Somehow, she'd gotten through the first month at the base itself. Perhaps it was thanks to TF 58 dominating most of her time that wasn't taken up by trying to make sense of the piles of paperwork that she struggled to wrap her head around even with Swiftsure's help, or perhaps it was just sheer dumb luck on her part. Or maybe it had to do with how few shipgirls were stationed at the base currently, which allowed them to spread out and keep their distance from each other unless someone actively tried to close that distance. By this point, she'd at least grasped that while she'd only met five of them, there were actually nine total factions within the alliance, one of which did still have their representatives at the base but had, apparently, avoided making contact thus far.

At the moment, though, that didn't need to be her concern. Of course, what Swiftsure had said that she had a visitor from the Vichya fleet, she had expected Gloire as the usual culprit, the light cruiser having taken to simply hanging out to make small talk while Apocrypha worked, but usually Gloire had already let herself in and made herself comfortable on the couch if it was going to be her. Her second thought was that it could have been Dupleix, but she had yet to see her unaccompanied by at least one other of the girls.

What she hadn't expected was Dunkerque and the large tray of different confections she was carrying. She did recall that during the video call early on that it had been mentioned she would be coming to the New York base herself shortly, and Gloire hadn't stopped talking about it since, but finally seeing her in person was still something Apocrypha hadn't managed to fully prepare herself for.

"Commander?"

Dunkerque's voice brought Apocrypha back to reality, and the tray of desserts that still sat in front of her. "Huh? I'm so sorry, I didn't catch what you just said."

Dunkerque sighed softly, having recognized the far-off look in Apocrypha's eyes. She'd seen it too many times from even Jean Bart and Primauguet - the unintentional escape into one's own thoughts after being thrust into a position of leadership beyond what they felt truly ready to step into, yet having no choice but to do exactly that. "Is something not to your liking? I can make something else if you'd prefer," she offered, motioning with a hand to the untouched tray.

Apocrypha shook her head, picking up one of the small profiteroles from one section of the tray and taking a bite. "I couldn't decide what looked best," she excused between bites, not wanting to admit that even this far in she was still more than slightly overwhelmed by the situation. "Everything looks so good. And tastes amazing."

Dunkerque seemed pleased by the praise, taking a pastry for herself. "I'm glad to hear that you like them. I didn't know what you would like, and it seems that Gloire has been easily distracted since arriving here, so I hoped a sample platter would suffice."

Apocrypha smiled, happily trying the assortment of pastries provided by Dunkerque. "I'm glad you made it to the port here safely. I didn't expect I'd get to meet you in person so soon."

Dunkerque smiled sheepishly, shrugging. "I would usually be here with the others, but was recalled temporarily to shore up defenses and sustained damage during a sortie. Consider this here my apology for being late in meeting you and thanks for your patience with Gloire in my stead. I know she can be a lot to handle."

Apocrypha shook her head, actually cracking a bit of a smile. "She's colorful, I'll admit that. But she really hasn't been a problem. She comes to hang out sometimes," she admitted, taking a bite of another pastry and glancing over the barely half-cleared tray even despite her and Dunkerque sharing.

While she debated whether it would be rude or not to ask if she could save the rest to share later, the door was opened, surprising her to see Duquesne standing there. The priestess looked surprised to see Dunkerque, but quickly regained her composure. "Dunkerque. I wasn't aware you would be coming. I'm glad to see you're well."

Dunkerque didn't respond, knocking her shoulder against Duquesne's to push her out of the way as she left. Duquesne turned as if to follow her, mouth open like she wanted to call out, but instead she said nothing. She bit her lip, a pained expression on her face even despite her obviously trying not to show it. A hand rose to her bosom, fingers restlessly picking at the rhinestones on the fabric as she swept her eyes over the office, recognition flashing in her eyes at the sight of the tray of pastries on Apocrypha's desk, but she made no mention of them. "Sorry. I did not realize you would have company."

Apocrypha furrowed her brow, still trying to process what she'd just seen between Dunkerque and Duquesne a second ago. "What happened between you all? That was weird. She was fine just a second ago."

Duquesne shook her head, closing the door and settling into a chair. "As Richelieu said when we first met you, Iris Libre and Vichya Dominion used to be a united front known as the Iris Orthodoxy," she explained. "We were unprepared to properly face the Iron Blood when they turned on us after conquering the Polonia Commonwealth. When we realized we would be unable to win, camps were split. Richelieu and I chose to take those we could and retreat under the Royal Navy's protection. The rest chose to stay and fell in with the Iron Blood. I like to believe that most of Iris Libre have realized that Vichya was trying to do the same as us - protect our home in what they thought would be the best way. But there has been a lot of hate on both sides, a lot of blame and accusations and bloodshed. The Vichya Dominion is still holding onto those grudges, and Richelieu and Jean Bart being sisters does not help matters any, if you know at all what siblings are like. Not that things between Dupleix and I are much better."

"Oh. So that's why…"

"Why Gloire tried to attack Richelieu and me when we arrived, yes," Duquesne confirmed. "After what happened at Mers-el-Kébir and her capture and everything else, I cannot blame her. Iris Libre allied with the same Royal Navy that brought those disasters upon them."

Apocrypha remained silent, allowing the information to sink in. When she had been silent for a while, Duquesne took the opportunity to speak up again, changing the subject. "There is no use in worrying about that now. I came to invite you to have lunch with us if you happen to have the time available. Nothing formal, I just thought you would like some fresh air."

Apocrypha nodded, getting to her feet. "That sounds great. Thanks. Uh… I'll be right behind you, I just need to straighten up here a bit."

"I will wait outside for you." Duquesne rose from her chair, casually waving to Swiftsure as she passed to step outside the office.

Apocrypha looked over the tray sitting on her desk, biting her lip in thought as the interaction - or lack thereof - between Dunkerque and Duquesne replayed repeatedly in her mind. There was plenty left on the tray to bring some with her to the lunch, and she was sure the Iris shipgirls would be happy to have some of the pastries and desserts. But then it also felt like a betrayal of Dunkerque's trust given the divide between the two factions. Finally, she admitted defeat, leaving the tray where it sat on her desk and crossing over into the smaller secretary office where Swiftsure was sorting what looked like inventory and ordering sheets. "I'm going to lunch with the Iris Libre girls if you need to find me. Help yourself to anything Dunkerque brought that's still in my office."

Swiftsure looked up at her, looking like she wanted to say something but only nodding. "Enjoy your lunch. I will come find you if anything requires your attention."

"Thanks. I mean it. I don't think I could manage all of this without you helping here, Swiftsure," Apocrypha said, smiling at the shy light cruiser. It was still a lot, and stressful, but she couldn't be more grateful for Swiftsure's patience and willingness to help with everything she could. Even if she wasn't aware of how much Apocrypha appreciated her work.

"O-oh. It's nothing. Others could do better…"

Apocrypha shook her head, barely resisting to pat Swiftsure's head. "Still, thank you. I'll be back in a little while. You're welcome to come join us if you finish with those papers before I'm back, too."

She wasn't sure, but Apocrypha thought she saw a faint blush on Swiftsure's face before she left the room to join Duquesne outside, nodding to the priestess. "Sorry for making you wait. Lead the way."

Duquesne led the way through the halls and outside to a small garden area where a table and chairs had been set up among the foliage. Richelieu and Saint Louis could be seen sitting at the table chatting animatedly with each other, while Vercingetorix had set herself off to the side, surveying the surroundings. She was the first to notice the arrival of the Commander and Duquesne, her expression remaining neutral and making it impossible for Apocrypha to guess what her thoughts might be.

"Priestess, Commander. I am glad to see you joining up. Though, Duquesne -"

Duquesne waved off the coming words carelessly, her smile kind but confident. "Yes, yes, I understand that you and Saint Louis dislike Richelieu or I being out without one of you to accompany us when there are members of the Crimson Axis present, but I can take care of myself. Thank you for your concern, but it is unnecessary."

"If you insist," the knight relented. While Saint Louis got up to pull out a chair for Duquesne, Vercingetorix pulled out one for Apocrypha. "Commander, if you'd care to join us?"

Apocrypha smiled a bit nervously, allowing Vercingetorix to push the chair in as she sat, looking over the spread of food on the table before realizing that Vercingetorix hadn't joined them. "You aren't eating?"

Vercingetorix shook her head, returning to where she had been leaning on a low wall to keep watch. "My duty is to ensure the priestess and Cardinal's safety, not to partake in pointless social engagements," she stated.

Saint Louis laughed, shaking her head and giving her sister an amused look. "There's no harm in taking a moment to breathe from time to time, sister." The warning look from her younger sister failed to dissuade her, only shifting her focus to speaking to Apocrypha instead while she took her seat again beside Duquesne. "You'll have to forgive Vercingetorix's unwillingness to join us. She means nothing personal by it. She has always preferred to be a wallflower no matter our attempts to have her join in."

"I think it's sweet that she worries about us," Duquesne chimed in, currently filling her plate with food. When reaching for something, Apocrypha noticed that she leaned a bit closer to Saint Louis than needed, a teasing grin pulling at her lips. "And if Verci is on watch, it means I get to spend some quality time with you, Louis."

Saint Louis blushed slightly, clearing her throat and focusing her attention on getting her own food. Once they had all filled their plates, the food still remained untouched, a look being shared between Duquesne and Richelieu as if some sort of silent negotiation was occurring that none of the rest of them were privy to. Apocrypha recalled how Dupleix had scolded Gloire over breakfast the one time, quickly putting two and two together of what was happening. If a disgraced priestess was still strict about adhering to her religious practices, of course she should have expected such even more so from a Cardinal and head priestess.

"Richelieu, would you lead us?" Duquesne asked.

Richelieu smiled but shook her head. "I will leave the blessing to you. It's not often I get to be present when you lead prayer."

Duquesne nodded, brushing her hands over her skirt to smooth it before clasping them in front of her, closing her eyes once the others at the table had followed suit. When she spoke, her tone had taken on a richer quality and while her volume had hardly increased, her voice seemed to fill every inch of the space within the garden. "O Holy Iris in Heaven, blessed be Thy name. We ask that You bless this food and drink for Your servants, and that You accept our thanks for Your kindness in bestowing upon us Your abundant gifts. Forgive us for our trespasses so that we may forgive others. To You belongs all glory, all authority, and all of Heaven and Earth, always now and forever. Amen."

The other girls murmured an "Amen" of their own before raising their heads and opening their eyes, beginning to eat. Richelieu flashed Duquesne a smile, swallowing before speaking. "That was beautiful, Duquesne."

Duquesne smiled a bit at the praise. "Thank you, though it was nothing all that special. I am sure yours would have far surpassed mine. It has been difficult to find the words ever since…"

Richelieu nodded in understanding, reaching over to pat Duquesne's hand. "I know. I worry about them, too, every day. But it will not be like this forever. Our sisters were misled and lied to by the Iron Blood. They are still hurt and angry. We have to give them time to heal and not force a reunification."

"They won't even speak to us, Richelieu. How do we make amends when they refuse to even perceive us?"

Richelieu frowned. "What makes you bring this up?"

Apocrypha sighed, knowing precisely what had touched on Duquesne's nerves. "Dunkerque came by my office today to introduce herself. She left when Duquesne arrived without saying anything."

"Ah. That explains it, then."

"This isn't a topic to be discussing over a meal like this," Duquesne interrupted, hoping to put an end to the discussion before it was brought up in-depth once again. "I am sure the Commander would like to not be bombarded with discussion of politics after being invited out to relax."

Richelieu took the hint, content to settle for small talk. As the meal was drawing to a close, Apocrypha noticed Swiftsure approaching with another woman dressed in a white and black dress, with raven black hair and mahogany brown eyes.

Swiftsure stopped a respectful distance away, clearly well aware of Vercingetorix's watchful gaze even despite the two factions being allied. "My apologies for the interruption, Cardinal, but Chen Hai from the Dragon Empery has insisted on having a word with the Commander."

"It will only take a moment," the black-haired woman assured, bowing slightly to those seated at the table. "Now then, who is the new Commander here?"

"Um… That would be me," Apocrypha admitted nervously. She mustered the courage to get to her feet, walking over to extend her hand to Chen Hai to shake. "You can call me Apocrypha."

Chen Hai shook her hand firmly, scrutinizing her closely. "I am the seaplane carrier Chen Hai. It's an honor to get to work with you. Hopefully you will live up to everyone's expectations."

Apocrypha gave a nervous smile. "Everyone says that. I promise I'll do my best not to let everyone down. What did you need to talk to me about?" she asked, trying to change the subject before her doubts could get the better of her, or worse yet before any of the shipgirls could raise questions she'd rather avoid for the time being.

Chen Hai smiled, allowing Apocrypha to step away. "The Dragon Empery is holding a small celebration beginning this evening. Although I believe it goes without saying, you are invited to join us if you so wish and have the availability," she offered, before also addressing Richelieu. "Cardinal, on behalf of the Dragon Empery, I would like to extend the same offer to those of you in Iris Libre."

"That does sound lovely," Richelieu agreed, nodding. "Thank you for the invitation. We will consider it and if scheduling allows, we would be honored to attend."

Apocrypha hesitated, looking to Swiftsure for some sort of support. Swiftsure gave a small nod of encouragement from behind Chen Hai, giving Apocrypha the bit of encouragement she needed. "Thanks. I'll clear my schedule so I can come. Um… Is there some sort of dress code or anything I need to know about?"

Chen Hai smiled and shook her head. "No, nothing of the sort. I should be going to help them finish final preparations for this evening. I'm looking forward to you joining us."

With a bow, Chen Hai departed from the garden. Apocrypha turned back to the Iris Libre shipgirls once she had left, offering a slight smile. "Thank you for lunch. The food was wonderful. I should get back to the office and finish up a few things and rearrange my schedule a bit, though, if you don't mind."

"We appreciate that you could make the time to join us for lunch," Richelieu reassured, returning the smile. "We will see you this evening at the Dragon Empery's celebration. You're welcome to join us for meals again anytime, too."