Chapter 7: Return to Base
[Umm...am I the only one that feels kind of nervous traveling with this thing? And it wouldn't be very good at hiding either, so I can't even pretend like I want to play with it…]
[I don't think you want to go playing with that, U-81. Forget depth charges, look at all those guns! It could find you just by blasting everything in sight!]
[...Are those flight decks? Is it a carrier as well?]
Elizabeth once more tried to contain a sigh at the three submarines yet again breaking military discipline with their speculative chatter, knowing that it was their own unique way of dealing with the stress and rigors of combat.
And as the Royal Navy's leader cast yet another appraising gaze over the towering monolith that was somehow a seafaring vessel she couldn't help but feel like joining in on the postulating, if only because it was so fascinating a subject.
But that would obviously be beneath her, thus she confined herself to solitary observations as her damaged vessel resided in the protective shadow of the strange behemoth and Warspite.
...And wasn't that a surprise all unto its own? That one of her most loyal servants also appear changed and retrofitted with reams of Siren technology?
"Warspite, enough hiding. I wish to speak to you face-to-face."
[...Yes, your majesty.]
Frowning at the nervous and apprehensive tone of her faithful soldier Elizabeth nonetheless put the matter out of sight and mind, as she would have her answers in a few minutes regardless. Instead she continued her observation of the titanic ship of clear Siren origin, putting even their supercarriers to shame by a significant margin...was this the result of their last-ditch mission to steal Wisdom Cubes from their foes, a powerful and seemingly multi-faceted ship that they could study and learn from? Warspite had clearly already undergone some manner of trial with these new systems, her guns and sensor arrays vastly different than what they were before while more properly integrated shield emitters lined her hull, as opposed to the hasty and aftermarket job that had been done prior.
"Questions upon questions...Illustrious, Wales, do you-"
The shipgirl bit her lip, forcing herself to remain calm and composed despite the pang of loss and grief that tore through her at the constant reminder of her ever shrinking retinue of loyal retainers.
"Your sacrifices shall not be in vain...that I promise to you, as queen and leader of the Royal Navy."
A dour expression the tiny woman had no control over briefly curled her lip.
"What's left of it."
"Your majesty?! Oh thank goodness you're alright!"
"Thou ladyship has a terrible habit of frightening her stalwart retainers half to death!"
Quickly regaining her cool and composure as two familiar voices with equally familiar visages ran towards her Elizabeth allowed herself to regain most of her stately and noble composure, meeting Javelin and Vampire's gazes as they ran to greet her with boundless enthusiasm, they and the rest of Azur Lane's destroyers being deployed in a rush to escort them back to base.
"Such overly familiar words! Does propriety mean nothing to upstanding young ladies such as yourselves-EH?!"
Both destroyers glomped their queen with bone-crushing hugs, the leader of the Royal Navy hastily protesting, "W-what is this?! Unhand me at once, you overly affectionate buffoons! I-I am your queen and must be treated with respect according to my station!"
"B-but we were so worried, your majesty!"
"Indeed, such a rare moment of levity and miracle among a war most protracted and brutal...we are very glad of your survival, your majesty."
Feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment Elizabeth was about to further protest when she caught sight of Warspite trying and failing to hide behind the grabby and emotional destroyers, a pointed glare from the royalty causing her to wince, slowly and reluctantly approaching the huddle of lithe bodies before banging her sword's point against the hull.
"You heard her majesty, enough frolicking and listen to what she has to impart!"
Muscle memory and crystal clear recollection of Warspite's 'disciplinary' sessions caused both Vampire and Javelin to leap back, automatically assuming respectful postures as the battleship nodded in satisfaction-
"Warspite, dear? What's that on your neck?"
-and all her majesty and professionalism disappeared as she sunk down like a kicked mutt, mumbling, "It...it is nothing, your majesty."
A single raised eyebrow was sufficient enough for Javelin to glomp the sword-wielder in a hug, Elizabeth taking the opportunity to yank back the collar on Warspite's clothing, revealing her slim neck and the glowing shard of what was unmistakably a Wisdom Cube embedded within, mortified yelp leaving the battleship.
"...Would this have anything to do with the new guns and other additions being upon your vessel, Warspite?"
Elizabeth noted how Vampire seemed especially shifty at the comment, rounding on the destroyer as she politely inquired, "Do you have any additional details you wish to impart to us, Vampire? Your queen is most starved for information."
Dithering as she was caught out within moments of her attempt at deception the gothic-styled destroyer hesitantly replied, "W-well as you can see, your majesty, lady Warspite hath experienced quite a bit of trial and subsequent enhancement at the hands of sir Alexander-"
"Of who, might I ask?"
The trio of Royal Navy shipgirls froze at the abrupt question, Warspite shifting and twitching as she shyly ground her booted heel into the deck, at a complete loss of how to explain things to Elizabeth. Something the royalty immediately spotted as she sighed at her three retainer's evasive and awkward silence, bluntly asking, "Is this sir Alexander the one who spoke upon first contacting us with this audacious plan? And on the subject, your intervention was most timely and excellent, Warspite. Fantastic work, I never expected anything less from you."
Immediately straightening at Elizabeth's compliment the shipgirl proudly responded, "Your thanks are as gracious as ever, your majesty! And, yes…'sir Alexander' is indeed the man who spoke to you."
The ruler of the Royal Navy cast a pointed stare at the towering Siren Vessel.
"The man who commands that ship?"
"Erm...yes, your majesty. May I ask how you discerned that fact?"
"Obviously I applied my brilliant intellect to the matter at hand."
"O-of course, forgive me for asking such a blatant question!"
Javelin sneakily leaned in close to Vampire, whispering, "She just guessed and lady Warspite confirmed it, didn't she?"
"Seemeth a likely conclusion, Javelin."
Both destroyers quickly fell silent as Elizabeth turned her attention to the larger Siren vessel, musing, "Then the obvious conclusion seems to be that I must meet with this man in person, discern his worth for myself."
"Y-you're majesty?! Is such a thing-"
But Warspite's protest was already falling on deaf ears, Elizabeth boldly striding towards the edge of her battered ship as she spoke aloud, "Dearest Nagato, what do you say to a meeting with our mystery benefactor and his equally mysterious vessel?"
The queen of the Royal Navy paused in her steps for a moment as a telepathic reply was no doubt received.
"EH?! You are already on board?! D-devious Sakura scallywag, do not meet with our strange new ally before I do! Make no further movements, I shall be there momentarily!"
Without so much as a backwards glance Elizabeth vaulted over the edge of her ship, skating across the water at a furious pace while her three fellows stared at each other with resigned gazes. Javelin and Vampire putting their heads together and quietly conferring, "D-do you think our majesty will notice the tension that has occurred between Alexander and lady Warpsite, Vampire? She does seem inordinately attached to him in the strangest way…"
"Perish such a thought, Javelin! But...perchance it is not impossible, yes?"
"Stop speaking as if I cannot hear you! Dammit, you two! Enough of this, we must be off after her majesty!"
Trying and failing to hide her massive blush and pulling on her ear-like hair-style in aggravation Warspite leapt off the ship in a single bound, the pair of destroyers taking off after her in a hurried bid to apologize before she had time to stew and plot one of her famed disciplinary actions.
"Son, that was one of the strangest and yet effective bits of long-range support I've seen to date."
Alexander sighed as the Commander gave him an utterly superior smirk, the man clearly knowing full well just how awkward that whole debacle had been for the young man.
"If you want to give someone compliments save it for Warspite. I just provided the knowledge, she was the one who carried it out. My first attempt at using the weapons on board this thing were...less than successful."
The memory of dozens of missiles flying off in random directions as he fruitlessly tried to control them properly caused the male to grimace, a fuckup that had made this situation such a nightmare to begin with.
If he hadn't wasted such a colossal amount of ordnance he wouldn't have had to do...that with Warspite, he could have just bombarded the Sirens with long-range guided explosives and called it a day.
...Maybe.
Probably not, considering his previous attempts at using the weapons effectively.
"Oh, are you regretting your actions? Regretting the clear desire you felt as that lovely little girl pressed her lithe body against you, delved deep into the recesses of your mind and merely blushed at what she found?"
Alexander valiantly tried to keep his cool as he faced down both a grinning Observer Zero and Commander, one visible only to him as she continued to croon, "Admit it...you are beginning to like the power and connection you share with these progenitors of Sirens, find it comforting and hypnotic. What else from your previous life could afford a sense of such purpose, such intimacy?"
It took a herculean effort of will not to rage at the bitch permanently lodged inside of his brain, constantly offering input whenever it suited her fancy...especially now, as she spoke a truth he did not want to think about too closely.
"We'll just chalk it up as a team effort, son. And on that note…"
The Commander narrowed his eyes, asking, "What was that you did with Warspite? Any particular reason you had to feel her up?"
Feeling like a youngster trying to assuage a father's concerns that his daughter was in good hands Alexander quickly replied, "I wasn't feeling her up, from what I understand the connection between our embedded Wisdom Cubes runs like a two-way street. She can feel and understand what I want and vice-versa, physical closeness is an automatic reaction to that kind of...bond, I guess you'd call it."
He shifted uneasily on his throne as the Commander raised an eyebrow.
"I'm still in the process of learning everything that comes with this new territory. And we didn't get a chance to go over what the Siren's ultimate goal with humanity and shipgirls are."
The man obviously caught on to the fact he was trying to divert attention away from the matter they had been discussing but let it slide, replying, "True, but that will have to wait. We still need to return to base and I need to contact the rest of the armed forces remaining around the world, inform them of everything that's happened. We'll talk afterwards."
The male shifted uncomfortably, asking, "And what will you tell them? About me, I mean?"
An enigmatic shrug left the Commander.
"That we received a new and befuddling piece of Siren technology that will require more time to study...although it has already proven highly effective against Siren vessels. I won't even have to lie to them."
Alexander released a small sigh of relief, the Commander quickly stating, "Don't think you can hide from this forever, son. Your very existence is a game changer and like it or not you're going to have to get used to that."
The younger man grimaced, knowing the truth of that statement as the older once again smirked, idly stating, "Now if I know my girls like I think I know them you're about to meet a whole slew of newcomers, son. Brace yourself."
"Wait, what? But I thought-"
[Unidentified 'shipgirls' approaching command bridge.]
The Rigging provided a corroboration to the Commander's prediction, the sound of heeled boots and other sharp footwear approaching his location as a bevy of new faces appeared around the corner.
"Commander?! The others apparently forgot to mention that you were here…"
The older man met the startled exclamation of a young woman Alexander recognized as Essex, the Eagle Union carrier broadly grinning at him as he nodded professionally, stating, "Good to see all of you in one piece. And I'm just hitching a ride for the moment."
A nod in Alexander's direction brought the collection of shipgirl eyes on him...and the male resisted the urge to squirm in his seat as he recognized the two that stepped forward, their attention like a physical weight upon his shoulders.
"So you are the one who aided Warspite in assisting in our rescue, hmm? Quite the magnificent male specimen, aren't you?"
"Commentary about one's appearance aside...arigato, stranger. Your arrival was most timely."
Queen Elizabeth and Nagato, the two leaders of both the Royal Navy and Sakura Empire respectively, now offering him their thanks and commendations.
"Holy shit, this is so far outside of my wheelhouse."
"Wooooow...he's super tall, just like his ship!"
"So that's how he can carry aircraft as well…"
"Eh heh heh, is he embarrassed by all of our attention~? Aww, he's glaring at me~!"
Alexander resisted the urge to sigh as three shipgirls who he once again recognized as I-13, U-81 and U-522 all made their respective comments, the sudden rush of new faces who didn't seem immediately hostile catching him off guard.
"Well it's nice to see you all acting so energetic, despite what just happened."
"Hiyah, Commander! And yup, we're raring to go as always, eh heh! If I ever get the chance to find a boyfriend he's gonna have one heck of a time keeping up with me, that's for sure~!"
U-522's cheery comment was met with familiar sighs and eye rolls from the other gathered shipgirls, her choice of topic a no doubt familiar thing...all while the Commander sent Alexander a subtle but meaningful glance, the other male hiding his wince as he understood what the older man was hinting to him.
Everything about the three submarines spoke of forced enthusiasm, their bagged eyes an obvious tell as well as the way the moment attention moved away from them they stopped exuding so much energy and extravagant movement, merely giving empty smiles as they stood limply.
"...How long have they all been having to fight like this? Rushing from one battlefield to the other? With no chance to rest?"
In fact now that he looked closer only Nagato and Elizabeth seemed unaffected by the rigors of war, both lithe figures standing tall and proud with almost no visible signs of exhaustion.
Or at least that's what it looked like.
The signs of battle damage could be seen quite clearly, both shipgirls sporting ripped clothing with burns or bruises present beneath the marred fabric, signs of a hard fought and desperate conflict that they still hadn't had time to recover from.
But as the leaders of their respective factions he imagined they didn't have the luxury of showing weakness, not when it was already so prevalent.
"And now a few seconds have awkwardly gone by while I sit here lost in thought. Way to compose yourself in front of royalty, idiot."
Rising from his command chair Alexander approached the collection of shipgirls, trying not to feel self-conscious at how some of them lost their previous affability and instead appeared nervous as he really did tower overhead.
Or at least they did before he bowed deeply at the waist to Nagato, drawing upon the few scattered memories he had of Sakura Empire customs a few refugees had exhibited before he became what he currently was.
"It's an honor to meet you, Nagato. Even in the Eagle Union you're spoken of with reverence. After Kaga and Akagi's actions many viewed the Sakura with outright mistrust and hatred...but you're even hand and regal bearing - never mind your rescue of tens of thousands during the Boston harbor evacuation - has made you a sterling example of what our people can accomplish when working together."
The tiny Sakura, while unseen by Alexander due to his bowed head, began to blush and sway with nervous energy, fox ears standing on high alert at the completely unexpected praise when she was far more used to initial meetings beginning with her being mistaken for a child. Unless she had her rigging equipped, of course.
This was something...new.
And the collection of knowing smirks being sent her way by the other shipgirls didn't help, the battleship coughing lightly to clear her throat as she adopted a more composed bearing, smiling beatifically before responding, "Your words are both kind and appreciated, Alexander. Please, raise your head. Today you played a part in saving both my life and those of my sisters...if nothing else we should be the ones thanking you."
Accepting that comment for what it was Alexander straightened his back, Nagato instantly resisting the urge to sigh as she had to crane her neck in order to still meet the man's eyes.
"Would it have been too much to ask that, as the Sakura representative, I be created at least a smidgen taller?"
Alexander moved on to greet Elizabeth, lowering himself to one knee as he lightly kissed one of the rings on her finger, stating, "And it's every bit the privilege to meet you as well, your majesty."
A satisfied smirk colored the shipgirl's lips, voice coy as she stated, "No waxing accolades of my reputation among the Eagle Union? I feel almost slighted...but you do recognize the significance of laying your lips upon this ring, yes?"
Alexander merely shrugged, expression wry as he replied, "I'm a man without a nation right now, your majesty...and loyalty to someone fighting for my people's future seems a worthy enough pledge to make."
"Hmm…"
A thoughtful hum left Elizabeth's lips as Alexander once again regained his feet, turning to Essex and the three submarines as he approached, the Eagle Union shipgirl meeting his approach steadily enough while the three smaller females - no doubt a little intimidated now that he was closer and within plucking distance of them should they mouth off - huddled behind her.
He tried not to let that bother him too much, far preferring the teasing and joking manner the submarines had treated him with earlier.
"Essex, right? Pleasure to meet you, along with all of you as well, I-13, U-81, U-522."
For a brief moment he was worried that his outstretched hand would go unanswered or ignored...and with a lopsided smile the carrier firmly clasped the appendage, responding, "I think we should be the ones pleased to meet you, not the other way around. You really pulled us out of the fire back there. C'mon, girls. You went ahead and made fun of him in the first three seconds you met, don't be a stranger now."
Peeking out from behind the coat-wearing woman the three subs seemed to gather their courage, lining up close to each other as they debated with careful glances to the side who should go first-
[Hostile actions detected, engaging source.]
-and a loud THRUM noise began to fill the air, Alexander whirling around as the previously passive Rigging aimed a collection of tentacles towards a group of shipgirls that had just entered the bridge, energy projectors warmed up and preparing to fire as the male roared, "STAND DOWN!"
[Command received, ceasing retaliation.]
Vampire, Javelin and Warspite stood like deer in the headlights, the Royal Navy heavy ship triggering the rigging's defensive measures by dint of her drawn sword, the two destroyers rounding on her as Javelin chastised, "We told you there was no danger, why did you decide to run off with your sword drawn regardless?!"
"T-there was a need to ensure her majesty's safety-"
"Thou almost triggered the defensive measures and caused such a security threat, lady Warspite."
"Ladies?"
Queen Elizabeth's twitching eye seemed to immediately cow the arguing trio just by mere existence, her tone frighteningly calm as she inquired, "Is there a reason you are causing such a rambunctious and disgraceful tableau in front of our allies and leaders?"
The chastisement continued unabated as all present offered their own views or thoughts on the matter, the young man in question quietly murmuring to the Commander, "Does this always happen?"
A tired sigh left the older male.
"Yes. We might as well try to find someplace quieter, son. This is going to go on for awhile."
"I see...so it seems our daring mission was both wildly successful and unsuccessful in equal measure. We achieved the possibility of one day engaging the Sirens on equal footing, but through a means completely at odds with what we had hoped. That is actually fairly amusing. Oh hoh hoh~!"
A haughty laugh escaped Elizabeth as she primly perched atop of a freshly grown and ornate chair, posture and demeanor suggesting she was the one who had control over the vessel rather than being a mere passenger.
"While it does my heart well to know our sister's efforts and sacrifices were not in vain, I cannot help but express regret over the misfortune that has lead to your current circumstances, Alexander Curtis. Perhaps, if we were more powerful and skilled in our craft, this situation would not have arisen-"
"It's fine, lady Nagato. If there needs to be someone to blame, I would throw it at the feet of the Sirens."
The regal beauty that was Nagato smiled at Alexander's words, a gesture that caused his stomach to flip in boyish shyness as he quickly turned his attention back to Elizabeth...except that was no good either.
While not possessing the same quiet and composed serenity that made Nagato seem every inch the regal Empress she now was, the Royal Navy shipgirl instead possessed fire and purpose, flaunting her body and personality every which way...seemingly uncaring of the fact that her movements and posture often revealed the lacy undergarment that her criminally short dress failed to conceal.
"Gods only know I'm not complaining but what is it with the shipgirls and the risque outfits? Some kind of warrior queen mentality, where all eyes should naturally be gravitating towards them?"
Giving that line of inquiry up as a bad job he instead turned to face the Commander, the four of them having retreated to a more secure and private location near the aircraft runway to speak.
"So...want to have that conversation now?"
The two shipgirls looked around in confusion as the Commander sighed, commenting, "As much as I would prefer to, no. I still need to inform the rest of the world of what has occurred here as well as a reasonable excuse as to what, exactly, you are. And Azur Lane is just a few short minutes away. Unless there's something you think will immediately make a difference in my report hold off on that for now."
Alexander slowly nodded, agreeing that while crucial for their future operations the nature of the war between the Sirens and humanity could be put off for a while longer.
"What manner of secrecy are you two engaged in? Hmph, to leave a lady out of the loop? How unlike you, Commander."
"Save it, your majesty. We've got bigger fish to fry."
The young man was treated to the sight of Elizabeth pouting like a thwarted little girl, Nagato smiling cheekily at the comment as the Commander stated, "We need to decide what we're going to do with him. No offense, son, but if I tell the world our one shot at turning this thing around is some dockworker turned Siren who has total control over the single most powerful vessel seen to date and all technology held within - as well as Siren computers filling up his brain with all sorts of scientific babble - it doesn't matter how much proof you bring to the table, the politicians and generals are always going to try and restrain you in one way or another. They sure as hell ain't gonna trust you."
Alexander arched an eyebrow.
"And you do?"
"You already know where I stand on that issue, son."
He grunted at the blunt response, Elizabeth and Nagato curiously observing the interplay as the Sakura battleship eventually stated, "For what it is worth, Alexander Curtis, you have earned the Sakura Empire's goodwill and faith."
All eyes turned to face Nagato, the regally dressed shipgirl offering a reassuring smile as she elaborated with, "Ayanami, Shoukaku and Zuikaku have all vouched for your willingness to selflessly aid Azur Lane, never mind the recommendations from quite the variety of others, notably Tirpitz, Lexington and Saratoga."
This time the smile became positively radiant.
"You seem to have left quite the impact on us in a relatively short amount of time, Alexander Curtis."
The young man blinked, caught completely off guard by the sudden comment.
"Umm...thanks. I, uh...honestly don't know what to say."
He sheepishly scratched the back of his head, answering their questioning gazes with, "I was a big fan of their concerts when they were still doing them, it's weird to hear them with a halfway decent opinion of me. And no offense meant to her, but Tirptiz seems like the...reserved type."
Elizabeth and Nagato seemed to find his discomfort amusing while the Commander merely shrugged, responding, "Fighting side-by-side in the heat of battle tends to make bonds form quickly. And from a more objective standpoint you've saved the lives of a great many of the shipgirls, that counts for a lot, son. Most of the time they're the ones doing the saving."
Thinking back to Laffey's timely intervention all those years ago Alexander couldn't help but nod in understanding, Elizabeth adding, "And as frigid as that Ironblood may be she is no distant soul, I wager you have even impressed her to a significant extent."
"...Oh."
Nagato brought the conversation back to its original purpose with, "Yet the question remains, what are we to do with Alexander? I have less than zero desire to see him punished or restricted when he has thus far been naught but amicable, friendly and even saved many of our lives despite trying circumstances."
"And yet here you stand again, letting others lead you by the nose...did your display not hours ago with that child drive home the fact that you are meant to lead? They are all the more powerful for acquiescing and subordinating themselves to you."
Ideas and thoughts were traded back and forth while Alexander yet again found himself staring deep into the eyes of Observer Zero, the Siren calmly meeting the gaze of the towering male as he did his best to yet again ignore the condescending and familiar words.
…
Except this time he wondered if, however roundabout it may be, the Siren had a point. He and Warspite had performed an incredible feat while working in tandem...while he despised and outright disagreed with the creature's notions that the shipgirls were somehow lesser than him it really was an undeniable fact that they were more powerful and effective when actually working on the same side.
Perhaps there was a way to take advantage of that without turning into some depraved tyrant?
"I think I have an idea."
The other three turned to him, the Commander raising an eyebrow as he asked, "Well, spit it out, son. Time is short and we still don't have a plan."
Taking a deep breath he forced himself to remain calm, to not worry about the fact that he was, in a sense, doing as Zero wished.
"Just lie to the rest of the world, like originally planned. Have my ship dock at one of Azur Lane's ports and I'll stay there, keeping out of sight while you have research and repair crews do whatever. Tell everybody that it was automatically controlled or something and that you need to research it. I'll give you information and technology to corroborate that cover story and that way you don't need to freak everybody out."
Three neutral gazes were sent his way as he uncomfortably shifted in his seat but carried on regardless.
"It's not a permanent solution but it should hold in the short run, or at least until something else shows up to distract everybody."
The Commander eventually shrugged, saying, "Acceptable. You two don't have any complaints, I take it?"
Nagato shook her head while Elizabeth regally nodded, stating, "None. As you said, Commander, it is an acceptable plan that will buy us time."
Letting out a brief sigh of relief Alexander turned to face the fast approaching island chain that was Azur Lane, wondering just what, exactly, he had gotten himself into by committing suicide.