Saratoga pinched the bridge of her nose somewhat at what she'd just been told by one of her fellow American carriers. Being the second oldest American carrier on base certainly lead her to some garnered respect from the other carriers. Hell, the only carriers she wasn't older than were Langley and Kaga, and the latter was only older by months.

She was older than Houshou for crying out loud. The only reason she really didn't count it was because Houshou launched first, but Sara had been laid down before her. But even she couldn't hold that against the motherly Japanese Carrier.

Honestly, it was an unspoken rule that if you tried to hold something against either Langley or Houshou, you were a special kind of stupid. Not that any of them had tried to do so. But still, the point stood. You threatened the two, you got whatever bomber that their impromptu children felt like wafting your way.

"Hornet, I swear to John Paul Jones himself, if you try to tell me one more time that I have a secret ability to irradiate my bombers, I'm going to skin you alive and shove a torpedo where the sun don't shine." The Carrier growled.

Of course, being the third oldest carrier on base also meant that she caught so much flack from her younger peers. Even some of the Japanese carriers were catching on!

"Well, you know, where the sun doesn't shine, irradiated fighters will!" Hornet, CV-12, Answered with a cheeky grin. The sound that promptly sounded Saratoga's mouth was clearly not healthy nor human as the carrier's head rolled back somewhat, leaving her the image of an exasperated older sister, tired of dealing with her younger's shenanigans.

"Do you think that all of her torpedos are atomically armed?" Yorktown, CV-10, hummed in thought as she glanced at her sister, the two carriers wearing identical shit eating grins. Hornet made a sound of realization at that.

"I didn't even think about that!" Hornet cried in sudden surprise, her gaze wheeling around to look at her older sister.

Saratoga swore to whatever deity heard her first, that if the entire Essex class was going to be this flat out infuriating, heads would roll. On that, she made a solemn vow as she listened to the sound of Hornet's mad cackling fill the air. Hell, she even out weighed her younger peers. If need be, she could probably knock a few heads together.

But not with Midway and her sisters in such close proximity. And by that, Saratoga knew that the three were seated the table directly behind hers. Given that Midway, her sister's, and Kitty Hawk were all bigger than her, she knew that violence would not ensue this day. No matter how much she wanted to strangle Hornet's neck.

Hand meeting face in a collision of flesh and steel, it only prompted another wave of near psychotic cackling to fill the air, much to Sara's chagrin. And it only served to prompt some laughter from the Yorktown sisters at the table, the three watching as the Essex sisters practically annoyed the ever living hell out of Saratoga.

"Sara, you know they're only yanking your chain, so to speak?" Enterprise asked as she glanced at the older carrier. Saratoga rolled her eyes at that.

"Big whoop." Sara said icily, glaring at the two Essex sisters. "Let me ask you E. How would you feel if someone started making fun of you because you were scrapped? Because constantly reminding me that I went down because of a weapons test is starting to burn real hot on the nerves." She said, her tone dropping a few octaves.

"Like an atomic-" Hornet began, but Saratoga had had enough. The carrier screamed in annoyance as she promptly stood from her seat, glaring daggers into the carrier's face, before stomping away from her table and towards the Mess Hall doors. Dinner was almost over anyways and she hand been on Sortie for a few days, so the demand for supplies from her fairies had already been requisitioned and filled.

She knew of course that people were staring, but the American carrier didn't care. She didn't care what people saw when they looked at her. She didn't care what people thought of her. She knew that some would see a carrier with a grudge to pick. She knew that some would see an old war veteran with an anger problem. But once again, Saratoga found that she could care less about what they thought. She'd never been given a reason since returning to care what others thought.

She'd never had a reason to care since she'd been out to the waters for testing. Since her country had decided that she was no longer needed and that she could be put to better use. That she could become an experiment.

After Nagato, she'd been the second to return from that... nightmare. Every time she closed her eyes, all she saw was light. The brightest that man had ever known. Her world never darkened. But Saratoga wished it would, if even for a short time. If even for a few seconds, she wished for a moment where she didn't know the blinding light that had evaporated the clouds and boiled the waters.

She wished for a time where she didn't know the light that had burned her world down around her.

So preoccupied with her thoughts was she, so enveloped in her own ideas, that she didn't notice that someone else was moving for the Mess Hall doors. She didn't notice that her speed was outmatching the one in front of her as the blank expression upon her face hid her emotions away behind a steel curtain. So out of it was she that she didn't take notice of the girl opening the door before her until it was too late and Saratoga collided with the figure, knocking her to the ground as Saratoga stumbled somewhat as well.

Being shaken from her thoughts, Saratoga immediately wheeled on the figure that had nearly tripped her. Finding the sprawled out form somewhat, the carrier stomped over to the figure. She didn't recognize her from the back, so Sara assumes that she was one of the recent summons, either the German or the batched mixed pool summoning from the day prior. "What's the big idea? Watch where you're going!" Sara berated her. Her anger had swelled now and there was no hope to quell the beast now. She went to reach for the downed figure, watching as the one on the ground began to get up, turning to look to her.

All of her problems died away in seconds. Her rage was quelled like pouring water onto the fire that had once been a blaze was now simply embers. As she focused on the figure before her, she found that the words she'd been so ready to use had died in her throat before they could come.

The carrier Saratoga stood in mute horror and motionless as the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen stood from where she'd been knocked down. But the cruiser wasn't angry, no. No, the poor cruiser looked more confused than anything. And when she finally looked to Saratoga, the Carrier swore she saw a brief moment of recognition flash over those Prussian features.

Saratoga knew she'd never met this girl like this. As a human. But that fact was being taken out back and buried as her mind screamed at her. Tore logic from her fingertips and gave her memories instead. She knew who this girl was, and she wanted to tell her off, she wanted to tell her to get out of her sight, that she wanted nothing more to do with that damned burning light. But when she opened her mouth.

"Are you Alright?" Sara asked, her tone going soft and caring despite her inner wishes. Prinz blinked a moment in surprise before nodding somewhat slowly.

"I'm sorry-"

"S' my fault...." Saratoga mumbled. When Prinz only looked at her in confusion, Sara sighed. "It was my fault. I was spaced out and wasn't watching where I was going and I was at flank and I didn't even notice you were there until-" she continued to try and say, but was cut off when a giggle fluttered through the air. Sara's eyes refocused in on Prinz, who'd had the good grace to cover her mouth with both hands while she giggled like a giddy school girl. When Saratoga furrowed her brow in both confusion and agitation, Prinz shook her head.

"Sorry... I didn't mean to offend, but you're quite more approachable than I remember... it's a nice change..." the heavy cruiser offered in response. "I much rather prefer this side of you rather than the imposing carrier I remember. You had quite the scowl back then..." she recalled. Sara watched the cruiser a moment. She knew that she should stop the cruiser from talking, stop this recollection of memories. But when she did, instead her mind offered her memories and the smallest of glimpses into the past. Of the cruiser before her, when they'd shared the waters not as enemies or friends, but instead simple tests. Hulls to be used.

Her mind wandered back to a time, images of the cruiser. Standing there, atop of her second turret, looking around somewhat cautiously. Saratoga had never been sure of what she'd been looking for at the time, and it's not like she'd ever gotten the chance to ask.

"Thanks... I think..." Sara eventually said. "Look, I've gotta be honest... I don't even know your name, but I've got more memories of you than I know what to do with..." the carrier admitted, scratching the back of her head. Her very mean demeanor wanted to shine through, wanted to tell the cruiser to be gone. But this time, it was Sara who'd pushed the idea down. The heavy cruiser before her only offered a small nod.

"Prinz Eugen. Prinz if you prefer." The cruiser introduced herself. Saratoga frowned somewhat at that, silently sounding the name off her tongue, trying to figure out how to pronounce it properly. When she found she had a harder time with it than she cared to admit, her eyes wandered back up to the cruiser's.

"How about Pringles?" Saratoga asked. "I mean, it's close enough, sounds the same, and no one hates Pringles. Of that, I'm completely sure." She offered. Prinz crinkled her nose at the word, tilting her head somewhat.

"Pringles...?" She asked. Saratoga nodded somewhat, shivering slightly. Though the day earlier on had been warm, the same now couldn't be said. And given that she wasn't outfitted for the cold, it was made ever so apparent.

"Pringles." Saratoga repeated. Prinz offered the woman a cocked eyebrow for a moment, drumming her fingers against her stomach a moment before nodding somewhat.

"Very well. Pringles is agreeable." Prinz offered. "But in turn, I must give you an equally suiting nickname. It is only fair after all. Is this agreeable?" The German Cruiser asked, looking to the carrier. Saratoga shrugged her shoulders a moment before nodding her head.

"Yeah, sure. Knock yourself out." The Carrier said. Prinz furrowed her brow at the saying a moment before humming, watching the carrier a moment. Before a sly grin parted the carrier's lips as her ever so blue eyes sparkled with mischief, prompting Sara to briefly rethink her actions.

"Sugar..." Prinz offered in simplicity. Saratoga blinked somewhat at the name, being caught off guard somewhat as she glanced at the cruiser. "A fitting name for you indeed, Saratoga." She said. "Anyways, I'm fixing to head back to my room. It was fortunate gift to run into you again like this." The cruiser Answered.

"A gift?" Saratoga asked. Prinz simply nodded at the question.

"A gift." Prinz said in confirmation, shooting the carrier a smile, one that Saratoga swore to herself was absolutely radiant. So much in fact that the carrier found a feeling of warmth spreading within her, a feeling that caught her very much off guard. "It was good seeing you again, Saratoga. I do hope this meeting was the first of many to come." Prinz offered with a wave before turning away and heading for the German HQ, leaving the American carrier somewhat both surprised and dumbfounded.

Subconsciously moving a hand to her chest, feeling the warmth still remain, Saratoga supposed she'd been wrong.

She supposed that being given to that ever so burning light hadn't been the lowest point of her past life. It couldn't have been.

What Sara did know however was that that light that had burned her world down around her was no longer the brightest thing that the carrier knew to exist. Not by a long shot.

She'd just never expected it to be a smile.

She just prayed that Yorktown never found out. She'd never hear the end of it lest she do so.

—/—\—

Anya groaned somewhat as she flopped onto her bed, Maryland closing the bedroom door behind her with a chuckle. Making sure it was latched, Maryland approached the admiral, sitting herself down next to the woman.

"I was gonna ask how your day was after we went separate ways, but that tells me a lot in the end. Was it really that bad?" The battleship asked as she flicked a stray hair of Anya's blonde's locks away. The admiral took a moment before pushing herself up and off of the bed a moment, stretching somewhat.

"I mean, it wasn't that bad persay. But it puts a lot of stuff into perspective and now I've gotta get in contact with an Australian captain tomorrow. See what they're planning to do in the whole scheme of things." She said. "And now I know we should probably expect the British and French within the same week. So... lots of preparations..." she sighed. Maryland only chuckled somewhat at that as she nodded.

"So what's your first move?" She asked. Anya nodded as she gestured for Maryland to get up and off of the bed. "You already have on in mind?" Maryland asked, unsure of what the woman had planned. Anya nodded at that.

"Okay. I don't know how I'm supposed to do this, but I really need those of you using me as your.... ship I guess in front of me, in formation." Anya said, making a point to look at her stomach. Maryland, for her credit, looked at the woman in understanding before bringing two fingers to her lips and giving a sharp whistle, prompting Anya to jump somewhat at the unexpected noise. Looking to the battleship, She furrowed a brow. "You could've at least warned me you were going to do something like that."

Maryland only offered an apologetic smile, before glancing at the bed. "I'll apologize all you want later. First... the crew." She said, he eyes widening somewhat. Anya arched a brow somewhat before she looked back over the bed, and felt her own gaze widen by fractions.

Now standing atop the neatly made bed were, for all intent's and purposes, Anya's crew. But she'd just expected one each from the American ship girls. She was sure she saw at least three from Arizona and maybe two from Enterprise. And that counted nothing of the fact that as she looked over them, she began to pick out fairies that belonged to Japanese ship girls. Yuudachi there. Houshou here. Shigure over-

Any blinked somewhat. Was that? It couldn't... it was. Standing towards the middle of the group was the trio of Zuikaku, Kaga, and Musashi, the fairies all staring up at Anya with little arms crossed as they watched her. Just like every other fairy present. Taking a moment to sigh, Anya shook her head. "Form up. Rows of ten. Submarine and destroyer fairies in front, going back based on tonnage. And if I could get my five marines standing off to the side, please?" She asked. Immediately, the fairies began to get into formation as they were asked, forming up as the five Marines that Mary had originally given her were off to the side. When they had done as she'd asked, she began to count them by ten.

And when she was done, she paled somewhat as Maryland chuckled at that.

"I wanted to be surprised. So? How many fairies?" Maryland asked, glancing at the woman she'd fallen so hard for. Anya blinked a moment before looking to the battleship.

"Almost one hundred eighty." She Answered, the two glancing over the bed covered in the small beings, all watching the two women tentatively. Maryland only chuckled somewhat as she looked over the group.

"What? So one from each girl that had fairies to give and then some girls gave multiple?" She asked, looking over the assembled group. "You know, as your girlfriend, I should feel rather jealous.... but given the fact that you've practically assembled a force that looks more belonging in a children's story book, I can't really find myself complaining." She Answered with a laugh. Anya nodded somewhat at that as she looked over the assembled army, that somehow still fit rather easily on the bed, as she pointed to one of Maryland's marines.

"I want roll call done at the start and end of each day. I want to know... who's living with me everyday and any changes to that roster." She said, the marine giving a nod as she produced a small clip board and pencil, scaled down her for her convenience as she made way to the first row of fairies, notably comprised mostly of the submarine fairies. While that was underway, Anya looked over the general consensus as a whole. "I want to know right now. I want to know which of your ships gave you to me because they're generally concerned about my well being and to lessen the harm that comes to me." She said, a hand on her hip.

A large majority of that raised a stubby arm at that, Anya doing a quick headcount. There were only ten to fifteen that hadn't raised their hands at that, and the mostly comprised ship girls that had sent one or more fairies.

"Alright. Raise your hand or keep it raised if your ship left you in my care because she's... curious about what I get up to in my private time and wants the insider information." She explained, keeping eyes on the assembled group of fairies. And as she did so, she watched as a few put their hands down, but a large majority of them had their hands still raised. At that, Anya sighed. "Okay, look. I'm more than happy to have you all with me. I'm glad that your ships seem to care so much for me. But my privacy? What I get up to? Who I do it with? That's my business and my business alone. None of you will be reporting it to you Ships. If I happen to kiss someone? My business. If I happen to have an argument with someone in private? My business. You understand me?" She asked, looking over the lot of them. But when none of them really seemed to acknowledge her words, she offered a deep sigh somewhat in return as she looked to Maryland with a pleading gaze.

The battleship's only response however was to simply shrug at the woman, looking at her with an apologetic gaze. "They're yours. Me trying to tell them what to do is bound to fail." She said, crossing her arms somewhat as she took another look over the mass of fairies. Anya sighed at that, scratching the back of her head.

"So what I'm hearing is that I would need fairies that would be able to command them appropriately. Otherwise, we're ousted as soon as one of them makes it back to their ship." She said, only sighing when Maryland offered a nod in agreement. Sighing deeply, Anya put one her hands on her shoulders as she thought for a moment, only to find herself blinking in confusion.

She couldn't be sure. After all, she couldn't actually see it. But she felt something now atop her hand. Slowly bringing her hand back out in front of her somewhat, completely unsure of what she was feeling, she soon focused on what she carried within her open hand.

And she found her mind desperately trying to reboot as she focused on what was in front of her.

Looking up at her, no bigger than Mary's marines or any of the fairies on the bed before her, was yet another fairy. But this one wasn't dressed like Maryland. Or Musashi. Or Mutsu. Or Myokou. It wasn't dressed like any of the girls that Anya knew.

But she didn't have to think about it, considering the fairy was adorning the three stars of a vice admiral of the United States Navy. Blonde hair tucked away under her cap, Anya knew without a doubt of just who this fairy was.

Taking a moment to register the sight, Anya eventually came to the conclusion that the fairy before her was one of her own. Somehow.

"What the fuck." Anya and Maryland uttered in unison as they watched the small figure in the open palm of Anya's hand. Fairy in question only offered a quick, stubby armed, salute in response to her bigger, full sized self. Admiral in question only stared at the figure a moment, her brain screaming for an explanation as her body remained frozen in place.

After a moment, she eventually came back to reality as she let her hand down to the bed, allowing the miniature version of herself to stand in front of the fairies assembled, where she immediately launched into a triage of 'Heys' as she waved her arms at the mass of fairies. But unlike the actual Anya, they seemed to take in every word her fairy counterpart was saying, some even taking out notepads as they furiously scribbled down what was being said. Anya only watched in muted surprise a moment before glancing to Maryland, eyes wide. The battleship in question only shrugged somewhat.

"Do you have more of them?" Maryland asked. Anya shrugged at that as she glanced down at the one.

"I didn't even know I could have one of them to begin with." She answered truthfully as she looked to Maryland. "What is going on?" She asked. Maryland shrugged at that, watching what she was now considering to be the most adorable thing she'd ever seen, before looking back to Anya.

"Either way. You probably need to get in touch with yours as a whole. We can focus on the Why later, right now you need to figure out how many you have." She said. "Don't know if it's the same for you, but simply think out an order. For example, order them to appear. Think out the thought in your mind." She said.

"Is that how you get your fairies to summon?" Anya asked. Maryland shook her head.

"Not really. When I need one in particular, they're just there." She explained. "I guess it's different given that I'm an actual ship girl.  I'm just guessing at this point, but I mean if this allows you to summon yours." She said.

"I'm not supposed to have them though." Anya said, as if challenging the point.

"Well, you do. So no sense on dwelling on that point. Now, give it a try." She Answered. Anya only watched the battleship a moment before nodding somewhat at that, putting together some hashed together order in her mind, attempting to draw, if any, others of her fairies out.

And a moment later, she was presented with her reward, in the form of nine more of them, identical to the first. Standing in a line, they watched their tenth number addressing the other fairies for a moment before looking up to look at Anya.

"Okay..." Anya trailed off, blinking somewhat. An action that was copied as the nine blinked back up at her somewhat, as if they were expecting something from her. It took a moment to shake herself from her stupor, but Anya assumed that these ten were the extent of it. But that told her little next to nothing about how or why she could suddenly manifest fairies of her own.

Scratching her head for a moment, she suddenly found herself inspecting her ring for a moment, looking it over for a few terse seconds before glancing at Maryland. The battleship in turn only crossed her arms, looking over her own ring.

"You don't think that because you gave me a ring that it's why you can suddenly manifest fairies?" Maryland said. "That's not exactly the most concrete theory." She said. Anya shrugged.

"It's the only thing I can think of though." She said. "Ishigara's been working with ship girls for two-three years longer than I have and all of the sudden? I can manifest fairies? And not him?" She asked.

"Well... given that only so far, it's been ship girls that have been able to manifest our fairy crews. Given that Ishigara is a man, that idea kind of falls apart before you really get a chance to explore it further." She said, a hand on her hip. "Though... it is curious..." She hummed in thought.

"What?" Anya asked.

"It just occurred to me, but uh... the Gateway was still normal, or at least, like it was when Pennsy and the carriers Came through. And then, when you give me the ring... all of the sudden, we suddenly have a limit increase. Something that the Japanese had been trying for for years before you got here. I mean, of all things for the Gateway to mark you with, it just so happens to be a ring. A ring when the spirits of Warships are coming back as beauties." She said.

Anya held a hand to her mouth in thought, watching the nine fairies below her in absent minded way. After a moment, she looked back to Maryland.

"What if that's why it puts a limit in the first place? The Japanese were receiving a new girl each week in at the start when they started building up their fleet. Maybe it was because the Gateway wanted to make sure that the spirits it was giving to Japan were being treated right. That they weren't just being given to someone who would readily throw them into the line of fire without a plan."

"So what... me giving you my ring..?" Anya asked.

"In the Gateway's eyes, apparently that alone warranted a double in the amount of ship girls that could cross over." Maryland Answered. "A reward fitting the action I suppose." She said, noting the somewhat questioning look on Anya's face. "Hey, just because I Came from the Gateway doesn't mean I understand it anymore than you do." She said with a shrug, prompting Anya to merely sigh.

"This is all speculation in the end unless we can actually test it." She said.

"It's almost like you have three others with Gateway rings on base. Just ask one of them to offer one of the girls a ring." She said. Anya shook her head.

"We'll discuss this tomorrow at breakfast. For right now..." she said, turning her gaze back to the bed still covered in fairies.

It had taken some few minutes for the roll call to finish, but eventually every fairy besides the ten mimics of Anya had vanished, presumably back... aboard Anya. The woman offered herself only a sigh. Using ship terminology to refer to herself with was growing increasingly odd and she swore If Maryland commented on her aft even once, she was going to lose it.

She found the ten uniformed fairies looking up at her a moment.

"So... Admiral." Maryland began, drawing the woman's attention to her immediately. And immediately, based on the woman's hopeful expression, Anya knew immediately what the woman wanted, especially given the recent development.

"You want one of them, don't you?" Anya asked, her gaze meeting Maryland's. The battleship had the good graces to look at the woman a moment before nodding somewhat as she glanced down at the ten assembled fairies, who in turn met her gaze. Anya watched the battleship a moment before glancing down at the ten of them a moment, pointing at Maryland with a finger as she nodded her head. "Well? Any of you want to be stationed aboard a battleship?" She asked, watching the ten.

She got her answer when the third from the left rose her stubby arm first, waving it through the air. Anya only nodded somewhat as she put her hand to the bed, allowing the fairy to step aboard before she raised and moved it for Maryland, who had her own hand out in waiting. When the two met, the fairy hopped off of Anya's, only to trip midway doing so, face-planting into Mary's open hand. The battleship quickly stifled a laugh at the sight of a miniature version of the woman she loved face-planting. So when the fairy slowly stood herself up, she sent a stern glare to the battleship, with a tiny 'hey' thrown in. In a higher pitched version of Anya's voice of course.

"At least I know there's a small portion of you that wants to be on me." Maryland said, making sure the fairy was alright as she shot a grin to Anya, waggling her brows in a suggestive manner. American admiral in question only shrugged as she looked at the battleship with a somewhat amused expression.

"I don't know. I always figured I'd have a better time beneath you..." she said. She only shot the woman a grin when she finally took notice of the battleship's suddenly stupefied expression, let alone the rising blush in the woman's cheeks. Anya laughed at that as she picked up the other nine fairies, allowing them to crawl up her sleeve before vanishing, allowing the two of them to see about getting to bed.

Ten minutes found the two of them crawling into bed, Anya stifling a yawn somewhat as she closed her eyes a moment. All before she felt a familiar grasp wrap around her waist, pulling her to it's owner. Laughing somewhat at that, Anya opened her eyes a She looked up into the eyes of the battleship. "Oh? And what's got you in such a good mood minutes before bed?" Anya asked as she was pressed to the woman.

"I have one of your fairies. An Admiral's fairy." She said, watching as Anya nodded in understanding. "By all accounts, that makes me the residential flagship of the fleet." The battleship declared, shooting the woman a smile. Anya only nodded somewhat in thought at that before leaning up to the woman, pressing her lips to Mary's, the two laying under the light of the bedside lamp a moment.

"Don't let that go to your head." Anya said as they parted. "You do that, and one of these days, I might be inclined to let your hands wander off course..." She hummed as she pecked Maryland with another small kiss before turning and reaching an arm for the lamp, turning it off in one fell swoop. It was only moments later when the two met the embrace of sleep, Anya somewhat on top of Mary with the battleship's arm around her waist, sleeping taking them then and there.

—/—\—

Anya, Maryland, Sofia, And Ishigara watched as Nancy and Daisy packed their bags into the back of the car that had been sent to pick them up from Yokosuka, their impromptu vacation coming to a close. The sky was still dark in the early morning hours of Japan, and so their only real source of light was the external lights of the Japanese HQ building and the various street lights.

"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention. We now have a girl rooming with the Germans." Sofia said to Anya's side, prompting the girl and Maryland to look at the Captain.

"Did the North Carolina sisters decide to follow Tirptiz?" Maryland asked, somewhat jokingly. Sofia shook her head at that as the three watched Daisy put the last two of their bags into the back of the car.

"Na. Bismarck Sea came to me with Tirptiz in tow, requesting a room change. As of last night, Bismarck Sea's new roommates are the German battleship sisters of the same name." She said. "Her new roommates are Bismarck and Tirptiz." She explained. Anya arched a brow somewhat at that.

"Kit and Lo...?" She trailed off.

"Seem okay with the change. Saratoga was pretty clear on that front. I think with Taffy 3 forming up it's numbers, they somewhat figured that Bismarck Sea should make her own friends. And from what I hear, Bismarck's taken a liking to Bismarck."

"Which one?" Anya asked.

"Yes." Sofia Replied. Anya only chuckled somewhat at that as she nodded, turning her attention back to her sister and mother, who was just now closing the trunk of the car. In turn, they turned their attention to the four that had gotten up to see them off. As Daisy approached Anya, Nancy went for Ishigara, the two sharing a hug.

Anya found herself the victim of a hug from her older sister however, so she'd no time to focus on that at the moment as she slipped her arms around Daisy.

"You be careful? You hear me? The last thing I want to see is you on the news for something dangerous. I don't need you going out to try and fight the damned Abyssals yourself." Daisy said as they parted a few moments later, the eldest looking to the youngest. Anya only chuckled as she jutted a thumb back at Maryland.

"That's what she's for." Anya said with a slight chuckle, Maryland following along. "I'm more useful here on base, making sure they keep their sanity and humanity in check." She Answered. Daisy only rolled her eyes somewhat at that, a smile the entire time, as she stepped over to Sofia, offering her a hug as well. At that, Nancy and Ishigara had finished their parting as well as Nancy made her way for Anya, arms wide for a hug. Anya only chuckled somewhat at that as she took the bait, hugging her mother tightly.

"In not so many words, Daisy's right. Do be careful." Nancy said in a quiet tone when they pulled apart. Anya nodded at that, looking her mother in the eye.

"Of course." She said. "But that goes for the two of you as well. Remember, I've got all our ship girls over here on the Pacific. You run into trouble around the Atlantic...." she trailed off. Nancy only smiled at that, offering a nod as she glanced to Daisy.

"Don't you worry about us. We'll keep each other out of trouble." She said. Anya nodded at that.

"So I shouldn't be expecting any more surprise visits, right? Dad's not just gonna show up a week from now, right? I'm not gonna have Greg in my office with his wife and son a day from now? I'm not gonna find Cynthia prowling the outskirts of the Base?" She asked, narrowing an eye at the woman. Nancy only laughed at that as she shook her head.

"No dear. I'm quite sure the family visits are done for a while." She said, prompting Anya to give a nod at that somewhat as she did so.

"Well, that's good. At least I can rest knowing that I don't have to worry about someone else randomly showing up on base." She said with a slight chuckle. Nancy nodded at that somewhat as she stepped away from Anya, not to Sofia, but instead Maryland, a motion that seemed to confuse the battleship more than it should've. But she couldn't say anything as Nancy immediately wrapped her arms around the battleship's waist, pulling her into a tight gripped hug. It took a moment, but Maryland eventually hugged the woman back.

When they parted a few moments later, Nancy gestured for the battleship to lean down to her. Arching a brow a moment, Maryland eventually did as she was asked, coming face to face with the woman. And immediately, she was given an answer as Nancy neared one of the battleship's ears.

"You take good care of her, you hear? Don't think I didn't notice the rings, Maryland. I'm her mother after all, I know things that I don't think even she realizes. My grandfather trusted himself to your care all those years ago. And now, my daughter is once again doing the same in a time of war. I trust that you're up to the job?" She asked, relenting somewhat as she backed up, meeting Maryland's eyes. The battleship watched her a moment before standing to her full height as she nodded.

"I am." She Answered. Nancy patted the battleship's stomach at that as she smiled up at the woman.

"Thank you." She Answered as she moved away from Maryland and going for Sofia, to wish her a goodbye as well. As she did so, Anya looked up at Maryland in a questioning manner, who in turn only patted the woman on the head with a smile. Anya kept her gaze on the battleship a moment, narrowing her eyes for a little bit longer, until her gaze was drawn back to her mother and sister giving them one last wave before they entered the car waiting for them. When the doors closed, the car began to pull away, leaving the four of them in a peaceful silence of the early morning.

—/—\—

The rest of the morning leading up to breakfast had gone on by largely uneventful. Given that most of those awake hadn't yet come from their rooms, it looked to remain that way until breakfast rolled around later that morning.

As Anya settled down at their table, she hummed somewhat as Liz slid her a cup of coffee immediately, made to her liking. Anya offered the woman thank you and nod of the head in turn as Maryland settled down to her left, being presented with her own cup of coffee. Far differently made than Anya's own.

Most of the American battleships on Base seemed to hold just a basic black coffee as their favorite, a wide berth compared to Anya's own heavily creamed beverage. The American admiral however didn't doubt the abilities that their drink of choice had to awaken the person enveloping the drink. Once the black gold touched their lips, they were more than ready for the day. Of course, when they weren't spending all hours of the day napping.

Another difference was that where the Japanese battleships were concerned, they very rarely took a nap at all. Much unlike the American battleships, whose favorite hobby at the moment looked to be just that. Napping held a special place in the American gunslingers of Yokosuka.

A moment later, Sofia settled down next to Anya on her other side, accepting her own drink from Liz with a thank you thrown in. Sipping at it, Sofia turned her gaze to Anya and Maryland, watching them a moment before she spoke.

"So.. this gonna be the new normal? Where you go, Mary is sure to follow?" She asked in a joking gesture. Anya rolled her eyes at that as Maryland offered a short chuckle at her admiral's expense.

"Not dealing with that right now. I've to discuss something with Ishigara since he's the only person on base that's been here longer than us." She said, glancing at the Captain. Sofia only nodded somewhat as she sipped at her drink again.

"I don't suppose this has anything to do with the fact that the two of you said What the fuck, last night, would it? In perfect unison?" She asked, watching as a few of the girls entered the Mess. Anya nodded somewhat at that as she also turned her gaze to some of the girls entering the Mess Hall.

Among various American and Japanese were the three German battleships that now sailed under the same flag. Tirptiz was talking animatedly with Bismarck, the older of the two returning the same. And trailing behind them was Scharnhorst, looking not exactly fond of her current situation. But when she glanced over to them, spying Maryland of all people, her expression brightened somewhat as she offered a small wave to the battleship. Maryland returned the gesture, offering a smile as well, something that brought one upon Scharnhorst's lips as she followed her fellow German battleships to a table.

At that, Anya directed her gaze to the battleship, arching a brow at the display she'd just witnessed. "You And Scharnhorst... getting close?" Anya asked. Maryland opened her mouth to say something when something about the woman's tone registered to her. She immediately shook her head that.

"It's not like that, that I'm sure of. She just seemed to be a little lonely yesterday so I took the chance to make her feel welcome. Acting friendly and all that." Maryland said. Anya only nodded somewhat as she looked to the battleship somewhat.

"Well, that's fine. Just be careful though. First impressions are a hell of a drug." She said in brief warning, watching the woman somewhat. Maryland only nodded at that, sipping at her coffee as they waited for the other two officers of the base to arrive.

Their arrival was foretold however when something collided with Maryland's back. Well, not so much something more as someone. And given that the speed and velocity didn't even budge the battleship, Maryland had a pretty good idea of just who it was by the time she was turning around to face them.

"Emma." Maryland laughed, much to the enjoyment of the normally shy six year old. The battleship immediately scooped the child into her arms, starting to tickle her, prompting squealing laughter from the young girl. But given that she was a child, the predicament she found herself in only ended when Maryland decided it was over. And as Saradia passed by the two, a small smile pressed her lips as she took her spot, leaving a spot in between herself and Maryland for Emma when she finally got free.

A few moments after, Ishigara finally entered the Mess Hall, taking the drink that Liz offered him on his way in, offering her a smile as he took a seat next to the German Admiral.

"Nancy and Daisy made it out of here Alright?" Saradia asked as she looked at those seated around the table. The four of them nodded at the question, Anya sipping at her coffee as she did so.

"They did. Should be somewhere over the Pacific by now. So? How did your first day commanding ship girls end up going?" She asked. "We noticed that you were absent from dinner last night." She said. Saradia nodded at that as she looked to Emma.

"She wasn't feeling that well, So Liz brought us something to eat in house." She said as she looked to the woman. "Thank you for that by the way. It helped a lot." She said. Liz nodded somewhat.

"It's no problem at all. I can see that Emma is feeling better." She said, watching as Maryland had relented somewhat on the tickling, letting Emma catch her breath. Saradia nodded at that as rubbed her eyes a moment before focusing once more.

"Yes. She's been nearly boundless on energy all morning and I find myself hard keeping up." She said with a slight laugh. "That, And she's been adamant that I read to her at night. English. All of it." She said. "If this war doesn't run me ragged, she will."

Anya smiled at that as Emma settled down on Mary's lap somewhat before she looked to Ishigara, drink between her hands. "So Ishigara. I've a question for you concerning some experiences you may or may not have had while working with the Japanese ship girls." She said. "Maryland and myself... encountered what I'm calling phenomena last night and we wanted some more feed back on it. And I think you might be the man with the answers." She said. "And might be able to keep my sanity in one piece today." She said, electing to ignore the laugh that sounded from Maryland.

Ishigara rose a brow in questioning manner at that but nodded anyways. "Odd wording there, but alright. Ask away." He said in reply.

Anya nodded. "So, we're all aware of what the fairies are and the purpose they serve, yeah?" She asked, noting as each of those, Emma the sole exception, nodded in response. "So, Ishigara, I have to ask. Have any of your girls tried to give you a fairy in one way or another? Like as a respect sort of thing or out of admiration?" She asked. Ishigara sipped at his beverage a moment, as if silently mulling over the question before nodding, setting it down somewhat as he looked at the admiral across from him.

"There's been a few occasions. Houshou attempted to give me one to try and help with the workload that was over populating my desk back when the ship girl fleet was in it's infancy.  Both Nagato and Mutsu made attempts to give me some of their fairies for much the same reason as Houshou. And then Kongou attempted to give me fairies on multiple occasions, simply put, because I am the admiral." He said.

"And the result?" Anya asked.

"Their fairies were simply unable to find myself a supporting structure for them to live within. Aboard. Anyways, the point is there. I simply do not meet the needs to support fairies. But I do have to ask. Why this line of questioning?" He asked. "Any reason in particular?" He asked.

Anya nodded at that, reaching a hand down to her pocket, reaching in for a moment before pulling it back, laying it out on the table. Opening it, it allowed the five fairies that were within her palm to step off and onto the table. Miniature versions of the Pennsylvania sisters and Yorktown sisters, the five fairies stretching somewhat. "I haven't run into the same issue as you just described to me, clear to see." She said as Sofia, Saradia, and Ishigara focused on the fairies suddenly.

"And these... are all the fairies you have?" Ishigara asked. Anya shook her head as she laid her hand on the table once more, bumps suddenly forming along her sleeve. Crawling forwards into her hand from her sleeve revealed Tirptiz, Strasbourg, Akagi, And Haruna. All scaled down and dressed identically to their full sized self. Even their feelings seemed to Mimic their larger versions as the Haruna and Akagi fairies immediately made way to the fairies belonging to those of their partners.

"As the last roll call went, I have at least one fairy of every ship girl that had a fairy to give. At first, I thought it was normal. But given that you just told me that you couldn't host fairies..." She Answered. Ishigara nodded at that as their table began to have plates put upon it, starting off breakfast. And immediately, the nine fairies on the table watched the food with interest. "I suppose the fact that I can host fairies and you can't can be explained by the fact that I'm a woman, as are all of the ship girls present. But at the end of the day, we don't really know that for sure without further looking into the subject." She Answered.

Ishigara nodded at that as he sipped at his beverage once more, staying silent a moment. "So how do you presume we test such a theory?" He asked.

"Simple." She Answered as she rapped the table with a finger in between the fairies, drawing their attention away from the food for the slightest of moments. Looking up to the woman, Anya in turn jutted a thumb to Sofia. "Would one of you see if you could... live aboard the captain like you do myself?" She asked.

Pennsylvania and Arizona offered stubby salutes at that before tottering over to Sofia, the Captain watched both somewhat amused and curious. As the two fairies approached Sofia, they placed their stubby hands on the woman's wrist for a solid moment. After that, they pulled away, looking back to Anya, both of them shaking their heads at the question. Anya nodded slowly somewhat at that

"Well, if anything, that leaves me with more questions than answers." She said. "If you two wouldn't mind, maybe test admiral Herkunft as well?" She asked. The two battleship fairies nodded, tottering over to Saradia as well, the German Admiral only watching the two quietly. When they reached her, Arizona laid her hands upon the woman's wrist as well. And soon had an answer as she shook her head at Anya, the woman nodding somewhat.

"Well, I was sort of hoping that it would have just been the simple variation between men and women. Given that the ship girls are just that, I was hoping for a simple answer. But silly I for forgetting that when the Gateway is involved, nothing is ever so simple." Anya sighed as she looked to the two fairies. "Thank you though." She said as those at the table began to put plates for breakfast together. Given that Maryland was present however, there was more food than normal, something that Liz had apparently planned for.

Noting that the fairies were staring at the food with an adamant gaze, Anya went about pulling a plate to the side, topping it off with a waffle. Cutting it into nine pieces, she offered only a nod to the nine fairies who were looking up at her with hopeful gazes. Upon being granted permission, the plate suddenly had the nine's undivided attention, like some sort of zombie flick as the nine began to climb onto the plate, going for their new prize.

Making sure they were satisfied a moment, Anya sighed as she began to cut into her own breakfast, noting that the nine were having more issue than success with the waffle. But none of the nine really seemed to be objecting to the problem at hand.

"Why all the sudden interest in the fairies though? I'm not gonna question the fact that you just happen to suddenly have fairies from the girls though." Sofia said as she looked to Anya, sipping at her drink. Anya nodded somewhat at that.

"Its the same reason that you heard me and Mary last night. A really good reason." She said as she reached for pocket once more. When her hand came back up, she instead held it out to where the officers present could see as she opened her hand, once again revealing one of the black clad uniformed fairies.

Those that weren't aware of their existence only stared a moment.

Until they realized that they were looking at a scaled down version of Anya, uniform aside.

"What..." Sofia said, seeming to be at a loss for words. Anya nodded at that, completely understanding the woman's confusion as the fairy within her open palm glanced to each of them.

"Exactly my thoughts last night. So far, I've ten of them, nine of which are with me. The tenth of them is currently with Maryland." Anya said as she let the fairy onto the table, working her way for her bigger self's plate. Attempting to pick up a fork laying there, she went about trying to stab a sausage on Anya's plate, only to topple backwards when the fork proved to be heavier than her entire body weight.

Anya had to suppress a laugh at her miniature self, quickly removing the fork from atop the fairy before she cut the sausage that she'd been going for into smaller pieces, offering one of them to the fairy. Being in turn took it without question, offering a simple nod of thanks to the woman before starting to nibble down on it, taking a seat where she stood, attacking it with over-exaggerated bites.

"So... your fairies showed up yesterday? No earlier?" Ishigara asked. Anya nodded at that as she looked to the man.

"Mhm. And given the fact that the three of you can't hold fairies, I can only come up with one serious difference between the four of us." She offered. Ishigara arched a brow at that.

"And that might be?" Saradia asked.

"The fact that I gave my ring to one of the girls." She said as she held up her hand to where the three could see her modified ring sitting where her previous had only a week earlier. "And this isn't exactly something I want the fleet learning about, so if we could keep quiet about it." She said. Ishigara nodded at that somewhat as he looked at the ring.

"And the ship girl you gave your ring to?" He asked.

"I'm surprised you need even ask that." Anya Answered as she glanced to Maryland, who simply raised a hand in turn, showing off her own ring, matching Anya's. But the two quickly put their hands down in case a member of the fleet watching managed to spy them.

"So, you two rooming together. Mary giving you some of her fairies. Can we take this as an omission of being together?" Sofia asked with a hum. Anya rolled her eyes at that.

"Are you apart of the betting pool that we're very aware is a thing?" Anya asked, glancing at her friend. Sofia shook her head at that.

"No, but I'm somewhat upset that I'm not now." She Answered with a smile, looking to Anya. The American admiral nodded.

"Then yes, it's an omission, that for now, stays between those of us at this table." She said, sipping at her beverage. "That aside however, going back to the ring, Mary and I believe that that's what controls everything. And our evidence, while not rock solid, is more than just grabbing at straws. So, take it like this. Japan had been trying for close to three years to increase their limit, ever since the ship girls show up. This right?" She asked, looking to Ishigara.

The man nodded at that. "Yes. Completely. Until the other day, we were out of ideas of how to increase our limit. But from the way you're putting it, it sounds as if you're under the notion that giving one of the ship girls one of our rings makes the Gateway respond in a positive notion." He said. Anya nodded at that.

"Exactly. I mean, I give Maryland my ring on the New Years's and four days later, I'm being jumped by forty nine new summons, an option that wouldn't have been able to be here the day before I gave the ring. I'm not saying it's in concrete, but the fact that it happened the way did is more than curious."

"And given the fact that I never thought to give my ring to any of them only helps that fact because this is the first time it happened." Ishigara said. "I have to wonder though. What gave you the idea to give Maryland your ring?" He asked.

"I... was kind of jewelry kind of girl going through High School. And as such, a couple of my boyfriends at the time tried to buy me jewelry and the like. One of their favorite things was rings, surprise surprise." She said. "So, I kind of just gave Maryland the first thing I had on hand. Literally." She said. Ishigara chuckled at that, Saradia laughing somewhat as well. Sofia only rolled her eyes at that as she offered only a smirk. "But it's only a theory and with the recent increase anyways, we're in no rush to test this. Especially given that Germany's only got fifteen girls right now. Speaking of that however, that reminds me. We may very well have an Australian visitor to base today. Admiral Thompson's contact is one Captain Phillip King, currently stationed at Sasebo. The plan had been to call him up today, see if he can't come discuss some things with us about his country's involvement with the program, especially given Vampire's presence."

"Do we have the space for another country already?" Saradia asked, looking between Ishigara and Anya.

"Well, given that Australia's fleet won't be as sizable as say the Japanese, US, or Germany, we could probably get away with using one of the three spare American dorm buildings for them until another time in which we can get a proper building built. But this is all going off of the assumption that they know who they want to send and if they've got their affairs in order. By the way, we should probably be expecting both France and Britain on base by May at the latest." Anya said.

"Now that's not very much time at all in the retrospect of things." Sofia said. Ishigara nodded.

"Quite. But if it means we add more personnel to the fight against the Abyssals, the more the merrier." He said. The four sitting at the table that understood him nodded in agreement.

—/—\—

Anya took a moment to relax as she settled into her chair, leaning back somewhat as she let her breakfast settle within. It had been filling. But Anya was more than confused. Given that she had about a hundred ninety fairies within her, she would have guessed that her meal would have been larger. But given that her meal, if at all, was only a little bigger than normal, that left her with more questions than answers.

Rubbing the back of her head a moment, she sighed before she moved her chair up, moving for her desk

"So you and Mary are really a thing then?" Sofia asked as she entered the office, closing the door behind her. Anya nodded at that.

"We are. Granted, it's only been like six days since we started, but the point remains." She said. "Completely off topic question, but do you have any idea of how much money they've got going in that betting pool?" She asked.

"I don't know the specifics, but I know that whoever it is will walk away with a nice sum of cash." She said, taking a seat at her desk. "Pretty sure Langley's one of the highest betters too." She said. Anya only nodded somewhat at that for a moment before shaking her head in turn, pushing those thoughts to the side as she went for her desk phone.

Holding it to her ear a moment, she went about typing the number in before leaning back, listening to it ring a few seconds.

"This is Captain King. May I ask who is calling?" Came the first response from the other end of the line.

"This is Vice Admiral Anya S. Johnson of the United States Navy. If I may, how are you today Captain King?" Anya replied, logging into her computer with her other hand. At the question however, Anya could hear some muffled laughter on the other end of the phone, followed by what sounded like the Captain trying to hush quickly before he responded.

"I'm good ma'am. I have to be honest. I wasn't exactly expecting a US Admiral to call me today. If I may, how exactly did you get this number?" He asked, the ever so present noise of muffled laughter still present in the background.

"One Admiral Emmeline Thompson of the Royal Navy. Ring any bells?" Anya asked.

"Yes, actually. That makes a lot of sense." Was his response as the sound of muffled laughter ever persisted.

"Captain, May I ask who's having such a good time on your end? They sound fairly amused." Anya said.

"A couple of my mates, sharing a joke. Give me a moment, Admiral." The Captain said. A couple of moments later, his voice came back. "I apologize for that. We're on shore leave right now. And I'm wandering. What is this call about?" He asked.

"I'm calling to inquire as to whether or not you'd be able to make a trip up to Yokosuka. There's something that we here would like to discuss with you in person rather than over the phone. And before you ask, we would like to think that it's very important to Australia." She said. Silence came from the other end of the phone a moment.

"Today?" He asked.

"That would be preferable. But if you have something else going on that you would better attend too, that's fine as well. But this does need to be seen to sooner rather than later." She said. Listening for a moment, the man on the other end said nothing for a time before eventually answering again.

"No, that will be fine. It'll be a little while before I get up there. Is that acceptable?" He asked. Anya nodded at that.

"Of course. So we're talking... possibly around eleven?" She asked. The man gave a noise of confirmation.

"Yes, that'll be fine. I'll... see you when I see you then, Admiral." He said before hanging up the phone. Anya only chuckled somewhat  as she hung up the phone.

"Was he nice?" Sofia asked, the Captain speaking as she went about filing away a couple of forms.

"I think a Vice Admiral of a foreign navy calling him out of the blue caught him off guard, not that I blame him. But still." She said as she glanced to Sofia. "Aside from that, we still have to get in contact with the Italians and Russians. Ishigara told me that he'd take care of dealing when the Russians called, so that basically takes Leningrad and Molotov out of our worries for the time being. But the Italians..."

"I can handle them. I'm just not allowing Pola near any sort of alcohol." Sofia said. Anya chuckled somewhat at that.

"Lest you be able to run the speed of a cruiser, I'd take that wisely." She said. Sofia only nodded at that somewhat.

"Speaking of that, first you run the speed of a cruiser. Second, you start having fairies of your own. Are we sure that ring isn't about to turn you into a ship girl?" Sofia asked. Anya only laughed somewhat at that.

"No." Anya said. "The docks have no effect on me-"

"Have you tried that theory out?" Sofia asked, arching a brow as she looked to Anya. The woman shook her head at the question.

"Well, no I haven't. But that's mostly because I'm not missing a limb and I'd rather not keep a dock away from the girls on a stupid theory. So no, I haven't. And I don't intend to. Anyways, they've no effect on me, I don't have rigging of any kind. And I can't walk on water." She declared. Sofia nodded at that.

"Look, all I'm saying is that if by the end of this war, you end up out on the frontlines, I'm gonna be the one to say I told you so." Sofia said with a smirk. Anya only rolled her eyes at that, looking back to her computer, shaking her head somewhat at the idea. Her? Out on the water? Not gonna happen.

A peaceful silence befell the two of them, claiming the office in one unseen swoop, the two descending into their work forthwith. Anya wanted to keep ahead before Captain King arrived. Thinking about the man, he didn't sound particularly old. Possibly another situation like she was, promoted and risen in the ranks to fill the gaping holes that the Abyssals had torn open in the various Navies of the world.

All they seemed to be good at, it was. Tear a hole there, blow up a building there. Even if the Snow was a potential ally, how were they supposed to go about dealing with the fact that they were still Abyssals? Monsters of the deep whose hobbies included murder and terror.

However, the American admiral found herself being brought from her thoughts. Blinking, she held a moment until she realized the sound she was hearing was screaming. Blinking, she looked back towards the window. And there, she found quite the sight. At the American dorm building, she found quite the sizable group of girls pouring out of the front doors, all seeming to be rather jumpy. Arching a brow, she looked to Sofia as she stood.

"Im going to go see what as the mob up in arms..." She hummed as she made way for the door of their office. Sofia took a glance out the window before nodding, getting up and following as well, the two officers out of the HQ building in little time. A few moments later, they were rounding the building, now heading towards the dorm building. And there, they found the group had gotten bigger, now including some of their foreign guests as well.

"I'm gonna regret asking this..." Anya muttered. "Alright! Someone tell me what you're all doing screaming out here instead of inside? What's got you all worked up?" She asked.

Most immediately offered an answer in reply to the question, but it was Enterprise who gave her the first answer that she could actually understand as a response and not just panicked screaming.

"Vampire lost some sort of spider in the dorms! And she doesn't have any idea of where it went!" The Carrier said, prompting some nods from the other various girls that were watching. Anya nodded somewhat at that.

"Do we know what kind of spider it was? Actually, scratch that. Where is Vampire?" Anya asked.

"She's helping Midway, Molotov, And Leningrad look for it right now." Houston Answered, nervously glancing back at the door to the dormitory. Anya nodded at that.

"To re ask what Anya did, do we know what kind of spider it was?" Sofia asked as she glanced around at the girls present. When none of them could give her an answer to the question, Sofia simply sighed as Anya chuckled somewhat at that.

"I guess we wait here then until they either find the spider or we all get tired of waiting." She laughed. Sofia only nodded at that as some of the ship girls present gave the woman an incredulous look.

"What do you mean if they find it!?" Augusta demanded, looking at the woman in a demanding fashion. Anya shrugged.

"I mean, it's a spider. They're not exactly the biggest critter around. What I find more amusing about this whole fact is that I've got far too many warships afraid of an ittsy bitsy spider like this. I mean, you all fight Abyssals. You'd think a spider was child's play for the likes of you." She laughed. Some of them glared at the Admiral for a moment until they heard the door to the dorm open once more. Splitting apart, the motion gave sight of Midway, her tablet in hand as she tapped away at something.

"So Midway? Did you girls manage to locate arachnid in question?" Anya asked. The carrier nodded at that as soon enough, Vampire exited the dorm as well, holding her friend in an open palm, looking at it adorningly. Anya arched a brow at that before she realized that Midway had flipped her tablet around, showing Anya what looked to be an article.

"We've identified it as Sydney Funnel Web. Questioning how it managed to get here in Japan, that we probably will never know. But considering that Vampire is the one that managed to find it in the first place, that's probably the best answer we'll get on the matter." The Carrier said, her expression still as stoic as ever. Anya nodded at that, glancing at the spider once more before looking over the information.

"Aren't these things venomous?" Anya asked, scrolling down the page. Midway nodded at that.

"That would be a concern.... had we not already had it bite someone. Molotov was the one who found it, and when she reached for it, it bit her. But a fact that many of my fellow American ship girls seemed to have overlooked in the face of pure fear, the arachnid doesn't have the bite force or the ability to pierce our skin. Meaning that it's venom is all but useless against us." Midway Answered. Anya nodded somewhat at that, looking over some more of the information in front of her before she looked up.

"Molotov, would you come here?" She asked. The Russian cruiser emerged from the back of the group, hands at her sides. "Can you show me where it tired to bite you?" She asked. Molotov nodded, raising her right hand, palm up as she poked at a spot near her thumb. Anya handed the tablet back to Midway before taking Molotov's hand in her own, running a finger over the spot she'd indicated.

"Admiral! Sherman would never purposely never hurt anyone!" Vampire insisted from the side.

"Oh god no, she's named the bug." Hornet, CV-12, breathed in horror. Anya only rolled her eyes as she let Molotov's hand go after confirming that, no, there was no bite marks. Taking a moment, she eventually turned to Vampire.

"Vampire. Do you want to keep Sherman?" She asked. When the destroyer nodded at that, much to the horror of some of the surrounding ship girls, Anya nodded. "Alright. You'll need to find something temporary to keep him within until you can get a proper enclosure." She said.

Lexington offered a raised hand. "I've got a shoebox from some shoes I ordered with Christmas money that I don't need." She said.

"And Yuubari's always purring odd stuff together. If she can handled tuning and rebuilding naval weaponry, a Spider enclosure should be no problem for her." Akashi said. Anya nodded at that.

"Lexington. Get Sherman in the box after it's been properly converted. Akashi, would you go see if Yuubari would be willing to help." She said, noting the two as they nodded. "Vampire, as for you, you're to do some research. If you're gonna keep a spider, you're gonna be expected to know how to care for it. You understand?" Anya asked.

Vampire nodded, giving a wide smile, Sherman now upon the girl's shoulder. "Understood Admiral."

"If you have trouble using the Internet, ask one of the longer returned girls. They're all fairly adapt at using it." Anya said. "Now go. As for the rest of you, properly identify a threat before you start screaming your heads off." She said, hand going to her pocket as she glanced at those gathered around.

—\—/—

Captain Phillip King considered himself a ready man, being able to take on anything that life threw at him. That he could stand in the face of adversity and laugh. That he would remain unmoved by anything that came his way.

So of course, being called up by an American Vice Admiral of all things was a shock, but it was nothing he couldn't take. Nothing that he couldn't take a step back and solve out. And that train of thought had served him well.

But of course, when he'd shown up to Yokosuka, he'd figured that the Vice Admiral in question was stationed with the 7th fleet. After all, where else would you find an American Admiral anywhere in Japan but the carrier that the US had stationed here.

So, to say that being turned away from 7th fleet HQ because they didn't have any Vice Admiral in question apart of their command structure wasn't exactly part of the plan. And it left the twenty four year old captain with more questions than answers. All the way until he ran into an American Captain just entering the HQ.

Sparing no time in asking what an Australian captain was doing there, he quickly informed her of his plight.

And he found himself surprised when she'd told him that the Admiral he'd been looking for didn't serve with the 7th fleet, but she was on Yokosuka. She'd been quick to point him in the correct direction before leaving him to his devices.

Another ten minutes now found the Captain in the apparently correct section of Yokosuka. But she'd had to be kidding. That captain had to be. This was where the Japanese ship girls were stationed. And he knew that this Base was closed to the public. But the Captain.... Gailer was her name, seemed convinced that this was the correct place.

So he now found himself standing outside of a command building of some sort, not sure what exactly he should do. He'd heard stories of people trying to break onto this base, and the jail time they'd served for it. Japan took it's ship girls very very seriously. And with that, their safety.

If anything else, he still had record of the call on his phone. He at least had that to his defense. His very meager defense. Shaking his head, he tried to clear those thoughts from it as he stepped forwards, opening the door as he stepped inside, and immediately wished he hadn't.

Because immediately, he was face to face with the man he recognized as Japanese Admiral Takeo Ishigara, well known as the Admiral in charge of the Japanese ship girl fleet.

And to his side of all things was the Nagato sisters, the three of them staring the young man down to his very core. Well, Nagato was, he noted. Mutsu looked more than amused and the Admiral only chuckled somewhat as he approached the man.

"Captain King I presume?" Ishigara asked, his voice hiding a tone of amusement. King opened his mouth to say something but paused.

"You know who I am?" He asked. Ishigara nodded.

"Admiral Johnson made us well aware of your impending arrival." Came the response. Captain King blinked a moment before letting a breath of relief escape his lips, a hand going to his chest, a motion that prompted a giggle from Mutsu. "Were you worried?" Ishigara asked. The Captain offered a relieved nod.

"The Admiral didn't tell me which part of Yokosuka so of course I went to 7th fleet HQ first. It never even crossed my mind that it was this section of Yokosuka. It's no secret that people have been arrested trying to break onto this base. Didn't want to be another statistic." He said. Ishigara nodded at that.

"Well, you're in danger there then. But, that does present a solid point. What you see, who you meet beyond those doors behind me, you're to stay quiet about until otherwise told. This Base is still home to highly classified personnel and you are to know that. Understand Captain?" Ishigara asked, hands behind his back as he watched the young man before him. King nodded at the question.

"Of course sir." King replied, his tone respectful. Ishigara nodded at that, looking to the battleship sisters next to him.

"You two are free to go. I'm going to take the good Captain here to meet with Admiral Johnson." He said, prompting nods from the two, albeit somewhat hesitantly at Nagato's end. Watching the two leave, Captain King released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Judging that reaction, I assume you're already well informed on the publicized personnel of this Base then?" Ishigara asked. King nodded, readjusting his uniform.

"Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I was apart of the Navy before the Abyssals rolled up. But when the Battle Of San Francisco rolled around and they were made public, it was hard not to get swept up in all the excitement with the Ship girl's existence. Soon enough, I found myself scanning online forums and Wikipedia pages about their histories of the past. I mean, I'm just one of thousands that did that, but still." He said. Ishigara nodded at that.

"Question for you captain. How many ship girls are on this Base?" He asked.

"Sixty. Admiral." The Captain replied. Ishigara nodded at that, his lips twitching upwards in a rare amused smile.

"Very good. If you'll follow me, we'll go see Admiral Johnson." He said, turning for the door. Captain King offered only a nod to the man's back as the two soon left the Japanese HQ building.

Stepping onto the melted snow, King kept himself composed. He was no stranger to those that were stationed here. He'd been caught up in the commotion just like everyone else. Japanese Warships returned, given human form. It was literal science fiction become real. It was reality. And to the Captain, that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

The Captain however was brought from his thoughts when he found Admiral Ishigara looking back at him, he'd apparently asked something.

"I-I'm Sorry?" He asked. "Mind was.. wandering." He explained.

"I ask Captain, how old are you?" Ishigara inquired, watching the man. King nodded immediately.

"I'll be twenty five in July." He replied quickly. Admiral Ishigara nodded, accepting the information somewhat, before turning back ahead. Letting a fit, in shape, twenty four year old naval captain onto base?

Ishigara knew somehow, that the Captain could control himself.

He just worried for his physical safety.

Because where some of the ship girls of Yokosuka had found a partner in one another, that was no where nearly all of them.

Walking on, the two found silence as a suitable conversation partner. Ishigara had gotten the information he wanted and he no doubt knew the thoughts that were enthralling the captain's mind. Ishigara had gone numb to the excitement long ago. He was used to talking to them.

Captain King probably hadn't even been considering that he'd be here today. And he didn't even know who all was on base.

Boy was he in for a shock.

They got about half way to the American HQ without incident, the base remaining ever so quiet for the two.

And then the floodgates opened.

This of course came in the form of North Carolina and Washington decked out in workout gear, running across base at a pace that would kill a human of sheer exhaustion. The two sisters seemed to be in a race of sorts based on the looks the two were shooting one another. For Ishigara, it was a Normal sight. For the Captain however, he was only staring with mild confusion.

Could it be Ise and Hyuga? He didn't think so. They weren't that tall, and it probably would have been publicized had they changed something about themselves like that, or at least King assumed so. It wasn't Nagato and Mutsu, that he knew for sure-

The Captain's thoughts were silenced when he noted that the two had indeed taken notice of the two of them, and had slowed a ways off from them before approaching the two men, King's mind screaming for an answer with each passing step. The last thing he wanted to do was make a fool of himself here and now.

But as the two grew closer, seeming to be heaving for breath from their run, his eyes could faintly make out the writing on their tops.

US Navy.

What?

What?

What?

And suddenly at that point, it occurred to him that a United States Vice Admiral had called him to Yokosuka. Why else would there be a Vice Admiral of the US on the Ship girl section of Yokosuka for any reason besides American Ship girls?

Who he very much assumed the two walking towards them belonged to. American Battleships at that. Had to be.

"Admiral." Washington greeted as the two approached them, the two sisters sparing a glance to the Captain. "And who might this be?" She asked. When it was clear that the Captain was too deep In thought to fathom an answer, Ishigara only laughed somewhat.

"This is Captain Phillip King of the Australian Navy." He explained before nudging King in the side, bringing him back to reality. "Captain King, this is Battleship North Carolina and Battleship Washington, the complete North Carolina Class" he introduced.

Phillip King only stared up at the two for a moment before desperately trying to bring himself back to reality, lest he make himself look like a fool. In front of two ship girls he'd not even known about five minutes prior.

"Ahh, yes. I am Captain Phillip King. But... he already told you that..." he said, scratching the back of his head somewhat. North Carolina stifled a small laugh at that as Washington offered the man a serene smile in response to his unneeded, but otherwise welcomed introduction. "I apologize... I hadn't expected to be on Yokosuka at all today, much less meet two American Battleships... it's jarring to say the least." He offered. The two only offered smiles to the man at that, North Carolina laughing somewhat.

"It's Quite Alright Captain. You'll find neither of us will have a problem." The battleship said. The Captain offered a nod at that as the two battleships bid them goodbye with a wave before continuing on with their run, leaving the Captain to collect his thoughts alongside Ishigara. Blinking somewhat, the man eventually looked to Ishigara.

"There's more than sixty..?" He asked.

"A hundred seventy two." Was the Reply. King opened his mouth to say something, but found that no words would come. Who else was he going to run into on base? What warship was waiting around the next corner for him to run into?

Fortunately for the man's sanity, no other Ship girl appeared. They made it to the American HQ without further incident, much to the quiet relief of King. Letting Ishigara lead the way into the building, he followed behind him, his mind still racing with his encounter with the two American battleships.

Entering the lobby, he was somewhat glad that there wasn't another one waiting. One hundred seventy two ship girls in total. He couldn't even imagine working with that many. Hell, he could barely imagine working with one.

When he stopped, he found Ishigara knocking on the door to what the Captain presumed was an office of some sort. His guess was rewarded a moment later when a woman opened it, offering Ishigara a smile before opening the door wider for the two of them. Ishigara offered a nod of greeting before stepping into the room, leaving the Captain to do the same.

Captain King cautiously stepped in behind Ishigara, offering a simple yet unsure smile to the woman who had opened the door, a gesture that was returned with a smile of warmth. Almost like a mother if King had to make a comparison.

The Captain however was drawn from his thoughts when the voice of Ishigara filled his ears, bringing his attention back to the other side of the room.

"And this must be the Captain?" A woman, who King presumed was the Vice Admiral that had called him, asked. Ishigara nodded as he gestured for the man to step up.

"Captain Phillip King ma'am." He greeted with a nod. Anya nodded at that as she approached him, offering an outstretched hand to him.

"Vice Admiral Anya S. Johnson. At the desk next to mine is my XO, Captain Sofia I. Algerona. The woman that answered the door is CV-1, the former USS Langley." She greeted, looking to ignore the expression of surprise that King no doubt knew was now upon his features. "I've gotta say, I knew you sounded young, but damn. What? Twenty three?" Anya asked.

"Twenty four ma'am." King corrected. "To be fair, I wasn't exactly expecting to learn that the US has set up shop right alongside the Japanese. Somewhat expected you all to turn somewhere like Pearl or Norfolk into your stomping grounds. Maybe even Everett or San Diego." He replied. Anya nodded at that, crossing her arms somewhat.

"We wanted to make sure they had the proper teaching to do so. And given that the fleet of Sixty that was here before hand all had the experience we needed for said fleet, it was a bit of an easy choice. That, and there's one other thing that makes it kind of hard to set up shop anywhere else as to where the Ship girls are concerned. But, that's not just information we give away lightly. So, meet any girls on your way in?" She asked.

"Nagato, Mutsu, North Carolina, And Washington ma'am. But, if I may ask, why exactly was I called down here? Not that I'm not grateful for the chance, but it doesn't seem like I'm really needed here." He said. Anya nodded at that somewhat.

"I understand where you're coming from but you haven't been told that yet. Two days ago, we had a summoning. Among that summoning was eight girls that were of foreign nationalities, and when I say foreign, I mean besides Japanese and American. So, why in the world would I request an Australian representative to the base that serves the ship girls?" She asked, watching the man a moment. King gave pause a few moments before having the the realization hit him like a truck.

"You summoned an Australian Ship girl..." he breathed. The American Admiral nodded at that.

"Dee Sixty Eight. HMAS Vampire." Anya told him. "Who, as an off note, is currently in possession of a Sydney Funnel Web." She said. "Would you like to meet her?" She asked.

King found himself nodding before he really even processed the question. "Yes, ma'am, I very much would." He told her. Anya nodded at that as she gestured for the man to follow her.

"This way then. She's staying with our girls so we'll have to venture inside." She Answered before walking for the door, leaving King little to do besides follow the American blonde. Doing so, the two walked in silence a moment until Anya looked back to the Captain. "You seem nervous." Anya said.

"Yeah, well, thought I was walking onto a base with Sixty ship girls. Turns out I'm walking into a base with near triple that number. Forgive me if I'm suddenly tripping over myself because a name catches me off guard." He said. Anya nodded somewhat at that as they approached the American dorm building, finding that the group that had been out here earlier had already dispersed. Nodding in acceptance, the two approached the door before suddenly, Anya grabbed King by the arm, pulling him away from the door just as the item burst open. Admitting yet another presumable American ship girl that the man couldn't name, the two watched as she efficiently evaded her pursuer, laughing all the while.

"Hey, don't you have a Sortie in five minutes?" Anya asked, crossing her arms somewhat as she looked to the ship girl that had busted through the door first. Said ship girl nodded at the question.

"I do Admiral, don't worry I know. Just having some last minute fun." She said before whipping around and running off towards the direction of the launching chambers. Anya only laughed somewhat as she watched the second ship girl mumble something before retreating back inside. When King only could look confused, Anya chuckled somewhat.

"It's not everyday you almost get your ass flattened by Enterprise, Captain." She said. King blinked at this new source of information.

"Enterprise...? As in the ghost...?" He asked. Anya nodded.

"See Vee Six. Chasing her was her older sister, Yorktown. Now come on, Vampire's on the third floor and we've to brave the rest of the dorms." Anya Answered as she opened the door, holding it for the man as she stepped inside, he following after. Immediately going to the stairs on the right, she began to ascend, but it allowed him a look into the hallway. And the first names he spied were Arizona and Pennsylvania.

He breathed a gust of resignation. He was currently in the home of legends, much less Yokosuka. He couldn't believe this. And the public had no idea, not that he was gonna be the one to tell them.

"Oh, hello Bismarck." The admiral's voice brought him back screaming to reality for the eleventeenth time that day, his gaze immediately snapping to the blonde woman that Anya had paused to talk to on the stairs.

"Oh, hallo frau Johnson. I apologize, Admiral Hipper was certain she'd forgotten something in her last room, but I couldn't find the item she requested. It would seem that she's quite the scatterbrain when she's not focused on something." The German battleship said. Anya only nodded somewhat that.

"I would make sure that one of her sisters did not hide it from her. Also check with Tirptiz. Your sister was less than impressed with her when it came out that she'd laid a hand on me." She said. Bismarck offered a nod at that.

"I will. Thank you Admiral." She said before continuing down the stairs in a quick motion, leaving the Captain in a daze. Bismarck? The German Battleship Bismarck? When he looked back up, he took note of the fact that the American Admiral was watching him with an amused gaze.

"Sorry, it's just it's nice to see someone so freaked about the situation as well. Ishigara's too calm and Admiral Herkunft is far more accepting of her situation." She said, prompting the man to frown at the name. "Admiral Herkunft. Bismarck's admiral." She said.

"The Germans are on base too...?" He asked. Anya nodded.

"Their Admiral arrived yesterday. Bismarck was apart of their first summoning group among others. Anyways..." she trailed off as she once more began to climb the stairs once more, prompting the Captain to do the same.

When they'd reached the second floor, Anya kept climbing for the third, but found that a large number of ship girls were present amongst the hallway, moving from room to room, talking with one another. Some spared him a glance, but he found himself following the Admiral faster than they could question his presence.

"So... Vampire's up here by herself?" King asked as they reached the third floor. Anya shook her head as she pointed to the door on her right.

"That belongs to the Soviet ship girls Molotov and Leningrad. Over here on the left, Vampire shares a room with two British Ship girls." She said as she gave a knock to the door. But to her surprise, it wasn't Vampire Who Answered, instead being Midway.

"Yes Admiral?" The Carrier questioned. Anya blinked before shaking her head.

"Is Vampire here? There's someone here who wishes to speak with her." Anya said. Midway assumingely glanced at the Captain for a moment, silently looking to Anya for confirmation. When she nodded in turn, Midway glanced back to the Captain a moment before slowly backing away, opening the door, giving sight to the two.

And sitting on the right bed in the room was the girl they were looking for, nose deep in Midway's tablet as she read what presumably was another article, jotting down some notes before going back to reading. Only for the cycle to be broken by Midway reaching down and pulling the tablet down somewhat, prompting the destroyer to look up at the carrier. Carrier in question jerked her head towards the door, where Vampire found the admiral waiting for her.

Pushing up off of her bed, the destroyer made way for the woman, only to suddenly recognize the form of a man standing next to her. Hesitating somewhat, she looked to Anya, who gestured to the man. "Vampire, meet Captain Phillip King of the Royal Australian Navy." She introduced. "Captain King, Australian Destroyer Vampire." Anya told, making introductions short.

Vampire acted faster of the two of them, immediately launching for the Captain, wrapping her arms around him, the man having to brace himself against the short burst of horsepower the destroyer had used to meet him. As he did so, Midway stepped out into the hallway, leaning back against the wall somewhat as she did so, watching the two.

"Well, you're certainly energetic, that much is clear to see." King said with a chuckle as he eventually had Vampire let go of him, kneeling down to her height somewhat. "It's a pleasure and a honor to meet you like this Vampire." He said. Vampire suddenly found herself unable to look at him as she played with her hands, fidgeting in place somewhat.

"My service wasn't anything to be proud of...." she mumbled. King only nodded somewhat as he ruffled her hair.

"Doesn't mean we don't need you now. Now more than ever do we need you." He said, looking at the girl a moment.

"Does this mean you're my Admiral then?" Vampire eventually asked, glancing at the man somewhat. Before he could answer that though, it was Anya who spoke up.

"Well, funny you should ask that Vampire. Captain King, you did let your superior know who requested you here, yes?" She asked. The Captain stood at that as he looked to the woman, nodding somewhat.

"Of course. Why do you ask?" He inquired.

"Because I assume your superior barked it up the tree. Because not thirty minutes after I called you, I got a call from one Admiral Noah Anderson's office. I assume you know the name?" She asked. King nodded at the question, still watching the woman. Of course he knew the name. Admiral Anderson was a man of great respect. And currently sat at the very top of Captain King's personal chain of command.

"He wants to talk to you. He said as soon as you met Vampire, he wanted to have a chat with the both of you. So, if you two will follow me, we'll go make that call." She said.

—\—/—

Soon enough, Phillip King was stood right alongside Vampire within the conference room, watching as Admiral Johnson rapped away at a console. But also present now was Admiral Ishigara, Admiral Herkunft, And Captain Algerona, all present within the room as well. As if the idea of contacting Admiral Anderson hadn't been nerve racking enough, now he was going to do it in the presence of three foreign navies.

All at the age of twenty four.

He might be in the physical peak of his life, but he assumed that his heart couldn't take many more surprises today.

However, he was brought from his thoughts when the screen before the assembled cast flashed white a moment before connecting, presenting them with the image of Admiral Anderson, the man looking to be well into his sixties.

He took a moment to confirm his end was working as it should before glancing to those in front of him, offering a nod. "Captain King." He greeted, his gravelly voice filtering the air.

"Admiral." King responded, his tone one of a serious nature, suiting the situation. The Australian Admiral nodded at that, taking a moment to glance over the other four in the room with the Captain a moment before looking back to the man.

"I can see that you made it up to Yokosuka Alright. Met who you were supposed to." He said, looking to Vampire. "And from what Admiral Johnson told me, you must be Vampire, our newest destroyer. Yes?" He asked.

Vampire offered a slow, but confident nod. "I am sir. D68, HMAS Vampire returning for a second service of my country." She said, standing as tall as she could despite her stature. Anderson nodded at that, watching the two for a moment before his old features broke into a rare grin for the man, running a hand down his tired face.

"It's hell of a thing to meet you Vampire. But we're glad to have you with us. And even though I can't be there in person to meet you, Captain King is. And a good thing it is too." He told her, Vampire offering a simple nod.

"Admiral Anderson, If you do not mind me asking, what exactly is this about? Admiral Johnson told us that you wanted to speak to us, but ultimately refused to tell us the exact specifics." He told him. Anderson nodded at that somewhat.

"King, you're a damn good officer. And if this war wasn't some sort of Lovecraft wet dream, I'd hand you the command of a ship without hesitation. But this war isn't one for good officers and cunning tactics. Not when our enemy makes our modern multi billion dollar weapons systems look like kids toys." He said. "I spent an hour and a half holding a conversation with Admirals Ishigara and Johnson. When they told me that Vampire had been summoned, I readily told them that Australia is more than ready to further back her up with more of our fleet. And a fleet needs a commanding officer, King." He said.

"You can't mean...." King began, almost protested.

"As of today Captain Phillip James King, your new station is Yokosuka, where you will work alongside your new colleagues of our Allied Navies. As of today, you are commanding officer of the Australian Ship girl fleet, to whoever that may concern in the coming months. Seeing as you are now in command of Vampire, it's already off to a good start." He said before looking to one of the four in the back. "I assume this won't cause any problems?" He asked.

"We might hold off on allowing him to try and summon any girls for a few days so we can give those that are new a chance to adjust before more faces pop up. But otherwise, no. It shouldn't. We've got the space for the girls to stay and there's a few rooms we can convert to an temp office until we can get something more permanent in place for him." Anya told the man. Anderson nodded at that as he looked back to the Captain, who very much looked quite confused and out of place. "Captain, I know this is a shock and I assume you have resignations about this posting. But keeping you assigned to a ship that, logistically, we can't really deploy to any real effectiveness isn't something I'm going to continue. You'll have to adjust." He said.

"Understood Admiral." King replied. Anderson nodded at that as he bid a goodbye with a nod before ending the call, leaving the Captain staring at a black screen. A moment later, he let a breath by his lips as he put a hand on his head, running it through his hair.

What just happened?