Restaurant, Sakura Empire
June 20, 1942
Ayanami was surrounded by Sakuran Shipgirls, bombarded with questions about her treatment. Most of the questions were so absurd that Ayanami could only stare blankly.
"Did they touch you?" Mikazuki asked, she gestured..
"Did they torture you?" Nagatsuki asked, horror visible in her eyes.
"Did they feed you well?" Minazuki asked, and offered a cupcake.
"Did they brainwash you?" Fumizuki asked.
"Do lasers come out of their eyes?" Uzuki asked, making gestures with her hands.
"Do they eat Shipgirls?" Kisaragi asked, quivering in fear.
"Do they have sharp teeth?" Fubuki asked, showing off her fangs.
"Did you fall in love with one of them?" Mutsuki asked, her question differs but not out of the extraordinary.
Everyone turned their attention to Mutsuki for asking such an outlandish question.
"Why would Ayanami fall in love with that PERVERTS! AND CHEATER!!!!" Yukikaze yelled, held back by Shigure and Yuudachi from lunging at Mutsuki.
Mutsuki reasoned, "Atago-sensei tells us stories about lovers who fall in love, even though they were enemies."
"Don't reason with me with that kindergarten storytelling! Ayanami isn't going to fall for one of those perverts!" Yukikaze yelled.
"We really need to limit Atago from teaching these kids. Their imaginations run wild. We can't even know what's going on inside their heads right now," Haruna exclaimed.
"There are no other teachers for these kids other than Atago-san and Houshou-san," Kongou said.
"If we asked Takao-san, she would end up training these kids like soldiers, not students," Haruna said, imagining Takao putting the Destroyers through regimental training.
"Yeah... what kind of person would put a bunch of children through regimental training? That would be absurd," Kongou commented.
-US Marine Corps would like to have a word with you-
"Okay, that's enough questioning... you're making her uncomfortable with your outlandish questions," Kongou said, seeing Ayanami struggling to process all the questions.
"Are you alright, Ayanami?" Yuudachi asked, as Ayanami spaced out for a moment.
"Ha-Hai," she said, unsure of herself.
"Take your time... and tell us what happened when you were captured. No need to rush, okay..." Kongou said, lowering herself to Ayanami's height.
Ayanami nodded, answering their questions. "Nothing... they did nothing to me..."
Everyone listened closely to her story, puzzled as to why Azur Lane didn't squeeze her for information about the Empire. They could have used her for information gathering, but why? why would Azur Lane did not exploit her? It felt like they had prior knowledge about the Empire and didn't need her information.
"Admiral Nimitz just let me walk around the base, but with escorts."
"I still can't believe he did that...? Letting you roam around the base sounds like a dumb idea," Kongou exclaimed.
"Did you know the Admiral, Kongou Nee-san?" Ise asked.
"Not quite. He was a Commander when I first met him in Pearl. He's the only Admiral who's stayed in command for years, after all the other Admirals lasted only a few months for misbehaving with Shipgirls," Kongou said.
Every few months, the Azur Lane Alliance changed their Commanding Officer in the base responsible for the Azur Lane Fleet, due to the misbehaving tendency of the Commanding Officers towards their Shipgirls. Many in the Alliance used this mess to put someone they hated and blame them for the slightest mistake. The Eagle Union Government and its people had enough of this and put someone capable in charge.
"Well, at least Azur Lane found a Commanding Officer who isn't creepy," Hyuuga said, quivering as she remembered the other Admirals before Nimitz.
"Good thing he's in charge. Because if not... we don't know what the other Commanding Officers might do to her," Ise said, placing her right hand on Kirishima's left shoulder.
"But still... we have our own problems too," Kongou said, looking towards the direction of a wailing sound.
The Kongou Sisters looked in the direction Kongou was looking. It was Hiryuu beating a misbehaving Officer. She beat him so hard that his face was unrecognizable.
"There she goes again..." Kirishima muttered.
Ayanami continued. "Miss Enterprise said... I need to convince you all to stop fighting, as she doesn't want to be the one to destroy this Empire."
Everyone was shocked and gasped at that. They couldn't believe someone would say that. Destroying the Empire alone was preposterous to their ears.
"So, that's her name," Kongou said, holding her chin. She then leaned forward, facing Ayanami.
"Can you tell us about the other Kansens?"
Everyone stayed quiet, anticipating Ayanami's response.
"Well... I only saw a few of them. There's Lucas, the one with JS Maya."
"So that's his name?" Choukai said. Everyone looked at her. "Takao Nee-san drew his face and nailed it to one of the logs, slicing it with her katana."
"Whoa... she really does hate him," Haruna exclaimed, noticing Takao's frustration in the Training Dojo.
"The others are like Belfast, Bunker Hill, and Denver. The Modern Kansens were like their adult versions."
-Frigate Belfast is a bit younger and lacks the tonnage of Cruiser Belfast, which is why she lacks some 'buoyancy'-
"There's also this kid, he looks like one of those Iris Orthodoxy by the way he dresses-"
"Wait! Is that the Shouta among them?" Kongou asked, her interest piqued.
"Ha-Hai..." Ayanami was surprised at Kongou's sudden interest.
"What does he look like?" Choukai asked, also interested.
"Like I said... he looks like one of those Iris Orthodoxy by the way he dressed."
"Is he cute?" Choukai and Kongou asked at the same time.
Ayanami, with all her information-gathering skills, couldn't tell if he was cute or not. She was cornered by the two, pressed for answers.
She just said one word to save herself. "Hai."
"Oh boy, here we go again," Haruna said, facepalming at her sisters' attitude.
As everyone was in commotion after hearing a Shouta was with the Modern Kansens, someone barged into the crowded Sakuran Shipgirls. Hakuryuu barged in and grabbed Ayanami by the collar.
"Is the Bunny with them? Tell me?!" Hakuryuu asked, fiery fury forming in her eyes.
Hakuryuu was filled with fury and revenge, humiliated by a mere 'Destroyer' in single combat. She waited for the day she could fight her with all her strength without holding back.
"...HA-Hai," Ayanami stuttered, terrified by the aura Hakuryuu exerted.
Choukai, Kongou, and Haruna peeled Hakuryuu's grip off Ayanami, pulling her away.
"Are you alright, Ayanami?" Yukikaze asked in concern.
Ayanami rubbed her neck and coughed, released from Hakuryuu's grip. "Hai, I'm alright. I'm alright."
"Sorry about that, Ayanami. She's been like that for the past few days, after she lost to that Bunny," Shigure said.
Ayanami had a little flashback, remembering the first time she met the Bunny. Her gaze carried that of a 'murderous machine,' ready to unleash on those who dared to block her way.
She bore no concern about the consequences of her actions, her stare steady. Those stares were enough to send Yamato into shivers by merely glaring at her eyes.
"You won't win against her," Ayanami muttered under her breath.
Chamber Hall
Lucas was talking on his phone while walking outside the Chamber Room. He was watching Nagato walking slowly down the corridor, accompanied by Mikasa, Mutsu, Kawakaze, JS Maya, and Langley.
"Ma'am, it looks like the information from Arizona was right. We can use Nagato for our diplomatic talks with the Empire."
Enterprise-80 on the phone. "How is she?"
Lucas responded. "She is close to being FUBAR (Fucked-Up Beyond All Repair or 'Recognition'). I think William will be useful in her deteriorating condition."
Enterprise-80 on the phone. "I see... I'll talk to him. For now, I want you to keep an eye on her. I want to know her story."
Lucas scanned his surroundings slowly for any listening ears. "Yes, Ma'am." He then put his phone back in his pocket and spoke in a serious tone.
"I know you've been following me!" He turned around and saw Eugen standing there, doing her typical seductive posture.
Eugen walked slowly towards him and placed her right hand on his chest, her face an inch closer to his. Her bumps were compressing against his body. "I see that you were using the same technology that Iron Blood is developing like—"
Lucas suddenly spoke. "Like V2 rockets and Fritz-X bombs?"
Eugen was shocked by the information Lucas just dropped out of nowhere. She backed off in surprise, speaking only one word in disbelief. "H-How?"
Lucas returned the favor, walking towards her and pinning her against one of the pillars, their faces close, almost kissing. He held her chin slightly up and whispered in her ear. "Winner... takes... all."
Eugen's eyes widened in surprise, as no one had ever turned the tables on her.
With a satisfied look on his face, he grinned and slowly withdrew, heading towards the direction where Nagato and the others were heading.
Eugen fumed red and cursed. "How! How did he know? Those are Iron Blood Top-Secret Projects? Maybe a spy leaked it? Nein..."
She shook her head, thinking harder. 'Wait. Did he just say "Winner takes all"? So, that means...?' Eugen came to a realization, her hair raising from the tension. "Iron Blood and Sakura Empire were defeated back in their world and... and they took all their technology!"
With the revelation and information, Eugen quickly turned and walked towards the other Iron Blood Shipgirls waiting for her. On the way, she fumed red, muttering German curses all the way.
Roon, noticing her red and flustered face, scoffed. "HAHAHA. Did that guy make you blush? Hahaha..."
"That's enough of you!" Eugen yelled in anger, still fuming.
"Are you alright, Eugen?" Z-23 asked in concern, never having seen her flustered like this before.
"What happened there, Eugen? I've never seen you in this kind of state before," Graf Zeppelin asked, not in her cynical self.
"There's nothing to worry about, I'm alright..." she said, then after a deep breath, continued. "Everyone... we need to inform Herr Bismarck about this."
The Girls nodded. "Jawohl."
At one of the pillars, Takao hid her presence, listening to the conversation. Her dog ears twitched as information came in. Like Eugen, she came to the same conclusion.
"This man... he has nerves. He is tricky and far more dangerous than any Kansens in Azur Lane... I need to inform Lady Musashi about this."
Without a sound or presence, Takao retreated.
Random Bushes
In the bushes, a man wearing Navy SEAL gear and a Ghillie suit, along with other Manjuu fellas, were looking at the Meeting Building through scopes.
"Ma man delivered that like a pro," Skipper uttered.
"According to the analysis, she was flustered with that encounter," Kowalski said.
"Ha, ha, ha—look at her face, she looked like a tomato," Private said, holding back a loud laugh.
Arizona bonked Private on the head. He released a squeaking sound as his face slammed on the ground.
"Enough with that! Focus, the Crimson Axis now has the information where our technology and development came from. This discovery could put them on edge," he said dismissively.
"Sorry... we got carried away with that remark," Skipper said apologetically.
"So... rry..." Private couldn't speak properly, still holding on.
Arizona shook his head and returned to the device. To his surprise, he noticed the listening device was still connected to the whole fleet. He prayed to God they didn't see the move Lucas made to intimidate Eugen.
"Hope they didn't see that," he muttered.
Back at Enterprise Task Forces
Inside the CIC of the Carrier Enterprise, the large screen showed the operation. The captured live video feed of Lucas flexing his "American muscle" in front of an Iron Blood Shipgirl was bold and effective. Enterprise, both Belfasts, Wales, Illustrious, Queen Elizabeth, Warspite, and Cleveland saw the stunt.
Essex-12 whistled. "Nice delivery of words, mah man."
"Damn, he flipped Eugen with that," Cleveland exclaimed, surprised that Gunny could flip the situation if needed.
"That's a bold approach, Sir Lucas," Illustrious commented, sipping her tea.
Queen Elizabeth, quite new to such scenes, shrieked like a banshee. "What in God's name is he doing!—such indecency," she said disapprovingly.
"I must say what Sir Lucas did is quite unconventional, but the delivery of that message is what we need to shake the Crimson Axis about the line they crossed," Wales said, hands clasped, face leaning forward.
"Miss Wales was right, unconventional it may be, but the message is delivered," Cruiser Belfast said, enjoying Eugen's flustered face.
"It seems you two have a history," Frigate Belfast said.
"We have encounters and fights, but this... seeing her get a taste of her own medicine just put a smile on my face."
"If you say so," she trailed off.
Warspite had a different view, her chin resting over her clasped hands on the hilt of her sword. "Does he need to be that close? He could just say it in front of her face. What's with the theatricals?"
"I'm with you on that, it'd be better to just say it straight to her face," Enterprise-6 said, agreeing with the Corgi.
"Yes, it was efficient to just say it straight to her face. But we want to make a gesture to the Crimson Axis that we will flip the table and play them at their own games. What Lucas did to Eugen is just the start. We will toy with her for now," Enterprise-80 said.
"Playing the enemy like a damn fiddle," Essex-12 added.
"I can't argue with that," Queen Elizabeth said, crossing her arms. "Seeing her flustered with her own game was satisfying enough for me."
Illustrious and Cruiser Belfast gave a curt nod, along with Hood, agreeing with the Queen's judgment.
As the Royal Navy Girls agreed on taunting Eugen at her own game, Enterprise-80 turned her attention to someone standing behind the pillar, her figure visible in the lines of the pillars.
Takao's image was captured as the camera zoomed in on Lucas and Eugen. She didn't feel unease with the person eavesdropping on Lucas's bombshell in front of Eugen. She wanted to express the technological disparity between them without releasing too much information. She wanted to make a fool of Iron Blood in front of the Sakurans. If Iron Blood were distressed, and the Sakurans felt uneasy with their ally in distress, the message was sent, and the plan was rolling.
Sakura Empire
A black car traveled through the streets of the Empire's capital, heading to Nagato's mansion, which sat on a hill overlooking the capital suburbs.
"Miss Nagato," Lucas spoke to get her attention. "Miss Enterprise will send William here to help you recover from your illness," he said as they rode in the passenger seat.
"William?" Nagato asked, looking at him in confusion.
JS Maya spoke to clear her confusion. "He is our Supply Ship or Repair Ship, if needed."
Nagato nodded slowly, understanding. "So, he's the Kansen of that Cargo Ship?"
"Hai," JS Maya responded, smiling.
"He will be arriving here this afternoon," Lucas announced, looking at his wristwatch.
Nagato responded. "I see. For now, let's continue this conversation inside and have some tea. You might be tired from all the diplomatic talks."
"Yeah... diplomatic talks are not my thing..." Lucas muttered.
Nagato chuckled at his honesty. She had noticed in the Chamber Room that he was looking for a fight instead of peace talks.
"I already know you're the kind of guy who would choose violence instead of sitting down and listening to political nonsense," Nagato said.
"So the words were true... you really are a great leader back then," Lucas said.
Nagato only said one word at his flattery. "Thank you."
Their vehicle stopped as they reached their destination. They all came out of the car slowly and headed to the gate of the Mansion. Two Imperial Guards stood guarding the entrance.
Nagato gave the order to open the gate. The two Imperial Guards pushed the massive wooden gate open.
Nagato reassured their concern about the Imperial Guards. "It's alright. They were my loyal guards. They fall under my command... there's nothing to concern about."
"As you said... nothing to worry," Lucas said, looking at JS Maya staring at the two Imperial Guards.
She was listening to the harsh whispers of the two Imperial Guards via her dog ears. He gently tapped her shoulder, motioning that it was alright.
JS Maya nodded, knowing how Lucas would react with violence to any perverts. "Okay..."
They proceeded to walk inside the courtyard. Lucas noticed the two Guards staring at him, but he pretended not to notice and ignored them. They were accompanied by Armed Escort Manjuu.
Lucas looked around, amazed at the mansion and its aesthetics. "This is quite a beautiful place you live in, Miss Nagato."
"Thanks for the compliment, Lucas-san," Nagato replied, guiding them inside the mansion. Lucas removed his shoes as they entered the Mansion. Mikasa saw him and was slightly amazed that he knew some Sakuran traditions.
They went inside the mansion to the living room, which was wide like a typical Japanese mansion. They sat on the mattresses, waiting for tea to be served.
Kawakaze left them in the living room to get tea for the guests. "Please excuse me, Lady Nagato. I'm going to inform the house servants to make tea for our guests."
Nagato nodded slightly in approval. Mikasa noticed Lucas had no difficulty adjusting to Sakuran traditions and asked, "I'm surprised you know any Sakuran traditions, Lucas-san." She rested her right cheek on her right hand, glancing at him.
Lucas was fiddling with his fingers from boredom. "Well, I was forward-deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the US Navy, Pacific Fleet. So, I know a few Japanese traditions and ethics."
Mikasa closed her eyes and smiled, nodding. "I see, now..."
Nagato's interest peaked at what Lucas just said. "I'm amazed that Eagle Union and Sakura Empire counterparts are getting along... I wish the same with us." Her expression saddened as she said the last part.
"Well..." Lucas scratched the back of his head. "The American and Japanese relationship is full of issues and controversies in the past decades... But we always resolve it in peace, because of the looming threat of North Korea and China in Asia. America and Japan just have to work together to prevent a catastrophic war that could end half a billion human lives."
Lucas said it, and Nagato and Mikasa were silent after hearing that. Mutsu covered her mouth in shock. "H-H-How can humanity k-k-kill so many human lives like that?"
JS Maya cringed after hearing that from Mutsu, remembering Japan's atrocities in WW2. Mikasa and Nagato noticed her reaction and acted as if they didn't.
Lucas continued to ease their worried expressions. "The technology in our world advances so fast; it's up to us to keep up in an evolving warfare and threats. Weapon systems advance so fast that they can hit someone from thousands of miles away without even being there."
Mikasa asked like an old person, "What do you mean by that, Lucas-san?"
"This is the same threat that Maya and I are tasked to face in the modern battlefield. Our job is to protect high-value assets like Carriers, Bases, and our Country and People from any attacks. From Above, Below, and Surface."
Mikasa, Nagato, and Mutsu thought about the threat Lucas was describing. "Hai, this is the kind of threat that we AEGIS Ships are made to counter," JS Maya added to what Lucas just said.
Mikasa, Nagato, and Mutsu asked in unison, "AEGIS?"
"The original name was Advanced Surface Missile System (ASMS), but it was changed to Aegis, the Shield that protects the Greek God Zeus from any lethal attacks. The Aegis Combat Weapon System is a combination of radars and missile defense."
Mikasa changed the subject. "I think that's enough for now; my head is already at its limits." She said, feeling her head getting dizzy with all the information.
Mutsu spoke, "Yeah, me too. My head is going to explode from the amount of information." She then fell to the floor, her eyes spinning in dizziness. Langley was having data-connection problems from receiving too much information.
Mikasa then asked the two in a cheeky voice, "So, tell me... What is the relationship between the two of you?" She said, pointing at the two.
JS Maya made "Moe" noises, turning red, while Lucas had a "WTF" face, staring at Mikasa.
Mikasa chuckled and laughed at their reactions. Nagato sighed inwardly in disappointment at Mikasa's teasing habit. "Would you please stop asking questions that make our guests uncomfortable..."
Then someone slid the sliding door open, revealing Cruiser Maya holding a tray of six Yunomi (Japanese tea cups) with tea. "Lady Nagato, sorry for the wait. Here's the tea that—" she paused, looking at her counterpart turning red and Lucas looking at her.
The two Mayas stared and pointed at each other for a second. "You!"
Nagato spoke to break the awkward tension in the room. "Arigato, Maya-san, for preparing the tea. I apologize for interrupting your training today with your sisters."
Cruiser Maya shook her head. "No. I've been looking forward to this opportunity to talk to my counterpart and..." she paused, staring at Lucas. "her man."
JS Maya turned around to avoid their gazes, crouching and covering her head with her hands in embarrassment.
Lucas flinched and looked at their faces, confused for a bit before realizing what she meant. "Oh, shit!"
Lucas asked Cruiser Maya, trying to understand what she just said, "Can you... please tell me, why? Why did you call me like that?"
Cruiser Maya placed the tray on the table, distributing the tea to everyone. After that, she sat down and faced Lucas. She was trying not to show any emotion, but her mind was screaming in embarrassment and cringe. She kept her usual stoic face as she spoke.
"Atago nee-san told me about you and my counterpart having a relationship. So, I'm here to confirm that. And according to our spy in Pearl, you and her are close together wherever she goes, you follow."
Cruiser Maya was holding herself back from screaming in embarrassment; her eyebrows were twitching, and her cheeks were slightly turning pinkish.
Lucas face-palmed and groaned. "Listen here, because we are close together doesn't mean we are in a relationship. My job back on Pearl is to escort her every time, because she's a 'Sakuran' according to Azur Lane. And Miss Enterprise isn't going to let a brawl happen in the harbor because of that..."
Langley spoke, "Wait... I've heard rumors about you two walking together at the base. Many of the girls thought you two had a relationship."
Lucas buried his face on the table as he never expected that kind of rumor would spread like wild fire through the Base. At the amount of misunderstanding, Lucas and JS Maya were both cringing.
Cruiser Maya breathed and sighed in relief that her weird thoughts weren't true. "Thank God, all of my suspicions aren't real." She then asked him again, "Then... why did the two of you face Takao nee-san and Atago nee-san in your sleeping attire?"
Lucas looked her in the eye and asked a question out of nowhere. "Are you having some dirty thoughts about us? Aren't you?" Both Mayas made noises in surprise at his question.
"N-No! I'm not!" Cruiser Maya stuttered in response to Lucas's question. She waved both her hands erratically as her mind broke down.
Mikasa and Nagato giggled as they sipped their tea. JS Maya was fuming in embarrassment. Lucas was holding back his laughter, seeing the two turn red.
After a minute of laughter, the two Mayas conversed about themselves. Cruiser Maya asked her counterpart about her class. "So... you're saying that your entire class is a Destroyer and not a Cruiser?"
"Hai. I'm an Aegis Destroyer just like Lucas-san..." JS Maya said.
Cruiser Maya held her chin, glancing at Lucas and back to her counterpart. "Takao nee-san mentioned that your rigging is similar to his."
JS Maya nodded. "All Aegis-equipped Ships have to follow the design of the Arleigh Burkes, but some manage to take another design with their Aegis Equipped Ships."
Cruiser Maya then stared at JS Maya's developed curvature. Her expression showed jealousy. "You alright?" JS Maya asked, noticing her expression.
Cruiser Maya then looked at her curvature and back to her counterpart's lack of curves. "Oh..." She felt pity for her counterpart's lack of curves.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Takao nee-san said they will grow," Cruiser Maya said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Lucas listened to the two comparing their differences and their two bulges, engrossed with the two that he forgot his phone was ringing. He quickly pulled it out of his pocket, feeling its vibration. He looked for the caller; it was from the incoming V-22 Osprey enroute to the Empire.
The intricacy of the phone caught the attention of the Sakuran Shipgirls. Their animal ears twitched in excitement at the wonders of the device.
"What is that, Lucas-san?" Mikasa asked in curiosity, her old age trying to catch up with modern knowledge.
"Oh, you mean this?" Lucas pointed at the phone. Mikasa, Nagato, and Mutsu nodded like they were children looking at a foreign object.
"This is a communication device with many features. We use this in everyday life in our world," Lucas explained, as the three glowed their eyes with star shapes.
"I should excuse myself for now... I need to answer this incoming call... Maya should be the one to explain most of it. She is more intelligent than me." Lucas looked at her and nodded, signaling it was okay to tell them about the device.
JS Maya then explained the functions and how it worked. Nagato and Langley listened closely to every detail. Cruiser Maya had a hard time keeping up. Mikasa was losing all her remaining brain cells from receiving too much information. And Mutsu just straight-up gave up, her eyes spinning in dizziness.
Lucas walked outside the Mansion into the Garden, then he summons a Green Smoke Grenade. He pulls the pin and throw it at the middle of the Garden, he then presses the call icon and talk to the phone.
"The landing zone is clear and mark with Green Smoke. Yes, I'm on the landing zone."
A single V-22 Osprey emerge behind mountains and cliffs, as it slowly approaches the Mansion sitting at hill. The rotors tilt up-ward for a landing at the Garden. Sand and debris was blown away, as the Osprey hovers slowly and lands.
The rear hatch door opens revealing William in his Lab coat and medical bags. He was accompanied by one Manjuu with nurse cap.