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The 'XZJQ Project' Presents...

|Location: Azur Lane Base|
|Time: 2100|

Xavier and Enterprise open their eyes, and they see around the same room they appear in before, only that it looks normal, and someone is there seeing this happen.

"Commander! Enterprise, you're okay!" Javelin is relieved at seeing them here. And she's not the only one here...

"Commander! Sis!" Hornet is here as well, along with Wales, Hood, Illustrious, Laffey, Vestal, and even Unicorn hereby. Vestal checks up on both of them as they were lying on the floor.

"Their bodies are exhausted, all they need is some rest." Vestal stated.

"...Wh-What happened?" Xavier asked as he gets up, along with Enterprise, they felt their stamina is stripped away, as Javelin and Laffey help him up while Enterprise is assisted by Hornet.

"Ever since the Cube has taken you two, all of us are worried." Hood explained.

"The Doctor had to call everyone to remain calm, and we should wait until you two have returned." Wales added.

"And thank goodness, our assumptions have been true." Illustrious smiled.

"...How long have we been missing?..." Enterprise asked.

Hornet sweatdrops, "Well, it's been 2 hours and 30 minutes. By the time it's already dark, we had to take shifts to keep an eye on the cube." She explains, "And you had me worry Sis! Even Yorktown is worried about you!"

Enterprise slightly widens her eyes at the mention of her older sister, she glances away having her head down, "I'm sorry, Sis..." She replied.

Hornet sees this and shook her head as she smiles, "It's okay, all that matters is that you and Commander are back." She said.

"Commander, what happened?" Javelin asked.

"The Cube... It... Took Enterprise and I somewhere..." Xavier informed.

"And what is that?" Wales wondered.

"To the base..." Xavier answered which got them confused, "But it looked different... I saw buildings are destroyed, trees are dead, everywhere smoke and fire all around the base." He continued on.

"The base?" Hood asked.

"On fire?" Illustrious added as Unicorn worried by hearing this.

Wales is shocked to hear, "And anything else?" She asked again.

"And we saw someone... They split us apart, and I had to talk with someone," Enterprise explained, "One in armor, with technology I have never seen..."

"And do you know who is the armored one?" Hood assumes as Enterprise shook her head.

"I don't recognise the voice, the tone has been altered." Enterprise replied as they turned to the Commander who has to explain his situation.

"And the second one, I saw her and she looked similar... Like Enterprise..." This caused eyebrows raised by Xavier's reveal.

"Sis?..." Hornet muttered, "Are you sure, Commnader?" She asked.

"Same hair, and eyes but her outfit... It looks like she's been through a lot." Xavier describes this alternate Enterprise. Enterprise hears this, and thinks about herself, Hornet looked even more worried as well as others.

"Did they ask where were they from?" Wales asked. Xavier and Enterprise look at each other and shook their heads.

"Wales, I think they need to be sent to their quarters now." Vestal demanded.

Wales nodded, "Apoglises Vestal, you may join them as they can take them to their quarters." Javelin, Laffey, and Hornet nodded back as they support them to their areas, Vestal follows up, joining Hornet as they split into their separate ways.

Then they are by themselves with the cube in front.

"Burning base... Altered Enterprise, and the armored figure..." Hood mentioned. "This could mean something..."

"Indeed, but for now we can dwell on assumptions." Wales replied. "Even to this day, we still haven't understood the Wisdom Cubes' true nature."

"Then until Commander and Enterprise have recovered, this shall be resume?" Illustrious asked.

"I'm afraid we must." Wales agreed. "We'll need to bring others to hear about this. If this Cube can show us the future..." As she passed.

"...We'll be troubled." Wales concluded.

"Greetings, Master." Belfast gives out a small bow, as Xavier, Javelin, and Laffey arrived. The two carried Xavier and managed to make him sit down on the large couch in the middle of the office as he groaned, still exhausted. Other maids are in his office as well.

"Thank you, Javelin and Laffey, you may go now." The maid and the Royal Navy version of Enterprise speak out.

"Okay..." Laffey gives her thumbs up.

"Alright, stay well, Commander!" Javelin cheers Xavier as they left.

"Mmmmm..." Xavier muttered out loud.

"You need to rest, Master." Belfast smiled, "We shall take you to bed."

"Okay..." Xavier mumbled as Dido then carries him to the bedroom, the other maids follow as Edinburgh opens up the door. Once in the bedroom, Xavier is placed on the bed, as one by one the maids left...

Enterprise is carried by Hornet as she takes her to the dorm, as she simply takes off her hat and places her in bed. Just as she leaves...

"Sis..." Enterprise spoke out as Hornet stops and turns. "I'm sorry..." Hornet's eyes slightly widen. "About... Pushing too far..."

Hornet warmly smiled, "It's okay..." She slightly chuckled, "I felt like I'm being a protective sis, like you..."

Enterprise joins the smile, "Thank you..." She said as her tone gets more tired.

"Just rest Sis, we got a big day ahead." Hornet assured as she leaves and gently closes the door, leaving Enterprise as she closes her eyes...

Xavier opens his eyes and sees himself on the bed with his crumbled-up clothes of his. He gets up from bed and sees his fresh batch of clothes waiting for him.

He leaves his bedroom and sees the bright morning sunrise from the windows of his office, what he doesn't expect to see is Queen Elizabeth, Warspite, Yat Sen, Rossiya, Richelieu, and Cleveland.

Belfast, Hornet, Vestal, John, and even Enterprise are also here as well as the maid spoke up, "Morning Master, you had a good sleep?" She asked.

"Of course..." Xavier replied as he goes to his desk.

"We may need to talk Le Commandant, about yesterday." Richelieu speaks with a slightly worried tone.

"I assume Wales and others told you about that?" Xavier suggests.

Rossiya nodded, "To hear about this mysterious figure and another Enterprise is baffling." She remarked.

"Is it really true that she looks like Enterprise?" Cleveland asked, "N-not that I am doubting much!" She quickly brought up.

"It's okay..." Xavier assured, "So where is the cube?" He asked.

"It's sealed into the bunker," Yat Sen replied, "For now, it remains inactive, only you and Enterprise are affected by it."

"Enough that, what did this Enterprise say to you?" Elizabeth questioned.

"She asked why I am truly helping you." Xavier explained.

"And did you answer?" Richelieu asked as Xavier nodded.

"I said, that it is the right thing to do." Xavier stated, "I have been living outside the law, but I use it to help others, no matter what."

"And what do you gain from this?" Warspite wondered.

"...Nothing, and that's fine." Xavier admitted. "Despite myself not holding power like others, I just wanna do the right thing without holding back by the authorities."

Richelieu smiled, "It seems we keep learning more about you, Le Commandant." She said.

Cleveland nodded, "Yeah, you have my respect!" She complimented.

"I can see why the Navy choose you." John replied with arms crossed with a smile.

Elizabeth also likes his path, "So, what else did she say?" She asked.

"...She said that I'll learn about them..." Xavier explained, "I guess she said that we'll meet each other again soon... Along with others."

"There's more of them?" Vestal asked as Xavier's nod confirm it.

"And Enterprise?" Cleveland turns to the Grey Ghost, "What did that armored guy say to you?" She wondered.

Enterprise is hesitant but seeing Hornet's looks of encouragement, she speaks up, "He told me about my... Status, he said about my previous actions is harming others and mostly myself. And told me to become better."

Vestal looks surprised, "He told you that?" She asked as Enterprise nodded.

"So, he knows about your situation," John stated, "And your sudden change as well." He warmly smiled.

"I don't know who he is, but I am thankful, he's helping you." Vestal said in relief.

"Yeah, Sis is just being very overprotective." Hornet smirked as she gives a shoulder hug.

"Sis..." Enterprise looks slightly embarrassed with Belfast slightly giggling seeing Enterprise's state.

Xavier looks also surprised, and happy to see Enterprise change due to that unknown person, he hopes to find a way to thank him.

Richelieu speaks up, "Now that we learn about this Cube, it's best to continue to let it on guarded." She stated.

"Exactly, this could be a helpful guide to us and to the Crimson Axis." Rossiya replied.

"Already, we have patrols around the coast in case of any attacks." Yat Sen informed.

"Now that's done. What else do we do besides wait?" Cleveland suggests.

"..." The girls think about what to do during this leftover time, Xavier is waiting for suggestions until Hornet has an idea... "How about relaxation?" She suggested.

"I suppose this would settle ourselves what's coming..." Rossiya slowly agrees to this.

"Indeed that would be necessary." Yat Sen agrees with Hornet.

With a few agreements, Xavier makes his statement, "Alright, a settlement it is." He stated. "I will inform the girls." The girls nodded as they leave the office. Leaving only John behind.

Xavier called onto the comms. "Attention all girls, this is the Commander speaking, I'd like to inform you that all of you are taking a break for this day. Feel to settle down."

He finishes his announcement, as he looks at John, "I'll remind you, Commander, what you did is going to be... Let's just say, chaotic." He warned him.

"What do you mean?" Xavier asked, looking confused.

John needed to remind himself... This second Commmander is innocent. "There's a reason Hornet made her suggestion. You should prepare yourself." Xavier still looks confused by that.

"What is... This?"

Xavier is just here wearing what's apparently swim trunks, next to him is John in his own swim trunks wearing sunglasses s he is carrying the equipment. And in front of them... Is a large beach, with almost all of the girls are hearing wearing their swimsuits...

"I did warn you, Hornet wanted this." John replied as he walks up to the sandy area and sets up the chairs and the umbrellas.

"I..." Xavier's face blushes heavily, most of the adult-looking like girls, they look so beautiful!

"Commander," John calls out as Xavier turns to him, "I advise you should sit here." He gestured to the chair next to him. Xavier does so and is shaded by the umbrella.

"Did... The previous Commander allows this?" Xavier asked.

Before John can answer, "Hey Commander!" The two look at Hornet who is in her slightly different but similar swimsuit, who along with Enterprise is also in her swimsuit, having a small blush as well.

"Say Commander, thanks for this, it feels like good old days." Hornet thanked him as she gives off her biggest smile.

"You did this on purpose didn't you?..." Xavier questioned, tho he felt something sinister towards Hornet.

"Mmm... No idea what you're talking about." Hornet innocently replied.

"Rest assured, Commander this isn't her plan..." A familiar voice occurred as he turns to see Duke Of York, and Prince Of Wales both in very alluding swimsuits, steams slowly comes out of his ears and he covers his red face with his hands.

Duke Of York smirked, "O how the Commander is enjoying the view, won't you say Wales?" She giggled seeing Xavier's mouse-like state.

Wales shakes her head, as she gives a smile, "I would say to refrain yourself but... Wouldn't you Commander?" She asked as Xavier sees their swimsuits up close.

Xavier is blushing too hard, he can't handle Duke Of York's flirting, but all a sudden Wales joins in!? He never thought Wales would be this, ain't she a lady?! He needs help...

"Alright Wales, Duke, he's clearly having trouble." John spoke up, and Xavier must thank him.

"Very well, Doctor." Wales replied.

"Such misfortune." Duke Of York said.

"Well, for now, I suggest that we should let the Commander enjoy his break as well." John advised.

"Very well, feel free to join us." Wales replied as she along with Duke leaves.

"Well, I should join others, Saratoga and Lexington are having a volleyball match with Cygent and Comet." Hornet explains, "You go ahead and stay with Commander Sis!"

"Hornet!" Enterprise yelped out but her sister left off, which perked Xavier.

Enterprise looks embarrassed, "Enterprise?" She hears Xavier, "What does Hornet mean?" He asked.

"I should just leave you two be." John remarked as he gets off his chair, "I'll join with the others." And that it's just Xavier and Enterprise.

Enterprise remains standing, but Xavier decided to speak the first word at this silent treatment, "You can sit here, Enterprise." He said.

"R-right..." Enterprise accepted and sat down in John's chair.

The two are next to each other, then the embarrassment dies down as they listen to the waves, and a lot of noises from the other girls.

Then both of them see Hornet there watching the volleyball match as Saratoga and Lexington get a losing streak from their opponent side as Cygnet and Comet cheer for their constant victory.

"So Enterprise, what did Hornet mean about staying with...?" He asked.

Enterprise blushed a bit but then later toned down, "I... Needed help, how to become... Human." She said.

"What do you mean?" Xavier wondered.

"This morning, Sister told me to be more human makes me feel alive, and that I need to figure it out for myself, but... I don't know how." Enterprise admits.

Xavier thinks for a moment, "I can help you with that, you've been living human already." He stated.

"What...?" Enterprise exclaimed.

"It's your protection against others, deep down, you have that." Xavier explained, "Your human side wanted to protect your sisters and friends, and you nearly lost it all..." He recalled.

Enterprise looks down pondering on those words, "You just to be open to yourself, and show your care to your friends and your family." Xavier assured. "That's how being human works, feelings."

"..." Enterprise smiled, "Thank you, Commander." She said. "For now I will try to open my feelings once again."

Xavier smiled too, "You don't need to try, you're already doing it." He said as Enterprise realised this, her smile.

"San Diego behind you!" A shout from Atlanta caused Xavier and Enterprise to have their attention as they see San Diego on the water being chased by a shark.

"Help me!" San Diego cries out, as San Juan rushes to the water to deal with the shark, then the beach witnesses explosions as Xavier and Enterprise sweatdrop seeing this scenario.

"Um... Commander?" A nervous voice spoke beside him as he turns to see Javelin and Laffey in their swimsuits.

"Yes, Javelin?" Xavier asked, acting like a father figure to Javelin.

"Um..." She stuttered nervously but not in the type of nervousness she is, but Laffey spoke up.

"Commander, want to play Volleyball with us?" Laffey asked.

"Oh, uh... Sure!" Xavier replied, "But, I don't play sports well..."

"Don't worry, Laffey, and Javelin are with you." Laffey gives her thumbs up with a tired expression.

"Oh... Alright then..." Xavier accepts as he gets up and his hand gets grabbed by Laffey and is practically dragged by her as Javelin follows.

The girls see this and realised that the Commander himself is about to participate in the Volleyball match with Laffey and Javelin.

This causes curiosity for Xavier... What match are they up against?

A ball is rocketed straight at Xavier's face, he gets knocked back by the impact and onto the sand. The audience of girls witnesses this with many gasps occurring.

"Ow..." Xavier muttered.

"Commander!" Javelin exclaimed.

"Oh! Sorry, Commander!" Baltimore shouted out, worried as she is on the other side with Marblehead and Bremerton, all in their swimsuits.

"Baltimore, I told you to be careful!" Bremerton called out.

"How did this happen...?" Xavier muttered in thought as he remains to lie while dizzy.

Apparently, Javelin and Laffey made him join their Volleyball team against, Baltimore, Marblehead, and Bremerton. He also learns about their powerful sports skills the hard way.

Although this is mostly Laffey's idea, Javelin looks worried seeing this.

"Sorry, Commander, Laffey tried her best..." Laffey muttered.

"Baltimore!" Vestal is furious, "This is the fifth time, you let yourself go too much!" She chastised. As the crowd witnessed, this match is now halted once again as Vestal continues while Baltimore apologises once more.

Enterprise who is with Hornet watches this with sweatdrops from their foreheads.

"Jeez, Baltimore continues to go out..." Hornet mumbled.

Meanwhile, John is with Wales, Hood, Illustrious, Unicorn and other girls witness this away from the crowd.

"Commander is sure having his fun..." Hood smiled.

"Be honest, his innocence makes this situation better for you girls?" John questioned with a smirk.

"O our old Commander is sure in our hearts." Duke Of York admits, "But I will admit, this Commander is easy to play with." She added.

"I think Commander is kind..." Unicorn mutters out loud.

Illustrious smiled at the little girl hugging her unicorn doll, "He could be your new brother, won't you think?" She suggested.

"Mm!" Unicorn nodded, "I'm calling him big brother!" She said with determination.

"That's good to hear." Illustrious replied that she is glad Unicorn is getting better now. Especially with the new Commander. And meanwhile, the Volleyball Match has now been delayed...

"Get him some ice!" Vestal demanded.

|Location: Crimson Axis Base|
|Time: 0910|

At the base, Akagi remains in her dorm as she is in front of the open door, as pink blossoms gently fell down, her eyes remain closed as she recalls such past memories...

It was years ago... When Akagi wanders into the hallway, where she tries the door and knocks on the door she arrived.

"Shikikan..." Akagi called out, "May Akagi come in?" She asked.

No response, but a sudden thud is heard from the other side of the door.

Akagi smiles and enters the office, which is completely messy. Papers on the floor, random items all over, and some props stacked on each other, on the other side is a large half-completed battleship cannon.

But what's in front of her what use to be a desk is a large forest covering the large section of his office. And apparently, some of the Manjuus is there, tho they look quite alarmed.

She looks around and sees no one, but she knows he's here.

"Shikikan?" Akagi gives out a playful smirk. "Where are you?" She calls out.

"Where am I?..." A male sinister voice calls out.

Akagi giggled, "Ara, Ara, trying to play hiding with Akagi?" She wonders out loud. As goes through the forest section looking for him as her fox ears attempt to pick up a trace.

"I'm waiting..." The voice spoke again.

As she went past the forest, she sees the other side where a figure is sitting on a chair but is turned away, but Akagi knew about this...

"Where can you truly be hiding Shikikan?" Akagi playfully calls out. Just as she walks out, a small wooden dart hit on her the back of her shoulder, she turns to see this, no harm to her due to the fact it was a harmless dart.

She looks around, but to no avail, she smiled, "Oh, how you bested Akagi, Shikikan." She admits as she walks toward the desk.

"You've somehow been struck first." The voice now less sinister spoke out.

"Indeed..." Akagi now picks up the sound as she catches the second wooden dart. "Akagi has found you Shikikan." She stares at the wall, as the wall moves to reveal a person wearing a camo-covered costume, that is holding a self-made dart gun.

The person takes off the cover, revealing a man with copper eyes and bronze hair, this man is Zander, the previous Commander of the Azur Lane as he is shown with a smile.

"Akagi sees you are attempting one of your new experiments." Akagi remarked.

"Ah, you like it?" Zander asked as he places his dart gun down, "I was attempting to make use of urban camouflage but not in a way the enemy suspect." He explains. "I ambush them, instead from the trees, it's from the ground!"

Akagi giggled, "It did work, Shikikan." She admits, "For once." She added.

"A single shot is that we may need to take down a target's weakness." Zander pointed out. "So what made you arrive here, Akagi?" He asked. "More paperwork to shred- I mean to fill?"

"Oh, Shikikan..." Akagi shook her head, "Can't Akagi be here just for you?" She wondered.

"Well, not saying you should." Zander nonchalantly remarked. "It would be nice to have company... Doctor's been yelling at me a few hours ago, no idea why tho." He shrugged. "After all, I only attempted to try a single bite on a torpedo tempura."

"Such boldness for you Shikikan." Akagi replied with a small blush. "You keep winning Akagi's heart." She said.

"Oh really?" Zander asked. Akagi nodded, "Well you ain't the only ones who say that to me."

"Oh, and who are the other girls?..." Akagi's tone goes dark.

"Now, now Akagi." Zander called out, "Amagi will be there to lecture you, right?" He asked as Akagi realised and looked down, but then she felt a head pat from Zander himself. "Not to worry, like all girls you are all special."

"Shikikan..." Akagi mumbled and before she can say more...

"Sister." Kaga spoke up, and Akagi opens her eyes. Oh how disappointed this moment was ended abruptly, but now duties call. She turns to her sister as she speaks, "Project Orochi has been 90% completed."

Akagi smiled, "Hm? Excellent, Sister, we shall inform this our leaders, but I am curious how did our special guest manage to do so without the cube?" She wonders.

"I ask the same thing, he said that Project Orochi can only be fully complete if the Wisdom Cube the Azur Lane stole is retrieved." Kaga explains.

"Very well..." Akagi replied. "Let us go tell them."

Inside the cave, Orochi watches by, seeing the energy cage with Oswald the leader of the terrorists inside, Kaga no doubt put him in there. He holds a small yellow cube.

"When will you return!? I am sick of being some pushover by these foxes!" Oswald gritted his teeth.

"Patience, Mr. Konrad." A young female voice speaks through the cube, "Once our plans are in motion. Your desire and impulse will come as well as theirs." She explains, "And soon..."

"These insolent foxes will face their death by the weapon they thought can control..." Oswald responded.

"And the pitiful humanity's last defense will be wiped out." She concluded.

"Thus the world will be changed..." Oswald thought, "Very well, I'll wait and we will soon meet, Observer Alpha."

And that the yellow cube glow has faded...

Chapter 8 Completed... Commence The Next Chapter...

"Reviews with actual criticism are welcomed here."