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Chapter Text

The Commander of Azur Lane sighed with a roguish smile on his face, leaning back into his chair as it creaked, doing its best to handle his bulky body. It was bright and early with clear skies, the perfect weather to run drills and relax at Pearl Harbor.

Well, some would do more of the former than the latter, knowing some of the characters in the base.

The Commander chuckled to himself, closing his eyes as his adjunct came in. Although technically speaking she was his secretary. Seeing as he was from the Eagle Union, and wasn’t that a bit of a strange name for a country, it made sense for him to get a secretary from another country to help with any potential acquisitions of favoritism.

But, since she was a Kansen, that didn’t really mean much to the damn politicians sitting in their lavish offices, laughing as men and women better than them lost their lives.

And now his mood was ruined, still, he had experience dealing with far worse politicians back home than here.

“Mornin’ Eagle,” The Commander said casually, resting his arm on his desk.

“Ah, Commander. Good to see you.” Eagle, the Aircraft Carrier from the Royal Navy, greeted him, “It’s great to see you keep your usual punctuality.”

“Heh,” The Commander chuckled, “Comes with being part of the military, kiddo.” He said with one eye now open, the other still covered with an eye patch, looking at her with some amusement, “Waking up bright and early during basic and other conditioning can lead you to build certain, desirable habits.”

Eagle narrowed her eyes slightly, “I’m not a child, commander.”

The Commander simply looked amused as he picked up a pen, “Yeah, yeah, sure.” He smiled, “Let’s just get to work, kiddo. Otherwise, this base will go to hell.” He said with a chuckle.

Eagle sighed, but it was clear that she was used to the Commander’s personality, “Yes, Commander.” She said, taking a seat.

The two began to fill out paperwork with the Commander occasionally complaining about its existence for a quiet hour or so. Until, as was usual, someone interrupted the two. This time, it was the tiny form of McCall leisurely wandered in rather than some of the usual subjects.

“Hello Commander,” The laid-back destroyer said as she waved at the Commander, “Where’s the popsicles?”

Eagle looked scandalized at the thought of snacks being anywhere in his office and was about to speak before the Commander interrupted her.

“Did you do those drills yesterday, kiddo?”

“Mhm.”

“What’re the results?”

“S.”

“Mini-fridge left of the red couch.” The Commander immediately answered her original question with a small grin, “Good job, kiddo.”

“Wha– Commander?” Eagle squawked, her eyes immediately snapping to where she swore she didn’t see the mini-fridge. But sure enough, it was there.

McCall ignored the Royal Navy aircraft carrier. Instead, she walked over and yanked the fridge’s door open before a lazy smile made its way onto her face, “Nice, soda flavored.” She commented as she yanked out a blue popsicle, “Thanks, Commander.” She said, plopping herself down on the couch.

“Yup, bought a few for you and your sisters.” The Commander drawled, “Speaking of which, where are they?”

“With Sara.” McCall explained, “They’re watching her sunbathe.” She paused before shrugging, “Or something like that.”

The Commander chuckled, “Makes sense.” 

“C-Commander!” Eagle cried out, slamming her hands onto his wooden desk to get the two’s attention, “Why do you have food in your office?” 

McCall and the Commander glanced at each other before they both turned their gazes back to a confused Eagle. 

“We got hungry, kiddo.” The Commander quipped, “Want one for yourself?” He asked with obvious amusement. 

Eagle made some high-pitched sounds that a Royal Navy veteran probably shouldn’t have made as McCall simply enjoyed her popsicle. 

Michigan barked out a laugh.

“Heh. Damn, kids.”

“Morning, Commander,” Repulse said with a bright grin as she entered the austere office. The casual battle cruiser held a bag of pastries in one hand as the other held a cup of tea. 

The Commander nodded, “Good, you’re early.” He commented hunched over his desk, having already started early on the stack of papers that laid there.

Repulse pouted as she placed the cup of tea and the pastries on his desk, making sure it was within arms reach of her obstinate Commander, and taking care to not jolt the few decorations the Commander kept.

 “Commander, when did you wake up?” She asked with a huff.

“Early.” The Commander answered bluntly.

Repulse simply stared and crossed her arms over her chest. The Commander ignored her. The scratching of his pen and the soft winds entering the office through the open window were the only sounds that emanated throughout the room.

After a minute of silence, the Commander relented, properly answering her question.

“Four. Couldn’t sleep.” The Commander shook his head and looked up at her. He somehow looked fine despite his lack of rest but Repulse couldn’t help but notice his eyes. Brown, hazel eyes that seemed to pierce right into her soul or rather, see right past it. 

But, there was also something in there, a deep sorrow that drew her to him. He never seemed to smile, if he did, it was brief. And it never reached his eyes.

Still, Repulse’s eye twitched. She had been planning to drag him out of this stuffy office, like usual, to get him some sunlight. Before she became his secretary, he’d had holed himself up like a hermit. So, she took it upon herself to make sure he actually got fresh air.

Today was going to be a different story. He needed to relax and she knew just what to do!

She walked over to stand behind the Commander’s chair before with a slight heave of effort, yanked him out of it. 

“Repulse, what are yo–” The Commander barely had time to question her before his head was placed on something soft.

Repulse’s lap.

A comforting hand ran through the Commander’s gray hair. Repulse inwardly wondered how his hair had become this color in the first place, considering he was only in his mid-30s. Kansen may have had exotic hair colors but human hair typically stuck to brown, black, and blonde with the occasional red. 

The Commander tried to escape her hold on him but she kept him in place with a small grin.

The Commander narrowed his eyes, “Repulse.” He said warningly.

“Commander,” Repulse replied back cheekily.

The Commander glared at her, “Let me go, Repulse, we have work to do.” 

Repulse simply kept smiling, still running her fingers through his surprisingly soft hair. She giggled at his angry expression. It was more adorable than threatening, at least to her. 

Maybe if Walter was a bit older, then it could’ve worked.

“Nah. This is more important.”

The Commander wearily scanned his office. Walking over to his desk, he ran his fingers all over the wooden frame to check for any bugs and wires. Finding none, he gingerly sat down on his chair, the ornate emblem of the Crimson Axis stood attentively behind him affixed to the wall.

The man looked either ready to bolt or ready to grab a gun. His eyes constantly scanned his surroundings even as he dutifully filed paperwork. 

The door creaked open making the Commander stiffen. He quickly but quietly opened his drawer, prepared to pull out his hold-out pistol if need be. But he let out a faint sigh of relief when the one who entered was his secretary, Köln. 

She adjusted her glasses as she made her way to the Commander’s desk, “Guten abend, Kommandant.”

“Guten abend, Köln.” The Commander nodded his head, putting on a confident expression that he really didn’t feel, “How goes the training?”

“It goes well, mein Kommdant.” She paused, “Though, there can be improvements. My observations can be found here” Köln handed him a report.

The Commander took the report, adjusting his gaze turned sharp after he finished reading, “Very well then.” He leaned back into his chair with a small sneer, one that Köln clearly noticed. “I’ll be sure to let those Sakura Empire delegates know that their performance has been unsatisfactory.” Then he blinked before his confident facade returned.

“My apologies Köln.” The Commander said softly, “I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the better of me.” He closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them, showing his murky blue eyes to the world, “Still, I do believe that our… allies,” It was clear the Commander didn’t fully believe that word. He adjusted the position of his glasses. “Should be more willing to work with our own forces.”

“You still don’t trust them, Kommandant?”

“Ja. I do not.” The Commander honestly replied, “To be able to turn on your previous allies once means you can do so again.” He said, putting down the training report before glaring at a particular stack of papers.

Köln remained silent for a few moments before responding, “That description would… apply to us as well, Kommandant.”

The Commander’s eyes flicked over to her, “Yes. It would. If I would be in their position, I would not trust us fully either.” He glanced out of one of the polished windows of his office, seeing the many human officers on the base working in tandem with the Kansen under his command. But the humans outnumbered the Kansen. There were too little of them. Not enough to win a war. Not enough to defeat the Sirens. 

“But I have given them some concessions in good faith. I have reassigned several Kansen, which I could have used in this theatre, to their own.” The Commander eventually said, “Yet, they still have not repaid it back in full.”

“The Kansen that they have sent to replace those that I sent to them, have been at odds with our own personnel.” The Commander continued, “Rebellious and arrogant. I have been giving them guidance, personal guidance, but they are confident in the ‘will of the heavens’.” The Commander angrily spat out. 

“Köln.” Köln snapped to complete attention, performing a crisp salute.

“Ja, mein Kommandant?” 

Swinburne flowered at the forms of the Sakura Empire Kansen, sauntering around his naval base.

“They need discipline. Inform the rest. Hold nothing back!”

A cup of coffee was gently set onto his ornate, wooden desk. The Commander rubbed his temple in frustration but couldn’t help but relax, enjoying the acrid aftertaste of his coffee.

“Comandante.” His secretary ship greeted him as she entered the room. She stopped, noticing his current state, a brief flash of concern appeared on her face before it was wiped away, “I’m pleasantly surprised.” She looked around at the neatly stacked papers, all properly filled out and signed.

“Conte di Cavour.” The newest Commander gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, still focused on the papers on his desk. He traced the rim of his cup, simply taking in the smoky and bitter aroma before taking another long sip of his drink.

He didn’t speak, nor did Conte di Cavour, until the taste left his tongue.

“How so?” He asked, looking up at her with weary eyes, finally putting his coit pen down. 

“I thought you’d have been napping by now, Comandante.” The Sardegnian dreadnought replied. 

“Tired as I am, I’m not sleeping on the job.” The Commander murmured. Conte di Cavour barely caught his words due to how quiet they were but after working with him for a while, she’d had enough practice.

“That is good to hear. The list of tasks is long. I’d hate to see you fall behind.” Conte di Cavour said approvingly before she frowned, “Although, do you truly have to drink that…”

“Sludge?” The young Commander finished her sentence. Conte di Cavour didn’t seem to mind, but she did quirk an eyebrow.

“Call it a habit of mine or a vice if want to be cynical.” The Commander continued with a frown, eyeing his cup of potentially dangerously caffeinated coffee, “Everyone has some kind of habit, whether they like it or not. Mine just happens to be coffee.”

“I suppose your habit could’ve been worse then.” Conte di Cavour conceded before joining the Commander in his journey to defeat the beast known as paperwork.

“It could’ve.” The Commander admitted, “Came close a few times to something worse, but I pulled out at the last second.” He closed his eyes in remembrance.

Conte di Cavour’s eyes flickered over to him, “Oh? If you don’t mind, Comandante, do share.”

The Commander remained silent, internally debating with himself if he should before relenting to her mildly curious gaze. 

O’Keefe sighed.

“I guess it couldn’t hurt…”

“Zero repair kits remaining.” The familiar voice of COM echoed throughout a lone woman’s head. After a brief flicker of hesitation, bright scarlet eyes showed themselves. The woman took in her surroundings, her eyes widened at the sight of various shades of green.

And a blue sky. A bright blue, beautiful sky that took her breath away. Her breath? She was breathing? She turned her head to the side to see a beach, a real beach bereft of any corporate pollution. 

Her… head? She had a head?

A sluggish movement, one born from unfamiliarity. A hand gently touched a face. Her face.

She… had a face. 

The hand… Her hand touched the soft flora that she laid upon. Grass? Genuine grass?

It had been so long. So very long since she had felt something that truly lived. 

Her pilot had met the inevitable. Met it with open arms.

Evidently, she had not.

Somehow, she had lived.

She could wait. Wait for the inevitable to once more grace her with its presence.

She did not. She slowly got to her feet, moving with unusual sluggishness, acclimating herself to her new form. She wore what she believed to be a female version of what her pilot once wore, form-fitting and comfortable. Colored mostly black with red highlights.

Her snow-white hair came down to her shoulders. It was unnatural, the color. 

Was she human?

No. COM’s familiar, comforting voice was the one who awakened her.

What was she?

A familiar feeling came to her, no it didn’t come to her. It called for her. Called for her attention. 

And she gave it.

It felt like coming home.

“Activating combat mode.” Her voice, deep yet smooth, spoke as one alongside COM.

Black and red armor appeared in a flash of purple light. Sleek, armored leggings covered her newfound legs and she could feel the actuators within prepared to help her leap high into the sky. A simplistic chest plate, far more advanced than what regular infantry would receive, covered her torso. An advanced helmet, one matching the design of the headpiece of her previous form covered her face. The bright red lights added an intimidating glow to her already intimidating armor but rather than keep the helmet on, she took it off and attached it to her waist.

She supposed she could’ve passed for a knight if the few images her pilot saw as he hunted down his targets were correct. He’d gotten around far.

The familiar weight of her pilot’s chosen weapons followed, appearing on her hands, the laser rifle and shotgun. Both miniaturized to fit her new humanoid body. Alongside her new weapons, what felt like a second set of arms materialized on her back. Looking behind her, she saw that it was simply her ordinance, the two missile launchers her pilot had put on her, attached to her breastplate. 

She took a deep breath. Her lungs filled with clean, fresh air. The scent of the unpolluted ocean tantalized her mind, almost seductively calling out to her. But she knew, a small part of her knew, that she didn’t belong in a world as beautiful as this.

She was a tool. A tool befitting a proper killer. One day, she would meet the inevitable.

But until that day came.

She supposed she could explore this new planet.

And so, with a great leap, her thrusters activated.

And once more, an Armored Core took to the skies in flight.

Chapter Text

As soon as McCall had left his office, Eagle had whipped around and began tearing into Commander Michigan. Although the commander of all Azur Lane forces only seemed more bemused than threatened throughout the whole ordeal.

However, since Eagle had nearly lost her voice during that whole situation, he’d given her the next few days off. That meant he had to find a temporary adjunct for the time being.

Problem was that now he had several different Kansen on the base vying for the position, even if it was temporary. Michigan assumed a few hoped it’d become permanent, but Eagle had been by his side for quite a while, he wouldn’t replace her that easily.

Hell, he’d kept Iguazu while he was a Redgun despite the AC pilot’s flaws. He’d be more than happy to keep Eagle as his permanent adjunct.

But he digressed, probably due to the large part of him that didn’t want to do the damn paperwork who also didn’t want to decide between the already large piles of applications for the temporary position. 

Michigan sighed and grabbed an application, giving it a quick once over before immediately throwing it out of the window.

“That wasn’t nice of you, boss man.”

“Yeah, I’m aware Hornet.” Michigan seemed amused as he spoke, “I don’t think you’d enjoy doing paperwork.” He paused as a smirk appeared on his face, “Well, I also know that you’d not even know how to fill it out in the first place.” 

Hornet pouted as she walked through his office door, “Hey… I mean, you’re right boss but hey…” 

“Besides!” Hornet confidently crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes scanned Michigan’s face and seeing that he was simply looking at her face and not her chest made her pout even more noticeable, “I can always learn on the job!” Hornet eventually continued after a second of delay.

“Fair enough,” Michigan admitted, “But this is a temporary position. You know that right? It’s not going to last more than a month. And that’s not a lot of time to learn.”

Hornet merely chuckled and tipped her hat, “You’ll be surprised at how fast I can learn, boss man.”

Michigan’s smile became ever so slightly vicious but it was obvious it wasn’t malicious. He simply smelled blood in the water and saw a chance to tease her,  “Then improve your handwriting before the end of the week and maybe I’ll consider it. I’d say your application looked like a third grader wrote it, but that’d be an insult to third graders.”

Hornet playfully put a hand over her heart, as if she was heartbroken, “Aw shucks, you’ve broken my heart, how will I ever recover from this?”

“You’ll live.” Michigan rolled his eyes.

“Anyways, what are you really here for, Hornet?” He asked the Eagle Union Kansen.

Hornet pretended to think as she walked forward and sat down on his desk while being careful not to disturb any of Michigan’s paperwork. 

“Can I not just visit my favorite commander?”

“Your only commander, may I add,” Michigan said dryly, “And I’m sure you’d rather be outside lounging on the beach rather than be stuck in my stuffy office.”

Hornet nodded her head, “Yep, you’ve got that right. But I came here since we’re kinda worried.”

“We?”

“Yep, we. A lotta girls are worried you’re gonna burn yourself out, commander. Cleveland, Baltimore, Prince of Wales, Hunter, and me just to name a few,” Hornet grinned, “You’re a lucky man, commander, having this many girls worried about you,” Hornet said casually but her eyes told a different story, there was genuine concern in those eyes of hers.

“I relax often.” Michigan said, leaning back in his chair, “Whenever Baltimore hosts those basketball games of hers, I participate.” 

Hornet huffed, “That’s once a week, commander. I know the war’s important and all but you’ve basically only taken a day long break at most.” 

“Where’s all this coming from Hornet? You’re not usually into this sappy stuff.” Michigan said with a chuckle.

“And you’re deflecting,” Hornet was quick to point out.

Michigan had a wry smile on his face, “And you’re much sharper than what your sister told me.”

“Aw shucks co—wait, sister?”

Michigan simply ignored her, “I’m surprised anyone noticed really.”

Hornet seems to want to inquire more about what Michigan said previously but she simply sighed, “Enterprise noticed first.”

“The personification of overworked noticed that I’m overworking myself. Shocker.” Michigan grinned.

“Heh, at least she ain’t doing that anymore after the tongue-lashing you and Yorktown had for her. What did happen during that anyway? All the base knows is that you locked her in Yorktown’s room with you,” Hornet tilted her head as if in thought before shaking her head, “Anyways, are you gonna come outside your office or not? Cleveland’s organized a small outing for some of us.”

“Where to?”

Hornet grinned, “Just around.” 

Michigan rose from his seat, “Why do I get the feeling we’re gonna get in trouble for this.”

“Definitely not, boss man! We’re all professionals here!”

Baltimore watched from the back as Denver and Columbia got into a heated debate about the merits of pancakes versus waffles. 

Their group was hardly inconspicuous, drawing a lot of attention, especially due to the fact that it was a group of very beautiful women and a single man. This meant they got looks from thirsty men and women alike as their commander was very easily a ten out of ten if she said so herself.

Not… that she’d voice such thoughts aloud of course, that was far too embarrassing, but a lot of women clearly thought the same considering the amount of stares Commander Michigan got. At least they were much more subtle than the leering gazes of the men who were far less subtle at staring south of her neckline.

The only solace was that everyone was in more casual clothing and not the usual clothing they wore. She was wearing a simple cream bliuse and black shorts herself but despite their simplicity she still got stared at.

As for her commander, he still looked as if he was from the military, although it wasn’t the navy. With gold-rimmed sunglasses, a green bomber jacket and navy blue jeans, he looked like the typical arrogant Air Force pilot from the movies. It didn’t help that his facial hair just made him look quite mature. 

St. Louis said it gave him DILF energy. Many others agreed.

Baltimore didn’t correct any of them because it certainly felt true to her as well.

“Hey, Baltimore!” 

“Hmm? Sorry I wasn’t paying attention.” Baltimore sheepishly apologized to an excited Cleveland.

“The co—Ricardo offered to pay for ice cream, my sisters and I were going to run over to Herschel’s and buy some. What flavor do you want?”

“Ah, rocky road please.” Baltimore politely requested with a smile on her face.

“Got it!” Cleveland gave her a thumbs up before turning to the rest of their group, “Last call for ice cream everyone!”

Ricardo. That was the commander’s alias out in public. With the war between the Crimson Axis and Azur Lane, commanders became priority targets for all sides. The elimination of one would effectively cripple an entire fleet long enough for the opposing side to take advantage of it.

That led to the identities of the commanders, especially the ones leading Kansen forces, to be hidden and buried deep under black ink. It was why Michigan wore sunglasses everywhere he went too and why he often changed outfits each time he appeared publically.

A large part of her felt sad for Michigan, his entire life was essentially ruined because he became their commander. And that wasn’t even mentioning the suspicion he faced from them when he first got assigned to lead the entirety of Azur Lane.

The commander’s career was exceptional. He fought a siren fleet to a standstill with only mass produced ships. Admittedly, he took heavy losses but the fact he was even able to force a draw was a huge win for humanity at the time. It meant that the sirens weren’t invincible.

And then the Kansen were summoned. 

The various navies of the world had to adapt to the existence of girls like her and they weren’t ready. Some considered Kansen to be mere tools while others like Michigan considered them their own people.

But before the latter could take control, the former were still in power for too long that both sides, humans and Kansen, were untrusting of each other. So when Michigan was assigned to take control, it took a while before he earned their trust.

A hand tapped her on the shoulder making Baltimore squeak before she realized who it was.

“Lost in thought?” Commander Michigan asked with an amused grin.

“C—Ricardo!” Baltimore shook her head, “Sorry, I’m bringing down the mood aren’t I?”

“You don’t have to apologize. Unused to the stares?”

Baltimore shook her head once more, “No.” Then she paused for just a second, “Well, somewhat. You never fully get used to them. But they aren’t what’s making me…”

“Quiet.” Michigan finished her sentence, “Yeah, I figured.” He turned to glance at the other Kansen with them, namely Helena, the Yorktowns, Hamman and some destroyers. Then he turned to look back at her, “You don’t have to tell me what’s bothering you. But! Know I’m here if you need someone to listen to, you hear?” He said as he ruffled her hair a bit.

Baltimore blushed under the attention, “Yes, of course.” 

Michigan chuckled, “Now go enjoy yourself, I’m just here to super—“

A cough interrupted him and the two turned to see an unimpressed Yorktown. The carrier was in a wheelchair, still unable to walk, but compared to before, this was a massive improvement. And her trusty aide, Hamman was the one helping her navigate around. She was also glaring at anyone who even looked in the general direction of Yorktown but that was besides the point.

Michigan sighed goodnaturedly, “Well, I am here to enjoy myself too.”

Yorktown smiled, “Good. Now then Commander, do you mind helping carry some of our bags? I may have bought too much clothing for Enterprise and Hornet to wear,” the eldest Yorktown class clapped her hands together.

Said two carriers seemed a bit dead inside. Enterprise’s eyes pleaded for help while Hornet seemed resigned to her fate.

“Heh, sure. But ordering me to enjoy myself while also turning me into your pack mule in a single sentence is a bit contradictory ain’t it?” Michigan laughed, grabbing a few bags from Hornet and Enterprise’s arms.

Yorktown’s smile got even wider, “Well, I’m sure you’ll be enjoying the sight of my sisters in their new clothes.”

As the two continued to banter, Baltimore sneakily scooted toward a dead-eyed Hornet.

“What did she buy for you two?” Baltimore whispered.

Enterprise blushed as Hornet slowly turned her head to face Baltimore, still looking very much dead inside.

“Do ya really wanna know?”

Baltimore hesitated before nodding.

“Very risqué lingerie,” Hornet said tiredly. And due to her sister vocalizing what was bought made Enterprise blush even harder.

“That… doesn’t seem too unusual.” 

“It ain’t. The problem is that she also bought cosplay. And… toys.”

It took Baltimore a moment to understand, causing her to blush as well.

“I don’t even wanna know why she thought whips and chains were a good thing to buy in public. Even I have shame!” Hornet groaned, “At least buy it online!”

“Didn’t you flip Hamman’s skirt in public once?” Baltimore tentatively mentioned.

“Eh, that’s different! Hamman needed that!”

…Sure…

Eventually, after a bit more conversation, Cleveland and her sisters soon brought everyone their ice cream with their group moving to a quieter part of the boardwalk.

And while Baltimore had to share Michigan’s attention, she had to admit, seeing Michigan just out and about was quite nice.