Chapter 6.1 - “A Destroyer Needs a Dress”

I. The Ambush Outside the Training Room

Aster had survived enemy shellfire.

She had endured a damaged Fletcher-class rigging assembly, medical examinations, and the peculiar indignity of being told that she could not perform certain maneuvers until two different departments agreed that she was sufficiently recovered.

She had even survived the experience of helping Kade Bher manage a naval base whose personnel occasionally seemed determined to cause incidents through sheer enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, none of those experiences had prepared her for the four girls waiting outside the rehabilitation building.

Aster stopped walking.

Riko Minase smiled.

Yuna Mori adjusted her glasses.

Sakura Nagase waved cheerfully.

Hana Saeki stood slightly behind them, carrying a folder.

The arrangement was deeply suspicious.

Aster looked from one face to another.

Then slowly narrowed her eyes.

"...What?"

Riko's smile widened.

"Nothing!"

Aster stared.

Yuna gave a pleasant nod.

"Good afternoon."

Sakura practically sparkled.

"Hi, Aster!"

Hana checked something on her folder.

"Your session finished on time."

Aster regarded her.

"...Yes?"

"Good."

A pause followed.

Aster glanced toward the rehabilitation-room door behind her.

She had just completed a supervised mobility session.

Nothing especially dramatic.

Some balance work, careful walking exercises, controlled movements intended to test whether the lingering discomfort from her previous injuries was continuing to improve.

No full rigging deployment.

No high-speed water trial.

No weapons.

Dr. Holt's staff had emphasized that recovery was progressing, but recovery was not something she could accelerate by becoming impatient.

Aster had behaved herself.

Mostly.

She believed that deserved recognition.

Instead, she found herself facing four girls who looked as though they were about to announce a conspiracy.

She folded her arms.

"All right."

Riko tilted her head.

"Hm?"

"Which one of you did it?"

Sakura blinked.

"Did what?"

"Whatever this is."

Yuna smiled faintly.

"I don't believe we've done anything yet."

Aster pointed at her.

"Yet."

Hana closed her folder.

"She's observant."

Riko nodded.

"Very."

Aster sighed.

"Oh, no."

Sakura stepped forward.

"Aster!"

"Yes?"

"We heard you're going to the ball!"

Aster froze.

Riko threw both hands into the air.

"WITH THE COMMANDER!"

A nearby maintenance technician looked over.

Aster's cheeks went warm.

"RIKO!"

"What?!"

"INDOOR VOICE!"

"We're outside!"

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!"

Sakura burst out laughing.

Yuna lowered her head, shoulders shaking.

Even Hana smiled.

Aster rubbed her face.

Of course they knew.

They had all heard about the invitation at lunch.

Riko had practically announced the matter to the entire mess hall.

Aster had hoped the excitement might diminish after a day or two.

That hope, she now realized, had been catastrophically optimistic.

She lowered her hands.

"...I haven't even been formally registered yet."

Riko waved that concern away.

"Details!"

"Important details!"

"Still details!"

Hana raised one finger.

"Actually, the paperwork and medical clearances are essential."

Aster turned toward her gratefully.

"Thank you!"

Hana continued.

"Which is why we've decided not to wait until the final approval before helping you choose something to wear."

Aster stared.

For a moment, her face went completely blank.

Then she looked toward Yuna.

The carrier smiled.

Toward Sakura.

The transport girl beamed.

Finally, toward Riko.

The battleship's expression was positively triumphant.

Aster swallowed.

"...Choose what?"

Riko clasped her hands.

"A dress!"

Silence.

The tropical breeze moved through the courtyard.

Aster stared at the four girls.

Then slowly took one step backward.

"No."

Riko took one step forward.

"Yes."

"A dress?"

"YES!"

"For me?"

"OF COURSE!"

Aster looked toward the sky.

"...Kade."

Nobody answered.

She sighed.

"Somehow, this is your fault."

 

They had a plan.

Of course they had a plan.

Yuna had compiled examples of formal naval reception attire and civilian eveningwear suitable for San Meridian's diplomatic setting.

Sakura had obtained information about Horizon's available fabric and alterations services.

Hana had checked what kinds of footwear and dress construction were sensible given Aster's ongoing rehabilitation.

And Riko—

Aster looked toward her.

"What did you do?"

Riko grinned.

"I provided inspiration!"

Yuna nodded.

"An enormous amount."

Hana's mouth twitched.

"Not all of it practical."

Sakura started laughing.

Riko looked offended.

"Fashion is supposed to be exciting!"

Aster stared.

Then slowly lowered her head.

"...This is going to be a long afternoon."

Riko looped one arm through hers.

"Exactly!"

"Riko!"

"Come on!"

"Where are we even going?"

"To look at dresses!"

Aster turned toward Hana.

"Help."

The repair ship smiled pleasantly.

"I am helping."

"NOT LIKE THAT!"

Yuna adjusted her glasses.

"We've reserved a fitting room."

Aster froze.

"...You've already reserved one?"

Sakura nodded happily.

"Yes!"

Aster stared at them.

Then sighed.

She had been outmaneuvered.

Completely.

And perhaps the worst part was that she was beginning to feel a little excited.

 

II. A Wardrobe Operation of Unreasonable Importance

Horizon Atoll was not a fashionable shopping district.

Its priorities were rather different.

There were damaged defensive installations to repair, personnel to feed, rigging systems to maintain, and an enormous amount of ordinary military equipment requiring inspection.

The island's clothing facilities existed primarily to produce, repair, and alter practical garments.

Uniforms.

Work clothes.

Protective covers.

Replacement fittings.

Medical clothing.

And the occasional civilian outfit for personnel who preferred not to spend every waking hour dressed for duty.

Fortunately, Horizon possessed something that made the lack of fashionable storefronts considerably less inconvenient.

People who knew how to make clothes.

The administrative outfitting room occupied a renovated building not far from the residential district. It contained sewing equipment, cutting tables, fabric storage, fitting mirrors, and several workstations that had been used almost continuously since the recent battle.

Aster had visited before.

Usually because a uniform needed repairing.

Or because somebody had managed to tear a sleeve while working around machinery.

She had never visited for anything remotely resembling an Officers' Ball.

The difference became obvious the moment she entered.

Several fabric samples lay across a long table.

A dress form stood near the central mirror.

Sketches had been arranged beside a measurement chart.

And one of Horizon's clothing specialists was waiting with the patient expression of a woman who had already been warned that her next appointment involved five enthusiastic Keelborn.

Aster looked around.

Then stopped.

"...Oh."

Sakura smiled.

"Pretty, isn't it?"

Aster nodded slowly.

The room wasn't luxurious.

There were no glittering chandeliers.

No rows of designer boutiques.

No enormous display windows overlooking a fashionable avenue.

But the fabrics were real.

The sketches were careful.

And the people around her had clearly spent time making the occasion special.

Aster's expression softened.

"...You did all this?"

Yuna nodded.

"We thought it would be easier to start with options rather than send you looking for something without any guidance."

Hana added, "And we can confirm what can actually be made or altered before anyone becomes attached to an impossible design."

Riko pointed toward the table.

"THAT ONE!"

Aster followed her finger.

Then blinked.

A particularly dramatic red dress occupied the center of one sketch.

Its skirt appeared to require enough fabric to conceal a small reconnaissance vehicle.

Aster stared.

Then slowly turned.

"...Riko."

The battleship grinned.

"Beautiful, right?"

"How would I walk?"

"Elegantly!"

"Through doorways?"

"Carefully!"

"Sit down?"

Riko hesitated.

"...With determination?"

Hana closed her eyes.

Yuna made a quiet sound.

Sakura began giggling.

Aster looked back at the drawing.

Then shook her head.

"Absolutely not."

Riko gasped.

"You're rejecting my vision!"

"Your vision needs its own dry dock!"

Sakura laughed so hard that she had to grip the edge of the table.

Hana nodded thoughtfully.

"An accurate assessment of its footprint."

"YOU TOO, HANA?!"

Yuna adjusted her glasses.

"Perhaps we should begin with something Aster can comfortably move in."

Aster pointed at her.

"Thank you!"

Riko folded her arms.

"Fine."

Then she brightened.

"BUT THE COLOR—"

"Riko."

"...Fine."

The clothing specialist smiled.

"I believe we can find something suitable without requiring a crane."

That finished Sakura.

The transport girl doubled over laughing.

And Aster, despite herself, joined in.

 

The first several options were arranged across the cutting table.

There was a pale ivory dress with a soft flowing skirt and understated detailing.

A darker green design whose fitted waist and elegant neckline made Yuna nod approvingly.

A muted burgundy gown with delicate embroidery near the shoulders.

And a deep midnight-blue design that Aster noticed almost immediately.

She didn't say anything.

Not yet.

Riko was still defending the merits of red.

Sakura liked the ivory option.

Hana was examining the construction of the burgundy dress with obvious interest in how comfortably it might fit around Aster's shoulders.

Yuna studied the midnight-blue sample for several seconds.

Then looked toward Aster.

Their eyes met.

The carrier smiled faintly.

Aster looked away.

Too late.

Yuna had noticed.

Of course she had.

"Aster."

"Hm?"

"Which one do you like?"

The Fletcher-class girl hesitated.

She looked across the table.

For a moment, she felt oddly embarrassed.

It was a ridiculous feeling.

She could argue about destroyer maneuvering characteristics.

She could discuss naval gunnery.

She could stand in front of a group of trainees and explain why the difference between a safe turn and an uncontrolled one mattered.

But deciding what she wanted to wear to a ball?

That suddenly seemed far more personal.

She glanced toward the blue fabric.

Then raised one hand.

"...That one."

Yuna's expression softened.

"The navy?"

Aster nodded.

"Yeah."

Riko leaned forward.

Sakura smiled.

Hana looked toward the sample.

For several seconds, nobody spoke.

Then Riko considered the color.

"...Actually."

Aster braced herself.

The battleship smiled.

"That could be really pretty."

Aster blinked.

"...Really?"

Riko nodded vigorously.

"Yes!"

Yuna smiled.

"I thought so too."

Sakura leaned closer.

"Oh, Aster. With your hair?"

Aster instinctively touched one of her red ribbons.

The transport girl's eyes shone.

"That would look wonderful!"

Hana examined the fabric.

Then nodded.

"Good weight. It should drape cleanly without requiring a rigid structure underneath."

Aster looked between them.

The praise caught her off guard.

She felt warmth rise into her cheeks.

"...You think so?"

Yuna nodded.

"Absolutely."

For a moment, Aster didn't answer.

Then she smiled.

A small, genuine smile.

"...Okay."

The clothing specialist lifted the midnight-blue sample.

"Shall we start here?"

Aster looked toward her friends.

They were smiling.

Every one of them.

She drew a breath.

Then nodded.

"Yes."

And the operation began.

III. The Strange Experience of Being Pretty

Aster had never considered herself particularly difficult to dress.

A uniform was simple.

There were regulations.

Sizes.

Fastenings.

A practical arrangement of fabric and equipment that had been developed because people needed clothing they could work in.

Her everyday clothes were similarly straightforward.

A comfortable blouse.

A skirt or trousers.

Shoes she could walk in.

Something to keep her hair out of her eyes.

The red ribbons, naturally, were nonnegotiable.

She had never needed an entire committee to decide whether she looked presentable.

Now, standing before a full-length mirror while the clothing specialist adjusted a trial version of the midnight-blue dress, Aster was beginning to understand that formalwear operated according to an entirely different set of rules.

"Arms relaxed, please."

Aster lowered them.

"Like this?"

"That's fine."

The specialist checked the shoulder line.

Then the position of the waist.

The garment wasn't finished.

It was a fitting version assembled from existing material and temporary alterations, intended to establish proportions before any precious fabric was cut.

But it already looked different from anything Aster normally wore.

The neckline was modest without appearing severe.

The upper portion fitted neatly across her shoulders and waist, while the skirt fell in soft folds toward her ankles.

There was enough room for her to walk comfortably.

At least, in theory.

Aster looked down.

Then lifted one foot.

The hem moved.

She lowered it.

Raised the other.

The fabric followed.

She considered that.

"...Huh."

From the seating area, Riko leaned forward.

"Well?"

Aster blinked.

"Well what?"

"How does it feel?"

She looked down again.

"...Like a dress."

Sakura laughed.

Yuna smiled.

Hana sighed.

Riko threw both hands into the air.

"ASTER!"

"What?!"

"You're supposed to say something romantic!"

Aster stared.

"About the fabric?"

"YES!"

The Fletcher-class girl considered that.

Then looked down at the skirt.

"...It has excellent maneuvering characteristics."

A moment of silence followed.

Yuna lowered her head.

Sakura made a strangled sound.

Hana closed her eyes.

Riko stared in horror.

"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!"

Aster grinned.

"Good turning radius."

"ASTER!"

"Low drag, too."

Sakura burst out laughing.

The clothing specialist smiled with admirable composure.

Then said:

"Those are actually useful observations."

Riko froze.

Aster turned toward her triumphantly.

"SEE?"

Hana nodded.

"Mobility matters."

Yuna adjusted her glasses.

"Especially given the expected amount of walking."

Riko looked between them.

Then sighed.

"...I have been defeated by engineers."

Aster smiled sweetly.

"An occupational hazard."

 

The specialist adjusted the garment around Aster's waist.

Then asked her to walk.

Aster complied.

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Slowly at first.

Her rehabilitation exercises had restored enough comfortable mobility that ordinary walking presented little difficulty, but certain movements still required care.

She crossed the fitting area.

Turned.

Returned.

Then stopped.

The fabric moved pleasantly.

It didn't catch beneath her heels or pull uncomfortably across her shoulders.

She looked toward Hana.

"Well?"

The repair ship studied her.

"Again."

Aster blinked.

"...Again?"

"Please."

Aster sighed.

Then walked the same path.

Hana watched her stride.

Not the dress's appearance.

Her movement.

The length of each step.

Whether she favored one side.

Whether the garment restricted her hips.

Whether turning required an awkward adjustment.

Aster knew exactly what she was doing.

"You realize this is supposed to be a fitting, not a medical evaluation."

Hana raised an eyebrow.

"Why can't it be both?"

"Because that's cruel."

"Because you need to be able to wear it comfortably."

Aster opened her mouth.

Then closed it.

"...Fair."

The specialist nodded.

"We can adjust the lower portion to give her more room while keeping the silhouette."

Hana smiled.

"Good."

Yuna leaned forward.

"And she shouldn't need to hold the skirt every time she approaches a staircase."

"Agreed," the specialist answered.

Riko frowned.

"Wouldn't a longer skirt look more elegant?"

Aster looked toward her.

"Riko."

"What?"

"If I trip at an Admiralty Union ball because my dress has declared war on my ankles, I'm blaming you."

The battleship considered that.

Then nodded gravely.

"...Understandable."

Sakura giggled.

The specialist adjusted another fastening.

Then stepped back.

"There."

Aster looked toward the mirror.

For a moment, she became quiet.

The girl reflected there was familiar.

Auburn hair.

Red ribbons.

The same eyes.

The same face.

But the clothing changed how she carried herself.

The dress softened the outline she was accustomed to seeing in a uniform. Its deep blue color brought out the warmth in her hair, while the clean neckline and gently fitted waist gave her appearance an understated elegance she had never deliberately tried to cultivate.

There were no gun mounts.

No torpedo tubes.

No Fletcher-class machinery extending behind her.

No armor plates.

No equipment straps.

Just Aster.

She tilted her head.

The girl in the mirror did the same.

For reasons she couldn't quite explain, the sight made her unexpectedly self-conscious.

"...Oh."

Yuna noticed.

Her smile softened.

"What do you think?"

Aster hesitated.

Then looked toward the skirt.

The sleeves.

The way the fabric fell against her waist.

She turned slightly.

Her red ribbons moved with her hair.

"...I like it."

The admission came quietly.

Riko's expression brightened.

Sakura clasped her hands.

Hana smiled.

Yuna nodded.

"Good."

Aster looked at herself again.

Then laughed softly.

"Actually..."

She turned.

The fabric moved easily.

"...I really like it."

Riko shot to her feet.

"YES!"

Aster jumped.

"RIKO!"

The battleship raised both hands in triumph.

"VICTORY!"

Hana sighed.

"Please don't shout in the fitting room."

Yuna laughed.

Sakura joined her.

And Aster stood before the mirror in a dress that wasn't quite finished, smiling despite the warmth in her cheeks.

For the first time, she could actually picture herself attending the ball.

Not simply as a naval officer accompanying her Commander.

Not as a Fletcher-class destroyer assigned to protect someone important.

As a young woman walking into a beautifully lit hall beside someone she cared about.

The thought made her heart beat a little faster.

Which was ridiculous.

She had faced enemy gunfire without becoming this embarrassed.

Yet the idea of Kade seeing her in a dress was apparently sufficient to defeat her composure.

Aster sighed.

Wonderful.

Then, almost against her will, she smiled again.

 

IV. The Ribbons Stay

Choosing the dress proved easier than choosing the details.

Aster discovered this when Sakura produced a collection of accessories.

Nothing especially extravagant.

A few hair ornaments.

Several ribbon samples.

Simple gloves.

Small decorative clasps.

And a selection of jewelry that Horizon's outfitting office could either provide or reproduce using available materials.

Riko was immediately fascinated.

"Ooooh!"

Aster eyed the table.

"...No."

The battleship looked offended.

"I haven't said anything!"

"You were about to."

"How do you know?"

"Experience."

Yuna smiled.

"She's learning."

Sakura picked up a small silver hair ornament.

"What about this?"

Aster considered it.

The ornament was delicate, shaped like a spray of leaves.

Pretty.

But not quite right.

She shook her head.

"Maybe not."

Sakura nodded.

"Okay!"

Riko selected a larger ornament set with imitation red gemstones.

Aster stared.

"...Riko."

"What?"

"That looks like something you attach to a battleship's commissioning plaque."

The Yamato-class girl blinked.

Then slowly looked down.

"...Oh."

Hana nodded.

"She's right."

Riko sighed.

"Fine."

Yuna selected a simpler option.

A narrow silver clasp that could be worn near the back of Aster's hair without interfering with her usual arrangement.

Aster studied it.

Then smiled.

"That one's nice."

Yuna nodded.

"I thought so."

The specialist looked toward her red ribbons.

"Would you like to replace those for the evening?"

Aster went still.

For a moment, the room became unexpectedly quiet.

She reached up.

Touched the ribbon beside her hair.

The familiar red fabric rested against her fingers.

It was such a small thing.

A simple accessory.

Nothing particularly rare or expensive.

But she had worn red ribbons for so long that they felt inseparable from her own appearance.

The color was familiar.

Comforting.

Part of how she recognized herself.

She looked toward the specialist.

Then shook her head.

"...No."

The woman nodded.

"Of course."

Aster smiled faintly.

"I'd like to keep them."

Sakura's expression softened.

"Then we should."

Yuna nodded.

"Absolutely."

Riko looked toward the blue dress.

Then at Aster's hair.

A slow smile appeared.

"Actually..."

Aster raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"The red looks really good with the blue."

Yuna smiled.

"Yes."

Hana considered the color combination.

"A small matching detail at the waist might help connect them."

The specialist nodded.

"Perhaps a narrow burgundy-red sash or a removable decorative accent."

Aster looked toward the mirror.

Deep midnight blue.

Warm auburn hair.

Familiar red ribbons.

A subtle matching accent.

She smiled.

"...I like that."

The specialist made a note.

Sakura clasped her hands.

"It's going to be beautiful!"

Aster flushed.

"Sakura..."

"What?"

"You're making me embarrassed."

The transport girl giggled.

"Sorry!"

Riko grinned.

"Wait until the Commander sees you."

Aster froze.

The room went silent.

Then she slowly turned.

"...Riko."

The battleship's expression became angelic.

"Yes?"

"Don't."

Riko smiled.

"I didn't say anything wrong."

Yuna adjusted her glasses.

"Technically."

Hana sighed.

Aster closed her eyes.

She could feel the heat rising into her face.

Then Sakura leaned closer.

Her voice was warm.

"He'll probably think you look wonderful."

Aster opened her eyes.

For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

Then she looked down at the dress.

"...You think?"

Sakura smiled.

"Yes."

Yuna nodded.

"He already seems very fond of you."

Aster's cheeks grew warmer.

Hana added, with the same calm precision she used when discussing damaged machinery:

"And Kade is hardly subtle about that."

Aster stared.

"...Hana!"

"What?"

Riko began laughing.

Yuna smiled.

Sakura giggled.

Aster turned back toward the mirror.

She tried very hard not to smile.

She failed.

Completely.

 

The final difficulty involved footwear.

Riko preferred an elegant pair of high heels.

Aster tried standing in them.

Then immediately understood why Hana had been watching the selection with mounting suspicion.

She took one careful step.

Another.

Her recovering leg objected.

Not sharply.

Not enough to cause serious pain.

But enough that she knew wearing the shoes for an entire evening would be a terrible idea.

She stopped.

Looked down.

Then looked toward Hana.

"...No."

The repair ship nodded.

"Agreed."

Riko sighed.

"But they look beautiful."

Aster slowly raised an eyebrow.

"Then you wear them."

Riko looked toward the shoes.

Then toward her own feet.

She hesitated.

"...Maybe not."

Yuna laughed.

The specialist brought out a lower-heeled option with a broader, more stable base and a cushioned interior.

Aster tried those.

Walked.

Turned.

Then tested a short set of steps.

Much better.

Hana watched carefully.

"Any discomfort?"

"Not from the shoes."

"Good."

"Although I'm beginning to think Dr. Holt should be consulted about the entire concept of formal footwear."

The repair ship smiled.

"I already planned to ask."

Aster stared.

"...Of course you did."

Sakura laughed.

The specialist made another note.

And by the end of the fitting, they had a workable design.

A midnight-blue evening dress with an elegant but comfortable silhouette.

A modest neckline and soft sleeves.

A skirt long enough to look formal without restricting movement.

Subtle silver detailing.

A restrained burgundy-red accent complementing her familiar hair ribbons.

And shoes selected for comfort rather than a dramatic increase in height.

Riko still wanted a little more sparkle.

Yuna gently disagreed.

Hana insisted that Aster should be able to sit, walk, and climb stairs without difficulty.

Sakura thought the dress was perfect.

Aster stood before the mirror.

Then smiled.

For once, she agreed with all of them.

Well.

Almost all of them.

Riko could survive without the additional gemstones.

V. A Fletcher-Class Destroyer Goes Airborne

The most troublesome part of the entire arrangement was not the dress.

Aster discovered that the following morning.

She was sitting in a small planning room beside the administrative offices, reviewing the preliminary travel paperwork with Mara Fenwick.

On the table lay a route sheet, a medical clearance request, and a list of requirements issued by San Meridian's reception staff.

The dress was coming along nicely.

The footwear had been selected.

The outfitting specialist had confirmed that the alterations could be completed once the remaining measurements were checked.

Everything was proceeding quite sensibly.

Then Mara turned a page.

"Now, your transportation."

Aster looked up.

"Right."

"The provisional arrangement is by air."

Aster nodded.

Then stopped.

"...Air."

Mara glanced toward her.

"Yes."

"As in an airplane."

"Correct."

Aster stared at the route sheet.

Then slowly looked toward the window.

Beyond it, the morning sun shone over Horizon's inner lagoon.

A training group of Keelborn was moving along a restricted section of water, maintaining a carefully controlled formation.

Aster watched them.

Then looked back at Mara.

"...Oh."

The Chief of Staff raised an eyebrow.

"Something wrong?"

Aster considered the question.

Then folded her arms.

"No."

A pause.

"It's just strange."

Mara smiled faintly.

"Flying?"

"Flying."

Aster looked down at the paperwork.

"I know what an airplane is."

"That's reassuring."

"And I've watched aircraft take off plenty of times."

"Naturally."

"And obviously I understand that people use them to get places."

Mara nodded.

"Yes."

Aster hesitated.

Then looked toward the harbor again.

"...But I'm a destroyer."

For a moment, Mara said nothing.

Then her mouth twitched.

"A Fletcher-class destroyer, to be precise."

"Exactly!"

"Whose rigging is designed for naval operations."

"Yes!"

"And who has been asked to accompany a Commander on a diplomatic trip."

"Right!"

Mara looked down at the route sheet.

"Which is much faster by aircraft than by sending a naval transport across the ocean."

Aster stared.

Then sighed.

"...I know."

The Chief of Staff smiled.

"But?"

Aster looked toward the ceiling.

"I spend all this time learning how to move properly across water. How to control my equipment. How to account for sea conditions and my own momentum."

She lowered her eyes.

"And now somebody's going to put me in a chair inside an airplane and carry me through the sky."

Mara considered that.

Then nodded.

"Essentially."

Aster shook her head.

"That's ridiculous."

"It's transportation."

"I know!"

"Commonly used."

"I KNOW!"

Mara smiled.

The Fletcher-class girl looked down at the route sheet.

Then burst out laughing.

She couldn't help it.

The entire situation was absurd.

Her old experience as a beta tester had been full of aircraft carriers and reconnaissance planes, but she'd never seriously considered what it would feel like to be a living destroyer traveling aboard an aircraft.

There was something faintly insulting about the idea.

Not because flying was beneath her.

Quite the opposite.

Aircraft were magnificent machines.

But her own equipment had been built to move across the sea.

Her sense of motion had become attuned to waves, wakes, turning circles, and the particular resistance of water against her Fletcher-class rigging.

An aircraft operated in an entirely different environment.

Aster could imagine walking up the boarding stairs.

Sitting down.

Fastening a seat belt.

Then watching the ocean fall away beneath her.

A shipgirl being transported like a passenger.

Through the sky.

She lowered her head.

"...Oh, that's going to feel weird."

Mara laughed softly.

"Probably."

 

The provisional itinerary was not yet a finalized flight order.

The AU had acknowledged Kade's request for official travel coordination, but the final aircraft assignment, departure schedule, and passenger authorization would depend on the necessary clearances.

The likely arrangement involved a conventional transport aircraft flying from Horizon's airfield through approved military air routes toward San Meridian, with refueling or transfer arrangements determined by the assigned aircraft's endurance and regional airspace conditions.

No one was suggesting that a small island aircraft could simply cross every required distance without regard for fuel, weather, or navigational support.

Aster appreciated that.

She'd had enough experience with logistics to recognize the difference between a proposed route and one that could actually be flown.

Mara showed her the passenger arrangements.

"Your Fletcher rigging won't be traveling with you."

Aster looked up.

She had expected that.

Nevertheless, hearing it stated so plainly felt strange.

"Right."

"It's still under maintenance and rehabilitation restrictions."

"I know."

"And there is no operational requirement for you to deploy it in San Meridian."

Aster nodded.

"Good."

Mara regarded her.

"Good?"

Aster smiled faintly.

"I'd rather attend the ball without trying to fit a torpedo launcher through the ballroom doors."

The Chief of Staff laughed.

"A wise preference."

Aster looked toward the harbor.

Her equipment remained in Horizon's care.

The fitted Fletcher-class hull sections, gun mounts, torpedo tubes, propulsion systems, and supporting structures required proper inspection and servicing. The machinery couldn't simply disappear into a storage interface whenever she wanted to wear ordinary clothing.

When removed, it had to be disconnected safely, placed in its approved support arrangement, and maintained like the real naval equipment it was.

Hana's staff had been doing exactly that while Aster recovered.

The thought of leaving it behind for several days was unusual.

Not frightening, exactly.

But unusual.

Aster had spent so much of her time since Hour Zero learning to become comfortable with her equipment that being separated from it sometimes made her feel oddly incomplete.

Yet she was also relieved.

She didn't want to attend a diplomatic reception as a moving weapons platform.

She wanted to wear the dress.

Walk beside Kade.

Meet people.

See San Meridian.

Maybe dance.

Definitely tease him about his formal uniform.

None of those activities required a five-inch gun.

At least, she hoped not.

Mara turned another page.

"Your duties will also need to be clearly defined."

Aster straightened.

"Of course."

"You would be attending as Commander Bher's accompanying guest and designated command escort."

Aster nodded.

Then blinked.

"...Both?"

"Both."

She considered that.

A slow smile appeared.

"Oh."

Mara looked toward her.

"Something amusing?"

Aster grinned.

"That's wonderfully appropriate."

"How so?"

She folded her arms.

"I'm a destroyer."

"Yes."

"Escort work is practically written into my class."

Mara stared at her.

Then sighed.

"Aster."

"What?"

"You're not going to escort his airplane through the sky."

The Fletcher-class girl burst out laughing.

"I KNOW!"

"Good."

"But admit it."

Mara raised an eyebrow.

"Admit what?"

"That's a pretty good joke."

The Chief of Staff closed her eyes.

Then smiled despite herself.

"...Moderately."

Aster looked triumphant.

"Victory."

 

The distinction between her two roles mattered.

She would be Kade's guest at the reception.

That meant attending because she wanted to accompany him, not because Horizon had ordered her to appear as part of his personal equipment.

She would also serve as a trusted command escort during the journey and official activities.

That role involved ordinary professional responsibilities: helping with schedules, remaining aware of their surroundings, assisting with communications when appropriate, and supporting the Commander during formal engagements.

It did not mean she had suddenly been cleared for combat.

It did not mean she was expected to engage a hostile force without her rigging.

And it certainly did not replace the actual security personnel responsible for protecting official military travelers.

Aster understood that.

She appreciated it.

She also noticed that Mara was being unusually careful about the terminology.

The Fletcher-class girl looked toward the paperwork.

"...The AU hasn't confirmed how they'll register me?"

Mara shook her head.

"Not completely. We have an acknowledgment that an accompanying Keelborn representative can be considered under the guest procedures. The final credential category is still being clarified."

Aster nodded slowly.

"So Kade's question hasn't been forgotten."

"No."

That warmed her more than she expected.

He had asked.

Not merely whether she was allowed to come.

But how she would be treated when she arrived.

Mara continued.

"We won't submit a misleading classification just to simplify the paperwork."

Aster looked up.

The Chief of Staff's expression was calm.

Firm.

"If you attend as his guest, the documentation needs to reflect the arrangement accurately."

Aster smiled.

"...Thank you."

Mara nodded.

"You're welcome."

Then she turned toward the medical clearance request.

"Of course, there's still Dr. Holt."

Aster's smile faltered.

"...Ah."

Mara smiled.

"Exactly."

The Fletcher-class girl leaned back.

For a moment, she stared at the ceiling.

Then sighed.

"I should've known the most dangerous part of flying to San Meridian would be the medical office."

Mara laughed.

"An interesting assessment."

Aster folded her arms.

"She's scarier than enemy aircraft."

"Don't tell her that."

Aster considered it.

Then grinned.

"...Now I want to."

The Chief of Staff shook her head.

And the planning continued.

VI. A Medical Examination Is Not a Fashion Emergency

Dr. Irena Holt was not impressed by the argument that Aster needed medical clearance because she had found a beautiful dress.

Aster had tried presenting it very carefully.

The doctor had listened.

Then she'd looked over the rims of her glasses.

"That has nothing to do with your travel fitness."

Aster sighed.

"...I know."

"Good."

Irena returned her attention to the medical record.

The examination room was bright and clean, with a broad window overlooking part of the medical building's garden. A few pieces of rehabilitation equipment occupied one side, and a measurement chart hung beside the examination table.

Aster sat with her shoes placed neatly beneath the chair.

Hana stood nearby, having volunteered to provide details about the most recent mobility sessions.

Yuna had accompanied them as moral support.

Riko had also attempted to come.

Hana had informed her that the medical facility was not a suitable place to hold an enthusiastic discussion about ball gowns.

Riko had protested.

Loudly.

Then Sakura had promised to show her the updated sketches afterward.

That had worked.

Eventually.

Irena reviewed the notes.

"Your recent evaluations are encouraging."

Aster straightened.

"Really?"

"Yes."

The doctor looked toward her.

"That does not mean you're finished recovering."

Aster's shoulders lowered.

"...Right."

"Your general mobility has improved, but you've still reported discomfort following longer periods of activity."

Hana nodded.

"Especially when she's attempted to increase her pace without allowing for rest."

Aster turned.

"Hana!"

"What?"

"You're supposed to help me!"

"I am."

Yuna smiled faintly.

"She's maintaining accurate records."

Aster stared at both of them.

Then groaned.

"Everyone has become impossible."

Irena continued examining the report.

"Tell me about the proposed trip."

Aster straightened again.

"San Meridian. An Admiralty Union Officers' Ball."

The doctor nodded.

"And you'll travel by aircraft?"

"That's the current plan."

"How long will the journey take?"

Aster hesitated.

"We don't have the final routing."

"Then we need that before issuing definitive travel clearance."

She nodded.

"Of course."

Irena continued.

"Depending on the aircraft and itinerary, you'll need to tolerate prolonged sitting, changes in cabin pressure, boarding and disembarking, and the possibility of delays."

Aster listened.

The doctor looked toward her.

"Your condition doesn't automatically prevent flying. But I need to know how much activity the schedule requires and whether appropriate arrangements can be made."

Aster nodded slowly.

"That makes sense."

"It also means you should not plan on spending the entire evening standing in uncomfortable shoes."

Hana smiled.

"We've already addressed the shoes."

Irena looked toward her.

"Have you?"

"Low, stable heels. Proper support. No restrictive skirt design."

The doctor nodded approvingly.

"Excellent."

Aster looked between them.

Then sighed.

"...You've really turned my dress into an engineering project."

Hana raised an eyebrow.

"Would you prefer we didn't?"

The Fletcher-class girl considered that.

Then smiled faintly.

"...No."

Irena returned to the record.

"Good. Then we're agreed."

 

The doctor conducted a routine assessment.

She checked the range of motion Aster had regained.

Observed her walking.

Asked about pain.

Reviewed the most recent rehabilitation records.

And examined whether her recovery had progressed enough to make the proposed travel reasonable.

Aster answered honestly.

For once.

Irena noticed.

Her mouth twitched.

"You're being unusually cooperative."

Aster looked offended.

"I can be cooperative!"

"Yes."

"I follow instructions!"

"Sometimes."

"Hana!"

The repair ship smiled.

Yuna laughed softly.

Aster sighed.

Then returned her attention to the doctor.

Irena's expression became more serious.

"Aster, I want to be clear about something."

The Fletcher-class girl nodded.

"Okay."

"Traveling to a formal reception is not the same as receiving clearance for naval operations."

"I know."

"You won't be operating your rigging during the trip."

"Right."

"You won't be assigned tactical escort duties simply because the paperwork calls you an escort."

Aster nodded.

"Understood."

"And you must be prepared to rest if the journey causes discomfort."

She looked down.

For a moment, her expression became thoughtful.

Then she nodded again.

"I will."

Irena studied her.

"Do you mean that?"

Aster looked up.

"Yes."

A pause.

"Really."

The doctor considered her for several seconds.

Then nodded.

"Good."

She made another note.

"At present, I see no obvious reason to rule out the journey, provided your progress continues and the final itinerary accommodates your restrictions."

Aster's eyes widened.

"...Really?"

"Provisional suitability, Aster. Not final clearance."

The Fletcher-class girl smiled.

"I know!"

"We'll reassess when the travel details are confirmed."

"Yes!"

"And you're to continue the current rehabilitation schedule."

"Of course!"

Irena looked toward Hana.

The repair ship nodded.

"We'll make certain she does."

Aster groaned.

"...Traitors. All of you."

Yuna laughed.

The doctor smiled.

Then closed the record.

"You're dismissed."

Aster stood.

Carefully.

Comfortably.

Then grinned.

"Thank you, Doctor!"

Irena regarded her.

"Enjoy the dress fitting."

Aster froze.

Slowly, she turned.

"...You knew?"

The doctor raised an eyebrow.

"Half the rehabilitation staff knows."

Aster stared.

Hana looked away.

Yuna's smile became suspiciously wide.

Irena continued.

"Apparently, a Yamato-class battleship has been explaining the virtues of midnight-blue eveningwear to anyone willing to listen."

Aster closed her eyes.

"...Riko."

The doctor smiled.

"And Aster?"

The Fletcher-class girl opened one eye.

"...Yes?"

"Try to enjoy yourself."

For a moment, the teasing disappeared.

Aster looked toward her.

Irena's expression was warm.

"You've worked hard. There's nothing wrong with looking forward to something pleasant."

Aster swallowed.

Then smiled.

A genuine smile.

"...Thank you."

The doctor nodded.

"You're welcome."

And when Aster left the medical building, she was carrying something that felt almost as valuable as the dress itself.

Not permission to ignore her injuries.

Not permission to become a combat-ready destroyer again.

But the possibility that she might be well enough to enjoy something ordinary.

Something beautiful.

Something chosen.

 

VII. The Commander Who Wasn't Supposed to See

The second fitting took place two days later.

Aster arrived to discover that Riko had brought refreshments.

This was alarming.

Not because Riko was incapable of transporting food.

She was perfectly capable.

But because the Yamato-class girl had arranged the refreshments on the fitting-room table with the solemnity of someone preparing for a diplomatic summit.

Aster stared.

"...Riko."

The battleship looked up.

"Yes?"

"Why are there pastries?"

"Morale."

Aster blinked.

"...Morale?"

Yuna nodded.

"A surprisingly coherent explanation."

Hana examined the tray.

"Did you obtain permission to bring these?"

"Yes!"

"Good."

Sakura smiled.

"Eliza said we could have them if we promised not to leave crumbs in the sewing equipment."

Aster sighed.

"That seems reasonable."

Riko grinned.

"See? I'm responsible."

Aster raised an eyebrow.

"Occasionally."

"ASTER!"

The familiar argument began.

And within minutes, the fitting room was filled with laughter.

The dress had progressed considerably.

The trial alterations had been transferred to the selected fabric, and the skirt now moved with the graceful, natural weight of a properly constructed garment.

The silver detailing remained restrained.

The narrow burgundy-red accent had been fitted at the waist.

And Aster's red ribbons completed the appearance so naturally that even Riko admitted additional ornaments would probably be unnecessary.

Probably.

Aster stood before the mirror.

She turned slowly.

The skirt followed.

The midnight-blue fabric caught the light.

For a moment, she simply stared.

Then smiled.

"...Wow."

Sakura clasped her hands.

"Aster!"

Yuna nodded approvingly.

"That's it."

Hana watched her posture.

Then looked toward the hem.

"Can you walk comfortably?"

Aster took several steps.

Turned.

Then returned.

"Yes."

"Any pulling across the shoulders?"

"No."

"Waist?"

"Comfortable."

"Footwear?"

"Much better than Riko's first suggestion."

The battleship looked wounded.

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP BRINGING THAT UP!"

Aster smiled.

"I absolutely do."

Sakura burst out laughing.

The clothing specialist made a final adjustment near the waist.

Then stepped back.

"There."

Aster looked toward the mirror again.

For a moment, all the laughter faded.

She could picture it now.

San Meridian.

A magnificent hall.

Military officers and diplomatic guests moving beneath chandeliers.

Music.

The soft murmur of conversation.

Kade beside her in his dress uniform.

She imagined him looking at her.

Really looking.

And the thought made her cheeks warm.

Riko noticed immediately.

"Oh!"

Aster turned.

"...What?"

The battleship grinned.

"You're thinking about him."

Aster froze.

"NO!"

Yuna smiled.

"Her reaction suggests otherwise."

Hana nodded.

"Agreed."

Sakura giggled.

Aster covered her face.

"I HATE ALL OF YOU!"

Riko laughed.

"No, you don't!"

Aster groaned.

"...No, I don't."

 

A knock sounded at the door.

Everyone turned.

Then came Kade's voice.

"Hello? Is this where the entire civilian clothing supply has disappeared?"

Aster froze.

Riko's eyes widened.

Sakura gasped.

Yuna slowly turned toward the door.

Hana closed her eyes.

"...Oh, no."

Kade continued from the corridor.

"Mara said I should ask whether anyone's seen the outfitting specialist. Apparently, my dress uniform requires measurements, and I've been informed that refusing is not an acceptable option."

Aster stared.

Then whispered:

"HE CAN'T COME IN!"

Riko looked delighted.

"WHY NOT?"

"RIKO!"

Sakura hurried toward the door.

"Don't open it!"

Yuna stood.

Hana stepped forward.

The situation became ridiculous with remarkable speed.

Aster looked around for somewhere to hide.

There was no particularly good place.

The fitting room contained several screens, but she was standing in the middle of it.

Wearing the dress.

The actual dress.

And Kade was on the other side of the door.

She could feel her heart hammering.

Outside, Kade spoke again.

"...Why is everyone whispering?"

Hana reached the doorway.

She opened it only far enough to look into the corridor.

"Kade."

Aster held her breath.

The Commander's voice came through the narrow opening.

"Hana."

"You can't come in."

A pause.

"...Why?"

"Fitting."

"I gathered."

"Aster's fitting."

Silence.

Then:

"...Ah."

Aster closed her eyes.

Please understand. Please understand. Please understand.

Kade cleared his throat.

"Right."

A pause.

"Should I come back?"

Hana nodded.

"Yes."

"Fair enough."

Aster relaxed.

Then he added:

"Before I go, is Riko in there?"

The battleship straightened.

"YES!"

Kade sighed.

"Wonderful."

Riko grinned.

"WHAT?"

"Please stop telling the entire base about dresses. I had a harbor electrician ask whether I'd selected a dance partner."

Sakura burst out laughing.

Aster's cheeks burned.

Yuna covered her mouth.

Riko looked immensely proud of herself.

"YOU'RE WELCOME!"

Aster groaned.

"RIKO!"

Kade sighed from the corridor.

"...I see."

Then his tone softened.

"Aster?"

She froze.

For a moment, nobody spoke.

Then she cleared her throat.

"...Yes?"

"Having fun?"

Aster looked toward the mirror.

The midnight-blue dress.

The red ribbons.

Her smiling friends.

The room full of fabric samples and laughter.

She hesitated.

Then smiled.

"...Yeah."

A pause followed.

Then Kade answered.

"Good."

It was such a simple word.

So warm.

So unmistakably sincere.

Aster's expression softened.

He continued.

"Don't let me interrupt."

She smiled.

"Thanks."

"Besides, I'm apparently being hunted by the tailoring department."

Yuna laughed.

Hana raised an eyebrow.

Kade sighed.

"Pray for me."

Riko shouted:

"WE'LL PICK YOUR OUTFIT TOO!"

A dreadful silence followed.

Then Kade answered:

"...I'm leaving."

Footsteps retreated down the corridor.

Sakura began laughing.

Yuna followed.

Hana closed the door with the expression of someone who had narrowly prevented a major incident.

Aster lowered her head.

Then laughed too.

Because somehow, amid all the embarrassment, the moment had made her feel wonderful.

Kade hadn't demanded to see.

Hadn't made the occasion about himself.

He'd simply wanted to know whether she was enjoying it.

And she'd been able to answer honestly.

Yes.

She was.

Very much.

VIII. The Ocean Is Supposed to Be Beneath Her

That evening, Aster found herself standing near Horizon's airfield.

Not inside the restricted flight line.

Not among the maintenance vehicles or parked aircraft.

Just beyond the perimeter of the observation area, where a low fence and a stretch of grass separated visitors from the operational grounds.

Sakura stood beside her.

Yuna had joined them after her afternoon carrier-equipment review.

The sun was beginning to descend toward the western horizon, turning the distant water a warm shade of gold.

Beyond the fence, ground crews were preparing a conventional transport aircraft for departure.

Its broad wings caught the evening light.

Mechanics moved around the landing gear and engine installations, checking the machine with practiced efficiency.

Aster watched them.

Then looked toward the runway.

"...That's really how we're going."

Sakura smiled.

"Probably, once they finish the arrangements."

Aster nodded.

"Right."

The Fletcher-class girl folded her arms.

For several seconds, she simply watched the aircraft.

Then she sighed.

"It's still weird."

Yuna adjusted her glasses.

"What is?"

Aster gestured toward the plane.

"That."

The carrier followed her gaze.

"An aircraft?"

"Yes."

Yuna blinked.

Aster continued.

"I'm a destroyer."

Sakura smiled.

"We know."

"A ship."

"Yes."

"Designed to operate on water."

Yuna nodded.

"Correct."

Aster pointed toward the runway.

"And I'm going to sit inside that thing."

The carrier considered that.

Then smiled faintly.

"You will."

Aster sighed.

"...Ridiculous."

Sakura began giggling.

The Fletcher-class girl turned.

"What?"

The transport raised both hands.

"Nothing!"

"Sakura."

"It's just..."

She tried to stop laughing.

Failed.

Then continued:

"I spent sixteen days bringing cargo home by sea, and you're going to get across the ocean by sitting in a chair."

Aster stared.

Then laughed.

"Exactly!"

Sakura nodded.

"Very unfair."

Yuna smiled.

"Aircraft are often faster than ships."

Aster looked toward her.

"You're not helping."

"I'm aware."

The three laughed together.

 

Aster looked toward the runway again.

The aircraft's engines had begun turning.

Their sound gradually deepened into a steady mechanical roar.

The ground crews completed their departure procedures.

The aircraft began taxiing.

Aster watched every movement.

She understood the general principles.

Of course she did.

Aircraft were not unfamiliar to her.

She had watched them operating from Horizon's airfield.

She had learned about carrier aircraft and antiaircraft coordination.

She knew why different airframes possessed different ranges, cargo capacities, and operational limitations.

But she wasn't used to imagining herself as the passenger.

She'd spent most of her life as a Keelborn thinking about how to detect aircraft, protect other ships from them, or coordinate friendly operations around them.

Flying inside one was a very different prospect.

She looked toward Yuna.

"Does it ever feel strange to you?"

The carrier tilted her head.

"What does?"

"Aircraft."

Yuna considered that.

Then smiled.

"I'm accustomed to launching and recovering them."

"Right."

"That doesn't mean I become one."

Aster stared.

Then burst out laughing.

Sakura joined her.

Yuna smiled.

The Fletcher-class girl shook her head.

"Fair point."

The carrier continued.

"Besides, an aircraft takes its passengers somewhere. Your rigging takes you somewhere. Different methods, different operating environments."

Aster nodded.

"True."

"And neither changes who you are."

The words settled quietly.

Aster looked toward her.

Yuna's expression was gentle.

"You won't stop being Aster because you're traveling without your Fletcher equipment."

Aster lowered her eyes.

For a moment, she remembered the fitting room.

The midnight-blue dress.

The way the mirror had shown her without gun mounts, torpedo tubes, or naval machinery.

She smiled faintly.

"...Yeah."

Sakura looked toward her.

"And you'll still be escorting Kade."

Aster blinked.

Then grinned.

"Just not across the sea."

"Right!"

"Through an airport."

Yuna nodded.

"With luggage."

Aster laughed.

"And probably a very grumpy Commander."

Sakura smiled brightly.

"He's going to complain about the paperwork."

"Absolutely."

"And the formal uniform."

"Definitely."

"And the ball?"

Aster's expression softened.

She looked toward the runway.

"...Maybe not that part."

Sakura glanced at her.

Then smiled.

"Maybe not."

 

The aircraft reached the departure end of the runway.

Its engines rose in pitch.

Aster watched the machine accelerate.

The wheels rolled faster.

The wings began carrying more of the load.

Then, in a motion that still struck her as extraordinary despite everything she knew about aviation, the aircraft lifted from the ground.

Aster's eyes widened.

The runway dropped away beneath it.

The landing gear retracted.

The transport climbed into the evening sky, banking gently over the water as it turned toward its assigned route.

Aster followed it until it became a dark shape against the distant clouds.

Then she looked toward the sea.

Her own world.

The water she understood.

The place where a Fletcher-class destroyer belonged when she was wearing her machinery and doing the job for which it had been built.

The airplane passed above it.

And someday, if everything was approved, she'd be aboard one.

Not as cargo.

Not as equipment.

Not as something belonging to Kade.

As his chosen companion.

His command escort.

His guest.

A young woman traveling somewhere she wanted to see.

Aster smiled.

"...All right."

Sakura turned.

"Hm?"

The Fletcher-class girl looked toward the sky.

"I think I can manage."

Yuna smiled faintly.

"Good."

Sakura grinned.

"And if you get nervous, Kade will be there."

Aster considered that.

Then smiled mischievously.

"Oh, I'll be fine."

A pause.

"But if he gets nervous?"

Yuna raised an eyebrow.

Aster grinned.

"I'm going to remind him that he's supposed to be a Commander."

Sakura burst out laughing.

The carrier shook her head.

"Poor Kade."

Aster smiled toward the distant airplane.

"He's the one who invited me."

And there was unmistakable affection in her voice.

 

IX. A Promise Without a Date

By the time Aster returned to the residential district, the evening had settled comfortably over Horizon.

Lights glowed along the paths.

The harbor cranes stood against the fading sky.

Farther away, the repair workshops continued their work on the equipment Sakura had delivered, though the most delicate inspections had been assigned to controlled shifts rather than rushed through the night.

The base was busy.

It would remain busy for a long time.

The recovery effort had not ended merely because one convoy had succeeded.

The damaged Respite Bath still required examination and repair.

The eleven secured Pendants still waited.

The missing four remained an open wound in Horizon's casualty records.

Aster knew all of that.

And she knew that Kade had far more on his mind than an evening in San Meridian.

She was almost surprised to find him sitting outside the administrative building when she passed.

He occupied one of the benches overlooking the garden path.

A stack of papers rested beside him.

A cup of tea sat on the railing.

He was reading something with the expression of a man who had discovered that the universe contained entirely too many forms.

Aster smiled.

"Hey."

Kade looked up.

His expression softened.

"Hey."

She approached.

"Still working?"

He glanced toward the papers.

Then sighed.

"Allegedly."

Aster raised an eyebrow.

"Does Dr. Holt know?"

He stared.

"...You wound me."

She grinned.

"Frequently."

He smiled.

Then shifted the papers aside.

"Want to sit?"

Aster nodded.

"Sure."

She sat beside him.

For a few moments, they enjoyed the quiet.

The breeze moved through the nearby trees.

Somewhere beyond the garden, a small vehicle traveled along the administrative road.

Aster looked toward Kade's paperwork.

Then raised an eyebrow.

"Is that about the ball?"

He followed her gaze.

"Some of it."

Her expression brightened.

"Oh?"

"Mostly the preliminary travel arrangements."

"Air?"

"Looks that way."

She sighed.

He turned.

"...What?"

Aster looked toward the sky.

"I'm still getting used to the idea."

Kade considered that.

Then smiled faintly.

"A destroyer taking an airplane."

She turned.

"...Exactly!"

He laughed.

She stared at him.

Then narrowed her eyes.

"You've been waiting to say that."

"Possibly."

"Kade."

"What?"

"You're terrible."

"Frequently."

Aster shook her head.

Then laughed with him.

 

After a moment, Kade became more serious.

"Mara tells me you've had your preliminary medical review."

Aster nodded.

"Yes."

"And?"

"Dr. Holt says the trip isn't automatically out of the question."

"Good."

"But she wants the actual itinerary before making the final decision."

He nodded.

"That's sensible."

Aster regarded him.

"...You're not disappointed?"

Kade looked toward her.

"Why would I be?"

She hesitated.

"I don't know. Everything's complicated."

He smiled faintly.

"Most things worth doing seem to be."

Aster considered that.

Then looked down.

For a moment, she played with the end of one red ribbon.

"Kade."

"Hm?"

"Are you really okay with me coming?"

He turned fully toward her.

The question seemed to surprise him.

"Of course."

She hesitated.

"I mean, I know I asked. And I know the invitation allows a guest."

He listened.

"But you might be meeting Admirals. Important officers. Diplomats. People who expect you to be serious."

Kade raised an eyebrow.

"Terrifying concept."

Aster smiled faintly.

Then continued.

"And I'm..."

She stopped.

He waited.

Finally, she shrugged.

"...Me."

For a moment, Kade didn't answer.

Then he looked toward her.

"Yes."

Aster blinked.

"...Yes?"

"You're you."

He smiled.

"That's kind of why I'd want you there."

She stared.

The evening breeze stirred her hair.

For several seconds, she couldn't quite find an answer.

Then her cheeks warmed.

"...Oh."

Kade regarded her.

His own expression softened.

He continued.

"I know you're worried about whether you'll fit in. Honestly, I am too."

Aster laughed quietly.

"You?"

"Me."

"You're the Commander."

"Unfortunately."

She smiled.

He glanced toward the papers.

"There'll be people there with more rank, more experience, and probably considerably better clothing than I possess."

Aster giggled.

"Probably."

"And I'm going to have to talk to them without telling anyone what I really think about some of their policies."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Can you manage that?"

Kade considered it.

Then sighed.

"...With difficulty."

Aster laughed.

He smiled.

Then looked toward her again.

"But I'd rather have somebody with me who knows when I'm being an idiot."

She blinked.

A pause.

Then she grinned.

"That's an enormous responsibility."

"Truly."

"You realize I may have to correct you constantly."

"I've been warned."

"And stop you from insulting important people."

"Only the ones who deserve it."

"Kade."

"What?"

She laughed.

He smiled.

Then his expression became gentler.

"Seriously, Aster."

She looked toward him.

"Yeah?"

"Come because you want to."

A pause.

"Not because you think you owe me anything."

Her expression softened.

He continued.

"And if the travel arrangements or medical clearance don't work out, we'll deal with that. No pressure."

Aster stared at him for several seconds.

Then smiled.

A warm, unmistakably happy smile.

"...I do want to."

Kade nodded.

"Good."

She looked toward the garden.

Then added quietly:

"Very much."

For a moment, neither spoke.

Kade reached toward the tea cup beside him.

Then stopped.

Aster glanced at his hand.

He looked toward her.

A small smile appeared.

And after a brief hesitation, he held out his hand instead.

Aster blinked.

Then smiled and took it.

They sat together beneath the evening sky, fingers loosely intertwined.

No promises about the final travel schedule.

No guarantee that every administrative obstacle would disappear.

Just the quiet understanding that, if the arrangements were completed, they wanted to go together.

 

After a while, Aster looked toward the papers again.

"By the way."

Kade raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"The dress is coming along."

He smiled.

"Good."

"You aren't allowed to see it yet."

He blinked.

"...I'm not?"

"No."

"Why?"

She grinned.

"It's a surprise."

Kade regarded her.

Then nodded slowly.

"All right."

Aster stared.

"...That's it?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"You're not going to try to find out what it looks like?"

He considered that.

Then smiled.

"If you want it to be a surprise, I'll wait."

Aster's expression softened.

For a moment, she looked away.

Then she smiled again.

"...Good."

Kade nodded.

"Although."

She turned.

"Oh?"

He looked thoughtful.

"I have heard certain rumors."

Aster froze.

"...Rumors?"

He nodded gravely.

"Apparently, a Yamato-class battleship has attempted to commission enough formal clothing to obstruct the harbor."

Aster stared.

Then burst out laughing.

"RIKO!"

Kade grinned.

"I've been assured the situation is under control."

"Mostly."

"That's not reassuring."

She laughed harder.

He shook his head.

Then glanced toward his papers.

"Also, Mara has informed me that my own uniform needs alterations."

Aster's eyes brightened.

"Oh?"

He sighed.

"Don't."

She smiled innocently.

"Don't what?"

"Whatever you're thinking."

Aster leaned closer.

"Kade."

"...What?"

"Are you nervous?"

He considered the question.

Then smiled faintly.

"About the ball?"

She nodded.

He looked toward the garden.

Then back at her.

"A little."

Aster's expression softened.

She squeezed his hand.

"Me too."

He looked down at their joined fingers.

Then smiled.

"Well."

She tilted her head.

"Hm?"

"At least we'll have someone to be nervous with."

Aster laughed quietly.

"...Yeah."

They sat for another moment.

Then she leaned against his shoulder.

Carefully.

Without placing uncomfortable pressure on her recovering injuries.

Kade shifted slightly to give her more room.

She smiled.

The gesture was small.

Natural.

Comfortable.

And in some ways more exciting than the thought of the ball itself.

The dress would be beautiful.

San Meridian would be extraordinary.

The flight would probably be very strange.

But sitting beside Kade like this, without alarms or reports demanding their attention, Aster realized what she was looking forward to most.

Not the music.

Not the chandeliers.

Not even the chance to see the Admiralty Union beyond the images and terminology she remembered from before Hour Zero.

She was looking forward to going somewhere with him.

Being beside him.

And, for one evening, being allowed to enjoy the fact that they were young people who cared about one another.

The world had given them far too few opportunities for that.

Aster closed her eyes.

Then smiled.

 

The airfield lights came on as the last sunlight disappeared.

Somewhere beyond the residential district, another aircraft was preparing for its evening operations.

Its engine noise rose faintly over the island.

Aster listened.

Then opened her eyes.

She looked toward the sound.

Kade noticed.

"Still thinking about flying?"

She nodded.

"...Yeah."

He smiled.

"Concerned?"

Aster considered that.

Then shook her head.

"Not really."

A pause.

"Just imagining it."

He looked toward the airfield.

"What's strange about it?"

She smiled faintly.

"Everything."

Kade laughed.

Aster continued.

"I've spent so much time learning to move on water."

"Right."

"And now I'll be flying above it."

"Probably."

"In a dress."

He blinked.

"...On the aircraft?"

Aster turned.

Then laughed.

"No, Kade. I'll have travel clothes."

"Good. I was about to question your packing strategy."

She grinned.

"Although it would be funny."

"Not for the dress."

"True."

They laughed together.

Then Aster looked toward the sky.

An aircraft's navigation lights moved above the darkening horizon.

She followed them with her eyes.

The thought still felt strange.

A Fletcher-class destroyer.

Traveling through the air.

Not because she was launching an aircraft from a deck.

Not because she possessed some extraordinary new propulsion system.

Simply because somebody had invited her to accompany a Commander to a formal reception, and airplanes happened to be the practical way to get there.

She smiled.

Perhaps strange wasn't bad.

Perhaps strange could be wonderful.

She looked down at the hand holding hers.

Then toward Kade.

He was watching the lights too.

She squeezed his fingers.

"Kade?"

"Hm?"

"Promise me one thing."

He glanced toward her.

"What?"

She smiled mischievously.

"Don't complain about the airplane the entire way to San Meridian."

He considered that.

Then sighed.

"...No promises."

Aster burst out laughing.

"Kade!"

"What?"

"You're impossible!"

He grinned.

"Frequently."

She shook her head.

Then leaned against him again.

And together, they watched the aircraft lights cross the evening sky.

Somewhere in Horizon's outfitting room, a midnight-blue dress waited for its final alterations.

In the administrative offices, travel requests and guest-registration documents were making their slow progress through the Admiralty Union's channels.

At the medical facility, Aster's rehabilitation records still required another review before the journey could receive final approval.

And in San Meridian, far beyond the visible horizon, a ballroom was being prepared for officers, commanders, admirals, and the people who accompanied them.

Aster did not yet know when she would stand inside it.

She did not know what the Admiralty Union's senior officers would be like.

She did not know whether she would be an elegant dancer or embarrass herself spectacularly.

But she knew which dress she wanted to wear.

She knew whose arm she wanted to take.

And she knew that when the time came to board the aircraft, she would be doing something no Fletcher-class gunnery manual had ever prepared her for.

Traveling through the sky as a passenger.

On her way to a ball.

With Kade Bher.

Aster smiled toward the distant lights.

For once, she could hardly wait.