Chapter 21: Meeting and Papers
Next day morning, Arthur received a scout report that the Iron Blood fleet seemed to have fully retreated.
Everyone happily raised their voice. Their retreat means the Royal Navy scored a victory over their nemesis, Iron Blood.
"Finally," Arthur stretched his back on his chair.
"You don't seem happy," said Hood.
"I am, it's just that it has been really tiring and all. Also, a commander's job is never finished as long as one is on the battlefield."
"Master, here are the paperworks for the aftermath clearing," said Sheffield, who dropped a massive pile of papers on Arthur's desk.
"Master, here is your tea," said Belfast.
"Master? Why the sudden change, you two?" asked Arthur.
"You have proved yourself to be a worthy commander. Queen Elizabeth sent me and Sheffield not just to care for Kansens, but also to measure our commander's abilities. Your bold tactics, consideration to the fleet members, and fleet management impressed both of us," explained Belfast.
"Although there were some parts of the operation that could use more professional approaches, I suppose your performance is acceptable," commented Sheffield. Quite a strict one.
"Wow, talking about strict criticism, but I know I still have much to learn," said Arthur.
Arthur strongly claps his hands two times, attracting everyone's attention.
"Everyone, I don't want to spoil your excitement, but our duties are not finished yet. We will have a military meeting an hour later so gather necessary documents if you can," ordered Arthur. He already has plans for afterward.
"Ark Royal, send a message to Queen Elizabeth about our battle and our prisoner. Keep the fact she might be a PR ship, just say she is a VIP in Iron Blood. It is not time to spread news about this prisoner yet."
"Understood, commander," replied Ark Royal.
"Hood, go visit Prince of Wales and Hermione to check our Kansen's conditions. After that, go see our repair bay to check the repair of riggings. A Manjuu engineer should be able to explain their progress. This is your job as an overseer."
"Understood, commander," replied Hood.
Hood, Ark Royal, and the rest of the Kansen except the royal maids leave the office to their respective duties.
"Belfast and Sheffield, help me sort the papers. Divide the pile into three smaller piles. Briefly skim each paper and put them in priority. I will label three priorities: Urgent, moderate, and minor. Put the papers next to the appropriate label. No need to ask for my opinion."
"As you wish, master," both maids bow their heads and begin the work with Arthur.
The sorting process took roughly about 15 minutes. There are 135 papers in total; 27 urgent, 52 moderate, and 56 minor tasks.
"Gracious, 27 urgent tasks?" Arthur anticipated about 10 to 15 urgent tasks but he did not expect there to be double.
These sorted papers will be processed after the meeting. Arthur prepares his orders for the meeting.
"Master, here is your tea," said Belfast.
"Thanks, I can see why royal maids are popular in the Royal Navy. Both of you have your respective beauty, skills, and patience," praised Arthur.
"We are merely doing our given duties, but at least you acknowledge our values," said Sheffield. She may sound cold, but she certainly doesn't hate anyone who pays attention to surroundings.
"Please forgive her rudeness. It is our pleasure to hear such kind words," said Belfast.
Arthur nods at them. Perhaps he should recruit a long term personal maid once his emergency commander duty is over. He is only able to enjoy this now due to the commander's position.
This luxury must be part of the authority's benefits.
As time briefly passed, the Royal Navy members gathered in their meeting room.
Hood, Prince of Wales, Ark Royal, Renown, King George V, and Illustrious sit at each chair.
"Alright, first things first. Hood, what is the damage report?"
Hood begins to read the first page of stapled papers on her hand. "All 12 of our vanguard took at least moderate damage. 3 of them need medical attention. Their riggings are mostly still usable, but can only handle only a few more shots. On the other hand, all 8 of our main fleet units did not take much damage, but we already used 70% of our ammunition. We also lost 74 mass produced models to our enemies."
As Arthur predicted with his plan, the vanguards took the most damage for the entire fleet. For the battleships, they fired as many shells as they could. Instead of ammunition, Athur worries if the cannons would break from overheating. Air carriers seem to be the least damaged since both their aircrafts and themselves remain fully operational.
Arthur crossed out the "damage report" on his quick notes where he wrote a list of required topics to address.
"I see, send me your paper report after this meeting. Next…"
Arthur hears reports from other Kansen as well. The topics included the repair status, medical conditions, remaining supplies. Overall, the Royal Navy took a heavy blow for sure, but not to the point of critical failure. They can still fight a battle or two, but long-term speaking this fleet should move to their destination as soon as possible.
"Renown, what is our prisoner's status?"
"Same as before, she did not move or speak at all. I have ordered a Manjuu nurse to check her pulse every so often," reported Renown.
He cannot do much to someone who cannot respond at all.
"Commander, her majesty sent a message that she will prepare a feast to welcome your arrival," said Ark Royal.
"Hmm… It is about time to treat us to real quality food. Alright, message her our planned date and time of arrival," said Arthur "These are all I have to discuss for this meeting. After you finish your report, send them to Hood. She will review your content before sending them to me."
"Understood, commander," replied all Kansens in this room
Arthur dismissed the Kansens except Hood, Belfast, and Sheffield.
"Hood, I have questions regarding the urgent tasks from the papers."
"Belfast and Sheffield, you two look over the papers of minor tasks. You have my permission to accept or decline the proposals, but report to me on what decisions you made," ordered Arthur
"It is an honor to receive such permission, but are you sure, master? Minor as they are, they are still part of the needs of our fleet," asked Belfast.
"As much as I agree I should view all of the papers, I am afraid my time is limited, especially while I am still an emergency commander. In fact, regarding those issues I believe you may know the details more than I do," replied Arthur. He gently twists his nose bridge when he faces a large amount of tasks.
Royal maids mainly assist Arthur, clean the command ship, and prepare afternoon tea parties. Therefore they likely notice more detailed tasks that require Arthur's attention.
"Understood, master. We shall do everything we can," replied Belfast.
The two pairs, Arthur and Hood, Belfast and Sheffield begin processing the papers and tasks.