Commander's Rounds Volume 1

Gaiden Entry 16.8- In the Phoenix's Den

Enterprise had been put in charge of military operations. The commander told her he could trust her with such a thing because she was cool-headed enough not to be provoked, but also skilled enough to defend Azur Lane without his input. Apart from prohibiting offensive maneuvers, he left her with a free hand, which meant that Enterprise decided it was time to hold a joint carrier exercise involving all of the carriers across the various national contingents.

Enterprise was aware that various nations each had their own doctrines for carrier warfare, and she had spent a lot of time and effort either trying to create a unified doctrine for Azur Lane, or failing that, figure out how to make the various disparate doctrines compliment each other. The first was ideal, the second was the actual current state of things. However, to do this, she needed all decks on hand, and there was rather conspicuous absence this time.

Enterprise looked around. "...So, can someone tell me why Taihou isn't here?"

Shoukaku volunteered herself. "We tried to rouse her without success. Lady Nagato even ordered her to come out of her room."

Enterprise looked to the Sakura carrier. "I see. What was her response?"

"She told Lady Nagato that she could do obscene things to herself with her tea set, I'm afraid. The fact of the matter is that she doesn't see much point in coming out of her room if the commander is nowhere to be found."

Akagi raised a hand. "Can we just forget about that troublesome woman and give her a failing grade?"

Enterprise shook her head. "Not without first exhausting an attempt to retrieve her. I'll go get her- if she refuses to come, then I'll recommend disciplinary measures to the commander."

Akagi giggled. "Make sure it's a sort of discipline she won't enjoy."

Enterprise rubbed her temples. Dealing with Taihou was a chore, but the commander insisted in integrating her into the fleet. She had high performance in the field, but she was a hassle at port.

It was then that someone else raised her hand. "Ah, Enterprise?"

She knew exactly who it was by her voice. "Yes, Bataan?"

Bataan spoke her peace. "Taihou is probably just upset that the commander has gone away for a while, and she gets really lonely when she can't see him... I don't think we should be mad at her. There's no need for you to go yourself, anyways- I'll get Taihou for you."

Akagi shrugged. "Sure, if getting eaten alive is a thing you like, you can be my guest."

Bataan nodded. "Besides, we'll know really fast if I can't do it, so Enterprise can give it a try."

Enterprise thought about it for a moment, and then agreed. "All right, we'll do it that way. This way I can make sure things are organized for whether or not you're able to bring her back."

Bataan smiled. "Thank you... Ah, also, Could I also bring Illustrious with me?"

"You may, there's not much we need her for at the moment- so long as she's back for the exercise."

Illustrious gave a smile to Bataan. "Me...? Well, if we're going to see her, we ought to bring something so we're not imposing guests."

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After making some preparations, the two of them headed to the Sakura dorms. Illustrious was carrying a picnic basket full of tea cakes and other such things, but she was a bit curious. "So... Miss Bataan, why did you volunteer?"