"Me?" I repeated, looking around as if there was someone else she could have been talking to.

"That's correct, comrade," she confirmed with a solemn nod. "This operation is not over yet. I hope you will wield our power effectively. Perhaps you would like to change your flag to Chapayev's ship? Her vessel is a bit more modernized than Pamiat's."

The diminutive cruiser harumphed and folded her arms across her chest, but said nothing. While I still didn't like the naked display of raw hunger Chapayev was giving me every time I looked at her, I trusted, incorrectly, that she wouldn't try anything funny whilst we were in the middle of a combat operation. "I think that would be agreeable. Shall we begin the transfer process?"

"Please," I smiled diplomatically.

A few minutes later, we had transferred everyone over to the Chapayev, which, true to Rossiya's word, was much closer to what I was used to on Eagle Union vessels. I was at the holotable, reviewing the footage from the earlier battle, along with the combat stats of each shipgirl. So far, they all looked very impressive, and even without a formalized command structure, they worked in near-perfect unison. I made a note to ask Rossiya about it when a sultry voice purred in my ear.

"I know you like what you see, but it's best not to stare too much, Commander…" Chapayev had snuck up behind me and gotten so close, that I felt her hot breath on my ear. It took all I had not to jump out of my skin and onto the holotable, and I managed to pull off a respectable slight jerk of surprise and a stifled shout instead as I spun around.

The cruiser grinned and took another step towards me, pressing her body against mine. "I'm ready for any orders you give me…or perhaps…" Her eyes flashed dangerously as her predatory smile returned, "You would like me to order you around?"

With a forced chuckle and a shaky smile, I quickly slid out from between her and the holotable, holding my arms out in case she decided to get even closer. "No, no, that's quite alright, thank you. If you don't mind, I was just about to get some insight from some of your comrades…"

One of her azur eyebrows arched up as she gave me a suspicious look. "Oh? And who might that be?"

At that very moment, my Siberian savior arrived. Gangut was walking by and I quickly grabbed her by the arm, arresting her stroll across the bridge. "Comrade! Comrade!" I smiled up at her as I ushered the confused kansen toward the holotable. "If you could answer a few things for me…"

"Uh…of course, Comrade…" she slowly replied as Chapayev gave me a begrudging smile.

"It seems you two have work to do, so I will leave you to it," the cruiser conceded as she turned sharply on her heel and strode off to where Kirov and Rossiya were engaged in conversation.

I let out a sigh as I watched her go before I turned my attention back to Gangut, who was looking expectantly at me. "What questions do you have for me, Comrade?"

She looked so earnest that I almost didn't have the heart to tell her I just needed her as an excuse to get some space from Chapayev. Unfortunately, my face seemed to speak volumes, as I could see the realization in her eyes. But much to my surprise, rather than get upset or disappointed, a broad, knowing smile spread across her face. "Ah," she nodded slowly. "I understand, Comrade. You're looking to keep the khishchnik at bay, da?"

It took me a second to get what she meant, and I asked, "You mean Chapayev, right?"

"Da," she confirmed with another nod. "She can be a bit…forward…with people she's set her eye on." Sensing my hesitation, she gave me a reassuring grin and placed her hand on my shoulder. "Do not fear, Comrade. I shall help you until you grow strong enough to handle her."

On the one hand, I felt a sense of relief and warmth towards my sudden protector. On the other…"It's not like I'm going to have to physically fight her off. Wait…am I?"

She laughed uproariously and shook her head. "Only if you wish," she answers, leaning down to whisper conspiratorially, "But I would not recommend it. It may only serve to endear her to you more."

"Good to know," I dryly replied. "Thanks for the heads up…" I realized I still hadn't caught her name, "I'm sorry, but what do I call you? I know Rossiya introduced us, but I forgot in all of the uh…hugging and spinning."

Her smile only grew as she straightened up proudly and declared, "I am battleship Gangut, also known as Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya. However, my name is less important than what I've achieved." She shrugged and waved a hand dismissively. "Don't dwell too much on it and just call me what you want."

"Well, Okyabrskaya Revolyutsia certainly sounds impressive, but it's a bit of a mouthful, so I think Gangut works for now," I replied.

"And what is your name, Comrade?" she asked, leaning in closely once more. "Or is it a state secret, known only as 'The Commander' to those without the highest security clearance?"

"Hardly," I grinned. "I'm Admiral Michael Brown."

"Welcome and well met, Comrade Mikhail!" she beamed.

I couldn't fault her enthusiasm, at least. "Michael," I gently repeated.

"Mikhail."

"Michael."

"Mikhail."

"Michael."

Gangut grinned as she shook her head. "Comrade, if you are part of the glorious Northern Parliament fleet, you will need an equally glorious Northern Parliament name! Mikhail."

As I stared into her ruby eyes, I could see beneath the warm smile and friendly demeanor, was a wall of iron, unyielding and resolute. There was no way I could win this one, so I sighed, shrugged in defeat, and conceded. "Mikhail it is."

"It is a good name, Comrade," Gangut grinned as she slapped my shoulder. "It suits you."

I thought the old one suited me better, but when in Rome, I suppose… "So now that we've got names out of the way, tell me about what you've achieved, Gangut."

A proud smile crossed her face as she straightened up and began to regale me of her service history. "While I did not see any fleet actions during my time, Comrade, I served the Motherland with pride and distinction. Not at first, though." Her face contorted into a bitter scowl. "I was dragged through the mud, beaten, and forced to retreat time and again, but I would not allow these humiliations to defeat me. I crawled to victory, becoming the bulwark of Leningrad, a beacon of light that protected those that fought for their home. Men and women just like you, Comrade. I kept them safe, punishing the enemy ashore with ruthless efficiency, and then as we pushed them back, I cracked open their puny little fortifications like crushing eggs!"

I nodded along as I listened to her. While the combat data and my own personal observations from the earlier fight didn't suggest she was lacking in ship-to-ship combat, she seemed to be quite proud of her ship-to-shore career. "Sounds like you're just the person we need to crack open the Siren stronghold when we get to it."

"Da, Comrade!" she boomed in agreement, slapping me on the shoulder. "A stronghold is a formidable opponent, and the only way to truly test yourself is to face down the strongest, worthiest enemies! Now, perhaps you could show us what the next step in your glorious strategy to bring the Sirens to their weak little knees."

With a broad smile, she gestured back to the holomap, and as I looked over at it, I saw the rest of the Northern Parliament shipgirls assembled on the other side of it, all of them looking expectantly at me. Feeling rather self-conscious all of a sudden, I cleared my throat as I studied the map for a little bit longer.

That massive ice wall we encountered earlier turned out to be much more massive than I had originally expected. It ran nearly all the way up to the stronghold, and if we doubled back, it would set back progress by hours, allowing the Sirens to bolster their defenses. I looked up at Rossiya. "Have we made any contact with the Eagle Union fleet?"

"Negative, Comrade Commander," she replied with a curt shake of her head. "It would seem your kansen do not have the same kind of communications equipment that we in the Northern Parliament do."

"So we have no way of getting in touch with them," I sighed. "But if I know Saratoga and Hornet, they aren't going to double back without good cause, especially if it's going to cost them several hours on a 'maybe'. Without any orders, they're going to push ahead, assuming they haven't started already. I think we should do the same, push on, and see if we can link up near the fortress where the ice wall ends."

I looked up to see everyone nodding and smiling in agreement. Pamiat grinned at everyone as she gestured in my direction. "See? What'd I tell ya? Big brain."

"A sound plan, Comrade Commander," Rossiya agreed. "Now let's put it into practice. Northern Parliament, to the waves!"

"Ura!"

Within the hour, battle had been joined. I watched from Chapayev's bridge as the kansen of the Northern Parliament sortied once more. Minsk, Grozny, and Tashkent all darted forward, screening Pamiat, Avrora, and Kirov, who began to open up on the Siren escort ships and cruisers. Their guns thundered and roared, with Pamiat and Avrora's faster rates of fire allowing Kirov to better track and place her own salvos. While the two older kansen didn't score as many hits as Kirov, they allowed her to place her firepower directly on target. Meanwhile, the battleships engaged their opposite number, and the difference between Rossiya and Gangut could not be more evident.

Whereas Rossiya was stoic, methodical, and relatively taciturn, only pausing to issue orders before she fired another concentrated salvo, Gangut was loud, brash, boisterous, laughing and taunting the enemies as she fired her guns in rapid succession one at a time. The sheer speed at which she was reloading said guns was impressive, with the first gun reloaded by the time the last one had fired, keeping shells raining down on her opponent at a near-constant rate.

I couldn't help but be amused by her rampant enthusiasm, and I turned down the volume as I asked Chapayev, "Is she always this…exuberant?"

"She's a little more…energetic today than usual, but more or less," she answered with a mischievous grin. "Is someone taking a liking to her?"

I was grateful the cold had already reddened my cheeks, it hid the blush that I felt creeping across my face. "She's certainly…made an impression," I answered diplomatically, and somewhat honestly. While I couldn't deny the attraction I felt toward her, it was far too early to say if there was any real connection behind it.

Chapayev's eyes flashed in the dim light of the bridge, and I could see she knew more than she was letting on. "Interesting. If it helps, you've certainly made an impression on her…Comrade."

Her emphasis on "Comrade" confused me for a second, until it clicked. "Wait," I slowly said, "Because I called her 'Comrade'?"

"You didn't call anyone else that," she was quick to point out, "And for Comrade Gangut, an old revolutionary through and through, that means a lot to her. If nothing else, you've made yourself a fast friend and fierce protector."

If nothing else, I found the information comforting knowing Gangut would have my back. "Good to know," I nodded before we returned our attention to the holomap.

The girls were making quick work of the enemy, easily sweeping aside any opposition before us. Not that there had been a whole lot of opposition in the first place. For an enemy fleet heading directly for their headquarters, resistance seemed somewhat light. Chapayev must have felt the same way, as she stated, "I thought the Sirens would put up more of a fight considering we're moving on their stronghold."

"Agreed," I nodded as I zoomed out on the holomap, tracking our progress. We were making good time, and we would clear the ice wall within another hour or two. "Perhaps they're splitting their forces between us and Saratoga's group?"

"It would certainly explain the lack of enemies," Chapayev agreed before she pointed at the holomap. "Speaking of, it would seem our comrades have cleared the area."

Sure enough, we had nothing on the scopes for a hundred kilometers, and I radioed Rossiya. "We're clear for one hundred kilometers, head back to regroup and rest up."

"Understood."

I remained on the bridge while Rossiya, Gangut, and the others underwent repair and resupply down on the main deck. Or so I thought. Fifteen minutes after they had come aboard, Rossiya entered the bridge, knocking on the hatch to get my attention.

"Greetings, Comrade Commander," she said as I turned to face her. "Are you not going to join us?"

I smiled diplomatically and shook my head. "I appreciate the offer, but someone's got to keep watch."

"Chapayev can keep watch," Rossiya was quick to counter. "Comrade, you ought to take a break and eat. After all, 'a healthy body houses a healthy mind.'" She smiled warmly and beckoned me over. "Our offerings may not be as sumptuous as the Royal Navy or the Sakura Empire, but it should be enough to fill the stomach." As if in response, my stomach rumbled, undermining any further argument. Sensing she was on the verge of victory, Rossiya added, "If you don't join us, you'll disappoint Comrade Gangut."

Good lord, was I that transparent? "Well, I wouldn't want to seem inhospitable, especially on my first day…" I replied, feigning resignation. "Where are we headed?"

"The officer's mess," she answered as she led me down the narrow corridors, stopping at a door that looked no different from the others aside from the Cyrillic on the nameplate. She swung it open and gestured for me to enter. "After you."

"Thank you," I smiled as I stepped through the door. The officer's mess was lavishly furnished, by a warship's standards, with lacquered wooden columns, tables, and relatively comfortable-looking chairs. But the most impressive thing in the room was the veritable feast laid out. Delicious-looking breads, stews, and even…"Is that caviar?" I asked, pointing at the tins full of tiny black orbs.

"Da, Comrade!" Gangut gleefully confirmed as she all but flew out of her seat. "Have you never had it before?"

I decided to test Chapayev's theory before I replied. "I have not, Comrade," I said, watching her face as I replied. "Back home, this is a prohibitively expensive delicacy."

As soon as "Comrade" came out of my mouth, her eyes lit up again and she quickly crossed the distance between us, linking her arm in mine. "Then you must try it, tovarisch!" Before I could agree, object, or anywhere in between, she dragged me over to the empty chair next to hers and sat me down. She leaned over me, her soft chest pressing against my head as she gathered a tiny spoonful of the and forced it into my hand. "Here, eat. But do not chew! Let the caviar dissolve in your mouth, Comrade."

As she took a seat next to me, I looked down at the spoonful of fish eggs, then up at the assembled group, all of them watching expectantly, none more so than Gangut. I put on a brave smile, opened my mouth, and took a bite. I was immediately hit with a salty, but refined, sumptuous flavor. My mind immediately went to the sea, which, given what I was eating, made sense. "Delicious," I declared, much to the delight of the assembled kansen.

"Like a true son of the Motherland!" Gangut roared as she set a shot glass in front of me, filled with a clear liquid. "Now, to finish!"

Given where I was, the woman who offered it, and the size of the glass, I had a pretty solid idea of what was in said glass. But just to confirm, I picked it up and brought it up to my nose. Sure enough, vodka. "I can't drink while on duty."

To my surprise, a chorus of objections arose around me, rather than just Gangut's, although hers was the loudest.

"Drink, Commander!"

"Keep warm!"

"Partake of our hospitality!"

As the voices died down, Gangut nudged me gently, so as not to spill any of the liquor on my uniform. "We are not asking you to get drunk with us, Comrade, only to keep warm. The vodka will help fight the chill, which can dull your senses as well as any drink. So za zdorovje and bottoms up, Comrade Mikhail!" A sly smile split her face. "Besides, getting drunk comes after our glorious victory!"

As I said, when in Rome… Without any further hesitation, I raised the glass in salute and quickly dumped the contents down my throat, feeling the familiar burn race down my gullet. The mess hall erupted in cheers as Gangut patted me on the back. "Welcome to the Northern Parliament, Comrade!" she declared, "I think you're going to like it here!"

A/N-Well, Mich-I mean, "Mikhail" seems to be settling in nicely. Until next time, fair winds and following seas!