"It's been a while since we've spent a night together like this. I was worried you might fall for that new fox on the base," Arizona confided to Thorson, head on his chest as rays of early morning sunlight filtered in past the wooden shutters of his window.
"She's certainly a forward woman," he agreed, running his fingers through her hair. "But I think the display was just as much for her own faction as ours. Calling the Sakura fragmented would be an understatement."
"I saw the way she was looking at you, but I'd rather not spend these moments talking about her or her sisters," Arizona decided, stretching before rolling out of bed and opening the window. Thorson didn't miss the opportunity to take in the view, and she lingered there awhile to let him, feeling the warm breeze on her naked skin. A flurry of activity was already underway down at the docks on account of Captain Stevens' arrival, along with his convoy fleet. Pacific High Command was no doubt close behind. "I'd rather spend it with you."
"Ok," he agreed simply, coming to stand behind her. She sighed happily as his hands traveled over her chest on their way to her navel and hips. "A bit longer."
"Thank you, Andrew."
"And we are needing eastern wood, not all of this pine and mahogany, nyaa!" Akashi insisted as she, Brooklyn, and Captain Stevens' walked along the docks. The minty kitty was particular as ever with her requests, but Stevens was used to it by now.
"Tell you what, little missy. When I've confirmed that my boys won't be sunk on the way to the East Indies, you'll get your oriental goods. Way I understand it, it's only you girls who have surrendered, not the Empire."
"Akashi is a mature woman, nyaa!" she pouted, earning a tittering laugh from Brooklyn. Stevens was spared having to comment one way or another by Thorson's arrival, the two men saluting one another before Brooklyn presented him with a summary of the shipping manifest.
"Supplying Hornet is a bit inefficient on account of her crew, but we're not paying for it. Everything else is in order in terms of ongoing operations, though I can't say that will remain true once we're given our next assignment."
"If they have us changing theaters we can always restock in Hawaii or California," Thorson reasoned, nodding in approval as he looked over the papers from Brooklyn. "You didn't happen to come across Admiral Nimitz in your travels, did you, Captain?"
"Can't say I did," Stevens chuckled. "But given the number of new faces running around with kimonos on, I'd say you're due for a visit soon one way or another. Congratulations are in order, I suppose?"
"War isn't won yet, but thank you," Thorson replied with gratitude. "Brooklyn, you'll be there when they show up?"
"Of course, Commander. The reports are all prepared for their review," she assured him professionally, tossing her hair over a shoulder.
"Well then you two have a good morning. Akashi, let's give the lovebirds a bit of space, hmm?" Thorson suggested.
"Shikikan must carry Akashi on his shoulders then, nyaa!"
"Oh?" he chuckled. "I wasn't aware mature women liked to be carried."
"Akashi sees you carry plenty of mature kansen to bed, nyaa!" she accused. Thorson slung the sassy cat over a shoulder, happy her dress was far too large for her body as he partially fulfilled her request.
"We'll be going then!" the Commander advised, leaving Stevens and Brooklyn shaking their heads as she placed her hand in his.
"Sounds like he's living a complicated life," the Captain observed.
"Jealous?" she wondered coyly, waving as a jeep full of bulins and oil drums raced by at an almost dangerous speed.
"When a beauty like you is wearing my ring on her finger? Never."
True to almost everyone's prediction, top Union naval brass in the Pacific showed up later that day, a tense aura falling over the base as a decent chunk of the Union fleet outside of Thorson's control encircled the harbor. More than a few guns ended up trained on Sakura hulls anchored in the bay, but no shots were fired. Instead of the entire fleet, Thorson requested only a small delegation from each faction, including Enterprise, Nagato and her aides, Brooklyn, Amagi, and a few other trusted ships from both sides. They watched with interest as Thorson crisply saluted Nimitz and the other Admirals.
"I've noticed more than a few new faces and ships around here," Nimitz stated, sizing up Amagi and Nagato respectfully once he and Thorson had shaken hands. "Am I to take it that you succeeded, Commander?"
"I didn't end the war, sir. But the Sakura kansen are open to negotiations and maybe even an alliance against the Sirens," Thorson summarized. Nimitz removed his cap and scratched at his scalp briefly.
"You're sure that these beings exist, Commander?"
"I understand the doubt, sir, but they are real. I have the scars to prove it."
"Then we should speak immediately, and maybe you or your new… acquaintances can offer up some explanation as to why the European situation is deteriorating as rapidly as it is," Nimitz suggested in a serious tone. Thorson turned to Brooklyn.
"I believe Ark Royal and Hiryuu should join us then."
"I'll fetch them now. The tea room?" she wondered with an aura of professionalism accentuated on account of the presence of the Admirals.
"I think that would be better than the bunker. Admiral, if you would follow me? I'll send word to the kitchens as well to expect you."
Nimitz offered him a curt nod of approval. "And how many more cats do you have manning your mess hall, Commander?"
"A few, sir. Sister ships tend to take after one another."
Nimitz glanced at Enterprise who, in fairness, didn't seem to take after Hornet at all. "Is that right?"
"Yeah, I survived to fight in Europe a few times, but only in the rare worlds where we defeated the Union in the Pacific. The cheese and bread was really good, but I don't think I'll be of much help here. Sorry about that. Pleasure to finally meet you in person by the way. Not sure that's ever happened before," Hiryuu mentioned nonchalantly to Nimitz, Spruance, and the others. She rested one hand on the hilt of her blades and cupped her chin with the other, thinking long and hard as her ears swayed gently back and forth like kelp fronds in a soft current. "Nope, don't think so. This timeline's probably looking up then, don't you think?"
Under normal circumstances the behavior of the Second Carrier Division's younger sister might have seen her committed to an asylum, but Thorson had begun the discussion with a recounting of the Mirror Sea and the wisdom shard that had saved his life. Hiryuu was taken more seriously as a result, including by Amagi, who was hearing much of the developments for the first time as well.
"She's awfully chipper for the ship that killed Yorktown and then got cut in half by Tennessee," Spruance pointed out. Thorson rose to Hiryuu's defense.
"Witnessing dozens of timelines' worth of death and destruction has a way of framing the present more brightly. I've experienced something similar with Yamashiro, visions of alternate futures, dates, and wars. Ark, do you think you can be of assistance?"
The Royal carrier, who wore an almost permanently furrowed brow since her transformation, set her tea aside and leaned over the map of the Atlantic theater that had been spread over the table before them. Nimitz had briefly updated them on the state of the various fronts, Africa, Russia, the North Sea, and the Atlantic. Wolfpack raids were on the rise, with Ironblood armored divisions operating with suddenly increased effectiveness, blunting and parrying Allied offensives. "The end result is always the same," she told them. "Whether the Ironblood reign victorious in Europe or not, the Sirens reveal themselves eventually. If Ironblood tactics have suddenly changed, there's either been a shakeup in the nation's high command or it's been replaced completely. Both have happened before… or maybe in parallel to us. I don't know which is more accurate to say."
"I don't particularly enjoy the sound of that. Please tell me we have someone working on this?" Captain Mitscher requested. Though he was not technically 'high command', he was present due to his close relationship with Hornet and, by extension, the rest of the Union kansen.
"That someone would be me," Thorson volunteered. "Though I readily admit that I'm still trying to wrap my head around just what Hiryuu and Ark Royal have become. What it means is even further beyond my understanding. I was actually hoping one of you might know something. I've not been contacted by the OSS since my deployment to Pearl Harbor, and I'm still operating under the orders of a dead man, may he rest in peace."
"Admiral Hawkins? Not even I knew the details of his assignment," Nimitz confessed, a worried expression on his face. "That said, his death isn't exactly a secret. I can't imagine why you wouldn't have been contacted with new orders."
"He's been quite successful without them. Perhaps that's the reason?" Brooklyn suggested with a flick of her hair. Nimitz could only shrug.
"Whatever the reason, let's focus on what we can solve, namely the state of the Pacific," he suggested, glancing at Amagi and Nagato. "We might be willing to grant you and your faction amnesty in exchange for your cooperation."
"Our cooperation with what, exactly?" Amagi asked silkily, opening a paper fan and coughing twice behind it.
"Sitting out the remainder of the war with the Sakura Empire, for starters," Nimitz clarified. "Commander Thorson, I believe you may be better suited to negotiating an active participation."
Thorson took a sip of tea, provided by Shiranui, before speaking to the Sakura faction. "Between the two of you I assume that you have some sort of desire regarding the fate of the Empire?"
"Our fate and the fate of the Empire are not one and the same," Amagi noted. "But we would be foolish to forgo a seat at the table."
"I think we should grant that request on the condition that some fraction of the Sakura kansen help us finish off the Ironbloods," Thorson suggested. "Others can help away from the frontlines. Many of them aren't particularly eager to fight."
"Gentlemen?" Nimitz petitioned Spruance and the others for their opinions. Enterprise's former commanding officer was blunt with his appraisal.
"I wouldn't trust them as far as I can throw them, but if they want to sit things out here or go to the Atlantic while we secure the Pacific I'd have no qualms. You seem to get along more than well with a few of them, Commander Thorson."
"Every Sakura kansen willing to serve under the Commander is one less potential thorn in our side and one Union ship freed up for our own purposes," Mitscher added. "I know there is still some trust that needs to be rebuilt between us and them, but now's as good a time as any to start."
"So we are being sent to the Atlantic?" Thorson sought to confirm. Nimitz nodded curtly.
"If Ark Royal is to be believed it sounds like the Sirens are actively involved in that theater. Here, outside of instigating conflict via Pearl Harbor, they have remained mostly in the shadows. I can't think of a better man to send than you, Commander. The OSS may end up cross with me, but I certainly have the authority to redeploy you. Who could you spare to remain here with us?"
"Not Tennessee, that's for sure," he chuckled. Amagi chose that moment to pipe up.
"My sole condition is that both Akagi and Kaga go with you, Commander Thorson. You defeated them and stole their power away. I believe it is only right that you give them the ability to regain it."
"You mean their tails?" Thorson clarified, more familiar with kitsune and their associated legends after spending several months around Sakura kansen. Amagi nodded, gracefully bringing her own tea to her lips. He wasn't sure if she'd applied makeup or not, but wouldn't have put it past her.
"I believe airpower will be useful no matter where you go, Thorson Shikikan."
"And that would leave Enterprise, Hornet, and the Lexington Class carriers to assist here," the Commander reasoned. "I suppose I can agree to those terms if it's acceptable to everyone else?"
"I believe it would be for the best, Thorson Shikikan. Yamashiro and Fusou have built something approaching a true Sanctuary for our people here. No one has forgotten the events that preceded the attack on your nation," Nagato said sadly. Nimitz cleared his throat and summarized the state of negotiations.
"So the Sakura kansen will enter a ceasefire agreement with the Union and remain here, mostly disarmed, until the end of the Pacific war. Commander Thorson will lead a joint force to the Atlantic to begin combatting Siren activity, and the Sakura kansen will be party to surrender or ceasefire negotiations once the Sakura Empire is defeated."
"I believe some number of my own ships should remain here as well, sir," Thorson stated. "They have built a good working relationship with the Sakura and I'm sure there will be instances where they are needed as intermediaries between them and the Union. I would suggest Brooklyn here be among that number."
"Commander, you don't expect diplomatic negotiations with the Ironblood?" Brooklyn gasped dramatically. Uncomfortable smiles were shared across the table.
"Not particularly. Admiral Nimitz?"
"I see no reason to object."
"We are amenable as well," Amagi added. Nagato and her aides seemed relieved or even pleased at the concessions made to their forces considering the circumstances. Nimitz nodded.
"I'll direct my staff to write up an official treaty of armistice for signature within the day. In the meantime Commander, we should discuss other Union matters privately. I believe they'll aid you in your choice of kansen for the journey to Panama."
Shiranui took that cue to float over and begin gathering up the teacups and other paraphernalia as the Sakura delegation stood and bowed to the Union. "We will await your treaty, Admiral. If you would excuse us," Amagi bade farewell, following Nagato's entourage out of the room to leave only individuals from the Union. Nimitz looked directly at Thorson.
"Tell me, Commander. Have you heard of Operation Torch, yet?"
"No sir," the Commander replied as Brooklyn made ready to take notes. Nimitz grunted in reply and pointed to the northern coast of Africa on their map.
"Then there are some things I think you should know about the Union and Royal war efforts. You'll need to move quickly."
"So that's the way it is, huh? It'll be good to have you back, sir," Hornet told her Captain as the two of them soaked in the onsen. "The lads are going to be jealous of you though."
"That is something I'd not dare," he laughed in reply. She splashed him gently.
"I meant the water, idiot! Well, maybe my naked body too. Those Sakura gals know how to bathe, I'll give them that. So who's going east?"
"I believe that's still being decided," Captain Mitscher pointed out, listening to the spirited conversations going on elsewhere in the onsen. Most of Thorson's fleet had sympathized with his position, the need to redeploy rapidly to the Atlantic to assist with a planned land invasion of Africa, as well as the necessity of bringing four Sakura carriers along. Kaga and Akagi were 'gifts' to Amagi, and Soryuu would be accompanying her sister. Yamashiro and Fusou understood the need for the two of them to stay behind, but made him promise the two of them a night to remember before his departure. In the end a very short list of ships was slated to make the journey: Akashi, Laffey and her friends, Yuudachi and hers, along with the four carriers, South Dakota, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Kasumi. The white fox's sisters had protested lightly, but she explained that she felt called by the spirits to accompany Thorson and the other native girls on their journey. Portland had been no less cross, but could not deny her little sister when she expressed a desire to embark on her 'own campaign'.
The sticking point had come when Thorson suggested that Penny and Arizona remain behind, causing Yuudachi and Yukikaze to erupt in protest, insisting adamantly that they would not leave the sides of their 'masters', even for Thorson or Amagi. The inu and neko refused to listen to rational argumentation about the speed of old battleship hulls and the ability of Penny to lead the Union kansen left behind, declaring that they could all be sunk by a bunch of wolfpacks instead. California provided a solution, however, suggesting that the two battleships, along with Tennessee, return their hulls to wisdom cubes and simply tag along on one of the destroyers or fast battleships. That plan won agreement and saw Cleveland, Houston, Downes, and Portland nominated by Thorson to serve the interests of the Union kansen who would remain behind as part of Azur Lane proper instead of rejoining the fleets. Cleveland agreed with a sad smile, but not before demanding the same concession as the Fusou sisters. Thorson could not help but agree, unable to deny the woman who had first shared his bed in a moment that seemed an eternity in the past. With conflicts resolved and his destroyer escort mollified, Thorson was finally free to join in the evening's bathing. He was approached by Colorado and her sisters soon after he'd settled into the hot water, the three of them wearing towels around their torsos.
"It wasn't a long stint of service, but we wanted to thank you, sir," Colorado said in a serious voice. "I think we'll be treated quite differently during the campaign to bring the Sakura Empire to heel. We won't disappoint you."
"The pleasure has been mine, Colorado. West Virginia, Maryland, you three take care of one another, alright? When I get back from the Atlantic I'd better not hear about a single casualty, not from my kansen at any rate," he insisted, shaking each of their hands. Such a formal moment being held in a hot bath seemed to nicely encapsulate for all of them the sort of experience that the reincarnated Azur Lane provided. "And if things do go sideways again, you'll always be able to return here. Yamashiro, Fusou, and the others will make sure of that."
"We understand, sir. But hopefully that won't prove necessary and our visits here will be purely recreational," West Virginia replied. "Take good care of those destroyers, will you?"
"I'll do my best to bring everyone home," he promised. "I think we're all going to miss this place."
"We'll be sure to take a bath every so often in your honor," Maryland insisted. "Speaking of which, you should talk to Downes. She seems pretty conflicted about the whole thing."
"I'll do that. I'm sure she's not the only one. If you would excuse me," Thorson requested, nodding to them before ensuring his towel was secure and heading out in search of Downes. She wasn't too hard to find, surrounded as she often was those days by four feline sisters. They greeted him warmly as he joined them, and Downes wasted no time expressing her feelings.
"Are you leaving me behind because I'm not strong enough?"
"Just the opposite," Thorson insisted. "I need to leave behind people I know are both strong and loyal. We don't know how the war will go with the Empire, and I would worry every day if ships like you and Cleveland weren't remaining here. Keep up your drills and enjoy the time you have here. You've earned it."
"Shikikan Thorson's makin' a good deal of sense, love," Ooshio insisted. "I didn't wanna insist that you be stayin', but I don't mind telling ya I'd miss ya somethin' awful."
"And you can remain with your sister as well," Thorson pointed out to Downes. "Besides, if Hiryuu and Ark Royal are any indication, this war could go on for a long time yet. It would be pointless to spend so much time and effort winning the Pacific just to abandon it."
"So you're saying I should stay here, hold down the fort, and enjoy as much Asashio-class company as I can?" Downes questioned with a wink at her lover. Thorson threw them a smirk.
"I could order you to, if that would make you feel better."
"I feel kind of bad not going along, I always will," Downes insisted. "But I understand where you're coming from. I'll make sure I stay in peak form, sir. We won't take shit from anyone, Sakura, Union, or Siren."
"I'd expect nothing less, Downes. And I hope this can be a new start for the Sakura as well. Lord knows they need it more than anyone."
"Yeah, they're pretty alright," Downes replied with a broad grin, looking around at the Sakura destroyers whose company she frequently shared. Michishio and Ooshio were smiling and blushing, while the other two wore cooler expressions. "And I think Cassin will be happy about it as well. But if you need more destroyers you send word, sir. I'll be there in a flash!"
"Of that I have no doubt," Thorson said with a grin. "It will probably take a day or two to get things finalized, but I wanted to touch base with as many of you as I can. I know it's a lot of changes right on the heels of our greatest victory."
"Just tell me you aren't leaving that crazy fox behind, Akagi," Downes insisted. "Not sure she and I would get along."
Thorson's expression fell but he shook his head. "No, she's coming with me."
"I'll get it. The two of you feel free to relax today."
"Mmm, the bed is already getting cold tono-sama~" Yamashiro mewled as he made himself decent to answer the knocking at the door of his personal chambers. Fusou was still sleeping soundly, so exhausted from managing the ballooned Sakura population of the base that not even a morning lovemaking session between her sister and Thorson roused her. A frown and pair of ice blue eyes met his as he opened the door, Kaga's tail hanging stiffly behind her as she made note of a still very naked Yamashiro propping herself up on one arm in his bed. The battleship with titanic breasts waved at her with a cutesy smile. She controlled herself and refocused on the man before her.
"Is there anything wrong?" he asked with concern. She shook her head.
"No… Thorson Shikikan," Kaga said after an internal struggle. Referring to him in such a way did not seem proper. "Amagi onee-san told me and Akagi this morning."
A faint, disapproving hiss from Yamashiro had Kaga looking past him once more, but he stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him, effectively separating the two. "I see."
"She's thrilled, of course. I am not, for several reasons," Kaga admitted bluntly. Thorson still felt like he knew next to nothing about the enigmatic carrier, despite having faced her down in battle multiple times. What he did know was that Soryuu considered her an elder and mentor. That alone made her concerns worth proper consideration as Brooklyn, Akashi, and the Bulin crews prepared the base for the imminent departure of what was tentatively dubbed the 'Atlantic Task Force'.
"I'm about to leave many comrades behind. I promised them my time today. I'll make time for you after breakfast," he promised. The reply seemed to satisfy Kaga, who was shifting her weight, perhaps uncomfortable at being surrounded by Union kansen and architecture.
"Tono-sama, Yamashiro is getting cold without you~" his feline lover called from behind the door. Kaga closed her eyes and took in a calming breath.
"She has always been the needy one," she stated. The Union commander shrugged.
"Publicly, maybe. Fusou's the one you want to watch out for. I'll send for you when I'm ready."
Kaga was left alone in the carpeted hallway, forced to internalize the fact that a Union sailor could boldly proclaim to know her own countrymen better than she. When a passionate moan reached her ears that definitely did not come from Yamashiro, Kaga beat a rapid retreat from outside his bedroom.
"You think this is doable?" Thorson wondered, reviewing a map of the Pacific at breakfast with Downes, Cleveland, and Portland. The three of them were among his best soldiers being 'left behind', and he wanted to be sure they could handle their new mission. Houston was aiding Fredrick in the kitchens.
"For sure, Commander," Cleveland assured him with a smile. "We'll have multiple battleship divisions on patrol if we need them. Downes and I can outrun anything the Sakura navy might throw at us now."
"It's the Sirens I'm worried about," Thorson explained. "And you don't need to do this all yourself, you know? The Union navy can lead the war effort against the Sakura. You just need to keep this place safe and clear for supply convoys."
"Maybe for now," Portland agreed. "But if Yamashiro and Fusou say that certain ships are ready to fight with us, I'll believe them, you know? If we get enough firepower on our side we can try to set up a base of operations in Java, maybe? We wouldn't all go, but if we have a chain of safe harbors we can eventually help you in Europe, and maybe I'll see my sweet Indy again!"
"It's not a bad idea, Commander," Downes agreed. "No one's saying we're going to conquer half the globe in a day, but we can do some serious force projection now. That will only become more realistic when or if ships like Kongou or Kawakaze decide they want to follow Amagi and the shrine maidens again. I don't know much about the politics myself, but Ooshio and her sisters know more than enough. If you get caught out somewhere…"
Thorson rubbed his chin as he considered the proposal. "I really wish I was leaving Pennsylvania behind."
"Give Enterprise some time, Commander. I think she can step into the role," Cleveland assured him. "In the meantime though, I think Colorado and her sisters have both the power and the intelligence to run the military side of things for the Union kansen. Fusou and Yamashiro have the spiritual stuff handled pretty well, along with that new girl Nagato."
"I feel compelled to remind you that that's High Priestess Nagato," Thorson chuckled. "I'll speak with Brooklyn about this too. Just make sure you guys don't run afoul of the Union. They may not take kindly to this whole thing."
"We have different needs than a navy that's reliant on manpower," Portland pointed out. "I think we can share command of the Pacific for the most part. Even deserted islands will be fine once the bulins get a chance to do their thing. Plenty of room in our hulls for raw materials if we have no crews."
"You all make excellent points, and I won't say no to having forward operating bases if the Atlantic becomes FUBAR and we need to retreat here. Listening to Hiryuu and Ark talk about the war, the other wars, it seems like we're headed there no matter what. I want you all to keep that in mind as you go about your work," he requested seriously. Cleveland placed her hand on his.
"We followed you for a few reasons, Commander. Very few of us did so because we believed the Sakura were the final enemy. I know it's seemed like a celebration here the last few days, but we'll be ready when the time comes."
"On that subject, Commander," Downes interjected. "What about beefing up our own forces? I've been talking to Ooshio and her sisters about that quiet girl with the huge tits-"
"You mean Kashino? Isn't her tail just the cutest?" Portland gushed before correcting herself immediately. "N-not as cute as my dear Indy, of course!"
Downes rolled her eyes and snorted in laughter. "You're right, I need to be a hell of a lot more specific when it comes to Sakura with reserved dispositions and titanic chests. The one who carries a sword around!"
"Takao?" Thorson ventured. Downes pounded the table.
"By the fates, they really all have giant knockers, don't they?!" Her shouting drew the attention of more than a few nearby kansen, but Downes was the last kansen Thorson figured he would ever see embarrassed.
"That's right, y'all have massive honka badonkers. Cherish them!" she shouted before waving at Ooshio and lowering her voice slightly. "Yours are my favorite."
"Let's get back on topic before the poor kitten melts into a puddle," Thorson suggested with a smile. "So it's not Kashino or Takao?"
"No, Azuma I think her name is. They were telling me that she was born without a hull. Without a hull! Like she was willed into existence or something from pure wisdom cubes! Commander, we have plenty of cubes now. If we could somehow do that-"
"No need to tell me twice," Andrew agreed. "I'll be sure to speak with Akashi about it before I leave. If we can bolster our ranks without butting heads with Union High Command that would be the best of both worlds. Depending on the process, maybe all of you could somehow impart some fraction of your experiences to those cubes, like how the mental link functions when your rigging is active. Would help if any new ships come with battle experience against the Sakura or Sirens. Excellent proposition, Downes. Anything else?"
"Nope, don't think so. I'm not happy about being left behind, but I understand," Cleveland made clear. "Someone needs to hold down the fort and you need to travel fast and light, as they say. Just don't go in against the Sirens full bore without us, okay Commander."
"No promises, but you know I'd not do so willingly," he clarified. "Thank you all. Now if you'll excuse me, Kaga requested some of my time this morning."
Thorson looked around the table as all three of them suddenly frowned at him. "Just to talk."
"Whatever you say, Commander," Downes replied, looking across the mess hall to where Kaga was eating peacefully with her sisters and many others from the Sakura Empire. "If anything it might be better if you get her under you, keep her under control. Not that it matters at this point, but I still owe her an ass kicking over what happened at Java, not to mention Exeter and the rest of them."
"War makes for strange bedfellows," Thorson agreed seriously, putting away his final piece of bacon and standing from their table. "If any of you need anything before I go, come find me."
"Will do, sir. Good luck with the foxes!" Portland bade him farewell. In the interest of minimizing rumors or other misinformation, Thorson walked directly over to Kaga's table and addressed her in front of her comrades.
"If you still wish to speak, I have time now. We can do so on the docks," he told her in a neutral tone. Akagi watched him like a hawk, no doubt trying to understand why she hadn't been invited to chat. Nagato wore a pleasant smile as she almost always did, and Amagi held her delicate chin between a pair of fingers, scrutinizing him like a fine gemstone.
"Good morning, Thorson Shikikan. My little sister isn't giving you trouble, I hope?" she said politely. He shook his head.
"Not at all. But you'll be the first to know if either of them do. How did your negotiations with my superiors go?" he inquired. She took a sip of matcha tea before replying.
"Their terms are acceptable to the High Priestess and myself. There will be peace between us, at least until the war concludes," Amagi promised. Thorson clicked his tongue but knew it was pointless to ask for more than that. Kaga stood slowly from her seat, experiencing slight difficulty in extracting herself from between the table and bench. Union dining tables were not designed with kimonos in mind.
"I am ready now," she stated simply. Thorson gestured towards the doors with a hand.
"After you then," he insisted. Amagi shot a sharp look at Akagi as the two of them departed.
"You will stay where you are, Akagi. I am sure that if you request it, he will make time to speak with you as well."
Akagi scoffed in reply. "Talk is cheap, nee-san. I'm willing to do far more than talk."
"We will be seen but not heard… a wise strategy," Kaga declared as she and Thorson came to a stop at the end of one of the base's many piers. Between the sounds of the ocean lapping up against the concrete bulwarks, the wind blowing in from the north, and the gulls overhead, they were in an excellent position to hold a private conversation.
"The rumors will start up no matter what once we set sail. You and your sister will have your shards again, and you will be wandering someone's hull in the fleet along with three Union battleships. Separate hulls, hopefully."
"You'll hear no complaints from me on that matter. Kirishima will likely be the most distressed upon hearing the news," Kaga assured him. When she was not forthcoming with further conversation he took it upon himself to ask.
"So what is it you wanted to speak about? I assume you weren't looking for idle chit chat," he guessed. Kaga closed her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest. He could not help but look down at it given Downes' declarations at breakfast. He found her to be perfectly proportioned, even with her white kimono and chest armor rendering her more modestly clothed than many of her compatriots.
"Why didn't you take Amagi nee-san to bed with you last night?" Kaga cut right to the chase. Thorson's brows shot up towards his hairline. "Surely you didn't think she put that thing on just because?"
"And why would I have sex with Amagi?"
Kaga looked at him as though he had grown a second head. "What do you mean why would you? Why wouldn't you? She is beautiful, elegant, powerful-"
"And dangerous," Thorson finished for her. "Not to mention I have more than enough beautiful, elegant, and powerful women to lavish attentions on who aren't involved in tripartite negotiations over the resolution of the Pacific war."
Kaga slowly began to smile as she internalized his explanation. "So you are a lecher with a brain then, are you, Thorson Shikikan?"
He shrugged. "Suppose so. Not like I can deny the first bit after this morning. If you're worried about your older sister you needn't be. I'm not interested in muddying those waters, not to mention you and I will be leaving her behind in a handful of days."
"She is not the sister I'm worried about, Andrew Thorson," Kaga said seriously, her characteristic frown back as she gazed over the ocean.
"You use my full name when you have something important to discuss. Akagi?" he guessed. She nodded.
"When you stole her shard from her a Siren, Tester, told me things. Things I would have preferred to never hear. This was right before I erased her from existence," Kaga explained, voice like cold steel. Thorson didn't know which part of the statement to ask about first. When he remained silent, Kaga continued. "She spoke of my sister like a porcelain vase, maybe. Something that shattered, pieces lost forever to whatever foul magic the Sirens control. The way she talked it was like they were… rebuilding her, or a copy of her. I don't know for sure. That timid thing that was left behind was not my sister, but neither is the Akagi that walks this base now, after you reunited her with her shard. You and I… should be careful. She is not a woman who reacts kindly to being told she cannot have what she wants."
"You make it sound as though we're co-conspirators here," Thorson pointed out. Kaga shrugged as her short, snow-white hair waved in the wind.
"For all I know we might be, Andrew Thorson. I was promised to you by High Priestess Nagato. Akagi will never forget that, even if you never take me to your chambers. Amagi is wise to not keep her here, but she may end up bringing the same fate upon you as she did herself."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Kaga," he replied seriously, hoping she understood he was not discounting anything she said. "That Siren. Where are her cubes?"
"I destroyed them with my own hand," Kaga said. He nodded.
"I figured that might have been the case. How else would you control and trap us in the Mirror Sea? Kaga?"
"I am afraid," she admitted quietly, barely audible above the ambient noise around them. "I hear her in my dreams, clawing for control, demanding retribution for what I did to her. I am powerless to fight it."
Thorson dug his hands into a pocket immediately. "Then why don't we fix that? You were going to get one sooner or later. Go ahead, choose. Fair warning, this will be a bit like pledging your service to me. Though that didn't stop Tennessee from almost blowing my head off, so I guess you need not worry much?"
"Indeed, that was quite the childish display," Kaga agreed haughtily, taking one of the proffered shards. A feeling like submerging her body in the healing waters of the onsen overtook her, purifying her. "That is… divine."
Thorson watched as she activated her rigging again for the first time in weeks. It was more reserved than many of his own ships, a simple runway made of her spirit energy resting near her right hip. A handful of paper charms shaped like Zeros were held in her left hand, and a couple miniature aircraft made from that same spirit orbited her like satellites. To top it all off, the kitsune sported a second, fluffy tail, a mark of her increased power. He nodded when she opened her eyes and looked at him contentedly. "Take my hand."
"Thorson Shikikan?"
"I think it's time we paid this Siren in your head a little visit. If Laffey can kill them, so can you."