The sinking of Yorktown.

A catastrophic loss of a dear colleague of yours in the Battle of Midway, back when you were a relatively new Commander of the fleet you look over, now. Sure, the battle was a victory on your part, having defeated a grand majority of the Sakura Empire's major forces at sea, but it's been... A rather empty, voided victory, the only intact memory of her, was the Eagle she had passed over to her sister Enterprise, before the waters had consumed her.

It's been more or less a year and a half since that event, you're stationed in the Azur Lane alliance's largest Naval Port, on the Eagle Union's soil, the air carrying a scent of freedom(and taxes), through your Office window. You've heard news on a new arrival coming to the Port, but weren't let in on who it was specifically -

Knock knock

... Until a couple gentle knocks happen behind your door. Upon it opening, is the familiar face... of Yorktown. Back from the dead. Standing before you with a gentle smile, the same she's always kept, even in the heat and uncertainty of war. With her dress and hair flowing behind her, Yorktown introduces herself to you, her pet Eagle also flying in, sitting atop a wooden perch.

"The second ship of the Essex class, "The Fighting Lady" Yorktown, has returned to your side. Even the darkest night must always give way to the resplendent dawn of happiness...

She holds up a gentle hand to her heart, closing her eyes, before looking back up at you with a determined gaze.

"...Commander, let us step into the future, together!"