Azur Lane: Return of Davis

Chapter 26: Cubes & Mermaids

March 22, 1942

We just came back from the mission (and from dropping off Hill at San Diego) when Warspite gave me the report of what happened on the 20-odd day trip.

Hirata is here, too.

"...Right, thank you Warspite. I assume Ray kept things running smoothly?"

Warspite: "Yes, sir. It was like you never left."

"Good. I'm glad he was doing good. Though, I should ask about that whole 'running on water and killing a high-ranking Siren like she was made of tissue paper' part. Seems important."

Warspite: "I agree. Now, I should attend to Her Majesty. Until next time, Commander, Admiral. And to you six–" She looks to the Sakura Empire girls "–welcome back to the Azur Lane."

"Right, see ya Warspite."

I wave her goodbye as she left the office. I'm surprised she was so amicable to our new guests, but I guess formalities are needed for her standings. I then turn to my (technically former) CO.

"Why are you still around? Don't you have work to do?"

Hirata: "I called in vacation time after the mission was completed."

I sigh. "Of course. Now, as for you six." I turn to the Sakura girls. "Former Crimson Axis girls now working for the Azur Lane... We can't exactly have you girls fly your native flag; that'll cause trouble in these waters. Nimi is normally fine, but we need to be cautious when around civilians outside of Hawaii. Give me a minute."

I dig through the file cabinets. Where is it... There!

I pull out a folder filled with ideas I scribbled whilst on the Eldridge.

"Now, when you think of the opposite of blue, it's red, yeah?" Everybody nods. "An axis is a straight line perpendicular to parallel lanes, okay?" Slight confusion fills the air on how I worded that, but after people put the pieces together, everyone nods. "Crimson red, Azur(e) blue. Axis, Lane. So, if we keep that naming scheme in mind, what can we call a group made to counter a Siren?"

Silence, then...

Hirata: "...A mermaid?"

"Yes, ma'am!" I nod to Hirata. "The Crimson Axis' name is meant to be the counter to the Azur Lane's name. If we want to counter the Sirens with a new group, only makes sense to do the same."

Shoukaku: "Mermaids, huh? Sounds nice, actually."

Nimi: "Yet why make a new branch organization?"

"Unless the Azur Lane and Crimson Axis reunite once again, nobody will want to associate with former Axis members who still fly the flags of their homes. So, new organization, new flag, the public will accept you. It's not that hard when you think on it."

Zui-chi: "Anything you want us to do, Commander?"

"For now, nothing. I'll run this by DC, get their approval, and while that's happening, I'll ring in a favour I'm owed by a flag maker I know. Now, you girls go out and get to know your new partners. I've asked the fleet to update them on the policies, so you shouldn't have much trouble. If you do, send 'em my way. I'll straighten 'em out."

The girls nod and excuse themselves to immerse themselves into their new environments. I dismiss Belfast too. I cup my head in my hands.

Hirata: "You seem exhausted."

"You have no idea. Aside from some of the Manjuu, whatever the fuck those things are, Ray and I are the only 2 dudes on base. And it can get stressful. Very stressful."