I really don't have money for the ship girls.

"You!" Concord took a deep breath, leaned back on the sofa, and said, "Fine, fine, I can understand their decision, but it's just that I'm a little annoyed that the electricity saved can't be used to travel to the Commander's side."

“What can we do? We can’t go to the commander ourselves,” San Francisco said. “We can’t exactly go out and find a convertible.”

"Forget it, you won't die even if you get shot in the head, let alone time travel."

"Getting hit by a truck, being struck by lightning, staying up all night..." Kumano counted on her fingers one by one, "None of them will work. Our ship girls are just too amazing. They can't travel through time at all."

"By the way, would you like to see the Commander?"

"Yes I do."

"What will you do after you see them?"

"I don't know, but I just feel like I want to see him."

A group of people were chatting together when Magdeburg walked over. The iron-blooded light cruiser seemed to have no bones as he slumped on the table, his black hair falling down: "Quick, order me a seafood pizza, a fifteen-inch one."

While taking her order, Kumano said, "What's going on? Did a starving ghost reincarnate?"

Magdeburg casually grabbed a Coke from the table, drank half of it, and finally felt a little more awake. He then began to complain bitterly: "You guys don't know, our entire Ironblood has been eating shredded pork with garlic sauce for almost three days now. Bismarck's cooking skills are simply... simply like a salted fish head from Stargazing. I feel like Yixian, who taught her, is about to have a breakdown."

"Hahahaha..." Columbia joked, "I know Yu Xiang Rou Si (shredded pork with garlic sauce), it's pork, bamboo shoots, carrots, green peppers, and broad bean paste..."

"Stop talking, stop talking, or I'll throw up again."

Dafeng became somewhat wary. She knew that to win someone's heart, you have to win their stomach. Bismarck's sudden start to practice Chinese cuisine must be suspicious.

She asked, "Why did Bismarck suddenly start learning to cook?"

"It's about what happened before, didn't you know?"

Da Feng was a little puzzled by the question: "What is it?"

"that is……"

Magdeburg briefly explained the matter of everyone secretly teleporting Prinz Eugen over: "Wasn't this matter reported by the port? Bismarck even made a self-criticism in the naval base's group chat, and even Enterprise and the others expressed their opinions. Everyone knows about it."

"..."

Taihou clenched her fists and bit her lip hard. She was completely focused on the Commander's personal interface and didn't notice this. Damn it, even Prinz Eugen went to the Commander's side. Damn it!

Magdeburg continued, "Since that incident, we haven't had to go to the science building for duty anymore. Everyone tacitly agrees not to interfere with the research group's affairs. And I heard that Wales and Eugen will be back this afternoon, so the power rationing should be over by then."

"Probably, since Wales and the others are coming back, we should celebrate."

San Francisco unconsciously remarked, "If no faction interferes, wouldn't it be that I could sneak into the research building without anyone noticing?"

“Your idea is dangerous, San Francisco,” Columbia joked. “You’re not thinking of sneaking back in time, are you?”

"Well, if Eugen can do it, why can't I?"

"Seriously?"

"Of course I'm joking. I don't want to be subjected to the justice of dumplings."

What is said unintentionally may be taken to heart by the listener.

Taihou said to herself, "Perhaps, I can give it a try?"

All eyes were on her. Suzuya said, "Taihou, you must be joking."

"I'm not kidding. Why can't we give this a try?"

Da Feng wasn't joking; Da Feng was very serious. If Eugen could do something like this, why couldn't I, Da Feng, do it?

Her heart was burning with anxiety, and she was willing to do anything to see the commander.

Chapter Ninety-Five: One Wave Subsides, Another Rises

1 p.m., Heathrow International Airport.

Outside the VIP lounge in first class, Ying Tian bid farewell to everyone: "Alright, don't worry. If anything really happens, I'll contact the naval base directly. I'm really happy to have met everyone, and I've thoroughly enjoyed this trip."

After a period of depression, Shengli regained her former beautiful and generous demeanor. With her hands clasped in front of her chest, she said, "I admit that I sometimes bicker with my brother-in-law, but that's because I like him. I wouldn't talk to someone I don't like."

“I know, my sister-in-law Shengli, the most beautiful and lovely Shengli.” Ying Tian opened his arms and hugged Shengli. “Me too, if I really hate someone, I will never talk to her much.”

"Hmph, how could anyone hate me?" Shengli hugged Yingtian's waist and said, "Even parting is not all regret. The feelings in our hearts make us look forward to the next reunion. Brother-in-law, I will still come to see you next time I have the chance."

"Well, I'll wait for you."

Victory tiptoed and gently kissed Yingtian on the lips. She raised her pretty face and said, "Don't misunderstand, this isn't a farewell kiss, it's Victory's loving kiss."

"There's no misunderstanding, I understand."

At this moment, Ying Tian certainly wouldn't make a fool of himself. Under the puzzled yet envious gazes of the VIP room staff, he hugged and said goodbye to everyone one by one.

Edinburgh is just an embrace.

The unicorn kissed her cheek, and the cute little girl looked reluctant to part with him, so he couldn't help but show her some affection.

Dido mustered her courage but still only dared to tiptoe and kiss Yingtian's chin. Sirius simply hugged her. If Yingtian hadn't kissed her cheek, this brave little maid who was willing to serve would have seemed to falter when she should have been brave. But perhaps this failure was more in line with her personality.

Prince Eugen was usually very proactive in physical contact, but when saying goodbye, he only hugged her, rested his head on Yingtian's shoulder, brought his pink lips close to her earlobe, and then gave her a light bite.

"what are you doing?"

“It’s nothing.” Prince Eugen gently sucked on the spot she was biting again. “Remember me, don’t forget me.”

Even the most beautiful exterior has a soft spot inside. Ying Tian gently patted Prince Eugen's back: "I won't forget, I won't forget."

Belfast's embrace was gentle and restrained. The head maid didn't say much, but quietly straightened Ying Tian's collar: "It is my dereliction of duty not to take care of my master, but please take good care of yourself."

"Yes, don't worry, I'm quite capable of taking care of myself."

“Of course I’m relieved.” Belfast blinked. “Master, remember to eat more meat; you’re still too thin.”

"Actually, it's alright."

No need for further words; the tenderness and reluctance emanating from the maid's lake-blue eyes conveyed everything without being spoken, making even parting perfectly graceful.

Guanghui stood still. Everyone had said what she wanted to say, and Belfast had done what she wanted to do. All Guanghui could do was to hug Yingtian tightly after he opened his arms.

"Commander, I have a wish, could you grant it to me?"

"If it can be satisfied, I will definitely satisfy it."

Glorious said shyly, "You said you've accepted me as your marriage ship, so could you address me as a marriage ship would?"

Ying Tian was stunned. Although his words were gentle and cautious, a feeling of heartache arose within them.

"Wife," Ying Tian said in Guanghui's normal voice, "Guanghui's wife, or perhaps it's better to use the Eastern Huang term, 'my lady'?"

"That's fine, anything is fine." Glorious pursed her lips tightly, her eyes brimming with tears of emotion, almost overflowing. "Commander, husband, sweetheart... thank you."

"Don't say thank you." Ying Tian gently kissed away the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I love your smile; you don't look pretty when you cry."

"Yes, I didn't cry, I was smiling... Goodbye, husband."

Take care, goodbye.

Finally, it was the Prince of Wales' turn. A simple hug, nothing more, simpler than the others. The two smiled at each other, needing no further intimacy, for they had already done the most intimate things last night.

Once you've tasted the marrow, you'll crave more; and you'll indulge in pleasure for a short while.

Everything was contained within that passionate and peaceful embrace; a simple goodbye was all it took to convey the meaning.

"Alright, I'm about to head to the waiting area to board. You guys go ahead, we'll keep in touch via chat."

"Okay, goodbye."

"Goodbye."

"Take care of yourself."

Ying Tian waved his hand and walked into the VIP waiting room without looking back. Since they were going to part ways eventually, he might as well be carefree. It wasn't like they would never see each other again. Besides, Ying Tian knew that if he didn't go in, Wales and the others wouldn't leave.

Like many others at the airport, the staff member awkwardly laughing at the VIP lounge entrance couldn't help but think to himself as he looked at the conspicuous group of men and women. "Making such a fuss, I thought it was a send-off for a hero setting sail, but in the end, only one person boarded. Not even anyone to accompany him. All bark and no bite. Humph, I'm not envious at all..."

Damn, I'm so envious, so incredibly envious. How could he have so many incredibly beautiful women come to see him off?

Then the staff member rubbed his eyes in confusion. Where were all those beauties? So many unique and stunningly beautiful women! How could they have disappeared in the blink of an eye?

It's probably not a ghost story. I guess I worked six hours yesterday and it was too tiring. I can't keep working like this. I should talk to the union after get off work about going on strike.

In the VIP lounge, Ying Tian asked a staff member for a cup of coffee. Seeing the message on his phone that Wales and the others had safely returned to the naval base, he smiled knowingly, took a sip of his hot coffee, and then almost spat it out. Strange, the coffee Belfast made for him also tasted bitter, but it smelled delicious…

Yes, I already miss my head maid as soon as we parted.

Ying Tian chuckled self-deprecatingly, wondering if his self-care abilities had deteriorated.

However, this should be considered a step backward in happiness. Even the strongest person will still enjoy being cared for by others.

Half an hour late, the Boeing 777 took off from the airport runway. Ying Tian looked out the window at the land receding into the distance, feeling much more at ease than before.

This flight required two layovers, first to Rabat, then Abu Dhabi, and finally landing at Binjiang International Airport.

Fortunately, the service in first class was good, and the process was smooth without any surprises. After boarding in Abu Dhabi, Ying Tian couldn't resist the strong drowsiness and reclined in his seat to sleep. After all, the previous night had been filled with passionate lovemaking with the Prince of Wales, and with their separation imminent, their intimate moments had lasted until late into the night, leaving them exhausted.

Ying Tian slept until the plane landed. He was carefully woken up by the flight attendant. As he disembarked, he sent messages to the naval base and St. Louis, who were there to pick him up.

Only after Ying Tian opened the chat software did he find countless messages flooding in. As the situation gradually became clearer, Ying Tian's heart sank.

He quickly retrieved his checked luggage and hurried out of the airport. Sure enough, he saw St. Louis and Shoukaku waiting outside to pick him up, but their expressions were quite subtle.

Ying Tian handed the luggage to Xiang He and immediately asked, "What exactly is going on?"

What happened to Taiho?

Volume 1: US and Japanese Aircraft Carriers and the Iris's Land-Based Vessel

Chapter One: The Great Phoenix's Disaster, or Africa's Deep Turmoil?

"Commander, it was our mistake. Since the last incident, we overcorrected and stopped interfering too much with the research team's operations, which resulted in the research building being poorly guarded. It is because of our negligence that we have the current problem."

"According to our subsequent investigation, Taihou and the others took advantage of the moment when the Prince of Wales and the others had just returned to the naval base and everyone was welcoming them to sneak into the research building. They used the excuse of delivering cakes to the staff on duty to send away the staff on duty at the time, London and Cologne, and then secretly activated the time travel machine to come to the Commander's world."

"This is yet another major mistake on our part. We failed to learn from our previous experience and instead caused even bigger problems. I am willing to take full responsibility."

In the SUV that drove out of the airport, Ying Tian rubbed his temples, listening to Bismarck's report on what had just happened on his phone.

Ying Tian interrupted Bismarck's suppressed words and said bluntly, "Now is not the time to focus on responsibility. The key point is that you said Taihou secretly activated the time machine and came to my world, but why haven't I seen Taihou?"

“Here’s what happened.” Peter Strasser’s magnetic voice came through the phone. As the head of the research team, she was naturally the one to explain the technical issues. “The destination of the time travel is a multi-dimensional coordinate, which is constantly calibrated according to the commander’s location, so it doesn’t need much modification. However, when Taihou and the others activated the machine, the commander was on the plane, and Taihou and the others had no experience operating the machine and did not calibrate the altitude coordinate, so… she must have been teleported directly below the commander.”

Ying Tian took a deep breath after hearing Strasser's words. He was momentarily speechless. The flight route on this trip back home crossed three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. If it were within China, it might be alright, but if it were abroad…

"Isn't there a way to teleport Taihou back to the naval base directly?"

"There's no way to do it for now. Commander, you're a beacon connecting two worlds. You can only detect us ship girls when we're within about one kilometer of you and initiate the teleportation process."

"So now there's no way to contact Taihou, and no way to teleport her directly back to the naval base?"

“Yes,” Strasser said. “Unfortunately, it is not possible with current technology.”

Ying Tian's mind was a bit muddled. He gestured to Ron to open the car window next to him. The hot air mixed with the cold air from the car's air conditioning slapped against Ying Tian's travel-worn face. The alternation of hot and cold dispelled his remaining drowsiness and fatigue, and he calmed down instead.

He asked into the hands-free phone, "Can you confirm the location where Taihou teleported?"

"This can be confirmed. The computer has data records of every transmission. However, because the commander was moving quickly at the time, the historical data of the last transmission is a range. The landing location of Taifeng should be between 20.5 degrees and 21.4 degrees east longitude and 9.5 degrees and 10.2 degrees north latitude. The commander can see the picture I posted in the emergency handling group. It is the area shown in the picture where the northern part of the Central African Republic borders Chad."

Ying Tian looked at the area indicated in the picture and couldn't help but gasp. Putting aside the Central African Republic and Chad, the neighboring countries like Libya, Congo, Sudan, and Ethiopia were all well-known and powerful nations. Poverty, backwardness, civil war, hunger, and disease were the only positive words to describe those places. It was unimaginable that Da Feng, a weak woman, would end up there.

However, in a sense, it's not all bad there. It's precisely because of the chaos that it's not easily discovered by the mainstream world. Even if a conflict breaks out, it will be covered up by the existing conflicts in the area. It's a blessing in disguise... Well, I can only comfort myself with this thought. After all, it has already happened, and it has happened no matter what.

"I understand the situation now."

Ying Tian asked Zhen Hai, who was sitting in the passenger seat, "Zhen Hai, can you drive?"

Zhenhai responded, "Yes."

"Then you can switch places with St. Louis. St. Louis, you know how to bypass the Great Firewall. Things that happen in African countries usually don't get mainstream media attention. Go through the local social media and see if you can find any clues."

"it is good."

Immediately afterwards, Ying Tian approached the phone and said, "Strasse, Bismarck, and everyone else, I need to know something about this."

"Commander, please ask."

"The Taiho is an aircraft carrier. What is the range radius of its carrier-based aircraft?"

“I’m also an aircraft carrier, so I can answer that,” Strasser said. “Fighter jets have the longest combat radius, around 1,000 kilometers, but on land, the more complex weather conditions can have some impact.”

How mobile is Taifeng without the aid of transportation?

Akagi answered the question: "Taihou's speed is about the same as mine. Its speed on water is about 25 knots, and on land it is the same as an ordinary person."

"Does she carry any means of communication, or do you have any special way to contact her?"