Azur Lane: A Royal Pain

The Fallen

The area where Wales laid Jack to rest was near the docks, so a plaque was placed in that general area by the shipgirls and the other higher ups.

Here lies Jack

A valiant commander of the Royal Navy

The bane of the Sirens and friend to all

1985-2019

May he rest in peace

"I know we're all going to miss him." Georgie says as she, her sister and Hood visit the spot. "But we've only grown stronger."

"We'll always have him around sister, in our hearts." Wales says. "But what's going to happen to his quarters?"

"I hear it's going to be left empty, as a memorial of some sort." Hood says.

"I think it's best to be left that way. If it is true and his spirit is still around, he would appreciate it being left as it was." Georgie replies. Eventually a few more people arrive bearing the Ironblood crest.

"Bismarck?" Hood asks.

"I couldn't possibly NOT visit." Bismarck replies, with Eugen and Zed in tow. "Even though he's not my commander, Jack saw me as one of his own, as he did Eugen and Zed."

"He taught me a few life lessons the few times we interacted." Zed says.

"Life is like a tree; it takes a long time to grow, and there are times where you may just give up on it, but if you persevere and fight on, you will be able to taste the sweet fruit that is success and a good future." Were the exact words Jack told Zed.

"I will admit I kinda didn't like him at first because he poked fun at me, but then I realized how wholehearted he is." Zed says, looking back at the few moments they spent together. "I've never met a more compassionate commander until I met him."

"I will admit, some of our commanders can be a little brash but they truly mean no harm." Bismarck adds. "But Jack is like no other." And with that the girls decide to look inside the commander's empty quarters.

"I've never been inside before..." Eugen says as the others peek inside. The desk remains untouched, still with documents yet to be finished due to Jack's sudden and last battle, his bed made like it was yesterday, and a large standing mirror has been placed off to the side. "...It's so... Barren..."

"That's Jack for you." Georgie says. "I know a lot as I was his secretary. He never really fancied expensive and flashy stuff. He wouldn't even show his medals, always hiding them behind that mirror."

"...Are we allowed to head in?" Zed asks.

"I don't see why not, just don't mess with anything." Georgie replies as the Ironblood girls slowly enter Jack's quarters and Zed carefully moves the mirror to see multiple nails driven into the wall, nails that used to hold his medals. "Wait... What is that?"

"What is what?" Eugen asks as she follows Georgie's finger to Jack's desk. There's a strange compartment that's been left untouched.

"Jack always kept people away from that spot." Georgie says. "Even the higher ups don't touch it to respect him..."

"Should we?" Bismarck asks. "It's partially open." Bismarck doesn't quite get her question answered as Zed accidentally bumps into the desk and jolts the strange compartment open.

"Oh? What's this?" Zed asks as she discovers a letter inside, meant for all six of the girls. "Well, might as well see what's in here..." She mumbles as she opens the letter and the others crowd around Zed to see what he had to say, and tears start welling up in their eyes all over again as they read the contents of the letter.

To anyone who finds this letter...

If you have found this letter, you are either Prince of Wales, King George V, Hood, Bismarck, Prinz Eugen or Z23, or all six of you might be here as you read this very letter.

If you have found this letter, then chances are I'm already dead by the time  you read it. I... I just don't know how to put this into words but I was more than honored to be your commander. I've fought many battles and come out of many relatively unscathed, but you are the ones that bring me a little hope. I enjoy every moment I get with you and I have many memories that I look back to if I'm feeling down. Bismarck, Eugen, Zed, we may have only known each other for at most a week, but I already felt that connection, and I saw you three just like I did Wales, Hood and Georgie, friends that I cherish dearly outside of war.

I'll say it again, but I'm more than honored to have been your commander. I hope my death doesn't affect you too much, as the threat of the Sirens is far from gone. I just hope that you get to be stronger than ever, and maybe one day you six will be the ones that end the Siren threat for good. As my parting wish, you six are free to explore my quarters, just as long as you don't mess anything up, and for Bismarck, Prinz Eugen and Z23, you three are always welcome to stay for as long as you like. I consider you three part of the fleet, part of the group of friends that I always enjoy hanging around, I couldn't ask for anything better.

Hood, Prince of Wales, King George V, Bismarck, Prinz Eugen, Z23, thank you for everything... Goodbye...

Jack

The End