Fragile (Slow Updates)

Chapter 18: New Reality

Sorry for the delay in consistent updates. Life and university, just get in the way at times with weekly/monthly assignments, quizs, midterms and final exams are about 3 - 4 weeks away. It all kind of just piles up on my plate leaving little room for actually working on any new chapters. Then there is the fact that I'm sorta working on other writing projects so I don't feel burnt out. Even if I only get one scene done or a 100 words written a day this story will have a proper ending.

There is also the question in my head is that if my readers actually understand the story since the plot point of humans working with the Sirens or being consumed by their influence hasn't been explored much in game and only mention in a quick conversation with Kirov during Khorovod of Dawn's Rime event. The Story of Azur Lane (So Far) by Hawk2zer0 at 1:56:00.

So there isn't much information for me to work off. This does allow me to make a more unique story exploring an aspect of Azur Lane that hasn't been explored in depth. Though this also means I have to think about where this story is going through the eyes of Sous-lieutenant Vogel and a few other points of view.

I'm always happy to hear feedback about what could be done better, what you think of the plot, characters, if you prefer long or short chapters as I tend to write long chapters. Obviously, not the best at writing action scenes but that changes with time and experience. Probably best to keep it small scale.

Everything else aside, enjoy the chapter. 

XXX

1720

All day long aircraft had been going back and forth between the base and the battlefield. Now with the battle over, Lieutenant General Vašíček along with Commander Williams, Rear Admiral Carter and Rear Admiral Evans. The ladies witnessed first hand the batches of peacekeepers arriving from being fatigued, battered with all sorts of injuries and more serious injuries, peacekeepers with their arms around necks, boots dragged behind them or being carted on a stretcher. Overall, an unhappy atmosphere despite having inflicted a heavy blow to the Red Axis. 

All three commanders exchanged worried looks with their jaws dropping upon their eyes landing on an injured and heavily tired Sous-lieutenant Vogel. The fabric for his trousers filtering in the wind revealed underneath his fake left leg and torn sleeve that went over top but the Lieutenant General just smirked at the sight. Even more shocked by the fact he had prisoners with him some of which being high ranking Red Axis Kansens. Through heavy eyes and lighting a Black Devil cigarette taking a much needed hit before parting his lips. "Those three are turncoats I guess." He said making a rough hand gesture at Kii, Atago and Z46. "The rest are POWs in accordance with the Geneva Convention." The Legionnaire scoffed at the latter two words.

Vašíček placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did good. Wash up and get some rest."

He just gave her a dead eye stare while taking another drag, grey smoke parting from his lips. "You're not the one who has to talk it out with the higher ups."

Their eyes landing on the lifeless bodies being offloaded with the utmost respect. The Sous-lieutenant eyeing the body of the Canadian peacekeeper who sat next to him in the ride to hell, Levesque.

Taking her hand off his shoulder, doing a once over of him. "You good?" She asked in a motherly tone.

"I... Ya, I'm good." He replied through squinted eyes glancing at his injuries from blood soaked left arm, right shoulder taking a gunshot, damage to his prosthetic left leg, prosthetic right foot and torso from being stabbed through his ballistic plate.

She huffed, shaking her head in a disapproving manner, flagging over SPC. Harris. "Ensure that he receives proper medical treatment."

"Yes ma'am." Harris answered. "Whenever you're ready, Lieutenant."