He blinked a couple of times, still unsure of how he got here. He looked up and saw blue skies with several clouds. He looked down and saw that he was standing on the surface of water. To his left was a vast expanse that seemingly stretched out to infinity. To his right, the same.
"How did I get here?" wondered James, trying to recall his memories, but to no avail.
Then, he felt a chill running down his spine. Immediately, James turned around and saw a pitch-black wall standing before him. The wall seemingly had no end as it stretched from one side to the next. He took a few steps back and readied himself for anything that might happen next.
It was now that he noticed a pair of bright yellow orbs appearing inside the wall. Given how close the two orbs were and their shape, James assumed it was a pair of eyes. His guess was correct when he saw a figure emerge from the wall.
He should have attacked. His instincts were yelling at him to attack. Yet, for reasons unknown, James did not draw his sword. Instead, he remained motionless with his eyes wide open as the figure slowly came towards him.
"… up,"
He tried to speak but no words came out. It was as if he suddenly lost his voice.
"… wake up,"
The figure now extended its right arm as it drew closer.
"Commander wake up!"
00000000000000000000
James awoke with a start and fell back. He was covered in sweat and breathing hard.
"What *pant what's going on?" he asked, seeing that he was no longer caught in that strange plane.
"Call Vestal," said Akagi to Kaga, who nodded and left the room.
"Commander," said Tirpitz, coming to him "can you hear me?"
She was relieved when she saw him nod in response.
"Here," said Saint Louis gently holding his right arm "let me help you up."
"What just happened to me?" he asked.
"You were in a trance," replied Akagi "the moment you touched one of them, you were in this strange trance. We tried calling out to you but you didn't respond."
"That was when Saint Louis suggested we pull you away," continued Queen Elizabeth "good thing we agreed to it or else we'd still have no idea how to wake you up."
"Touched them?" he repeated, focusing on one part of their explanation "what did I touch?"
In response, Akagi pointed to something behind her. It was then that James recalled the series of events.
After his conversation with Alec, the pair headed to the research lab to find out fi Akashi learned anything about the case Alpha was carrying. There, they met with Akagi, Kaga, Queen Elizabeth, Saint Louis and Tirpitz who all had the same idea in mind.
James now looked at the three objects in the center of the research room with a mixture of fear and dread. There were three purple-colored cubes on a pedestal. The cubes gave off an eerie purple glow that managed to draw James' attention away from the others. While Akashi explained her findings, James proceeded to touch one of the cubes and experience that fever dream.
"We should get out of here nyow," said Akashi. Everyone else agreed to the suggestion and immediately left the room. The group were now in an observation room, with Akashi being the last to come out. She made sure to seal the door behind her then lowered the shutters to prevent anyone from looking at the cubes.
"This confirms my fears," said Alec, stroking his chin.
"So these are the same things you saw turn a human into a Siren ship?" asked Queen Elizabeth.
"No doubt about it," replied Alec "I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if you didn't stop James in time."
"I can see how they're important to the Siren's campaign," said Tirpitz "as long as Omega has this, she can abduct any human and turn them into a war asset."
"Honey," said Akagi, putting her hand on James' shoulder "do you remember what happened when you touched the cube?"
"Perhaps you know what they are," suggested Yorktown.
"Those things are pure power," replied James "it reminded me of when I fought that dreadnought"
Alec noticed how the color drained from everyone's faces when James mentioned it.
"The power inside those cubes are incredible. Just one of those is more than enough to end the war. But that power, it always comes with a price."
"My liege," said Saint Louis "I believe that you should harness that power if we want to end this war."
"You must be joking here right Saint Louis?" asked Akagi, glaring at her "or did you forget that you had to cut off his left arm to keep the infection from spreading?"
"Yes, I recall that day with crystal clear clarity. Our Commander understands the dangers that come from using that power and as such, will take the necessary steps to ensure he does not repeat those mistakes again."
"Don't get me wrong Saint Louis," said James "I want that power. My weak human mind is telling me to grab one of those cubes and use the power to end this war. But power like this, it always comes at a price."
"I may start with good intentions but somewhere down the line, I'll become something even worse than Omega."
"Worse than Omega," said Queen Elizabeth, not wanting to imagine such a scene "regardless of whatever potential benefits it has, I'd say we're better off destroying the cubes."
"Agreed," said Yorktown.
"We managed this far with our own strength," said Tirpitz "I'd rather not rely on anything else."
"Akashi," said Akagi, "you, Purin and Buri start looking into ways to destroy those cubes."
"And one more thing," said James "this is an immediate order to everyone in the room and on the island."
"There's every possibility I might try and take a cube and harness its power. If you see me coming here alone, you are to do whatever is necessary to stop me."
"Break my arm, break my legs, knock me out: I don't care. DO NOT let me near those cubes."
After hearing those unnerving orders, the group thanked Akashi for their update and left the research room. Back outside, everyone went their separate ways as they all had their assignments.
Alec however, had no real assignments and instead was wandering around the base. And with regards to whether Alec was going to inform the resistance leaders about the cube, the answer was obvious.
'Hell no,' thought the strategist 'the way James spoke about these things made them sound like a monkey's paw or The One Ring. No good can come from using those kinds of things.'
In his mind, James exhibited all the virtues of a level headed leader. The fact that he asked the rest to keep him from doing something stupid told Alec that he was in the right mindset. For now, James was every bit the ally the resistance needed and not the threat they make him out to be.
As he wandered through the base without a care in the world, he came across a curious sight. He noticed Alexis, along with two other hospital patients chatting with Richelieu and Gangut.
On it's own, this would look like a normal conversation. But Alec recalled how James did not want the girls interacting with anyone from the mainland and it was cause for concern.
Alec made his way to the group, intending on getting Alexis and her friends off the island before any misunderstandings occur. Alexis noticed him coming towards them and waved to him.
"Hey Alexis, Gangut, Richelieu," he said, to the three "what's going on here?"
"I was just taking Alexis, Blake and Marie on a tour of the island," said Gangut.
"Hello Alec," said Blake, a six-foot-tall man in his late thirties with no distinguishable features aside from the prosthetic left arm he wore "a pleasure to finally meet you. Alexis has told us a lot about you."
"Yeah we heard about how much you've been helping with the war," added Marie, a sickly-looking woman with pale skin and a cap. The pale skin and the cap were indicators that she was undergoing chemo treatment.
"She really loves it when you come over and talk about your experiences and how you fought the Sirens," added Marie.
"Ahahaha," said Alec, letting out a nervous chuckle, recalling how he embellished a few details about his encounters with the Sirens.
"That aside," he said, turning to Gangut "did you ok this tour with James?"
"Oh come on Alec, I'm sure James isn't going to say anything over something like this," said Gangut casually "and well, it'll be a nice change of pace from those dreary bland walls these three see every day."
"Um," said Alexis, sensing something was wrong "if we're intruding then we can go back. I don't want anyone to get into trouble because of us."
"Ah don't worry about it," said Gagut.
"Actually, I agree with Alec on this bit," said Richelieu "before we start the tour, why not meet with James and get his approval?"
Gangut seemingly did not like the idea but she understood the importance of the chain of command, and so, agreed to go with Richelieu's idea.
"Hmm, now where could he be?" wondered Richelieu.
"Oh, I heard that around this time he's usually at the school playing with his sisters," said Alec "I remember Akagi saying he never misses it."
"Well then to the school we go," declared Gangut as she pushed Alexis' wheelchair while the rest followed closely behind.
It didn't take long for them to reach the school in question. When they did, they noticed Yorktown, Saint Louis, Akagi and Hornet deep in discussion while there were a group of children running up a hill.
The group looked at the top of the hill and saw a figure wrapped from head to toe in bandages. From the look of things, the kids were practicing first aid, but kids being kids, their playful nature got the better of them.
"I'd say the patient is now safe and sound," declared Charles Ausburne.
"Um… were we supposed to use that many bandages?" asked Kisaragi.
"Well, Ms. Yorktown said that a little helps the bleeding," replied Aulick "so a lot means he's completely healed.
"That makes sense," thought Unicorn.
"Yay, we saved big bro," Mutsuki and the girls proceeded to high-five each other. While they were busy celebrating their success, one of them accidentally knocked James a little, causing him to roll down the hill.
Alec and the group watched as a muffled James yelled for his life, all while his body ran over rocks and sticks. Eventually, Saint Louis did notice his situation and quickly caught him before he rolled further away. By then, Akagi, Yorktown and Hornet also met up with the group.
"My liege," she said, as she used her spear to cut the bandages "why is it that whenever we look away for five seconds, you're always getting into trouble?"
"I wish I knew," said James, still a little dazed from what happened. He quickly collected himself and noticed Alec and his group. Immediately, his expression shifted from dazed to hostile.
"I remember you," he said, pointing to Alexis "you're that nice girl that helped me find Alec."
"Yes, I never introduced myself," said Alexis "I'm Alexis Freeman and these are my friends Blake and Marie."
Before James could say anything, Blake came forward and immediately started shaking his hand.
"Just wanted to say I really look up to you a lot sir," said Blake "It's incredible how you managed to turn this war around in only a few weeks."
"Hmmm, are you a soldier?" asked James.
"I was but during an incident with a Siren assault, I lost my arm and had it replaced," he replied "how did… how did you know?"
"Your hands are too rough for a civilian and you've got an athletic build," he replied.
"Wow, he's sharp," commented Marie.
"And by the way, what are you three doing here?" he asked, turning to Gangut, Richelieu and Alec.
"Um well…"
"They're always staring at those boring hospital walls so I thought it would be a nice change of pace if they saw something else," suggested Alec, interrupting Gangut.
"There's plenty of things to see on the mainland," countered James.
"Yeah, but it's not every day you get to walk on a flying island filled with incredibly powerful women," said Alec.
Despite Alec's best attempt at downplaying the decision, he could tell that James did not like the idea.
"You need to take a step back," he said.
"Look James, I know that I went over your head about this and…"
"NO, you need to take five steps back," said James, raising his voice "do it now."
Not wanting to argue with him, the group took six steps back. Just as they did, they saw a figure hit the ground they were just standing on. She had short hair, wore on a maid uniform with a short skirt and short sleeves and carried a scary looking sword on her back.
Alec, Blake, Marie and Alexis didn't know what to fixate on. The fact that some busty maid just dropped out of the air like that or that James didn't bat an eye, suggesting that such incidents are commonplace.
"Master," said Sirius "Miss Belfast asked me to come and pick you up."
"Hmm, what's wrong?" asked James.
"One of the resistance leaders came with urgent news. They're requesting our help and Miss Belfast asked me to come get you."
"If this is something official then we need the other faction leaders as well," said James.
"Miss Belfast already assumed you would say that and went ahead to call the others," said Sirius.
"Alright then, I'll come with you," said James then turned to Akagi "Akagi, can you ask Nimi, Javelin, Ayanami and Laffey to meet with Alec in the central courtyard?"
"I'd like them to also assist you during this tour," he said, turning to Alec. Alec had to thank his luck that things played out so well and decided this was the best outcome he could get.
With that said, James and Sirius headed to meet with the resistance leader, while Alec and his group went to the central courtyard as requested.
"So she's at the training grounds?" asked Akagi to Yorktown and Hornet.
"Ever since Essex and her sisters arrived, they've actively been challenging Enty to a duel almost every day," replied Yorktown "if you want to find her, I'd say that's the best place to go looking."
"Thanks, I'll head there right after I see what James is doing," said Akagi.
0000000000000000000
"James please," said Byron, lowering his head "we've only just started training our militia and they're nowhere near strong enough to take on a Siren attack force. Please, we need your fleet to secure the location."
"Hmm," said James "so far this partnership is a lot of me giving and not getting anything back."
"I know, I know that we're already indebted to you a whole lot," said Byron "it would mean a lot to us."
"I believe that we should help them James," suggested Tirpitz.
"Tirpitz is right," said Queen Elizabeth "we came here to stop the Sirens and this way we get closer to that goal."
"Additionally," said Saint Louis "if we were to let that outlier town fall, Omega will no doubt use the people to replenish her forces."
"In the end though," said Friedrich "this is still a war decision. James, if you think we shouldn't then we'll respect your wishes."
It looked like James had already come to his decision.
"Very well, we'll help you on this but this is the only time I'm sending my fleet out for this type of mission," said James.
"Thank you, James, thank you," said Byron, bowing profusely.
"Master, might I make a suggestion here," said Belfast "considering the nature of the mission, I would like to suggest that you bring the maid squad with you on this."
"The whole maid squad?" he asked and she nodded in response.
"Well we'll have the numbers and Curacao, Curlew and Sheffield are pretty damn fast, alright please send the word out and gather the maids."
"Not to worry master," said Belfast with a calm smile "I had a feeling you'd agree to my suggestion and already assembled the maids."
"Wow, you're taking quite the initiative here aren't you?" commented Tirpitz.
"Of course," said Belfast "as the leader of the Royal Maid Squad, it is my duty to know my master's thoughts and actions before he knows them and prepare the correct response."
"Hold the phone here," interjected Queen Elizabeth "I don't recall you being like that when I was your master."
"If you'll excuse me master," said Belfast, casually dodging the question "I shall perform weapons check on the maids before we set out."
Seeing as he could not stop her, James simply nodded in agreement. James then dismissed the group and headed to the hospital to get a check-up from Vestal.
After completing that, he headed to the edge of the island where the maids were assembled and waiting for him.
"We are ready to start the mission master," said Belfast, bowing to him.
Just then, Akagi, Byron, Queen Elizabeth, Tirpitz, Yorktown, Rossiya and Richelieu came to see them off.
"Yorktown, I'd like you to show Alec the ropes on managing the base while I'm away," he said to Yorktown "he's new here and this responsibility might be too much for him."
"Yes Commander, can I also ask for the assistance of Rossiya and Richelieu?"
"Sure, sure, go ahead."
"James," said Byron coming forward and holding his hand "thank you very much for what you're doing."
"Let this be the first and last time I help you out," said James "once this is over, I'll be actively pursuing Omega using my own means."
"Of course, James, I understand," said Byron.
James turned around and headed to the shore. There Didio formed her cruiser and the team went on the ship. They gave everyone a goodbye and left the island.
As the girls went back to the base, Byron was the only one still standing.
'Enjoy your high horse for as long as possible you arrogant brat,' he thought, clenching his fist. For now, he and the rest of the leaders had to lower their heads and practically beg him for everything. But that won't last for long. Their allies were making sure of it.