Pax Propter Vim [Azur Lane Fanfic]

Chapter 13

US Naval Base, Guam, Pacific
December 13, 1941 - 1200 Hours

The midday sun bore down mercilessly on the bustling harbor. The searing heat shimmered over the water and the metallic surfaces of the docked warships. Sailors and dock workers moved briskly, sweat soaking through their uniforms as they labored to reload ammunition, unload cargo, and conduct the countless other tasks required to maintain the fleet's readiness. The air was thick with the salty tang of the Pacific, mingling with the acrid scent of fuel and grease from the nearby hangars.

Seated on the bow of the USS Zumwalt, under the partial shade of a wide umbrella, the Kan-Sen Zumwalt herself observed the activity with a calm, composed demeanor. Her elegant figure radiated authority, yet her presence felt approachable. Despite her status as a cutting-edge destroyer given human form, she had quickly bonded with her new escorts. Beside her, sprawled comfortably on the deck, were Francisco, Sandy, Javelin, and Laffey—all enjoying sandwiches Zumwalt had painstakingly prepared that morning.

Francisco, a spirited cruiser with a knack for asking direct questions, spoke up between bites. "Miss Zummy, when are we going to move to attack Japan?"

Zumwalt chuckled softly at her eagerness. "As soon as possible," she replied, glancing over her shoulder toward the busy harbor. "We're waiting for reconnaissance reports. George is out conducting both long-range and close-to-medium-range patrols. Hornet and Enterprise are backing her up with their planes."

"Isn't Miss George tired?" Javelin asked, her voice tinged with concern. "She had the night watch and was in combat just hours ago."

Zumwalt's expression softened, her gaze momentarily distant as she thought of the hardworking battleship. "George is resting now, don't worry. Her planes are flying autonomously under pre-programmed commands. Enterprise taught her how to manage that." She chuckled at the memory of that morning’s encounter, when George had thrown herself at Enterprise's long legs, sobbing like a child in the arms of a caring elder sister.

"Ah, so she's sleeping while the planes do the work..." Javelin mused, her worried expression fading into a sheepish smile. "Looks like I worried for nothing."

"It's okay, J. I'm sure George would be touched that you care," Zumwalt said with a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, Georgie appreciates you, J. That’s just how she is," Sandy chimed in, patting Javelin on the head. The smaller girl flushed at the attention, mumbling something under her breath.

Meanwhile, Laffey, the quietest of the group, fought valiantly to keep her eyes open. Her head bobbed, and she swayed slightly as if on the verge of collapsing into sleep. Zumwalt, noticing her struggle, reached over to gently stroke her hair. Laffey relaxed under her touch, offering a barely audible hum of contentment.

The scene filled Zumwalt with a warmth she found difficult to describe. It had only been a week since she had been "born" into her human form, and moments like this—so ordinary, yet profoundly comforting—were new to her. She sighed softly, letting her gaze wander back toward the harbor. Her sharp eyes caught sight of Cleveland, standing rigidly behind General Maxwell, dressed in an Army officer's jacket.

"Is that part of the new loan program to the Army?" Zumwalt asked aloud, her curiosity piqued.

Francisco nodded, recalling the program’s announcement. "It is. What do you think, Miss Zummy?"

Zumwalt tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I think it’s a good idea for younger shipgirls. It gives them a chance to gain diverse experiences and learn different doctrines. It’s better than being locked into one rigid path."

"Doesn’t the program only apply to Destroyers and Heavy Cruisers?" Javelin asked, tilting her head.

"I think so," Sandy chimed in. "Probably because of their mobility. Battleships would be too slow for the kind of rapid deployment the Army needs."