The ship's alarms blared, but it wasn't the piercing shriek of battle. This was the loud, rhythmic tone of an incoming fleet. Olivia's stomach churned. She was still reeling from the thought of thirty Kansen already dispatched. Now, they are here. 'More? Seriously?'
Up on the bridge, the captain watched the approaching fleet. Relief washed over his face, mixed with a healthy dose of awe. Even from this distance, the sheer presence of so many Kansen was overwhelming. Their forms moved with that impossible grace only living warships possessed, a formidable display of power.
Down in the lounge, Atlanta's scolding was cut short by the ship's shudder. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway. The lounge door swung open. Standing there was Prince of Wales, her elegant but powerful presence filling the doorway. Her uniform was pristine, and though her combat rigging was absent, her aura alone was commanding.
Olivia instinctively gulped, still not prepared.
Prince of Wales looked at Olivia, and a quick, deep understanding, perhaps even a flash of relief, crossed her usually unreadable face. So it really is her… a quiet thought settled within her.
Prince of Wales was the first to speak. Her voice was clear and commanding, but surprisingly gentle as she addressed Olivia. "Commander Schariac. My name is Prince of Wales, temporary commander of the Azur Lane naval base, Pearl Harbor. On behalf of Azur Lane, we extend our sincerest gratitude for your courage in the face of the Siren attack. Your swift action undoubtedly saved this vessel." Her words were formal, but her eyes held a deeper, almost unreadable intensity. Then she turned to the trio who had been first responders. "And to Laffey, Atlanta, and Portland, your rapid response and valiant efforts were exemplary. Well done, all of you."
"We have taken over escort duties," Prince of Wales continued, with a subtle gesture of her hand towards the outside. "The human-crewed vessel will return to San Diego. We shall transport you to Pearl Harbor."
Olivia, still overwhelmed but trying desperately to cling to some shred of composure, managed a nod. "Thank you, Prince of Wales. And… thank you, everyone, for the rescue." She made a clumsy gesture, feeling the eyes of the four shipgirls fixed solely on her. 'This is going to be a very long trip to Pearl Harbor,' she thought.
…
The transfer was efficient, almost surreal. Olivia was escorted off the human ship by Prince of Wales, followed by Laffey, Atlanta, and Portland. Prince of Wales had already manifested her rigging into its battleship form. The ship was larger and more imposing than the cruiser she was on.
Waiting for her on the open water were dozens of Kansen, meticulously arranged in formation. All the other shipgirls who had arrived, their rigging now fully deployed, stood ready to escort her. There were destroyers, cruisers, battleships and carriers. If she didn't know any better, then she would have suspected this fleet to be an invasion force then a simple rescue fleet.
Olivia felt a bit uncomfortable from the intensity of their gaze. It wasn't hostile, she knew that for sure, but she didn't know what it was. She put the thought behind her and was just thankful that she wasn't getting the normal treatment that past commander received.
'Wait… Unless they want me to lower my guard! If I become too relaxed, the chances of messing up increases, and they will no doubt use that against me!'
Olivia straightened her posture as much as she could, her expression became serious as she boarded the battleship.
Wales saw the sudden change and was confused. 'Why did she become serious all of a sudden?' She shook her head and guided Olivia to the bridge, where she sat Olivia down on the captain seat, despite Olivia's protest.
Wales then radioed all the kansen in the fleet. "We are moving out, escort formation"
The battleship's propulsion slowly accelerated the ship. The kansen got into their positions, their eyes and radar constantly on the lookout for more sirens. Some destroyers were sent ahead while the carriers established a large patrol perimeter with their planes.
Olivia sat in awe. When she was a captain, she rarely got the chance to participate in large scale fleet exercises or operations. Those types of things were usually reserved for Azur Lane while human crewed ships were assigned to coastal patrol duties. After all, Azur Lane had their autonomous mass-produced ships that they utilized.
"Tea?"
A sudden teacup was presented from behind her.
"Oh, thank you" Olivia took the cup and began sipping the tea. Then her eyes fell on Wales who was still in front of her, commanding the fleet.
'Wait a minute'
Olivia shot up from her seat and turned around, careful not to spill the tea.
"My apologies for surprising you commander." The one who stood in front of Olivia now was a maid with long white hair similar to her own and bright purple eyes. The first thing that entered her mind was just how close their looks were. It made Olivia question whether her parents secretly had another child.
"I am HMS Belfast, a Town-Class light cruiser of the Royal Navy and Head Maid of the Royal Maid Corps. I have been assigned as your personal maid.":
"Huh?" Olivia had to process what she just heard. "Maid?"
"Yes, commander. I will be responsible for caring for you and acting as your secretary."
'Why does Azur Lane have maids?! Are they that well-funded?!'
"Hold on a minute Belfast!" Wales cut into the conversation. "The commander's secretary hasn't been decided yet" Wales said politely but there was a hidden sharpness in her voice.
"My my, as Head Maid and the commander personal maid, it is only obvious that I should act as secretary"
The two locked eyes, neither backing down.
'What's going on? Are they fighting over the secretary position when I haven't even gotten to Azur Lane yet?!' She was stunned by this, but quickly, she accepted it with the first excuse that she could think of. 'The secretary position is no doubt a well paying position, and they would be able to influence some of my decisions with their suggestions. I see now why it's a sought after spot.'
Though in reality, the reason it was such a sought after position was completely different to what Olivia had come up with.
So, she sat down, relaxed and enjoyed her tea before things became more chaotic once she arrived on base for her official work.