The following is the true story of USS Phoenix, the first of a new breed of ship destined to rule the skies. This is her story.
The cries of SS United States echoed around the yard as she struggled to give berth. She'd gone into labour nearly a full month ahead of shcedule and an emergancy C-section was being conducted.
Ships just couldn't be born naturally nowadays, too much pollution in the water, even with the end of the oil age.
Outside teh berthing arena, Lan winced as his mate gave another shriek.
"Calm down Lan, she'll be fine." Linc assured him. Lan, for oncce not intimidated by the big carrier's presence, just grumbled and turned around to find New Jersey blocking his way.
The Iowa-class battleship made an imposing sight. With nine-sixteen inch guns, a colse-in Phylinx weapons system, and a Gross Registered Tonnage of 45000 tons, he was one of the most powerful warships in the world.
"Don't worry." He said kindly. "Big U is a strong young warrior." Lan knew that New Jersey was still fond of the crossbreed but he let her go, knowing that he'd be nothing more than a friend to her.
Her heart lay with Lan and he respected that. But Lan still felt a sense of guilt when he saw the pain in New Jersey's eyes. It was gone in an instant.
Lan's friend Sky appeared form behind the curtain. "You may come in now." SHe said. Lan followed her back inside. Big U was lying comfortably against the dock, her eyes on her hree shiplings.
Two were fast asleep, the third was wriggling around, trying to get a better look at her surroundings. "Lively one isn't she?" Lan asked. Big U smiled. "She certainly is." She agreed. The shipling twisterd around to look at Lan.
Her eyes were amber-red and were firey, bright, intesnse. Lan could see his daughter would become great one day. "Have you given them a name?" He asked.
Big U nodded. "Yes," She said. "This one's Intrepied." She touched her bow to her sleeping son. Lan nodded his approval. "This one's Juneau." SHe nuzzled the other sleeping shipling that looked like an exact copy of her.
"I think Juneau would like that." Lan murmured. "And her?" He asked. Big U's other daughter was wiggling still. She gave a soft coo and the chipling chirped in response, pressing her muzzle to her side, purring happily.
Her mother looked up at her mate. "Phoenix." Big U said. "For the fire that burns within."
And so, the legend that would become USS Phoenix, was born.