When I came to, the first thing I noticed was that my everything hurt. Everything, from the hairs on my head to the soles of my feet, stung like the dickens. My muscles twitched with a latent jolt here or there, I could still taste metal in my mouth, and I was able to pick up the faint remaining scent of ozone. "'It's just rain,' I said. 'There's hardly any lightning,' I said. 'The odds of getting zapped by lightning are a million to one,' I said." I groaned. "So much for that, I guess. Fuck me, it feels like I got hit by a truck."

"You're lucky to be alive," came a feminine voice.

"Huh?!" I gasped.

"Easy, easy," the voice continued. "It's alright. You're in the infirmary. You'll be fine."

I forced my eyes open and looked around, my vision swimming, and as it slowly cleared, the form of a pink-haired girl with light blue eyes, pale skin, and an outfit that resembled the habit of a nun came into focus. Her hands were clasped behind her back and her eyes were kind and full of warmth. "Hello there," she said softly.

"Hey," I rasped, my throat dry and raspy. "What happened...? Where am I...?"

"Well, you got caught in a pretty nasty lightning strike," she answered. "And you're in the Azur Lane's medical bay. My name's Vestal, and I'm the repair ship of the Eagle Union."

"Oh-kaaaay, I'm gonna have to speak to the docs about giving me something else, because I think they fucked up my painkillers. You're clearly a figment of my imagination, I'm in the Bayfront Health Seven Rivers Medical Center, and I'm probably on some really good drugs, because there's no way in hell that I'm being tended to by a girl in a nun's outfit who just said she's Vestal. Vestal was a gunmetal-grey, copper-bottomed, steel-hulled, American repair ship with three single 3-inch DP guns and two twin 40-mm Bofors AA mounts and was scrapped on July 28th, 1950." I let out a laugh. "And this is the United States, not the 'Eagle Union'. I think someone needs to tell the doctor that their drugs are too strong. So, mind pointing me towards the nurse call button? I need to see if I can get someone who's not a figment of my imagination and tell them to take me off whatever the hell these painkillers are."

Vestal stared at me. "...What."

"Look, I'm sure you're a figment of my imagination, and probably a product of the painkillers or a concussion or something. Maybe the lightning fucked up my brain and is making me hallucinate, but I'm pretty sure that the hospital doesn't hire people dressed in costumes based on historical figures and ships to tend to the patients. So, if you could point me to the nurse call button or the bell or whatever the hell it is you guys use around here, I'd really appreciate it."

Vestal - if she was real - didn't move, and her brow furrowed. "Okay, hold up, I'm confused," she said, raising a hand. "Did... did the lightning knock out your memories or something?"

"Uh, no, my memories are fine. In fact, I remember being on my computer, playing Azur Lane, when the storm started." I blinked. "Wait, did I fall asleep at my computer or something? Oh god, please tell me the lightning didn't start a fire, did it? Please don't tell me my house burned down, that's all I need right now."

Vestal continued staring at me. "Um... okay. Okay. So, your memories are fine, but you seem to think you're somewhere other than here."

"I mean, yeah, I would! I'm from Florida! Flo-ri-da! You know, southernmost state in the Contiguous 48, the Sunshine State, the Big Cypress Swamp, Disney World, Cape Canaveral, any of this ringing a bell?!"

"No, no, I'm familiar with the state, I just... okay, I'm not entirely sure how to handle this, but... what was the last thing you remember? Before waking up here?"

"My computer getting blasted, that's what! And I'd just gotten Akagi, too, mother-!"

"Hold up, what? You just 'got' Akagi?" Vestal asked, looking incredulous. "...She's not here, she's all the way in the Sakura Empire."

"...Don't you mean Japan?"

"No, the Sakura Empire," Vestal answered, looking a bit impatient.

"Oh, Christ, the docs really fucked up my painkillers. When I get off of this gurney, I'm suing someone's ass. And making a strong note to avoid this hospital from now on. They've gotta be using the cheapest shit they can get. This is just... wow."

The next thing I knew, blue light seemed to surround Vestal, and then I saw a small gunmetal-grey ship tucked under her left arm like a football, as well as two cranes coming off her sides and a mast poking up from behind her back. A moment later, the small shipgirl spoke, saying, "You are not drugged. Nor are you dreaming, or hallucinating. You were brought here after you were struck by lightning. I'm afraid that whatever is going on, you are not delusional, and we are very real."

I reached out to put my hand against the gunmetal-grey hull of whatever this girl had just manifested under her arm... and it was cold to the touch, like real metal. "Wh-what the hell...?! How did you just do that?! How can this be real?!"

"It's called rigging," the shipgirl answered. "And we'll explain everything later, once you're better. For now, though, I have other duties to attend to. Rest well, okay? We'll be back to check on you soon."

And with that, Vestal's rigging disappeared in blue light, leaving the pale-skinned repair ship to walk out of the room. "I've... I've gotta be hallucinating," I muttered. "No, I've gotta be dead. That's it. There's no other explanation. I'm dead. This is a weird-ass dream or afterlife or something."

But I knew it was a lie, even as I spoke the words. No, this was very, very real. Somehow, in defiance of all logic and reason, the world of Azur Lane was now my reality. But how was that even possible?! How could a world that was just a video game have somehow become a real, physical place, where the girls I'd played in the game were all living, breathing, thinking, and feeling? And how was I supposed to handle this, especially if I was the only one here?

Then again, that was assuming this wasn't just a dream or a hallucination or a coma or something. As the tingling in my body went away slowly, however, there were none of the other effects of drugs or a concussion, and the room had no sort of weird distortion that usually happened in dreams, or the sense that everything was "off". I tried to will myself to wake up, tried pinching myself, even tried slapping myself, and none of those did anything except cause pain. As the minutes ticked by, I slowly, tentatively accepted that this wasn't a dream, and I wasn't dead, and this wasn't the result of a coma, but something far more fantastical. "Oi, my life just became a goddamn fantasy novel. Just great. Fucking peachy," I muttered as I flopped back onto the bed. "How the hell is any of this possible?"

But no matter how hard I thought, or how long I tried to figure out how any of this could happen, no answers were forthcoming. "I basically just got my ass pulled into a video game. I'd have thought the idea would sound more awesome and less terrifying, to be honest. God help me, what am I gonna do?"

"Well, first, you're going to finish healing up, and then you're going to meet everyone," came a voice I automatically recognized. In walked a woman with silver hair, amethyst eyes, and a trench coat that had the word "Enterprise" written across the back. She had a serious, no-nonsense look on her face and a confident air about her, and there was no doubt in my mind that this was the real Enterprise, the aircraft carrier.

"...Oh, hi. Um, you're Enterprise, right? Enterprise of the United States Navy? The world's first aircraft carrier? The Grey Ghost? You're the real deal, right?"

"Yes, I'm the real Enterprise," she answered. "Though I'm not sure what the 'Grey Ghost' name's about."

'Wait, she doesn't even know her own nickname? Hold on... then... that's pre-Midway,' I thought. 'Oh, shit, this is bad. I'm in the past!'

"And yes, the whole world's real. I've been told you were a bit confused upon awakening, and I'm here to straighten that out," she continued, pulling up a chair and sitting down.

"Yeah, well, I don't think anyone would have taken it well if they were in my shoes, to be honest," I admitted. "I mean, one minute, I'm in my own home, and the next, I'm in the middle of some strange, magical, sci-fi world with WWII-era shipgirls with generous-" I stopped myself, realizing what I was about to say, and quickly shook my head. "Er, n-never mind. Anyways, I don't think most people would react very well to that. Hell, I still have no clue as to how any of this is possible."

"That makes two of us," Enterprise answered. "We're still trying to figure that out, and so far, we haven't been able to find a proper answer. However, since you're here, I was wondering if maybe you'd be able to help us out."

"What with?" I asked.

"The Sakura Empire's been drifting away from the rest of Azur Lane in recent months. They're being far more secretive and have even made attempts to cut ties with us. The only reason we still know anything about them is because Nagato still keeps in contact with me." Enterprise let out a sigh. "I worry that they might be planning something. If you were able to tell us what they're doing, maybe we could figure out why they're acting like this and find a way to bring them back."

'Hold on... this... this isn't just pre-Midway, this is before the entire goddamn war!' I realized. "Wait, how are things in the European Theater?"

Enterprise raised an eyebrow, confused. "European Theater...?"

"You know, the North Africa Campaign, the Italian Campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day, any of that ringing a bell?"

Enterprise blinked, looking perplexed. "No. The Iron Blood hasn't made any moves as of late, though... their direction of research is concerning. They're looking into using Siren technology."

'Shit, shit, shit! This is way further back than I thought!' I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. 'The war hasn't even started yet! Hell, the Axis hasn't even declared war on us yet!' That brought up a question, though. "Wait, what of the Crimson Axis?"

"The... what?" Enterprise looked perplexed.

"You know, the alliance between the Iron Blood, the Vichya Dominion, and the Sardegna and Sakura Empires," I explained. "You don't know about that?"

Enterprise shook her head. "No, I don't. Why would there be an alliance like that? And what's the Vichya Dominion? I think you mean the Iris Orthodoxy."

"...oh, shit. Oh, fucking hell," I whispered. "Those goddamn idiots...!"

"What's wrong?"

"This is bad," I continued. "If what you're saying is true, and the Sakura Empire has already begun to turn against the other factions, that means they're well on their way to kicking off a war at the behest of those bastard Sirens! This is exactly what they want!"

Enterprise looked concerned. "Are you sure?"

"I know their plans. I know everything," I said, nodding. "The Sirens are going to manipulate the Sakura Empire into a war against the other factions using Akagi's original sister-ship as a bargaining chip. Same thing with the Iron Blood; the Sirens know the allure their tech has on the Iron Blood, and I'd bet my life savings that they're going to try and use that to their advantage, too. The Iron Blood will steamroll over the Iris Orthodoxy or get the more itchy-trigger-finger Kansen there to form the Vichya Dominion, leaving what's left to be the Iris Libre, and then the Iron Blood, Vichya Dominion, and Sardegna and Sakura Empires will band together and kick off the second Great War. That's how it goes. The Sirens want this world, and the best way for them to get it is to sow chaos and let us tear each other apart!"

Enterprise's eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape. "Th-that's..."

"Yeah. And I might not have gotten into this world in time to stop it. Hell, the fact that the Sakura Empire's already started cutting ties with the other factions means the war is starting soon, and we don't have enough time to get a proper counter-strategy in place," I continued, a feeling of dread settling in my stomach. "Pearl Harbor's coming, and when it does, it'll kick off the entire goddamn war."

"...You're kidding, right? Pearl Harbor? You're just pulling my leg, aren't you?" Enterprise asked, looking scared.

"This is ancient history for where I come from, but back in 1941 - your guys' future - Japan signed an agreement with Germany and Italy to ally with them against the Allies. On December 7th, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the United States' Pacific Fleet at the US Naval base in Hawaii. The attack crippled the fleet and killed 2,403 Americans, and it kicked off the war. It's called the Battle of Pearl Harbor, and the United States was officially pulled into the war on December 11th, 1941. Pennsylvania's sister-ship Arizona was destroyed, and she had over a thousand sailors onboard when the torpedoes hit." I closed my eyes. "The only attack that took more American lives on American soil was the terrorist attack of September 11th, 2001."

"You're not lying, are you?" Enterprise asked. "This is all true, isn't it? It's not a joke."

"No, I'm not. It's not a joke," I answered. "We've got maybe a month at most before the Second World War starts, and when it does... the Crimson Axis and Azur Lane will be at each others' throats, leaving the Sirens with free reign to do whatever the hell they want."

Enterprise was quiet for a long while, looking as though her world had just collapsed. Eventually, she spoke, saying, "Well... this changes things. This... this changes everything. The Sirens... they've been planning this, and they've been manipulating the other factions to set the stage for a full-scale war. The Sakura Empire, the Iron Blood..."

"They're falling for the Sirens' plans," I finished, nodding. "I wish this wasn't the truth, but it is. And we don't have much time before the war begins. We've got maybe a month at most. And, given the Sakura Empire's already moving against the other factions, it could be sooner than we expect. A lot sooner. Hell, if the Iron Blood and the Sakura Empire are already talking, then that means the war is closer than we think. We might only have two weeks."

"Weeks?!" Enterprise exclaimed, her eyes widening. "But... but what can we do? What are we supposed to do? We're not ready for a war yet!"

"Then we'll have to make do with what we have," I said, frowning. "I hope you guys have a damn good Commander, because as it stands, they're gonna be put through the wringer when the shit hits the fan."

"Commander?"

"Yeah, your commander, the guy who's in charge of the base."

Enterprise's brow furrowed. "We... don't have a Commander. The last one resigned several months ago when the Sirens' attacks suddenly decreased."

"Wait, what?!"

"Yeah, he resigned. The sudden lack of activity by the Sirens made him think they were done and he wasn't needed anymore, so he packed up and left. I think he's somewhere in Europe now, but that's all I know."

"You mean we're about to be hip-deep in the middle of a goddamn war and you're telling me that the top guy is nowhere to be found?! You gotta be shitting me!"

"No, I'm serious! We're all worried, but nobody knows what to do. The higher-ups haven't sent a replacement, either, so we're just kind of... waiting, I guess."

"Oh, for the love of-" I screamed and pulled on my hair. "And the top brass is just sitting there and twiddling their thumbs?! What the hell do they think is gonna happen, an international kegger?! Fucking Christ, what the hell's wrong with these people?! This is not the time for the top guys to sit on their hands and do nothing! There's a goddamn war on the horizon, and they're just gonna stand there and wait for it to happen?! They should be gearing up, getting the defenses in place, the ships ready for combat, and the supplies in order!"

"You don't have to tell me," Enterprise sighed, her shoulders sagging. "I'm the flagship. I've been doing all the work that the Commander should've been doing, but there's only so much I can do on my own. I've barely slept the past couple of months, trying to make sure everything's in place and ready for the moment the Sirens attack. The rest of the base's staff has helped, but there's only so much we can do."

"Then if the top brass isn't going to do jack shit, I'll take care of it myself."

Enterprise's eyebrows shot up, her head snapping around to look at me. "What?"

"If the big boys and girls in Washington won't do anything, then I'll just have to do their jobs for them," I repeated. "You and the rest of the Kansen can't do it alone, and with the way things are going, we're gonna be in some deep shit without a commander in charge. So if nobody else will, then I will. With your permission, Enterprise, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring to be the Commander of this fleet. I don't know if I'll have the authority to do anything, but if I can just get my foot in the door, then maybe we'll have a shot. As it is, I'm a major naval history buff and have some idea of what to do."

Enterprise considered the offer, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Well, you seem to have the right idea, and you know more about what's coming than anyone else. If the top brass won't do anything, then having you lead the fleet would give us the best chance to get ready for whatever comes our way. But what happens if you can't?"

"I can't just sit here and watch, Enterprise. Akagi's out there, hurting, and the Sirens are using that pain to make her their pawn. It's a cruel thing to do to someone, especially when it's their loved one being used against them. I don't know how I got into this world, but it doesn't matter. Even if the Sakura Empire and the Iron Blood do turn against us, I'll do everything I can to stop the Sirens' plans. And regardless whether they're enemy or ally, I'm not going to let a single Kansen sink on my watch. If I have to dive into the ocean as they slip beneath the waves to rescue them, then so be it." My tone was firm, unwavering, and completely resolute. "I may not be the Commander, Enterprise, but if it means giving the fleet the best shot at surviving what's coming, then I'll take the job, even if it kills me. You can count on that."

"That's... pretty gutsy," Enterprise noted, impressed. "You really are something, you know that?"

"You're talking to a guy who threw himself at the final in-game mission at 'Midway' over and over just to wrest the Sakura Empire's First Carrier Division away from the Sirens. This isn't just my hobby, Enterprise. This is personal. So you can count on me."

"Well, then..." Enterprise held out her hand. "It'll be an honor to serve under you, Commander."

In that moment, I extended my own hand and shook hands with Enterprise. I couldn't help but be awestruck; I was shaking hands with THE Enterprise, the Grey Ghost. My jaw had dropped, and a wide, stupid grin stretched across my face. "Oh, my goodness... Shaking hands with the Grey Ghost herself... This is awesome."

"Grey Ghost...?"

"Oh, right, you haven't gotten that moniker yet." I rubbed the back of my head, looking a bit sheepish. "It's, uh, a nickname the IJN - Sakura Empire, sorry - gave you after the numerous times they thought you sunk, only to have you show up again, like a ghost. But that... well, all that hasn't happened yet. Unfortunately, I think it will. Still, though... I guess since I'm new to the whole 'Commander' business, you're gonna be giving me some training in commanding a fleet, eh?"

"Yep," Enterprise nodded. "There's a lot of things that come with being a Commander. You'll need to learn the basics, but we'll also teach you about how to handle us and the other Kansen. Since you're just starting out, Laffey will be helping you along."

"Is she just as heavy a drinker as the game purports her to be?" I asked, sighing. "Because I half expect her to show up to training with a bottle of 'secret coolant' in hand."

"You have no idea," Enterprise sighed, rolling her eyes. "When there's nothing to fight, she gets bored. When she gets bored, she drinks. She's a capable Kansen, for sure, but she's also plastered half the time. She's actually sober today, too, and I'm not sure what to make of that."

"That sounds like a headache," I muttered. "Well, I suppose I'll deal with that as it comes. Hopefully she doesn't try to spike my drink. Speaking of which, do you... have any Mountain Dew?"