Azur Lane: Return of Davis

Chapter 6: Unprompted War

24 hours, 5 minutes before attack

7:43, 79°F

Winds from NE at 7 knots

At an empty part of the base, towards the west...

Multiple *bangs* could be heard early in the morning.

Technically, Javelin, Laffey, Z23 and Repulse were supposed to arrive with me yesterday or today, but, apparently, pumping it at max speed 2 days before departure sends a guy ahead of schedule. So, I've completed my commander training. Or, what I could, at least. I have to wait for Hornet to return to complete the last part of training: the live combat examination.

So, for now, I'm keeping up with my accuracy. US Navy soldiers aren't assigned firearms due to being within 20 tons of steel, wood and wiring. But some form of protection is better than no protection at all. Our sister unit, the US Marine Corps, happened to have a surplus of ammo and weapons, so I borrowed some of them, hoping to God I could use the Research Lab to power them up somehow (maybe by pulling an Ironblood or Sakura and using Siren tech). For now, though, shooting targets is enough.

.30-06 ammo flies, until it culminates with a satisfying *ping* of the M1 Garand. Quickly dropping it, I swap to my pistol, an M1911.

Bullets fly as all shots land on one target, and a quick reload ends the cycle. I hit the stopwatch.

'19.79 seconds... not bad.' I walk up close to the target. "Let's see... 2 pistol shots and a rifle round to the neck, one pistol and one rifle round each hit the head, 5 rifle rounds and 2 pistol to the upper torso, a .30-06 to the crotch, that one has got to hurt... and 3 .45s to the lower torso. I hit the target consistently, but I need to narrow down my spread... Too much variance..."

I look to my watch.

"Shit, it's 0745?" I pack my things and rush on out of there.

--

But unbeknownst to the Commander, a small origami piece was floating behind a tree, watching his every move. The owner...

...chuckles with a sultry voice.

"Ufufufufu~! Oh, would you look at the Azur Lane Shikikan! He looks cute!"

That owner is me, Akagi, only member of my class of aircraft carriers.

Kaga: "Should we really be doing this, Nee-sama?"

"Oh? It's rare to see you nervous before a fight, Kaga."

Kaga: "It's just... Something doesn't seem right. Out of nowhere, before we hid the fleet within the surrounding islands, suddenly patrols become more and more common?" Kaga then points to the anti-air gun stationed on the cliff, the adorable little Manjuus doing their best to build the feeble thing quickly. "Not to mention enhanced anti-air. It's as if they are expecting us. I thought the Commander was a feeble little man who none of the Eagles trusted with their laundry, much less their lives. None of this is right!"

???: "She has a point, Akagi." The white-wearing bastard lies against a tree nearby. I give him a scornful look.

"Shut up. This was your plan from the start. We're only listening to your plan because you're our Commander." I look to him with hate in my eyes. "I completely despise you. Yet some girls still swear by your legitimacy."

Commander: "Trust me, Akagi-onee-sama!" He tries to shove his hand into my kimono, but I swat his hand before he can. "...My plans never fail me."

「...ええ、私たちはそれを自分たちで見よるします。そこに座ってマイクロペニスで遊んでくだよう。」(Closest translation: Yeah, we'll see for ourselves. Now, just sit there and keep playing with your micropenis.)

Commander: "Thanks for the compliment."

If the Azur Lane was actually just faking their distain in their Commander, I might as well defect to their side just to get away from this くそ野郎 (bastard).

"The plan commences 24 hours from now. Kaga, tell the fleet to get ready at a moment's notice. The yellow flare is our start, and the white flare is our retreat." Kaga nods and quickly runs to the main fleet, still with hesitation in her eyes.

"And you. Get back to the frigate. I don't care for you, but the others do, somehow. They need your leadership."

Commander: "Aye, aye. Captain."

...

"God, I wish I could kill that bastard."

--

...

'I think this "Akagi" forgot to turn off the speaker setting on her origami camera.' I left my hiding place behind the weird origami thing after I heard speech coming from where I left. '24 hours... So, about 0740 tomorrow? Or did she know I was listening? Regardless, this info might save this base...' I rush to HQ.

As I quickly run into the base, Belfast looks a little annoyed, Sheffield besides her.

Belfast: "Master, why were you late?"

"Bel, Sheffy, listen."

Belfast/Sheffield: "Bel?/Sheffy?"

"Listen, we don't have time. I overheard someone named 'Akagi' talk to a girl named 'Kaga' and their 'Commander' about attacking the base in 24 hours."

Belfast: "Wait, what?!"

Sheffield: "Do you know where they are?"

I rush to my desk, pulling out local maps and the like. "They said they're positioned 'within the surrounding islands,' which leads me to believe just smoking them out won't help. Too costly, too much damage, and they'll claim it was an unprompted attack, thus our allies won't support our actions."

Sheffield: "So what do we do?"

A quick moment of deliberation floods my mind, before landing on a decision.

"Easy. We let them attack."

Bel/Sheffy: "Huh?"

"I'm not announcing this over the intercom, as they might hear. But I want you to tell the girls that we should load up the anti-airs on all available ships, and for all girls to be up by 0600. If they're going to attack, they're likely to start with an air show. Likely from the west, but the north is also a viable strike-point. The moment an attack is noted, we spring our trap. Blare light anti-air until the main force arrives, then give them a warm American/British combo welcome. All destroyers and battleships should pour out of the mouth of the Harbour and meet the main force, again, assuming they're in the west sector. CVs should stay behind, giving massive air support. God knows we need it. The AA cannons I've installed should give us some additional assistance. And, when push comes to shove, I'll be on one of the hills, acting as lookout and, if I think I can land a shot," I grab the Garand. "...a sniper." I place it on the desk. "As well, I want the President Roosevelt, King George VI and Prime Minister Churchill on the line by 0800 local time. I haven't received a declaration of war from the mainland, so if I don't get one by the time of the attack, this is a war crime."

I slam my hand against the desk. "Equipment is bought and sold, but I want none of our personnel to fall in this battle. You girls are important. You hear me?"

Belfast: "Sir!"

Sheffield: "Understood."

They quickly rush out to find some trusted girls for the mission.

"Looks like Miss Hornet's 'live training' will get a little more active."

---

Oooo! It's showtime! I'm sure tomorrow, I'll have the Attack on full display. That one will be long.