Another Chapter made. Enjoy.

Raiden watches through the drone's satellite feed as the Commander awakens. Her younger self, Atago, tends to him, but he breaks out of Atago's hands toward the drone. Cloaked in dust and blood, Karl attempted to get up. The girls cried to him in a vein not to move around, but the man ignored him as he approached the drone. The META shipgirl put her hand under her chin, pondering what the Commander would do as he crawled to her pawn.

Raiden chuckles and presses a button on a heads-up display. The drone then changed its transmission origin location to a building in St. Marie. "I will either drive you to me willingly or force you to. Enjoy my gift, Spookhouse."

"My Lord," Falcon gasps. "Are you framing the counterintelligence men for our actions?"

"Exactly." Raiden smiles. "Hiryuu confirmed their presence on his outing with Taihou. Now we know that his 'Order of St. Abaddon' is in theater in full, The high-ranking officer visit proving he's been exiled here to this world, and his years of war are finally taking its toll."

"You want to break him…." Falcon replies, her eyes wide. "Not kill him… You want him broken…."

"Takao wants to kill him," Raiden says frankly. "But that isn't what I want. I don't want to break him either; I want him to wake up and come to me."

Falcon looked at Raiden, confused, needing help understanding anything her Lord said. "I don't understand…."

"It's obvious something has made him suppress his memories." Raiden surmises as she looks at Karl's face as he bled uncontrollably from his nose. "When I spoke through the drone, his vitals shot up dramatically, causing a stress nosebleed and severe headache. Didn't the debrief note this?"

Falcon closed her eyes as she recalled pressing her sword against the Commander's throat. His sardonic response taunted her to kill him after she spoke his infamous "The Black Hunter" title.

"Junyou? Junyou!" Raiden shouts, snapping Junyou META out of her introspection.

"I did," Junyou confirmed. "I don't think he is suppressing it on his own. Maybe Spookhouse altered his memories? That has to explain their involvement here."

"We only worked briefly with the Order of St. Abbadon before the incident at C19," Raiden replied, recalling her sect of the Ashes going to Tiberius to aid the Order against other ungodly beings like the dark madness that took their world in their own time. It was necessary to gain intelligence against the darkness. It was there, in the Agarthan sea, where they saw true power.

"But they were like us, stuck between worlds and time. The technology they possessed saved Karl from the Hadrian weapon. It only makes sense they have the technology to alter or remove memories."

"Atago…" Junyou whispers fearfully. "Did they take him from us? Before we found the answer on Tiberius?"

"I'm not sure." Atago META replies, cold and unsure. "It's without question that he is the Commander we knew all those years ago. But we need evidence to be sure that he isn't lying. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an interesting mental issue, but it doesn't give someone amnesia."

"Then we need to talk to him," Junyou says firmly. "I'll rendezvous with-"

His knees buckle, and he falls to the ground into the puddle of yellow coolant. The Commander looked deep into the eyes of the destroyed drone, giving it the evil eye with a balled fist. "I'm coming for you." He whispers to the drone as Atago and Belfast help him to his feet.

"We need to get you to Vestal immediately," Belfast says urgently.

"He'll need a faithful bodyguard to tend to him; I shall be there for you!" Atago shouts.

"Granted…" Karl coughs, spitting blood onto the floor.

The Commander didn't have a choice. Atago and Atago META knew this, as a handful of loyal girls would want to tend to him.

"When do you think he will give in to them, Junyou?" Atago META muses as the head maid and her younger self exit the destroyed office.

"To the agents or to the girls?" Junyou asks Atago.

"To his better judgments," Atago said flatly. "I'm not sure if it's his PTSD from nearly thirty years of drifting from conflict to conflict or if whatever those monsters did to him makes him forget what he did."

"Maybe both," Junyou admits. "He's a proud bastard."

Atago snickers, "Yes… My Hunter is proud. But he knows when to admit he's wrong."

"The operation to take Attu still ago?" Junyou asks Atago.

"Yes," Atago replies firmly. "The only way to return to Tiberius is through the Aleutians; Attu is the key to getting the Hadrian weapon."

"How do we know that will change anything?" Junyou counters. "Hadrian in that timeline used things that would send us to hell if the Gods of the Sakura Empire ever knew about it. How do we know the darkness also foresaw its fate in this timeline?"

"We don't know," Atago replies firmly. "But if we don't take this chance, we won't know. Nothing is certain, but we must try."

"Does this mean you aren't going to personally lead the attack?" Junyou asks Atago, who started at the heads-up display of the drone.

"Takao will lead the attack on Attu," Atago says, pulling up a holographic screen. "She'll kill him if given a chance. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stay here."

"Then we are going to him, aren't we?" Junyou asks her, and the answer is evident to both of them.

"Yes," Atago affirms, the screen showing a large map of the Azur Lane base and surrounding area. "We'll have to get close to him. But I'm afraid that drone idea of mine and your fight with Roon might have put the girls on edge. Hmmm…"

"I have a plan," Junyou exclaims. "But we'll have to go at night…."

At the Port…

Vestal looks over the Commander's body with shock as Atago cleans the blood off him. The amount of scaring, signs of bruising, and gunshot wounds covered by tattoos were staggering.

"You will have to have an RMI," Vestal explains. "Do you have any metal in your body that would interfere with the machine?"

Karl only chuckled, "I think. Memory servers I have a few screws in my leg, two pieces of shrapnel in my ribs, and a couple of metal fillings."

The nurse wrote down and cataloged all the scars on a chart for the Commander's medical records, which she was creating simultaneously. Belfast returned to the examination room carrying fresh tea for all of them. The Commander looked exhausted and highly uncomfortable as Vestal and Atago tended to his injuries and checked his vitals.

"Do you experience regular pain?" Vestal asks as she takes out a piece of equipment to check his blood pressure.

"Not really," Karl replies honestly. "Just some ringing in my ears once in a while…."

His voice felt weak, far from the usual firmness, and Atago picked up on this. The cruiser's instincts kicked in, and her hands ran down the Commander's back. "He has several cuts and knots in his back. I think he's dealing with back issues."

"A little…" Karl winces as Atago touches some of the knots in his back. He usually suppressed the pain most days, while on others, he would try to ignore the pain with work.

"Your feet look just as rough as the rest of your body." Atago notices, seeing cases on his feet. "What did you do to abuse them that much!?"

"Long marches," Karl replies quietly, looking over at his beaten-up feet, recalling twenty or thirty-mile marches with heavy rucksacks through the mountains, fields, and forests of Tiberius.

"Atago," Vestal says, looking at Atago. "Did you feel any broken on his chest or back?"

"No," Atago replies. "Thank goodness."

"You must be better than you look then, Commander." Vestal remarks, writing down more scaring. "I'll have to speak with your last unit about your medical records, especially with the number of former wounds on your person. It's a miracle you've survived so much with only the wounds you have physically."

Karl smirks, thinking of his former medical officer, Dr. Ingrid, also remarking on his wounds. Though Ingrid was blunter and without any attempt to compliment him. "Thank you," Karl replies. "I guess I'll work out of my room or somewhere else. That shell tore up my office rather badly."

"Indeed," Vestal says, reaching for a folder. "Though I recommend you go under a mental evaluation-"

"I have to politely decline that, Vestal," Karl says quickly. "I don't believe it's necessary."

"Commander," Vestal interjects. "The amount of physical damage you have means you, more than likely, carry a significant amount of trauma from it."

Trauma? He thinks to himself, recalling several instances of the war. The recent events of Roon ripping metal out of his flesh with glee repeatedly played in his mind. The twisted expression of hunger on her face as she pulled Japanese steel from his shoulder and arm.

"That's!" Karl shouts, the adrenaline filling her body and the anger seething from his eyes. But he drew back, recoiling from his release of control. Regret covered his face, and he buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry. That's uh… That sounds about right… But I don't want to talk about it."

Atago puts her hand on his shoulder lovingly, "It's OK. You're alright. Big sister is here for you."

"I can't talk about it," Karl replies coldly again. "None of yall could understand it."

"Then let us understand it," Atago says firmly, hugging him from behind. Belfast seconds this by placing her hand in his. "We love you. We always will."

Blood dripped from his nose again, dripping to the white tile floor below. The cruiser quickly covered his nose with a rag to stop the bleeding. "I want to understand; we all do."

Another headache began, but the pain seemed less potent than before as Atago laid her head on his shoulder. The warmth of her body transferred into him and, from what he could understand, a feeling Karl hadn't had in ages; Understanding.

Belfast smiles at the sight of Atago lovingly holding the Commander. She honestly felt jealous and looked to the Commander with her usual proper expression as he had the rag to his face. Being the head maid, Belfast took the rag from her Master and cleaned his face before hugging the Commander.

"You fucking girls…." Karl groans, putting his head on Belfast's shoulder. "Ya'll are going to make me melt."

To more of his surprise, Karl felt a kiss on each cheek from the two girls. This made his blush bright red and made Vestal giggle.

"Commander," Vestal interrupts. "As much as I hate to bother you during this moment. I have to continue my checkups."

The checkup went well, but the girls were still concerned for the Commander. Atago stood by his side all day as they continued paperwork and attended training at the gunnery range hosted by Iron Blood. Lord Bismarck oversees her faction's carrier operations with a familiar group of faces from the Sakura Empire.

Atago picked up the scent of Akagi, Kaga, and Amagi and whispered the news to the Commander. "I don't think Akagi-sempai will happily see me with you," Atago says worriedly.

"You're my secretary and bodyguard," Karl reassures her. "She and I have an understanding."

As the two approached, they were greeted by warm greetings from Amagi and the firm gaze of Lord Bismarck. The Commander gave a crisp salute to Bismarck, to which she returned, and a bow to Amagi. Kaga spotted the Commander with Atago and tried to obscure the view from her sister, but Akagi saw and waltzed on to greet him as well. Though Akagi wasn't as formal as Amagi, he hugged the Commander, rubbing her scent all over him and glaring at Atago.

"My Commander," Akagi begins looking at him dreamily. "It is wonderful to see you! I tried to visit you at the hospital after I was informed about the attack by Takao! But the pests kept me from you; why haven't you seen Akagi sooner?"

"I had to finish my checkup and finish some work," Karl replied honestly. "Atago has been acting as a secretary since then; I didn't want to disturb you on your off time following our mission together."

"There is no need to worry about such things with First Carrier division-"Akagi began until Amagi placed her hand on her little sister's shoulder.

"Now is not the time, Akagi," Amagi said to her, sending a shiver down the fleet carrier's spine. "It is good to see you here, Commander. Please enjoy the training in peace."

Karl smiles and looks to Bismarck, "My Apologies for that and for keeping you waiting. As you know, I've been quite popular lately."

"Amis and your jokes." Bismarck groans. "I would not take a siren infiltration lightly."

"I don't, I assure you, Lord Bismarck," Karl replies quickly. "Though it wasn't a siren. I'm sure Iron Blood knows the recent reports Akagi and I published following the attack on Nagato and Misaka."

"Yes, of course," Bismarck says, turning to observe the operations in front of her. "META ships are active more than usual. Their attack against the Sakura Empire girls is strange considering their tendency to attack Sirens or human targets in rare cases."

"Hmmmm…" Karl remarks as he watches sea Stuka dive bombers striking floating targets with bombs and torpedoes.

"Frau Amagi informed me of your attack," Bismarck says flatly. "What did Frau Vestal say about your condition?"

"Just a bit shook up," Karl added just the same. Turning his head to the blonde flagship, looking at her deadpan in Bismarck blue eyes. "Not the first, or the last, time I've been blown up."

"It was brought to my attention that one of my Cruisers is one of the causes for one of those moments," Bismarck said, bringing the attention of Akagi as her fox ears perked up.

"Yes, actually," Karl said honestly. "Though I'm interested to hear what you know of the event."

"Roon herself told me of the events," Bismarck sighed. "Her actions leading up to your assault by a member of the Ashes and after were unbecoming of an Iron Blood ship. Roon has brought great shame to our fleet for her actions."

"She told you everything, eh?" Karl says, surprised, raising his brow. 'How much did she tell you, Bismarck?' He asked himself.

"While she did defend you against the META shipgirl," Bismarck began. "And you did take care of her with the help of Frau Taihou; I wanted to speak to you about what you wish to do with her."

"I am the Commander, after all." Karl chuckles. "Though I prefer that you girls, especially someone as high ranking as you, handle your own disputes in-house."

"While that would be the case," Bismarck begins, her expression fading to concern rather than the trademark firmness. "Roon and Fredrich Der Grosse request that you decide her fate."

The roar of BMW engines, the rattle of machine guns and cannons, and the thud of bombs echoed in front of him. Aircraft fuel and engine oil filled the air with the familiar aroma of modern combat that Karl grew so accustomed to over his years of selfless service, or marauding, depending on who you ask. Burning gunpowder filled his nose as a Messerschmitt fighter flew above them, firing its 20mm and 30mm cannons into targets.

Sensory overload made him recall a moment on the frontline where he had to play as the judge; the jury were his men, battle harden grenadiers and shock troops, and the executioner was a short rope on a tall tree. Though it wasn't just his own soldiers who if rarely, incurred his wrath and met their ends.

"We used to kill people who tried to do what they did to one of their own. The civilians knew this justice as well." Karl remarks coldly to Bismarck. "But I don't think Roon is in the right mind to know what she was doing."

The stoic Bismarck noted the mercy in his voice. The document she ordered Eugen to drop off must have been seen by him, just like Fredrich said.

"I wasn't sure you Kommando's showed mercy," Bismarck replied.

"We don't," Karl said firmly. "Not to our enemies. But that girl isn't an enemy…."

Karl reached into his jacket for his cigarettes, but they were not there. The Commander became noticeably quiet as they observed another airstrike on targets. Bismarck noted this, 'A smoker? A stress smoker, it seems.'

"Roon is subordinate to Fredrich." Bismarck informs him, his brow rising in interest. "It would be best to bring her into the discussion."

"I feel hesitance in your voice," Karl said to Bismarck. "I won't kill Roon or exile her if that is what you are implying. I'll speak to her about the matter after the training."

"I feel sympathy in your voice, Herr Kommendant," Bismarck replied. "I didn't believe the Kommandos could feel that as well."

"I'm just as human as all of you." Karl laments with a slight sardonic chuckle. "I'd like them to meet me at the Iron Blood bar if that's no trouble. Are your girls due for any more training besides this?"

"Z23 created the training calendar for this month," Bismarck recalls the document. "Today is Aviation and destroyer exercises. Tomorrow will be cruiser and battleship joint operations."

"Hmmm," The Commander replies, rubbing his chin. "Who's doing the assessment? Just yourself? What is my Fox over there doing here?"

Atago and Akagi's ears perked up at the mention of the Red Castle. Attempted to run over, but Amagi held her in place with a glare.

"Liaison in carrier operations," Bismarck says. "Iron Blood is not as strong in the field of carrier aviation. While our five carriers are strong, they have much to learn from our allies in Azur Lane. The Sakura Empire is more forthcoming with sharing its knowledge vs. the Royal Navy or the Eagle Union. It seems there still remains some animosity beneath the surface."

"I believe it's more of a manning issue now," Karl replies. "Deployments, since I took command, have been high, and the EU and RN have taken the recent cycle. I swear I put those reports out in between everything. If not, I'll make the correction today; Atago, please note that."

"Yes, my Commander," Atago replies, writing it down in a notebook.

"Gneisenau delivered this report to me days before, I assure you," Bismarck said, a slight smile on her face. "Your sharing of information is consistent; that is not the issue. I believe the Eagle Union girls do not find us Iron Blood… Approachable."

"Commander," Atago interjects. "The Sakura Empire initially had these problems with the Eagle Union and Royal Navy. We solved this issue with events to bring the girls together. I think we should do that to help!"

"Hmmm," Karl ponders. "That could work. I'd also suggest more joint training as well as deployments. We'll have to check the rosters on who's been going on joint operations the most. I initially simplified it between the factions while I handled the issues here."

"SKK," Amagi says from afar. Akagi helps her, and the two walk over to join the conversation. "If you wish to achieve an event like this, you must allow us to help you."

Karl smirks, "I'm not good with peaceful endeavors like this. I'll gladly take help from you all. I'll inform Belfast as well when I return to HQ. I say we begin tomorrow drafting up plans."

"Why tomorrow, my Commander?" Akagi asks, "It would be wise to begin now."

"I have a business to attend to with Iron Blood's PR ships," Karl said honestly, gauging Akagi's response. The Fox's eyes grew wide as she looked over at him and then at Atago. The cruiser held her smile and her ground. "There are things I need to make a right."

"What would that be?" Akagi asks him pointy.

"Internal politics," Karl said flatly.

Then Atago whispered, "Don't be so vague with her. She's worried about you."

Akagi could hear the conversation clearly with her animal hearing and smiled, 'Ah, Atago, knowing your place.'

Karl turns back to Akagi, "Roon and I have had some issues. I have to make it right."

"Does Akagi need to handle" Akagi felt the hand of Amagi on her shoulder.

"No," Karl replies. "I can handle it. But it doesn't meet I don't appreciate the offer."

Even with Amagi holding her into reality, Akagi reaches her hand out to the Commander. She takes one of his hands and has it to her face. Kissing it softly, she looks at the Commander with burning eyes, "Akagi will always be with you, My Commander. Do what you must, and do not hesitate to open yourself to your beloved fleet carrier."

"Thank you." Karl smiles, a warm feeling filling his cold heart again. The Fox then looked at Atago with an expression torn between envy and resentment.

"Take care of the Commander," Akagi orders Atago. "That's an order, and I intend on following up on you."

"I will, Akagi-san," Atago says firmly with a smile.

Bismarck was noticeably uncomfortable at the events, "Alright then…tomorrow we will speak about the gathering. Will you be at our gunnery training tomorrow, Herr Kommendant?"

"Yes, of course," Karl replies. "I miss the aroma of gunpowder."

The fleet leader nods approvingly and salutes him, "Good."

Karl salutes Bismarck and bows to the two Sakura Empire girls, "I will see you all tomorrow for the sync meeting then. Do any of you need anything before I go? Ammunition and fuel sufficient? Maintenance issues? How about living conditions? Anything at all?"

"Please come over for tea at some point tomorrow." Amagi requests. "Akagi and Kaga miss you and would enjoy spending time with you again."

"Atago, we have teatime tomorrow," Karl says with a smile. "I assume the same time as last, yes?"

"Yes indeed," Amagi confirms.

"Bismarck?" Karl asks the fleet leader.

"Inform me as soon as possible of your decision on Roon," Bismarck says. "Thank you."

As the last Stuka strike lands its bombs on the target, the Commander watches the target burn. He takes a deep breath, taking in the aroma of explosive compounds mixing with aircraft fuel. Releasing it slowly, the Commander feels slightly high from the nitroglycerin and high-octane aviation fuel. A wide-toothed smile overtook his face, noted by the girls with degrees of relief and slight concern.

"I shall," Karl says, turning to Atago and motioning her to follow him.

"Thank you for your input," Karl whispers to Atago.

"Of course, my Commander," Atago replies, smiling. "Do you give everyone a pet name?"

Karl blushed, "It's more of a nickname for Akagi. We did have relations following combat if I'm being honest. But she isn't my baby girl."

Atago smiles, widens, and takes his hand, "If you keep calling me that, I don't think your fox will enjoy what I do next."

The thought of her Commander bedding down Akagi ate at Atago's darker side, but the expression in Karl's eyes spoke to her differently. Atago felt something in the rugged Commander, but he didn't know it yet. Atago knew she was his number one; deep in her heart, she did, and that fact, to her at least, kept the darkness at bay.

The two giggle and go on their way under the watch of Amagi. Thankfully for those two, Akagi had returned to grade Graf Zeppelin's performance on the training ground. Bismarck looked back at Amagi with a raised brow, "Is there something wrong?"

"No," Amagi replies, joining Bismarck in observing the carrier operations. "I'm just enjoying the peaceful display from our Commander. He doesn't usually display such calm energy."

"I have yet to understand the Sakura Empire's ideas on spiritual energy," Bismarck tells her, lamenting the abstract idea of spiritual energy.

"We all have a spirit, even us shipgirls," Amagi tells her as the Iron Blood planes return to their carriers. "We also have someone who can bring calmness to our spirit, others bring drive, and others bring transcendence. Akagi brought out his heroic side that saved my friends. While Atago brings him stability and love. I do wish to see what Taihou brings to him. I have to say those three bring out the good in him."

"All of that from a smile?" Bismarck asks skeptically.

"The Orient is a mysterious place, Bismarck-San," Amagi tells her looking over to Akagi and Kaga to wave to the Iron Blood carriers returning. "As is the mind and the spirit."

"You are beginning to sound like Musashi," Bismarck replies.

Meanwhile…

Atago and Karl walked back to their Eagle Union-provided Jeep with their hands firmly clenched. Karl couldn't help but notice how easy it felt to be around her, a fact that he couldn't escape. It felt natural to be around the lewd cruiser with golden eyes.

"What was that back there?" Atago asks him, wrapping herself around the Commander's arm. "You were smiling very wide."

Karl sighs, "The smell of it all, the training, reminded me of the good old days."

"Thinking of your men again?" Atago asks as the jeep comes into view.

"I always think of them and you girls," Karl replies as he walks over to the passenger side to let Atago in first.

"Such a gentleman," Atago remarks as he moves to the driver's side. "What did you think of the training?"

"It was good." Karl begins as he starts the jeep. "The Iron Blood is good and striking, but they have much to learn from what I've studied from the Eagle Union, Sakura Empire, and Royal Navy. But they will get up to par soon."

"I've only sortied with cruisers from Iron Blood," Atago replies as the wind catches her hair as they drive forward. "They're serious in combat."

"You have to be," Karl says to her as they take a turn.

"Not always," Atago tells him. "Combat for shipgirls is like a dance. It's fluid and beautiful at times. I've only had to get serious a couple of times against the sirens."

"The lulls were the only enjoyable part for us during the war," Karl says, his voice drawing back. "The silence was what we enjoyed."

"I guess fighting as a man is different than fighting as a shipgirl," Atago says aloofly. Karl looked at her sweet unknowing expression, and he couldn't help himself from placing his hand on her thigh.

"I hope you never have to experience what I have," Karl tells her hauntingly. "You sweet girls don't deserve to see what I have."

Atago took his hand to save him from the darkness within his mind. "We won't if we have you." She says, bringing Karl's hand to her lips and kissing it.

"Did Roon hurt you?" Atago asked bluntly. "Talking of punishment about the Iron Blood's infamous heavy cruiser isn't something I've heard before."

Karl's face grew sour, and he gulped hard. Atago noted this, and her instincts kicked in as she picked on his mood change. The Onee-san placed the Commander's hand between her breasts and held it tight against her. "She's been known to do questionable things. If she hurt you…. Then Onee-san will punish the naughty girl." Atago said darkly.

"She did." Karl replies, "But no one will get hurt during this. She tried some questionable things, but Roon is just lost."

"Like you are sometimes?" Atago says, kissing his hand again.

He made another face, conflicting with his pride and the reality in his mind. Karl tries to speak but stops and tries again, only to fail again.

"Don't feel embarrassed," Atago reassures him. "You know what you must do."

"Thank you," Karl tells her as they pull into the HQ. Letting themselves out, they begin walking to the building.

"How did she hurt you?" Atago asks him.

"Ripped pieces of a sword out of my shoulder after she shattered it into pieces," Karl replied bluntly. "After that, she was knocked out by the META girl. The girl escaped, and I carried Roon to Taihou's to patch her up."

"Why did you come to me?" Atago asks innocently.

"Roon weights a lot, and I was beaten to hell," Karl told her. "Between losing blood and a bad back, Taihou's was closer. So I stayed with her last night."

"Was my Commander doing lewd things with my friend?" Atago jests.

"By no means!" Karl lies, recalling Taihou washing him. "She cleaned me up and let me sleep on a pallet. A wonderful host!"

"Well, before you go, see Roon and Fredrich," Atago begins, moving in front of him with a cute expression. "Big sister would like to pamper you. You're tense and reasonably so, but I want you relaxed when you see those two."

"What do you have in mind?" Karl inquires.

Atago giggles and takes his hand, "The Sakura Empire has hot springs. We should go together!"

"Hot spring?" Karl asks, intrigued. "I've never been to one before. But I'd like that to be a date saved for a day just for us."

Atago gave a pouty face, and her ears went flat, "But I want to take you there now. You can't meet one of the higher-ranking Iron Blood girls with all that tension in you!"

A bitter taste filled his mouth, as did a pain in his lower back. Karl puts his hand on his lower back and grumbles lightly, "I'm not sure if I was born with the tension or it's just coming around to me." He sighs.

"Big sister knows best," Atago says, wrapping her arm through his. "Just let her help you and stop being so stubborn."

Karl relented. He could withstand high-ranking officials, enemy gunfire, and inhuman dangers. But he couldn't hold out against Atago's loving gaze. The hardened Commander couldn't understand why, but the lewd cruiser had a soft spot in his heart. In one swift motion, Karl pulled Atago to him and hugged her. "I will." Karl whispers to her, "It's just hard getting used to someone who cares, not because it's her job, but because she truly does care for me."

Atago returns the hug, "Onee-san will always care for you."

A haunting feeling filled his mind for a moment, only to be destroyed instantly as he kissed the heavy cruiser's forehead, "And I'll always care for you, baby girl." He whispers to Atago.

"And your Onee-San wants you to smell like her when you see those girls," Atago whispers and kisses his cheek.

"Hot springs?" Atago asks him.

"Hot Springs." Karl smiles. "Just let me take care of some business here first."

"What do you have to do, Commander?" Atago asks, curious as they have finished all their paperwork for the day.

"I just have to grab something from my bag," Karl replies. "I'd rather have a pistol close when I see them again."

"If Roon is a problem, Commander, I can tag along." Atago offers, assuming the problem.

"It's not her," Karl interjected. "The ashes. I'd rather go down fighting against them if I'm being honest."

"Commander…" Atago begins worryingly, "You're weapons won't do anything against a shipgirl."

"I can try," Karl replies cooly. "It helps my mind too."

Atago gave a worried expression and took his hand, "Do you think they'll come for you again?"

Karl smirked, "I guess you were paying attention then."

Atago moved her ears cutely, "You can say that."

"We'll talk about it at the hot spring." Karl deflects, walking forward to the HQ with Atago in hand.

The two enter the building to find a collection of an Eagle Union officer and two carriers questioning the Maids. A female with blonde hair tightly pinned into a bun in a crisp white uniform caught his attention, as did her shipgirl escorts of Essex and Shangri-la.

"The old Commander…." Atago whispers, stopping with Karl behind a wall. "Commander Helena."

"What are they saying?" He asks her, noting the pen and paper in Commander Helena's aid hands and taking notes. The lady officer appeared annoyed as she spoke to the maid corps, her body language showing.

"They are questioning her about your plane incident and the destruction of an old shrine," Atago informs him, listening intently. "Also, the attack today. She doesn't seem happy at all…."

Atago's voice winced, and she recoiled a little. She wasn't a fan of the old Commander, clearly.

"She's demanding for you…." Atago continues, only for Karl's phone to vibrate. With a groan, he whispers to Atago to stay here. "No, you don't need that from her!" Atago protests. But, albeit reluctant, Karl decides to meet the old Commander again.

"Well, well, well." Karl begins, opening his arms and showing his palms. "Helena! It's good to see you again! What brings you around to Port?"

"Investigations, Mr. Dael," Helena replies coldly. "According to reports from the Eagle Union ship girls, you've engaged META ships. Why isn't high command tracking this information?"

The maids looked at him strangely and then back to Commander Helena. Karl smirked, "I sent the reports this morning before a drone attacked me again. It must have been lost in the fire."

"THEY ATTACKED THE PORT?!" Helena shouts. "No high alert?! No Lockdown?! Nothing?!"

"The threat was neutralized, and everything went back to normal," Karl reported. "I've kept security tight here, but no one was prepared for a shape-shifting drone. Any other questions?"

"You're actions are unbecoming of an Officer of Azur Lane," Helena replied frankly. "The lack of seriousness in this situation and the reckless display is nothing less than an obvious call for relief."

"Call for relief?" Karl said, raising his voice yet remaining calm as he closed closer with the female Commander. "Because I did what was necessary and saved our comrades? Doing your duty is cause for relief? Interesting. The SAS has a motto, "Who Dares, Wins."

A slight smirk appears on his face, and he looks Commander Helena in the eyes. The blonde, blue-eyed, young female Commander glared menacingly back at the veteran soldier. The two opposing commanders stood nearly arm's reach from each other, and each stood aggressively. Shipgirls of the Eagle Union took their places by Commander Helena's side and stared at him with firm gazes.

"I've sacrificed more than you could realize for these girls, Karl Dael." Commander Helena replied firmly, her voice filled with hard-won experience. "Never have I had to personally decide to waste my life. That is what tactics and strategy are for."

"We won our battles against the enemy with more than that, Helena," Karl countered, spoken with just as much, or more, experience. "You just haven't had the pleasure of leading from the front. But I guess you were busy handling the situation here, it seems. Though I must question how much you did here with all the reforms."

"If you had a secretary like Essex or Shangri-la," Helena continued sharply. "You would have spent more time on priorities like commissions and operations than ridiculous training exercises and evaluations. Shipgirls are not like your Rodeo Clowns."

"So that's what you call us?" Karl replies to the contemptuous remark. "Excuse me for my clowns saving your Navy and Marine's asses then. Maybe we should let you get eaten up by those tin cans?"

"As if you have the authority to do such a thing." Helena rolls her eyes dismissively.

"You'd be surprised," Karl smirks.

"Enough of your bullshit," Helena growls. "Who are the Ashes you've encountered? I know a few of them, but reports on them recall that they have withdrawn to other regions."

"I don't know exactly who they are in this world," Karl tells her. "One of them goes by Falcon, and she warned me about one named Raiden. I don't have a name for the other; she carried a sword and black hair. They were both Sakura META ships."

"Takao META, Ember," Helena said gravely. "What was she doing there? Falcon? Raiden? I don't know those two. I know Ember, though."

"They were going after Nagato and Misaka," Karl told her, crossing his arms. "Those two were roughed up pretty bad, but I got them out of there."

"Shangri-la," Helena says to her flower-haired carrier. "Make a separate section on this."

"Yes, Ma'am." She replies.

"Continue," Helena ordered Karl. He rolls his eyes and moves into a more authoritative stance. Essex answers this with her power pose and a hard glair to the tall Commander.

"Ember and Falcon, A Sakura Carrier, launched an attack on a commission fleet returning from the Sakura Empire," Karl recalled. "I lead the QRF out to recuse them. The 1st and 5th Carrier divisions lead with some Eagle Union and Royal Navy gals. We engaged them, but they were stronger than we realized when, what we thought at the time, a siren appeared. High ranking one at that. But it turned out it was a drone after I crashed the plane into it."

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Essex gasps.

"I had only one bomb," Karl replied frankly with a smile. "I was flying it. It made sense at the time."

"What happened to the META ships?" Helena asked, noting his stare as he recalled the events.

"Exfil out of the AO via a portal," Karl replied.

"I see," Helena said, rolling her lips in thought. "Now, the shrine."

Karl looked at her dead in her eyes, "Not sure. I have a meeting with Amagi tomorrow to speak of the matter; it did happen on their side of the Port."

"Why not investigate now?" Helena presses him, noting his change in demeanor.

"They attacked me earlier today." Karl laughed. "Just look at my office."

"Then what have you done since the attack then?" Helena presses again, pointing at him in a hostile manner.

"Attended aerial gunnery training with Iron Blood and went to the hospital," Karl said bluntly. "Taking care of business. The investigation will begin tomorrow after I meet with Amagi about the matter."

"Hmmmm…" Helena replies, not satisfied with the response. "Interesting. What are you planning on doing about the Meta ship problem, then? It's obvious to me that you are being targeted."

"By more than one person, it seems." Karl snaps.

"As I was saying," Helena says, annoyed. "Employing a KAN-SEN or two as your personal guard would be best."

"Atago!" Karl calls Atago. The cruiser walks cautiously out of the dark and takes to Commander Karl's side. "I did. If I need two or more, I have three girls in mind. But I'm sure I won't need them for anything besides aiding me in the mountains of paperwork you folks love so much."

Essex waves her hand friendly to Atago, who waves back. Shangri-la was focused on her note-taking to acknowledge the interaction. But Helena did and gave Atago the evil eye. Karl unfolded his arms and put an arm around Atago's waste, "Atago has been my dutiful secretary and has personally volunteered to be my bodyguard. Ms. Belfast has also offered to be her relief and has Akagi and Taihou. I think a small staff section will suffice."

Helena scoffs, "What a selection. The only redeeming one being Belfast."

"What do you mean by that, Helena?" Karl snaps.

"Those two fireballs are nothing more than nuisances, and your dog girl is… Contemptable." Helena says, holding her words back.

"I'll have you know that all four of those girls have been the utmost help to me since this Meta business began." Karl defends them. "Belfast has been my right hand and has been my guide, but Atago, Akagi, and Taihou have been some of the best aids that a Commanding officer could ask for. I suggest that you apologize to her at once."

"For what reason?" Helena replies, clearly offended at the growling response from Karl. "Her performance under my Commander was lackluster and-"

"You're ineffective when it comes to personal and garrison issues," Karl interjects. "As well as, apparently, tactical affairs as well."

"Enough of this nonsense," Helena shouts. "Regardless of what the outcome was, the reaction was unjustified. I won't apologize to subpar shipgirls. I'll be waiting for your report at Higher HQ. It better bet there."

"You're not my superior, and I don't report to you," Karl says boldly. "It will be sent to Rear Admiral Makarov at Theater Command. I'll gladly CC you on the email, Commander Helena."

"You are not privy to even clean a Petty Officers' boots!" She snaps, pushing herself against Karl. "I'm not even sure you're a damn sailor, let alone someone worthy enough to Commander this fleet! I'm coming after you, Karl Dael! You better hope I don't find anything questionable during my investigation."

"Then I'll hand deliver it to you, In your quarters," Karl growls.

"Is that a threat?" Helena challenges him.

"I can assure you I don't make threats," Karl warns her. "I make promises."

"I'll be watching you," Helena growls, turning around dramatically as Essex and Shangri-La follow behind.

"What a bitch." Karl says too much of the displeasure to the proper maids.

"Let's get your things and go!" Atago said, flustered. "I need to get you to the hot springs stat!"

"Just give me a moment, and we will," Karl reassures her. The two first went upstairs to the office, which was locked and covered with yellow tape. Karl curses to himself and goes to his room to retrieve his secondary pistol and holster.

Entering the room, he finds Belfast making his bed. "Master!" Belfast says, surprised. "I wasn't expecting you to be in your room today."

"I'm just dropping in to grab some things," Karl replied, kneeling under the bed to grab a backpack. "I'm going to speak with Roon later tonight, and I'd rather have something with me just in case a drone decides to get freaky with me."

"I recommend you bring Atago with you, Master," Belfast begins. "But I believe that would upset Ms. Roon. Please be careful."

"I will," Karl says as he grabs his secondary pistol. The Secondary is another Czech-designed pistol, Rami, with a shoulder holster. "That's why I'm bringing another one."

The head maid finished making the bed and put her hand on the Commander's shoulder as he placed the pistols on the table. Removing his uniform top, Belfast could see some new scars on the back of his shoulder. She had seen him shirtless before and noted all the tattoos and scars in detail. These were obviously new.

"Master," Belfast begins. "Where did you get those scars? They're new."

Karl pauses and looks over to his left shoulder, remembering the shrapnel from Falcon's sword and the evil expression on Roon's face. He took a deep breath as he listened to heels clicking against the floor, a sign Atago was also in the room.

"Roon," Karl said quietly as he put the shoulder holster on and threw his jacket back on.

He turned to leave, but Belfast stopped him. "Why did she do this to you?" She demands.

"Saved my life," Karl says coldly. "META ship tried to kill me at first."

"At first?" Atago asks, surprising Belfast.

"Then she knocked Roon out." Karl continued, omitting the near-rape. "Then I spoke to her. Telling me about someone named 'Raiden' and how she was preparing me for her."

"That doesn't make any sense. Why would Roon hurt you if she was trying to save you?" Atago asks pointedly.

"She ripped the metal out of me," Karl replied. "Then Taihou patched me up. I had to carry Roon to her to get the work done. I couldn't leave her there."

"Why didn't you just take her to Vestal?" Belfast demands. "This needs to be reported up!"

"No," Karl says firmly. "Everyone involved in that will not say anything. I will inform Taihou in time, but first, I must patch things with Roon. I'm glad Bismarck understands the situation, so there is at least some confidentiality."

"That is the third time you've been attacked by the Ashes, Master," Belfast tells him, her voice imploring him to see what was clearly in front of him. "The attack a week ago, yesterday, and this recent one is too much to be a siren plan. It's too frequent! We have to respond to this or report to high command."

"Commander Helena is already forcing my hand on this." Karl sighs, "But I'm not reporting until this is solved. I don't know what the hell is going on with these META girls, but I do know that I play a part in a plan… We will figure this out. But first, I need to mend some bridges."

"Do you need us?" Belfast asks him.

"At the moment," Karl begins. "Not yet."

"You'll need us if a fight comes, Commander." Atago reminds him. "You can't do it on your own."

"I know," Karl replied. "But it won't stop me from trying. You both know this. I'm glad to have you two to keep me in line."

The two shipgirls forced a smile, wishing the Commander would relay a bit more on them. He looked tired, worn down, and troubled. Atago knew more because of the interaction with Commander Helena, and Belfast turned to her with a raised brow. The two girls shared a selection of expressions before Karl readjusted himself.

"To the hot springs, then?" He asks Atago.

A bright smile radiated from the cruiser as the Commander took the lead and exited slowly. Atago was about to follow suit, but Belfast stopped her. "Master, Will you wait for a moment? I wish to speak with Ms. Atago briefly."

"Sure." The Commander says, walking out of the room.

The two listened for his heavy footsteps to grow quiet and began to speak. Belfast's demeanor is usually calm and collected, but the anxiety in her voice made Atago take note.

"Did he speak to Commander Helena?" Belfast asks, "He looks more troubled than usual. Though things aren't exactly perfect for our Master at the moment."

"He did," Atago said worryingly. "Commander Helena is firm about getting at him. It's very troubling, more so since the attack today. I'm so scared for him."

"I am too," Belfast agrees. "We all are. Between being attack not once, but, what, three times directly by these META girls? I don't understand. They've usually kept their distance from us. I only remember meeting three of them during Operation Siren."

"I know, I know, I know!" Atago replies. "It's scary, and that drone looked like me too! Where are they getting this tech from?!"

"I don't know; I'll have to speak to the Tech team to see," Belfast tells her. "But you need to continue protecting him. You bring peace to him."

"You do, too, though." Atago notes. "We have to work together. Even Akagi, too, he seems to like her as well."

"And Taihou." Belfast continues. "I'll try to bring those two together for tea. He may not want our help, but he does appreciate it. I know that."

"He is having tea with Amagi tomorrow," Atago informs her. "I think you should talk to her about that. Amagi-san has a strong influence on Akagi. But not really. Taihou, The Commander, and I could talk to her."

Atago giggles, "The commander has a personal fleet now."

Belfast smiles and laughs, "As silly as it sounds, yes. But he needs it; he's just a man, and those META girls are tough. Even for us."

"Better together then," Atago replies, slightly unsure as the idea of sharing the Commander with Akagi milling about in her mind. Jealousy builds her mind as she thinks of 'His Fox' loving on her Commander. The cruiser felt a pulling sensation in her heart, but then she remembered their date to the hot springs.

"Indeed." Belfast says, "Go on then. I'll speak to Amagi in the meantime."

Atago hugs Belfast, too much to her surprise, and rushes to return to the Commander. With a heavy sigh, the maid returns to her duties with vigor. Though her worries were sharing the foremost of her mind with the troubles of the Commander.

The couple stepped outside as the sun slowly descended to the sea. Its orange hues reflected against the ocean, making Karl sigh with amazement. Atago takes his hand and leads him toward the Sakura Empire dorms, "We'll enjoy the hot springs together before your meeting. But don't expect your big sister not to get handsy with you." Atago teases.

From afar, on top of a building, sat Raiden, cloaked by optical camouflage with Falcon at her side. The veteran META ship girl smiles at her younger self's remarks, "How innocent, yet so lewd, I was back then." She smirks. "Let them enjoy themselves momentarily before I speak to him."