"And that's all you were able to gather from this…dream," Theodore confirmed, typing away on his keyboard.

"Aye, sir," I nodded. Howe stood next to me at attention and listening quite keenly. This is also the first time she was hearing what I experienced.

"Interesting," McConnell nodded from the laptop. "And also horrifying. A prison designed to trap you perpetually with what you fear and hate the most? Bleugh," he motioned as if to vomit. "Good work getting her out of there, man."

"Thank you, Commander," I replied.

McConnell returned the sentiment wordlessly as Theodore finished logging in what we'd relayed.

"Right," the Admiral said, scooting his chair back from the desk and leaning into his backrest. "Now, to our last order of business."

"Aye, sir," Howe and I said in unison.

"Both you and Howe will be transferred to the Azur Lane's North Pacific installation, where you will be working with Commander McConnell in a joint effort to accelerate operations and, hopefully, bring us ever closer to the end of this ruddy war," Theodore said summarily.

My eyes widened and we were both struck speechless.

"This is per the Commander's recommendation," he added.

McConnell, for his part, looked pleased with himself. "Eh? C'mon, did I do it right? I did it right, didn't I? I told you! We'll make a great team, Leighway!"

After a moment of processing what he'd just said, I simply nodded and took it in stride. "Yes, sir! I look forward to working with you."

He clicked his fingers triumphantly as Theodore segued for us, "Brilliant. And, as a quick little question, though it…may not be so little." His far more serious tone sobered McConnell up, which I took as a cue to pay attention.

"With big plans and movements finally being made, I've recently been brought to wonder what the Azur Lane as an organization will represent after this conflict," the Admiral said. "The Commander and I have discussed this briefly, but we believe you have the insight to push us in the right direction, Captain."

Howe looked at me with a supportive glint in her eyes.

I replied, "Aye, sir. I will try to answer to the best of my capability."

Theodore grinned. "Do note that the issue is very much developing, and this is just an idea I'm throwing out there for now."

"Aye."

"Right. After the war has ended, the Azur Lane will represent perhaps the largest conglomeration of naval power the world has yet seen. Myself, McConnell, and I presume even you would agree that that's too much power for a handful of overseeing officers," Theodore explained.

"Agreed, sir," I said.

"So, I ask your advice on this." Theodore paused to let it really sink in. "Is disintegrating the Azur Lane as an organization and entity—and by extension, granting the shipgirls civilian statuses—the best move after the war?"

I didn't have to think twice. "Yes, sir."

Howe, though she made no auditory reaction, I could still sense she was a bit surprised.

"Explain."

"It is what they deserve, sir."

McConnell looked impressed.

Theodore looked thoughtful. "Go on."

"Though, with the Sirens' appearance, I don't want to be so presumptuous as to say, 'no circumstance in the future could possibly warrant all that naval power,'" I began, "it is still best to redirect resources where the need is greater once the war has ended. The Azur Lane base can be converted into something more benign. Arrangements could be made to integrate the shipgirls into civilian society, at their choosing. And similar compensation for human personnel shouldn't be too strenuous, either. Though, these are all off the top of my head."

After taking a brief silence to contemplate further, Theodore nodded. "Okay. Your advice is noted. Thank you very much for answering."

"Sir," I nodded.

"Right," he rubbed his hands together. "Should there be nothing else from McConnell's end…?" McConnell shook his head. "Then, we are done for today. Captain, you may dismiss your team at your leisure, and then report to the situation room at 1800 latest for your briefing. Same to you, Howe."

Although I was wondering if Theodore would break his 'surprise' on McConnell at some point, he did not do so yet. Deciding it best not to question it and chalk it up to forgetfulness, I went along with his dismissal.

"Copy that, sir." "Aye!"

Though Theodore said 'at my leisure,' it wasn't ten minutes when we'd seated comfortably at a large and quiet table in the same lounge hall where we originally convened for the first time two weeks ago.

On the table lay an assortment of light snacks—a platter of cookies with milk, the trademark crumpets and tea, and a few sandwiches.

Eugen and Vampire were openly making idle chatter with Tirpitz, who was graciously returning the sentiments. Javelin and Zed continued catching up with each other as Howe and Charybdis were laughing at something on their phones.

I looked around at them and smiled. The soft piano being played in the background, the warm orange glow washing through the skylight, the aroma of food, and the feeling of ice having been broken enveloped me.

Taking a sip of water, I gave a final thought as to what to say. Then, I cleared my throat while lowering my glass. Everyone quieted and looked at me intently.

"I've always thought I liked the sea. Being out on the water wasn't just something I wanted to do. It felt like something I had to do, every now and again. But when we first set off, I had a sense of questioning. Why was I still out there? What was I doing?

"Then I met all of you. People who, for the time being, have no choice but to do what you do. Be out there on the water, running missions and dangerous games galore. Yet, I didn't feel the same sense of fatigue in you guys," I said. "And I think it's finally occurred to me why that's the case."

"Why is it the case?" Howe asked.

"Because no matter what we're doing, where we're going," I replied, "you find a way to make it work with the people you have. When everyone has someone to lean on," I looked at Tirpitz, "no one falls and can't get back up. And with that in mind, sitting here with all of you, I now realize this is the first time in a long time I've returned from a mission wanting to get back out there as soon as I have the chance. I've rediscovered the spark in me that keeps me going. And I thank each and every one of you for helping me do that."

Their smiles and nods reinforced my sentiments greatly.

"I know that even though we talked a lot on that mission, I may not have been the best at getting personal," I added, "I might not be as charismatic as you'd have liked me to be, or as engaging as you'd have liked me to be. But one way or another, I don't regret this experience, because I feel that I've learned and grown from the person I was when we left for Norway. And I can only hope that…you all feel even somewhat the same."

"We do, sir," Javelin affirmed. "And don't worry about not being so chatty! Nothing against you for it. We have all the time in the world to learn more about each other if we'd like!"

"Indeed," Vampire said. "And I did enjoy w'rking with thee, sir. Hopefully I may have the opportunity to do so again."

Everyone else voiced their agreement.

I smiled warmly. "Thank you. Truly. And, on that note," I pulled the laptop up, "your next assignments are already here. Tirpitz, you will remain in 'refuge' at this port until Bismarck returns. She will decide what to do with you in coordination with Admiral Theodore."

Tirpitz's blue eyes glinted a hint of hesitation, but she nodded resolutely. "Jawohl."

"Charybdis, the Maid Corps wants you back, so report at nineteen hundred to Belfast in…wherever you meet," I joked to their titters.

"Aye, sir!"

"Vampire, you will remain in reserve insofar as talks are concerned—basically, depending on how those play out, you will either stay here or be transferred to the Azur Lane," I said. "Await further notice."

"Aye."

"U1206, she's back at her normal posting per a request made by Kriegsmarine administration four days ago," I glossed over. "Now, Prinz Eugen and Javelin—you two are coming with me and Howe."

The destroyer and the cruiser looked at each other before Javelin asked, "Where, sir?"

I gave a little pause for effect. "The North Pacific. We're off to the Azur Lane."

Although Eugen wasn't too surprised—she was already on loan from McConnell, officially speaking—Javelin wasn't one in the know.

"Oh!" The destroyer chirped. "Well, that's…uh…"

I nodded reassuringly at her. "Don't worry. You have until eighteen hundred to catch up with anyone you need to," I said half sarcastically. "That's…three whole hours!"

"Right," Javelin chuckled. "Got it, sir!"

"Cool," I grinned. "So, that's everything in terms of business. For the last time, thank you all so much for coming along with me on this endeavor. It was truly a pleasure working with you, and it probably won't be the last time, either!"

"Aye!"

"Thank you, Captain! It was brilliant being under your command," Charybdis said.

"I concur," Howe said playfully.

As everyone else once again piled on their agreements and little quips about my eyebrows, the curtain fell on our special operation.

As I walked alongside the length of the seawall, looking at the vast ocean, I drew breath into my lungs and savored the quiet. At peace with my thoughts—something I thought I wouldn't feel for a very long time.

Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I turned my head to the side to see an unfamiliar blonde coming in my direction. I would be willing to place bets she was a shipgirl—the eccentric outfit, long flowing blonde hair, cerulean eyes, and sweeping gait all fit the bill. On the back of her head tying her hair was a brown bow.

"Hello, sir!" She greeted me as she approached.

Hesitantly, I put my hand up and waved back. "Hi!" I replied, "Are you talking to me?"

"No other officer around I could be talking to, is there?" She said a little jokingly, craning her neck and looking beyond me to make her point.

"Right, right," I chuckled. "I don't believe we've met before?"

"No, we haven't," she said, getting back into business mode and holding her hand out. "I'm Vanguard, sir. Just got here last week!"

"Ah," I said, shaking her hand. Howe did mention her, didn't she? "Well met. I am Captain James Leighway."

"Right," she replied, "I've been looking for you, Captain. Apparently, I've been assigned to your team for my first assignment!"

I cocked my head in surprise. "Oh! Really?" A ship of this caliber? Vanguard? Sure, I thought I did alright back there, but…

"Yup! They said we'd be a good fit, practically speaking," Vanguard explained. "We'll see if they're right, yeah?"

"Ah…yeah! For sure," I replied, still double-taking the news in my head.

"Nice! Indomitable and I'll see you at I2 later!" She giggled and walked off.

Indomitable, too? Deciding to throw caution to the wind, I shrugged to myself while keeping my gaze on her. When she was out of sight, I went back to staring at the sea.

Theodore and McConnell were right about the direction we were going in. At last, a plan was made out. The resolution to this war wasn't quite in sight yet, but now we had a general sense of what to do next to that end. Then again, there is still a big gap in knowledge about where the Siren have been hiding in the first place. I had no doubts that would be answered in time, but my gut once again rang with the sense that it would be revealed soon.

"Hi, James!" A far more familiar voice called out from behind me.

"Howe," I replied, "Hey! How goes things? Have you been able to catch up with people?"

"Yes, briefly with George," Howe said. I thought I saw a little pink tinge on her cheeks as she mentioned that conversation. "And then had a little bite to eat with Wales. Yorkie's apparently gone out on routine dispatch, so I've only had a radio conversation with her so far."

"I see," I nodded.

"Mhm. You?"

"I sent a message out to mum and dad saying we arrived just fine. They're pleased about it," I said. "Same with Dall."

"Great!" Howe chirped. "What about our new assignment?"

"Yeah, they're fine with that, too. Just telling me to stay safe and all. Have each other's backs and all that," I replied. "Someday, I told them they should figure out a way to fly out and we could all have a few days to see each other now and again. Given the current nature of the war…I don't think it'd be too harmful."

"Oh, that is a pleasant idea," she said. "Am I invited?"

I laughed knowingly. "No, sorry. Family only."

"Ah, that sucks," she replied playing along with the joke. "Maybe the next one, then?"

"Maybe," I said still grinning.

We chuckled to ourselves before quieting down again.

"We never did get 'round to that date, did we?" I mentioned.

Howe grinned. "Guess not. Everything's too quick nowadays. Maybe when we get to McConnell's gig!"

"Why not?" I replied, not failing to notice her word choice and taking slight endearment to it. "About that, how are you feeling? New assignment, new base, new people. Excited?" I asked.

"Yeah," Howe nodded. "And, of course, a little nervous. But I'm sure we'll be alright. Commander McConnell is really quite nice."

"Yes, he is a decent bloke," I said. "I'm quite curious about working with him. I think I can see why we might work well together."

"Same here," she agreed. "I think you have the brains and he's got the wit. With the two of you helping out, surely, we'll reach safe waters soon!"

"Thank you for the encouragement," I chuckled fondly, putting an arm around her. As she leaned in, we both drank in the sight of the setting sun. With pursed lips but a resolute nod, I said, "Time will tell, I suppose."

Four hours later, the newly-minted 'Squadron Domino' left the port and was well into the ocean headed for the east coast of the Eagle Union. We'd been named as such by Vanguard because should one of us fall, the rest of us will join! Or something. She's an extra-eccentric one, it seems.

Howe and I were sitting calmly on the bridge keeping watch on the waters when she received a ping yet again from Commander McConnell.

"Special instruction says it's just for you, sir," Howe reported. "Better get down there."

"Copy," I agreed.

When I was in the comms booth and established the connection, the Commander was already on the other end, looking serious. This time, there was a sense about him. Though his usual—I'd say swagger—was still there, it was clear he wasn't about to ask for an update with Howe.

"Captain, good evening," he greeted. "Everything smooth sailing and safe on your end?"

"Aye, sir," I affirmed. "I trust all is well with you, too?"

"Indeed so," he replied. "We just got back to base, actually. So, we're all good. I just wanted to talk with you very quickly since we'll be working together moving forward."

"Of course, sir," I nodded. "What is it?"

He looked around the room he was in, scooched closer to the camera, and lowered his voice. "Who else is with you?"

I shrugged. "You instructed I be alone, sir. So, it's just me here."

"Alright," he nodded. "Good. I've uhh…been getting reports recently. Admiral Theodore's also been clued in. I think we're compromised from the inside."

Oh. This is serious. "Sir? By whom?"

"Siren loyalists or some other. Groups sympathetic to their cause, pretty much," he said. "If we confirm a chunk of these reports, they might be in way deeper than we're ready for."

Sitting back in my own chair, I cupped my mouth and nodded thoughtfully. Without voicing it, I wondered about the mysterious Maxwell. He and Theodore had apparently been working together, but…apparently, McConnell hadn't known about it. Though that struck me as a little suspicious, I didn't figure Theodore would turn traitor. At least, I didn't think so yet, with what limited information I know about the man.

Finally, after some contemplation, I asked, "So, what's being done about it, sir? Who else knows? Who are our contact people? Is there a contingency plan and rendezvous directive in a worst-case scenario?"

Slowly, McConnell grinned. "That's why I wanted you on our team, Leighway. No, there isn't really much of any of that. You're to advise in on what we should do. I'll detail that further once you get here and we don't have to use remote transmissions."

"Makes sense," I nodded. "What shall I do for now?"

"Well, we do have contact people. Mainly those you trust. With more than your life. You trust them with the ones you love," McConnell said. "Basically, you should sit down with whoever's on your team right now whom you trust like that—Howe, for instance," he continued, "and arrange a special kind of chain of command among yourselves. One that exists outside of the Royal Navy, and even the Azur Lane."

As a short—very short—list of names popped up in my mind, I asked, "What do you mean, sir? A chain of command that exists outside the Royal Navy and the Azur Lane?"

"Yes," he nodded. "A group you know will stay blue to you even when the whole radar pings red."

I took a deep breath. "That's a tough ask of a lot of people."

"It's a tough ask I have to make," McConnell said conclusively. "Don't worry. If anything…you'll have her."

Admittedly, hearing that gave me some comfort. "Right. Okay. I'll sit down with everyone and have a chat with them." As I said the words, my mind flashed back to the outset of our original operation—sitting down with the whole team, conversing one by one. With more confidence, I added, "We'll be ready for this briefing the moment we set foot on your base."

"Our base now, Leighway," McConnell corrected. "And thank you for your cooperation. I really do look forward to working with you."

"The same goes here, sir," I reassured. "Will there be anything else?"

He exhaled heavily and finally eased up. "No, I guess that's it. Get good sleep and rest up. The work isn't gonna get any easier once you arrive."

"Copy that, sir," I chuckled. "See you then."

"See you, Leighway. Safe travels."

As the connection severed and I was left to sit and ponder, my mind swirled with the implications of spies and moles riddling every navy's power structure. Maybe even every government, though I don't think I want to go that far just yet. To think that, at a moment's notice, even the ones you thought had been allies would be ready to hold you at gunpoint…

My heart almost jumped out of its cage when the door opened behind me. "James?"

"Holy-," I exclaimed, jolting around to see Howe peeping in the room.

"What?" She laughed, taking the startlement as her cue that it was clear to allow herself in.

"Nothing," I hurriedly replied, patting my chest and leaning back again. Apparently, my expression went back to being pensive, as Howe went from casual to concerned.

"Are you okay? Dinner's ready. Vanguard and the rest are already waiting for us," Howe said as she sat next to me.

"Right, yeah," I said. "Just…before we head down there. Tell Eugen and Javelin tomorrow at twenty-three hundred, we have a meeting. In your quarters."

Howe furrowed her brows curiously. "What's it about?"

"It's serious and…of a clandestine nature. Can't say here," I said.

She nodded slowly. "Ah. Got it. Myself, Javelin, Prinz Eugen. My quarters at 2300 tomorrow."

"Okay," I smiled reassuringly. "Thank you."

"Of course, si- …James." Howe grinned back. Then, she held her hand out. "Now. Supper?"

Taking it and getting up out of my chair, I nodded. "Let's."

Just outside the booth, Vanguard scrambled back to the galley as she detected their conversation was wrapping up, careful to make as little noise as possible.

Commander Edwards McConnell sighed and sat back in his chair, running his hands through his hair and drawing in a long, deep breath. Closing his eyes and putting his palms on his face, he pondered the implications for the future. The situation with the Northern Parliament, Bismarck's European Grand Tour, the Essex-class launch…

And then someone knocked on the door.

"McConnell?" Monarch said as she swung it open and peeked inside.

Swiftly taking his hands off his face and scrambling to look…dignified, he replied, "Yep!"

Monarch snickered. "I saw that. You okay?"

Chuckling, McConnell replied, "Yeah, I'm good. What's happening?"

"Right," Monarch said, stepping through the doorway into full view to gesture outside. "There's someone who wants to see you, down by the harbors."

McConnell frowned. "Who? And what for?"

"He says his name is Maxwell," she replied.

"Well," McConnell mused, "I don't believe there is a Maxwell on the base's personnel listing. Who is he?"

"We don't know, but frankly, I think you should see him," Monarch said.

Now that piqued his interest. Leaning forward, he asked, "Why is that?"

Monarch looked around the room, rubbed her mouth with her gloved hand, and then shrugged. "He has Akagi with him. And…the rest of the Sakura navy."

Edwards McConnell only stared wordlessly as the world and the war was tipped on their heads for the nth time in the past two weeks. Alright, he thought to himself as he shrugged and got up, here we go.

A/N: Buttercup is a wrap! This story was a good experience for me, I think. It's an exercise of growth and refinement, and hopefully, the next one will show the fruits of that labor. For now, though I want to thank all of you one more time in this story for reading, commenting, and coming this far with me. I appreciate it!

Plans for the next story? What character will I be focusing on?

Technically two of them now, but I'll tell you this—it won't be a story quite like this one.

When can you expect the next chapter?

Tough to say. Uni has thrown more of a wrench into my plans than I thought (heh). Also, termites have gotten all up in the house. It's actually kinda gross. So, with all that in mind, I'll forecast the earliest release month being December.

Until then, I hope you enjoyed the show. Stay safe, healthy, and happy!

Jarvis.