The doors to the CIC slid shut behind me, locking with a muffled thump as the clamps engaged. As expected, the room, normally staffed by several kansen, was empty so that I could communicate with HQ in privacy. Whatever they were about to tell me, it had to be big.
I walked over to the communications console, punched in my access code, and waited as the system began the encryption protocols. A green light flashed three times before the screen flickered to life with the smiling image of my old boss.
"Admiral Sprague," I saluted dutifully, "Good to see you, sir."
"And you, Admiral Short," he smiled and saluted back, "How're you holding up? Glad to be back in warmer climes?"
I chuckled as I stood at ease. "Absolutely, sir. It's been nice waking up and not having to restore feeling to my nose first thing in the morning."
"Good to know," he laughed before his expression became serious. "I hope you've gotten enough rest since getting back because you're going to be very busy here shortly."
"Didn't think this was a strictly social call," I smirked.
"Of course," he nodded before pulling up a display showing the North Atlantic. "Thanks to your efforts with the Northern Parliament in containing the Siren threat, we've got enough firepower freed up to launch a counteroffensive, codename: Operation Siren. The goal will be to weaken Siren fleets patrolling the North Atlantic, set up forward operating bases at key strategic points, and then make a concerted push with the Royal Navy to the final objective: the Singularity in the center of the ocean."
I let out a low whistle. That was going to be a tall order, even with how strong we've become since I took command. "That's a…rather ambitious goal, sir."
"I know," he said solemnly. "But I think it's high time we start acting and quit reacting. If we can shut down this massive Singularity, we'll have cut off a major reinforcement point for the Sirens and we'll be able to more freely move shipping between the Eagle Union and the Royal Isles."
As I said, ambitious, but achievable. One thing still bothered me, however. "What about the Crimson Axis, sir? How do we know they won't get involved?"
His eyes darted off-screen, and he looked uncharacteristically cagey. "We're working with Queen Elizabeth herself to take care of that as we speak."
"Not like you to play coy, sir."
"That's all I can say right now, Admiral. But rest assured, by the time we give the green light for Operation Siren, the Crimson Axis will not factor into our plans." He waited for me to nod in acknowledgment before carrying on. "Your job is to get your fleets ready for this. You'll still be leaving a sizeable force in the Pacific to tie down the Sirens there, and to make sure the Sakura Empire doesn't try to pull anything while our attention is diverted elsewhere, but I want the bulk of your forces here. While I'll leave it up to you who stays and who goes, John, I'd recommend you take only the best with you. Even with all the firepower we've got, it's still going to be a tough fight."
"I understand, sir," I earnestly replied. "I promise I'll do my very best on this one. How much time do we have before you want us headed to the Atlantic?"
His eyes darted off-screen again, although he looked decidedly less anxious than before. Probably checking his calendar, if I had to guess. "Three weeks."
Inwardly, I grimaced. That wasn't a lot of time to put together multiple fleets and get them ready for a massive, continued campaign. But this job was rarely easy. "We'll be ready."
He smiled thinly and nodded once. "I know you will. Good luck, Admiral, and good hunting."
I snapped to attention and saluted. "Aye, sir."
He returned the salute, reached forward, and the screen went dark. I powered off the communications panel and set the security in the CIC before I let out a long sigh. So much for time off…
And then, with a groan, I realized I promised Intrepid we'd go see Casablanca. For a second, I thought about canceling, but I didn't want to let her down. Besides, I thought, this may be the last time I'd get some serious time off and I should make the best of it.
In the meantime, however, I had a campaign to plan…
Essex looked up as I hurried back into my office, tossing my cap onto the coat rack with practiced ease. "Everything alright, sir?"
"We are about to get very busy here shortly, Essex," I announced as I took a seat at my desk and began pulling up the various forms and schedules I'd need to get started. "Clear my schedule and get me the results of the last couple of training exercises."
She gave me a perplexed look as she slowly stood up. "Sure thing, Commander. Something happen?"
I glanced up from the files and paperwork. "We've got new orders coming soon," I told her. "I'll make an official announcement in a few days, but let's just say we're going on the offensive very shortly."
Her expression went from confused to confident in a heartbeat. "That's good news, Admiral," she smiled. "I know we've all been chomping at the bit for this moment. Who's going?"
"That's what I'm going to find out," I answered softly. "Training will start tomorrow morning, we're going to see who makes the grade…" I sighed and glanced down at the list that began to scroll across the screen. "...and who doesn't."
Essex faltered at those words. "Sir?"
"This is going to be the toughest fight we've ever been in," I explained. "I can't afford to play favorites. I'm going to need the best for this. No exceptions."
She holds my gaze and nods once. "Understood, Commander."
I nod back and she slipped out the door. As Essex headed out, Intrepid dropped by, the two women sharing a brief smile as they pass each other. The silver-haired girl beams at me and gives me a little wave. "Morning, Commander! Got a second?"
Every time she smiled, I found it to be infectious. Even with the stress and gravitas pressed upon me at that moment, I couldn't help but smile back at her. "Absolutely. What do you need?"
"Wanted to get with you on the meet-up spot for the movie today so we don't have a repeat of last night," she grinned.
"Good idea," I conceded. Amazing how I could run fleets of ships, but forget to set simple places and times to meet a date. "In front of the theater about fifteen minutes before showtime sound good?"
Wait, what?
"Perfect! Gives us time to grab drinks and popcorn. Or are you a soft pretzel kinda guy?"
Date?
I kept a smile on my face as my mind proceeded to implode over the errant thought I'd just had. "I do love a good hot soft pretzel, but when it comes to movies, popcorn's the only way to go."
Did Intrepid say date? I don't think she said date. I didn't say date. This isn't a date! We aren't dating!
…are we?
Intrepid was talking about something, probably popcorn, but I began to retreat into my mind, wrestling with just how romantic these outings were supposed to be.
We spent an evening under the stars, what could be more romantic than that?
That's because the stars are best visible at night, dummy!
And the movie she's taking us to see is one of the greatest romantic dramas of all time!
Yeah, but she never said the word 'date'. I paused and took a deep breath, trying to keep a calm, not panicked look on my face. Look, it's just two people going out to see a movie. Besides, given what we've just been through, we're in no condition to get in a relationship with someone right now.
Oblivious to the existential crisis I was having, Intrepid peered down at the desk and pointed at the list. "That's a lot of training…"
That snapped me back to reality, and I forcefully pushed what was left of that argument to the very back of my mind as I followed her finger to the training roster. "Something big's coming down the pike, and I've got to make sure people are ready for it." For a moment, I hesitated. I didn't want to be seen as playing favorites, but I felt I would be remiss if I didn't make the offer to her now. "You want in on this?"
"Are you kidding?" she beamed. "Hell yes, I want in!"
I grinned and turned back to the screen as I added her name to the top of the list. "And, for the record, who do you work best with?"
"Essex, Independence, New Jersey."
I made a note in the "And who do you have the most problems working with?"
She wasted no time in answering. "Sheffield."
That was a bit of a surprising answer. "Really? Why?"
"She does too many cartwheels while in combat," she cryptically replied. When I continued to stare at her, hoping she'd elaborate further, she refused, staring off into space as if she'd seen things she wished she hadn't.
"Okaaaay…" I slowly replied as I added that to the notes. "And, in the spirit of full disclosure, being in the training doesn't guarantee you'll be picked for the operation. This is more than getting ready for it, this is finding out who's going and who's not."
"You can count on me, Commander!" She grinned confidently and saluted, "The crown of victory goes to me, the one who knows no fear!"
"Alright," I chuckled. "Go get ready then, and good luck."
She gave me a wave as she turned to leave. "Thanks, Commander, I-yeowch!" Her cry of pain coincided with a large thump and the shifting of my desk.
I quickly got to my feet, concern in my voice. "You okay?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine," she said weakly, trying to laugh it off with a chuckle. Her smile quickly turned into a grimace, however as she gingerly lifted her left foot.
"You don't look fine," I stated as I pulled my chair out for her. "Just take a seat-"
"No, no," she waved her hand dismissively as she shook her head. "I'll be fine, I'll be fine. Just gotta walk it off." Before I could object, she was already limping towards the door. "See you tonight, Commander!"
I watched her go for a moment, wondering if she'd truly be okay before I shrugged helplessly and sat back down at my desk. Plenty of work to do before the movie…
"...that was a beautiful film," I said as we walked out of the theater.
"Told ya!" Intrepid happily chirped next to me. "We gonna catch you walking around the base wearing a fedora and a white dinner jacket from now on?"
I chuckled and shook my head. "Nah, I'm no Bogart. If I'm anyone in that movie, I'm Laszlo." I paused, wondering if I sounded too vain. "At least, I hope so."
Intrepid peered at me for a moment before she nodded slowly. "Bold, brave, fights the good fight, disappears into enemy territory for months at a time," she teased, "I don't think you'll ever have to tell the house band to play La Marseillaise, but yeah, if you're anyone, you're Victor." She paused for a moment, then playfully nudged me in the ribs. "Does that mean you're also gonna get the girl?"
Suddenly, the date debate raged through my head again. That sounded suspiciously flirty. But we weren't doing any normal date things, like holding hands or being physically close in other ways. Was it just my own doubts getting the better of me again?
"One day, I hope," I chuckled as I nervously rubbed the back of my neck. I decided to test the waters. "Haven't really had much time for dating," I said as I watched Intrepid for a reaction, "Especially with the campaign up in the polar region."
Something flashed across her face, disappointment, hurt, regret? Sympathy, perhaps? Whatever it was, it quickly vanished beneath that supportive smile of hers. "None of those Northern Parliament girls managed to lure you away with promises of vodka and Eskimo kisses?"
"Not really," I smiled. "Like I said, we were far too busy fighting tooth and nail to do anything else. What about you? Any luck in your love life?"
Her smile turned a bit rueful as she shook her head. "A few here and there, but for the most part, nah. None of 'em have gotten past Bremerton."
That threw me for a loop. "Bremerton?" I repeated. "Does…does someone have to date Bremerton before dating you?"
She laughed and shook her head again. "No, silly. Once I like a guy enough, I have them meet Bremerton for her final approval. Most of them bail halfway through the date, and she shoots down the few who've made it through."
"Huh. She ever say why?"
"For the ones who bail on the date, nope. I can figure that out for myself. They can't handle Bremmy, they're not worth my time." She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "For the ones she's told me to ditch, yeah. Commitment issues, just in it for the novelty of dating a shipgirl, that sort of thing." As usual, she put on her brave face, squared her shoulders, and boldly declared, "But I'm not gonna let a few bad dates stop me, I know he's out there somewhere!"
"For what it's worth," I smiled softly, "I hope you find him."
She looked back up at me, her expression softening. "Thanks. I hope you find who you're looking for, too."
"Thanks," I answered. We walked along in silence for a few minutes, both of us staring up at the night sky. It wasn't as easy to see as the other night, with the lights of the base driving away some of the darkness, but it was still beautiful. "So, you sortie tomorrow?"
"Day off," she happily answered, much to my surprise.
"For someone so gung-ho about getting out there," I mused, "I thought you'd loathe having to take time off."
"Gotta take time off to relax, or you'll burn out, John," she said, her tone just shy of admonishing. "Bremmy and I are going to have a girl's day out, hit the town, go shopping, that sort of thing. What about you?"
"Work, mostly," I sighed. "I've still got a lot of prep for that operation coming up."
"Hey." Intrepid reached out and grabbed my hand, bringing me to a halt. "Just promise me you'll take a break, okay? Get outside, take a walk, do something."
I smiled reassuringly and squeezed her hand. "I promise, I'll take a break tomorrow."
She smiled back and released her grip. "Good. I'm going to call it a night, and I imagine you need to get some rest as well. Night, John!"
I smiled and waved to her. "Good night, Intrepid."
As we went our separate ways, something she said suddenly bubbled back up to the surface. Bremerton was the one who had the final say in Intrepid's boyfriends being good enough…encouraged me to spend time with Intrepid…and pointed me out to Intrepid…was she trying to set us up? Or did she just feel that we'd be good for each other platonically?
I groaned and shook my head. It was far too late in the day to try and get this figured out. Best to get a good night's sleep and tackle this the next day...
Please fight until the last light has faded.
Once more, my dreams were filled with gunfire, screams, and smoke. And once more, the lights in the sky sputtered out, one by one, until they were all gone and I was all alone.
I hung there, suspended in the void, my heart rate beginning to spike as the fear took hold of me when suddenly, I noticed something I hadn't before: a single, bright, shining star. It burned with a cool silvery-blue light, and I found myself drifting towards it. It didn't feel ominous or cold, but warm and safe. I felt as though I knew this star, as impossible as it is, and right before the realization hit me, the star began blaring an alarm.
Or rather, my alarm clock did. With a frustrated grunt, I sleepily fumbled around for the snooze button, silencing the infernal noise long enough for me to turn it off completely. That had been a different ending to the recent nightmares I'd been having, and I wasn't soaked in sweat or shaking like a leaf this time. A sign of improvement, perhaps? I made a mental note to bring this up with Bremerton during our next session, maybe she could make some sense out of it. And maybe get some clarifications as to some other things, as well…
As I'd feared, a good night's sleep hadn't done much to allay the debate I was having regarding my relationship…or not relationship with Intrepid. I still felt just as conflicted as last night, and the evidence could go either way. Had Bremerton been trying to hook us up? Obviously, not overtly, otherwise, she wouldn't have waited for a chance nighttime encounter, but when she saw the opportunity, did she take it? Would she even admit to it if I asked her directly?
Part of me knew what she'd say already, she'd smile that knowing smile of hers and tell me I should be asking Intrepid if this was going to be romantic or platonic. Which, honestly, I probably should. I wouldn't want to keep someone on the hook or be on the hook myself, for a relationship that may never happen. I sighed as I threw off the covers and got out of bed. The polar campaign was much easier. Too busy to worry about things like love and mixed signals. At least I could put this off until tomorrow since Intrepid and Bremerton were out on their girls' day off. Or so I thought…
The work day flew by and before I knew it, it was lunchtime. I decided to take up Intrepid's advice to take a break and clear my head by way of a stroll through the base. I could also stop off at the little cafe Ning Hai and Ping Hai run and grab a bite to eat as well.
As I made my way down the street, right before I was about to turn the corner for the cafe, I heard a familiar voice…
"...don't know. I'm getting all these mixed messages from him and it's just…it's driving me crazy!" I immediately recognized Intrepid's voice and my heart immediately skipped a beat before racing into overdrive. Was she talking about me? Did she have the same concerns as I did, or was she frustrated at my complete cluelessness?
"Look, he's been through a lot lately, and you've got to give him time," Bremerton's voice answered, and I was nearly sure that I was, in fact, the subject of the discussion. "He'll come around."
Rather than eavesdrop and find myself in an awkward position later on(and because I was adamant that they'd hear my heart thundering in my chest and come investigate anyway), I decided to try and keep a nonchalant face as I rounded the corner.
Sure enough, there was Intrepid and Bremerton, sitting at a small table by the cafe. Intrepid was gesturing with her fork as she talked and wore a beautiful jacket and dress combination that complimented her hair. Bremerton was wearing a baseball jacket and tank top as she leaned forward on the table to listen intently to her friend's concerns. Her magenta eyes flicked to me as I came around the corner, and her mouth turned up in a knowing smirk as she looked back at Intrepid. I thought she would announce my presence, but instead, she let Intrepid carry on.
"I mean, he's Victor Laszlo, for crying out loud! Do you really think I'm Ilsa quality?"
"You've got the eyes for it," I answered, startling her and making Bremerton's smirk blossom into a full-blown grin.
Her fork clattered to the table as she jerked around in her seat to stare up at me in surprise and embarrassment. "Commander! John!" she sputtered as she tried to get herself back under control. "You scared me! Again! Sir!"
"Sorry, Intrepid," I grinned weakly. "Trying not to make a habit of it."
Bremerton looked between us, that Cheshire grin still on her face as she sized things up. "Well," she announced as she got from her seat. "I think you two have quite a bit to talk about, so I'm going to let you two get to it."
"W-wait," Intrepid stammered, reaching out for her friend, grasping at straws. "W-we've got the day planned!"
"Oh, don't worry," Bremerton replied smoothly as she gathered up her drink, "The Commander here's only on his lunch break, so once he's back to work we'll pick up where we left off. Isn't that right, Commander?"
"I'll make sure she gets home on time," I joked, although I think it came out weaker than I intended.
As Intrepid tried to object, Bremerton simply talked over her as if she wasn't begging for a lifeline. "Alrighty then. Ta-ta, you two! Laters!"
"Brem!" Intrepid hissed after her departing friend. "Bremmy! Bremerton!" When it was clear she was on her own, she sighed and slumped in her chair.
I smiled ruefully at her and casually said, "So…wanna talk?"
A/N- Ooh, Bremerton, you sneaky sneak! Our shipper on deck is now out of the shadows and making her play known! (Not that she was subtle about it in the first place…) But what will our two heroes do? Only one way to find out! Until next time, fair winds and following seas!
