The morning sun peeked through my office window. I'd opened it this morning because of the cool northern breeze rolling in. I was only about half awake, but I had a class to teach in about an hour. Checking the time, I realized it was seven in the morning, and the official wake-up time for the harbor. Difference here was that we didn't bother with a Reveille; We didn't need one. Following harbor regulations, I switched on the radio and braced my ears. I just caught the end of San Diego's desperate attempts at bugle playing.

Hornet's voice filled the room, despite the radio being only at a third volume.

"Gooooooood morning Azur Lane! You're listening to Azur Radio, blasting across the airwaves as far as we can get the transmitter to go, at least until those *beep* at the ITU figure us out. It's a balmy seventy-six degrees outside for the Union folks, or twenty four for everybody else who thinks they're right. Partly cloudy skies and a wind of four knots coming from the north. We've got a thunderstorm blowing up about thirty miles north of the island and headed this way. Our hearts are out to those destroyers exercising right now! The seagulls are calling, the leaves are turning colors, and Akagi's standing outside the station front door looking very upset. That's probably because of the claymore we put out there by the feedback box. I'd like to remind you listeners that any sort of questions, comments, or complaints are now processed online, and coming to the building isn't gonna get you anywhere."

She continued, "Joined with me we have the bubbly Bremerton who walked a whole fifty feet to see us."

A voice that sounded almost exactly like a yoga trainer came through. "Hey guys! Super excited!"

Hornet then said, "Aaaand we've also got the Ghost of the Java Coast, Houston! She's a real blockhead, but… well, she's good at what she does. What's up?"

Houston sounded like she was halfway to eating the microphone. "Heya!"

There was some scuffling as Hornet had to deal with the microphone starting to create reverb. "We've got a new playlist set up by our fine tech wrangler Helena, also manning the censor button. Say hi, girl!"

There was a brief silence as Helena switched on her microphone and exhaled into it. She nervously said, "H-h-hey."

Hornet continued, "We also have our resident Royal Navy vessel and bouncer, Bulldog. Say hi."

"Bugger off."

"Good people, all of 'em. After this short break, and in blatant copyright violation, we'll be playing Napalm Sticks to Kids for ironic reasons, the best reasons. Next, it's gonna be a salute to our Iron Blood comrades with a copy of the luftwaffe march we managed to find. After that, it'll be a… what was it Helena?"

There was some background conversation before Hornet came back on the air. She spoke like she was reciting something on paper, "An obscure late-punk amateur band that featured briefly in an early 2000s TV show. Wow, Helena may be a huge nerd, but she sure does know her music and digging up those hidden gems! Too bad all we get here is satellite television! Stay tuned, because I hear breaking glass coming from up front. You guys might wanna load shells, just in case."

The station cut to pre-recorded announcements and I wondered how this island didn't spontaneously combust. However, that little chuckle made me wake up, and I started wasting time before I had to move on.

Honestly, I don't know how miniature versions of ships kept showing up. I knew about the incident with Akashi, but these other ones just… showed up. Nonetheless, we had to do something with them. They were just as much ships as everyone else, albeit without the training and experience of their older counterparts. We'd all just blamed it on some disturbed higher power or time shenanigans and left it to Akashi to try and figure out this problem. She was the only one with even an idea of how this was happening. We'd been focusing on classroom time with them more than actual exercising, and their older "siblings" (I guess) effectively adopted them. So yes, we were the only wartime naval base I'm aware of that had a daycare.

We rotated teachers depending on the subject. They'd taken a liking to Köln and Mikasa, who seemed to be natural teachers and taught ballistics. Shiranui brought them up to speed on logistics. Usually someone from the Fletcher class would come by and teach positioning. I filled them in occasionally on other subjects not covered. Unexpectedly, they also seemed to like me and asked about me a lot. For some reason, they thought I was fun. Honestly, I enjoyed being around them because all of the adults within earshot were forced to at least feign decency. We didn't want to worry about un-teaching them. I grew up in a large household and knew just how fast forbidden information spread.

I walked up to the trailer and saw Illustrious talking to her smaller counterpart up to the door. As I approached, she sent Little Illustrious inside. She turned and said, "Good day, commander."

"Hi there. You seem to be getting along well with the little you."

"Yes, and I'm very glad for that. I suppose I would have to, for if I couldn't even tolerate myself, what would that say about me? Also, if you found a miniature version of yourself, you would probably be inclined to take care of it, yes?"

"That's… pretty wise, yeah. Certainly would be an unexpected responsibility, but sure, I'd do the best I could. I still wonder at what point in your life you had fairy wings. Good to see that you're…" I then looked in the window to the head and shoulders of Bismarck sitting in the assistant's chair. The subject matter changed instantly. I leaned toward Illustrious and whispered, "Why is she here?"

Illustrious feigned ignorance and said, "Why is who here, commander?"

"Bismarck. I thought she hated the quote-unquote 'screechy little brats'. Now, all of a sudden, she's sitting in the same room as them? I know it's a volunteer position, but-"

Illustrious interrupted me, "I think it's a wonderful thing. Normally she's so quiet and stoic, but now she's bent down to help others along." With the slightest of grins, she added, "Perhaps she could teach them a thing or two. Maybe she could teach *you* something."

In a mild panic, I asked, "But why?"

The grin now uncontainable, Illustrious twirled around to hide it and said, "I would have no idea. Perhaps you should ask her after school. Lady Bismarck has been unusually open these past few days." She power-walked away like she had someplace to be. Her heels made clopping noises on the pavement. I exhaled enough air to make me light-headed and opened the door.

They were all sitting in their desks, not being too rowdy. I nearly tripped over Little Renown's blade by the door. Ever since the incident involving herself and three cases of peaches(heavy syrup), she was no longer permitted to use it outside of indoor training rooms and during exercises. They all turned to me and said good morning. I checked for the two frequent absentees and found them in the back row and being silent, as usual. Zeppy was holding onto her emotional support 105mm flak gun(unloaded). Akagi-chan was the only one I truly had to look out for. I guess the apple never falls far from the tree, and this apple was eyeing me like a fox eyes a piece of ground meat. She was one who had taken way too much enjoyment into tearing apart the target dummies during exercises and manipulating others to do her schemes for her. She was also the only one perturbed or even aware of Bismark's aura, and this put her into a calculating, but complacent mood. I guess putting someone who looked like she tore apart tree trunks for fun inside a room of usually unruly people has some effect.

"Hey guys. How's it hanging?"

They all focused on me and said variants of "Good". Bismarck turned her head in my direction and gave me a nod.

"Good to hear. You guys do your homework?"

They all said yes, except for Akagi, who said, "I did half, but got distracted. Then I forgot about it. Will you take it anyway?"

I felt something almost like a vibration inside my head, like some kind of psychic pressure. However, this pressure was familiar. I turned to see Bismark not moving a muscle, but trying her hardest to see if she could whip someone with just her mind. She glanced at me and I made a calming gesture. The pressure subsided, and I said, "Everyone give Miss Bismark what you have. If anything's blank, we'll just take it like you got it wrong."

They all did so, with Bismarck sitting there like a particularly judgemental statue. Of course, all of them except Akagi were oblivious. She came last and stared at Bismarck, who also met her gaze. Imagine a brief, but intense nonverbal argument. Statements were said, threats were made, and revelations were had. The pressure returned, this time coming from two sources. It passed as quickly as it began with an almost audible snap. That was a two-part explosive that I certainly needed to make sure didn't get the chance to mix. Bismarck returned to a reclining position and Akagi returned to her seat.

I inhaled and said, "All right. Jog my memory guys, what were we talking about this week?"

They all answered, "Anti-destroyer tactics!"

"Right" I checked the computer and brought up an image.

"This here is an Explorer-class destroyer. So, what do you guys know of them? Let's start from the left. Zeppy, whatcha got?"

She said, "Uhhhhhhh, I guess… They're really hard to hit with dive bombers! And sometimes if you do a direct hit, they just shrug it off with their arm plate things! I don't like 'em!"

I said, "Well, that's true. They're very maneuverable and more armored than our standard destroyers. That's carrier tactics. Li'l Bel, what about you?"

She responded formally, "I have no trouble dealing with them, but I suppose that is my duty as a cruiser."

"Cool. Li'l Renown, what about from the main line perspective?"

She desperately tried to think of something noble to say. "I… Well, I blow them away like I do all of our enemies. I guess… I dunno."

In an attempt to bring the assistant into the class, I turned to Bismarck and said, "Well, Bismarck here has quite a lot of experience working in the main line, especially against the sirens. What does she see the Explorers as?"

Bismarck moved no muscle other than her mouth and said, "Skeet."

That was… helpful in a way. The class seemed satisfied and went "ooh, ahhh, she's cool" and other things. Bismarck slowly grabbed a red pen and began grading the worksheets with the focus of a brain surgeon.

"Anyways, these guys are equipped with torpedoes(sometimes deepwater), and have a very good sensor package, but there's one thing they don't have. What's that?"

Silence. Eventually Clevelad responded, "Charges?"

"Correct! While Explorers are equipped with advanced radar, they have no ASW. In fact, there is no proof they have sonar at all. Only Siren mass-produced ships and Scavenger-class are equipped with depth charges. What does this mean to the rest of you guys?"

Akagi surprisingly chimed in from the back. "We don't have to protect subs if neither of them are on the field?"

"Right, sort of. You still want to talk to them when they need to surface for oxygen."

Class went on for an hour, until my part ended. Bismarck and I left, while recess began. Edinburgh and London replaced us soon after. The two of us moved out of the courtyard and beside the building in the shade. I took off my hat and opened a drink. Bismarck stood on the grass and crossed her arms in thought.

I probed, "I'm actually curious why you suddenly took a vested interest in the little ships. I thought they drove you up a wall."

"They do, for the most part. However, I recognize they are the future and we must also tend to them, for one day we may need to rely on them."

I sipped on my drink and gave her a blank stare, waiting for more.

"If you do not believe me to be truthful, then why ask the question?"

"Because I wanted to know if you'd swallow your pride and be truthful."

"I… Fine. I'm aware that I may not be as personable as most other individuals. I mostly let my actions and record do the talking, and what little I do say is straight and to the point."

"Respectable."

"However, I noticed how, despite your lack of personal strength, you make the strength of others around you yours through loyalty. Truth be told, it is a power that unquestioningly passes mine, and that piqued my curiosity. I decided to observe you and see what that would reveal."

"I have plenty in this port who watch me with an uncomfortable passion. Anything else?"

"Aaaaand… our last meeting didn't go very well, so I wanted to make it up to you."

"Thank you for that. I really want to apologize for what I did. I just have to cover my bases. I hope you don't take it personally, but I really don't want to hang it over you like some kind of sword of Damocles."

Keeping the stoic expression, but clearly going into territories previously unexplored by her. "No! No. Not at all. Actually, it impressed me. It's the first time that's happened before to me, so I certainly wanted to... get to know you better. The fact that you were the first to stand unflinching before me without even drawing your weapon has… certainly… introduced a few emotions."

"I… That's great. I'd be happy to help you out with better understanding those emotions. And about the gun thing, it's not like a piddly little .45 is going to even scratch your skin anyway." I nervously chuckled.

In what could be only described as a bear desperately attempting flirtation, Bismarck placed her fist on the trailer siding and replied, "Yes, but that skin can also be soft… supple… It can be a lot of things. It's an interesting paradox, being both armored and sensitive at the same time, depending on the situation."

I was immediately taken by cold sweat. "You know, that is really aggressive and I respect that. You're going to have to elaborate, because I'd like to know where you're going with this."

"As would I, therefore we are on equal terms. I have a proposal. I would like to learn more about all of this. It does not scare me, but it does confuse me greatly. I would like to know if your schedule is open for another meeting soon; As soon as possible, in fact. I feel that this program I previously thought mildly amusing may be very helpful."

"I think it is. I'll get to work right away and see when I'm free."

"Good. I will as well. Call me when you have?"

"Absolutely. If you'll excuse me, I have to go check on a supply ship that just arrived a few minutes ago. Honolulu's on dockmaster duty and you know how she is." I replaced my hat and walked away, hoping there was actually a ship moored there.

Bismarck, satisfied that some progress had been made, walked away toward the courtyard outside the mess hall. In the corner, Prinz Eugen sat alone on a picnic table. Bismarck strode up the table under the shade of the tree, her cloak billowing in the wind. In a neutral voice, she asked, "Are there any onlookers?"

Eugen looked around and replied, "No. All clear."

Bismarck immediately collapsed on her back in the grass. There was an audible thud as she hit the ground. She made an enormously pained sigh and stopped herself from letting it turn into a bellow of frustration. She took her hat and attempted to fuse it with her face. With her other hand, she pounded the ground with increasingly rapid blows. After the table started shaking, and Bismarck started to lose control of her aura, Eugen decided to speak up. She patronizingly said, "So, how are you doing?"

Bismarck stayed silent for a while. Eventually, she responded, "Sometimes I hate you a little."

"Oh? How did it go?"

"Fine. In fact, very good; A decisive victory, no doubt.", Bismarck spoke almost sarcastically.

"Did he run?"

"I don't think so. He met my advances and we decided on a… on a…"

Eugen grinned, "A date?"

Bismarck moaned, "I violently hate that word. It's not one anyway. It's just a meeting."

"What would you prefer? Rendezvous? Riunione? Sitzung?"

"Ugh, it's all the same. Also, since when did you speak the language of Sardenga? How much do you know?"

"Un poco. I took it up as a small hobby. I wanted to know what they were gossiping about."

"I really want to know what's in this for you. Seriously, you never do things just out of the kindness of your heart. What's your angle?"

"Truth be told, I was mildly curious what would happen. I knew you were harboring something, but we've taken that dream and turned it into quite the nice little nest egg. You remember I was the one who told you about the program anyway and urged you to try it out. My most optimistic goal was to at least crack that icy shell of yours. All of that character to maintain isn't healthy to keep up all the time, you know. I'd like there to be someone other than me in your life that you don't have to choose your words carefully in front of."

"Speaking of words: 'Supple'? Really? It sounded awful when you were practicing with me, but it was just painful saying it to him. I can't believe I performed the hand-to-wall move and came out with that."

"Supple's a creative word. It really gets the males' imagination working. Not too obscure, but exotic enough to make them think. It's an art form, really. You combine the incongruity of the sensitivity of that word with your inherent…"

"Bulk?"

"Bulk isn't a very nice word. I was going to say physique. You aren't 'bulky'. I don't know why you feel negatively about your size. I'm sure you understand how the destroyers feel when only a handful of them have managed to hit average height. I'll just say you have more than enough to work with. Let's go with that. Besides, we don't have to worry about pointlessly bickering over your weight with various methods of measurement. This is Azur Lane. We measure our girls in displacement."

"Fine. So, from what you saw, did I do well?"

"I wasn't watching. I knew you had it in you. All I'd be is a distraction. After all, I'm sure he's quietly testing the waters. I have a personal theory that this 'initiative' was simply his plan to try and get closer to us. Either that, or he's actually taking what command back on the mainland says seriously for once in a blue moon and used it as an excuse."

"He's actually… well, I guess that means the potential is there." She gazed off in fantasy.

"Yes, the possibilities are infinite. Speaking of Sardenga, I caught wind of a recent purchase from there; a small piece of jewelry smuggled in. Of course, it's just a rumor and I haven't seen it mys-"

In a single motion, Bismarck leaped up from her prone position and closed to a miniscule distance with a speed that produced a gust of wind. Eugen had much experience dealing with her friend's aura, and it no longer troubled her. However, the feeling of a thousand spotlights spread across her body. Eugen enjoyed working from the sidelines, but now all of the attention was upon her. She visibly recoiled as a pair of piercing blue eyes stared into her soul, scanning for the truth. Bismarck quietly spoke in the voice of an interrogator in a language both of them knew inherently, guaranteeing absolutely no miscommunications. "Sag noch einmal?"

For the first time in months, words failed Eugen. "I… I haven't see... es war nur…"

Pulling away from Bismarck became steadily more difficult. Eugen realized it wasn't psychological. There was some kind of unseen force drawing her head toward Bismarck. The pressure was as if she had been placed at the bottom of the ocean. Bismarck whispered, "A was?"

Her mental defenses, while some of the strongest in the harbor, were being strained to their limit. Her rigging reported a nearby major anomaly and recommended evasive maneuvers. She stammered, "Ich sah ihn eine kleine k-k-kiste tragen." She cleared her throat and continued, "Ich… do not know where he keeps it, if it exists at all. I haven't seen him wear it."

Bismarck turned her eyes to the side in contemplation. She pulled back and the pressure released. She said, "Then I will have to make my own subtle inquiries."

Eugen chucked somewhat hysterically, "As subtle as a rhino on-"

Bismarck turned around and casually said, "Eugen, you know I don't like to be teased."

"You know it's my thing. It's good to see you passionate about something constructive."

Bismarck waved goodbye and said, "Yes, it's good to be working toward something. The things we could build together…" She strolled off toward the shipping dockyards, probably to intimidate the dockmaster.

Eugen visibly exhaled. It was a good thing they were friends. She didn't know how the commander stood up to that presence when it actually had intent to harm.