Happy Summer everyone ! I hope everyone has been staying safe and staying sane during this global pandemic. With a lot more free time then I was counting on, my creative inspiration was returned in the form of this story concept. I understand most of the people who had followed me previously were likely hoping for an update to the Akame ga Kill story, and while I won't say it will never be updated again, I do need to regain some inspiration. I do have the next chapter mostly finished for it as well.

Besides that, I do plan on having the 1st official chapter of this story out soon after this prologue is released, so do count on that. I was originally exposed to this franchise via the mobile game just over a year ago, and since then kept up with most of the updates. However, the lore, combined with historical references throughout the story (between the game and the since released anime) I believe creates an awesome amount of opportunities for story creation.

I do hope do balance out the action, comedy and romance scenes I have in mind, and will likely half to change the rating to M later in the story... depending on a few things. Ahem.. anyways. Thanks for the reading this update on the stories, and I welcome any constructive criticism and feedback you are willing to give me! Without further ado, please enjoy!

- Cipher

Note: I do not own the rights to any of the characters or historically significant warships mentioned in this story, those belong to the creators of Azur Lane.

"And that should just about do it…"

A young naval captain stood above the large screen of a computer deep in thought, appearing to have just finalized the designs for a battleship hull, one the likes of this world had never seen.

"I'm not even sure why I keep at this, they never provided the resources to fund the last project, they're never going to fund this one."

The young captain sighed, massaging his temples after the long day of programming.

"I suppose I should go make some food for myself and then head to bed, I got a big day coming up tomorrow and I gotta be refreshed."

The captain packed up his and locked his laboratory door behind him. By this time in the evening, the path he was taking back to his island bachelor pad was deserted, with the faint glow of streetlights illuminating the path home. The captain was not dressed in formal wear today, as the lab work allowed him to dress more casually, unless more important occasions arose. Tomorrow was in fact one of those important days. After completing the quiet walk home, the captain cooked up some marinated chicken breast, and boiled some pasta, creating a personal favourite to himself, fettuccine alfredo. Enjoying the meal by himself, the captain settled into some more comfortable sleepwear before easing into bed.

"I never thought I'd see the day where he finally retired… he's the one that got me to join the navy in the first place… it will feel weird without him around. But his family has and always will be his priority. It'll be nice to have them here for the ceremony, it wouldn't feel right without them here. Hopefully the replacement arriving tomorrow will be even half as good as he was."

The captain tried to close his eyes and retire his thoughts until tomorrow, but one thought kept looming over him.

"I fucking hate giving speeches... "

The following day

The captain tightened up a jet black tie around his neck before placing his officers cap upon his head.

"I don't think I've worn this much white since the day I came here…anyway. Just one quick stop before I head over to the Admiral's office."

The young officer made a quick detour on a usual path he took every morning, one that took him to the naval bases hospital. Passing by a few familiar faces he'd normally stop and chat with, the young captain instead opted for a smile and a nod today, as he had other places to be shortly after. Being a scientist that mostly focused on research in the fields of physics and chemistry, medicinal practices were not as familiar to him, however, he did manage to pick up on some things back in school, as well as other skills that were developed in his position here. One such skill was the development of a specialized drug to treat a very non-typical illness. Visiting the recipient of this drug was however something the captain had included in his daily routine, as it required re-administration depending on the condition of the patient. The captain had finally made it to the door of the hospital room he was searching for before performing a quiet pair of knocks.

"Come in." a calming voice answered.

Quietly stepping into the room, the captain shut the door behind him before turning to face a motherly kitsune sitting up in a hospital bed.

"My, captain, you look very nice today." the kitsune commented with a smile.

"I do believe this is the only other occasion other than when I first came here that I've worn formal dress…" the captain responded calmly. "More importantly, are you feeling?"

"You know, you ask me this every day, and my answer is always the same." the kitsune replied with a bit of a giggle.

"Well, if you could just simply tell me how you are honestly, administering your treatment would be far easier, Amagi."

"Perhaps I just want a young naval officer to explore the old body in search of any imperfections… did you ever consider that?"

The young captains cheeks turned a noticeably darker hue of red at the teasing kitsunes retort, which only seemed to reinforce the behaviour.

"I suppose I shouldn't tease you too much today, after all, it's likely the most important part of your career today."

"My career? My position won't change… I'm simply ensuring the retirement ceremonies for the man I hold in such high regard will go off without a hitch. I can only hope Admiral Greer's replacement is somewhat competent…" The captain sighed at the thought of another officer besides the current Admiral being in charge, however, the Admiral had an undeniably successful career in the navy, and one that came at the cost of spending time with his family. Such time, he certainly planned on making up for.

"Of course, I can only hope for the same. I just hope you can find some time to enjoy yourself today as well, in and amongst your other responsibilities. You have certainly earned it."

"There will be plenty of time for that after the ceremony I do believe. Are you going to make it out today?"

"I wouldn't miss it." The kitsune replied with another warm smile.

"That's great news Amagi… and seriously, you do feel alright? I can check with the monito-" the captain was cut off when the kitsune simply rose to her feet and gave the officer a gentle hug.

"Trust me, Nick, I am fine, please do not worry about me for today. There are more pressing things."

The captain darkened a few shades of red deeper than before at the sudden contact, but simply returned the gesture to ease his own nerves.

"A-Alright then. Good. I look forward to seeing you and the rest of the Sakura fleet that choose to come out today." the captain slowly exited the embrace before standing up properly, indicating the need for him to get going.

"Of course, I will see you later. Bye for now." the kitsune smiled again before returning to the comfort of the hospital bed.

As instructed previously, the young captain made his way to the office of the base commander, Admiral Greer. The man that had taken him under his own wing, asked him to join the navy, and ultimately end up here, on a small island in the Pacific where the headquarters for Azure Lane resided.

The journey to the office was uneventful, as most of the key participants for today's ceremony were busy making final preparations. With a quiet knock on the large oak double doors, a serious, but welcoming voice could be heard.

"Come in."

An imposing man with dark skin, a chest decorated full of medals, and a set of gold rimmed reading glasses stood with an officer cap in hand behind a large wooden desk.

"Admiral." the young officer immediately stood at attention, snapping his right hand into a salute.

"At ease, captain." Admiral Greer replied with a salute of his own.

"Thank you sir. How are you feeling?"

"Well, Nick, I haven't felt this relieved in a long while if I am being honest." Admiral Greer gave a warm smile to the young officer, before turning to face the large window behind his desk, admiring the island from this spot for one last time.

"Is everything in place for your replacement sir?"

"Oh I do believe everything is more than in order. I have a great feeling he'll be able to handle all of the duties here well."

"That is comforting to hear Admiral. If he could only live up to be half the person you were Sir, that would be more than I could ask for." Captain Nicholas Andersen replied.

"I'm confident he'll be more than up for the task. Enough of that serious talk though Nick, this is a day of celebration. Although there is one more thing I'd like to mention, if you'll hear me out. Please sit down." The Admiral had turned to face the young captain, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.

"Of course sir, what is it?" Captain Andersen eagerly sat down with a bit of concern in his eye. The Admiral normally didn't discuss matters of much seriousness with him, let alone on the day of his retirement. Admiral Greer gave a light sigh, before addressing the man sitting across from him.

"You, Nick, more so than anyone, understand the clear and present danger the Sirens pose to our world. And even though they have not shown their face in a long time, make no mistake, they are simply planning their next move. We have, of course, made advancements of our own in the meantime, but getting complacent will be the downfall of more than just Azure Lane. The fact we have ignored the full might of the girls that now live on this island has been one of the biggest regrets of an otherwise fulfilling career."

"But Sir, that was nev-"

"Let me finish." The Admiral interrupted the young Captains rebuttal before continuing: "The other biggest regret of my career has been the neglect of your research from high command. The fact you have poured your heart and soul into the research of vessels designed with unimaginable firepower to combat the Sirens, and were simply ignored for funding as they were not a pressing issue, is nothing short of a disgrace." The Admiral finished this heavy speech before returning his gaze to the window once again. " And although I will not be around any longer to oversee it, rest assured, one of the conditions of my retirement was the investment into the work you were doing. I suppose it is better late than never... " The Admiral chuckled at his own remark before turning to face the captain once again. "Well, it is high time we get going, we don't want to keep anyone waiting."

The young captain quickly stood up, and made for the door.

"Of course Admiral, let's go."

The morning was now creeping closer to noon by the time the pair of officers arrived at the ceremony grounds. The asphalt near the hangars of the main runway of the island were littered with several round, grand tables which were already occupied by other naval officers. Near the entrance to the large hangar, chairs were set up by themselves, with a mic and podium set up to one side, clearly set up to address the occupants of the large room. Sitting at the chairs placed near the podium, the captain recognized the wife and daughter of the Admiral, who immediately acknowledged the pair entering the hangar with a wave.

The pair made their way over to the waiting family members, who had already made their way over to greet them. The captain stood back and just smiled as the family was reunited for the first time in a while.

" And of course, very good to see you again Nick." Admiral Greer's wife had ended her embrace with her husband and turned to the young officer who returned the hug she had offered.

"And it is good to see you both as well." The captain replied. Although the Admiral himself had taken Nick under his wing in the navy, with no family or other relatives close enough to the young captain, this resulted in him treating the Admiral's family much as his own.

"And as much as I'd like to keep chatting, for the moment, I have to prepare for this speech..." the captain sighed as he realized impending doom was approaching.

"Oh c'mon now, you're just introducing me, I'm doing most of the talking today. MC is just a title." The older Admiral slapped the captain on the shoulder before turning and leading his family back over to the chairs near the podium.

Only a few moments had passed before most of the individuals who had gathered here today had settled into their seats for the formal part of the ceremonies. Currently, the captain had been reviewing some q-cards on the podium. Before he could announce his presence via mic-check however, an elegant looking woman had approached the podium. Donned in a crisp looking black and white navy uniform, her grey, ghostly coloured hair reached just past her waist.

"Feeling nervous, science officer?"

"It really is that obvious isn't it?"

"A little."

"Well, that sure is comforting." an exasperated sigh escaped the captains lips. "It is good to see you Enterprise."

"And it is good to see you, science officer."

"I'm not cut out for any of this crap, they've got the entire officer corps of the Eagle Union here today for this, any one of them would've been more qualified for this. Including the Admirals replacement."

"That's true… However, the Admiral specifically requested you. I can't imagine anyone else doing it myself, honestly." the former flagship responded.

"No point in complaining now I suppose, best get this started. By the way… how are all the girls doing? I know it's been a couple of weeks since I've made it over to dorms..."

"They are doing well, I am pleased to tell you. A bit stir-crazy, as you can imagine… Ever since the Sirens seemingly disappeared, the need for us has been lacking, which has been reflected in how much the Union and the other factions value us girls. I welcome the peace of course… but I can't help but feel uneasy every day regardless. We had our backs pressed against the wall, and they let off. Which simply doesn't make any sense."

"For one, I am glad everyone is doing okay, despite being a little on edge. And I do agree… I can't imagine they're gone, simply planning their next move." the captain scratched his chin, appearing deep in thought. "I actually wouldn't mind discussing a little further with you once this is all over, if that's alright with you Enterprise?"

"I look forward to the opportunity, I will have it arranged soon. I will see you after, science officer." And with that, the carrier walked off to one of the tables where several other ship girls had taken up sitting, eagerly waiting for the start of the ceremony.

"I suppose I should start, everyone seems to be ready."

And with a deep breath, the retirement ceremony for Admiral Greer had begun.

"Check 1-2, check 1-2. Great. Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to welcome you all today to the retirement ceremony and celebration of Admiral Greer." A light applause followed the announcement.

"Admiral Greer started his career in the navy before the start of the Second World War, and quickly rose through the ranks becoming an officer. Upon the start of the Second World War with the war raging in Europe and in the Pacific, Admiral Greer took command of the Azur Lane combined fleet, and led them to a decisive victory over its enemies. Since then, Admiral Greer has led Azur Lane with dignity in this time of peace. And it is my pleasure to celebrate with all of you, the career of a great man, husband, and father."

A further standing ovation followed with the entire room standing and applauding the Admiral and his family who were seated to the left of Captain Andersen. The Admiral acknowledged the praise humbly, with a wave and holding his wife and daughter close where they were all seated.

"On a more personal note…" the captain seemed to stall, glancing down at a few conceale notes, before setting them down entirely to look up at the crowd.

"One of these officers will be taking over command here starting today... " The captain roamed his eyes through the sea of faces who were still mostly looking at the Admiral, trying to determine who it would be.

"But none of these people know anything about what we really DO here, how much of a threat the Sirens are, how important the girls here are to defeating them… they simply don't believe it like Admiral Greer did. And that means there is even less of a chance we'll get the recognition or the support from High Command." the captain shook his head to briefly clear the frustrating thoughts from his mind.

"Admiral Greer was the man who got me to join the Navy in the first place, and has since then a great mentor, and most of all, a great friend. So without further ado, Admiral Greer ladies and gentlemen." Captain Andersen gestured to his left, acknowledging the Admiral who had played such a large role in his life. At this point the Admiral stood up, shook the captain's hand, before moving over to the podium himself, with the captain claiming a seat.

"Thank you all for being here today, and thank you Captain Andersen for that introduction." the Admiral began. "As the occasion dictates, I believe I should perhaps do a bit of self-reflection. When I first took up this position here, we were at war. A war that raged for many years, in which many sacrifices were made to achieve a temporary peace. Many, too many good men, women and ships alike were lost. And if it's one thing I'd like to pass on to all of you, it is that we cannot be complacent when it comes to handling the Sirens. Too many were lost at their hands for us not to treat them seriously would be a disservice to them." The Admiral certainly looked alot more serious considering the occasion, however, the only one really acknowledging his words was none other than Captain Andersen himself.

"But enough of that for today, today is a day of celebration, and new beginnings. As you all know, with my retirement today, someone else will be taking over command of this naval base as Commander."

The quiet conversations and whispers had seemed to have died down even further with the Admiral bringing this up. The position of Commander and potential promotion that would follow being assigned this position was a sought after position amongst the Eagle Union. In peacetime, who wouldn't want to be on a secluded, tropical island mulling around with simple paperwork? And there were plenty of good candidates, with multiple years of service in the Union.

"And regardless of the mystery surrounding this decision, I am pleased to announce the new Commander of this base to be Captain Nicholas Andersen."

An palpable silence seemed to wash over the room ever more so than before, with gazes and glances from all in the room slowly shifting towards a certain young naval captain. The silence quickly turned into a quiet clapping, and then ovation.

"Ha.. Ha ha… What?"

The young captain seemed to stand up at attention almost immediately out of instinct upon his name being called. The applause did a good job of overpowering the confused stuttering of Captain Andersen.

"B-But Admiral this has to be some sort o-"

"Have you ever known me to be wrong Captain?"

The Captain took a moment to compose himself and recover his emotions in front of many of the people he regarded as peers and superiors.

"No, Sir I have not."

"Then get over and shake my hand!"

As instructed, the young officer made his way back over to the podium and graciously accepted a handshake from his mentor. Turning to face the crowd once again, the Admiral spoke up once the applause had mostly ceased.

"I believe there is no person more qualified to run this facility and none more familiar with the unique contingency stationed here on this base. With this position comes the unofficial rank of Commander, one that I believe will be most fitting. Now please, join me in welcoming Commander Andersen to his new position."

With the welcoming speech completed, Admiral Greer stood back and joined the rest of the crowd in applause, one final time.

With the formalities of the ceremony mostly finished, Captain Andersen had found himself still entirely shocked with the revelation he'd be in charge starting, well, now. Most of the people that had gathered had broken off into their own groups to enjoy some light refreshments before they all departed on a military transport back to the mainland. Before he could think about the situation any further, a familiar face had come to confront the new Commander.

"It would seem my intuition was correct ufufu…" Amagi had made herself known to the confused Commander.

"What are you talking about?"

"Well… you really are the most logical choice Nick. No one else made sense."

"O-Oh c'mon now… there was a room full of more qualified AND more experienced officers not 30 minutes ago."

"The majority were more experienced, yes… However, qualified, I believe no one else truly comes close. No one knows the base, the standard operating procedures, or US truly as well you do. And I know I am not the only one who feels this way."

"Well, while I do certainly appreciate the vote of confidence… running this whole base I can't do by myself. I am going to have to rely on all of you more than I care too. You all do not owe the Union or Azure Lane anything… You've been neglected, and ignored for years! They they took you girls for granted and they never repaid you. I worry the only reason they haven't tried to cover it up any further is out of their fear of what you girls might do to them in return."

"My, such serious words on such a celebratory day. Do not fret over matters you had no say in, Nick. I believe I speak at least for all of the Sakura here, if not all the girls when I say you have been the kindest, and most genuine human to ever interact with us. The Admiral was kind, but he had always more links to the Union than to any of us. You have never alienated us like the rest of the Union. You saw us as people, not as simple weapons of war."

The captain seemed humbled by the gentle Kitsune's words, as he seemed to grow silent, and more introspective.

"I guess Amagi has a point here… even after the initial disappearance of the Sirens, I was really the only one who had time to keep up relations. Even though members of each faction have since gone their own ways throughout the world, a fair amount of Union, Sakura and Royal Navy girls have stayed here in headquarters. As for the others… Well, all in due time I suppose."

A conceding sigh escaped the new Commanders lips before he turned and returned a smile to the kitsune.

"I suppose being so cynical right off the bat is a bit in poor taste, that's the scientist in me creeping out." The Commander tried assuring the kitsune.

"Well, we'll have to work on your Commanding prowess, but I've got quite a bit of faith, Shikikan." The kitsune seemed to pick up on the fact she was making the commander of Azur Lane squirm a bit much. "And you know, not that you are actually our Shikikan, I might have some more competition, ufufufu."

"Competition..?"

"Oh, don't worry, all in due time, Shikikan."

"R-Right… Well, it would seem most of the Union top brass are gathering back in the Terminal, they must be getting ready to head stateside already… They really don't like it here do they?"

"Well, you said it yourself already Shikikan, we've outlived our usefulness. They've come up with their own solutions to fight each other to death now."

"Here's hoping I can change that, even just a little bit. But I really should see everyone off, I'm not sure if Admi-, err, formal Admiral Greer and his family are leaving now as well. I'll have to address the factions tomorrow, I'm not sure I'll be able to manage it all today."

"Of course Shikikan, come find me later." And with that, Amagi took a slight bow and then made her way back to the Sakura Empire dorms. At this point Commander Andersen had exchanged some brief pleasantries with some of the Eagle Union brass before making his way to find Admiral Greer and his family.

"So all these high ranking officers have to ride in military transports and you get your own jet huh?"

"That was part of the deal I gave them. There was no chance I was taking a 5 hour plus plane ride with my whole family on an airplane full of Union officers." Admiral Greer responded with a bit of a chuckle.

"What else did you milk out of them before you got out huh?"

"That's for us to enjoy…" Admiral Greer brought his wife and daughter into a one-armed hug in each arm. "And for you to find out someday… But something tells me you'll have more than enough fun just working here Nick."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well I know you're young Nick, but you haven't been THAT absorbed in your work that you've ignored everything else around you?"

"I-I don't think so?"

"Oh honey, don't bug him too much, it's barely his first day." Former Admiral Greer's wife chimed in.

"Of course, dear. Anyways, Nick, I've got several beverages waiting for me on the plane and more once we get on the mainland, so I'll have to hear about your first week in command after we ALL get some time to decompress."

"No problem, Admiral. Any final tips?"

The former Admiral took a pause for a moment before responding. "For one, always stay true to your own beliefs. Your heart is in the right place, and if our conversation this morning is any indicator, the rest will fall into place just fine."

"That is… reassuring Admiral."

"And finally, call me Jonas. I'm no longer a member of the Union." Jonas Greer offered out his hand for the last time towards the new Commander.

"Of course, Jonas." the Commander returned the firm handshake. Before stepping back to allow the family on to the private jet. Scattered around the tarmac were an additional two military transport jets that were in charge of transporting the Eagle Union officers who were here for the retirement.

-In the Control Tower-

The new commander of Azur Lane had made his way to the Air Traffic Control of the Island's airport. At the end of the largest runway, both military transports were ready and waiting for the go ahead to take off, with the former Admiral's private plane waiting on the taxiway.

A certain bluenette had been in charge of the control tower for many years, with her proficiency in long range radar and sensors being very important for this position.

"Thanks again for all of your work Helena."

"O-O-Of course Captai-... umm, Commander now, I guess…." The Eagle Union light cruiser seemed to blush at the compliment and subsequent blunder.

"Please don't worry about it Helena, we've known each other for far too long for you to worry about such formalities. Just keep up the great work."

"T-Thank you Commander. I will for sure." The bluenetter then turned to face the radio and radar systems to get the aircraft on their way.

"Heavy 1-0, Heavy 1-1, this is Azur Tower, do you read?"

"Azur Tower, this is Heavy 1-0, we are reading you loud and clear." The military transport's pilot voice crackled back over the radio.

"Heavy 1-0, Heavy 1-1, you are cleared for takeoff on runway 2-7."

"Copy that Azur Tower, commencing synchronized takeoff now."

After a few seconds the two military transports started to make their way down the runway, with the former Admiral's plane taking their place on the end of the runway awaiting its turn.

Helena now addressed the private aircraft: "Learjet 3-1 hold on runway 2-7 and await further instructions."

"Azur Tower, this is Learjet 3-1 copy that; we are holding on runway 2-7." After a moment, the military transports had taken off and began a holding pattern around the island so the Learjet could form up once it had taken off itself.

"Learjet 3-1 you are clear for takeoff runway 2-7. Form up on the two heavies and you can be on your way."

"Azur Tower we read you, Learjet 3-1 taking off runway 2-7." With far more grace than the military aircraft, the former Admiral's plane took off and formed up to the rear of the two military transports.

"Heavy 1-0, this is Azur Tower, make for heading of 0-8-0 and hold until you are out of airspace." Helena instructed the formation on the fastest heading to head toward the mainland.

"Azur Tower, heading 0-8-0 confirmed. Heavy 1-0, out."

"Whew… for some reason that felt more stressful than usual. Ahaha…" the bluenette seemed to decompress visibly once she had successfully directed the aircraft off the base.

"You did excellent, no-one else could have done it better Helena. Have more confidence in your abilities." As a gesture of reassurance, the Commander had come over and rested his hand on the girls shoulder.

"Thank you, Commander. Since we aren't expecting any more flights today, d-do you think you could walk me back to the dorms?"

"Of course, I'll have to address the leaders that are here and the rest of the girls this afternoon at some point, so this way I'll be able to see the Union girls."

"Thank you Commander." The pair had begun to walk out of the tower together when a loud ping sounded off from one of the radars.

"Hmm… did the planes turn around?" the Commander couldn't make any sense of the odd alert coming from behind the pair.

"That wasn't the air radar, that was the surface radar pinging a new contact. That's odd… there shouldn't be anything…" The bluenette had peeled off and went over to the surface radar console and observed a single dot roughly 80 miles out.

"It's nearly 80 miles out Commander, we weren't expecting any other contacts today were we?"

"No, no we weren't. Can you attempt to hail them over the radio?"

"Sure, Commander. Ahem… Unknown surface contact this is Azur Lane Headquarters do you read us?"

A few moments passed without a response, just the slow line of 3 dots on the air radar slowly departing from the airfield, with the single blip on the surface radar staying in the same spot. Helena attempted to hail the ship a few more times without a response. However, after a few moments, before the aircraft were physically out of range on the radar, the 3 aircraft entirely disappeared from radar.

"Hey, is that normal? They hadn't cleared the search range before they disappeared." The Commander questioned.

"No, no that shouldn't happen, our sensors are far too good for that… Wait, that surface contact disappeared too... This isn't normal… could it be…"

"Could it be what? Who? The Sirens?"

"That's what I'm afr-" Before Helena could respond, a phone rang on the wall of the control tower.

"Who could that be?"

The Commander slowly made his way over to the wall and picked up the phone. A panicked voice answered on the other end of the line.

"Hello?! Is anyone there. This is Intrepid at the Canal Stronghold! Please respond! I repeat, this is-"

"This is Commander Andersen at Azur Lane Headquarters. What's your situation Intrepid?"

"Commander Andersen? Where is Admiral Greer?"

"His retirement was today, and he recently left on a commercial jet as well as most of Union high command from this very base."

"I-I see, they never even informed us… how could they not? Besides that, most of our naval offices have been bombarded by some sort of high velocity shells we could not detect on radar before they had landed. Most of the base has been decimated besides the dorms. Our posts here… there's just nothing left Commander! What should we do?"

Intrepid's voice had gotten progressively more panicked, with the reality of the situation sinking in.

"Intrepid, I know this may be hard to swallow right now, but you and whoever else is stationed there need to stay strong. You are all very capable but you need to remain calm. Can you do that for me?"

After a brief pause, a less panicked, but still shaky response echoed through the phone.

"Yes Commander… as there no Eagle Union officer's left here, Commander, what are your orders?"

"Although this isn't normally protocol, there are simply too many variables here. Intrepid I'd like you to gather the girls there and head for Headquarters. Gather what supplies you can and make contact with me once you're en route."

"Yes sir. I'll let the girls know. Thank you Commander."

"Intrepid, one last thing."

"Of course, what is it?"

"Were there any strange surface contacts on your radars before the attack struck?"

"Bremerton mentioned a single contact on the edge of our scanners a few minutes before hand, but before we could investigate any further, the shells had landed. Commander, do you think it could be?"

"After all this time… I'm not sure. But since we've evolved our technology, there's no doubt they've been upgrading theirs."

"Anything else sir?"

"Not for now, contact me as soon as you depart. Andersen, out."

The Commander, after sounding so serious over comms with Intrepid, slowly slinked back into the nearest chair he could find.

"Are you alright Commander?" a concerned Helena and made her way over to the Commanders side.

"I'm honestly worried about the transports and the Admiral's planes… after what I've just heard about them targeting Union officers and command buildings…"

"We don't know that yet Commander! You're getting ahead of yourself. Please don't look so down… we'll get a search party together at once and head for their last known position, okay?"

"A-Alright… I'll have to address the girls here about what's happened before we leave though… by the sounds of things, they weren't informed of what happened today.

With the help of Helena, the Commander had gathered most of the figureheads from the various factions still stationed at Headquarters. By the time they had all gathered however, several more reports of mysterious craft appearing on radar, bombarding Officer barracks, and then disappearing once again had surfaced. Enterprise was here representing the Eagle Union, Nagato representing the Sakura Empire, Queen Elizabeth with several members of the Royal Maid Corps representing the Royal Navy and Bismarck representing the Iron Blood. It helped that the Commander was already familiar with most of the ship girls here, but it didn't make this conversation any easier. The Commander could easily tell most of the girls had a carefree attitude, not being aware of this current situation.

"I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called you here. And frankly, there isn't an easy way to put this. At approximately 1200 hours this afternoon, we lost contact with the military transports transporting most of Eagle Union High Command and Admiral Greer's private plane. Around the same time, an unknown surface contact appeared 80 miles from here, and then disappeared shortly after we lost contact with the transports."

"An unknown surface contact?" Nagato, the regal looking Sakura battleship chimed in.

"That's correct. It was at this point that we were contacted by the girls stationed at the canal, as well as several other bases across the world. All with similar reports."

"Considering the amount of time that has passed, I would be reluctant to consider the worst possible scenario science officer. However, th-" Queen Elizabeth had added to the conversation before Belfast, the leader of the Royal Maid corps had come up to her side and whispered something into her ear before returning back to the edge of the room.

"Ahem, my apologies, Commander, it has been some time since we have had someone like yourself in charge here. No disrespect to the former Admiral of course." The queen furiously sipped her tea to avoid revealing her growing blush at her misrepresenting the new Commander.

"A-Anyways, back to what I was saying. The worst possible scenario. There is only one group, or rather, menace that could have possibly coordinated something like this. The Sirens."

The room seemed to get heavier by the moment at the mention of the threat that nearly ended all of the great factions back in the second Great War.

"Although I would normally be reluctant to agree with the Royal Navy, I would have to agree with Queen Elizabeth." Bismarck had finally spoken up, having shut her eyes and leaned back into her chair.

"The Ironblood are all too familiar with Siren antics, and even though we have adapted much from their technology, it's completely feasible with the amount of time that they have been silent that they could have been planning something."

The Ironblood battleship sighed, possibly remembering some less than pleasant memories of the first war with the Sirens.

"I too remember the comrades that we lost and that were corrupted at the hands of those things." Enterprise had spoken up about her own feelings on the menace from all those years ago. "And perhaps it was wishful thinking for us to assume we had truly defeated them all those years ago."

With each of the factions having seemingly given their piece on how they felt on these new revelations, the Commander felt comfortable bringing up the second part of the conversation.

"Well, at least we all seem to be in agreement on who is behind all of this. And now, I do have a suggestion, and perhaps a bit of personal favour. I know you you all were not a fan of High Command, even though most of your orders came from them throughout the second Gr-"

"Let me stop you there Commander." Enterprise had once again spoken up. "Based on what you've said, you're more than aware of our latest opinions on the command structure of the Union and other factions. The most common interaction we've had with humans other than you and the Admiral have been them gawking at us like some sort of exotic animal."

"Well, they aren't wrong... Even though it's rather tough to admit."

"But as I said, and I believe I can speak for the ship girls here, we can trust you and your judgement." Enterprise gave the Commander a reassuring smile before continuing. "When we first arrived here, we chose to follow the ones who originally came under the possession of the Wisdom Cubes and its technology. Since then, we've come to trust and understand your passion for science and your drive to understand and befriend us."

If there was one thing the Commander was expecting, it certainly wasn't compliments from the leader of the Eagle Union ship girl fleet.

"And even if you were not formally named the Admiral's successor, you would be the only one capable enough to lead us. And if the Sirens truly have returned, we are going to need you now, more than ever."

The leaders present all nodded in agreement at Enterprise's words.

"So Commander, what are your orders?"