Ezra's POV.

Why hello there, my name is Elijah Ezra. Commander of my Tank Battalion, now becoming this. You can tell that I'm getting inaugurated as the Commander of Azur Lane... After what happened to Kevin...

Nanaki: Ezra, place your hand on the book, raise your right hand and repeat my words.

Ezra: Right.

Nanaki: As the New Commander of the Base...

Ezra: As the New Commander of the Base...

Nanaki: ... I will serve the Azur Lane and humanity from the threat of the SIRENs...

Ezra: ... I will serve the Azur Lane and humanity to protect them from the threat of the SIRENs...

Nanaki: ... And the enemies from within and without.

Ezra: ... And the enemies from within and without.

Nanaki: As long, I serve and protect humanity with my life and guide them to victory...

Ezra: As long, I serve and protect humanity with my life and guide them to victory...

Nanaki: May we fight, so our future generation won't have to risk it all for us.

Ezra: May we fight, so our future generation won't have to risk it all for us.

Nanaki: Well. That's a poor one that I've made... But, you've followed my words well. May I hope you uphold your words and be a beacon of hope and order for the Azur Lane. As the New Admiral of the Azur Lane, I hope you'll do the right thing, Commander Ezra.

I saluted. I still wore my Tank Commander uniform, from the IDF. Like Kev, I decided a red beret is better, the Azur Lane aren't good with the fashion... I headed to the Grave we've built, Michael, Richard, Jintsuu, and Enterprise are there too. Enterprise is on Richard's shoulder, sobbing, Jintsuu pushes a small wooden boat to the seas. And Michael, well with his bible, and holy preach.

I looked at the gravestone and it says...

|Kevin 'Phoenix' Lee|

|Commander/Vietnam|

|2nd Sino-Vietnamese War, War for Earth|

|200# - 2036|

|A Forgotten Brother, A Hero of Humanity & A Semper Fidelis|

I put his dog tags at the top of his grave and saluted. Richard lets Enty be herself, I pity her... She did promise that she'll be better for me and my friends... Hope she recovers.

Michael: So... That's it. Guess you're the Commander of the Azur Lane now.

Ezra: Anyone else staying?

Richard: *Sighs* Only us. Darriel and Asra missed him too, but...

Ezra: I get it. They don't want any trouble with the shipgirls. Since...

Jintsuu: By the way, how's your-

Ezra: A-Asra? Yeah, still has some beef with her, but, she did become... You guessed it.

Richard: Wow. Congratulation, Former Enemies turn to lovebirds.~

Ezra: Shut up...

Michael: Hehehe... Alright, let's get ready for tomorrow, and finish what the kid has failed.

We dusted our clothes and decided to rest for a day. There are enough heartbroken problems, and weeping won't bring him back.

Next Day...

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Click!

04:30 AM!? Is Kevin from the Navy Seal!? If he is, how the fuck did he die like that!? Ugh... Forget it... I'll just make some coffee.

I walked out of the bedroom to see... Belfast? She has some macaron and some tea, I doubt both Michael and Rich made those, they rarely make those... But, I hope I won't suffer like Kevin...

Ezra: Hello, Miss Belfast.

Belfast: Greetings, Ezra. Here's your breakfast.

Ezra: Umm... Miss Belfast? I don't want to ask but... Did... Did you put anything... outrageous?

Belfast: Please drop the formalities. And of course not, Ezra. That's was a one-time thing, and I apologize for your loss. Our Master did sacrifice himself for us, you and your friends.

Ezra: Yeah... The food looks great... Er... And I'm sorry if Kevin caused trouble to you guys...

Belfast: It's fine, Ezra. The past is the past, also, he was very helpful instead. Anyways, please enjoy your breakfast and get ready for work. I heard that someone new is going to be your Secretary.

Ezra: Really? Straight to day one?

Belfast: Of course, how about some tea?

Ezra: Why not?

I lifted my teacup to start my day... Only for Belfast to...

Belfast: Hehehe, Pinky up, Ez!~

Ezra: What the-!? Bel, please...

Belfast: Awww, come on, Ez.~

Ezra: Fine. Fine... Jeez...

I reluctantly lift my pinky and drink the tea... I never liked being called Ez, and I don't have any tea-drinking etiquette... Because it's my first time with the culture of the Royal Navy, and my first tea.

Belfast's POV.

I can't believe it's my first time seeing Ez drinking tea! He look so confused with that face, as he shyly looked away after I've called him Ez! Oh Ezra, if I was your girlfriend, instead of Asra, I would've made your life as if it's your dream!~ Wait... I can't let him know, that Master's sacrifice was in vain!

Ezra: It was alright... Hold on, why are you blushing?

Belfast: Well... Maybe your reaction...

Ezra: ... Right...

Back to Ezra's POV.

Honestly, with Takao as Kevin's Secretary, it's probably tough... Even Pennsylvania has trouble with it. Michael and Richard already have their paperwork to deal with, I guess another one won't hurt.

Belfast: I'll be going, Ezra.

Ezra: Alright. Bye, Belfast.

Belfast left and closed the door. Honestly, I guess these macarons are great... I guess habits of eating MREs during service... Paperworks have been a headache back in the IDF, now? Back to usual business.

After some pancakes and of course macarons, I cleaned up and get to work. Of course, it's from the Azur Lane HQ... What a surprise, I'm now working with an organization, I don't trust. That makes me wonder... Who is this new shipgirl, going to be my first secretary? And what does she look like?

After finishing a few paperwork, I saw Richard come into my office. I guessed he doesn't have any yet.

Richard: Hey, Ezra. Looks like High Command, told us that a new secretary is coming.

Ezra: Really? Do you have any ideas about who's she?

Richard: Nope.

Ezra: What about Michael? He could tell us.

Richard: He's er...

Michael's Position...

He was tied up by Prinz Eugen, Tirpitz and, Bismarck... In a king-sized bed, the moment he enters the Ironblood's resident.

Tirpitz: It's time for a little... 'payback', Michael.~

Michael: BITTE HAB ERBARMEN!!! ICH HABE BEREITS EINE FRAU UND EINEN DREIJÄHRIGEN SOHN!!! "PLEASE HAVE MERCY!!! I ALREADY HAVE A WIFE AND A THREE YEARS OLD SON!!!"

Three of them laughed and then...

Bismarck: Wir kümmern uns nicht um Ihre familie. Zeit für deine 'Bestrafung'.~ "We don't care about your family. Time for your 'punishment'.~"

His scream was later stifled, with the sound of three of them moaning, heavy breathing, and lustful giggles.

Back to Ezra and Richard...

Richard: He'll be fine. He's a tough German.

Ezra:

Richard: Come on, don't give me that look...

Ezra: *Sigh* Remind me to search for Michael in the Ironblood's residence...

Richard: Righto.

Richard then left the office, probably looking for Michael, to which I continue doing the paperwork.

I tried to imagine what Kevin said during this... Enterprise Navy Seal'd the window twice, he also told me that Enty and Kevin went from enemies to Enty getting friend-zoned by him. I laughed a bit at her bad luck, but she has helped the Coalition forces during the siege of Fortress Apollyon.

The place was a bit dusty, but I have to finish the papers... Those quotas aren't going to finish themselves...

After finishing a few more... I heard knocking.

Ezra: Who's there?

???: Commandant, may I come in?

I heard a soft and kind voice behind the door? I suppose that my secretary.

Ezra: Go ahead, but forgive my office's dustiness.

The person opening the door to see... A girl with a holy book covering her mouth, wearing a crown, orange-like hair, with magenta-like eyes... Her uniform is something from a Royal Family...

Ezra: ...

I was going to say the Monarchy has been abolished from many countries in my world and mock her for making the people follow her authoritarian state... But, maybe in here? Maybe it still works and she has a heart of gold... And damn it, she's beautiful...

She moved her book from her mouth and speak.

???: You're the Appointed Commander, Elijah Ezra?

Maybe I should learn what's her intention... Let's play it cool, Ezra.

Ezra: You're correct, miss...?

She smiled at me.

???: Bonjour! I'm Richelieu, Cardinal of the Iris Libre. I'm your new secretary, Commander.

From France... Huh. That's where Asra wants to stay and live there... I hope she has her documents...

Ezra: Well then. My name is Elijah Ezra, Appointed Commander of the Azur Lane...

Richelieu's POV.

It is an honor that I'm the third secretary of Ezra! I've heard the he has led his Tank Battalion to stop the Ironblood's insane leader! No other Commander has an army with that kind of technology and heroism he has! I know the lord would be proud of me for helping him. Although...

Richelieu: I'm sorry for giving a question straight away but... shouldn't a Commander wear their uniform?

Ezra: This? Heh. It shows that I'm still loyal to my Battalion and my men. I won't toss it away, for it's my honor, my pride and I'm still their family.

I have to say, he looks... I could guess what Hornet would call him, A Certified Badass? He looks better instead with the Commander Uniform... Wait, why am I thinking this? I've just met him, I don't want him to mistake me as a Yandere...

Ezra: Richelieu...? *sighs* Ahem!!!

Richelieu: Ah! My apologies, Commandant! I've just been spacing out.

Ezra: It's alright, Richelieu. And please, drop the formalities. You can call me Ezra since you're now my Secretary along with Takao and Pennsylvania.

Richelieu: If you insist then... I will call you Ezra!

Ezra: Thank you. I think this is going to be a good friendship, between you and me.

Richelieu: R-Really Ezra?

Ezra: Of course!

Richelieu: Merci beaucoup, Ezra! "Thank you very much, Ezra!"

Ezra's POV.

The only thing I'm concerned about Richelieu is her knowing that I'm dating Asra... She might go ape shit crazy... Well, hope that won't happen...

We then heard knocking, I opened the door, with a new stack of paperwork... And it's Takao carrying them... Looks like either High Command has a high expectation of me, or it's other Commanders being an asshole to Humanity?

Ezra: Hey, Takao.

Takao: Hey, Ezra and... oh it's you! The new secretary, Richelieu right?

Richelieu: Oui, You're Takao right?

Takao: Yeah. Well, here's the paperwork from HQ, Ezra.

Ezra: Holy shit. Looks like I have high expectations from HQ... Welp, back to work.

Richelieu: Don't worry, Ezra. I'll help you.

Ezra: Thanks. I owe ya.

Richelieu: No problem, Ezra.

Takao: Here's your paperwork, Ezra. I've done some of my parts, the rest is your Ezra.

I took the paperwork and put it on my table.

Takao: I'll be going, see you guys.

Takao leaves the office.

Ezra: Well then, let's get to work.

Richelieu: Of course, Ezra!

Ok... since, Kevin rarely go to exercise against other fleets... So, I suppose it's time to change it.

Ezra: Alright, Richelieu. I need you to get these ships, including Michael and Richard. Tell them to get ready for an exercise against some Commander's fleets.

Richelieu: Michael and Richard?

Ezra: Ah. They're my Brothers in Arms, and they're both males. Both of them aren't Commanders, but they're great fighters. For Richard, he's always in a military uniform with armor, with his M16A3 and Glock 19. Michael is wearing a light blue trench jacket, white t-shirt, black jeans, and armed with two S&W M500 and a Winchester Shotgun. Richard is from the Eagle Union, while Michael is Ironblood... *Whisper* Just don't call Michael as such, he betrayed them, and he would likely do it again to the Ironblood.

Richelieu: Understood, Ezra. I'll make you proud!

Richelieu left with the paper I give to her.

Ezra: Welp. Back to work.

Hours Later...

Silence... Well, at least work is done... It's very quiet here since there's just me.

Heck, I'm bored as hell... I wonder how's Richelieu...

That's when I heard a sound from the window, to see my fleet. And the rest, combined with Michael and Richard returning from the exercises.

Michael's POV.

Richard: That's a wrap! 2/1 for us, as the Rangers, leads the way!

Michael: Ja. That's was one hell of a fight! Frau Nagato, looks like you're getting stronger than before.

Nagato: Heheheh... It's thanks to you and Richard that I've managed to become this strong.

Richard: No problem!

Warspite: Do stay focused, Visscher. You're lucky that Mitchell is also with you.

Michael: Really now!? You have to reload your main batteries in order to fire!!! At least I carried the fleet, like what Richard would say, Rangers leads the way!

Warspite: NO, I AM!!! YOU CAN'T SIMPLY BEAT THEM WITH ONLY YOUR SHOTGUN, AND YOUR PEASHOOTERS!

Michael: FRAULEIN WARSPITE, I'M INSULTED BECAUSE YOU CALL MY REVOLVERS, PEASHOOTERS! I HAVE TO DEAL WITH YOUR BELLI DURA DESPICIO DRILLING MY SKULL!

Warspite: Grrrr...

Michael: Tch.

Warspite pointed her sword at me, while I got two of my S&W M500 aimed at her. Richard quickly tried to deescalate it.

Richard: WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! WHOA!!! Calm down, you guys!!!

Essex: *sighs* You two are always at it...

Warspite & Michael: SHUT IT ESSEX! / STAY OUT OF THIS, FRAU ESSEX!

Essex: You two asked for it!

She just has to squirt lemon juice right into our eyes...

Warspite: AHHHHHHHHH!!! WHY ESSEX!?

Michael: ACK!!! FIRST, I GOT RAPED BY PRINZ EUGEN, TIRPITZ AND BISMARCK, NOW ZHIS!?

Richard: (o_o) Scheiße.

Essex: Consider we're lucky that Enterprise's not here.

Bremerton: AHAHAHAHAHA!!! I'm going to post this on Juustagram!!! Hashtag Karma!!!

Baltimore: Ehehehe... What a unique fleet we have.

Ezra's POV.

Well, looks like the Ironblood is not the only faction he has to look out for...

*Knocking*

Ezra: Who's there?

Richelieu: It's Richelieu, Ezra.

Ezra: You can come in.

She opened the door and walked in... Why am I blushing a bit?

Richelieu: Salut, Ezra.

Ezra: Good to see you again, Richelieu. Why are you here, by the way?

Richelieu: I came back to tell you that everything from the HQ should be finished, Ezra.

Ezra: Huh? Didn't I finish it?

Richelieu: Erm... Well, you've fallen asleep, after doing 2/3rd of your work...

Jesus... I think I've forgotten...

Flashbac-

Utter Chaos.

Kevin: AHHHHHHHHH!!! I'M BURNING!!!

Richard: FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!!! KEVIN'S ON FIRE!!!

Michael: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! GET THE FIREFIGHTERS!!! THE EXPLOSIVES!!!

Darriel: Yeah. This is fine.

Ezra: ...

Ezra's Stand: ORA!!!

Ezra's Stand, Prince of Persia, Punched Darriel straight to EmperorItsukaShido's Naval Base.

Wait a second... That's the wrong one.

Flashback, Richelieu's POV.

*Knocking!*

Richelieu: Hello? Ezra, I've finished some of my work. Huh?

s sleeping on the table, with old Katyusha music playing on his MP4 Player, with literally 2/3rd of his work going unfinished.

Ezra: Zzzzzzz...

Richelieu: ...

He looks cute when he's sleeping... Hmm? What's that picture?

I took the picture on his cupboard to see another guy, with an Orange Beret, a uniform of a sci-fi officer, he looks like he's from the Dragon Empery, but judging the flag icon in his uniform, he's not... With a name.

Commander Kevin 'Phoenix' Lee.

He used the same name as USS Phoenix or... it's his callsign, I turn to its back to see the words...

"Adios, my friend." -Ezra

"Rest in Peace, Kev." -Richard

"May the Kingdom of God, accepts you, kid." -Michael.

Did Ezra's friend died? If he is then the gravestone is their Last Commander! I might need to get answers from him... 

Ezra's Pov.

Richelieu: *Whispers* I saw your cute face sleeping...

Ezra: I'm sorry?

Richelieu: Ahem... It's alright though. I've taken care of the work for you.

Ezra: Y-Yeah... Thanks...

Richelieu: Ehehe. Non Problem, I have one question though.

Ezra: What is it?

Richelieu: Who was that man in that picture?

Ezra: Who?

She pointed to... to a picture of Kevin... I decided to keep my mouth shut and looked away from Richelieu, better safe than sorry...

Ezra: ...

Richelieu: Ezra?

Ezra: Look. Just... Just leave...

Richelieu's POV.

I knew it, he's hiding something about him... But, he looks sad instead. I need you to tell me who he was, Ezra...

Richelieu: Ezra, we know there's Commanders wanted to keep the painful past hidden from us, but you need to tell me... So that I could help you.

Ezra: ...

Richelieu: Ezra... We're working together now, If you can't speak out your pain then... I can't help you if-

Ezra: Remember that time when I was there with my Tank Battalion? Stopping the Ironblood's Psychopathic Commander?

Richelieu: Oui?

Ezra: I... I wasn't the only one...

He's not the only one? Then who else helped him?

Ezra: Me and Asra lead the Eastern Front. And Asra is a Female Colonel from the Middle East.

Asra? She was with Ezra's Division? Or her Forces were reinforcements?

Ezra: There's Richard and Michael... Leading the Western Front, those two.

Oh, Richard and Michael? They're really helpful!

Ezra: There's that dumbass Darriel, from the United Kingdom and our Demolition Expert, led Northern Front.

A Friend from the Royal Navy? I wonder who is he?

Ezra: And there's him, leading the Southern Front.

Richelieu: His name is Kevin, is it? Then why-?

Ezra: He was the one who tracked the Ironblood's base and got us there. THE Commander who've died for his Shipgirls and for us, and the one who orchestrated the Assault at the Ironblood's Base.

I gasped, as my suspicion was true! He was appointed after his friend's death! But why did he hide this information from me?

Richelieu: Ezra, was he...

Ezra: Kevin was my Brother in Arm... Along with Michael, Richard, and Darriel... Asra got depressed after the news of his death... We all just wanted to move on.

I noticed he became distressed... And then suddenly leaves.

Richelieu: Wait! Ezra!

Cinematic View.

As Richard and Michael are about to talk to Ezra in his office, they saw the door immediately opened, to see Ezra walking quickly away from them.

Richard: Ezra?

Ezra: Not the time!

They both looked at each other confused and entered the office to see Richelieu.

Michael: Fraulein Richelieu?

Richard: Hey, Miss.

Richelieu: Salut, Michael and Richard.

Michael: What the hell caused Ezra to leave like that!?

Richelieu explains to both of them the reason, she was curious about the Picture of Kevin Lee. Upon hearing this, Richard could only sigh, while Michael...

Michael: I take it you now know the kid's fate, ja?

Richelieu: Pardon...

Michael: It's fine, Frau Richelieu... We all just wanted to move on. 

Richard: Yeah, we know crying and weeping won't bring him back... We're still in huge pain you know...

Richelieu: Well... May heaven sends their condolence to the three of you.

Michael: Vielen Dank, Frau Richelieu. And please, tell heaven I appreciated their condolences.

Richelieu: *Smiles* I will, Michael.

Richard: Sorry to bother you, but, anything else you want to ask? We can tell Ezra about it.

Richelieu: Oh yes. A new ship has been completed at the shipyard?

Michael: Really? Who?

Richelieu: One of my allies, Saint Louis.

Richard: St. Louis? Didn't we already have her?

Richelieu took a baguette out of nowhere and hits Richard right in the head.

*BONK!!!*

Richard: AIEEEE!!!

Michael: ... Where did that come from!?

Richelieu: Saint Louis, not St. Louis of the Eagle Union.

Michael: Noted. And appears it's getting dark...

Richelieu: *Yawns* I'm quite tired, monsieur Michael and Richard. I'll be taking a rest.

Richard: And for Ezra? Bow chick bow-!!!

*BONK!!!*

Richard: OUCH!!!

Richelieu: Pardon, monsieur naughty thoughts.

Michael: You just have to say it, Rich...

Richard: Sorry, ok!?

Richelieu: I'll be going then, and tell Ezra, Au revoir.~

She left the office, with Michael, helping Richard up.

Michael: Well, one tough Frenchie, eh?

Richard: Yeah. Yeah... Blah. Blah... Let's get Ezra and grab some booze.

Michael: Alright.

Later, in a Pub, Not too far from the Ironblood's Residence.

The only people on the seat are Michael, Richard, and Ezra at a table near the entrance and exit, another... Scharnhorst and Gneisenau from a far end, watching the trio.

Michael: Mein Gott, we're aren't the only one...

Richard: *Whispers* Alright, let's keep it quiet.

Ezra: *Drinks his Wine* So... why are we here for?

Michael: *Whispers* A Shipgirl is coming, one from the Iris Libre, Saint Louis.

Ezra: *Whisper* Eagle or... no.

Michael: *Whisper* Nein, the Iris Libre.

Ezra: *Whisper* Iris Libre... Hmm...

Richard: Hmpf...

Michael: ...

Meanwhile...

Scharnhorst: I wonder what are they saying?

Gneisenau: I can't hear them properly. Maybe that Ironblood Traitor is the reason?

Gneisenau points to Michael, which she noticed.

Scharnhorst: Looks like it. We might have to make him rejoin...

Ezra's POV.

Saint Louis huh? I hope she's not a Yandere... I mean, Michael has to steer clear from any Ironblood he spotted, while Richard... Eh. He's fine for now. Now that Michael and Richard are here, Michael can easily get support from Sakura and Royal Navy Shipgirls, while Richard can get assistance from anyone. Which means... I'm on my own. Yikes.

Ezra: Hey. We should probably go to sleep...

Michael: Don't tell me twice.

Richard: I'll just take some more.

We leave Richard in the bar and went to sleep...

...

Richard's Mind: Honestly, alone with two Ironblood's watching me and... I've been drinking a lot, drowned myself in alcohol... Well, better grab a few more and get to sleep...