"One malt beer, one mojito, one malt whiskey and three lunch specials."
"That's the one, Arvita, thanks a ton, doll~!"
Empress paused as an already inebriated serviceman gave her an assumedly friendly slap on the posterior, the disguised Neo Siren pausing as the man's two friends blinked, obviously wondering what her thought on that would be as Empress considered the appropriate response.
On the one hand she could just ignore it - she certainly couldn't care less about the gesture - but she was supposed to be blending in with a darker skin tone and Human mannerisms. Going through her downloaded information provided by the Observers and Compilers she inwardly nodded, recognizing the action as a friendly one and that Humans often reciprocated gestures they found enjoyable, to build bonds.
She promptly rose the man to his feet and landed a sharp smack to his rear as well, briefly smiling as she had successfully navigated another encounter.
…At least until she noticed the bar and grill was entirely silent and staring at her, features blank and brows raised as Empress considered the fact that maybe she had miscalculated somewhere-
-and raucous laughter broke out, revelry and jeers filling the establishment as Empress heard more than a few choice comments.
"Guess we know who prefers being on the bottom, eh?"
"Got a mommy fetish, huh? We know you were a naughty kid and got a few whallops, Taylor!"
"Different kind of slapping noise in the bedroom than what we thought, right boys?"
The young man in question just stonily sat in his seat, looking for all the world like he wanted to sink into the floor as Empress decided it was best for 'Arvita' to take their order to the back and reflect on yet another mistake she had made in adopting a Human guise.
She studiously ignored the knowing smirk from Chicago and sympathetic one from Observer Beta as they manned the counter, the Shipgirl obviously not considering her a comrade of any sorts as she stiffly handed the order to a cook in the back, the middle-aged native woman shaking her head in clear matronly amusement.
Empress decided it was time to take a break, stalking out the back door and firmly seating herself on a nearby bench, trying to contain her frustration at being frustrated…and almost ripped off the damnable clothes she was wearing in irritation.
A loose fitting top with wavy jacket, long skirt and leggings. By no means restrictive but compared to what she was used to wearing it was downright suffocating.
Why, in the Creator's name, did Humans insist on adorning so many layers?
"Empress? Do you require additional downloads for further context?"
The Neo Siren barely restrained herself from snapping at her kin, instead taking a calming breath - to little effect - as she replied, "They seem to have had little effect in aiding with integration into Azur Lane."
She gave the other Neo Siren a glare that was almost accusatory.
"Not that it seems to have affected your position in any tangible form."
Beta looked as if she was formulating a response for a few seconds before slowly replying, "I've had considerably more time to take note of various Human interactions and how they are meant to be navigated. And it still took no shortage of time before Chicago was able to be on speaking terms with me. Observation also suggests she is one of the more easygoing Shipgirls, integration will merely take time, Empress, as that was not your primary responsibility."
"...Time. Something we now have in abundance."
"Precisely. If you do not require my presence anymore, Empress-"
"You may return to your duties."
The authoritative words felt less like true commands and more a formality, Empress staring at the drifting clouds, crashing waves and bustle of activity from the small perch the bar and grill was located on, wondering why she found the idea of a surplus of time so…disquieting.
Perhaps it was the lack of purpose or competence freezing her drive and decision-making, causing her to stumble and hesitate. She was an Arbiter, yet she couldn't navigate her way through a simple process of interacting in a diner? How was Observer Zero's suggestion of lending aid to Alexander in an advisory capacity meant to be anything other than a dismal failure in the making?
This time she let loose an audible sigh, staring up at the sky.
She now understood a bit of why Humanity held firm the belief that peace was more complicated than war.
…Akagi wasn't sure when she had ever experienced a sensation such as this. Despair? On occasion, when the consequences of her actions or reality of their world had reared its ugly head. Fury? More common but rarely in such an ugly fashion, certainly not a corrosive, festering and incurable anger that threatened to spill forth like a cancerous tide. Anxiety? Well that was a given, even the most bloodthirsty and battle-hungry of their kin were not immune to the chill and anticipation of imminent death or injury, she was no exception.
But this? A gnawing, pervasive and utterly crushing feeling of helplessness, an inability to stop the irresistible avalanche that rolled her direction?
She hated it. And she hated the source of that feeling even more. Hated how he talked, hated how he lead, hated how everyone but her seemed to hang on his every damned word-
"No! Did you really do that?!"
"Cross my heart and hope to die, Helena. See, stuff on cargo ships is numbered from the middle outwards and since our boss of the time was - if any Iris present will pardon my French - a real piece of shit we decided to give him an aneurysm for his birthday. We got ahold of some cheap paint that washes off in basically any kind of moist environment and renumbered all the containers we could get our hands on, noting what their original designations were and doing business as usual."
Z46 nodded along with the tale in rapt attention, the Ironblood Destroyer seated in front of the Commander's desk along with Helena, Kiev and Maestrale right alongside her during their lunch break.
"Organization and infrastructure sabotage on such a massive scale would naturally lead to great consternation on the part of management…how devious."
Kiev attentively dipped her head, adding, "And to ensure that operations could be resumed at any moment if need be…that was very thoughtful of you and your companions, Commander."
Maestrale - the timid teacher's pet that she was - hesitantly raised her hand, clarifying, "You did eventually tell him about the mixup though, right?"
"Of course."
A savage, malevolent smile adorned the man's lips.
"After four hours of a complete meltdown and panic attack."
Akagi felt her fingers tighten around her carefully crafted and prepared bento courtesy of Amagi, the laughter and gasps from the rest of the command staff grating on her ears.
How were they so charmed by a plebian's backwater tales? Where was the gravitas and pedigree of the Commander they once cherished so, whose career was one of distinguishment and achievement? What had this fool accomplished that no other who had been given the gifts he'd received couldn't?
"Akagi? Your hands are shaking."
The Carrier glanced to the side, finding not worry or sympathy from Shoukaku but suspicion as she smoothly replied, "It must be your imagination," before getting back to her meal, fighting back the black rage that surged within her breast as she saw none other than Bismarck - the indomitable, steel-faced example of the Ironblood - crack a rare smile at the ongoing story as Alexander continued with, "So after he was just about to completely lose it and having complained to his superiors about our screw up the heavens open wide, a nice drizzle washing away the evidence of our deception and leaving the reality of the situation for his viewing pleasure, each and every one of us swearing on our lives that we have no idea what he was on about."
A pleased, hedonistic smirk adorned the Aloadae's lips.
"Best chewing out he ever received, alongside a mandatory trip to the doc's for mental evaluation."
"I don't think it's my imagination, Akagi. The box is bending."
"Nonsense, you should return to your own meal."
"Of course they didn't find anything wrong with him so he got an extra layer of chastisement for what was perceived to be his own mistake in improperly identifying the crates and holding up the process. He was out of our hair within a month."
"It seems your temper hasn't improved any, if such fare causes you such agitation."
"A bit out of the blue but have you made any headway on that dissertation regarding the importance of cross-faction trading and shipping? The sooner we can convince everyone that self-sufficiency and a lack of maritime access is no longer an issue the better we can start mass mobilization of-"
"And why do you not write the infernal paper yourself, Commander? Because you would rather regale us pretty little paramours with tales of your childish escapades and pranks? Clearly you're paying proper homage and respect to the station you now hold, the gravitas of what it means and who once held it."
The room went deathly silent, only Shoukaku's furious whisper of, "Akagi, be silent!" going unheeded as Alexander neutrally replied, "It sounds as if you have an opinion or two on the matter, Akagi."
"An opinion?"
The Carrier was barely aware of rising to her feet, of her tails bristling like angry thunderclouds as the floodgates had been thrown wide open, spite and hurt guiding her every word and action.
"I served with The Commander - the true one - for years. And when I compare the two of you I find myself wondering how such a foolish and unprofessional buffoon gained even the slightest iota of respect from my sisters."
Memories rose unbidden, the Carrier's fingers digging into her palms as she remembered the many times she had found The Commander asleep at his desk, piles of documents and plans in front of him, always trying to take the time out of his impossible schedule to speak with or reassure her, placing faith in the traitorous and scheming Akagi to make proper decisions for the greater good.
And now? Now that once monolithic moniker was held by a simple peon who would while away the hours regaling others of his idiotic adventures as a menial peasant, fucking and fornicating while the world changed at unguessable speed.
"You truly have no respect for what came before, do you? You occupy that chair and treat the title of 'Commander' as if it was a day job, performing ridiculous stunts and publicity parades to stroke your own ego."
Fire leapt at the edges of her body, rage and indignation made manifest.
"In my opinion, Curtis, it is not you who should have survived to lead Azur Lane as the new Commander."
If the silence before had been deafening before it was positively crushing now, only the labored breathing of Akagi and light crackling of her flames to fill the void, her eyes boring into Alexander's own as his expression had wiped itself clean of any emotion, the mental bond silent as she had kept herself closed off ever since the shard had been planted within her flesh.
"...Your opinion has been noted, Akagi. And if you find yourself so at odds with his command why do you not excuse yourself for the day, rather than disrupt everyone else's work?"
The Carrier rounded on Bismarck, teeth locked in a snarl at her interruption-
"My apologies, that sounded like a request. It wasn't."
-and she stilled, the ice blue gaze that met her own brooking no argument despite the Ironblood's features being no more expressive than Alexander's.
She had seen enough losing battles to know when a fight was hopeless.
"A splendid idea, Bismarck. I shall take over her duties for the day and ideally the future."
While Akagi didn't outwardly do more than favor Shoukaku with a dismissive scoff she couldn't help but inwardly recoil at the sheer hatred the Carrier's voice contained, sensing that her actions today, no matter how gratifying, had caused an unavoidable rift. She didn't look back as she swept out of the office.
"...Permission to speak freely, Commander?"
"Granted."
"You shouldn't have let matters devolve to this extent. And I should not have had to step in."
Bismarck's blunt and mildly accusatory words caused Alexander to sigh, letting his eyes drift closed as he let the rightful criticism land with the force it warranted.
The Ironblood was spot on, he should have shut Akagi down the moment he saw her getting riled up, all the stress and resentment he knew she carried within her bubbling to the surface…and he'd instead let it all out on the assumption that it would make her feel better, solve the root problem.
Except now he was sitting in front of a couple shivering Destroyers who had done nothing but diligently and impeccably carry out their duties, terrified by the oppressive atmosphere as the rest of his command staff awkwardly or downright uncomfortably tried to pretend they were still working, the charged atmosphere lingering like a bad smell…even the normally unflappable and composed Shoukaku was doing a poor job of mimicking productive work, having to delete and then retype every other couple letters her hands were shaking so badly with barely contained fury.
"Well…I fucked up."
Releasing a resigned sigh that sounded deathfully loud in the abrupt silence of the silent command room Bismarck tiredly inquired, "Commander? If you would-"
"Everyone take an hour off. And yes, that's an order, no, I'm not mad or upset with any of you. Be ready to work when you get back."
While there was no shortage of uncomfortable and downright anxious expressions shared among the room the Shipgirls nonetheless began tidying up their workstations and leaving one by one, the maids predictably hesitating until he waved them off until it was just him and Bismarck.
…And a painfully awkward silence until the Ironblood woman carefully removed her cap and set it on her desk, striding to his own before taking one of the chairs as they met each other's gazes.
"Allow me to reiterate, Commander…you navigated that nearly as poorly as possible."
"Yeah, so I noticed."
A frustrated sigh left the Aloadae, hand running through his hair as he dourly stared at the half-eaten sandwich prepared by Hermione, fresh bread, meat and vegetables now facing down the tragic fate of having an owner without much of an appetite.
"I'd heard from Shoukaku and Nagato that Akagi could be a handful and was none too pleased with me assuming the Commander's mantle…but I was hoping that she'd come around to a more positive point of view, or at least keep her frustrations private between the two of us."
"Why was she even included among the command staff? While her cunning and intelligence is well suited to the task her temperament and resentment of you should have put to rest any possibility of being included. Lady Nagato is no fool, she would not have approved of such a charged and powderkeg state of affairs."
Ruefully smiling Alexander said, "She wouldn't. I was the one who decided to keep her on once it became obvious there was bad blood between us."
"...Dare I ask why?"
"He who speaks only to those who believe in his authority soon finds himself out of it."
Bismarck raised a brow, musing, "An apt saying. Where did you hear it from?"
"The same guy we made quit due to reasons of insanity."
Bismarck's expression so swiftly turned into one of unimpressed exasperation that Alexander couldn't help but smile, adding, "The guy was the living definition of do as I say, not as I do."
"I will have to take your word for it. But I would like to point out that in attempting to retain your position as the leader of Azur Lane by not directing those who already agree with you we now find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of one of your detractors openly challenging you and walking away unscathed after others took over."
Mood once more souring the Aloadae nodded in begrudging agreement, idly stating, "And just like that, yet another plan blows up in my face."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, grunting out, "While I doubt they hold opinions as strong as Akagi's there remains the question of just how many other Shipgirls hold similar resentment or uncertainty. There's hundreds of you and outside of those I fought with in the war and the command staff I rarely have a chance to sit down and speak with any of your kin. Can't help but wonder if this is a sign of things to come, you know?"
Bismarck hesitated, eventually speaking up with a firm and absolutely certain tone of voice.
"Commander Curtis, in all my years of being her closest confidant and source of many headaches - and I would politely request you never breath of word of what I'm about to say to her - Tirpitz has been called a great many things, a sad few of them even remotely flattering. Steelcunt, Ice Queen, the Northern Chill-"
"Wait, seriously? I mean sure, she's a little frosty at first but I'm pretty sure you don't have to dig all that deep to find a warm and caring lady."
A small smile tilted at the Ironblood's lips.
"And that is what's so intriguing, Commander."
"How so?"
"Because in the short time you fought together you left such an impression upon my sister that she has been one of your most ardent supporters ever since our kin have been returned to us. And that is a feat unprecedented."
"...Okay, as much as I appreciate the pep talk and genuinely heartwarming words I don't see what that has to do with current circumstances."
Appearing as if she wanted to do nothing more than roll her eyes Bismarck nonetheless kept her patience, stating, "You worry that others hold similar opinions to Akagi, that this is the start of a potential schism. I would argue that it is an amazing opportunity, provided you are able to capitalize."
"We're wearing very differently tinted glasses."
This time the Ironblood didn't bother hiding her exasperation, bluntly stating, "Commander Curtis, you are venerated by not only us Shipgirls but a fair few Human factions and organizations. If you are able to defuse and reconcile with the few outliers such as Akagi then your standing with these various personalities and cults will be all but set in stone."
The Aloadae blinked, finding himself at something of a loss for words as the pair stared each other down.
"...Isn't venerated a bit of a strong word?"
"I believe there's a convincing argument to be made that it is too simple and unimpressive. Commander, allow me to briefly summarize - as no doubt many others have done - your feats."
A single gloved finger pointedly tapped his desk.
"You rose from a position of suspicion and doubt to one of trusted confident and ally despite both your humble origins and adversarial circumstances. You provided a technological windfall and capacity for advancement that was desperately needed, allowing both Azur Lane and the wider world to begin fighting on more even terms. You brought about a new world order that might just be capable of bringing a lasting peace to all of our various nationalities due to a common foe. And you brought back those we had long thought dead, performing what could only be described as a miracle."
An upraised palm was presented as if to highlight the concept presented.
"You have been sequestered within this office for understandable reasons, but the legend that both purposefully and artificially has spread around you has not abated in the slightest. Your worry of only speaking to a select few of our kin on a regular basis has furthered along this perception, elevating you to almost mythological status as the distant titan that brought about fire to the world."
"..."
"..."
"...Okay, that's blowing what I actually did way out of proportion. Don't suppose Tirpitz shared the part where I was having emotional breakdowns every other week, did she?"
"Most legends tell better than they lived."
Releasing a long suffering sigh Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose, Bismarck more gently concluding, "It won't be easy, but if you manage to soothe Akagi's rage and put to rest any specter of doubt that you have anything less than absolute control over Azur Lane and all who serve it…you truly will be the uncontested highest power in the world."
Deciding that all the grandstanding and flowery language was getting to be a bit much he snarked, "And it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm fucking a variety of faction leaders?"
To her credit Bismarck only performed the smallest of double takes, recovering her composure with admirable speed before dryly responding, "I would label such a comment in poor taste and unprofessional were I not familiar with your more…flexible style of leadership."
"Duly noted."
Leaning back in his chair the Aloadae released a more reserved breath, eyes drifting half closed.
"You mind watching the office for the next hour or so? I need to think."
"Of course, Commander."
"Thanks, Bismarck."
The Ironblood made to rise-
-and paused as she saw the seriousness of the man's expression.
"I mean it."
A small smile adorned her lips as she snapped a crisp salute, replying, "And I was happy to help, Commander. I look forward to the results of yet another upset victory. And don't ever presume that we would wish for The Commander to walk among us if it meant your demise. Or that he would be particularly pleased with any of us who made that sort of call."
Inwardly grunting at the no pressure comment he rose from his desk and strode outside, mind already running a mile a minute.
"Fix things up with Akagi, huh? Well that's all well and good but how the hell do I go about doing that?"
It sure as shit wasn't going to be as easy as just opening up the mental connection that existed between him and every other single Shipgirl, showing the Carrier that he was being earnest. Assuming she even let him in the root of the problem was more his existence than it was his attitude or honesty. Sort of.
"What a fucking mess…"
Idly strolling towards a bench he vaguely recalled being placed near headquarters he tried running through a dozen possible scenarios that could possibly fix his problem-
-and came to a screeching halt as someone was already seated there, eyes narrowing and a rapid check with TB confirming his suspicion.
"So what brings you all the way out here, Empress?"
Not bothering to hide his suspicion as the Neo Siren glanced at him with barely disguised disinterest she merely replied, "Observing your new Azur Lane," before returning to her vigil, Alexander snarking, "Don't you have a specially made cadre for that?"
Unfortunately his snark went unappreciated as he seated himself next to the Siren with a grunt, TB sending a brief blip of confirmation that Empress really hadn't been doing anything shady.
As much as he believed the Neo Sirens were on their side he had spent enough time with Purifier to know their idea of 'helping' could be rather liberally interpreted…and having the de facto leader spending a number of weeks impersonating a variety of service personnel in a variety of roles had been enough to leave alarm bells lightning ringing in his skull, despite TB assuring him that she was keeping an eye on things.
"Waitress didn't work out either, I take it?"
The Siren's brow briefly twitched, the Aloadae smirking as he idly added, "Then again chef, librarian, secretary and requisitions officer didn't have much longevity either."
"And your command staff is nothing but harmonious and perfectly functioning. Why else would one come storming out of your office not more than a few minutes prior?"
"Well it looks like you can snark."
Turning his gaze out over the island fortress they remained quiet for a few moments, Curtis briefly considering asking why Empress had returned to her pale and very Siren-esque appearance before deciding he didn't care, if she was of the opinion that no one nearby was going to see her that way then more power to her.
"So how do you intend to soothe the rift that has now been opened within your staff?"
"Still working on it."
"Time is of the essence. The longer you let this divide fester and expand the harder it will be to close it."
Rolling his eyes at the unsurprising comment the Aloadae dryly replied, "Got any bright ideas? You somehow managed to keep that dysfunctional cohort we call the Neo Sirens working for a few centuries or so, obviously you're the expert here."
To his surprise Empress seemed to take his words seriously, steepling her fingers and lightly remarking, "And is it wise for the Commander to delegate such important matters to an outside authority at the first sign of resistance?"
Well that was an easy question to answer.
"Hell yes it is. I'm already relegating significant amounts of R&D, administrative and financial tasks to the Shipgirls and other offices of Azur Lane. I can't run this show on my own and that's no grand secret."
"...And you're asking me for this parcel of advice."
"Unless there's another scantily clad ghost woman hanging about, then yes. You're always speaking like you're the smartest one in the room so I'll freely admit to being curious what your solution is."
His challenging words drew a briefly furrowed brow before it was once more smoothed into placidity, the Neo Siren glancing off into the distance before her lips briefly tilted upwards in a supremely satisfied grin.
"You are already doing it."
"What?"
"Delegation. Beta, Alpha, Zero…amongst the specialized offshoots of our base programming there was a hierarchy, the Arbiters standing above all others. But that very same chain of command ensured my presence was only required under very unusual or specific circumstances. Apply the same logic here. Attempting to directly resolve this conflict will be doomed to failure as you yourself are the root cause of this discontent. Assign those best suited for this troublesome subordinate to perform their duty."
"That's it? Just pass the buck on to someone else?"
"Do you think I held onto the position of Arbiter because I was merely programmed for it? There were other Arbiters at the start. And I will tell you now, attempting to force this particular resolution, personally, flies in the face of what being a leader is. A leader is meant to resolve conflict, yes, but the ideal one will have taught their lessers to do so on their own."
She affixed him with an icy gaze.
"You are now a distant, monolithic persona with the truth known only to a select few. And it is time you begin practicing that in earnest. Do not chase after your wayward, disobedient subordinate. Let others bring her before you while you graciously accept and then settle the matter of her insubordination."
Alexander met the woman's stare with one of his own, silently contemplating her words and comparing them to what Bismarck had said not more than a few minutes prior.
"...We'll see if what you're saying has any merit. I have a few calls to make."
Rising to his feet he briefly hesitated before grudgingly stating, "If this works out…thanks, I guess. Your advice and position as the leader of the Neo Sirens might be deserved."
With that he departed, Empress waiting until he was well out of sight and earshot before once more gazing out over the ever bustling Azur Lane…and releasing a defeated sigh, lips pulling themselves into a severe pout.
"Exorbitant amounts of time, research and effort spent attempting to assimilate and understand the various tasks and responsibilities that may come with aiding Azur Lane…and I find the most satisfying and worthwhile expenditure of aforementioned time by doing exactly as Observer Zero suggested."
A rare, morbidly amused snort left the woman.
"A monolithic leader indeed…it seems, even now, I have many areas to improve and update."
Be that as it may, it was undeniable that there was a strange warmth in her chest that had arisen upon hearing Curtis' words of thanks, a foreign sensation that she had no idea what to do with and didn't feel any particular rush to examine.
Returning to the Sakura dorms felt…unnatural. And uncomfortable, a state of affairs and mind that reminded Akagi of her sinking, if the physical pain and torment were factored out.
Cloying frustration, chilling helplessness and above all else a directionless, childish sense of rage at the sheer unfairness of it all.
She never would have associated such feelings with a place she dared to call 'home' in any other circumstance, the Carrier faltering as she approached the main entrance, sensing her cherished older sibling waiting for her within the confines of her room…and the distant, mildly disproving aura she could feel emanating from Amagi was enough to make her ears droop and tail sag even as a roiling ball of defiance festered within her gut, pride forcing her to retain her composure and haughtiness even if such emotions were of no help to her in this situation whatsoever.
As patient and magnanimous she could be the elder battleship wasn't one to tolerate foolishness of the more serious variety. And telling the leader of Azure Lane to off himself in full view of the rest of the command staff was foolishness of the highest level.
"Speak when angry and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret."
Akagi grimaced, the random phrases and sayings Hornet would spout on the occasion where they'd been - unfortunately - assigned together ringing throughout her head.
Forcing herself to take a deep breath the Sakura marched through the doors, primly approaching her quarters and desperately trying to reign in her anxiety as she grew ever closer to the familiar sliding entrance.
As she beheld Amagi's neutral expression such an attempt failed, her tails momentarily bristling before once more smoothing themselves out as Akagi primly seated herself across from the other Shipgirl, unsure of how to break the silence or if she should even try.
She wasn't kept waiting for very long.
"Shoukaku relayed what you did."
"If anything, I feel I should be commended for remaining as calm and composed for as long as I did."
Amagi slowly raised an eyebrow, contemplatively remarking, "Commended, hmm? From what I've heard it sounds more along the lines of a condemning. Perhaps my illness has not been completely cured after all, my hearing has become a bit muddled as of the last hour."
A steadily approaching sense of doom wasn't enough to dissuade Akagi from her course.
"I fail to see why this has become a subject of such contention. I have said my piece and I doubt I will be welcomed back anytime soon. Not that I would wish to return."
"...I see. And you have little concern or care for the poor impression this gives of Lady Nagato or others who believed you would be a fit for the position? For the Sakura Empire as a whole?"
This time a surge of bitterness colored Akagi's heart, tone dismissive as she retorted, "I'm certain Shoukaku will fulfill that role admirably. In fact I predict she will have successfully ingratiated herself to Alexander sufficiently enough to perhaps bed him like every other cheap Kansen on this base."
"Cheap…that is a strong statement indeed."
Something about Amagi's words made the carrier still, disbelief quickly overtaken by mounting horror.
"Sister, you-"
"Lady Shinano as well. At the same time, I might add. Do you wish to think of me as some flighty slattern that will spread my legs for any man?"
"W-what?! No, but that…that is-"
Her fingers curled into fists, horror tossed aside in favor of an all consuming rage.
"So even in this matter he defiles what I care about, what little I have left?! Death would not-"
SMACK!
She stumbled, hand flying up to her stinging cheek as Amagi slowly withdrew her open palm, staring at Akagi with such a disappointed air that the Carrier couldn't help but inwardly recoil, cowed by her elder's iciness more completely than any fury could have hoped to.
"The man you so openly mock and decry is the one who, when Shinano and myself were kept prisoner in a hell so much more terrible than death, came to save us. Who you rage and strive against is the soul that suffered and fought against odds unimaginable. Who you mock and wish gone is the hero that gave us the chance to save the world, a hero that I freely admit I adore and care deeply for."
Akagi could only sit, motionless and in disbelief as her cherished elder sister glared at her with contempt she had never before witnessed, not even when she had willingly betrayed her homeland for the sake of the strength to protect it.
"And you openly tell him for all to see that you wish for his death in cataclysmic breach of both basic Human kindness and the chain of command. Do you believe that whatever self-inflating sense of pride and righteousness you feel will somehow make this travesty worth it?"
Amagi rose to her feet, towering over her with her tails bristling as Akagi could only draw in on herself, overwhelmed and terrified beyond belief at the prospect of yet another of her kin coming to hate her, older sister's hand descending towards her face once more-
-and stilled as rather than a harsh blow she found herself gathered into a warm and welcoming bosom, cradled like a frightened child as a tired, exasperated sigh left Amagi's lips, hand stroking her hair in soothing motions.
"What am I to do with you? Be honest with me, Akagi. What is your true reason for making Alexander-sama the target of your vitriol? Others have done you harm far more tangible and real than him yet you never held the same contempt and fury for those souls as you do now."
Desperately clinging onto her sister Akagi heroically tried to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil she felt building behind her throat and eyes, whispering, "Why was he the one to live when The Commander did not? And why does everyone seem to have moved on so easily, accepted that he is gone when I must be the only one to cherish what was lost? Why must he be a constant reminder of what was taken from me, what I was not around to stop?"
A long, tired sigh left Amagi's chest.
"You poor, foolish child. Do you really believe that you are the only one to miss or cherish The Commander's memory? You have not even opened Alexander-sama's present to you yet, have you?"
The Carrier lightly grimaced, having not done so for she had long been of the opinion that she wanted nothing to do with the man.
"Here, open it."
One of Amagi's tails presented the gift for her, the paper and wrapping still crinkled from where she had angrily thrown it in a corner of her room but not been able to bring herself to entirely discard it, shaky fingers undoing the bindings…and sucked in a sharp breath as she beheld the item within.
"...Do you believe that Alexander-sama does not remember his predecessor, or not care about what he meant to you?"
Amagi ran trembling fingers over the framed photo of the official inauguration of Azur Lane, this particular moment somehow captured the exact second she had heard The Commander's first private words to her as they spoke over a dinner table.
"Let me be frank, you made terrible decisions. Consorting with the enemy, betraying your allies and being lead on by obviously false promises. But here's the thing, Akagi-san…Azur Lane has need of that willingness to sacrifice and do whatever it takes to succeed and survive. I ask that you be as honest with me as I've been with you…can you turn that tenacity and underhanded cunning to our cause?"
She couldn't help but both sniffle and cringe in equal measure at her expression in the photo, normal composure and haughty confidence replaced with schoolgirl bewilderment and even through the grainy quality she could see her cheeks color slightly.
"Ugh, I can still remember how foolish I felt after the fact, with my heart racing and breath short…he had been the first outside of the Sakura Empire to overlook my actions, to afford me a second chance and to properly make use of my talents."
"Where…where did he find this? And who took it?"
"I am unaware, but it was among The Commander's personal items and Alexander-sama saw fit to pass it into your care."
Akagi hugged the photo her chest, tears gathering at the corner of her eyes as Amagi hummed, "Silly girl, you are grieving for a love that was never allowed to be, for one whose ending you weren't permitted to see. I will not tell you to leave it all behind, but you should know better than to let the past rule your future."
The Carrier felt herself melt into her sister's embrace, tired of carrying burdens and above all else tired of loss and the pain it brought.
"The leader of Azur Lane once gave you the opportunity to leave behind past mistakes and make of yourself something great…do you have the strength of character and will to reciprocate that act, Akagi?"
"...Well? If you want to start us off then by all means go ahead, it's not like I have anything in particular I need to get off my chest."
"Forgive me for stating so, Shikikan, but I do believe that's a lie."
Snorting in idle amusement Alexander motioned for the Carrier to continue speaking, her shoulder's squaring for a moment, tails and ears perking as pride and imperial majesty surrounded her like a second skin-
-and she dropped into a deep bow from the waist, grumbling out, "I offer my most sincere apologies for my earlier words and actions, Shikikan. It was wrong of me, disrespectful to your station and to the efforts of others as well as casting the Sakura Empire into an unfavorable light."
Alexander glanced out of the main office's window, where the sun had just begun to peek out over the horizon and let him know it was too early for dealing with any of this imminent headache.
"Not more than twenty-four hours later and Amagi already has Akagi in here and at least seeming remorseful. Empress really was onto something."
"Right, so the formalities are out of the way now. How do you really feel?"
The fox-eared woman promptly lost her submissive behavior, lips curling into a tight line as she seemingly struggled with how best to articulate her thoughts…and promptly stated, "It was wrong of me to air my grievances in front of the others."
"..."
"..."
"...Well that's about what I expected. But as much as you're at fault I also have my share of the blame to handle. I'm the Commander and it's my responsibility to ensure that everything works smoothly, runs efficiently and doesn't get bogged down in internal disputes. Seeing as how I failed rather spectacularly on all three fronts it doesn't feel particularly right of me to just lay all of the blame at your feet and ride off into the sunset. However-"
He held up a hand to forestall Akagi's next words.
"The fact remains that you have to be punished. Regardless of how much at fault I was seeing you walk free after essentially telling your leader to give a beretta a blowjob is something of a bad look…but here's the crux of the issue."
He folded his hands before him, affixing the fox with a pointed glare.
"This is something of a golden opportunity. You were selected to work in this position because of your intelligence and cunning, as well as being someone who wasn't firmly in my camp. Proof that even opposing parties can work together."
"How honored I feel to know that my appointment was due merely to my dislike of you."
"Ahh, there's the cutting sass Amagi was always on about. But the point is, if even after all of this we can work together and move on…all of Azure Lane benefits, a proof of concept that teamwork will make the dreamwork."
After a moment the Aloadae frowned.
"I'm not giving this the proper gravitas it deserves, am I?"
"Considering what was said in front of the entire command staff? No."
He allowed his expression to soften slightly.
"I know what you said was out of anger and frustration, Akagi. And I've been reassured by quite the number of individuals that it wasn't genuine."
"Hmph."
The fox's dismissive words didn't match with the slight easing of her tense posture and smallest of tail waves, the male continuing with, "But how to properly set your punishment while also achieving this goal? Well it doesn't feel right for me to be the one to do so considering my own mistakes but in this particular instance I believe I have the correct decision."
"And that is?"
He smiled rather wolfishly.
"The true aggrieved party will be in charge of your punishment, the one who suffered through your attitude, made excuses for it and tried her utmost to ensure it didn't affect team cohesion for months on end."
Akagi's eyes widened in slowly dawning apprehension.
"I'm sure Shoukaku will appreciate having a helper that will readily and happily accept any thankless tasks required of the position."
"...You are truly creative in your cruelty, Shikikan."
"Thanks, I try to be."
He wiped away any trace of playfulness, quietly but earnestly stating, "This isn't a joke punishment, Akagi. Shoukaku is genuinely furious with you and there has to be some semblance of real trial and unpleasantness or the whole point of this flies out the window. Are you truly committed to making this right, to proving that Azur Lane is bound together more tightly than the forces that try to rip it apart?"
"...I am."
"Then you're dismissed until an hour from now."
Rather than turn around and depart as he expected her to do Akagi instead stood still, seeming conflicted for a moment…before a shallow but infinitely more genuine bow was offered.
"Thank you for the Christmas gift, Shikikan."
"It was yours to begin with, Akagi."
And in one of the most vindicating moments he'd felt all week the mental connection between him and Akagi opened up just a little bit when it had remained closed for as long as she'd had the retrofit. Not by much - just enough so that he could get a sense that she was awake and vaguely nearby - but it was enough.
"...Fucking Empress. I hate that she was right."
"Hmm, it's been on my to do list for some time but I've always wished to try one of the Eagle Union's 'cup of joe'. When dropping off these reports stop by the rec room and get me one, would you?"
"If nec-"
"Oh, Guam, Saratoga and Lexington have submitted additional forms related to the upcoming Muse event, track them down and ensure those are signed properly this time. I would wager it wasn't Lexington who submitted, she's normally quite fastidious about such things."
"And just where-"
"Ah, one final thing~! The Parliament and Ironblood have been campaigning hard to allow alcohol above twenty proof into said event, meet with whoever is in their dorm and kindly deliver a personal message that we are not doing that. Thank you, Akagi."
"...You're welcome, Shoukaku-sama."
The biting words accompanied a frazzled and overworked Akagi accepting a stack of papers and folders, hair slightly askew and tails puffed as she departed while her pale-haired counterpart was…practically glowing in comparison, an angelic smile on her face and posture supremely relaxed as if there existed not a trouble in the world.
Alexander could practically smell the nervousness of the rest of the Shipgirls at how serene the Carrier was acting, Bismarck giving him a raised brow that he merely shrugged at.
Time would tell if his little scheme held together but for the moment? He was just happy that Azure Lane had held itself together for another few days.
"Miss Albacore, you can't just-"
"Heya, Commander~! So we've been discussing stuff about our act in the Muse party and it's recently come to my attention that there will be lots of hard alcohol involved so why don't we give a totally not meant for flammable purposes liquid a totally flammable purpose? Pyrotechnics all the way, right~?"
Affixing the petite blonde terror a resigned look as she offered him with a joking grin - Scylla helplessly trying to get her to wait for a proper meeting time - he internally sighed at the Sub's reminder that the organization's lifespan was really more of an hour by hour deal than it was day by day.
"So I see you followed my advice."
"...It was more successful than I had given it credit for."
Empress scrolled through a variety of reports and potential plans that the Neo Sirens had collectively submitted for her review, detailing points of vulnerability or potential weaknesses in Azur Lane that could be addressed and mended, one in particular catching her eye as Observer Zero calmly sat next to her, both wearing Human disguises.
"And do you now believe that you have a place in this future of ours? A reason for existing?"
"Why confirm what you already know?"
"Perhaps I seek vindication. It's a Human feeling but an entertaining one all the same."
Empress sighed, replying, "A Human feeling…I fear I've been experiencing that myself these past few days."
"Quite the fascinating experiences, aren't they?"
"Distracting is how I would describe it."
She felt her fingers twitch, almost rising to her chest as if to grasp that fleeting but potent warmth she had experienced when speaking with Alexander, befuddled by the sensation but unwilling to let it go.
"Distracting. Of course. You have gone over the various suggestions?"
"I have. This one in particular seems…intriguing."
Zero quickly scanned over the report Empress had accessed, raising an eyebrow before musing, "He will be resistant to such a plan."
"Which is why I will attempt to convince him of it. Humanity will be all the better off for increasing the potency of their soldiers."
Empress felt a small jolt of foreign pride course through her body, lips tilting ever so slightly before she regained control.
"After all, I am now a proper advisor to him."
So I know I said these didn't have any sort of real release schedule but geez that took awhile. But hopefully absence has made the heart grow fonder.
That said are there any particular skits, stories or shipgirls anyone would like to see star in an after episode? It's not so much that I lack ideas so much as it'd be interesting to see what people can come up with. Next chapter will deal with Albacore and Empress' little scheme but after that it's open season.
I mean the recent event with the new Vichya and Iris Shipgirls was basically unfair in sex appeal. I'm not man enough (lol) to pretend that Alsace and Brennus didn't get the creative juices flowing in terms of shameless pandering I could commit to paper.