The sun was just only begining to peak out over the horizon, as a snow white 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom II Cabriolet with ornate trim, made it's way through the surrounding forest.

Behind the wheel, Edinburgh carefully guided the vehicle over the paved road, keeping an eye out for any of the local wild life. Seated behind the Royal Maid, Prince of Wales sat quietly with a tablet in hand which held The Commander's itinerary. As the Royal Navy Battleship mentally prepared herself for the day's activities.

Today, McKenzie would begin his official duties as the Commander of the Azur Lane-Crimson Axis Alliance. As such he would now be responsible for the daily operations of not only the base, but the numerous ships who now fell under his command.

Despite having his own vehicle on the base, which Wales had discovered recently, McKenzie decided to use the "Official" vehicle just for today. There was going to be another ceremony at the Vanguard Academy, though this time it was much smaller than the one held when he first arrived.

The tablet the KGV battleship carried, was actually meant for McKenzie. As not only did it contain the day's plans, but also contained some of the more recent reports which had been gathered on recent Siren activity. As well as several other features which would help him assimilate into his new position as Commander.

Over the last few days, McKenzie had made it his mission to explore the base and the islands which made it up. Though he did so much much more casually than how Wales would have liked. For a military officer, McKenzie seemed rather relaxed for someone who was in his position. She still remembered when she ran into him while in town. For Wales, it felt rather odd seeing the new Commander dressed in "civilian" clothing and the fact he had brought his own car to the base was also rather odd as well.

But she had to admit McKenzie did look... presentable and it was not like he was on duty at the time. And she had to admit his car was a interesting contraption. Maybe he would let her ride it one day... "Where did that thought come from?" Wales scolded her self mentally, as her main focus should be on carrying out her duties and assisting the new Commander. Rather than having such day dreams like some star struck school girl.

Still... his personal vehicle was rather interesting...

Eventually, the Phantom II arrived at the Commander's residence's and made it's way up the small driveway. Where they were greeted by McKenzie, who was fully dressed in his naval uniform and was waiting for them in front of his door.

(A/N: For context, his uniform resembles that of the Royal Canadian Navy's No. 3Service Dress. Also known as the "Walking Out or Duty Uniform")

"Good morning, Commander." Prince of Wales said with a friendly smile, as she got out of the Rolls Royce.

"Good morning Wales... and please, call me McKenzie. Calling me commander makes me feel old."

"Duly noted." the KVG battleship replied with a chuckle, something with did not go unnoticed by Edinburg. Who herself was a little surprised by the way Wales was acting. In fact, both herself and the other Royal Maids ( Mainly Sheffield and Belfast) had noticed a change in the normally serious Prince of Wales. A change which began after the arrival of McKenzie.

After exchanging some pleasantries with the Light Cruiser, McKenzie got into the car and within a few minutes, the trio were on their way to the Vanguard Academy.

"I have your schedule for today, right here." Wales announced, as she handed McKenzie the tablet.

"It's says here that I have a meeting with Langley." the Maple officer commented, as he stared at the device.

"The Eagle Union's light carrier is the head of the Vanguard Academy's faculty." Wales explained. "She requested a meeting with you even before you arrived. I believe that she wants discuss some matters concerning the Academy itself."

"Understood." the Maple commented, as he continued to scroll through the tablet. He soon came to a stop, as he eyes soon caught sight of something which caught his interest. " It says here that several Sakura Empire ships will get arriving later today?"

"Yes. It is part of the Empire's promise to support the new Alliance. They will be sending more of their ships here in the coming weeks to take part in future patrols and fleet formations." Wales explained, just as their car came around another bend.

"Kaga and Akagi...?" McKenzie then asked, as he could see the names of the "infamous" fox sisters listed among the ships to arrive. "I've read the reports before I left VC, apparently they were the ones to initially instigated the split and actively worked with the Sirens?"

"I am very certain Nagato would not have sent them, unless she knew they could be trusted again." the KGV replied. "They have been confined to port since the end of the crisis and this will the their first outing since being removed as the Empire's flagships."

"Still, I don't know." McKenzie replied. "Will the other ship girls be okay working with the Fox Twins? I know bad blood is a thing, ship girl or not."

"I can not speak for everyone on the base. But I doubt there would be many willing to work with Kaga or Akagi."

"Well let's hope everyone remains professional when those two arrive. We already have to deal with the Sirens, I don't want to deal with anyone holding a grudge. Even if it is understandable."

"Understood." Wales replied, just as the car came around another bend. But just as it did a Deer, just of the many which resided on the base as part of the wild life, suddenly leapt into the road. Instinctively, Edinburg slammed on the brakes and the car lurched to a stop. As McKenzie held Wales to prevent her from falling forwards into the partition.

"Is everyone alright?" He asked, still holding the now stunned KGV.

"I'm sorry, Commander." the light cruiser apologized. "It just came out of no where."

"Don't sweat it, it's happened to me a few time back in VC." McKenzie replied. But it was at that point the Maple realized that he was still holding onto his Secretary, a fact which was not lost on her and immediately the two separated rather quickly. As a red tinge began to form on their faces.

"Um... thank you." Wales said awkwardly, trying to compose herself.

"Yea ... no problem. Lets just get going."

After the awkwardness of the situation finally wore off, the trio continued on and eventually arrived at the Vanguard Academy. Where a small flag raising ceremony was held and the colors of the Maple Monarchy was raised along side the colors of both Azur Lane and the Crimson Axis. After which, with Prince of Wales guiding him, McKenzie was lead to his new office...

[ [ [ [ [ $ ] ] ] ] ]

As the day progressed, it soon became clear that the topic on everyone's minds, was the new Commander. Everyone had their opinions on him, as well as wondered just what what kind of a Commander he would be. Some of the ship girls who had met the Commander in the days before, said he seemed to be rather laid back and acted casual with them while they were in town. These persons soon became quite popular with those who wanted to know more about the man, much to the dismay to those who had already met him.

Gossip had taken a firm hold over the Base's residents and it was not long before discussions about the Commander went to some rather interesting places. But of course, McKenzie himself was still in dark about these happenings, as his focus was placed on meeting with some of the more "Higher Ranking" members of base.

His first meeting of that day was with the leader of the Vanguard Academy's faculty, Langley. During said meeting, the small carrier voiced her concerns on the Academy itself. Specifically the fact there was a sharp increase of students and the current teaching staff was not enough to ensure each student got the attention they needed.

The next person McKenzie meet with that morning was another Eagle member, Baltimore. Who herself was the de facto head of the Academy's Physical Education department, as well as the head of several sports clubs on the base. Just like Langley before her, the Heavy Cruiser Voiced her concerns of the sudden influx of students, as well as the lack of teachers. But she also voiced her concerns that the PE department would need new equipment for the students to use.

Needless to say, McKenzie's first part of the day went on like this. As more and more ship girls visited McKenzie in his office. Apparently, the Formation of the Alliance and the return of the Sirens, had the unintentional effect of placing a serious strain on the Base's current infrastructure. As more and more ships began to arrive and settle in the island.

While this was going on, Prince of Wales was actually on her way to the Port Office to see if it was ready for McKenzie's use. Just like before, Edinburgh was with her as the duo drove to the port area, where they would meet with Sheffield and Belfast. Both of whom were making the final checks on the office itself.

Exiting the car making her way to the building, the KGV's thoughts soon began to drift back to earlier that morning and the unfortunate encounter with the Deer. Despite it only being a minor incident, Wales still could not take her mind off of it. Especially when McKenzie held her so that she would not hit the partition, which for some reason, made her cheeks feel warm when she thought about it. Of how McKenzie had his arms wrapped around her and seemingly holding her tight...

"Wales, are you alright? Your nose is bleeding."' the light cruiser commented, as she could see a trail of red running from her companion's left nostril. Wales was soon brought back to reality and quickly wiped the red liquid off her face with her sleeve. The red of her blood quickly vanishing in the red of her uniform, as Wales soon regained her composure.

The pair were just about to enter the Port Offices when the sound of a ship's horn, pierced the mid day air. Looking in the direction the sound came from, the two Royal Navy vessels saw something which would have filled them dread just a few weeks earlier.

For now sailing into port, was a formation of Sakura Empire warships. All of whom were being lead by a Super Dreadnought with a heptapodal mast. Sailing next to it, was another battleship that looked much older and had none of the design features present on the Flagship. There were a few cruisers and destroyers escorting the ships as well, but the Royal Navy Battleship and Light Cruiser soon saw something that are their blood run cold.

For behind the main formation of ships, were three aircraft carriers. Two of which both Wales and Edinburgh were all too familiar with.

"I need to contact the Commander." Wales commented, switching her attention to the path leading into the Port Office. "Akagi and Kaga have arrived."