Disclaimer: Indy best girl
Thinking back on it, I probably should have split this chapter in two.
Oops.
Oh well. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Reviews:
John: Big Brother is always watching. Welcome to Ocea- I mean the Eagle Union
The One: Me too. Me too. I really want to write about Indy but I forced myself into this Siren dumbness. Oh man, I regret writing that chapter a few weeks ago. I'm going to find somewhere to put fluff. You know what? Next chapter will be pure fluff cuz I need a break from this plot.
Severak: HOLY CRAP. I should have made this about Retrofit Portland. That is so much better than what I have planned out. OH I am killing myself right now. That just fits so much better. I'm dumb...
Casually steals the idea...
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Second Disclaimer: Random Siren bullcrap ahead
It was up to me. Portland's cruiser crop was pummeled by overwhelming odds yesterday. Enterprise is still out of service from the Twin Crane Sisters. I have to win this.
The new moon illuminated the sea with pure darkness, the battlefield of choice for the Sakura Empire. The stars aligned, giving way to the rising sun and the thunderous booms of gunpowder lightning. This was the worst place to fight the enemy of the night, but Eagles do not cower in the face of rats!
I took my hand and brushed it through the bushes as I lie in wait.
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The Sakura Empire is coming, I must be ready.
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"South Dakota." Benham whispered to me. "How much longer?"
"We wait." I covered the destroyer's mouth.
"They are not coming." Benham sighed, recklessly getting up from the cover of the bushes. I stumbled to grab her.
Too late. Murderous firecrackers sprung up from beneath her feet, lighting ourselves through the opaque ocean sea. It was a trap. Purple and Yellow rain melted the cover behind us, alloys and metals scorching past my iron bow.
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Benham fell to the ground. I was surrounded.
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The Sakura Battleships revealed themselves; two sadistic horned demons pulling out their swords - doused and fused from Empery blood. They wickedly circled the unconscious body of Benham before being roused from the sight of my 16 inch battlements.
I backed up against the edge of the artificially formed toxic desert. I could not run. The Sakura beasts licked their lips as it approached the fresh blood.
Outnumbered, Outgunned, Outpostioned. Every possibility predicts my death.
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I reject the possible. I loaded my guns. Not one step back. The Sakura horrors creeped forwards.
I sped up to meet them, pulling my turrets in front. We fight to the death.
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My eagle eyesight caught a rustling in the bushes. Time slowed down as the familiar white haired battleship emerged at the broad side of rabid animals. The iron gown of liberty waved as a full battery detonated and vaporized the demon.
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"Suck it mother fudgers?" Portland raised her eyebrows as Washington 'pulled down her shades'.
"Yeah we have to make it destroyer friendly." I shrugged. "It doesn't take two and two to figure out what she actually said."
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"...But why would she put on sunglasses if it was in the middle of the night?" Portland pointed.
"Good point." I sighed. "Artistic license?"
"In a military document?" Portland flipped across the pages.
"Sometimes, you just gotta accept it." I patted her head. "Propaganda is Propaganda."
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"Then what about this?" Portland pointed to the directory. "Where is Savo Island? And what about the First day of Guadalcanal?"
"What is Savo Island?" I narrowed my eyes. "Is that like a resort? Do they have those at the front lines?"
"No, the battle of Savo Island." Portland explained. "Where a bunch of cruisers went missing."
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"Are you sure that happened?" I asked. "I mean, if it's not in the books, then it probably did not exist, or was just glazed over by Saratoga."
"So what happened to Astoria and the rest of the New Orleans class?" Portland tapped her finger on the desk.
"Aren't they just retrofitting?" I guessed.
"Atlanta?" Portland wondered.
"Still fighting I think." My mind began to whirl. If we were losing this many ships, how badly was the war actually looking like?
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Is the Sakura Empire really that strong?
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"I see." Portland scratched her chin.
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A light bulb lit up above Portland's head. "Wait, If the first day of Guadalcanal is not here, why am I a failure?"
"Cuz you're kinda a degenerate stalker?" I gently broke the news.
"I'm not a degenerate stalker!" Portland defended.
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"I'm not that much of a degenerate stalker…" Portland compromised.
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"Fine." Portland gave up.
"Yeah that's what I thought." I nodded my head.
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Portland's POV:
"I'm not that much of a degenerate, right?" I reasoned to myself. "Everybody loves their sisters, right?"
Yeah, that's right. If Essex's and Saratoga's relationship with Enterprise is fine, then this is okay.
If Cleveland can seduce women every night, then this would be fine, right?
Right! I'm right!
I puffed, content in my self proclaimed morality.
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Satisfied, I stretched my arms as I rolled around in my hospital bed.
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I just solved the question of late antiquity, why am I feeling so bored? I should be proud!
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You know what? I'll just go and get a snack for my accomplishments!
I took a look outside, and saw the all buildings closed. Yeah, only essential businesses are open at these times.
I mean, I get that it's curfew, but I'm not tired. I just wanna do something. If only Indy was here.
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I clutched my pillow tighter. I wish this could be Indy. She's way more softer and so snuggable. I reached for my Indy doll, just to experience the fraction of the bliss.
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My Indy doll was not on the counter.
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I stared at the blank wall, kickstarting my long term photogenic Indy library. Where was my Indy doll?
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Hmmm, the flower panties. Ahh, good days.
Focus Portland.
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"Port Moresby." I muttered, hopping out of the hospital bed and donning a coat. "I'll send a letter to Saratoga."
I grabbed a pen and scribbled a small note before sneaking out of the hospital. A sudden thought flashed through my head.
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Could Indy have sent a letter to me?
I stomped my feet into my shoes and ran to the post office.
INDY I'M COMING. (1)
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"What do you want?" California yawned as a doorbell rang. "It's so late ya know?"
"Do you have any mail from Indy?" I shouted, out of breath.
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"I'm sorry." California rubbed her eyes. "Name please?"
"Portland!" I reached over the post office desk. I am so sorry Indy! You could have sent me so many letters and I couldn't have responded to them. I am a bad sister, but I will right the wrong!
"Hull number?" California slapped her hand as she began to flipp open a reference book.
"CA-33!" I pointed to the wall of shelves behind her.
"33..." California groaned before walking in a door behind the counter.
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"Do you have it yet?" I yelled.
"Calm down!" She shouted back.
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I took a brief glance outside the window. A reflection of the moon glimmered in the water, its craters sparkling in the dark.
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I began to formulate a plan to imprint Indy's face on the moon.
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"Portland?" California called.
"Yup!" I sprung back to her.
"I've got three letters." California handed them to me, yawning. Three letters! Well Indy, if you loved me so much, I just can't possibly resist. It's finally requited! Oh I can't wait to have such provocative times with you again!
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I looked at the billing addresses. The first one was from Saratoga. Well I mean, I guess that's to be expected. We were business partners after all. Perhaps she finally decided to make an Indy song!
The second one was from Enterprise. Yeah, I guess she did have to send a report. Maybe she's notifying me that Indy was going to meet me at base?
The third one didn't have a return card. It's Indy's! I ran to get the most polished scissors before gently cutting the tape stamp off.
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Wait!
I have to save the best for last.
"Obviously." I nodded my head. "Don't get too overzealous, Portland."
I opened the letter.
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Portland, I really wish the best for you. Enterprise can be a bit mean at times, but she's just so…
I skipped to the end of the letter
Good Luck and Stay Strong!
-Best Saratoga.
(P.S.: Buy my merch)
(2)
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"Only if you sell Indy products." I grinned as I prepared to send one back.
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Wait, What did she mean by Enterprise being "mean"? That's kinda foreboding, isn't it?
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I cautiously opened the grey document from Enterprise.
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Due to your disloyal and unmeritorious service to the Eagle Union, Portland (CA-33) shall be stripped of her battle stars and sentenced to four months probation and an extension of her restraining order against Indianapolis (CA-35). She is charged with the following:
Violation of Command
Disregard of Safety
Desertion
Miscreant Behavior
These punishments were sent out following the Battle of Guadalcanal, where she was easily distracted, lazy, and half-baked in her efforts. Therefore, she shall be placed in the Pacific Reserve until further notice to reflect on her actions. Any further infringements shall result in a relievement in her duty.
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Cowardly acts are not welcomed in the Eagle Union. Contact your local officer corp agent for rehabilitation.
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Semper Fortis
-Enterprise, Commander in Chief of all Eagle Union forces
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What is this?
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I hurriedly opened the third letter. Indy, you must know something, right?
I took a short look at the handwriting. This wasn't from Indy. It was anonymous.
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Only one person would write this way.
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So uh. I messed up.
When Enterprise asked me what happened, she was super scary. I thought that I might be dismissed.
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I lied. I blamed it all on you. It was just too convenient. You were in that coma, and I thought it wouldn't hurt.
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I'm really sorry. I hope I can make it up to you.
Please forgive me
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It didn't take a genius to guess who this was written by. San Francisco even forgot to cross out her name in her 20 gem gift card she sent as "compensation."
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At least she tried to claim responsibility. I can't really blame her.
Well, what's done is done. I glazed over the punishments. Pacific Reserve. Eh. I suppose that's more time to prepare for Indy's homecoming. Four months probation. I guess that's already over. Loss of battlestars. I can just earn them back. Huh. That wasn't as bad as I thought. The only thing is an Extension of my res...
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Wait.
I can't see Indy?
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San Francisco is going to burn in hell after I strangle her pathetic little body.
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"Oi." A carrier tapped my shoulder. "We're in curfew. Where is your pass?"
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"I don't need a pass." I brushed her off, thinking of all the possible ways to murder San Francisco.
"Yes you do." The carrier grunted.
"I am a prophet of Indy." I continued strolling.
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"Excuse me?" The carrier dropped her gruff tone.
"I am a prophet of the one true god Indy." I began to preach. "Have you ever heard the story of Indy the Cute? I thought not. It's not a story Enterprise would teach you." (3)
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"I am Indy." The carrier coughed.
"You are a liar." I pointed at the sham. How dare she use Indy's holiness for her own personal gain! That is blatant corruption and morally deplorable! You're supposed to steal Indy's virginity, not her identity! (4) This audacious woman!
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"I'm not a liar." The carrier defended assertively. "Now, where is your pass?"
"Where is your dignity?" I countered. "How dare you fabricate the glorious image of our lord, one and only?"
"Where is your pass?" The carrier warned. "I am giving you one last chance to back down."
"Where is your honor?" I escalated. "I have no respect for those deplorable who counterfeits Indy's holy authority."
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"Where is your pass?" The carrier pulled up her fists.
I took a few steps back, preparing to fight.
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Skill Activation: Knight of the Sky
A flurry of planes swung at my face; I held up my hull to block.
Skill Activation: Defense Order
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The fighters harmlessly bounced off the metal armorment. In between the fighters and the dark night sky, a cobalt blue ribbon waved. She was closing the distance. Not an orthodox tactic for a carrier, that's for sure.
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I pressed my leg against a wall. I would have to jump at her in order to meet the blow.
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Now!
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I sprung rightwards, unbalanced. My mechanical right leg ran out of power.
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A blunt force blew me off the ground and into the wall behind me. The carrier rushed at me, driving a fist into my stomach. I coughed out blood onto her face. She furiously reared up and kicked me onto the ground.
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"What is going on here?" Essex hurriedly ran up to us as I began to drag myself back up.
"Portland here disobeyed command." The carrier pointed. "She is not obeying curfew."
"Is that true?" Essex asked.
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"She deserved it." I loaded my guns.
"Portland, you are on probation." Essex warned. "Retract your statements or be discharged."
"She is committing Identity thief!" I spat back. "Impersonating the holy Indy!"
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"I don't think you know." The carrier glared. "But my name is Independence."
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I bit my lip.
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"There is no case." Essex judged. "Port-"
"Erase." A small white haired girl muttered. Essex's eyes rolled back, and she slumped to the ground.
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"Erase." The girl pointed to Independence, who fell unconscious in a similar way.
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I got a good glimpse of the Siren.
"You're kinda lucky that I have an interest in you." Curiosity warned. "Though they might not remember the exact events, they still will remember the their feelings. You need to be extra careful from now on, okay."
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I nodded.
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Curiosity pointed at me. "Erase."
Footnotes:
(1): Portland could have probably been sentenced to indecent behavior for that statement alone.
(2): You've heard her! Buy the Merch!
(3): I might have been strolling Prequel Memes while writing...
(4): FBI open up!
Hooo! A lot of things changed since Portland came back, right?
Poor girl, she was blamed for literally everything gone wrong with Guadalcanal.
San Francisco is kinda a wimp, ngl.
And Independence! What role might she play?
And how about that Siren. What is she thinking?
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I am never gonna answer these questions because I'll probably change what I want to do with them in the mean time lol.
Anyways, See you next week!
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Fine. I'll answer the last one.
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"What do you want, Curiosity?" Omitter sighed.
"Listen, I just met the most interesting person!" Curiosity quivered.
"Your mission is not to make friends." Purifier groaned.
"Hear me out!" Curiosity raised a finger.
"If this is a waste of time, I'll replace you with Scavenger." Purifier warned.
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"It's ... not." Curiosity clicked her tongue. "You see, there's this cruiser I met the other day."
"Your job is solely concerned with Enterprise." Omitter reminded her. "Do not get distracted."
"No No No No." Curiosity cut to the chase. "This cruiser broke through my defensive barrier."
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"Are you sure you had it up?" Purifier stiffened up.
"Yeah!" Cursitory spun around in her chair. "Kinda weird, right?"
"Kill her." Purifier ordered.
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"Wait." Omitter interrupted. "State your thoughts, Curiosity."
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"I don't think we should kill her just yet." Curiosity popped opened a bag of chips. "I'm getting this weird tingle. I wanna investigate it first."
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"I think its better to kill her." Purifier shakenly motioned. "She might cause a lot of problems in the future."
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"Curiosity, you can investigate with her." Omiter bit her lip. "You choose what you have to do. Remember, your target is Enterprise."
"Gotcha." Curiosity grinned maliciously.