I do have an Azur Lane one-off story book that does need a new entry. But in the meantime, I got you with this one by request.

English or American the Christmas holiday is taken seriously. It is cold and ships do go with heavier clothing and tend to stay indoors more. And as one can imagine there are some that work even more throughout the holiday. There are shops, restaurants, and other key day-to-day tasks, and then there are some that want to be at the front at any moments notice already prepared.

It was December 23rd and around sunrise on the horizon. There was an Azur Lane party about to begin and everyone was invited. All ships and staff able to dance, eat well, and chat freely.

Commander (Chief) and Lieutenant Commander (LC) were about to check in with one another before eventually settling down to catch up over a pint of beer.

"Commander Sir." The LC was standing at attention.

"As you were." He smiled. "Second in command. How are you?"

"Always well Chief. Seeing who's coming and who's not. It's Christmas time and such. I love this time a year. Look at everyone's faces." LC smiled.

"Mostly. But we appreciate all." Commander smiled.

"Mostly. Hmmm." LC thought about it. The servers, the cooks, the maids. Then it hit him. "All the lovely ships making it?"

"The usual crowd." Commander nodded.

"I was afraid you'd say that. Sir there is a ship I am sure is absent. I think I want to bring her here by orders. With your permission of course."

"If its who I think it is, good luck. You have my authority." The Commander winked. "You won't be rash now. Don't make me regret my decision."

"None." He replied. "I'll be on my way Sir."

With that, LC let himself out of the main room and to the front doors. Putting his winter pants and suspenders with a thick coat and gloves before walking out into the snowy winter air. No assistance needed. Knowing the ships on the two fleets, he had a feeling there was one as per "usual" in Chief's words of how this worked.

The wind was dead. Thank goodness to anyone walking or any ways of travel. The sun was down and the sky remained a dark purple. Dark outside, but brighter than a normal night. LC went to the top of one of the research buildings that overlooked the harbor. To find one of the fleets ships dressed up in multiple white layers.

As I thought. "Enterprise." Called LC.

Enterprise turned around. "Lieutenant Commander Sir."

"As you were. And just what are you doing watching over the harbor at this time? You're needed elsewhere." He replied.

"I don't understand Sir." Pondered Enterprise.

"Unwritten rules of warfare is not to strike or attack on holidays such as this. Tis the season. Any more white and you are in a snow camouflage suit. Let's get you warm."

"I am Sir." She replied.

"And fed." He boomed.

"I have ration bars Sir. And drinking water."

"Properly warm, well nourished, and in good company. And in place of power from Commander's orders." He clarified.

Enterprise gasped. "Uh, Sir?"

"Orders are orders." He nodded.

"My orders are to attend this party?" Enterprise was confused. What kind of orders were these? There could be evil afoot. (Eeeeeeviiiiiiil! - Mermaid Man)

"Indeed. Right this way. I shall escort you. Commander, Belfast, and myself have been waiting for you." He turned around and started walking back.

"So Belfast asked you to get me?"

"Nonsense. These are my actions. Mine alone." He retorted. "Are you dressed for this occasion underneath or should we stop by your apartment?"

"I'm presentable of course. Warm and won't catch good or bad stares. As well as modest. I'm not one of the maids."

"True. Some are over the top." LC agreed.

"I don't see the point in this." Rebutted Enterprise.

"Obey orders. That's the point. If we have to get down to that point. Which, I don't want to. You will see in due time. And soon."

"I suppose Sir. Following you Sir. Ready for you to lead me to the designated assignment."

LC shook his head as he lead the way back to the big hall. "Not everything is assigned."

The second in command did lead her to the hall where the party was taking place. Under all of that winter get-up for the extreme cold there was a a white sweater, black winter pants that were tightly fitted, and white boots. She really did dress up nicely, just didn't give herself the credit as others did. She didn't need to gather attention such as Formidable, but every single time Enterprise entered the room, she commanded the attention. She didn't know how. It was simply because it was rare for her to be in the public eye. Many ships looked up to her and felt protected in her presence. 

Enterprise looked into the hall and felt she wasn't in the right place. "Why are orders for here Sir? Supervision?"

"As I said before, how about dinner, a dance, and a little holiday energy to warm you up?"

"I'm just unsure." She said hesitantly.

"Enterprise." Belfast walked up to Enterprise and LC. "I am surprised, but then again I'm not."

"We're you involved in this?" Enterprise asked her.

"None at all." She nodded with a sincere look. "Though I am overjoyed I didn't have to pry you away from having a healthier lifestyle."

"As I said before." Chuckled LC. "Belfast guide our guest here to pick out a plate and have you two join me at the Commander's table.

"I don't need to dance for everyone to see, correct?" Enterprise glared at him.

"I pried and got you this far. I won't push my luck. And Belfast, when you run into Edinburgh please tell the dear a pint of Isrinhousen for the pair of us."

"Very good Sir." Belfast nodded with a smile and was on her way to help her dear friend and everyone's American hero in Enterprise.

When LC sat down next to Commander he was enjoying a conversation with one of the demolition division leads as he grabbed his chair next to the head man in charge. Sitting there with a wide grin on his face. Commander itched his moustache in surprise. He was gone for maybe twenty minutes. No longer than a half over. Looking around the room he saw Gray Ghost catch the center of the room just by grabbing a plate of food and her being a part of the festivities.

"Lieutenant?" Asked Commander.

"Yes Sir." He turned his head slowly. Still grinning proudly.

"What the hell did you just do? And how?" Asked Commander.

"Obey orders Sir. She does a very good job with that." LC replied.

"Yes-yes. Very good."

"Pleasant surprise. If I do say so myself. Everyone in this fleet is better when she is in high spirits." LC saw behind his boss. "Behind Sir."

"Sirs. Your lagers." Said Edinburgh putting down two pints for the two men.

"I propose a toast Commander. To Enterprise and the good of the fleet. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas." A cling of the glasses.

This Christmas party was nearly complete. Enterprise and Belfast joined the two men at their table while they were having a splendid evening. And with Enterprise finally waking up and having a nice, hot meal with some coffee (decay for night time) she smiled. Knowing that her day's work was done. Possible tomorrow and the next day's as well.  

"LC?" She looked over.

"Yes Dear?" LC Turned and smiled.

"I am feeling better. And, quite frankly I'm enjoying myself. Are all fleets doing this?"

He chuckled. "Worldwide we are all celebrating. And I'm glad you are nourishing properly for a change. Man or woman one still needs its meats and carbs from a natural source. And a little sweetness is deserved after a day of hard work. And in order for us to stay on top, our care and recovery goes into it as well. Sleeping, eating, and," He paused. "Time off."

"Time, off Sir?"

"Machinery needs maintenance, as do you." Giving her a stern look. "Give yourself credit. You're too harsh when it comes to you." LC leaned back in chair to sip his beer.

"My-Myself?" Questioned Enterprise.

"The strongest ship that is very attractive should take more care of herself. Hold yourself to a high standard. And yet, do not give yourself any of the credit." He was right. She wasn't one for praise.

"We win, the battle, it's all of us. Plain and simple terms." She insisted. Now starting to get flustered.

"You are too modest my Dear."

"Well, I'm just a ship protecting everyone."

"And we are here to appreciate you for what you do for us."

"Sir." Enterprise was able to perk that smile. "Maybe that cake over there is worth the occasion and healing." She leaned towards him and felt this blush on her face. Closing her eyes realizing that this was her true weakness. Affection.

LC kissed her on top of the forehead. Everyone at the table gasped. Except Belfast. Nothing surprised that woman. "Merry Christmas Enterprise. Now let's have these next three days off a good one."

"Three days off Sir?" Pondered Enterprise trying to add everything up.

"Today, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and then maybe the day after since its Sunday we might add that as well and just have mimosa. I don't know. We shall see. To us." He separated from her.  

"Sir... LC Sir..." Blushing madly and speechless.

"Merry Christmas my dear. Enjoy your time off with me and the ladies."

With that, LC raised his glass one last time and that was his only pint for the night.  He wanted to see his fleet have fun. As they all eat plenty and danced the night away. It truly was a remarkable evening with all invited and attending. Everyone won that night. As Azur Lane's moral was at an all time high in all departments. And all in good health and stamina. Couldn't be any better. Especially with the strongest ship in the best position possible because she was about to be one-hundred percent after her short stint time off.

~~~~~

Next time. Tohka. Date A Live.

-Relly