William Thompson's P.O.V

While readjusting myself on the couch, I winced as my chest disapproved of the action with a sharp pain. Across from me, I was given a worried glance while Wales listened to Haida's report. To put it simply, as she initially worded it, 'lotta damage, a couple stuck in dry dock for a bit, lotta ruined buildings, and my rigging was scratched'.

Of course, that wasn't feasible enough, and, against her wishes, she had to give the longer version. Sitting next to me, Haida held a glum look as she informed us about the damage our ships sustained. 

I had to suppress a small yawn, as the exhaustion hadn't entirely left my system. My muscles still ached from running, and of course, there were the injuries. I wouldn't say I was miserable, but I was definitely on the way to it. I would've loved to continue laying back and having a rest, but despite the girls most likely appreciating that I do, I couldn't. The base was just attacked along with the fleet, and your commander is just taking the day off? What kind of leader is that?

Sure, if it was something more severe, I would. A sprained arm and bruised ribs, however, was just an overreaction. Wales has been giving me displeased looks most of the day, but again, it was just an overreaction.

"—and apart from the dorms being mostly unscathed, that's about it," Haida concluded, munching on a cookie from the tea set on the table. Enjoying the snack, she grabbed three more and leaned back with her arm hung over the back of the couch.

"Thank you, Haida," Wales said. "It's clear the primary target was just to cripple our capabilities, with the docks and our ships taking the brunt. Of course, the fires still destroyed several buildings here as well."

That was the unfortunate bit. Just a spark from a bomb was enough to destroy a large portion of businesses that the ships had only recently set up in the town. It was a sad thing to hear, but as always, the ships continue to have grit and carry on.

They exceeded my expectations during the attack and after. Their reactions and organization were incredible. Of course, they've had experience in their home ports, but working all together on a brand-new base, I would have expected a bit of confusion. Yet they proved me wrong with a quick response.

"It's a shame, really." I commented, and Wales hummed in response.

"It was shaping up to be something nice. Still, I'm sure—"

"The Eagle Union fleet is under attack!" Cutting Wales off, the door to the hallway was thrown open with a bang, causing me to jump in surprise. Several ships then rushed in, panicking. "Hornet just called in! They're being attacked by two Sakura Empire carriers!" The leading ship informed us.

"Is it Akagi and Kaga?" I regained my composure.

"U-Unknown sir" 

"Which ships are ready to move out?! We have to go help Hornet and the others!" Wales spoke up before two more ships ran into the office. 

"There you are!" Illustrious said, with Uniorn trailing behind. "Something's wrong with Enterprise!"

"What is it?"

"She ran off! But her repairs haven't even started!" 

"How bad were Enterprises damages?" Wales asked.

"Severe!" Illustrious shouted. "She was supposed to be in drydock!"

"Haida, grab two others and go after her," I asked the destroyer beside me. Haida gave a quick nod and ran off.

"This isn't good," Wales continued before issuing an order. "Send a detachment out along with the Monarchy."

"W-We can't Ma'am." One of the first set of guests responded. "Most ships are damaged, and those that aren't are out on patrol." 

"Bollocks!"

"Go and stay in contact with Hornet. If there is any change in the situation you rush back to inform us, understood?" I switched their order and watched the girls give a swift salute before hurrying back out the door. Wales stood from the couch and pinched the bridge of her nose as she walked over to her desk.

"If only we had contact with the main fleet, but they're still out of range."

"Well, we may be in luck there. I sent Ontario out to catch up to them yesterday."

"If such is the case, then the fleet should be hurrying, so long as she's found them by now." Illustrious tried to lighten the mood. Wales sighed and watched Unicorn play with her U-Chan. 

"They're striking us while we're still vulnerable. Azur Lane won't be up to operational standards until tomorrow. Or rather, we would have were it not for yesterday's attack." 

"It's predictable, but that doesn't mean it's good," I said. "We need to hurry these repairs along." 

Once more, the door burst open as the royal ships I sent away came back. "Hornet just reported in again! Two Iron Blood ships have appeared, one of which is Prinz Eugen herself." The leading ship said:

"Dear me," Illustrious gasped. 

"We don't have any more ships to send out. This is shaping up to be a real problem." 

"She also said that the three Maple ships had arrived and were trying to help everyone retreat. But the appearance of Iron Blood has prevented any escape. Enterprise has also engaged the Sakura Empire carriers, but she seems to be weakening." 

For a few moments after, the room fell silent. Two younger ships went to play with Unicorn as we pondered the situation at hand. They really caught us when our guard shouldn't have been down, and now we're suffering the consequences. 

Just then, the spell of silence was broken as the telephone on Wales's desk rang for her to pick up. 

"Hello, Azur Lane Base Command." A defeated voice left her lips. However, her aura was quickly replaced as she suddenly perked up. 

"Your Majesty!" Her words caught our attention. "Thank you, Your Majesty; our allies are currently under attack." I could just faintly hear the voice of the Queen through the earpiece. "Y-yes, thank you, Your Majesty." A smile formed on Wales's face as she hung up. "Her majesty arrived just in time!"

"What luck we have!" Illustrious joyously commented. 

"Have the repair ships and bulins ready for when they all arrive!" Wales ordered, and the ships all ran out.

"We're not out of the woods yet." I put on my cap that I had tucked in my left arm. "Let's head out and wait for them to arrive." 

"Of course." Wales stood up from her desk, and the four of us, including Unicorn who scampered behind Illustrious, proceeded out into the hall. "I think it's in our best interest to play defence, for the time being," I suggested. 

"I agree. But right, now intelligence is vital for our survival; we need to know everything they're up to," Wales said.

"That will prove difficult to do; we best consult Her Majesty." Illustrious continued while we walked down the main staircase.

"You can do that tomorrow; let them settle after the journey they sailed." 

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Several other ships gathered around the end of the dock to assist the wounded. We watched as the fleets came through the entrance. Queen Elizabeth's battleship slowly approached as the other girls glided in, holding one another. 

"Clear room!" Wales shouted, and the ships cleared away as the girls hopped onto the dock. The ships then flooded back in to take care of the damages. 

"Sir!" Someone shouted, trying to grab my attention. I found Haida holding her arm and smiling brightly. "That sure was exhilarating sir!" 

"Good lord Haida, what have you done to yourself?"

"Oh, I just slipped up; it won't happen again sir!" She saluted me while still retaining her smile. 

"Better not; go get fixed up," I told her, to which she nodded and rushed off. By now, Queen Elizabeth loomed over us as the ships on the dock tied down her moorings. A ramp was lowered onto her deck, and the Queen herself appeared before her railings along with two other ships. 

"Your Majesty!" Wales shouted as she walked past while grabbing hold of my arm to drag me along with her, much to my dismay. "It's so good you've arrived!"

"Of course, we may not have made it had this one not come calling!" Queen Elizabeth pointed behind her where Ontario came into view. "I suppose you're the one who sent her Mr. Thompson, is it?" She marched down the ramp with pride. 

"Uh, yes, Your Majesty." I instinctively bowed. "She is my subordinate."

"I'd like you to meet Warspite and Hood; they are my second in command." 

"He's taller than I expected," Warspite commented.

"Despite the injury, he's more handsome than I was expecting." Hood's words made me a little shy. 

"Er, Thank you ladies; it's a pleasure to meet the two of you."

"Well now that brief introductions are out of the way, why don't I show you three your residences?" Wales then quickly cut in, and Queen Elizabeth's eyes sparkled. 

"Oh, of course Wales! Come on you two!" She excitedly said. Both ladies nodded their goodbyes to me before following Wales, allowing me to release a sigh of embarrassment. 

"Sir," I heard Ontario call me. She stood halfway down the ramp with her two hands held together. Her gaze lay at my feet, unable to look me in the eye.

"Are you alright?" I asked softly. She still seemed saddened by her actions but proceeded to nod in an answer.

"So long as that's the case, good to hear. Go ahead and rest for today; we'll talk about it tomorrow." 

"Y-Yes sir" The cruiser answered with a faint smile before she followed my offer and walked off.

Taking a look around at the chaos surrounding me, I let one more sigh escape my lips before turning to take my leave. Sure, it was the briefest of introductions between leadership, but I think it's safe to say it was warranted with what went on today. After all, we can have a proper meeting tomorrow.

"Right," I sighed. "What a late night this is going to be. A lot of planning, and a couple dozen coffees." 

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(Edited: 24/02/13)