105: Chapter 105 Comrades

Why her?

In the Chinese internet, she represents an idealistic hue. Although there are undertones of individual heroism and rash action behind her, and she has been criticized for her impractical behavior, the radiance she and her original counterpart represent today...

"Hello, Alert." He leaned down, extending his hand to her. "I'm Li Ming."

"Hello, Comrade Commander! Very pleased to meet you!"

She took Li Ming's hand and was helped out of the construction dock by him.

"Teacher, this is Alert."

"Alert, I know... Which model is the Type 1135?" The teacher was a bit confused. This didn't seem to be any ship class from the Federation or the Empire.

How strange.

But even so, these are matters for the higher-ups to consider. He was just a pitiful wage slave. Better to think about which bakery to go to for dinner after work today.

After all, what Ship Girl could be bad? Even an unfamiliar Ship Girl was impossible.

"Type 1135.1, Alert... Alright, noted. Next." She looked towards another construction dock. There were still a full two hours left. "You two chat. I'll be back in two hours."

"Alright, Teacher..."

He led Alert to sit down in the now-empty rest area.

Cliff should have left already. If nothing went wrong, he succeeded.

She seemed very curious about everything around her.

"Comrade Commander, what is this place?" She examined the decorations on the wall. "Europa?"

"Another world."

"Huh? Huh? Huh?!"

She was a bit stunned. "Comrade Commander, you mean... this isn't Earth?"

"Clearly. Although the cultures share similarities, this is indeed another planet. It might not even be the same universe."

Li Ming glanced at the security camera in the rest area. The camera turned towards him and flashed once.

Logic had taken over this camera. If any sensitive topics came up, she would immediately block them, so no need to worry about others overhearing.

"Well... then what about the other seniors..."

"I'm still looking for them." Li Ming paused for a moment. "Due to some personal reasons of mine, everyone was forced to come here, but spatial turbulence scattered us all... I spent some time establishing a foothold on an island off the coast of this continent in this world. Only now have I started trying to find everyone."

"I see... You've worked hard, Comrade Commander?"

"Me?" Li Ming didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I haven't worked hard. It's everyone's effort."

"But you are the Commander."

"A Commander isn't omnipotent either. A collective can't function without any one of its members." Li Ming took out his phone and started sending a message.

"Commander, what is this?"

"A portable intelligent electronic terminal... although we usually just call it a phone. Back in our world, this was before the 21st century... hmm... born in 1994. Over thirty-plus years of development to reach this point. Communication, news, contact, entertainment... all can be done with one phone."

"Wow..."

"But in this world, I don't know which year it appeared. Overall, the way it's used is pretty similar." Li Ming reached out, intending to pat her head, but hesitated and withdrew his hand. "Later, after our other new companion comes out, I'll get one for each of you too."

"Great!"

"Then it's settled." Li Ming thought for a moment. "I'll call Z23 over. You'll be the star of the evening gathering."

"Huh? What?"

"A family dinner." Li Ming replied. "And to celebrate welcoming a new companion to the family."

"So that's what it is!" Alert stood up. "When do we leave?"

"Don't rush. It's 4 PM now. Our other companion still has a long way to go."

"Oh, okay..."

"Uh, right, can you tell me about your current equipment status?" Li Ming suddenly thought of something.

"Let me see..."

She deployed her rigging.

"2 AK-72 naval guns, 1 single-barrel AK-100 100mm naval gun, 2 anti-submarine rocket launchers, 1 twin anti-air missile launcher, 2 AK-630 close-in weapon systems, 2 quadruple 533mm torpedo launchers, and a hangar for 1 Ka-27 helicopter."

Li Ming cross-referenced with the data provided by Logic. "Alright, the equipment data matches perfectly."

"All done, Comrade Commander?" Alert rotated once with her rigging deployed. "You seem a bit... troubled?"

"Well, personally I'm fine. The issue is we don't have a supply of missile systems or shipborne helicopter equipment."

"Oh..." Alert nodded in understanding of his predicament, then her eyes widened. "Is our equipment that outdated?!"

"Yes... but the equipment in this place is even worse than ours. And for some reason, the Sirens haven't deployed aircraft either." Li Ming paused. "But our main problem is the loss of technical equipment. We're still trying to restore it through the research center. So I'm afraid you'll have to make do for now."

"I understand, Comrade Commander! The equipment gap won't affect my resolve!"

"Resolve is good. But I'll find a way to get your equipment up to standard as soon as possible. As for now... Z23!"

Li Ming waved his hand.

"Commander, the room is all set up!"

"Thanks, Z23... What's A6 doing?"

"Playing games."

"Good, at least she's finding things to do on her own."

Alert was a bit puzzled. Playing games? What kind of work was that?

"This is Alert... your junior, quite a latecomer. Could you please explain things on our side to her? If I explain, it might be too subjective and not help her understand our situation properly."

"Alright, Commander... Alert, good afternoon." Z23 remained composed and extended her hand to Alert. Li Ming's gaze had already shifted elsewhere.

Type 1135.1. A Cold War-era ship.

This didn't seem like the Sirens' handiwork, and it absolutely couldn't be equipment from the game. Her appearance and attire were more like designs from a fan creation of that character.

She was full of vitality and ambition, and possessed the courage to draw her sword against a stronger foe to protect others — provided her personality matched the character setting.

This was the Northern Union — unlike the arrogant, rigid, and ultimately collapsed alliance in his world, the Northern Union in the Ship Girl era was full of vitality and courage, battling formidable enemies in the harshest places.

They deserved respect.

But he didn't want to integrate into such a group. He couldn't even join their ranks (laughs).

After all, they only wanted good students.

And he...

He was not their, nor anyone's, comrade...

Li Ming closed his eyes. The sound of their conversation still reached his ears.

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