So I'm back here to rework my first chapter of the story.
I felt that this was something that I needed to do, as there were too many loose strings as it where when I first made this chapter. So hopefully by doing this I could address some of those issues I felt like I over looked when I was still trying to get my footing while I was starting the story. I also apologize if anything drags on for too long, but I might've missed it the first time and wanted to ensure that it get in this chapter.
Still do expect some of my knowledge of the lore of Azur Lane to be a bit hit and miss. Because even though I have more time to get aquatinted with it a bit more then when I started, it still might be a bit spotty. But if I do miss something important please leave a comment so I know for the future. And thanks for your future support.
Now with that out of that way let's get to the story, and as per usual, all rights go to their owners as I own nothing!
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare: Sun Tzu the Art of War
In a building located somewhere in the western half of the Pacific ocean, on a small atoll the sounds of foot falls could be heard throughout the empty building, as a woman dressed as a maid quickly strode to her destination. As she continued to make her way thought the large office building, the woman couldn't help but notice how empty this building felt. As all those offices space that had been once filled with the many people that helped to run the organization: Azur Lane had long since been recalled to their homeland, leaving her and a skeleton crew to keep the organization afloat.
Still this didn't stop the Maid from seeing this place as an empty shell considering what had once been there. But she didn't let this bother her, as she duties to attend to, as she continued down the hallway with papers in hand for her Commander to look over and review.
But despite trying to put those feelings aside, the white haired maiden would've been lying to herself if she didn't admit that much had been lost in these five year conflict between Crimson Axis, and the Allies.
As the Maid herself hailed from one of the Allies major partners, in fact she was currently acting as an ambassador at Azur Lane for the Royal Navy.
There were other like her here, but there weren't that many, as the Sakura Empire, Eagle Union, and occasionally some personal from the newly formed Iris Libre would send personal here to act as ambassadors. Still this seemed to do little to improve her Masters mood. This was understandable, considering the fact that everyone was still currently engaged in fighting and those who came to the base were often using their own down time to do so. Something that made her realize just how few of their former comrades actually cared about this place.
As they were always going to go with their homeland over Azur Lane if it came down to it, this made the Maid feel a little depressed at that realization, as it only confirmed what her Master had said was the true motives behind this war.
Because despite the two sides claiming they were fighting over the usage of alien technology; which was rather hypocritical considering they were already using some to a certain extent. He had explained to her that the two reasons as to why they had started this war. Simply put this war was over power and just as important and probably even more so considering the current situation throughout the world: resources. With only the role that salvage alien technology would play in the world going forward as a mere after thought.
This was a claim that the Maid hadn't refute, because deep down she knew that her Master was right on his assessment. Because despite warring nations current disagreements with one another, they all shared one thing in common, as they all in one way or another did have vital need scarce resources, one of which they couldn't be replaced or recreated should it be destroyed.
That resource was a Wisdom Cube.
The fact that it was of alien origin mattered little now, as Humanity had come to rely on this barely understood alien technology to turn back its original creators. For the Wisdom Cube had allowed them to forge weapons and creations that had allowed them to push back what many now considered the true enemies of Humanity: The Sirens.
No one knew as to their origins. Only that one day they had emerged from seeming out of the depths of the sea itself, driving Humanity completely out of the seas that they had once traveled so freely only months before.
Still it was during those months in which all nations of the world had launched a counter attack; in an attempt to reclaim control of their local coastlines did they come into possession of their first Wisdom Cube.
Needless to say given the situation that all nations now found themselves in, they quickly started to look for uses for their newly acquired Cubes. Needless to say they had found one, and in the most unusual way as well.
As they had combined the Cubes power to the hulls of their sometimes ruined warships, and in response the Wisdom Cubes brought beings that claimed to be the collective embodiment of humanities hopes and dreams: The Kansen or more simply called as Ship-girls for the simple reason that they were the supposed vessel of the soul of a warship. One of the many creations to come from the Wisdom Cubes and it also happened to be that that Maid herself was actually a Kansen herself.
But this fact didn't detour the Maid from doing her duties as she continued on her way towards her Master office to deliver the paperwork he needed to work on for the day.
Because even despite being stripped of most of its resources, there was always forms to be filled her in Azur Lane.
Original Azur Lane had been founded to help the nations in coordinate their war efforts against the Sirens. But now with everyone fighting amongst themselves, they saw no reason as to why they should support an organization that had not aligned with any of the major factions. So they had pulled out much of their resource and redeployed them against their more immediate enemies.
Still this hadn't come as a surprise given how her Master had spent a good part of his career trying to prevent any one nation from gain dominants over the alliance. So for him to not get Azur Lane involved with the conflict wasn't really a surprise on his part, more it was the reaction that followed it which was.
As this move by the Grand Admiral had been met with equal parts outrage, and seeming betrayal given his choice. But given the situation and the fact that her Master explained his position on why he made the choice that he did, she had come to understand and accept it. Even if others in the Royal Navy didn't fully understand that reason, but she had a chance to explain as to why he had made this choice to them, as such those in the Royal Navy had a better understanding about his choice then most other factions at the moment. At least that what she believed at any rate, still the Maid couldn't help but wonder…
"Perhaps if Master Miles would've explained this to the others, then maybe…" The Maid thought aloud, but she then reminded herself that her Master decisions were his own.
As all she could do now was help and support him in those choices he made, or try to ensure that he had considered all the options available to him before he made those decisions. For she knew that there was absolutely no way for her to make those choices for him, as such there was no use in worrying about it.
Knowing this she then quickened her pace all the while did her customary inspection of the now empty offices. Ensuring that they didn't need to be clean in anyway, for no one knew when they might be called back into use.
But as she did this the Maid would occasionally catch glimpses of her brilliance blue eyes and her long snow white hair on the glass windows and doors. As white haired beauty did her usual inspection of the offices, all the while making mental notes of which ones needed to be cleaned and what others could be left for another day.
Did she then noticed that something was off about one of the smaller offices, as unlike all the other ones she had passed there was a light on inside of it.
Not knowing as to why this was she then tired the doorknob to find that it was unlocked. Alarms brief ran inside of her as she slowly entered into the lit room. Unsure as to what might greet her inside. But instead of a secret agent that she had been expecting to find be hiding in the room, the Maid instead found something she usually handled on a daily basics.
"That's not right, there isn't supposed to be any paperwork left her." The Maid muttered to herself as she then approached the table with the papers on it.
But as she approached the table did the Maid realize that these papers were meant to be found by her. As her name was written on the first page as she read what it brief said.
Belfast, I know that these papers will make their way to you
Please ensure that this letter reach the Kommandant of Azur Lane for me
Sincerely, an acquaintance of Grand Admiral
Belfast read the massage, while at the same time wondering just how someone from Iron Blood had been able to leave this massage her for her to find.
As it wasn't like they didn't have a few personal form Iron Blood currently working here, though most of them were off base alongside most other human personal at the moment. As they were working out working alongside their Kansen allies to ensure that Azur Lane could perform the duties that it had been given; even if the entire organization was essentially reduced to that of a skeleton crew, so knowing this Belfast couldn't really begin to narrow down a list of suspects that would've left this letter here for her to find.
'Could Spee or Leipzig that could've have left this? Not, they would've taken this to the Commander. Most if not all those who are affiliated with Iron Blood are currently out on assignment, so who could it be?' Belfast ask herself, but given the usage of the word acquaintance she guessed that whoever it was merely passing this massage along.
But despite not knowing as to who had left this for her to find, Belfast would at least ensure that her Master got this letter. Though the Maid would first read the note to ensure that there wasn't anything that she needed to bring his attention to immediately; as it would give her an idea as to whether she should make giving this to him a priory.
This wasn't something that she would usually do, but given the unknown origin of the document that Belfast had come across it paid to prudent. As she read the first few lines of the document, Belfast immediately recognize the importance of it and immediately slipped it to the top of the pile of reports that she was currently carrying.
As it contained sensitive information regarding the Iron Reich's current situation regarding their military and navy. Knowing this, Belfast knew that her Master would want to see this as soon as possible.
'Seem Master Miles ability to create connections has once again paid off.' Belfast mussed to herself as she left the room.
Because despite Miles many faults Belfast was aware of his ability to forge relationships with the most unlikely of people. This had been one of the major reasons as to why he had been considering for the position as an Admiral in Azur Lane if the rumors were to be believed.
Even so Alex had never commented about these rumors. So considering this Belfast was more than content to pass them off as such. Still she could see as to why they had originated, given the Commanders seemingly supernatural abilities to build working relationships with most personal that had been stationed on the base.
But despite that, Bel was more than aware as to just how far that talent could go. As Miles could work with people, but that didn't mean that he would like them.
She had both overheard and been on the receiving end of such conversations. Still despite her own personal feelings, Belfast had headed her Master out, knowing full well that he needed to vent his thoughts and frustration in dealing with such different people on occasion.
'I just hope that Miles finds a better way to coop with these things soon.' Belfast thought to herself, as she finally reached her destination.
A large dark oak door that lead to the building's main office, knowing this Belfast leaned in closer to the door to see if she could hear Miles speaking to anyone through the door. But hearing nothing to indicate that he was in an unexpected meeting, Belfast gently knocked on the door in from of her.
"Come in," The voice of her Commander came through the door, as she then let herself in.
At which point Belfast was greeted with an extremely familiar sight, as she saw Miles seated at his customary chair doing the paperwork necessary to keep the base running. Though it was less it used to be given their current state, still that didn't meant that there wasn't any at all. As most of the paperwork Miles had used to do have instead replaced with forms to requests for extra supplies, men, or whatever could be spare from the nation in question.
But vary rarely did he actually get responses to those requests, when they did however the reply was always the same. Still this didn't stop him from trying, as he knew that Azur Lanes future depended on maintaining those connections to each of the warring factions. For they all knew that once this war was over Azur Lane would once again become relevant.
Something that most of the people who still remained her seemed to recognize; as they had actively ignored the calls of their leaders to return home to help with the war effort, still Belfast couldn't help but admire their choice to remain here. Still the light cruiser could shack the feeling that was another reason as to why some of them had chosen to stay. But that was something she could speculate on another day; as she had her currently duties to attended to.
"Master Miles, I have the latest reports for you." Belfast informed him.
"Thank you Bel just put them on the desk." He instructed her.
To which she gladly did, except for the letter that she had found earlier. That Belfast wanted to talk with him about personally, for she knew what his reaction might be to this.
"What is it Bella?" Miles then asked her using her pet name.
It was something of a secret of theirs given the navy's rule of not having personal relationships between subordinates and their commanding officers for obvious reasons. And this ban also extended to relationships between Kansen and their CO's, which was a reason as to why they had pretty quiet about the close relationships between them.
Because despite the ban, Miles had found that having something of a close relationship between him and certain Ship-girls tended to bring out the best in them. As for others they needed a different approach as not every Ship-girl was the same, which had become clear to him after he had spending enough time with them, Miles had come to see them as people, people with their own hopes, dreams, and like most other people fears and insecurities like any other person.
Even Belfast in front of him was no exception to this; for he knew that she tried to play the role of the perfect Maid, secretary, and his personal confident. But this was also balanced out by her inexperience and her own self doubt due to her young age, though despite that she had learned to mask those feelings this well enough.
But at this moment it seemed that Bel was having trouble maintaining that masks. As the light cruiser seemed rather uncomfortable as then started to explain what it was that was bothering her.
"I'm sorry Alex, but something just came in," Belfast said as she then put the letter on his desk. "I wasn't sure, as to where you wanted, to see this first." Belfast admitted to him.
As she wasn't sure what his reaction would be once he saw this. For what she had been able to skim on the first paragraph... and from what it said it didn't look promising at all. And that was being extremely generous considering the situation that Iron Blood was currently in.
Because Belfast just as aware as he was about the current state of their Ship-girl program. In fact she had heard the rumors that had filed from back home about what was taking place in the Reich Kansen program. At the time she had hoped that it was nothing more than propaganda, but from the reaction Miles had while he was reading this massage, it couldn't help but confirm her worst fears.
But despite those feelings Belfast knew that she had to put them aside and needed to deal with the situation before her Master decided that he needed to indulge in what was becoming a bad habit to cope with what she had given him.
"If you wish, I can have this put away in your personal residence so you can look it over there." Belfast made the offer to him.
As she knew that Miles had a habit of taking unfinished work to his personal residence if he wasn't able to get through it all in a day. Besides Belfast knew from past experiences that Alex would probably want to have a drink while he read this, as all the signs where there since he had read the first paragraph.
But when he didn't respond to her but instead kept reading, Belfast guessed that he might have a different idea as to how he wanted to handle this. Still as his Maid Belfast felt as if she had a duty to make sure he had considered all his options.
"Is there something that you have in mind Master?" Belfast then inquired loud enough that Miles immediately realized that she had spoken and put down the letter to reply.
"Sorry Bella, there's just a lot on my mind." Miles admitted to her.
As this was indeed a true statement. For there had been many reports that he had been get that had been on his mind recently, especially those reports regarding battles and casualty reports from the field. Something that Maid of the Royal Navy was more than aware if as she decided that there was no point in tip toeing around this issue, so she went straight to the heart of the matter.
"It's 'that' isn't it?" Belfast made it sound like a question though it was a statement.
As she knew full well as to what her Master was thinking about. Seeing that there was no point in lying to her, Miles then looked her in the eyes as he spoke.
"It is, as this is the first report regarding 'that' I have gotten from Iron Blood in less than ten months." The Grand Admiral admitted to her.
For Alexander had made it priority to keep tabs on the former Kansen that had used to be under his command, which was an open secret as Belfast knew of this. This upon learning about it was something Belfast deeply respected him for, as she took a great sense of comfort knowing that she would being looked after even once she had left him.
Though this did had affect on Miles, for he tended to take the death of the Kansen that had been under his command rather personally. Belfast had never asked, nor had she felt that she needed to consider that Miles had been there when the last wave of Ship-girls that had been brought into this world before the current war had started.
She herself was being among that wave. So it wasn't really surprising that he had an interest in their fates even if he hadn't known them personally, as he knew others that did. Still he ensured that their friends knew their fate; even as much as it might tear himself up on the inside to send those reports out to them. Belfast never understood as to why he put himself through this but she had a guess as to why this was. Even so she wasn't got to prevent him from doing what he felt was his duty to perform.
"I understand Master; I only wish that there was better news to give you." Belfast said sympathy, as she then placed the last few file onto the table.
"Don't we all Bel, don't we all…" Miles said tiredly as he then reached over and grabbing one of the files she had put down on his desk and started to read them.
Belfast then watched quietly as he read over the report, from his face she could tell that he wasn't happy with what was written on it, but why should he? As Miles knew what to expect from this reports, but just how bad the picture this reports painted for him was shocking. As it was an open secret at this point that Iron Blood was losing the sea war, but what was just as surprising was just how badly the Royal Navy doing as well. In fact it shocked him to learn as to how bad both Navies Ship-girls were currently doing in regards to losses.
"Damn," The Admiral then muttered under his breath as he continued to read the reports.
But as he did so Belfast then noticed him starting to reach down for something. Upon seeing this Belfast smoothly made her way over to his side as she then places her arms around him. Which stopped him from getting at the bottle of alcohol that he help close by for reports and evens such as this.
"Bella, you know that you're blocking my arm right?" Miles said, as he turned his head to face her.
"I know." Belfast then graced him with one of her gentle smiles.
As this was here way of supporting him, though they both knew the rules regarding relationships they still showed a level of affection for one another that could easily be mistaken for lovers. But they were both adults, and knew the boundaries of their special relationships with one another.
Even so Belfast couldn't help but feel that Miles needed his friends, lover and those closest to him at this moment. For the burden that Alex was currently carrying was too much for only one man. So she felt that he needed all the support he could get on carrying this burden; especially consider that they had reports like this rolling in on a weekly basis.
"Is there anything I can do to get you release me?" The Grand Admiral of Azur Lane asked his Maid.
"There might be," Belfast said sweetly as her eyes then darted to papers currently in his desk.
At which point the Commander sighed, knowing what he had to do.
"I'll read the rest of this at my residence. So can I expect something when I'm there?" Miles asked, to which Belfast replied swiftly.
"You can Alex, so is there anything you want in your care package?" The Maid asked her Master.
"Some fine alcohol, plus some of you fresh cookies Bel?" Miles asked of her.
To which Belfast nodded slightly.
"That I can do Master; if there's anything else?" Belfast then asked him, as she then released him and returned to her usual place.
"No, that will be everything today." Miles replied crispy as he then turned back to his work.
Knowing that this was her hint to leave, knowing this Belfast then bowed slightly as she then started to leave the room. But as she did so Belfast couldn't help but glance over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of Miles.
Needless to say what she had seen had been rather discouraging, for he seemed to still be rather distracted by the report she had given him. Not saying a word the Maid then left the office as she once again found herself wondering as to whether anyone would 'win' this war.
This wasn't the first time that Belfast had come to wonder this fact, but this question in her head was becoming more frequent as the days went on.
For the light cruiser only had to look at her homeland to see the affects that this war was having upon her country; knew that despite gaining control of the sea, that they hadn't been able to capitalize on this advantage in any meaningful way. This was mostly due to certain promises not materializing. But this was due to events outside of anyone's control. But Belfast knew better than most the effects these delays were having on her homeland.
As she feared that eventually that they would lose patients and lunch their invasion of the mainland without the Union's aid. For she knew it would be a blood bath not matter what happened, but without the Eagle Union's help; even as delayed as it currently was given their current circumstances. Belfast fear that it might be all for nothing at that point, because if they did take place and it failed then-!
'Stop it!' Bel then thought as she then forced her stop and took a deep breath.
As cruiser knew that getting herself all worked up wasn't going to help anyone at this moment, for Belfast knew that she had to keep up a brave face for herself and Miles who relayed on her.
Still as she brought her feelings under control, Belfast couldn't help but hope for some kind of miracle. For she knew that only something like that could probably save what little hope she saw was left for this world.
But just as important she saw it as the only way that her closet friend would get any peace of mind. For she knew the toll this conflict has taken on him.
Then without thinking, Belfast raised her hand to her face to wipe away a tear that had somehow made its way into her eye as she continued walking. All the while hoping that such a miracle was as possible, for she saw it as the only way they had to move forward.
But little did she know something had finally taken notice of events that were transpiring on this world and was already moving such a thing into place. Though not in the form that Belfast would've expected such a thing to take, but given the situation there was no longer any need for subtly. For the situation the world and its defenders found itself in required on thing.
Strength, arms, and will to do what needed to be done. And needless to say this entity knew just where to find what it needed, though there would be the matter of bring it here…
Location: Unknown
In the cold void of space, on the edge of the solar system a small ripple started to form. For moments an invisible force seemed to fight against it until the ripple then turned into a sphere of blue-black energy. And out of it came a long lost ship, but not of this system but of that of another worlds.
But just as quickly as the blue-black sphere had materialized, it once again disappeared leaving this lone ship behind. As it continued to travel further into this unknown part of space, but even as it did the sudden change in its surroundings didn't go unnoticed by the old girl. In fact as the ship then started to approach stellar bodies within this solar system; subroutines that had been laying for dormant over 40 years active as it received a signal from other systems that began the process of bring the once dormant ship back to life.
As generators started to spinning up to full power. As the ships weapon systems and deck guns brought themselves to full readiness; move themselves into position and primed themselves for combat should they need to be suddenly called upon; all the while more subroutines and lighting systems started flicked to life on all across the ship.
All the while finally signals where sent out throughout the ship to start the process of awakening the crew that had been in cryosleep for over four decades. As the ships automatic systems started their revival process in earnest.
As this all was taking place, the Spirit of Fire seemed ready herself for what she seemed to sense was to be another long campaign.
One she would undertake under the command of her Captain, the father of his ships men, and unknown hero of humanity. Slowly came to in his cryo-pod, as the post thawing process started to allow his brain to function once again. As the Captain was final able to make out the voice that now came through the cryo-pods speakers.
"Captain, Wake up. Something has happened."
That's all she wrote!
Anyway I hoped that you all enjoyed the revised version of the opening chapter, as we got to see a bit more background details as to how Azur Lane is handling the events of the last five years where most of the major powers have removed their support of the organization.
As I kind of wanted it to reflect the League of Nations during WW2, but instead of it just being a political body, I wanted to imagine what would've happened if it had a military arm to it. Because despite not having one back that, I can easily see something like this playing out this way, where it's there but can't do anything. With only scraps to keep it going while that nations fight among one another.
Also to reiterated one of my earlier notes that I originally made in my first chapter, I won't be using every ship in the game for the simple reason that it would just too many characters to have in the story, especially considering that I want to have some characters from the Spirit of Fire as well.
So it would be a bit much for me to write, still I'm still trying to figure out where I want this story to go. As depending on what happens and the level of support this gets, I might try to redo chapters two to six. But that mostly depends on whether I decided to continue with this story or just leave it as it is. Still I can imagine that we'll all know at that point as to whether that's going to happen.
But until then, I'll see you later and most important have a good one.