It was the early morning of Christmas Day, the tender hour of 4 in the morning. The Base was still very much asleep.

Well, most of the Base. Admiral Johnson, Captain Algerona, Admiral Ishigara, Elizabeth Hiroshi, Daisy Johnson, and Nancy Johnson were not apart of that. They, were instead, very much awake as they wandered the kitchen of the Mess Hall.

Well, wandering wasn't correct. They were busily getting some last minute present wrapping done for the girls. And by last minute, that translated to they had roughly a hundred and fifty gifts left to take care of and time was drawing near.

"Anya, would you pass me the tape?" Daisy asked her sister as she gestured for the item. The woman, her arm still laid up, nodded at the request as she handed the item to her sister, the woman nodding in thanks as she took it.

"I tell you what, I don't know what we would've done had the two of you not shown up." Liz said. "We'd be in well over our heads with this." She said as she wrapped what looked to be a leather bound book in blue and white wrapping paper.

The wrapping paper was striped blue and white. On each stripe of white, it had the name BB-63 Missouri repeating, each repeat spaced by a golden star. And on the blue stripe, it had a silhouette of the woman's former hull repeating, each separated by a golden star as well.

"Well, wrapping presents has always been a favorite of mine." Nancy hummed as she wrapped a present, this one being dressed in red and white. As for the name in white on each red stripe, it read IJN Yuudachi. Under that, on each white stripe, was a silhouette of her former hull in red. Each were separated with a Sun icon. "But I gotta admit, this is some pretty detailed wrapping paper. And you found one for every girl?" She asked.

Anya and Sofia shook their heads.

"We had to specially design it and order it. All without either Mutsu or Langley knowing about it." Sofia explained. "Since they're the secretary ships, it would've been hard. Mutsu especially."

Ishigara nodded with a smile as he went about wrapping a present designated for Bismarck Sea. "Yes, while Mutsu commands great respect of those around her, her secret keeping skills leave little to be desired." He Answered.

"How many presents do you have for them?" Daisy asked, glancing at the three Naval officers. Anya did a mental count for a moment.

"Well, we made sure that from us, the girls all had at least five. So all together, that's five hundred thirty five gifts just from us. And their navies respectively. That's not counting whatever the girls got for one another. As far as they know, that's all they'll be receiving." Anya said as she watched the other five wrap presents.

"Geez. And might I ask, how much did they cost? And what's with these books? Every girl have one?" Daisy asked, inspecting the book she was wrapping for Lexington. Anya nodded.

"Well... I know the cost is pretty big. Because of one of the gifts we're giving them, they alone bring the cost up to two hundred sixty seven thousand and five hundred dollars." Anya recalled, causing Nancy and Daisy to look at the woman in shock. "And I Yes, all of the girls have a book like that. They were specially made so do be careful with them." Anya said, prompting Daisy to nod.

"Alright, that's Missouri done." Nancy said, putting the five gifts she'd wrapped off into a nice and neat pile next to the others. Glancing at the next set of gifts, she looked to Anya. "Need a new set of paper." She said.

"Alright." Anya said, getting up from her spot next to Sofia as she went for the barrels of wrapping paper, multiple rolls of wrapping paper sticking up. "Who do you need?" She called as she began to look through the rolls.

"Maryland." Came the response.

Anya paused, her conversation the night before playing through her mind. She could've handled that better. She could've given worry to Maryland's thoughts.

The American admiral had never been one for words. Not like her father. She'd never had a way with emotions like her mother. She'd never known the right thing to say like her older brother.

Her fingers hovered over the wrapping paper , reading the name over and over for a moment. Had she handled it Alright? Truly?

"Anya?" Nancy called again, bringing the woman from her thoughts.

"Sorry." Anya muttered as she pulled the roll of wrapping paper from the barrel and made way for her mother, handing it to the woman. Nancy, who easily took the paper from her daughter, watched her a moment longer before setting her attention on wrapping the presents before her.

The American Admiral settled herself down on her stool once more, watching Sofia wrap another present.

"You alright?" Sofia asked quietly as she glanced at the woman. When Anya made no direct attempt at conveying one or the other, Sofia turned to fully look at the woman. "Anya?" She asked.

"I'm good." Anya eventually Answered, giving her friend a smile. Watching the woman a moment, Sofia shook her head before turning away, going back to wrapping the present before her. Anya went back to watching her do so for a little while as she tapped her good hand against the counter in a steady rhythm.

"So Anya. Haven't really had the chance to ask you, but what's working with the girls like?" Daisy asked as she put another present to the side as she began to work on wrapping another as both Liz and Ishigara went for the wrapping paper barrel, pulling two new rolls.

"It keeps you on your toes for sure." Anya said with a shrug. "You never really know who's gonna come through the Gateway or how they're gonna think about their current situation. We've had girls who have come through, taken a look around, and said ok. And we've had girls come through who wanted nothing to do with Japan at first. There's still a few lingering thoughts like that."

"Saratoga?" Nancy asked from the side. Anya only let out a resigned sigh in turn.

"Saratoga." Anya confirmed, her mother chuckling at the confirmation.

"She's not as bad as she was when she first came through, but she's been one of the bigger grudges on Base." Sofia Answered as the sound of faint Christmas music provided background.

"And then there have been those like Enterprise and Bristol who were more than willing to work with them." Anya said. "It's been a very interesting experience thus far. Likely will only increase in interest when January 6th rolls around."

Sofia nodded at that with a hum as she went back to wrapping their presents, only for a moment though before she let off a rather loud, agitated sigh, drawing the eyes of those in the room to her.

"Sofia?"

"Speaking of new grudges." The woman Answered as she rose her hand for Anya to see, her ring becoming prominent. And there, Anya saw that the gem was active, signaling the Gateway wanted them. Laughing, she stood as she made way for the door.

"The Gateway beckons!" She shouted as she left the Kitchen, crossing through the mess hall and out into the winter wonderland before. Only lit by the moon and the Base lights, it was still dark out. And as a crisp wind blew by the Admiral, Anya shivered as she put her coat on.

Pulling it around her, she began to make way through the snow for the summoning hall, her mind a whirl with the possibilities of who was coming through now. On Christmas Day of all things.

They hadn't gotten new summons since November and that had been the Iowa sisters. She hummed to herself she shivered somewhat amidst the morning air. Even with the coat, the air had a nip to it, biting at any exposed skin she had to show. Her hands, her face, ears. Everything. Christmas morning was being highly bitter.

Breaking into a light jog, listening to her feet rustle the snow away as she made pace, she tried to keep herself warm. She didn't want to be shivering when she met the new summons.

A few moments later found her reaching for the door to the summoning chamber, kicking snow away from it so that she could actually get it open. When she'd moved enough of the white stuff to do so, she pulled the door open with some force required, but she was still able to get inside rather simply.

Stepping into the warmer air of the summoning chamber, she shivered at the change in temperature for a moment as she kicked her feet on the ground to get the snow off, watching it pop off of her shoes onto the ground, simply clumping together there.

Once she was sure that she wasn't going to slip due to the snow on the bottom of her shoes, she looked ahead.

Those that were supposedly being summoned hadn't come through yet, which gave Anya a moment to prepare herself. At least if if the girls decided to show up in a group of 21 again, she'd at least be ready for them.

Though, glancing up at the limit counter on the left side of the Gateway, she knew a group of 21 wasn't possible. Not anymore. They only had spots for twenty more combat capable Ship Girls left, twenty more spots for the sisters of those already present to make their appearance. And Anya wasn't sure if it was gonna happen, not for everyone.

The Admiral knew that if things continued as they were heading, there'd be at least a few girls left without sisters on Base before their limit maxed and they stopped getting new troops. Chicago. San Francisco. Arizona. Enterprise. Cabot. Lexington. Saratoga. Indiana. Mississippi. Maryland.

Yet once again, Anya found her mind drifting to the Colorado class woman. She knew that the woman hadn't been the same. Hadn't been acting what she'd come to know as normal for the battleship, the conversation from the night before playing in her mind over and over again.

Anya knew that Maryland cared for her. Even behind her constant attempts to win her affection and the acts that could be considered down right lecherous, Anya knew that the battleship cared about her. But she also knew that what she'd told her the night before had merit.

This was a dangerous job. When surrounding yourself with reborn warships of the Second World War who didn't know the first thing about keeping their emotions in check, outbursts were expected and fights thought to be common. Anya knew that she'd had a point, a point that she made clear to Maryland.

Taking a glance at the Gateway, she pondered just when it had taken it upon itself to make her life as stressful as possible.

Seven. Twenty one. Two. Six. A group of three among those of other nations. And three. There was no pattern there and no way to tell what the Gateway was thinking. It made her job that much harder.

Not that she'd trade her job for anything in the world.

Listening to the waves within the Gateway roll on, the sea breeze whisking into the room every so often, warming the woman further as she waited for those that were on their way to arrive.

Glancing up once more at the flags that sat engraved into the side of the Gateway, eyes wandering over each of the four, She was brought from her thoughts as the sound of laughter fluttered about the air. Looking back into the Gateway, the rolling fog still blocking vision further in, the sound of laughter continued.

But when no ship's wake became apparent, no sound heading for the entrance, Anya wondered what the laughter was.

Was it of a ship girl that wasn't ready to come through?

Was it of one who hadn't received the right call?

Or was it one of those who could no longer make their way through?

The laughter continued to filter through the air, shadows and wisps passing just on the other side of the fog, not a noise to their figure besides that harmonic laughter.

Taking a step closer to the Gateway, as if trying to get a better sense of who was producing the laughter, the fog fluttered at her step towards it, receding ever so slightly. As if the Gateway was trying to entice the woman to take the plunge and step in.

An aspect that sent a chill up Anya's spine.

Stepping away from the Gateway in all but a moment, the fog once again returned to it's original position. But the laughter, still so happy in tone, continued to flutter through the air, filling the silence of the warehouse.

Anya bristled uncomfortably at the source of sound now. It was as if it was just dawning in her how truly unknown the Gateway was to them. They knew not where it came from, who put it there, or what awaited them within it.

Ten minutes had past when the laughter began to die down, echoes silencing themselves, once again filling the warehouse with silence. But not total silence.

A ship's wake, the sound of making way through the waves and among the currents, presented itself to Anya. A sound that Anya readied herself for as she watched the fog for any signs of those approaching.

It was twenty seconds later when the first silhouette breached the fog, Anya watched as she sailed atop the water, her wake shortly being followed by four more various figures, soon emerging as well.

Greeting the lead figure with a smile, Anya offered a nod, which was readily returned as the first of the five slowed herself as she approached solid ground, making the cross in one simple step. Steadying herself, she moved herself from the way as the other four soon approached.

Anya and the first figure watched as the other four approached the solid ground, readily crossing as well, simply like the first. Shooting each other grins in turn, they soon turned their attention to the woman that had been present before them.

Anya looked from each one to the next, studying them a moment as she brought her ring up for her to see. Watching as the gem returned to it's normal hue, she offered only a slow nod. Looking back to the five that had assembled before her, she gave a smile.

"So? How was the trip?" She finally asked, her voice filling the air of the summoning chambers. The first to come through merely offered a pointed shrug as the last to come through laughed, waving her arms about.

"It was great! Don't remember it except the last thirty seconds, but it was great!" She insisted. Anya only nodded at that, good hand in her pocket as her casted remained in front of her.

"So what happened there?" The third to crossover asked, gesturing to the woman's arm. Anya looked at her arm for a moment before shrugging.

"Took the brunt of an Iowa class. Met the ground real fast." She said, looking back at said woman. The still unnamed girl only offered a look of surprise in return. "Anyways, lets get to the names. Those are the best part. So, any subs present?" She asked, looking at the five.

When the last four traded looks and the first merely shook her head, Anya nodded slowly at this.

"Alright. No subs. Pretty sure none of you are destroyers, yeah?" She asked, watching them. When none of them responded, Anya let a sigh escape. "Alright then. How about cruisers?" She asked.

Yet again, she was met with no results as the five stayed where they were. The first was watching her with what seemed to be mild agitation. The second and fourth seemed to be watching her with the same look, just a little less agitated. The third and fifth however were watching her with amusement, stealing looks at the other three.

"No cruisers then. Gotta be a few carriers then." She said. And she was rewarded as the last four to cross through all stepped up at once. The second and fourth Came to a stance together as the third and fifth did the same.

Looking between the two groups of two, she decided on the group to her left, turning to them as she studied them a moment before looking to the first. "So? What might your name be?" She asked.

"CV-5. The newly reincarnated USS Yorktown, nameship of the Yorktown Class Carrier at your service." She spoke, her tone crisp and sharp. Her gaze suggested she wanted no funny business.

Standing at an impressive 5'11, Yorktown was only an inch shorter than her younger sister. Fiery red hair hanging to her shoulders, she put a hand on her hip as she watched the woman before her. Eyes of scarlet, they watched Anya with some sort of expectance, the carrier having a dominating air about her. Having a stature of that of a 19 year old, Anya supposed it was fair. "So, if you're asking the questions, I'm guessing you must be the woman identifying herself as our Admiral?" Yorktown asked. Anya nodded as she met eyes with the carrier.

"I am. It's good to have you back with us Yorktown." She said. The fiery red headed carrier simply gave a nod in response and stepped to the side, allowing the second of the two to step towards Anya. "And your name?"

"CV-8. Younger sister of Yorktown, the former USS Hornet at your call, Admiral. Youngest of the Yorktown Class." She said with an air of finality as she gave a slight sip of the head in greeting.

Hornet, like her eldest sister, was 5'11, thus making Enterprise the tallest sister of the trio. Platinum blonde hair hung just past her mid back, the tips of her hair going pink. Eyes that of the most vibrant lightning watched the woman before her, green meeting them head on. Eventually, Anya returned the gesture, nodding her head ever so slightly.

"So Yorktown And Hornet?" She asked with a hum, looking between the two. "I know someone whose going to be very happy to have her sisters on Base with her." She told them, prompting the two to look at her in surprise.

"E is here?" Hornet asked in sudden excitement, yet keeping the air of regal woman about her.

"It's been a while since we've been together, the three of us..." Yorktown murmured. "I wonder what she'll think..."

"She'll probably just be glad to have her sisters on Base. She's one of the original seven that came through with the first summon, yet she and two others have been patiently waiting on her sisters to come through for their country." Anya told her, placing a hand on the carrier's shoulder. Eventually though, she took back her hand as she looked at the other group of two presumable carriers.

Both grinning like mad, they held a far different air about them. Where Yorktown and Hornet were both commanding of respect, these two seemed full of mischief as they watched the Admiral with an ever loving sense of fun.

"This should be good. So which one of you wants to introduce yourselves first?" Anya asked, glancing between the two. Eventually, the last and final of the five stepped forward with a flourish in her step.

"Don't mind the older model, Admiral." She said with a grin, nodding her head in the direction of the Yorktown, prompting the carrier look rather miffed at the mention of being called Old. "I'm all you'll ever need. CV-10. USS Yorktown, second of the Essex Class, ready to serve." She said with an exaggerated bow. Anya arched a brow, her lips twitching upwards in somewhat amusement.

The Carrier before her didn't resemble the one of the same name. Her hair was a light shade of green, curls starting at the top and last all the way down as her locks cascaded down around her waist. She gave a toothy grin to the Admiral, a tilt of the head to boot, as pale blue eyes watched the woman before her. Looking to be just a bit older than Lexington, 18 Anya would guess, the woman leaned forward as she put a hand next to her mouth, as if trying to keep what she was about to say a secret. "Don't worry Admiral. It's okay if you want to trade those two in. No one will hold it against you." She snickered, something the two older carriers bristled at as they glared holes into the back of Yorktown's Head. But the woman paid the two no mind as she kept her grin pointed at the Admiral.

Anya only laughed as she looked to the second of the small group and the final of the four carriers. "Mmmm, let me guess. Another Hornet?"

"Oh man, our Admiral's pretty smart." The girl before her, pale red eyes watching her closely, said in glee. "CV-12. USS Hornet, fourth of the Essex Class. Only say the word Admiral, and I'll be there." She said with the same toothy grin as her older sister.

Taking another glance at the Carrier's pale red eyes, it stood out well against her jet black locks. Jet black with various streaks of Gray throughout. Looking to be eighteen as well, she and Yorktown both looked naturally older than Lexington. And considering that she was their little sister, it made sense to Anya. But one thing that the Admiral did note was that the two seemed to be more pale than Lexington was.

"Hmm, interesting." Anya finally said. "Lexington will be happy to have some of her sisters here as well." She said, causing Yorktown to squeal in delight.

"Oh, little Lexi's here? We'll have to play... catch up." Yorktown Answered, her grin flashing a predatory demeanor, her eyes meeting Hornet's. The two shared a knowing glance before laughing, the kind of laughter that made one wonder if what they were hearing was truly sane.

"But, I admit, having the carriers of the same names show up on The same day will be confusing for some." Anya admitted. Hornet, the Essex hornet, waved a dismissive hand.

"Don't you worry Admiral, already got a fix." She said as she placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "This is Yorktown, I'm Hornet." She said before gesturing to the other two. "That's Yorkey And That's Horne...." she said before breaking down into giggles. "No, wait, that's me too!" She said, pale red eyes flashing wide with amusement.

Yorktown, the name of the same class, scoffed in disgust. "Admiral, I think I know who you should trade in." She said, jerking her thumb at the two. The Essex girls only gave shrieking laughter in return, prompting those of the Yorktown Class to shake their heads.

"Can't believe we share the same name." Hornet said as she eyed her younger cousin.

"Well, ya know, when you don't sink...." Hornet returned, glancing at her older cousins with mirth.

"Okay." Anya breathed, stepping in between the four before things could get out of hand. "Silence. For the next five minutes. That's an order." She said, glancing between the four of them. Those of Yorktown only nodded in acceptance as those of Essex looked at Anya like she'd crushed their fun.

When she was sure that the chaos was handled for the moment, Anya turned her attention on the last of the five, finding the woman still watching her with what seemed to be agitation.

"Battleship?" The Admiral asked, prompting a nod from the mystery woman.

"Battleship Thirty Eight. Name ship of, I am the USS Pennsylvania." She Answered as she crossed her arms. Anya nodded, internally thanking whatever was controlling the Gateway, for giving her sisters of those who wished it more than anything.

Like Arizona, Pennsylvania had her light brown eyes. But where Arizona's strawberry blonde hair was so prominent, Pennsylvania's was not. Hers was a pale blonde instead. And now that Anya had a name to go with the face, she knew without a doubt that this was Arizona's sister. But where older sisters were concerned, Anya knew they tended to be over protective.

"Well, I can say without a doubt that your sisters will be more than ecstatic to have you all joining the fleet. They'll be more than ready to fight alongside you. But where they will, as will others." She said. The Essex girls only watched the woman in curiosity as those of the Yorktown Class and Pennsylvania narrowed their eyes dangerously at the woman.

"And what, pray-tell, is that supposed to mean, Admiral?" Hornet asked, the carrier practically bristling.

"You will find on this Base, there are four nations represented by the Ship Girls that call this place home. Those of the US. One of Germany and one of France. And then, there are those of Japan. Mostly, those of the former Imperial Japanese Navy." She said, looking at the five. And at that, Anya decided, she'd made a mistake.

The five bristled, their eyes growing wide, as some clenched their fists in Anger.

The most disturbing of the five, Anya had to choose, was that of Essex Hornet. She seemed to gain an otherworldly air about her, as if those that couldn't be seen were gathering about the girl, pale red eyes promising something reminiscing that of retribution.

"Why the fuck... are those Murderers here." Yorktown growled out, scarlet eyes narrowing dangerously at the woman. Anya didn't relent, only staring back at the woman with a indifferent gaze.

"Because we're in Japan, Yorktown. Listen, the War, your sinking? Decades in the past. The war came and went. We won. They paid in blood." Anya said.

"Not nearly enough." Pennsylvania ground out between clenched teeth. Anya looked to the battleship with a cold hard glare.

"Enough is never enough to those who don't feel it. But we won. The war ended. The girls on this Base of the same names of those you fought so long ago? They're putting the past behind them. Girls that were on both sides of the war are burying the hatchet. And I don't need you five starting shitstorms because of old grudges." She said.

"Old Grudges!?" Pennsylvania yelled. "I WATCHED AS THEY KILLED MY SISTER!" She bellowed, nearly stomping up to the Admiral. But Anya was no stranger to this hate. She stood firm to the spot as she watched the battleship, green eyes narrowing. "I watched as they sent her to the bottom! I could hear her screams! They greeted us with fire and hell! Why shouldn't I do the same this time around?! Give me one reason!" Pennsylvania demanded.

"Because the one Arizona loves is of the same nation that waged war against us so long ago. The same goes for Enterprise. And thought Lexington is not seeing someone, she has made fast friends with those of the Japanese." She said, her voice the picture of calm. Pennsylvania's anger wilted away, if only some of it, as she looked at the woman not with anger, but anger and confusion.

"What...?" The battleship finally asked.

"The third of the Kongou Class Battleships, Haruna." Anya explained. "They slowly developed feelings over the time they've known one another. Eventually, those feelings blossomed into something more. Emotions, anger and vengeance I'm sure you all are feeling right now. But, if you let them fade, you will find emotions so much more rewarding." She said as she turned to look at Yorktown and Hornet.

"Enterprise has made a meaningful relationship with the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Akagi. You call them murderers, but it was Enterprise who sealed Akagi's fate all those years ago, yet Akagi loves her without holding back. She doesn't let the past, Wars and bloodshed, get in the way of loving the person she cares about." She said before turning to look at the Essex sisters.

"Like I said, Lexington isn't dating anyone. But she's made good friends with those she knew as enemies so many decades ago. They're close to her and are more than willing to defend them if need be. I just don't think she was expecting to have to defend them from her own sisters." She said before she sighed. "Look, it's not just that, but Akagi. Haruna. They're looking forward to meeting you guys. You guys are important to your sisters, and so, you're important to the Japanese as well." She Answered.

Hornet went to say something, still bristling, but Anya cut her off.

"Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to walk out of here and I'm going to stand in the snow, and I'm going to wait. Ten minutes. If you come out and join me, I'll know that you're willing to give this a chance. If not for yourselves, then for your sisters. If you don't come out, I'll assume you've gone back through the Gateway and that'll be the end of this. And I won't speak a single piece of this to your sisters. But who knows if you'll get the chance to come back before the spots are filled. A big chance to take just because of past grudges." She Said. And without another word, she turned, and exited the summoning Chambers.

Stepping out into the snow, she let the door close behind her, listening as it clicked into place as she looked about.

The sun still hadn't risen and the wind was playing with what snow it could get ahold of, swirling it around and sending it in every which direction. Pacing back and forth, she pulled her coat close to her body as she waited.

It was nine and a half minutes later when the door to the summoning Chamber opened from within. Anya turned to look and found Pennsylvania, and the four carriers just walking out into the snow. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Pennsylvania sighed.

"I don't approve. And I don't want to accept. But if Arizona has chosen to love... one of them... then I will respect her decision." She said, shivering somewhat. Looking to the other four in question manner, they simply nodded. Smiling in return, Anya gestured for them to follow her.

"Alright then. Then let's go get you ladies some breakfast and we'll explain the real reason you were called back." She said, leading the way. Pennsylvania followed after immediately. The four carriers traded a brief glance for a moment before following along, the snappy chill in the air getting them moving.

"Admiral! Do we at least get your name?" Yorktown of the Essex asked. Anya blinked before looking back at them.

"That's my bad. I was too focused on the fact that your sisters were finally gonna get their wish. I'm Anya S. Johnson, Vice Admiral of the United States Navy." She introduced herself. "That totally slipped my mind. I apologize."

"So where are we? What's the date for today?" Pennsylvania asked, glancing around.

"Naval Base of Yokosuka, Japan." She said. "Today's date is December Twenty Fifth, Twenty twenty two." She told them.

"We crossed over on Christmas!?" Hornet shouted in surprise. She gave a wild laugh at the idea that they would cross over on today of all days.

"Yeah." Anya laughed. "It's certainly the lucky catch, but I'm not about to look down on the luck. It'll make a good Christmas gift for those three. After all, they were three of the first seven to answer the call." Anya told them as they reached the Mess Hall. Pulling the door open for them, she beckoned them inside. "In with you all. Get you out of the snow for a while." She said.

The five gladly took the offer, quickly stepped inside.

As they looked around, Anya stepped in after them as she gestured to the room in front of them.

"This is the Mess Hall, where you will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the fleet." She Answered as she gestured for them to follow her to the kitchen.

"So? How strong is the fleet then?" Yorktown asked as the five followed the woman, still looking about. But the shivers from the outside had vanished, the five only knowing warmth once more.

"Now including the five of you, one hundred twelve. Sixty three of the Japanese. Forty seven Americans. And one German and French respectively." Anya replied.

"Composition?" Hornet asked.

"Twenty two battleships. Twenty nine carriers. Ten Heavy Cruisers. Thirteen light cruisers. Twenty three destroyers. 8 submarines. And six of other roles, such as repair and cargo ships." She told them as she opened the door to the kitchen, leading the way in.

Of course their arrival warranted the attention from the other five within.

"The Admiral yet lives." Sofia joked as she, along with Ishigara stood at the sight of the Summoning outfits. Approaching Anya, the two stopped as Anya stopped in front of them.

"Girls, this is my second in command. Captain Sofia Algerona." She said, allowing the woman to offer a nod in greeting, something that was readily returned.

When that was done, she turned their attention to Ishigara. "This man is Admiral Takeo Ishigara of the JMSDF. He's in charge of the Japanese Ship Girls on Base." She introduced him. But Ishigara was no fool. He knew when tensions were high. He simply offered a small nod in greeting, something that was less than easily returned.

"Wait wait wait wait.... JMS... what? I thought it was the Empire?" Hornet asked. Ishigara nodded.

"After the War, The Empire fell out of power. Your country helped us rebuild, and in the process, we took more than just supplies. We reformed our government. The JMSDF stands for the Japanese Martime Self Defense Force. We no longer are involved with external conflicts. We defend our homeland and that's the extent our military forces may travel." He explained.

"If only it had been that way before the war..." Hornet of the Yorktown's grumbled. Ishigara only offered a small nod in turn.

"If only." He repeated.

"Okay, Anya. Quit keeping us in the dark. Who are these Ladies." Sofia said, nudging the woman in the side.

"Alright. We have Battleship Thirty Eight, USS Pennsylvania and Carriers Five, Eight, Ten, And Twelve. Yorktown, Hornet, Yorktown, And Hornet."

"These five. On Christmas of all days?" Sofia asked in disbelief.

"That's what we're saying!" Hornet told her.

"Anyways, we need to whip something up to tide them over until breakfast. Liz, you know any good recipes?" Anya called over to the woman. Liz only offered a shake of the head, instead pouring five cups of hot chocolate. At that, Anya glanced over to Nancy and Daisy in a hopeful manner.

Nancy laughed at the insinuation as Daisy grumbled. Luckily, the presents had been finished wrapping and were stacked on the far side of the kitchen. And as such, the two were free to do as needed.

As Daisy and Nancy began to gather what they needed with Liz's guidance pointing out where each ingredient would be located, Anya sat down at one of the counters, Sofia taking a seat next to her as the five new summons sat opposite them.

Taking her phone out, it took only a few moments to find the picture she needed, one of a city reduced to rubble, smoke clouding the sky. Fires were easy to see spread throughout as the picture was clearly from the air. Flipping the phone around, she let the five have a look.

She stayed quiet as she let them get a look, each studying the picture for a moment. As this was going on, Liz presented each of the girls with a prepared mug of hot chocolate. They quietly thanked her for a moment before the Essex Yorktown finally voiced her confusion.

"So...? What are we looking at?" The carrier asked as she sipped at her new drink, humming in delight at the taste.

"New York." Anya responded simply. Yorktown about spat out what she'd managed to drink as the other four gave immediate pause, Pennsylvania looking at the woman like she'd gone mad.

"What...?" She asked, her tone still firm. But her eyes were searching for any sign that the woman was lying. When Anya gave none however, her eyes went back to studying the photograph.

"Twenty eighteen. That's the year when a deep sea race of life known as the Abyssals made themselves known. And they made themselves known by flattening New York and San Francisco to the ground in just hours. Battleships. Carriers. Destroyers. Cruisers. Put millions of American civilians up to the slaughter and did just that. We lost almost seven million people in a week." She said, her tone void of emotion. She only watched each of the five adjust to the news.

"Did... we try to defend them..?" Hornet asked, her blonde locks wavering slightly.

"When we showed up, the damage was already done. Rescue teams were trying to pull who they could from the rubble. We didn't catch a hair of those responsible. Not when they can dive at any time of their choosing." She told them, swiping in her phone. This picture now showed them the form of a distanced view of a Re-Class. Pennsylvania grimaced at the very sight of it as the other four stayed quiet.

They were brought from their silence a few moments later as the counter before them was laid with food. Pancakes. Biscuits and Gravy. Waffles. Sausage. Bacon. All put before them on multiple plates.

Nancy Came by, setting a plate and pair of utensils for each of them, sitting it in front of the five for them to use.

"Ladies, my older sister Daisy. And my mother Nancy. Now, go ahead and get something in your stomachs and we'll bide our time until the fleet shows up for Christmas morning." She said, immediately sending the five into scrounging mode as the five made way to stack their plates faster than than the other four could.
————————————————————

Eventually, the time of eight in the morning rolled around on base. Alarms going off in every room of those who occupied, it woke them from their sleep.

The fleet rose in parts here, others there. But they knew what day it was. Slowly but surely, they didn't change out of their pajamas. Sweat pants and tank tops, they put coats on over them as they slowly made way for the Mess Hall as one collective unit, sacks of gifts hung over some's shoulders like a bounty to be collected.

They'd been told they'd be having Christmas together at the Mess Hall, celebrating as one large group.

Not many put up resistance to the idea. It was rare when they all got together as one entire sort.

It was Enterprise and Akagi who got to the Mess Hall doors first, both having small bags of gifts prepared for some members of the fleet.

When they opened the door however, what they had been expecting was just to find the Mess Hall like it was any other day. The tables set about and the like.

What they found was not that. Not that at all.

What they found were the tables squared away, put up for the time being. In it's place, they found a rather large Christmas tree, decorated from top to bottom, nestled against the far wall. And surrounding it were presents nearly stacked a solid two feet up in multiple rows. Not only that, but the entire Mess Hall had been decked out in the Christmas season. They blinked, not really sure what they'd walked into.

Just behind them entered Arizona, Haruna, Lexington, And Ryuujou, all armed with bags of their own. And they had nearly the same reaction as the two carriers before them.

"I'm gonna judge by those faces that we did good." Anya said, approaching the six. The Admiral was now decked out in sweatpants and a sweater.

The sweatpants had the pattern of various battleship silhouettes repeating. The sweater read 'I'm a battleship kind of gal'. Completing the ensemble was a Santa hat, decorated in the colors of the US Navy.

"Admiral? What? How?" Enterprise asked. But Anya waved a hand.

"Can't answer that. Not right now. Look, the six of you showing up first works really well. Put your bags down on some chairs and follow me." She said, gesturing to the half circle of foldable chairs that sat around the Christmas tree in a wide area. Blinking at one another, they did just that, claiming six of the plenty of chairs and followed after the Admiral in confusion, all decked out in pajamas.

"Admiral, What is this-" Arizona attempted to ask, but was silenced as Anya pushed the door to the kitchen open, leading the way inside.

The six had no choice but to follow her inside, trading glances with one another in confusion and mystery.

Entering the kitchen, Anya lead them immediately to the left, having them stand along the wall. She then stepped to the side as she pointed to the other side of the kitchen, their gazes following the direction.

And there, they found five women adorning the summoning outfit so prominent of those of the US Ship Girls. Not having noticed them yet, the five seemed to be talking with one another.

The newly brought in six traded confused glances with one another, Lexington shrugging at Enterprise, Arizona doing the same as she met eyes with Akagi. Anya only offered a small smile as she looked to the five at the end of the Kitchen.

"Hey!" She shouted. This served to cause two of the new summons to jump at the sudden sound, the five immediately looking in the direction of the sound.

And they froze as their eyes settled on the six.

Time seemed crawl by hours. The six still looked on confused. All until Haruna's eyes shot wide in sudden surprise. At that moment, the Japanese battleship realized first. She realized at least who one of the new summons before them were.

She'd spent a majority of her time with Arizona. Within her embrace or just walking together, she knew without a doubt.

"Pennsylvania...." she breathed. And Arizona's eyes went wide.

Taking a single step, Arizona watched as the tallest of the five did so as well, stepping off to the side. Arizona took another, going off to the left, soon making way for the woman with the same brown eyes.

"Ari!" The woman finally cried, rushing for Arizona. The younger of the two only opened her arms as the two collided, Arizona wrapping her arms around the woman in a tight embrace.

"Pennsy..." Arizona breathed, holding the woman close to her for what seemed to be hours.

As this was going on, Enterprise and Lexington, now wide eyed, looked back to the other four.

Akagi, Haruna, And Ryuujou watched as the two carriers rushed the four, two splitting off for each. The two Enterprise rushed caught her simply, the three entangled In a silent hug.

The two that had caught Lexington however didn't brace themselves properly, the three ending up on the floor in one pile of Essex Class carriers.

Anya kept the three Japanese ship girls still for a while, giving the sisters adequate time to reunite, the four only watching. Well, watching Arizona and Enterprise reunite. Lexington still hadn't gotten off the floor.

Ten minutes had passed when Arizona and Pennsylvania finally parted, their hands still on the other, Pennsy's hands on her younger sister's waist. Light brown eyes looked past Arizona, focusing on the tallest of the three standing there, watching the two of them. After a moment, she looked to her sister, brown eyes meeting brown in a silent conversation.

When all Arizona offered was a small nod, she turned away from her older sister as she nodded to the tallest of the three. At this, Anya allowed her to go, the gray haired woman making way for the two battleships. Arizona let go of Pennsy, allowing Haruna to step up to the woman.

The two's eyes met, and Pennsy's hatred, her anger flared within her. The memory of her sister burning in that early morning haunted her mind. She wanted nothing more than to turn away, not spare a word in the direction of the woman before her. But a glance at Arizona wilted what burned away within the older battleship. Clenching a fist, she released it a moment later as she brought a hand up, laying it gently on Haruna's shoulder.

"Thank you...." the words came slow and quiet, but they came. "For being here for her...." she said.

Haruna, as if sensing the emotions that Pennsylvania kept quiet, only offered a nod of the head and a pleasant smile in response.

Pennsylvania only nodded as she watched her sister wrap her arms around Haruna's waist, standing behind her as she gave her older sister a thankful smile.

It was fifteen minutes from when they entered the kitchen when Lexington and her presumable sister's finally hauled themselves off the ground. Sharing a laugh between them, one of the three met eyes with Ryuujou, and their laughter stopped. The other soon after. Lexington glanced at the carrier and split away from her sisters.

Offering a nod to Ryuujou, she gestured for the woman to come and join them. At that point, Anya let her go.

Slowly, her steps padding against the floor of the kitchen, she reached the three. Lexington placed a hand in support on the girl's shoulder as the carrier looked up to the two.

Pale pairs of red and blue eyes met hers for what seemed to be hours. But after a moment, the one with the green hair broke into a wide grin.

"I can't believe you're friends with little Lexi. She's so weird." The oldest of the three chided. The other soon had just as big of a grin.

"If you need help, blink twice." She shouted whispered. Ryuujou laughed, her nerves vanishing almost instantly, as Lexington began to wail on her older sisters, only serving to make their laughter louder.

It was twenty minutes past the point they came in when Enterprise's sisters finally met eyes with Akagi, scarlet and lightning watching her with a sense of unease. It was at that point though that Enterprise gestured for her to come join them, Anya allowing the carrier to go to her.

Akagi's steps were slow and sure as she slowly grew closer to the three. Enterprise greeted her with a smile as she stepped up to the three. But the other two watched her with an undying sense of malice.

A minute of silence passed between the three of them before Yorktown offered a resigned sigh.

"We don't like you. We know little of this current day, but we know that much." She spoke quickly, each word cutting Akagi deep within.

"And if we could have it our way, we'd make way for our own shores as soon as possible." The other spoke. "We'd leave Japan without a second thought."

The silence returned for a time, their words stinging deeply within the Japanese Carrier. She only glanced between the two for a moment, their gazes remaining that of steel. Until the first's gaze softened ever so slightly.

"But.... you hold more importance to our sister than we can begin to understand." Yorktown said, her tone softening as well. "More than we can try to understand. So, perhaps... there is a slim chance we can try to understand why she's come to care about you so much." She told her, her lips twitching into a slight approximation of a smile. Hornet only titled her head in a nod of acknowledgement.

Akagi gave the two a grand smile, her eyes shimmering with glee. Enterprise hugged the carrier from the side, pecking the woman on the cheek.

The two seemed to cringe somewhat at the display, but Akagi didn't care. She was far too happy.

A sharp whistle brought the eleven from their thoughts, their gazes Turning to Anya.

"Christmas awaits." She said, gesturing to the door. The eleven offered a collective nod as they began to make way for the Mess Hall once more.

Yorktown trailed at the end of the group of eleven, lost in her own thoughts as she watched the back of the Japanese Carrier in front of her.

She still couldn't fathom it. Why her? There were so many people in this world. So why her?

Yorktown was so lost in her thoughts, she wasn't paying attention when she walked right into someone, nearly stumbling the two of them. Nearly toppling to the ground, an arm around her waist was the only thing keeping the carrier's feet planted on the ground.

Looking up, scarlet eyes met those of cerulean, the carrier swearing to herself that she could get lost in the beauty of them.

"You alright, fraulein?" The voice asked. Yorktown blinked, a light shade of pink dusting her cheeks, as she gave an immediate nod.

"Yes. I'm fine. Thank you." She said with command as she went off to sit with her sisters, not noticing the blue eyes following her as she went.

The fleet was bristling as they talked with excited whispers and muffled shouts. Most had bags of presents to trade amongst those of the fleet, but their eyes kept wandering the presents stacked under the tree before them.

It was a collective of raised hands that silenced the fleet, these being Ishigara and Anya.

"Surprised?" Anya asked as she stood in front of the tree, looking around at various members of the fleet. She sipped at her hot chocolate in success when most of them nodded or voiced their agreement. "Good. We did our jobs well." She said.

"To those of you just joining us today, welcome." Ishigara said, nodding to the five new summons. Some of the already present fleet, both American and Japanese offered smiles and waves alike. "Given your sudden arrival, we unfortunately do not have anything to gift you today." He said. "If we had known you were coming, you would have received gifts as well."

"While it is unfortunate, let's now dwell. We'll let you go by ship type to give your gifts to one another and then we'll handle the presents by the tree. Non-combat vessels." She called.

This of course saw the likes of Mamiya, Irako, Yancey, Dionysus, Akashi, And Taigei Stand And begin to deliver their gifts to the members of the fleet. Between the six of them, most members of the fleet had at least one gift, if not two. The only ones better than they were the three Officers, they having received a gift from each girl. When they returned to their seats, Anya released the Subs next.

This went on by type, the girls giving gifts, leaving them at their seats. Pennsylvania noted that when the destroyers were let loose, there wasn't a single Japanese destroyer her sister did not receive a gift from.

Eventually, the fleet once again settled down, their bags being empty and gifts being given. Some of the bigger stacks of presents belonged to those of Enterprise, Arizona, Yamato, Langley, and Houshou.

"With that out of the way, Destroyers if you would." Anya called, prompting those of the ship type to stand. "If you would, will you guys pass out the presents under the tree?" She asked as she sipped at her coco.

The girls nodded, walking for the tree and starting to sort through the presents. But when Shigure and Yuudachi began to look for name tags, the wrapping paper not occurring to them, they looked at their Admirals in confusion.

"The wrapping paper, girls." Ishigara offered in advice.

The destroyers found themselves surprised, but made short work of it after that. Immediately, they began to come and go from the tree, arms filled with presents every trip.

And as the presents were given and gifted through the fleet, those watching inspected the wrapping paper with amazement. Whether it be that their gifts were wrapped specifically for them, or the person next to them had her own specially designed wrapping paper, no one was sure. But they did appreciate it.

When all five hundred and something gifts had been given to those needing them, Anya nodded as she took to the center of the floor.

"Before we let you ladies loose on the gifts you've gotten, there's two we want you to open together. First, you should all have what looks to be a card. About the shape of a debit card." Anya told them.

The fleet in turn began to sort through their gifts, and eventually, the present asked for was produced. Trading glances with one another, they awaited in confusion before Anya nodded. "You can open them." She said.

The two Admirals watched as the fleet slowly opened the cards, some staring at confusion, others recognizing what they were. But... why?

Anya waited until they'd gotten them all opened to speak.

"Some of you are probably wondering why. And the answer is, because we've figured you ladies should have some spending money of your own. Christmas gifts aren't really a surprise when you have to put the requests through your Admirals. And as such, each card comes loaded with twenty five hundred dollars or any amount equal to that." She said as the excited talk began to pick up among those of the fleet. Letting it go a moment, she continued. "All we ask is that you give us warning that the Base should be expecting packages of some sort. Don't have to tell us what it is." She said. "Just, nothing illegal please." She called as a final warning.

Letting the excitement settle down a moment, Anya watched in amusement as the girls talked with one another about the loaded cards before ordering their attention once more.

"The second gift you're going to open together should be about the size of a book. Find it." She said, sending the fleet into another search.

Eventually, they came across it, each member of the fleet that had gifts showing that they'd found it. Anya nodded. "Open it." She said simply.

Soon enough, the air was filled with the sound of wrapping paper being torn away. In some cases, to an unrecognizable degree such as Bristol and Yuudachi. Others tried to preserve at least a part of the custom wrapping paper, such as Chicago and Myokou.

The book they'd pulled out was different for each one of them. Bound in black leather, the cover simply said their name in gold bold lettering. Under that, there was a silhouette of their hull to go with it.

Watching as they studied it for a moment, Anya nodded at that.

"Read the first page." She said, sipping at her drink.

She watched as the fleet opened their books, each coming to read what laid for them on the first page. And Anya watched as their eyes widened in surprise, some of them covering their mouth with a hand.

"These books, as I'm sure you've figured it by now, are not just any other book. They're been custom made for each one of you. Inside, you'll find letters, notes, stories addressed to you and you alone by those that once called themselves apart of you crew. And in the instance that we couldn't contact the crew member, which was all too common, we went to the next of kin. Wives. Children. Grand children. If your crews had stories to tell and told their families, they're in that book. If they didn't, they were simply asked for letters from them to you." She said as she and Ishigara looked around the room. None of the girls had looked up from the books yet, all still too focused on what reading what lay before them.

Anya hadn't looked in any of the books. What a crew had to say to their ship was between them and them alone. She had no right to know what was said.

Ten minutes later, most of the fleet were closing their books, either sniffling or drying their eyes. Anya offered a small smile.

"That's all. Proceed to open the rest of your gifts at whatever pace you deem fitting." She said before she and Ishigara returned to their seats along with the other non-kanmusu personnel of the Base.

That's when wrapping paper started flying.
————————————————————

Christmas morning had come and gone, the Base more than satisfied with their haul of presents. And with the five new members of the fleet, spirits were even higher.

After Christmas morning and breakfast had been dealt with, the Fleet had gone their separate ways. Gifts being stored In their rooms, the black books handled oh so carefully, activity once again picked up.

Whether It be chilling within the Cafe, or wandering around Base and playing in the over abundance of snow, there was no end to what fun could be had.

But Fun wasn't the only thing to be had that Christmas Day.

"Where are we going?" She asked, watching as her sister tugged her along. Hiryuu, sister in question, only grinned back at her sister with a playful smile upon her lips but offered nothing in the way of information.

The groan that escaped her lips was to be expected of course. Souryuu knew that her sister could get up to some crazy stuff every once and a while, and every single thing she did ended a different way.

"Hiryuu!" She insisted. That's when the tugging stopped and Souryuu was pushed in front of the girl.

When the shoving subsided and Souryuu was able to look around, she whipped around too look at her sister in a demanding fashion. But found that the orange themed carrier was already walking back the way they'd come from.

"Hiryuu!?" Souryuu called.

"Don't screw this up!" Hiryuu called back with a laugh. Souryuu's brow furrowed in confusion as she looked around in a flurry, trying to figure out what she'd been brought out here for.

And that's when she saw her.

That's when her heart began to beat against her chest.

Sitting on the bench the two had shared a month before, when the roles had been reversed and she'd been called out here, was Missouri. Lounged back against the very bench they'd had their conversation on, the battleship seemed calm and serene. And when she finally looked over to Souryuu, she offered the carrier a kind smile, the woman's heart fluttered instantly.

Offering what amounted to a dopey smile in return at the sight, Souryuu suddenly shook herself from her stupor as Missouri laughed, her chest shaking with the motion.

To Souryuu, it was the best sound in the world.

Eventually steeling her nerves, the carrier approached the battleship slowly but surely, Missouri watching her the entire way. The smile the battleship offered the carrier only quickened her step, the snow doing little to halt her pace.

Only moments later, Souryuu was standing before the woman on the bench. Missouri offered a kind a smile as she gestured to the seat next to her. It took a moment, but Souryuu's mind finally screamed at her to sit down, something she did whilst almost falling off the bench as she did so.

It was only an arm around the carrier's waist that prevented it, the woman suddenly going rigid at the contact.

"Are you alright?" Missouri asked, looking at the carrier. Her words however seemed to ignore the cold in the air, warming the carrier in a sensation she'd never known before.

"Yes.." Souryuu spoke after a moment. Missouri nodded at that, looking out over the water like they'd done together a month before, a cool silence settling over the two of them for a time.

Souryuu was pressed to the battleship at this point, but she didn't move. She didn't flex a muscle. Her nerves were colliding with what she wanted and it was serving to rack chaos with the woman's brain.

"You've been quiet easy with me since my arrival. You've not rushed me. You've allowed me to think about what you brought to me the last time we were alone." Missouri finally spoke, still looking out over the water.

Souryuu looked up at her for a moment of confusion before things came crashing back to her, recalling the entire conversation they'd held.

"I've thought long and hard about what you asked. How nervous you were when you brought it to me." The battleship said, glancing at the carrier.

"R-really?" She asked, unable to calm her nerves at the moment. Missouri gave a slow nod as she watched the carrier. "A-and...?"

"Your sister is really adept at climbing trees." Came the response.

Souryuu's mind Came crashing to a halt. What? What would Hiryuu have to do with this? Why would she mention her?

That's when Souryuu seemed to take notice of the tree that had always been next to the bench. And gradually, the carrier let her eyes travel upwards, up the tree and out along the branches of it.

And she found her eyes going wide.

There, tied among one of the many branches of the tree, directly above their heads, was a thistle of mistletoe.

Before Souryuu could even address her confusion, she found her lips pressed against those of another's. All inhibitions wiped from her mind, all doubts erased from her thoughts. The carrier found herself melting into the battleship's kiss.

The carrier never stood a chance.
————————————————————

Christmas Day had gradually wound down, the fleet finally seemed to be running on low in terms of energy. What once had been a very active day saw most either relaxing with old friends or new interests.

Some in the out and open.

And some in secluded corners of the Base where few dared to travel.

The waning hours of Christmas Day also saw that of one Admiral Anya S Johnson standing along the water front, where she'd found so many of her girls on days prior. She thought that it would help her clear her mind of recent days, help her organize her thoughts.

It didn't.

She'd found herself just as lost as she was before.

Sipping at her drink, what was perhaps her tenth thermos of Hot chocolate of the day, she found herself lost in thought. Something that had been happening more and more over the past few days.

As the wind bit at her face, throwing snow at her feet, she took another swig of the drink before her.

"Thought I might find you out here." She heard her mother call from behind her as the sound of snow crunching beneath boots filtered the air.

"How'd you know?" Anya asked as her mother Came to a stance next to her. Nancy gave a short laugh at that as she glanced at her daughter.

"Just replace the bay of Tokyo with the Shores of Maine and there's no difference. You've always had a liking for the oceans, honey. It's why you were so drawn to the Navy. You've also always thought things through when near them." She said.

Anya offered a huff in response. "A lot of good that's doing me right now." She replied.

"Trouble with the girls?" Nancy asked as she stuck her hands in her pocket. Anya looked to her mother a moment, sighing after she did so.

"One." Came the response. "She's hurting because I'm hurting. And... I don't know how to help her." She admitted. Nancy offered only a soft smile in response as she glanced up at the cloudy sky over the bay.

"You've always had something of a bleeding heart, honey. You've always tried to help those around you, despite the danger you put yourself in. I'm guessing that's what got you in the cast in the first place. Or, the specifics at least." She said. Anya sighed irritably as she glanced to her mother.

"You're far too good at this." She grumbled. Nancy laughed at that, her voice carrying across the waves of the water before them.

"That's what being a mother entails, honey." Nancy chided. "It wasn't easy at first, but I've got each one of my children down to a T. But you were always the one I had to watch." She said. Anya stayed quiet a moment.

"What can I say to her? To help her?" Anya asked. Nancy shrugged.

"You're her Admiral, not me." Nancy told her. "But, I will say. Words don't solve all your problems. Sometimes, actions can go a far longer way in the end than any amount of words ever will."

Anya grew quiet a moment, watching the bay in silence for a time. Her attention was only drawn away when she caught sight of her ring, still so quiet as it had been since the five of Christmas Day had come through.

But that was when it happened.

That was when Anya knew.