Guess who's back with another chapter? Yeah... that 'back to regular schedule thing', um, didn't keep that promise huh. I was in the process of moving which is a drag, on top of that, no WIFI either. But don't worry, I haven't abandoned this story as I am going to see this to the end, that much I CAN promise. And that action sequence I was talking about too? Well, it was WAY over my head and unplanned, well planned but wasn't this chapter, oops. Also, from here on out, the story's rating will change from T to M rated since it gives me more freedom, but still holding off the actual spicy stuff for the sequel which chapter one is already out. I will release more chapters of the sequel that are less spoilerish as it might be something you guys will enjoy. As per usual, happy reading, and I can't say this enough, sorry for the delay.
A Round of Reunions
Commander's residence...
It was a busy morning in the commander's residence, Belfast was switching between mothering their breakfast and helping Purifier with her dress and hair. Vince was by the side, sipping a cup of brew since he can't help much in the kitchen and didn't want to get in the way of Purifier changing. 20 minutes of constant back and worth later, Belfast came down one final time with Purifier. Her hair was done in a bun braid as before it reached below her waist, green contacts complimenting the hair's lilac color.
"How do I look, Vince?" Purifier asked as she twirled in her outfit.
"You look... good" he was trying not to stare.
"Well, that's vague, but better any other response, I guess? Also, it's still a little tight in places and I can't move around that much." she stretched a bit, the fabric riding up and accentuating her chest.
"Well, a change is always nice, plus, doesn't wearing the same thing get boring?"
"My normal clothes are made of self-repairing and cleaning fabric, so I never needed a reason to change them."
As weird as that sounds, she is a Siren and their technology is beyond human understanding.
"How's my handiwork, Vince? Like what you see?~" Belfast came in for a chance to tease him.
"You're not roping me into another trap this time Bel, so all I'm saying is that she looks fine." Vince objected.
Belfast clicked her tongue in mock dissatisfaction.
"You're no fun. If you can, please watch the breakfast Purifier, I need to get ready for the day as well." Belfast gave Vince a quick peck on the cheeks.
"Will do Bel."
Giving Vince a quick kiss on the cheeks to start the day, Purifier flipped the hash browns and eggs, making way for bacon when the hash was done. Right as Belfast walked in, the toaster dispensed the toast and breakfast was served.
"You know, you always make exceptional breakfast Belfast."
"Please, Purifier helped too, isn't that right?"
"I didn't help much; it was mostly you Bel." she said shaking her head.
"Dinner was great yesterday though; the steak was good even with that weird sauce you made. I'd like you to cook more if you want."
"Really? Then if it's for you, I will!" she happily exclaimed.
"Now, now, don't we have to meet someone at the docks dear, it's almost time." Belfast told them as she took up the plates, Vince looked at the clock before his eyes widened. Quickly helping Belfast and Purifier with the dishes and cleaning, the three rushed over to the docks.
Docks, 8:30 A.M...
Vince waited patiently on the dock with his trusted would-be wives for the inspector to deboard the boat. But as they waited, it started to leave which worried. Just then, a pair of hands covered his eyes, obscuring his vision.
"Guess who?~" a feminine and familiar voice asked.
"...Val, is that you?"
"Bingo, it is I, Valerie Peirce! How's it goin' Vince, haven't seen you in a while ya' know?" the woman named Valerie said.
"Two years isn't even that long, plus being commander doesn't give me that much extra free time either." he countered.
"That's a fair point... but you still could've given me a call every once in a while!"
"They forbade me from calling anyone as a precaution from leaking any information."
"Still such a stickler for rules." she gave a defeated shrug and sigh, Purifier piped up to ask about them.
"Hey Vince, who's the lady, you guys know each other?"
"Yeah, this is Valerie Peirce, our inspector for the day, granddaughter of the Admiral, and my childhood friend. Valerie, meet... Camilla, the newest addition to the Royal Maid Corps. And Belfast, head maid of the Royal Navy."
Purifier gave her a wave while Belfast gave her signature curtsey.
"Nice to meet you both! And don't forget, I was also your ex-girlfriend from your academy days as well."
"That isn't something to boast about." he groaned.
"What?" Belfast and Purifier said at the same time.
"It was a few months before we graduated that we got together. The next day after he asked me out, I told him that the admiral was my grandpa, he thought he was about to be kicked out." Valerie elaborated.
"How did you ever become commander, Vince? Being scared of an old man isn't very courageous." Purifier or 'Camilla' failed to contain her laughter.
"I didn't want the Admiral kicking me out of the academy because I was dating his granddaughter, ok? Now can we please just get onto why you're here Valerie?"
"Fine, still so pushy and inpatient too. Anyways, in the letter sent to you, we noticed weird Siren activity over the base lately, little blips that disappear as quickly they appear. So far only three have appeared, what do you know about it?"
"Just some Siren scouts, they were quickly and easily dealt with." he was lying through his teeth, but he needed to.
"That's all? Wouldn't they, ya' know, drop bombs or something through to wipe you all out. It's an underhanded and easy victory for them is it not?"
For the all the years Vince knew Valerie, she can come across as airheaded and ditzy to some at first. But, know her some more and you'll learn she's inhumanly intuitive and can tell a lot about a person. From lying or to guessing your mannerisms, she can tell everything about you. She might as well be psychic from Vince's perspective.
"Their goal is to evolve to be the 'perfect' species through collecting combat data from battles with the girls. They wouldn't try that since it means going to another 'timeline' which would be a hassle for them."
"If that's the case, we wouldn't have to worry about the budget. It's already stretched thin with repairing ships for coastal defenses. Rebuilding or repairing a base would be problematic."
"Don't worry, the base can be rebuilt however many times as long as there's resources, plus we have these little guys to repair the damages." Vince pointed to a passing Manjuu, it gave a salute and chirp before waddling off.
"Is there anything else that you're here for?"
"Besides inspecting the base and running some numbers on the resource budget, that's it."
Motioning for Belfast and Purifier to come with him, the four made their way towards the central plaza to start the tour/ inspection. As they were walking, both were reminiscing about their time together when they were young. The topic shifted to Vince growing up with Valerie and all the times he was caught in an embarrassing situation or got into trouble, he defended himself by saying he was just a kid back then.
"Master, what does Miss Valerie mean when you two grew up together? Sorry for eavesdropping on your conversation, but I think P- Camilla is curious too." Purifier gave a nod for the statement.
"It was almost 15 years ago now; I was taken under the wing of the Admiral when I received news of my dad's death." his expression quickly grew dark. But it quickly morphed into a warm smile, one that came with nostalgia.
"Being like any other kid, the concept of death was lost on me, I thought he left me because he didn't love me anymore. He was the only relative I have left, my grandparents were gone way before I was born, my mom? God knows who or where she is right now. I've done DNA tests to find out, but nothing ever turned up. Anyways, after being taken in by the admiral, I was isolated and reclusive from everyone, except Valerie. It wasn't by choice that I was with her, she'd drag me everywhere. I guess it rubbed off on me a bit and I came out of my shell, I have her to thank for bringing me out of that part of my life."
"Ok ok, enough about me and Vince now, I want to know what's the story of you guys." it was directed at Belfast and Purifier.
"As Master told you, I'm the head maid of the Royal Navy. I oversee all the duties pertaining the state of the Royal dorm and Her Majesty's welfare." Belfast responded first, giving Purifier time to think of a story. (she isn't speaking in an annoyed tone of voice)
"You must be pretty busy all day having that much responsibility."
"Usually, but starting yesterday, I've been alleviated of my duties till further notice to train Camilla."
"Vince did mention she was new here."
"Yeah, I washed ashore a few days ago when I was lost out at sea. He saved me and I wanted to become his personal maid along with Belfast as thanks."
"...Vince, how are you so blind?"
"What do you mean I'm blind? I can see perfectly fine you know?" he scoffed
"That's not what I meant ya' doofus, there are so many girls around here, pretty ones at that. How aren't you with one of them yet? I swear you have the worst luck with women." she sighed.
He was about to call her out for saying that, but it probably wasn't a good idea since he'd admit to being together with a Siren, well in the future but that wasn't important right now.
"Please don't make it sound worse than it actually is, and why are you saying it in front of them!?"
"I was just joking; would it make you feel better that I think you actually have a chance with them?"
"Now you're just mocking me."
"I've always mocked and made fun of you, what's changed hm? Fine, business talk if it makes you feel better."
...
Time passed quickly as it neared Valorie's time to leave, to end off her short time on the base, they all had lunch together.
"I wish every day at Command was this fun when it becomes busy. Just so much work piles up." Valorie groaned.
"It's because you never get to it."
"But paperwork is just so boring~."
"Miss Valorie, even if work is boring, you still have to get it done. Master complains sometimes too, but he still gets it done."
Lunch was a random array of topics from work to food to art and entertainment. It wasn't until the very end of lunch that Valorie pulled Vince aside for a talk.
"So, tell me what's wrong."
"What do you mean what's wrong? I'm fine."
"No, you're not 'fine' Vince, something's bothering you. And you know that I know when something's bothering you or when you're lying. Is it about Camilla?"
"Yes."
"Are you hiding something about her?"
"..."
"Vince, listen to me. Whatever she is, it isn't good, I can sense it. Everyone else here I can tell to be half 'ship' and half human. She isn't human from what I can tell. Half of you too, I've always had that feeling."
"And what's so important about that?"
"It's because I know you like her; no love is a better word, isn't it?"
Sometimes he really hates how she can read him like an open book.
"I'm not going to comment on that."
"Fine, have it your way, but you know that I have to report it to gramps right?"
"I-"
Before he can respond, they directed their attention to the column of water rising from the beach. A few seconds passed before the PA systems blared to life for the second time in barely a few days.
"OBSERVER ALPHA SPOTTED IN THE DISTANCE, DO NOT PANIC, THAT WAS A WARNING SHOT. ANY CARRIERS NEARBY ARE ADVISED TO ENGAGE BEFORE SHE REACHES THE SHORE!"