Azur Lane, Office.

In here, HCM (or Nick), Princes of Wales and Illustrious, are in a Royal Navy's private room... To talk. HCM told them about the Second Sino-Vietnamese War first.

HCM (Nick): It was at 2021, June, 23. When the Vietnamese Military was distracted with Taiwan, China and it's Military, sent a surprise attack. Taking Hà Hội within a blink of an eye. Within the next day... We're now fighting against them... Though, we're not alone. The ASEAN, Russian Navy and a few US ships went to protect us... Many of my friends and family was sunked and killed by that one bastard...

Nick breaks the tea cup, with his bare hand... scaring them a bit.

HCM (Nick): Shandong... The Empress of the Seas... my Commander was a Zealous man, wishing to kill her... We've fought a lot... I was sent to Vietnam, as a gift. Only for her to almost kill me... But, killed my Commander and the crew...

Wales: How many did you... sunk?

HCM (Nick): ... One Hundred. Counting the SIRENs, Nearly Two Hundred.

Wales gulps in fear, as he doesn't show any remorse to the enemies he has sunk.

HCM (Nick): It was at this moment... 12, August, 2022... On their desperate last push, Shandong has set an ambush for me, my Commander, didn't notice it at first, when the Admiral Joel, warned him, it was too late... They've killed the Commander, and many of the crew...

They both felt sad, to hear this, Nick sighs...

HCM (Nick): But... At least, I was Avenged.

They looked at him again.

HCM (Nick): Both Commander Vyacheslav and Admiral Joel's Strike Group go against her, and despite the losses... They've sunked her. And the Remaining Fleet. But, due to the logistics... They have to retreat back to Japan. Leaving the Pyrrhic Victory to the CCP...

Wales: That means...

HCM (Nick): Yes. Revolutions, in my Country and my enemy's combined. I may've lost the war, but my people has won, the hearts and minds of many countries. From my homeland to the conservatives in the US. At least, something good did happened, despite our defeat.

Illustrious: I see.

Later At the Outside...

With the entire base in a huge mess, after the battle, the small birds or Manjuus are searching for survivors, with the help of HCM's Ka-27. With a few Royal Navy and some Eagle Unions shipgirls were rescued by HCM's Ka-27, while the rest were the birds.

Ka-27 1: *Robotic* Downed Friendly located. Sending Location.

HCM (Nick): *Sighs* ... At least, I'm not too late...

Wales: You're correct... But, I didn't expect them to attack us first...

Illustrious: We're not surprised that they've joined the Ironblood... It's too expected, But...

The scene switches to a Ka-27 aiming at a downed SIREN Jet for any movement. The ones who's watching the Ka-27 and the Downed SIREN Jet is Brooklyn, Phoenix, Saint Louis and Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania: What is it doing...?

Brooklyn: It's seems that thing is from Nick... Plus, it's hostile to the SIRENs.

Ka-27 2: *Robotic* Possible Downed Hostile. Guns at ready.

After a while, the SIRENs ship and jets disappears.

Ka-27 2: ... Negative on Hostiles. Continuing Search and Rescue.

HCM (Nick): *Radio* Confirmed.

Wales: Perhaps they moved too soon, they don't know the SIRENs power, how dangerous it is...

HCM (Nick): ... Whatever they're planning with the SIRENs tech. They're risking their lives and humanity combined... We must hunt them down.

Illustrious: Don't be impatient. We need to focus on rebuilding, the Main Royal Navy forces will be arriving soon.

HCM (Nick): *sighs* Very Well. I'll provide long range recon, with my Ka-27's... Expect them to be limited range.

Nick left the two, to watch for the Sakura and Ironblood's activity... the scene switches to Enterprise, walking on her deck.

Wales: Thank goodness, for Eagle Union's Enterprise and Vietnamese Battlecruiser Nick, they truly saved us this time.

Illustrious: Yes, but at great risk to her own insistence... But both of them, their strength is limitless, they fight without hesitation like an arrow loosed from it's bow... It is...

Flashbacks of Nick and Enterprise Fighting...

Enterprise: You're through.

HCM (Nick): Not so fast, Akagi...

HCM (Nick): URRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Back to normal time, screen at Enterprise, as she look to her left, to see Nick, sending his Ka-27's out for recon.

Wales: Let us not forget, that when a bow is strung too tightly... It can easily snap... For Nick... He's can't always be in every battle... Plus... He's relentless, I fear he might make a same mistake as his Commander...

Nick's (HCM) POV.

As I was sailing around for anyone missing, I noticed a diary of someone... Trung Sĩ... Odd. The name is covered, I opened his diary and see...

"It's now the last stand... Vietnam is going to be Chinese's Territory... I've been fighting for a long time... and now... my time has come... Goodbye, my people... I'll be fighting until the end... Goodbye Hồ Chí Minh... My hometown... Goodbye... cruel word..."

HCM (Nick): ... Who's diary is this?

???: That would once be, the leader of the Phoenix Project.

I turned around to see... Saint Andrew again, I kneeled.

Saint Andrew: Arise.

I stand back up.

Saint Andrew: He abandoned his old name for a new... To hide his past... After he was saved by an American Mercenary.

HCM (Nick): Who was he?

Saint Andrew: ... I can't not tell you for the sake of his privacy. But for the Mercenary, It's Richard Mitchell.

HCM (Nick): Didn't he left the U.S. Military before the end of the 2020 election?

Saint Andrew: Sadly, yes. But, his pride of a new one is not yet, lost. The Italian Army. Can you guess what the Italy of the Azur Lane? Young Nick?

HCM (Nick): N-No, father...

Saint Andrew: Sardegna Empire, or the Navy of the WW2 Italian Navy. How about I'll tell you about the other minor factions in here.

HCM (Nick): If you say so, Father...

Back at Base...

Both Javelin and Laffey are sailing back to the base, they've jumped up the platform and turned their riggings into ships.

Javelin: *sighs* It seems we all made it out safe at least.

Only for her to see a downed Laffey.

Javelin: Oi!? Laffey are you ok!?

Laffey: I'm sleepy... it's nap time...

Javelin: Ehh... Not a good place to take a snooze...

Javelin push Laffey to face side up, while Prince of Wales, Illustrious and Unicorn comes to them. Javelin was now carrying Laffey.

Unicorn: Hi, Javelin! Hi, Laffey!

Unicorn rushed to them.

Javelin: Hey there, Unicorn. Are you alright, are you hurt?

Unicorn: *nods* I'm fine, thanks for asking.

Wales: Great work, both of you. You kept us safe.

Javelin remembered about Ayanami, and her first time meeting her. Her expression was saddened. Until Laffey, 'unintentionally' stripped her...

A/N: Hello, Commissar? I need someone to purge my sins...

HCM: It shall be done.

Javelin quickly covered herself, embarrassed. Unicorn sawed that...

Javelin: Laffey! Why did you do that!?

Laffey: Sleepy... Also Hungry... Night Night...

There's a crab on her... Ahem. Chest. Javelin quickly took the crab out and covered her...

Illustrious: I'm sure that you're quite tired, do go inside and rest, dear.

They both left, Unicorn followed suit, but Javelin...

Javelin: Ah... Wait!

Wales: I believed you were ordered to rest. *chuckles*

Javelin was confused... while Laffey...

Laffey: Wow, I need a drink...

Laffey drink her soda, and... empty.

Meanwhile...

HCM just came back, with Cleveland doing the repairs.

Cleveland: Keep it steady! Almost there...

After a while...

Cleveland: And... stop!

She stopped waving her flag and sighs.

Cleveland: Can't believe how much maintenance we still have to do...

HCM (Nick): *sighs* Same here... (Drinks his Vodka)

Cleveland: Oh! Nick! You've just came back!

HCM (Nick): Yea... Except for a certain...

Nick pointed at San Diego's ship...

San Diego: LOOK AT MY SHIP!!! *weeps, then cries*

Glowworm: Oh... it's bad...

Cleveland: Yeah... I wish we still have a repair ship to help us out with this mess.

HCM (Nick): Same... except I'm unharmed...

They both noticed Enterprise, they both climbed down.

HCM (Nick): Ladies first.

Cleveland: Hehe. I'm good, Nick.

After landed at the ground, Cleveland jogs to Enterprise.

Cleveland: Hey! Enterprise! You shouldn't be out here right now! You should be recovering from how hard you've pushed in that last battle!

Enterprise: I'm fine, thanks.

HCM (Nick): She's right, Enterprise. My ship was docked for electronics and weapons repair. One malfunction and I'll be the one sink by my own shot.

Cleveland: Yeah, he has to get checked up for any errors, even if he's a modern battlecruiser.

Enterprise: All of the emergency repairs are completed. I've still got some fight in me.

Enterprise walked, only for her to stumble, causing both Nick and Cleveland to help her.

HCM (Nick): I'm not joking about it, Enterprise! You have to wait for a complete repair! I've maded a same mistake like you, and I won't let anyone face the same pain from me! Especially you!

Cleveland: Yeah! He's been in a few times, but he's knows better! You need to rest!

Enterprise: The enemy hasn't gone very far, I'm not going to lower my guard just yet...

HCM (Nick): I've sent my helicopters for recon... Once they've spotted the enemy, they'll respond. They can spot as far as 200km, 600km if with AWACS radar.

Enterprise: Really?

HCM (Nick): I'm not lying, please...

She sighs and left the two. Cleveland stomped out of frustration, while Nick just sighs and facepalmed.

Cleveland: GOOD GRIEF!

HCM (Nick): Oh Saint Andrew, help her...

Saint Andrew (In his head): I can only help you. Not everyone else.

HCM (Nick): *Mentally* Oy vey...

Akagi and Kaga, Somewhere at the seven seas...

They're on the ships, retreating from the attack... Akagi is helping her sister.

Akagi: There we go... hold still.~

Kaga: But... but why are you... so close sister...?

Akagi: Oh no... you've a cut on your face too.~

Kaga: It's just a minor injury, pay it no mind.

Akagi: No, it's not. A scar left on your beautiful face would be a tragedy.

She... licked her scar. And giggles a bit.

Nick is pressing Exterminatus, aggressively.

Akagi: I insist you learn you learn to take care of yourself. If something where to happen to you, I would be very sad.

Kaga just stare at her a bit...

Kaga: My deepest apologies, dear sister. But this party isn't-

Akagi stop her talking a finger at her mouth.

Akagi: I understand, but we're close to actual sisters and elder sisters always love their baby siblings, deeply. *Giggles*

Kaga could only think for a while... until she heard something... and reacted... to see Prinz Eugen, at the top of the ship.

https://youtu.be/slCpZwQab_0

Prinz Eugen: Oh? Bad time? I could come back.

Kaga wasn't happy about Eugen's sudden arrival.

Kaga: What do you want...

Prinz Eugen: Vell, first, I want you to ztop glaring at me. Ve're allies. You're from ze Sakura Empire und I'm from the Ironblood.

She showed some stunts and then landed, with her feets, and walked to them.

Prinz Eugen: Right?~

Akagi: Absolutely, we're very fortunate to have a very same goals and ideals.

Akagi then took out a black wisdom cube.

Akagi: Everything we do is to ensure the victory of the Crimson Axis.

Prinz Eugen: Right... Like vhere you control the SIRENs ships? Zhat vas quite impressive, even if they vere mass production models or ist zhat part of the achievement, ja?

Akagi: Well... Everything that happens will happens well.~

Eugen took a seat.

Prinz Eugen: Und yet you're still being quite cautious. I'm confused vhy couldn't destroy zhat base... Did the scratch on your sister's face frightens you?

Kaga: !?

Eugen giggles, eats the fishballs...

A/N: If I see any of you, going lewd... You need Drill Sergeant Backbone!

Kaga was going to make her pay, but Akagi stopped her.

Akagi: Oh no, goodness, at things I love couldn't frighten me... They needed to be teased a little more.~

Prinz Eugen: Frisker.

After a while...

Akagi: Those two ships are quite special.~ You would be foolish to underestimate them.

Prinz Eugen: Eagle Union's Enterprise, ja? Also known as the Gray Ghost, true she can be troublesome, but the Son of Saint Andrew... he's an interesting one, isn't it?

Akagi: *smiles* Well, he did spare me, after all.

Kaga: And his weapons...

Until an Origami of a plane of Akagi's... two to be exact.

???: *Audio* My elders, I've found them. A detached forces.

While another...

HCM (Nick): This is the Son of Saint Andrew. I'll be coming to help the detached forces. If you wish for a rematch, I'll be there.

Kaga: Sister... why did you sent one to him!?

Akagi looked at Kaga and smiled.

Akagi: Well then, I guess we can toy with him.

Akagi then talks to the origami.

Akagi: Alright, forth division, they're yours. But, expect a certain, Son of Saint Andrew. I know you're still new, but this is hardly a difficult errand, copy?

???: Understood.

It then disintegrated.

Akagi: Good, moving on. I have a request Prinz Eugen, famed warrior of the Ironblood.

Prinz Eugen: The fifth carrier division found leftovers. We shouldn't let them go.

Akagi: I'm so embarrassed to admit this, but, I'm worried deeply about my juniors daily. If they just has Ironblood's support on their side. I know I feel more secure about their endeavors.

Prinz Eugen: Hmm...~ Fine I suppose.

The stick landed on the wooden platform, like a dart. Kaga tensed up, due to this.

Prinz Eugen: I'll be taking Z23 und zhat Ayanami girl from your faction.

Akagi: Yes. We'll be honored to watch a display of your strength.

Prinz Eugen then goes to get the two... Meanwhile, Ayanami is watch the sun goes down.

Z23/Nimi: Ayanami.

Ayanami looks at Z23.

Ayanami: Z23.

Z23/Nimi: Ve're been sent on a mission. Ve'll be heading out soon. So, please follow me.

Ayanami: There's another battle already?

Z23/Nimi: Yes. An enemy fleet is avay from ze base, ve must strike zhem before zhey return.

Ayanami looks back, and think about both Javelin and Laffey...

Ayanami: It's not that I'm against fighting, but I don't like it.

Z23/Nimi: (Unintelligible) IT'Z NOT ABOUT VHATEVER YOU LIKE OR DON'T LIKE!!!

Ayanami: What about what you like? Do you enjoy fighting?

Z23/Nimi: It'z not about me, ether. Our preference are not relevant, ve have a duty to execute our mission.

Ayanami just stayed silent.

Z23/Nimi: Ve don't get to choose zheir mission, zhey are Varships after all. Our entire propose is to fight vhen requested.

Ayanami just looked at Nimi and then back at the sun.

Ayanami: How can it be all there is? I don't understand...

A Day later...

Both Javelin and Laffey are having a picnic. At there Laffey was eating.

Javelin: That girl, I hope she's okay.

Laffey: Hmm? Oh, you mean Ayanami?

Javelin: Ayanami, right...

Javelin sighs and the looked ip to the sky. I wonder if we have to fight her...

They noticed a Bald Eagle, landed on a ded tree. And a Nick's Ka-27 passing by.

HCM (Nick): *Sighs* Nothing again... it's too quiet...

Javelin: Ah! Hello there, Enterprise! Hello, Nick!

Both of them took notice, Nick waved at them, Enterprise just stayed silent.

HCM (Nick): Hey there, you two!

After a while, both of them are with Javelin and Laffey, Enterprise is standing there, while Nick sits with them.

Javelin: Would you like a bite of my food?

Enterprise: No, but thank you.

Javelin: What about you, Nick?

HCM (Nick): A little bite wouldn't hurt.

He took a sandwich for her basket, and took a bite.

HCM (Nick): It's pretty good.

Javelin smiled at his complement.

Laffey: Enterprise, are you hurt?

Enterprise: So you can tell. It seems my healing slowed down lately...

HCM (Nick): *tired sighs*... It appears I've used my Helis too often for recon... I'm getting fatigued.

Javelin: Then why aren't you two resting somewhere!?

HCM (Nick): ... I think the lord gave me paranoia... I alway felt uneasy... But I can tell, that something's not right... but I don't know where... hence... my tiredness...

Enterprise: All critical repairs are completed, there's nothing to worry about.

HCM (Nick): You always...

Javelin are now concerned about both Nick and Enterprise. Enterprise was barely repaired, while Nick suffered fatigue, due to his paranoia.

Javelin's Mind: Enterprise is the strongest Eagle Union ship, I think that probably explain her stubbornness... but...

Javelin: But why!? Why would you push yourself so far in battles!? Aren't you exhausted!?

HCM (Nick): Zzz... WHA!? WHO!? Oh...

Enterprise looks at Javelin in surprise, and then...

Enterprise: That's a strange question, considering... I've never analyzed how much I fight or why, it's my purpose for existence.

Laffey: Yeah... Me too, I don't like to fight when I'm asleep...

HCM (Nick): Err... what?

Javelin: OKAY! Go back to sleep!

After Laffey has done drinking.

Laffey: I'm still so tired, but, I don't like it when mean people pick on my friends, when they do, I fight harder.

HCM (Nick): I guess we all fight for a reason...

Laffey, Javelin and Enterprise looks at Nick, confused.

HCM (Nick): I fight to protect my home... my country... but...

He has flashbacks of his sunken allied ships and friends lost to the war...

HCM (Nick): *wipes a tear* Although... I've lost my home... You guys on the other hand... I felt like you guys and the Azur Lane are my new family... it've gave me hope to protect everyone.

Enterprise was confused, while Javelin was happy that Nick has found a new hope and reason to fight for the Azur Lane.

HCM (Nick): Well, Enterprise?

Enterprise: Well I...

https://youtu.be/bnhp4sdmch4

Nick took out his tablet, while the other looks at him.

HCM (Nick): Did you found them?

Ka-27 (Drone 1): Да, Коммандер Ник. Они не слишком далеко. "Yes, Commander Nick. They're not too far away."

Nick switched to radar mode... and his fears came true... They're both to be attack by the fifth carrier division...

HCM (Nick): Черт! "Damnit!"

Enterprise: What?

Nick looks at them.

HCM (Nick): We found our detachment forces! They're going to be attacked! Come on!

They all quickly went to the docks. But... will they be on time...?

https://youtu.be/TXGTo8K9nR0