The fleet slowed to quarter speed as the tugs from the port met them in open water. Sure enough, Port Master Allen was onboard the lead tug as they pulled up next to the Norfolk. The bulins ran out on deck and immediately threw down a ladder to allow them to board.
Isaac left the bridge in his commanders uniform, straightening his hat as he walked towards the man he assumed was Allen. Friedrich and Shinano were hot on his heels as Odin commanded the fleet in Isaac's short absence.
"Port Master, Allen I presume?" Isaac asked.
"Yes sir. Now, is there anything hazardous we should know before letting you into the port?" Allan asked.
"Yes. Our steamer needs to be kept as far away from populated areas as possible. She's running on a skeleton crew due to the severe levels of radiation being produced by the wisdom dust we are transporting." Isaac said.
"Wisdom dust? Sir, are you under the influence of anything?" Allan asked.
"He is not, and if you insult him again, I will be forced to act." Bismarck said as she strolled up behind Isaac and stood at attention at his side.
"And you are?" Allan asked.
"Bismarck, German battleship of Ironblood, serving as flagship for Ironblood and as a sword for Kommandant Garner's forces. I am also the only ship to have experience with using the powder onboard that steamer. It contains enough power to level this port and vaporize everyone within it, so I would heed Kommandant Garner's warning and allow us to arrange our fleet in a way we deem safe." Bismarck said in a stern and chilled voice.
"Bismarck? You were sunk in the Atlantic, though. How are you here?" Allan asked as she stepped forward again.
"It does not matter how I came back, what matters is that I am here now." Bismarck said as Allan looked her up and down.
"If that is what you say is needed, then we will comply. This whole Kansen thing is such a weird concept." Allen said as he waved his hand.
"Sir, I believe that in this coming battle, you will see that these girls are capable of so much more than what you think. These girls have saved my ass more times than I care to admit. So it is easy for me to say that they will fight tooth and nail against anything and everything that threatens the good of humanity." Isaac said.
"You keep saying a battle, is this port under threat of attack?" Allan asked.
"Yes. Very much so now that we are here. Norfolk, my command ship Kansen, has picked up a spike in energy coming from the Philippines. That usually translates to one of the main figures in the Siren Hierarchy making a move. So I can only assume that there is a sizable fleet heading this way to try and take me and my fleet out for good. Meaning that this port is in the crossfire." Isaac said.
"Why did you come then?!" Allan asked.
"It seems heartless, but if we didn't, they'd have come to occupy this continent instead. So us being here is the best possible scenario." Isaac said.
Allan stood speechless. Somewhere between anger and disbelief.
Isaac was saved from further explanation as Texas came across from the Missouri, using her rigging to transport Nimitz to the Norfolk.
"Admiral, what seems to be the hold up?" Nimitz asked as he stood on the deck of the Norfolk. Texas made her way over to Isaac and stood next to Shinano.
"The Port Master is concerned about the circumstances of our arrival. I'm trying to smooth it over." Isaac said.
"Port Master, huh?" Nimitz asked.
"And you are?" Allan asked as he spun around to face Nimitz.
"Admiral Chester Nimitz, Fleet Admiral of the Eagle Union's Pacific fleet." Nimitz said sternly.
Allan looked back at Isaac.
"You weren't kidding..." Allan said as the base in his voice dropped.
"The convoy of battleships and other warships didn't lead you to that conclusion?" Isaac asked.
"I never claimed to be a bright man, alright?" Allan said as he picked up a radio and spoke into it.
"Keep your distance from the English Steamer. They have possible hazardous material onboard. Set the port to high alert and get all non contracted Civilians out. We are converting to wartime operations under the joint command of Eagle Union and Azur Lane. I expect everyone to work their asses off. Let's get these girls in and get them set up." Allan spoke into the radio.
"Once again, we will need to use your dry docks for several ship building ventures. Are your docks capable of constructing any kind of ship?" Isaac asked.
"We have space big enough to build a skyscraper on its side, Admiral. Anything you need, it will fit in our drydock." Allen said.
"Good. That's excellent." Isaac said as he looked to Nimitz.
"Admiral, I will leave you to deal with commanding the port until construction of our forces, aside from Vengeance, is complete." Isaac said.
"Understood. I will help put together our battlegroup, then come to you for confirmation, is that alright?" Nimitz asked.
"I trust your judgement, Admiral. Just ensure that we are capable of warding off the worst they can throw at us." Isaac said.
"And that is?" Nimitz asked.
"Carriers capable of launching over 100 aircraft. Battleships with shields stronger than steel. Cruisers with enough AA to tear our wings to shreds. And Destroyers capable of razing the ocean with torpedoes." Isaac said.
"Understood. It won't be easy, but I am sure I can make it work." Nimitz said as he walked past Isaac onto the bridge of the Norfolk.
Isaac took up one of the receivers outside the bridge.
"Everyone. Admiral Nimitz will command your formation as I oversee the construction of our new vessels. I expect everyone to prepare for a massive assault of the Port and the coast of Australia at large. We need to repel this assault so we can take troops back to back up Perkins in New Guinea." Isaac spoke as he cut the line.
"Alright, Port Master, get us in." Isaac said as Allen nodded and picked up his own radio.
"Alright boys, attach the tow lines and get this fleet into port. We need to get what remains of the RAN on the line and let them know something big is coming." Allan said.
Half an hour later, the majority of Isaac's ships were anchored in port and the Transport ship was off loading the human components of the fleet into the port.
Taka and Fu ran over to the Norfolk and ran up the gang way, almost running into Otto and Isaac as they walked towards the gangway.
"Woah. Watch out!" Isaac said as Otto caught his arm, keeping him from sailing overboard.
"Our apologies, Shikikan. We were coming to find you." Taka said.
"Well, you found me. Almost sent me overboard too." Isaac said calmly.
"We have an issue." Fu said.
"What is the issue?" Isaac asked, suddenly back in crisis mode.
"The wet deck has flooded and the pumps are not draining it out." Fu said.
"Okay? That doesn't seem to be too bad, those ships are built to float despite a flooded wet deck." Isaac said.
"The pumps busted during the cross from New Guinea. We need to get it fixed because all the Shermans are in there. All of our infantry armor is in there right now, and it's slowly filling more." Fu said.
Isaac looked at them.
"Shit... Get a few bulins and get those pumps fixed. Talk with Port staff to see if we can get any parts that we need to bring those pumps back up. We can't afford to lose those tanks." Isaac said.
"Understood sir. We will get on it right away." Taka said as they ran past Isaac and into the lower deck of the Norfolk to find the Bulins.
"What's in the suitcase, old man?" Isaac asked as he rejoined Otto down in the port.
"I retrieved the documents from Frau Norfolk that pertain to Richthofen. I also stuffed the cubes I made in here as well." Otto said.
"You made cubes?" Isaac asked.
"Yes. You had nearly 2 tons of ore in the hold by my measure. So I took the liberty of beginning to turn it into cubes. If I had the right protective gear, I could also create more wisdom powder for you as well." Otto said.
"Huh. Before, I used to have Akashi take care of it. Glad to know you can create them as well." Isaac said as he put his hand on Otto's shoulder.
"Let us awaken another beast, Kommandant." Otto said with a slightly devious smile.
"There's that smile again. No wonder why Friedrich has such a devious streak running through her." Isaac said as he smiled.
"Shall we go, Kommandant?" Otto asked.
"Yes. We need to prepare our forces as much as possible." Isaac said as he stopped.
"I need to call some of the other girls to come with us." Isaac said.
"Go quickly. I will set up the drydock for our New Carrier." Otto said as Isaac nodded.
Isaac ran back onboard the Norfolk and grabbed the receiver again.
"Atago, Baltimore, Bremerton, Laffey and 13. I need you all in dry docks on the double. I hope you girls haven't gotten rusty." Isaac said as he cut the line. Sure enough, All the girls were standing before Isaac within five minutes, with Laffey being the last to emerge from the Norfolk.
"You called, Commander?" Bremerton asked.
"You all better be ready to get your ships back. We need your cruisers and destroyer to help fill out the battle formation." Isaac said.
"Shikikan, what about me?" 13 asked.
"I found another blueprint and want to do a little experiment." Isaac said.
"Oh?" 13 asked.
"There is a submarine blueprint labeled I-400 class. Supposedly, it is a bigger version of the I-13 hull design. I want to see if it's similarities would allow you to bind to it and control it." Isaac said.
"I'm sure that it could be possible. It's an aviation submarine, right Shikikan?" 13 asked.
"Yes. It has space for 3 of your floatplanes instead of 2. And it is a bigger hull, so we can carry the Wisdom powder like that if this works." Isaac said.
"Well, let these girls go first. I would hate to be the reason we don't have any cruisers or destroyers ready to defend. I can go last, Shikikan." 13 said as she got a head pat from Isaac.
"Alright. If that is your wish. Go ahead and go rest. You'll need the energy." Isaac said as he hugged the small submarine, sending her back into the Norfolk to be with Vestal and the bulins.
"Alright ladies, you ready?" Isaac asked.
"I'm ready to flex my guns again, Commander." Baltimore said as she flexed her arms playfully, causing Atago to cuddle up to her.
"Mmm. Those guns are more than enough for me, Bal~ti~more." Atago said softly as Isaac chuckled a bit.
"Atago. Save it for when she gets her ship. I'm sure you and her will be quite busy decorating her quarters." Isaac said, causing a sparkle to appear in Atago's eye.
"Hmm... Well, I think I like you a bit more too, Shikikan. Better than MacArthur anyway~~" Atago said as Isaac gulped.
"Well, let's keep it professional for now. I'm sure Baltimore would like to have you to herself." Isaac said as Baltimore blushed.
"Alright, we're getting off track. Let's go. We're going to miss the awakening of another strong carrier." Isaac said as the girls all nodded and ran after him as Isaac ran down towards the drydocks.
Otto climbed out of the Dry dock as Isaac and the others arrived.
"Is she ready?" Isaac asked.
"Ja. The cubes are set, and the data is already being fed to them." Otto said as they turned around.
Before them, a massive hull began to take shape. Friedrich came over and stood behind Isaac, watching carefully.
"Dear husband, this hull looks almost like mine." Friedrich said.
"Well of course it does. It's your sister, Friedrich." Isaac said as she looked at Otto.
"My sister... Vater Otto?" Friedrich asked.
"Ja. Ihre Schwester, Manfred von Richthofen." Otto said with a soft smile as he turned to face Friedrich.
"I expect you to play nicely with your younger sister, Friedrich. I know it will be difficult, as I have no sisters or brothers of my own. But do make the effort." Otto said as Friedrich nodded, turning her attention back to the nearly completed hull of the carrier.
"The construction is moving quite quickly." Isaac said, scratching his head.
"Yes. There were only so many blueprints to feed the cubes. So they have already taken all of the data I have. I fed the cubes the battle reports that I had from my battles with Graf Zeppelin as well, so that is probably why it is progressing so steadily." Otto said as Isaac looked up at a now finished flight deck. Movement caught his eye as he looked closer.
Atop the flight deck stood a woman wearing a uniform from the Great War. Blazing red hair blew softly in the wind as she adjusted her cap and looked out towards the horizon. From where Isaac was standing, He could see several medals hung on her chest, including a German Iron Cross and a silver eagle on her left breast. In her hand, hung a slightly more modern flight jacket. The look was rounded out with a pair of brown boots, shined to perfection and laced tightly to her feet. Isaac felt his heart drop a bit as she directed her gaze down at him.
"Ah. The Queen of the Skies. Manfred von Richthofen." Otto said softly.
Richthofen jumped from her vessel and landed on the side of the dry dock in front of Isaac and Otto. Upon seeing Isaac's uniform, she snapped to attention and rendered a salute by putting her fist over her heart.
"H-class Aircraft Carrier, Manfred von Richthofen, reporting for duty, Kommandant." Richthofen said sternly, her golden eyed boring into his soul as he looked her up and down.
"Commander Isaac Garner. It is a pleasure to meet you." Isaac said as he extended his hand.
Richthofen stood there for a few moments before dropping her salute and turning to face her vessel.
"Truly, this is a ship worthy of it's name. Danke schön, Vater." Richthofen said as she looked at Otto.
"Bitte, Mein Tochter. But the man in white, is your Kommandant, he deserves your loyalty as well." Otto said.
With a small huff, Richthofen turned around to face Isaac. With a small forced grin, Richthofen extended her hand to meet Isaac's, who had not moved an inch, other than keeping Friedrich from tearing into her newly awakened sister.
"Dear husband, are you sure this is my sister? Surely she would be a bit more... polite." Friedrich said, earning a response from Richthofen, who produced her rigging flawlessly. Before Isaac, sat a gargantuan mechanical beast unlike anything he had seen before. The beast was twice as big as one of Friedrich's serpents and equally as intimidating. Golden eyes shined brightly from a head whose razor sharp maw was segmented into three parts, concealing a massive energy cannon looking device that Isaac had only seen from Friedrich's rigging. Spikes ran down the back of it's head, leading to it's back, which was a mass of steel disguised as a segmented flight deck where small Messerschmitt BF-109's sat ready to launch. The body only seemed to twist constantly, like a snake or serpent in the waves. Miniature versions of the 15 cm SK C/28's and 10.5 cm SK C/33's littered the mechanical body of what Isaac could only describe as a leviathan. The body began to taper, only to split where the tail would have been, resulting in large tentacle-like appendages that twisted and moved like the creature they came from. Each tentacle was lined with what looked like teeth, used to grip the hulls of lesser ships to drag them to the gates of hell itself.
Friedrich responded in kind, unleashing her twin serpents upon the port as everyone near the water stood and watched in tense anticipation.
"You, Who are you?" Richthofen asked, her voice mostly cold, but a hint of genuine curiosity could be heard when Friedrich produced her rigging.
"Friedrich der Große, H-class Battleship." Friedrich said coldly as her serpents seemed to inch closer to the Leviathan produced by her sister.
"H-class, huh... Does that make you my sister?" Richthofen asked as Friedrich's serpents seemed to sniff or otherwise familiarize themselves with the Leviathan, who was doing the same in turn.
"I...I guess it would." Friedrich said as she crossed her arms softly, showing more of a encumbered emotion rather than one of a cold hearted woman.
"Then why are we ready to tear into each other? Come here!" Richthofen said as she made her way over to Friedrich, hugging her with the same warmth that Friedrich gave to Isaac.
"Is this something that came from you as well, Otto?" Isaac asked.
"I had always wanted a sister or a brother. Maybe that must have been picked up when I was drawing her blueprints." Otto said.
"And Friedrich's desire for children, that goes so far to adopting almost the entirety of my fleet?" Isaac asked.
"Back before I met Zeppelin and made her my bride, I wanted kids." Otto said with a shrug.
"And now you don't?" Isaac asked as Otto pulled him out of Friedrich's earshot, as she was busy hugging her new sister.
"We adopted a child. And we have never been happier. It pulled Zeppelin out of her funk and pushed her to a place where she has been truly happy." Otto whispered.
"And yet you came here? What happened to the child?" Isaac asked.
"Zeppelin is a surprisingly good mother. She took the child up to Northern Parliament. There, she said she could keep our daughter safe until I arrive with you and your fleet." Otto said.
"Then let us hope that all goes well, cause now we have to get you home to not only your wife, but your kid too." Isaac said as he looked at the two H-class sisters.
Richthofen came over to Isaac
"My apologies for my earlier conduct. I seem to have misjudged your character off the bat, and I was wrong in doing so." Richthofen said firmly.
"I understand. It isn't everyday that someone like you runs into someone like me. I don't expect everyone to like me or each other, but I do expect us to be able to work together." Isaac said.
"I'm sure you'll do something to impress me. My older sister has already filled me in on everything you've done since she joined your fleet. I must say, you are quite the daredevil, if I say so myself." Richthofen said, causing Isaac to chuckle.
"The person you are named after was a daredevil too. And I won't be surprised if your antics match his to an even greater degree." Isaac said.
"You know Baron Manfred von Richthofen, Kommandant?" Otto asked.
"Not anything that the stories didn't tell. But 80 allied pilots shot down in the Great war? The man was a legend, and is still to this day." Isaac said as Richthofen looked at her vessel and smiled, recalling her rigging.
"Well then, Kommandant, shall we launch?" Richthofen asked.
"Open the flood gates. Let's see this big girl float." Isaac said as the other girls around him looked up at the carrier in a mix of awe and terror.
Author's note
The links for the art are not loading on this site, so please visit my reddit on this chapter to find working links to the relevant artwork. Same username on reddit as it is here.