Azur Lane: Wings of Steel

Chapter 25: Alliance in the Shadows

Crimson Axis HQ, Berlin
Fredrick POV

I arrive at the Crimson Axis HQ after the death of Bismarck and Tirpitz has become the replacement for her during the important meeting between leaders of the Crimson Axis which is Nagato from the Sakura Empire, Jean Bart from Vichy Dominion, and Veneto from the Sardegna Emprie who give sympathy for Tirpitz.

Nagato: "Sorry that Bismarck have passed away."

Veneto: "Is there something we can do for you?"

Tirpitz: "Don't need it. Our only purpose of this meeting is creating a cease-fire between us and Azur Lane for this incoming battle against the Empress. Due to the information from my sister's fleet; she is discover in the Southern Atlantic Ocean where a major Siren base is holding up and probably going to invade either South America or part of Africa. I know we're at war against Azur Lane for about 5 years since the fight against the Sirens have slow down and our discovery of studying Siren tech which lead our departure from the main faction and form the Crimson Axis, but right now the Siren has become the most threat to us. I want everyone to be ready when the time comes and prepare your best fleet for this battle."

Everyone agree and the meeting was adjourn while Tirpitz continue to sit on the chair which use by Bismarck, but now she is the main flagship of Iron Blood. Tirpitz lay hear head on the table while I try my best to comfort her by rubbing her shoulder which she can relax.

Tirpitz: "Sorry for causing you more trouble Fredrick, but I never expect to be the flagship."

Fredrick: "No one did, but you're the successor now which means you must lead Iron Blood to victory including represent our values to the world."

I can sense Tirpitz frustration, but that is how the world works; however I can't tell her that after couple of days after Bismarck's death and I bet Nijmegen is taking a beaten for this since Bismarck is his girlfriend, but I learn that he was transfer to Romania for the time being and won't able to join the fight against the Sirens at Atlantic until further notice. He agree to the transfer since it give him more time to calm down since he want to murder every Sirens he get his hand on. Prinz Eugen is going to join him during his stay at Romania to help our allies to deal with Northern Parliament while we deal with the Sirens at Atlantic Ocean. Her secretary is the same person who was assign to Bismarck which is Z23 who all the information that Bismarck order her to handle.

Z23: "I got the reports that your sister request, but now transfer to you."

Tirpitz read the report and notice that the Sakura Empire is going to have a peace talk with Azur Lane at the Pacific Ocean after Akagi turn Meta after she failed to resurrect her sister Amagi and Kaga died during the process. So Nagato won't able to help us against the Empress at the Atlantic, but according to the report that the Royal Navy request a ceasefire until the Empress is deal with. She sigh and decide to follow the suit.

Tirpitz: "Z23; contact the Royal Navy and request them that we're going have a ceasefire."

Z23: "Yes Lady Tirpitz."

Z23 left to inform the Royal Navy about the ceasefire while I organize Tirpitz's papers while Tirpitz is drinking coffee. Looks like the war against the Sirens is going to a tough one since we can't rely on the Sakura Empire and we have to trust the tea drinkers to help us fight against the Empress. I wonder if the Eagle Union will help us fight against the Empress.

Fredrick: "Any news from the Eagle Union?"

Tirpitz: "They agree to join our operation with Gettysburg as their main flagship since their main flagship New Jersey is helping out the Sakura Empire, Dragon Empery, and the remaining Royal Navy fleets that is station there to defeat Meta Akagi."

So it's going to be a small group task force, but knowing the United States; they already prepare a task force for the Atlantic as their Eastern Defense Force which is mainly escort carriers. I don't know the feeling of having Gettysburg part of my team after what happen during the Battle at the Royal Navy Secret Base at the Arctic, but if it's the order of Lady Tirpitz than I will have no choice but to obey it, but this will give us a golden opportunity to proof that Iron Blood is superior forces in the world with our tech and strength. I look at Tirpitz who is staring at her older sister's portrait that is hanging on the main office that is bigger than any portrait that cover the wall. I wonder the main reason that Tirpitz didn't order the portrait of Bismarck away from her office because she want to think what her sister would think as a guidance.

Tirpitz: "I never get along with my older sister; she always put me away from the battlefield while she lead the fleet to victory while I hide in the backwater of the Baltic in the frozen North, but I wonder she only cares about leading or protect me."

Fredrick: "I bet she did it because she cares about you. She have a hard time to express her feelings to you, but her orders is another thing. She can be intimated, but she is a good sister even though she have a hard time to show it."

Tirpitz agree with me and decide to finish what her sister has finish which is to defeat the Empress, but first we need to talk with Azur Lane Joint Forces at England.

To be Continued.....