Commander's Rounds

Entry 36-3: The Commander's Promise- An Opening of Doors

Queen Elizabeth had to start being busy herself. There was much to be done, and she was the one to do it. She had a chance to show her leadership in a time of adversity. It wasn't something she was going to do entirely on her own, of course, as she had Warspite to help with the details, and her sister was extraordinarily good at details, especially the really nitpicky one that she couldn't be bothered to deal with herself.

A lot of it was things that she did understand, such as keeping things on a defensive footing and cooperating with the other factions with whatever they required. It was only natural to react in such a way until things could be settled, one way or another.

But, due to certain circumstances beyond her control, she had to make some changes, as far as assignments were concerned.

Queen Elizabeth was only willing to ask certain questions a certain number of times, after all, and this was the last time she was going to ask this particular question. "So, where is King George V, and why isn't she coming to these meetings?"

Warspite spoke up. "She has requested leave from her post for a time. I see no reason not to grant it- if she feels that she cannot serve your majesty with her usual standard of excellence, there is no point in forcing her to stay in her position."

Queen Elizabeth made a quick decision. "Very well. Grant her what leave she requests, and put Prince of Wales in her position until she sees fit to return. I'm not going to let the Royal Navy look like it's running around like a man on fire."

Warspite noted the change. "Very well."

Queen Elizabeth tapped the arm of her throne. "I wonder what she's up to...."

King George V had left the royal dorm to go out and about on her own. It wouldn't be so bad that the commander was wounded in battle if there was anything at all that she could do for him, but like everyone else on the base, she was forced to simply watch and wait. She was a knight commander of the Royal Navy, and though she wasn't as flashy or daring as some of her sisters, having to sit and wait in critical moments was not something that suited who she was as a ship, and especially not who she was as a person.

So, she was effectively looking for anything she could do for anyone.

As though her thoughts were being listened to, she actually saw a curious sight sitting on one of the benches. Roon was well known to volunteer for all manner of missions that had even a hint of combat, but her presence in public could vary wildly. Sometimes she seemed impossible to find, others, well, she participated in the idol contest not too long ago. Still, Roon looked put out about recent events, which was especially concerning considering that Roon would wear that smile of hers for reasons that could very easily make people uncomfortable.

So, King George decided to risk talking to Roon. "Greetings."

Roon seemed startled, but then looked at King Goerge, with her usual pleasant, though sometimes context-inappropriate smile. "Ah... It's King George V."

"It is." She found a way to continue. "...I heard that you and Monarch gave Purifier quite a beating. I do appreciate that."

Roon looked to the side a bit. "Not enough of one... We did worse to her than she did to the commander, but she somehow didn't die. I wanted to bring back one of her eyes so that the commander would know how hard we tried, but..."

King George V gave a nod. Purifier managed to escape through being picked up by a fast submarine, and she knew neither her half-sister nor Roon were particularly well-equipped to deal with submerged threats. "I think that if you told the commander how hard you tried, he'd believe you."