Azur Lane: The Last Task Force

Dangerous Waters

Sampson woke up the next morning in his quarters. This is the first time Sampson has ever slept in his actual bed instead of his chair. And next to him, was Eugen, who's been fast asleep. He glances to the side table, and under a lamp he sees a half-empty bottle of whiskey. His mind felt foggy, barely remembering what had happened last night.

He sits there for a good minute, just deep in thought. Reflecting on everything he's been through so far. As well as the interesting relationship he's gotten himself into with Eugen. Slowly and quietly, he slides out of bed, slipping on his brown leather square-toe boots. He buttons up and tucks in his shirt and re-tightens his belt. Then quietly exits the quarters. Gently shutting the door behind him to not wake the slumbering warrior.

A few minutes pass by, and after walking down a few corridors, Sam opens the door to the mess decks, only to find Ford sitting at one of the many empty tables, reading a terrible book from the 19th century.

Sampson: Shit, you have terrible taste.

Ford: You don't even read any books

Sampson: Your right, I look over orders, operation plans, and procedures.

Sampson said as he walked over to the coffee maker resting on a metal cart against the wall, pouring himself two cups.

Ford: Is that other cup for me?

Ford asked, glancing from the book at the back of Sampson's head. Sampson sighs and grabs a third cup, garnering a smile from Ford.

Sampson: So, what brings you aboard my ship this early morning?

Ford: We've been reconsidering and re-evaluating our current situation. After hours of discussion and decision-making, we're thinking about possibly retrofiting some of the shipgirls with new tech. Nothing much. But enough to further increase our chances at defeating an entire Siren force. Since you're Rear Admiral, I think it is important I have your approval and your support.

Sampson turns walks on over to the table, boots clacking on the floor, holding the two cups of coffee. As he sits down, he looks Ford in the eyes with a straight face.

Sampson: Absolutely not.

Ford: Why is that?

Sampson: You already told Eugen everything, you told everyone everything. Made them promise not to document anything. You wanna alter or possibly wreck our world too? I'm not exactly thrilled at the thought of going on home to flying cars and flying ships

Ford: You're not excited to go home at all.

Ford grabs the cup of coffee and sips away, still reading the terrible book

Sampson: We just kicked the Sirens asses with no trouble at all, I don't think it's necessary to give them such tech

Ford closes the book and sets it down.

Ford: This was only the first taste of what the Sirens have. God knows what else they have, they could have a...damn ballistic missile

Sampson: They had missiles like that and they were barely faster than a four hundred kilometer per hour F4F Hellcat

Ford: I understand and fully take recognition of your concern, however, I believe this would be in the best interest of—

Sampson: With all due respect...Admiral Ford...Don't you think the future is more important? Perhaps we should focus on the mission currently at hand. Right?

Ford seemed a but surprised. Sampson hasn't called him Admiral in a long time. If Sampson was calling him by rank before his name. Then it meant he truly was not happy with the idea that was brought to him.