ok, thanks Lou. One more thing before I go." Without giving her warning, he picked her up by the thighs and placed her in his lap.
Saint Louis scrambled to grab his shoulders to avoid falling. "John, a little less sudden next time."
The Commander wasn't looking but there was a slight blush on her face. "One for the road, and no, never," he hugged her, letting out a satisfied sigh.
Saint Louis smiled and hugged him back, "I love you John."
"I love you too Lou. I have to go now," he put her back on the floor, standing up to leave. Saint Louis went back to her prayer, and The Commander left the ship, whistling a giddy tune to the world.
"By God. What a wonderful woman."