Chapter 14 – Empress of the Seven Seas.

"Takao, please go meet them and guide them in," Nanami ordered her secretary and body guard.

Takao nodded, "As you wish Commander." She ran off the end of the pier, and in mid-air her rigging formed around her in a flash of bright blue light as one of the ships nearby disappeared in the same blue light.

The remaining trio of Nanami, Amagi, and Enterprise watched her go out, meet up with the Royal Navy Advance Team, and return with them in tow. Most of them hopped up onto shore with relatively little trouble. Nanami was amazed. Seeing the agility these women possessed in their rigs actually made her jealous.

"Good Morning Advance Team, I am Commander Nanami Winters, the new Commanding Officer of Azur Lane. You have already met my secretary and body guard, Takao. I think further introductions should be done indoors, preferably with tea," Nanami went through a lengthy introduction, then offered to bring them to the office.

"It seems you know the Royal Navy already Commander. Most of the maid corps that came with us will be heading to the dorm to begin the work ahead of them. The Head Maid however, will join us," the woman in the lead told Nanami. She was the very picture of elegance. Her hair, such a light golden-brown that it was nearly blonde, was in a relatively short side-ponytail that rested over her right shoulder.

Nanami realized this was Hood from the pictures in the briefings. They truly did not do her beauty justice. Nanami stole quick side-glances at her two advisers, then offered her hand to Hood.

"Shall we be off then?" She asked, her hand outstretched, her body slightly bowed.

Hood gave a short, melodious laugh, then responded, "My, what a gentlewoman. Yes, let us be off Commander." She took Nanami's hand then arm and they walked side by side with the advisers flanking them. Takao moved ahead of the group and opened the doors when they reached them. Nanami gave her a smile that almost caused her to release the door in surprise.

Nanami led everyone into the sitting room of the office, where there were barely enough seats for everyone, but all were within reach of the table. Essex, knowing her customs and who was going to likely be stopping by, had put water on to boil in the office kitchen. She was about to add the tea they had in the office when someone spoke up.

"May I? I brought some high quality tea with us as a gift, and making tea is part of my job description. Master, I am Head Maid Belfast, second ship of the Edinburgh-class. I apologize for my impudence in introducing myself before those above my station. However, it seemed pertinent to the proceedings," the Royal Navy Head Maid introduced herself. She was, like all of the women, striking.

Her white hair was allowed to cascade down around the black and white maid uniform that the entire Maid Corp was wearing.

"Please proceed Belfast. I appreciate the effort for someone who is not your charge, and certainly do not mind you introducing yourself first. I must apologize for the lack of a proper room to have a tea party, even an impromptu one such as this," Nanami assured the Head Maid that she was fine. She ignored being called Master, as she figured it was a thing demanded by her position. Nanami's apology was met with a smile by the elegant looking woman.

"Commander, I assure you that this is more than cozy enough of a setting for such a meeting. I am the glory of the Royal Navy, Hood. I was sent here to act as Her Majesty's voice until the main fleet arrives. Wherever you send me, Victory and elegance are sure to follow." Hood introduced herself with what was clearly her customary confident elegance.

"Lady Hood, we appreciate your presence and look forward to working together on matters regarding the joint fleet," Nanami returned the pleasantries. The next woman to introduce herself carried a much different air about her than the Royal Navy women. She was blonde with incredible waves past the middle of her back. Her eyes were sky blue, and she was dressed in a tight fitting, revealing dress and skirt that accentuated every curve. She gave off a sunny aura, to the point her personality seemed blindingly optimistic before she even spoke.

"Bounjour Commander! I am Émile Bertin of Iris Libre, call me Émile. I just want to make friends with everyone here and represent Iris Libre to the best of my ability. Tell me Commander, do you enjoy dancing?" She nearly sang, her voice was so melodic. As she mentioned dancing she began to gracefully dance her way around the crowded room to stand in front of Nanami.

Nanami smiled, and shook her head, "I do not dislike it, but unless you count dancing in the boxing ring, I am not a dancer. I was known to sing when I was younger. I even went through training as a young girl." Nanami's revelation that she sang stopped everyone in their tracks except for Émile. She glowed even more.

"C'est Magnifique! We must hear you sing Commander! Even if you have not done so in a long time, you never forget that which makes your heart sing," Émile implored poetically.

Nanami was going to say no, but realized that Émile had done a wonderful job of maneuvering to get her into a corner. So she assented, and thought for a second as to what to sing, then remembered a song that she recently heard and quite enjoyed. Though singing it from memory without practicing would be a bit risky, she began.

It was a haunting song about the ocean, its fickle nature, and the want to return to it despite all the dangers. Once she finished, Nanami looked around the silent room and met Émile's slightly teary gaze.

"Tres tres tres incroyable Commander! Oh I want to dance even more because of your singing! You absolutely must start singing more often! You positively glowed! We must all do things we enjoy from time to time, especially in times such as these," She enthusiastically praised Nanami's singing, wiping away a tear. The others in the room agreed with the statement. She had clearly been born gifted in many ways.

Amagi thought that, between her looks, her voice, and her connection to the sea, one could almost make a connection between her and the mythical siren after which the Sirens were names.

"I will make an effort Émile. Thank you for reminding me of my love for singing. It was a pleasure to have sung for you all today. However, we have business to finish, so please, let us continue the introductions," Nanami thanked the ambassador from Iris Libre. There was no doubt this was heartfelt gratitude. Amagi and Enterprise smiled seeing her like this. Before the next person introduced themselves, Belfast went about handing out tea and asking preferences. Nanami her sweet tooth showing, added more sugar than all but Unicorn, who shared her propensity for sweet things.

Next to go upon restart of the introductions was a woman with a prodigious chest, wearing all white, and looking extremely delicate. Her white hair was in a long low pony with two strands separated from it for style. Her gentle, graceful demeanor certainly befit a Lady of the Royal Navy.

"Greetings Commander, I am the armored aircraft carrier Illustrious. Do not mistake me for gentle. I have quite the temper, as I showed against the Sardegnan fleet at Taranto. It is a pleasure to meet you all," She announced to the room, causing Nanami to smile It was hard to imagine such a woman with a temper, but every rose had their thorns apparently applied still.

She then encouraged the girl next to her to speak. The little girl with light purple hair was also in all white, and held what looked like a unicorn with matching colors. She was using the unicorn to hide from the Commander.

She adorably stuttered, "I...I am.. Unicorn. Commander...can I call you big sister?" When the question was asked, every girl in the room who had seen Nanami with the Mutsuki-class destroyers knew what the answer would be.

"I am glad to meet both of you, and yes, of course you can Unicorn. Who is that in your hands?" Nanami encouraged the little girl to come out of her shell more. The question did the trick.

"This is Yuni! She's my best friend," the young light-carrier said, running over to the Commander. Nanami reached down and picked the girl up, setting her on her right knee, remember this is what her elder brother used to do for her.

There was not a single woman in the room whose heart did not feel the effects of Unicorn's adorable smile upon being picked up by the commander.

"Well, hello to you too Yuni. Shall we introduce ourselves now ladies? I have already introduced myself, so I will hand it off to my advisers first," Nanami stated, turning towards Amagi.

"I am Amagi, Chief Strategist of the Sakura Empire Forces, and Adviser to the Commander," Amagi introduced herself with her standard grace and a slight bow.

Enterprise followed in her wake, "Enterprise, most decorated carrier of the Eagle Union, representative, and Adviser to the Commander." Enterprise was her typical serious self, but Nanami noticed she kept gazing at the Head Maid as she moved about. It was enough to make her feel something in her stomach, something she didn't understand. Like a monster was roaring about Enterprise directing her attention towards another woman that wasn't Nanami or Amagi.

Ah, this is jealousy, she recognized the description of the emotion from her book reading. Perhaps she distantly remembered it too from when she was a child, but she really couldn't tell.

"I am Essex, and along with Takao, I am the Commander's Secretary. We handle day to day operations when her attention is required elsewhere, such as this morning," Essex introduced herself, and her position with pride.

"Speaking of, how did those documents go Essex? You always do tremendous work, so I am not worried," Nanami flattered her secretary. Nanami knew Essex was the kind of person who needed constant validation from those around her. Otherwise she felt she wasn't doing enough.

Hearing the praise, Essex's eyes lit up as she replied, "Nearly all are complete, the only pages that are not, need your approval to be considered done!" Her report was sung with pride. With the introductions done, the group settled into some conversation, much of it about the fleet, the Sirens, and any potential news they could bring.

Apparently there had been a few small breakouts of Sirens from the Northern Parliament's waters where they had been held for quite some time by the intrepid warriors of the North. This was likely the cause of this fleet that had appeared and begun terrorizing the area.

The Iron Blood, Sardegna, and Vichya fleets would have come with the main Royal Navy and Iris Libre fleet, but they had volunteered to handle the small fleet of Sirens that managed to break out in the North Atlantic. Thus they would be arriving a week or two after the Royal Navy fleet.

After a short time, Unicorn began to fall asleep from the talks, so Illustrious excused them and took her back to the dorms where her new bed was waiting for a nap. Émile decided to tour the base, and Amagi offered to take her. Essex and Takao returned to their work when some new paperwork appeared.

Belfast received a call on a phone she had hidden somewhere, and excused herself for a moment. As she talked on the phone, Nanami realized that Akagi and Kaga had never come back. Akagi was taking this dinner date very seriously. To the incredibly intense level that she always seemed to do things at. It was somewhat endearing to Nanami.

After finishing up her call, Belfast asked, "Have the pair of you eaten breakfast yet? We have just finished preparing it at the dorm, and would be honored to have you eat a traditional Royal breakfast with us." Enterprise started to turn her down, pulling out a ration bar, when Belfast cut her off.

"Miss Enterprise, how many days in a row have you eaten ration bars?" Belfast asked the carrier politely, but it was clear there was ice in her voice.

Enterprise replied, "I think it has been a week. I-"

"Miss Enterprise! You need to take better care of yourself! If you don't how are you to keep Master safe and advise her to the best of your abilities?" Belfast began to lay into the Eagle Union adviser. Nanami smiled a bit, as she had never seen someone take Enterprise to task like that before. Amagi was able to tease her, but no one could berate her, until now that is.

Belfast turned on Nanami and continued, "And you are not off the hook Master, how many days in a row have you eaten those very same ration bars? I observe everything about those I serve to serve them better. In that process I saw the packaging in the desk-side trashcan, so do not lie to me now." Nanami's face turned violently red. She had forgot about that. She had been eating them since she got here. They were just too convenient a way to get meals over and done with.

"Four Days..." Nanami mumbled quietly.

"Come now Master I didn't hear you properly. I think you just told me you have been eating these horrid ration bars for most of a week. Master, Enterprise, it's time we go eat, a proper meal. Essex, Takao would you like anything? I can send one of the maids over with some breakfast for you if you have not eaten,"Belfast said, her biting tongue becoming honeyed sweet in an instant.

Yet another terrifyingly strong-willed woman, Nanami thought. She didn't dare say that aloud, though she thought Belfast might take it as a compliment. Nanami snapped back to reality hearing the responses of her secretaries.

"I ate, but thank you for the offer Belfast." "I have eaten as well Miss Belfast." The pair of secretaries replied.

Nanami stood up and apologized, "I am sorry that I am leaving you two again to deal with the office work. Thank you for your work and patience with me."

"Well, shall we be off again Commander?" Lady Hood asked keenly. Nanami responded by holding out a hand to escort her once more.

The walk to the Royal Navy dorms was pleasant, and uninterrupted. Nanami escorted Hood, while Enterprise and Belfast walked a respectful distance behind. Nanami and Hood talked about Nanami's heritage, being Eagle Union, born in the Sakura Empire, and ethnically half of both.

Belfast and Enterprise meanwhile spoke on matters of personal well-being. Belfast was concerned that Enterprise had only been eating ration bars. Enterprise assured her it was safe and the most efficient method of nutrition.

When they arrived at the dorms, everyone was suitable hungry.

"I apologize for having you eat with the maid team Commander, it is below your station to do so, however as they are the only ones present from the fleet, we have consolidated the commoner and nobility meals into one at the behest of Lady Hood," Belfast apologized with a deep bow.

Nanami quickly shook her head, "That kind of thing need not be worried about around me. Please, tell the maid team to be themselves. I want to know them as people, not simply as maids." Nanami's words left a smile on the faces of both the Royal Navy women.

"Well then, let us meet the maids," Hood said as the doors to a large dining room opened.


A/N: Thank you all for the reviews! 50! So close to 50 Favorites as well! I love all of you!

I almost didn't make this deadline! Between my back/neck problems, not sleeping, and getting three snakes this week, I have had a hectic week. My snakes are all Ball Python morphs.

Thank you all for putting up with any potential errors and a slightly shorter chapter. I could not cut it any other way to make sense. Look forward to the next chapters, the next one may be a bit longer than usual, maybe.