Commander's Rounds

Entry 28: The Middle Child

The commander had people to talk to.

He wanted to see King George V again anyway, and she was in his mind even while going after what had been recovered from the battleground. However, he also wanted to talk to Warspite as well, because while he was away, the base acquired a resident with an unusual track record.

HMS Revenge was one of the "First class" of living ships that was incorporated into Azur Lane, but she left for the home isles before he first arrived as the commander. But now she had made her way back to Azur Lane, and had entered into a rather curious living arrangement with Surcouf of all people. Apparently, they had an unusual history with each other.

And given that she was a Royal battleship, he needed to talk to other royals about it, which is why Warspite and King George V were both in his office. He wanted to be prepared, and he wanted to make a good impression. Even though he did make some preparation for her arrival, he did want to know some things ahead of time. "So, what's going on with Revenge?"

King George V looked to Warspite. "I should like to know this myself- I wasn't around when she was first here."

Warspite cleared her throat. "Well, commander, she feels rather slighted. She considered what was done to her during the old days to be a humiliation, and so her trust of commanders isn't exactly at its highest. She also doesn't have a high opinion of her majesty, but for different reasons than Monarch- she doesn't trust her majesty to treat her with due respect as a fighting ship considering her origins."

King George got comfortable in her seat. "So now she's living with Surcouf to avoid her majesty?"

Warspite gave a nod. "Unlike you, I, or even Nelson and Rodney, Revenge and her sisters were not built to be the latest and greatest capital warships to proudly bear the standard. they were built to make up the numbers, as it were- the Iron Blood were building this many battleships, and so the Royal Navy ordered more, to be made as... Economically as could be managed."

"Right..." The commander knew some of the rest of the story. While the Queen Elizabeth-class received a fair deal of modernization, the Revenge-class were considered ships that could be... Spared, for lack of a better term. "So, what you're telling me is that she feels like she's the middle child of the Royal Navy battleship lineage?"

Warspite gave a nod. "That's about the size of it, commander."

King George V had something to add. "...If I may, it sounds to me like Revenge is someone who is going to want certain assurances before she fully commits to the fleet. But if she feels hard done by with regards to the Royal Navy, she may prefer her current living arrangement." She smiled, just a little. "But, giving assurances is something that the commander has become quite skilled at, so she will at least commit herself to the mission."

Warspite stood up. "Well, if that is all, I shall take my leave. Good day to the both of you."

Warspite had left the two of them alone, and the commander sat next to King George V. He didn't say anything, at least not at first, because he knew he had to do something first. He took a deep breath and hauled King George into his lap, putting his arms around her. "I love you."

King George V settled in. "Hm. You say that so much to me."

"It's not going to stop being true."

The battleship gave him a more friendly smile. As big as she was, it still felt comfortable to hold her, even like this. "Fair enough. I'm glad you decided to see me again so soon, though I do understand you found something odd."

"Odd isn't the half of it." He slowly stroked over one of her thighs. "But even with all the weirdness that comes from being in command, it's good to know there are things I can count on when I come home."