Azur Lane-Crimson Axis Base

The base itself was a buzz with activity, as the many ships which made up the newly formed Alliance prepared to welcome the new Commander.

Despite technically being classified as a "Military" instillation, the base itself was more like a thriving small city with shops, restaurants and even apartments. But it was only when one visited the water front, would they realize the true nature of thus would be city. As numerous warships were currently docked within the port area, some of whom who were under various states of repair.

But in the "town" itself, the residents were preparing to welcome the base's newest resident, as it was not every day a new Commander was assigned. . Banners that carried the colors of the Maple Monarchy, Red, White and Gold, lined the streets between the port and the newly renovated Vanguard Academy. While several "Vintage" automobiles sat on the port itself, as they would make up the motorcade which would carry the Commander to his new home on the base.

On a stage which had been set up near the port, a certain red headed Eagle Light Cruiser was rehearsing the performance she would give to welcome the Commander. While a small group of destroyers were trying wake up on of their companions, who was now comfortably sleeping by some crates.

Further inland, stalls had been set up to sell refreshments for the assembled crowds, while the resident Manjuu made sure everything ran without a hitch. It was in front of these stalls, and a trio of women talked about the arrival of their new Commander.

"So are you sure he is from the Maple Monarchy?" A young woman with waist-length light-brown hair and red eyes, asked her companions. As the Trio moved on and through the crowd.

"Indeed, he is." Another woman, this time with a short blonde hair and dressed in a red military uniform with a red cape on her room right shoulder, replied. "Apparently the powers that be it would have been best to assign someone who was not from any of the main Camps. So as to ensure that they would favor one faction over the other."

"But isn't the Maple Monarchy a dominion of the Royal Navy?" the third member of the group asked, he blue eyes scanning the

scepter she carried nonchalantly. "And if I do remember, they played a major role in both the Artic and Western Indies during the war."

Both Prince of Wales and Cleveland frowned a bit at Bismarck's statement. But Wales explained "It is true they are a Dominion and they did play a major role during the war, but the Maple Monarchy is its own entity and had willingly abstained from formally becoming a full member of Azur Lane. But that was because they served under the Command of the Royal Navy during the war."

The flagship of the Iron Blood just shrugged. "My mistake, but I guess it does make sense to have someone who really no ties to any of the Major Camps. Though I have to wonder just what he has planned."

"Who knows." Said Cleveland, as she began to walk backwards to face her companions. "But I'm sure he will have a few ideas when it comes to fleet formations. Wales, is there anything else you can tell us?"

"I'm afraid that's all I know." the King George V-class battleship replied with a shrug of her own. "Though Her Majesty has assigned me to be his secretary until he is fully settled in."

"Makes sense." the Iron Blood Flagship commented, "You had been the base Commandant since the end of the war. I'm certain your experience will be an asset to the new Commander."

"Thank you, I'm sure it will."

The trio continued to banter among themselves for the next fifteen minutes, as they continued to walk the main street which lead to the water front. They had just stopped in front of a juice stand to buy something to drink, when the blast of a ship's horn soon filled the mid day air.

Soon all eyes were now looking out the the harbour area, as a lone Majestic-class aircraft carrier came into view. A white flag with a red Maple Leaf under a gold crown, flew proudly at the stern of the ship. A quartet of ship girls soon began to speed out across the calm waters to meet the new visitor, as the moment everyone was waiting had finally arrived.

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From his vantage point near the bridge, the Maple Commander had a good view of the Alliance base and he to admit, it was a rather impressive sight be behold. It certainly didn't look like any naval port he had seen before.

As the Magnificent approached the pier, he could see a large group of women had assembled. Some of whom where holding up banners which "Welcome" messages written on them. Needless to say, he was kinda surprised to be getting such a welcome and truth be told, he kind of enjoyed it. Though that feeling was soon replaced with mild hesitation and anxiety. He never did enjoy crowds.

With the help of some Manjuu controlled tug boats, the Magnificent was guided into port and was soon secured. "Life on the Open Waves" soon began to play as the ramp was lead to the ship by the Manjuu, while the assembled crowd waited for their guest to appear.

Taking one final swig to finish off his Cherry Cola, the New Commander took a deep breath before stepping off the Magnificent and into the open. The ship girls cheered loudly as they got their first look at the new Commander, fully dressed in his uniform and carrying a suitcase in his left hand. Though if they looked a little more closely, they would have noticed he was trying his best not to have a full on panic attack. He REALLY didn't like being the center of attention.

But some how, the Commander was able to fight back his urge to run and slowly made his way down towards the group of women who were waiting for him.

"Welcome to the Base, commander." Prince of Wales said with a salute, as both Bismarck and Cleveland stood at attention. "As the interim commander of the Base, I hear by relinquish my command and hand over all duties to you. But by order of Queen Elizabeth, I have been assigned to be your secretary until you feel as if my services are no longer needed."

"Kommandant." Bismarck spoke up. "As Flagship of the Iron Blood fleet and representative of the Crimson Axis, I too welcome you to our new shared base. I'm afraid that my counterpart in the Sakura Empire was not able to be here to welcome you, herself. But she sends her regards."

"Thank you. And please, call me McKenzie."

"Very well, Co--, McKenzie." Wales corrected herself, before she and Bismarck escorted him to the stage...

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"I, Jean-Baptise Alexander McKenzie, by order of the Allied Nations Security Council, hear by take on the duties of Commander of the Azur Lane-Crimson Axis Alliance. As well as all the responsibilities which come with it."

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The ceremony itself was, just as expected, a festive affair. Once McKenzie had finished his speech and formally accepted his position, the ceremony itself soon evolved into a large festival filled with food and music. San Diego did her performance on stage, with mixed responses from the assembled ship girls. Many enjoyed the food which was being sold from the many stalls in an around the port area, with a certain pair Chinese cruisers being the most popular.

Magnificent herself also there and took this time to chat with some of the RN girls there. All the while the Manjuu began to off load McKenzie's items from the Aircraft Carrier.

But while the base's residents enjoyed themselves, McKenzie himself was whisked away to the Vanguard Academy. A special function was also being held there as well, though this was a bit more intimate. As several of the more prominent members of the Azur/Axis Alliance were holding a special dinner service in his honor.

It was here McKenzie finally met Queen Elizabeth of the Royal Navy and even the Legendary Master Mikasa, who would be the acting Flagship of the Sakura Empire fleet at the base. As Nagato herself preferred to remain in the Empire. It was also during this dinner service, McKenzie learned that Enterprise had returned to the Eagle Union for some much needed repairs and she would be back for a few weeks. While Bismarck said that her sister, Tirpitz, would be arriving in a few days to act as the Iron Blood's flagship at the base.

But eventually, the dinner service came to an end and after another short drive, McKenzie was shown his new home on the island.

"Welcome to you new home, Commander!" Queen Elizabeth declared proudly, as she pointed her septor at the Tudor Style house before them. "The Manjuu spent many months building this house, after the last one was destroyed during Kaga and Akagi's attack!"

"Wow." McKenzie said quietly, as he looked on at the two story home before him.

'Do you like it?" the Super Dreadnought asked, expecting the Maple to immediately adore her "gift." As it was she who had selected the design of the Commander's House, the Commander needed the best and the Royal Navy had the best after all.

"Well... it's nice." McKenzie replied, sounding somewhat confused. It was indeed a nice house, but it seemed rather big fir someone who would be living by themselves. But the flagship of the Royal Navy didn't seem to pick up on this as she then replied...

'Obviously, you are overwhelmed by my humble gift to you, so you don't have to say anything. The Manjuu will. bring the rest of your things here in the morning, it is getting late though so you should get some rest. I look forward to working with you in the future, but I must be off. Goodnight, Commander." And with that, Queen Elizabeth made her way back to her car. A proud smile on her face, as she entered the vintage Rolls Royce before it drove off.

"Um... is she always like that?" McKenzie asked his new secretary, who herself was not phased by her flagship's rather grand display.

"Sometimes, but not always." the Battleship replied. "Though she is really glad that you are here, as well as the rest of us and we hope that you can lead us effectively in the future."

"Um, well...Thank you. I really do hope we have a good relationship going forward."

"Excuse me?"

"As my secretary, I hope that we have a positive working relationship going forward." McKenzie explained. "What did you think I meant?"

"Oh, nothing" Wales replied quickly. "Well... it is getting late and I am certain you would want to rest up. You are not expected to start your official duties for couple days, so you should have some time to settle yourself in until then."

"Thank you. Well... see you then." And with that, McKenzie picked up his bags and went into his new home. Leaving a rather perplexed Prince of Wales to walk to the waiting car alone.

This McKenzie person was not exactly the type of person she expected to be. He seemed to be a rather reserved in his personality and she could not help but to noticed he looked a bit stressed during the ceremony at the Port.

Then again, being the Commander is both a important and well respected position to be in and it could just be that he was still trying to come to terms with his new title. What ever the case may have been, she would just have to wait and see just what kind of a Commander McKenzie would be.

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A/N: So... second chapter of my second attempt is completed. More is to come to stay tuned...

As always, please leave me a review and tell me what you think and until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!