Chapter 11
Diplomatic vehicles. The laws surrounding them were often a very contentious topic for many citizens. For example, hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of unpaid parking tickets in Washington D.C. alone were from Diplomatic Vehicles that violated parking laws. But due to diplomatic immunity and other such issues, police are unable to act on any of it. Then again, if they did so, then they risked an international incident, so it was usually best to just leave it be.
However, looking at the small tender that stopped near Bismarck's vessel, she looked on in confusion. The ship had tiny German flags mounted on its left and right, exactly like how an ambassador's vehicle would mount its own flags. But Bismarck had never heard of Diplomatic Tenders before, so what was that ship approaching her? Deciding to err on the side of caution, she radioed them to find out what they wanted.
"Unidentified Tender, you are approaching my hull, state your business."
Quick and to the point, and though she radioed in English, the reply was in German. The accent she recognized was a Prussian one, though the speaker spoke in standard German.
"I am Ambassador Kirchbach of the Federal Republic of Germany. I request permission to board your vessel."
An ambassador? Three days had passed since the Battle of New York, and so far everyone Bismarck had talked to was either a SHIELD Agent or Steve himself. Minus the tech billionaire of course, some of the PR proposals given to her made her want to run, but alas, she promised Steve to at least stay for one more week.
"Granted. Come to its sides, there are stairs to board my vessel."
If anything, this meeting was going to be interesting, what did the Ironblood of this world want with her?
"Frau Bismarck, I thank you for meeting with me today…"
Currently, in the officer's meeting room on her ship, Ambassador Kirchbach and his aides were currently sitting across from Bismarck on a large meeting table. The man kept looking wide-eyed at her vessel from the moment he boarded all the way to arriving at the meeting room. He wore a simple suit and was clean-shaven, a bit old to be an active ambassador, but perhaps he was chosen for that exact reason. Honestly, she was astonished that his tender even got through, police and SHIELD patrol boats had set up around her since she set up her new position just outside of New York harbour. Natasha had told her of some enterprising news crews attempting to get close on a hired fishing trawler two days ago, but a quick interception had put a stop to that.
The officer's meeting room was built in the style of the 1940s, opulent for modern tastes, but for her, it was a reminder of home. The carpeted floor and white plastered walls almost made it feel like they weren't on a battleship, but rather a nice Berlin dining hall. She offered them drinks, but since Kansen didn't strictly need food, all she really had on hand was beer. It was politely declined, much to the disappointment of some of Kirchbach's aides.
"Of course, may I first know how you got past the patrol boats?"
It was both a safety question and to sate her curiosity. If he couldn't answer then they had malicious intent, and thus could be subject to 'forceful ejection'.
"We haggled with your Director for quite some time, but he relented just half an hour ago, so we hired the tender to take us out at the first opportunity."
My Director? Ah, he thinks I am actually part of the Avengers.
"I believe you are misinformed, Ambassador. I am not officially part of the group, Tony Stark, unfortunately, decided to go ahead with the press conference without my approval first."
Kirchbach raised an eyebrow at that information, clearly not knowing of that part before the meeting. Maybe he did not know more than the public, if so then Bismarck had to play her cards correctly. A wasted opportunity now, but more will come over the course of the meeting.
"I…see. In that case, I must inform you that I am not acting only on behalf of the German government today, but rather the entire European Union."
The EU?
Bismarck leaned in, as that part caught her attention. The Europa of her world was far from united, so one of the big 'culture shocks' of this world was finding out that they had put away their differences and decided to develop together. Obviously, there are many differences and issues, but by in large, it had worked out so far. No matter how the naysayers complained about it. Last she heard some in Britain were the most vocal about leaving it, but she did not put much stock on them getting anywhere.
"Continue. I am listening."
Relieved, Kirchbach continued speaking. "As the Ambassador of Germany to the United States and all twenty-seven member states of the European Union, we are asking you to lead a team of uniquely powered individuals for its common defence."
That was unexpected. It was her turn to raise an eyebrow at him now, what defence did Europe need? SHIELD had branches in most European Nations as well, meaning that the Avengers could also operate in the EU without obtrusion.
"And…why is that, Ambassador? I assume you've watched the news regarding the Avengers?"
Shortly after Thor had left with Loki, announcements had gone out regarding the nature of the group from SHIELD spokespersons. The nuclear weapon was covered up. Instead of it being an actual nuclear warhead, the official story given to the public was that it was a high-yield conventional bomb that would have destroyed Stark Tower and the surrounding area. Some civilians had recorded the missile being diverted by Iron Man, so they couldn't just deny nothing was ever launched. Bismarck thought that was…a falsehood, but she was convinced to not say anything about it, lest the fallout of that decision cripple SHIELD entirely. Despite all of their faults, their many faults, they were still needed in the world, so she honoured that promise, for now.
"With respect, Frau Bismarck, you know of the true nature of that missile, yes?"
Bismarck nodded, it appeared that he knew too.
"Then please do not fault us for being cautious. The World Security Council is made up of four members each from different countries, rotating in and out depending on term limits. We originally thought their powers were only limited to SHIELD and other such departments, but the act of a nuclear weapon being deployed on a civilian target, no matter what justification they used, is simply unacceptable to all of us."
Taking another deep breath, he continued.
"My government and many others are now concerned they may make a decision in the future that we disagree with. What if a terrorist held the EU Parliament hostage? Could the WSC override the French government and launch a raid without their approval? That cannot be allowed to happen, and as such, another organization must keep them in check as well."
Bismarck could see where he was coming from. The brazen act of launching a nuclear weapon, as covered up as it was to the public, must have caused huge concern among nations that did not have council members on the WSC. Not to say that they were malicious, but their own national interests must have been a factor in their roles. For example, a Russian councilman deciding on American matters must be an awkward affair, particularly if it is on a domestic issue. Or, what if a nation decides to go 'rogue'? Will the WSC act forcefully bring them back into the fold?
With a large metropolis narrowly avoiding being nuked, it must have made every member state on edge, since if they didn't have a member on that council, their cities could be nuked as well. All completely without their input on the matter.
"And now, SHIELD has the Avengers. We are concerned that they are under their sole jurisdiction, and that they are all American, except for you, at least publicly."
A conflict of interest essentially. Aside from her, the Avengers being a full 'American' team was true, Agent Romanoff was Russian, but she cut ties to them long ago if what she told her was true. They spoke briefly about their backstories after Tony had gone back to try and figure out how she ran without fuel, and that was all she revealed.
"With six out of seven Avengers situated in the United States, we cannot take their word of being a 'global team' at their word. Thus, that is the reason why I am here today. You are the only one Germany and the EU can realistically ask. I do not expect Captain Rogers to move to Germany now would he?"
Despite ending it on a joke, Bismarck did not laugh. Their reasoning was sound, and concerns valid, but she couldn't find herself agreeing at all.
"And what will be expected of me…if I am to lead this European team? I have reservations about the idea, but I would like to hear the plan for it first."
"Well, to be honest, it is still very much in the planning stage. But with each member state asking for an immediate response to the Avengers, we needed to know if you would be amicable to the idea before we even announced it. Unlike the United States, Europe is lacking in individuals that we can ask to join said team. You were our first pick."
Bismarck sighed. She just escaped SHIELD's grasp, and now the EU was now trying to recruit her for a European version of the Avengers? If she and Graf Zeppelin ever met again, she going to join her to destroy all the divines for playing this cruel trick on her.
"I cannot agree to this proposal. I declined the very same offer from Director Fury two days ago. You have come for nothing, Ambassador."
Again, she was no hero. Never was, and never will be. The world did not need a hero like 'Bismarck'.
"I…see. I ask that you hold on that answer for now, would you agree to another meeting some days later? By then we should have a more finalized agreement on how the team is going to function."
She doubted that it will change the result, but for courtesy's sake, she agreed. "Fine. Is there anything else, Ambassador Kirchbach?"
"There is one thing. It's about your uniform…if you do not mind me asking."
Bismarck braced for the 'Nazi' question, but it never came. "Chancellor Winters debated furiously with her cabinet over whether or not we should ask you to head the team. Many in the government and the public had debated furiously over your supposed…origin."
She had read the news headlines back home, and while most were positive, most articles regarding her had the same question. 'Is Bismarck a National Socialist?'
"My question is, why does your uniform have the black, red and gold colours of the modern flag?"
She had only one true answer to give. "Because that is the Germany I am from. It is what I have always stood for, despite the past of this world. In truth, I am not the Bismarck that sank nearly seventy years ago now. I am…simply an anomaly that should not have existed. And yet, here I am, in a mirror world, once more sailing on the seas."
As Bismarck stood up, Ambassador Kirchbach followed the motion. "I am Bismarck, not of the Third Reich, but from the Ironblood. The Germany I knew in a past life is not the same one that had split into two. I look forward to our next meeting, ambassador."
Before Kirchbach shook her hand, however, he chuckled, much to her confusion. "Picking you was not the wrong choice after all. That was the same argument Chancellor Winters used to convince her cabinet, the fact that your uniform had black, red and gold finally convinced the others to agree. I too will look forward to our next meeting, Frau Bismarck."
As he let his hand go, however, and his aides started packing up, Bismarck received a radio contact. Cupping her hands to her ears, she tried to get a better signal, the voice sounded British, but the static had made it near impossible to hear her clear voice.
"Are you alright?" Kirchbach looked at her in concern, before Bismarck raised her palm at him.
The radio signal came in clearer now, and Bismarck's blood ran cold upon hearing who was trying to hail her. "This is HMS Perseus! Repeat, this is HMS Perseus! Are you there, Bismarck?! Please respond!"
Bismarck didn't say another word, she immediately ran out of the officer's meeting room and onto her upper deck. Turrets already scanning her port and starboard for any potential contact-
There, off her portside, from the direction of the Atlantic. Using her enhanced optics, she managed to see three Kansen approach her in rigging form. The lead Kansen had pink hair and fox ears, a hallmark of Sakura Empire ships, she appeared to be a destroyer. The second one had a cloak on, but her eccentric outfit made it obvious that she was an Eagle Union ship, probably a heavy cruiser. The last one also had pink hair, but instead of fox ears, she had wings, and judging by the voice on the radio, she was Perseus, the Royal Navy ship. Her rigging denoted her to be a carrier, judging by the flight deck.
Bismarck's radio cackled to life again, and she received Perseus's words again. "There you are! We see you on your deck. Don't bloody shoot us, we come in peace!"
The three Kansen jumped up into the air before their riggings burst into blue lights, Bismarck immediately knew what they were doing.
"Wait, wait! Not here! There are too many eyes on-"
It was too late, and a few seconds later, all three of them were on their summoned hulls, sailing directly at Bismarck. Ambassador Kirchbach managed to catch up to her on the deck just as they finished their transformation, and his eyes widened upon seeing them.
"My God, are...are they your comrades?"
Bismarck wanted to collapse and cry, but alas, she still had her dignity to preserve, even in another world.
Director Fury read through another science report submitted to him. It was an apparent update on the energies that Agent Romanoff had discreetly scanned while on Bismarck's vessel. Their meeting was…less than productive, and he didn't achieve anything he wanted. She would be another long-term case, having to be slowly eased into the team.
Sighing, he scrolled through the technical jargon of the report, before noticing a bolded line at the summary section at the end of it.
'These readings bore a remarkable similarity to an energy pulse scanned by SHIELD Carrier Illiad in the Indian Ocean one month ago. Recommendation: follow up with Commander Gonzales regarding the incident.'
Right, that incident was around the same time Doctor Banner was approached by three…powered individuals. All they knew of them was that they had eccentric appearances, all female, but somehow possessing superhuman strength and more. If one of the blurry pictures were accurate though, their leader, codename 'Cherubim' even had honest-to-God angel wings. The other two were less noticeable, but the youngest appearing one had tight clothing wrapped around her body, so they knew the least about her.
He was going to follow that incident up with the Indian SHIELD branch commander but other events had taken priority. The amount of work he had to do after the mess in New York almost made him reconsider his life choices, almost. Putting the folder down, he chalked it up to another thing he needed to do later on. Maybe he could transfer Romanoff out to investigate the three individuals Banner talked to-
RIIIIIIIING
Snapping his head to his phone on his desk, he saw that Maria Hill was calling him using the 'urgent' line. This was serious, so he immediately picked up the phone, wasting no time at all.
"Hill, talk to me."
"SIR! Three new warships just…showed up in thin air next to Bismarck, permission to intercept?!"
What the hell was wrong with New York City? Was it cursed or something? He didn't want to know the answer, lest magic was also real or something, but considering who Thor was, it probably wasn't too much of a stretch.
AN:
Explanation for where the hell Perseus and her group showed up from:
Back when this story was on SB, there was a side story spinoff that detailed their adventure into this world. In the interest of not clogging up the amount of Azur Lane crossover fics, I will be posting that side story into this fic instead. They will have a special side story marker in the title.
As always, be civil in the comments below, and if you have a suggestion about the story direction then feel free to say it.