Chapter 7

Nagato paced the length of her office, while Mutsu stood off to the side, pouring cups of coffee so the 5 cold girls could warm up. "When did you notice Zuikaku was gone?" Nagato asked, turning to Shokaku.

"Well I left Mamiya's around 2100 with Hiryuu an Souryuu, an got back maybe 30 minutes later, so I first knew by around 2130 or so. I don't know when she actually left, though. She didn't put anything on the note.. The only thing I can mostly guarantee is that she went north. She's always talked about going north," She gestured helpless to the paper lying on Nagato's desk.

Nodding, Nagato turned to Oyodo, and told her to find Shimakaze. "We'll need her speed. I don't care if it's 0100. I need her her ASAP, along with all four Atago's, and all four Mogami's. Make it quick,"

"Yes ma'am!" Oyodo called, turning to he radio. Satisfied, Nagato turned back to the assembled carriers.

"I probably already know what your response will be, but I'm going to formally ask." She paused, and looked each of them in the eye, one by one. "Do you wish to join the search party?"

Shokaku looked at Nagato, grimly. "Of course I intend to go. She's my sister after all." Nagato nodded.

"I will go as well. I probably should go, as I most likely had a role in her running off," Kaga said quickly. Shokaku turned to Kaga, a look of surprise and gratefulness on her face. Nagato raised and eyebrow at the 'had a role in her running off' part, but said nothing.

"If Kaga-san is going, then I will too," Akagi said firmly.

"As will we," Hiryuu finished. Satisfied, Nagato turned back to Oyodo.

"One last thing before I forget. Notify all nearby districts that aircraft carrier Zuikaku is missing at sea, an have them keep an eye out for her, if at all possible," Oyodo nodded. Nagato turned back to Shokaku, she motioned for them to sit down. She poured herself another cup of coffee, then turned at the door opened.

Eight cruisers, all of whom were still shaking off sleep stumbled through the door. Maya looked like she'd like nothing more than to strangle Oyodo, but was restaining herself.

Glowering at Nagato, she sauntered over and asked, not too politely, "So, Nagamon, I'd suppose you've got a good reason for draggin' us all in here at this crazy hour, eh?" She sat back in a chair, without a care in the world.

Nagato twitched at the nickname. "Yes, Maya, I do." She turned to the other cruisers, addressing them as one. "Following the events of yesterday, Carrier Zuikaku apparently left the district late last night. She left Shokaku a simple note, any didn't tell where she was going. In short, we believe she is headed for probably Vladivostok, and then possibly Alaska. Here's how I'd like to organize the search groups. I'll split you up into two groups. Shokaku, you'll be with Akagi and Kaga. Hiryuu, you'll be with you sister. Both groups will have two Atago and two Mogami class cruisers. If what Shokaku tells me is correct, and Zuikaku did go north, then that means Vladivostok, and then possibly east to Alaska. I'd like to find her before she reaches the USA, if at all possible." The others nodded. "So I'll send both groups north, then west through the Tsugaru Straits. After passing through, The main body will continue to Vladivostok, while the others will head north, then come down the coast, in the chance that Zuikaku heads that way. Keep planes in the air as much as possible after coming through the Tsugaru Straits." A general murmur of agreement rippled from the assembled ships.

"Alright then. You're leaving at first light. I will make an announcement to inform the rest of the district. I unfortunately cannot go, as I will be needed to still run this district. For now, head down to the docks. Prepare your equipment. Arm yourselves; our sorties into northern waters are few, and I do not have solid reports of Abyssal numbers in the area. That will be all." She stood, downed her coffee, and turned to go.

Sighing, everyone made their way to the docks. Maya was still complaining to Atago about the early wake up. The rest of the night was relatively uneventful. Maya did accuse Atago of spilling oil on her sleeve, even though when Kaga checked her over, Maya realized that she'd caught the edge of the cup on her sleeve as she reached for a rag.

As morning broke, Nagato came down to the docks, and informed everyone going on the mission that they had one hour to finish up, eat, and be ready to leave. Nodding, everyone dispersed to find food. Nagato was already waiting for them when the last two, unsurprisingly Atago and Maya, finally showed up.

"Well, this is it. Good luck. You'll need it. Just head out, the split into the two groups. Remember who's going where." Nagato stepped back. She looked to Shokaku, who had been accepted as the flagship without argument. Shokaku nodded, then turned to the sea.

Closing her eyes and steeling herself, she stepped into the water, and called out, " CarDiv 5, flagship Shoukaku, moving out!" The rest of her fleet raised a cheer. Nagato watched them go.

"Godspeed, Shokaku!" She called after her.