October 6, 2021
0730
Azur Lane
The hands on Sous-lieutenant Vogel's watch ticked away, displaying 0730. Despite the time, he walked like a zombie, dead of energy and any emotion. The same could be said for several other peacekeepers. Their sleep schedule was chaotic, sustained only by nicotine, caffeine, and modafinil. For the Legionnaire, his mind was stuttering, contemplating what the faction commanders, along with Williams, would say to him. They had their war, and he had his. He fought for the interests of France and NATO, while Azur Lane fought for humanity. At least Williams had the courage to delve into his file. She, more than anyone on this rock, had a better understanding of what he had endured and the lengths he had gone to survive.
"United Nations peacekeepers assigned to the UNRAALPROFOR (United Nations Red Axis Azur Lane Protection Force) mission have just achieved a significant breakthrough, marking a turning point. Hostilities between Azur Lane and Red Axis are anticipated to conclude soon, with peace talks scheduled for the 30th. Despite the boisterous atmosphere of the peacekeepers around her, Paige maintained her game face. In the background, UN personnel waved and engaged in rough camaraderie as she smiled into the camera.
"Woo, get fucked 16th Separatist Regiment!" Sergeant Hill shouted in peer excitement while waving the enemy flag broadly about.
Amidst smiles and striking a pose with the flag, encompassing all the fleets involved in the operation, Sous-lieutenant Vogel mustered some effort to force a smile despite the discomfort of pain. Through a blood-stained and dirty uniform, he meticulously fixed his hair and exchanged his FÉLIN helmet for the iconic green beret adorned with the seven-flame grenade.
To describe him as merely handsome would be an understatement; he was truly gorgeous, with an underlying hatred for everyone and everything. In reality, his animosity was distributed equally to all, driven by a straightforward "fuck you" attitude. Despite lacking the qualities of a role model, people inexplicably looked up to him. That, however, was a mistake – they should have stayed in school, or this could be their fate. Vogel was a man whose friends were like flowers; if you eat them, they wither away. Overworked and underfucked, he had to plaster a fake smile to keep going, as hell was full, so he came back. In essence, he was too old for this shit, and one shouldn't assume that all who wander are lost.
Grizzly, an energetic Eagle Union destroyer with a knack for photography. Happily took photos of the soldiers, bribed with chocolate bars, candy and some even money. Real money was worth a lot more on this rock than Azur Lane credits. Akashi, already opening shop in less than a few hours upon arriving, had already started milking their wallets. The complaints were already coming in.
They posed for one normal photo, the second well things just got strange. Middle fingers, demons horns, bunny ears, tongue between fingers, you name it they did it.
"When was the last time you recall seeing him smile?" Vice Admiral Carter inquired, her gaze fixed on the Legionnaire as she took a drag from her cigarette. The gears in her mind churned, processing memory after memory. As far as she could recollect, he had never been happy here. His eyes were perpetually narrowed, silently conveying his disdain for everything, contemplating a desire to end it all. Even when he did manage to smile, it seemed like a forced expression, done solely for appearances, just to appease others. He lived a life coerced on a rock that ultimately served as his prison. The choices for the Overall Commander of Azur Lane were limited, oscillating between a sociopath who had killed his own father or a potential rapist. It was a situation where a kid was forced to fill the shoes of an adult.
"Um... now that you say it. I can't remember him ever smiling, once." Boxer Admiral Evans replied, taking a drag from her Dunhill reds.
"At least he's happy." Rear Admiral Williams smiled, happy to see the former overall Commander smile again.
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Fragile (Slow Updates)
FanfictionA former Commander who has a complicated past with Azur Lane that is full of nothing but pain and suffering is chosen to be their Commander again or is given a similar job by the UN (United Nations). But does he want to see his old subordinates and...
