"We're all set, Commander. Everyone who participated in the Midway defense operation will be recommended for a battle star, with purple hearts for the wounded. It's certainly unorthodox given how rapidly our bodies repair themselves, but I approve. At a minimum I will do everything to ensure Cassin is awarded one," Brooklyn insisted, reading through page after page of slightly yellowed paper that she and Thorson had been working on through the morning and into the early afternoon.
"Very good. Here are the supplements," he replied, offering her a smaller stack of paper. "First there is an equipment and supply request, followed by my pipe dreams."
Brooklyn laughed politely, looking over his specific recommendations. "Navy Crosses for Tennessee and Arizona, a Distinguished Service Medal for South Dakota. If anything, Commander, your request for a Distinguished Flying Cross will be the most difficult as Ark Royal is not a part of our armed forces, but I will submit it anyway. I think we all understand the day would have been lost without her aircraft."
"I don't know what the protocol is in the Royal Navy or if I'm authorized to dispense honors myself, but I'll ask Warspite if we meet again. Lord knows Ark deserves it. Can I get you anything from the mess hall, Brooklyn?" he offered politely, grabbing his cap from the table.
"No sir, but thank you. I'll head down there myself. I know we've hardly been at play here, but I think the others would enjoy a bit of attention after the battle. Are you well?"
"I am as well as I could be. I think I'll go take a walk then," Thorson agreed. She smiled.
"A splendid idea. Farewell, Commander."
As Thorson stepped out into the sunlight of another summer Pacific afternoon and glanced around his base, a curious sight met his eyes. The large, garage-like doors to the base's laboratory had been opened, and he thought he saw Downes' short, ashen hair before she disappeared inside. Her ship was not being repaired at the time, and Thorson couldn't help but wonder what business she had there. A quick jaunt down the stairs was more than sufficient to answer the question. Several faces from the Union greeted him when he stepped inside the labs, though they were hardly engaged in labwork or resupply.
"Commander Thorson, do you need us?" Maryland asked, seated around an expended oil drum with Z23. The latter was assisting her with a couple sketches that Thorson quickly realized were tattoo stencils. Nearby, Tennessee was seated on a padded chair, her left arm exposed and out of her uniform. The straps of her black bra were absent as well. From his vantage behind her, the Commander noticed a single, small black Sakura flower had already been inked onto her skin by West Virginia, with a second in progress. The meaning was clear enough, markers signifying her triumphs over enemy kansen in battle. The girls stopped their work and glanced his way, joined by Pennsylvania, Arizona, and their complement of Sakura tagalongs. Fusou and Yamashiro were at the shrine, but Shigure had decided to hang out with her friends. Based on the argument he'd overheard shortly before entry, it sounded like Yuudachi wanted some ink of her own, with Pennsylvania opposed.
"What's… going on here?" he asked, more surprised than anything at the sudden appearance of a body modification shop set up in the midst of his shipyard.
"A bit of weakness, if that's what you want to call it," Colorado proposed, standing and tapping West Virginia on the shoulder. The younger sister nodded and undid her cape, allowing Thorson to see hints of what had to be a massive tattoo spanning the width of her upper back, likely an eagle or some other bird of prey. "She got it stateside and, well, no one really felt like sleeping last night so we got to work instead. More than a few of us in the onsen wanted something of our own. We tried to find you, but we couldn't."
"I was engaged in… something similar," Thorson murmured, making every effort to not meet Tennessee's eyes as she watched from over her shoulder. "It's no problem, everyone. Just, dare I say keep it respectful?"
"I will ensure all designs are appropriate, Kommandant," Zed assured him, clearly fitting in much better with some of the other ships after spending time with Maryland. He nodded to her in thanks.
"So what's been the best one so far?" he wondered.
"Well we just got set up really, thanks to Akashi. Tennessee is the first, but Downes will probably take the cake if she goes through with putting studs in her nipples," Maryland guessed offhandedly, causing most everyone within earshot to stare at the destroyer. She'd been reviewing some of the stainless steel piercings put together overnight. One already graced Shigure's left ear, a simple stud. Thorson could only imagine the losing battle Pennsylvania would be facing if she insisted on saying no to Yuudachi.
"Could you not?! I never said anything about going through with it. Was just a stupid thought," Downes muttered, her initially combative voice fading throughout the sentence. Her friend came to her aid.
"If that's what she wants then let her have it in peace. She and I killed plenty of people, and at least she's getting laid. There will be someone to appreciate your handiwork, Colorado. Just keep your hand steady," Tennessee sniped from where she remained seated, arms over the back of her chair and seeing no need to face her lover from the previous night. Downes looked a silent thank you her way as Thorson decided it was best to have his say as well, before anything truly outrageous happened.
"I've given you all a lot of leeway in terms of repairing your ships, training, and combat readiness. If you exercise the same judgment here as you do in other aspects of your life here on base, I don't think we will have any problems, including with Downes' proposed… enhancements. If that's what she and Ooshio want, privately, I see no problem with it. Anything visible while in uniform should be more modest. That's all. Carry on."
Satisfied smiles and curt nods of approval were Thorson's reward for his words, and he turned to allow the girls their privacy. Those who chose to engage in amorous passions with him would no doubt reveal their body art when and if they wanted. He wasn't sure Union brass would approve, but Union brass had just gotten their asses handed to them. He couldn't help a small smile at the idea of the saviors of the Eagle Union being ladies with a bit more edge to them than customary. On the way out he was met by an interesting group, consisting of South Dakota, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Portland, and Kasumi.
"Oh, are we drawing?" the little fox wondered, tracing her finger through the air as Foo created kanji with light. The other ships couldn't see, but South Dakota patted her on the back and directed her to Nimi.
"There is no harm in asking," the battleship encouraged quietly before turning to Indy.
"Do you wish to be marked as our sister?" she asked, prompting Portland to attach herself to Indianapolis with an overbearing hug. Minnie was able to forestall the inevitable complaint.
"You have to fully explain things, Dakota. She has a sister, just like I do. Hell, I have three of them and I wouldn't give them up for anything. Doesn't mean I'm going to haul them in and have them decked out in tribal markings. Oh man, can you imagine Quincy? Spirits only know she'd end up with it all over that chest of hers. Anyway, we're not stealing your sister, Portland. We're just acknowledging that she is like us, part of this curious little tribe that the wisdom cubes managed to create."
"I don't understand, what do you mean Indy is one of you?" Portland demanded protectively as Thorson and the other kansen nearby watched curiously. He nodded to the slim, short, dark-skinned woman as she glanced his way.
"You will always be my sister, Portland. Will you help me decide?" she requested. Portland was immediately over the moon.
"Yes yes, of course my dear Indy! What did you have in mind?" she asked joyfully, taking Indianapolis by the hand and leading her to Maryland and Zed's little art station. Laffey and Javelin arrived soon after, lured by tales of gatherings and the slightly sinful art of body modification. He got Colorado and Pennsylvania's attention before departing.
"Keep the area clean and cordoned off from the fuel and ammunition. Otherwise, this is already shaping up to be a positive addition to the base. Carry on."
"Yes sir," they both saluted as small cheers went up from the assembled ships. Tennessee had just finished, standing and allowing Indy the seat. Knowing he'd receive all the updates at dinner, he gave Laffey a pat on the head and departed, heading a couple berths down the docks to where the Akashi rested in port. He found California and Houston there, as well as Fredrick Miles. All saluted formally before Thorson ordered at ease.
"Any issues today?" he asked.
"None, sir. It's a bit hot out but I'm used to it!" California replied, upbeat as always. She'd ditched the sleeves of her uniform somehow and was sipping on some of Akashi's coolant.
"Stay hydrated. It's been a long few days. Hiei and Hiryuu, have they awoken yet?"
"The rabbit took a late breakfast before going to sleep again. The ship Laffey defeated is still unconscious. Akashi reported her vitals are stable though. It seems she'll live," Houston reported.
"Very good. Carry on," Thorson commanded before entering the prisoners' room himself. Jintsuu had found something to read, and Kongou was seated at Hiei's bedside. No one spoke as he looked around, eventually meeting Soryuu's eyes. He slowly walked to the back of the room where Hiryuu remained at rest, his boots echoing loudly as everyone else observed quietly.
"You have need of me?" Soryuu wondered.
"I heard your sister woke up."
"She did."
Thorson breathed long and slow, considering he might receive a warmer reception from a brick wall. "I will allow you and the others to use the onsen tonight under guard. Those who wish to should be ready two hours after dinner. See to it."
"What are you planning?" the rabbit challenged suspiciously.
"I want to see you all naked," Thorson leered down at her, receiving a horrified and angry look in reply. "Is that what you suspect?"
"I suspect a great many things, lecher," she responded, resting an arm over her modest bosom. Thorson laughed.
"I want you all to understand the difference between life in your old sanctuary and life in my fleet. That's all. Don't worry, Sakura, I'm purely self-interested. No need to suspect."
Soryuu looked ready to go right back to war as Thorson turned his back on her and departed, but Nagara had other thoughts. "I would like to be out of this room, even if it's for a little bit."
"Seems too good to be true, doesn't it?" Kongou added, holding her sister's hand.
"Fate is cruel," was all Suzuya could add as Soryuu swallowed her pride and privately prepared herself to protect her comrades if such a sweet temptation turned out to be the devil's work.
"Jintsuu?" she called. "You have been here longer than we have. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
The blue haired fox looked over the top of her book. "If you intend to be weakened and enslaved by this decadence, leave me out of it."
"You mean like the blonde-haired soldier who defeated you and nearly killed Hiryuu, that product of decadence?" Soryuu suddenly snapped. "Your mastery of battlefield tactics is unparalleled, Jintsuu-san, but do you really intend to sit here until the war is over?"
"If the alternative is fighting against our lords, then yes," she replied easily. Soryuu fell silent, looking Hiryuu over and remembering her comment about her mind 'clearing' when they'd departed the Sanctuary for Midway. Even an entire afternoon alone did not seem enough time to ruminate on all she did not know.
"Hey, nee-san. Why the long face?" Hiryuu asked, groggily swimming up through unconsciousness and into the waking world again. She didn't remember much since the pain of her shard being blasted from her body, but seeing her sister and a bowl of soup improved things greatly.
"I think you know quite well," Soryuu insisted quietly, helping her sit up in bed and feeding her a spoonful of potatoes and carrots. Hiryuu reached out and flicked the tear from her cheek.
"I think I was awake earlier but… maybe cry after you tell me how bad things are? Anyone else get their ship cut in half?"
"Eat now. We are prisoners, Hiryuu. There will be time to explain everything in the… onsen."
"Uh, the what?" The younger sister's tall, rabbit-like ears twitched as she looked around. "But this is a Sakura ship."
"It's the Akashi, Hiryuu."
"Oh," she replied before another spoonful of soup was forced into her mouth. "I know, I know!"
"If you have the energy to run your mouth, you have the energy to eat and recover. Thank the gods," Soryuu said quietly, glancing over at Hiei and Kongou. The battleship constructed by the Royal Navy smiled sadly at her. "Hiei will wake up too, I am sure of it."
"I hope so," Kongou replied as a knock came at the door to the infirmary. Commander Thorson entered along with Fusou, Yamashiro, Cleveland, and Portland.
"Those who wish to make use of our base's onsen may do so under watch. Towels and other necessary items will be provided for you. If my base is not subject to damage or disruption by the end of the night I will consider extending such an offer again. Attempt to harm any of my fleet and you will be shot on sight. Have a good evening," Thorson said before turning on his heel and departing.
"You're sure I'm not dead, Soryuu-nee?" Hiryuu asked. Her older sister was studying Fusou and Yamashiro intently, noting the changes to both their rigging and bodies since their escape from the sanctuary months prior.
"For now, I am sure. But that doesn't seem to mean much around here. Can you walk?"
"Is there really an onsen on this base?" Hiryuu wondered.
"I have been led to believe that is the case," Soryuu partially confirmed, never having seen it herself. Fusou stepped in to clarify.
"I assure you it is quite real, and quite relaxing. It's been a while, Hiryuu."
"Fusou, I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
Soryuu swatted her sister on the knee before feeding her more soup as Nagara and Suzuya made ready to depart. "It is still Fusou-san to you, Hiryuu."
"What, really? I thought we were enemies now. Did you not see her shooting at us at Midway?" Hiryuu demanded indignantly.
"I am sorry, but I doubt you'll receive the same apology from Tennessee," Fusou replied.
"As you can see, Hiryuu, the situation is complicated," Soryuu declared, catching Jintsuu out of the corner of her eye. "Fusou-san, are you watching over us tonight or do you have permission to bathe as well?"
"I'm quite capable of using my rigging while naked, as are my Union comrades."
"Hey, that's me!" Cleveland called out from the doorway. "They coming or what, Fusou?"
"Oh, and she gets to call her Fusou?" Hiryuu demanded of her sister, only to earn another swat on the ankle.
"They do not use honorifics as we do, and those two are also comrades for the time being. Now finish your meal quickly so we can accompany Fusou-san and her sister to the onsen. There is much to discuss and a hot bath sounds heavenly."
"Commander, look at Indy! Isn't she even more adorable now?" Portland insisted, holding her sister by the hand as the two of them came across Thorson. He was sitting on a simple wooden bench outside the men's and women's rooms that marked the entrance to the onsen. He glanced up from his book, noticing immediately that Indianapolis had two rectangles under each of her eyes, one red and one white. He smiled genuinely for what felt like the first time in weeks.
"She is, if you don't mind my saying, Indianapolis. The water's great from what I hear. Akashi's been working on it in between visits to her ship since we got back. Enjoy it. You deserve it," he encouraged.
"What about you, Commander?" Indianapolis wondered, a light rose on her cheeks in response to his admission that he found her cute.
"The prisoners are in there right now. It's a difficult situation. I need airpower and the Union may not have any to spare. But getting Hiryuu and Soryuu to switch sides is probably a fool's errand. Last thing I need is drama."
"You'll never escape it all, but we'll make sure they behave!" Portland declared as Indianapolis summoned her rigging and dusted off her metal arms.
"Glad I can count on you all. See you later," Thorson offered. He was about to go back to his reading when an unfamiliar bit of fabric caught his eye. Closing his book he stood and walked down the hallway to the courtyard. Shiranui and Yukikaze were taking tea with their sisters near a small rocking bamboo fountain, another of Akashi's tinkerings to add to the aesthetics of her dormitory in what was becoming an all-out war between Sakura and Union to have the most impressive digs. The little destroyer didn't notice him approaching despite her cat ears, too focused on the display of sisterly affection. "I didn't know you'd been assigned to me. I'm sorry about Yorktown."
Everyone in a twenty foot radius looked at them as Hammann screamed bloody murder and just about jumped out of her skin. Face red with embarrassment she balled her little hands into fists and shouted. "I would never be assigned to you! You didn't save Sims or Yorktown! You… how could you let them die when you're so powerful?!"
Thorson absorbed that information for a moment before glancing at Shiranui. "Where is Yuudachi?"
"I will retrieve her immediately. You remain where you are, Yukikaze," Shiranui warned, the other Kagerou sisters whispering quietly about whatever fate was about to befall their sister. A short time later Pennsylvania emerged from the onsen with a towel wrapped around her body, carrying a similarly clothed Yuudachi. He nodded to her with thanks in his eyes.
"Your puppy and Arizona's cat seem to have… appropriated one of the Union's kansen. See them punished but not too hard. Her ship was destroyed," he ordered. Pennsylvania looked down at the soggy inu in her arms, whose tail hung limply with guilt.
"No meat for one meal," she decided immediately. The destroyer flailed about in horror.
"But Pennsylvania-san-"
"Complain and it will be two," the battleship cut her off. "Now we're going back to the onsen to talk with Zed, Maryland, and Kasumi. I think you deserve that tattoo for defying orders in that particular way. Don't do it again, you hear?"
"W-Wan~!" Yuudachi agreed instantly, leaving Thorson flat footed in the middle of the courtyard. Something told him Yukikaze's 'punishment' would be equally light. Shiranui could not help but smile herself.
"Truly you are an idiot, Shikikan. That girl has a cube on her. It should be laid to rest," the ghost insisted over the gentle thonk of the fountain. Thorson nodded, addressing Hammann.
"Though I'm sure this will not please you one bit, you're under my command until we can get word to the Union. Nevada and Oklahoma were laid to rest in the shrine atop this island. Your sister is welcome there as well," he offered, hanging his head as the little neko failed to keep any bit of her emotions contained. She struggled lightly as he picked her up and cursed him, but there was no real effort to escape on Hammann's part. "Shiranui, I have a long walk tonight it seems. Please ensure the prisoners are returned to the Akashi when they're done."
"As you command, Shikikan. Go perform the rites so the spirits take her soul instead of the Creator. That is not a fate I would wish even on Akagi and Kaga."
"Understood," Thorson agreed. "Let's take a walk, Hammann."
"I hate you, idiot Commander," she insisted through far too many tears for such a small body.
"Only Shiranui gets to call me that," he whispered.
"But Penny-san, if I did a good thing then why do I need to be punished?" Yuudachi complained as they re-entered the onsen. The battleship glanced down at her before unwrapping her towel and unceremoniously tossing the naked inu into the hot springs. She gracefully entered shortly after, meeting Soryuu's eyes and nodding curtly. The lapine carrier had gathered the prisoners around her and was ensuring they enjoyed the bath in peace. Pennsylvania explained the situation to her 'pet' as Yuudachi spluttered to the surface.
"Because, you stupid dog, Commander Thorson is still a part of the Union navy. And you, as one of his ships, just stole a kansen from Union high command!"
"But-!"
"And then you got caught!" Pennsylvania added as Yukikaze laughed from the shoreline. Shigure and Yamashiro entered just in time to watch Arizona stalk up silently behind her cat and toss her in as well. Yuudachi's spirits instantly climbed as she hugged Pennsylvania around the waist.
"I'm sorry, Penny-san. I won't get caught next time!" she insisted. The battleship rolled her eyes as her sister joined her in fishing Yukikaze out of the onsen.
"These two are unbelievable, Ari."
"They can fight though," Arizona considered, waving the other Kagerou-class sisters over for their first dip in Akashi's greatest creation. Penny nodded.
"Damn right. And they can eat too; how much bigger have your boobs gotten?" she wondered in disbelief as Yuudachi pressed her chest into the taller woman's midriff. "Maybe I need to put you on a diet."
"Penny-san, you promised!" Yuudachi wailed, causing the raven haired woman to promptly surrender and slump her shoulders.
"Why do I even bother?"
"Because they're cute!" Arizona supplied, wading off to tend to the gaggle of neko destroyers that now apparently belonged to her. Pennsylvania tilted Yuudachi's head up so she could meet her eyes and have a moment of seriousness.
"Don't pull a stunt like that again, even if you don't get caught. You want to snatch a kansen away from Akagi and Kaga, be my guest. Leave the Union alone. They're coming around, slowly."
"Hai, Penny-san!" Yuudachi barked, burying her head in the woman's chest and playing the part of man's best friend to a T. The battleship flushed slightly and rubbed the girl's ears, causing her tail to splash about in the water.
"Alright alright, not in front of everyone, geez. Let's go sit with Arizona and the others."
"Wan~!"
Across the onsen, Soryuu looked on curiously. "It seems that no matter what happens in this conflict, some things never change."
"No, and it's comforting in a way. Good evening again, everyone. I hope you don't mind if I join you," Fusou said, slipping into the water next to them. Hiryuu, who was submerged to her chin, spared her a glance.
"Damn, can't say the same for you, but I'm sure that man finds you very comforting. You look like a comfort woman now with those hips. Hey wait, Sory-" Hiryuu was promptly submerged by her sister, only the tips of her ears rising above the water for several seconds before the elder allowed Hiryuu back up for air. "What was that for?!" she spluttered.
"You know quite well. Now are you finished taunting the guards who have been ordered to kill us at the first sign of disruption? I am enjoying my bath," Soryuu insisted calmly, knowing that Fusou could end them all in moments if she wanted. "I apologize on behalf of my sister, Fusou-san. She only just woke today."
"It's not important. Maybe she will understand one day," the maiden waved it off. She felt a small bubble of pride well from within her as she considered her ascent from siren target and outcast to flagship, with Yamashiro at her side, happy and safe. "My new hull is superior to the one I used in service of Akagi and Kaga. And yes, Hiryuu, he indulges in me regularly, especially when I'm his flagship. It is an honor to have him warm my captain's bed. Perhaps in time you too will be able to retrofit your hull? Several of us have done so. Whatever Akagi and Kaga promised, there is also power in this Shikikan and his plans."
"Mmm, maybe you should, Hiryuu. Serving a man's desires might encourage a bit of femininity from you," Soryuu considered, adjusting her glasses for effect. Hiryuu looked like she was about to expire, outwardly expressing what all the prisoners, Soryuu included, felt within about lying with the Union commander.
"Nee-san, you… you-"
"Just keep your filthy mitts off of him, both of you," a harsh voice insisted. They turned to find Tennessee standing over them, arms crossed. The two Sakura kill markers above her left shoulder blade were more than visible as she entered the onsen. "At least the white-haired one has a body ready for combat. Fusou?"
"All is well, Miss Tennessee. So please, if you would mind not antagonizing our guests tonight? You will be the first I call upon if things head south, so to speak. I feel quite comfortable with so many strong Union battleships around," the shrine maiden insisted. Tennessee nodded curtly before casting a parting word at Hiryuu.
"Glad to see you didn't die. I hope you're less disappointing than the blue fox."
"What… is that supposed to mean?" Hiryuu wondered, feeling the pain of that battle in her very bones for a moment before the warm water soaked it all away. Fusou tilted her head, her jade butterfly pendant reflecting the lights of the nearby lanterns.
"I believe she wishes to fight and train with you, Hiryuu. Jintsuu, as you can tell, has not lived up to her expectations."
Soryuu took her chin between her fingers, mulling over the very concept of expectations between a Union and Sakura kansen. "More curious by the hour."
"West Virginia, everyone is needed on the docks right away," Maryland informed her sister the next morning. The dark-haired battleship didn't turn from her task, marking the area above Hammann's heart with her sunken sister's hull number, 409.
"As you can tell, Maryland, I'm busy. Surely this can wait a few minutes? She will need time for her skin to heal properly. Almost done, little one. Bear with the pain."
"It's fine!" Hammann insisted through clenched teeth. "It's nothing compared to what happened to her!"
"You're a brave one," the tattoo artist insisted before Nimi, accompanying Maryland, cleared her throat.
"With all due respect we don't have a few minutes, West Virginia. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz is here."
The battleship turned her head slightly before acknowledging the information. "We'll be right there. I'm almost done. Don't worry; we'll get you covered up just fine Hammann."
Outside the labs, Thorson's entire fleet was lined up to greet the Admiral, who had arrived with Enterprise's task force, Saratoga, and to their surprise, Lexington as well, repaired and refitted following her harrowing survival at Coral Sea. The carriers with bubblegum pink hair were an interesting sight on the docks, but those introductions were forced to take a backseat as Enterprise and Nimitz met with Commander Thorson to review his fleet.
"I should have figured it would be another sardine at the center of this mess. It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Commander Thorson. I think it goes without saying that your exploits precede you," the Admiral began, exchanging salutes. The rest of the Union fleet saluted as well, including those who stood behind the short line of Sakura prisoners. Thorson remained at attention and spoke.
"You're too kind, Admiral. The credit belongs to my fleet and its kansen. That's what they call themselves, instead of shipgirls. They are the ones who repelled the Sakura at Midway, not me."
"And a dose of humility as well?" Nimitz noted. "Perhaps you can explain to me in more detail exactly what happened there at Midway then. All I know is that a man who went missing with Admiral Hawkins' dogtags after Pearl Harbor stopped a force that destroyed two of our flat tops, one island installation, and killed far too many good pilots. I want to know how. Quite easy on the eyes, aren't they?"
Thorson couldn't help a chuckle as he beckoned Brooklyn to his side where she saluted the Admiral respectfully. "And equally dangerous, sir. This is Brooklyn, and she's helped me compile a full report on the action at Midway from our perspective. We would be happy to review it with you at your leisure."
Nimitz nodded as he reviewed the double row of Union shipgirls, the Sakura who clearly possessed free reign on the island, and the handful who did not. The floating woman with rabbit ears and negro sailor only added to the motley feel on the docks, to say nothing of the white haired destroyer with cat ears who wore no top at all on account of the fresh tattoo still settling on her skin. West Virginia had wrapped her chest with ample bandaging, and stood at her side for protection. He recognized the hull number immediately, a ship lost at Coral Sea. "I believe my questions extend far beyond the action at Midway, Commander Thorson. Perhaps we should end there instead of begin? Rear Admiral Spruance described your force as a… harem, in a fit of passion. I would not use such a phrase myself, but I need to understand how your women have been able to accomplish what they have, and how this has been overlooked for so long."
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Thorson requested.
"Of course, Commander. At ease."
"Thank you, sir. Fusou, Yamashiro?" he called. Nimitz regarded the two undeniably voluptuous shrine maidens with interest as they walked to Thorson's side and bowed low to him.
"How may we assist you, tono-sama?" Yamashiro wondered eagerly, not mistaking how important a man Nimitz was. He smiled at them.
"Please take Enterprise and the commanding officers of the Hornet and Yorktown to the shrine so those two may finally be laid to rest. I would go myself, but I must meet with the Admiral first. All who wish to join may do so. With your permission, Admiral? I assure you an explanation will be forthcoming regarding my insistence."
"I certainly see no issue," Nimitz confirmed. "Enterprise, Captains, you are dismissed."
The surviving Union carrier nodded thankfully at the two men. "Thank you, Admiral. And you, Commander. If we could perhaps speak-"
"I'll make time for you," Thorson confirmed. "Please, focus on your sisters for now. I believe that little one, Hammann, would appreciate a chance to say goodbye to Yorktown."
The two military men watched as Enterprise controlled her facial expression as best she could, blinking rapidly as her lips twitched. "Yes sir, I think Yorktown would appreciate that too."
"If you would follow us, please?" Fusou beckoned with a sweep of her arm towards the slope behind them. "Will you be staying long with us? Perhaps you can enjoy some tea or a bath later?"
"I…" Enterprise didn't know how to respond. Instead she followed silently, knowing that anything else could come after he sisters were at peace. She could feel them, just below the surface of their cubes, and she wanted them to be at rest, safe from war.
"Laffey will go with Miss Enterprise, yes yes. She will miss Miss Hornet and Miss Yorktown. They were very elegant ladies," the destroyer volunteered, instantly prompting Javelin and Zed to tag along with her. Downes came next, taking Ooshio by the hand as her girlfriend promised to say a few words herself. Lexington finally spoke up after politely observing the goings on for some time with her younger sister, who could not stop looking around the island in wonderment.
"I should also like to be there. Yorktown was an inspiration and stalwart companion. If only my repairs had been finished sooner…"
"Sister, can I sing?" Saratoga wondered. "And when can I get a rifle like you have?"
"Maybe later today, who is to say?" Lexington replied softly. "You may not sing, Sara, but I think they would appreciate it if you came to say goodbye. Today is a solemn day, not a day for celebration. Some other time."
"Oh, alright then. Let's go! Maybe we can explore a bit!" Saratoga insisted, taking Lexington by the hand. The older carrier nodded Thorson's way.
"It is good to see you again, Commander. I will ensure she behaves, thank you."
In the end, the entirety of the Union force on base, save Brooklyn, departed to pay their respects to Enterprise's fallen sisters, leaving the likes of Naka, Yuudachi, Yukikaze, and others to guard Soryuu and her ilk. Choukai was one of them, having earned back her rigging and all ten of her gun barrels. She and Naka looked at their comrades with a mixture of shame and hesitance. "I'm sorry, everyone, but please return to the Akashi."
"Come on, Choukai, you can do better than that!" Yuudachi insisted, brandishing her rigging openly. "It's not your fault these idiots are still clinging on to the hope that Akagi and Kaga will eat them last! March! Double time!"
"Watch your mouth, pup," Hiryuu warned, not used to being talked down to by a pipsqueak destroyer. The various military men on the docks could not help but take note as Yuudachi promptly pointed the twin battery on her right hip at Hiryuu and fired, blasting the kansen back several meters.
"Anyone else got a problem? You're lucky you didn't end up dead! Now move it, wan~!" Yuudachi laughed triumphantly.
"Or else Yukikaze the Great will join in and you will really suffer!" the neko insisted. Soryuu waved them off.
"I believe you've demonstrated your will quite amply, you two. We will comply. Let us return, everyone. The sun is growing oppressive anyway. And you, sister, please wait until you are healed before picking fights again?" she requested of Hiryuu, who featured quite a bit of singed hair and fur atop her ears.
"Damnit, that really hurt!" she complained, standing and clutching her stomach. "You've got some nerve, Yuudachi!"
"Can it, siren bootlicker!" Yukikaze and Yuudachi snapped back. Soryuu grabbed Hiryuu by the collar as she made to retaliate.
"I will not say it again, sister. I dishonored myself to be at your side in this life, and you will not make that sacrifice worthless by getting yourself executed. Or do you deny that we served the sirens?" Soryuu snapped loudly, Kongou, Suzuya, and the others all watching with difficult looks on their faces.
"S-Soryuu?" Hiryuu whispered, clearly hurt by her sister's harsh tone.
"You will help me consider the truth of this conflict, or you will serve out the rest of the war in silence and captivity. Now come, before you earn us all a skipped meal or manual labor."
"What do you mean the truth?" Hiryuu demanded, following at Soryuu's side as she led the way back to the Akashi's infirmary. The older lapine carrier looked at her with an arch expression.
"You said it yourself, Hiryuu. The Sanctuary was playing with our minds. I want to know why."