(Remaster) The Ship of the Tempest

French Friends

"Bienvenue mes amis! Thank you for coming on such short notice!"

The fleet had arrived at the French port some few days after leaving Pearl Harbor, and there was a...very small party to greet them. In fact, the only group that showed up was Richelieu's faction of the French Kansen, a group that wasn't very large on their own.

Though, there was one there that technically didn't belong, one who was usually with Jean Bart's side of the faction. Her eyes scanned over the gathered fleet, a barely noticeable glint of worry beginning to show in them.

"Thank you for welcoming us Richelieu. Has any fighting started to break out yet?" The Flagship of this voyage, North Carolina, was the one to speak on their behalf, offering the French Flagship her sweetened smile.

"No, nothing of the sort yet. We don't want it to happen, but tensions have been growing higher by the day..."

"Pardon me." The other person stepped up, drawing Carolina's eyes to her. "Yes?"

"Has Z73 accompanied you on this trip?"

"She has, she should be right o—"

"I'm right here." Their gazes spun to the sound, Richelieu and the other French Kansen turning completely as the voice came from behind them.

Z73 was sitting on a step, facing the rest of the Kansens gathered before waving. "Bonjour everyone."

They were all frozen, staring at her in awe while questioning how she managed to get behind them so quickly. Though, the one who wrote for her arrival broke it first, smiling at her.

"You never cease to amaze, do you?"

"What can I say Clemenceau? It's my charm."

Clemenceau walked up to her, holding a hand out so she could stand easier. She leaned down into Z73's ear, whispering so that only she could hear.

"We must discuss, now."

Clemenceau stood fully and faced the rest of the crowd, giving an award winning smile to them. "Well, it was somewhat short of an introduction, but Z73 and I have things to discuss. Richelieu, may we?"

"Well of course, I'm not one to hold you. I'll take our guests to their residence while they're here."

With that, Clemenceau and Z73 walked off together, going toward the main building on the French naval base that was shaped like a strange mix of a Cathedral and an actual office building. Stepping inside, the French battleship led her German friend though the halls without stop, easily finding her way to what was her room.

"Please come in."

Z73 walked past her, heading inside to see the lavishly decorated room gently lit by red lights. It looked like a place for midafternoon naps, and knowing Clemenceau, that's exactly the atmosphere she loved the most.

She closed the door and locked it, moving past Z73 and sitting on her bed. She gestured to a chair she had across from her, which Z73 took as they both got comfortable.

"Well Clem, what's the issue?"

"This is our first meeting in person, and that's what you open up with?"

"I'm business first, as I'm sure you know."

Clemenceau chuckled, crossing her legs as she got cozy. "Yes, I suppose that's true. Now, where should we even begin?"

"Why not about the reason why you wanted me to come?"

Clemenceau nodded, clearing her throat. "I wanted you to come as I needed someone with your skills to assist in finding an artifact that was stolen from us."