Michael, Ben and Wilhelm stood shocked on the bridge of the Norfolk.
Isaac looked to Amagi who had a hand over her mouth.
"This... was not a good time in my life. This was the result of anger held towards the Siren that had killed Z23. The reason I have decided to be so lenient with Zero now... is that despite them being the enemy of mankind, she has been nothing but help since she surrendered to Graf Zeppelin and then to me. This video will remain as a reminder to myself... to be a better person, and to not let my anger control me." Isaac explained.
"You... ordered that?" Ben asked.
"Yeah. This Siren, as Vengeance has told me, was an Oceana class cruiser. Oceana... ambushed us in this very city..." Isaac gestured to the city outside the port. "... Nimi, Friedrich, Eagle and I all went for a walk through the newly claimed streets. I was already angry with MacArthur for his transgressions against the Kansens under his command and needed to take a walk. During the battle, Friedrich shot at a building and nearly leveled it but it was at a time where I thought that there were civilians inside, so we went to investigate. That's where it happened." Isaac told his story before he noticed Michael tending to Amagi.
"Everything alright?" Isaac asked.
"Amagi has never been too good with torture. She despised the torture of POW's by the Imperial Army and Navy. And Nanking is something she thoroughly wishes to forget. Torture is something she strongly opposes." Michael explained.
"I see. I apologize, Amagi. I just felt it was necessary to show you all why I do what I do." Isaac reasoned.
"I understand, Shikikan. But if I may, I would like to get some fresh air." Amagi said.
"Of course. I apologize once again." Isaac said as Amagi walked out, leaving Michael, Ben and Wilhelm to continue listening to his story.
"Is there more to your story, Sir?" Ben asked.
"There is..." Isaac said, remembering back to the room in the blown out building.
"Isaac." Norfolk said as she walked over and pulled him to a chair and sat on his lap again, keeping his mind focused on the present.
"Top floor. There was a door that somehow remained shut despite the entire level being decimated by Friedrich's rigging. Nimi even mentioned it and how it seemed odd. I was too angry with MacArthur to listen. I needed something to focus my anger on. So I kicked in the door, finding a completely untouched room. No burn marks, no debris. We all thought it was odd, until Oceana appeared in the doorway, springing her trap." Isaac continued.
"What happened next?" Wilhelm asked.
"I ordered Friedrich to blow out the wall. She was barely able to activate her rigging within the small space, but she managed to blow a hole in the wall. I ordered the girls out first, but Nimi said she'd follow me to make sure I got out. Friedrich used her rigging to catch Eagle and I as we fell from the 7 story building. Nimi jumped... but she was caught by Oceana and dragged back into the building. We hadn't hit the ground before I was off and running again. I ran back inside. I took the stairs as quick as I could, but by the time I got back to the room, it was empty. I went i to investigate..." Isaac stopped.
"And then what?" Michael asked.
"... then..." Isaac tried before the door to the bridge opened.
"He saw Oceana with me in her grip. He had the gun aimed at her head, but he would have had to shoot through me to get to Oceana. The last thing I remember before my neck was broken... was telling the love of my life that I loved him, more than anything." Nimi said as she walked in and went straight to Isaac, who had fallen silent.
"But you're here. If you died that day, how are you here?" Ben asked.
"Vengeance did what she did and managed to recover my consciousness from the stone in my ring. I became a projection. And after that, Liebling harvested cubes from an Explorer to give me my body back. It sounds impossible, but Liebling has a habit of making the impossible... well... possible." Nimi said as she looked into Isaac's eyes.
Isaac sat motionless, his mind replaying Nimi's death again and again.
Nimi sighed as she placed her hands on Isaac's cheeks.
"Liebling. I'm here, and I will never leave you again. I promise." Nimi said softly as she kissed his lips with the sweet tenderness that Isaac had grown used to from her.
"Mind not making out with him while I'm in his lap?" Norfolk asked.
Nimi paid her no mind until Isaac began to react to Nimi's advance.
She pulled away before turning to the three men who were looking slightly uncomfortable with the situation.
"He showed you the video, and that lead to why he did it, didn't he?" Nimi asked.
"Yeah." The three men said in unison.
"Well, I'll finish it off as Norfolk takes Liebling to get some air." Nimi said, prompting Norfolk to guide Isaac outside.
"What more is there?" Michael asked.
"The fact that Isaac refused to leave me behind. He used his back to shield my body, even as Oceana opened fire on us in an attempt to further his pain and eradicate our leadership. He then jumped from the top floor of the building without aid from Friedrich. In which he dislocated his hip and broke his arm. Not to mention the fact that his armor had burned through the suit underneath and burned into his skin. He was so far gone, he didn't feel that pain as he walked, unaided back to this very port and collapsed to his knees right there." Nimi said, pointing to a spot in the center of the port.
"And he's walking?!" Ben asked.
"Arizona is a major help to our fleet. She is a healer just as much as a fighter. Any wound she treats, heals at an inhuman rate. It was thanks to her that Liebling was able to recover from his injuries. After he got back on his feet, he sent out a group of our fleet's finest to hunt down Oceana and bring her before him. When they did... you saw what he did." Nimi finished.
Wilhelm looked at Nimi.
"I understand his pain... if only just a little." Wilhelm spoke through his mask.
"I won't ask you to explain it. But just know that Liebling has opened our doors to you all and you have been accepted into the fleet. There are many of us who may be able to help." Nimi said as Vengeance walked in with Bremerton.
"If you wish to talk about it... I can be of use." Bremerton said as everyone turned to look at her.
Her face bore a scar over her right eye. Her right eye, now sporting a yellow cornea, was a stark contrast to her normal pink colored eye.
"Bremerton!" Nimi said happily as she ran over and hugged the Baltimore class cruiser.
"Hello, Nimi. Is the Commander in?" Bremerton asked.
"Norfolk has him walking the deck to get some fresh air. He was explaining why he is the way he is and it ended up coming around to my... incident." Nimi said.
"Is he okay? We may have gotten him past the anger, but I have yet to get together with him to help him deal with any lingering grief." Bremerton said.
"I managed to get him moving. But he may need one of us to watch him again tonight." Nimi said.
"I would suggest Shinano. He does have a daughter to care for." Bremerton said.
"I shall go and speak with her. Maybe she'll allow Friedrich as well. Friedrich treats Liebling almost like she would her own child. So maybe that can help him." Nimi said before Michael cleared his throat.
"Who... are you?" Michael asked as he glared at Vengeance.
"I am Vengeance. Battle-carrier, or Hybrid Carrier or whatever Isaac wishes to call it." Vengeance spoke.
"You look like the Siren." Michael spat.
"I am a Siren... or at least I used to be. Got a problem with that?" Vengeance asked.
"Maybe I do." Michael said as he stepped forward only to be held back by Ben.
"Bud... I know we've been fighting Sirens for a while. But... this one belongs to the Commander's fleet. She is part of HIS fleet. And seeing the strength his normal Kansen possess... I can only shudder to think what this one will do to you given the chance." Ben spoke in a moment of shining clarity.
"I'd listen to the muscle head. He seems to have a brain under all that muscle." Vengeance said as she turned to Nimi.
"Could you inform Isaac that I am going to perform the procedure on Zero. If he wishes to chaperone, he needs to be present." Vengeance said as she walked down the corridor towards the medical bay of the Norfolk.
"Liebling. Vengeance is going to begin performing the procedure on Zero. I can take you to observe if you wish." Nimi said as she walked over to where Isaac and Norfolk were looking out over the water.
"What about the others?" Isaac asked.
"I sent them on their way. Michael is tending to Amagi. Ben kept Michael from being ground to dust by Vengeance. And Jager may need to have a session with Bremerton. Also, Bremerton is back on her feet and is wishing to speak with you when you are ready." Nimi informed him.
"I see. Well, one thing at a time. Have Bremerton report to Jager. If he is to be my number one guy for the invasion of the Philippines, I want him to be on his game." Isaac said.
"Understood, Liebling. I'll have Norfolk handle it. How are you holding up?" Nimi asked as Isaac turned to her and hugged her.
"I won't let them hurt you... ever again." Isaac spoke softly as Nimi returned his hug.
"I know. It's okay, Liebling." Nimi said as Norfolk joined in on the hug.
"Isaac, we are all here for you. If you need to rest, let us know." Norfolk said.
"I know. Just... remembering back to that, it still hurts." Isaac explained.
"Let's just keep things going, that way you don't have time to dwell on it." Nimi said as she took his hand.
"Norfolk, could you get Bremerton to speak with Jager?" Isaac asked.
"You could always ask me yourself, Commander." Bremerton said as she appeared from behind one of Norfolk's turrets.
"Bremerton. How are you feeling?" Isaac asked.
"I'm still getting used to it. But the implant is working as intended. I can target better and my guns are more responsive to my will. I will not be idle in the coming battle." Bremerton assured him.
"That is good to hear. I'm glad to see that you're alright and that the incident hasn't broken your spirit." Isaac said.
"Heh... yeah. If I'm being frank, I need a me... for me. I find myself dreading the coming battle, something inside is telling me that this might be it for me." Bremerton said.
"You know I won't let that happen." Isaac said.
"I know. You'll put your own life on the line to protect us, when it should be us protecting you. That's one of the most lovingly infuriating traits about you, Commander." Bremerton said.
"When we wake up Iowa, and we get under way... how about you and I have dinner. We can talk." Isaac said.
"Are you going to attempt to get me to join your little harem?" Bremerton joked.
"I didn't persuade anyone. That choice is for you to make, Bremerton. Personally, I like our relationship as it is. We don't need to take it further unless you desire it." Isaac said.
"I have to agree. I like you as a friend, and as my commander. I don't think I will join your harem. But I will always be of service to you, Isaac Garner." Bremerton said.
"It is appreciated. That said. Our newest arrival, Jager... Nimi said he might have something he needs to get off his chest. Would you talk to him?" Isaac asked.
"I shall. Could I take Norfolk?" Bremerton asked.
"I don't see why not." Isaac said as he looked at Norfolk.
"Would you go with her?" Isaac asked.
"I will. Just to keep an eye on her and make sure she's okay." Norfolk said as she looked at Bremerton with a smile.
"Thank you." Isaac said as he leaned down and kissed Norfolk on the forehead.
"Stay safe, Isaac." Norfolk said as she and Bremerton made their way down into the port.
"Shall we go, Liebling?" Nimi asked.
"Yes." Isaac replied as they made their way down to the medical bay.
"How is it coming?" Isaac asked.
"She has just put Zero on the table. If you have anything to say before she goes under, now's the time." Vestal spoke.
"I'm sure she just wants to get this done. You may proceed." Isaac said as Vestal nodded.
Several hours later, Vengeance emerged to see Isaac and Nimi asleep in each other's arms on one of the cots.
"Ahem." Vengeance spoke, waking Isaac from his light slumber.
"Ah, Vengeance. Was the procedure a success?" Isaac asked.
"Yes, Isaac." Zero's voice came from his left.
"Zero. How do you feel?" Isaac asked has he turned to the projection of the Siren known as Observer Zero.
"This ship feels... familiar. It will take getting used to, but I feel no pain." Zero spoke.
"This ship was constructed with Siren material. Other than that, I'm glad to see you made it." Isaac said.
"I also see a pathway to another hub?" Zero asked.
"Probably my combat armor. Norfolk made it so that she could appear in my helmet and from my gauntlet. So that's probably what you're seeing." Isaac said.
"That makes sense." Zero spoke as Vengeance produced two black cubes.
"We need to introduce these to the Iowa quickly. These cubes tend to be very unstable once removed." Vengeance said.
"Then let's not waste any more time. Nimi, wake up. We're going to awaken the Iowa." Isaac said.
"I heard. Let's go, Liebling." Nimi said as she sat up and stretched.
"What are you doing, Admiral?" Perkins asked as Isaac, Vengeance and Nimi all ran aboard the Iowa.
"Stand back and watch." Isaac said as Vengeance knelt down on the deck and uncovered the two bloody black cubes.
"What the hell are those?!" Perkins freaked out.
"Lieutenant Perkins. Stand Down." Isaac spoke slowly as they watched the deck of the ship slowly absorb the black cubes before beginning to pulse with a dark black shadow.
"Admiral?" Perkins asked again as the ship itself began to emanate a dark shadow and vibrate under the coursing power.
"We are... awakening the Iowa." Isaac said.
"Awakening?!" Perkins exclaimed.
"Tennessee spoke to me regarding the Iowa communicating with her. Apparently the Iowa has undergone a partial conversion. These cubes, harvested from Observer Zero, have the power to complete the conversion." Isaac said as the shadow over the Iowa began to condense into the figure of a woman.
"So... the Iowa will become a Kansen?" Perkins asked.
"Yes." Isaac said as the woman's form became more and more clear. A sudden flash of light momentarily blinded everyone as the conversion came to its conclusion.
"Commander? Commander? Are you alright?" A woman's voice was heard.
"Yeah... I'm alright." Isaac said.
"While I am happy to hear that, sir. I was talking to my commander." The woman said.
Isaac rubbed his eyes and looked to see a woman standing over Perkins, who had fallen to the deck after tripping over his own feet.
The woman stood at about Isaac's height with shoulder length white hair. Her figure was comparable to Friedrich's with a tanned complexion. Her uniform looked similar to Baltimore's except the main portion was completely white and the jacket was black. BB-61 and the name Iowa was written in white letters on either sleeve of the jacket and white thigh high's adorned her legs, ending with black shoes that completed the look.
"Iowa?" Isaac asked.
The woman turned to him. To his and Vengeance's surprise, these was a scar, akin to Zero's, that was present over Iowa's right eye. Her eyes were a piercing blue that send a chill down Isaac's spine.
"That's my name." Iowa replied.
"Iowa?" Perkins asked as he opened his eyes.
"Commander!" Iowa spoke as she bend down to help Perkins to his feet.
"I... I'm not the commander." Perkins said.
"Oh... well who is?" Iowa asked.
"I am." Isaac said.
"Well... Then I am pleased to meet you, Admiral. I apologize for dismissing you. But I must look after my commander." Iowa said.
"Ah. I get it. Perkins is your commanding officer. Hence why you call him commander." Isaac reasoned.
"Yes, sir." Iowa said.
"I shall allow it. But please keep in mind that I am the Admiral of this fleet. Perkins here works under me." Isaac clarified.
"I see. May I assist my commander then?" Iowa asked.
"Of course. I'd be more upset if you didn't. Perkins is a good friend." Isaac said as he walked over and helped Iowa pull Perkins to his feet.
"Admiral?" Perkins asked as he looked Iowa up and down.
"Yup." Isaac said before Perkins could say anything.
"So this is..." Perkins asked as he was embraced by Iowa.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Commander." Iowa said as Perkins looked at Isaac.
"Perkins... This is your ship's Kansen. Meet Iowa." Isaac said as Iowa stepped back and activated her rigging.
Three massive turrets matching the main batteries on her vessel appeared on giant metal arms that protruded from the small of her back. Her slender hips were graced by a mock up of her superstructure, littered with smaller versions of her secondary batteries. Behind the metal arms, an incomplete ring appeared. Isaac looked closer and realized that the ring itself looked as if it had stopped being built mid construction, with shaped steel rods being left unconnected and plating missing from the more complete portions of the ring.
"Holy hell." Nimi spoke softly as Iowa's eyes began to glow, the piercing blue growing stronger as arcs of red, yellow, and blue electricity flowed freely inside the ring on her back, seeming not to care about the incomplete structure in which they inhabited.
"Iowa is ready for action, Admiral." Iowa spoke as the rest of her rigging began to glow in the areas between the parts that made it up.
"Holy..." Isaac started
"... SHIT!" Perkins finished excitedly as he finally saw his ship as a Kansen.
Isaac looked around and saw the crew of the Iowa that had gathered around to see the spectacle. Within moments, a roar of applause rose from the crowd to welcome Iowa to the land of the living.
"Well... get to know the crew, and the fleet. Once Tirpitz and her crew arrive... we move for the Philippines." Isaac said, earning a salute from Iowa as she deactivated her rigging and was immediately swarmed by her crew, who were all dying to get a look at their new poster girl.