A Tale of a New Commander

Chapter 10: Of Meetings and Tea Parties

The air around us felt thicker once the introductions of each parties were completed. All of us sat there in silence as the Queen stepped up the podium once more. "We have gathered here today to talk about our current Operation. In case anyone needs a refresher, I'll be repeating our current situation one more time before we proceed with the meeting." Queen Elizabeth said, tapping her staff on the wooden base of the podium, possibly to catch everyone's attention. However, before she started discussing the previous events, I felt a small thump on my shoulder and when I turned, I found Tai Yuan sleeping snuggly on my shoulder. Guess I'll have to listen carefully, I mean, for everyone's sake.

She talked for a few minutes while everyone listened to her. Once her review was over, everyone had the same set of information handed to them which would be the following:

1. We've lost contact with the Northern Parliament a few days ago. Earlier today, the Royal Navy received a distress signal from Avrora but it quickly receded.

2. Supplies will be issued in light of the current battle. The suppliers were to be decided during this meeting.

3. The Ironblood have been spotted in the Barents Sea, primarily in the Royal Navy's Polar Route. However, this issues would be taken care of other fleets and wasn't our primary concern.

"Any questions or clarifications? If not we shall proceed with the discussion." Queen Elizabeth said in a loud yet well enunciated voice, looking amongst the crowd for a raised hand or a query. She waited for a few moments, but she was only greeted by silence which meant that everybody was ready. With that out of the way, the Queen straightened her posture as she readied to open the discussion.

"So with those in light, what suggestions would everyone have." She said, exchanging glances with both me, Valiant, and CJ before tapping her scepter on the base of the podium, signaling that the discussion was open. I started thinking of possible things to add to the table when Valiant raised her hand despite the discussion just being opened to everyone. To top it off, she even had a smug smirk that was similar to her sister's, dare I say a bit more proud.

"Then me and my fleet would take on handling the cargo intended for the Northern Parliament." She said, smirking proudly as she stroked her chin. What? Was she serious? These were a ton of supplies, it can't possibly be enough for her to handle, couldn't it? Queen Elizabeth took a pause upon hearing Valiant's statement too, her eyes closed while pondering on her sister's statement before she beamed at her a few moments later.

"You show promise, but wouldn't you want to join the attacking fleet instead my dear sister?" Queen Elizabeth said however the royal battleship only pouted in response. Valiant then held her head high with a smirk on her face, pridefully wagging her finger at her sister who chuckled at her antics. Even I couldn't help but crack a smile upon seeing Valiant's smugness.

"My dear sister if you may hear me out. The real reason I wanted to join the cargo fleet would be to show my leadership in conducting my ships, particularly for the Filipino Commanders who are here today." She replied, smiling brightly with loud cheers ringing being heard from her fleet. It was quite the endearing sight and frankly I'm quite impressed by her disposition.

"Then consider it settled my dear sister. Show us the might of the Royal Navy!" Queen Elizabeth replied with Valiant squealing in delight before bowing down as a sign of reverie. The Queen just closed her eyes in delight when she saw Valiant with that smile, showing her satisfaction and pride in her sister, a feeling I could totally relate to. I wonder how she's doing in her dorms...come to think of it, I never saw her before I left. I guess studying in a dorm has its ups and downs huh...once this operation blows over I might try and visit her...but for now I had to focus with what's in front of me.