Azur Lane: Return of Davis

Chapter 41: Forged Oath

June 9, 1942

I've called everyone to a special media meeting out by the docks to go into plans for our futures. On my way, Akagi asked me to step aside, and so I do.

"Akagi-chan, how can I help you?"

Akagi: "I don't know if I said this properly enough to you but thank you for bringing Amagi back to me. I seriously would be in a different place right now if not for you."

"Don't worry about it, Akagi-chan. Hell, if you want someone to really thank, thank the crew down in R&D. Marblehead, Langley, and Ray all pitched in their expertise and brought the re:VIVE Project to, if you'd forgive the pun, life. Especially Ray since he's the one who had the idea for years."

Akagi: "Why didn't he act on it, then?"

"Observer Alpha got to him and things got a little fucky. He's no longer in her control, so he's not gonna try to rape you. Don't worry."

Akagi: "Ray-san, huh?"

"Yep, one of the Lieutenant Commanders on base. Though, something will change soon enough."

Akagi: "What do you mean by that?"

"Follow me."

I lead Akagi to the stage and bring her to the front to stand besides both myself and Belfast. News reporters are also in, alongside one Elaina (if you still remember her).

I wait a few minutes before all the news reporters give me the go-ahead, and begin my speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, both in the audience and watching this from home. My name is Commander Jason Davis, Jr., of the Azur Lane Pacific Fleet. To my left is my maid and secretary from the British Royal Navy, His Majesty's Ship Belfast. To my right is the general of the Sakura Empire, the Imperial Japanese Navy carrier Akagi. The time now is 10:02 A.M. in Hawaii, so let us begin.

"I would like to announce the first major victory for the Allies in the Pacific. We have not only been able to push back the Japanese assault on Midway and Attu, but we even managed to get the forces to surrender."

The crowd, both kansen and human, erupt in glee with the major victory.

"This may be the turning point in the Pacific War, and I couldn't have done it without the support of the Eagle Union, our very own United States Navy. Nor would this be possible without the shipgirls who aided with everything up until now.

"Now, for the next steps, I'd first like to call to the stage the Eagle Union Lieutenant Commander, Hernandez Joseph Ray-Cruz. Ray, would you come up?"

Ray, confused, gets up and the crowd claps, albeit both with reservation. He makes his way to us.

"Now, some of you may know of the... circumstances that have occurred that led to Ray becoming a Lieutenant Commander in the EU and not the Commander of the Azur Lane, but with his participation in fending off the Sirens and his assistance at Midway, I would like to announce a change to the Azur Lane Command Structure, agreed upon by all active Commanders and government heads, and give a very important document to Ray." Ray makes it to the stage and stands next to me.

"Ray, since the 26th of January, this year, received a conditional pardon because of evidence proving that he was being controlled by a Siren. Today, there has been a change." I smile.

"Although the President was unable to arrive in such short notice, he has given me the right to say this." I grab a document and begin reading it off.

"'Now, therefore, be it known, that I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, in considering of the premises, divers other good and sufficient reasons me thereunto moving, do hereby grand unto Hernández Joseph Ray-Cruz a full and unconditional pardon for the purpose of restoring his civil rights and permitting him the honor of serving for humanity's protection once more.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Seal of the Department of Justice to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington this sixth of June, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and forty-two, and of Independence of the United States the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth.'"