Azur Lane: Return of Davis

Chapter 50: Future & Opportunity

Johnson Docks
Port Angeles, WA
October 18, 1942
1204 Local Time

I smile bitterly, looking at the docks.

"14 years, I've been gone, yet things remain the same... A miracle, really."

My hometown, at the border. The flags of the US, Canada, and the town itself fly above the docks. Johnson acts as a ferry terminal between Port Angeles, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia. At least, it used to, but with the war, Black Ball're ferrying workers across the West Coast. Which means their usual docking space is free.

Exiting the Amagi, I greet the town mayor, Mayor Harry Beetle.

"Mister Beetle, it is a pleasure."

Beetle: "The pleasure is mine, Commander Davis." He smiles. "It's good to see a native come back."

I scratch the back of my head. "Once this war's over, I might be living here, I think."

Beetle, chuckling: "I'm guessing with her?" He points to someone.

I look behind me. Amagi's standing there, in her usual attire, but her ears are folded down...

...and her tails are missing. It's not a case where she's just hiding it beneath her kimono. It's that they just aren't there anymore.

The floof is missing!

Recovering from my stunned state, I turn to face the mayor again. "Yeah, I guess you can say that about Amagi... Though my other two wives might have an objection or two..."

Beetle: "Wait. 'Wives,' plural."

"Polygamy is allowed with shipgirls. Never asked for this, mind you, but since I'm here... Oh, speaking of my other wives..."

I point to Hirata and Belfast, who are now on land. Hirata's pregnancy is now a bit more obvious.

Beetle, noticing Hirata's stomach: "My congratulations, and my condolences."

"Thanks. I hate it here. Anyway, do you have a hotel in town we can stay in? We won't be long."

Beetle: "Oh, yes. Please, follow me."

"Thank you."

As the rest of us disembark, I notice that Ray is keeping rather close to Akagi. Yorktown is looking at the two in suspicion.

I feel bad for you, Yorkie. I really do.

However, I won't be dealing with that today. I still have something somebody needs to fix.

'Kiss my ass.'

"Please, lead the way."

The girls all look around, marvelling at the new locale. The Sakura girls were used to whatever Japan holds, and the Eagle girls were used to Oahu's permanent summer vibes, so being in a temperate climate was new to many of them.

"Remember, girls, we're only staying for a night. We gotta make the trip to New York."

Beetle: "New York? Quite the distance. Why will you be staying in town, then?"

"This is the last time I'll be in the States until the European situation is over, so I wanted to pay my respects to my birthplace before I left."

Beetle: "Ah, I understand. Then, from Port Angeles City, we welcome you. Come by whenever."

"Thank you, sir."

We soon arrive at a motel named the Royal Victorian Motel.

Beetle: "We don't have many people visiting our town, and there are no reservations here. I'm sure this will do well?"