Work Text:
The commander got ready to meet Sendai of all people that day. He wasn’t sure how working with the tomboy foxgirl was going to work. He knew she was tough as nails, strong and she was not afraid of getting into any fights. He knew that she had been in a lot of fights. It was why she bandaged up her hands almost as if she was making sure she would be ready when the fight came her way. He knew that she was a strong-willed woman and he knew that there was a lot more to her than met the eyes of people.
He walked to the Sakura dorms and worked his way down the hall to her door. Knocking, he stood ready for her to answer. The two of them had a day of training that day and he wanted to get it started right away. To work with her and her new retrofit gear that she had just gotten. He knew that she was still adapting, and he figured he should train with her to help her adjust.
Sendai opened the door, her golden eyes meeting the commander's gaze. A faint smirk played on her lips as she observed him standing there, ready for the day's training. The commander couldn't help but notice the bandages wrapped around Sendai's hands, a testament to her dedication and combat experience.
"Commander," she greeted, a casual yet determined tone in her voice. "You're early. I like that."
The commander nodded, reciprocating her determination. "Let's make the most of our training today. I want to see what that retrofit gear of yours can do."
Sendai's eyes glinted with a mix of confidence and excitement. "You'll see. It's a whole new level of strength. No more need for these," she said, gesturing towards her hand bandages.
"Good, let's get going, I can't wait to see this strength," the commander said with a smile as he was excited to see her growth. He knew she put in the time, and now he would get to see her success. "We are going to the portside training area, I will watch from the shore as you deploy your rigging and take out the target ships, show off your skills it will be an obstacle course that your time on. We can then take your time with the new rigging and compare it to your old time."
Sendai's smirk widened, and she nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan, Commander. I'll make sure to give you a show." With that, she stepped out of her room, closing the door behind her. The commander followed her as they made their way to the portside training area.
The harbor was large with plenty of room to move, the obstacle course would have its own set of challenges though, turrets that fire paint, artificial barriers, and enemy static ships that were used to simulate enemy mass-produced ships. They too had turrets that fired paint too. Each bit of paint would add time to the final time.
"You got this Senai, go get them, I will get you a treat if you can beat your old time," the commander promised from the shore watching Sendai closely.
Sendai grinned at the challenge, a competitive spark lighting up her eyes. "A treat, huh? You better prepare something good, Commander."
As she deployed her rigging, the retrofit gear gleamed in the sunlight. The familiar bandages were gone, and the commander could see the sleek, upgraded components that now adorned her. Sendai wasted no time, maneuvering through the obstacle course with agility and precision. Her movements were a testament to the hours she must have spent mastering the new rigging.
The turrets fired paint at her, but Sendai deftly dodged and weaved, avoiding the colorful splatters. The enemy ships were no match for her as she unleashed the firepower of her retrofit gear, taking them down with a combination of skill and strength. The targets were smashed and crushed by the power of Sendai, a show of force for her new retrofit gear.
The commander watched, impressed by Sendai's performance. It was clear that the retrofit had indeed elevated her abilities to a new level. As she crossed the finish line, the timer stopped, and Sendai turned to face the commander with a triumphant grin.
"Well, Commander, how's that for a show?" she said, catching her breath.
The commander clapped, genuinely impressed. "That was incredible, Sendai. You've really mastered the new gear. And look at that, you beat your old time by a significant margin."
Sendai's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Told you I'd give you a show. Now, about that treat..."
"Well, you remembered that good, how about we go to that bakery, I heard that had a lot of options and even some ice cream, if you want that Sendai," the commander suggested.
Sendai's grin widened at the mention of the bakery. "Ice cream sounds good. Let's go, Commander. I could use a sweet reward after that run."
"Good, I will get you what you want," the commander said offering his arm to the strong woman, "want to walk with me or do you have an image you need to keep up?"
Sendai chuckled, a rare moment of lightheartedness crossing her features. "I think I can afford to be seen with the Commander for a while. Walking sounds good."
As they walked towards the bakery, the commander couldn't help but appreciate the camaraderie that was forming between them. Sendai's tough exterior seemed to soften just a bit, revealing a more relaxed side of her.
"You know, Commander, that training wasn't just for show," Sendai spoke up, breaking the silence. "I want to be at my best when it really matters."
The commander nodded in understanding. "I get it, Sendai. We all need to be at our best when it counts. And you've certainly shown today that you're ready for anything."
Sendai shot him a sidelong glance, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks, Commander. I appreciate your support. And the treat, of course."
The commander chuckled, "Consider it a small reward for your hard work. We make a good team, Sendai."
As they reached the bakery, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air. Sendai's eyes lit up at the sight of the various pastries and desserts on display.
"Alright, Sendai, pick whatever you like. The treat is on me," the commander said, gesturing towards the array of delicious treats.
Sendai surveyed the options with a thoughtful expression, then pointed to a particularly decadent-looking cake. "That one. And throw in some ice cream too. I earned it."
The commander chuckled, "You got it, Sendai." He ordered the chosen treats, and as they sat down to enjoy their well-deserved dessert.
The two sat down as they looked out over the port from the outdoor seating, "Now, what made you get the retrofit gear, and more importantly how does it feel having used it now?"
Sendai took a moment, savoring a bite of her cake before answering. "I got the retrofit gear because I wanted to be stronger, more efficient in battle. I've been in countless fights, and I know the importance of being at the top of my game. This retrofit allows me to push my limits further."
She paused, reflecting on the question about how it felt to use the new gear. "It's different, you know? No more relying on bandages. The retrofit feels sleek, powerful. It's like shedding an old skin and stepping into something more... formidable. I can feel the difference in every movement, every strike."
The commander nodded, appreciating her dedication to improvement. "It certainly showed in your performance back there. You've adapted to it remarkably well. The agility and precision were on point. I'd say the retrofit suits you."
Sendai smirked, a hint of pride in her expression. "Of course, it suits me. I wouldn't settle for anything less. And the best part? No more worrying about these bandages getting in the way." She wiggled her fingers playfully, emphasizing the absence of her usual handwraps.
The commander chuckled, "It's a whole new Sendai we're seeing in action. I'm glad to see you embracing the upgrades. It's not just about being stronger; it's about evolving with the technology available to us."
"So, any other goals you have that you want to achieve, my tough, dependable and also adorable fox?" the commander said a bit playfully. "I mean goals outside of battle and combat, personal ones. In combat I know you're the best there is, someone I depend on with my life."
Sendai raised an eyebrow at the unexpected question, a momentary shift in her expression before she took another bite of her cake, contemplating the commander's words.
"Well, I guess... outside of battles, my goals are pretty simple," she began, her tone a touch more reflective. "I want to keep getting stronger, not just in terms of combat skills but as a person. It's about being someone dependable, like you said. And maybe, just maybe, figure out a way to make a difference beyond the battlefield."
She paused, looking out over the port as if lost in thought. "I've seen a lot, Commander. Fought in many battles. Sometimes it feels like there's more to be done, you know? Like there's a different kind of fight out there. I want to find a way to contribute even when the guns aren't blazing."
The commander nodded, appreciating the depth of Sendai's aspirations. "That's a noble goal, Sendai. Being strong in character is just as important as being strong in battle. I'm sure you'll find a way to make a difference beyond the battlefield. And remember, you're not alone in this. We're a team, on and off the battlefield."
Sendai's smirk returned, a more genuine one this time. "Yeah, yeah, team and all that. Don't get mushy on me, Commander. But thanks. It's good to know I've got someone who gets it."
The commander chuckled, realizing that sentimental moments weren't Sendai's usual forte. "No mushiness, I promise. Just stating the facts. Now, enjoy your cake, tough fox. You've earned it."
As they continued to enjoy their treats, the atmosphere between them shifted. There was a comfortable silence, broken only by the sounds of the bustling port around them. Sendai, usually brimming with confidence, seemed to soften, revealing a vulnerability that the commander hadn't seen before.
"Commander," Sendai began, her tone a bit more subdued, "I appreciate your support, not just in training but in everything. It's... different, working with someone who actually cares."
The commander smiled, touched by her words. "Well, you're not just a ship under my command, Sendai. You're a valued member of this fleet, and you've proven time and again that you're more than just a formidable fighter. You're someone I can trust."
Sendai's gaze met the commander's, her golden eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and something more. "I never thought I'd say this, but... I'm glad I ended up with you as my commander. It's been... different."
The commander chuckled, a warmth spreading through him. "Different in a good way, I hope."
"Yeah, in a good way," Sendai admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I never thought I'd be sitting in a bakery, talking about goals and feelings. It's a first."
The commander grinned, "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? And who knows, maybe there are more firsts to come."
Sendai rolled her eyes playfully, but her smile didn't fade. "Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming, Commander."
As they finished their treats and prepared to leave the bakery, the commander offered Sendai his arm once again. This time, there was a subtle shift in their dynamic, a newfound closeness that went beyond the professional.
"Ready to head back, tough fox?" the commander asked, a hint of playfulness in his tone.
Sendai smirked, but there was a softer glint in her eyes. "Lead the way, Commander."