Chapter 10: Trial Run

"Okay, let me be extremely clear about this...I have no idea what I'm doing."

That admission was met with more than a few bewildered gazes, Alexander facepalming as he realized that probably wasn't the best way to start things off.

"Right, sorry, that came out wrong. I mean, I don't but it's not dangerous or lethal. I think. You'll just be knocked unconscious for an hour or two and then wake up with the Wisdom Cube fragments etched onto your bodies, followed shortly afterwards by the upgrades to your ships being completed at which point you can figure out things for yourself."

The nine shipgirls before him - eight of whom would be undergoing the trial run - gave off unimpressed looks.

"Alexander...we are going to have to work on your autocratic menace."

Elizabeth's dull words alongside Laffey's stoic nod caused the male to wince.

"Really tall. Should be scarier than actually is."

"Right, right...sorry. Alright, might as well get this show on the road. Who wants to go first?"

A brief click of heels on metal deck and to Alexander's shock it was none other than Vampire who strode forward, diminutive form standing in stark contrast to his own as the silver-haired destroyer remarked, "Strange wording and less than inspiring words aside, sir Alexander...I do believe thou have nothing but good intentions towards myself and mine sisters. I, Vampire, would be happy to prove such a method safe."

Touched at the Royal Navy shipgirl's words he nodded, motioning towards the waiting Rigging as he explained, "Then step inside and the rest will take care of itself, Vampire."

The destroyer regally nodded, boldly striding towards the Siren-jellyfish-monster thing...and faltered, dainty and heeled feet coming to a stop as she somewhat timidly asked, "Erm, sir Alexander...do I need, umm...disrobe?"

[Negative. Only locations along spinal column and cervical column must be exposed. Removal of clothing only above waistline is required, should it be restricting the aforementioned location. Otherwise they shall be removed through more direct means and be unrecoverable.]

And with that ominous statement from the Rigging Vampire blushed, most of the other Shipgirls whispering or giggling as the destroyer unbuttoned her shirt, Alexander treated to the sight of soft, creamy skin and a distinct lack of visible bra before he quickly realized staring so blatantly in front of a crowd like that was likely to get him shot.

"Oh hoh, look at him, pretending to be a gentleman~!"

"Do try not to so blatantly ogle my retainers, Alexander."

"W-would thy all kindly not make such comments?!"

The destroyer's protest to Eugen and Elizabeth's teasing words coincided with the Rigging humming to life, mechanical manipulators whirling to life as the young man made sure to keep his eyes away from anything particularly dangerous.

Besides, he was familiar enough with the process. A mask would cover Vampire's face, put her to sleep and then the surgery would commence with little fanfare or theatrics.

Once the sounds of the Rigging ceased Enterprise called out, "You can turn around now, Alexander."

Heaving a sigh the male returned his attention to the assembled group, Warspite, Enterprise, Laffey, Elizabeth, Prinz Eugen, Tirpitz, Nagato and Kawakaze watching Vampire's ruby eyes quickly drift closed as she settled into a dreamless sleep, internal manipulators sprouting blades and other surgical tools as the destroyer calmly floated within the confines of the Siren apparatus.

"Is it really a good idea for you two to be the ones undergoing this procedure, Nagato, Elizabeth? You're the leaders of your respective factions and-"

"And all the more reason for us to pave the way, correct?"

Nagato nodded along with Elizabeth's response, stating, "If we wish for our fellow sisters to have faith and confidence in such a procedure - never mind the rest of this world - then as the nominal leaders we should exemplify the phrase, 'practice what you preach', yes?"

Staring at the diminutive shipgirls Alexander eventually released a sigh, instead turning his attention to the rest of the gathered crowd.

He wasn't sure why they specifically had decided to undergo the surgery but wasn't about to start asking questions, especially since he got the general impression some of them would prefer to remain anonymous in their choice.

"So...did you all get a good rest?"

Eugen batted her eyes in his direction while Kawakaze blankly stared at him, the Ironblood stating, "It was most wondrous, Alexander. More so for some of us than others~!"

Enterprise turned an interesting shade of crimson for some reason, the male raising an eyebrow as she shot Eugen a warning glare that the heavy cruiser merely smiled at, a tug on his finger grabbing his attention as Laffey stared up at him.

Quickly crouching so that he didn't comically tower over his savior the male Siren said, "Need something, Laffey?"

"Can Laffey have that drink again?"

Remembering the beverage that she had tried when hungover Alexander shrugged, ordering, "Rigging, provide same beverage for Laffey as you did priorly."

[Understood.]

One of the tentacles sprouted a nozzle, spewing a glowing blue liquid into a rounded cup before handing it off to the Eagle Union destroyer who accepted the treasure with enthusiastic motions, sipping it as her bunny ears seemed to wriggle in pleasure.

It took a phenomenal force of will not to gather up the adorable shipgirl in a hug, so cute was her reaction...even if the way her jacket and tanktop slipped rather provocatively off her shoulder made things more erotic than wholesome.

Yet again tapping him on the shoulder Laffey abruptly stated, "Sisters will try to sneak in. Friends are worried about Laffey and will want to watch over her."

"You mean the other destroyers?"

Sleepy features with heavy bags under the placid eyes nodded, stating, "And submarines. And Saratoga. And Hipper and Aurora will be curious even if don't want to admit it…"

The male sighed, wryly remarking, "So basically most of Azur Lane will be sneaking and hanging around the ship, huh?"

Laffey nodded.

"Yes."

Shaking his head at her words he reached out a hand and rubbed the spot between her ears in an instinctive motion, jerking his appendage back as Laffey stiffened at the action, swiftly apologizing, "Sorry, I just kinda acted on instinct-"

The destroyer reached out and placed his hand back on her head, intensely meeting his gaze as she requested, "Felt good...keep petting Laffey?"

Blinking at the request he glanced at the varied gazes of the shipgirls, noting how most like Eugen, Elizabeth and Nagato seemed amused while Enterprise had a contemplative frown before lightly shrugging to herself.

What did surprise him was how Warspite seemed somewhat jealous.

"Yeah, I'm seeing things. No way that's the case, mind altering connections or not."

Standing upright he didn't have much choice but to keep lightly stroking the pale-haired girl's head as she closed her eyes at the sensation, calmly sipping at the drink as he turned to keep a close eye on Vampire-

[Warning, unlawful approach by shipgirls through ventilation and maintenance hatches. No hostile action being taken.]

Rolling his eyes at the notice the male wryly commented, "Looks like we're about to have some company, just like you said."

"I still can't believe I got dragged along with you all to perform this idiotic scheme!"

"Don't worry, Hipper~! When it comes to hide and seek none can beat U-81!"

"That isn't the point you little dolt! This is Siren technology. Who's to say it won't just kill us like it did everybody else?!"

There was a few awkward moments as the blonde Ironblood winced, realizing just how uncomfortable of a topic that was but also too proud to just outright apologize. Thankfully Aurora came to the rescue, diplomatically stating, "Sisters, rather than worry about being found, should we not instead be worried about whether we are going in the right direction?"

Javelin boldly proclaimed, "Have no worries, I know precisely where we are going, sisters~! Now was it left at the turn or right…" from where she lead the group as they alternatively crouched or crawled through the vessel's labyrinthine interior. If there was one benefit to the ship being designed for such a tall occupant it was that all of the comparatively tiny shipgirls could make their way through it's smaller passages with little difficulty.

"I wish I had a model of this ship, I bet I could tell us where we're supposed to go exactly …"

I-13's quiet complaint caused Z23 to huff, glaring at Javelin as she trailed directly behind her, grumbling, "Javelin, just admit we're lost already, we've passed this same intersection several times now!"

"N-no we haven't!"

"Z23 is right. The marking of MS-8 has been sighted approximately three times prior."

Ayanami's deadpan words from where she took up the rear of the group caused Javelin to sag, wailing, "Ayanami, aren't you supposed to be on my side?!"

"...I was mistaken. We have only passed it approximately two times?"

U-522 snickered at the destroyer's interplay, teasing the distraught Royal navy shipgirl with, "Maybe you should let me and U-81 lead the way, hmm? I bet we're way better at hiding and sneaking than some big, flashy boat like you, Javelin."

"T-that's not the point-"

"It actually is. I bet a carrier wouldn't have made this mistake, why not let me lead the way?"

I-13's suggestion was just another knife in the metaphorical heart of Javelin's confidence, Z23 sighing as she set a hand on her friend's shoulder, commenting, "Why don't we let someone else take point, sister?"

"Someone who actually knows what they're doing, I might add…"

"Now now, Hipper. There's no need to kick our sister when she's already down."

Aurora's attempt at playing peacemaker went largely unappreciated as Ayanami suddenly perked up from where she had taken a rearguard position, shifting her head in order to more accurately locate where the noise that had caught her attention was coming from...and calmly stated, "There is a drone coming this way."

"...Eh?"

The collective question from the shipgirls coincided with a mechanical whirring coming down the darkened hallways they were in...and prompted a mad dash of lithe figures tearing down the metallic passageway, Hipper shouting, "I knew following you idiots was a bad idea!"

"Less sass more running!"

Javelin's terrified shout coincided with a quick series of flashes illuminating the passageway, casting them into shadow and muddled colors as U-81 complained, "This isn't the fun kind of hide and seek!"

"There's a fun version of this?!"

The shipgirl's breath was saved for running afterwards, trying to move as fast as possible while either crawling or stooping due to the cramped interior-

-and Javelin yelped as she ran headfirst into a dead end, literally.

Z23 skidded to a halt at the dull metallic thud that echoed through the passageway, keeping her following sisters from smashing into her fellow destroyer as the purplette wailed, "W-where do we go from here?!"

"Umm...sisters, are we about to perish?"

Aurora's shaky tone and genuinely frightened expression certainly matched the mood as the shipgirls huddled into a corner-

-and Ayanami cocked her head, asking, "Why are we worried?"

There was a round of blinks as the shipgirls took a moment to wonder about that, trying to remember if there had ever been a time when they were attacked by the Siren drones aboard this ship...and the floor promptly fell out from underneath them, a round of yelps and squeaks leaving the group as they tumbled into free fall before unceremoniously ending up in a pile on the floor, groaning pitifully as they untangled their limbs and hair.

"Oh, excellent timing, all. You are all exactly where master Alexander said you would be. Unfortunately, for obvious reasons, we didn't anticipate additional mouths to be present so refreshments shall have to be put on hold."

Belfast's amused and contrite tone caused Javelin and Aurora to blush in embarrassment, mortified at being caught in such a compromising and unladylike position as the pair removed themselves from the sprawl of bodies.

"Umm...Belfast, we were just-WHOAH?!"

The drone that had been pursuing them dropped down with a metallic clank as the ceiling retracted to its previous position, startling the group of shipgirls aside from Belfast, a synthetic voice issuing from the machine as it stated, [Shipgirls have been directed to your position, Belfast. Returning to patrol duties.]

The eight shipgirls glanced at the drone as it departed before staring at a highly amused maid, Aurora clearing her throat as she tactfully inquired, "Were...were you waiting for us, head maid?"

"Indeed. Master Alexander was informed you were attempting to sneak into the vessel in order to check on the status of your sisters."

A light chop to Javelin's head caused the destroyer to yelp, the pale-haired light cruiser stating, "You need not skulk around like uncouth thieves and knaves, sisters. Simply asking for permission to enter the Bakunawa's premises would be enough to grant it. All we request is that you don't reveal the existence of master Alexander to the rest of Azur Lane."

"Bakunawa? That's a funny name…"

U-81's comment went unheard as Hipper scowled, crossing her arms and cocking a hip before complaining, "And we're supposed to just trust this male Siren, Belfast? Don't be stupid, the only good Siren is a dead one and he's still very much alive! Not only that but you're all letting him experiment on you!"

The furious tirade from the blonde Ironblood caught the rest of the shipgirls off guard, not expecting the sudden explosion of passion and all the more awkward for it.

Belfast didn't so much as blink, merely commenting, "Understandable complaints, Hipper...but we are not 'letting' him perform adjustments to us. We volunteered after he explained things to her majesty, lady Nagato and the Commander. If you cannot trust him, then at least trust them and their judgement."

Faltering at that the Ironblood merely settled for a scowl, still ill at ease.

"Come along, then. You all wanted to check on your sisters, let us depart to do so. Master Alexander won't object to such a sudden meeting."

Belfast spun on her heel, the eight shipgirls briefly glancing around at each other before following in silent embarrassment at having been so easily caught and discovered.

"I guess we lose that round of hide and seek, huh?"

"Yeah...I wonder if that means he has little cameras and stuff hidden all across the ship?"

U-81 and U-522 compared notes, the pink-haired sub perking up at the possibility as she grinned, remarking, "Ooh, a challenge~! This should be fun~!"

"So why, exactly, did you all feel the need to sneak aboard the Bakunawa? You could have just, you know...asked?"

"Weeelllllll…"

"Yes?"

Alexander's exasperated tone was met with a sheepish chuckle from Javelin, U-81 coming to the rescue as she said, "The Commander sort of told us to leave our older sisters be for a while and that we could see them later."

"But upon hearing of them being subjected to the actions and mercies of a Siren we had no intention of having you do as you pleased!"

"Hipper, t-that's really going too far…"

The towering male met the fiery gaze of the blonde Ironblood, pretty face locked in a scowl as she stared at him with only the slightest traces of apprehension as she quickly realized she was much smaller than the person she was acting aggressive towards, Aurora trying to place herself between the pair as the rest of the shipgirls looked on, seemingly unsure of what to say or do.

"That would be an understandable concern to have, Hipper...except I've been vetted by both the Commander, Queen Elizabeth, Nagato, Enterprise and Tirpitz. Alongside a fair number of others. If you object to my presence, take it up with them because I'm not about to throw myself into the ocean over your delicate sensibilities."

The heavy cruiser gaped at his cold words, lips parting in a soundless sputter before she finally regained control of the situation, gearing up for a rebuttal-

"Hipper, dear? I would advise you follow master Alexander's words for the moment, he is normally quite the composed and polite individual and I do believe you've struck a nerve."

-and all eyes turned towards Belfast, the maid not revealing anything more incriminating or suggestive than a pleasant smile.

"...Ugh, fine."

Spitting out the last word like it was physical poison the green-eyed shipgirl finally relented, Alexander sighing in resignation.

"I suppose it was too much to ask that everyone quickly acclimate to things around here...whatever, I've got other tasks to take care of."

Turning to the group at large he announced, "If you're so eager to meet your sisters they're just around the corner there, big door, can't miss it. I have to go to engineering and keep an eye on that whole process."

The retrofit of several vessels and the hive of activity that accompanied it was largely automated, yes, but considering he was, in essence, the brain of the Bakunawa it was for the better that he was present just in case any unforeseen circumstances arose.

"Hmm...is it okay if we go exploring instead?"

Blinking as he met the eager gazes of U-522 and U-81 the male cocked his head, slowly replying, "I don't mind, but...I dunno, do you want a drone to act as a guide or something? This ship is pretty big so-"

"Nope, we'll be fine! See you later, Siren guy~!"

And just like that the two subs ran off into the depths of the vessel, eagerly conversing where to start their exploration as Alexander just decided to let them be.

"Umm...apologies about stowing aboard, sir Curtis. We were just worried and, umm...yes. We'll be going to see our sisters now."

Offering Javelin a reassuring smile as Z23 and Ayanami joined her the young man responded, "Don't worry about it, you three. And however brief it's good to see you again, I'm sure Laffey will be happy to have you sticking close by."

Blushing at his calm words the destroyers hurried on, Z23 and Ayanami giving him strange looks over their shoulders but settling for nods regardless.

"Do you need to say anything to your sisters before we head down to engineering, Belfast? We're probably gonna be down in the construction bays for a while…"

Smiling at his concern the maid simply replied, "Have no worries, master Alexander. I can always telepathically communicate should I need to converse with any of my sisters."

A wry expression appeared on the Siren's features.

"Right. Sorry, I keep forgetting about that."

A light bit of laughter escaped the maid, startling Aurora and Hipper from where they stood nearby. When was the last time they had actually seen Belfast laugh?

"Do not fret, master. You need not apologize over harboring concerns for another. Were Prinz Eugen present she would no doubt continue to say that you are a schnuckiputzi of the highest order."

"Don't remind me, please. That still makes me cringe."

"On the contrary, I think you rather enjoy our favorite Ironblood's attentions."

Rolling his eyes and merely walking towards the repair bays of the Bakunawa Alexander responded, "Sure, whatever you say, Belfast."

Following in his wake the maid smiled happily at the interplay, Curtis listening to their footsteps echo throughout the ship...and paused as he heard three more than there should be.

"Umm...don't you three want to go with the others?"

Aurora dithered on the spot, clearly not sure how to answer as Hipper merely crossed her arms and cocked her hip.

"I've already professed my intent to not blindly trust you with my sister's lives, Siren. And that means watching you at all times, ensuring you do not attempt to pull anything funny or ill-intentioned!"

Giving the Ironblood a wry look Alexander merely shrugged his shoulders, Aurora sending an apologetic look his way that he accepted with a small nod.

"And you, I-13?"

The diminutive Sakura stared up at the male without so much as blinking, quickly asking, "Is it true you have a carrier launch deck?"

Caught off guard by the question Alexander awkwardly replied, "Umm, yes?"

The shipgirl's expression lit up, voice ecstatic as she espoused, "That's so cool! So you're kind of like a battleship-carrier-cruiser thing? Can I see where you keep your planes?"

Backing away a step at the small woman's enthusiastic advance Curtis quickly stated, "Yes, sure, no problem. We're headed there right now, you can-"

"Oh hoh, excellent~! Let's go, maybe I'll figure out how to fit Siren aircraft onto my vessel...the possibilities are endless!"

Hurrying forward on her tiny legs Alexander didn't really have to hurry to catch up, still a little thunderstruck by the shipgirl's unbridled enthusiasm, Belfast smirking at his discomfort while Aurora and Hipper just followed close behind with resigned expressions.

I-13's carrier obsession wasn't anything new to them.

"Oh, hey there, Alex! Been meaning to talk to you."

Finding Essex among the disassembled carcass of one of the drones that had been damaged during the initial battle at the Alaska coast, Alexander gave the area a brief glance to ensure no additional eyes were watching before heading on over, offering the Eagle Union carrier a smile as he asked, "Same, we barely got a chance to talk last time we met. Anything you need?"

The shipgirl grinned, motioning to the spread of mechanical parts located around the floor, jacket and shoes tossed over the edge of a rack of tools.

"Nope, all good. But we didn't get a chance to really speak that much beforehand, figured now was as good a time as any-"

"Whoooaahhh...are you building that motorcycle you always wanted too, Essex?"

I-13 darted around Alexander's side and immediately started glancing over the collection of parts and doodads, the Siren belatedly realizing that the Eagle Union shipgirl had indeed begun to construct an engine and frame for the bike out of the scavenged parts.

But he was understandably more interested in how Essex gave the Sakura sub an affectionate head rub, cheerily remarking, "Working on it, I-13. But forget that, how's my favorite little tinkerer doing?"

Squatting down next to the motorcycle the aqua-haired shipgirl happily responded, "Great! Alexander said he'd let me look around the airfield on the Bakunawa to my heart's content! Eh heh, I'm gonna start experimenting and see if I can start launching Siren ships in the future instead of the ones I have now~!"

Essex perked, turning to the bemused male before asking, "Wait, you can do that? Hey, if you're passing out upgrades across the board sign me up for the next wave of retrofitted planes!"

Motioning to the sight of Vampire and Kawakze's berthed destroyers - undergoing a hive of activity as drones upgraded or replaced systems while the human personnel of Azur Lane took notes and watched the process with rapt attention - Alexander replied, "I think the Commander has just that in mind. It'll take awhile to make those retrofits, bear in mind. Not to mention you'll have to undergo the change Warspite did to effectively use aforementioned tech."

Some of Essex's cheer dissipated into a sad smile, replying, "Yes, I heard...of course Enterprise would wish to be the one to lead the way, as she always has."

The carrier turned her attention to the sight of the hectic alteration process.

"Bakunawa, hmm? A powerful name, I thought we were just going to have to keep calling it 'ship' the whole time."

"Say thanks to Kawakaze, she was the one who recommended it."

Aurora and Hipper both released noises of disbelief, the Ironblood commenting, "It was Kawakaze who gave you that name?! How did you get her to say anything that wasn't telling us to act like good little robots?!"

Alexander shrugged, stating, "She's more lifelike than you seem to think. And she's got a good taste for names."

Essex got over her surprise, sheepishly scratching her head as she said, "Oh, heh, sorry I didn't say hi, Hipper, Aurora, Belfast."

The Royal Navy shipgirls took her apology in stride while the green-eyed girl grumbled, "Took you long enough to notice…" before releasing a tremendous sigh, continuing to stare at Alexander with blatant suspicion.

"How are you managing to convince so many of my sisters to behave so differently around you? You keep acting like you're not doing anything strange but then the opposite goes and happens!"

The male shrugged, unsure of how to respond-

-and tensed as I-13 grabbed onto his leg, cheerfully grinning as she stated, "It's because Alexander has the blood of carriers within him! Also he's really nice, unlike you, Hipper."

"W-what?! I'm perfectly nice, it's just that you're all dense and seemingly unaware of the danger he could pose to us!"

Releasing his leg and removing the sensation of lithe and warm body pressed up against his skin the sub continued to smirk at the heavy cruiser, teasing her with, "Aww, it's nice how you always try to look out for us even though you can't just come out and say it~!"

"Now look here you little horned imp-"

Deciding that it would be better to just leave them to it the male Siren turned his attention back to Essex, Belfast and Aurora.

"This is gonna go on for awhile, isn't it?"

"Unfortunately...I'm sorry about Hipper, Alexander. She means well but-"

Holding up a hand to forestall Aurora's words he calmly responded with, "It's not a big deal, Aurora. If anything I'm shocked more of you aren't responding much like Hipper. Not that I'm complaining."

Belfast smiled at the interplay, asking, "In that case why do I not go and retrieve tea for your enjoyment? I imagine you'll be out here for quite some time."

Essex grinned, cheerfully remarking, "Tea from you, head maid? Like I would ever turn that down."

"Sure, after last time's cup I'd be happy to have more."

Offering a submissive bow to Essex and Alexander's comments the Royal Navy shipgirl stated, "Then I shall be happy to provide. I will return shortly."

Departing with sure and confidant steps Alexander found his eye wander downwards to the sway of her hips even through the concealing material of her skirt-

-and resisted the urge to smack himself, unable to help the thoughts of the maid's words about 'sexual favors' rampaging through his brain.

In order to save face he turned to the project Essex was working on, asking, "So a motorcycle, huh?"

"Yup! Kinda always wanted to go on a road trip at some point in the future, see all of the continents and stuff like that. Doubt I'll ever get the chance, though."

Trying to remain positive in the face of the carrier's suddenly morose words Alexander stated, "Well who can say? I mean, I think everything happening right now means we'll have a better chance of survival and success in the future, right? Maybe you'll get that road trip once all is said and done, Essex."

Light purple locks swayed as the Eagle Union shipgirl gave the male a perplexed look, Curtis shifting as he wondered if he'd said something wrong...and soft laughter leaked past the carrier's lips, eyes alight with mirth as she mused, "It isn't too often we get someone as optimistic as you, Alexander."

"Thanks? Never knew I qualified as optimistic, but alright, I can deal with it."

The group sat down around the beginnings of the vehicle, watching Essex and I-13 get to work as they started to swap notes and opinions on how the thing should be created.

"Normally you need an exhaust for the internal combustion engine but Siren tech doesn't use those, it has a different kind of method for reducing heat waste and other products...maybe it doesn't have to look like a motorcycle?"

"But it still needs wheels, right? Otherwise it's some kind of, umm...hoverbike?"

"That might be interesting to build after this, actually...hmm, then why don't we-"

The young man found the two shipgirl's banter fairly soothing, a calming cadence of ideas and inspiration that had him letting his eyes droop as he leaned back against one of the metal walls, half of his mind wandering to the reconstruction process occurring not far off while the other stayed in the present.

"...wish I was as talented as the both of you in mechanical matters."

"Aww, don't be like that! I've seen your garden and it's really impressive!"

Returning to the current state of affairs Alexander found Auroroa wistfully staring at Essex and I-13 as they began carefully arranging parts for assembly onto the chassis, Essex soothingly stating, "I-13 is right, the ability to care for such a large patch of roses in a climate like this one is nothing short of miraculous."

The Royal Navy blonde smiled at their words but her eyes were sad, reply morose as she said, "Perhaps...but they are just flowers and can only do so much. They can't be used as weapons or to save lives, only symbolize what we've lost-"

"Aurora. Easy. And your garden doesn't need to be anything other than what it is, seeing it does more for morale around Azur Lane than you give yourself credit for."

The male Siren felt a strange sense of unease as he looked at Essex and Aurora, the pair's gazes distant and unfocused as the carrier murmured, "I mean, I only work on stuff like this to keep my mind off of-"

"Big sister Essex?"

The taller shipgirl snapped out of her daze at I-13's words, the diminutive Sakura tugging on her sleeve as the long-haired shipgirl violently shook her head, giving the sub an apologetic yet fragile smile as she assured her with, "I'm fine, I-13. C'mon, let's get back to work."

They did so but the calm of the moment had been broken, Alexander grimly recalling what the Commander had said about the status of the shipgirl's mental states.

Hipper was biting her lip and had her knees drawn up to her chest, emerald eyes worriedly flicking between the listless and distracted Aurora and Essex while I-13 kept sneaking glances towards her taller sister, unease clear to see.

"...Is giving them the tools to fight and win - while also firing off a few guns and launching a few planes myself - all I can really do? It doesn't feel like nearly enough."

Sitting in the corner and brooding for a few seconds the male Siren couldn't help but feel bitter about his current uselessness-

-and had a sudden stroke of inspiration.

"Hey, I-13. You said you wanted to see the aircraft deck, right?"

The turquoise-haired shipgirl tilted her head, eventually nodding after a moment of thought as he theatrically snapped his fingers, the hangar bay briefly rumbling as a few shouts of surprise echoed from the decks below...and a Siren interceptor swooped down from above, air buffeting the male and shipgirls as they gaped at the completely unprecedented showing of maneuverability as it came to a stop atop a column of pure thrust, I-13's eyes sparkling with manic glee at the sight, even Essex gaping at the sight.

"Can't quite go up to the deck itself...but what if I brought the deck to you?"

"Are...are you controlling it directly?!"

The ecstatic shout from the tiny sub could barely be heard over the hum of the engines, the rest of the shipgirls gaping at the display as the aircraft smoothly swung itself around into a docking birth, easily slotting into position before powering down as the Sakura looked like she was visibly holding herself back from rushing forward and inspecting every inch of the thing.

"How did it hover like that?! Most other Sirens have faster engines and no propellers, true, but that was…"

Essex's fascinated whisper caused Alexander to inwardly smile as he regained his feet, explaining, "Engine and fuel efficiency means it can afford to have near omni-directional thrust, sideslipping or hovering as needed...most Siren models you've encountered thus far are downgraded a bit in order to be mass produced, these are the true capabilities of the originals."

"That's...impressive."

Essex quickly abandoned the motorbike in favor of inspecting the cooling fighter craft, Alexander blinking as I-13 insistently butted her horned head against his leg, desperately asking, "Can I ride on your shoulders?! It's too high up for me!"

Realizing her short stature did indeed make inspection of the jet a bit tricky the male crouched low, the sub leaping onto his body and wrapping her legs around his neck...a position that left the young man trying valiantly to keep his cool, the exotic beauty of the shipgirl and her sinfully soft skin caressing his own causing him to have to focus on something other than feminine curves.

The sight of Aurora smiling at her sister's enthusiasm - even Hipper smirking for a moment before switching to her trademark scowl - was such a distraction, the young man grinning as he brought the squirming I-13 close enough so that she could run her fingers over the body of the sleek aircraft.

"Dunno how much of a difference it will make...but I suppose baby steps are the way to do it."

The riot of personalities the shipgirls have makes writing interactions between them a blast.

On a side note I recently posted a new story in the SAO/Overlord crossover section and it's probably the #1 story I've been most stoked to write, I'd greatly appreciate it if anyone who's interested gave it a look! Till next chapter!