40: Chapter 40 The Storm Subsides

Li Ming felt his head buzzing, his chest still throbbed with a faint pain, and his breathing was still somewhat labored, but at the very least, the weather was gradually clearing up.

It was already dark, but he was starting to receive communications one after another.

After re-establishing contact with Fujian, he learned that they had finished dealing with the Sirens and were trying to rendezvous with them—it was a good thing he had contacted them in time, otherwise they might have charged straight into the waterspout formation zone.

Although the storm was about to pass, for the time being, it was better to stay away from that area.

The Federation's three Destroyers had pulled alongside, while the cruisers reformed into a column, gradually moving away from the cruise ship.

“Thank you so much this time, Miss Z23.” Olena's military dress uniform was soaking wet, clinging to her body and accentuating her perfect figure.

In comparison, Li Ming had draped his military greatcoat over Z23 beforehand, so she didn't look quite as disheveled.

“It was our duty,” Z23 replied. At the last moment, the liner's crew had successfully repaired the propulsion system, finally giving the ship some mobility and allowing it to narrowly escape.

“Then, next...”

“Hey—Olena!—Are you okay?!”

Olena gave a helpless but somewhat relieved smile. “I'll head to the Commander first.”

“Of course, go ahead... Me too...” Z23 watched her walk away, then turned back toward the cruiser.

——————

“...Anyway, that's how it is.” Li Ming leaned against the deck railing, looking at Finn on the opposite ship. “Just tell them what you saw. Although I don't really like being disturbed, since you exist, proper contact with you is an inevitable choice.”

Finn stood on the side platform of the Bridge. “Got it, don't worry, Lin, I'll put in a good word for you!”

“No need, just speak as normally as possible.” Li Ming felt a bit helpless; he was truly worried that if Finn exaggerated too much, it would lead him into trouble.

Olena was checking the liner for potential damage, and Z23 was doing much the same, though she had far more things to handle.

“Commander, everything is normal, we should head back.” Olena appeared from between the two ships, having changed into clean clothes. “Commander Lin, thank you for your help. On behalf of the Federation, I offer you my most sincere gratitude.”

“It's what we should do.” Li Ming nodded slightly, still feeling a bit unwell.

Olena jumped onto the Federation Destroyer serving as the command ship, which then adjusted its rudder to prepare for departure.

Olena turned back and saluted Li Ming. Li Ming immediately stood straight and returned the salute. Then he saw Finn saluting him as well, so he held the salute a bit longer, keeping his gaze on him. This was a sign of respect.

The three of them lowered their hands as the Destroyer pulled away to a distance.

“Hey! Lin, if you ever come to the Federation, remember to look me up!”

Li Ming waved his hand and gave a helpless smile.

Only after making sure they were no longer looking at him did Li Ming begin to gasp for air.

It feels like... difficulty breathing...

“Commander, the statistical data is out... Commander? Commander!”

*Thud.*

Oh dear, I seem to... have messed something up again...

This is... truly terrible...

——————

“History of asthma... anemia... and gastrointestinal issues?” Fujian looked at the Military Doctor Qiu. “Is there no more information?”

The Yellow Chicken in the white coat shook its head. There was no professional equipment on the ship; they had to return to the rear for a proper investigation.

Fujian patted the head of Z23, whose eyes were red. She had already done very well.

At this moment, the sounds of conversation coming from behind the door became clear to Fujian's ears.

“...Oh, I told you it's nothing, just a bit of anemia and low blood sugar. I'll be fine after eating something and sleeping for a bit.”

“That's not allowed! The Commander's health is the most important thing!”

“Well, regardless, let me sit up first? Being like this is very awkward.”

“Alright...”

“Javelin is very cute.”

“Commander... pervert...”

Fujian let the Military Doctor Qiu go about its business while she opened the door and leaned against the frame.

Li Ming, who had been laughing, froze as he looked at Fujian's face... it was still expressionless, but he saw how pale she was.

“Fujian... I'm fine, really, I'm fine...”

he said softly.

Laffey was still leaning against him, Ayanami sat quietly nearby, and Javelin held his hand.

Z23 also rushed over, though this time, Laffey made space for her.

“Commander!...”

She sniffled. If only she had noticed sooner, if only she hadn't left at that time...

Li Ming was completely speechless.

“Commander... if you feel unwell... you must remember to tell us in the future...” Fujian struggled to control her emotions. While the Commander was temporarily unable to work, she had to maintain order.

Li Ming nodded gently, and Fujian took a deep breath. “Are we heading back, Commander?”

“Yes.”

“Understood.” Fujian turned and closed the door, sighing in the hallway, and then...

“Ugh... why is it like this...” She tried hard to wipe her eyes. “No, I can't...”

The tears wouldn't stop flowing.

“But... why...”

Li Ming was eventually allowed to get out of bed, but he wasn't allowed to work, and at least one Ship Girl had to be by his side at all times.

This was Li Ming's favorite 'snuggle' time. But for once, Li Ming decided to be a bit willful.

Little one, do you really think I can't sense your state?

So, while Fujian's eyes were still red, she was forcibly pulled over by Li Ming to sit close.

Being leaned against like this—though it wasn't the first time—made Fujian's face turn so red it looked like it might bleed.

Ugh... I've made a fool of myself... Commander, don't look at me...

Li Ming was suddenly quite interested, but he didn't want to tease her further. She hadn't rested for days either; the most important thing now was to relax.

The Yellow Chickens would handle everything. Right now, The four little ones had gone back to rest, and so should you, Hu Jian baby.

The two of them sat on the steps looking out at the sea, silent.

After a while, Fujian leaned against him and fell into a deep sleep.

Since I passed out for a while, I can't really sleep now... honestly, I told them I was fine...

Squinting his eyes, Li Ming felt the slightly salty sea breeze and suddenly realized he had already grown accustomed to this kind of life.

The cruiser was passing an island. Li Ming picked up the binoculars from the toolbox beside him and took a few looks, like a governor inspecting future territory...

What is that?

Something black... on top of what looks like a cannon barrel... there's a girl with little white hair lying there?!

...

...