By the time this has come out, the first couple of episodes for Azur Lane will have dropped. So far, they're on episode 3 and I've been enjoying it so far. But, they have yet to reveal the Commander stand-in. So, I decided to do a little creative writing to introduce a Commander character to take care of the administrative aspect of the base and to have some character interaction.
There is an anthology comic which seems to take either a pre-anime or post-game (ie: and they all lived happily ever after) stance and isn't all that clear as it focuses on the day-to-day interactions of the characters rather than the action. That being said though, it is a fun anthology and I recommend checking it out. On Google just use the search term "Azur Lane manga", you should find it pretty quick-like.
Title: Undecided
Summary: After the attack by the Crimson Axis, a new wartime base commander has been shipped out to oversee the old Azur Lane Alliance base and its occupants.
Rating: No more than T
Disclaimer: I only own my copy of MS Word and my desktop. Azur Lane belongs to Yostar, I only own the Commander's personality. See the foreword for the full disclaimer.
XxXxXxX
The harbor was a mess, that much was certain. The now titled Red Axis alliance had initiated first blood against the peacetime Azur Lane alliance. To say that the Eagle Union High Command was displeased (see: angry) was an understatement. Enterprise had taken up temporary command and had established an emergency response team. Saratoga had been set up as the head of communications and radio operations until relief could be deployed. Communications had already been opened with High Command for the mobilization of Vestral, but she was a few days out at best at top speed. Many of the shipgirls that had been affected by the first strike would have to go without full repairs until the old repair ship made her way into port.
"Big sis," Saratoga said over the tight-beam radio. "Command just replied. They're sending a wartime command crew to take over operations. ETA, six hours."
"I feel there is something you're leaving out," Enterprise stated.
There was a pause before Sara continued. "After our initial damage reports and current cleanup efforts, we will not have a landing zone available for the Osprey carrying the command crew. Someone's flight deck will have to serve as host."
This was not ideal. Enterprise knew that her flight deck was barely hanging in there. Even with the help of the manjuu, she was only mobile at this moment in time. However, she wouldn't be launching any planes, just playing host to High Command's liaisons. "Inform High Command that my flight deck will be available for their arrival."
"Are you sure?" Sara sounded concerned. "I know you're strong, big sis; and you gave the foxes a beating. But you didn't look all that good when-."
"It would be improper for anyone else to serve as a landing platform. I'm the acting commander, it is only right," Enterprise said with finality.
There was a moment before Saratoga sighed and resigned her objections. "If you insist."
It was early morning when the hum of a high-octane engine was heard over the horizon. Many of the girls' radars pinged off the oncoming craft. However, none of them reacted in panic as it had been announced that a command staff team was arriving and that an incoming cargo craft would be carrying them. It circled once around the base allowing the occupants to get a bird's eye view of the base and what they would be overseeing.
"Amazing, isn't it?" one younger-looking man asked another, older man. His eyes spoke of familiarity and experience with this base.
"You've never seen the Alpha Site before, Commander?" the older man asked.
"No, Admiral. I've always seen the images and films from the Siren conflict, but that's about it," the Commander replied.
"I would get in the sight-seeing now because as soon as we land, we'll be working to get this base ship-shape and operational."
"Aye, sir."
The Osprey made one circle around a damaged carried and proceeded to initiate the VTOL controls to hover in for a landing on an undamaged segment of flight deck near the aft of the old carrier. The name emblazoned was that of Enterprise. The rear opened with the whipping of wind from the propellers as the two disembarked with four Naval engineers carrying bags filled with various supplies after them. The two men in full Naval dress approached a woman wearing an officer's dress cap with long, flowing white hair. A bald eagle perched on her shoulder preening at one of its wings.
"Welcome, sirs," she greeted with a salute.
The two men returned it. "Thank you for the warm welcome, despite the circumstances," the admiral greeted in return. "I am Admiral Carson and this is my staffer Commander Jackson," Carson introduced the Jackson.
"Pleasure," Enterprise continued the pleasantries. "I, as you know, am Enterprise. Welcome to the Azur Lane Alpha Site base."
"We best continue this in the command offices."
The trip to the offices was uneventful. For someone that only heard about shipgirls in books and movies, Commander Jackson kept his excitement to a minimum during their walk. Noting several shipgirls from the old films such as Portland and her sister Indianapolis. The other girls turned to look at the Naval officers of the Eagle Union and chattered among themselves. The rest of the trip inside of the offices was completely uneventful with nothing to note.
The Admiral took the seat of the long-abandoned base commander's desk. "As you know," Carson opened, "war is an intricate dance of many moving parts. That being said, the Eagle Union High Command has sent both myself and Commander Jackson to organize strikes, missions, and resource management and resupply. I will be working with Naval Intelligence to gather targets and form strategies. Commander Jackson will take care of day-to-day operations and will act on my orders. He will also be in command when I am away or indisposed. Do you have any objections to this?"
"I do not," Enterprise simply replied. "None of the Eagle Union shipgirls will object. The Royal Navy girls may take orders, but only from the Queen will obey them."
"Will this be a problem?" Carson asked.
"Seeing that we are allies, so long as the orders were given do not conflict with their own goals, I do not see why they wouldn't heed advice or orders. The Queen may more than likely challenge you to determine your strengths to determine whether either of you are worthy of giving orders."
"We will keep that in mind." He turned to Jackson, "Play nice with her highness, no political boondoggles."
"Aye, sir," Jackson replied.
"For now, the Commander and I will get settled in. Until tomorrow morning you will continue your active commander role. We would like personnel files on all active residents of the base available for our review."
"They will be gathered and delivered, sirs," Enterprise replied.
Jackson met the eyes of Enterprise. There was something about her, something old and weathered by time. Regret even, if he was reading it right. He stuck out his hand towards Enterprise in a professional gesture. "I look forward to working with you, ma'am," Jackson offered sincerely.
"Likewise," she replied, taking his hand firmly.
To be continued…?
XxXxXxX
Alright, that's all I have for this one. Like I said in the foreword there, this one was going to be a short intro. Now, the main reason it is so short, even by my standards for pilots, is that with the end of the third episode last week there wasn't the introduction of a Commander figure so it is unknown at this point (as the next episode drops in 20 or so hours) if one will appear or if it will be purely shipgirl based drama and character interaction (which I'm not against in the slightest).
But yeah, we'll see where this one goes or if it won't go anywhere at all. Time will tell. Maybe I'll do a more slice of life chapter involving some of my more favorite shipgirls, like Bismarck, Enty, Essex, Arizona, and a few of the subs if not others. But anyway, you know the drill by now. Leave me your thoughts in the normal places. I'll see you again in whatever I do next.
