Azur Lane: Return of Davis

Chapter 29: Chum in the Water

April 20, 1942

"...focus on outmanoeuvring the enemy before blasting them down." I went off about my super-secret (NOT SO SECRET) plan.

Yorktown: "I feel as though this is just you trying to replicate one of your older strategies and praying that it doesn't fail."

"Oh, here they are."

Dodging the question expertly, I walk up to the docks and my nerves start kicking in, as I realize I'm about to talk to the guy who's in control of the entire Pacific Chapter. This man is my boss. Admiral Chester William Nimitz.

USS Lexington docks slowly, right next to Enty's usual docking place. Standing next to the ramp, I salute.

"Admiral Nimitz, it is a pleasure."

Nimitz: "And a pleasure to meet you, Commander Davis. Your reputation precedes you."

Admiral Chester Nimitz is an older gentleman who's greying up-top. The man's 57 and he's still fighting with us. He's impressive. His navy dress has all of the awards and decorations of his service in the First World War and the Siren War.

Rubbing the back of my neck, I gesture to Yorktown. "As per your request, I've already filled Yorktown here about the plan."

Nimitz: "Excellent." He gestures to the man to his right. "This here is Rear Admiral Fletcher, who will take over as Task Force 17's commanding officer." He then points to the man to his left. "And this is Rear Admiral Fitch, in charge of Task Force 11."

Frank Fletcher, who'll join Nimitz at age 57 on the 29th, is somewhat shorter than Admiral Nimitz. Aubrey Fitch, age 58, is a bit taller than both of them. These differences are by like one or two inches. Fitch has no decorations, but Fletcher does, the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross resting on his chest.

Fletcher: "Pleasure."

Fitch simply nods.

"Right, if you would follow me." I wave at Lexington, giving her a thumbs up, before heading off to the office with the three Admirals. The Royal Maids (arriving from somewhere over the rainbow) quickly unload the three Admirals' things. I'm still surprised by their efficiency and speed.

--

The base is running much better than I had anticipated. I'm glad I agreed to Enterprise's request to send Davis here. Everyone looks happy to be here.

Including the destroyers running down the hall. Laffey, Javelin, Z23, and... uh...

"Say, Davis. Who's the fourth destroyer with Laffey and crew?"

Davis: "Uh... Ayanami?"

Fletcher: "...Isn't she Japanese?"

Davis: "...Yes."

Fletcher: "Since when did you have Japanese KAN-SEN on base?!"

Davis: "Since like March, I think. Didn't any of you see the newly established Mermaid Division? It's for girls like them." Davis looks to Ayanami. "Girls who, for one reason or another, abandoned their home nation to fight for our side." He looks back to us. "I talked to the Atlantic Commander, and he's implementing it with his structure. I believe he already persuaded KMS Zeppy to join his side."

Fitch: "Who, or rather, what, is Zeppy?"

Davis: "Ya know Little Bel?" He points to a young maid pleading the destroyers to slow down. She looks like HMS Belfast. "Basically that. A younger version of the original. In Zeppy's case, it's Graf Zeppelin."

"If that's the case, it must be an impressive feat."

Fletcher: "Ah, gotcha. So, this 'Mermaid Division' is sorta like a refugee system in the military?"