Isaac began making his way towards the Iowa when Nimitz came over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Admiral Garner, may I ask you something?" Nimitz asked.
"Of course, Admiral. Ask away." Isaac said.
Nimitz pointed to the group of bulins that had gathered around the Missouri.
"Those aren't normal Ship girls, are they?" Nimitz asked.
"No. No they are not. Those are called the Bulins. They act as my repair crew for this fleet. In fact, from what I heard, two special bulins completely rebuilt the IJN Shinano." Isaac said.
"I see. Is that all they do? Do they have ships?" Nimitz asked.
"No. They also salvage, scrap, and fight." Isaac said.
"They fight?" Nimitz asked.
"Yes they do. They are quite skilled in combat, if not a bit brutal." Isaac said, slightly embarrassed.
"Would you be able to demonstrate?" Nimitz asked.
"Of course. Do you have a target in mind?" Isaac asked.
"Well, how about that broken Sherman over there? Have them scrap it so MacArthurs men can cannibalize the parts for the tanks that are operational. After all, I'm sure your transport ships won't have the space for broken equipment." Nimitz said.
"I will ask one of his upper officers. I won't step on toes just because of my rank." Isaac said.
"Of course, Admiral." Nimitz said as Isaac walked over to the repair tent in the port.
"Can I speak with the chief mechanic?" Isaac asked.
A young looking American looked up at him.
"What do you want?" The man spat.
"I am here to requisition that junked up Sherman for a demonstration. Would you be alright with that?" Isaac asked.
The man didn't dignify Isaac with a response, only a wave to send him off with it.
Isaac sighed and left.
"Looks like things haven't changed a bit." Isaac mumbled to himself as he put two fingers to his lips and whistled. The bulins looked over at him immediately.
"Come here you rascals!" Isaac yelled as the bulins all made their way over.
"What can we do for you, Commander?" The Head Bulin asked.
"You see that man over there?" Isaac asked as he pointed to Nimitz.
"Did he hurt you?" The Bulin asked as she smiled her blank smile.
"NO! Down girl! No, he would like to see your scrapping abilities. He wants you to take apart this tank so the repair crews can reuse the parts for the more functional tanks." Isaac said, keeping the bulins reigned in.
"Oh, well you should have just said so!" The bulin said as she turned to the group of bulins.
"Take apart the tank! Make sure not to break anything. No wrenches, too big." The head bulin said as they got to work. Isaac made his way over to Nimitz.
"They don't use tools?" Nimitz asked.
"They usually work on ships, so their tools are too big for such a small machine." Isaac said.
"I guess that makes sense. Sheesh, those little girls work fast." Nimitz said.
"I have seen them destroy a Siren Carrier in less than thirty minutes. They are very good at what they do." Isaac said.
"I have never come across a Siren Carrier, but I have seen plenty of their cruisers. Thankfully Mighty Mo is tough as old boots. I didn't lose many men, but lots of hours were lost dealing with broken AA mounts and melted shields on the secondary batteries." Nimitz said as the bulins came over.
"Commander... we are sorry. The tank must have had a broken volute spring. It fell apart the moment we disconnected it." The Head bulin said.
"Little Mechanic... the rest of the tank is laid out like a parts list. I think one simple spring is nothing to worry about." Nimitz said, staring at the disassembled tank in disbelief.
"Hey..." Isaac said as he kneeled down to the Head bulin, who looked ready to cry.
"He gave you a compliment. You did good. No need to worry. Better to find a broken part and discard it than put it on another tank and have it hinder the performance later." Isaac said as he rubbed her head, earning him a small tearstained smile.
"Thank you, Sir. Anything else?" She asked as she wiped her eyes.
"Go to Norfolk and see if she had my gauntlet. I want to show Admiral Nimitz the work you and your team did on that Siren Carrier when we were attacked by Lurker." Isaac said.
"I will get it done right away." The Head Bulin said as the other bulins scattered, heading to do more maintenance around the port. The Head bulin headed straight for the Norfolk.
"How will you show me anything like that?" Nimitz asked.
"This fleet has become proficient in the use of Siren Technology. My personal command ship was made using purely siren armor and siren technology. The woman who represents that ship, is a walking siren encyclopedia. She has implemented the use of siren technology to improve the fleet and life in general. I should have been dead during this last assault, more than once actually." Isaac said as Norfolk herself came back with the bulin.
"Speaking of, this is her. Norfolk, this is Admiral Nimitz of the Union." Isaac said as Norfolk extended a hand.
"Command ship Norfolk. It's a pleasure to meet you." Norfolk said.
"She's an encyclopedia?" Nimitz asked.
"She is, Admiral. Norfolk. Can you give me a brief summary and the location of Observer Zero?" Isaac asked.
"Of course, Commander. Observer Zero is one of two Observers in the Siren Hierarchy. Her rigging is specialized for defense and is in the form of a jellyfish. She may be one of, if not the most inexperienced out of all the Siren heavyweights, but that isn't saying much considering she is keeping the Emperor and the Imperial Japanese under her thumb. She is currently on the Northern side of the Sakura mainland island and is emitting a lower than usual energy reading. She may be in hiding after the video you had me send." Norfolk said as Isaac froze. Queen Elizabeth noticed and turned to one of the bulins.
"Little one, fetch me Belfast, quickly." Elizabeth said as she watched Isaac stiffen.
"You managed to send a video?" Nimitz asked.
"We did. We captured a mass produced model of Siren called Oceana. She tortured and killed one of our own, so we returned the favor." Norfolk said.
"Who was lost?" Nimitz asked.
"We managed to salvage and rebuild her. But Z-23 was captured, tortured briefly, and killed right in front of the Commander." Norfolk said as she turned to face Isaac, realizing that something wasn't right.
"Commander?" Norfolk asked as Nimitz looked over, recognizing immediately the thousand yard stare on Isaac's face.
"Admiral, are you alright?" Nimitz asked.
Isaac remained silent, his mind being thrown back into the darkened room. He watched as needles filled with various liquids pierced the skin of Oceana, accompanied by her cries and screams as the liquids entered her body.
Belfast walked over to Elizabeth and bowed.
"What may I do for you, your majesty?" Belfast asked.
"Get him out of there. He needs to be seen by a medic, immediately." Elizabeth said, her eyes watching Isaac intently.
"Understood, my lady." Belfast said as she quickly walked over to Isaac.
"Please pardon my intrusion. I must assist the Commander over to a chair or somewhere he can relax." Belfast said with a smile as she grasped Isaac's hand and guided him away from Nimitz.
"Norfolk, right?" Nimitz asked.
"Yes." Norfolk said.
"What happened?" Nimitz asked.
"The Commander is... married to Z-23, as well as Eagle, Friedrich, and Odin, his vice commander. When Z-23, or Nimi as we call her, was killed... Commander took it very hard." Norfolk said.
"And he ordered the interrogation of the Siren known as Oceana." Nimitz concluded.
"Yes. Personally, I think he should not have been in the room... but something... primal kept him there." Norfolk said.
"As is human nature. I'm not sure I would be able to refrain from such conduct if my loved ones were tortured and killed like that. But that is not the face of a man who is happy with what he did." Nimitz said as he watched Belfast lead Isaac onto the Norfolk.
"Our Nurses say he is suffering PTSD from that night. And I think mentioning the video is something that triggers it." Norfolk said.
"If it does that to him... I do not want to see it. And If it seems to scare our enemy... god only knows what he ordered." Nimitz said as he furrowed his brow.
"Will he face consequences?" Norfolk asked.
"For what? Admiral Isaac Garner has done nothing wrong. There is no offense on his record. And besides... I think he is suffering more than what any punishment could inflict. Tend to him. I will continue exploring on my own." Nimitz said.
"If you need anything, please find me. Odin will more than likely be occupied making sure the Commander is alright." Norfolk said as Nimitz nodded.
"Kommandant." Odin said as she, Friedrich, Eagle and Nimi all gathered around Isaac as Belfast stood nearby.
Nimi, worried that he could not hear them, laid a kiss on his lips, seemingly snapping him out of whatever headspace he was in.
"Mmph." Isaac's words were muffled by Nimi until she released him from her hold.
"What happened, where am I?" Isaac asked quickly.
"You had an episode while talking with Admiral Nimitz." Nimi said softly.
"An episode of what?!" Isaac cried, still trying to figure out his surroundings.
"I think I triggered your PTSD, Commander. I'm very sorry." Norfolk said as she entered the bridge.
"So... he knows then..." Isaac said as he pinched his arm to calm himself.
"I had to explain after you spaced out. Be thankful that Belfast came in when she did." Norfolk said.
"I was simply doing what Her Majesty requested of me. I need no thanks, Master." Belfast said.
"Well... there goes any support from him." Isaac said as he looked at the small drops of red that were staining his uniform. Bringing a hand to his nose, he found blood.
"Commander... you're bleeding." Eagle said softly as Belfast came over with a handkerchief and handed it to Eagle. She used it to gently wipe the blood from his nose.
"It's just the air, it's a bit stuffy in here." Norfolk said as she opened every window she could to air out the bridge.
"What did he say?" Isaac asked.
"He turned the other way. He won't seek punishment, and thinks that this is more than enough to pay for what has happened." Norfolk said.
"I see. Please, just give me a little bit to stop my head spinning. Then we can deal with MacArthur and get back on track." Isaac said.
The girls nodded before heading out to tend to their duties, leaving Nimi and Belfast to tend to Isaac.
"Ngh. Schiesse... what happened?" Eugen asked as she finally awoke, finding her arms and legs bound.
"Huh?!" Eugen asked as she looked around, finding herself in a stone cell with Roon.
"So, you two finally woke up, huh? About time." Tirpitz said coldly as she looked down on both heavy cruisers.
"What?! Tirpitz? Where the hell am I?" Eugen asked.
"You're in a stone cell in Bermuda. You and Roon attacked myself and Bismarck about a week and a half ago, resulting in your ships both being sunk." Tirpitz explained.
"We... attacked... Bismarck?" Eugen asked, fear creeping into her voice.
"You did. Claiming that it was the Kaiser's will. The Kaiser has been dead four years, and left power some time ago. No matter how you slice it, those orders were not from him." Tirpitz said.
"I... don't remember anything about it." Eugen said.
"Of course you don't. We removed the cubes they imbedded in your necks. You two are a disgrace to the Ironblood for being caught out like that. My sister may have seen you fit to live, but it is up to me how you do it. So until you two are ready to pledge yourselves back to Ironblood, and Azur Lane as a whole, you will remain here in this cell." Tirpitz said as she pulled the massive steel door shut over the bars of their cell.
"Lady Tirpitz... is treating them like this really the best?" Illustrious asked.
"As much as it pains me... yes. Eugen and Roon are both very hard headed. Breaking them down and building them back up is the only way to align their allegiance to Azur Lane. The Sirens really messed with them bad. The fact that they attacked both Bismarck and I head on... means that those cubes are no simple mind control." Tirpitz said.
Illustrious sighed, causing Tirpitz to stare for a moment.
"I think all you carriers are the same... you have to be." Tirpitz muttered.
"Why is that?" Illustrious asked.
"Because between you, Victorious, Graf Zeppelin, and Peter Strasser... your chests are massive." Tirpitz said in a disgruntled tone.
Illustrious brought her arms up to cover her chest.
"Lady Tirpitz! That is quite a crass thing to say." Illustrious said as Tirpitz walked off.
"It's the truth. I don't think there's even one Kansen from the Union with breasts like that." Tirpitz said.
"Uh... Lady Tirpitz... you haven't seen the union navy... most of them are comparable to me and my sister." Illustrious said as she shifted around trying to make her proportions look more even.
"Schiesse." Tirpitz said in a defeated tone as she walked away.
"Well that was rather unpleasant..." Illustrious said softly as she turned and bumped into Graf Spee.
"Ah, sorry there miss Spee." Illustrious said as she began to walk away.
"Lady Tirpitz doesn't have very much in the way of people skills. The only Kansen she came in contact with after being trapped up north was your sister. You probably remind her of Victorious, so she at least tries to keep a conversation going. She might not have the best people skills. But please give her a chance. She has been so lonely." Graf Spee said softly as Illustrious knelt down to her level.
"You're care for her is inspiring to say the least. I will give it a sporting shot." Illustrious said as she gave Spee a chaste hug.
"I will get out of your way now." Illustrious said as she walked down the hall, heading along after Tirpitz.
Spee looked down at her own chest and sighed before continuing on with her duties.
"Mutsuki, dear. You can't go eating all of Warspite's candy." Azuma said as she and Warspite had taken on the duty of watching the young destroyer.
"Oh, it's alright, Azuma. This little cutie is being well behaved, so why shouldn't she be rewarded?" Warspite said with a smile.
"Granny Warspite?" Mutsuki asked, causing Warspite to blush.
"What is it, Mutsuki?" Warspite asked.
"Is Shikikan okay?" Mutsuki asked.
"Her Majesty is surely with him by now. So I am sure he is doing just fine." Warspite said.
"Mutsuki is sad that she isn't older. Shikikan won't let Mutsuki fight with him." Mutsuki said softly
"Mutsuki... come sit with Granny Warspite." Warspite said as she patted her lap. Allowing the small destroyer to sit on her lap as she began speaking.
"Shikikan is right. Little girls like you shouldn't be on the battlefield. But Shikikan has another thing in mind for you." Warspite said, using Mutsuki's term to keep her focused.
"For Mutsuki?" Mutsuki asked.
"Yup. Even an old dog like Granny Warspite knows that you need something to fight for. So Shikikan needs you to stay safe and happy. That way he has a reason to fight." Warspite said as Mutsuki sat and thought for a few seconds before nodding and sitting properly in Warspite's lap.
"I have another caramel if you'd like for being so well behaved." Warspite said as she and Azuma smiled softly at the sight of Mutsuki unwrapping and eating the candy.
"Observer Zero, come in now." The empress said, the anger was now palpable in her voice.
"What?!" Zero cried as she sat in a darkened room.
"What are you doing?! There are no fleets coming from Japan, and Tester has been begging for reinforcements after that video came in." The Empress said.
"Don't you see?! He'll kill us all! I don't want to die like that!" Zero cried.
"So what? You're going to betray us like Smasher did? You're going to surrender to that?" The Empress growled.
"I'll die before surrendering... but I refuse to be taken alive and tortured like that." Zero said as she swiped a small screen.
"Now the fleets around Japan are beginning to move. At least you have the sense to try and put up a fight. If I wasn't here dealing with the entirety of Eagle Union, I'd come and kill you myself, Strategist be damned." Empress scowled.
"Strategist? What does she have to do with this?" Zero asked.
"She has been keeping me from killing you so far. Your behavior is despicable at best, treasonous at worst. I think I'd honestly offer Smasher her life here back before I'd let you continue living if you fail me any more than you already have." Empress said as she cut off the screen.
Zero sighed and stood.
"I'll die either way." Zero spoke softly as she sat back on her rigging, clutching the small plush that was sitting to her right.