Dianherdianto: Thanks for both reviews, sorry it took so long to update but as you mention, real life took the toll, but now I hope I can update more constantly.
This is a special chapter as it marks the end of the first arc, I have a lot of ideas in my head of how the next arcs will be, but I can use some help from you the readers in the near future with which ships introduce next. Thanks for reading :3
The admiral woke up that morning feeling better, he didn't remember if he dreamed that night but it didn´t matter. He took a moment to prepare and start this new day, following her routine Tenryuu was already waiting for him again, she was excited to do her best again. She came with an idea of going to other expedition again, in order to be sure that the routes were correct and each place was still functioning.
-Morning, Admiral! Ready to try more routes today- she spoke happily, yesterday she went offshore and travel a long distance, even if the water was peaceful she was always ready for combat and listening to any messages she may receive. She prepared very well and it worked perfectly, so her confidence for the day was at top.
-I´ll be counting on you again Tenryuu- the man answered with joy, as his secretary was pretty useful and left him with more time to use to develop the base.
-You can always count ´n me- she knew the base was in need of supplies, but with their help more ships may come and finally start the real fight. All the fleet explore the routes and a lot of those automated places too, as many civilians feared to come close to the sea, even more to actually work around at any island. The ship girls managed to get around them, those machines were developed with speed and efficiency in mind, they can work with a few commands, however, because not all resources can be ready at the moment, some take time to be ready.
All the exploration went smoothly, the sea that day was calm and the sky was clear, so there would be no chance to be surprised by anything, their radar was working well and all the equipment at the base transmitted exactly as it was supposed to, only here and there a single message from the fairies was all the noise they got.
They were going near an atoll in the south sea and the closest allied base they have, or at least what remains of it, as that base was also assaulted not long ago, having low casualties but suffering major structure damage and was being repaired, so they were moved to another American base to the southeast. A small island appeared to them in the distance and a single tower appeared in it, that was one of the automated refineries. In there they managed to get the precious fuel that now days help at every base. And while Tenryuu and the rainy sisters went south, Kiso took the remaining girls and went north, to the nearby quarters of the navy, where they get a special cargo that Akashi asked for.
Both the admiral and Tenryuu started to chat about her first expedition of the base, how the wind was strong at some point, she also told him about how each girl developed with this first mission, and while the time pass faster on their way, both catch the glimpse of the pink haired girl carrying boxes and some other packages into the office building.
-What´s she doing Admiral?- The admiral imagined exactly what this was but Tenryuu got curious about this behavior.
-It´s better if she tells you about it- the man continued walking and when he got close he wave his hand to Akashi.
-Oh Admiral! Good morning!- The pink haired girl stopped and salute the man quickly and then put another box near the back of the lobby. She finished her project and was getting the merchandise together –Welcome to Akashi´s Exchange!- she turned back and welcomed her first clients.
-You took it seriously- the man spoke softly to himself, he didn't believe that a shop would be built in this short time, but the prove was in front of his eyes. All the lower floor of the building was now the shop, big enough to serve as well as storage for all the goods she brought.
-So this what Patched-eye got from the north…- Tenryuu was amazed with all the things there, no wonder Kiso and her fleet were all wore out after carrying such cargo.
-Well now that it´s here I can look, I guess I´ll buy something today- the admiral didn't liked the idea that the shop was this close to his office, but now looking at all the goods, he may look for what´s new every day.
- Thank you for your patronage!- Akashi lower her head a bit and continued placing the merchandise, while in the back of the shop Ooyodo also appeared carrying boxes.
-Good morning- Ooyodo salutes the man and get close –Ready to …use your gift admiral?- she said a bit ashamed, smiled a bit and remained calm. She got in record time the approval for the shop and also the exchange card for the admiral, plus got a little bonus for the admiral´s account.
-Sure I am- he pull out the exchange card, one that he will carry every day. As the commerce agreement says, every officer and worker in the navy will receive payment in the form of exchange coins, with those anyone can buy products from all around the world, that are available at the moment of course. But with an exchange shop, he would no longer need to ask and wait for the package to arrive, instead he can get everything in the same base.
-Admiral, please be sure to remember that the base needs a lot of improvement, while the communication´s room is in good shape, maybe you can get new furniture for your office first- Ooyodo said a little embarrassed, she also wanted to buy things, but couldn´t ask the man for them.
-Want me to buy something for you?- he asked with joy, after all he considered giving the girls the things they want, as some kind of payment for their work. While it seems to be incredible, all ship girls don't get some kind of remuneration for her job, as some officers say "that´s their reason to exist". He didn't like those words, so he will gladly buy them things if they want and even give them part of his salary.
-Well… You can get a sofa and an extra desk… for other ships to be in your same office, working if needed- Ooyodo answer embarrassed, she liked her job, but being in the communication´s room only with the fairies was kind of boring sometimes.
-If you want to buy something tell me and I´ll get it- Akashi heard their words and appeared hast carrying a pen and a small notepad with her.
-I´ll get them… Tenryuu, want to buy something?- the admiral turn to her secretary ship, she was checking some clothes but hearing those words make her truly happy.
-Re-Really?- she almost dropped a tear of happiness, it was the first time she heard those words -I´d love ta hav´one of these coats- she pulled a black leather coat, It got a pair of red lines near the zipper and white fur in the neck. Clearly a man´s coat as this was a size bigger.
-Nice choice! However, Admiral that's a premium item, meaning it needs to be paid with money instead of exchange coins. I´m sorry I should have said it before- Akashi bowed a little in shame, she didn't want to scare her first buyers. She knew that some items were harder to get, so those are needed to be paid in cash, as she was merely borrowing them until they were bought or she would return them. A lot of companies took advantage of the war, and started to sell their products to the navy outside the treaty, getting profit in the process, as the items got better quality and were harder to get.
-That´s no problem I have some money to spare, but Tenryuu such an expensive item can´t be used in battle, alright?- the Admiral told her, even if he wanted to give the girls what they wanted, he would not waste that much money on something she would destroy in the next battle.
-I´ll use it when I got stronger and no enemy can hit me! Promise!- she immediately put the coat on and felt warm inside her chest, she was really happy.
-Ehem, Admiral!- Tenryuu salute the man completely blushed –T-Thanks for your kindness- she bowed –I´ll be going to continue the next expedition, if yo-you excuse me- she salute the man again nervously and left the building almost crying, she was so happy she first went to her room and rolled over her bed for a while, cried, laugh, rolled over the bed, she repeated that a few times.
-She looked very happy- Ooyodo felt different watching Tenryuu now.
-You also look happy Ooyodo and knowing you, now everyday you´ll stay with the admiral a lot more hours- Akashi caught her friend too, as both started to work that morning carrying and arranging all the merchandise, Ooyodo didn't stop talking about how the Admiral should buy new furniture for his office and how it would be better if he got more help with his job.
-Th-that´s…- the black haired girl blushed -I´m ju-just doing my job, I wanted that other girls be in the admiral´s office too…- she tried to recover her seriousness but it was hard knowing that it was true.
-It´s nice to have you two around every day- the man´s enjoyed the time in his office and each day with his helpers, both made a lot for the base and himself, so he liked to be around both girls.
Akashi and Ooyodo felt silent for a second with that answer, then started laughing.
-Well Admiral, want to buy anything else?- Akashi asked and then showed him a furniture and room catalogue.
-I want to change the office a little now, perhaps a new chair and a different color of the walls, perhaps a deep blue like this one combined with these…- The man looked at the catalogue, there he saw different rooms and the color scheme of each one. He honestly think his office was plain and got almost the basic things, so maybe it would suit him some change.
-Perfect, Admiral I´ll start with those changes- Akashi write every item the admiral bought in her notepad and start looking for everything she will need.
-I'll help you, it's my office so I feel responsible- The admiral wanted to be part of his office renovation, after all he would not have a place to stay the rest of the day.
-I´ll help too- Ooyodo also wanted to be useful, she could not lose the chance to help the base, even if she was not particularly strong or talented with decorations.
-Very well, then let's start by getting the blue paint first…- Akashi smiled knowing that she would not the only one to work that day. All together started by taking the actual furniture out and getting the office clean, afterwards all three dressed with an overall and started to paint, they all chat and enjoy the time painting and finished faster than expected. Then all the new furniture need to be brought from the lower floor and that took them a while. Even if they took a break from time to time, to eat and rest, changing a room was exhausting, taking all day to complete.
That evening after the renovation of his office was done, both girls took a deserved rest using the new furniture, the man didn´t mind, after all that work he was tired too. He was seriously thinking about taking a nap right there when a small noise appeared in the distance, he moved slowly trying to make no noise and left the office and went into the communication room. Right there a small fairy with a pair of glasses was trying to balance a pair of paper sheets over her head, but she then notices the man and said –Admiral! Incoming ship is coming from headquarters!- she felt relieved as the man took the message from her and smiled knowing she did a good job.
-Weird a ship coming this late- the man thanked the fairy and left the building. All the ship girls before came in the morning and noon, but none this late. He felt kind of nervous for this reason, especially coming directly from the main navy base.
He waited some minutes at the shore near the docks but no one appeared in the distance, so he went to the main entrance as that was another way to get into the base walking.
She was already waiting for him. A blue eyed gorgeous girl with wavy silver hair tied into twintails was watching his every step, she was wearing a white uniform and a gray skirt. She wears a beret adorned with a distinctive two colored accessories and was carrying a big metal suitcase as well as her outfit with little to no effort, as the man approached she smiled.
-Admiral? Are you there?- She spoke with a soft voice and them a wide smile, for a second the man could see her eyes filled with joy and something else he could not grasp.
-Hello, I´m the admiral of this base, you should be the new ship main quarters sent here- he said, he felt strange for a moment, as if the girl didn't actually talk to him.
-Oh right, I came from HQ to give you this- she said abruptly before he could come with any conclusion, she took of her purse a small envelope, it got the navy seal in front of it, but not only the Japanese or any other country, but the coalition seal itself.
-Thanks… - seeing that seal meant it came from the highest ranks, meaning this was a direct order from the top of the navy itself. He saw the envelope and got goosebumps, he was afraid of what was inside and for a moment hesitate to even take it from her hands.
As Kashima saw his doubts she smiled and extended her hand to his, the admiral took the envelope and opened it, slowly revealing the message inside:
"We are sorry to inform you that no new personnel will be available for transfer for the next months as requested.
As a repay we will continue to supply more fairies to the base as workers and ships for training… "
the man stopped reading there, he knew the truth now, his base was being ignored and transformed into a training base. At that moment the man felt a sudden pain in his chest, as something inside was broken, his hopes and dreams of being a hero and fight the abyssal army were gone for good. With simple words he knew that he will be only a support base with no more importance than to produce soldiers for the front. All the big dreams of glory and the chance of playing a major role in the war are gone.
-Admiral… Are you okay?- she noticed the expression in his face but her smile didn't disappear.
-You knew about this?...- the man asked as the girl didn't change her attitude at all, he suddenly went angry and sad, for a moment he wished that girl never reached the island.
-Of course Admiral, that´s the reason I was sent here- she was happy to be there, her job always has been training new personnel. She didn't understand why the man reacted that way, training was a crucial part of any army and the outcome of any war, if the soldiers are well trained they are more likely to survive and keep fighting longer, in this case the ship girls were her priority and she wanted them to be of use in the future.
-This can´t be…- the admiral cover his eyes with his hand, he almost felt as if tears were about to come, so he tried to contain them as best as he could. He tries to think but nothing more than hatred appear in his mind, he already proved he could take on a base this large and even fight a big battleship in combat when no other admiral would do, and yet his base was about to be turned into nothing more than barracks.
-Are you sad admiral?... I was sent here as a supervisor, but don´t worry you can think of me as your new personal assistant Ufufu- Kashima laughs a bit in the end, she was excited to be in the same position again. This was not the first base she was being a supervisor, it was something she was used to now, she was part of the training division, and every base at some moment would need to be supervised with their training schedule.
-I already have a secretary ship- his answer was monotone, he didn't like the idea of changing Tenryuu, she was doing a great job and even if it was a direct order, he would defy it.
-I don´t think you understand Admiral, I take orders and report to the main base-she didn't want her words cause a misunderstanding, she was sent as a base fleet supervisor and as such she got a higher level than any other ship girl.
-Are you… for real?...- the admiral was blasted again, not only his dreams were crushed knowing the base would turn into simple barracks, but also he was going to be supervised by a training ship that will have almost the same authority as him. "Why should I be here then? This girl should be taking my place…" he thought for a second as the silver haired girl tried her best to remain positive.
-You look depressed, I´m sorry to be the one to tell these news, but it will not be that bad, I promise- Kashima spoke gently, she tries to be calm and share her smile with him. It was known to her that some people didn't like the idea of training, but as ship girls are limited, the navy don't want to lose anymore. In this war the number of ship girls is finite while the enemies seem to be endless, so the navy took it seriously as every ship in all bases are the only remaining weapons they have in a doomed war.
-…- The man stayed in silence for a few moments, he was thinking how every piece was coming to place, as he only received a few ships instead of a full fleet and why most of them are destroyers, also the reason why Tenryuu and Kiso were sent too, as those are ships not liked by the navy, to be stationed in a training bases is as if they don't exist.
-Admiral…- Kashima didn't liked the idea of standing there the rest of the day, the sun was almost gone and she got to prepare for the next day. She put her luggage in the ground and try her best to change the mood of the situation.
-I know! Let´s play a game commander. I will tell you a big, big secret if you can answer my riddle- she said the very first think that came to her mind, she imagined something easy that could encourage the Admiral.
-What have I got in my pocket?- those were the famous words a hobbit once said, this time Kashima used the same simple but effective question. It was perhaps dumb, but it may be funny if his first answer would be "handses".
-I don't care…- The man was cold again, he didn't imagine anything at the moment, even her words weren't appealing at all.
-Don't be rude Admiral and play along, you can receive an amazing reward- Kashima tried to be nice again but the admiral seemed to be hard to talk to.
-Another envelope?- He said, this time feeling even worse, if she got another terrible message, he may as well give up and leave the navy at that same moment.
-No… First chance Ufu- She laugh once again, the man was really depressed but it was not enough to be like that, it was not her fault after all, she was only doing her job.
-Money or bullets- the man answer without thinking too much, how many things can be inside one´s pocket, even if those objects were more likely to be inside a gangster.
-Nope, you are not trying hard enough- Kashima tried to leave that answer aside and think positive, even if the admiral was talking nonsense.
-Keys- he said again, his tone didn't change at all, as he was not in the mood for games, being depressed and angry would not improve with a silly game.
-Incorrect! Admiral, you need to read more- Kashima exhales slowly trying to remain calm and keep smiling but it was not possible, the man in front did a terrible first impression.
-So what is in your pocket?- The man demanded, he didn't care about the game in the first place, but was curious anyway, because it would be easy that she got nothing in the first place and just toyed with him.
-Who knows…- the woman put her hand inside her pocket feeling the small and precious objet -You have a lot to improve rookie but at least you behave like a nice boy in this cursed island- she didn't try to give any hints at all and was harsh with her words, she took her luggage again and started to walk away into the base, Kashima´s patience and good manners are large but the man´s attitude finally got the best of her and that on itself is an achievement.
-What did you say?- he was a patient man, but with the last message his mind was growing anxious and angry, and her words didn't help at all. He didn't like the idea of being called "boy" by a ship girl.
-I´m just saying that if you are a good puppy you may survive the monsters that roam this base. Oh, is that wrong?- She was not happy with his attitude and started to behave like her sister Katori told her to do if any admiral was rude with her. She always tried to be gentle with others, but some officers tried to take advantage of her personality before and because of that now she got a limit.
-Wait a second… you already knew this island?- The admiral immediately reacted to those words, he didn't care being called a dog, but the chance that another girl that knew the base was right in front of him. The way she talked and how she mentioned the "monsters" of the base just made him forget for a moment about the message and the fact the base was going to be a training place.
-I´m not telling, you lost your chance Hehehe~- Kashima had a grin in her face similar to a smile and yet it was as if she was mocking the admiral.
-Good night, try harder next time Ufufu- she took a moment to narrow her eyes and turn her back on the man. She already recognized the place she would stay from now on so there was no need for him to accompany her any longer. She saw a map of the new installations and buildings, but even without it, she knew the base very well.
-Wait…- the man spoke defeated, he didn't have the authority to force her say anything, not even the chance to order her anything at all. His dreams were shattered and all he heard was the sweet laugher of Kashima. That day the man returned to his room and stayed there for the rest of the night regretting every word he said.