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Chapter Text

Mid-April 2036

Commander Laike was settling into a good routine at his new command. The paperwork was surprising. He hadn’t realized how much went into running a naval base. Fortunately, he was aided by the light cruiser Köln as his secretary. Though her personality could be a bit cold, she excelled at the administrative aspects of the job

One morning, about a week after the arrival of the Sakura Empire fleet, Köln tapped at the open door of his office. The commander had gotten in the habit of leaving the door open unless he was working on something particularly sensitive, as the girls liked to drop in and visit. Currently, Nicholas, one of the Eagle Union destroyers, was curled up asleep on his couch, one of her pale blue twin-tails trailing onto the carpet.

“Kommandant, we just received word that Prinz Eugen and her fleet will be arriving before noon the day after tomorrow, if the weather holds,” Köln reported. She paused and seemed to be debating something with herself.

“Is there a problem,” Commander Laike asked.

“No, not a problem really. Just an odd request. The communique specifically asked that Illustrious be a part of the welcoming party.”

The commander tapped his pen on his desk as he thought. “Does Illustrious have any past history with the Iron Blood? Good or bad?”

“Nothing that I know of.”

“That is a bit odd, then,” he said. “Well, I’ll discuss it with Queen Elizabeth when I meet with her. Could you request that she, Mikasa, and either Saratoga or Enterprise come to my office for a meeting, please?”

“Very well, kommandant.” She went back out into the outer office.

Commander Laike glanced over at the destroyer still snoozing on his couch. ‘I suppose Nicholas can enjoy her nap a little longer until it’s time for my meeting,’ he thought.

***

After checking at the infirmary and asking Janus when she couldn’t find Vestal there, Belfast knocked at the door of Vestal’s quarters.

“Hold on, please.” After a moment, the door opened. Vestal smiled warmly up at the Royal Maid. “Miss Belfast! What can I do for you today?” she asked. “Is there anything wrong?”

“No, no, everything is fine,” Belfast assured her. “I just wanted to speak with you, if you have some time?”

“Of course! Please, come in!” Vestal opened the door wider and beckoned Belfast in.

The Royal Navy maid looked around. The contrast between Vestal’s quarters and Enterprise’s was startling. Where Enterprise’s were spartan, looking as if no one lived there permanently, Vestal’s quarters were welcoming and cozy. Framed photos hung on the walls: one of Vestal and the Yorktown sisters, another of Vestal with several of the girls from Battleship Row, and a portrait of a dark-haired man with piercing eyes. A blue and white quilt covered the bed, with matching curtains at the window. The two seats at the table had coordinating blue cushions.

“Have a seat at the table, please. Would you like some tea?” Vestal bustled over to the little kitchenette.

Belfast started to get up. “Oh! I could— “

“Ah, ah!” Vestal wagged a finger at her playfully. “Not how it works. You come to me, I serve the tea.”

“Very well, then.” Belfast settled back into her chair. She noticed with approval a small kettle heating water.

“So, how are you?” Vestal asked, as she prepared two cups of tea. “I can’t imagine Enterprise is running you too ragged.”

“No, not at all,” Belfast assured her. “She’s doing much better.”

“So, I’ve noticed.” Vestal smiled back at her guest.

Belfast smiled. She’d noticed that Vestal didn’t miss much when it came to the Yorktown sisters. “I imagine she’s kept you quite busy in the past.”

Vestal rolled her eyes to the ceiling and sighed exasperatedly as she brought two steaming mugs over to the table. “Oh, all you can imagine and then some!” She turned back to the kitchenette and brought a small bowl of sugar over, finally taking a seat opposite her guest.

Belfast inhales the aroma coming from the tea. “Mmm… spearmint?”

“A blend of peppermint and spearmint,” Vestal confirmed. “Good for calming spirits and stomachs. So, what brings you here today?”

“I had some questions. I probably should ask Enterprise herself, but…”

“But you’d probably get more answers from Grim,” Vestal finished for her. “Her eagle,” she clarified, at Belfast’s momentary look of confusion.

“Ah, I had wondered if he had a name.”

“Yes, he was named that by Yorktown, who he was partnered with originally. And the fact that she hasn’t told you even that much shows the problem.” Vestal sighed. “What are we going to do with her? So, what was it you wanted to know? I will answer what I can, within the bounds of personal privacy, of course.”

“Oh, of course!” Belfast toyed with the handle of her sturdy pottery mug. “I have seen Enterprise with her younger sister before, and while Hornet both raises her spirits and heightens her protective instincts, I had never seen her as she was when she saw Yorktown standing there,” she said. “Nor had I seen her as afraid as she was when she got that text message from Hornet,” she added.

Vestal sighed and shook her head. “I specifically asked Hornet to text her, because I thought hearing the same thing from me would scare her. Leave it to Hornet to phrase it in such a way that terrified her anyway. All the subtlety of a B-25, that girl!” Despite her obvious irritation, the affection in Vestal’s voice was clear. “Was there anything there that worried you? About Enterprise, that is.”

Belfast cast her eyes downward. “It left me wondering how well I truly know her.” The normally confident light cruiser sounded troubled.

“Ah, that’s right,” Vestal said, understanding dawning on her. “You’ve only known the ‘Must be perfect so no one else gets hurt’ version of Enterprise.” She smiled sadly, turning her mug around and around in her hands. “Yorktown’s injury affected Enterprise deeply. She shut her emotions off, no matter what Yorktown, Hornet, or I did.” Vestal lifted her eyes to Belfast and reached out to touch her hand. “We saw little change in her until recently when you came along.”

“So, she doesn’t need me anymore…” Belfast said softly.

“Hm? Oh, don’t be silly. If anything, this makes your job easier.” Vestal smiled mischievously. “Not that it’s really a job anymore, is it?”

Startled, Belfast met Vestal’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” she stated in her oh-so-proper tone, “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

Vestal gazed at Belfast evenly. “Mm. Did you know that it is a useful skill for a medic to have to be able to read into tone and body language? It’s a great aid in seeing how people really feel when their words say something different.”

Belfast stared at her a moment more, then dropped her gaze and the mask. “I suppose I haven’t been hiding it that well. How long have you known?”

“About you? I had suspected, but coming to me today confirmed it to me.” Vestal tilted her head. “Has anyone else clued in?”

Belfast chuckled lightly. “Miss Illustrious has dropped hints, but she is also a bit of a romantic, so that may have just been wishful thinking on her part.” Belfast rubbed at the edge of her thumbnail absently. “You say that you suspected ‘about me,’” she asked hesitantly, “What about Miss Enterprise?”

“Oh, it’s hard to say for sure. You know how high she builds up the walls around herself. But I think that what you’ve done so far has knocked holes in those walls and Yorktown being well again may just bring them down altogether. I think she may feel the same.” Vestal could see the barest shadows of various emotions flit across the younger kansen’s face as she gazed into her tea. Enterprise wasn’t the only one who had trouble letting her emotions out, it seemed.

After a moment, Belfast looked back up at Vestal, a bright hopeful smile on her face. “Thank you. I appreciate your insights. Now, on a different note, I know it’s not Enterprise’s favorite, but does Yorktown enjoy tea?”

Vestal smiled brightly back. “She does indeed.”

***

Outside along the shore, those same two carriers sat together on a bench staring out over the water. Enterprise’s left arm was twined around Yorktown’s right, and she leaned her head on her older sister’s shoulder. Enterprise was still adjusting to taking time for herself, but at this moment with her sister, she was completely at peace.

“It’s shocking to see all the changes in the base. Especially with all the new construction,” Yorktown mused.

“Yeah, the recent Siren attack made a mess of the base,” Enterprise replied. “But at least the whole situation led to a new alliance.”

“I heard the ruckus of the attack. Vestal and Perseus had me bundled off to a safe room as soon as it started. I never even heard any details until just a few days ago.”

“We didn’t want to worry you.”

“Especially since a certain sister of mine was right in the middle of it all?”

Enterprise lifted her head and turned to look her sister in the eyes. “I—“ she began, but Yorktown shushed her with a finger.

“I understand. It just feels odd having my little sisters protect me. I could tell that something was wrong from how rattled Hornet and Hammann were, but neither would tell me what it was.” Yorktown pulled her closer. “As long as you’re okay now, but don’t leave me out of the loop like that anymore, got it?”

Enterprise hugged her sister close. “We won’t. And I’m fine now. I had some help getting through it all.”

“So, I’ve heard,” Yorktown said mischievously.

“Hmm?”

“That sweet Royal Navy maid that came with you to my room that day?”

“Belfast?” Enterprise asked. “She’s been a good friend.”

“Mmm, it sounds like it.”

Enterprise was more used to hearing that teasing tone from Hornet. “What?”

“Oh, Hornet said the two of you have been near inseparable. She said she’s lost count of how many times one of you came to the other’s rescue.” Yorktown did not mention the scene over breakfast that Nevada had gleefully told her about. Hamman had been scandalized.

Enterprise stared at Yorktown. “What? She’s helped me a lot. Like I said, she’s a good friend.” Yorktown just stared back at her with an odd little smile that reminded Enterprise of the smile Bel got just before she did something unexpected. “What?” Enterprise asked again. Before she could get an answer, her phone pinged.

“Hopefully that’s a less alarming message than what Hornet sent you,” Yorktown quipped.

“It’s Köln, the commander’s secretary.” Enterprise sighed. “There’s a meeting of the faction leaders.”

Yorktown squeezed her sister’s hand. “Go. I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere.” Enterprise gave her sister a relieved look, picked her cap up off the seat next to her, and headed off to the command building. Yorktown watched her go, then turned her attention back to the water where Grim wheeled and soared on the air currents. She was glad to see both of them able to spread their wings.

Chapter Text

Enterprise arrived at Commander Laike’s office to find Queen Elizabeth already seated in one of the wingback chairs that she seemed to prefer. Warspite stood in readiness to her right and nodded a greeting to Enterprise.

“Hee hee, pardon me!”

Enterprise stepped to the side as one of the maids wheeled in a laden tea cart. She tilted her head, her steel gray hair swaying, and smiled at Enterprise as she passed by. Köln followed her in.

“Ah, here we go!” Elizabeth proclaimed. “The proper protocols must be observed. Thank you, Charybdis,” she added, as the dutiful maid poured her tea.

Köln watched the scene with some bemusement and turned to Enterprise. “I have a pot of coffee ready, if you’d prefer,” she noted quietly.

Enterprise chuckled, becoming used to the Royal Navy flagship’s love of pomp and ceremony. “That’d be great, thanks,” she replied to Köln in the same low tone. “Black, please.” Köln smiled and nodded and slipped back out. Enterprise waved off Charybdis’ offer of tea.

The commander sipped awkwardly at his tea, the teacup tiny in his hands. “We sent a messenger to Mikasa, and she said she’d be along shortly, then we can begin. In the meantime, how is everything going?” Commander Laike asked. “I haven’t had a chance to check in with Yorktown. Is everything going well with her?”

Enterprise smiled. “She’s quite well, sir. She’s been catching up with some friends and getting back into the rhythm of life at the port. Ah, thank you,” she murmured as Köln handed her a coffee mug.

“It is good to see your sister back out and about,” Warspite noted.

“Indeed, a most favorable start to your service here, Commander,” Queen Elizabeth said. “We look forward to seeing what other plans you have.”

“Thank you, your majesty,” Commander Laike said. “I do plan to discuss that further in a few days, once the Iron Blood fleet has arrived. And speaking of arrivals…” He rose to his feet to greet Mikasa. “It is good to see you, ma’am.” Upon learning of Mikasa’s experience with the Sakura fleet, the young commander had started treating her with a similar high esteem as the younger ships of the Sakura fleet did.

Mikasa returned the greeting, bowing gracefully. “Thank you, Shikikan. I hope I didn’t keep you all waiting long.”

“Not at all,” Enterprise told her. “I just got here myself a few minutes ago.” Enterprise and Mikasa both took a seat on the couch and Mikasa gratefully accepted a cup of tea from Charybdis. She then took a small notepad and pen from her pocket. Köln brought her own cup of coffee in from the outer office and took up a spot next to the commander.

“All right, looks like we’re all set,” Commander Laike began. “Thank you all for coming here so promptly. We received word from Prinz Eugen this morning that she and the Iron Blood fleet will be arriving the day after tomorrow. We are still working on the dormitory, much as with the Sakura Empire’s dorms. Again, thank you Mikasa, for your patience with that.”

“It’s no trouble at all, Shikikan,” Mikasa replied. “It has allowed us to make a few slight alterations to the plans that should cause no extra time or funds.”

“That’s great! Just send me a report if you need anything else. Köln has noted a few similar changes for the Iron Blood dorms, as well,” the commander continued. “So, we’re still working on the dorms, but will have room for the ten who will be arriving.”

“Mmm–” Köln raised a finger and Commander Laike turned to her. “That’s twelve arriving, for a total of sixteen, with the four of us already here.”

He sighed. “Right. Thanks for keeping me straight,” The commander said wryly. “Queen Elizabeth mentioned what other plans Azur Lane command has got and there are a few irons in the fire, but I’d prefer to discuss that when the Iron Blood fleet arrives. Any additional questions?”

Mikasa finished making a note on her pad of paper then raised her hand. “Yes. This is as much a question for our Royal Navy allies as for you, Shikikan: We would like to take charge of holding a welcome banquet, if we could perhaps use the Royal Navy’s ballroom? The welcoming banquet when we arrived was lovely, and while we have plans for an event space, it is not ready yet. We would like to show our gratitude for the gracious welcome you have shown us.”

“I do not see a problem with that,” Queen Elizabeth said. “A Sakura Empire banquet will be a novel change.”

“They arrive in a day and a half,” Commander Laike pointed out, concern in his tone. “Will you have enough time?”

Mikasa just smiled. “Oh, Hiei is quite adept at arranging functions such as this. I believe she’s even prepared some plans already. We would just need a guest count to finalize those plans.”

“We can get you those numbers,” the commander said, looking to Köln who nodded and made a note on her ever-present clipboard.

“I look forward to it,” Enterprise said. “What Sakura food I've ever tried has all been casual fare.”

“Though on a more modest scale, we were given a very nice dinner party when we arrived in the Sakura Empire,” Köln noted. “It was quite good.” Mikasa smiled warmly at the Iron Blood cruiser.

“Excellent. Then we’ll all meet up again after Prinz Eugen’s group arrives and discuss further plans,” Commander Laike concluded. “That will be all. Queen Elizabeth, if you could please stay a few minutes more. I do have an additional matter to discuss with you.”

***

“—then Her Majesty said that I had been specifically requested for the welcoming party,” Illustrious told her tea party guests the next afternoon. “I cannot imagine why, but I do not see any problem with it, so I readily agreed.”

The little garden clearing was quite full, as Illustrious had decided to hold a ‘getting to know you’ tea party and had invited several new faces. Additionally, a smaller table had been set up for Unicorn to invite her friends, something that pleased both Unicorn and Illustrious. Further along the larger table, North Carolina tilted her head, her fall of blonde hair sliding over one shoulder. “Have you had much history with the Iron Blood?” the Eagle Union battleship asked.

“None,” the elegant white-haired carrier replied. She took a sip of her tea. “My sisters Victorious and Formidable, yes, but not me. It’s really rather curious. We’ll see tomorrow, I suppose. But enough talk of business. How are you doing, Miss Yorktown? Are you enjoying your tea?”

“Oh, it’s very nice,” Yorktown replied, understanding that Illustrious did not mean simply the drink, but the gathering. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“It was no trouble at all. I thought we’d have a few friends over,” Illustrious said, smiling warmly at Yorktown and North Carolina and at the two Sakura kansen who had joined them for tea.

“We would have invited your sisters,” Prince of Wales added wryly, “But I know tea isn’t quite their thing, much less a tea party.”

Yorktown chuckled. “Yes, it is hard to say which of the two would be more uncomfortable, Hornet with the formality or Enterprise with the social gathering.” North Carolina also laughed softly.

Belfast ducked her head to hide her amusement. She turned her head to meet Yorktown’s amused gaze, nodding her agreement. “Oh, they’re not as bad as all that, miss,” she demurred. “Miss Hornet just prefers her tea iced.” The maid set down an additional tray of sandwiches at Unicorn’s table. “Something a little more substantial,” she murmured. She had seen the way a couple of those girls ate and thought that a little bit more than the usual tea cakes and pastries might be welcomed.

Z23 waited until Ayanami and Laffey took from the tray, Laffey taking two, before taking one for herself. “Danke, miss,” she said to Belfast, earning a smile. The Iron Blood destroyer sat ramrod straight in her chair. She still wasn't quite comfortable with her new friends. A quiet afternoon reading was more her speed.

“Eat,” Laffey told her, in her odd monotone voice. “This is a party.”

“I don’t usually come to tea parties, myself,” Javelin told Z23, “But the biscuits and cakes are so good!”

As Javelin said that Edinburgh set down a tray of cookies. “Did someone mention biscuits?” Edinburgh said, her eyes twinkling behind her glasses.

Z23 spotted some jam filled cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. “Are those Linzer cookies?” she asked incredulously.

“I thought I’d give them a try,” Edinburgh acknowledged. “Please do let me know if I got them right.”

Touched, Z23 immediately tried one. The cookie was slightly different than she was used to, but still very good and was an unexpected taste of home. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she told the nervous maid, “It’s very good, thank you.” Edinburgh beamed.

At the larger table, Kongou had just set down her teacup. “This is a very good blend,” she noted. “It reminds me of Earl Grey, but with a slightly different flavor?”

Hood looked impressed. “I did not expect you to be so knowledgeable about Royal teas.”

Kongou dipped her head modestly. “When Mikasa-daisenpai was asked to bring a companion to tea, she invited me knowing that I would also enjoy a tea party,” she said. “We both spent time in the Royal Isles when we were younger.”

“Oh, how splendid that we could find such a commonality!” Hood exclaimed. “This tea is a variation on the Earl Grey, with a few added citrus and aromatic notes, I believe.” She glanced over at Belfast.

Belfast smiled and nodded once. “Indeed. The Lady Grey blend is a favorite of both Lady Hood and Lady Illustrious. I am glad that you find it enjoyable as well.” Belfast continued to watch over the friendly gathering. Illustrious seemed to be achieving her aim of easing the peaceful social transitions into the base and Belfast was satisfied to see that Yorktown got along quite well with both Illustrious and Hood. As if she could hear Belfast’s thoughts, Yorktown looked up at Belfast with her sea blue eyes and smiled at her. Bel allowed a slightly larger smile than her usual back at the elegant Eagle Union carrier.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Belfast quietly opened the door to Enterprise’s room. Though it was increasingly unnecessary, she still took it upon herself to make sure Enterprise was awake and to escort her to breakfast. To her surprise, the room was brighter than usual.

“Good morning!” Enterprise called out, amusement in her tone. “Did I surprise you?”

Belfast chuckled. “Indeed you did.” She saw that Enterprise was still in the oversized t-shirt that she had started using as a nightgown since Belfast had chided her about sleeping in her uniform. One side of the curtains were pulled back and the wardrobe door stood open. “I would ask if you slept well or hardly at all, but your cheery demeanor suggests the former.”

“I have been sleeping better lately, especially since the new alliance and Yorktown’s recovery.” Enterprise started to pull the T-shirt up over her head as Belfast took a fresh uniform and laid it out over the desk chair.

Belfast turned quickly to straighten the bedcovers. “Well, that is good to hear,” she said. Inwardly she thought, ‘What is wrong with me today? I have assisted Enterprise in her morning routine before without getting this flustered!’ The maid glanced over her shoulder to see Enterprise buttoning up her blouse. Belfast picked up the tie and turned to assist. “And how is your sister? Adjusting well?”

“Very well. She was quite surprised to receive an invitation to tea,” the white-haired carrier noted with a raised eyebrow. “Though she did enjoy herself among new friends.”

Belfast paused to meet Enterprise’s eyes, answering the unspoken question with a slight nod. “I’m glad she enjoyed it. It seems that one of you knows a bit about elegance, at least,” she teased. She finished knotting Enterprise’s tie.

“Better than me.” Enterprise twitched the end of her tie out of Belfast’s hands and patted it down. “So, down to breakfast, then?”

“Oh, I don’t need to lead,” she said with a slight smirk. “But first…” Belfast tilted her head to look up at Enterprise and picked the hairbrush up off the desk. She twirled one finger indicating for Enterprise to turn around.

Enterprise found the smooth, gentle strokes of the brush soothing, but she had an odd flutter in her stomach from the soft touch. When she heard Belfast set the hairbrush down, she turned back around. “Well? Am I presentable?”

Belfast looked her up and down and flicked an invisible bit of dust from Enterprise’s lapel. “You’ll do,” she teased.

The tall carrier settled her cap on her head and waved toward the door. “After you, then.” Belfast bobbed a mini curtsy in response.

The two walked down to the mess hall in a comfortable silence, the soft click of Belfast’s heels offsetting the softer thump of Enterprise’s boot heels. They picked up two trays, though Belfast only took a glass of juice and a small pastry. She generally had her breakfast early with the other maids in the Royal Navy kitchens, but after the dragging incident, Enterprise made a deal with her: she would come down and eat a proper breakfast, but only if Belfast joined her instead of standing over her. So, Belfast allowed for this breach in protocol that was just one small part of the shift from a mistress-maid relationship to friends.

After a sip of juice, Belfast asked, “So, what are you wearing to the banquet tomorrow night?”

Enterprise paused, a forkful of scrambled eggs halfway to her mouth. “My uniform, I guess.” She chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Bel, you’ve seen my closet. There’s not much in there but this.” She gestured down at herself.

“That is true.” Belfast bit her lip. “Is that all you wore to the ball that we put on for the Sakura fleet’s arrival? I’m sorry, I didn’t notice that night,” she said.

“I just made a quick appearance for formality’s sake. I noticed you were pretty busy. I spent most of those few days with Yorktown,” Enterprise explained. “She’s looking forward to coming to this one. I can’t even think of the last time all three of us went to a party together. It’s been years.”

“I just wish I’d thought of it sooner. We could have had something made up for you. Victorious works wonders, but not in less than a day.”

“I don’t need a fancy dress. This is fine.”

“Still… a pretty gown would be nice, don’t you think?” Belfast tilted her head and smiled warmly at Enterprise.

Something in Belfast’s gaze made that odd flutter reappear in Enterprise’s stomach. ‘I must be hungrier than I thought,’ she thought, taking another bite of her toast. “I guess I could get something to have on hand for other parties.”

“Excellent.” Belfast took one last bite of her pastry and looked at the delicate pocket watch she carried. “Unfortunately, I will have to go assist with the banquet preparations. Hiei said that if we maids helped today, they would be able to take care of everything tomorrow, leaving us free to enjoy the day. Did you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? I haven’t thought any further than the fleet‘s arrival today,” Enterprise replied. “Why? Did you have something in mind?”

“The weather has been lovely. I thought we might have a picnic lunch,” Belfast explained. “Just something light before the banquet tomorrow evening. Maybe up on that hillside where Javelin and her friends like to go?”

“Yes, I’ve seen them there a few times.” Enterprise thought about it for a moment. “Sounds good to me.”

“Lovely!” Belfast beamed. “I’ll get things planned out today and have it ready for tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning, if I don’t run into you before then!”

Belfast’s bright smile stunned Enterprise. She managed to mumble something in response to Belfast leaving. She sat there for a moment, then remembered her breakfast sitting in front of her. She took a few more bites, then gathered everything up on her tray and took it back up to the counter.

She still had almost two hours until the Iron Blood fleet was due to arrive. The message that Commander Laike had sent a little while ago said that Prinz Eugen said that they had one more in their number than previously reported, so Enterprise wanted a little time to prepare. She went to the small office down the hall that was set up for their flagship. It was laid out similarly to the commander’s office with a secretary’s desk in the outer office, just simpler.

She logged onto the computer. She’d had few dealings with the Iron Blood, but she reviewed the files that the Royal Navy has shared with them. They had few aircraft carriers and only slightly higher numbers of battleships, including their leader, Bismarck. Their true strength was in their vanguard: their cruisers and destroyers, and also in the well-disciplined submarine techniques. Enterprise wondered who they would see in the fleet joining them in the port. She read a few more mission reports then shut down the office to head down to the docks.

The commander was already there, along with Mikasa, Admiral Hipper, and Z1. “Hello, Enterprise,” Commander Laike called, “Just yourself this morning?”

“Yes.” She hesitated. “Should I have brought anyone else?”

“No, no,” Commander Laike assured her, “A small group will be fine, right Hipper?”

“Ja, I’m mainly here to make sure my sister hasn’t gotten into any trouble,” the petite heavy cruiser replied.

“Or made any,” Z1 snickered.

“True,” Admiral Hipper huffed.

“I came alone,” Mikasa added. “The rest of our girls are all busy under Hiei’s direction preparing for the welcome banquet. I think we will be fine with a little less ceremony, correct?” she asked the two Iron Blood ships present.

“Eh, all we would have at home would be maybe a band, but that’s fine,” Z1 replied.

“Maybe we should have asked that Manjuu band that played when I arrived,” the commander joked.

“…The Manjuu what?” Hipper said flatly.

Enterprise sighed. “I do not know where or even how Craven found Manjuus who play music. I was as surprised as you were, Sir,” she said.

“With tiny instruments?” Mikasa asked. She shook her head slowly. “Perhaps it is best that we do not tell Hiei of this until after tomorrow night. She does not need to add another detail to her plans.”

Commander Laike chuckled. “As you wish.” He looked beyond the little group to the three other kansen approaching. “Ah, Your Majesty! Now our group is all here. It is nice to see you too, Miss Illustrious, Warspite.”

“Hello everyone! What a lovely day to greet new friends,” the elegant Royal Navy carrier greeted the group. “Admiral Hipper, would you have any idea why Prinz Eugen requested my presence?”

“I--” Admiral Hipper turned and found herself face-to-chest with Illustrious. She grumbled under her breath and took a step back. “I do not know what goes through my sister’s head,” she gruffly replied, her face flushed. “I do know that Lord Bismarck would not allow her sense of mischief to risk this new alliance. At least she can keep Eugen in line.”

Snickering behind her hand at Hipper’s predicament with Illustrious, Queen Elizabeth spoke up. “That often seems to be the case with the younger of a class.”

“You’re right, as usual, but who’s keeping her in line now?” Warspite asked dryly.

Illustrious giggled delicately and it was Queen Elizabeth's turn to look annoyed. “Yes, well, anyway… Servant,” she addressed the commander, “What is this about an unannounced extra ship in their fleet?”

“Prinz Eugen just informed us this morning,” Commander Laike said. “I’m sure there’s nothing nefarious. As Hipper said, Bismarck wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize this alliance, especially with three of their ships here in the port.”

“Still, it’s highly irregular!” Queen Elizabeth protested.

“Have you met my sister?” Admiral Hipper muttered sarcastically. “Prinz Eugen may be mischievous, but she is no traitor. There is some reason for this unknown extra ship, however backwards her logic may be.”

“At any rate, we’ll find out soon,” Enterprise cut in, eager to prevent the argument that seemed ready to break out. “They should be here any minute, right Commander?”

“Yup. I sent Dace and Bluegill out to guide them in when they arrive,” he confirmed.

As if summoned, a pink haired girl popped up from under the water next to the dock. “Commander Laike, they’ve entered the harbor,” Dace reported. “And they brought four U-boats!” The submarines had been very excited to meet their Sakura counterparts and had been buzzing for days at the prospect of even more new friends from another navy.

“Thank you, Dace. You can go back and accompany your new friends in, if you want,” he told the cheery sub, who promptly dove back under. “Well, let’s get ourselves looking official.” He made sure that his cap and jacket were straight.

The small group shuffled themselves around, with Illustrious, Enterprise and Mikasa subtly shifting behind their shorter colleagues. “I met your elder sister yesterday, Enterprise,” Mikasa noted to the Eagle Union carrier. “She seems like a woman of grace and quiet strength.” Mikasa’s voice took a somber note. “She reminds me of dear Amagi.”

“Amagi?” Enterprise questioned.

“Akagi’s elder sister,” Mikasa explained. “They were both to be converted to carriers, but Amagi did not have the constitution and sadly passed.”

“Oh, how dreadful,” Illustrious exclaimed.

“Oh…” Enterprise was startled. She thought of Akagi’s desperation in that final battle and the ghostly figure they had seen on the Orochi who faded away. She wondered what she herself would do if she had lost Yorktown. Would she have become as hardened as the version of herself that the black wisdom cube had shown her? Her musing was interrupted as the Iron Blood fleet approached.

A tall, white-haired woman led the group. She wore a white naval uniform jacket and cap and carried a staff from which a banner fluttered from the end. Her four headed, red and silver rigging scanned the area around them. She was flanked by Prinz Eugen on one side, and on the other side by two white-haired cruisers with uniforms like the one Köln wore. As they stepped onto the dock, Prinz Eugen hailed the awaiting group. “Commander Laike, it is good to meet you face to face,” she said, with a hint of a flirtatious tone. Stepping aside, she went on, “I present to you the flagship of our navy’s contribution to this alliance, Tirpitz, battleship of the Bismarck-class.”

The tall woman with the staff nodded her head once. “I bring greetings from my sister, Bismarck, and her hopes for a favorable and continuing alliance.” Tirpitz's voice, unlike Prinz Eugen’s, held little inflection. “You already know Prinz Eugen. These two,” she indicated the two other cruisers, “are Königberg and Karlsruhe, Königberg-class light cruisers, of which the third is already here at your port”

“Ja, where is Köln?” Karlsruhe, the one with the shorter hair piped up.

Commander Laike chuckled. “She’s acting as my secretary and helping me catch up with paperwork. She’s back at the office.”

“Oho, getting close to the commander already?” Königberg purred. “Sehr gut.”

"Königsberg, sich beruhigen,” Tirpitz said quietly. “There will be time–”

“Ah, meravigliosa, just who I needed to see after such a long journey, mia cara Illustrious!” A flamboyantly dressed green-haired woman stepped out to the front of the group, her long black, white, and green cape swirling around her. She withdrew a rose from within her cape and presented it to Illustrious, who giggled delicately behind one hand.

“…Yes, and may I also present Littorio,” Prinz Eugen’s voice dripped with annoyance, “—Vittorio Veneto-class battleship and self-appointed envoy from the Sardegna Empire.”

“Yes, I was visiting our good friends in the Iron Blood when I heard of this new alliance,” Littorio said airily. Tirpitz glanced to the side and sighed. Littorio looked Commander Laike over appreciatively. “How could I resist joining? Rejoice, Commander! For you have gained an indomitable ally in Littorio!”

While the two Royal Navy battleships seemed nearly as annoyed as Tirpitz and Prinz Eugen, Admiral Hipper looked almost relieved. “Well, at least this wasn’t a prank on Eugen’s part,” she muttered. At a questioning glance from Enterprise, she sighed and continued, “The Sardegnans have been allies of ours for some time, but some of them can be tiresome.”

Overhearing their exchange, Warspite snorted inelegantly. “We should have seen this coming, really,” she said wryly.

“Continuing with the introductions, if I may, Littorio?” Prinz Eugen continued.

“Be my guest,” Littorio replied. She leaned back so she could gaze at the Commander and Illustrious and crossed her arms under her generous bust. “I am content right here. You may continue.” She waved a hand at Prinz Eugen.

Prinz Eugen pressed her lips together in a thin line. “Thank you. So glad to have your cooperation,” she said sarcastically.

“That is enough,” Tirpitz said evenly. “Continue, Prinz Eugen.”

“We brought one aircraft carrier, to begin learning tactics from the Eagle Union and Royal Navy,” Eugen smiled and waved forward a tall redhead, with flight decks atop two of her rigging’s heads.

“Weser!” Hipper exclaimed happily. Commander Laike turned to smile at the usually grumpy heavy cruiser. He hadn’t heard her that happy yet.

“Ältere Schwester,” Weser greeted, smiling.

“Moving on, we have three more destroyers, Z9, Z18, and Z24,” Eugen continued.

A blonde with a black miniskirt and jacket saluted, her tiny silver rigging hovering near her head. A taller girl with long dark twin-tails and large black and red claws on her hands laughed. “Behold, mortals, the Fiend of Darkness has arrived at your port! Eh--” she craned her head to look at the whimpering girl behind her whose rigging loomed over Z24’s head.

Z1 called out, “Wolfgang, what are you crying for? Warspite isn’t going to eat you!”

“Und finally, four U-boats, who have already gotten acquainted with a couple of your submarines: U-47,” a girl with a scarf half covering her face nodded to them, “U-96,” the ash blonde girl gave a jaunty salute, “U-101,” the dark-haired girl astride her rigging like it was a motorcycle grinned and nodded, “and finally U-110.”

The last, a girl with short white hair with one part sticking straight up from the middle of her head, barely raised her head above the surface of the water. “Raaaawr,” she intoned.

Enterprise just shook her head. It wasn’t as if they didn’t have some real characters among their own destroyers and submarines.

Commander Laike stepped forward. “Welcome Tirpitz and the Iron Blood fleet.” He paused for just a moment and continued, “And Littorio of the Sardegna Empire. I hope it won’t be too much of a problem for you to stay in the Iron Blood dormitory for now. We weren’t prepared for another faction to arrive so soon.”

“Not at all, comandante,” she replied distractedly. “We are all allies, are we not?” Behind her, Prinz Eugen rolled her eyes.

“Great!” Commander Laike replied. “Now, we have a welcome banquet planned for tomorrow night, planned by our gracious Sakura Empire allies,” Mikasa bowed her head to the group and Tirpitz smiled in response. “But until then we can show you to your dormitory so you can rest from your long trip.” The group started to split into smaller groups for individual greetings.

Littorio drifted toward Illustrious like iron drawn to a magnet. “Ah, mia bella Illustrious, could I have a word…”

“Eugen.”

Prinz Eugen turned to face her older sister. “Hm? Oh, there you are down there,” she teased.

Admiral Hipper flushed. She took a deep breath and let it out. She would not yell at her younger sister within minutes of seeing her again. “So, you and Weser are here; where is Blücher?”

Weser, who had also come to greet her older sister, winced.

Hipper looked from one to the other. “What? What happened?” Panic was overtaking the annoyance in her tone.

“She’s fine, she’s fine!” Prinz Eugen hurriedly assured her. “She just hurt her ankle and couldn’t make the voyage.”

“Her ankle? What did she do, run aground?” Hipper asked, calming down a bit to her usually annoyed state.

Weser chuckled and replied, “No. Snowboarding.”

“Snow– What?!?” Hipper squawked

Eugen rubbed her forehead. “Ja. She decided to try snowboarding, and it got the better of her. Oh, she was mad enough that she couldn’t come. I have a letter from her, and she was begging Lord Bismarck to let her come in the next group.”

“Figures,” Hipper grumbled. “How often are all of us in one place, even not considering Tallinn.”

“Hey, three for four isn’t too bad, is it?” Weser asked, giving her gruff sister a hug.

Hipper smiled a bit and hugged her back. “It is good to see you. Both of you,” she finished in a mutter.

“What was that?” Eugen leaned in. “I didn’t catch that.”

“You heard me the first time!” Hipper grumbled, to Weser’s amusement.

“Excuse me, Admiral Hipper,” Enterprise cut in. “I don’t mean to intrude, but did Weser mention she was your sister?”

Hipper smiled sardonically. “And you’re wondering how I have a sister who’s a carrier? Midway through building, they decided we needed carriers and converted Seydlitz from a heavy cruiser to a light aircraft carrier. Pretty strange, huh?”

“Actually, that makes more sense than you think.” Enterprise smiled. “We had a similar situation. They took the last nine ships of the Cleveland class and converted them to light carriers.”

“Last nine?!?” Hipper asked incredulously. “How many were there total?”

“Thirty-four or thirty-six, if I recall correctly, counting both the Cleveland and Independence class,” Enterprise replied. She held her hand out to shake Weser’s. “I look forward to working with you out there.”

Weser drew herself up proudly. “Thank you. Likewise, ma’am.”

Enterprise nodded. “If you’ll excuse me. Mikasa, do you have a moment?”

Mikasa was crouched down talking to Z9. She looked up and nodded to Enterprise. “Just a moment.” She dabbed at the tiny destroyer's tears with the edge of her sleeve. “Are you okay?” At the girl’s nod, she patted her on the cheek and stood. “What can I do for you, Enterprise?”

“You mentioned earlier that Yorktown reminds you of Amagi,” Enterprise began, “Could you explain?”

“They are not much alike in appearance, but in demeanor,” Mikasa said. She stared off over the sea, lost in memory. “Amagi had the same sense of quiet authority that your sister shows. In appearance, she looked very much like Akagi, her hair was lighter brown and styled differently, but they resembled each other closely.” She smiled sadly at Enterprise. “Much like you and Yorktown.”

“Did–” Enterprise hesitated, “Did she wear a long red kimono and carry a matching parasol? She had light purple eyes…” she murmured.

Mikasa stared at Enterprise. “...Yes,” she breathed. “How– how did you know?”

Enterprise explained what she and Akagi had seen aboard Orochi, including the final moment when the vision faded away. “You did not know this?” she asked.

“No,” Mikasa shook her head. “Akagi did not reveal any of this to us.” She stared past Enterprise, lost in thought once more. “This changes so much. I must speak to Nagato about this.” Focusing back on Enterprise, she said, “Thank you for telling me this. You may have done us all a great service, Akagi most of all. I think, like your elder sisters, the two of you may be more alike than you know. If you’ll excuse me.” She walked quickly off to the Sakura dorms.

***

Notes: “Here come the subs, da da da da…” Wait, that’s not how the song goes…

The Glory of Naples has arrived! I kept you all guessing this long, did anyone see that special guest coming? Boy, is she fun to write, too.

Queen’s Orders has been influencing me lately. I couldn’t resist some sort of joke with Admiral Hipper, Queen Elizabeth, and Illustrious all in one place. Also, Valiant is back home in the Royal Isles and currently King George V’s problem.

And yes, Bel is plotting and Enterprise continues to be oblivious. More fun to come when we get to the banquet. It’s party time!

Chapter Text

Enterprise’s room was still dark when Belfast crept in the next morning, even though it was somewhat later than her usual. Letting her eyes adjust, she saw Enterprise still asleep, sprawling across the bed with the covers thrown off. Belfast picked up a few items off the floor and opened the wardrobe on the way to open the curtains. “Rise and shine,” she sang out. “It’s more than time to already be awake.” This met with groans from the bed, as its occupant slowly dragged herself to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. “I take it that you did not sleep well, then?” Belfast asked sympathetically.

Enterprise blinked blearily at her, as if the words couldn’t make it through the fog in her head. “Urgh, no,” she groaned, “It was a bit of a rough night.” She stood and stretched her arms up over her head, yawning. With her eyes closed from the yawn, she didn’t notice the pink on Belfast’s cheeks as the stretch caused her nightshirt to ride up her thighs.

“What was the matter?” Belfast started laying out a fresh uniform.

Enterprise sighed. “A conversation I had with Mikasa yesterday brought back some of the unsettling memories from the Orochi incident.” She held up her hands defensively at Belfast’s startled glance. “No visions or anything, no passing out in the corridors or anywhere. Just going to sleep in my own bed and unsettling dreams.”

“Were they about that alternate?” Belfast asked cautiously.

“No, no,” Enterprise answered hurriedly. “Do you remember the other figure I told you about? How the Orochi was posing as someone close to Akagi?”

“Yes, that cube was manipulating her nearly as much as it was you.”

“It seems so.” She paused. “Right there at the end, after we’d destroyed the Orochi, she looked at me and thanked me. I don’t think that was the Orochi speaking. I don’t know what it was, but it didn’t have that wrong feeling that I felt from the visions.”

Belfast was silent for a few moments, absently helping Enterprise dress. “There has always been a more—” she paused to find the right words, “—a more mystical aspect to the Sakura Empire. Their appearance as mythical creatures, their reliance on the sacred Sakura… Edinburgh mentioned that when she was there, she could feel a sort of aura coming from it. I can only imagine how it is with someone of their culture.” She shook her head. “We would have to ask them more about it.”

“I might ask Mikasa,” Enterprise said. “The conversation started when she told me how Yorktown reminded her of Akagi’s late sister, Amagi. When I asked what she was like, the description matched who I had seen, the form the Orochi took.”

Belfast’s shoulders dropped a fraction. “Oh my. That does not excuse what Akagi did, but it certainly does explain a lot.”

“What’s more, the details of who she had seen were apparently left out of Akagi’s explanation of the event. Mikasa seemed quite shocked.”

“Oh…” Belfast pondered the implications. “So, her censure might have been less severe had they known,” she said quietly.

“Definitely seems that way. I know Mikasa rushed off to call home when she found out.” Enterprise picked up her cap and put it on. “In less heavy matters, what did you have planned for us today?”

Belfast giggled. “So eager, are we? I thought we might get a little something for breakfast– I imagine you will certainly need your coffee this morning– then pick up the picnic basket from the Royal kitchens and head up to the ride.”

“A picnic basket?” Enterprise asked, laughing. “As always, you’ve got it all planned out.”

“You know me so well,” Belfast teased. “Shall we, then?”

The two headed down to the mess hall, where Belfast had her usual tea and pastry. Enterprise tried to get by with just toast with her coffee but caved in to Oklahoma’s persuasion and took a serving of bacon as well. They then strolled over to the Royal Navy dormitories where they detoured around the back through a garden full of herbs to the kitchen door.

“Who’s got the green thumb?” Enterprise asked.

“Edinburgh, actually. She has quite a talent for both growing them and using them. Hello?” Belfast called into the busy kitchen.

“Bel!” Edinburgh looked up from where she had been forming cookie dough at one of the counters. “Give me just a moment.” Wiping her hands on a towel, she retrieved a large wicker basket from a walk-in cooler. There was a rolled-up blanket tucked under the handles. “Here we go,” she said. “I packed everything you asked for, Bel, and I added in some of the first batch of shortbread.” Edinburgh smiled brightly at Belfast and Enterprise as she handed the basket over.

“That’s brilliant, thank you!” Belfast said, tucking the handles of the basket into the crook of one arm. “Edinburgh is the best baker of all of the Royal Maids,” she added to Enterprise.

“Oh, was it your cookies and cakes at the tea party a couple of days ago?” Enterprise asked. “Carol and Yorktown couldn’t stop talking about them.”

Edinburgh, already blushing from Belfast’s praise, ducked her head shyly. “Mm-hm. We did swap a few recipes afterward,” she said, with a sideways glance that Belfast answered with a sly smile. “But don’t let me keep you. You two have fun!” She started shooing them out the door as a smaller maid with dark twin-tails giggled. Belfast shook her head in wry amusement.

They walked along the path at the edge of the base greeting friends here and there along the way. “Here, let me carry that for a while.” Enterprise took the basket from Belfast. They wound their way up the hill, concentrating on their footing. After a few minutes, Enterprise spoke up. “Bel– back when we went to rescue Edinburgh and Sheffield, why didn’t you mention that Edinburgh was your sister? I was surprised when Wales mentioned it.”

Belfast’s smile faltered, much as it had that day when Enterprise had asked about the two missing maids but then brightened again. “I didn’t? Are you sure?”

Enterprise gave Belfast a sideways glance. She reached over and traced her fingers along the maid’s jawline, tipping her chin up.

Belfast’s eyes widened and a blush spread across her cheeks. “Wh-what are you doing?” she stammered.

Enterprise tilted her head from one side to the other. “Looking for the edge of the mask,” she said lightly. She wondered to herself what was making Belfast blush like that. Lavender eyes met blue. “You tell me not to keep things bottled up,” Enterprise rebuked her gently.

Belfast looked down and away. She sighed and looked back up at Enterprise. “Very well. I do try to keep some detachment when it comes to field missions. It’s hard enough to send a friend out into what could be a perilous situation, much less my only sister.” Her eyes were clouded. “The North Atlantic was a hazardous place. Edinburgh was torpedoed while I was laid up for repairs. I could not be there for her.” She focused back on Enterprise. “Also, she finds it difficult sometimes being the elder sister to the head maid. It’s bad enough when you have an older sister’s reputation to live up to, but when it’s your younger sister?”

Enterprise thought of her own sisters for a moment. “I can see that. For Yorktown it’s different as most of my achievements came after she was— out of action.” A touch of pride entered her voice. “And we haven’t even seen the best of what Hornet can do yet. Though you should ask her about her B-25 bombers sometime. Still, it’s obvious Edinburgh adores you. And I could tell how proud you are of her when you spoke of her baking.”

“Wait until you taste it!” Belfast boasted again with a proud tilt of her chin. “I do love my sister, really,” she admitted. “It’s just part of the job to maintain an air of propriety. There is more affection behind closed doors.”

“Ooooh, I get it,” Enterprise said. “The mask is issued with the maid uniform!”

Belfast mock glared at Enterprise’s teasing. “You’re not entirely wrong. Ah, here we are! Where did you want to set up the picnic? Under that shady tree there?”

“That would be a good spot,” Enterprise agreed. “It’s got a nice view of the port.”

They laid out the blanket under the tree and Belfast started unpacking the basket. She pulled out several wrapped sandwiches, a small jar of what looked like some sort of brown relish, a container of strawberries, a couple of bottles of an orange fizzy drink, and a large thermos and cups.

“All right, what’s on the menu?” Enterprise asked, looking at the waxed paper wrapped sandwiches and thermos curiously.

“Well, I thought that since we are having a lovely Sakura dinner, we might also try a bit of cross-cultural food for our lunch. I’ve got ham and cheese sandwiches, Branston pickle on the side since I didn’t know if you would like it or not, and some orange squash.” Belfast set the bottles, a couple of the sandwiches, and the container of relish to one side. “I usually like lemonade on a picnic, but you mentioned that you are not a fan of lemon,” she added.

“Definitely not,” Enterprise confirmed, wrinkling her nose.

Belfast smiled. If Enterprise only knew how cute that expression was! “That’s the traditional Royal Islands side of the picnic. Now, earlier there was mention of recipe swapping, yes?” At Enterprise’s nod. “North Carolina mentioned a few Southern Eagle Union summer favorites at tea, and so here we have a couple of tomato sandwiches, and a thermos of sweet iced tea, made to North Carolina’s specifications.”

“Oh, she raves about tomato sandwiches!” Enterprise exclaimed, taking one. “Are you sure it didn’t offend your royal sensibilities to make iced tea? And can you really call that a recipe?”

“Oh, I don’t know if I would serve it to the Queen, but it seems refreshing enough on a warm day. And I certainly think you could call it a recipe when it contains more sugar than some biscuits!”

“Let’s see how it is.” She took a sip. “Ahh, that’s good. Just about how Carol makes it. So, what’s that in the jar?” she asked, indicating the chunky reddish-brown relish that Belfast was putting on her sandwich.

“Branston pickle,” Belfast replied. “It’s pickled vegetables in a sweet and tangy sauce. A common ingredient in a Ploughman’s lunch. I thought you might appreciate a heartier sort of outdoor lunch than tea sandwiches. And I do like a pickle sandwich, myself.”

“I’ll give it a try,” Enterprise said.

The two ate their lunches and chatted about the little things going on in the port. Grim soared overhead but swooped down when he saw Enterprise. He delicately accepted a few chunks of ham from Belfast, flew to a nearby branch, and huddled his head down into his feathers.

“I think Grim’s got the right idea.” Enterprise said. She stretched out her legs and laid back on the blanket, head pillowed on her hands.

They sat there quietly for a few minutes before Belfast looked down and noticed that her companion had fallen asleep. “I guess you needed that,” she murmured. She continued to gaze out over the harbor until she heard voices coming up the hill.

“I hope you didn’t pack too much,” Ayanami said, in her quiet tone. “Hiei is making a lot of food for tonight.”

“Oh, just some sandwiches and crisps,” Javelin replied brightly. “Not too much!”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Unicorn said. “I’ve never had Sakuran food.”

“It’s quite good,” Z23 added. “We had a very nice dinner when we arrived in the Sakura Empire.”

“Oh!” Unicorn spotted Belfast and Enterprise, noticing Enterprise asleep. She tiptoed closer. “Is Miss Enterprise all right?” she whispered.

“She’s fine,” Belfast replied, just as softly. “She just didn’t sleep well last night and finally relaxed enough.” Unicorn nodded solemnly.

“This is a good place for a nap,” Laffey added, peering over Unicorn’s shoulder.

“Laffey! You nap everywhere!” Javelin replied, exasperated.

“True,” Laffey admitted.

“We’ll set up our blanket over here, Miss Belfast, so we don’t disturb you,” Z23 said politely.

“That’s very considerate of you girls,” Belfast said, gracing them with a grateful smile. She returned to contemplating the waters.

As they walked away, Laffey asked, “Are they on a date?”

“Of course not!” Z23 snapped, barely keeping her voice down. “You don’t nap on a date— well, you would, Laffey— and what makes you think it’s a date?”

Ayanami raised her eyebrows and exchanged a glance with Javelin and Unicorn. “You’re probably right, yes. I doubt it,” she said.

Unicorn hugged U-Chan closer to her chest and peeked over her shoulder at the older carrier and the head maid. ‘Could they be on a date?’ she wondered.

Belfast let her companion sleep for another hour or so, then gently shook her shoulder. “Enterprise, it’s time to start getting back to base.”

Enterprise slowly opened her eyes. “Mmm, I didn’t realize that I fell asleep.” She looked up at Belfast. A few rays of sunlight pierced the tree branches and glinted off of Belfast’s hair. In that moment, her eyes looked to Enterprise to be a more vivid blue than the clear sky above them. She sat up. “I’m sorry. That was awfully rude. We came up here to spend time together.”

Belfast reached out to smooth back a stray strand of Enterprise’s hair. “I am just glad that you were at ease enough to rest. You evidently didn’t get enough last night.” Belfast watched Enterprise raise a hand to her face. They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment, and the normally unflappable head maid’s heart started beating fast. She pulled her attention back to her surroundings. “We really must be getting back, though,” she said, busying herself packing up the remnants of their picnic. “You may be attending the banquet as you are normally dressed, but I will require a little more time to get ready.”

Enterprise touched her face. She felt a light tingling at the place where Belfast’s fingers had brushed her cheek. Through a haze, she noted Belfast talking about getting ready for the party and felt a surge of excitement. She mumbled something in agreement and began to help her friend, but her mind was far away. ‘Why do I keep getting these strange feelings around Bel?’ she wondered.

***

The three Yorktown sisters and Hammann arrived at the Royal Navy dormitories. Enterprise had arrived at her sisters’ shared room earlier after tidying herself up from the picnic. Her distracted state was noticed by her sisters. Once Yorktown found out who she’d spent the day with, a Cheshire Cat grin spread across her face. To Hornet’s amusement, Yorktown insisted on applying some makeup to Enterprise’s face. Enterprise would likely have protested more if not for her current state of mind. So now the quartet arrived.

Though Enterprise was dressed in her uniform, her sisters had dressed up for the occasion. Hornet’s party dress echoed her usual outfit. A strapless lacy black top and black shorts were topped by a black overdress with a yellow satin lining. The overdress was held together at her chest by a silver anchor clasp. Yorktown had a floor length black gown with a sheer halter neckline. The ruched waistline was adorned with a blue rose and a matching blue satin choker encircled her neck with the ribbon trailing behind her. Hammann’s knee length party dress echoed the neckline of Yorktown’s gown, but with the modest addition of an off-the-shoulder ruffle. Red satin lined the ruffle and the flared skirt.

“Hey, there’s the commander. Hey, Commander!” Hornet called out.

Yorktown chuckled. “We can dress her up, but we can’t take her anywhere.”

“Would you want her any different?” Enterprise asked. “When was the last time we were all able to do something like this together?”

Yorktown pulled Enterprise and a protesting Hammann into a hug. “I can’t even remember the last time. Let’s go enjoy it!”

Catching up to Hornet, who was admiring Commander Laike’s dress whites, Enterprise was starting to feel a bit self-conscious about her uniform. She saw a few of the younger girls arriving in their uniforms, but most of the girls were in some sort of fancy dress. Hiei, waiting alongside the commander to greet them, was wearing an elaborate kimono with a purple floral pattern. Commander Laike leaned over and said something quietly to her. She nodded slightly and smiled.

“Welcome Yorktown, Enterprise, Hammann. We are honored to have you join us.” Hiei greeted them with a bow. “One of the girls will be along to show you to your table. We will begin with dinner with a reception to follow. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth was kind enough to provide us with the use of some of the Royal Navy’s recorded music.” She glanced to the side. “Ah, Iroha, could you assist these ladies?”

A petite girl with long, wavy purple hair stood staring wide-eyed at Yorktown and Hamman. “H-hai, Hiei-san,” she stammered. “This way please, honored guests.”

Yorktown led the group “‘Iroha?’ Is that what Hiei called you?” she asked. “That’s very pretty.”

“Thank you, Yorktown-san,” Iroha said politely. “It is a— nickname, I think you say? We call it goroawase, a kind of wordplay with numbers.” She hesitated for a moment, then lifted her chin proudly. “My name is I-168,” she said.

Hammann sucked in her breath sharply, and Iroha gave her a hard stare. Yorktown placed a soothing hand on the small destroyer's shoulder. “I know,” Yorktown said. The Sakuran submarine’s eyes widened. “I knew who you were shortly after you arrived,” she went on. “I am glad to meet you under better circumstances. We are in new times now.”

“But—” Hammann protested.

“I mean it, Hammann,” the eldest of the three carriers said sternly. “We are all allies now. I am not asking you to be best friends, but you will be civil with each other. Is that clear?” she asked the two smaller girls. Hornet stared at her older sister, astonished. Enterprise remembered seeing the sub staring at her when the Sakura fleet arrived but didn’t know who she was then.

“Hai, Yorktown-san,” Iroha said, bowing politely.

Hammann pouted but wilted under Yorktown’s gaze. “Y-yes, Yorktown,” she said.

Iroha smiled as they arrived near the front of the decorated ballroom. “Here is your table. Dinner will be served shortly,” she told the group.

The table was elegantly set, with a simple floral arrangement at the center of one white peony with a few leaves accenting it. Red, black, and silver ribbons twined around the vase. Two other girls were already seated at the table.

Admiral Hipper watched as her younger sister practiced with the chopsticks. She chuckled at Weser’s fumbling attempts. “I had better not,” the redhead said, setting the chopsticks down. “I’ll end up with half my dinner on my dress.” She glanced up. “Oh, hello again!”

Enterprise smiled. “Hello. It looks like we’re seated together for the banquet. Weser, Admiral Hipper, these are my sisters, Yorktown and Hornet, and Hammann, who’s essentially another little sister,” Enterprise said. Hornet grinned and reached over to tug Hammann’s hair. Without looking or losing the pleasant smile on her face, Yorktown deftly swatted Hornet’s hand away.

Admiral Hipper raised her eyebrows at the interplay between the sisters. “Nicely done,” she said to Yorktown. “This is Weser, my youngest sister and one of Iron Blood’s few carriers.” There was a note of pride in the normally gruff cruiser’s voice. “She is here to learn from the carriers of Eagle Union and Sakura Empire.”

“Well! We’ll be working together quite a bit, then,” Hornet said. “It’s nice to meetcha.”

“Likewise,” Weser replied.

At that moment, two of the Sakura kansen arrived. One wore a navy blue kimono with white flowers along the hemline and had her hair pulled up into a ponytail tied with a white ribbon. The other had a coordinating pale pink kimono with darker rose florals and wore her hair hanging loose. “I am sorry that we are late,” the one wearing navy said. “I am Takao and this is my sister, Atago.”

“Ah, I had wondered who the last two at our table would be,” Hipper said. She did not look displeased with the new arrivals.

“Your other sister, Prinz Eugen, is not with you?” Atago asked.

“No,” Weser explained. “She’s a couple of tables over, accompanying Tirpitz. Tirpitz is– not so comfortable in social gatherings.”

Enterprise saw the two iron Blood ships at a table with Illustrious, her two sisters, and Saratoga. “I can relate to that,” Enterprise said wryly, which got a few laughs from her tablemates. She glanced around but did not see Belfast.

“As can I,” Takao said. It is not my preferred pastime.”

“So, what do you like to do for fun?” Weser asked.

“When I am not practicing my sword work, I enjoy calligraphy. It aids in focusing the mind,” Takao explained. “I also practice ikebana, or flower arranging, though others are far more skilled than I.”

“Ah, did you do these?” Hipper asked, nodding toward the centerpiece. “I tried to learn a bit about it when I was in the Empire.”

“She did!” Atago said. “She’s more talented than she believes!” Takao blushed and ducked her head.

“It is quite good.” Hipper said. She traced the ribbon with one finger. “You showed our colors nicely and a large flower like a peony doesn’t need much else. I didn’t learn much about the exact meanings, but they are often used in celebrations, correct?”

Takao cocked her head to one side. “That is correct. They signify bravery and honor,” she said. “I thought them a suitable choice to honor a new chapter in our alliance.”

Weser chuckled. “My sister is also more talented with flowers than she lets on,” she added. “Ah, here comes Kommandant Laike.”

With everyone shown to their seats at the banquet tables, the commander and Hiei entered the room and made their way through the tables to the one with Tirpitz and the Illustrious sisters. From the back of the room there was a wolf whistle followed by a faint, “Oklahoma, I swear to God–!” This prompted a ripple of giggles through the room.

Hornet looked at Yorktown and raised her hands in front of her in a clear, “It wasn’t me” gesture. Yorktown just shook her head.

Commander Laike grinned at Oklahoma then waved to quiet the crowd. “Thank you all for coming. Let’s all thank Hiei for the amazing job she’s done pulling this together in such a short time.” Applause filled the room and Hiei bowed gracefully.

Enterprise leaned over to Takao. “If this is what she can put together in two days,” she said, "I'd love to see what she can do with ample time to plan!” Takao smiled back.

Hiei folded her hands in front of her and smiled out at her peers of four different navies all sitting together. “Thank you all for your kindness. Now that we are all gathered, let our banquet begin.”

At her signal, a host of Manjuus wheeled out serving carts, placing bowls of hot soup on the tables. Course after course followed with all of the flavors and textures blending harmoniously. The two Sakuran heavy cruisers helped their tablemates identify each dish and explained some of the traditions behind them. Looking over at the Commander’s table, Enterprise could see Hiei doing the same, while Prinz Eugen and Saratoga joked around to try to brighten Tirpitz’s mood. Victorious, third in the Illustrious class, watched the Iron Blood flagship intently.

“There’s something going on there,” Yorktown quietly remarked to Enterprise.

“I know,” Enterprise replied. “Ro– Victorious would normally join in with Saratoga’s jokes.” Yorktown gave her sister an inquisitive look. “We three worked together a few years ago, after you were hurt.” Yorktown took Enterprise’s hand, and Enterprise squeezed back. The younger carrier looked around. She saw the Sardegnan battleship, Littorio, at a table with Nevada and Oklahoma. One table had Cleveland and Helena having a lively conversation with Prince of Wales and Kongou, while two chairs at their table sat empty. At another, Houshou was deep in conversation with Langley and Ranger, while next to her, Taihou stared at Commander Laike. At one end of the room, most of the destroyers and submarines sat together having the liveliest time. But throughout the room, no matter how she looked, Enterprise couldn’t spot Belfast.

As dinner was finished, the Yorktown sisters along with most of the others started filtering into the next room, which had been set up with an empty space at one end for dancing with some small seating areas and tables with light refreshments at the other. Yorktown excused herself and went to speak to Hood and Illustrious. Enterprise smiled. ‘Bel was right,’ she thought. ‘They do get along quite well.’ The carrier's smile faltered, and she looked around the room again.

“What’s up, sis?” Hornet asked. “You look like you lost your best friend.” Hornet gave her a cheeky grin.

“Belfast said she’d be here,” Enterprise replied. “But I haven’t seen her at all.”

Hornet hugged her sister. ‘Boy, has she got it bad,’ she thought. She wasn’t used to hearing her sister, the hero of the Eagle Union, sound like a lost child. “Something prob’ly just delayed her. You know how their navy can’t run without her. I’m sure she’ll be along soon. In fact,” a sly grin spread across Hornet’s face as she glanced past her sister, “Here she comes now. Howdy, Miss Belfast.”

“Good evening, Miss Hornet, Miss Enterprise,” Belfast said warmly. “I do apologize for my late arrival.”

As Enterprise turned to see Belfast, Hornet’s reply was drowned out by the pounding of her own heartbeat in her ears. She’d never seen Belfast in anything other than her maid uniform. Enterprise was stunned at what she saw. Belfast wore a gown of deep midnight blue with a neckline that crisscrossed her neck but left her cleavage exposed. The waistline was drawn up to a pair of roses at her hip and the skirt was slit up to mid-thigh. The braid that kept her hair pulled up from the side of her face was still there, but the rest of her ivory hair flowed freely down her back. ‘She’s… beautiful,’ Enterprise thought.

Hornet looked at her dazed sister and smirked. “I’ll just leave you two to it.” She headed off towards a table with a few shipgirls around it. “Hey Northampton…!”

Belfast chuckled at Hornet’s departure, then her gaze returned to Enterprise. The Eagle Union Ace was still staring wide eyed at her. The head maid tilted her head. “Enterprise, is everything all right?”

Enterprise blinked and with some effort, collected herself. “I— I’m fine. Sorry,” she stammered. Somewhere in the back of her mind, her strange feelings when Belfast was around were starting to make sense. “Do— do you want to get something to drink?”

“That would be lovely!” Belfast looped her arm around Enterprise’s. The pair walked past the dance floor where they saw Littorio and Illustrious swirling gracefully to the music playing. “Oh, that looks nice.”

“I guess?” Enterprise replied. “I’ve never danced. I don’t know how.” Her brain was muddled but she was enjoying the feeling of Bel’s hand resting on her forearm.

“I could help you, if you like.” There was a hopeful note in Belfast’s voice. “Would you like to try?”

Enterprise’s eyes widened. “Now?” she said, her voice higher than usual.

“What better time?” Belfast replied. “This end of the room is a little less crowded, so we won’t bump into anyone.” She turned to face the Eagle Union carrier. “Place your hand here, on my waist—” Belfast noticed that both of their hands trembled as she placed Enterprise’s hand on her waist. “—And take my other hand. Now, just sway to the music.”

Enterprise stared down into Belfast’s blue eyes. She felt like she had been running and had paused at the edge of a cliff. She couldn’t catch her breath, and she thought that if she took one more step she could fall, but she just might fly.

“Relax,”. Belfast said gently. “Breathe. Just relax and feel the music.” The hand that had been resting on Enterprise’s back slid up to massage the knotted muscles of Enterprise’s neck.

Enterprise sighed at Belfast’s touch. She closed her eyes for a moment and just felt: the music around them, the warmth of Bel’s hand soothing her muscles, the curve of Bel’s hip under her hand. It was as if she had found the final piece of a puzzle that she did know she was missing.

Across the room, two others watched the pair. There had been a quartet of elegant ladies, but Prince of Wales had drifted over to the table where Prinz Eugen was trying to persuade Tirpitz to go dance and Illustrious had been swept off by Littorio. “Well, that is an interesting development,” Hood remarked, taking a sip of wine. “We’re you aware of this?” she asked her companion.

Yorktown smiled knowingly as she watched her sister dance with the lovely Royal Navy ship. “Oh, I knew of one half of it,” she replied, taking a sip from her own glass. She glanced down at it appreciatively. “Mmm. Yes, I had wondered if we would see anything tonight.” She felt a cozy warmth spread through her at seeing her closed off sister so happy.

Back on the dance floor, as another song began, Enterprise’s hand that had been holding Belfast’s joined her other hand at Belfast’s waist. Belfast joined her hands around Enterprise’s neck. ‘How does this feel so right?’ Enterprise thought. ‘Bel is a good friend, maybe my best friend, but this feels like more…’

Belfast wondered if Enterprise could feel how her heart was pounding. The tall carrier had been in a daze since she had laid eyes on her and the head maid was starting to get a little concerned. Belfast tilted her head to look up into her lavender eyes. “Enterprise, are you sure you’re feeling quite all right?”

“Hmm?” Enterprise focused on Belfast’s face ‘She’s so close!’ she thought. “Y—yeah, I’m fine,” she said. The pair swayed in place until the end of that song. “Bel?” Enterprise asked. “Can we find somewhere a little quieter to talk?”

Belfast nodded. “Of course.” She led Enterprise out onto a veranda framed by a stone balustrade. On the way out, she took two cups of juice from the long table that the destroyers and submarines had taken over as their own.

Outside, Enterprise took the cup of juice with a murmur of thanks. Though a bit of distance had allowed her to finally collect her thoughts, looking over at Belfast threatened to scatter them all over again. They sat on a stone bench away from the light and sound of the party.

Belfast tipped her head to one side to look over at Enterprise, causing her hair to fall over one shoulder. “Are you quite sure you’re all right?” she asked, reaching over to place the back of her hand against Enterprise’s forehead. “I can call Vestal if you need—”

“I’m fine. I’m not sick or anything,” Enterprise said, taking Belfast’s hand away from her forehead, but holding onto it. “I just needed to get my thoughts together.” She went quiet again, her thumb unconsciously rubbing across Belfast’s knuckles. “I’m sorry. My head has been a mess since earlier today and seeing you tonight like this just muddled it further.”

“Oh?” Belfast asked cautiously. She turned her hand to hold Enterprise’s. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No! No, you didn’t do anything,” Enterprise hurriedly assured her. “I’ve just been having strange feelings, and I don’t know what to do with them.”

Belfast’s heart started to beat faster. “Tell me. You know you can talk to me about anything.”

“I know. I do appreciate that,” Enterprise said. She looked down at their clasped hands. “I’ve been having odd feelings around you recently and I didn’t know what to make of it. Then earlier when I saw you like this,” Enterprise raised her head to look Belfast in the eyes. The open vulnerability in her eyes made Belfast’s breath catch. “I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.” Enterprise swallowed. “We’ve been mistress and maid, and friends, and now I don’t know what these feelings mean to us.”

Very quietly Belfast asked. “What do you want us to be?”

“I don’t know,” Enterprise whispered, lowering her head. “But I don’t feel like ‘friends’ is enough anymore…”

Belfast reached out and tipped Enterprise’s chin up to meet her eyes. “I would like to try ‘more than friends,’ if you would.”

Hope lit in Enterprise’s lavender eyes. “You… you feel this way, too?” she asked in a very small voice.

“I do,” Belfast admitted. “I think I have for quite some time, though I couldn’t see it until recently.”

The pair stared into each other’s eyes quietly for a time, their clasped hands between them. Then slowly, so slowly, Enterprise leaned toward Belfast. Belfast lifted her chin and there, in front of the lapping waves, under the stars, their lips met.