Peenemünde

"Begin Wisdom Cube Synchronization"

A voice emitted from a radio. The static chirps echoed around the darkened room of an office where two officers looked over several documents scattered around the desk. One of them took a sip out of a half-done bottle of the Northern Parliaments finest vodka. He groaned at the feeling of the burning liquid that poured down his throat. His eyes narrowed in frustration as he gazed upon the various documents containing important research results. Each one of them had the same result printed in bold read upon them.

Failure

"Synchronization failure, Singularity failure, Synthesis failure, failure, failure, failure…" The man repeated in a heavily frustrated Russian accent. His eyebrows furrowed as he heard a giggle from the other side of the table.

"Are you finding all this failure entertaining Kesselring?" He questioned the woman across the table. She giggled as she buried her face into a particular file that she found entertaining.

She stopped giggling and put the document down, revealing a jester-like smile plastered on her face. Her expression was of a lighthearted nature as if she wasn't concerned with the lack of progress with their group's research. She gave her body a wide stretch before reclining herself in a more comfortable position before responding to her compatriot.

"From a certain point of view Professor Koronov… yes," She answered nonchalantly which earned her a dumbfounded look from said professor.

Before he could respond the noise from the radio intensified as strange mechanical sounds could be heard clearly in the background. The data linking noise of a Wisdom Cube activating was heard. Both Kesselring and Koronov paused their conversation to listen in on the experiment.

"Steadily increasing synchronization, linking personality matrix, memetic alignments validating…"

Kesselring gave a small laugh as she made her way towards the window of the office which overlooked the harbor. The office they resided in was on the sixth story of one of the many office complexes in Peenemünde harbor. Her eyes fixed on the location of the experiment. A place with the largest concentration of security forces which included several main battle tanks and helicopters patrolling overhead. She couldn't contain her anticipation as dim blue light emitted from the heavy cruiser pen doors. Meanwhile, Koronov leaned closer towards the radio and listened in on what was going on.

"Sychronization at 40 percent...56 percent… 75… 80…" "RAAAUUUGGGG"

A monstrous roar erupted from the radio which sent Koronov flying from his seat in fright. His accomplice chuckled at his misfortune as she observed the commotion from the window. She saw several companies of guards rush into the concrete ship pen. A frantic blue light flickered from its concrete cracks. Koronov quickly recovered from his fright only to be met with the sounds of desperation coming from the radio.

"Close the blast doors!" "Don't let her escape!" "Emergency shutdown now! AUUGH…"

The pair in the office could feel the ground shake as an explosion rocked the heavy cruiser pen. Koronov gave Kesselring a pleading look as if begging for her to stop a potential disaster from happening. She simply shrugged her shoulders while continuing to watch the carnage outside.

"Oh, look they're sending in the tanks," She spoke like an excited child. Several specially modified Panzerkampfwagen V 'Panthers' made their way into the pen. The sounds of an intense battle were overheard on the radio before Koronov turned the accursed device off. She panted a bit from the excitement and tried to relax in his chair. The continued shakes of the battle outside didn't help his mood though.

"That's another failure for the books," Koronov addressed his compatriot, "Are you sure that your theory is correct because it is causing us a lot of heartache."

"Hey, Hey, hey… All I'm doing is applying the basic theories of wisdom cube synchronization," Kesselring tried to soothe her compatriot's accusations. The sounds of battle outside were slowly dying down as the situation resolved itself. She looked out to find several ambulances and firetrucks arriving at the scene. Kesselring's attitude at this situation made it seem like something similar had happened before.

In fact it had. Many, many times before. Ever since High Command green lit the creation of priority ships, Kesselring's team had been going all out. Despite multiple incidents their research bore fruit with the creation of new weapons and several successful creations. Iron Blood and Northern Parliament's willingness to utilize Siren tech made the process easier by tenfold. The naval research base of Peenemünde on the Baltic Sea would be a special collaborative effort by the two powers. A powerful and highly secretive research alliance which has quirked the eyebrows of High Command.

Right now the group were continuing to push the envelope on creating ships from paper instead of basing it on past existing ships. However, this current design proved to be difficult…

"I'm quite surprised at the amount of progress we are making considering the paper designs for this ship are very bare bones," Kesselring commented to Koronov. The Slavic man had a downcast look on his face. Pessimism painted his features as he fiddled with the documents on the desk.

"That is because it is…" Koronov took a small pause, "There is this entertainment company back in my home country that has commissioned us to bring their design to life."

"Is that where that large grant came from?" Kesselring said in an amused tone, "I thought you pulled off a heist behind our backs."

"I would never stoop to the level of a criminal," Koronov fervently denied, which incited a laugh from the woman across from him.

His cheeks burned red as he tried to calm down to save himself further embarrassment in front of his technical superior officer. Luckily, Kesselring had been incredibly lenient towards him and his team. Every failure was met by her fascination and amusement. He didn't know if her attitude was a blessing or a curse. He wanted to explain to her what they need in order to see their current priority project through.

"Still… if only we had a better understanding of how to utilize the cubes. We could materialize ships out of thin air like the arch adversary," The Slavic scientist said with a bit of distress. He heard Kesselring giggle once again, perking her head from side to side.

"Luckily for us, I have a special asset that can help us retrieve the item we need," A slightly sinister and pervert formed on Kesselring's face.

Her compatriot flinched in discomfort, taking a small sip of alcohol before he took a guess of who she was referring to, "It's not that child from the Naval Academy is it?"

"Ding, Ding! You guessed right," Kesselring chimed with mock finger guns, "The one, the only, the absolutely adorable Emile Firmin!"

Koronov groaned at her eccentric behavior before chugging down another dose of vodka. He felt genuine worry for whoever this kid was that was caught up in her latest scheme. It's always the young ones she targeted, always giving them the look. Speaking of looks, Kesselring had already noticed the look her friend was giving her. A judgmental one which she did not appreciate.

"Hey, I see you judging me. May I remind you of your own little…disturbing fascination with the destroyers of Azur Lane," She fired back.

The Slav nearly spat out his drink at the accusation. His quickly reddening face already told Kesselring about the truth to some of Koronov's more personal insights into the Azur Lane project. Oh, how she could already see the hard drive filled with the most incriminating evidence of destroyer 'research.' Her grin only grew wider as her comrade fumbled in words before speaking.

"That- That's beside the point Ms. Kesselring."

"That's Oberfurher Kesselring," She corrected.

"Right, Oberfurher Kesselring," He scratched his head in annoyance, "I just don't understand what you find so special about the boy, this Emile Firmin.

A silence hung over the room for an uncomfortably long minute after Koronov asked his question. Kesselring lowered her head down over her clasped hands as she took that minute to ponder a response. Or that's what Koronov thought before he heard her laugh quietly. This wasn't the usual laugh of childish amusement he was used to but a more perverse laugh. A laugh which gave him a slight chill as he observed her retrieving a document folder from underneath her uniform.

She slammed it against the table with great enthusiasm. The usual 'Streng Geheim' stamp covered the title.

Gentle piano music filled the scenery of the Iron Blood's most sacred location within the naval base. Underneath the domineeringly Germanic architecture of their dormitory lay a quaint little bar. Stock within its massive barrel stores were kilograms of the Fatherland's finest beer. It was a few hours past noon which meant that the bar was vacant of its usual regulars. The U-boats were on patrol, the destroyers were at school, the cruisers were having fun by the docks, and the battleships were busy training their marksmanship. The atmosphere in the bar was quite lonely but that didn't bother the inhabitants.

Graf Zeppelin swirled the golden liquid in her shot glass as her thoughts wandered to and frow. The alcohol helped her concentrate on those thoughts, while lingering over her disdain for the myriad of life's hiccups. However, the events that have transpired over the past couple of weeks had really gotten her thoughts tangled in confusion.

First, the new commander that showed up practically looked like someone had sent a child to take command of the whole fleet. It made her think that someone in the high echelons of command had maybe one too many drinks before commissioning Azur Lane's officers. That and the fact that the welcoming ceremony had gone several leagues south with their Commander fainting and the sudden fire really didn't sit well with the carrier. Disappointment and second hand embarrassment notwithstanding, her impressions on her current commanders were not very high to say the least. Though she did have a feeling that there was something more to him than meets the eye. Perhaps seeing his strength testing in battle would swing her opinion. But right now, all she could do was follow orders such as the surprise weapons test that happened a few days before.

She was quiet in observing the antics of everyone during the test. Lieutenant Commander Maddy was irritating as always but luckily it was towards Akagi. However, it was the demeanor of Commander Emile that caught her attention. He wasn't his usually meek self as he sat upon the Eagle Union carriers. No, he seemed a bit distant and mournful at what he was doing when they all witnessed those tests. Regretful to be pouring acid into the ocean, creating horrific weapons of destruction, or maybe it was something else?

Graf had already guessed the person who delivered those weapons, and it made her shiver. She took a long hard sip of her drink and leaned her head forward to relax. However, her little paradise wouldn't last long before…

*thud*

Graf Zeppelin immediately snapped in attention at the sudden series of sounds approaching the bar door. She heard what sounded like growls and screeches echoing outside the door getting closer. What burst through the door startled the ice-cold Iron Blood carrier and almost made her jump from her bar stool. However, her fear subsided and was replaced with confusion.

"Akagi, Taihou?" Graf spoke to the two Sakura ships who stopped clawing at each other in her presence.

Akagi was the one who picked herself up first with the added assistance of Taihou's large breasts which she used as leverage for her palms. The phoenix did not appreciate the gesture and tried to retaliate only to be pushed down again by Akagi. The fox simply dusted herself off nonchalantly before addressing her Iron Blood friend.

"My apologies Graf-san," The fox gave a polite bow, "I wanted to ask you about something, but this pest here followed me."

"Pest!?" Taihou immediately stood up in anger, "You were the one that followed me here! Plus, I'm the one that's wanted to ask first."

"Please, if anyone is more deserving to learn about the Commander's situation, it's me," Akagi said haughtily. Her smug smile further boiled Taihou's blood. The arrogant claim on her Commander's wellbeing further fueled this fire.

"You disgusting whore! Stay out of my Commander's business!" Taihou roared as she prepared to pounce on Akagi who took a stance to defend herself. Luckily Graf put herself between the two rivals.

"Okay that's enough," Graf's ice-cold tone silenced the phoenix's flames before their crimson eye's met, "Since you claim to be first, I'll let you speak first."

Taihou gulped before slowly backing off to recompose herself. She could see Akagi smugly peeking from behind the Iron Blood carrier's back. Taihou's eyes twitched in frustration, but she could do anything for now. Looks like she would have to explain why she came here in the first place. She gave a cough and calmed herself down before explaining her business.

"I have come to ask you about someone Graf Zeppelin-san," Taihou spoke.

"Oh?" The Iron Blood ship raised an eyebrow, "And who is this person you wish to know."

A shadow formed over Taihou's eyes as her expression turned dark. This caught the other carriers in the room off guard, especially Akagi who was more used to Taihou's bratty behavior. Akagi had a feeling that perhaps Taihou had the same questions as her. Their effort being dedicated to knowing more about their Commander outside of their usual yandere antics.

"Who is Oberst Kesselring?" Taihou finally asked.

Graf Zeppelin was not exactly surprised to hear that question. In fact, she was kind of expecting it to happen eventually. She motioned her hand for the two Sakura Empire ladies to sit down at the bar. With Graf in the middle so the fox and bird can't claw at each other if things get less sober. Akagi and Taihou followed her que without any conflict. Both were hungry for any amount of information pertaining towards their Commander and his benefactor. Or perhaps puppet master?

Graf Zeppelin poured both of them drinks and gave them a toast before all of them took a sip. Graf let the alcohol settle in to help focus her tale. Akagi and Taihou both leaned forward attentively to soak any information.

"Oberst Kesselring is one of the Iron Blood's top leading scientists and one of the progenitors in the creation of the Azur Lane project. She is currently involved in the creation of Iron Blood's top-secret weapons and various other projects," Graf Zeppelin explained.

…

…

…

A pregnant pause filled the air as Graf Zeppelin just suddenly stopped talking and casually returned to drinking her alcohol. Taihou and Akagi again waited in agony for more information. However, the more minutes passed, the more their patients wavered. Both Sakura carriers gave each other a look of comedic confusion as Graf Zeppelin continued to remain silent. Thankfully, it would be Taihou who would speak for both Sakura carriers.

"And?"

Graf turned towards the question and gave Taihou a sentence that would cause the phoenix's pupils to collapse into her eye sockets.

"That's all the information I know."

And with that, Akagi bashed her face into the bar. Taihou almost spat out her drink as she violently coughed out the beer that almost went down the wrong tube. In a mixture of flustered anger and outrage she spun her Iron Blood acquaintance around by the shoulders. In a rare show of emotion, Graf Zeppelin was genuinely caught off guard as she now found herself being shaken by the phoenix.

"What do you mean that's all you know?!" Taihou's voice cracked, "There has to be more! You're part of Iron Blood's top authorities!"

Graf gripped Taihou's wrists and pushed her off to get the shaking to stop. Needless to say, she was not amused at being shaken like a martini. She quickly pushed Taihou off with a grunt and dusted herself off. Taihou's comically large breasts almost caused her to fall but she luckily caught herself on the bar stool and reoriented herself. Her determination still remained strong and continued her interrogation.

"There has to be more. Have you seen her interact with any kansen from your fatherland?" Taihou questioned.

"No. I already revealed all the information I know about her," Graf said with a more irritable tone. Taihou didn't relent as she continued her bombardment.

"What does she look like?"

"Blonde hair, blue eyes."

"Her rank?"

"Technically above me."

"Where is she now?"

"Somewhere in the Fatherland."

"Where?"

"I do not know."

"What's her connection to my sweet Shikikan?"

"I genuinely do not know."

…

"There is a possibility that something sinister is going on between her and the Kommandant," Graf theorized.

Taihou's bombardment immediately stopped, and her mouth became a blabbering mess at such a suggestion. Her yandere instincts kicked in as the threat of another crunch in her relationship with her commander was revealed. Akagi also recovered from her stupor and suddenly gripped Graf Zeppelin's shoulder. The German was caught off guard once more.

"Tell us everything you know about their relationship," Akagi's tone was steady and dangerous. Her eyes stared into Graf's with a tranquil fury worthy of any Sakura warship. It scared Graf Zeppelin.

"All I know is that she had some kind of involvement in getting him through the naval academy," Zeppelin tried to keep her voice calm and politely pushed Akagi back.

"How do you know this?" Akagi asked.

"The Kommandant told me," Graf simply stated.

"What?!" Both Akagi and Taihou exclaimed.

Graf shrugged, "I asked him how he got such a position and he said, 'I had help from some Kesselring' while also mentioning how she always spoke in a 'leery' tone."

"So, what you're saying is. This woman is dangerous," Taihou spoke.

"Yes," Graf took another sip of her drink, "You know you can just ask the Kommandant. He doesn't seem like the type of person to resist your curiosity."

The Sakura carriers paused their inquisition and realized that Graf was right. They would probably have more luck directly asking their Shikikan than integrating their conspicuous allied carrier. Akagi and Taihou finished their drinks, stood up straight, and line up side-by-side. They both gave Graf Zeppelin a respectful bow while saying 'arigato gozaimasu.' Then in an instant, they both sprinted out the door. The sounds of snarling and petty insults could be heard growing fainter and fainter. Graf Zeppelin gently closed the bar door before returning to the bar.

She chuckled quietly to herself as she poured out another drink. An alcoholic beverage that was a little stronger than the last one. She would need it if she wanted to ease the whirlpool of thoughts that swirled in her mind. One of these agitated thoughts was the fact that she had lied to her friend. She knew who Kesselring was. Most of Azur Lane's most exotic weaponry came from members of the Crimson Axis. Her fatherland though hoarded some of its own secrets. The weapons were only one thing the mad scientist worked on. Graf had heard rumors of them creating new kansen without the need for a preexisting design. The ability to will a ship with personality and desires from nothing. Then there were the further conspiracies of the group's work which seemed extremely nonsensical. Yet Graf could only wonder as she took a huge gulp of whisky to ease her mind.

Koronov did a double take to see if what he was reading was real. He looked over towards Kesselring who was giving him a disturbing puppy-eyed glance. He once again read the document in hopes of understanding things correctly. He still did not and decided to speak with the publisher.

"This is completely insane," Koronov stated to a now insulted Kesselring.

She put her hands in a mock gesture of hurt before responding, "But the key is in the details, did you not read them?"

"No, the details do not matter. What matters is that what you are trying to do is impossible," Koronov firmly stated again.

His seeming defiance seemed to have triggered a response in his jovial compatriot. Her expression darkened as she leaned in at an uncomfortable distance. Then she just stood there and stared at him. Koronov trembled a bit as he felt her dark blue eyes pierce through his soul. His trembling only got worse as she saw her hand move ever so slowly towards him. He wanted to close his eyes, afraid of what she might do to him.

Suddenly, the smile had returned back onto her face as she fell back onto her seat laughing. Much to Koronov's relief.

"Come on Igor. You've worked for me long enough to know that nothing is impossible," She replied to her old friend, using his first name in a teasing tone.

Koronov rubbed his temple, "Okay, I get it, we've created ships with nothing but our own imagination and the help of Siren technology."

Kesselring's smile only grew larger as her friend then began listing their previous achievements. The creation of the first shipgirls, the new weapons, the development of their personalities, and all the funding they had been receiving. Then of course there was the ongoing and difficult research into Siren tech. They had gotten so far into unlocking the secrets of the wisdom cubes. However, both of them knew they were only scratching the surface. Koronov knew that there would be a point where something was too outrageous even for their team.

"That abomination in the dock is one thing, building nuclear shells is another, but this…" he pointed towards one of the document's schematics, …is like trying to touch the surface of the sun."

Yet despite Koronov pleas and whining, Kesselring didn't budge. She continued to confidently lean back in the chair, rocking back and forth playfully.

"Trust me Igor once little Emile retrieves the things we need. This project will move Azur Lane forward by eons. Then I'll give him a little award for his hard work," she closed her eyes as she envisioned the future, "Maybe we'll even surpass the Sirens themselves."

She opened them once again and stared off past the window and into the horizon, "Different worlds. Oh, the possibilities."

After her euphoric daydreaming, she then waved her hand and dismissed the Slavic scientist. He looked back at a lounging Kesselring before he exited the office. His eyes trembled with worry, yet his heart pounded with excitement.

"I pray that you're right," He said to her before leaving.

"Project Looking Glass huh?" He muttered to himself as he made his way towards his little place in the research center. Despite, Kesselring's eccentric tendencies, Koronov genuinely believed in her vision. If he wanted this dream to come true, then he needed to double his efforts at Peenemünde.