Commander's Rounds Volume 1

Entry 120: Family is Where it's Found

It was another long day back at the office. The commander was stuck where he was, listening to reports in the morning, all from places where the ships were and he wasn't. It had been part of his routine ever since he first took up his post at Azur Lane, but this time there was a creeping feeling that something was off.

Z23 turned to the next page on her clipboard. "As for the force you sent up to support operations in Alaska, Musashi has reported that they haven't encountered much resistance past the Bering Line, and Rossiya has stated that they've had some encounters with Siren forces, but they were seen off. However, no planes have returned after crossing the Arctic Circle."

The commander nodded. "So, we still have no clue what's up there aside from Royal Fortune's report."

"That is correct, commander." She said. "According to Purifier, there are substantial defenses, but she admits that even she doesn't know their exact strength or extent."

"So, we still can't make a move..." He said, half to himself.

Z23 looked up from her papers. "Sir, is something wrong?"

He quickly shook his head. "No, just... Until we know what's out there, our moves are severely limited, and all we can do is just... Poke at them until they react somehow." He wouldn't say it out loud, but he was beginning to feel that since the death of Tester, they'd been in a strategic rut, even a full-on stalemate.

"We haven't even been doing something like that for very long, commander." She looked at him and gave him a small smile. "You've learned quite a bit since you first came here, so I'm sure you'll figure out what to do."

He gave a slow, resigned nod, and continued. "Is there anything else, Nimi?"

She nodded. "Yes." She turned over another paper. "...Albert is still working from home while he's going though physical rehab after his encounter with the Siren device, plus he wants to take as much of his schedule as possible catching up on the work he missed while in intensive care. Vestal says he's recovering quickly, but it will still be a few more days before he feels ready to come back in."

"Hm." He went. "...He should be able to come back sooner than that according to Vestal's messages. Any idea why he's hesitant besides being behind on work?"

Z23 paused. "...He might feel a bit ashamed about falling for a Siren trick. Even if he outwardly acknowledges that it was impossible for him to resist on his own, he still may feel bad for endangering other people. I think that's something better left to his girlfriends to handle."

"Yeah, you're right." He said, leaning back in his chair. "...Kinda wish I'd still had human friends before I came here, maybe then I could be a better one for Albert."

"Commander, you can't really change the past." She said. "...The Sirens are certainly trying, it seems, but look at what's happening because of it. Whatever their ends are, they're trying to make us pay for other people's mistakes, maybe even their own." She went on. "...And besides, he's in good hands, so..."

"Right." He said. "We'll just leave things as is. He's still turning in all of his reports and suggestions, so there's no need to make a big deal about it." He leaned back in his chair. "Is there anything else for now?"

"Not as far as official business goes." She said. "But... Commander, you seem a little bit off at the moment. Is there something that's especially bothering you?"

He put his hands on his desk. "...Just regular commander things right now." He replied, and didn't add anything further. He was still working out his case of the blahs himself. "Anyway, if there's nothing else, you're dismissed."