How surviving Force Z could anchor the Eastern Fleet

If Force Z survived, what would the Royal Navy have done with two fast capital ships in Singapore?

The two ships could anchor a stronger Eastern Fleet and ABDA command. A missed encounter with the Japanese aircraft is the only initial change required in this counterfactual.

Prince of Wales and Repulse could provide both the ships and senior naval command around which a larger Eastern Fleet and ABDA force could assemble. The counterfactual begins with a missed contact on 10 December 1941: Japanese aircraft were near the end of their fuel endurance and found the returning ships at the edge of their search. A small change in course, speed, wind, or timing could prevent the encounter. Survival therefore requires no additional carrier or successful intervention by Singapore's fighters in this version of events. With Phillips and the ships back at Singapore, the Allies would have a command core from which to organize reinforcements, although Japanese air power would remain a threat.