Hey ya'll, sorry for not updating for like 2 months, don't worry I'm not dead . Anyways, part of it was writer's block and school, if you catch any errors or places that need change, tell me. After this chapter, I will hopefully resume somewhat of a normal upload schedule, though no promises. Also, we're going to have our first action sequence next chapter as well, hopefully my writing skills are up to par. That's all for author's notes, enjoy and thanks for reading!
Emilia
Commander...
Their moment was ruined by the sound of a camera, it was Gridley; Enterprise was next to her.
"Aw yeah, got another scoop worthy picture! See ya later Commander!"
Z23 covered her face with her beret, the Commander just sighed.
…
Gridley's recent involvement was worrisome, but that worry was dwarfed by Enterprise's presence. It's true that he's her superior, but she enforces the 'law' here so to speak, which he has to follow as well. Tapping her foot as the Commander was reluctant to speak, she gave in with a sigh.
"Look Commander, I'll let you off the hook this time just because you've known her longer than any of us. But, do it again and I'll have to put you in a cell with Ark Royal, got it?"
"Yes ma'am!" he gave a vigorous head nod.
"Though I don't know if any of my other wives are destroyers..."
"Anyways, why were you... you know... kissing?"
"U-uh well you see Miss Enterprise, I was feeling a little down today, and that was Kommandant's way of cheering me up." Z23 said with a light blush.
"And that our daughter pressured me into making the first move."
"Another daughter from the future? This time with Z23 no less."
"Yeah... Enterprise, I can't guarantee that one of my other four wives will be another destroyer. So, will you cut me some slack when that happens?"
"I will."
"Thanks for understanding."
"If that's all, I'm off, Yorktown invited me to tea with the Royal Navy."
"See you around then, bye."
Enterprise left with a wave, the Commander breathing a sigh of relief. Z23 gently patting his back.
"Es ist jetzt vorbei Kommandant, no need to be afraid anymore."
"I know, but I really thought she was going to drag me off to the cells."
"She understood in the end, not like with Ark Royal who's met with no hesitation."
"Yeah, I feel kinda bad for her you know. She may be a creep or misunderstood, but she's protective of the destroyers."
"I've never thought of it that way... you're very open minded you know that, Kommandant?"
"I just feel like it's not good to interpret someone's intentions with what's on the surface."
"Maybe that's why you were chosen as the kommandant, because you have a good heart and a tactical mind."
"Or maybe it's my dashing looks and charm that you fell for that also made me commander?" he said sarcastically.
"Oh, quiet you!" she harmlessly pounded his chest with her fists.
He laughed as he hugged her closer, she buried her face into his chest. This was a nice way to spend the weekend, usually it's continuing on with unfinished work and very little free time. The change of pace was nice.
"We should go get Emilia soon."
"Just a little longer, please?" she looked up at him with the puppy dog eyes, how could he say no?
"Fine, thirty more seconds."
They separated when the time was up, walking hand in hand back to the academy. The plaza this morning was empty when he came through with Emilia. But as it was almost noon, people began to appear to shop, hang about, or to play around near the fountain. Coming to a stop just around the corner, the Commander stopped holding Z23's hand.
"What's wrong kommandant?"
"Well, if we walk through holding hands, they'll stare."
"So what if they stare?"
"Are you sure that you're fine with people staring at you?"
Of course, the Commander didn't want to hide the fact that they are now together. But he's had enough stares to last a life time.
"Like I told you, I'm fine with the staring, reinforces the idea that you're mine." she said in a confident tone, slightly alleviating his worry.
"Guess I'm outvoted then." he chuckled lightly.
Grabbing her hand, they made their way through the crowd, while they did turn some heads, most ignored them to do their own things. Navigating around groups, they made it to the academy, before walking in, the Commander stopped, Z23 looking back.
"Don't worry, I just remembered that I forgot to check the mail yesterday at the office."
"Belfast didn't remind you?"
"We went right to work after the supposed battle with Purifier. She and I were teaching Purifier about the office and documents, I guess sometimes even Bel can let some things slip past her."
"I can pick up Emilia, we meet you back at your house?"
"See you then... I love you."
Her breath hitched as he said those words, a sense of warmth spread from her chest. She dreamt of the moment when he would profess his love for her, and he did. Sighing contently, she went back to her class to get Emilia and her stuff. Inside the classroom, Emilia was looking out the window towards the sea: bored.
"Hey... Emilia, how're you doing?" Z23 really needed to grasp the whole parental thing.
"I'm fine Mama, just bored. Did you and Papa talk?"
"I... uh, we did."
"Did he do what I suggested?"
"...we kissed?"
"..." Emilia looked back with a neutral face.
"..." Z23 had a furious blush.
"Let's just go, we can talk on the way." Z23 squeaked out.
"Ok."
Getting up from her chair, Emilia helped her mother pack her books and other academic materials. On the way back, much more people stared as she walked Emilia back to the Commander's residence, now understanding why he disliked it. Distracting herself, she started asking Emilia questions.
"Emilia, can you tell me a little about yourself?"
She looked thoughtful for a second.
"Well my full name is Emilia Cromwell, but with my sister's having somewhat weird names, I don't use it often."
"Kommandant's last name is Cromwell?"
"Papa's never told you? Like any of you?"
"Not that I know of, he never told us when he became the kommandant."
"He'll tell you all one day, moving on. Purity is my oldest sister, Bel is the second, and I am the third oldest. I have five more younger sisters as you know, one of them Papa would've deduced if Purity or Bel told him anything."
"Who might that be?" Z23 asked.
"Her name's Zeppy, her mama is Graf Zeppelin if you couldn't tell from the name."
"So just like Belfast and Bel then."
"Exactly, the others I can't say more because future you and Papa said so."
"But you can tell me more about yourself though."
Emilia gave her mother a smile talking the whole way home.
Commander...
Checking the mailbox, it was empty say for one letter, he took it out to see that High Command sent it to him.
"From: High Command
To: CMDR Vince Cromwell
We at High Command applaud you for your recent push back of the Siren forces, as such, we urge you to continue on with the effort. To the next order of business besides the congratulation, we have picked up three separate blips of Siren activity over the base. With your control over the Kansens, we're sure you took care of whatever came through. But to be safe, we will send an inspector over to you on Sunday, they should arrive at 8:30. Now we know you have the weekend off, but the inspector is only there to look around and assess the budget. That is all, glad to see our faith in you wasn't misplaced.
-ADM Lambert Peirce"
Quickly tidying up the office to look presentable (Belfast already did so the day before, but it couldn't hurt to do so), he dashed home to tell the others. Running home at record time he unlocked the door and sunk to the floor.
"You look like hell, everything alright?" Purifier came over to help him up, a worried look on her face.
"I'm fine, but look, get the others as well."
Belfast and Z23 was having tea, the girls watching something on TV.
"What's wrong dear?"
"I need you three to look at this."
The three of them read the letter, Purifier didn't look bothered by it, but Both Belfast and Z23 looked troubled.
"They're coming to visit, what's so bad about that?" Purifier asked.
"Purifier, you have to understand that you're still a Siren no matter whose side you take, they'll order me to kill you and Purity if they find out."
"I don't want people to hurt me or Mom..." Purity said in a sad tone.
"I know, that's why we need to come up with a plan. Belfast, do you have spare maid uniforms you can lend to Purifier?"
"We do, though which style do you prefer? Mine, Curacoa's, or Sirius'?"
"Just something I can easily move in; I hate limited movement." Purifier grumbled out.
"If that's the case, mine will do."
"What about us?" Purity asked.
"You stay with Bel and Emilia in Nimi's dorm room, but you also need a disguise just in case. That fine with you Nimi?"
"If it's to keep them safe, it's fine."
"We can also ask Unicorn for a spare dress for Purity as they're about the same size. With the clothes out of the way, next is your hair and eyes."
"What's wrong with my hair. I thought you liked them?"
"I do, but just about everyone at High Command knows who you are. We need to change your hairstyle and eye color. Saratoga can help with that since she has colored contacts."
"I think a braided bun would look good on Purifier, what do you think ko- Vince?"
"With how long her hair is, that's a good idea, Purity can just let her hair down. We'll see what color's best for them after we get the clothes."
And so, with somewhat of a plan, they went to the Royal Navy dorms for the maid uniform and Unicorn's dress. Though being round about the height of each other, Purifier and Purity's disguise both needed some modifications to fit them, Belfast was more than happy to help. Getting the clothes, they went off to find Saratoga. But being the prankster that she is, it was quite a challenge to find her until a shriek from Taihou was heard with two Albacore's chasing her, poor Taihou. Asking for the pair of green contacts she was wearing for Purifier; Saratoga resumed the chase with Albacore. Items obtained, they got back home at one o'clock, Belfast made lunch with Bel on the side as always. Finishing lunch, Belfast set to adjust the uniform and dress to Purifier and Purity's liking. Everything done by dinner time, Purifier offered to cook dinner, which worried Vince. Turns out that she was a competent cook, rivaling that of Belfast. Helping with the dishes and cleaning, all sat in the living room chatting with a cup of tea.
"I should probably take the girls to bed." Z23 said as she yawned, the kids half asleep.
"See you tomorrow then, goodnight." Vince led them to the door, giving a kiss to Z23 before she left.
"What about you Purifier, Belfast?"
"I... I wanna sleep here... with you... zzz." Purifier slurred out.
"Same, you need someone to make you breakfast."
"Belfast, you know that Purifier's a good cook too, no offense."
"None taken, but I still like to sleep with you." she had a seductive smile on her face.
"Uh, ok, I'll take Purifier up, can you get yourself and her changed?"
"Certainly."
Gently picking up Purifier in a bridal carry, he took her to his room with Belfast behind them. Quickly grabbing his t-shirt and shorts, he changed in the bathroom. With them all changed, they settled into bed like the day before, giving them both a kiss.
…
He couldn't sleep.
Sighing, he closed his eyes again, but sleep still eluded him, a hand lightly touched his arm.
"Can't sleep dear?" Belfast whispered out.
"Yeah, just nervous about tomorrow I guess."
"There's no need to worry about it, even if they do find out, you'd stop them no matter the cost."
"I guess that's true, but-"
"No more but's, now go to sleep, I know you will protect them." she chided him.
"I-… I will, I love you Belfast, goodnight."
"Goodnight, Vince."
Yes I gave him a name, he feels so... empty without a name. I know some keep it as 'Commander' for a self-fulfilling story, but most of the time it's like a collective and not a unique person if it makes sense. Anyways, hopefully the name thing is received well, see you in the next chapter!