Commander's Rounds Volume 1

Entry 98: The Truth

So, she's actually on her way?"

Monarch nodded. "Indeed, she told me will be arriving in a couple of days. She appears to be uninterested in any ceremony this time, and she said that likely suits everyone."

The commander stood up from his desk. "She's right about that, at least. This is very serious business, not some publicity stunt. Of course, I'm wondering why you're the one who's telling me and not Belfast."

Monarch shook her head. "I had begun to wonder that myself. While you have had a great deal of use for me, the Royals have historically not. However, seeing as the Prime Minister has made some overtures towards Revenge, she may want to simply be on good relations with all of the Royal ships, even those who had been otherwise neglected."

The commander looked her over. "So, how does it feel to be wanted?"

Monarch shook her head. "At other times, I might say it is too little, too late... But given the rather special nature of the Prime Minister, I am merely surprised she bothered to know that I exist, rather than forget me like so many others have."

"I can't speak to her motives myself." He shrugged. "My main concern is those under my command, so you're going to have to figure out what the Prime Minister wants on your own. I'm not going to get involved in any personal business between the two of you."

She shook her head. "...I may have been too used to being unremembered."

The commander smiled. "Well, Monarch, you've done quite a bit to make a name for yourself during your time here, and she may want to recognize your efforts, at least privately."

"Hmmm...."

The commander soon got a notification on his phone. It was a call from Hood. "Hello?"

"Hello, commander! Listen, we have got a rather unexpected guest for tea. He has been quite pleasant so far, but he asked me to send word that he'd like to speak to you as soon as you can."

"Sure, I can be there." He hung up. "Sorry Monarch, commander's business. Anyway, I don't think the Prime Minster wants anything bad for you."

"...We shall see."

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Queen Elizabeth and some other ladies had been joined by a blue-eyed new guest who at least seemed jovial. He was a distinguished sort of elderly gentleman, who still had a proper head of white hair and matching mustache, and was wearing the uniform of a Royal Navy vice admiral. Despite his advanced age he was tall and sharp, and had no trouble moving about. And on top of that, he was a natural at teatime.

"Before anyone says anything else, your majesty, I would like to know who prepared the Battenberg cake, because it is really quite fantastic."

Queen Elizabeth smiled. "Of course, Admiral Hunt. It was prepared by Belfast, our head maid. She wanted to add her own touch to this afternoon."

"Did she now?" He said, taking another slice. "Well, she seems like a charming young lady, I do hope she finds someone who can appreciate all of her finer qualities."

Hood giggled. "It's funny you should mention that. She already has."

"Has she now?" He finished his first cup. "How splendid. Now, I know I'm not a part of these social circles usually, but might I know who?"

Prince of Wales spoke up. "Miss Enterprise of the Eagle Union."

"Ah! Well, I can't think of any sensible family that might raise an objection to that."