The Squadron made good time out of the port. As they passed the coast of Iris Orthodoxy, they hung close to the shore and closed in on their first stop.

The tall, spiral white towers of Freetown stood looking down on the squadron. Repulse was nearly blinded by their glistening light as the sun began to set behind their white glory.

'They're so big!' She said to no one in particular.

Dauntless sailed beside her and added, 'The Orthodoxy is known for its majestic cathedrals, Lady Repulse. These are not quite as large as the ones in Toulon, but they are truly magnificent, aren't they?'

At the head of the column, Hood motioned for Repulse to join her.

Repulse sailed ahead and found her place on starboard.

Hood smiled, 'I've always wanted to visit this place, my cousin. These spires are so elegant and beautiful. Oh, that mere ship girls could build such wonders in this world.'

'I wonder how long it would take to get to the top,' said Repulse as she looked up, 'Maybe I should try to climb one.'

Hood gently laughed, 'Perhaps. But now,' she said while taking Repulse by her hand, 'Our escorts will be arriving soon. Mind your manners, Repulse. Now, more than ever, we must represent the glory of the Royal Navy.'

Repulse nodded, feeling the confidence of her younger cousin, as the Battlecruisers led their escorts into the harbour.

From the distance, two Iris ships sailed out to greet them.

At the head of the group was the newest Battleship of the Iris Orthodoxy.

Dunkerque sailed in quickly. Her hull was slightly smaller than that of the Battlecruisers, but her armour was strong. Her guns were deployed unusually as well.

All eight thirteen-inch guns were mounted forward, in a pair of quadruple turrets. The Royal Navy had never armed its ships in such a way. Repulse and Hood and mounted fifteen-inch guns in dual turrets, three on Repulse and four on Hood.

And on Dunkerque's waist was the long, thin sword carried by the Chevaliers de las Sainte Lumiere, those brave Knights that had the burden of guarding the Faith.

Dunkerque stopped just feet away and offered a perfect curtsy to the Battlecruisers.

'Bonsoir, Mademoiselle Hood, and Mademoiselle Repulse. I am Dunkerque, of the Marine Nationale. Welcome, mes amis, to Freetown.'

Hood returned with a perfect curtsy and replied, 'Merci Bien. Comment allez-vous, Dunkerque?'

Dunkerque returned a wide smile, "Tres magnific! Your francais has so vastly improved, Lady Hood. We are greatly honoured to receive you and your cousin.'

Suddenly remembering that she had to bow, Repulse quickly added, 'Oh yes. Hello! I am the Battlecruiser Repulse, second of the Renown class and part of the Battlecruiser Squadron. I am…'

She struggled to remember the greeting Renown had taught her, "I am… umm… Oh bother, did I forget already?'

Dunkerque giggled, 'Ah, your sister warned me you were something of a forgetful one. II ne faut pas se fier aux apparences, Repulse. I think we have the perfect escort for you.'

Beside the Battleship, a Destroyer half again as long as the Light Cruisers sailed beside Dunkerque.

She was dressed as a storybook Princess, with a little tiara and perfect red shoes.

But she drew her sword to her eyes and said, 'Enchante, Mademoiselle Repulse. I am Le Triumphant, Ecuyer to Chevalier Dunkerque.'

'Hello!' Repulse said with a wave, 'I didn't see you in the war. You must be brand new then?'

'Oui. I have not yet been commissioned, mon ami. I am but the third of my class. But we are the largest and grandest Destroyers in all the world! You will find that the speed of the Le Fantasque class is not easily matched!"

Repulse put a hand to her chin, 'Speed, you say? Well, I am the fastest capital ship in the Royal Navy. Shall we put that to the test?'

Le Triumphant holstered and sword and cried, 'Je Sur! First to the docks gets the freshest sweets!'

Hood and Dunkerque watched the two race away, blowing over fishing boats and yachts in the harbour.

Hood sighed, 'My apologies. Repulse is rather impulsive. She can't ever resist a competition.'

Dunkerque simply smiled and offered her hand, "De rien. It is good for them, non? They will burn out all their energy and be hungry enough for supper. Besides, I believe you and I have our own competition, do we not?'

Hood took her hand, but replied in confidence, 'I am a Lady of Elegance, Madame Knight. It is unsporting to challenge my host to a duel in her home while I am her guest.'

Dunkerque again laughed, 'Aussitot dit, aussitot fait. I hope that we may cross swords one day. You will be a... unique challenge.'