‘So, judging by the poster in your possession, I wouldn’t be wrong in assuming that you’re more inclined to the Shipgirls of the Eagle Union above all the others?’

‘No. No, you would not.’

'Do you have a favorite?'

>'I'd be lying if I said I did, actually. Outside of the ones on the poster and a few of the ones that went on tour, I can't really say that I have one that I'm inclined to.'
>'Yorktown, I guess ... but that's probably only because she's front and center most of the time. Don't have enough information on the others to actually come to a conclusion on whether I have a favorite ...'
>'No. I just think that the Eagle Union have the best performance record. It'd be disingenuous to say that I have a favorite when they're all out there putting themselves on the line for our sake, don't you think?'
>[Write-in]

>>4391777
>'No. I just think that the Eagle Union have the best performance record. It'd be disingenuous to say that I have a favorite when they're all out there putting themselves on the line for our sake, don't you think?'

>>4391777
>[Write-in]
>'I don't really have a favorite, but if I really had to be partial, I guess it'd be to the girls on the poster. I've had it on my wall through thick and thin, so in a sense, they've been there for me - in that small way pictures can.'

>>4391777
I like both >>4392063
and >>4392096
desu

They all seem so radiant that singling out as a favourite seems to be unfair to the others.

>>4392063
>>4392096
>>4392102
I'm sorry that I had to bail for a bit. I had to sort a few things out. Now I'm back and, hopefully, with more players, we can get this ball rolling. Or I can just post whenever there's at least one vote and I come back online.

>>4392281
Welcome back OP. No worries, take your time.

>>4391777
I too like both >>4392063
and >>4392096
it would seem out of character for the protagonist to be picking favorites instead of just equally respecting them.

>>4392281
Hey OP. Apologies, I was a lurker on the last thread but I didn't fully catch up until it was archived.

I can't chip in right now, but wanted to say that I really liked the setting you have set up so far. The waterworld and salvanger punk really gives it a different approach to AL, rather than just generic earth in WW2 or war of the worlds. I am also interested in reading more of that professor's book to figure out why the KANSEN are so nebulous alliance wise.

>>4392096
This seems like a good call. Maybe single out Yorktown since she is front and center.

Other than fanboying over them in general, we don't have any actual experience with the shipgirls themselves. So it makes sense for us to have some very broad respect for the ones we see everyday, but nothing strong enough to call favorites.

File: So, May I Ask ....jpg (154 KB, 850x1202)

154 KB JPG

‘Favorite?’

Your question is met with a nod of affirmation.

You turn away from your guests, allowing the gears of your mind to attend to the inquiry … before coming up with—in your father’s words—absolute bupkis. Were there specific aesthetics that you enjoyed among the Shipgirls of Azur Lane? Definitely. Were there deeds and achievements that had you whistling in awe and wonder? Of course. Did any of the ones that lined up in those rows stand out to you in a manner that distinguished them from the pack? You’d be a fool to deny that at all … and that’s where the conundrum only complicated itself further.

You couldn’t just say one’s sweat and blood dripped a finer quality above the others.

While you weren’t quite sure how Azur Lane operated in specification, your studies had given in-depth insight regarding operational structure, protocol, performance quotas and grades of success in relation to the nuances that fell into context of the operation at hand … in that everyone had something to contribute. There is an old anecdote about the value of the objectives to be achieved in any given task: that a defense turret required a crew to fire the damn thing, another crew to make constant checks and fixes to make sure it was able to keep firing and another one to make sure there were enough shells for it to fire in the first place. The weight of responsibility of each task may have been different … but each and every one of those crews had a responsibility in making sure that the turret was able to continue to do its job.

Could you devalue Hammann for not being front and center? Could you say Yorktown’s value was only as high as it was because of the vanguard unit allowing her to reap glory in such fashion?

‘No,’ you finally answer, as casually as you are able, moving your knees slightly to allow yourself a more comfortable position. ‘I don’t really have a favorite, but … if I had to be partial, I guess it’d have to be down to these four. Haven’t really had enough exposure on the other Eagle Union girls outside of the occasional report, so … I guess you can say that I’ve rounded down my options, if only be default. Not that I’m saying that the ones that weren’t poster material don’t deserve the recognition either, mind … not that I’m saying that they’re not poster material, of course, at least, according to me … that’d be the higher-ups making the—’

You grumble, forcibly cutting your rambling off before it destroyed what was left of your image.

Not that you had one in the first place, of course … but still.

Laffey giggles. Enty offers you a small, sympathetic smile of her own.

‘So, what have you heard anything lately?’

‘Huh?’

‘About Azur Lane, I mean.’

>'They're organizing a tour, aren't they? They're actually hosting a showcase and demo tomorrow, if you're interested ... provided, you can get the tickets. They're really pricing out the average joe.'
>'No, nothing much. They're in town, though. Link's going to be there.'
>'Nothing that really interests me specifically, but yeah, I've heard things ... here and there.'
>'I haven't actually been able to catch up on them as much as I'd like. The last I heard was that they were putting fourth generation Wisdom Cube refractor technology into Shipgirls, but that's ... I doubt that's what you meant.'
>[Write-in]

>>4392653
>'I haven't actually been able to catch up on them as much as I'd like. The last I heard was that they were putting fourth generation Wisdom Cube refractor technology into Shipgirls, but that's ... I doubt that's what you meant.'

Although the first one would be good as well.

>>4392653
>'I haven't actually been able to catch up on them as much as I'd like. The last I heard was that they were putting fourth generation Wisdom Cube refractor technology into Shipgirls, but that's ... I doubt that's what you meant.'
We've already spilled plenty of spaghetti. May as well dump the sauce on top of it.
Also, does our protagonist have a name yet?

>>4392704
I don't really plan to put in a name, but if people want a name and push for it, I hope it's not something stupid.

>>4392653
>'I haven't actually been able to catch up on them as much as I'd like. The last I heard was that they were putting fourth generation Wisdom Cube refractor technology into Shipgirls, but that's ... I doubt that's what you meant.'
>"Though Link was supposed to be going to some event held by them."

>>4392719
It's probably best to remain nameless then. Anons trying to name stuff... doesn't go well.

>>4392730
What are you talking about? Link is our best bro, so we are clearly Groose.
Or Zelda, I hear he is a pretty cool dude who doesn't afraid of anything.

>>4392653
>'I haven't actually been able to catch up on them as much as I'd like. The last I heard was that they were putting fourth generation Wisdom Cube refractor technology into Shipgirls, but that's ... I doubt that's what you meant.'
Leave it to the Junker to know about the technology and nothing else.

Curious, OP.

Would our initial choice of nation and fleet config (DD vs CL/CA, BB vs CV) have changed who we would've ran into initially? Or is laffey and javelin combo just too hard to pass up in hijinks potential? I am just a little saddened that we went DD/CV. I much prefer the USS Cruisers, and I was worried that CV would've instantly landed us in Enterprises' all consuming plot prevalence.

>>4392829
I guess I can reveal it here without any problems: yes, it would have.

‘I actually haven’t been to catch up on them as much as I would like,’ you confess, rubbing the back of your neck. ‘We don’t get much in the way of updates out here, believe it or not. Most of the news that even manages to make it to the front of the papers has something to do with rights changes, the weatherman screwing up another season or whatever the Guild Master thinks is relevant. The last big bit of news that was even able to hit relevancy around these parts was the integration of fourth generation Wisdom Cube and refractor technology into Shipgirls … but I doubt that you’d bother with the specifics of it all and I’d be a poor host if I chose to willingly bore you to death with them. How’re the pies?’

‘Delicious!’ Javelin exclaims.

‘Mushy,’ Laffey mumbles.

‘You don’t have an opinion of your own regarding the transition of Wisdom Cube technology across generations?’

You raise your head, almost blurting out the reflexive yes.

‘I just don’t think that it’s a conversation … churner,’ you maintain, steadying yourself: you’re uncertain whether it was the oddity of it being a girl (a rather attractive one, at that) to actually catch and re-initiate such a hum-drum topic of her own volition or that it was someone who was interested in digging through the salvage lexicon, but you’re quite certain that your heart had upped the pace slightly.

‘I’m quite interested in what you have to say, actually.’

Behind her, Javelin opens her mouth, as if to interject … prompting Laffey to line up her own interjection, stuffing the former’s mouth with the remaining half of her pie. Her mouth stuffed and her action nullified, Laffey sits down, settling on chewing the mouthful that had been forcefully shoved into her maw. She shoots Laffey a glare, but does little else in way of retort or response.

‘Well?’

Your attention lands squarely back on the eldest of the trio. You are, much to your own surprise … at a loss for words.

‘Well, uh … not sure what value you’d think that I’d have on the subject,’ you start, trying to re-balance yourself, ‘but since you asked … I’m kinda curious about the performance differential between the third generation and the fourth generation myself. Is it more efficient? Does it have a superior output and input ceiling? Is it more stable? What does it do for the Shipgirls? Most of the knowledge regarding the second generation and third generation of the Wisdom Cube and refractor derivatives were revolutionary. What I’d give to actually be able to see it for myself …’

Shaking your head, you will yourself back to the present. Forget rambling: you’d practically delved deep into your own nerd-dom.

‘Forgive my … indiscretion,’ you mumble, shifting yourself so as to not seem so at ease. ‘I didn’t mean to …’

File: It's Okay I Asked.jpg (183 KB, 850x1343)

183 KB JPG

‘I was the one who asked you in the first place,’ Enty responds, placing her hands on her lap and straightening her back. ‘It would have been unsatisfactory if you hadn’t been so comprehensive in your opinion.’

You let out a light chuckle.

‘I suppose.’

‘In any case … it’s always nice to hear what the average citizen has to say about us; doesn’t do any good being so detached.’

‘Yeah, it’s—’

You stop.

>[Write-in]

>>4393354
>>[Write-in]
I'm sorry, what did you just say?

>>4393354
>[Write-in]
>'...There's no way I've been missing that this whole time, right? Remind me what your name is?'

>>4393354
>"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
It's not like one of you has purple hair. Is that common for the nobles and tourists for the most part?

>>4393503
Sorry, I just figured that it was anime world and that it wouldn't be out of place for people to have anything from pink to shocking green hair.

Ha ha, time for spaghetti!

Dead quest for dead people

>>4395153
Damn right!

‘I’m … sorry, what did you … would you … repeat that, please?’

The woman who you only know as Enty—and only Enty—spares you an innocuous look, tilting her head.

‘We’re not usually allowed to mingle with the public so casually … never mind actually get some input regarding our operational conduct and performance,’ Enty returns, her intonation as casual as it had been before; you, however, find your sphincter tightening with every syllable that leaves her mouth, sparing the other two girls apprehensive glances as you try to process what you refuse to believe, even for a moment, to be a reality so considerate. ‘Although … it’s hardly something you could blame the higher-ups for … especially when you look at it in terms of—’

‘No, no, not … not that,’ you let out, your role as host taking a harsh back-seat to the sudden burst in curiosity in your chest. ‘What do you … I mean … you meant …’

And then it clicks … and you regain sanity.

You’re almost embarrassed at betraying your countenance in such a manner. Your mother would be ashamed of you.

‘Oh, right, yes … forgive my lack of composure,’ you mutter, your cheeks flushed and your thoughts serene once more. ‘You’re part of the showcase tomorrow … right … the Azur Lane … I’m sorry; for a moment I thought—’

‘That we’re Shipgirls?’ Javelin finishes for you, her voice still thick. Her friend, Laffey, wiggles slightly for space, as Javelin had leaned forward and cut her supply line from the pies in one swift, obnoxious maneuver.

You nod, mortified that you’d jumped to such a conclusion.

‘Yes, I’m—’

‘We are, though.’

Huh?

‘Huh?’

>[Write-In]

>>4397534
...awesome!

I mean, I couldn’t tell, I’m sorry that I didn’t recognize you, I can’t believe I just walked into you, could I have an autograph? This is the best day in my life.

>>4393538
No prob, my mistake for making assumptions. Seeing link basically be Squall in appearance should've tipped me off towards that.

>>4397534
>"Ha, haha, ha." Laugh away the awkwardness and sudden brain freeze this is causing. "That's a good one."
>Shouldn't shipgirls be, I don't know, heavier. Or have some hint at their mechanical nature? Or not be wandering around lost looking for ramen?!
Don't know the exact rules the shipgirls are running in your setting, OP, but I can guess that our Junker MC would probably have several assumptions on their nature or design that would distinguish them from a human. Whether he actually be correct or not in those assumptions is another thing, that could be addressed by one of the three.

I just got back from an impromptu incident that needed to be resolved. I will be running a few prompts before I head to bed after a nice bath and eats, so about an hour or two from now. Sorry about the lack of communication.

>>4397534
>"Ha, haha, ha." Laugh away the awkwardness and sudden brain freeze this is causing. "That's a good one."
>Shouldn't shipgirls be, I don't know, heavier. Or have some hint at their mechanical nature? Or not be wandering around lost looking for ramen?!

>>4400934
Glad to see you aren't dead. I have several quests open right now, and only one of them was actively posting over the last couple of days.

‘That’s a good one,’ you let out, lightly chuckling. ‘While you may certainly pass as imitators, you won’t get away claiming to be the genuine article on … well, as you are.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, for one … considering all the architectural reinforcements to Shipgirl anatomy, wouldn’t you be heavier?’

‘Why would we be heavier?’

‘I, um … I don’t know … because of all that extra … stuff?’

For some reason or other, the reservoir of your vernacular had been … dried of its contents. You’re uncertain as to why, but don’t dwell on it; the common tongue would work just fine. Javelin’s head pops up from behind Enty’s shoulder, her eyes wide and her expression … puzzled.

‘You mean our rigging? We can’t activate those without the trigger unit activated or the independent system reset to safety mode, you know/. It’s not very safe or irresponsible to let someone walk around and potentially plugging a hole in an airship hull just because they saw a rat or something, is it?’

‘Like Essex,’ Laffey mumbles.

‘Well, at least no one was hurt,’ Javelin lets out, laughing nervously.

‘It was irresponsible of him not to deactivate the trigger unit in proper sequence in the first place,’ Enty sighs tiredly, ‘but … yes, to give you a digestible answer’—she turns back to face you, now donning a smile that is half-apologetic and half-amused—‘we’re not carrying our rigging around because we’re not allowed to.’

‘Technically, we are carrying them around, though,’ Javelin cuts right in, standing straight up and wiggling her hips. ‘I mean … literally. Wisdom Cube technology is super useful like that. Can’t summon them without explicit commands from the—’

‘From the commanding unit … from a … Commander, yes,’ you let out, clearing your throat. ‘I’m aware of such … I know that, yes. Battle activation sequence, purpose, identification, execution … but … any hardcore Shipgirl maniac would know of such a thing!’

The three of them shrug in unison.

‘All right … then why are you down here then?’

Javelin tilts her head, further confused.

‘You … invited us … here?’

‘No, I mean … not in here … I … you said that you were … you’re down here to eat ramen, aren’t you? Why would Shipgirls come down here to eat specialty ramen?’

‘The posters were pretty convincing.’

‘Well, they are, yes, but … Shipgirls don’t need to eat, don’t they? Aren’t you guys meant to be, um, uh …’

Robots?

‘R—’

‘Of course we can eat,’ Enty cuts right in, sounding thoroughly offended. ‘Why wouldn’t we be able to eat?’

‘Good food is good,’ Laffey chimes in, giving her belly a hearty series of pats.

File: Enterprise Countenance.png (223 KB, 360x450)

223 KB PNG

‘I … I don’t know; I’ve never seen a Shipgirl eat before!’

‘Well, now you have!’ Javelin declares happily, clapping her hands together. ‘Was it everything you dreamed it would be like?’

‘I, uh, I …’

The woman who you only know as Enty lets out a flighty giggle behind a closed fist … before adjusting her position and posture so that it directly faced you. She bows her head slightly, her cap threatening to fall onto the floor, her countenance shifting from amusement into a formal—almost regal—profile: purple eyes sharp, lips slightly curved … you almost feel like you’re standing in front of an official Guild inspection of your competence.

‘Second Generation Carrier Unit, Yorktown Derivative … Enterprise, at your service.’

Your jaw goes slack.

>‘THAT Enterprise? That troublemaker, wild bronco Enterprise?’
>[Squee]
>‘Y-You’re … that’s … you’re Yorktown’s sister!’
>‘You really are … it’s an honor!’
>[Write-in]

>>4401221
>>‘Y-You’re … that’s … you’re Yorktown’s sister!’

>>4401221
>‘Y-You’re … that’s … you’re Yorktown’s sister!?’
>"Sorry for not picking up on it sooner!"
A world where the older sister is more well known. How refreshing.
Isn't it sad, Hornet?

>>4401221
>>‘You really are … it’s an honor!’
>...damn, I must’ve come across as an ass... I’m so sorry.

>>4401221
>‘Y-You’re … that’s … you’re Yorktown’s sister!’

>>4401226
Hornet's on the poster, man.
>Previous thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4309622/
She's obscured, though.

‘You’re … that’s … you’re Yorktown’s sister.’

‘We share the same genetic data, yes,’ Enty—no, Enterprise—affirms, wearing a receptive half-smile. ‘I’d prefer that to be not the only way you’re aware of my existence, however.’

‘N-No, of course not, I mean … you’re Enterprise, you’re …’

You try to find the right word.

‘Infamous?’

Enty—Enterprise’s—ears turn red as she hangs her head. Javelin’s expression morphs into an amalgamation of nervousness and apprehensive amusement; clearly, your choice of description is far from ideal. Making an attempt at salvaging the situation—and to not embarrass yourself further—you turn your attention to the room’s remaining occupants, hoping to slay four reaver units with a single mine.

‘Ah, so … that’d make the both of you … Eagle Union Shipgirls too, wouldn’t it?’

Javelin actually looks offended at the insinuation.

‘Of course not,’ she declares haughtily, puffing her chest and giving it a good, strong pat. ‘Second Generation Destroyer Unit, J Derivative, Javelin of the Royal Navy! At your service!’

She finishes with a flourish. The overt nature of her re-introduction has you wondering if you should worry for accompanying fireworks; the shop was old and fire hazards were a regular worry, especially when handling volatile materials from the ruins below. Behind Javelin and Enterprise, the remaining girl tilts her head.

‘I’m just Laffey.’

‘Laffey!’ Javelin scolds, placing her hands on her hips.

‘Third Generation Destroyer Unit, Sumner Derivative … Laffey.’

Her reintroduction is as unenthusiastic as Javelin’s is in the other direction.

You grimace slightly, unable to actually recall either of the two Destroyers. You almost feel horrible for calling yourself a fan.

‘I’m sorry, but … other than Miss Enterprise, I … I don’t actually … know you three.’

Javelin falls to her knees, mewling.

‘It’s totally my fault … they were shooting for a tour but I ended up oversleeping,’ she whines, hanging her head right next to an amused Enterprise, ‘but I was catching up on my favorite shows that whole weekend! It’s not like I could put it off anymore! My backlog was totally full!’

‘N-no, it’s not really your fault,’ you start, feeling apprehensive as you raise your hands in an attempt at comfort. ‘I’m actually wholly dedicated to the Eagle Union over the other three, so don’t feel bad that you’re, um, well, that I don’t actually … I’m pretty surprised that I don’t know about you, Miss Laffey.’

Laffey raises her head.

‘It’s okay. I don’t really like the attention anyway.’

‘She means that,’ Enterprise giggles, leaning back slightly ... before turning right back to you. 'So ... infamous, huh?'

>>4401296
>[Try to laugh it off]
>'Well, uh ... I ... um ...'
>'I knew that you were supposed to actually, um, ship out with the First Generations and there was some ... trouble ...'
>'That's what they described you by. I don't buy into rumors, but word got out that there was some kind of instability in the installation of your core that it had to be set back effectively two refractor tech generations. If you ask me, that's a pretty huge gap, especially considering your, ah ... sisters being shipped out combat-ready so easily.'
>[Write-in]

>>4401302
>That's what they described you by. I don't buy into rumors, but word got out that there was some kind of instability in the installation of your core that it had to be set back effectively two refractor tech generations. If you ask me, that's a pretty huge gap, especially considering your, ah ... sisters being shipped out combat-ready so easily.'

When you take the leap, the only way left to go is forward.

>>4401302
>>'That's what they described you by. I don't buy into rumors, but word got out that there was some kind of instability in the installation of your core that it had to be set back effectively two refractor tech generations. If you ask me, that's a pretty huge gap, especially considering your, ah ... sisters being shipped out combat-ready so easily.'
When you ask the junker what makes you infamous, it's always the tech and instillation, and not the actions.

>>4401302
>That's what they described you by. I don't buy into rumors, but word got out that there was some kind of instability in the installation of your core that it had to be set back effectively two refractor tech generations. If you ask me, that's a pretty huge gap, especially considering your, ah ... sisters being shipped out combat-ready so easily.'

Your apprehension still at levels unprecedented, you consider your response … before promptly deciding to just come clean with it. It wasn’t in you to hold a conversation without some actual substance … and being in the presence of they who you revered and elevated above so many, you doubted that you could play misdirection with your words any better than Link could hold his liquor.

‘Well, that’s how it—if the shoe fits,’ you let out, allowing your shoulders to finally slump; all that tension was murder on your back. ‘I don’t really buy into rumors—that’s more my parents’ jobs—but considering that you were meant to be activated alongside the point-fives, anyone with a nose to the wind would’ve suspected that there were a few things up … especially with a Yorktow Derivative being sidelined. Most of it’s just based on speculation, of course, but the plausibility of a lack of stability and compatibility is way too common an issue on generational and legacy tech … which only made the rumors of a two generation refractor tech gap only more plausible. As a mere observer, I could have only made two conclusions: that the gap was way too big to be plausible at all … or to make a review of my own and gather the evidence that I actually have: that of which involves the other Yorktown Derivatives being combat-ready within a single activation cycle. Not that I’m, uh … inking that in permanently, of course. I’m sure that whatever it really ended up being was—’

‘That’s practically painting the picture by yourself … save for one detail.’

‘Huh?’

That … surprises you.

‘What did I miss?’

‘Enterprise is just too overwhelming,’ Javelin declares in a sing-song voice, resting her arms on the former’s head. ‘The stress between the test Commanders and pilots had ‘em on all fours and puking their guts out.’

‘That’s not something you should say so casually, you know,’ Enty—Enterprise—grumbles, the visor of her cap sliding down over her eyes.

‘Well, that’s a thing of the past now, right?’ Javelin grins, pushing herself off her friend.

‘Javelin.’

‘Sorry, sorry!’

Enterprise harrumphs, adjusting her cap. Laffey, seemingly uncaring for the situation, merely shakes her head in disapproval.

‘In any case, you must be aware of how the Azur Lane Commanders operate, correct?’

‘Yeah, through the Network, right? Using mental links to delegate orders, release engagement levels, outputs … which allow the Shipgirls to execute their commands and the like. I think everyone knows about it. It follows something called … Drift Theory or something? I’m not sure of the nitty-gritty of it myself, but I do know that it’s some sort of bridge between the Shipgirls and the Commander.’

‘Correct,’ Enterprise affirms. ‘Well, in my case—and some others—it hasn’t exactly been easy to … I suppose the phrase is finding a happy medium. Something about my architecture, my make … disallows any sort of proper, stable connection to be sustained without subsequently overloading the Network’s host—the Commander, if you will—after constant exposure.’

You frown slightly, digesting the new information.

‘Isn’t mental strain part of the job? Same thing as any other workload: you stack too much and take no breaks … it’s what the academies are there to prepare you for, right?’

‘In my case, it’s a little … more immediate; or rather, it was,’ she lets out, as if in relief. ‘With the latest generation of Wisdom Cubes, we can—’

‘Spoilers!’ Javelin interjects, draping her arms over her friend.

‘Oh … oh right, silly me,’ Enterprise giggles. ‘That’d ruin the whole reason for this tour now, wouldn’t it?’

>[Press for more]
>[Leave it at that]
>[Write-in]

>>4402708
>>[Press for more]

>>4402708
>[Press for more]
Come now, girls, you can't just cut us off like that when you know we can't afford to attend.

>>4402708
>[Press for more]

>>4402708
Come on, now you’ve got me curious... it’s not like I was gonna spread it around.

>>4402708
>Drift Theory
>some sort of bridge between the Shipgirls and the Commander.
Oh shit, I'm digging this interpretation of shipgirls you're going for, OP. If it is at all going the way I think it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vU7XqToZso

>[Press for more]
>"Come on, give me a bit more than that! I won't even be able to go to the tour showcase anyway, so what's the harm in letting me know now?"
You made the mistake of trying to deny nerdlore from the Junker, Javelin. Time to pay the consequences.

‘You can’t just leave it at that,’ you plead, sounding a lot more like your father than you’d like. ‘What’s this about the Wisdom Cube—’

‘Nothing particularly special,’ Enterprise cuts you right off, her tone as sly as the look on her face. ‘You’ll just have to wait for tomorrow’s demonstration.’

Your shoulders droop.

‘Oh, I … I can’t attend the demonstration tomorrow.’

‘Eh? Why?’

A loud sigh escapes you as you raise your head, eyes darting from one corner of the room to the next, trying to figure out just how to explain to the three girls right in front of you just why you couldn’t up and attend without piling the humiliation on yourself. Every time monetary sufficiency had been the … handicap to your progression, you felt … a great reluctance at explaining it to others. You don’t know why: it’s not like you were particularly ashamed to be the son of a pair of salvage specialist, but …

Perhaps it just felt like too frequent a reminder.

‘I kind of have to mind the shop,’ you let out, forcing the corners of your lips to pull themselves upwards … and letting out a laugh that hurts more than it should. ‘I promised my parents that I’d help them out with inventory, intake and stuff in return for them letting me attend Professor Cidolfus’ lecture for the evening.’

Enterprise blinks, looking very surprised.

‘Professor Cidolfus is here?’

‘Yeah? He’s doing a little lecture tour himself. I think he’s promoting his new book.’

‘New book?’

>Produce Item: Digs, Discoveries and Doomsaying: An Unfiltered Outlook by Brannigan Cidolfus
>‘Well … old book, updated edition … but semantics. It’s pretty much a more grim take on the recent … you know.’
>‘You didn’t know he was in Neo Rumina? Would’ve thought that Azur Lane would know.’
>[Shrug]
>[Write-in]

>>4402910
Show them.

>>4402910
>>‘You didn’t know he was in Neo Rumina? Would’ve thought that Azur Lane would know.’

>>4402910
>‘You didn’t know he was in Neo Rumina? Would’ve thought that Azur Lane would know.
>Produce Item: Digs, Discoveries and Doomsaying: An Unfiltered Outlook by Brannigan Cidolfus

>>4402910
I'm a little hesitant to give the book over, on the off chance they try to keep or ruin it. Not likely, but I don't want to take my chances and lose the chance to read it at some point.

>‘You didn’t know he was in Neo Rumina? Would’ve thought that Azur Lane would know.’
>Produce the book, but try to make sure they return it.

>>4403190
nah, Enty will be on best behaviour after almost strangling us. And Laffey has been placated with food.

>>4403190
Think of it as a "KEY ITEM" like in RPGs. If you want to know its contents, you can just ask me.

>>4404127
To add to that, one thing I didn't like about Mechanic's Shipgirl Commander was that sometimes he gave us too much freedom and expected us to follow up on too many things at the same time. I'm aiming to make the experience more streamlined and linear, if that makes sense. I'm not very good at trying to put the "hints" and expect players to follow, so I'm just doing things I know how. I respect him, don't get me wrong, and he did help me a little bit in getting this Quest off the ground, but I feel like he caved in way too easily and gave us way too much control in the first place. He said that Shipgirl Commander was never meant to be a book but an interactive experience, but I think, personally, maybe he should have? I'm trying to incorporate some of his advice here as best as I can. The only thing that's stopping me from being consistent is my job and my lack of stamina, so I hope that you'll bear with me on it.

You produce Professor Cidolfus’ book, holding it out for Enterprise to take.

She lifts the book from your hands, quickly leafing through its contents, a curious Javelin and Laffey peering over he shoulder. A silent five minutes pass by before Enterprise closes its pages, a wry smile slowly making its way upon her face. She hands the book to you, her shoulders drooping and a series of unintelligible, exasperated, mumbled sentences leaking from the corners of her mouth. Whatever Professor Cidolfus had put to ink, you’re most certain that the Shipgirl in front of you had found little to none of it to her liking.

‘Good read?’

‘Well, it’s nice to know that he’s healthy,’ Enterprise answers evasively, avoiding a verbal opinion on it altogether. ‘It’s really too bad that things went the way they did between him and the … everyone else, I guess. Professor Cidolfus was never a supporter of the Azur Lane commission in the first place. It’s a wonder that he stayed on for as long as he did.’

‘He’s been very vocal about us heading towards a doomsday scenario of our own making.’

‘The title tells me as much,’ Enterprise responds in agreement. ‘Are you a fan of his? That’s a signed copy, isn’t it?’

‘I … uh …’

Fan?

>‘Well, yes.’
>‘It’d be a disservice to call myself a fan. Regardless of … everything else … Professor Cidolfus is a well-respected figure for any enthusiast of the Wisdom Project or Azur Lane, what with having direct a hand in it himself. Even for your average salvage specialists; his experiences on expeditions into some of the ruins, going on digs … he’s just an interesting figure, no matter how you cut it.’
>‘No, not particularly. He does put up some interesting points once in a while, but I’m not especially enamored with his pessimism … or his optimism, for that matter.’
>[Write-in]

>>4404156
>>‘It’d be a disservice to call myself a fan. Regardless of … everything else … Professor Cidolfus is a well-respected figure for any enthusiast of the Wisdom Project or Azur Lane, what with having direct a hand in it himself. Even for your average salvage specialists; his experiences on expeditions into some of the ruins, going on digs … he’s just an interesting figure, no matter how you cut it.’

>>4404156
>"I think he has a refreshing take on things. Most people seem to be either completely onboard with, or apathetic to, the formation of Azur Lane as an organization and KANSEN as a concept. Though I don't think I can fully understand or agree with all of his perspective; especially since he was rather evasive in explaining his involvement with Azur Lane, and I think that experience plays a rather large part into why he seems so fierce on his stance."
>"But he doesn't just spout doomsday nonsense out of ignorance. For someone like me, a random salvage specialist; his experiences on expeditions into some of the ruins, going on digs, and research he conducts are all pretty impressive … he’s just an interesting figure, no matter how you cut it."
>"Though - well - we didn't exactly see eye to eye when we talked after the presentation. I guess... I just kind of appreciate both sides of the debate. * and it's about as close to the real thing as I can get.*"

>>4404127
I suppose if that's the case, a brief synopsis would be appreciated. If that's not too much to ask for.

>>4404156


Support >>4404209

>>4404215
I don't see why not.

KEY ITEM: Digs, Discoveries and Doomsaying: An Unfiltered Outlook by Brannigan Cidolfus
>A controversial tome pertaining to the topic of archaeology, specifically that of refractor digs and ruin expeditions. This current edition goes into harsh detail regarding the rise of refractor expeditions being used to bolster military strength as well as a revealing look into the reverse-engineering of ancient robotic architecture from the technology procured. This copy of the book is signed by the author himself.
>You find quite an engaging read, if a little too laced with profanity for your liking.

‘I believe that he has a rather refreshing take on things, to be quite honest,’ you admit, wiggling your buttocks to allow a more comfortable posture for yourself. ‘Most people seem to be completely on-board with Azur Lane … or at the very least, apathetic to it; Shipgirls and all that. I can’t say I completely agree with him or understand just where his disagreements ultimately stem from … especially with him being very evasive about his involvement in the Wisdom Project, the Saul Kata Expedition or Azur Lane itself … you can’t say that, considering his involvement and his experiences, that he doesn’t have the right to be so vocal about it either, right? It’s a fierce and uncommon stance that he takes, but if anyone’s earned it, at the very least … he definitely has, don’t you think?’

‘That sounds a whole lot like agreeing with him,’ Laffey remarks, tilting her head over Enterprise’s shoulder.

‘I agree with his … authority to disagree, more like,’ you elaborate, shrugging slightly. ‘It’s not like he’s a random head trying to cash in on controversy for the sake of it, or … like a blitzball columnist that’s spreading gossip through an article that leaves just enough plausibility for it to pick up. Even then, even without all the theories and the doomsaying … even for your average salvage specialist, your everyday diggers … his experience after being on so many famous expeditions, all those digs … he just cuts an interesting figure even on his own.’

A nervous laugh escapes you; you scratch the back of your head, somewhat embarrassed that you’d gone into so much detail over so simple an inquiry.

‘That being said … he wasn’t particularly … well … interactive with me, even when I cornered him after his talk. I guess I just appreciate a good debate, tepid or otherwise.’

‘Have you been on a dig before?’

‘If you count first floors as a qualifier,’ you snort.

You spend quite a while shooting the breeze, educating the rather curious trio regarding the nuances of venturing into the ruins, which, rather obviously, they had never been. You explain to them the degrees of qualifications required of a digger to venture into certain ruins, how the Guilds measure the dangers levels of the discovered ruins, how your parents turn a profit on the salvage they’re able to bring up to the surface, the dangers of reaver units prowling the hallways … never had you actually seen a group so fascinated with the nitty-gritty of it all … and Javelin even reminds you that you weren’t quite of sound knowledge yourself, being unable to properly discern the threat levels of reaver units and the differentiation between salvageable and worthless old technology.

You’re not sure how long the conversation goes on for, but you are brought to a halt by—

BZZT!

—your door buzzer.

>>4404251
>'Is it that late already? I thought mom said she'd be a while ...'
>[Ignore it]
>'Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'
>[Write-in]

>>4404255

>Hang on a moment, let me get the door

>>4404255
>'Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'

>>4404255
>>'Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'

>>4404255
>Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'
Please let this be mom, and not the FBI about to break in for 'kidnapping' the shipgirls.

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>>4404251
>'Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'

>>4404483
FBI? Nah, it's gonna be these guys.

>>4404255
>'Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'

>>4404255
>>'Hang on a moment ... let me get the door.'
Glad that this quest is back.

>>4404264
>>4404271
>>4404319
>>4404483
>>4405067
>>4407259
>>4407344
I should start leaving warnings that I'm at my busiest on the weekends. My bad, bros.

>>4408255
I await the shipgirls, OP. And more professor doomsaying.

Don't trust (((azur lane)))

A huge bomb was dropped on my doorstep last week and generated a ton of worry, but it's now out of the way and I am thankfully glad everyone I care for is still breathing at the end of the saga. I'll be running soon. I'm tired as fuck, but I owe you guys a closer to this prologue and you've waited too long.

>>4419346
No worries OP, real life comes first. Good to hear you're doing alright.

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You excuse yourself from the conversation, feeling a little irritated … and a little curious as to who it could be. It couldn’t have been your mother: she’d already told you that she’d be spending what remained of the day tending to your father’s delicate state … which narrowed it down to two likely suspects: the neighborhood watch or someone looking for a quick score on your inventory.

You pick up a metal bat at the bottom of the stairs. This wasn’t the first time this sort of thing had occurred … and you wouldn’t allow it to be the first one to actually get away with it.

The incessant buzzing doesn’t stop even with your yells from behind the shutter door. Your hand reaches out to release the security latch on the shop door, pulling it open before reaching down and pulling on the shutter’s inner latch. Two quick pulls has the mechanism doing the rest, the metal barricade rolling loudly upwards and revealing a—

‘Good day to you, civilian.’

—man that looked like he could pass for a movie star.

Perfectly coiffed brown hair, brown eyes, strong jaw accompanied by an almost-triangular arrangement of cheekbones and full eyebrows … and standing about an inch on top of you with his only aesthetic shortcoming a pair of shoulders that you had some advantage against, it takes you more than a mere moment to find that your insecurity was probably showing more than you liked to show.

That, and, of course, that he was flanked by four men that could pass as part-time bouncers down at the dens.

Not full-time, of course. They looked way too reserved to pass for full-timers.

‘Good … day?’

He reaches for his pocket.

You tighten your hold on your bat, ready to swing at a moment’s notice.

‘I apologize for being so intrusive, Mr Hippopotamus—’

It takes you a moment to realize he was referring to the name of the store and not the diameter of your waistline.

‘—but I was told by the residents of this level that you were seen in the company of two … three young ladies, am I right?’

‘And you would be …’

You tap the bat against your shoulder, sizing the men up. They weren’t robbers looking for a quick score: none of the four men had the air to them that told you that they were looking to swipe some salvage to exchange for goods of a more unsavory nature … but at the same time, the aura that they gave off had you a little … uneasy. There is an aura of discipline, poise and … something else about them. It is as though you’re staring down the Guild Mas—

‘Lieutenant Commander Rufus McCloud of the Eagle Union’s Expedition Division,’ he declares, raising his credentials in his left hand. ‘Mr Hippopotamus?’

>>4427060
>‘My name’s not Mr Hippopotamus.’
>‘Eagle Union, huh?’
>'Sure you are.'
>‘I don’t see what you think I could offer you.’
>‘You’re looking for Enterprise and the other two, huh?’
>‘You’re talking about those two girls with the purple hair, huh?’
>[Write-in]

>>4427060
Right, the destroyer girls were not exactly supposed to be slumming around, were they? Kinda wish now we talked to the girls whether it would be a good idea to cover for them...

Oh well, better get it over with.

>"You're looking for Enterprise and the other two, huh?"
>Invite them in.
>Go fetch the girls (tell them who's come pick them up, just in case it's some imposter or something)

>>4427062
I'm really sorry about the delay. Laptop battery needed replacing again and I needed to wait for it to arrive. I keep forgetting to unplug the damned thing.

>>4427061
>‘You’re looking for Enterprise and the other two, huh?’

>>4427065
Null sweat OP

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‘You’re looking for Enterprise and the other two, huh?’

You lower your bat, allowing the tip to noisily bang against the dirty floor, but not quite relinquishing your grip upon the knob.

‘Javelin and Laffey,’ he grumbles, his intonation turning from one of a neutral standard to one of barely-concealed exasperation. ‘I see that the introductions have been made. Would you be able to direct me to them?’

‘Of course. I’ll go and get them for you.’

‘Oh, t-they’re here?’

‘Yes?’

The man furrows his brows, looking at you as though you’d sprouted a second head before taking a step back and muttering something to himself, turning his head upwards and then tilting it back towards you. The motion takes about four to five repetitions before he takes a step back, the confusion on his face slowly giving way to … a mix of hesitancy and confoundment.

‘You’ll have to excuse me, I … this is a … um … salvage … establishment, correct?’

‘It’s a junk shop,’ you answer back … suddenly feeling quite defensive.

‘Yes … yes, of course.’

‘Would you like to come inside? I’ll go and get them for you.’

‘Yes,’ he responds, quickly, no hesitant at all to step right by you, adjusting his coat as the other three men follow him inside. ‘Thank you.’

It’s not long before you find yourself with a shop floor that’s half-full of seven bodies that do not belong to a single customer. Enterprise had made her way down stone-faced and assuming a stoic, professional demeanor … while Laffey is as vapid as the time you’d brought her back into the shop. Javelin, however, is the one that you find the largest amount of pity for … as she practically kisses the dirty floor in apology to Lieutenant Commander McCloud, who you observe to be quite cross with her especially … for whatever reason. Enterprise and Laffey are astride the pony-tailed Shipgirl, who endures a telling-off which … if you were being honest, was quite tame compared to the time you’d snuck out with your father’s keys with Link and—

‘I expected more from you, Javelin,’ McCloud finishes, glaring at the back of the apologetic girl’s head. ‘Do you even understand what the consequences of—’

‘Sir, I—’

‘Enterprise,’ McCloud starts coolly, casting a gaze over her.

The tall woman shrinks back, but otherwise keeps form.

‘Do you even understand the consequences of what you’re—’

‘A lot of bad stuff?’ Laffey tentatively suggests, raising her hand.

McCloud mumbles under his breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. ‘Probably,’ he mutters. ‘I guess a lot of bad stuff would be an appropriate descriptor regarding three missing super-weapons. Do you have anything to say for yourselves, ladies?’

No replies arrive.

'I thought not.'

>>4427123
>‘Aren’t you being a little too harsh on them?’
>‘So, can I close up now? It’s pretty late.’
>‘Pretty tight ship you’re running here. Excuse the pun.’
>[Write-in]

>>4427125
>‘Aren’t you being a little too harsh on them?’

>>4427125
>‘Aren’t you being a little too harsh on them?’
I mean, they did look a bit out of place, but they give impression of being able to look after themselves. And miss Enterprise was very vigilant.

(let's not bring up how Javelin was about to get mugged though... or the incident at the food stall)

‘Aren’t you being a little too harsh on them?’

One corner of Enterprise’s mouth twitches slightly upward before registering into a flat line … and Javelin carves out a brief, thankful smile.

Emphasis on the brief.

‘I’m very thankful for your help, Mr Hippopotamus,’ Commander McCloud replies, meeting your eyes with a steely brown gaze, ‘but I would appreciate if you did not over-step your boundaries in this matter.’

‘Look,’ you start, letting out a tired sigh of your own, ‘I’m not sure how you people at Azur Lane do things and I think I’m happy enough just picking your posters and reviews out when I get them … but I think the three of them know that they screwed up and shouldn’t have been down here in the first place. No use hammering a point like a broken record when you’ve already got it across, you know? It’s not like you’re talking down to children here.’

Commander McCloud cocks an eyebrow, but otherwise says nothing.

‘Anyway,’ you continue, rubbing the back of your neck, ‘if you’re just gonna stand there and yell at them anyway, I’d appreciate if you would not do it in the middle of the floor of my parents’ shop … or, you know, on this level at all. B4’s a dangerous place, especially at this hour. If you have any disciplinary measures or anything that you want to fix on them … go ahead. I won’t tell you to do your job, but I think, personally, the chewing out part’s teetering beyond the professional realm at this point.’

McCloud’s expression doesn’t change … until it does.

He lets out a tired sigh, shoulders slumping. The other three men don’t bother to respond, more than likely remembering that while you had free rein regarding your conduct, they were still beholden to a commanding officer that didn’t seem to be a good mood at all.

‘Would you like a cup of coffee?’

He sighs again.

‘No, I believe … no,’ he answers, stiffening his neck. ‘Thank you for your assistance, Mr Hippopotamus—’

You wonder if he’s doing it on purpose now.

‘—but we have a big day ahead of us and while some of us here are in possession of drawing on stamina reserves beyond human capacity’—he shoots the trio of Shipgirls an accusatory glance—‘the rest of us actually have to make do with an adequate sleep cycle.’

You let let out a light snort, nodding in response.

‘I wish there was a way to repay you,’ he lets out, sounding oddly sincere, ‘but—’

‘Ah, what about an EIP Pass?’ Javelin chirps.

EIP Pass? Whatever it was, Commander McCloud appeared to be seriously considering it.

‘Well, I guess that would be … one way. Not like we don’t have extras, anyway …’

>‘Sure.’
>‘What’s an EIP Pass?’
>‘No, thanks. You better get back up top-side.’
>[Write-in]

>>4427289
>‘What’s an EIP Pass?’

>>4427289
>>‘What’s an EIP Pass?’

>>4427289
>‘What’s an EIP Pass?’
To be honest I fucking love this MC, some high ranking military officer is standing right next to him and he has the fucking balls to ask him if he really needs to chew out subordinates in his parents shop and not somewhere else

>>4427335
And all at once, every NCO had an eye twitch and involuntarily went knife-hand

‘What’s an EIP Pass?’

Commander McCloud makes a face.

‘I’m sure you’ve seen the boards and banners plastered everywhere,’ the man starts dryly, giving a back-handed wave with his right hand as if to gesture at an invisible billboard behind his person. ‘We’ll be hosting a brief exhibition tomorrow; usual Azur Lane PR shindig, demonstration and all that.’

The one that Link would be attending.

The one that you couldn’t.

‘So what’s an EIP Pass?’

‘It’s an … well, it’s an Extremely Important Person Pass,’ McCloud answers dryly. ‘Basically an all-expense day out at the exhibition, with complimentary bags, prime seating, access, free food and … well, all the fun-fair add-ons. Personally, I feel like it’s a bit extreme on the PR stunt barometer, but as the whole purpose of this tour is to both demonstrate and establish bonds with the civilian populace, we’ve decided to put up with it.’

‘You don’t like it?’

‘The tours are something I don’t particularly mind,’ McCloud responds, closing his eyes and crossing his arms. ‘I just think that lately … it feels like we’re beginning to forget that there’s a very specific reason Azur Lane and Shipgirls exist for and this is just one overly overt marketing scheme.’

A dark chuckle sounds out as he finishes that last sentence.

‘I’d be lying in saying that the extreme alternative is preferential, however. In any case, I do happen to have an EIP Pass here with me. Seeing as the likelihood of someone waking the ticket-master up for purchase between now and the commencement of the exhibit and demonstration are close to zero, I don’t think parting with one would be out of the scope of my abilities.’

You fix him with a flat stare.

‘You talk weird.’

‘Is that a yes, then, Mr Hippopotamus?’

>‘No, thank you. I think I’ve already made it clear to the three here that I won’t be available tomorrow. Good luck with the festivities tomorrow.’
>‘You know what? I won’t be able to attend, but I’ll take one, so … uh … would you mind … can I please have your autographs? On the pass? As a memento?’

>>4427561
>>‘You know what? I won’t be able to attend, but I’ll take one, so … uh … would you mind … can I please have your autographs? On the pass? As a memento?’

>>4427561
>‘You know what? I won’t be able to attend, but I’ll take one, so … uh … would you mind … can I please have your autographs? On the pass? As a memento?’

>>4427561
>>‘You know what? I won’t be able to attend, but I’ll take one, so … uh … would you mind … can I please have your autographs? On the pass? As a memento?’

>>4427561
>‘You know what? I won’t be able to attend, but I’ll take one, so … uh … would you mind … can I please have your autographs? On the pass? As a memento?’

>>4427561
>‘You know what? I won’t be able to attend, but I’ll take one, so … uh … would you mind … can I please have your autographs? On the pass? As a memento?’

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‘My apologies, but as circumstances stand, I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend your demonstration tomorrow,’ you declare clearly, putting a little bit more emphasis behind your words so that there were no mistakes regarding the circumstances of your absence. ‘I have a few things to clear up around here … and I’d be a terrible son if I decided to just sneak off and leave my parents with the bulk of the work.’

‘Ah, a dutiful son,’ McCloud snorts, but not cruelly. There’s almost a tinge of understanding laced into his observation.

‘Still … if you’re insistent on repaying me for my services, I wouldn’t mind taking it off your hands,’ you chuckle. ‘An autographed one … as a little souvenir of our meeting.’

The three Shipgirls stare at you … and McCloud and two of the men carve a smirk upon their faces. He dives into his pockets, picking out the pale-blue, golden-texted pass, dangling from his wrist. Even under the dim light, the quality of the laminated lettering practically glowed in its worth.

‘I have a pen.’

Each of the girls scribble over the pass: you receive Enterprise’s loopy signature, Javelin’s messy attempt at one and Laffey’s surprisingly neat touch on her name, messily forming an uneven triangle. Javelin’s signature, unsurprisingly, takes the most space.

‘I hope that’s to your liking.’

‘It is,’ you answer, tucking it away. ‘Thank you.’

>YOU RECEIVED: EIP PASS (AZUR LANE EXHIBITION) – LOVINGLY VANDALIZED BY ENTERPRISE, LAFFEY AND JAVELIN

‘I’ll treasure this.’

‘We’ll drop by tomorrow before we shove off!’ Javelin insists … much to her superior’s consternation.

‘I appreciate the gesture,’ you insist, chuckling again, ‘but you’ll be doing me more of a favor by not showing up, actually … we’re not even opening the shop up tomorrow until we have our inventory and things sorted out for the next salvage cycle, and I’m not sure if my parents would appreciate anyone coming in and distracting us from meeting our deadlines.’

‘Oh …’

‘Maybe next time,’ you suggest, half-jokingly.

‘Oh!’ Javelin suddenly cries out, catching everyone’s attention.

‘What is it?’

‘I never got to try that ramen!’

You let out an almighty groan.

>END [PROLOGUE 1]

>>4429061
My precious.

>>4429061
Thanks for running OP, I look forward to the next thread!