So I'm back with another chapter for you all, so this will be the longest chapter I've put out. So apologizes in advance, as there will be error and mistakes as editing something as large as this some error are bound to get through.
Anyway I won't keep you waiting any longer then I need to, so as per usual all rights go to their owners as I own nothing!
In war, great events are caused by small things: Latin proverb
It was late in the evening when Miles had started to make his way to the main repair yards. As he approached them, he could see the large Yamato class battleship that constructed her rigging currently under repair.
Still the usual awe he would experience upon seeing the mighty warship was dampened by his still pounding head. As Grand Admiral was still dealing with the aftereffects from an earlier drinking binge he had under taken once he had left the medical wing. This drinking binge was of course in response to the demise of the last of his living relatives on Port Jade. This was of course an unhealthy way to deal with his family's demise to be sure, but it was the only way that Miles could think of to handle it.
Though this might've not of been the case if Belfast had her way; for when Miles had returned to his personal quarters after leaving the medical wing, he had opened the door to find the light cruiser waiting for him in his room. It being obvious that despite what she had said earlier; Belfast was still going to try one last time to stop him from doing something which she knew her master might only come to regret later.
This had of course lead to an argument between them, as Miles asked her to leave him, while Belfast tried to suggest other ways he could deal with the lost of his family.
This had gone on for some time, with Miles shooting down all of Belfast… offers until she finally relented and would allow him to do what he had originally planned. Though she did managed to extract one thing from him in exchange, something that Miles had agreed to immediately at the time but was now regarding as he then spotted a familiar Ship-girl currently atop a crane that was overlooking one of the two 6.1 inch guns that was amidships.
"Shikikan, I'm glad that you've managed to make time to come and me." The soft voice of Yamato drifted down to him from her lofty perch.
"Well, you did say it wasn't wise to keep an Empress waiting." Miles then called back.
As he did so however, Miles did everything he could to try and hide the fact that he was suffering from a hangover. As the Grand Admiral knew that Yamato would be very difficult to deal with if she suspected this, for the battleship would see it as a sign of disrespect.
"It never wise to do so Shikikan; so if you wouldn't mind?" Yamato was obvious inviting him to join her up in the crane overlooking the ship.
For a moment Miles looked for a way up, hoping that there would be an elevator that would quickly take him up to the platform that she currently occupied. But needless to say Miles was sorely disappointed when he found that the only way that he could reach her was by a latter located on the right side of the crane.
Then muttering cures under his breath and knowing that this was a bad idea, Miles then made his way over the step latter and without a moments halation started making his way up to reach her platform. Needless to say the journey up was a rather unpleasant experience, as Miles nearly lost his balance and slipped off the latter… twice mind you. But thankfully both times the Admiral was able to catch himself and recover; even so Miles swore to himself that he was going to install a set if stairs into every crane on the dry docks no matter if he had to pay out of his personal pocket to do so.
As it had become painful obvious to him that having latter as the only way up or down this massive pieces of machinery was simply too dangerous. But that was something he could file the paperwork for later, as he had finally reached the platform that Yamato had been patiently wait for him on. As he could now see her smoking her pipe while overlooking the ship that acted as her rigging, and then seeming to sense his eyes on her, Yamato then finished her last pull from her pipe as she then spoke up.
"My apologies for the climb Miles, but I wished to share this view while we spoke." Yamato said as she then turned to face him.
"I'm surprised that your here at all Yamato. But then again I know that you rarely come here without a good reason." Miles said, as this was the truth of most of the visits that Yamato usually made.
"Indeed, Shikikan. But before speak upon such things, I do wish to pass my condolences about your family." Yamato didn't even bother hiding the fact that she knew about their passing.
Thus confirming part of Miles theory as how the report ended up on his desk, but still the Grand Admiral wanted confirmation on a question which had been burning on the back of him mind for most of the day now.
"If you don't mind me asking, did you have any input in the report I got? If so did you get a scribe to help you draft it?" Miles then inquire.
To which Yamato seemed annoyed, as this wasn't the way to go about asking the Empresses of the Sea questions. But given what had befallen the Grand Admiral, Yamato would forgive him for this. Besides she could easily guess as to why he had asked this question in the first place.
"I did indeed Shikikan, Graf Spee in fact. I presume that she said something?" Yamato said this in such a way that Miles knew that he could lie.
As Yamato made it rather obvious that she knew what had most likely happened. As such Miles knew that he had to give her the confirmation that she was now looking for.
"Yes, she did." Miles admitted to her.
To which Yamato responded by rising her steam pipe to her mouth and taking a long pull from it. Thinking about what she would do to remind Spee of her place.
"Hmmm… seems that we'll have to have a chat later." Yamato then muttered to herself.
As she would have a long conversation with the Panzerschuffe about not sharing things heard in confidence. But Yamato wouldn't punishes the girl, as the embracement and the fear would be punishment enough, as Spee would know that she would have to work to not only regain Yamato's trust, but that of Miles as well.
A fitting punishment, if there ever was one in Yamato's opinion.
But such personal matters could be handled later, as both party started to realize the rather uncomfortable silence was about to fall between them. But before it could take hold, the wind unexpected picked to the point where it nearly blew the admirals cap off of Miles head.
"Seems like there's a storm brewing," Miles then commented and he then looked to the north east, seeing bright flashes of what could only be lighting on the horizon.
As it wasn't uncommon for sudden storm such as this to suddenly show up, as ever since the Sirens had first invaded, violent storm such as the one that was most defiantly on the way now had become commonplace. It had been explained to Miles that this had to do with the fact that large areas of landmass had quite literally plunged into the sea, thus changing the weather cycles amongst other things that were why beyond the Grand Admirals understanding.
Still Miles didn't need to understand it to see the effects, as he noticed that this particular storm system seemed to be moving faster than most others he had seen, as another strong gust of wind whipped itself pass the two occupants' of the crane.
"Indeed it does Skikikan; so shall we continue our conversation inside?" The battleship then asked.
As Yamato still had something that she wished to tell Miles, but it had become rather obvious from her brief interaction with him that she would have to prepare him for what she had to say. As the battleship knew that the Grand Admiral might get rather… upset at her for what she had to say.
But this was a rather price to pay in Yamato's mind, especially considering that her personal honor was involved in this matter. Even so Yamato knew that she would have to handle how she brought up this subject rather carefully, as it held the very real risk of escalating out of her control. And needless to say, bad things tended to happen when the Empresses was needless provoked.
"You mean inside you ship?" Miles then inquired much to her annoyance.
As it had become plainly obvious at this point that he was still under the influence of alcohol he has consumed earlier. A fact that annoyed her greatly, as the Grand Admiral should've known better then to show up to a meeting with her in such a state.
"Do you see any other places where we might continue to speak you drunken fool?" The irritation was clear in Yamato voice as she said this.
Making it clear to Miles that she knew he was still under the influence of his chosen liquor.
"How did you-?" Alexander started to ask before he was cut off.
"You didn't think I wouldn't notice Miles? As I can still smell the drink on your breath; also it was rather obvious from the way you walk and from what I heard on your climb up that you're still recovering from your hangover." She then explained to him.
As being part fox did have it perks, as Yamato possessed a nose better then most people, thus allowing her to pick up the smell of alcohol on his breath. While her extra set of ears granted her a greater range of hearing then most people. Allowing her to hear every word Miles had said while he had been climbed up to join her.
Thus allowing the battleship to know just what kind of state the Grand Admiral had been in before he had even reached her platform.
"Now," Yamato said as she approached him, "As punishment for this, I shall force upon you a great humiliation!" The playful tone came to Kansan's voice, as Yamato then grabbed and held Miles in a bride style carry.
"Yamato! What are you…?" Miles started to ask before he got a good look at her face.
As the battleship had a malicious smile on plastered across on her face, making it clear that Yamato was enjoying every second of this; as the self per-clamed Empresses then started making her way towards the edge of the platform did Miles finally start to realize what she had planned. Seeming to realize this, the battleship then spoke up.
"Don't worry Shikikan; so long as you don't struggle I shouldn't drop you. Still, if you feel like your slipping, I give you permission to hang onto me." Yamato said as she then prepared to jump, that same smile still plastered on her face.
"You're enjoying this!?" Miles cried out as he saw how far the drop was.
"Am I Shikikan? As this is mean to be a punishment, not something for my own amusement," Yamato stated even though her face told him a different story.
As it was plainly obvious that she was greatly amused by the situation she found herself in.
"Please Yamato! I'll do anything you want!" Miles then bagged, as the Grand Admiral had a hidden fear of heights.
"Too late~," Yamato then reply as she then leaped from their perch.
As moments later Miles let out a terrified scream that accompanied them down all the way to the ship's deck below.
It had taken them only a matter of seconds for Yamato and Miles to reach the ship's deck. But to the Grand Admiral it might as we as been an entirety, as he had seen his life flash before his eyes.
All the while he had been struggling to ensure that he didn't end up emptying the contents of his stomach onto Yamato for the simple reason that she would never let him live this down. If she allowed him to live that this, as Miles knew full well that Yamato had killed a former Commander in the past for lesser reasons.
As such Miles desperately wanted to avoid sharing his fact, as he forced him to swallow the rising vile and bury his face into her chest while waiting for this whole ordeal to be over. So needless to say when he felt a strong jolt ran through him it came as something of a relief. As moments later the voice of Yamato then reached his ears.
"We're down now Shikikan; if you could please-!" The rest of her request was lost when Miles practically leap out of her arms and ran to the side of the ship.
As moments later Miles released all the contents of his stomach that had been churned up by the stirred up by the sudden fall and jolt of landing on Yamato's main deck. For her part Yamato simply waited until her former Commander was finished emptying his stomach before she approached him; a wet rag now in one of her hands.
"Hold still," Yamato said as she then placed a hand on Miles head.
Holding it study as she then wiped whatever vomit still linger on Miles face. Then once she was satisfied that she had removed all the fallow substance from his face, the battleship then threw the now vomit soaked rag into a nearby bucket to be cleaned later on.
"Better; now come along Shikikan, as we still have business to attend to." Yamato said as if nothing had taken place, while another strong gust of wind blew past her reminding the two of them of the approaching storm.
As Yamato then started making her way to one of the armored doors in the ship. For his part Miles took a moment to join her, as he was still feeling a little queasy from what had just happened to him. But when the Grand Admiral felt a rain drop hit his skin, he immediately realized he couldn't linger out here any longer, as he then made his way over to the armored door that Yamato was currently standing in front of.
"Hmmm…" Yamato then hummed to herself, as Miles then turned to face to see what had caught her attention.
At which point he instantly knew what had grabbed the battleships attention. As the approaching storm clouds seemed to have something of a red glow to them, which was usually a dead giveaway that the storm they were dealing with would be more violent than the ones they were usually used to dealing with. Knowing this Miles immediately turned to Yamato.
"Can you inform Belfast about this?" Miles then inquired of Yamato.
As he knew that Kansan were capable of send a message to one another, so knowing this Miles wanted to ensure that Belfast knew about the incoming storm so that she could prepare the base to deal with the storm before it hit in full force.
"I've sent her then massage already, I've also informed her that you would be staying with me till the storm passes." Yamato then informed Miles.
To which Alex could only nod in response. As despite any misgivings he might have about this, it made the most sense given the circumstances as Miles knew full well there were already certain rules and regulations in regards to storms in place. As they had been forced to deal with them may times before, and from what the Grand Admiral could see, this was probably one of the more powerful storms they had to deal with in a while.
Knowing this, Miles thoughts then turned to if he should do anything in regards to ensure that this part of the base was ready for what was to come. At which point he thought of the small number of Bulins that were undoubted working on Yamato's rigging. And knowing them, they wouldn't let a storm stop them from doing their work; as such Miles knew it fell to him to ensure their safety.
Especially considering that he only had a small handful available to him them now, making every last one of them irreplaceable.
"Yamato, could you please recall all the Bulins inside? As I would rather not risk lose them if possible." Miles then asked her.
To which she nodded.
"I shall ensure that they are safely away from the storm. Now, shall we?" Yamato said closing the door and walking into the ships interior.
As Miles quickly moved to follow her, as he did however he couldn't help but notice certain things about some of the areas he passed.
"You were in battle." Miles then stated, as there signs of combat damage in most of the areas he had passed.
"That I was; thou I wish to sit before we talk about such matters. So if you would?" Yamato then gestured down a familiar corridor.
At which point Miles knew where Yamato wanted to have this private conversation between them, as he quickly started making his way to the admirals' main cabin. For which in all intents and purpose was Yamato's private room aboard the ship; but as he made his way there however Miles couldn't help but notice all the signs of battle that marked the ship, as he would spot a dent here, a pipe broken here and some scorch markers in other places.
'Just who were you fighting Yamato?' Miles asked himself as he hadn't seen this kind of damage on all the other time he had seen her return for repairs.
But this was something he would be able to ask her soon enough, as they had both reached the admirals' cabin. And without a single word he and Yamato entered into the room, which to Miles surprise looked almost the the exactly same as he had last saw it.
This was in stark contrast to some of the other areas of the ship he had passed earlier, as Alex had almost expected there to be some damage given all the other battle damage he had seen. But the fact that it wasn't was somewhat reassuring to him, as Miles did finally notice one small thing that was different from when he had last visited this room.
As Yamato for some reason had a couple of small maps on the table nearby, and though he couldn't tell what region they were for, it was rather obvious that Yamato had been working on them for some reason. But before Miles could figure out just what Yamato was trying to mark on those maps did she then walk over and put those maps away. Obvious not wanting him to see what was on them, as she then pulled out a chair to sit on once she was finished.
"Shikikan, if you would?" Yamato said offer him the chair.
To which Miles wordlessly took the seat he was offered, with Yamato get one herself moments later as she then took a quick pull from her pipe. Almost as if she was preparing herself for what she knew was to come.
"Now Miles, I believe that it is time that we spoke upon the nature of my action that lead to that report you were given." Yamato stated simply as she then waited form Miles response.
As the battleship felt that it was best that Miles did the question in regards to this particular topic, for Yamato already knew as to how this conversation would end.
"Okay, let me start on what we knew before that report. As we ended up getting a distress signal less then sixteen hours ago; at that time we didn't know it was from Port Jade. From what contacts I was able to contact within the Union and Sakura navy's I was lead to believe that this was either a large raid or a simple equipment issue." Miles explained to Yamato.
As such things were a rather common occurrence in the southern oceans. A fact that Miles knew very well, because even during his time as Grand Admiral of Azur Lane they were never really able to truly resecure those areas, even after the big push that had allowed them to regain a foot hold in the world's oceans.
"But I know you're aware that this was more than a simple raid Shikikan. As it's stated as much in the reports I gave you." Yamato reminded him.
"I'm aware of that, still Yamato how can you be so certain of that?" Miles asked, as he was still struggling to put the pieces together in his mind.
As he knew that Yamato had given him this report, but he was still struggling to understand as to where she had gotten the information for it. Because he knew that the Sakura Empire wasn't giving her this information, as such he wanted to know just where she had gotten this information for this report she had given him.
"Because I was their Miles-son," Yamato then took a pull of her pipe as she continued, "I saw the island burn myself."
As which point Miles finally put two and two together, as immediately a single question leaped to the for front of his mind and at the same time out of his mouth, as he then asked Yamato this simple yet pointed question.
"Then why didn't you try to help them?!" This was probably the wrong question to ask.
But considering the fact that Yamato had been there and knew of his family, Miles felt as if Yamato should've done something to save his family. Even if the Grand Admiral didn't realize this and merely felt as if he was talking about everyone else on the island, as he didn't want to admit to himself that he had only cared for just a couple out of a handful.
"Do you think I didn't try Shikikan," Yamato then shot him an angry glowered at him, "But by the time I tried intervene, it was already too late; as, as the volcano had already started erupting." She then explained to him.
"Were you at the very least able to get a massage from them?" Miles seemed to be bagging as he asked her this.
This was something that Yamato understood very well, as she knew that Miles was looking for some kind of closure on this issue. But instead she said nothing, as she judged that the massage that she had received wouldn't give Miles what he sought; instead it would give him the exact opposite of what he was seeking.
Knowing this, Yamato simply bought herself time. Hoping that Miles wouldn't ask any further questions regarding this subject, as she once again took a long pull from her pipe and watched him carefully; thankfully Miles had interrupted her silence on this matter in the way she had hoped, as he then asked the next most obvious question.
"At least tell me that you caught the bastards that did this?" Miles asked through clenched teeth.
For her part, Yamato exhaled the steam from her nose as she centered herself, as she was finding this conversation as challenging as she had expected. As the great battleship was finding it rather hard not to simply snap at her former Commander for the way he was talking to her, but this feeling of irritation was tempered by her own feelings.
As she knew that this answer would be the hardest thing for her to give. Knowing this Yamato then slowly started rising from her chair, as she prepared herself for what came next. As before Miles could ask what she was doing, Yamato then bowed in the way that those in the Sakura Empire asked for forgiveness when they had failed in some important task.
"I'm sorry Miles; but I nearly had them. But before I got grab hold, they, they slip from my grasp." Yamato finally admitted to him as she then stood back up and turned away from him, as Yamato wished for him to not see her face.
As her face was now playing host to a number of emotions that no Empress of the sea should show. As the main feelings that where most visible on her face were what of frustration, anger, and most strikingly impudent rage.
As Yamato had almost caught the perpetrator of this action!
But she had been forced to break off when they had sent a constricted air strike at her. This had proven time and again her Achilles heel; as her current armament simple wasn't equipped to deal with this new threat. Even so what little she did have in air defenses had proven sufficient enough to survive the air attack that had been sent her way. But despite surviving it, the damage it had inflicted had forced her to break off any attempts at pursuit and simply limp back to Azur Lane for repairs.
A fact that only reminded her that her days on the frontline were probably now numbered, as Yamato knew far too well that it was aircraft carriers not Battleship that decided the outcome of most sea battles now. Knowing this Yamato had done what she could to attempt to adapt to the new combat environment that was taking hold. But she knew that could never fully respond to the changes taking place in navel doctrine.
But despite knowing that her days were well and truly number Yamato wouldn't have had it any other way. As despite the hurdles she would face, Yamato would face this challenge with everything she could muster. Even if in the end she was fated to fall; she would do so fighting against her true enemy.
Rather than fighting in what she saw as a pointless war that easily could've been prevented; but it was around now that Yamato had realized that Miles hadn't responded to what she had told him. Taking a moment to prepare herself, Yamato then turned to face him find something she hadn't been expecting.
For Yamato found that Miles had his face in his hands, as it dawn on her that she wasn't dealing with Grand Admiral Miles the Commander of all remaining Azur Lane forces.
But rather she was now dealing with Alexander, the son of two diplomats and the very last of his family's line. A man that despite everything that had happened; from the complete collapse of most if not all of his major supports had somehow managed to keep Azur Lane a completely independent entity. And for that Yamato had nothing but undying respect for him.
But like any action it had its cost, and now seeing the full toll of that cost on Miles was a rather depressing to see given all that Miles had done.
'I can't stand this. Nor should shall I allow this to continue.' Yamato thought to herself as she then stood up from her chair and made her way to him.
But upon getting no response from Alex once she was right beside him. But when she heard what was coming from him, Yamato understood why he hadn't responded to her presents.
"Alex," Yamato said softly as she slowly coaxing him up from his chair, "Just follow my lead." Yamato said, as she slowly lead him to the only bed in the whole room.
It was a rather long and slow walk there, as the only noise that could be heard during that time was the rain and the wind pounding again the armored plates of the ship. While occasionally be broken by either the odd sound of thunder that would rip through the unspoken rhyme of the rain and wind outside, or sometimes by Miles himself.
But in the end Yamato had gotten him there, and after she had gotten him comfortable on the bed beside him did Yamato look at his now clear face. Needless to say she wasn't surprise when he had tried to hide it from her, but eventually she had managed to get a full look at his face and she wasn't at all surprised as what she saw.
As Yamato saw the face of a man who looked as if he was at the absolute end of his wits; as it was plainly obvious that he couldn't see a way out of the situation that he was currently in and was on the absolute cusp of despair given his lack of ability to change his seeming fate.
Needless to say upon seeing this face, Yamato knew that there was only one thing that she could possibly do given the situation. So without so much as a word Yamato then took Miles into her embrace, as she saw it as her duty as the self-proclaimed Empresses of the sea to remind those who commanded her that they weren't alone in carrying their burdens.
Nor to allow such negative feelings to feaster, for she knew that such feelings could impair his judgment and could easily lead to the death of good people, or in this case warrior maidens. Yamato didn't know how long this went on for but during that time the only things that Yamato heard were the occasional sob that would escape from Miles, but any other noises he might've made was drowned out by the storm raging just inches outside of the armored plates that protected them from it.
For an impossible moment Yamato thought that the two of them might stand like this all night. That was until Alexander finally seemed realize what was happening and had a really obvious question for her.
"Yamato, why are you doing this?" This barely came out as a mumble from Miles, but with her excellent hearing Yamato made out every word.
"You were looking so pitiful, that I couldn't help but do this." This was a backhanded answer to be sure, but one that Yamato was making in good humor.
"And you couldn't have done anything else?" Miles then asked, as he seemed to be getting his voice back.
"It would behoove me to not do so Shikikan," Yamato said with sly smile as she loosed the hug enough to see his face. "Besides, isn't it an Empress duty to watch over those she favors?" She asked him as her small smile turned into a genuine one.
Because she could see that her efforts weren't in vain. As despite the joyless look still on Miles face, Yamato could pick up a certain spark that hadn't been there before.
At which point she knew that her efforts weren't for not.
"Yamato… thanks," Miles said as he then allow himself to sit on the bed behind him.
At which point Yamato then joined him.
"Alex, I have some quality tobacco would like to use, would you care sharing it with me?" Yamato unexpected asked him.
As Miles knew that she had smoked through her steam piper, but that was a part of her rigging. So to hear her asking him to join her in doing the really thing was big surprise to the Grand Admiral. But then again this just showed how little time the two of them had truly spent together while she had been on base.
"I don't smoke-," Miles started to say before Yamato cut him off.
"That's a pity, as I was hoping that I could share this pre-invasion cigars with someone I trusted." She said off handily as she brought out the container.
Once he saw it however Miles couldn't believe what he was seeing!
As in her hand was a container of Pure Sargasso island Cigars; now worth a small fortune to the right buyers as the islands they were originally made on were nothing more than an inhabitant waste land due to the heavy fighting that had occurred on it during the war.
So upon seeing this Miles immediately started to have second thoughts about his earlier statement as he then inquired.
"How did you even get this?" Miles asked only to have Yamato let out a small laugh in response.
"I have my ways Shikikan, as there are a lot of things you don't know about Shikikan. Now shall we?" Yamato asked as she handed him one of the cigars.
As Miles then took the long stick of tobacco he then found that Yamato had already produced a small lighter for them to use. Miles then reached out for it, and without a word Yamato then handed it over to him.
"To those no longer with us," Miles said as he lit his cigar.
He then passed the lighter back to Yamato who then lit her cigar.
"And to those still with us, yet out of reach," Yamato voice was softer than usual when she said this.
As the two of them then took a long draw of their cigars. For Miles this was a very unpleasant experience, as he quickly found the smoke and other byproducts overwhelming. As he then broke into a fit of coughing that lasted for at least a minute or two as his body attempted to clear out the smoke from his lungs.
Seeming to know that this might happen; Yamato had already plucked the cigar from his hand, freeing it up so that he hold it over his stomach as he continued to coughing.
"My apologies Miles-son; if I had known this would happen then I would've have given you this." Yamato apologized as she then took the cigar from his hand and placed it into a nearby tray.
"I'm, *Cough!* just sorry, we couldn't, *Cough!* had something more, agreeable." Miles said as Yamato shot him a small frown.
As she knew what Miles was implying, and needless to say she wasn't at all impressed but his subtle suggestion. But she didn't reply to this right away, as she then brought out and used the cigar cutter, so that she could save his for later. Then once she had finished cleaning that up and Miles had seemingly recovered enough to speak properly, did Yamato finally reply to his suggestion.
"You think I would've let you have that? As I'm more then aware that went through more than two bottles before you met me." Yamato stated, as that had been the exact number that Miles had been through before their meeting.
Miles for his part was speechless. Because he had drank those two bottles in the complete privacy of his room, so no one should've knowing just how much he had indulged in his 'habit'.
But before he could ask her just how she had found out, Miles then noticed a notable change in Yamato. He couldn't tell what it exactly was, but there was a notable difference to her as she then down her own cigar and turned to face him.
"Alex, I have to ask… is there any chance that you might reconsider accepting the offer Union made?" Yamato then asked him flat out.
A question that took Miles completely by surprise, as he was already more than aware of Yamato stands regarding this. Still the Grand Admiral knew that she wouldn't be asking him to reconsider this offer without a very good reason.
As during this conflict representatives from both sides had approached him on multiple occasions trying to get him to renounce his neutrality and to join the war on their side. But despite all the offers and promise Miles had been given, he had turned them down every time in favor of ensuring that Azur Lane reminded an independent organization.
"Yamato, you already know my answer to that. What are you bringing this up? Miles inquired as Yamato seemed to go unusually quite.
As a long and rather uncomfortable silence fell between them, as Miles started to wonder if he asked the wrong question. But thankfully it seemed that Yamato was just collected herself, as she finally responded a minute later.
"Because, Alex what I have to say next might just change your mind." She then explained.
"What is it then? What could you say that could make me give up Azur Lane, after everything I've done?" Miles didn't bother to hide his irritation.
As he had already spent so much time and energy ensuring that Azur Lane remained neutral in the ongoing conflict. So for some, even Yamato to suggest that he throw all that hard effort away better had a good damn reason as to why he should even entertain such a thought.
"Don't get snippy with me Shikikan! As I'm more then aware of what you've done for Azur Lane. As I wouldn't even be operating without your support," Yamato shot back at him.
"Then tell me, what's so important that I should consider handing over control Azur Lane to an outside party?" Miles made it sound like a question.
Even though in reality it was a demand, as Miles wanted to understand what had pushed the Empress of the Sea to ask him to consider surrendering his organization anatomy after all the efforts he had spent ensuring that no one could usurp control from him.
As it then became plainly clear to Yamato as to what she would have to do. Knowing this she prepared herself as best she could, as Yamato gave Miles his answer.
"Miles; the Sirens have managed to set up another base." Yamato dropped the slug hammer onto him, as his mind went racing.
"Please tell me you're joking." Miles immediately replied, hoping against hope that he had misheard what she had said.
But Yamato didn't responded to him, as she simply brought her pipe to her lips and allowed the reality of what she had said to him to settle in.
As Yamato could only imagine what was playing through Miles head at this moment. But she would venture as guess; she would guess that he was going through all the implications of what she had just told him. As this not only had great implications not only on Miles, but on Azur Lane itself going forward.
Knowing this Yamato didn't expect it to take long for Miles to reach the same conclusion she herself had reached earlier, even as much as it would pain him to do so.
For she knew that it would be a difficult pill for him to swallow, as she knew by doing so Miles would be giving up on a long held dream for Azur Lane. But often time as she knew all too well dreams often melted away into nothing once they met reality, and honestly Yamato wished that she could've seen Miles dream come to fruition.
As if it had then there might've been a chance that this war might've been prevented from happening. But even if it had the scale of it would've most defiantly of been reduced.
But Yamato's thoughts on this matter where then interrupted when Miles finally let out a long sigh. A sign she knew that he had finally accepted the reality of the situation he faced.
"Of all the things that could've happened; why did it have to be this?" Miles then muttered to himself.
"The whims of fate are often unpredictable Shikikan; as everyone must face them eventually." Yamato said as both a statement and in an off handed attempt to comfort him, in her own way.
"But how does that help me?" Miles then asked her.
As she then realized that he was still trying to find a solution to the situation he had suddenly found himself in. As Yamato sighed to herself knew he didn't get what she was implying, as he was too focus on trying to get out of his immediate situation to realize what was being implied by her.
Knowing this Yamato knew that the she would have to be straight forward with him in a way that he could ignore, as such her reply was tailored to ensure that there was no why that Miles could miss what she was saying.
"I do not know Miles, but however you chose to face this. Let it be known that I will stand beside you whatever your chose." Yamato declared quietly.
A declaration that took Miles completely off guard, as he could instantly see the problems he would have if he was to officially take her in. And that wasn't even taking into consideration all the other problems that would follow of he was to follow her advice and take the commission in the Union's navy.
"You must be joking. To suggest me to accept the Union's deal while having you in the fleet? As don't you know what they'll do to you once they know you're here! Have you mad!?" Miles then accused her.
As what she was suggesting ran completely contradicted her earlier suggestion. Not only that, doing so would place him in an even more procures position should even accept the Unions offer.
"I'm quite sane Miles; but a multitude of events had made it quite clear to me that I must make a choice. And my choice is to join with you." Yamato explained, as she didn't have time to explain everything that head lead up to her decision.
But certain events had made it obvious to her that she couldn't afford to say on the sidelines any longer. As not only the fate of her empire, but that future of humanity now hung on the decisions of a certain few.
Knowing this, Yamato was merely lending her name and support to her chosen candidate. Because out of all what she saw where bad options, her old commander, the dreamer was the best option that she would support.
"You're quite serious, aren't you?" There was still a sense of disbelief as he said this.
As Miles still couldn't believe that she was proposing this even though Yamato knew the position this would put them in. But then again Yamato must've already thought of a way to ensure that wouldn't be a problem. Because Miles knew that Yamato wouldn't have made this move without at least thinking everything through.
"I am," Yamato said with a slight nod of her head, "So Miles will you allow me to join my fate to that of yours and Azur Lane?" She then inquired, with a soft yet knowing smile on her face.
As this had been a question she had been waiting to ask for quite some time now. As Yamato had finally been forced to come to accept that she could no longer ignore the escape fates whims any longer, but despite knowing this Yamato was at least determined to as to where she would go. As returning to the Empire held no real interest to her, as the only thing waiting for her there was a military tribunal for going AWOL.
Knowing this Yamato knew that the best place to lend her efforts was Azur Lane, as she would do everything in her powers to ensuring that Azur Lane would remain the beacon of hope the organization was mean to be. For Yamato knew that once this conflict was over Azur Lane would receive a new commander and if she could help facility Miles being the one to choose his replacement over whatever side emerged victories, then she could consider her efforts well placed.
But only if Miles accepted her that is, even so Yamato wasn't at all worried about rejection as his face told her everything she needed to know.
"I will. And Yamato," Miles said as he got an interested look from her, "Thank you."
To which she gave out a short laugh.
"Don't thank me so quickly; as I'm sure that you might come to regret having me." Yamato stated this fact bluntly.
As she knew the risk she was running for him. But in her mind it was worth it considering the alternatives.
"I'll keep that in mind," Miles said, as Yamato recognized a familiar look coming across his face.
At which point she knew that Alexander the man was once again in his box, and now she was dealing Miles the Grand Admiral of Azur Lane. Which was a good thing as she needed the admiral badly now.
"So…onto the first order of business?" Yamato then asked, as she followed him back to the small desk.
"Indeed, as we need figure out who will support us?" Miles said as he made his way towards the table.
"You're still planning to see if you can by yourself?" Yamato sounded a bit disappointed as she asked this.
But then again this wasn't unexpected coming from him. Besides if there was one thing she had learned about Miles during this whole conflict it was that he was stubborn and persistent when it came to defending something that he truly believed in.
"I have to at least try," He responded as he reached the room's only table, "Besides if I can't get the support to do this independently. Then maybe we can use their support to at least ensure that I can keep my command." Miles explained to her as he then found a pen and paper he was looking for.
But before Alex could start writing down names of potential allies that could help him achieve this aim. Yamato without so much as a word simply word walked over and plucked the pen clean from his fingers, as Miles then turned to face her only to find a clear look of disapprove on Yamato usually natural face.
"Shikikan, this can wait. As you're still not fit to command," Yamato then stated.
"You're in no position to say that!" Miles then snapped at her, annoyed that she was judging him.
But that was of course the wrong thing to say to Yamato, as she immediately responded to his sharp words.
"Don't interrupt me fool! As you reaction more than proves my point!" Yamato then snapped back.
As Yamato was barely restraining herself from slapping him, only refraining from doing so because she knew that such an action would be extremely counterproductive and would kill any hopes of getting Miles to listen to what she had to say.
"Then what do you suggest I do?" Miles asked through clenched teeth.
As he felt helpless and he wanted to do something. Anything!
If only to feel as if he was actually contributing towards something that would help make this situation better.
"To rest; Miles, you've lost what little family you had. Don't dishonor their memory but not looking after yourself, they wouldn't want that." Yamato stated simply.
"I can do that while do other things." Miles argued as Yamato shock her head.
As Yamato came to wonder if this was what Belfast had to deal with on a daily basis, because if this was a daily occurrence than she in no way envied Belfast position, But then again Yamato knew that this person traits that made Miles so difficult to deal with also was the reason as to why Azur Lane had remained independent for as long as it had.
Because Miles pig headedness had proven useful in situations where he had to defend something that he believed the right course of action also proved to be a double edged sword.
Which was the case now, as Yamato could plainly see that Miles was simply trying to avoid the pain of acknowledging what had taken place by simply distracting himself with work that could be done at a different time.
'Just like he did after the battle of the Pearl run,' Yamato thought darkly to herself.
For this had been the first office opening engagement of the war. Being a part of what was now coined the Pearl Harbor campaign; this battle had seen the first Ship-girl casualty of conflict.
Yamato was more than aware of the affect that this news had on the Grand Admiral, as Milles had blamed himself for what had happened. Because after this Miles had worked to ensure that Azur Lane would be viewed as a neutral port by all side, and had an official agreement that any POW Kansan could be sent here for safe keeping until after the war ended.
Very few nations had taken Miles up on that offer.
As such it had lead Yamato to wonder what was Miles even doing at this point?
But such questions could be asked later on when she had a moment, as Yamato realized the silences that had fallen between the two of them, as she immediately spoke up to fill the rather uncomfortable silences.
"No Miles, you can't. As I know that you'll just simply ignore me and throw yourself into your work the moment my back is turned." Yamato stated simply.
For Yamato knew that he would so once she was busy with something else.
"Then when can I start working on addressing this situation?" Miles asked once again through clenched teeth.
As it was now clear to Yamato that Miles had gotten too use to getting his own way, a bad habit that he had seemingly developed while running Azur Lane in the last couple of years. For Miles had been work with Kansen that he could easily pull rank on, but now he was dealing with Yamato. Someone who that particular trick wouldn't work on sadly, leaving Miles with no other option but to follow whatever Yamato suggested he do.
For Miles knew that there would be no negotiating with her; especially in this particular case as he could already tell that Yamato had already made up her mind.
"Tomorrow evening, after which I'll lend whatever assistants, is necessary to deal with this… situation." Yamato stated simply.
As Yamato knew that this was probably the only deal that Miles was to accept. As Yamato knew that was also the maximum amount of time that she and Belfast combine could ensure that Alex adhere to this arrangement, for Yamato knew full well that he would try to break it early if he wasn't monitored closely.
"Fine, but just so you know-!" Miles started to say before he noticed that Yamato had stopped listening to him.
It took him a moment to figure out why, but when he did Miles immediately grew considered.
"What is it?" Miles then ask, knowing that she was receiving massages from someone.
"Belfast," Yamato stated as she seemed to be distracted by something, "She says that something's slipped pass the perimeter under the cover of the storm." She then explained to him as he started to make his way to the door.
"Can you ask Belfast to meet us at where the perimeter was breached?" Miles then asked, earning him a disapproving look from Yamato.
"I'm more then certain that she can handle this herself. If you feel so strongly about this then I can go in you stud." Yamato then offered to which Miles shock his head.
"No, as this is something that I can't leave to you or Belfast. Besides, if anything were to happen…" Miles the trailed off as certain look came across his face.
At which point she knew that there was no way that she could dissuade him from going to investigate this breach in person. Knowing this Yamato acted in the appropriate matter given the situation.
"Very well Miles, a moment please." Yamato said as she approached a nearby dresser.
As for the Grand Admiral himself he made his way to the rooms' only door, as he waited for Yamato to dress herself against the weather. So needless to say it came as something of a surprise when Yamato called out to him.
"Alex!" Yamato called out to him trying to get his attention.
When Miles then turned to see what Yamato wanted from him, he then turned to find a heavy rain jacket in her hands. Immediately realized what she wanted him to do, Miles quickly went over to her and dawned the heavy rain coat. Once it was on he and Yamato quickly exited the room and started making their way to where they were to meet Belfast. Once they were there they could start their investigation as to who had breached Port Azure security perimeter in earnest.
It had taken the two of them sometime to make it out of the dry docks, but they were now approaching where Yamato had said Belfast was waiting for them. Needless to say the battleship had been telling the truth, as Miles then spotted his favor maid waiting for them near the edge of one of the nearby forests.
"BELFAST!" Miles called out to her, as he tried to make himself heard over the roaring wind of the storm.
Thankfully it seemed that Belfast had heard him despite the sound of the wind drowning out all other noises around them; as she quickly approached the two of them.
"Lady Yamato, Master Miles I appreciate that you saw fit to accompany me in my investigation." Belfast managed to say this in a way that didn't require her to yell to be heard, but yet was loud enough to be heard clearly by her contemporaries.
"Lady Belfast, do you have any idea as to what we might be dealing with?" Yamato then inquired of Belfast.
"Sadly lady Yamato, I've been unable to gather any other information on who penetrated our security perimeter. But I'm more then certain that our intruder was able to use this storm for cover."
"I was under the impression that Allied ship were equipped with radar that could see through such things." Yamato then said.
As Yamato was more than aware of the rapid growth of the Union's technological prowlers when it came to naval warfare, as she had been on the receiving end of that progress for quite some time now.
"SADLY WE DON'T HAVE ACCESES TO THAT!" Miles said trying to make sure that he was able to be heard over the storm that was still raging around them.
"The Union fears that if they share such technology with us, it will in one way or another end up falling in enemy hands." Belfast explained the rest, so that her commander didn't have to shout to explain the rest to her.
To which Yamato could understand as to why the Union made such a prudent decision. As it was no secret that Miles allowed Kansen of all nations to come and go as they pleased, even so Yamato could see another reason as to why both the Union and other nations would hold back such advances from him. As it was a not so subtle way of trying to pressuring Miles of joining their side of the war, so that the moment he did so he would have instant access to the latest technological advances of whatever side he joined.
But at the same time Yamato knew that it was rather transparent as to what all the factions was doing, as they had been trying for quite some time to bring Azur Lane into their camp and under their yoke.
Still it wasn't lost on Yamato in what she was asking Miles to do was pretty much tantamount to a surrender. But considering the situation, Yamato knew that Akagi had to be stopped before she grounded down the two of the three largest Kansen navies for nothing!
Even if that mean that Yamato had to ally with those who stood against her and her homeland. As she saw it as her only option now.
"Those fools show their hands too openly." Yamato then commented.
"Perhaps my lady, but don't forget they have other things to consider as well." Belfast reminded her.
As Belfast knew that the Union wasn't a charity and had to consider its own situation before that of Azur Lane. Something that Yamato understood as well even if she didn't had the fully picture as to why that was.
Even so Yamato would trust Belfast insight on this particular topic; as the Maid most certainly knew something she didn't about the situation between the Union and Azur Lane.
"BELFAST," Miles called out to her, trying to get the maid attention. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA AS TO WHERE OUR UNKNOWN SHIP IS TO MAKE LANDFALL?"
"I can't give you an exact location Miles, but I can take us to where I suspect it might be." Belfast told him.
As despite all the information available to the maid, she had been only able to make an educated guess where their unknown visitor might make landfall.
"UNDERSTOOD," Miles said as he turned to Yamato, "DO YOU HAVE ANY OBJECTIONS?" He then asked her.
Because he knew that if Yamato did have any problems with this course of action, then it would be best for her to bring it up now.
"I have no qualms with this course of action. Belfast, if you would?" Yamato gestured for Belfast to take the lead.
Then without as much as a word Miles and Yamato fell in behind Belfast as she started to lead them towards where the unknown ship was projected to make landfall. But as they walked towards their destination Yamato unexpectedly made her way over to Miles side.
"Miles, I want you stay close me. Something feels… wrong." Yamato tried to explain, but the right words escaped her.
But at the same time this strong feeling of dread grew ever stronger within her the closer Belfast lead them to the area where they were supposed to start looking for the ship that had breached the security perimeter.
Something that Miles also seemed to pick up on as well, as he simply nodded yes to the Battleship's request. Mostly so that he didn't have to try and make himself made over the sound of the storm around them, as the three of them continued walking until they reached the edge of one of the islands more shallow and sheltered areas that was often used as training area for the Kansen given its distances from the main base.
But instead of an empty cove as it had been the last time they had been here, instead Miles and his two companies could now see a dark red glow further out. As it then took them a moment to realize that they were looking at an aircraft carrier; well what remained of one. As they quickly realized that the carrier they were looking at was nothing more than a barely floating wreak, the dark red glow coming from the fire and the battle damage that were seemingly working in tandem to finish off what remained of the once proud ship.
But that wasn't what was drawing Miles attention. As down on the beach away from the dying ship Miles could recognize an extremely familiar woman with white rabbit ears currently lying on the beach. At which point Miles then put what he thought was two and two together as he quickly started moving towards her.
"ALEX DON'T!" Yamato called out after him after she had failed to grab him.
But her warning to him went unheard as a loud clap of thunder drowned out her warning, leaving Miles unaware that she had said anything.
As he continued to race towards the Kansen at which point Yamato realized that she had no choice. As she then sent a signal to her rigging; having it target the carrier Hriyuu.
Completely unaware of what was about to happen, Miles as only a couple of feet away from the down form of Hiryuu when he then heard something that he had hoped to never hear within his port. For Miles head then hear the unmistakable sound of an 18 inch guns letting off a salvo, as he was then left to watch in muted horror as 18 inch shells from Yamato smashed their way through Hiryuu's remaining rigging, finally putting the burning wreak out of its misery as it started to sink slowly in the distance.
"WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING!?" Miles asked himself just as Belfast cried out, finally realizing the danger that her Master was in.
"MASTER! GET AWAY FROM HER!" Belfast called out him, trying to warn him but it was already too late.
As despite their warnings Miles then turned to see Hiryuu; despite all her injuries was now standing before him. Miles was immediately taken aback by the expression on her face. For it was completely unreadable, but if he had guess what she was feeling it had to be a mixer of pain, fear, anger, and most of all despair.
But the Grand Admiral didn't get long to wonder over this, as the carrier then let out something that could only be described as something between a pained anguish and a battle cry as she raced towards him on her one good leg.
Leaving Miles with barely any time to reaction, Miles would've been as good as dead if Yamato hadn't managed to interpose herself between the crazed carrier and her Commander the last moment.
As she then intercepted the obvious insane woman by grabbing her by the neck and slammed her to the ground!
But this action didn't even some to faze her, as Hiryuu was already thrashed wildly, attempting to free herself from Yamato's iron grip. At which point without so much as a warning the battleship flipped white haired carrier over onto her back at which point Yamato spotted the problem.
Then without any words or ceremony Yamato reached out with her free hand and tore something free from Hriyuu body. To which Miles was going to demand to know what the hell she was doing until he saw what was in her hand.
As currently resting in the hand of Yamato was something that Miles recognize all too well, and he couldn't believe that he was seeing it.
'A Siren control device! Why does Hiryuu have Siren device attached to her!' Miles then asked himself.
But the answer to his question was within the question itself. As Miles knew that the only way that Hiryuu would even accept Siren technology being installed on her rigging was if it was snuck onto it.
"H-How did you know?" Miles sounded as if he couldn't believe that he was asking the question.
This was completely understandable, as the Grand Admiral found it rather hard to believe that Yamato could've known about that. Not from the short time she had to study the situation.
"An explanation of another time Miles; as we don't have long," Yamato eyes then darted to the now resting form of Hriyuu.
As Hiryuu had claimed down and stopped thrashing around trying to free herself from Yamato's grip; that said it was now rather obvious that in her attempt to free herself Hiryuu had only added to her already existing injuries. For if Miles were to venture a guess as to what she was suffering from at least one broken arm and leg, major burns cuts and burns across her body, and it was probably safe to say that Hiryuu was most likely suffering some internal bleeding as well.
So needless to say the carrier had suffered through hell and back to even get here, the fact that she even managed to gather the strength to speak to him came as something of a surprise
"S-Shikikan," Hiryuu could barely speak the word on the account of her being so weak from both her injuries and her journey to get here.
"Don't speak, just rest Hiryuu." Miles said to her as Belfast arrived and started tended to the poor girl.
As Alex knew that this was no place for them to talk. Especially considering how weak Hiryuu currently was. As Miles knew that she would need all her remaining strength to even have a chance of make it through this. Even so the carrier showed her stubborn streak, as she either didn't hear him, or more like ignoring what Miles said.
"S-Shikikan…did S-?" Hiryuu didn't get to finish her question before she drifted into the realm of unconscious.
As which point Belfast made it clear that they need to take her in for immediate treatment, so without as much as a word between them. Miles, Belfast and Yamato picked up and started carrying Hiryuu's unconscious form to the medical wing.
All the while Miles hoped that Hiryuu survived, as he wasn't sure he could handle Ship-girls death on his conscience given everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours.
As the three of them faded into the forest behind which the base lay, and with it Hiryuu's only hope for survive.
And that's all she wrote, I hoped that you enjoyed that chapter for what it was worth.
Fun fact before she was retrofitted, Yamato carried four 6.1 inch guns. But two of those were removed as it became clear that biggest threat to the ship was aircraft and not other battleships.
With that fun fact out of the way, so we finally got to see what Yamato had to say to her former Commander.
Needless to say it's safe to say that he wished that she hadn't. As now Miles must make a rather different decision; but he can figure that out later. As he's got other more important priority at the moment, as Hiryuu suddenly showed up on his doorstep covered in Siren tech and barely clinging to life take priority I would say.
Needless to say it's going to be a couple of very stressful weeks for him. And that's putting it very mildly; still at least he was Yamato to help him with some of that.
Also touching on Yamato please let me know if you like Yamato's personality, as it's something different that I tried to do with her and I kind of want to know what you all think. Also whither I should tone certain parts up or down, as I know some things might not be total consistent with her character.
Otherwise also let me knew if you liked the chapter length as well. As they obviously take more time to write, but sometimes such as now they can be a bit rewarding as we did get to see a lot of interactions between Yamato and Miles. So let me know, do you like this kind of formula?
Anyway until next time have a good one.