Greetings everyone! Welcome to my very first Azur Lane story! I must warn you this chapter is long and full of vapid beginnings, but trust me, it will get better if you like what you see!

I do not own anything of Azur Lane. Everything belongs to the respected owners.

June 1st.

Today was a whirlwind of emotions for Azur Lane, and the day is not yet even over! Our now former Commander, our very first Commander at that, was replaced. The word going around it was because of a dishonourable discharge. That is all hearsay, and I usually am not one to listen to simple rumours. A lady shouldn't pay attention to rumours after all.

This rumour I am inclined to believe, however.

Commander Reyes was... a man that had his own opinions. Speaking from a strictly tactical standpoint, he was well thought. His plans were solid and well thought out and maybe a little on the defensive side of things. Even with that case, it was hard to argue against his decision-making. Well, if I am frank, it was impossible to hold a conversation with the man. Tactical or otherwise.

He was an absolute bore.

The man had no qualities that stuck out; not even his efficient tactical standpoints could stick. All of the Kansan here knew it, and if I were to take a shot, I think he knew it as well. If that made him act in the way he did off duty, I can't say. However, I can safely say off duty, he wasn't just a bore. He was a swine.

I don't know the story on how his discharge came to be, but if I were to hazard a guess, it would be his disgusting acts and opinions he had when the top brass wasn't looking. I won't go too deep into it. It is, after all, in the past now. But I can safely say I can already feel the relief around the base.

So that leads us to the current moment. Obviously, Azur Lane can run without a Commander. The leaders from the other factions and my fantastic Queen are all more than capable of leading together.

If I am honest, I am worried.

Well, I was not one of the many presumable victims of Azur Lane's former Commander. I have heard many tales from some of my sisters-in-arms. It is not just the fact that mere accounts are enough to scare me off. It is more the fact that I thought I could trust the man. Yet to learn of such...disgusting acts being performed by one you thought you could put your faith in as a leader is absolutely devastating.

I certainly wasn't close to the man; as I have said before, no one was. I was confident he had at least the fundamental respect for my comrades, and by extension, myself. I can see now that I was wrong.

So to trust a new Commander so soon? One who is supposed to lead not just myself but the entire Royal Navy and the other factions. It is my duty. I will play the part if I must. That is what it costs to be a lady. Perfection or nothing.

Hood.

Hood carefully signed her name with a swift stroke of her pen, and her name came out in beautiful cursive. She smiled with satisfaction.
Hood carefully put her pen down as she closed her diary with a humph. She took a deep breath in and slowly let it out through her nose as she took a moment.

"Elegance is not just for show. Elegance is not just for show," Hood whispered to herself, and after a moment of breathing, she came to a stand with her diary in hand. Once her diary was safely back in its spot in her closet, she looked around her room. Satisfied it was perfect, she quickly left.

The new Commander would soon be here, so she had to be there. Hood had to; she had to be there to see him. Hood had to see if the replacement was anything like his predecessor. If he was… well, she would think of that later.

The walk to the assembly hall wasn't long; in fact, the Royal Navy dorms were the closest to it. So Hood was one of the first to arrive.

She stood off to the side as more and more ship girls soon arrived, and soon the hour had passed, and the hall was packed to the brim. Hood made her way to her assigned seat, and that is when she noticed the chair beside her was unoccupied. She brushed a hand down her jacket as if to brush out any wrinkles and took a quick look around. King George V was nowhere to be seen.

George had just gotten back from the isles not long ago, not even a day or so. She has been gone for close to a year, and Hood's letters she received from her long-time friend didn't explain what she was doing. Of course, being slightly curious but not showing it, she discreetly asked Wales about it one day. Sadly her friend also was out of the loop on her sister's current mission.

So the occasional letter not explaining anything was all Hood got for that year from King George V.

Hood hadn't even had any time to welcome her friend back when news of her return had reached her. For not long after was former Commander Reyes discharged, and the factions were left in confusion at the sudden but welcome command change.

In fact, George's return and former Commander Reyes's discharge were awfully close together.

"Could she have been the one to file a complaint to the Admiralty? She never said she was a victim of his, so it can't be...could it?" She asked herself quietly, but Hood wasn't able to think of it any longer as the person of her thoughts had arrived at last.

George quickly squeezed her way into the crowd of chairs and legs before coming to a seat beside her old friend.
"Sorry I am late. I had to give Ray a pep talk!" George Mock whispered to Hood with a laugh, her red eyes shining bright as always.

Ray? Prep talk? Hood had so many questions, but she could not ask any of them because the moment was here. The moment to meet their new Commander.

The assembly hall grew eerily quiet as the lights dimmed, and the centre stage was lit with numerous lights for everyone to see. Hood could hear some mumbling from the crowd, but she paid no attention to it.

Then the Commander made his appearance.

The mumbling immediately quieted in an almost hushed burst of wind. The Commander, for his part, seemed to take notice of the sudden change of tone as he walked onto the stage.

The Commander, a man in his late 20s to early 30s, with short dark brown hair, and the most unmistakable hazel eyes, cleared his throat before speaking into the mic present for him.

"Um, you all can talk amongst yourselves. There isn't a need for silence like this. I am not quite ready yet for the introduction," the Commander admitted to the crowd, an awkward smile and laugh escaping him as he looked out amongst the masses of ship girls.

A joint collection of relief exhaled from the crowd, and once more murmurs and whisperers were exchanged between the girls. Hood tried to listen in on what the Queen and Warspite were saying, but she couldn't. George, meanwhile, sat with a soft smile resting upon her lips.

"George?" Hood questioned, but George simply nodded towards the stage.

"Ray is gonna begin his introduction," is all George offered in response.

Hood frowned but quickly looked back to the man on the stage. First impressions? Hood couldn't say. He hadn't introduced himself yet, after all.
The Commander eventually cleared his throat into the mic, and soon the assembly was quiet and at attention.

"Hello everyone, I am the newly appointed Commander of Azur Lane, Raymon Wood. That is Raymon without a d at the end, weird, I know," Raymon explained with a seemingly nervous chuckle, and some of the younger girls in the crowd giggled.

Raymon straightened his collar for a moment, and Hood seemed to notice something right away, but his voice took her attention.

"So I am sure you all were surprised by the sudden change in Command. And I would be if I was in your shoes. It was quite sudden," Raymon explained slowly, but his voice was clear and crisp. Trained even.

"I will not go into great detail on the reasons for the former Commanders discharge but, judging by the weary looks I received upon my arrival, that is enough of a response to me that most of you probably know the reasons.

Those reasons, frankly, are inexcusable for a Commander, especially one in charge of an organization such as this. That is why I am here now. That's all there is," Raymon explained, and the look in his eyes was something that shook Hood and numerous others in the crowd to their core. It was something the previous Commander lacked. Respect.

"Now, however, I know some of you in the crowd must have some questions for me, and you all can freely ask, so please anyone with a question ask away," Raymon explained as he gestured to the crowd. The Kansan all began to mumble, some nervously and others with more ease.

The new Commander answered all sorts of questions, ranging from his favourite colours to his taste in music, sports, food, and everything else the previous Commander would never answer. Hood watched intently as Raymon responded to each question carefully but with a smile of encouragement.

The crowd learned he was Canadian, he grew up on a ranch, he knew how to ride horses. Raymon seemed to answer every question with the air of a teacher explaining a question. Soon faction leaders such as Bismarck, Richelieu, and her majesty herself were asking questions.

Soon enough, the day grew to an end, and with many questions and introductions done, Raymon selected one last person to ask a question. The person in question, a little girl with purple hair and a unicorn in her arms, walked to the stage.

Raymon kneeled down, and he dipped his head, "You must be lady Unicorn, am I correct?"

Unicorn nodded quickly with wide eyes, "You...you know my name?"

Raymon smiled and nodded, "I do. I would like to think I know most of your comrades' names as well. You see, I'll let you in on a little secret Unicorn, do you want to hear it?" He asked in a whisper to the young girl, who nodded vigorously.

"I love the navy, especially the history of the navy. Ever since I was a young boy, I have been fascinated with the navies of the world. I collected models, books, anything I could get my hands on to show me the past. So I know all about your past life all those years ago," Raymon explained gently, before smiling and saying, "However, the past doesn't define you now, Unicorn. You are more than a ship; you are even more than a person. You are something special. All of you here are. So I can't wait to learn about you now. Who you are as a ship and as a person. Will you honour me with the opportunity?"

Raymon was still holding the mic in his hands, so his conversation with Unicorn was heard. But the crowd was deathly silent. Almost in suspense of waiting for Unicorn's answer.

Raymon didn't say anything as he waited for Unicorn to decide, but it wasn't long before the little girl was throwing herself into his arms and happily exclaiming she would love that. He laughed and picked the girl up, holding her like one would a child.

The crowd cheered, and some of the more energetic ship girls ran up to personally introduce themselves, but George and Hood continued to sit.

George laughed and ran a hand through her hair, "So I guess the cats outta the bag now, huh?" George asked as she glanced at the crowd surrounding her new Commander.

George had spent the year helping Raymon get prepared for his assignment as new Commander. Why she was picked, she couldn't guess. However, George wasn't complaining. She knows what Raymon is capable of. So to see the welcoming reception he was getting was warming.

Although one thought did plague both Hood and George's thoughts. How is it the previous Commander didn't know his replacement was getting trained at all? Why did the Admiralty make everyone wait?

"Raymon is a quiet man, very reserved but open. From the time I met him, he has always been honest and straightforward. I think you will like him, Hood," said George with a wink to the battlecruiser beside her.

Hood, however, didn't hear her friend. She was stuck looking at her new Commander. There was something about him, but she didn't know what it was.

Soon enough, the Commander announced the end of the assembly and that work would begin as normal tomorrow first thing. Hood sat quietly as she let most of the girls leave before trying to follow. However, she quickly noticed her companion's reluctance to move.
"George?"

George came to a stand slowly, brushing down her pristine white skirt, "I sadly can not join you yet. I have to give Ray his tour around the base." She explained.

Hood blinked, "So you are his first secretary then?" Hood asked as she glanced at where the new Commander was standing at the stage.

"You are correct! I volunteered myself first just so I could help ease him," George explained as she turned to start towards the stage. "Tomorrow, I will stop by for tea. I'll bring scones, yeah?"

Hood could only nod as the eldest King George class left her alone in the hall.

The night air was warm but damp. The joys of summertime. Hood took her time walking back to the Royal Navy dorms. Taking in the fresh air and looking at the stars above. The dorms seemed already ready for bed, numerous lights turned off, and no one around. Hood made her way quietly to her room and locked herself in.

Usually, before bed, Hood would read. Either some Shakespeare or even some of the Bible if she needed to clear her head. However, tonight she couldn't. Her mind was racing with the memory of her new Commander.

"Commander, Raymon Wood…" Hood said in a hushed tone, almost testing the name. "Will you be better than the previous, or just the same?"

Newly appointed Commander Raymon Wood was somewhat of a minimalist. Never one for big, overdone shows. To step foot on this base, the home of the largest defence fleet against the alien invaders known as Sirens, was imposing in every sense of the word.

The sheer size of the island housing the base was enormous. Almost the size of one of the islands among the Royal isles, it was a perfect place to house all the factions fighting against the Sirens. Of course, the island wasn't just the base and dorms.

On the island's east side was a small town filled with shops and different restaurants based on numerous cultures. The south side was a beach, with the north being covered in trees and hills. The west side of the island was the port. The middle of the island was where the base and dorms sat.

If Raymon was anyone flying or sailing by, he would assume he was passing a small country! Although he supposed, in a way, that's what this island is.

However, his thoughts were interrupted as King George V tapped him on his shoulder, snapping him away from his inner monologue.

"Ray, I have been talking to you for the past five minutes," George said in a reprimanding tone, but her red eyes shone bright with amusement, "What have I told you about ignoring a lady? Must we have this discussion again?"

Raymon snorted, "Yes, yes, I am aware. Be vigilant, responsive, but patient. Correct?"

George hummed in satisfaction but offered nothing else as she led him along down one of the numerous paths leading along the base.

Raymon was usually very quick to pick up trails, paths and directions. However, Azur Lane HQ was something of a maze. One way led to the main building, another led to the science wing, another led to the mess hall and barracks. That didn't even count all the paths not meant for the Kansan or him. Instead, the mysterious little chicken-like creatures running around are called Manju.

George explained that those paths were easy and quick ways for the Manjuu to get around the base if anything needed repairs. Raymon didn't question it.

The night air here was different from the Royal isles but far different than back home in Canada. George must have taken a glance back because she quickly said, "You know, I think Hood took a liking to you."

Raymon snapped his attention towards her, forgetting about thinking of home, "Hood, as in HMS Hood?"

George nodded and came to a stop in the middle of the path, "Yep. If I would be so bold, I might say she thought you were quite attractive if the way she was looking at you was any indication."

Raymon stumbled as her words registered, and heat rose to his face. George giggled at the sight, "Come now, Commander Wood, let's get you to your quarters."

Raymon didn't object. After today's excitement, he couldn't handle any teasing from George.

The duo soon found themselves situated just a little half a kilometre from the base. Standing in front of the newly appointed Commander and his secretary was a small house. Its walls were a dark white, obviously faded from the sun beating down on them constantly. A tiny porch led up to the front door, and inside was exactly all Raymon could ask for.

There wasn't much. A living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathrooms, and a room to be used as a personal office. The house came with basic furniture, and Raymon wondered if they were left from the previous inhabitants.

George, seemingly knowing what was on his mind, quickly said, "The Furniture, I believe, is brand new. The Manju, from what I understand, are very particular about new people getting brand new items."

Raymon only nodded as he looked around the house. It was definitely cozy, he figured. "This can definitely work," he stated as he found his luggage waiting by the staircase leading to the first floor.

"Perfect. Then I shall take my leave. I will be here at 7 AM sharp, do be up. Good night, Ray," George said before leaving him alone in his brand new home.

The first thing he did was lock the door, turn the lights off, and then haul his luggage upstairs. Once his stuff was put away, it was well into the night now. Raymon carefully took his uniform off, and with the utmost care, folded it away.

His lights were off as he crawled into bed, and he thanked the heavens the Manjuu didn't put any mirrors facing his bed. The room smelt different, and the comforter and bed were brand new, so it took him a while to get comfortable. Soon enough, though, he fell asleep. For tomorrow would be the beginning of a new Era for himself and Azur Lane.

Hello everyone! If you made it to the end of this very long, and in my opinion, boring beginning, congrats! I am sorry that it is rather long. Starting stories and establishing settings and characters' thoughts are the most challenging part for me.

However, I can promise if you stick around, you will see a much better story come out of this chapter!

PS: If anyone here has read my previous story, "Lunch with Haruno was a love comedy," just know that the story has not been abandoned! I just hit a bad case of writer's block and needed to get this idea down on paper to clear my thinking pipes.