Down the Rabbit Hole - A Kancolle RP (IC)

[Virshia]

FNS Polar
The Docks

Polar wasnt always the best under fire, nor was she all that confident in passing. But this was her element. Classed as a destroyer tender, she had filled the roll of fleet repair ship during her long career more often than not. An experience she now called upon. She started by first directing the Wo class to be laid next to, not in, the repair tub next to another strange pale girl. She calked it up as a problem for later and focused on the clearly dying girl before her. "Gently, shes been positively brutalized." As soon as it was done, she shooed away all the prying eyes but pointed at random at the first person she saw, which happened to be Carman Fea, and waved her over.

"Just do as I say," She calmly informed the cruiser, "Hello? Hello! Can you tell me your name?" redirecting her attention at the Wo she asked the basic questions of where she was from, what class she was, all the works just to make sure everything was still working upstairs. Not really listening to if the Wo actually responded, Polar worked at a mile a minute. "Hold her sideways, I need to check her back." If the ship's keel was broken there wasnt much even Polar could do. Thankfully, after removing the scraps of clothing cluttering her view, Polar could feel that her spine was intact. Good news, but they werent out of the woods yet.

"Check her other side for me, like this," She showed her impromptu nurse how to feel for a broken bone by pressing the hard surface between her fingers, "If something moves that isnt supposed to move," She nodded at the barely conscious carrier, "Tell me, or she'll tell me."

"....Systems check....Still breathing....Feel like it's been months." Wo weakly opened her eyes and glanced around, confirming she was in some sort of repair station. There was a girl, probably a repair ship of some sorts, telling another to hold Wo in position while she was examined. Wo coughed a bit and tried to make sense of what had been asked of her. "Uhm...My name? It's...well, just Wo, I think. Don't think I ever had an actual name..." The girl seemed to be focused on examination, so Wo mentally shrugged and continued talking. "Officially...or what goes for Officially with us...is that I'm an Elite Wo Class, though my air...wing is miniscule compared to others. As for where my planes are..." The conspicious lack of headgear pointed to that. "I'm out of craft...and I just feel really sore all over...How bad does it look?"

[The Selkie]

Ta class
The Open ocean

Blood openly flowed from where Ta's eye had been as she watched the battered Kanmusu strike package retreating into the distance. In truth she was absolutely fuming, but her visage held only a small grimace to show her pain and anger. Under her left arm she held the near lifeless body of the Wo she'd brought with her, the carrier's blood mixing with her own as the battleship made best possible speed away.

All told she figured her little fleet had gotten off rather lightly for having brushed so close to the Kanmusu base. Out of her original fleet, half were now softly resting in the ocean's embrace, she had lost an eye herself, Wo was on death's door, and the Ri class was missing an arm. It was a miracle any of the name ships had survived at all, even if they wouldnt be seeing combat for a very long time. The harbor demon would have a... colorful... list of complaints for Ta when she arrived back in the docks, but she wasnt in the mood for it.

Even though they had supposedly taken down a battleship, no one had gotten confirmation on if their strike had managed to kill the bitch wo and her cronies. And that was nagging quite heavily on Ta's exhausted mind. Everything would have been made whole if only that one ship had been sunk! The mere thought of her made Ta's wounded eye throb in anger and excruciating pain.

Once she was repaired, she would not be making the same mistake again. Ta was no ones fool, and she'd be damned if she let jet fighters get the drop on her again. No. She'd be back, and by the oceans themselves she would set the score.

Glory
The Docks

It had been a tense half hour, but when nothing came in the way of an attack Glory had ordered all ships except the daytime patrol back to port. She now stood watching as the fleet retired, making special note that Dia would not be coming back. The loss stung, especially as the overall commander, the responsibility fell on her. Had she done everything she could to ensure the battleship's safety before sortieing? She didnt think so, after all, it had all happened so fast...

Had she chosen the right commander for the fleet? Hornet was a capable flagship, that was true, but she was stiff. Too overbearing on protocol. She didnt command with the ability she clearly had, but with a rank she believed she inherently deserved. Glory would have to keep that in mind going forward. But she couldnt shift the blame off herself. No matter what, she had made the important calls of how to sortie and who would lead the fleet, that left her with the responsibility.

Approaching Carman Fea, Glory felt her grimace soften into a concerned frown. From what the secretary ship had gathered, Fea had been Dia's escort. "Carman Fea," She started, "Whatever happened, Im positive you did your best." The line felt sour coming out of her mouth, it was such a lame thing to say. "Youve got nothing to blame yourself for." Hopefully an assurance against reprisal would lift the cruiser's spirits a bit.

She was about to continue when she noticed their primary guest had been brought ashore. A Wo class of all things. There was a great many questions Glory had for her, but as Polar rushed in, the battlecruiser knew she'd have to wait.

In the meantime, she turned to the gathering crowd of kanmusu. They'd likely be hungry and tired after the sudden battle, "Everyone, take the rest of the day off, rest, get something to eat, and be ready in case they come back."

FNS Polar
The Docks

Polar wasnt always the best under fire, nor was she all that confident in passing. But this was her element. Classed as a destroyer tender, she had filled the roll of fleet repair ship during her long career more often than not. An experience she now called upon. She started by first directing the Wo class to be laid next to, not in, the repair tub next to another strange pale girl. She calked it up as a problem for later and focused on the clearly dying girl before her. "Gently, shes been positively brutalized." As soon as it was done, she shooed away all the prying eyes but pointed at random at the first person she saw, which happened to be Carman Fea, and waved her over.

"Just do as I say," She calmly informed the cruiser, "Hello? Hello! Can you tell me your name?" redirecting her attention at the Wo she asked the basic questions of where she was from, what class she was, all the works just to make sure everything was still working upstairs. Not really listening to if the Wo actually responded, Polar worked at a mile a minute. "Hold her sideways, I need to check her back." If the ship's keel was broken there wasnt much even Polar could do. Thankfully, after removing the scraps of clothing cluttering her view, Polar could feel that her spine was intact. Good news, but they werent out of the woods yet.

"Check her other side for me, like this," She showed her impromptu nurse how to feel for a broken bone by pressing the hard surface between her fingers, "If something moves that isnt supposed to move," She nodded at the barely conscious carrier, "Tell me, or she'll tell me."

Hornissennest, back at base
Hornissennest had a lot to consider after the battle. She'd lost four escorts and two bombers in the battle. Manageable losses, but not being able to replace them meant more losses were ahead of her. It had been a gamble, attacking instead of focusing solely on defense, and the carrier wasn't entirely sure it had paid off. Sure, initial BDA, as much as could be done while withdrawing, had suggested that the enemy's nose had been bloodied, but, for six aircraft, Hornissennest expected more of herself. None of the enemy capital ships should have escaped, and Hornissennest had some serious thinking to do on why they had. Glory ordering her off wasn't a good enough reason.

Her strike should have been more efficient. More effective. The loss of the fighter-bombers was attrition, and there was little to be done about that. Losing four escorts, on the other hand, was inexcusable against inferior aircraft. Her fairies clearly needed training, and upgrades, if attainable, would not be amiss, either, but there were matters to be attended to before that. Glory's order to take the rest of the day off would be ignored for the sake of getting these matters settled and her pilots up to speed as quickly as possible. Kerriott would not be getting any downtime, after all, and any Jebslunden kanmusu not on day patrol or getting sleep for night patrol would be helping her, and Hornissennest was not about to relax while her subordinates were working.

First on the list was Carman Fea. The cruiser was likely blaming herself for the loss of the battleship. The fault wasn't hers. Not entirely. Hornissennest had a feeling her own insistence on going after the enemy had contributed to the loss of Dia, by way of having that many fewer aircraft screening the capital ships. The report the carrier was preparing in her head for Glory would definitely include this detail.

The cruiser was to be found in the repair docks, assisting FNS Polar with the... new arrivals. Hornissennest kept her expression neutral as her gaze passed over the defectors, her thoughts on them best kept to herself, and focused her attention on Carman Fea. "SDFS Carman Fea, when you have a moment, I'd like to speak with you.", she stated, her tone on the soft side of neutral. No use having her think she was to be disciplined. That honor would be reserved for the Novayans. Even the thought of them pissed Hornissennest off. Had they deployed as ordered when ordered, the base might not be down a battleship. At the very least, she would see them court-martialed for dereliction. Or shot for treason. A carrier could dream.

Kerriott, Erika, and Mary Read Kerman, at the cafe
The three ships worked largely in silence, except when taking and communicating orders. A comrade had been lost. There was much to do. And there would be until everyone was fed and the café was clean. Even then, though, there would be little in the way of idle chatter. Erika knew better than to try any singing, given the mood, and even her cheerfulness was a bit subdued. She knew it wasn't entirely her fault for Dia's death. The ship had drifted out of AA coverage. There was only so much she could have done, really.

That didn't make her feel any better, though.

SDFS Carman Fea, at the Docks.
My hands were still assisting Polar, but I looked up to see Hornissennest standing above us, her face in schooled neutrality - her tone, however, was on the softer side, as if to reassure me, that I was not as good as scrapped.
Well, at least that was a relief.
"SDFS Carman Fea, when you have a moment, I'd like to speak with you.", our carrier spoke.
I nodded. "Yes, Ma'am. As soon as I am finished here.", I replied.
For a short moment, I believed to see her real feelings: Anger, rage, almost hatred, though none of that directed at me. Others would suffer her wrath.
I had a rough idea, where that anger was pointed and to be honest... they deserved it.
But were they the direct cause and reason why Dia was... well...?
As Hornissennest departed, I tried to stay focused - emphasis on try, not on stay.

[Novaya Equestria]

Naval Base
Approaching Admiralty Building
A couple hours later

NCS Atlas, NCS Chrysantheme, NCS Shiroiyuki, NCS Broadsword, NCS Atlas, and NCS Shinosaki approached the Admiralty Building, knowing well that they had done bad, and that is responding late to the whole debacle. "Uh, Novaya? Are we going to get scolded?" NCS Atlas asked, feeling intimidated by what is to come. "Calm down, Atlas," replied NCS Novaya, "I'll have her shout right at my face." NCS Shiroiyuki said, "We should've been on stand by, you idiot. Now, we're getting screwed."

NCS Chrysantheme then said to them in a cheerful tone, "Relax, guys! We just need to explain to the commanding officer our tardiness and our procrastination! The commanding officer will understand!" "But...I felt intimidated by the commander..." the timid carrier that is NCS Atlas replied, "...I don't liked being yelled at." Putting a hand on NCS Atlas' shoulder, NCS Novaya then told him, "Do not worry. I'll ask the commander to be more soft towards you." The six then enters the Admiralty Building.

[Fantrum]

FNS Polar
The docks

Somehow, none of the girl's bones seemed broken. Her flight deck must have taken the brunt, at least to Polar's first glance. Regardless of if anything was broken or not, she was still gravely wounded and leaking badly. It wasnt until she weakly answered some of Polar's questions that the repair ship took the time to actually look at her charge. The wave of shock that took her was brief, but intense. Her hands were covered in blue, and it was spattered on her apron. She felt sick for just a second before pushing it all down and remembering that this was a wounded ship, even if it was an enemy.

Swallowing hard, Polar fought down the urge to vomit and kept her calm, professional demeanor. "Youre going to be fine... Wo..." Not having to rebreak any bones was a huge plus, and it cleared Polar's mind for what they were going to do next. "Lift her up, like this..." She directed her impromptu cruiser nurse, and together they eased the badly wounded carrier into the repair tub. "Ive done just about all I can do, its up to her now." Polar said to no one in particular. "Thanks, by the way," This time at Carman, "You dont make a half bad nurse." It came out like a joke, but Polar was deathly serious. "You can go ahead now, Ill keep tabs on these two for a while yet."

Kneeling down, she felt the carrier's pulse at her neck and breathed a sigh of relief. Already it was growing stronger and her wounds were stitching themselves inexorably closed. "What a mess..." Standing, she looked at the other girl in the adjacent tub and sighed. Hopefully nothing was broken on her, or her wounds would heal incorrectly and they would need to be rebroken and set... and that was not a fun experience for anyone involved.

[The Selkie]

FNS Polar
The docks

Somehow, none of the girl's bones seemed broken. Her flight deck must have taken the brunt, at least to Polar's first glance. Regardless of if anything was broken or not, she was still gravely wounded and leaking badly. It wasnt until she weakly answered some of Polar's questions that the repair ship took the time to actually look at her charge. The wave of shock that took her was brief, but intense. Her hands were covered in blue, and it was spattered on her apron. She felt sick for just a second before pushing it all down and remembering that this was a wounded ship, even if it was an enemy.

Swallowing hard, Polar fought down the urge to vomit and kept her calm, professional demeanor. "Youre going to be fine... Wo..." Not having to rebreak any bones was a huge plus, and it cleared Polar's mind for what they were going to do next. "Lift her up, like this..." She directed her impromptu cruiser nurse, and together they eased the badly wounded carrier into the repair tub. "Ive done just about all I can do, its up to her now." Polar said to no one in particular. "Thanks, by the way," This time at Carman, "You dont make a half bad nurse." It came out like a joke, but Polar was deathly serious. "You can go ahead now, Ill keep tabs on these two for a while yet."

Kneeling down, she felt the carrier's pulse at her neck and breathed a sigh of relief. Already it was growing stronger and her wounds were stitching themselves inexorably closed. "What a mess..." Standing, she looked at the other girl in the adjacent tub and sighed. Hopefully nothing was broken on her, or her wounds would heal incorrectly and they would need to be rebroken and set... and that was not a fun experience for anyone involved.

SDFS Carman Fea, at the Docks.
After we had eased the Abyssal into the water - a thought still revolting to me - I breathed out. It was not a sigh, but a normal, deep exhaling.
"Thanks, by the way,", Polar told me, which, despite being serious, made me smile slightly, "You don't make a half bad nurse. You can go ahead now, Ill keep tabs on these two for a while yet."
I nodded.
"Yes, Ma'am.", I replied and rose, looking down at myself.
Great... my dress was ruined. I would need to change, I would have to talk to Hornissennest, I would have to find a bottle of whiskey and a quiet corner... so many things to do. So little time.
The dress would be burned, I would make sure of that.
I left the docks, wiping a big strand of hair behind my ear and started walking clipped, precise steps, my heels clicking over the pavement.
My first target, the Cruiser Dorm. Hornissennest would, hopefully, understand.

[Jebslund]

SDFS Carman Fea, at the Docks.After we had eased the Abyssal into the water - a thought still revolting to me - I breathed out. It was not a sigh, but a normal, deep exhaling."Thanks, by the way,", Polar told me, which, despite being serious, made me smile slightly, "You don't make a half bad nurse. You can go ahead now, Ill keep tabs on these two for a while yet."I nodded."Yes, Ma'am.", I replied and rose, looking down at myself.Great... my dress was ruined. I would need to change, I would have to talk to Hornissennest, I would have to find a bottle of whiskey and a quiet corner... so many things to do. So little time.The dress would be burned, I would make sure of that. I left the docks, wiping a big strand of hair behind my ear and started walking clipped, precise steps, my heels clicking over the pavement. My first target, the Cruiser Dorm. Hornissennest would, hopefully, understand.

Naval Base
Approaching Admiralty Building
A couple hours later

NCS Atlas, NCS Chrysantheme, NCS Shiroiyuki, NCS Broadsword, NCS Atlas, and NCS Shinosaki approached the Admiralty Building, knowing well that they had done bad, and that is responding late to the whole debacle. "Uh, Novaya? Are we going to get scolded?" NCS Atlas asked, feeling intimidated by what is to come. "Calm down, Atlas," replied NCS Novaya, "I'll have her shout right at my face." NCS Shiroiyuki said, "We should've been on stand by, you idiot. Now, we're getting screwed."

NCS Chrysantheme then said to them in a cheerful tone, "Relax, guys! We just need to explain to the commanding officer our tardiness and our procrastination! The commanding officer will understand!" "But...I felt intimidated by the commander..." the timid carrier that is NCS Atlas replied, "...I don't liked being yelled at." Putting a hand on NCS Atlas' shoulder, NCS Novaya then told him, "Do not worry. I'll ask the commander to be more soft towards you." The six then enters the Admiralty Building.

Hornissennest, Admiralty

Hornissennest, to put it bluntly, didn't care where Carman Fea's first stop was. The light cruiser had duties to perform and probably needed time to process, so it wasn't a priority for the carrier that Carman Fea speak to her right away, and, to be honest, had she cared, Hornissennest would have been glad for the delay, as it gave her time to attend to other important matters in the aftermath of the raid. There were replacements to request now so that she'd hopefully get them sooner once they became available, Jebslunden kanmusu to look in on and evaluate morale for, Novayan kanmusu to see lined up against a wall (or court martialed. That would work, too, she supposed.), and other matters needed in the aftermath of such an incident.

But, before all that, Hornissennest needed to give her after-action report while the incident was fresh in her mind, and that entailed a trip to Admiralty, made just in time to see a group of lazy Novayans gathered around, and hear assurances that the commander would be asked to be soft with the imbeciles. "Soft?", Hornissennest hissed, her tone sharp and unforgiving, "You'll be lucky not to be executed for your actions. Your presence on-station as ordered when ordered may have made the difference between us losing a battleship and us trading only a handful of fighters for half an enemy battlegroup! You idiots deploying late left us shorthanded during an attack on our base, and you want command to be SOFT?", she continued, her voice raising as she spoke, "Ask your comrades how "soft" they'd like command to be with you after losing Diamantina.", she continued, not noticing, in her venting of anger she'd been holding in since the battle, that Glory had entered the room.

[Café scene will be replied to when I get home.]

[Novaya Equestria]

snip

"Hornet," said NCS Chrysantheme, "I think you should be soft towards NCS Atlas over there." She pointed at NCS Atlas, who was trembling with fear upon hearing Hornissennest's voice. "You're intimidating him," NCS Shiroiyuki added. "Not to mention you're scaring the heck out of him," NCS Novaya's fairy admiral, who enters the room just to talk to Novaya, added. "So, if you're going to chew him out, then it's better if you do so in a softer way. I'll wait outside so I can chew the Novayan fleet out for their procrastinations."

With that, the fairy Admiral left the room to have a talk with his two Vice Admirals. "So, NCS Novaya and his squadron got chewed out?" one of the two fairy Vice Admirals asked. "Yes," the fairy Admiral replied, "I'm gonna have a huge chow-down with NCS Novaya on not being procrastinating."

[Offer Erapia]

Caroline, 25 miles outside of base

Caroline was cruising steadily at 20 knots. She had recollected all her aircraft and things were running smoothly. All hatches were closed and locked all aircraft were secure and all men were safely Inside her being. After a minute of listening to the calm waves and whistle of the wind she reached to her headset and opened up comms.

"CV to base, come in base, this is CV Caroline I'm coming into port at five knots, over"

After she spoke she left comms open for further communication. As the view of the base rose up in the horizon the short and petite carrier thought of what might she find in her new home.

So class, kamansu repair bay

The small submarine shifted slightly in the tub she was feeling like her old self all her wounds were closed and the bleeding has stopped completely. She couldn't help but look around the repair bay her blue eyes staring a numerous things that grabbed her attention.

"So is hungry, should so Inform kamansu?"

She spoke to herself quietly whilst continuing to look around. So began to ponder on the thought of going out herself to find something to eat or maybe she could call someone but who exactly the kamansu had very weird names. As she thought she could remember vaguely the white hair of a girl she saw her rigging suggested her to be a battleship. So couldn't remember anything else and decided it was safer to stay where she was.

Battleship Mordred, Docks

Mordred was at the docks yet again her lace white outfit was completely ruined with dried blue blood from the abysmal she saved. She gazed at her hands the vague and faded color of blue was still there in her supple white skin.

"I need to change"

She spoke bluntly and turned leaving the docks to their still quietness yet again. She made her way to her dorm and opened the door, after stepping inside, she closed the door and got clothes ready for a long awaited shower.

[Jebslund]

SRN Junipris, Ven-Mcalistar
Café
Ven slid back the door to the cafe, closing it and placing the destroyer down softly in an empty chair, before walking over to the register.
"Excuse me, but we'd like full portions for a carrier and a destroyer. Whatever you'd recommend please."
Her voice was soft and caring, she looked over at the destroyer, dozing in the chair.
"Nothing spicy for her, please." Ven added, nodding to herself.

Erika found it somewhat annoying that other kanmusu went up to the cash instead of being seated and waiting to be served, but it seemed that this was what many of the others were used to, so, while she went table to table, making sure everything was in order, Mary Read Kerman had been told to man the register. And man it she did, relaying the order to Kerriott with eager precision and making sure to specify that the destroyer didn't want anything spicy.

Kerriott went to work on the order immediately, fixing up two orders, one fit for a carrier, one for a destroyer, of shepherd's pie, making sure to make the meat and potatoes in it as flavorful and rich as possible, and using the best vegetables she had on hand, as well as a lamb gravy fit for kings (the fat, happy kind) to put in a gravy boat on the side, if they wanted it, seasoned to pair perfectly with the seasonings in the shepherd's pie. When the food was ready, she sent the orders out, with Erika carrying them to the table the two ships were sitting at. "Would you like anything to drink with that?", she asked, glad for the chance at a distraction from her thoughts.

[Fantrum]

Glory, Her Office and around the Admiralty

Glory was tired. She was also still covered in disgusting blue blood and wearing her torn up whites. To say she wanted a shower and to sit down was an understatement, and the day was still quite young. All told, the fleet action had taken less than three hours to complete, from first contact to retirement. And yet it had ground on and on. On the inside, where she could freely express herself, she was on the verge of tears. Dia hadnt been a close friend, hell, Glory hadnt known her for very long, but she could have been. Everything she was and would be was now resting quietly on the ocean floor, a fate that could have befallen any of them, and it was a heartbreaking thought.

She wanted more than anything to sit at her desk and hold her head, to scream her frustration out. She wasnt being a very good commander, was she? It was all almost too much for her to bear all at once. While Hornet turned to anger and blame, Fea to self loathing, and others to apathy, Glory couldnt let any of that show. So she dug a deep hole in her mind, shoved it all in, all her feelings of failure, remorse, and regret, and filled it in. It was simply easier not to think about it. There needed to be a reckoning for this. Already she was forming a plan in her head for a daring raid into the heart of Abyssal raiding operations. Of course, that was when she was roughly torn from her escapism by an innocent voice asking a simple question.

Mindlessly, Glory returned the salute on instinct, but her brain took a few seconds to switch gears. When comprehension did spread across her face, she had to hide the flash of regret that managed to break the surface with a quick cough. "Ah... Yes, of course." Taking just a second to compose herself, Glory pressed right into the issue, "Battleship Diamantina was reported sunk not two hours ago. I apologize, but I must be going, if you need me you are free to follow me into my office." Turning on her heels, Glory gave a curt nod and strode off towards the Admiralty. There was just so much work to be done... and of course, that was when she heard Hornet yelling from her office.

She knew vaguely what it would be about. Though to be entirely honest, Glory had thought the yelling match would be against herself, not whoever was at the receiving end of the carrier's ire. Opening the door, the secretary ship paused as she assessed the situation. Hornet was doing her level best to kill a group of Novayans with her voice and glare alone. This in and of itself wasnt so much the issue, normally the carrier had good reason when she was pissed. But Glory only knew bits and piece of what had happened out there, and wanted the story before anyone recived what Hornet thought was appropriate punishment.

"Hornetsnest." Glory greeted the carrier, feeling strange standing there in her blood soaked whites. "I assume youre here for the after action report. Normally these things are conducted in writing, but I trust youve got good reason for the break from procedure." The other ships were a sideshow, and Glory wasnt that interested in them until Hornet had been placated. While she talked, she advanced behind her desk and sank tiredly into her cushy chair.

Tumbledown

Still a bit shaken, Tumble had found her way back to the duty hut during the commotion, feeling more needed here than at the docks watching the older ships do their bloody work. Good thing too, since she got in just in time to hear someone's incoming hail! "Base, Caroline, youre cleared into the docks! Be careful, a recent engagement has left the base shaken and hostiles may still be in the area, out."

Kreech River

The crusier was a bit embarrassed really. She'd slept through it all! The alarm klaxons, the call for all ships to muster, even the entire battle! So she knew something big had gone down while she rested from duty, but what exactly that was, was lost on her. Wearing simple blue dungarees instead of her preferred leggings and skirt, Kreech ventured out of her room just as her friend was entering the dorm building. Upon seeing Fea, Kreech's face lit up. "Fea!" She called in her unintentionally monotone way, "Whats going o-"

Kreech wasnt a socialite. She had a hard time picking up on social cues, carrying a conversation with people she didnt know well, and her voice had an infuriating way of turning people off. That said, she could see someone struggling with a problem from a mile away. She was walking differently than she had yesterday, and not least of all, she was pretty much covered in blood! "Are you ok!?" With a cry, Kreech rushed to her friend, "You arent hurt are you?" Thankfully none of the blood looked like it was hers... unless she bled blue... Still, worry creased the cruiser's face as she looked over the other girl.

Polar

With everyone's departure, the bay had gotten nearly dead quite. A very well appreciated respite, Polar thought. She had just collapsed down into a sitting position, back resting against one of the steps leading out of the repair bay, when the faintest whisper found her ears. For a second she thought she was imagining it, or that her Wo class had regained consciousness, until she locked eyes with the other pale girl not more than two meters away from her.

"Ah, and another one awakens." She didnt feel the need to get up at first, but then remembered the ship was probably still a bit hurt and likely very confused. Sighing at her lot in life, Polar hauled herself up and moved over the submarine. Gently, yet firmly, she grasped each of the girls limbs and made sure each of her joints worked and nothing was entirely broken. While she worked she talked, "My name is FNS Polar, the base's stand-in surgeon. Can you tell me who you are and where you think you are please?" Thankfully nothing seemed out of order, even if her right leg was still in pretty bad shape, it would heal with enough time in the tub.

[The Selkie]

[...]

Kreech River

The crusier was a bit embarrassed really. She'd slept through it all! The alarm klaxons, the call for all ships to muster, even the entire battle! So she knew something big had gone down while she rested from duty, but what exactly that was, was lost on her. Wearing simple blue dungarees instead of her preferred leggings and skirt, Kreech ventured out of her room just as her friend was entering the dorm building. Upon seeing Fea, Kreech's face lit up. "Fea!" She called in her unintentionally monotone way, "Whats going o-"

Kreech wasnt a socialite. She had a hard time picking up on social cues, carrying a conversation with people she didnt know well, and her voice had an infuriating way of turning people off. That said, she could see someone struggling with a problem from a mile away. She was walking differently than she had yesterday, and not least of all, she was pretty much covered in blood! "Are you ok!?" With a cry, Kreech rushed to her friend, "You arent hurt are you?" Thankfully none of the blood looked like it was hers... unless she bled blue... Still, worry creased the cruiser's face as she looked over the other girl.

[...]

SDFS Carman Fea, Cruiser Dorm.
I walked towards the dorm as if on autopilot, into it as if on autopilot, through it as if on autopilot...
...until Kreech River's voice broke me out of it.
Unlike her name suggested, her voice wasn't a screech, quite on the contrary. She sounded monotone, until she noticed the blood. I was unaware of the screaming match in the Admiralty, but I knew, that some people were rather pissed right about now...
In any case, Kreech rushed to my side, worried, asking, if I was okay and if I was hurt.
I smiled lightly, sadly. "I am unhurt, thank you for asking.", I said, then hung my head, "We lost Diamantina due to an air raid. I was supposed to provide her air cover." The shame mounted and brought tears to my eyes. "I failed."
Those two words stung more then any shell. Admitting, that I failed.
And that my failure lost us a battleship.
Fuck blaming the Novayan imbeciles, if I was honest with me...
"I failed."

[Sterkistan]

Erika found it somewhat annoying that other kanmusu went up to the cash instead of being seated and waiting to be served, but it seemed that this was what many of the others were used to, so, while she went table to table, making sure everything was in order, Mary Read Kerman had been told to man the register. And man it she did, relaying the order to Kerriott with eager precision and making sure to specify that the destroyer didn't want anything spicy.

Kerriott went to work on the order immediately, fixing up two orders, one fit for a carrier, one for a destroyer, of shepherd's pie, making sure to make the meat and potatoes in it as flavorful and rich as possible, and using the best vegetables she had on hand, as well as a lamb gravy fit for kings (the fat, happy kind) to put in a gravy boat on the side, if they wanted it, seasoned to pair perfectly with the seasonings in the shepherd's pie. When the food was ready, she sent the orders out, with Erika carrying them to the table the two ships were sitting at. "Would you like anything to drink with that?", she asked, glad for the chance at a distraction from her thoughts.

Glory, Her Office and around the Admiralty

Glory was tired. She was also still covered in disgusting blue blood and wearing her torn up whites. To say she wanted a shower and to sit down was an understatement, and the day was still quite young. All told, the fleet action had taken less than three hours to complete, from first contact to retirement. And yet it had ground on and on. On the inside, where she could freely express herself, she was on the verge of tears. Dia hadnt been a close friend, hell, Glory hadnt known her for very long, but she could have been. Everything she was and would be was now resting quietly on the ocean floor, a fate that could have befallen any of them, and it was a heartbreaking thought.

She wanted more than anything to sit at her desk and hold her head, to scream her frustration out. She wasnt being a very good commander, was she? It was all almost too much for her to bear all at once. While Hornet turned to anger and blame, Fea to self loathing, and others to apathy, Glory couldnt let any of that show. So she dug a deep hole in her mind, shoved it all in, all her feelings of failure, remorse, and regret, and filled it in. It was simply easier not to think about it. There needed to be a reckoning for this. Already she was forming a plan in her head for a daring raid into the heart of Abyssal raiding operations. Of course, that was when she was roughly torn from her escapism by an innocent voice asking a simple question.

Mindlessly, Glory returned the salute on instinct, but her brain took a few seconds to switch gears. When comprehension did spread across her face, she had to hide the flash of regret that managed to break the surface with a quick cough. "Ah... Yes, of course." Taking just a second to compose herself, Glory pressed right into the issue, "Battleship Diamantina was reported sunk not two hours ago. I apologize, but I must be going, if you need me you are free to follow me into my office." Turning on her heels, Glory gave a curt nod and strode off towards the Admiralty. There was just so much work to be done... and of course, that was when she heard Hornet yelling from her office.

She knew vaguely what it would be about. Though to be entirely honest, Glory had thought the yelling match would be against herself, not whoever was at the receiving end of the carrier's ire. Opening the door, the secretary ship paused as she assessed the situation. Hornet was doing her level best to kill a group of Novayans with her voice and glare alone. This in and of itself wasnt so much the issue, normally the carrier had good reason when she was pissed. But Glory only knew bits and piece of what had happened out there, and wanted the story before anyone recived what Hornet thought was appropriate punishment.

"Hornetsnest." Glory greeted the carrier, feeling strange standing there in her blood soaked whites. "I assume youre here for the after action report. Normally these things are conducted in writing, but I trust youve got good reason for the break from procedure." The other ships were a sideshow, and Glory wasnt that interested in them until Hornet had been placated. While she talked, she advanced behind her desk and sank tiredly into her cushy chair.

Tumbledown

Still a bit shaken, Tumble had found her way back to the duty hut during the commotion, feeling more needed here than at the docks watching the older ships do their bloody work. Good thing too, since she got in just in time to hear someone's incoming hail! "Base, Caroline, youre cleared into the docks! Be careful, a recent engagement has left the base shaken and hostiles may still be in the area, out."

Kreech River

The crusier was a bit embarrassed really. She'd slept through it all! The alarm klaxons, the call for all ships to muster, even the entire battle! So she knew something big had gone down while she rested from duty, but what exactly that was, was lost on her. Wearing simple blue dungarees instead of her preferred leggings and skirt, Kreech ventured out of her room just as her friend was entering the dorm building. Upon seeing Fea, Kreech's face lit up. "Fea!" She called in her unintentionally monotone way, "Whats going o-"

Kreech wasnt a socialite. She had a hard time picking up on social cues, carrying a conversation with people she didnt know well, and her voice had an infuriating way of turning people off. That said, she could see someone struggling with a problem from a mile away. She was walking differently than she had yesterday, and not least of all, she was pretty much covered in blood! "Are you ok!?" With a cry, Kreech rushed to her friend, "You arent hurt are you?" Thankfully none of the blood looked like it was hers... unless she bled blue... Still, worry creased the cruiser's face as she looked over the other girl.

Polar

With everyone's departure, the bay had gotten nearly dead quite. A very well appreciated respite, Polar thought. She had just collapsed down into a sitting position, back resting against one of the steps leading out of the repair bay, when the faintest whisper found her ears. For a second she thought she was imagining it, or that her Wo class had regained consciousness, until she locked eyes with the other pale girl not more than two meters away from her.

"Ah, and another one awakens." She didn't feel the need to get up at first, but then remembered the ship was probably still a bit hurt and likely very confused. Sighing at her lot in life, Polar hauled herself up and moved over the submarine. Gently, yet firmly, she grasped each of the girls limbs and made sure each of her joints worked and nothing was entirely broken. While she worked she talked, "My name is FNS Polar, the base's stand-in surgeon. Can you tell me who you are and where you think you are, please?" Thankfully nothing seemed out of order, even if her right leg was still in pretty bad shape, it would heal with enough time in the tub.

---

SRN Lizbeth-Charlatan, Buschlet-Lia
Lia nearly collapsed as she heard Glory confirm Dia's demise, and with such coldness. How many ships had she already lost? How many was she planning to throw away? Lia placed her hand against her head, Diamantina was a war hero. Destined to be displayed as a museum for centuries to come. Yet, her kanmasu counterpart would not get such luxuries, as she now rested on the bottom of the ocean floor. Lia fell victim to the thoughts that came with such incidents. If a battlefield legend like Dia could fall here, what chance did the rest of them have? Is the Secretary ship was so emotionless because she has no other choice?

Lizbeth gritted her teeth as Glory made toward the Admiralty at pace. Fate was a bastard, she'd hoped to get here on time, to prevent the inevitable from occurring as it was written by history. But the last Diamantina-class couldn't even keep herself floating for long enough.
"Looks like I'm the last..."
She thought to herself, her hands curled up into fists, spiting the world and those who created it.
Lizbeth collected herself, forcing herself to calm down. This was not the place to mourn, when she was alone, she would shed tears in silence.
Lizbeth placed a hand on Lia's shoulder. She needed Lia to be strong, for Junipris. The larger ships always had trouble connecting with their smaller counterparts, they saw battles in a whole different dimension to the doctrines employed on carriers and battleships.
"Lia, we're returning to the others, I need you to tell Junipris."
Lia came back from her funk, she had to be as strong as possible. She nodded at Lizbeth, and the two of them turned for the Cafe.

---

SRN Ven-Mcalistar, Junipris
Cafe
As their food approached, Ven woke Junipris by shaking her lightly.
"Junipris, our food is coming, it looks good."
Junipris perked up at the mention of food, her short nap helping to partially recharge her batteries, but the rumbling of her stomach kept her from being fully satisfied.
As the food arrived, along with the gravy. Their server, a ship named Erika, asked if they'd like any drinks.
"Milk please!" Junipris piped up as she poured gravy onto her pie, before digging in.
Ven looked up towards Erika, "Water will be fine, thank you."
Ven also poured gravy on her sizeable portion, eating with a far more reserved attitude.

A short time later, Lizbeth and Lia arrived, the air around them was gloomy and stern. They sat down at the table with Junipris and Ven, sitting around in silence. They waited for Junipris to slow down her eating, before Lia spoke up.
"Junipris, I need to speak to you outside for a moment."
Junipris nodded cautiously, following her outside.
Once the door closed, Lizbeth sighed, slouching back into her chair, mentally exhausted. Ven didn't need to speak to Lizbeth to know what she was thinking about, but this wasn't the place to talk about the subject.
Lizbeth planned to order for both herself and Lia when Erika returned with the drinks for the other two.

[The Cross and Davids Star]

MNC Shipsplitter
Cruiser Dorm

Unlike Carman Fea or her friend tending to her, Split simply didn't care to join the fight. She wasn't meant for defense anyway, she was meant to make the daring actions that few could or would do, like rushing a blockade or even better, ramming her way through it. though she did watch from afar, witnessing a battleship go down despite the efforts of her escorts, and the complete blunder of the Novayans, especially the carriers.

Ha! Woe is the capital ship, the magnet of bomb and shell alike! Split thought, feeling smug in the fact that she would never be the first target in any battlegroup, and being able to punish those who would underestimate her. Even then, she did feel kind of bad for the distraught cruiser. Split could never relate to losing a capital ship that you were escorting, mainly because she never escorted, nor was she designed to. But she would still try to comfort her, though how well is up for debate. She approached the two cruisers, her sword swinging on her back with every step.

"The battleship died fighting, as all of her like should. Don't let her death keep you in sorrow, there will be time to avenge her, and when that time comes, you can fight in her stead. We are cruisers after all, and when the battleships sink and the carriers lose their planes, it falls to us to fight for them."

With that said, Split left for the door, she wanted to try and eavesdrop on the Admiralty building as the secretary ship would no doubt be raising hell on the Novayans for their incompetence, and to her, the berating of capital ships was nothing more than the sweetest of symphonies.

[Fantrum]

Kreech River

What was she supposed to do? How as she supposed to comfort someone clearly in need of comforting? Nervously, Kreech looked around, trying to figure out what to do or what to say. This wasnt what she was made for, not in the slightest. She had always steered clear of social interaction in the past, and now her inexperience was coming back to bite her in the ass.

"Um... uh..." She had almost settled on what to say when another girl walked up. She deeply unsettled Kreech, her mannerisms and form were just slightly... off. While she didnt say anything outright bad about the older girls, the way she said it put a bad taste in the cruiser's mouth. Sure it was their job to be the fleet's backbone, but everyone had a task to fill in a fleet and they all needed to work together to ensure victory. Placing one girls worth above the rest only served to alienate everyone and drive divisions.

At least that was her take on it. Not that anyone cared, since she hadnt been and never would be a flagship. Not that she minded. Being a subsidiary heavy cruiser was what she was for and it suited her best. She kept her opinion on the matter to herself however, and let the strange girl walk off on her own before turning back to Fea.

"Shes not entirely wrong, however distastefully she puts it." Kreech's monotone voice betrayed the emotion she felt, "Not much more we can do but keep fighting..." She trailed off as she realized Fea was still wearing her battle worn and soiled uniform. "How about," She brightened considerably, "You get cleaned up, and meet me at the docks! We can practice anti aircraft drills together!"

[The Selkie]

MNC Shipsplitter
Cruiser Dorm

Unlike Carman Fea or her friend tending to her, Split simply didn't care to join the fight. She wasn't meant for defense anyway, she was meant to make the daring actions that few could or would do, like rushing a blockade or even better, ramming her way through it. though she did watch from afar, witnessing a battleship go down despite the efforts of her escorts, and the complete blunder of the Novayans, especially the carriers.

Ha! Woe is the capital ship, the magnet of bomb and shell alike! Split thought, feeling smug in the fact that she would never be the first target in any battlegroup, and being able to punish those who would underestimate her. Even then, she did feel kind of bad for the distraught cruiser. Split could never relate to losing a capital ship that you were escorting, mainly because she never escorted, nor was she designed to. But she would still try to comfort her, though how well is up for debate. She approached the two cruisers, her sword swinging on her back with every step.

"The battleship died fighting, as all of her like should. Don't let her death keep you in sorrow, there will be time to avenge her, and when that time comes, you can fight in her stead. We are cruisers after all, and when the battleships sink and the carriers lose their planes, it falls to us to fight for them."

With that said, Split left for the door, she wanted to try and eavesdrop on the Admiralty building as the secretary ship would no doubt be raising hell on the Novayans for their incompetence, and to her, the berating of capital ships was nothing more than the sweetest of symphonies.

Kreech River

What was she supposed to do? How as she supposed to comfort someone clearly in need of comforting? Nervously, Kreech looked around, trying to figure out what to do or what to say. This wasnt what she was made for, not in the slightest. She had always steered clear of social interaction in the past, and now her inexperience was coming back to bite her in the ass.

"Um... uh..." She had almost settled on what to say when another girl walked up. She deeply unsettled Kreech, her mannerisms and form were just slightly... off. While she didnt say anything outright bad about the older girls, the way she said it put a bad taste in the cruiser's mouth. Sure it was their job to be the fleet's backbone, but everyone had a task to fill in a fleet and they all needed to work together to ensure victory. Placing one girls worth above the rest only served to alienate everyone and drive divisions.

At least that was her take on it. Not that anyone cared, since she hadnt been and never would be a flagship. Not that she minded. Being a subsidiary heavy cruiser was what she was for and it suited her best. She kept her opinion on the matter to herself however, and let the strange girl walk off on her own before turning back to Fea.

"Shes not entirely wrong, however distastefully she puts it." Kreech's monotone voice betrayed the emotion she felt, "Not much more we can do but keep fighting..." She trailed off as she realized Fea was still wearing her battle worn and soiled uniform. "How about," She brightened considerably, "You get cleaned up, and meet me at the docks! We can practice anti aircraft drills together!"

SDFS Carman Fea. Cruiser Dorm.
I would have vented my outrage at Shipsplitter and her phrasing rather clearly, if my heart hadn't been heavy with grief.
That had nothing to do with one simple fact: For my Navy, I was the capital ship.
But both her and Kreech had a point: Let's not leave the heart too heavy to fight. Let's get up and show them what for!
I rose, maybe with a bit of Kreech's help and smiled at her, my heart still heavy with grief.
"Sounds lovely.", I said and nodded, "But before I can join you, I need to report to the Admiralty. Hornissennest wants to know what happened from my perspective." I did not want to, but my sense of duty prevented me from simply going right with Kreech and leaving that to be. "Changing sounds lovely, though... wanna come along?"
I didn't think anything by that offer. She was a girl, I was a girl, so where would be a problem?

[Offer Erapia]

So class, Repair bay

So was back to her old self again her body was neither in pain or fatigued. She truly felt at peace and ordinary again. But she also felt hungry it had been many nearly a few days before her last meal. Deciding to explore she hauled her tiny frame from the tub of greenish liquid that saved her life.

So had no clothes though hers had been shredded during the fight she looked around for anything. Through shelves and cabinets but all the abyssmal could find was a towel. It was the best she could find and wrapped it loosely around her. The long and white fabric was too big for her and hung down to her slender and small legs. As she walked out her dripping blue hair left behind a trail of green water droplets.

So had left the repair bay and made her way outside. She did not no the lay out of the base and so she wondered around for what seemed like hours until her nose caught a scent of something that made her empty stomach growl. She followed the scent not knowing what else to do after a few more minutes she came across a set of doors. Very faintly she could hear talking behing them she was curious and so opened the doors stepping inside the cafe.

[Fantrum]

Kreech River

Almost taken aback, the cruiser felt something within her and before she could stop herself she blurted out, "I-Ill come with you to the admiralty too!" A nervous tinge made her look away for a second, "Y-you know, so you dont have to face Hornetsnest and Secretary Ship Glorious alone..." She didnt like the idea of willingly flying into their purview, in fact she hated the very thought of it. She survived by staying low and avoiding notice. But her friend was clearly distressed at the prospect and couldnt just bail on it. So with growing resolve, she decided she would stand with her friend, even if she couldnt do much more than be in the room.

"Which one is your room?" Kreech hadnt done much exploring and after having found her own room, had never seen a reason to look further. Spending most of her time alone, asleep, or playing base talker didnt leave much of a chance to explore. Not that she was the explorer type. That was for destroyers. "I have a spare set of dungarees if youd like to barrow them, theyll probably be pretty comfortable." She patted her stomach and waved her hand around, showing the utility of her off duty uniform.

Said uniform comprised of a blue smock and blue trousers with a stars and stripes naval ensign above the left breast pocket. Under the ensgin was a name tape that simply read, 'Kreech River'. A small belt completed the ensemble, helping to outline her figure. She had made sure to pack multiple sets, figuring that while she enjoyed dressing up with stockings, skirt and lace, the terrible tropics would make her sweat like a sinner in church. So she had packed accordingly.

[Offer Erapia]

Caroline, 25 miles outside of base

Caroline was cruising steadily at 20 knots. She had recollected all her aircraft and things were running smoothly. All hatches were closed and locked all aircraft were secure and all men were safely Inside her being. After a minute of listening to the calm waves and whistle of the wind she reached to her headset and opened up comms.

"CV to base, come in base, this is CV Caroline I'm coming into port at five knots, over"

After she spoke she left comms open for further communication. As the view of the base rose up in the horizon the short and petite carrier thought of what might she find in her new home.

So class, kamansu repair bay

The small submarine shifted slightly in the tub she squeezed and opened her sore eyes. Her body still ached and it hurt her to move her arm which was covered in cuts some shallow and some deep. Every breath she took so could feel tiny cracks in her sides. It was enough to alarm her she looked around for help

So would be relieved to see a kamansu she was busy examining a familiar wo class. So reached to the edge of the tub if so was right the new stranger was a medic of sorts. The petite and pale sub tapped the water with her small hand to get her attention.

"....help"

She muttered finding it a little hard to breath. Her face was pretty cut up and her left eye was swelled shut. Despite her injuries so still gave a small smile trying not to come off with hostility.

Battleship Mordred, Docks

Mordred was at the docks yet again her lace white outfit was completely ruined with dried blue blood from the abysmal she saved. She gazed at her hands the vague and faded color of blue was still there in her supple white skin.

"I need to change"

She spoke bluntly and turned leaving the docks to their still quietness yet again. She made her way to her dorm and opened the door, after stepping inside, she closed the door and got clothes ready for a long awaited shower.

[The Selkie]

Kreech River

Almost taken aback, the cruiser felt something within her and before she could stop herself she blurted out, "I-Ill come with you to the admiralty too!" A nervous tinge made her look away for a second, "Y-you know, so you dont have to face Hornetsnest and Secretary Ship Glorious alone..." She didnt like the idea of willingly flying into their purview, in fact she hated the very thought of it. She survived by staying low and avoiding notice. But her friend was clearly distressed at the prospect and couldnt just bail on it. So with growing resolve, she decided she would stand with her friend, even if she couldnt do much more than be in the room.

"Which one is your room?" Kreech hadnt done much exploring and after having found her own room, had never seen a reason to look further. Spending most of her time alone, asleep, or playing base talker didnt leave much of a chance to explore. Not that she was the explorer type. That was for destroyers. "I have a spare set of dungarees if youd like to barrow them, theyll probably be pretty comfortable." She patted her stomach and waved her hand around, showing the utility of her off duty uniform.

Said uniform comprised of a blue smock and blue trousers with a stars and stripes naval ensign above the left breast pocket. Under the ensgin was a name tape that simply read, 'Kreech River'. A small belt completed the ensemble, helping to outline her figure. She had made sure to pack multiple sets, figuring that while she enjoyed dressing up with stockings, skirt and lace, the terrible tropics would make her sweat like a sinner in church. So she had packed accordingly.

SDFS Carman Fea. Cruiser Dorm.
I smiled slightly at Kreech River.
"Thank you for the offer, but I think, that I still have a change.", I said with a thankful smile and I meant it. I navigated to my room... not with ease, but that would come in time stationed here.
Room 300, together with HLFFS Van Ruller, Adelheid and Erika.
My key fit and when I entered, I let it open for Kreech River to enter as well. My part of the room was, safe for an image of us six of the Rhiannon-class on the Lover's Bridge in Wembury, empty. My bags... I had planned to unpack later today.
I took off my sword and opened my hair ribbon.
"Please, have a seat.", I asked of Kreech.
My corset soon followed - and while I stood there, undressing, I thought to myself: They are right. You are the Goddess of War, Arrows for You, Fire for You - bring the Abyss to its knees, while it whimpers. Avenge Diamantina! Avenge Traverse! Avenge Shella!
My blouse fell to the ground, revealing, that I was, as someone once noted, 'quite stacked'.
Fire for the Fire-Goddess., I thought to myself.
The playtime was over.

[Jebslund]

Glory, Her Office and around the Admiralty

Mindlessly, Glory returned the salute on instinct, but her brain took a few seconds to switch gears. When comprehension did spread across her face, she had to hide the flash of regret that managed to break the surface with a quick cough. "Ah... Yes, of course." Taking just a second to compose herself, Glory pressed right into the issue, "Battleship Diamantina was reported sunk not two hours ago. I apologize, but I must be going, if you need me you are free to follow me into my office." Turning on her heels, Glory gave a curt nod and strode off towards the Admiralty. There was just so much work to be done... and of course, that was when she heard Hornet yelling from her office.

She knew vaguely what it would be about. Though to be entirely honest, Glory had thought the yelling match would be against herself, not whoever was at the receiving end of the carrier's ire. Opening the door, the secretary ship paused as she assessed the situation. Hornet was doing her level best to kill a group of Novayans with her voice and glare alone. This in and of itself wasn't so much the issue, normally the carrier had good reason when she was pissed. But Glory only knew bits and piece of what had happened out there, and wanted the story before anyone received what Hornet thought was appropriate punishment.

"Hornetsnest." Glory greeted the carrier, feeling strange standing there in her blood soaked whites. "I assume you're here for the after action report. Normally these things are conducted in writing, but I trust you've got good reason for the break from procedure." The other ships were a sideshow, and Glory wasn't that interested in them until Hornet had been placated. While she talked, she advanced behind her desk and sank tiredly into her cushy chair.

"Hornet," said NCS Chrysantheme, "I think you should be soft towards NCS Atlas over there." She pointed at NCS Atlas, who was trembling with fear upon hearing Hornissennest's voice. "You're intimidating him," NCS Shiroiyuki added. "Not to mention you're scaring the heck out of him," NCS Novaya's fairy admiral, who enters the room just to talk to Novaya, added. "So, if you're going to chew him out, then it's better if you do so in a softer way. I'll wait outside so I can chew the Novayan fleet out for their procrastinations."

With that, the fairy Admiral left the room to have a talk with his two Vice Admirals. "So, NCS Novaya and his squadron got chewed out?" one of the two fairy Vice Admirals asked. "Yes," the fairy Admiral replied, "I'm gonna have a huge chow-down with NCS Novaya on not being procrastinating."

Hornissennest, Admiralty

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realise Novayans built their ships out of cotton candy. Perhaps I should offer him milk and cookies and tell him it's okay that his actions, as well as those of the rest of you, left an inexcusable gap in our defenses.", Hornissennest venomously seethed, her voice not far above a whisper as her face went an interesting shade of sage at the temerity of Chrysantheme, "OR PERHAPS YOU LOT NEED TO GO THROUGH BOOT CAMP AGAIN TO KNOCK THAT COWARDICE LOOSE AND SOME DISCIPLINE IN YOU!", she thundered. It wasn't until then that she noticed Glory, mainly because she belatedly realised the battlecruiser had spoken. "Officer on deck!", she barked, for the benefit of the Novayans, before responding, "I had some questions for you, actually.", her tone respectfully neutral. As she spoke, she reached into a pocket and withdrew a folded stack of papers, some smelling faintly of salt, and set them on the desk. "Even in the Wasserarmee, Jebslunden like to be efficient. I took the liberty of writing up most of it while we were waiting for the enemy to send another wave and my reserve aircraft were scouting, and filled in the rest on the way back to shore. You'll find the details of the situation with those incompetents," she glared in the general direction of the Novayans, "along with what BDA my strike team could do during exfil, as well as my assessment of weaknesses and strengths of my decisions and formations. Usual stuff.". Now came the potentially 'fun' part, "As for my questions, first and foremost, I assume you had information I didn't regarding the enemy's actions. Was there anything aside from the possibility of a trap that lead you to believe additional forces were inbound? I want to make sure I didn't miss anything I should have seen during the action.", she finished. While finding out what she missed would serve her well in future battles, Hornissennest was mainly concerned with finding out if there was a reason she wasn't permitted to follow up and make sure to put the Ta-class and enemy Wo down, and seeing to it that the Novayans would be made an example of.

With any luck, their replacements would be reliable, and her own bad calls would not be repeated.

[Novaya Equestria]

It was this that Hornissennest didn't know, she fucked up. NCS Novaya, hearing Hornissennest's voice thundered right at the Novayan ships, finally broke down and cried. "Atlas!" NCS Novaya spake out, pulling his timid brothership into a hug. "Chrysantheme, Shiroiyuki, Shinosaki, go take NCS Atlas to his bunkroom," he said to the three Novayan warships, who nodded and took NCS Atlas out of the Admiralty building, the poor sod of a carrier that is NCS Atlas can still be heard crying. "Sorry about that; NCS Atlas lacks the confidence of others. As flagship of the Novayan contingent, I'm taking full responsibility for screwing up. And we're sorry about that, Hornissennest, and we didn't know we lost a single ship."

"Due to the major screwup we made that led to the loss of one ship, we'll be expecting punishment you'll unleash upon us," said NCS Novaya. "However, due to how we Novayans tend to have too much freedom, I'm afraid that we don't have a place here. Grounded or reevaluated and retrained, it doesn't matter; after taking a severe punishment, I'm requesting for a transfer of all Novayan assets from this naval base to another naval base, one that would be unremarkable, shoddy, made of huts and manned only by us Novayan ships and fairies. That's where us Novayan ships get for not being there."

[Fantrum]

Kreech River

The cruiser did sit for a moment, taking in the utilitarian nature of the room. Evidently her friend didnt really believe in personal effects, either that or she hadnt yet unpacked. Both were viable conclusions to draw. While the lighter ship undressed, Kreech idly inspected her. She was fit, as most kanmusu were, and of a tall stature. If Kreech hadnt known better, she could easily have mistaken Fea for a heavy cruiser. Her own bust wasnt lacking by any stretch of the imagination, being a heavy cruiser, she was well equipped in that department. But she could appreciate other ship's appearances.

Snapping out of her funk, she realized she was staring and stood up, drawn to the only outward piece of personal touch in the room. She reached out and plucked the picture off its mountings and drew it close for a better look. There was six figures in it, three girls and a like number of boys, each one slightly resembling the other, and one was obviously Fea. Two plus two equaled four and Kreech came to the conclusion that these were her sisters. "Your sister and brother ships?" Each one had a look of joy or happiness on their faces. A twinge of envy stuck Kreech in the head. She must have been pretty close with all her sisters...

Not a luxury Kreech had enjoyed. Being one ship among a class of fifteen ships, she'd only grown close with a few of her sisters, and had never once seen them all in one place together. Normally this was a problem only for smaller ships like destroyers, who were built in numbers that made such gatherings nigh impossible. The nature of the war Kreech had fought in was different, and a lot of very large ships had been built. Even now, her sisters were spread thin across all of humanity's battlefields.

The last time she'd spoken with her favorite sister, Ivy Lake, had been three years prior, and the last letter she had gotten was from a few months ago. A dark cloud passed over Kreech's face as she tried not to think about the implications that carried. "You must be very close to them," Thankfully, her voice wasnt able to betray her, and she quickly returned the picture to its proper place. "You all look quite happy."

Harbor Demon

The demon finished her inspection, and debated briefly on how to deal with the small ship. She wanted above all else for him to take better care of his body, it was likely to be the only one he ever got after all! But the underlying rage within her at his carelessness kept her from rushing to either side. Eventually, after several seconds of hard scrutiny, her visage softened and she made her choice.

"You must keep better track of your maintenance, dear," She waved her hand and several Abyssal Faries practically materialized on her command, being the lord and master of this area had its perks of course. "Here, these lovelies will take the best care of you, and from now on," Her gaze filled with the fire and vitriol she felt inside her, "You had best remember when you require such check ups for your health." Her face returned to normal and she happily remarked, "Theres only one of me after all, and a whole lot of you, my love an affection can only move so quickly!" Satisfied, she stood to watch for just a second while the faries got to work scrubbing her charge clean before wandering off in search of something new to draw her ire.

Glory

The sudden assault from all sides nearly washed the secretary ship away. It took quite a lot of self control not to utterly tear into both Novaya and Hornet together right then and there. And for separate reasons for each. No doubt Hornet was holding less than appropriate opinions of Glory's actions and decisions. It truly spoke volumes of how little respect the carrier had for her to voice such a question within earshot of subordinate ships. It was borderline provocative, and the implications weren't lost to Glory.

Then there was Novaya. From what Glory had already gathered, they hadnt mustered with the rest of the fleet as she had ordered. This in and of itself struck her the wrong way, and already she was in a bad mood. Clearly she had a mountain to climb when it came to earning any kind of respect here. The situation was made infinately worse when the girl had the audacity to request a transfer. She was on her second day here and she thought she could do that? Just transfer out? Incoherent rage bubbled just beneath the cruiser's skin, bushing aside how tired she felt.

It was with this renewed energy that Glory stood up, letting her mask of tired indifference vanish as she rounded first on Novaya, "First and foremost, your actions lead to the death of a ship. She's sitting at the bottom of the ocean because you failed to promptly follow orders." Her voice came out icy cold, not something she enjoyed, but she was beyond caring. "You should take that into account now. I have a hole in my roster, a ship killed in action, and you believe you have the nerve to ask for a transfer out? And leave us even more shorthanded? No." She put her hands on her hips, the pose lost a lot of its power since she was still covered in blood and half naked, but it felt more natural, "Youre going to be punished alright," She shot a glare at Hornet, "But youre not going to be put against a wall. Report to Quartermaster Kindred tomorrow morning." Then, in a tone that brokered absolutely no room for argument, she growled, "Youre dismissed."

She had never been big on military customs and courtesies, but maybe that needed to change. Clearly her subordinates didnt respect her, perhaps she could beat it into them? She waited until the door swung shut and then calmly faced Hornet. "Going forward, do not question me or an order I have given in front of the other Kanmusu." She was starting to cool off herself as she pressed on, "I expected better from someone who themselves acts as commander to ships on the high seas. Regardless on if you meant the implication or not." Feeling a tad deflated, she sank down again and swept the battle report into her hands, "I understand that you are used to operating as part of a task force whos lines of supply are secure and whos enemy is well established. Its what Im used to as well."

She pointed to a massive blown up map of the entire sector pinned to the wall with several red marks on it, "But here, we are alone. Dia's loss was nearly crippling, hell, we cant even replenish the planes you lost in that strike. With the benefit of hindsight we know there was no trap, or we think there wasnt. In the moment if you had sailed off with all our ships to chase the bait our asses would have been left hanging in the breeze, and instead of the Novyaians it would be you getting yelled at for leaving a gap in the defense. If any of us were alive to come back to." She sighed and rubbed her temples, "Regardless, had you launched another strike you damn well could have wiped them out, but then we'd still be out a battleship and instead of having your air compliment intact, youd be combat ineffective. Meanwhile the Abyssals would simply bring in more ships to replace those."

She felt like she wasnt quite articulating the problem well enough, but she was tired, and wanted more than anything to change. But here she was, dealing with Hornet. There was no way around it of course, this was what her job was. Damage control seemed an inexcusably large portion of it however. To think she'd been so excited upon hearing of her selection for command. Now she figured it was probably because she was the only chump they could detail it with. Not for the first time, she found herself wishing Expedition were here for her stalwart courage and support. But alas, this seemed Glory's cross to bear alone.

"Youre dismissed, Hornetsnest. Ill review your report and get back to you. I recommend you get as much food and sleep in you as you can, youll be leading the mission into Abyssal territory tomorrow."

[The Cross and Davids Star]

Heretic Ship Drummer Boy
With the Harbor Demon

When his caretaker turned her gaze to him, Drummer was practically terrified, as his mental link with her told him more than what her gaze did. It was beneficial usually, since his mental link could keep his superiors informed no matter the distance and was handy for when normal communication was impossible, but in this case, Drummer knew everything that was going through her head, and he didn't like it.

"Y-Yes, Harbor Demon, I will be more vigilant in my self-care." He said with what willpower he had, watching her turn away and depart while her fairies got to work. From then, Drummer's fear melted away into pure bliss. The rust that grew on him was like an ever growing rash, but when it was being removed, it was a pleasure above all others. That's why he's always so close to the Harbor Demons, they have the equipment to rid him of his rust completely, if only temporarily, but it was those short periods where he always felt his best. When the fairies finished up, he would send a cheerful 'Thank you!' over the mental link, and then went on his way, wandering around the base while playing a tune on his fiddle.

MNC Shipsplitter
Eavesdropping on the Admiralty Building

Split was sitting next to a window, listening in on the berating of the Novayans from both Hornissennest and Glory, and honestly, she loved every word of it. Back in her homeland, she enjoyed listening to the reprimands that the bigger, more important ships would receive, and it had become so common that when she hung around the administrative office, everyone else knew that a capital ship was receiving a proper talking-to, but out of all of them, the only one Split never could listen to was the reprimanding of one carrier, one supposedly being the best the Theocracy had to offer, and his behavior never gave Split the pleasure of listening to him getting yelled at, actually, he would often be the one reprimanding her. But he was off at another base, and she was here, so no worries. But the more Split listened, the more concerned she was, and the more understanding she was of the situation. The base lost a capital ship, a major blow to an already understaffed base. To her, that meant she had to step up and help fill that offensive role, but luckily for her, she caught on to the next mission, one leading an attack into enemy territory.

Suffice to say, Split was gonna spend a little extra time on her sword tonight.

[The Selkie]

Kreech River

The cruiser did sit for a moment, taking in the utilitarian nature of the room. Evidently her friend didnt really believe in personal effects, either that or she hadnt yet unpacked. Both were viable conclusions to draw. While the lighter ship undressed, Kreech idly inspected her. She was fit, as most kanmusu were, and of a tall stature. If Kreech hadnt known better, she could easily have mistaken Fea for a heavy cruiser. Her own bust wasnt lacking by any stretch of the imagination, being a heavy cruiser, she was well equipped in that department. But she could appreciate other ship's appearances.

Snapping out of her funk, she realized she was staring and stood up, drawn to the only outward piece of personal touch in the room. She reached out and plucked the picture off its mountings and drew it close for a better look. There was six figures in it, three girls and a like number of boys, each one slightly resembling the other, and one was obviously Fea. Two plus two equaled four and Kreech came to the conclusion that these were her sisters. "Your sister and brother ships?" Each one had a look of joy or happiness on their faces. A twinge of envy stuck Kreech in the head. She must have been pretty close with all her sisters...

Not a luxury Kreech had enjoyed. Being one ship among a class of fifteen ships, she'd only grown close with a few of her sisters, and had never once seen them all in one place together. Normally this was a problem only for smaller ships like destroyers, who were built in numbers that made such gatherings nigh impossible. The nature of the war Kreech had fought in was different, and a lot of very large ships had been built. Even now, her sisters were spread thin across all of humanity's battlefields.

The last time she'd spoken with her favorite sister, Ivy Lake, had been three years prior, and the last letter she had gotten was from a few months ago. A dark cloud passed over Kreech's face as she tried not to think about the implications that carried. "You must be very close to them," Thankfully, her voice wasnt able to betray her, and she quickly returned the picture to its proper place. "You all look quite happy."

Harbor Demon

The demon finished her inspection, and debated briefly on how to deal with the small ship. She wanted above all else for him to take better care of his body, it was likely to be the only one he ever got after all! But the underlying rage within her at his carelessness kept her from rushing to either side. Eventually, after several seconds of hard scrutiny, her visage softened and she made her choice.

"You must keep better track of your maintenance, dear," She waved her hand and several Abyssal Faries practically materialized on her command, being the lord and master of this area had its perks of course. "Here, these lovelies will take the best care of you, and from now on," Her gaze filled with the fire and vitriol she felt inside her, "You had best remember when you require such check ups for your health." Her face returned to normal and she happily remarked, "Theres only one of me after all, and a whole lot of you, my love an affection can only move so quickly!" Satisfied, she stood to watch for just a second while the faries got to work scrubbing her charge clean before wandering off in search of something new to draw her ire.

Glory

The sudden assault from all sides nearly washed the secretary ship away. It took quite a lot of self control not to utterly tear into both Novaya and Hornet together right then and there. And for separate reasons for each. No doubt Hornet was holding less than appropriate opinions of Glory's actions and decisions. It truly spoke volumes of how little respect the carrier had for her to voice such a question within earshot of subordinate ships. It was borderline provocative, and the implications weren't lost to Glory.

Then there was Novaya. From what Glory had already gathered, they hadnt mustered with the rest of the fleet as she had ordered. This in and of itself struck her the wrong way, and already she was in a bad mood. Clearly she had a mountain to climb when it came to earning any kind of respect here. The situation was made infinately worse when the girl had the audacity to request a transfer. She was on her second day here and she thought she could do that? Just transfer out? Incoherent rage bubbled just beneath the cruiser's skin, bushing aside how tired she felt.

It was with this renewed energy that Glory stood up, letting her mask of tired indifference vanish as she rounded first on Novaya, "First and foremost, your actions lead to the death of a ship. She's sitting at the bottom of the ocean because you failed to promptly follow orders." Her voice came out icy cold, not something she enjoyed, but she was beyond caring. "You should take that into account now. I have a hole in my roster, a ship killed in action, and you believe you have the nerve to ask for a transfer out? And leave us even more shorthanded? No." She put her hands on her hips, the pose lost a lot of its power since she was still covered in blood and half naked, but it felt more natural, "Youre going to be punished alright," She shot a glare at Hornet, "But youre not going to be put against a wall. Report to Quartermaster Kindred tomorrow morning." Then, in a tone that brokered absolutely no room for argument, she growled, "Youre dismissed."

She had never been big on military customs and courtesies, but maybe that needed to change. Clearly her subordinates didnt respect her, perhaps she could beat it into them? She waited until the door swung shut and then calmly faced Hornet. "Going forward, do not question me or an order I have given in front of the other Kanmusu." She was starting to cool off herself as she pressed on, "I expected better from someone who themselves acts as commander to ships on the high seas. Regardless on if you meant the implication or not." Feeling a tad deflated, she sank down again and swept the battle report into her hands, "I understand that you are used to operating as part of a task force whos lines of supply are secure and whos enemy is well established. Its what Im used to as well."

She pointed to a massive blown up map of the entire sector pinned to the wall with several red marks on it, "But here, we are alone. Dia's loss was nearly crippling, hell, we cant even replenish the planes you lost in that strike. With the benefit of hindsight we know there was no trap, or we think there wasnt. In the moment if you had sailed off with all our ships to chase the bait our asses would have been left hanging in the breeze, and instead of the Novyaians it would be you getting yelled at for leaving a gap in the defense. If any of us were alive to come back to." She sighed and rubbed her temples, "Regardless, had you launched another strike you damn well could have wiped them out, but then we'd still be out a battleship and instead of having your air compliment intact, youd be combat ineffective. Meanwhile the Abyssals would simply bring in more ships to replace those."

She felt like she wasnt quite articulating the problem well enough, but she was tired, and wanted more than anything to change. But here she was, dealing with Hornet. There was no way around it of course, this was what her job was. Damage control seemed an inexcusably large portion of it however. To think she'd been so excited upon hearing of her selection for command. Now she figured it was probably because she was the only chump they could detail it with. Not for the first time, she found herself wishing Expedition were here for her stalwart courage and support. But alas, this seemed Glory's cross to bear alone.

"Youre dismissed, Hornetsnest. Ill review your report and get back to you. I recommend you get as much food and sleep in you as you can, youll be leading the mission into Abyssal territory tomorrow."

SDFS Carman Fea. Cruiser Dorms.
I nodded.
"Yes, those are my siblings, shortly after the war began.", I retold, undressing further. I would need to wash my clothes later... not to mention, that some of them needed miniscule repairs. "We looked at the Lover's Bridge in Wembury, our old homeport. There's an old story going with that name..."
I smiled slightly, imagining, what my siblings would think.
"Their names are Rhiannon, our oldest and name ship of my class, Abhcan, that's the girl with the black fox ears, Lodan Lir, that's the lad with the red bandana, Ladra, the guy with the lopsided grin, and Gavida, that's the serious one.", I explained as I shed the last scraps of clothing. If I changed, then I would change completely. "We all were named after the Gods and Goddesses of the Six-Pantheon, the six most important Gods and Goddesses the Selkie, my people, the people I was built to protect, pray to."
I let a beat pass, walked to my bag at the foot of my bed.
"I take, that the Kreech River is a river?", I asked as I went through my clothes, soon finding what I was looking for.

[Fantrum]

Kreech River

Having been fixated on the picture, Kreech was rather abruptly taken aback when she turned and Fea was already completely buck naked. It wasnt unusual, hell, the nature of Kanmusu made it pretty much a part of everyone's life at some point. But that didnt mean she was ready for it so suddenly. Quickly flushing, Kreech turned away again and concentrated on what Fea had actually said.

She clung to the words like a life preserver. "They've all got such colorful names, Id probably insult you and your family if I tried pronouncing them unprepared." Which was the truth. Kreech was a Fantrum girl through and through, right down to her love of baseball, just like the secretary ship. Which meant people with difficult names... often gave her some trouble... To say the absolute least. That said, she only normally needed to be corrected once or twice before she caught on. "And you all have meaning in your names... powerful gods and goddesses."

Sheepishly, she tapped her fingers together, "Yeah, my name comes from the River Kreech, its nothing special really, just a big river running through the northern territory, we Watershed class are named after water formations. Ive got fourteen sisters and Im a middle child among them." Wistfully, she moved to the window and continued talking in her low monotone voice, fit for any school lecture or lulling children to sleep. "My sisters and I were spread pretty thin during the war, and still are even in this one. I can really only name a few Ive spoken too in the last couple years..." She started to count on her fingers, "Ivy Lake, Minita River, Lake Glaster ... Watershed... Though I havent heard from even Ivy in a few months..."

Changing the topic before that line of thought could go farther, Kreech turned back and said, "Hopefully your siblings are all ok, Id like to meet them someday."

Ri Class

There was no pain. Not anymore. That had worn out a while ago. The shock of what had happened was still fresh in her mind and the scene replayed endlessly. One moment she's adjusting her flak fire to account for the target's speed, and the next a bomb has blown her arm completely off. The near miss could have done a lot more to her, she knew, but her left arm was sorely missed. Thankfully her faries had sealed it off and damage control had done what it could. Which wasnt much.

She'd spent the journey back quietly fuming, as she suspected Ta had done. Whatever her boss's reasons, Ri had her own. The Wo had seen her favorite sister be killed. Not only that, but she had fled in the face of adversity instead of facing it like a true abyssal. Of course Ri was pissed. Unlike her boss, she let that show on her face, her deep scowl was probably going to give her age lines if she lived long enough. The whole thing could have been at least made to acheive parity if Wo had sunk, instead they had gotten the hell beaten out of them and had nothing to show for it. Big deal some bitch kanmusu was sunk. Ri sank them all the time. This Wo was special, different, and needed to die at a higher priority than regular Kanmusu.

A tinge of pain shot into her spine, not so faded after all, it seemed. The whole battered fleet sailed into harbor and Ta met the demon at her podium. An exchange so acidic and heated Ri could swear the water was boiling proceeded to take place. If Ri hadnt cut her mental connection, she probably would have flown into a mindless rage at all the anger going back and forth. Instead, she collected the still almost dead Wo and the remaining escorts for a trip to the repair bay. It really said something about how tired she was that she didnt even give the Cowering kanmusu a second glance as the crusier stripped naked and practically fell into a healing tub.

Several scenes of what onlookers might think of as comedy ensued as she forgot she didnt have her left arm on several occasions. It was only after she was resting in her tub did she realize it was next to a boy covered in fairies vigorously scrubbing him down. Ri made a half assed remark about how shitty it must be to only have to worry about getting rusty and closed her eyes. She wasnt asleep, but she didnt really want to see the dockyard fairies starting the process of replacing her arm.