Chapter 42: Renewed Hope (Part 1)

"Akashi, angrily staring at me isn't going to make things better."

Alexander met the silent, judgemental stare of a tiny cat girl kneeling atop his abdomen and couldn't help but feel like he was the one at risk.

"I already said I was sorry."

More silence.

"What was I supposed to do, not get beaten up by our sworn enemies when engaged in a running battle?"

"Jiiiiiiiii…"

"I know some Sakura and could you please stop giving me the silent treatment-"

THWAP!

Blinking as one of the shipgirl's sleeves smacked him across the face he was treated to the sight of Akashi with a peeved expression halfway between worry and frustration.

"You're supposed to get the armor beat up, not you, nya!"

A pointy, delicate finger in pristine condition that Alexander vaguely remembered wielding soldering irons, wrenches and other mechanical tools sometimes bigger than the cat herself stabbed into one of the mostly faded scars on his abdomen with clear intent, the Aloadae huffing out a breath.

"It was because of the armor that I'm here being lectured by you, Akashi. You did good work."

"Then stop getting all banged up! You're lucky I stole-"

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"-appropriated a bunch of medical stuff from the Bakunawa, otherwise you'd have to make due with staples and glue, nya!"

"...Thanks for being a thief?"

Much of the anger and annoyance faded, leaving behind only genuine concern and worry as Akashi curled up on top of him, murmuring, "When we felt you get so angry and upset...we didn't know what had happened. We were scared, nya."

Now feeling a whole lot worse than when the repair ship had been a mixture of concerned and irate the male huffed out a sigh, slowly sitting up from where he was lying atop of a simple cot in the depths of her vessel, hand gently ruffling her head and ears.

"Well that makes a whole bunch of us then. But at least we got something positive out of this mess. Purifier, Zero?"

The duo of Sirens strolled out from a side entrance where they had been taking up residence, Akashi instantly darting behind Alexander and hissing in agitation.

"Guess she still hasn't gotten used to them. Can't say I don't get why."

Purifier seemed highly amused by the hostile response, cheerfully waving before cooing, "And a good morning to you too, little kitty~!"

"Save it. We need to talk about shit, first and foremost Omega-1."

While that seemed to sober the mood real quick it didn't entirely do away with the pair of Siren's enthusiasm, Purifier languidly gesturing with her hand before exclaiming, "Yeah that's bad news and all but you finally figured out how to affect space-time!"

A wide, enthusiastic grin appeared on the woman's features.

"Guess you're one step closer to being like us, huh-"

"Shut up, we're in the middle of some serious shit here."

"What was that about altering space-time, nya?!"

Having not had a chance to explain what happened during his run through the tunnels Alexander abbreviated with, "Émile got killed during our escape, that's what caused me to flip out at first. But, well…"

He pointed to his back, where the Rigging was still embedded.

"I managed to turn things around and reverse time before saving her, at the cost of this latest addition to the cyborg frankenstein I'm quickly becoming."

The shipgirl's eyes dully stared with an unblinking gaze.

"What?"

"Never mind, I'll explain everything to you and your sisters once I clear things up with these two. Do you mind if you give us a minute? This is going to be difficult to explain if I don't start at the beginning."

Akashi glanced between him and the Sirens for a few moments before unleashing a tired huff, nodding in acceptance of the deal while stating, "Alright. But you have to tell us everything, nya!"

"You got a deal."

The minty kitty leapt to her feet, paused before giving a wary and suspicious glance at the Siren duo...and promptly placed a quick kiss on the Aloadae's cheek before scampering away with a satisfied blush on her feline features.

"Heh heh, well aren't those girls just adorable, hmm?"

Curtis gave the Purifier a nasty glare, mentally noting to never let her get within touching distance of any of the shipgirls, since she seemed so intent on molesting them.

"Drop it. What the hell is happening? Why the fuck are the original Sirens here, what the fuck was that weapon you used to destroy the gate, what the fuck is my Rigging doing to me now and what the fuck are we going to do about it?"

"You have many questions."

Zero's lazy words caused the man's eye to twitch in irritation, the Siren thankfully relenting a moment later as she explained, "In that order then. As for why the original Sirens are here the answer should be readily apparent. To finish what they started and conquer Earth for their own designs-"

"Oh for fuck's sake. Let me rephrase that, how are they here? I thought the planet was wrapped up in a ball of alternate reality bullshit that you controlled, what are they doing inside of it?"

Contemplative frowns appeared on both women, Purifier suggesting, "Kinda the big question, isn't it? Empress and the rest are also trying to figure that out, especially since they have a way to block our perceptions."

"We should remember that this power was originally stolen from the precursor Sirens, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that they know of ways to circumvent it. Although if this recent event is anything to judge by there are limits or restrictions to those workarounds, that gate seems to act as some kind of physical anchor that they need to employ."

The Aloadae sighed, rubbing his head in irritation at this latest and greatest hurdle to the already bumpy race track.

"And Oratorio? How long were you going to sit on that one?"

"Preferably until humanity could be entrusted to have passed our examinations. Oratorio - with the immediate threat having passed and Omega-1 readiness being rescinded - has stopped responding to our commands. It's a failsafe designed in the waning days of the first war that was never implemented."

Purifier shifted somewhat awkwardly, grumbling, "And the AI is super grumpy too."

"...Sorry, run that one by me again? The AI in charge of a giant fuck off satellite weapon is grumpy?"

"Not all machines were designed as thoroughly and attractively as we were."

Feeling his lips curl at the last bit Alexander nonetheless kept his cool, further inquiring, "And why is my Rigging apparently grafted onto my back now?"

To his eternal shock Zero actually seemed embarrassed, Purifier smirking as she teased, "Why don't you go ahead and ask her yourself?"

"Her?"

Having an extremely uncomfortable feeling about the way the Sirens before him were acting the male slowly asked, "Rigging? Why are you apparently attached to me now?"

[Implementation of local time-alteration required access to your neural network in order to effectively aid in computation of the myriad factors associated with the act.]

"Okay, fine, I get that traveling through time is a bit of an involved process. Why are you still attached to me?"

Glancing at a nearby bit of polished sheet metal he was treated to the sight of his back - which already had a line of metallic ports and such dotting it - now fully decked out in a raised and sprawling bit of electronics and other crap, the internal circuitry of his Rigging having fused with his flesh while the appendages and larger components had detached in order to form the familiar jellyfish shape floating off to the side.

[Separation of linked areas will be...difficult. Mandatory two week rest and recovery - as well as a similar period of complete inactivity and awareness - is necessary for safe removal of fused areas lest damage to local neural network is caused through hasty separation.]

"...So what you're saying is I'd need almost a month to get you out of me unless my nerves or brain get fucked up in the process. Wonderful."

He shot Zero and Purifier a glare, growling out, "And what's this ominous shit about Rigging being a her? Do I have another Siren hanging around aside from you two?"

Zero yet again ducked her head in that bewildering display of demure behavior so at odds with her usual bullshit, Purifier grinning wildly as he warily looked at the silently hovering Rigging. Sure, the thing spoke in a completely neutral tone of voice the whole time, but-

"Sister? You may reveal yourself, it would only be a matter of time now that he is connected to you so intimately."

[Understood.]

A brief flare of light and static across his vision-

-and a younger, undeniably Siren version of Zero appeared before him, garbed similarly to her 'older' sister as 'dreadlocks' of glowing metal trailed from her back, yet another unexpectedly shy and nervous expression on otherwise placid features.

[Greetings, Alexander. I am a VI and personal assistant type Siren, you may call me TB.]

"..."

[...]

"...What the fuck is this?"

Purifier cackled as Zero uneasily shifted her weight.

"A bit of naughty behavior on Zero's part~! TB was supposed to be destroyed alongside one of the failed timelines but - in a fit of failed programming on her part - she took pity on our little sissy here and carried her into future timelines."

The more boisterous Siren sneered at her awkward counterpart, remarking, "Just further proof that you were the first of us to really start falling apart at the seams. You even gave her a corporeal body, sister. How many of The Creator's safeguards did you circumnavigate with that one?"

"Wait, so there was both you and your sister's bodies aboard the Bakunawa? And why the fuck do you have a soft spot for her when you've been a cold hearted bitch thus far?"

TB nervously stirred from where she was digitally projected across his vision, the Rigging speaking for her and abandoning its inflectionless words in favor of a soft, monotone voice that was strangely endearing rather than off-putting.

[Observer Zero is the mind I am based off of. She is - to use local terms - more similar to my mother than my sister.]

"...Oh my god. Universe, start making sense please."

Ramming the heel of his palms into his eyes hard enough to cause starbursts he sighed, resignedly asking, "Fine, I'll bite. Why was she supposed to be destroyed in a failed timeline?"

To his surprise Purifier seemed almost grumpy at his question, TB averting her eyes while Zero slowly explained, "Operation Siren - as the Azur Lane of that reality called it - was one of the timelines that came closest to passing our tests and finally putting to rest our long mission. All of the various factions and nationalities pooled their resources and marched against our fortresses and strongholds, embarking on a do or die quest to purge us from the planet."

Purifier gestured to the still silent TB, casually stating, "Empress and Zero here also gifted TB to the humans as a means of additional support, a Siren AI that could interface and provide intelligence on our systems."

"So what the fuck happened? Unless you were running with current levels of technology against them it sounds like things should have gone alright, yeah?"

TB unleashed an almost imperceptible wince, Purifier huffing out an annoyed sigh as Zero explained, "The Azur Lane of that time had not undergone as much trial and loss as the one of this reality did. Their union, once success began to sink in, quickly fractured into competing opponents. When we initiated a counterattack it was a simple enough matter to reverse and then finish off what had once been a powerful and unbreakable alliance."

Alexander noted with a sort of morbid interest that TB seemed genuinely upset by the recollection, placid features drawn by sadness as he couldn't help but ask, "Why do you seem down about that, TB?"

[I...I enjoyed my time spent with Azur Lane.]

Thrown off by the blunt and quiet response Zero finished the tale with, "As a human component of that failed timeline TB was to be destroyed along with it. But-"

The most human expression he'd ever seen on the Siren - befuddlement and unease - accompanied a confused murmur of, "I saved and preserved her mind within my Rigging, setting aside a body for her use before the termination could be carried out."

"Okay. Why?"

"I...I don't know."

Completely at a loss of what to make of that statement Alexander sent a suspicious glare the virtually displayed Siren's way, TB seeming minutely worried by his scrutiny as Zero swiftly interjected with, "You may order and do with us as you please, I only ask that you not tender that same treatment to TB. She has always been a friend and ally to humanity in all iterations of-"

"Zero? Shut the hell up."

Feeling more grumpy and annoyed than he could remember being in a long time the Aloadae stared at the silent TB, eventually asking, "When you jacked into my nervous system, was that to help guide and control my attempt at time manipulation?"

[Yes. There are too many factors involved in the manipulation of time to be accounted for by a normal mind. You provide direction and an endpoint, I handle all necessary calculations involved with ensuring the journey is made seamlessly and smoothly.]

A tender silence quickly fell, Alexander lost in thought as the Sirens looked on for what gradually stretched into minutes...and the male released a tired, exhausted groan.

"I have newfound understanding for why Laffey drank herself into oblivion so often. This shit is a nightmare to deal with and I really wish I had a strong bit of manmade poison to wash it down with. Need to ask Eugen if she has any more jet fuel to share between us, I could use it."

"You know, I liked it much better when you were all manipulative, ice cold bitches that were a convenient tool and nothing else. Sort of like Purifier."

"Hey!"

Digging his fingers into his skull one last time Alexander forced himself to stand, approaching TB and coming to a stop once he towered over her.

"Well, looks like we're in this for the immediate and hopefully far off future. Good to be working with you, TB. You seem a hell of a lot more tolerable than the rest of your kind."

He reached out a hand for a shake, the tiny Siren blanky staring at it for a second...and the nearby Rigging reached out a tentacle, the male feeling like slapping himself for the obvious oversight.

"Forgot she doesn't have a physical body right now. Which is apparently still on the Bakunawa alongside who knows what else. I really need to sit down and explore my ship down to the last rivet, apparently I keep missing shit."

Awkwardly grasping the metallic appendage and carrying out the gesture he grit his teeth as a small, adorable smile graced TB's features.

He had more important garbage to focus on than weirdly endearing computers.

"Alright, most important and pertinent question to focus on right now. What exactly is our plan moving forward? The war or experiment or whatever is on hold until we've confirmed that the original Sirens aren't going to come kicking down our door at any point, right?"

"While we shall have to confirm such a decision with Empress I believe that the war shall proceed as it was in short order, no change to the scenario made."

"...WHAT?! Are you fucking with me right now?!"

He barely noticed TB make herself scarce at his enraged roar, Purifier meeting his fury with an unimpressed look as she retorted, "What? You think humanity of the future was united against our progenitors from the very get go? A two front war is nothing new, if anything this is an extra bonus to the scenario that will truly test your limits and capabilities."

Zero offered a simple nod in agreement, adding, "Rest assured that we shall keep a careful eye out for any potential signs of Siren interference in this timeline and will cooperate as necessary."

Curtis felt his hands curl into fists, hissing, "We're under the very real threat of complete extinction and you want to keep this war going? Continue to cripple each side so that when they come back we're even less equipped to take them on? I thought you said you only had a few tries left before you ran out of enough energy to power these scenarios, why take the risk?"

"Allow me to correct the latter part of your statement. This is the last opportunity we shall have to carry out an experiment of this magnitude."

Alexander paused, warily clarifying, "But...you said that you-"

"And we told no lie. But circumstances have changed."

Purifier languidly shrugged, stating, "There's been way too many unique happenings in this timeline, never mind that the original Sirens have shown up. For better or for worse, big guy, this is do or die. No redos and no resets."

The Aloadae ground his teeth, frustrated beyond words at what they were abruptly springing on him...and strode from the room without a backwards glance before he lost his temper again. He didn't particularly feel like letting TB see him throttle her progenitor again-

"Oh for FUCK'S SAKE. Since when the fuck did I care about what a Siren feels?"

[The...sentiment is appreciated, master.]

Jolting at the AI's sudden interruption he exhaled in irritation, deciding that pretending the problem didn't exist was the best solution for now.

He needed to find the rest of his shipgirls and explain things to them and then track down the rest of the crowd before they decided he was some kind of witch and burn him at the stake.

"Never a dull moment in this outfit…"

"So they're basically worthless, nya?"

"Worthless? No. Useless? I would say yes."

"The distinction betwixt the two is unfortunately lost upon me."

Grunting at Vampire's half-joking words Alexander grumbled back, "That makes two of us. Jesus this is a nightmare to get a handle on…"

"So we are to deal with this newfound Siren emergence on our own?"

Meeting Kawakaze's resolute question with a grimace the Aloadae replied, "I'm not entirely certain, to be honest with you. It sounds like they're going to be working to track down any further hideouts that might be within the polar regions, but..."

A heavy sigh escaped his lungs.

"We need to sit down and talk to The Commander about this. There might be a way to locate these bases since they cause signal interference when a drone or something flies overhead. TB, if we find something and relay it back to the rest of your group what's the odds they'll act on it?"

"TB?"

Grimacing as he realized he completely overlooked that particular detail Alexander tiredly ordered, "TB, might as well introduce yourself to everyone. It's gonna have to happen sooner or later."

[Understood, master.]

The nearby Rigging raised a tentacle and released a column of shifting light, showcasing the tiny Siren as the shipgirl's reaction was immediate and visceral, Kawakaze almost unsheathing a sword before the Aloadae reassured them with, "Relax. The other two can go die in a fire but TB was designed to always be on the side of humanity."

Quickly nodding in agreement the VI added, [I'm eager to work with all of you again, HMS Vampire, IJN I-13, Akashi and Kawakaze.]

Confused looks were the predominant response until Alexander quickly added, "She was originally created in another timeline and helped coordinate a massive allied offensive, no doubt worked with all of you at one point or another."

"Truly?"

Vampire looked more intrigued than she did unsettled at the revelation, asking, "What is mine favorite color for nights in which I seek to seduce-"

[Raven, 90% lace and 10% solid fabric that - to borrow your words, HMS Vampire - rides up enticingly.]

The destroyer giggled, cheerfully stating, "She does remember me~!"

Kawakaze cocked her head, pensively musing, "Humanity of that timeline accepted a Siren's aid?"

[The circumstances of my reality were much different than this one. There, the Sirens didn't launch an all out offensive after the Orochi and weather control incidents, merely fortifying and patrolling the seas. General perception of my kind was much less extreme than it is now.]

Akashi flapped a sleeve, enthusiastically asking, "So if you turn out really trustworthy and useful could we make more of you, nya?"

TB appeared more than a little dismayed by the question, hesitantly replying, [That...is unknown. I was created by careful replication and cultivation from Observer Zero's programming, further copying would be-]

"Look, as intriguing as the prospect is we have no shortage of projects that need following up on, AI creation is going to have to wait alongside a hundred other things. And we already have TB, there's no need to work towards a goal we already have a working model in."

"Ugh, fine…"

Appearing grateful for his deflection of the subject TB added, [As for whether the rest of the Sirens will take action against any of their originators strongholds...I believe that - if they are of sufficient threat - a temporary truce or alliance will be struck. But it may very well be the case that we are expected to deal with it on our own.]

"Fan-fucking-tastic."

The group fell silent for a few minutes, lost in thought as they tried to think of any plans or contingencies for the latest paradigm shift to slap them in the face, Alexander staring out over the fleet as his attention wandered.

They had managed to escape the destruction of the Siren base with minimal damage that Akashi had repaired in short order, now making best speed towards Azur lane with the shipgirls running a defensive formation around the civilian vessels as they had every possible bit of surveillance equipment working overtime, not in any condition for a fight after their harrowing retreat.

"I can't tell if the mood is subdued or jovial, these people have been through some rough times."

Akashi's ship had mostly been used to store raw materials and such instead of people - a repair ship wasn't exactly geared towards domestic living even by military standards, making it perfect for him to hide out on - which allowed him the opportunity to watch the other vessels with impunity.

People casting fishing nets over the edge of the hulks, carefully doling out limited supplies that would ideally tide them over for the remainder of the voyage, kneeling in prayer as Jeanne lead services, a group of teens and children watching Chao Ho and Ying Swei perform a dance while Sovetskaya Rossiya and Jean Bart met with Admiral Kirill aboard the Parliament battleship, quietly and efficiently going over a map while the rest of the shipgirls went about their own personal business or duties.

...It was a sight that filled him with both mild unease but mostly intense pride. The former because these people were especially wary of anything to do with Sirens and the latter because he could finally feel like he'd started undoing some of his past mistakes, bringing more of humanity's heroes back into the fold.

[Master, shipgirls on approach.]

"What?"

Snapping out of his wandering thoughts he resisted the urge to wince as surveillance revealed that, yes, all of the shipgirls they'd regrouped with were skating towards Akashi's vessel, the admiral being pulled along in lifeboat by Jeanne.

"Oh shit."

"What seems to be the-oh."

Vampire noticed her approaching sisters as I-13 hummed in thought, remarking, "How much do you want to bet they're going to grill Alexander?"

"I don't take sucker bets, nya."

Sighing in resignation the Aloadae said, "Well, might as well bite the bullet. Better we reassure them now instead of having the rest of this trip be a slow burn of animosity and uncertainty."

The Sakura sub crossed her arms, one bare foot tapping the deck as she complained, "Why are they still so suspicious of you? You helped one of their own and did all sorts of other cool stuff that even a carrier would be hard pressed to match!"

Warmed at the showing of support from the shipgirl he explained, "You all have been with me basically from the start and are mentally connected on a pretty intimate level. They aren't and have been living life on the lamb, give em' time."

Kawakaze nodded in agreement...before nonetheless sidling next to his flank where they were perched atop a collection of crates and boxes as improvised seating, Alexander's lips quirking at the protective gesture before briefly stroking her ears in gratitude.

The arriving group didn't waste time, climbing aboard the repair ship and walking towards them with a split in expressions.

Émile Bertin, Jeanne d'Arc and Ying Swei were all cheer and smiles, clearly willing to overlook the clear and present strangeness that his Siren features and massive body posed, his actions no doubt helping that impression a great deal.

Le Malin, Tashkent, I-25 and I-26 were fairly neutral in their disposition, cautiously eyeing him but not to the point of suspicion.

Jean Bart, Chao Ho, Sovetskaya and Kirill? They were clearly the tough crowd of the group, not even bothering to hide their warniness and distrust, despite everything that had happened. Or perhaps because of it.

"Monsieur Alexander, it is simply wonderful to see you in good health~!"

And he was left flatfooted as Émile bounded forward with a sunny smile, placing two kisses on either side of his face in the Iris and Vichya fashion before pulling away with a brilliant pout.

"You vanished into the depths of little Akashi's ship and said not a word despite your grievous injuries, do you not consider it a little rude to leave a lady in such anticipation?"

"You don't seem in too bad a shape yourself, you know."

His attempt at deflection was met with a twirl and pirouette, lithe body perfectly poised atop a bladed heel and dress repaired to pristine condition alongside her skin as bright blue eyes beamed with honest happiness.

"A few nicks and scratches, nothing a pleasant respite couldn't fix~!"

"More than a few nicks and scratches, but not like I'm going to bring that up."

"As endearing as it is to watch you cavort with a possible enemy, Émile, that's not why we're here."

Jean Bart's dry comment predictably raised his group's hackles, Vampire sharply asking, "Oh? Pray tell, what action on Alexander's part resembles that of our enemy? Mayhap the one that saved several of your own and led to the destruction of the 'enemy' base?"

The Vichya shipgirl didn't back down, motioning to the fleet and ship they were standing upon.

"And you think this doesn't look suspicious? These are weapons and technologies that only the most advanced of Siren warships make use of, never mind that 'Alexander' looks exactly like our foe."

I-13 drew herself up to her full and admittedly not very intimidating height, boldly proclaiming, "So what if he looks like a Siren? Actions speak louder than words and he's an Aloadae, not a Siren."

The male inwardly winced, knowing that - despite her best intentions - simply changing the label wasn't going to convince anyone, probably just make the situation worse.

Sure enough Sovetskaya coldly remarked, "You can call him whatever you like, simply changing the noise assigned doesn't alter what it does."

"Yikes, I knew Parliament girls can be chilly but that's bordering on frozen."

"You think Alexander is working with the enemy? Even after we arrived to aid you?"

The male felt hairs raise on the back of his neck as Kawakaze's low, dangerously neutral inquiry only went further south as Chao Ho sniped, "Aid that was only needed after you showed up and started the whole damn process!"

Émile's lips swiftly turned into a fierce frown, hurriedly adding, "That isn't the case and it was our-"

"I've been fooled by the Siren's once...it's just like them to offer a deal and turn it into a rotten betrayal at the right moment. Or have you forgotten the Orochi?"

Alexander paused, picking up on the flash of genuine anger and hurt in Jean's eyes as well as the wariness and discomfort of the rest of the shipgirls as they watched things swiftly spiral out of control, realizing that his own hurt and unease was no excuse to just sit this one out.

He'd forgotten that this was the natural and perfectly justified reaction any sensible person would have to all of this, despite all the good he'd done in the short time they'd met. And Bart had clearly gone through some serious shit that matched with what little he knew of what happened to the Vichya and Iris during the eighth year of the war. Their dual factions had called a truce, retreating to their stronghold Basilica in order to regroup and come up with a plan...only for the alliance to mysteriously collapse in less than two weeks as all had been assumed lost in the following bloodbath.

"Wonderful. Why me?"

He quickly reached out a placed a hand on I-13's slim shoulder, sending a mental prod her sister's way as the blue-haired Sakura stiffened, realizing that her fellow subs were on the verge of a panic attack, caught between conflicting loyalties and experience as their rabbit appendages wilted or ruffled with blatant agitation.

The rest of the group wasn't much better off, what with Le Malin and Tashkent also nervous and fidgety about the swift breakdown of what was supposedly a wonderful reunion while Émile, Jeanne and Ying Swei didn't seem all that happy with their sister's attitudes as the belligerent trio didn't look as if they were going to budge come hell or high water.

Only Admiral Kirill seemed to be keeping his cards close to the chest, silently gazing around at the unfolding tableau as the Aloadae took a deep breath, rising to his feet and having to fight back a wince as most present aside from his companions tensed upon viewing his full height yet again. It had been easy to blame his stature on the armor he was wearing when they first met but now, when all he had on was simple pants and shirt?

He'd gotten used to not being imposing.

"Shit. And here all I'd wanted to do was convey earnestness instead of lounging around."

"What's your take on this, Admiral?"

The man didn't so much as hesitate before asking, "What's the status of Azur Lane? Of the rest of the world? As you may have heard, communications in this area have been...sporadic."

Glad to see they were on a subject that was less contentious in nature Alexander summarized with, "Azur Lane is currently the darling of the world after we took down a Siren armada and is in the process of a large-scale industrial makeover focused on mass-producing a lot of the weaponry and stuff you see here. The Commander alongside Admiral Elias and Harrison are also coordinating an expedited refitting of our more standard armed forces to match with current technological upheavals as well as accelerated training programs. The rest of the world?"

He paused, deciding to omit the fact that he was the one who was currently providing all of the discoveries and such, seeing as how the current crowd was a tough one.

"As for the Settlements and everything else? Looking up ever since they also got a bunch of tech that helps in food production, water purification and elimination of disease. In fact as we speak the Sakura Empire is being assaulted and retaken by Enterprise, Essex, Prinz Eugen, Warspite and Belfast with Nagato and Elizabeth at Azur Lane ready to provide support as needed, a few standard naval elements also getting in on the action."

Jeanne's eyes widened as she swiftly clarified, "So few? But retaking an entire nation with such a small force is-"

"We have been rather thoroughly upgraded, as your sister so keenly pointed out earlier."

Vampire drew herself up with pride.

"We have engaged Siren fleets many times our size and won quite handily, rather than the brutal trading of blows and losses experienced before."

Interest sprung to life along the faces of the gathered shipgirls, Ying Swei cheerfully remarking, "How splendid! If that truly is the extent of your power then it would be a simple matter to assault the Siren bases. What of the rest of our sisters?"

A tender moment of silence passed, Kawakaze quietly saying, "There are no more sisters. We're all that's left."

Intrigue was predictably replaced by dawning horror, even the Admiral going pale.

"W-wait...you mean everyone is dead?"

Tashkent's horrified whisper was met with a grim nod by Alexander, I-26 stammering, "B-but that means there's only, like, twenty or so of us!"

The Aloadae shrugged, responding, "Why do you think we came all the way out here when these four should ideally be supporting their sisters in the siege? We had to take the risk, needed reinforcements."

Le Malin's beautiful eyes blankly stared out over the sea, soft voice almost inaudible as she murmured, "We didn't know it was this bad…"

Trying to alleviate the mood somewhat Akashi announced, "It's not all bad, nya! We can upgrade all of you the same way we did us and that'll be a big help! And the Sirens took a big hit during that armada battle we were talking about!"

Regaining some of their calm and composure the unenhanced shipgirls gave them curious glances, Jean Bart asking, "Well just how big was this armada, then? You're making it sound as if they lost countless vessels."

"Mmm, I think it was around 750 of them? Give or take a few."

"750?!"

I-13's nonchalant recalling of their numbers caused no shortage of disbelief and alarm among their companions, even Sovetskaya and Kirill seeming shocked at the reveal.

"How did you win against that many?"

I-25's awed question left Alexander grimacing, his reply grim.

"Expensively."

That sobered up the mood as he released a tired sigh, facing the three biggest opponents of his before requesting, "I know this is strange and suspicious as well as a fair bit surreal...but can you at least give me the benefit of the doubt until we get to Azur Lane? I promise I'll stick to Akashi's ship and stay out of everyone's way, the Commander will be able to fill you in on everything you could possibly need to know once we arrive."

To his relief the request was met with no further protest, Sovetskaya even inclining her head before gruffly stating, "We mean no offense to your character or past actions, but times are…"

"Difficult. No offense taken, hopefully we'll have a chance to talk under more amicable circumstances."

Crimson eyes softened for the briefest of moments in a tired manner before yet again turning hard as ice, the Parliament shipgirl settling for a silent nod as Jean Bart's lip curled...and gave a jerk of her head as Le Malin looked to her for any signs of direction, Chao Ho appearing fairly sheepish as her sister gave the Empery cruiser an expectant stare.

"You've got yourself a deal. Guess I shouldn't be all that surprised that the old fossil and those two are still kicking."

Kirill's gruffly amused recollection coincided with him, Jean Bart, the Empery shipgirls and Jeanne d'Arc departing for their respective duties...leaving Alexander to blankly stare at everyone else as they stuck around, hesitantly asking, "Umm...what's the issue?"

"Issue? Monsieur, we have shared hardly so much as a single conversation not fraught with danger!"

Émile quickly invaded his personal space, snatching up his hand between hers as he blinked in surprise, sensing no shortage of amusement at his flat-footed response from his companions.

"You surely must have tales to tell, stories to impart!"

The blindingly friendly display was matched only by the Libre woman's beaming expression, the other shipgirls also cautiously closing in as I-26 added, "Yeah, sis can't stop talking about how you're the second coolest thing to carriers."

Tashkent tilted her head, Sovetskaya also maintaining an aura of distant curiosity as the destroyer inquired, "Were you always like this? Or were you made?"

Resigning himself to a lot of questions Alexander nonetheless settled in for a long conversation that he was in all honesty happy to answer, to maybe do away with the worry and mistrust that was all too easy to understand.

"Vampire said you've been having sex with all of our sisters. Are you a pimp?"

He sent Tashkent a dull look at her equally blunt question, Sovetskaya slapping a palm over her face while Émile, Le Malin and the sub sisters blushed scarlet.

"Why did I think they were going to ask something normal?"