Commander's Rounds

Entry 77-4: Albert's Odyssey- Peerless Performance

"Izumo, you say?"

Mikasa thought about that for a moment. "I'm honestly a little surprised. There are people who find her somewhat prickly. And you mean to have an evening with her?"

Albert shrugged as he walked with Mikasa through the halls of the Sakura dorm complex. "She's a bit more personable once she feels that her skills are acknowledged and appreciated. I came across her by chance one evening and was impressed by her ability, so I wanted to see and know more. And so, we drank together, and I watched her dance."

"If she's comfortable with your company, I suppose that what you mean to do isn't out of the question." Mikasa smiled. "Ah, I think I should be happy for her, as well. She never had a chance to be appreciated before, so to have others appreciate her now, she could think well of those who do."

"She is one of those ships, yes." One of those ships that was conceived but never "born". He took a deep breath. "But there's plenty to appreciate about her. Plus I had encountered her in the middle of her dance, so..."

"In the middle of her practice?" Mikasa considered. "...She doesn't like others to see an unfinished product, but if she found that you meant well, I can see why she might allow a little more latitude. And if she has agreed to spend personal time together, then..." She trailed off and just smiled at him.

Albert waited. "Yes?"

Mikasa simply shook her head. "You see, us old-timers always get together, but I'm glad for the younger ones whenever they find people who they're comfortable around. Whether it's a human or another ship, I don't think it matters much, really. So, What do you expect from your evening?"

He actually had some ideas. "I can't say precisely, but she seemed to disarm a bit when she was convinced that I was interested in her arts. So I suspect she may take me to some performance or another, perhaps by some other members of the Sakura contingent."

Mikasa's curiosity was piqued. "This interests you?"

"This is a unique opportunity." He began. "Because each of the ships here is deeply representative of their home nations, they carry many traditions with them as well. It would be foolish not to see what they have to show and learn what they have to offer, seeing as they are all so conveniently present. I admire the skill of others."

Mikasa smiled proudly. "I see! If that's the way a young one like you wants to spend his time, I can't argue. I think Izumo will be fine spending an evening with a man of culture."

Albert raised a hand and began to open his mouth as if to say something, as there was a somewhat different colloquial meaning to that last turn of phrase she spoke. However, Mikasa seemed so earnest about it, he decided to leave it be. "I'm not sure Izumo has such a high opinion of me in that way, but I believe she may also be interested in finding that out."

Mikasa hmmed. "If you're thinking about what the other person might be looking for, I think you'll be all right. But if things don't go the way you had hoped, there are plenty of other people you can talk to around here after the fact."

Albert thought about this. "My job requires me to have plans rather than hopes. But I will keep this in mind."

Mikasa continued. "Well then, I'll hope for you. Anyways, her room is not too far off, so I think you can make it the rest of the way there. I'd rather not be too close by, after all- I know young people don't like being chaperoned at times like this. Besides, I need to prepare for my own visit. Good luck!"

"Thank you." He replied, and watched Mikasa go off.

He found himself in front of Izumo's door, took a deep breath, and knocked on it, soon putting his hands in his pockets, and then he heard her voice from beyond the door. "I shall be ready shortly, there are a couple of minor adjustments that have to be made."