Echoes of the Depths

Silent Observations

 I-13 found herself stealing glances at Commander Alex whenever the opportunity arose. Like a skilled submarine employing classic stealth tactics, she observed him discreetly, her eyes tracing his movements with a mix of fascination and admiration. From her vantage points—behind corners, near doorways—she marveled at the way he handled his duties with unwavering dedication and a touch of humor.

As she watched him interact with shipgirls and fellow commanders, I-13 couldn't help but be drawn to his genuine kindness and leadership. The way he listened to others, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and the way he balanced the responsibilities of his role—all of it painted a picture of an amazing person to work alongside.

The thought of being chosen as his full-time secretary began to form a quiet hope in I-13's heart. She longed for the chance to support him in his endeavors, to be a steady presence by his side, and to prove her worth beyond the shadows of her past. It was a desire that sparked a determination within her, one that mirrored the unyielding spirit that defined her on the battlefield.

One day, as Commander Alex took a moment to review a stack of reports in the corner of his office, I-13 seized the opportunity to step into view. She cleared her throat softly, drawing his attention without interrupting his work too much.

"Commander," she began, her voice a gentle melody that cut through the silence, "if you have a moment, there's something I'd like to discuss."

Commander Alex looked up, a welcoming smile forming on his lips. "Of course, I-13. Please, come in."

Taking a deep breath, I-13 stepped further into the room, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of determination and a touch of vulnerability. "I wanted to express my gratitude for allowing me to assist you as your temporary secretary. Working with you has been an enlightening experience, and I've come to admire your dedication and leadership."

Commander Alex's smile widened, his appreciation evident in his eyes. "The feeling is mutual, I-13. You've been a tremendous help."

I-13's cheeks warmed with a subtle blush, her heart racing as she approached the heart of her request. "If circumstances allow, I hope you might consider me as a full-time member of your team. I've often felt overlooked or forgotten in the past, but working with you has given me a newfound sense of purpose."

Commander Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I-13, your dedication and skills have not gone unnoticed. Your desire to contribute and the positive impact you've made have left an impression on me."

I-13's heart skipped a beat, hope flickering to life like a guiding star in the night. His words were a validation she had yearned for—a reminder that her efforts were meaningful, that her wish to support him was valid.

"As for being a full-time secretary," Commander Alex continued, his gaze steady, "I believe your qualities align well with the role. Let's discuss the possibility further and see how we can make it happen."

The weight of his response settled over I-13 like a comforting embrace. Her dream felt closer than ever, and as gratitude filled her heart, she realized that just like submarines beneath the waves, even the most silent and unnoticed individuals could make a significant impact.

With a nod of appreciation, I-13 left Commander Alex's office that day with a renewed sense of purpose. The silent observer had become an active participant, and the waves of change were set in motion, carrying her towards a destiny she had dared to envision.

I-13's role as temporary secretary continued, a new challenge emerged—one that she hadn't anticipated: social interactions. For someone accustomed to the depths of the ocean and the silent camaraderie of the shipgirls, navigating the currents of human interactions proved to be an entirely different kind of adventure.

Whenever she found herself in the presence of other commanders or shipgirls, I-13's confidence wavered. Her usual poise and grace seemed to vanish, replaced by an endearing blend of awkwardness and humility. No longer was she the silent observer, but a participant in a world she was still learning to navigate.

One day, during a meeting of high-ranking commanders, I-13 stood alongside Commander Alex, her posture slightly rigid as she listened to the discussions around her. As the meeting came to an end, she realized that it was customary for each commander to introduce themselves.

Feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness, I-13 turned towards the commander next to her, a seasoned officer with an imposing aura. Clearing her throat, she attempted to speak, her words tumbling out in a jumble. "H-hi, I-13 here... um, I mean, I am I-13. Nice to meet you."

The commander beside her raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into an amused smile. "Nice to meet you too, I-13. Your enthusiasm is refreshing."

I-13's cheeks turned a shade of pink that rivaled the sunset over the ocean. "Th-thank you," she stammered, her embarrassment only deepening.

As the days went on, I-13's interactions continued to be a source of both amusement and endearment for those around her. During a luncheon with fellow shipgirls, she found herself fumbling with a fork and knife, unsure of the proper etiquette. Her laughter joined in with theirs as they shared stories of mishaps and camaraderie.

And then came the formal event—an elegant gala attended by commanders, shipgirls, and esteemed guests. I-13, dressed in an outfit that felt more foreign than any naval uniform, stood alongside Commander Alex as they mingled with the crowd. She clutched her glass of sparkling water, her gaze darting around as if she expected the elegant chandeliers to suddenly start swaying like seaweed.

As she was introduced to various guests, I-13's attempts at conversation often resulted in a mix of amusing anecdotes and self-deprecating humor. She stumbled over words, mixed up names, and even accidentally knocked into a vase—thankfully, it remained upright.

Yet, despite her endearing clumsiness, there was an honesty in I-13's interactions that drew people to her. Her humility and willingness to laugh at herself resonated with those who had also stumbled through unfamiliar territory.

As the gala reached its peak, I-13 found herself facing a diplomat of high status. She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay calm. "H-hi, I-13 here," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "I-13 is my name. I mean, that's me. I hope you're enjoying the gala."

The diplomat's stern expression softened, a genuine smile gracing their lips. "I-13, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your honesty is quite refreshing."

I-13's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and delight. "Thank you," she said, her embarrassment momentarily overshadowed by a genuine sense of accomplishment.

As the gala continued, I-13 learned that beneath the layers of social formalities and high statuses, people were just as human as she was. Each interaction, no matter how awkward, forged a connection—a bond formed by shared laughter, understanding, and a willingness to embrace the unfamiliar.

And as I-13 gazed out at the expanse of the sea from her favorite spot on the base, she realized that just as the ocean held endless mysteries, so did the world of human interactions. And with each ebb and flow, she was learning to navigate them, one endearing stumble at a time.