>>4865172
>>Nod and sit back in your seat

>>4865172
>Nod and sit back in your seat

>>4865172
>>Ask more questions

>>4865172
>>Nod and sit back in your seat

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>Nod and sit back in your seat

It’s barely a ten minute trip. Along the way, you treat yourself to the sight of the flora, fauna and the landscapes that they make up. Colorful birds, bright flowers and green leaves are the order for the day … and despite having made the trip some dozens of times, you can’t help but indulge the inner tourist in you, leaning over and smiling as a particularly bright assortment of birds take flight from a coastal congregation of trees, the ocean breeze tickling your cheeks, your arm hanging over the side and sprinkling wet with water from the boat cutting its course. You don’t know what mandate could have brought Azur Lane to set their shop up in what could have passed for paradise, but you’re not in any place to complain. Compared to the droll sights of the valleys and creeks of your hometown, the opportunity to dive into tropical paradise on a whim was the obvious choice to make. All you’d known of the the islands prior to the set-up of Azur Lane headquarters were your grandparents’ tales of ukuleles, choice surf and coconut trees … in other words, a tourist trap to end all tourist traps.

The last decade had only reinforced that notion.

‘Lieutenant,’ you start, a thought striking you as you pass what seems like the last roll around the principal port. ‘You can just … skate on water, right? Is there a reason that we didn’t just …’

Belfast opens her eyes, looking up.

‘It did seem the more plausible option,’ she concedes, tilting her head slightly. ‘I’m quite certain it would be especially uncomfortable for you to be cradled at one-hundred and sixty knots, however …’

You laugh nervously, scratching the back of your head. It was quite obvious, really, as far as answers went. You’re quite certain that neither the Instructor nor the Lieutenant would have enjoyed cradling you between headquarters and the city; it was absurd. You were a grown man, after all. You have your pride.

‘Well, there’s that,’ Formidable starts, wrinkling her nose and slanting her lips, ‘and I’m not particularly fond of taking part in those surf-by-spots. They tend to be packed during the parades … and I’d rather not draw any attention coming in. It’s nice the first few times, but it gets especially grating when you’re coming in and have to put up with a barricade of tourists snapping at you while the announcer butchers your name when you pull right up … and that’s not even counting the ones waiting at the port wanting you to take a dozen photos with them.’

‘It’s all part and parcel with what we are,’ Belfast declares, softly and diplomatically. ‘It’s not all bad, is it?’

‘It’s irritating,’ Formidable snorts. ‘Remember when we waited in line for the auction a few years back?’

‘Really, Formidable?’

‘We were swarmed before we could even get to the booth!'

>>4865235
>‘They’re just really glad to see you. For a lot of these people … you’re pretty much, well, everything.’ (Placate Formidable, try to offer her the perspective of the others)
>‘People are just caught up in the festivities; this is a tourist town, after all.’ (Appeal to Formidable’s common sense; as Azur Lane did choose to set up shop in probably the busiest tourist trap in existence)
>‘I can see that that would get irritating over time, yeah. Never thought I’d connect military service with celebrity peeves.’ (Confer the issue at hand, with regard to Formidable’s irritation)
>‘Don’t like the attention, huh?’ (Casually approach Formidable’s issue)
>‘Yeah, I get it.’ (Agree with Formidable, drop the issue)
>Write-In

>>4865238
>>‘I can see that that would get irritating over time, yeah. Never thought I’d connect military service with celebrity peeves.’ (Confer the issue at hand, with regard to Formidable’s irritation)

>>4865238
>>‘People are just caught up in the festivities; this is a tourist town, after all.’ (Appeal to Formidable’s common sense; as Azur Lane did choose to set up shop in probably the busiest tourist trap in existence)

>>4865238
>‘I can see that that would get irritating over time, yeah. Never thought I’d connect military service with celebrity peeves.’ (Confer the issue at hand, with regard to Formidable’s irritation)

Shipgirls are in effect superheroes.

>>4865238
>I guess I can see how it would become annoying, but...
>>‘They’re just really glad to see you. For a lot of these people … you’re pretty much, well, everything.’ (Placate Formidable, try to offer her the perspective of the others)

>>4865238
>>‘I can see that that would get irritating over time, yeah. Never thought I’d connect military service with celebrity peeves.’ (Confer the issue at hand, with regard to Formidable’s irritation)

>>‘They’re just really glad to see you. For a lot of these people … you’re pretty much, well, everything.’ (Placate Formidable, try to offer her the perspective of the others)

This is Mechanic. I'll be running between 20 minutes to an hour and and a half. Have to finish my rounds and I'll get to it.

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>‘I can see that that would get irritating over time, yeah. Never thought I’d connect military service with celebrity peeves.’ (Confer the issue at hand, with regard to Formidable’s irritation)

Formidable huffs, purveying a satisfied nod as you voice your agreement. It was almost surreal to liken war dogs like the Shipgirls to celebrities … but at the same time, you couldn’t really put it past the public to eat up the propaganda without regard for all else that came with it. You find yourself unable to blame them, either … as you yourself had been practically hood-winked into service by the charms of the two women sitting just across from your person; a living testament to the recruitment tactics of the joint initiative. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the Shipgirls, these days; heroes of the Siren Conflict, beings of fearsome power behind veneers of mystical beauty. It was a paradox that worked wonders for the average tourists imagination … and the proof arrives very much on display as the boat comes around to the main harbor, zooming past two large passenger ships, its decks filled with roaring, camera-snapping and floral-print adorned tourists, who had caught a trio of unfortunate Shipgirls who had elected to take the manual way around.

‘See what I mean?’ Formidable sighs, sitting down and keeping out of sight beneath your own vessel’s canopy.

You recognize one of them almost immediately and retract your statement on them being an unfortunate trio; that red hair was unmistakable.

‘I don’t think she minds the attention, though.’

The dance moves are more of a giveaway.

‘Ah,’ Formidable concedes, observing the excited bodies leaning over the bow of the ships wedging the formation of Shipgirls together. ‘Yes, she probably doesn’t.’

I am number one! Always, always, number one!

San Diego and her two friends—who you now recognize as Juneau and Instructor Langley—are front and center, the latter two trying their best to appear courteous as the former practically devours all the attention that she’s thrown, performing pirouettes and singing in a voice that you’d swear would put most bass systems to shame. You have half a mind to take out your phone for the photo opportunity … but just miss your window as Joe elects to accelerate around the two ships and make a bee-line for the port … where you’re treated to a sight most vivid.

Balloons, streamers, crowds … it looked as though the whole island had gathered by the seaport, as you catch thousands upon thousands of people walking the length, sporting souvenirs and meals in their hands, the festivities in full swing. Even from this distance, you spy street magic demonstrations, cards of unhealthy meals and titanic plushies of Shipgirls moving on every tier visible to the public.

You’re quite amazed that the port could hold such a concentration of the populace. Simply impressive engineering.

‘Looks crowded, doesn’t it?’ Belfast points out, rising from her seat. ‘Should we ask Joe to roll us around to the storage area and make our way from there?’

‘We’re quite late already,’ Formidable offers, looking thoughtful. ‘It’d be better to just roll in and risk the crowd. Better we just push on through. We’re past the worst of it, anyway.’

>Support Belfast’s suggestion
>Support Formidable’s suggestion
>Write-In

>>4865992
>Support Formidable’s suggestion

>>4865992
>>Support Formidable’s suggestion

>>4865992
hmm... I wonder if yelling "SANDY, SANDY IS AT THE OTHER SIDE PUTTING ON A SHOW" would work, but given the filename it's probably not the best idea...

Although I'm a little worried for bystanders when the lovely Formisaur decides to "push through"...


>>Support Formidable’s suggestion

>>4865992
>>Support Formidable’s suggestion

>>4865992
>>Support Formidable’s suggestion

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>Support Formidable’s suggestion

Agreeing to Formidable’s suggestion seemed like the practical thing to do. After all, three of you were here for the festivities … and going around the back meant having to essentially traverse the length of the docks just to make your way to the main attractions, and that just wouldn’t do. So you’d nodded in her direction, of course, and that meant no changes to the plans at all. You’d be on the planks with the masses of humanity, buying soda at five times the usual price and taking pictures with your phone that you’d end up accidentally deleting in a rush to save hard disk space.

That had been the plan.

The tidal wave of rambunctious, eager vultures bears down upon the three of you with the feel of concrete underneath your shoes.

‘That’s Belfast, mom! That’s Belfast!’

‘A picture! A picture, please!’

‘Formidable, there’s no one out there like you!’

‘Over here! Over here!’

Formidable’s red cheeks are pronounced, even with the heads and raise smartphones partly-barricading you from your companions, your heels wiggling over the edge of the docks as you try your best not to drop into the drink. Perhaps being a little more discrete would have been the more suitable course of action … as it was a foolish notion to think that Belfast and Formidable, of all people, could have maneuvered the crowd from the front. Belfast, however, takes things in stride raising an elegant hand to gesture towards the rabid masses, prompting one rather overweight gentleman on the upper ramps to practically faint as he takes it as a personal motion towards him. He’s well tended to, however, as his gaggle of brightly-dressed friends misunderstand it just as he does, patting him on the back and pulling him back over the railing. Formidable and Belfast fail to get any word in edge-wise, their noses practically sniffing the binding of extended autograph books.

Belfast shakes her head, throwing you—in a direct line through the wall of flesh and cheap cologne—a small shrug and a look that screamed that she’d told you so. Perhaps next time it would be a smarter course of action to follow the more tactical routes of the Lieutenant than the assumptions of the Instructor … if you ever got the chance.

You walk a practical tight-rope around the bodies, deciding that the only thing you could do was wait out for the crowd to be whittled down by answered demands and struck ink, maneuvering around a post wrapped with rope and trip—

‘Got you!’

You find yourself in the arms of a … very … suspicious …

Wait. You know this hat-wearing, trench coat-draped, sunglasses-laden—

>Write-In

>>4866619
>Bismarck ma'am, I understand not wanting to be recognized by the public but why choose the most obvious outfit of not wanting to be recognized?
BEST GIRL
>Knees weak, palms sweaty

>>4866641
Supporting

>>4866619
What pronouns is Bisko using? Does she go by lord/sir here?

>Thank you, sorry... sir?

Let’s not namedrop her please she’s incognito for a reason...

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>Bismarck ma'am, I understand not wanting to be recognized by the public but why choose the most obvious outfit of not wanting to be recognized?

‘Bis—’

The gloved hand over your mouth hushes you before you can utter anything more. You’re lifted off your feet by raw strength as she practically shrinks and pushes you to the back of the crowd and away from the masses. Despite the slight height advantage from your end, there’s no arguing with the strength of a Battleship-Class Shipgirl … and especially not one so famed as Bismarck, which quite frankly, explained the disguise. While she wasn’t as front and center on the propaganda pieces in your part of the world, one would be branded an idiot to not be able to recognize the powerful beauty that was the Ironblood’s finest war machine. Even someone so fixated upon the elegance and subtlety of the Royal Navy such as you did not go without tribute for those that had earned the right to it through deed.

Your worship—or rather, your attempt at it—is unable to come to the fore, however, as her grip around your lips is tight enough that the only thing that you are able to actually do is take in the odd scent of her gloved hand and flail like an idiot while she brings the both of you out of the direct circle of attention that Belfast and Formidable had inadvertently formed with the barricades of otherwise unaware tourists. Bismarck raises a free hand to her lips, shooting you a warning look as you find yourself now directly under one of the connecting ramps to the dock. Out of the corner of your eye, you spy the interested look of Joe, leaning over the deck and watching the chaos unfold beneath and above him, not even bothering to hook his vessel to the docks properly.

‘I would very much appreciate,’ she starts, wearing that aggressive, authoritative and thick take of your language, slightly lowering her sunglasses as she does so to meet your confused gaze with her own piercing, icy orbs of blue, ‘if you did not put all this effort to waste, Commander; I did not elect to bake under the tropical sun for hours under this coat just to have it all undone by an idle slip.’

She removes her hand, taking her hands off you before lowering her large black hat to keep her identity unknown to any curious eyes.

You frown, wondering taking in her so-called disguise … and wondering just how she’d been able to get away with it at all. Save for the hat—which covered her cap—the black trench coat, as bulky and worn as it was up close, couldn’t have dodged looks of suspicion. At the very least, she would’ve been stopped by the security units for being so … inconspicuous by default.

Speaking of …

>>4866812
> 'Why the get-up? Captain, uh ... Bismarck, ma'am?'
>'Fancy running into you here. What are you doing down here anyway? Shouldn't you be up there enjoying the festivities?'
>'That is a terrible disguise. Just so you know.'
>'This is actually kind of surprising. I didn't think that you'd ... well, if you don't mind me saying, I'm just ... shocked to see you here, Captain. You're always surrounded by your escorts I ...'
>'Were you just waiting here for Instructor Formidable and Lieutenant Belfast to show? Really?'
>Write-In

>>4866819
>>'That is a terrible disguise. Just so you know.'

>>4866819
>>'This is actually kind of surprising. I didn't think that you'd ... well, if you don't mind me saying, I'm just ... shocked to see you here, Captain. You're always surrounded by your escorts I ...'

>>4866819
Write-in actually encouraged as I don't think I have enough options to put in all the possible responses to being manhandled and pinned against a phallic object by a busty valkyrie that can level a city should she wish it.

>>4866819
>>'This is actually kind of surprising. I didn't think that you'd ... well, if you don't mind me saying, I'm just ... shocked to see you here, Captain. You're always surrounded by your escorts I ...'

(and that this disguise seems to be working)

>>4866819

>Sorry, sir. My mistake. Were you... looking for us?

>>4866835
This sounds better?

The disguise must work on intimidation factor.

>>4866819
>>'This is actually kind of surprising. I didn't think that you'd ... well, if you don't mind me saying, I'm just ... shocked to see you here, Captain. You're always surrounded by your escorts I ...'

>>4866819
>'This is actually kind of surprising. I didn't think that you'd ... well, if you don't mind me saying, I'm just ... shocked to see you here, Captain. You're always surrounded by your escorts I ...'

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>'This is actually kind of surprising. I didn't think that you'd ... well, if you don't mind me saying, I'm just ... shocked to see you here, Captain. You're always surrounded by your escorts I …'

‘This excursion’s of a more personal nature,’ Bismarck explains, raising her right hand and extending her fingers in a manner that you could only describe as posh, ‘as I’m here as an attendee rather than a … participant. I must say, though, it’s a much more different experience than I’d previously expected.’

You’re uncertain whether her tone communicated exuberance or exasperation. The sunglasses, much to your surprise, do well in actually masking any facial indicator towards the former and latter.

>‘Are you having a good time, at least?’
>‘In what way?’
>‘I’ll say. That coat in this weather would definitely make for a different experience, if nothing else.’
>'So you ditched your escort?'
>‘I’d really like to continue this conversation, but, uh … I think I have certain responsibilities that I have to tend to right now …’
>Write-In

>>4868865
>'So you ditched your escort?'

>>4868865
>>‘Are you having a good time, at least?’

>>4868865
>>‘Are you having a good time, at least?’

>>4868865
>>‘Are you having a good time, at least?’

>>4868865
>‘Are you having a good time, at least?’

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>‘Are you having a good time, at least?’

‘Well, it’s not exactly been … ideal, despite all the effort I’ve put into making it so,’ Bismarck huffs, evidently lamenting her decisions up to this moment. ‘I thought that I would have been afforded more freedom coming out here by myself, but maneuvering this island without a proper chaperon has proven to be much more of a chore than I’d previously estimated. Who would have expected such a small island to be so … labyrinthian? That’s not even getting into those horrid taxis; and they call the Sirens monsters. Hah!’

You can’t help but chuckle. You remember your own experience with the island’s cabbies; namely that they were an absolute last option for anyone and everyone looking to maneuver the city and still have enough money for whatever it is they were trolling the streets for in the first place. Maybe you should’ve read up on your new dwellings before being so free to spend your hours in the primary population center that doubled as a tourist trap, but failure and experience arrive hand-in-hand more days than not … and the threat of an empty wallet was definitely the best reminder of the town’s nature as a tourist trap.

‘Orolokahi’s just like that, unfortunately,’ you muse, placing your hands on your hips as you jut out your shoulders. ‘Kaualima and Maramele aren’t much better, but at least you’re not so … well, deprived of amenities. I went to Maramele once and I tell you, they were selling phones and tablets from five years ago like they were still in style.’

‘Cow-and-lemur?’ Bismarck repeats, shaking her head.

‘Kaualima,’ you chortle, shaking your head, right as another thought strikes you. ‘Maybe work on your pronunciation a little bit, too … they can sense a tourist a hundred miles away and it’s effectively blood in the water for opportunists looking to make a quick buck, but … I think that’s something that you can work on for your next visit.’

Bismarck sighs, not protesting your observations in the least. ‘This really was a terrible idea,’ she murmurs. ‘Whenever I arrive for the festival, everything’s usually just … made convenient. It was always so easy; I thought that the hardest part coming out here was booking a flight and a hotel and … the last few days couldn’t be more disagreeable. I wish I’d known all of that before I took things into my own hands. A just punishment for my arrogance. How do humans even … manage this mess? I can think of supply line defenses that were less chaotic.’

She scowls, pushing up her sunglasses before appearing to cross her arms across her chest, pouting.

>Write-In

>>4869499
Well, that's the elemental freedom for you. Spontaneity of human enthusiasm and enterprise and the interaction between the two... that's very far cry of managed logistics in a military, even if naturally these also have to work with the unexpected. I suppose you can master it with some effort and experience, but many will simply let themselves go with the flow.
Maybe you can simply let the currents of circumstance nudge you as you explore? Maybe you'll find something unexpected and worthwhile? At least you have the undeniable benefit of being able to disengage and skim the waves once you decide you've had your fill, so may as well enjoy yourself in the interim, no?

(also we should not take too long to catch up with the ladies we've arrived with... and also thank captain for the save earlier...)

>>4869532
Supporting

>>4869532
Supporting

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>Well, that's the elemental freedom for you. Spontaneity of human enthusiasm and enterprise and the interaction between the two... that's very far cry of managed logistics in a military, even if naturally these also have to work with the unexpected. I suppose you can master it with some effort and experience, but many will simply let themselves go with the flow. Maybe you can simply let the currents of circumstance nudge you as you explore? Maybe you'll find something unexpected and worthwhile? At least you have the undeniable benefit of being able to disengage and skim the waves once you decide you've had your fill, so may as well enjoy yourself in the interim, no?

Bismarck’s expression is not as readable as you’d like, but she doesn’t tense up as you expect her to, either. Adjusting her wide hat—which, you confirm, does sit upon another hat—she leans back on one leg, her body language showing that she, at the very least, appears to consider your stab at playing the intellectual. A moment passes, before she gives a quick, clumsy nod, placing both hands on her hips before nodding in apparent agreement of your perspective.

‘I do not understand what you have said, at all,’ she declares, clearly and proudly.

You chortle nervously, looking down and scratching the back of your head. It had been worth a shot.

‘But,’ she continues, crossing her arms over her chest once again, her heavy accent manifesting once again as her exasperation seems to lift, ‘I do get that you’re trying your best to put together a reasonable and helpful response, and I appreciate the effort, nonetheless.’

You laugh again, rubbing the back of your head. ‘I’m sorry, Captain,’ you apologize. ‘What I’m trying to say is that since that you’re on vacation, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to just get caught up for once in your life. Not that I’m ordering you to follow through on my suggestions, of course, ma’am—and if I do sound a little bit of that sauce, I’m sorry that I do—but … if your wallet at least allows for it, it’d be a lot better for your relaxation if you just took it all as part of the civilian experience. No need to get into a tizzy over every bit of detail and just … relax, okay? You came out here to have fun, right? Be a waste not to at least indulge, wouldn’t it?’

Bismarck snorts, the sound of her conceding the point interlaced with the brief honk she makes.

‘It would be,’ she agrees, uncrossing her arms and nodding. ‘Doesn’t make it any less troublesome to maneuver, however …’

>‘Nope, it doesn’t.’ (Concur)
>‘It’d probably be a little easier not going about it alone, though.’ (Imply)
>Write-In

>>4870232
>>‘It’d probably be a little easier not going about it alone, though.’ (Imply)

>>4870232
>It really doesn't, and thank you for the save earlier, captain.
>I should be returning to my companions before they feel I've bailed on them, but perhaps they'd be amenable to joining forces for this venture?

what a cute dork. Biscuits I mean. Anyway I'm not sure what chemistry will be between her and our british friends but I'd feel bad if we ditched either without trying to get them to hang together.

>>4870272
Supporting

I agree, all forward on creating this awkward alliance!

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>‘It’d probably be a little easier not going about it alone, though.’ (Imply)

Bismarck snickers, obscuring her curved lips with the back of her hand. ‘Yes, I suspect it would be a more agreeable arrangement,’ she starts, transparent, but at the same time, quite hesitant, ‘but I don’t believe my intrusion would be very … well-received by your unit, Commander.’

She gestures to the Instructor and the Lieutenant, their forms obscured by the wall of eager enthusiasts, sparing mere peeks and glimpses of their headdresses and bare shoulders. You turn back to the Captain, opening your mouth to …

>‘If you say so … enjoy the festivities, Captain. Here’s my phone number if you need anything.’
>‘Intrusion? Not at all. I don’t think Belfast or Formidable would mind you tagging along. I’m sure they’d love the chance to play tour guide!’
>Write-In

>>4870528
>>‘Intrusion? Not at all. I don’t think Belfast or Formidable would mind you tagging along. I’m sure they’d love the chance to play tour guide!’
BISKO,BISKO,BISKO,BISKO,BISKO,BISKO,BISKO,BISKO

>>4870528
>I understand you may have misgivings, but if you're willing to try, I hope Belfast and Formidable can at least be given the same chance. I don't want to impose, but I feel it's a chance that would be a pity to waste.

>>4870528
>‘Intrusion? Not at all. I don’t think Belfast or Formidable would mind you tagging along. I’m sure they’d love the chance to play tour guide!’

>>4870528
>‘Intrusion? Not at all. I don’t think Belfast or Formidable would mind you tagging along. I’m sure they’d love the chance to play tour guide!’

>>4870528
>>‘If you say so … enjoy the festivities, Captain. Here’s my phone number if you need anything.’
this is the superior answer

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>‘Intrusion? Not at all. I don’t think Belfast or Formidable would mind you tagging along. I’m sure they’d love the chance to play tour guide!’

Bismarck lowers her shades, shooting you a doubtful look before glancing at the wall of human beings surrounding your two superiors. She then turns back to you, her lips curved slightly upward in a wry expression, slumping her shoulders in what you assume to be a show of resignation.

‘I accept your offer,’ she declares, ‘although … I’m not so sure that the members of your unit would be so kind to follow through without protest, Commander.’

‘They won’t mind,’ you reaffirm with confidence.

Bismarck shakes her head, her expression remaining doubtful.

‘We will still have to pry them away from their adoring public, however,’ the Captain refocuses, glancing at the crowd once again. ‘And I would like to do so without any unreasonable harm to the populace; they are clamorous, but I don’t think excessive admiration warrants summary executions.’

>‘We can try and wade in and pull Belfast and Formidable out.’ (Wade through the crowd)
>‘That’s a barricade right there. Getting them to disperse would be a task and a half, but it’s all I got.’ (Try to get the crowd to disperse)
>‘They’re here to see Shipgirls, right … let’s give them one worth the hype.’ (Distract them with an elaborate bait, switch and dash)
>Write-In*

*Encouraged, but I can do the options all the same

>>4871591
>>‘That’s a barricade right there. Getting them to disperse would be a task and a half, but it’s all I got.’ (Try to get the crowd to disperse)

>>4871591
>>‘They’re here to see Shipgirls, right … let’s give them one worth the hype.’ (Distract them with an elaborate bait, switch and dash)

wading through is unlikely to help at all... dispersal might be tricky to impossible... hmm..

>>4871591
>‘They’re here to see Shipgirls, right … let’s give them one worth the hype.’ (Distract them with an elaborate bait, switch and dash)

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>‘They’re here to see Shipgirls, right … let’s give them one worth the hype.’ (Distract them with an elaborate bait, switch and dash)

‘A distraction?’ her tone is thick and haughty, but one of unmistakable approval.

You nod.

The crowd was too noisy to yell over, and the attentions of Belfast and Formidable’s admirers were much too focused for you to pry them away with mere bark. With Bismarck, however, you had the means to disengage them enough from their quarry at hand; the obsessed could only be appeased with the more majestic, the more eye-catching, the extraordinary … and the Ironblood’s Captain, the Battleship Bismarck, would satisfy that need nicely. You whisper your plan—for what worth it had—into the Captain’s ear, prompting yet another snort from your companion … and another nod of agreement.

She steps out into the light, tossing her coat and hat—the larger one—off her with one fell swoop (that you catch) … and you’re immediately rewarded by the cries of surprise and utter fanaticism from the portion still caught on the ramparts, pointing down at the shape of the golden-haired Valkyrie, proudly pronouncing herself with her shoulders apart and chest forward, the call of her name echoing as you catch the sight of her adoring public along the upper side. Bismarck relishes in the attention, as her role requires her to, practically preening herself in an exaggerated show of elegance, causing a chain reaction of confusing head-turns around the lower level … and the dispersal of the bottom crowd’s outer layers, giving you a straight line of communication to the frazzled-looking Instructor and Lieutenant.

You don’t spare a single moment, pointing your hand towards the waters of the dock like a harpoon.

‘Stage left!’

Your cry is accompanied by the quick motion of you jumping from the docks … quickly enough for both Formidable and Belfast to leap into action, catching you as they activate their gear, one set of arms scooping the back of your knees while the other keeps your head from landing face first into the drink. Leaning at such an awkward angle, you quickly realize two things … that you had no future on a professional diving team and that the second half of your plan had not been properly explained to Bismarck and the approaching tidal wave of Shipgirl fanatics.

‘Bismarck!’

‘Bismarck!’

‘Bismarck!’

You swerve yourself back into balance, raising the Captain’s hat and coat, expelling all the air from your lungs.

‘Assets recovered, Captain! Let’s roll it home!’

With a grin that you’d never thought a woman with her countenance could even bear, Bismarck tips her hat, spinning and rolling off the docks with a playful wave, taking point as the four of you zoom away past a passing tug boat to the sounds of honking horns and a deflated audience.

‘Perhaps next time,’ Belfast starts, wholly relinquishing her hold on you for Formidable to fully load upon herself, ‘we’ll follow my suggestion.’

‘Don’t rub it in,’ Formidable grumbles, carrying you like a babe in her arms, the corners of her mouth wrinkling as Bismarck spins around, now facing her two fellow Shipgirls with a wide smile.

‘That was fun!’ she chimes, her hands behind her back and her head bowing low, the four of you skimming between tugboats and docking vessels, now out of direct sight of the Shipgirl-obsessed public.

‘Bismarck,’ Formidable deadpanned, furrowing her brows ever so slightly.

‘Formidable,’ Bismarck returns.

‘Been a while.’

Formidable’s tone remains flat.

‘Nine months.’

Belfast watches the exchange, a strange, insincere smirk carved upon her lips.

>Keep silent
>Write-In

>>4871773
Thank you for the help, captain, and sorry about exposing you all like that.
But I have to say that was pretty cool.

>to Bel and Formi
Captain was looking to broaden her horizons and salvaged me from the crowd, would you mind if we showed her what passes for fun in these parts?

>>4871591
>>‘They’re here to see Shipgirls, right … let’s give them one worth the hype.’ (Distract them with an elaborate bait, switch and dash)

>>4871778
Supporting

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>Captain was looking to broaden her horizons and salvaged me from the crowd, would you mind if we showed her what passes for fun in these parts?

You won’t go as far to say that your words had a part in warming up the cold atmosphere, but Formidable does at least seem to put her feelings—whatever they are—aside in favor of considering a proper answer to your question. The four of you—or rather, the three of them, as you remain as little more than a passenger being cradled in the Instructor’s arms—roll past a myriad of vessels, shifting between the gaps so as to not make the mistake of drawing attention as had happened before, settling right up behind a rather large yacht, not quite smack dab in the middle of all the chaos, but not far enough to have to trek back to find an opportunistic vendor. Formidable sets you down without much fuss, but you don’t miss the brief, frosty glance that she spares Bismarck as she steps out of the water and onto dry land.

‘We still have some time until the parade starts up, proper,’ Belfast informs your group, brushing non-existent dust off her lap. ‘Wherever we elect to go first, I think it should be made with proper consideration for the parade … I’d hate to be rude and miss it. I know that you and your fellow cadets make use of your conveniences to the fullest, but I’d rather not break tradition and play the absentee without actual reason. Regardless of how boring the speeches and the processions do get, there are still some … courtesies that we’re still bound to.’

You nod, totally getting Belfast’s perspective.

‘That doesn’t leave us a lot of time. We only have two—’

‘Four,’ Formidable corrects, raising a hand to call for attention. ‘We have plenty of time, I think, but … well, it’s something to keep in mind.’

‘Cadet?’

Formidable and Belfast turn to the source of the noise, meeting the scrutinizing gaze and furrowed brows of Bismarck, who you remind yourself is now very much a part of entourage.

‘Ah, yeah,’ you let out, smiling apologetically. ‘Ah … I’m sorry, I should’ve … I’m not exactly a Commander, at least, uh … not yet. Should’ve … I should’ve made that clear back then, Captain. Just … didn’t really get the chance to.’

The disappointed sigh that escapes her is oddly chilling.

‘No, it was a reckless assumption on my behalf,’ Bismarck says, placing her hands on her hips, before turning her gaze back towards Formidable and Belfast. ‘However, I would never have expected that you two would so readily loop yourselves around a cadet.’

Belfast smiles, uncertainly and wryly. ‘It’s just a day out, Bismarck. There’s really no need for such intangibles to be dragged along.’

Bismarck harrumphs, crossing her arms across her chest once more, an air of authority about her.

‘Then allow me to offer a suggestion before we proceed. We cannot go around like this. Lest we be swarmed by the masses again.'

>'Yeah, no offense, but ... the three of you stand out way too much.' (Agree with Bismarck's sentiment)
>'I think we'll be fine. We'll just use the excuse that you're cosplayers. Should work, so long as you don't ... walk on water or summon your weapons. Or set your response mechanisms and interfaces off. Or enter phasing modes ...' (Wave it off)
>Write-In

>>4872110
>>'Yeah, no offense, but ... the three of you stand out way too much.' (Agree with Bismarck's sentiment)

>>4872110
>Yeah, I suppose our recent adventure illustrated that well enough.

so we're going to look for disguises?
Bismarck sadly lost hers, unless she has it hidden somewhere, right

>>4872110
>'Yeah, no offense, but ... the three of you stand out way too much.' (Agree with Bismarck's sentiment)

>>4872126
You have it with you. You're holding it; it's tucked under your arm.

>>4872162
Oh, dumb me.
But we'd still need to find something for Bel and Formi

Bisko's might seem bad at glance but it served her well enough up til now...

>>4872110
>>'Yeah, no offense, but ... the three of you stand out way too much.' (Agree with Bismarck's sentiment)

>>4872177
Being how touristy this place is I don't think I should be too hard to find some basic outfit street vendors, especially with the parade events ongoing

File: A more human perspective,(...).png (1.94 MB, 850x1445)

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>Yeah, I suppose our recent adventure illustrated that well enough.
>'Yeah, no offense, but ... the three of you stand out way too much.' (Agree with Bismarck's sentiment)

Belfast, to your further surprise, nods with a smug air of satisfaction at your words. Formidable, the more practical of your two initial party members, motions to drop a suggestion in … only for Belfast to place a hand on her chest, stopping her from getting her words out with a playful, yet withering gaze.

‘I think our perspectives are a little detached from the matter at hand,’ Belfast states, keeping her eye on Formidable, who relents and raises her hands, stepping back.

Bismarck nods, seemingly in agreement with Belfast’s sentiment.

‘Perhaps a more grounded perspective, then?’

You feel three eyes locked on you.

>Stay out of it
>Relent
>Write-In

>>4872194
>Stay out of it

>>4872194
>>Relent
stay the course

>>4872200
we suggested it anon, no backing out

>>4872194
>Lets find a costume shop.

>>4872194
We suggested it, we'll see it through.

I wonder if the cosplayer approach might work if the girls swapped their outfits around... something like Bisko dressing as Belfast, Belfast as Formi and Formi as Bisko, if we were forced to work with what we have...

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>Relent
>We suggested it, we'll see it through.
>Lets find a costume shop.

‘There should be some shops around,’ you relent, biting your bottom lip as just what is asked of you finally dawns upon your current train of thought. ‘I’m not sure just what you’d want me to … look for, actually.’

Formidable candidly eyes her gloved nails.

‘That … would be up to your discretion, deliberation, consideration …’

‘Right.’

>‘Three pretty girls enjoying the tropics; bikinis, sarongs, hats.’
>‘Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.’
>‘The trench coat seemed to work for Bismarck, maybe …’
>Write-In

>>4872259
>Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.
Karens assemble!

>>4872259
>>‘Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.’

>>4872262
Where’s Marblehead with her scientific approach to thottery when you need her...

>>4872259
>‘Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.’
As much I would love the bikinis, I don't think they would be a good disguise.

>>4872259
>Would anyone believe they were seeing two icons of the Royal Navy and the icon of the Iron Bloods if they were wearing Eagle Union outfits?

>>4872259
>‘Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.’

>>4872259
>>‘Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.’

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>‘Obnoxious floral prints and tacky skirts it is.’

It’s not hard to find a place with what you’re looking for. If there were no shops on a street, there were stalls, and if those weren’t present there were vendors and back-of-the-truck merchants. Lucky for you, however, you manage to find one store with a proper changing room and a tacky enough décor that it seemed inconspicuous enough when lined up against its competitors, giving both privacy and a chance for your superiors to have their privacy to properly don their new duds. You wait outside, your shoulder weighted down by a rucksack filled to the brim with their previous articles of clothing, uncomfortably switching it from left to right, wondering why the girls would elect to wear such heavy and thick articles of clothing in the first place (Bismarck had been particularly adamant about her cape being dry-washed after the whole affair was over).

The click-clack of heavy heels catches your attention.

‘This is … comfortable, at least.’

Wide straw hats with accompanying floral print brands.

‘I think I’d like to trade-in this skirt for something else.’

Baggy, slightly over-sized skirts that communicated the superior of practicality and comfort over style.

‘Just … what is this made of?’

Low-quality mass production fabric woven into obnoxiously bright shirts, complete with island prints all over their chest: orange, sky blue and green, distinct yet similar.

Bismarck, Belfast and Formidable stand in a row, cheap sandals adorning their feet, looking very much like a trio of co-eds that had just stepped off a plane, a pair of large, heavy-looking, oval sunglasses hanging from their necks, more amulets than eyewear. Formidable picks up her set, donning it over her nose … only for it to slip back down into the valley of her breasts, their cheap make and lack of nose-pads making it clear that they had no practical application whatsoever beyond that of disposable use. Bismarck wiggles her arms, in an apparent attempt to adapt her shoulder motions to the uneven measurement of the cheaply-made (and exorbitantly charged) green tropical shirt adorning her person, making dissatisfied noises in the process. Their three hats graze one another as they step down back into the street, all the grace and precision of their professional tenures disappearing with a clumsy step forward in their new … duds.

Belfast, trying to make the most of her situation, mimics Formidable’s previous motion, propping her sunglasses upon her nose and finds more success, as her rainbow-framed spectacles seem to stick rather than slide.

‘How do we look?’

And that’s when you realize the parrot holograms bouncing off the lenses.

>‘Perfect!’
>'Like everyone else!'
>‘Like total dorks!’
>'I exercise my right to plead the right to not incriminate myself by answering that question.'
>Explode in laughter
>Write-In

>>4873041
>‘Perfect!’

>>4873041
>Perfect for the occasion!

>>4873049
(or just 'Perfect!" for the simplicity sake)

>>4873049
>>4873041
Support

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>Perfect for the occasion!

Belfast’s smile drips with uncertainty.

‘You say that so confidently …’

You gesture towards the colorful masses all around you. ‘It’s working, isn’t it?’

Bismarck lifts her foot off the ground in response, allowing her sandals to dangle from her toes for a brief moment as she maneuvers herself in her new digs, very much putting a show of just how unused she was to the clumsily—and deliberately put-together—ensemble. Indeed, an attractive woman by any measure known to man, the bundle of hair and the straw hat, coupled with the large, oval sunglasses that replaced her more stylish aviator wears (that were tucked safely in the heavy bag dragging your shoulder towards the pavement) had her now practically indistinguishable from the typical description of a tourist, her clothes so garish that they destroy whatever harmony that would frame her into the centerpiece of attention.

She then stands at attention, wearing an oddly … satisfied look upon her features, obscured as they are. An excited double pump of fists accompanies her as she approaches you, now very much your idea of the tourist trap mark.

‘Yes, indeed … perfect! We have achieved maximum stealth!’

Formidable, by comparison, sports a look halfway between disgust and uncertainty.

‘Bismarck …’

Well, at least The Captain seemed satisfied with her disguise.

‘So,’ Belfast starts again, pushing her parrot-hologram glasses up her nose. ‘Where to?’

>Have Bismarck decide
>Have Formidable call the shots
>Return the question back to Belfast
>Put forth your own suggestion
>Write-In

>>4873505
>>Have Formidable call the shots

>>4873505
How much time do we have left? It was four with Formi's time dilation shenanigans before the shopping trip, right, what can we fit in there so that the girls can still change in time for the parade where we wouldn't be at risk of losing their outfits? We better guard that bag with our life.

I guess one option would be a beachside cafe, maybe one with music.

Alternatively maybe the girls would enjoy a trip slightly inland instead, is there maybe a cable line to a mountain lookout around?

I think Bel and Formi wanted to specifically go drink so

>ask everyone for opinions
>suggest a beachside cafe/pub

>>4873530
I support the suggestion of the pub, getting drinks is always a good priority

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>suggest a beachside cafe/pub

Your off-hand suggestion of hitting a beach bar is met with a surprisingly positive response.

The four of you manage to find a place that isn’t spilling over with masses of humanity, the host kindly parking you and your companions on the man-made sand bank on the outer layer of the township, affording you a clean, vertical perspective of the infamous brand hotels on the south-eastern tip of the island, taking up all the real estate that they can afford. The beaches are scarce, however—at least by its own standards—with the majority of the island’s tourist population concentrated into the urban outlays and indulging in Azur Lane’s annual festivities, eating up all the souvenirs and novelty attractions that they could get their hands on. Even the establishment that you and your companions had managed to somehow find a seat at was all-in on the carnival atmosphere, with the faces of Archerfish and Jamaica front and center on the menus … and a commemorative picture of the two of them seating either side of the bar’s apparent owners (a chubby middle-aged woman of local descent and an extremely hairy man with a nasty ponytail and a bald spot), the facsimile of their signatures in gold making a show of their endorsement.

You tap your finger against the surface of the table, watching the excitable masses walk by, carrying balloons, plushies, action figures, novelty hats—

‘I can’t believe that … that …’

Your head turns to meet the oddly-appalled expression of Belfast, her hat clumsily drooping over half her over-sized set of sunglasses, her displeasure more than apparent. You let out a chuckle at the rare sight, pushing the menu towards the center of the table, your chair scraping against the sandy surface briefly before bumping against the wooden railing. Formidable wears an amused look as she places her elbows on the table, her grin so wide it threatens to split her face at the ears.

‘Aunt!’

Belfast spits the word as though it is a curse.

‘She called me your aunt!’ she hisses, glaring at you through those goofy novelty glasses and sounding thoroughly upset. ‘I …’

‘Calm down, Belfast,’ Formidable giggles, prompting the former to vibrate violently, her cheeks turning purple. ‘It was an honest mistake.’

‘Why?’ she shrills, slapping her hand against the table surface in a very un-Belfast-like manner. ‘It’s because of my thin cheeks, isn’t it? Prejudice! That is prejudice, that is!’

You hold back your laughter as well as you are able to, gripping your belly so hard so as to not allow any note of laughter to escape.

‘She called me your aunt!’ Belfast repeats. ‘How … she …’

You glance over at Bismarck, sporting a smile and looking off into the distance: an indication that either she didn’t care enough to give Belfast the satisfaction of a response … or doing her damnedest to appear that she hadn’t given the remark any attention.

The twitch in the corner of her mouth suggests the latter.

>‘Calm down, Auntie.’
>‘There are a lot of check-marks you haven’t met just yet to qualify. To which I’m very thankful.’
>‘Well, Instructor Formidable does wear her youth more readily than you do, Lieutenant.’
>‘Enjoying the view, Captain?’
>Try to change the topic (Suggestions)
>Write-In

>>4873739
>‘Calm down, Auntie.’

>>4873739
>>‘There are a lot of check-marks you haven’t met just yet to qualify. To which I’m very thankful.’

As you can see, she's not quite "above it all". A lady has limits.

>>4873739
Adorable boats.

>I think it's the wealth of experience behind your gaze, and your well practiced and controlled expression, Lieutenant. It gives a touch of... venerability of the soul... that belies your features.

>>4873766
Oh God, no. Please, I don't want the quest to die yet.

>>4873766
Hmm no let me rephrase that to be more in line with our background.

>Well, no offense, lieutenant, but there is this... experienced, not unkind but kind of judgmental quality to your look that does fit with what one might look for in an aunt. I think it was meant affectionately.

>>4873770
come on, it couldn't possibly have been that bad

>>4873780
Tip-toe around a woman's vanity and you'll live long enough to see the sun rise.

>>4873766
fucking supporting this shit

>>4873785
there I thought I was being subtle enough... I'll try to derive some knowledge from this lesson, sensei.

>>4873766
>>4873739
Support

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>I think it's the wealth of experience behind your gaze, and your well practiced and controlled expression, Lieutenant. It gives a touch of... venerability of the soul... that belies your features.
>Well, no offense, lieutenant, but there is this... experienced, not unkind but kind of judgmental quality to your look that does fit with what one might look for in an aunt. I think it was meant affectionately.

Belfast’s glasses fall from the tip of her nose, clattering noisily upon the table surface.

She looks as though she’s on the verge of tears.

‘Are you saying I … act old?’

Formidable smirks slightly, but otherwise says nothing.

>‘I need to go to the little boys’ room; if you’ll excuse me.’ (Escape)
>‘You … act mature. You give off this air that you’ve … well, seen it all, been through it all. Not just combat-wise, but …’ (Reiterate)
>‘Lieutenant, please …’ (Frustrated, tired)
>‘You kind of … the prim and proper act really doesn’t do any favors, I guess.’ (Casual)
>Shrug indifferently
>Write-In*

*Encouraged

>>4874841
>‘You … act mature. You give off this air that you’ve … well, seen it all, been through it all. Not just combat-wise, but …’ (Reiterate)

>>4874841
>Not old. Respectable. Dignified. Restrained. Deliberate. Maybe those are traits people sometimes gains with age and experience but they are not the same thing.
>I suppose the outfit served to complete the... very incorrect... image... in fulfilling its purpose.

btw would saying something like
>My grandmother always says you are only as old as you feel.
count as ritual suicide?

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>Not old. Respectable. Dignified. Restrained. Deliberate. Maybe those are traits people sometimes gains with age and experience but they are not the same thing.
>I suppose the outfit served to complete the... very incorrect... image... in fulfilling its purpose.

‘Oh,’ Belfast replies, simply, before seemingly restoring her usual poised countenance with a quick change of expression, taking her sunglasses off the table and hooking them around her left hand, now raised in a gesture you could only interpret as an extension of the posh demeanor she’d re-adopted. ‘Right, an honest mistake on my part … it should have been obvious that these disguises would misdirect points of focus well enough to allow the uninitiated to merely bring up things that we wish them to. I apologize; it’s merely an indication that this choice of wear … works. Yes, right …’

She seems satisfied enough with the appeasement.

Formidable, however, smirks as she finishes rolling her eyes, an expression of mischief falling upon her features, tenting her hands and leaning forwards, seeing right through your attempt.

>Shoot Formidable a warning, discouraging look
>Quickly move to change the topic
>‘Some just carry it easier …’ (Mutter under your breath, hope Belfast doesn’t hear)
>‘It’s nice to know that female vanity isn’t restricted to just our species.’ (Off-hand observation)
>Write-In

>>4874937
>Quickly move to change the topic

>>4874937
>>Quickly move to change the topic
Maybe ask if they have vacation plans. Shipgirls do get vacation time yes?
>also Check the time we have left
Phew.

>>4874946
this

>>4874946
>>4874937
Support

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>Quickly move to change the topic
>Maybe ask if they have vacation plans. Shipgirls do get vacation time yes?
>also Check the time we have left

You check your watch: you had time.

‘So … how are you looking to spend your vacation time?’

You’re quite certain that Shipgirls were given leave of absence. Even if they were monstrously strong sea-faring platforms for war, you’d been around them enough to know that they didn’t exactly believe the idea of training the next generation of Commanders and filing away stacks upon stacks of paperwork to be their idea of a stress-free work environment. Long Island, the records office … you can’t help but wonder if you would allow the Shipgirls be hoisted the responsibility of bureaucracy. One wished their sanity to remain intact, after all.

‘Lazing about, probably,’ Formidable answers, half-jokingly, playing with her long strands of hair, set between her fingers. ‘There isn’t really much excuse for it to be used for anything else. I don’t really have any particular inclinations that would call for an extended break. Don’t think any of us do, really.’

‘The Captain’s here on holiday,’ you return, turning your attention to Bismarck.

‘It’s more of an … independent excursion,’ she replies, shrugging as she adjusts her large hat, before adopting a more thoughtful look. ‘I just wanted to come out here by myself for once, away from … the others.’

You cock an eyebrow. That sounded a lot like a vacation, however she wished to sound on the topic.

‘Not much reason to go on vacation for us, really,’ says Belfast, turning in her chair towards you, her poise and calm now wholly returned to her. ‘Our thresholds are a lot different to that of yours … and we’re more systematic in our self-management, at least, for the most part. Endurance, mentality, approach … I suppose that you can say that we cope well enough without needing to actually, well, require such things. Most of the ink on the bylaws is there as a courtesy, consideration … but we can make do just fine without it. A break once in a while, maybe a nice book and some tea, but there aren’t any particular inclinations that come to mind. Unless of course, we happen to have a particularly troublesome batch to have to sort through’—you assume she means the cadets, by that twitch her nose makes—‘to which I would gladly cash in and take off to wherever they happen to not be.’

‘You know,’ Formidable chirps, ‘now that I actually think about it, sky-diving would be interesting.’

‘It would be,’ Belfast responds, ‘if we needed parachutes at all.’

‘Hang-gliding, then?’

Belfast’s eyes seem to light up. ‘Oh, that would be grand …’

‘I always wanted to visit Sagaøya,’ Bismarck breathes dreamily. ‘The falls, the fjords …’

Formidable and Belfast stare at her.

‘What?’

>'Never been there myself. All I know is that there's a whole lot of snow up there.'
>'Aren't you practically neighbors? Can't you just ... hop over there?'
>'I know that place ... vikings, right?'
>Write-In

>>4875769
>To visit your sister Tirpitz?

>>4875769
>'I know that place ... vikings, right?'

>>4875769
>'Aren't you practically neighbors? Can't you just ... hop over there?'

>>4875773
do we have reason to expect her to be stationed there? Or maybe... should we ask her if she'd be taking family along?

>>4875769
>>'Aren't you practically neighbors? Can't you just ... hop over there?'

>>4875769
>'I know that place ... vikings, right?'

>>4875773
supporting

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>'Aren't you practically neighbors? Can't you just ... hop over there?'

‘My geography’s pretty rough,’ you start, leaning forwards, ‘but isn’t that pretty close to Ironblood territories? What’s stopping you from deciding to take the weekend off and just … hopping over to take in the sights?’

Bismarck frowns, steadying herself as she readies her reply. ‘That would be missing the whole point of it all, wouldn’t it?’ she responds, irritably and matter-of-factly. ‘To merely decide to go without consideration for one’s responsibilities is not behavior worth exemplifying as a soldier, protector beholden to one’s duties … whether they be menial day-to-day considerations or assignments of extreme import, it would be ill-considerate of me to just … hop over and take in the sights. Leaving one’s subordinates to task where you should … what kind of leader would even think such a selfish action could possibly impress?’

>Concede her point, regardless of your agreements and disagreements with the statement
>‘I didn’t mean to offend, Captain, but … if you don’t mind me asking, what would this hypothetical vacation … be like?’ (Ask further)
>‘Someone who probably just wanted to go on a short holiday?’ (Indifferent)
>‘Let’s pass it around, then … Instructor?’ (Redirect to Formidable)
>‘Let’s pass it around, then … Lieutenant?’ (Redirect to Belfast)
>‘I wouldn’t know. Haven’t really … been put in that sort of position before. I was always the type to put my head down when the going got tough. I was just wondering why you didn’t just decide to take a week off and jet.’ (Casual)
>‘You sound a lot like you’re on vacation right now.’ (Counter argumentatively)
>‘Excuse me for a moment.’ (Leave the table, go to the bathroom and freshen yourself up)
>Write-In

>>4877535
>‘You sound a lot like you’re on vacation right now.’ (Counter argumentatively)

>>4877535
>>‘I didn’t mean to offend, Captain, but … if you don’t mind me asking, what would this hypothetical vacation … be like?’ (Ask further)

>>4877535
>‘I didn’t mean to offend, Captain, but … if you don’t mind me asking, what would this hypothetical vacation … be like?’ (Ask further)

>>4877535
>I didn’t mean to imply neglecting one’s duties, but rather I assumed the proximity would allow to make such a visit for purpose of relaxation on one’s free time... or do you not allow yourself any, under normal circumstances?

I wiki-walked the Iceland Tourism page for hours. >https://visiticeland.com/
I wanna go there now ...

>>4877615
How much would shipgirls enjoy visiting the fabled Penis museum?

>>4877535
>‘I didn’t mean to offend, Captain, but … if you don’t mind me asking, what would this hypothetical vacation … be like?’ (Ask further)

>>4877637
Why go to the museum when there are handsome Nordic men looking to marry women who aren't their cousins?

>>4877685
Idk man, some of those dicks are really huge. Like literal whale ones.

I think a lot of tourists go there for novelty value anyway

>>4877568
Supporting

>>4877568
>>4877535
Support

Sorry guys. Just installed a new(old) GPU. My RX Vega fucking died for some reason. I'll be running in approximately 25 minutes.

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>I didn’t mean to imply neglecting one’s duties, but rather I assumed the proximity would allow to make such a visit for purpose of relaxation on one’s free time... or do you not allow yourself any, under normal circumstances?

Bismarck considers your question, leaning back and tapping the table as she adopts a thoughtful expression. After a few seconds of deliberation, a slight smirk appears upon her features, throwing a glance towards Belfast that you could only interpret as one of unbridled coyness.

‘Shall I go into the crude delicacies of our place in this world or shall you?’

Belfast shakes her head, her own features turning sardonic at Belfast’s query. ‘I don’t think the politics of the situation are something that we should be boring the cadet with. Don’t want him to go insane before even going out on his first patrol now, do we?’

‘Why not?’ Formidable muses, wearing a smirk identical to that of Bismarck’s. ‘It’d actually put all that geo-political nonsense to practical use for once … and if he goes crazy, it just means he’s not suited for it in the first place.’

>‘I’d take care that you don’t underestimate me with such obvious candor, Instructor.’ (Retort)
>‘I actually took some rudimentary Political Science. I’d like to believe that I understand the theory behind it, at least.’ (Attempt to level the field)
>‘You mean like how the Eagle Union doesn’t like the Iris Libre, how the Royal Navy doesn’t get along well with the Ironblood military and all that, right?’ (Blunt)
>‘Actually … consider me curious. I’m all ears, Captain.’ (Prompt her)
>‘Yeah, you know what? Better not; that baggage’s best left behind and not on a beach in tropical paradise.’ (Defer)
>Write-In

>>4889329
>>‘I actually took some rudimentary Political Science. I’d like to believe that I understand the theory behind it, at least.’ (Attempt to level the field)
I live for pain

>>4889329
>‘I actually took some rudimentary Political Science. I’d like to believe that I understand the theory behind it, at least.’ (Attempt to level the field)

>>4889329
>>‘I actually took some rudimentary Political Science. I’d like to believe that I understand the theory behind it, at least.’ (Attempt to level the field)
Surely even in this era there is hope for man

>>4889329
>‘I actually took some rudimentary Political Science. I’d like to believe that I understand the theory behind it, at least.’ (Attempt to level the field)

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>‘I actually took some rudimentary Political Science. I’d like to believe that I understand the theory behind it, at least.’ (Attempt to level the field)

Bismarck nods in approval. ‘And how do you feel about history?’

>‘I don’t really … linger on it. Feels kinda impractical, really.’ (Show disinterest)
>‘It’s not really of any concern of mine, but there’s no context to the state of nations and diplomacy without it.’ (Show a degree of curiosity in regards to the topic)
>Write-In

>>4889460
>>‘It’s not really of any concern of mine, but there’s no context to the state of nations and diplomacy without it.’ (Show a degree of curiosity in regards to the topic)

>>4889460
>>‘It’s not really of any concern of mine, but there’s no context to the state of nations and diplomacy without it.’ (Show a degree of curiosity in regards to the topic)

>>4889460
>>‘It’s not really of any concern of mine, but there’s no context to the state of nations and diplomacy without it.’ (Show a degree of curiosity in regards to the topic)

>>4889460
>‘It’s not really of any concern of mine, but there’s no context to the state of nations and diplomacy without it.’ (Show a degree of curiosity in regards to the topic)

>>4889460
>>Write-In
those who dont learn from history will be doomed to repeat it

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>‘It’s not really of any concern of mine, but there’s no context to the state of nations and diplomacy without it.’ (Show a degree of curiosity in regards to the topic)

‘Then we can start from the beginning,’ Bismarck announces, almost cheerfully. ‘You’re familiar with the First Great Calamity, aren’t you?’

‘As familiar as any kid with a textbook,’ you respond, shrugging nonchalantly as you try to recall the page contents from your distant youth. ‘Big explosion literally sending humanity back to the stone age; caused the first sinking of what’s known today Sakura Archipelago and the sundering of a whole shelf of the neighboring continent, bringing sorcery and superstition back into the world; that it happened something like seven hundred years ago … forcing humanity cobble back society from scratch, bringing about the Grey Ages, The First Era Of Restoration … it’s all pretty irrelevant, though, isn’t it? The Third Founding came after the Second Great Calamity and the Resurrection of Sakura. No contemporary government can trace its origins to a date prior to The Fading, anyway, except maybe Albion.’

‘True,’ Belfast concurs, raising a finger and mimicking Bismarkc’s wide smile, ‘but as you said, context is important.’

You tilt your head slightly. It’d be hypocritical of you to go back on that point.

‘The First Great Calamity did reset humanity to an effective zero, but humanity gained a new … tool, if you’d even call it that, in magic,’ Formidable chimes, her voice low and her expression stony, tenting her hands as she lets out an oddly-fatigued breath, wiggling her fingers as perpendicular to the table as if to emphasize her point before continuing, ‘sorcery, magecraft, however you want to put it. The currencies and values in a world that had been reduced to picking up its pieces from the old world had effectively been reset to those with knowledge and curiosity in the arcane. While wizardry and all its synonyms is what the uninitiated call it—and it’s really not—with instinct and predetermined affinity more appropriate factors into their overall ability … you’re probably aware just how much worth individuals who held this power became to society. That is what The Grey Ages are built on. The Grey Ages, as you probably know, were built on the back of the application of this sorcery. Its arts became integrated, intermixed, with what little knowledge that civilization had been able to bring together then. Homunculi, familiars, bio-magical hybrids, pyromancy … in some twisted irony, you could argue that the reset had inadvertently assisted in the progress of humanity more than it had taken away from them.’

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You bite your lip, your irises straining into the corner of your eye sockets.

‘There is the argument for that, yeah,’ you say, nodding as you place your elbows upon the table and turning your gaze back to Formidable, recalling the droning of your professor a little more vividly than you’d been previously able, ‘but you really can’t forget just how much of its abuse went around in the early days, either. I think there are still records of the Greater Commonwealth of Mages putting their affinity for it to very practical strides of use. I don’t think that it was until the Renaissance of Conjunctions happened that Europe even considered actually putting proper regulations, and even then, you can’t exactly look over the subjugation of the splintered continent in the first hundred years.’

You give a self-satisfied nod, happy that the pre-college program wasn’t totally—

Three sets of eyes practically whir and click as they settle on you. You shift uncomfortably in your seat, bringing your arms off the table, feeling your shoulders shrink and your stomach imploding with the morphing of their expressions from that of incredulity into amalgamations of amusement and—what you hope is—a smidgen of astonishment.

The silence that reigns, briefly or as protracted as it is, however, bumbles your discomfort into an audible word, your eyes darting from one shipgirl to the next.

‘W-What?’

Belfast smirks, leaning back as she meets your gaze.

‘There’s a lot more to you than I’d previously assumed.’

You try your best to play it cool.

‘I’m the only one from my mother’s side of my family to actually get a consideration for college,’ you respond … coolly. ‘I’d like to think that it counts for something.’

The round of snickers causes you to wiggle your heels in embarrassment, but it passes over quickly with Formidable’s clearing of her throat, signaling for you to return to silence and allow for her to proceed. You briefly glance around, absently wondering as to when your drinks would finally arrive. You were feeling quite peckish, too, but the waitress tending to your table didn’t seem to be anywhere in—

‘In any case, the First Great Calamity’s changing of … well, everything brought together what was once mere myth back to the fore, but as always, as you’ve so knowledgeably pointed out, there were kinks to work through on a discipline so ultimately young … and with attainment so sudden, it was bound to have a period of abuse. The details aren’t completely opaque, but the following period, some five hundred years ago, is what lead to the Renaissance of Conjunctions to arrive, signaling the official arrival of the First Era of Restoration, and with it, of course, the High Chair of Albion, ironing out the first smudges of the legal doctrine in regards to magic.’

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The words spur more recollection from your classroom-bound days. Those times torturing yourself through lectures and notes hoping for a future beyond the confines of your small town and the doting of your grandparents were finally beginning to pay off.

‘It wasn’t a very popular move, was it?’ you counter, bringing the table’s attention right back to you; your confidence building, you carry on with a nonchalant shrug, trying your best to make a show of not dedicating your brain cells beyond the limits of exertion, ‘I mean, there’s a reason most of the legislature wasn’t revisited in the Restoration of the Alliance, never mind the five hundred years that’s rendered it out completely outdated to the modern context.’

You’re so pleased with yourself that you almost nod in self-satisfaction, so proud are you of being able to recall a detail so minute.

‘Emphasis on most of it,’ Belfast sighs, crossing her arms across her chest as her expression turn serious. ‘Sorcery, even at its most rudimentary state, is volatile both in practice and theory, and many still seek ways to apply it even without a complete understanding of the discipline. It’s why Albion ultimately became the authority during the days prior to The Fading. The wild magics of the world were being harnessed at a measure that could only be detailed as nothing short of irresponsible. An overseeing body was pretty much the only logical step for panic masses not wishing to see what was left turn to ash at the whim of a curious adept without a background in ethics.’

You snort in agreement.

‘Yeah, yeah, the bones of authoritarianism made the skeleton of prosperity.’

Your response garners you a genuine giggle from Bismarck, smiling coyly as she sets a hand underneath her chin, her elbow pressed upon the table as she leans towards you, a curious gleam in her eyes.

‘You’ve become very interesting in the last five minutes, cadet, whether you notice it or not.’

Your buttocks shift uncomfortably in your seat as you struggle to keep it cool, laughing nervously as you turn away.

‘I had to bring up my grades,’ you practically ramble in response, wiggling one hand almost dismissively as you try your best not to foul up the follow-up, ‘and it was probably the only chapter in the textbook that I actually committed to for my essay plan. The produce of success being built on the backs of whips, yadda-yadda …’

That was as well as you could have managed that.

Probably.

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‘Well, putting the historical ethics of society aside for one moment,’ Formidable coughs, bringing the attention back to her, ‘we’re all rather aware of the progress in magic that was made in the years that came after, correct? Golems, familiars, self-enhancements, so-called clairvoyance and the like coming to the fore and ending up the norm in the next hundred years resulted in civilization progressing at a pace that, at least presently, has thus far remained unprecedented. Sorcery, wizardry, attunement to the ley-lines of reality or whatever you wish to call it, became a way of life. You could even say that it was as though people were living right out of a fantasy novel.’

You couldn’t disagree with that. You’d read the records, seen the illustrations, the accounts … the way that people lived back then seemed to be right out of a fantasy novel—and likely inspired many fictional renditions, borrowing from crises past and prior—with white, medieval cities, long walls and magical winters … and great beasts roaming the countryside, monster hunters wielding great blades and muskets, risking their lives for another months’ livelihood.

‘They probably were,’ you suggest, almost wistfully. ‘Long-robed wizards, magic swords, chimeras … almost makes you wish that you were there.’

Bismarck lowers her head, letting out a sigh of her own as she—almost tiredly—slumps in her chair, biting her bottom lip and adopting a reluctant, more reserved countenance. Personally, you didn’t think that she’d be able to pull it off at all; at her most stoic, you could swear that her mode of expression followed a series of mechanical protocols over genuine emotion.

‘From an outsider’s perspective, humanity’s historical inability to understand its own limits has almost always been the source of its shortcomings. Albion’s inability to maintain, to consolidate that authority from their seat—the High Chair—resulted in powers around the world to stake their claim to … well, everything that was left on the board, naturally.’

Naturally.

‘The prelude to the Second Great Calamity,’ you follow-up, sighing as you adopt a look of disgust. ‘The Second Founding. Albion being ousted from their seat of powered causing a domino effect that lifted restrictions on the applications of sorcery, thereby institutionalizing the study into industry bringing in further instability, resulting in the whole world falling back into chaos and … well, don’t really need to go further than that. Textbooks don’t really go into detail on who was ultimately responsible for what happened after, but you can’t really properly cover up the Unsealed when they burn half the Eagle Union into a crisp, can you?’

Prelude to calamity, indeed.

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‘The Rebellion of the Unsealed,’ Formidable says, crossing her arms underneath her breasts, furrowing her brows as she turns to Bismarck. ‘It’s really quite amazing how that was reduced to a foot-note.’

‘It was a relatively short campaign, though,’ Bismarck offers, allowing you the time to properly recall the details from your younger years. ‘Devastating, yes, but it speaks more for the ability of humanity to recover and push back against such an attack.’

It doesn’t take long at all.

‘That’s probably because of what it woke up. It’s a foot-note because of what followed right after. The pride and excess of humanity being paid back in the form an elemental giant with the ability to control weather would take the sails out of the revolt of an army of weaponized homunculi.’

Erratic weather patterns, typhoons, droughts, geomagnetic storms.

‘A giant?’

It is your turn to frown. ‘Uh … yeah? You know, the … Second Calamity? Anyone?’

Formidable and Bismarck face one another, sporting confused frowns.

‘Was it a giant? I don’t remember anything like that?’

‘It says here,’ Belfast speaks up, her phone already in her hand and her thumb hastily scrolling through what was probably an encyclopedia page regarding the topic at hand, ‘that the Second Calamity is believed to have been the inadvertent result of wide-spread and localized … oh wait, no, this is a contested paper. Let me check … see … oh, I guess it was a giant.’

‘I don’t remember anything of the sort!’ Formidable protests, her tone extremely adamant. ‘The Second Calamity was definitely not a giant that could control the weather. It was an extra-natural phenomenon that was a result of widespread misuse of sorcery, which is wholly attributable to the irresponsibility to the institution of the Eagle Union predecessor. Everyone knows that.’

You’re not sure whether to be offended on behalf of the dead or to agree with Formidable’s statement.

But you are quite sure that there was a giant in there somewhere.

‘You’re jumping to conclusions based on bias and conjecture,’ Bismarck counters. ‘Besides, it was a … sentient mega-storm or something, was it not? At least that’s what our history books tell us.’

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‘The accounts appear to vary,’ Belfast answers, not looking up from her phone. ‘There’s no … real common ground in regards to what the Second Calamity was in origin or description, curiously enough—oh, there we go—some accounts say that it was a giant, as tall as the sky, wrapped in a[ … cloak of wind and magic, the Ironblood did subscribe to this account for some time, at least until other accounts brought in more—allegedly—reliable accounts as to its nature but … there isn’t any true agreement as to what it is: only what it did, by intent or coincidence. Neither is there a consensus regarding those responsible, but I believe we’re all aware of that much, at the very least, considering our own origins …’

‘And what of Albion’s account?’ Formidable inquires, not missing a beat.

‘As it has been for the past few centuries, I believe,’ Belfast returns, smiling sardonically. ‘A big fat I told you so in bold lettering and neon lights.’

>Laugh, loudly, despite the subject matter
>‘Not without reason.’ (Bold)
>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further)
>‘This is a nice history lesson, but how does all that apply to you not being able to go on vacation?’ (Irritated)
>‘I’ll be back. Need to go and clean up a bit.’ (Excuse yourself from the conversation)
>Write-In

>>4891476
>Laugh, loudly, despite the subject matter

>>4891479
You actually read through all that?

>>4891475
>>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further)

>>4891476
>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further)

>>4891476
Holy mother of a lord dump.

I bet you’re gonna punish us for every reference we miss to it now! Thanks Mech.

>Well they it does seem the history gave them some vindication.
>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further)
>also check time again or set up alarm on the phone, we wouldn’t want to have tho lovely ladies miss the parade because they were engrossed in the lecture. It’s very nice to see them talk, though I’m guessing more contested interpretations are about to come up now.
Even though I wonder if perspective and difference in outlooks could not really mean they did see something else. After all there’s magic involved.

>>4891507
Lore dump* even

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>>4891507
Just so no one accuses me of running a super sekrit klub for attractive people

>>4891511
>discord
>attractive people
No offense but I don’t see anyone making that accusation.

Thanks for sharing though!

>>4891476
>>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further)

>>4891476
>>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further).

I wonder how magic will be addresed, something like fate/stay night or someting similar. for what was shown in >>4891511, looks like magic is not widespread as it was in the past, i would like to see how it ties with azur lane in this setting.

>>4893788
>'something'
fixed.

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>‘I remember my professor saying that there was no definite account of the Second Calamity’s origins. Everyone seemed to see something … different, if they happened to have the crummy luck to lay eyes on it at all.’ (Engage yourself into the topic further)

‘The schools I went to subscribed to the elemental giant theory,’ you go on, sounding oddly thoughtful in spite of yourself. ‘I know that there are probably about half a dozen other studies regarding what the damned thing was, but a lot of us weren’t really bothered digging into the stories more than we needed to. Most of the guys in class just wanted to get their grades out of the way, really.’

Your elaborations, candid as they are, are met with looks of approval and the sparkle of eager eyes.

‘Your textbooks follow the Canon of Kreutz,’ Bismarck points out, raising a finger and pointing it up to the rim of her large hat. ‘However, many people disclaim his … descriptions due to the fact that he was born in the years following the Second Calamity and that he established the accounts in the New Schools of Transmutation and Alteration, a move that many saw as a political white-wash more than a reasonable expansion of the collected doctrine of sorcery up until the Second Calamity itself. Regardless, due to the … simplicity and its overall political neutrality, it was adopted as the official course of events in regards to those twelve years, as thin as it is. Most of Europe itself used to subscribe to Lord Abnett’s account, I believe … at least until about fifteen years ago.’

Formidable scoffs, rolling her eyes.

‘Of course Europe would side with The Holy See …’

>‘Hey, come on.’ (Chide Formidable)
>‘To be absolutely fair, the church does have the most complete accounts, even if they’re censored.’ (Counter Formidable’s opinion)
>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)
>‘Is there really a point to all this?’ (Rush the chatter)
>Write-In

>>4895715
>>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)

>>4895715
>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)

>>4895715
>>‘To be absolutely fair, the church does have the most complete accounts, even if they’re censored.’ (Counter Formidable’s opinion)
The question is to what extent they follow these accounts and what parts they omit.
So the church version is the canon of the giant, while Abnett’s is a... formless phenomenon? Do they at least agree on it being centralized somehow, if if they can’t agree what was in heart of the storm?

Also, check the time so girls don’t miss parade because we occupied them with the cool lecture.

>>4895715
>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)

>>4895715
>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)

>>4895715
>>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)

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>‘And they call the Canon of Kreutz political?’ (Dry)

‘You really don’t mince your words, do you?’

>‘It’s just an opinion.’ (Neutral)
>‘Nope.’ (Direct)
>‘From my point of view, either they both are or they both aren’t. You can’t say that one is political while just, you know, say that the other is purely pragmatic or whatever.’ (Opinionated)
>‘We’re getting off-track here. What’s the point of all this again?’ (Get to the point)
>‘If I know my history, you can’t exactly call the church impractical in regards to what they revise and recognize. Things were probably the same even five hundred, a thousand years ago.’
>‘Sorry.’ (Apologetic)
>Keep silent
>Write-In

>>4898971
>>‘From my point of view, either they both are or they both aren’t. You can’t say that one is political while just, you know, say that the other is purely pragmatic or whatever.’ (Opinionated)

>>4898971
>>‘If I know my history, you can’t exactly call the church impractical in regards to what they revise and recognize. Things were probably the same even five hundred, a thousand years ago.’

>>4898971
>‘If I know my history, you can’t exactly call the church impractical in regards to what they revise and recognize. Things were probably the same even five hundred, a thousand years ago.’

>>4898971
>‘If I know my history, you can’t exactly call the church impractical in regards to what they revise and recognize. Things were probably the same even five hundred, a thousand years ago.’

>>4898971
>>‘If I know my history, you can’t exactly call the church impractical in regards to what they revise and recognize. Things were probably the same even five hundred, a thousand years ago.’

>>4898971
>>‘If I know my history, you can’t exactly call the church impractical in regards to what they revise and recognize. Things were probably the same even five hundred, a thousand years ago.’