Chapter Text
1944,
Folkestone Harbour, Britannia
The tangy scent of the ocean breeze wafted through the atmosphere as HMS Venturer smoothly sailed into the lively harbor of Folkestone. The port was alive with commotion, crews hustling to mend and upgrade the submarines in readiness for the fierce battles against the looming Neuroi threat. Amidst the turmoil, Commander Amelia "Ace" Hartley stood tall, her resolute gaze scanning the panorama with unwavering resolve.
Known affectionately as "Ace" by her crew, Commander Hartley was the heart and soul of HMS Venturer. With her short auburn hair and striking blue eyes, she exuded an aura of command and confidence that earned respect from all who served under her. Striding along the dock in her impeccably pressed uniform adorned with medals of courage, she epitomized Britannian naval excellence.
By her side walked Lieutenant Sophia "Siren" Blackwood, adept navigator and communications officer of the submarine. With her flowing black locks and sharp perceptive eyes, Sophia was renowned for her sharp wit and steadfast focus in combat situations. Her knack for deciphering enemy signals earned her the moniker "Siren" among her comrades.
Joining them on their way to the submarine was Lieutenant Eleanor "Echo" Carter, brilliant engineer aboard HMS Venturer. Sporting tousled blonde hair and grease-stained overalls, Eleanor presented a stark contrast to her more refined companions. Beneath her rough exterior lay a sharp intellect and unwavering determination to keep their beloved submarine operating smoothly at any cost.
Completing this trio was Lieutenant Catherine "Coral" Edwards, weapons specialist of HMS Venturer. With fiery red hair and a piercing stare, Catherine was a formidable presence both in battle and during downtime. Her expertise with torpedoes and steadfast loyalty to her fellow crewmates earned her the nickname "Coral," symbolizing strength and resilience.
As they readied themselves for their upcoming mission aboard HMS Venturer, tensions ran high within this close-knit group. Yet beneath it all lay a bond stronger than steel that bound them together—a bond forged in combat's crucible and repeatedly tested over time. Together they were more than just a crew; they were a family united by duty, honor, and an unwavering commitment to safeguard their homeland against all adversaries.
At the Same time walking up to meet them was a Woman in the Royal Navy's Short sleeve Summer Uniform, with the Lt. Cmdr Rank, She Saluted Amelia, who in reply, returned the salute.
"Ma'am, Lieutenant Commander Elisabeth Hastings reporting." The now shown Lt. Commander stated, her speech having an added accent, from what the Officers with Amelia could guess was Australian.
"Ah, Hastings. Your our new XO, Correct?" Amelia replied.
"Uh Yes Ma'am, that's me." Elisabeth replied.
"Good Good, Just checking you know. Got to be careful these days." Amelia finished, before continuing to walk, with Hastings now joining the group as they walked off.
As they made their way, a young submariner greeted them, proudly displaying her uniform adorned with various patches and insignias indicating her expertise and rank. Saluting sharply as they approached, her face carried a blend of determination and weariness.
"Commander Hartley, ma'am," the submariner started, her voice unwavering despite the fatigue evident in her gaze. "I must inform you that it will take about two days to repair the Venturer. We've encountered unexpected issues with the propulsion system."
Commander Hartley nodded gravely, her expression showing determination. "Noted, Sailor. Thank you for the update. We'll manage with what we have."
Turning towards her companions, she motioned towards the lively port area. "Seems like we'll have some time to spare, ladies. Let's make the best of it."
As they walked towards the dockyard, Commander Hartley spotted a familiar face by a jeep waiting nearby with its engine humming restlessly—Ensign Isabella "Ivy" Hamilton stood there eagerly awaiting them; one of their newest crew members with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail and an eager look on her face.
"Oh, there's Ivy," Commander Hartley mentioned with a grin. "Always ready to assist whenever needed."
Ivy saluted crisply as they approached, mischief shining in her eyes. "Yes ma'am! I thought we could take a ride to the nearest town. I heard there's a lovely café just around the corner."
Commander Hartley laughed lightly, amusement colouring her voice. "Well then! What are we waiting for? Lead on Ensign."
With Ivy at the wheel and the crew settled in the jeep behind them, they departed for town leaving behind the bustling activity of port life behind them; laughter and camaraderie filled their journey as they drove away momentarily escaping from war's shadows into a lighter moment in time.
"Hey Ivy, speed up." Hartley stated, and the Jeep begun to resume going a bit faster, a tad too fast however as they begin to turn a bend a Bedford QL Truck with Three girls appeared at the end, forcing the Truck to quickly slam on the brakes with the jeep doing the same.
"Jesus fucking christ, that was close." Hartley Stated, as they then looked and saw the three get out.
"Why the fucking hell were you driving fast." A American-accented girl spoke, and the Submariners looked widly.
"Of fucking course, it has to be a Yank." Blackwood stated, her voice sounding tired.
"What branch and who do you belong too, so I can put this into my AAR." The American stated.
"Royal Navy, We belong to the submarine, HMS Venturer." Elisabeth replied, before following with "And You?"
"I'm Charlotte Yeager of the 501st JFW, You can call me Shirley." The yank stated.
"501st? We've heard of you and the exploits, infact let's forget this ever happened, and move on to seeing who those two ar-." Hartley stated before locking eyes with someone who looked familiar.
"The two with me are Sergeants Yoshika Miyafuji and Lynette Bishop." Shirley stated, at the Mention of Lynette, Hartley did a back take, the 25-year Old Commander then got a closer look.
"Holy Shit, Bishop." Hartley states.
"Amelia Hartley, It has been a year, eh." Lynette starts, before finishing "Since you last wrote to me, my beloved."
The Commander stared wide-eye.
"I-I Thought you didn't want me to write anymore since the flirting and our first date, where I messed up bad." Amelia states, before seeing Lynette sigh and opening her mouth.
"You dummy, I loved you too much, so let's forgive and forget, you owe me a second date." The 17 Year Old Stated.
"Alright Alright, How about your friends join us, we were going to one of the best Pubs for Lunch." Amelia stated, eventually each nodded, with the Bedford following the Jeep, with them eventually making it to the pub and having a meal together, though at this point both Lynette and Amelia were getting flirty again, eventually they bid farewell to each other with both sides returning to their bases.
"That was a good night out." Amelia stated to Ivy, the others were asleep and the only one awake who could drive them back was Ivy.
"I Say, but it seemed weird to see this side of you, Considering you never showed love and were mostly having the eyes of a warrior." Ivy stated truthfully as a Fact.
"Eh, Ever since that day, I thought so too, but seeing her again, Just makes me sigh, anyway shut up, let's get back." Amelia finished.
The rest of the ride back was easy and calm, eventually with all getting back to the submarine and entering, going to their rooms to either sleep or relax, ending the first day, by tomorrow however or the next day, would there submarine be back in active service.