The Bonds That Mend

A Commander's Memories: What Once Was...

Allen straightened his cap as he made his way to the docks. There was plenty of new arrivals that were coming in and out of the base to greet their new commanders. There were all sorts of ships that found themselves here, new ships, ready to fight for their beloved commanders and veterans that were in a middle of a transfer. It was not long until Allen saw his friend, Commander Penelope Nepo, and her secretary ship, Wales. Well, more than her secretary ship, her wife. They were both waving Allen down, forcing him to make his way to the happy couple.

"Allen Jackson," Penny said with a smile. "Are you excited to see your new favorite ship?"

"I don't know." Allen shrugged as he looked around the docks to see the other commanders and their ships. "I should probably be looking at more Eagle Union ships, no offense, but I'm not sure I do need another Royal Navy ship."

Wales gave a dry chuckle. "None taken. Have some faith, It's not every day she personally requests to join someone's task force, especially one from Eagle Union."

"I don't exactly know why I'm so special, sure, I did participate in a lot of major operations, but I'm still pretty new at all of this," Allen said as he itched the back of his head. "Your sister's old commander should deal with her."

"Her old commander is just retired," Penny remarked. "At this moment, she doesn't have a commander."

"Then a Royal Navy Commander can take her up, I mean, I'm already having trouble trying to adapt to Sakura Empire and Iron Blood customs-"

Now Arriving: HMS King George V, Berth A.

"Just stop with your self-doubt and come on!" Penny said as both Wales and Penny started to walk, their hands intertwined with one another.

Allen sighed as he followed along behind the pair. Upon the sight of the massive ship, he stood in marvel of the ship. It was always the battleships that could always take him back. Something about the massive guns and their presence always puts him in a sense of awe... Then... She walked off the ship...

The wind blew her gold hair in the wind along with her red cape with white fur sticking out from the top. She walked down the plank with confidence. She was... Beautiful.

"Hello, sister." Wales greeted as she gave a little bow.

KGV sighed, Allen could see her face, she was slightly disappointed at her sister's remark. "It is good to see you, Wales." She said with a smile before turning to Penny. "And you much be the lovely wife of Wales."

"Commander Penelope Nepo." Penny saluted before shaking her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine." KGV said as she kissed Penny's hand. Causing Penny's face to turn red.

"Oi! No flirting with her!" Wales complained.

KGV only chuckled at her sister's remark. "It is only a friendly greeting." She said as she let go of Penny's hand. "Speaking of greetings, where is my Commander?"

Penny and Wales quickly pointed at Allen, who was still in awe struck by her.

"Ah, thank you." KGV said. "Oh and Commander Nepo, you have a fine wife, treat her well."

Penny nodded with a smile as KGV approached Allen

"Commander Jackson?" KGV asked as their eyes met. "Are you alright."

It took a few seconds for Allen to break his trace and answer. "Oh! Yes! I am perfectly fine, just deep in thought."

"That is good to hear. I am HMS King George V, namesake of the King George V class. Do use me well."

"A-Ah, yes! I am Commander Allen Jackson- well, I think you already know me if you walked up to me and since you personally requested to join my task force and... Well, Penny and Wales pointed out-"

KGV gave a chuckle. "I can see you are quite nervous. Fear not, we will get to know each other soon enough and I for one cannot wait." She said as she extended her hand.

Allen looked at her hand before back at her. He shook her hand. "Yea, can't wait to work with you."

~~~

Allen slowly woke up. The morning sun was covered by blinds that he hasn't opened for quite a bit. He was curled up next to a torn-up red cape with a bit of white fur on top, which he snuggled with to sleep. It smelt of seawater, but Allen could never find it in him to throw it away. A part of him wanted to stay in bed for today and just rest for the day. However, he had to wake up, for he had to prepare for upcoming sorties and deal with the King George V META. With a heavy groan, he slowly rose from his bed before looking shifting his eyes to a photo frame on his bedside table, face down so the photo cannot be seen.

He reached over to the photo before hesitating. The picture was too heavy to put up, he just couldn't find it in him to lift it. He gently placed the cape on the bed and ran his fingers through the fabric one more time. "Wait for me." He whispered to it before getting ready for the day. While he got ready, he tried to think about ways to make it up to KGV META. He shouldn't have been so harsh on her, she just wanted to help. After putting on his uniform, he grabbed his cap was about to leave until pausing at the door frame. He looked at the red cape one more time.

"What would you do if you were upset?" He mumbled to himself. An idea suddenly came into his head as his face lit up the darkroom. "You're a genius." He said before closing the door.