My Point of View

"Just look at all these ships." I mused as I walked along the waterfront, occasionally glancing toward the docks.

I had always loved warships.

Especially the ones from World War Two.

If I had to rank them, battleships easily took first place. After that came heavy cruisers, aircraft carriers, destroyers, light cruisers, submarines, PT boats, and finally frigates.

Not that I disliked any of them.

I was just a sucker for battleships.

There was something about seeing forty or fifty thousand tons of steel covered in armor and guns that scratched a very specific part of my brain.

And sure, I'd grown up playing games like World of Warships and War Thunder. I'd spent more hours than I cared to admit staring at digital recreations of these things, memorizing armor layouts, weapon configurations, speeds, and whatever other useless information happened to catch my attention.

But seeing an actual warship up close?

Games didn't do them justice.

Not even remotely.

I slowed as I passed another pier.

A cruiser sat alongside it, her massive gray hull towering above the dock. From where I stood, I had to crane my neck just to see the upper sections of her superstructure.

Pictures never really captured the scale.

Neither did games.

On a computer screen, a battleship was just another vehicle.

Maybe a particularly large one, but still something that fit neatly inside a monitor.

Here?

They were fucking enormous.

I shoved my hands deeper into my jacket pockets and continued walking.

"God, I would've killed to see something like this when I was twelve."

Hell, twelve year old me probably would've had a heart attack.

My eyes wandered toward another section of the harbor.

Destroyers.

Cruisers.

A carrier farther out.

And...

I stopped.

My eyes narrowed.

"...Is that a battleship?"

Whatever thoughts I'd had about finding Cleveland immediately disappeared.

I stepped closer to the railing.

A large gray silhouette sat farther down the harbor, partially obscured by cranes and several smaller ships.

My inner history nerd immediately took control.

"All right..."

I studied the superstructure.

Then the turrets.

Then the hull.

"Come on. What are you?"

I took another few steps.

There was something deeply surreal about this.

Yesterday, I'd been researching these ships because apparently I was expected to command their human manifestations.

Today, I was standing in a naval base trying to identify actual warships by silhouette.

I smiled.

"Okay..."

Maybe becoming Commander wasn't entirely terrible.

Then I remembered Cleveland.

My smile vanished.

"Oh, right."

There was an orientation video.

I turned away from the harbor.

"History nerd later."

I cracked my knuckles.

"Revenge now."

I made it another twenty feet before stopping at an intersection.

I looked left.

Then right.

"...Fuck."

I still had absolutely no idea where I was going.

Just as I was about to pick a direction and hope for the best, someone rounded the corner.

Neither of us had enough time to stop.

"Oof!"

She collided directly with me.

I stumbled back half a step but managed to keep my balance.

The girl wasn't so lucky.

She let out a startled squeak as she fell backward.

"Shit."

I immediately reached down.

"Ya alright, miss?"

"I-I'm fine!"

She sounded considerably more panicked than someone who was actually fine.

I offered her my hand.

She hesitated before taking it, allowing me to pull her back onto her feet.

Now that I had a proper look at her, the first thing I noticed was the maid outfit.

Not maid inspired.

An actual maid outfit.

A white, frilled dress covered her torso, contrasting against the dark skirt underneath. A black ribbon rested against her chest, while matching cuffs encircled her wrists. Pale lavender hair fell around her shoulders, held back by a dark headband, and a pair of reddish pink eyes stared nervously up at me.

She was blushing.

Badly.

"I-I'm terribly sorry!" She blurted. "I should have been paying more attention! Please forgive me!"

I blinked.

"You're fine."

"I should have watched where I was going."

"So should I."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"But..."

"We ran into each other. Nobody died."

I glanced down at myself.

Nothing broken.

Then at her.

"You're not hurt, right?"

"N-No."

"Then we're good."

She seemed almost confused by how easily I'd dismissed the incident.

I smiled and held out my hand properly this time.

"I'm Alex. New Commander."

Her eyes widened.

All the color promptly disappeared from her face.

Oh, boy.

"The... new Commander?"

"That would be me."

She stared at my hand.

Then at me.

Then back at my hand.

Suddenly, she straightened so quickly I thought she might hurt herself.

"I-I'm terribly sorry, Master!"

I froze.

"...Master?"

Her face became even redder.

"I-I didn't mean to collide with you! I should have been more careful! If I had known you were the new Commander, I would never have..."

"Whoa, whoa."

I raised both hands.

"You don't need to apologize again."

Dido stopped.

"But I..."

"You bumped into me."

I gestured toward the intersection.

"I was standing in the middle of the walkway trying to decide which direction to go. Frankly, I'm surprised somebody didn't hit me sooner."

She stared at me.

I offered my hand again.

"Alex."

There was another hesitation.

Then she carefully placed her hand in mine.

Her grip was incredibly gentle.

"I-I'm Dido."

"Nice to meet you, Dido."

Her eyes flickered upward.

"Y-You as well, Master."

There it was again.

I released her hand.

"Do you call every Commander that?"

Dido nervously brought her hands together in front of herself.

"I... Yes. If Master permits it."

Master.

Considering what I'd read last night, I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about that title.

Still, Dido didn't appear uncomfortable saying it.

If anything, she seemed considerably more concerned about whether I approved.

"Whatever you're comfortable with."

Dido blinked.

"Whatever... I am comfortable with?"

"Yeah."

She stared at me as though I'd just said something incredibly strange.

Then her gaze dropped.

"I-I understand."

Something about her body language caught my attention.

Her shoulders were drawn slightly inward.

Hands clasped tightly together.

She looked like someone perpetually expecting to be told she'd done something wrong.

I recognized that better than I would've liked.

"So, Dido."

"Yes, Master?"

"You work around here?"

She nodded quickly.

"Yes! I am a Dido class light cruiser of the Royal Navy. I-I perform maid duties as well. Though I understand there are many maids more capable than me..."

Her voice became progressively quieter.

"I see."

"If Master requires assistance, I would be honored to help. Unless... perhaps you would prefer someone more competent."

I frowned.

"Why would I?"

Dido looked surprised.

"There are many others who could serve Master better."

"You've known me for thirty seconds."

"Y-Yes."

"And I've known you for thirty seconds."

"Yes..."

"So I'm gonna need at least thirty one before I start ranking you against everyone else."

Dido stared at me.

For several seconds, she didn't seem to know what to say.

Then the faintest smile appeared.

"I... suppose that is reasonable."

"Glad we agree."

I glanced toward the intersection.

Actually...

"Speaking of helping me."

Dido immediately straightened.

"Yes!"

Her enthusiasm nearly made me jump.

"I require your assistance with an extremely dangerous mission."

Dido's expression became serious.

"I shall do everything within my ability, Master."

I pointed down one road.

"Which way is the administration district?"

Silence.

Dido blinked.

I lowered my hand.

"I'm lost."

Another pause.

"You are... lost?"

"Completely."

A tiny sound escaped her.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Did you just laugh?"

"N-No!"

"You did."

"I would never laugh at Master!"

"You absolutely just did."

Dido's cheeks turned pink again.

"I-I apologize!"

I sighed.

"We're gonna have to work on the apologizing thing."

Dido looked down.

"...Sorry."

I stared at her.

She realized what she'd done.

Her eyes widened.

I couldn't help it.

I laughed.

Dido somehow became even redder.

"Come on." I shook my head. "Just point me toward administration before I accidentally end up on a battleship."

Dido glanced toward the harbor.

Then back at me.

"Would Master like me to escort him?"

"You don't have to."

Her expression faltered almost immediately.

"Oh..."

That reaction caught me.

She'd gone from hopeful to looking like I'd just told her she wasn't wanted.

I reconsidered.

"But I'd appreciate the company."

Her head snapped up.

"Really?"

"Sure."

Dido's smile returned almost instantly.

"I would be honored!"

"All right, then."

She stepped beside me and indicated the road ahead.

"This way, Master."

"Lead on."

We started walking.

After several steps, Dido glanced toward me.

Then away.

Then toward me again.

I noticed.

"What?"

"N-Nothing."

"Dido."

She fidgeted with her hands.

"I was only wondering..."

"Yeah?"

"...if Master truly doesn't mind having me accompany him."

I looked at her.

There was genuine uncertainty in her expression.

Not politeness.

Not fishing for reassurance.

She actually seemed to believe I might suddenly decide her presence was unwanted.

I shoved my hands into my pockets.

"If I didn't want you here, I'd tell you."

Dido's eyes widened slightly.

"So stop worrying about whether I'm secretly trying to get rid of you."

"I..."

She lowered her gaze.

"I shall try."

"Good."

A few seconds passed.

Then I glanced toward her.

"Besides, without you I'm probably going to get lost again."

Dido covered her mouth.

This time I definitely heard the laugh.

I pointed at her.

"There! You did it again!"

"I-I did not!"

"Bullshit!"

Her quiet laughter followed us down the waterfront.

And for the moment, Cleveland's impending execution could wait.

Dido led the way along the waterfront.

Or, more accurately, Dido led the way while I followed and desperately attempted to memorize enough landmarks that I wouldn't need an escort every time I left my office.

Warehouse.

Pier.

Big fucking crane.

Another warehouse.

Building with a blue roof.

Statue.

Another big fucking crane.

I frowned.

Why were there so many cranes?

"Master?"

I looked toward Dido.

"Hmm?"

"You appear troubled."

"I'm trying to memorize the route."

"Oh."

She glanced around.

"Would Master like me to show him around the base?"

I considered that.

"Probably wouldn't hurt."

Dido immediately brightened.

"I would be delighted!"

"But not right now."

Her smile disappeared.

Fuck.

I was beginning to recognize that reaction.

"Because..." I quickly continued. "...I have to find Cleveland first."

Dido looked up again.

"Miss Cleveland?"

"Yep."

"Is something wrong?"

I stared ahead.

"There was an orientation video."

Dido blinked.

"Yes?"

"She didn't show it to me."

Silence.

I looked at her.

Dido's lips were pressed tightly together.

Her shoulders trembled.

"Don't."

"I-I wasn't..."

"Don't you fucking laugh."

A tiny snort escaped her.

I pointed accusingly.

"You're terrible at lying."

Dido covered her mouth.

"I apologize, Master."

"There it is again."

Her eyes widened.

"Sorry."

I stared at her.

Dido froze.

Then she slowly covered her face with both hands.

I couldn't help laughing.

"This is gonna take a while, isn't it?"

"I am afraid so..."

"At least you're honest."

Dido peeked at me between her fingers.

I smiled.

"Relax. I'm not mad."

She slowly lowered her hands.

"All right."

We continued walking.

A few seconds passed before Dido spoke again.

"Master?"

"Yeah?"

"May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

She hesitated.

"Why were you searching for Miss Cleveland?"

I looked at her.

"The orientation video."

"Yes, but..."

She fidgeted with one cuff.

"Surely Master is not actually angry with her?"

I thought about that.

"I'm annoyed."

Dido glanced toward me.

"Not angry?"

"She threw me into the deep end for her own amusement."

Dido's lips twitched again.

"Don't."

"I said nothing."

"You were thinking it."

"I would never presume to know Master's inability to navigate the base amusing."

I stopped walking.

Dido took another two steps before realizing.

She turned.

Her eyes widened.

"That was sarcasm."

"I-I..."

"You just sassed me."

Dido's face went crimson.

"I apologize!"

I stared at her.

Then a grin slowly spread across my face.

"There might be hope for you yet."

Dido blinked.

I resumed walking.

After a moment, she hurried after me.

"I do not understand."

"You don't have to."

We rounded another corner.

This time I recognized the building ahead.

"Hey!"

Dido jumped slightly.

"That's my office."

"Yes, Master."

"I actually recognize it."

"That is wonderful."

I looked at her suspiciously.

"Was that sarcasm too?"

"No!"

"Hmm."

"It truly was not!"

"I'm watching you."

Dido's cheeks puffed ever so slightly.

Interesting.

Apparently there was considerably more personality hiding underneath all that anxiety.

Good.

We approached the administration building.

Then I noticed someone standing near the entrance.

Blonde hair.

White cape.

Cleveland.

My eyes narrowed.

Target acquired.

Dido noticed where I was looking.

"Oh. Miss Cleveland."

"Yep."

Cleveland spotted us.

Her expression brightened.

"Hey, Commander!"

I started toward her.

Cleveland's smile slowly faded.

She looked at my face.

Then at Dido.

Then back at me.

"...Why are you looking at me like that?"

I stopped several feet away.

"There was an orientation video."

Silence.

Cleveland's lips twitched.

Dido immediately looked away.

Cleveland cleared her throat.

"There was?"

"Don't."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Nevada told me."

"Traitor."

"I spent half the fucking night reading the Commander handbook!"

Cleveland finally lost it.

She doubled over laughing.

I stared at her.

Dido was trying desperately not to join her.

"You left me alone with four destroyers!"

Cleveland straightened enough to breathe.

"You survived!"

"That's not the point!"

"You figured out the computer."

"After I fell asleep on the fucking desk!"

Dido's head snapped toward me.

"Master slept at his desk?"

Shit.

I slowly looked toward her.

Concern immediately replaced every trace of amusement on her face.

"You did not sleep in your quarters?"

"It was an accident."

"Master, that cannot possibly be comfortable."

"It wasn't."

"Did you at least have a blanket?"

"No."

"A pillow?"

"My jacket."

Dido looked horrified.

You'd think I'd told her I'd slept in a ditch.

Cleveland looked between us.

Then grinned.

"Oh, this is going to be fun."

I pointed at her.

"You stay out of this."

"Too late."

Dido stepped slightly closer.

"Master, you mustn't sleep at your desk."

"I wasn't planning on making it a habit."

"You require proper rest."

"I know."

"Especially if you are responsible for commanding a fleet."

"I know."

"And sleeping improperly can cause neck and back discomfort."

"Trust me. I noticed."

Dido frowned.

"I shall prepare Master's quarters tonight."

I blinked.

"You don't have to do that."

Her expression immediately fell.

Goddammit.

I corrected myself.

"I mean, I'd appreciate it, but you don't need to go out of your way."

Her expression brightened again.

"It would not be out of my way!"

Cleveland was watching this interaction with far too much amusement.

I looked at her.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Bullshit."

She smiled.

"You've known Dido for what? Ten minutes?"

"Something like that."

"And she's already volunteered to prepare your room."

Dido blushed.

"I merely wish to ensure Master's comfort."

"I know."

Cleveland looked at me.

Then Dido.

Then me again.

That smile widened.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Whatever you're thinking, stop."

"I didn't say anything."

"You don't have to."

Dido quietly giggled.

I looked toward her.

"You're supposed to be on my side."

Dido immediately straightened.

"I am!"

Cleveland laughed.

I sighed.

Wonderful.

I'd somehow acquired another problem.

"So."

I looked back at Cleveland.

"Orientation."

"Right."

She gestured toward the administration building.

"Come on."

I crossed my arms.

"That's it?"

"What?"

"No apology?"

"For what?"

"For abandoning an untrained Commander with four living warships and no instructions!"

"You had instructions."

"Where?"

"On your computer."

I stared at her.

"You are a horrible person."

Cleveland smiled.

"Yet you figured it out."

"I hate that argument."

She opened the door.

"Come on, Commander."

I followed.

Dido stopped outside.

I noticed after a few steps.

I looked back.

She stood near the entrance with her hands folded in front of herself.

"You coming?"

Her eyes widened.

"M-Me?"

"No, the battleship behind you."

Dido quickly glanced over her shoulder.

There wasn't a battleship behind her.

She looked back.

I stared.

Dido's cheeks turned pink.

"...That was a joke."

"Yes."

"Right."

Cleveland snorted.

I ignored her.

Dido hesitated.

"I did not wish to intrude upon Master's orientation."

"You won't."

"But..."

"Dido."

She stopped.

"You're the only reason I found this place."

Her expression softened.

"So come on."

A small smile appeared.

"Yes, Master."

She hurried inside.

Cleveland leaned toward me as Dido passed.

"You've got yourself an escort now."

"I got lost."

"Sure."

"That's literally what happened."

"Whatever you say."

I glared at her.

We entered the same office I'd occupied yesterday.

My desk looked exactly as I'd left it.

Which meant it looked like a tornado had struck a library.

Dido stopped.

Her eyes widened.

"Oh..."

I followed her gaze.

"Yeah."

Cleveland whistled.

"Damn."

"Shut up."

Books.

Printed reports.

Folders.

Notes.

My duffel bag.

Coffee mug.

Apparently I'd managed to create a week's worth of clutter in a single night.

Dido stepped toward the desk.

"Master..."

"No."

She froze.

I pointed toward the chair.

"You are not cleaning that."

Her expression fell.

"Have I displeased..."

"No."

I immediately softened my voice.

"That's my mess."

Dido stared at me.

"I made it. I'll clean it."

"But I am a maid."

"And?"

She seemed genuinely confused by the question.

"I should clean for Master."

"You can help me later if you really want."

Dido's eyes brightened slightly.

"But I'm not dumping my mess on you because you're wearing a maid outfit."

For a moment, she didn't respond.

Cleveland had gone unusually quiet behind us.

Dido looked toward the desk.

Then back at me.

"I... would still like to help."

"Okay."

I nodded.

"Then we'll do it together."

Her smile returned.

"I would like that."

"Good."

Cleveland cleared her throat.

I looked at her.

She had an expression I couldn't quite identify.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"That word is getting abused around here."

She smiled and walked toward the computer.

"Let's get your orientation started."

"Finally."

I dropped into my chair.

Dido stood beside me.

Cleveland clicked through several menus before opening a program I had somehow completely missed.

NAVAL COMMAND ORIENTATION PROGRAM

I stared at the screen.

Then slowly turned toward Cleveland.

She refused to look at me.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Dido made another tiny laughing sound.

I pointed at her without looking.

"Don't encourage her."

"I said nothing, Master."

"You didn't have to."

Cleveland started the video.

A naval emblem appeared across the screen.

Then an overly enthusiastic narrator began speaking.

"Welcome, Commander! Congratulations on your acceptance into the Naval Command Program!"

I stared.

Cleveland smiled.

Dido stood politely beside me.

The narrator continued.

"As a newly appointed Commander, you will be responsible for organizing, maintaining, and leading your assigned kansen through both daily operations and combat missions!"

I slowly leaned back.

"You know..."

Cleveland looked toward me.

"What?"

"I might actually kill you."

She laughed.

Dido immediately looked concerned.

I noticed.

"Figure of speech."

"Oh."

Cleveland grinned.

"You really should've watched this yesterday."

I turned toward her.

"You think?"

She took one look at my expression and started backing toward the door.

"Anyway! I've got things to do."

"Oh, no."

Cleveland stopped.

I stood.

"You're not leaving."

Her eyes widened.

"Commander..."

"You're sitting through the whole fucking thing with me."

"What?"

"Consequences."

Dido covered her mouth.

Cleveland looked betrayed.

"You can't be serious."

I smiled.

"Sit."

For the first time since I'd met her, Cleveland looked genuinely worried.

Dido's shoulders began shaking.

Cleveland pointed at her.

"Don't laugh!"

That did it.

Dido burst into quiet laughter.

I crossed my arms.

Cleveland stared at both of us.

"This is bullshit."

I gestured toward the chair beside mine.

"Welcome to orientation."

Cleveland groaned.

And as she reluctantly dragged the chair over, I caught Dido smiling beside me.

Not the nervous little smile she'd given me earlier.

A real one.

Relaxed.

Amused.

For just a moment, she didn't look worried about disappointing anyone.

She didn't look afraid that she wasn't useful enough.

She was just laughing.

I smiled.

Yeah.

I could get used to that.

The orientation video continued.

"Your first responsibility as Commander is the proper organization of your fleet!"

I leaned back in my chair.

Cleveland sat beside me with her arms crossed.

Dido remained standing near my other side.

On screen, a ridiculously cheerful animated diagram appeared showing several kansen arranged into two groups.

"Fleet formations are divided primarily between Vanguard and Main Fleet elements!"

I glanced toward Cleveland.

She refused to look at me.

I looked back at the screen.

The narrator continued.

"Vanguard elements typically consist of destroyers, light cruisers, and heavy cruisers, providing reconnaissance, screening, anti-aircraft defense, and torpedo capabilities!"

I slowly raised my hand.

Cleveland finally looked at me.

"What?"

"I have a question."

"This isn't school."

"I don't care."

She sighed.

"What?"

I pointed toward the screen.

"All four of my ships are destroyers."

"Yeah."

"So I don't have a Main Fleet."

"Nope."

I stared at her.

"Is that normal?"

"For a brand-new Commander? Yeah."

"Okay."

That actually made sense.

I lowered my hand.

The video moved on.

"Main Fleet elements typically consist of battleships, battlecruisers, aircraft carriers, and other capital ships capable of providing heavy firepower and support!"

An Iowa class fast battleship appeared on screen.

My attention immediately sharpened.

I focused on the battleship.

Three triple turrets.

Sixteen inch guns.

Familiar superstructure.

I leaned forward slightly.

"Is that Iowa?"

Cleveland looked at the screen.

"Probably."

"Probably?"

"I don't memorize every instructional graphic."

I stared at her.

"You're a cruiser."

"And?"

"You don't recognize an Iowa class fast battleship?"

Cleveland stared back.

"Do you recognize every person from your hometown?"

I opened my mouth.

Paused.

Closed it.

"...Fair."

Dido giggled.

I looked at her.

"Et tu, Dido?"

She blinked.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Never mind."

The video continued.

"Commanders are encouraged to construct balanced fleets capable of responding to a wide variety of combat situations!"

I nodded slowly.

That part made sense.

Destroyers were fast.

Cruisers provided heavier firepower.

Battleships brought the really big guns.

Carriers brought aircraft.

Submarines...

I paused.

"Do submarines have girls too?"

Cleveland looked at me.

"Yes."

"Huh."

I leaned back.

"That's terrifying."

"Why?"

"Because submarines are terrifying."

Cleveland raised an eyebrow.

"They're usually pretty small."

"That's not helping."

Dido smiled.

The narrator moved on.

"Remember! Every kansen possesses unique capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Successful Commanders should familiarize themselves with the individual members of their fleet!"

I slowly turned toward Cleveland.

She stared straight ahead.

"Don't."

"I didn't say anything."

"You're thinking something."

"I would never presume to know Commander's thoughts."

I narrowed my eyes.

"That sounded suspiciously familiar."

Dido suddenly became extremely interested in the floor.

Cleveland looked toward her.

Then toward me.

A grin appeared.

"Oh, she's learning."

"I am not encouraging this."

"You absolutely are."

"I've known her for twenty minutes."

"Twenty productive minutes."

Dido's face turned pink.

I sighed.

The video changed again.

This time, the screen displayed a simplified diagram of a kansen surrounded by several icons.

Food.

Dormitories.

Training facilities.

Maintenance.

Recreation.

"While kansen possess capabilities far beyond ordinary humans, they still require proper rest, nutrition, maintenance, and emotional support!"

My amusement faded slightly.

Cleveland noticed.

So did Dido.

"Commanders are responsible for maintaining fleet morale and ensuring the physical and emotional well being of all personnel assigned to their command!"

I glanced toward the paperwork scattered across my desk.

Somewhere underneath it sat those certificates.

Property.

My jaw tightened.

The narrator continued cheerfully.

"Remember. A happy fleet is an effective fleet!"

I frowned.

"That seems like a weird way of putting it."

Cleveland glanced over.

"What?"

"Making their well being sound like it's important because it improves combat performance."

Cleveland didn't answer immediately.

I looked toward her.

"Am I reading too much into that?"

"A little."

"Probably."

I looked back at the screen.

"Still don't like it."

Dido watched me quietly.

The orientation moved on.

"Building trust with your kansen is one of the most important responsibilities of any Commander!"

A large heart appeared.

I groaned.

"Oh, God."

Cleveland immediately perked up.

"Oh, this part."

I looked at her.

"Why did you say that like that?"

"No reason."

"Cleveland."

The narrator continued.

"Through regular interaction, shared experiences, successful missions, gifts, and quality time, your kansen may develop stronger emotional bonds with you!"

The heart grew larger.

I stared at it.

Dido's cheeks were already beginning to turn pink.

Cleveland was smiling.

I didn't like where this was going.

"At sufficiently high affection levels, some kansen may develop romantic feelings toward their Commander!"

I rubbed my forehead.

"Yep."

Cleveland looked delighted.

"You already read this part?"

"Unfortunately."

Dido's face had become considerably redder.

I glanced toward her.

She immediately looked away.

Oh, no.

"Commanders are reminded that romantic relationships between Commanders and kansen are permitted under Naval Command regulations, provided all parties willingly consent!"

"At least they included that part."

Cleveland snorted.

I looked at her.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"That fucking word again."

The narrator continued.

"Should a relationship develop sufficiently, Commanders may even choose to formalize their bond through engagement or marriage!"

Wedding bells played.

Actual fucking wedding bells.

I stared at the screen.

A cartoon ring appeared.

I slowly looked toward Cleveland.

She was biting her lip.

"Don't."

Her shoulders shook.

"Cleveland."

She lost it.

I sighed.

"I hate this place."

Dido made a tiny noise beside me.

I looked toward her.

She was staring very intently at the wall.

Her entire face was crimson.

I raised an eyebrow.

"You okay?"

"Yes!"

That came out approximately three octaves higher than normal.

Cleveland laughed harder.

I stared between them.

"What?"

"Nothing!"

They said it simultaneously.

I narrowed my eyes.

"I'm surrounded by children."

"You're twenty one," Cleveland pointed out.

"Not relevant."

"It feels relevant."

"Shut up."

The video mercifully moved away from relationships.

"Commanders are also responsible for assigning dormitory accommodations and ensuring their kansen have suitable living arrangements!"

I leaned forward.

"Okay. Useful information."

Cleveland wiped beneath one eye.

"You mean marriage wasn't useful?"

"I'm going to throw you through the window."

"Figure of speech?" Dido asked cautiously.

I looked toward her.

"Yes."

"Thank you."

I paused.

Then smiled slightly.

"Good question, though."

Dido smiled back.

The narrator began explaining dormitories.

Apparently each faction maintained its own residential facilities, though kansen could request alternate arrangements depending on fleet assignment and personal preference.

I grabbed a notebook.

Cleveland noticed.

"You're taking notes?"

"Yes."

"You know you can replay the video."

I slowly turned toward her.

Her smile disappeared.

"You can replay it?"

"...Yes."

I stared at her.

Cleveland shifted in her chair.

"You know what? Forget I said anything."

"I hate you."

"No, you don't."

"I am rapidly approaching it."

Dido giggled.

I wrote down several things.

Dormitories.

Supply offices.

Training facilities.

Repair docks.

Commissary.

Medical facilities.

And, in very large letters...

GET A FUCKING MAP.

Dido leaned slightly closer.

Her eyes landed on the page.

She covered her mouth.

I looked at her.

"Necessary."

"Yes, Master."

"You're laughing again."

"No, Master."

"You're getting better at lying."

"Thank you."

I paused.

Dido froze.

Cleveland slowly looked toward her.

I slowly looked toward her.

Dido's eyes widened.

"That was sass."

"I..."

"That was absolutely sass."

"I did not mean..."

I pointed at her.

"Progress."

Dido stared.

Then smiled.

Cleveland shook her head.

"You're going to ruin her."

"I'm improving morale."

"You've been Commander for less than a day."

"And look at these results."

I gestured toward Dido.

Dido blinked.

Cleveland stared at me.

"You're an idiot."

"Highest aptitude score."

"You guessed on half the test."

"Still counts."

Cleveland groaned.

The video continued for another several minutes.

Supply requisitions.

Mission assignments.

Training schedules.

Maintenance procedures.

Emergency protocols.

Communication systems.

That last one caught my attention.

"Commanders will be issued a Naval Communication Device for coordination with kansen, and base facilities!"

I immediately sat upright.

"Hold on."

Cleveland looked over.

"What?"

I pointed at the screen.

"I get a phone?"

"Basically."

I stared at her.

"You knew this?"

"Yes."

"And you didn't give me one?"

Cleveland blinked.

"That was supposed to happen during orientation."

Silence.

Dido slowly took one step away from Cleveland.

Smart girl.

I stood.

Cleveland immediately raised both hands.

"Okay, in my defense..."

"No."

"You didn't ask!"

"I didn't know they existed!"

Dido covered her mouth.

Cleveland started laughing again.

"This isn't funny!"

"It kind of is!"

"I spent all morning walking around because my phone doesn't work!"

"You found breakfast!"

"By accident!"

"And Dido!"

"Also by accident!"

Dido lowered her hands.

"I am glad Master became lost."

The room went quiet.

I looked toward her.

Dido's eyes widened.

She immediately began panicking.

"N-Not because I wished Master inconvenience! I only meant that had Master not become lost, we would not have encountered one another, and therefore I..."

"Dido."

She stopped.

I smiled.

"I know what you meant."

Her shoulders relaxed.

"And..."

I glanced at Cleveland.

Then back at her.

"I'm kinda glad I got lost too."

Dido froze.

A blush slowly spread across her cheeks.

"Oh."

Cleveland's expression became unbearably smug.

I pointed at her without looking.

"Whatever you're about to say, don't."

"I wasn't going to say anything."

"Bullshit."

The video finally reached its conclusion.

"Remember, Commander! Leadership is not simply about giving orders. It is about building trust, understanding your fleet, and working together toward a common goal!"

I became quiet.

That...

Actually wasn't terrible advice.

"Your kansen will depend upon you both on and off the battlefield. Lead with courage, responsibility, and respect!"

The naval emblem appeared again.

"Good luck, Commander!"

Cheerful music played.

Then the screen went black.

Silence filled the office.

I stared at the monitor.

Cleveland stretched.

"Well?"

I leaned back.

"That would've been really fucking useful yesterday."

She burst out laughing.

I grabbed a crumpled piece of paper and threw it at her.

She caught it.

"Asshole."

"Hey, you survived."

I stared at her.

Cleveland grinned.

I slowly pointed.

"You do not get to use that against me."

"Apparently I do."

I stood.

"All right."

Cleveland raised an eyebrow.

"What now?"

"First?"

I pointed toward the computer.

"I want whatever communication thing that video mentioned."

"Command device."

"Phone."

"Command device."

"Does it make calls?"

"Yes."

"Send messages?"

"Yes."

"Take pictures?"

"Yes."

"Phone."

Cleveland sighed.

"Fine."

"Second, I want a map."

Dido immediately raised her hand slightly.

"I can provide Master with a tour."

I looked toward her.

She hesitated.

"If... Master still wishes."

I smiled.

"Yeah. I do."

Her face brightened.

"Then I would be delighted."

"Good."

I looked toward Cleveland.

"Third, I need to find Z23, Ayanami, Javelin, and Laffey."

"Why?"

"Because they're my fleet."

Cleveland waited.

I shrugged.

"And I haven't seen them since yesterday."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Missing them already?"

"I've known them for less than twenty-four hours."

"That wasn't a no."

I stared at her.

"Can you tell me where they are or not?"

She walked toward the computer.

"Let's check."

A few clicks later, my fleet appeared.

Z23 — Training Grounds.

Ayanami — Training Grounds.

Javelin — Training Grounds.

Laffey — Dormitory.

I stared at the last entry.

Cleveland stared too.

Dido leaned closer.

I sighed.

"Of course she is."

Cleveland smiled.

"Probably sleeping."

"It's almost noon."

"Exactly."

I couldn't even argue with that.

I looked toward the other three.

"Training grounds?"

"They're probably doing independent exercises."

"Without me?"

Cleveland glanced over.

"They existed before you arrived, Alex."

I paused.

Right.

That was another thing I needed to remember.

They weren't characters sitting around waiting for me to give them something to do.

They had routines.

Friends.

Responsibilities.

Lives.

I nodded slowly.

"Fair enough."

Cleveland studied me for a moment.

Then she reached into one of the desk drawers.

"What?"

She pulled out a small rectangular device.

Dark screen.

Metal frame.

Naval emblem on the back.

She tossed it toward me.

I caught it.

My eyebrows rose.

"That my phone?"

"Command device."

"Phone."

"Whatever."

I pressed the side button.

The screen illuminated.

COMMANDER IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED.

"Great."

Cleveland pointed toward the fingerprint icon.

"Thumb."

I pressed my thumb against it.

The device vibrated.

A moment later...

IDENTITY CONFIRMED.

WELCOME, COMMANDER ALEXANDER ORR.

Several applications appeared.

Messages.

Fleet.

Map.

Schedule.

Contacts.

Mission Board.

Affection.

I stopped.

There was a map.

I slowly raised my head.

Cleveland had already started backing toward the door.

"You."

"Now, Commander..."

"There is a map."

"Yes."

"On the phone."

"Command device."

"Cleveland."

Dido was shaking beside me.

I pointed toward the door.

"Run."

Cleveland ran.

"You bitch!"

Her laughter echoed down the hallway.

I started after her.

Then stopped.

I looked at Dido.

She stared at me.

I looked toward the hallway.

Then back at her.

"...Which way did she go?"

Dido lasted approximately half a second.

Then she doubled over laughing.

I stared at her.

"Goddammit."

Her laughter filled the office.

I looked down at the device in my hand.

Then at the map application.

Then toward the hallway Cleveland had disappeared down.

A smile slowly crossed my face.

Oh.

She was fucked now.

I had GPS.

I decided against tracking Cleveland down.

Mostly because I had more important things to do.

Partially because hunting down a light cruiser through an unfamiliar naval base, even with GPS, was probably not the most productive use of my first full day as Commander.

Besides.

Revenge could wait.

I looked toward Dido.

She was still smiling after laughing herself nearly breathless at my expense.

"Hey, Dido."

"Yes, Master?"

"Want to come with me while I go check on my fleet?"

Her eyes widened.

For half a second, she looked as though she wasn't entirely certain she'd heard me correctly.

"You... wish for me to accompany you?"

"Yeah."

I slipped the command device into my pocket.

"Unless you've got something else you need to do."

There.

Better wording.

No you don't have to.

I was learning.

Dido's expression brightened.

"I would be delighted to accompany you, Master."

"Great."

I stood and grabbed my jacket.

"Then let's go see what three destroyers are doing while the fourth sleeps through half the day."

Dido covered her mouth.

"Miss Laffey does enjoy sleeping."

"I've noticed."

I glanced toward the computer.

"Does she actually do anything besides sleep and drink?"

Dido hesitated.

"When necessary, Miss Laffey is an exceptionally capable combatant."

"I read her service history."

My amusement faded slightly.

"Guadalcanal."

Dido nodded.

I shook my head.

"Still having trouble reconciling that with the girl who passed out on my office floor."

A small smile appeared on Dido's face.

"You will become accustomed to it."

"I seriously doubt that."

I headed for the door.

Dido followed immediately.

This time, I didn't need to ask.

I noticed.

I didn't comment.

We stepped into the hallway.

I pulled out the command device.

The map application was still open.

A blue marker showed our location inside the administration building.

Another marker identified the training grounds.

I stared at it.

Beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful.

Dido leaned slightly closer.

"Master?"

"I can see where I am."

"Yes?"

"And where I'm going."

"Yes."

I slowly smiled.

"This is the greatest piece of technology on this entire base."

Dido blinked.

"Master is surrounded by kansen, Wisdom Cubes, advanced naval equipment, and technology capable of manifesting warships as rigging."

"None of those stop me from getting lost."

Dido considered that.

"...That is true."

"Exactly."

We started walking.

For once, I knew where the fuck I was going.

Mostly.

I still checked the map at every intersection.

Dido noticed.

She was polite enough not to say anything.

Her occasional smile said enough.

"You know..." I muttered. "...you're getting dangerously comfortable laughing at me."

"I would never laugh at Master."

"You've laughed at me six times."

Dido's cheeks reddened.

"I have not been counting."

"I have."

"That seems unnecessary."

I stopped.

Dido stopped too.

I slowly turned toward her.

She froze.

"...What?"

"That was sass."

"I merely stated..."

"More sass."

"I..."

A grin tugged at my mouth.

Dido's cheeks puffed slightly.

"Master is teasing me."

"Yes."

Her eyes widened.

Apparently admitting it wasn't part of the game.

I resumed walking.

After a moment, Dido hurried to catch up.

The farther we went, the more the administrative buildings gave way to open spaces.

Training fields appeared between structures.

Concrete firing positions.

Obstacle courses.

Warehouses.

Several large reinforced areas that looked suspiciously designed to survive considerably more punishment than a normal training ground should ever experience.

Considering the people training here could manifest naval artillery, that was probably wise.

Then I heard gunfire.

Not rifle fire.

Something heavier.

Much heavier.

The sound rolled across the district.

I stopped.

Another explosion followed several seconds later.

I looked toward Dido.

"Please tell me that's normal."

"Yes, Master."

"Good."

Another distant blast shook the air.

I nodded.

"Because I'm pretty sure twelve-year-old me would be having the greatest day of his life."

Dido smiled.

We continued toward the sound.

The training grounds were larger than I'd expected.

A broad artificial basin stretched ahead, connected to the harbor through a reinforced channel. Concrete observation platforms surrounded portions of it, while several marked firing lanes extended across the water toward distant targets.

And out there...

I stopped at the railing.

Three figures moved across the water.

Z23.

Ayanami.

Javelin.

My fleet.

Or three quarters of it, anyway.

Z23 moved along the left side of the formation, her rigging deployed around her as she fired controlled bursts toward a distant target.

Ayanami accelerated across the water with considerably more aggression, weaving between marker buoys before launching what I assumed were simulated torpedoes.

Javelin followed on the opposite side.

I watched silently.

Seeing rigging yesterday had been strange enough.

Seeing it actually being used?

That was something else entirely.

They weren't merely girls carrying pieces of ships.

They moved across the water like the ships they represented.

Fast.

Controlled.

Dangerous.

Ayanami changed direction sharply.

I leaned slightly forward.

"Jesus."

Dido glanced toward me.

"Master?"

"Nothing."

Ayanami accelerated again.

"Just realizing how terrifying destroyers are when they're five feet tall."

Dido giggled.

I looked toward Z23.

She hadn't noticed us yet.

Neither had Javelin.

Ayanami probably hadn't either.

I smiled.

Well.

There was one way to announce myself.

I raised a hand toward Z23.

"Guten Morgen, Nimi!"

Z23 nearly missed her next shot.

Her head snapped toward the observation platform.

Even from this distance, I could see the surprise on her face.

Javelin immediately turned.

Ayanami slowed.

Z23 stared at me.

Then at Dido.

Then back at me.

A few seconds later, the three destroyers began making their way toward shore.

I leaned against the railing.

Dido glanced toward me.

"Master speaks German?"

"A little."

"A little?"

"I'm a reenactor."

"That does not answer my question."

"It answers part of it."

Dido looked unconvinced.

Z23 reached the edge of the training area first.

Her rigging disappeared in a brief shimmer as she stepped onto the platform.

"Kommandant."

I straightened.

"Morgen."

Z23 narrowed her eyes slightly.

"You called me Nimi."

"Apparently that's a thing."

Her gaze immediately shifted toward Dido.

Dido suddenly found the harbor extremely interesting.

Z23 looked back at me.

"Who told you?"

"Nevada."

"I see."

There was something about the way she said that which suggested Nevada might receive a conversation later.

Javelin arrived next.

"Commander!"

She practically bounced onto the platform.

"You came to see us!"

"Figured I should probably check on the people I'm supposed to be commanding."

Javelin smiled brightly.

Ayanami stepped onto the platform behind her.

Her rigging vanished.

She looked at me.

"Commander."

"Demon."

Ayanami blinked.

Then gave a tiny nod.

"Acceptable."

I smiled.

Dido stepped slightly behind me.

Javelin noticed her.

"Dido!"

"Good morning, Miss Javelin."

Javelin looked between us.

Then smiled.

"What are you doing with Commander?"

Dido immediately turned pink.

"I-I was merely escorting Master!"

Z23 raised an eyebrow.

Ayanami stared.

Javelin's smile grew.

I sighed.

"I got lost."

There was silence.

Ayanami tilted her head.

"Again?"

I stared at her.

"How the fuck do you know about the first time?"

"Laffey told us."

Of course she did.

"When?"

"This morning."

I frowned.

"She was awake this morning?"

"Yes."

"And now she's asleep again?"

"Yes."

I stared out across the water.

"That girl has life figured out."

Javelin giggled.

Z23 crossed her arms.

"Did you require something from us, Kommandant?"

"Nope."

That seemed to surprise her.

"I just wanted to see what you were doing."

Z23 blinked.

"Our training?"

"Yeah."

I nodded toward the water.

"Cleveland said you were conducting independent exercises."

"We are."

"Mind if I watch?"

All three went quiet.

I raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

Javelin looked surprised.

"You want to watch us train?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Z23 answered first.

"You are the Commander."

"And?"

"You could simply request the training records afterward."

"I could."

I leaned against the railing again.

"But a report isn't the same as seeing what you can actually do."

Z23 studied me.

Ayanami did too.

I shrugged.

"Besides, I spent half of last night reading about you four."

Javelin's eyes widened.

"You did?"

"Ship specifications. Service histories. Combat records. Whatever I could find."

Ayanami stared at me.

Z23's expression shifted slightly.

I gestured toward the training basin.

"Now I want to see how much of that translates to..."

I paused.

I looked at the three girls.

Then at the water.

"...this."

Z23 followed my gaze.

Understanding crossed her face.

"You wish to understand how kansen combat differs from conventional naval warfare."

"Exactly."

A tiny smile appeared.

"I believe I can assist with that."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

Javelin raised her hand.

"I can help too!"

Ayanami nodded.

"Ayanami will demonstrate."

I smiled.

"All right."

Then I looked around.

"Where do I stand so I don't accidentally get vaporized by naval artillery?"

Javelin laughed.

Z23 pointed toward a reinforced observation position farther along the platform.

"There."

"Excellent."

I started toward it.

Then stopped.

I looked at Dido.

She was standing where I'd left her, hands folded neatly in front of herself.

"You coming?"

Her eyes widened.

Again.

"Master wishes me to stay?"

I frowned.

"Dido."

"Yes?"

"You're going to have to stop being surprised every time I invite you somewhere."

Her cheeks slowly reddened.

"I... shall try."

"Good."

I gestured toward the observation area.

"Come on."

Dido smiled.

"Yes, Master."

She stepped beside me.

Behind us, Javelin leaned toward Z23.

She whispered something.

Z23 immediately elbowed her.

I glanced over my shoulder.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Javelin said far too quickly.

I narrowed my eyes.

There was that fucking word again.

Ayanami looked toward me.

"Commander."

"Yeah?"

"You should probably become accustomed to it."

I stared at her.

Ayanami's expression remained completely neutral.

Then the faintest hint of a smile appeared.

I sighed.

"Fantastic."

Apparently my fleet was learning too.

Z23 led us toward the reinforced observation position.

Calling it an observation position was underselling it.

The thing looked like someone had taken a concrete bunker, cut one side open, and pointed it toward the water.

Thick reinforced walls surrounded three sides of the platform. Several armored viewing panels were positioned along the front, while equipment consoles lined the rear wall.

I stepped inside.

Then knocked against one of the concrete walls.

Solid.

Very solid.

"Comforting."

Z23 glanced toward me.

"What is?"

"The amount of concrete between me and your guns."

Javelin giggled.

Ayanami looked completely serious.

"It would not protect Commander from a direct hit."

I slowly looked toward her.

"Thank you, Demon."

Ayanami nodded.

"You are welcome."

"That wasn't gratitude."

"I know."

I stared.

There it was again.

That tiny hint of a smile.

"You're enjoying this."

"No."

"Liar."

Ayanami looked away.

Javelin laughed.

Z23 sighed.

"Are we going to train or are you going to continue arguing with Ayanami?"

"Can we do both?"

"No."

"Damn."

Dido stepped into the observation position beside me.

Z23 turned toward the water.

"Our current exercise is relatively simple."

I pulled the notebook from my jacket.

Her eyes immediately dropped toward it.

"You intend to take notes?"

"Yep."

Z23's posture straightened slightly.

She looked almost pleased.

"Our exercise consists of maneuvering through a marked course while engaging multiple simulated surface targets."

"Simulated?"

"The training ammunition and torpedoes possess reduced destructive capability."

I glanced toward one of the distant targets.

It appeared to be a reinforced steel structure mounted on some kind of floating platform.

There were already several holes in it.

"Reduced."

"Yes."

Another distant explosion rolled across the basin.

I looked at the target.

Then at Z23.

"Your definition of reduced and mine might be slightly different."

"That is possible."

I wrote something down.

Z23 leaned slightly closer.

"What did you write?"

"Reduced apparently means still capable of turning me into soup."

Javelin burst out laughing.

Z23's expression flattened.

"That is not technically useful."

"It's useful to me."

Dido peeked at the notebook.

Her lips twitched.

I pointed at her.

"Don't."

"I said nothing."

"I'm surrounded."

Z23 cleared her throat.

"Kommandant."

"Right. Sorry."

She gestured toward the water.

"The exercise emphasizes coordinated maneuvering, target prioritization, and torpedo deployment."

"Any specific formation?"

"Not currently. We were practicing individual maneuvering before you arrived."

I nodded.

"Then keep doing that."

Z23 blinked.

"You do not wish to alter the exercise?"

"Why would I?"

"You are the Commander."

"And I've been Commander for less than twenty-four hours."

I looked toward the training basin.

"You three have considerably more experience doing this than I do."

Z23 went quiet.

I continued.

"I came here to learn. If I start changing things before I understand what you're already doing, I'm probably just going to make everything worse."

Javelin stared at me.

Ayanami's eyes narrowed slightly.

Not suspiciously.

More like she was studying me.

Z23 finally nodded.

"A reasonable approach."

"Glad you approve."

"I did not say I approved."

I raised an eyebrow.

Z23's mouth twitched.

Oh.

Oh, no.

"Not you too."

Javelin immediately looked delighted.

"Nimi made a joke!"

"I did not."

"You did!"

"I merely clarified my statement."

"You were teasing Commander!"

Z23's cheeks reddened.

"Javelin."

"Yes?"

"Return to the exercise."

Javelin grinned.

"Yes, Nimi!"

Z23's eye twitched.

I covered my mouth.

She looked at me.

"Do not."

I lowered my hand.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"You are smiling."

"No, I'm not."

"You clearly are."

I looked toward Dido.

"See? I'm getting better at lying too."

Dido giggled.

Z23 muttered something in German.

I caught approximately half of it.

Enough to know it wasn't complimentary.

"Hey."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"You understood that?"

"Some of it."

Javelin gasped dramatically.

"Nimi!"

"Enough."

Z23's entire face was pink now.

Ayanami walked past her toward the water.

"Ayanami recommends retreat."

Z23 stared after her.

I laughed.

Yeah.

I was beginning to like these girls.

Z23 took a breath.

Then another.

Her professional expression returned.

Mostly.

"We will resume."

"Please."

She deployed her rigging.

Even though I'd seen it before, watching the equipment materialize around her body was still bizarre.

Mechanical components shimmered into existence beside her.

Gun mounts.

Torpedo launchers.

Sections of hull like armor.

Equipment that should have weighed several tons simply settled around a girl barely over five feet tall.

I stared.

Z23 noticed.

"What?"

"Still getting used to that."

"You will."

"Everyone keeps saying that."

"Because it is true."

"We'll see."

Javelin deployed her own rigging.

Ayanami followed.

Then all three stepped onto the water.

I leaned forward.

Their feet touched the surface.

They didn't sink.

They simply stood there.

I stared down at my notebook.

Then back at them.

Then at Dido.

"How?"

Dido blinked.

"How what, Master?"

"That."

I pointed.

"They're standing on water."

"Yes."

"I can see that."

Dido looked toward the destroyers.

Then back at me.

"Rigging."

I stared.

"That explains absolutely nothing."

She hesitated.

"It distributes their weight and allows them to traverse the water."

"How?"

Dido opened her mouth.

Paused.

Closed it.

"I... do not know the exact scientific explanation."

"Thank God."

Her eyebrows rose.

"Master?"

"For a second I thought everyone except me understood how this shit worked."

Dido smiled.

"There are researchers who understand Wisdom Cube technology far better than I do."

"Excellent. I need to find one eventually."

I wrote another note.

ASK SOMEONE HOW THE FUCK WATER WORKS.

Dido leaned over.

This time she laughed immediately.

I looked at her.

She didn't even try denying it.

Progress.

Out on the basin, Z23 raised one hand.

"Beginning exercise!"

I straightened.

"All yours."

The three destroyers accelerated.

I stopped smiling.

Not because anything was wrong.

Because now I was watching.

Actually watching.

Z23 moved first.

Her acceleration was immediate.

Not gradual like a conventional ship.

One moment she was almost stationary.

The next she was moving across the water fast enough to throw a wake behind her.

I frowned.

That alone changed things.

A conventional destroyer couldn't simply change speed like that.

Momentum mattered.

Turning radius mattered.

Acceleration mattered.

Here?

Apparently physics had filed for fucking retirement.

Z23 banked left around a marker.

Her guns rotated independently of her body.

Three shots cracked across the basin.

The target in the distance flashed as the shells struck.

I glanced at the notebook.

"Jesus."

Dido stood quietly beside me.

Ayanami moved next.

She was faster.

Or maybe more aggressive.

Possibly both.

She zigzagged between markers with movements that would have snapped a conventional destroyer's keel in half.

Then her torpedo launchers shifted.

Several training torpedoes entered the water.

I instinctively tracked them.

Thin wakes appeared across the surface.

Ayanami immediately changed direction.

"She's not waiting."

Dido glanced toward me.

"For the torpedoes?"

"Yeah."

I watched Ayanami accelerate toward another target.

"She launches and immediately transitions."

"Is that unusual?"

"For a ship?"

I looked at her.

"Very."

A conventional destroyer had crews.

Stations.

Orders moving through multiple people.

The captain didn't personally steer the ship, aim the guns, launch torpedoes, control damage, and observe the battlefield simultaneously.

Ayanami did.

They all did.

I slowly lowered the notebook.

That was significant.

Very significant.

Javelin crossed behind Ayanami.

Her guns fired.

A second target took several hits.

Then she turned sharply enough that I instinctively winced.

"Nope."

Dido looked at me.

"What?"

"That should hurt."

"It does not."

"It hurts me just watching it."

Javelin accelerated away.

I shook my head.

Conventional naval tactics weren't useless.

Not remotely.

Weapon ranges still mattered.

Torpedoes still mattered.

Positioning still mattered.

Crossfire.

Screening.

Concentration of fire.

Target priority.

All of that still mattered.

But the ships themselves?

Different.

Completely fucking different.

I started writing.

Acceleration considerably higher than conventional vessel.

Extremely tight turning radius.

Individual control over weapons/movement.

No command delay between bridge/weapons/navigation because THEY ARE THE FUCKING SHIP.

I paused.

That last one seemed important.

Very important.

Another volley thundered across the water.

Z23 and Javelin engaged separate targets while Ayanami's torpedoes struck farther downrange.

Columns of water erupted.

I leaned against the armored viewing panel.

"Okay..."

Dido glanced toward me.

"Master?"

"I think I'm starting to understand."

"What?"

"Why the Navy needs specialized Commanders."

I watched Z23 change direction.

"Knowing ships isn't enough."

Dido remained silent.

"I could know every specification ever written about Z23."

My eyes followed her.

"Doesn't tell me how Nimi fights."

Dido smiled slightly.

I didn't notice.

Ayanami passed across the basin.

"Same with Demon."

Javelin fired another volley.

"And Javelin."

I looked down at my notes.

"And Laffey, whenever Sleeping Beauty decides consciousness is worth the effort."

Dido laughed.

I smiled.

Then something caught my attention.

Z23 and Javelin were moving toward the same target.

Ayanami was approaching from the opposite side.

I narrowed my eyes.

Interesting.

Z23 fired first.

The target's attention, assuming the automated system actually simulated such things, shifted toward her.

Javelin moved wider.

Ayanami disappeared behind a smoke screen.

I leaned closer.

"Oh."

Dido looked toward me.

"What is it?"

"They're setting up a crossfire."

Ayanami emerged from the smoke on the target's flank.

Her torpedo launchers rotated.

"Oh, that's nasty."

The torpedoes entered the water.

Z23 immediately broke away.

Javelin fired.

The target took another series of hits.

Then Ayanami's torpedoes arrived.

Several explosions erupted almost simultaneously.

Water climbed into the air.

The target disappeared behind spray.

I grinned.

"That was fucking beautiful."

Dido looked amused.

"You enjoyed that."

"Absolutely."

The water settled.

The target was still floating.

Barely.

Ayanami slowed.

Javelin raised both arms triumphantly.

Z23 appeared considerably more restrained.

But even from here, I could see the satisfaction on her face.

I checked my notes.

There were already two pages.

I hadn't realized I'd written that much.

Dido had.

"You seem quite interested, Master."

"I am."

I glanced toward her.

"This is the first part of the job that actually makes sense to me."

"Combat?"

"Learning."

She blinked.

I tapped the notebook.

"I don't know what I'm doing yet."

Dido frowned.

"That is rather harsh."

"It's accurate."

I looked back toward the water.

"But I can learn."

Z23 was explaining something to Javelin.

Ayanami stood nearby.

"And I've got people willing to teach me."

Dido followed my gaze.

"Yes."

I glanced toward her.

"Apparently including you."

Her eyes widened.

"Me?"

"You've already taught me things."

"I have?"

"You got me here."

"That was merely directions."

"Still something I didn't know."

Dido went quiet.

I shrugged.

"Everybody knows something I don't."

She stared at me for several seconds.

Then lowered her gaze.

A small smile appeared.

"I suppose."

"Good."

I returned my attention to the basin.

The three destroyers were coming back.

Javelin reached us first.

"How was that?!"

I grinned.

"Terrifying."

Her smile faltered.

I held up a hand.

"In a good way."

"Oh!"

She brightened immediately.

Z23 stepped onto the platform.

Her rigging disappeared.

"Well?"

I looked at her.

"You want the short version or the long version?"

"The long version."

Of course she did.

I opened the notebook.

"Your acceleration is insane."

Z23 blinked.

"That is your first observation?"

"Yes."

I pointed toward the basin.

"A normal destroyer needs time and distance to build speed. You don't. At least nowhere near as much."

Z23 nodded slowly.

"Correct."

"Same with turning."

I looked toward Ayanami.

"You'd rip an actual Fubuki class destroyer apart maneuvering like that."

Ayanami tilted her head.

"But Ayanami is not damaged."

"Exactly."

I tapped the notebook.

"Which means if I tried commanding you like conventional ships, I'd be artificially limiting what you can do."

Silence.

Z23's expression changed.

I continued.

"You can react faster. Maneuver faster. Engage independently. Your weapons basically respond directly to you."

"Correct."

"So traditional naval doctrine gives me a foundation."

I closed the notebook.

"But I need to stop thinking of you as ships."

Nobody spoke.

I realized how that sounded.

"Not because you're not ships."

I frowned.

"That came out wrong."

Javelin smiled slightly.

I rubbed the back of my neck.

"What I'm trying to say is..."

I looked toward the three of them.

"You're not conventional ships."

Ayanami watched me quietly.

"You're kansen."

I gestured between them.

"Which apparently means I need an entirely different rulebook."

Z23 stared at me.

Then nodded.

"That is an accurate assessment."

"Good."

I exhaled.

"Because for a second there I thought I sounded like an idiot."

"You still do sometimes." Ayanami said.

I stared at her.

Javelin's eyes widened.

Z23 slowly looked toward Ayanami.

Dido covered her mouth.

Ayanami remained completely expressionless.

I pointed at her.

"You're at five percent."

Ayanami blinked.

Silence.

Javelin slowly turned toward me.

Z23's eyes widened.

Dido looked confused.

Ayanami stared.

"...Commander checked."

Oh.

Fuck.

I probably wasn't supposed to say that.

"I..."

Javelin suddenly leaned toward me.

"You checked our affection?!"

"It was in the orientation handbook!"

Z23's face began turning red.

"That information is private!"

"Then why can I see it?!"

"Because you are the Commander!"

"That doesn't answer my question!"

"It is intended to assist Commanders in monitoring fleet morale!"

"Well, apparently Demon hates me!"

Ayanami frowned.

"Ayanami does not hate Commander."

I looked at her.

"You gave me five percent!"

"That is not hatred."

"What is zero?"

Ayanami considered that.

"Hatred."

I paused.

"...Fair."

Javelin burst out laughing.

Z23 rubbed her forehead.

Dido looked between everyone.

"What are the others?"

I immediately pointed at her.

"No."

Dido blinked.

"Master?"

"I am not digging this hole any deeper."

Javelin grinned.

"Mine's twenty five."

I stared at her.

"How do you know?"

"I can see my own."

"Oh."

That made sense.

Z23 sighed.

"Fifteen."

I looked toward her.

"You don't have to tell me."

"You already know."

"Also true."

Everyone looked toward Ayanami.

Ayanami stared back.

"Five."

"We established that." I said.

Ayanami nodded.

Then everyone slowly looked toward Dido.

Her eyes widened.

"I-I am not assigned to Master's fleet."

Javelin's smile became positively dangerous.

"Not yet."

Dido turned crimson.

Z23 immediately elbowed Javelin.

Again.

"Ow!"

"Behave."

I looked between them.

Then at Dido.

Then back at Javelin.

"No."

Javelin rubbed her side.

"No what?"

"Whatever you're doing."

"I didn't do anything!"

"You absolutely did."

Ayanami looked toward me.

"Commander."

"What?"

"You should probably become accustomed to this too."

I sighed.

"I'm beginning to regret encouraging your personality."

The faintest smile returned.

"No, you are not."

I stared at Ayanami.

Ayanami stared back.

For several seconds, neither of us said anything.

Then I sighed.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Ayanami does not know what you mean."

"Bullshit."

Her expression remained perfectly neutral.

Which, somehow, made it worse.

Javelin giggled.

"Oh, she's definitely enjoying it!"

"Ayanami is merely making an observation."

"Uh-huh."

I looked toward Z23.

"Has she always been like this?"

Z23 adjusted her glasses.

"Ayanami has always possessed a rather dry sense of humor."

"Wonderful."

"However, she does not usually demonstrate it quite so frequently."

I slowly turned back toward Ayanami.

She blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Then the faintest smile appeared on her face.

Oh, for fuck's sake.

I'd created a monster.

Well.

Technically, she'd already been a monster.

A Demon, actually.

But that was beside the point.

"Anyway."

I closed my notebook.

"Before somebody decides to murder what little dignity I have left, I have a question."

Javelin raised her hand.

"Does it involve your affection ratings?"

"No."

"Your inability to navigate?"

"No."

"Miss Dido?"

"Javelin."

Z23's voice carried a warning.

Javelin lowered her hand.

"...Sorry."

I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Jesus Christ."

Beside me, Dido made a small noise.

I glanced toward her.

She was covering her mouth.

Again.

"You're laughing too?"

"N-No, Master!"

Her shoulders trembled.

I raised an eyebrow.

"Dido."

She lasted approximately three seconds.

Then she giggled.

I shook my head.

"Unbelievable. Betrayed by everybody."

"Master, I would never betray you!"

"You're literally laughing at my suffering."

"I-I apologize!"

"Don't. It's funny."

She hesitated.

Then smiled.

"Yes, Master."

I looked back toward the three destroyers.

"Now, my actual question."

Z23 straightened.

"Of course, Commander."

I gestured toward the training basin.

"How much of what you just demonstrated was your normal combat performance?"

All three girls became noticeably more attentive.

Z23 answered first.

"That depends on what you mean."

"Speed, maneuverability, accuracy, coordination. All of it."

I tapped my notebook.

"You mentioned reduced-power ammunition. I assume you were also operating under safety restrictions."

"Correct."

"So how much were you holding back?"

Javelin tilted her head.

"Quite a bit, actually."

I stared at her.

"...Quite a bit?"

"Yep!"

I slowly looked toward the training basin.

Then back at her.

"Javelin."

"Yes, Commander?"

"You crossed approximately two hundred meters of water in what looked like three seconds."

She smiled.

"Uh-huh!"

"And you're telling me you were holding back?"

"Uh-huh!"

I looked at Z23.

She nodded.

"Training exercises impose limits on maximum speed, weapons output, and certain maneuvering techniques. The purpose is to practice control and coordination without unnecessarily damaging the facilities."

I glanced toward the floating targets.

One of them was missing a rather substantial portion of its structure.

"...Right."

Ayanami spoke.

"Ayanami could have destroyed the target sooner."

I turned toward her.

"How much sooner?"

"Immediately."

Silence.

I stared.

She stared back.

"...Of course you could."

"Ayanami specializes in torpedo attacks."

"Yeah, I'm starting to understand that."

I opened my notebook again.

Wrote something down.

Z23 leaned slightly closer.

"What are you writing?"

"Nothing."

"Commander."

I sighed and turned the notebook around.

TRAINING EXERCISE = THREE GIRLS POLITELY PRETENDING NOT TO OBLITERATE EVERYTHING.

Javelin burst out laughing.

Z23 closed her eyes.

Ayanami studied the sentence.

Then nodded.

"Accurate."

"Thank you!"

That only made Javelin laugh harder.

Even Dido was giggling again.

Z23 rubbed her forehead.

"Commander, while your assessment is rather dramatically worded..."

"It's a gift."

"...it is not entirely incorrect."

I grinned.

"See? I'm learning."

"That remains to be determined."

"Ouch."

She smiled slightly.

Oh.

Oh, she was getting comfortable.

Interesting.

I made a mental note.

Then immediately decided against writing it down.

Apparently, my notebook was becoming public entertainment.

"Alright."

I glanced at my command device.

11:47 AM.

Almost noon.

Jesus.

I'd been awake for several hours, eaten breakfast, watched an orientation video, obtained a phone, threatened Cleveland, gotten lost significantly fewer times than yesterday, and witnessed three destroyers perform maneuvers that would give conventional naval architects a collective aneurysm.

Not bad.

Not bad at all.

There was, however, one small problem.

I hadn't actually planned anything for the afternoon.

Because, until roughly an hour ago, I hadn't known what the fuck I was supposed to be doing.

I looked toward Z23.

"What's your normal schedule after morning training?"

"Ordinarily, we would conduct an equipment inspection, submit our exercise reports, and proceed to lunch. Additional training or assignments depend upon the day's orders."

"Do you have any additional orders?"

"No, Commander."

I blinked.

"None?"

"Not currently."

"Who normally assigns them?"

She hesitated.

"...You do."

Ah.

Right.

That.

I looked down at my command device.

Then back at her.

"Well, that's mildly inconvenient."

Javelin giggled.

"Forgot you're the Commander?"

"Briefly."

"How do you forget that?"

"Very easily, apparently."

Ayanami tilted her head.

"Ayanami recommends remembering."

"Thank you, Demon. Your wisdom is truly unparalleled."

"You're welcome."

I sighed.

Dido smiled beside me.

"Master, perhaps the daily assignment board would be helpful?"

I turned toward her.

"The what?"

"The daily assignment board. It should be accessible through your command device."

I stared at my phone.

Then at her.

Then back at my phone.

"...There's an assignment board?"

"Yes, Master."

"Of course there is."

I unlocked the device.

A few taps later, I found it.

BASE OPERATIONS — DAILY ASSIGNMENTS

A rather intimidating number of options appeared.

Commission requests.

Patrol assignments.

Training schedules.

Logistics.

Maintenance.

Research.

Fleet exercises.

Administrative reports.

Supply requisitions.

I scrolled.

And scrolled.

And scrolled.

"...Jesus Christ."

Z23 glanced over.

"Is something wrong?"

"There's a lot of stuff on here."

"Yes, Commander."

"A lot of stuff."

"That is generally how naval administration functions."

I looked at her.

"Was that sarcasm?"

"No, Commander."

A pause.

"Merely an observation."

I narrowed my eyes.

She adjusted her glasses.

Javelin made a strangled noise.

I pointed at Z23.

"You're learning from Ayanami."

"I have no idea what you're referring to."

"Oh, bullshit."

Dido laughed softly.

I shook my head and returned to the screen.

Most assignments had recommended fleet strengths, estimated durations, and reward allocations.

A few were marked urgent.

Others were routine.

One involved escorting a supply convoy.

Another involved clearing Siren activity from a nearby shipping lane.

I stopped scrolling.

"...Siren activity."

The mood shifted.

Not dramatically.

But enough for me to notice.

Z23 stepped closer.

"Which assignment?"

I turned the screen toward her.

She studied it.

"Sector Seven. A routine reconnaissance patrol."

"Routine?"

"Yes. Siren reconnaissance units have occasionally been detected along the outer shipping routes."

I frowned.

"Occasionally?"

"Correct."

"How occasionally?"

She hesitated.

"Several times over the past month."

I looked at the assignment again.

THREAT LEVEL: LOW

RECOMMENDED FLEET: 3–4 VANGUARD UNITS

OBJECTIVE: RECONNAISSANCE / CONTACT REPORTING

I considered that.

Then looked toward the girls.

"Have any of you been out there recently?"

Javelin shook her head.

"Not lately."

"Ayanami has participated in patrols in neighboring sectors."

Z23 nodded.

"I am familiar with the area, though I have not personally conducted this particular assignment."

I stared at the screen for another moment.

A part of me wanted to select it.

Get out there.

See what an actual patrol looked like.

Maybe finally experience something beyond administrative confusion and training exercises.

But another part of me remembered a rather important detail.

I'd been Commander for less than twenty four hours.

I hadn't even seen the full capabilities of my assigned fleet.

And I was not about to send three girls into potentially hostile waters simply because I was curious.

Not without preparation.

I lowered the device.

"Not today."

Z23 looked toward me.

"Commander?"

"The patrol."

I gestured toward the screen.

"I'm not taking you into a potentially hostile sector until I understand what we're working with."

Javelin blinked.

"But it's only a low level assignment."

"Low level doesn't mean harmless."

That earned me a moment of silence.

I continued.

"Besides, we haven't even checked your equipment after training. I don't know what our ammunition reserves look like, what condition your rigging is in, or whether we've got the supplies for an extended deployment."

Z23 regarded me thoughtfully.

"Those are reasonable concerns."

"Good."

I glanced toward Ayanami.

"And I don't know how torpedoes work when they're being launched by a five foot something girl standing on the ocean."

"Ayanami can explain."

"I would appreciate that."

She nodded.

"Ayanami will prepare a demonstration."

"Preferably one that doesn't turn the harbor into a crater."

"No promises."

I slowly closed my eyes.

"...Why do I even bother?"

Javelin laughed.

Z23 sighed.

Dido covered her mouth.

Again.

I was beginning to suspect my entire command career would consist of people laughing at me.

Honestly?

There were worse things.

At least they were laughing.

Not flinching.

Not waiting for permission to speak.

Not treating every word I said like some divine proclamation.

Just laughing.

Being themselves.

I rather liked that.

"Alright."

I slipped my notebook into my jacket.

"Here's what we're doing."

The girls straightened slightly.

"First, you're going to finish whatever post-training inspections you normally perform. I'm going to observe, ask questions, and probably write down several things that make Z23 question my intelligence."

"Commander..."

"Second, we're getting lunch."

Javelin immediately perked up.

"Ooh! Together?"

I blinked.

"Well, yeah."

She smiled.

"Really?"

"Unless you've got other plans."

"Nope!"

Z23 adjusted her glasses.

"Commander, you are not obligated to accompany us during our meals."

"I know."

"Then why..."

"Because I'd like to."

That stopped her.

I shrugged.

"I've spent most of my time learning about your ships. I'd like to spend some time getting to know you."

Javelin's smile widened.

Ayanami blinked.

Z23 looked briefly uncertain.

Then she nodded.

"...Very well."

"Good."

I looked toward Dido.

"And you're invited too."

She froze.

"M-Me, Master?"

"No, the other Dido standing next to me."

She blinked.

I grinned.

"Yes, you."

"B-But I am not assigned to your fleet, and surely I should..."

"Dido."

She stopped.

"Would you like to join us?"

Her expression softened.

"...Very much, Master."

"Then there you go."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Javelin leaned toward Z23.

And whispered something.

I couldn't hear what she said.

But I saw Z23's eyes widen.

Then narrow.

"Ow!"

"Javelin!"

"What?! I didn't say anything!"

"You most certainly did!"

"I was just making an observation!"

Ayanami nodded.

"Ayanami heard it."

Javelin looked betrayed.

"Demon!"

I stared at the three of them.

Then looked toward Dido.

She was blushing.

Again.

I sighed.

"Do I even want to know?"

"No, Master."

Her answer came suspiciously quickly.

I raised an eyebrow.

She smiled innocently.

"...Probably not."

I stared.

Then laughed.

"Fair enough."

We started toward the exit.

Or, rather, I started toward what I thought was the exit.

"Commander?"

Z23's voice stopped me.

I turned.

"Yeah?"

She pointed in the opposite direction.

"The door is over there."

I looked.

Sure enough.

There was the door.

I looked back toward the wall I'd been approaching.

Then toward the door.

Then down at my phone.

"...I have GPS."

Javelin doubled over laughing.

Ayanami closed her eyes.

Z23 sighed.

And Dido?

Dido actually had to lean against the wall.

I stared at all four of them.

"Not. One. Fucking. Word."

Ayanami opened her eyes.

"...Ayanami recommends following the signs."

I looked up.

Directly above the actual door was a large illuminated sign.

EXIT

I stared at it.

Then at her.

Then back at the sign.

"...I hate all of you."

"No, you do not." Ayanami replied.

I sighed.

She was right.

And that was becoming a serious problem.

Because apparently, the girls under my command were discovering something I hadn't anticipated.

They could tease me.

And I would let them.

Worse?

I was beginning to enjoy it.

God help me.

I had a feeling this was only going to get worse.
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A/N: And done. kuwebby2 your thoughts?