Michael's POV.

As me and Richard arrived at back to her dorm, Ezra is busy with Jeanne in the Infirmary, we put Richelieu on the couch and I started to tend her wounds, by just holding her hand.

Richelieu: E-Eh? Michael, what are you-?

She then noticed her wounds heals quickly and her clothes stiches back to normal, as she then noticed my hand glowed.

Richelieu: Michael, how did you do that!? None of the Iris nor the Vichy has learned how to heal people!?

Michael: You can thank the School of Magicka, I've learned a lot from the Restoration (Master), Most of the Illusion (Expert), Some of the Destruction (Adept) and learning in the Alteration (Apprentice)... You could say I'm not a fan in the Ironblood's Militaristic ways.

Richelieu: *Smiled* I'm glad that Ezra have you as a friend, despite you tend to show off your Gunslinger skills...

Richard: *Snickers* Bet him a good luck...

Michael: I'm flattered, Richelieu. But, I don't think we should be together as lovebirds...

Richelieu: Why?

Michael: I'm a married man, Frau Richelieu. I have a wife and a three years old son, I can't cheat on her.

Richelieu: Still, I thank you a lot.

We then noticed Ezra returned back to her dorm.

Ezra: Jeanne is in the Infirmary, wounded combined with our lead at her body. Michael, are you free?

Michael: Sorry, I'll be helping Richard with the Defenses, I have to coordinate the Engineers. You might've to ask Vestal.

Ezra: Great... Thanks...

Richard: We'll be at the Coast if you need us, See ya, Ezra and Richelieu?

Michael: Auf Wiedersehen.

We got up and leave to get the defenses up and ready.

Ezra's POV.

After they both left, I went to Richelieu to check her wounds and... Ah nevermind, they're healed... I guess it's Michael's doing.

Ezra: One hell of a work from Michael, huh?

Richelieu: Oui. He's really a reliable friend... However, I need to become stronger... I have to use all of my strength just to beat Jeanne d'Arc... I'm going to need strength... just in case the inevitable happens...

Ezra: I'm guessing a fight between you and your sister?

Richelieu: Oui...

Ezra: Hmm... I think I have an idea...

Richelieu: What is it?

Ezra: We'll spar against one another, where Michael tends to train the Destroyers and other shipgirls.

Richelieu: Y-You!? I-I can't do that to you, Ezra! I... I respect you alot, especially your heroism... It would be too much for me to fight you, as I admi- I mean, respect your Leadership...

Ezra: I... see...

Ok, I think she's hiding something... She admired my Heroism... but she already know that I have a girlfriend...

Ezra: *Sighs* Hey, at least you aren't forced... Let's see...

Alright... two of my candidates are... Michael and Richard. Richard is a heavy hitter with a Juggernaut Armor, while Michael is a hit and run, with a new Folding Blade he has (Dishonored Series)... Both of them have their strengths and weakness... Michael can deflect and take on swordfighters, but he'll have to dodge against ranged combatants, and he can't withstand a lot of damage, unless with armor. For Richard, even without his Juggernaut Armor, he can withstand a lot of hits, and dish out heavy damage. But, he's not agile and can be killed with one shot on his vital areas. Neck, Heart and Brain...

Ezra: Hmm... Tomorrow, Michael might be free, how about you train with him? You'll need to be quick against agile ones.

Richelieu: The Traitor of the Ironblood? He really made quite a name from them...

Ezra: Hehehe... Yeah... You'll have to get up early though, he has a strict schedule, so he won't have a lot of time.

Richelieu: Alright, I can do that. Merci, Ezra.

Ezra: Of course.

I got up and stretched myself.

Ezra: Anyways, do you need anything?

Richelieu: Nope, I can take it from here. If you need me to finish your papers, just bring them here.

Ezra: Notified. Stay safe, Richelieu.

Richelieu: Au revoir, Ezra.

I left Richelieu's dorm and went back to my office... As I grabbed a Coca-Cola...

Coca-Cola Can: COCA COLA ESPUMA!!!

Ezra: What the-?

*BOOOOOOOOOM!!!*

Takao: EZRAAAAA!!!

I got killed... by an explosive can of soda...?

Take 2.

As I grabbed the Coca-Cola and opened it. Takao came to me.

Takao: Ah Ezra, there you are! There's someone looking for you.

Ezra: Looking for me? Who is she? *Drink*

Takao: Hard to tell, but I know that she's from the Iris Libre.

Another one...

Ezra: What does she look like, Takao?

Takao: She has short blonde hair and has the color of the Iris, a tricolor to be exact.

Carries a Flag of France? Huh.

Ezra: Interesting...

Takao: Anyways, I'll be going. Those papers aren't going to do themselves...

Ezra: I can see that, Takao. And see ya.

Takao: Bye, Ezra.

As Takao continues her way, I finished my drink and tossed it into the recycle bin. I wonder... Who's the next Iris Yandere? If I saw her... I might have to ask Michael or Richard about this...

But, what to do it I'm alone...?

???: Bonjour! Are you the Commandant?

Alright... Alone it is... I turned my right to see...

Ezra: And... Who are you, miss?

Le Triomphant: My name is Le Triomphant! The Iris Libre's Destroyer!

Ezra: I see... why did you come to look for me?

Le Triomphant: I wanted to meet you and also, help you in anyway I can!

Ezra: Quite energetic, huh?

Le Triomphant: Ehehe!~ I've got the energy for battle you know? Speaking of that, why don't you show me where I could train?

Ezra: And why is that?

Le Triomphant: Well... You're the Commander, and you know what happened to the Iris Orthodoxy...

She then looked at her feet... From what I could tell, she felt pretty bad after the split of both Iris and Vichya.

Ezra: Hmm... Alright then, if that's the reason, then follow me. I have a Brother in Arms of mine training shipgirls here.

Le Triomphant: Alright then! Let's go, Commandant!

We walked to where Michael would train other shipgirls. From Destroyers to even Carriers...

Ten minutes later...

As we're arriving, I decided to talk with Triomphant.

Ezra: So... How's the Iris Libre doing?

Likely the split and the civil war between Richelieu's Iris Libre and Jean Bart's Vichya Dominion... Fuck...It reminded me of an Anti-Jewish Riot in Parts of Africa... in a U.N. Peacekeeping mission...

Le Triomphant: Well, it's complicated but we're slowly making a comeback!

Ezra: Okay...?

Le Triomphant: Of course, everything will be ok! As long we have our leader, Richelieu, we'll be fine!

Ezra: Richelieu? Are you sure?

Le Triomphant: Don't be doubtful! We'll be fine, Commandant! And also, because I wanted to be reunited with my sister...

*Sighs* I wish that it's easy... Now I got an Iris/Vichya Civil War to end, a Possible META/SIREN Kevin coming to kill us all, and Nanaki's possible betrayal... This base must survive. As I reminded myself on my note.

Objectives:

- The Base must Survive: [All Very Fucking Important!]
  - I must stay alive.
  - No more than 30% of Total Shipgirls die or one Factions leaves. (Domino Effect)
  - Michael and Richard must Survive.
  - Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best.

- Iris/Vichya Civil War:
  - Richelieu must survive.
  - Redeem all Iris and Vichya Shipgirls, whatever it takes.
  - Confront Jean Bart.

- The Dead Rises:
  - The Defenses must be up at above 60% or fully to 100%. (Currently 30%)
  - Prepare for META/SIREN Kevin? before he arrives.

I closed my note. As we arrived at where Michael and Richard are dueling, looks like Michael are winning.

Michael: What's wrong? Getting sluggish!?

Richard: I'm just getting started, Mich!!!

I saw Michael dodge a swing by sliding under his attacks slashed his dummy sword right at Richard's legs. I saw the score... 2 - 7!? Jesus, Rich! You really got yourself kicked in the ass by the German Gunslinger!

Michael: Hah! Disabled!

Richard: Damnit...

Le Triomphant: Um... Commander, who are they?

Ezra: The guy with a Juggernaut Armor is Richard Mitchell and the guy with the Folding Blade and Two Revolvers is Michael Visscher. They're friends of mine... Just don't call Michael an Ironblood, he betrayed them once and he'll gladly do it again.

Le Triomphant: Oh... I hope he's safe from them. It's also interesting that you're not the only male...

Ezra: You don't have to tell me twice.

We went to the two of them as they were...

Richard: Ugh... Should've been more aware... *Wipes his sweat*

Michael: Heheheh.

Ezra: Hey guys. This is Le Triomphant, Iris Libre's Destroyer Ship.

Richard: Oh! Howdy, Triomphant!

Michael: Guten Abend, Fraulein Triomphant. 'Good Evening, Miss Triomphant.'

Le Triomphant: Hello, Michael and Richard!

Richard: *Whisper to Michael* As least she's calm, compared to Saint Louis and Jeanne...

Michael: I know.

Le Triomphant: Oh? You guys have met Saint Louis?

Richard: Apparently yes.

Michael: Don't we all, Fraulein?

Ezra: Anyways, Triomphant wants to train, so... Richard?

Richard: Really? She wants to face The Fortress? Heh. Game on.

Le Triomphant: I'm starting to like you, Richard! Let's get ready!

Michael: Viel Gluck, Richard. Ezra, would you? 'Good Luck, Richard.'

Ezra: Sure.

I went with Michael for a conversation somewhere they won't hear us, while Richard was ready to duel...

Michael: So, you got anything?

Ezra: I asked Richelieu to train with you, against agile threats. I warned her of your strict schedule.

Michael: I'll see what I can do... One more thing, about your nightmare...

Ezra: Well...?

Michael: Give it to me straight, what is it?

I explain it all to Michael, the Nightmare, bodies of shipgirls with three of us, the destruction of this base, and a Possibility of Kevin is given a Fate worse than Death, turned into a SIREN/META Hybrid. He thought I was lying, but...

Michael: I could say you're lying, but judging your face and the scream before... It might be you've hit something... A Vision or maybe you're just hallucinating...

Ezra: I don't do drugs, Michael! I only drink wine in moderation too!!!

Michael: ... *Sighs* I'll need time to learn Memory Search spell... I'll see what I can do, for now...

Ezra: Alright... I'll be going to work...

Michael: Get some rest, Ezra.

Then, Dusk...

Dusk has arrived, and it's getting a bit colder... Looks like the winter is coming in two months... This may impede the Shipgirl's ability in agility... And if it's the Northern Parliament... We're fucked...

But hey, my additional quotas are finished in time... Speaking of which, I'm pretty hungry since we have dealt with Saint Louis and Jeanne... I should head to the cafeteria for dinner.

Richelieu: So... I've noticed that Le Triomphant is here now.

Ezra: Yep.

Takao: Is she causing trouble?

Ezra: At least, that's a no... Speaking of which, who is her Sister?

Richelieu: That would be Le Malin... of the Vichya Dominion...

Takao: Vichya Dominion... What's the matter, Richelieu?

Richelieu: Here, I'll fill you with details.

After she told the Iris/Vichya Civil War to Takao...

Takao: Damn... that's sad...

Ezra: Still. We'll have to be ready to confront other shipgirls. And Currently, Tromphant is rather sane...

Richelieu: That's what I'm worried about... she's probably waiting for the right moment to kidnap you... I'm worried for your safety, Ezra.

Ezra: Come on, Richelieu...

I lightly held onto her left hand and spoke.

Ezra: I have been dealt with worse. From Terror Attacks to literally invasions... We've survived because we've learned from our past mistakes... There will be those who would be scumbags or psychopaths. It's our duty to protect and teach them not to fall for our mistakes in the past, but also to be ready for future threats, from within and without... High Command or not, you're like my sister, Richelieu... I won't leave Sisters in Arms behind, as I won't leave my Brothers in Arms behind... So, please... Let me be your protector...

Richelieu: I... Okay... Just be careful... She's not like those you've experienced...

Takao: Maybe we should be cautious around her. In case of a worst-case scenario, we'll have to tranquilize her.

Richelieu: Just in case he's in trouble...

Ezra: Yeah... Maybe she's just alone without her sister?

Richelieu: I guess, but we can't be too sure.

Takao: We should discuss this tomorrow, it's about to be night time and it's pretty quiet... Someone could be hearing us.

Richelieu: Alright, let us continue tomorrow.

Ezra: Good Night then... I'll be talking to Michael and Richard for a moment.

We all left, as I went to the Cafeteria...

Cafeteria...

I arrived at Michael and Richard is alone, together.

Richard: My back is really sore after fighting her...

Michael: You still couldn't adapt to her tactics... Typical.

Richard: COME ON!!! Oh hey, Ezra! Over here!

I took what's left and got to them. Leftover Meatloaf, cold macaroni & cheese, salad, and of course my favorite, a glass of wine, two more glasses for Michael and Richard.

Ezra: So, anything interesting?

Richard: Let's just say... I got poked by her Rapier a lot...

Ezra: Ouch... I knew you're more of a heavy hitter...

Richard: Yeah...

Michael: Anyway, I've been continuing on the Defense Improvement and it's currently at 40%. It'll take more time to reach it to 100% but it's restricted due to a possibility of suspicion, and regulations.

Ezra: So, that means we could only stay at 40%?

Michael: Yep...

Ezra: I see...

I took my note and rewrite it...

- The Dead Rises:
- The Defenses must be up at above 60% or fully to 100%. (40%, Can not Complete)
- Prepare for META/SIREN Kevin? before he arrives.
- Acquire advanced or experimental weapons, back home.
- Improve Shipgirls Riggings, ASAP.

After that's done...

Richard: So, that means we'll have to bring our military's weapons in order to level the playing field...

Michael: Or Retrofit the Shipgirl's Riggings...

Ezra: Our weapons and combat vehicles would only improve our chances a bit, as for the riggings... Too costly...

Michael: Still, we'll have to be ready...

Richard: Either way, let's just get ready for any trouble...

Michael: I'll be asking Fraulein Jintsuu about the weapons. In the Best Case Scenario, I'll be able to get the weapons without problems.

Ezra: And the worst case?

Michael: Then we're fucked.

Richard: Thanks...

Ezra: I wish you good luck, Michael... We'll be crossing our fingers.

Richard: Same here!

Michael: Alright, let's get out of here before they started to think that we're trying to take you away...

Richard: Oh, and one more thing... Be careful with Triomphant... She maybe calm, but she's waiting for the right moment.

Michael: Ja. Be ready for anything with her.

They got up and leave, I was alone in the Cafeteria...

After I finished my meal, and then my wine, I went back to my room.

After I unlocked it, I saw my window was opened, instead of closed...

Someone was here! I got my Jericho 941 out and searched for the scumbag and then...

I see only Triomphant.

Ezra: ... The fuck are you doing!?

Le Triomphant: Aww... Didn't I scare you?~

Ezra: *Groans* What do you want?

Le Triomphant: Well... I don't know where to sleep...

Crap. Almost out of gems... Luckily I managed to get the last ten dorm ready... But the guest Room is rebuilding after the Lunatic Attacks the base.

Ezra: And...?

Le Triomphant: I was thinking...

Ezra: Permission Declined.

Le Triomphant: Please, Commander!

Ezra: Do you want me to get in trouble!? The Azur Lane has High Expectations for me, and I can't break my reputation!!!

Le Triomphant: We're not making love, after all.~

Ezra: Ugh...

Le Triomphant: But, come on Commander... I don't have a place to sleep!

Ezra: ... Really now...

Le Triomphant: I beat Richard!

Ezra: Just as I Expected... I guess Richard was too predictable...

Le Triomphant: Mhm! He really was too easy to learn his pattern.

Ezra: ...*Sighs* Fine... Just this once.

Le Triomphant: Eheheh!~ Merci, Commandant!

She then quickly get on my bed... Is she for real...?

Ezra: ... I'll just dig a hole somewhere and sleep there.

Le Triomphant: Aww... Come on, Commandant. Are you too shy to sleep with me?

Ezra: More like it's crossing my morality... *Whispers* I might have to sleep with someone else...

Le Triomphant: L i k e w h o...

She heard it...

Ezra: Brothers in Arms... Old Habits in the Army.

Le Triomphant: Oh. Sleeping with many other male soldiers...

Ezra: Yeah. Yeah... Let's just go to sleep, I need to get my armor and equipments off.

Le Triomphant: Me too! I'll go to the bathroom, don't peek Commandant.~

Ezra: ... the fuck?

She went to the bathroom to change to her sleeping clothing. I quickly took my tactical glasses, kelvlar vest, ballistic knee pads, elbow pads, boots and my note into my cupboard. I didn't change to anything, as I'm hiding my Hidden Composite Blade (Assassin Creed)... Just don't tell the Assassins where I get it...

Le Triomphant's POV.

Luckily, I planned to sleep with my Commandant.~ I took off my clothes and underneath was my sleeping clothes, just so I an see the Commandant again!~

I quietly opened the door to see him again, now without the protection he has... Ahhhhhh!~ There he is... I wanted him for myself... I'll teach the traitor, Richelieu not to get in our way...

He seems to finished and climbed to his bed, I got out of the bathroom and goes same to him.

Le Triomphant: I've returned.~

Ezra: I know that. Let's just go to sleep...

Le Triomphant: Of course!

I climbed onto his bed, and he turned the lights off...

Eheheheh... You're mine... Com~man~dant~❤