A/N: Welcome back~ Got an interesting chapter for you, and I won't lie I'm very eager to show the next few chapters, heheh~ Look forward to the next three in particular~
Enjoy~
Stardust
Chapter 11: Line In The Sand
Several days passed, and bit by bit Enterprise dared to relax a bit.
Truthfully it was a traitorous thought, one that left her hoping that the simulation she was currently trapped in actually wasn't; that it was reality once more. However she had been fooled far too many times to fall for it again; she knew how the Sirens played their tricks by now. They would bide their time, to wait until her guard finally dropped before moving in with the viciousness of a viper, striking her when she was weak.
So she kept an eye about and an ear to the ground, even when nobody was in sight. Her shoulders were relaxed but her guard up, always prepared to summon her bow and fire upon anyone foolish enough to try and attack her. However she was careful to not be too hair-triggered as well, lest she accidentally shoot an ally who was just trying to play a friendly prank on her. Saratoga had a habit of that, and only recently curbed that tendency.
When she didn't... well, those memories still haunted Enterprise.
'It had been so easy.' A tiny voice in her head told her.
The carrier grimaced, grasping the rim of her hat in a firm grip and tipping it down, casting her face in shadow. The plaza around her was empty at this time of morning, only a few stragglers beginning their morning duties – a couple more active girls going on a morning run, some cheering others on whilst some did it in total silence. She passed by them without more than a nod, her thoughts simultaneously occupied yet empty; her mind trying to think of things only for her to unconsciously try and clear her mind, falling into a dangerous lull.
Giving her head a slight but vigorous shake Enterprise continued her journey across the base, quieter than the birds that chirped in the trees. It had been hard work to convince Vestal to let her out alone, her recent escape attempt clearly still fresh in the medic's mind, but after some promises about staying within the perimeter of the base Vestal relented, letting her go. So long as she returned within the hour for when Yorktown came to see her.
Enterprise dispelled the thought as she finally reached her destination; the sparring gym.
Originally an old but sturdily-built warehouse, it had since been converted into a place for the more melee-oriented Ship-Girls to train without risking damaging the surroundings due to their superhuman strength. Whilst many Ship-Girls quite naturally remained at long-range, the likes of Yorktown being a good example, others such as Washington preferred to get in close – using their extraordinary physical prowess in addition to their guns. In the right hands, it proved a devastating combo against even powerful Sirens.
It was also an area she knew she needed more experience in, for the inevitable future conflicts that would arise. Thus without hesitation the silver-haired carrier slipped in through the large parted doors, already hearing the muted thuds of fists impacting reinforced dummies. Constructed as they were they were designed to take a beating, but even then they needed to be replaced every couple of days, sometimes even on a daily basis depending on who was venting their irritation.
And within the building, located away in one corner, was none other than Washington.
''Hm?'' The aforementioned Battleship noticed her entry easily, a look of surprise colouring her previously-focused visage. ''Enterprise? Not like you to drop by.''
Enterprise merely shrugged. ''Thought I could use some practice.''
''And Vestal cleared you to do that?''
Another shrug – one that earned a grin from Washington. ''Feh, I ain't taking the fall if you pull something then, 'kay?''
Enterprise hummed, quietly taking her hat off and laying it on the nearest shelving unit.
Sparing one last look at her own punching bag Washington gave it a solid, albeit idle back-hand – sending it swinging a full three-sixty degrees around on the bar it was attached to, nearly hitting Washington on the way back down. However despite the blow the orange construct remained solid, its hard exterior sporting little more than a few cracks.
''So, what'cha thinking 'bout rules?'' Washington remarked lightly, gesturing towards an 'arena' in the centre of the room.
It was vaguely reminiscent of a wrestling ring, with strong elastic cables around the edges of the arena to minimise the risk of anyone getting knocked back into the wall... though unlike an actual wrestling ring it was far less fancy-looking. Aside from the poles and cables, there was only a simple chalk circle drawn onto the centre of the floor. Alongside a cheeky scribble from Saratoga, naturally.
''One who hits the ropes loses.'' Enterprise remarked without much thought. She knew Washington could take a few good hits; she didn't have to worry too much.
Washington flashed her a grin and agreed, sauntering into the centre of the ring and taking a familiar stance, one not entirely dissimilar from a boxing stance – albeit one modified to suit Washington's fighting style. In contrast Enterprise lacked much of a stance at all, her shoulders relaxed and arms by her sides; yet the look in her eyes made it clear she was no less prepared than Washington herself.
A brief silence lapsed over them, the distant tweeting of birds barely audible through the open door. Washington waited, analysing her with keen eyes – and when it was clear she wasn't going to make a move first, Washington did for her.
''Hah!''
With a lunge the Battleship closed the distance, her fist cocked and thrown in a powerful punch. Enterprise reacted in a heartbeat, batting aside the incoming fist and side-stepping the attack, eyes tracking Washington intently. Undeterred Washington retaliated with a sudden elbow, aiming for Enterprise's nose – only for the carrier to tilt her head back to avoid the attack. She back-pedalled a step and Washington capitalised on that, twisting her body to face Enterprise and lashing out with a palm strike aimed for the carrier's stomach.
Enterprise once again batted the attack aside – and then went on the offensive. With startling speed she lunge in and struck Washington in the stomach with an open-palmed strike, the force behind it coaxing out a startled grunt from the Battleship. A second strike aimed for Washington's chin was stopped as the Battleship grabbed Enterprise's wrist, yanking the arm aside and throwing a fist in turn.
''Mn-!'' Washington's fist met the palm of Enterprise's other hand – the carrier stopping the attack dead.
For a good second they were locked in a brief contest of strength. Then in a heartbeat Enterprise took a step back and then swung an arm out in a swift back-hand, forcing Washington to duck under it – her retaliatory uppercut narrowly missing Enterprise's chin. The carrier in question was quick to capitalise on her weakness, grabbing her offending wrist and pulling her body close, free hand cocked into a fist aimed for her face.
Only to abort her attack at the last second, feinting. Instead Enterprise jabbed her elbow down into Washington's collarbone and flattened her arm out across it, making great use of her superhuman strength and shoving the Battleship back.
''Mn-!'' The Battleship hit the ropes before she could hope to skid to a stop. ''Damn... not bad.''
Enterprise's muscles loosened up. ''Thanks.''
''Round two?''
''Mm.''
Once more the two women got into position, waiting. This time Washington didn't make the first move, guard up as she waited – soon forcing Enterprise into action.
Like a lightning bolt the carrier was off, lunging with a flutter of black cloth. Her hand, shaped like a knife, cut through the air sideways towards Washington's throat – only to hit air as Washington side-stepped the attack. With a grin the Battleship threw a fist, striking Enterprise in the shoulder and jerking the carrier's body back a step, giving her the room to aim a second strike for her stomach.
Enterprise took the strong hit with a grunt, and nothing else. Eyes hard she batted aside the next punch that came her way, along with the next three quick jabs – retaliating only when Washington went for a wide haymaker, ducking under the attack and elbowing the Battleship in the stomach. The sudden lack of air in her lungs left Washington coughing, leaving her stunned and vulnerable to a palm strike to the chin and a strike to her side, sending her stumbling towards the ropes but not hitting them.
''Not bad at all...!'' Washington began to grin, twisting out of the way of another strike to her stomach. ''You're faster than I remember!''
''Practice.'' Enterprise replied in a stilted tone, eyes not losing their hardness – focusing on her movements intently.
''Yeah?'' Washington spiced things up with a sudden kick, twisting her heel mid-way.
Enterprise caught the foot with little effort. ''Purifier fought me.''
Washington fell as her leg was yanked out from under her, forcing her to land on her hands and twist, yanking herself free. ''Oh yeah?''
Enterprise dashed in just as Washington regained her footing, jabbing thrice for her face and missing each time, the Battleship avoiding each hit with a swift tilt of her head. ''Mm. She prefers melee over range.''
''I can... tell...!'' Strain was evident in Washington's voice as she struggled to talk and fight at the same time, yet the grin on her face didn't abate even slightly. ''You been fightin' her then?!''
''Mm.'' Enterprise emphasised her words with a sudden twist of her hips – and then swept Washington's legs out from under her with a rare kick.
The Battleship caught herself, but wasn't fast enough to avoid the hand that grabbed her shirt – shoving her back towards the ropes. Her back hit them in a heartbeat.
''Puh.'' Washington puffed out a breath, panting. ''Must be one hell of a fight.''
Enterprise shrugged. ''I can hold my own against her.''
''That so?'' Washington cracked her head side-to-side. ''Bet you're a fuckin' whirlwind on the battlefield then, if you can hold against that psycho.''
Enterprise hummed musingly, looking down at her hands. ''...I'm better at fighting with my hands and arms, but I can't manage kicks very well, since I'm so used to keeping my legs steady for firing my bow. Can't see myself doing those big kicks she does.''
''Can't blame ya.'' Washington chuckled, leaning back against the ropes. ''Probably 'cause she don't gotta worry about pulling a tendon, heh.''
A flicker almost like humour flashed through Enterprise's eyes. ''Mm.''
The conversation trailed off, silence lapsing over them as both just caught their breath – both slightly winded from their sudden but intense bout. While Enterprise had hardly been a bad hand-to-hand fighter prior to her disappearance, it was far from a speciality; she relied heavily on her bow and arrows for self-defence whilst using her planes mainly for offence. The Sirens knew that well, and had exploited that weakness savagely until she learned to mix up her fighting style; making it as unpredictable as possible.
Everything from her stance to her attack patterns, she did her best to make it as random as possible, so much so that even a machine would be hard-pressed to anticipate what she was going to do.
The carrier was drawn out of her thoughts however when Washington made a very poignant observation.
''You were holding back, weren't you?''
The humour in the Battleship's eyes was gone now, a layer of seriousness taking its place. ''I could feel it. The way you hesitated for a split-second before you shoved me back. You were gonna go for my neck before you realised that was a dumb idea, weren't you?''
Enterprise blinked in slight surprise, taken off-guard. ''I... yes...''
Washington was far from unintelligent. In fact, Enterprise would count her as one of the smarter people on the base, doubly so on the battlefield. And yet...
In none of the prior simulations did she make such an acute observation. Never before did she 'realise' she was holding back. Enterprise had always been the one to inform her that she was holding back. She always had to explain why, then usually demonstrate by hitting something, to show the gap in their physical strength.
Yet that wasn't happening this time.
'Why?' The carrier couldn't fathom why. What would the Sirens have to gain from surprising her like this?
Washington's voice snapped her out of her troubled thoughts, however. ''You got stronger too, I take it.''
It wasn't a question. ''...yes.''
''How.'' Washington pushed herself off of the ropes, her tone not hostile, but certainly firm.
Enterprise hesitated slightly. The knowledge wasn't really a secret, she'd told it to other clones in the past... but Washington's sudden insightfulness that caught her off-guard, and as a result, nervous. Her mind was alive with possibilities, trying to fathom what direction the Sirens were trying to push her in, but after a long few seconds she reluctantly shelved those encroaching thoughts to the back of her mind, if only for a few moments.
''...I found out that I can channel the weight of my hull into me for brief moments, one day.'' Enterprise relayed quietly, gazing past Washington out into the bright afternoon, the sea barely visible beyond.
She still remembered that day. The storm, the mad cackling of Purifier, the wild gold eyes that promised the fight of her life. It wasn't an easy fight – she had already taken a beating from lesser Sirens and her bow was broken, leaving her with her newfound skill to summon her hull briefly, allowing her to still launch her planes and give herself some miniscule protection, but her skill with it was still fresh. Her hull took many direct hits that day.
''...by doing so, I can increase my strength several times over.'' Enterprise recited softly, having said the same words so many times before – the familiarity bringing her a strange sort of comfort. ''It helps me level the playing field a bit.''
Punctuating her words Enterprise meandered over to the pole next to Washington, and grabbed the balled tip.
The concrete crumbled to dust and tiny chunks beneath her fingers.
''...so I'm guessing if you did that to me...'' Washington gestured to the rubble.
Enterprise quietly nodded. ''You'd be in the hospital instead of having a bruise, at best.''
''Hm.'' Washington smirked. ''Glad you got some restraint then. Back then you couldn't hit straight, let alone 'hold back', keheh.''
''...Mm.'' The carrier agreed with a smile. ''Thanks for the spar, Washington.''
''Heh, right back at ya. Just gonna lean here for a moment, if ya don't mind.''
Enterprise just chuckled, climbing out of the ring.
And just as she grabbed her cap, a familiar maid rushed in through the doorway.
''Edinburgh?'' Enterprise blinked at the sight of her.
It was the maid's words, however, that made her visage harden.
''W-We've got a problem! A-Admiral Henderson is back, a-and he's with one of the Sakura admirals too!'' The flighty maid cried out.
''Hah?!'' Washington shoved herself off of the ropes. ''The hell? They supposed ta fuckin' notify us of this kinda crap!''
Enterprise's eyes narrowed however. ''I have a feeling why.''
''And why's that?''
Enterprise said nothing however, ghosting past the worried Edinburgh-
-when Washington stopped her, grabbing her by the arm.
''Don't do anything stupid, Enterprise. I mean it.''
The carrier was quiet, but dipped her head in a slow nod. ''I'll head to my ship. Keep an eye on things from a distance for me.''
And then together the two Eagle women ventured out into the sunlight to face their newest problem, leaving Edinburgh to hastily follow.
X-x-X
Admiral Henderson was in a right foul mood.
No thanks to the situation he now found himself in. Firstly, Enterprise was basically confirmed to be housing Siren technology within her hull, and had presumably been hiding that fact not only from her own comrades, but also from HQ. Putting aside the moralities of it, the fact of the matter was that it was a massive security breach, one enough to give some of the paper-pushers in HQ a heart attack. Who knows if the Sirens could use it to manipulate Enterprise, or if it could be used to cause untold havoc upon their fleet when they were at port, unprepared?
Secondly, and compounding the first problem, it was apparently a device that could in some way create Mirror Seas. Again, a massive security risk, but also a technological discovery big enough to leave scientists nearly drooling with anticipation. Such a device in the right hands would quite literally be war-changing, if not world-changing. Direct access to time-space manipulating technology that was light years ahead of their current technology, perhaps ahead of even the creation of Ship-Girls? And Enterprise had refused Akagi's suggestion of handing it over to said scientists, and made it clear she wouldn't do so even if things came to a fight.
And thirdly, was the man walking in lockstep with Henderson. Admiral Yoshinoya. The man was sharp-dressed as ever, his white uniform pristine and with all his medals proudly on display. He stood slightly shorter than Henderson himself but the man's aura was still intimidating and sharp, reminiscent of a teacher one interruption away from snapping at a student. From the moment he had arrived he had done nothing but make demands and curt conversation, his mind quite clearly focused on the task at hand.
Henderson normally could appreciate the man's dedication. Perhaps though only in any situation other than this one.
Trailing behind them was their entourage. Colorado hung at the back, expressionless as ever and soaking in the sights with an analytical eye. Maryland and West Virginia walked slightly ahead, hanging behind the two admirals a bit; enough that they weren't all marching in one big line, but close enough to act should any Siren suddenly pop out and launch a surprise attack. Following much more closely behind the two admirals however was Zuikaku and Shoukaku, the twin cranes moving with grace and elegance... or at least, Shoukaku was.
Zuikaku was indiscreetly eyeing the base with curious wonder a bit too openly, as Shoukaku mirthfully pointed out to her sister-ship.
Henderson shook off the thought however as they neared the docks, and his eyes narrowed as a familiar face was found marching up towards their entourage.
''I wasn't aware that you'd be visiting, Admiral Henderson, sir.''
Vestal. Despite her short stature the medic was every bit as intimidating as a mother hen, arms crossing and feet defiantly planted, stalwart as if an opposing wall. ''I understand the need for haste in your prior visit, but please remember to inform myself or one of other administrative members here at the base; we were going to hold live firing exercises just a few hours from now.''
Henderson folded his arms behind his back. ''I'll keep that in mind for future, Miss Vestal. However we'll likely be departing before the exercises begin, so there's no issue there.''
Vestal saw through the formality easily, but wisely held her tongue when in front of Yoshinoya. No need to make it seem like the Eagle Union had insubordination rife amongst their ranks... even if a recent carrier had made the prospect debatable.
''Then if there's no other issues-'' Henderson tried to move on.
Until Vestal cut in. ''With all due respect sir, Enterprise's hull is under reconstruction, and any internal investigations will have to be put on hold until it's safe to enter.''
Henderson made to reply – only for Yoshinoya to make a piercing comment.
''What leads you to believe that our investigation is related to her internals?'' The Sakura man remarked sharply, eyes narrowed. ''Unless you are aware that there is something noteworthy within it that you don't desire to reveal.''
Vestal flinched.
Yoshinoya cast Henderson a curt look. Henderson knew well what it meant. She was in on it too.
''We're proceeding then.'' Henderson remarked sternly, stepping past Vestal.
Wisely the medic didn't step into his path, but she most certainly marched alongside him. ''Sir as the medical officer of this base you do not have the authority to interrogate or harass my patients, and that right extends to their ship form, especially during repair work when we are at our most vulnerable and require personal space to repair ourselves-!''
''I wasn't bluffing, Miss Vestal.'' Henderson curtly added, glancing down at the short woman.
''Bluffing?'' The medic was caught off-guard.
''Maryland.'' Henderson gruffly called out.
The red-haired Battleship jogged up, balancing a briefcase on one arm and popping it open with her free hand, revealing various documents within. Keeping it close to her body so no documents spilled out the red-haired woman pulled out one document in particular, giving Vestal a grim look as she handed it over. Vestal took it with some trepidation, reading it as she walked.
''...under authorisation of the joint admiralty... henceforth no medical official... under sections 5 and 7...'' Vestal murmured as she read, her skin paling. ''...will have overruling authority regarding patients and patient care?''
''Mm.'' Henderson took no satisfaction in the medic's open-mouthed shock. ''As of today, you no longer have the authority to stop me or any other admiral from doing our duties.''
''I, y-you-!'' Vestal stammered and stuttering, a bit of anger filling her eyes but watered down with frustration. ''Y-You can't just-!''
''We can, and we will.'' Yoshinoya cut through, eyes forwards as he marched.
The stairs to the docks arrived, and the two admirals marched right down them regardless of Vestal desperate protests. Unlike last time they met the medic didn't dare summon her rigging, whether as a measure of force or merely to intimidate, given the heavily-armed entourage behind the two admirals. Any threat of force with her meagre anti-air armament would be vastly outgunned by the three Battleships and two carriers, not even accounting for the difference in physical strength between them.
Thus the medic could do nothing but helplessly follow them, unable to physically nor lawfully stop them. The bridge to the interior of Enterprise's hull was already lowered, allowing the two admirals to cautiously climb it, clearly aware of the dangerous instability yet not stopping their investigations. The three Colorado-class sisters and two crane sisters followed with similar hesitance, dubiously glancing at the hull before them.
Vestal had done her best to patch it up – but she was focused on fixing it first, not polishing the exterior and layering some new paint. It still looked as beaten up as when Enterprise had first summoned it, only now things were marginally more fixed on the deck and interiors.
Thus the two admirals had little difficulty manoeuvring through the interior hallways, many of the previous shell holes gone or patched over. Several paths were cordoned off with Manjuu still operating on it, wielding wrenches and carrying screws as they methodically went about fixing bulkheads and interior wiring, yet still the two admirals went about looking in rooms and inspecting the damage with admittedly skilled eyes.
Vestal was quiet the whole time, only answering when spoken to and giving vague answers about directions under the guise of being unfamiliar due to the complexity of the hallways. The two admirals bought it...
...but only for a time.
''Where is the location of the Siren device, Vestal-san?''
Vestal kept her lips pursed. ''I'm unaware, Admiral Yoshinoya, sir. I only know of it because I heard it mentioned in passing.''
The Sakura admiral glared at her from the corner of his eye, glasses gleaming in the dim lighting. ''And who might you have heard it from, then?''
Vestal knew she couldn't brush the question off. Not without digging a deeper hole for herself. ''...Hornet.''
''And where is Hornet now?''
''Recovering from a combat exercise. She should be unconscious due to the medications in her system.'' Vestal half-lied – Hornet was recovering from her spar with Illustrious and Formidable... but she wasn't on any medications beyond some basic pain relief and anti-inflammatories.
Yoshinoya's lips thinned – when Colorado spoke up.
''...we could check the main rooms.'' The Battleship intoned slowly. ''Engine room, command centre... it'd likely be there.''
Yoshinoya paused at that, then nodded his assent. ''Do you know the way?''
In response Colorado just dipped her head, ghosting past the entourage and making her way down one hallway in particular. The others all followed, Vestal herself included – the medic sporting a tight grimace, hiding it from the two admirals walking in lockstep behind her. She had hoped that she could stall a little longer by playing dumb. Clearly either Colorado wasn't in the mood for games, or was just as curious as the two admirals to find this mythical device.
And unfortunately, the command room was where they went first. The bulkhead doors into the citadel's interior were shut but slightly ajar, allowing a glimpse of red light to seep out – only confirming the suspicions of everyone present. Thus with a strong stride Colorado marched right up to the door and grasped the handle, sparing only a brief look back at the entourage behind her before twisting the handle, and opening it with a hard shove.
''...so this is the device then, huh...''
Colorado's quiet murmur was intimately audible in the quiet hallway, the Battleship slowly stepping inside the command centre. With a tight grimace Vestal followed, a soft burn of curiosity gnawing at her too – she'd seen it before, having found it when repairing the interior after Hornet mentioned it – but still, that didn't mean she understood how it worked. All she knew was that it was effectively welded onto the floor, and any attempt at removing it would involve sawing it out.
''Good god...'' Henderson murmured as he laid eyes on the device.
Yoshinoya's eyes however were drawn to the glowing crimson cube. ''Do we understand the functionality of it?''
Silence.
''I was speaking to you, Vestal-san.'' The words were sharper than prior ones.
Grimacing Vestal spoke the truth. ''No. I only know of its existence, not of its purpose, beyond being related to Mirror Seas.''
Colorado approached the device, eyes locked onto the glowing ruby cube in quiet intrigue. Slowly she raised a hand, the glow apparent across her pale flesh as she reached out to touch it-
''I wouldn't do that, if I were you.''
-when the familiar voice of Enterprise cut through the air.
The carrier's words alerted everyone to her position; all eyes gazing past several half-wrecked consoles and to where a large piece of slanted metal was leaning against the wall, having fallen from the ceiling. And standing perfectly still within the shadow was Enterprise, positioned in such a way that she blended in with the background. Had she not spoken, nobody would've even noticed her.
Colorado wisely lowered her hand, turning to face the carrier. ''...Enterprise. Good to see you.''
''You too.'' Enterprise dipped her head slightly in acknowledgement, pushing off of the wall; her silent gait carrying her over to the alien device.
''Enterprise.'' The curt voice of Henderson culled any possible amicability. ''Explain yourself. That's an order.''
Enterprise tilted her gaze their way. Quiet she ran her eyes over Maryland and West Virginia, the two poking about but not doing anything too harmful, whilst Zuikaku and Shoukaku stood by Yoshinoya stiffly. Perhaps it was the Siren device that set them on edge... or, perhaps, it was Enterprise herself that left them uneasy. Almost as if they felt threatened by her mere presence.
Perhaps, even, they saw something that brought back bad memories.
''...what is there to explain?'' Enterprise slowly intoned, shifting to face the two admirals. ''You already know what it is.''
Admiral Yoshinoya stepped forth, eyeing her critically. ''How did you get ahold of this device?''
''I stole it.'' Enterprise replied in a monotone.
''From where?''
''The Siren's base.''
''And where is this base located?''
''Unknown. I left it via a Mirror Seas.''
Yoshinoya's lips thinned, but Henderson cut in before the Sakura man could interrogate her further. ''This... Siren device, creates Mirror Seas, correct?''
A nod.
''Do you have full control over it? To prevent the Sirens from activating it or using it against you or your allies?'' Henderson inquired sharply.
Enterprise merely blinked. ''I've only used it once, and that was to escape. Not used it since then.''
''And you can't test it?''
''Not without risking luring the Sirens here.''
Henderson shook his head in disbelief. ''Then we'll move it further in-shore, away from any Siren aircraft or sea-based weaponry.''
At that, Enterprise's eyes narrowed.
''It's not leaving my hull.'' The carrier intoned severely.
The comment drew the eyes of Maryland and West Virginia. The two stared for a second, then looked at Colorado. The stoic woman said nothing, but the two sisters accepted the silent signal – subtly shifting through the room, giving Enterprise a wide berth – sticking to her peripherals. The carrier noticed but said nothing.
''This device-'' Yoshinoya sternly piped up. ''-could lead to technological discoveries that could change the fate of mankind. And you would refuse to have it moved, for what reason?''
''...my reason is my own.'' Enterprise's remark was bordering on frigid.
Forgotten amidst the rising tensions Vestal watched, unease crawling up her spine as the air grew thick. She stared at the carrier, unable to not notice the grave lines in her visage, the steely, cold determination that coloured her pale visage. The stiffness to her shoulders but slow rotations to her wrists. The slow, slight tilt of her neck, popping it.
The others remained oblivious to it – Henderson himself soon speaking up, enraged. ''That's your excuse?!''
''I would have thought the Eagle Union would have better integrity when it comes to coordinating with their allies.'' Yoshinoya commented frigidly, the bite aimed at all but the two carriers behind him. ''Perhaps it would be wise to revisit the Empire's view on varying treaties.''
''I think that's a bit extreme.'' Henderson muttered back to the other man.
''Hardly.'' Yoshinoya turned to face his fellow admiral. ''Should your most powerful subordinates continue to be so disloyal to your own nation, I fail to see what the Empire has to gain by working alongside, rather than in parallel, to yours.''
Henderson shot a glare at the other man, but spoke up stiffly regardless. ''Make no mistake, Yoshinoya, Enterprise here is an anomaly. Clearly she isn't capable of making sound judgment regarding the device here. She will be punished accordingly.''
The tense stare-off between the two admirals only amplified the mounting tensions-
-until Colorado stepped in front of Enterprise.
In a flash the Battleship manifested her rigging around her, the large size of it feeling distinctly huge within the tight confines of the command centre. Then on both Enterprise's left and right West Virginia and Maryland stepped forth, their own riggings manifesting – surrounding Enterprise all on sides with cannons bared. And unlike many others, Colorado had the height to actually match Enterprise's; leaving the two women eye-to-eye.
''...stand down, Enterprise.'' Colorado murmured from beneath her collar, her crimson eyes bright in the darkness.
Enterprise was unmoved, eyes narrowing. ''...I don't want to fight you, Colorado.''
''Nor do I.'' The Big Seven member replied quietly. ''But it's Henderson's orders... so stand down.''
…
''No.''
In an instant three golden arrows manifested out of thin air behind Colorado, West Virginia and Maryland – pointed at the back of their necks.
Colorado reacted immediately. Her eyes blazed and her turrets extended out with a jerk, hitting the arrows behind Maryland and West Virginia just before they struck – causing the arrows to hit the turrets and take a chunk out, but ultimately shatter into motes of light. The one aimed for her own neck missed by a hair's breadth, passing just by her neck and going over her shoulder, flying past Enterprise harmlessly.
Maryland reacted swiftly, lunging in to grab Enterprise – only for the carrier to react with startling speed, batting aside the grasping hand and thrusting a fist out, striking Maryland in the gut. The sudden blow left the Battleship wheezing in surprise, and with a swift jerk of her shoulder Enterprise grabbed the wrist that went for her other side, stopping West Virginia dead. Though that didn't stop the Battleship from socking her across the cheek with her other hand.
''Mn-!'' Enterprise grunted harshly and stumbled back a step – leaving her vulnerable to Colorado.
The eldest Battleship grabbed her by both shoulders and hauled her to the ground, fully intent on pinning her down – but was unprepared for another golden arrow to manifest above her head, forcing her to let go and roll to the side. The arrow impaled itself into the floor of the command centre harmlessly, the failed attack giving Enterprise the time to roll and climb back to her feet, eyes cold.
There was no pause, no room to talk. West Virginia lunged in and once more made a grab for her, not daring to fire inside. Enterprise took advantage of that fact, focusing on the gothic girl and dashing in, spotting surprise in her eyes. The last time they met, she wasn't good at hand-to-hand. West Virginia clearly assumed that would still be the case.
Something that Enterprise swiftly corrected, side-stepping the grasping hand that went for her shirt and going for West Virginia's neck – only to feint, elbowing her in the stomach. Her palm came up a heartbeat later and struck her chin, jerking her head back; leaving her open to Enterprise to back-hand her across the face, knocking her back into one of the half-destroyed machines and sending her tumbling over it, cursing.
However it was only a temporary victory. Colorado slipped past her guard, silent as a ghost and grabbing her by her arm, pulling her in. Enterprise didn't resist, knowing that she wasn't able to strengthen herself with her hull whilst it was still summoned – and instead she let Colorado yank her without stopping. The Battleship clearly didn't expect such little resistance and only narrowly raised her arm, blocking the fist that went for her nose and grabbing the offending wrist a second later.
''Mn!'' Enterprise grunted, yanking her fist free.
A hand came for her and she slapped it aside, only to be surprised when Colorado jerked her shoulder – swinging her rigging like an oversized wrecking ball. With no time to summon her own rigging Enterprise could only raise her arm, grimacing as the heavy metal crashed into her limb and sent her skidding back across the smooth metal floor, stumbling only slightly. It was enough for Colorado however, the silent woman dashing in close with Maryland behind her.
Enterprise retaliated in a heartbeat. Three golden arrows manifested around her and fired with naught but a mental command, thrumming through the air. Colorado side-stepped one but the other got her through her shoulder, eliciting a pained grunt from the Battleship as she slowed down – doubly so when Maryland got hit in the side by the third arrow, drawing blood but not hitting anything fatal.
It however did its job of slowing both down.
Enterprise acted upon their weakness with cold, calculating efficiency – closing the distance. Colorado was too slow to retaliate, raising her arms to guard-
-only for shock to flash in her eyes as Enterprise grabbed her by the shoulder, and used it as leverage to leap over her, rather than attack her.
Maryland was too slow to block the kick that went for her face, a harsh rasp escaping her lips as she was sent onto the ground, clutching at her nose. A golden arrow aimed for her stomach shot forth but the Battleship proved her skill, managing to raise her rigging in time to deflect it – the arrow tearing out a groove in the metal, but the angle preventing it from penetrating clean through. Maryland used that to her advantage, throwing herself up to her feet and sliding her hands into her two-parted rigging.
''Didn't wanna have to do this, so sorry for this.'' The Battleship growled, raising her ironclad hands – using her rigging not unlike large, pointy boxing gloves.
With a yell of exertion Maryland went on the attack, stepping forth and jabbing her fists out in a quick flurry of blows, forcing Enterprise to rapidly side-step each deadly attack. With narrowed eyes the carrier twisted more to the left, raising her hand in time to catch Colorado's fist, stopping the attack dead before it could strike. Maryland saw an opportunity and lunged, aiming for Enterprise's side.
A mistake.
Maryland saw the arrow phase into existence, drawn by an invisible bow string, but she had overextended – briefly forgetting about the carrier's strange ability in the heat of the moment. Thus there was nothing the Battleship could do but grit her teeth, brace – and then cry out as the arrow pierced through her left wrist and blew out straight through the other end of her rigging, severing her tendon in the process.
Colorado reacted immediately, overprotective fury colouring her pale visage as she lashed out with a wild punch. Enterprise twisted out of the way but was unprepared for Colorado to deliberately step into her personal space, ending nearly nose-to-nose – before her knee came up, driving itself deep into Enterprise's gut.
''Gh-!'' Enterprise wheezed, folding.
Colorado capitalised on her opponent's weakness, grabbing her by the neck and throwing her to the ground, intent on pinning her. To her frustration however Enterprise merely rolled a few feet away and slid back up her feet, stance nimble and ready to response to another sudden attack. West Virginia came at her from the side, finally having scrambled out from her awkward landing-
''STOP ALREADY!''
-when Vestal's loud, furious shriek made them all pause.
The sudden lack of fighting brought a stark silence into the room, heavy breathing the only thing to be heard as all four combatants turned their gaze onto the diminutive medic, her eyes bright and blazing like an angry mother.
''Will you four stop?!'' Vestal didn't so much as shout as she did bark the words out.
The words lingered in the air, the three Battleships looking between themselves before cautiously de-summoning their riggings. Enterprise narrowed her eyes at them but lowered her guard a touch as well. Or at least as much as the carrier could, as a gesture of goodwill.
''You!'' Vestal jabbed a finger at Colorado. ''Take you and your sisters down to the hospital, now! I'll come see to you in a few minutes!''
''Enterprise!'' The medic wasn't merciful towards the carrier either. ''Sit down and don't interact with them! Understood!?''
West Virginia and Maryland shared a wary look, then gazed up at Colorado. The eldest sister drew in a slow breath, the tension seeping from her frame, before she quietly nodded.
Then without so much as a word the three Battleships departed, sliding past the still Enterprise with a flutter of black cloth – Maryland clutching at her bleeding wrist as she did so whilst West Virginia walked with a hand on her cheek. Vestal said nothing to them nor offered aid, angry-faced as she glared at both them and Enterprise, her glare scolding in its intensity.
It was only when the Battleships had departed down the corridor that the fierceness in Vestal's expression faded somewhat, twisting and becoming closer to frustration than anything else. Her shoes clicked against the steel floor as she marched over to Enterprise, crossing her arms.
''Did you have to antagonise them?'' Vestal asked matter-of-factly.
Enterprise just kicked her foot slightly, head tilted off to the side like a scolded child. ''...they started it.''
''I know.'' The single phrase was laced with resigned compassion, eyes sad. ''I know. What I don't know is why you don't want this thing removed.''
Silence.
Vestal took Enterprise's hand in her own. It was stiff, the muscles still coiled tight, but Vestal held it anyway. ''Does it have something to do with this 'simulation' you think you're in?''
''...yes.''
The medic eyed her closely. ''...and you don't want them to take it away, because you think the Sirens will get it back?''
Enterprise tipped the rim of her hat down. ''...yes.''
Vestal digested the information quietly, the gears in her mind turning as all the pieces slid into place. A device that could create Mirror Seas. A device that Enterprise had stolen from the Sirens, and used to escape from containment. A device that a third party, the navy, was trying to get their hands on with the logical argument of technological advancements... things that the Sirens would likely argue, had they been the ones to 'program' said navy officials.
''You're keeping it as a last-ditch escape attempt, aren't you?''
No response came this time, but the guilt on Enterprise's face spoke more than enough.
Vestal frowned sadly. She wanted to chastise Enterprise, to tell her off for being so stubborn... but looking at it from her perspective, it made some sense. It wasn't her being irrational; it was her being defensive; self-preservative. She'd been duped and deceived so many times she couldn't make sense of what was reality and what was a simulation – though whether that was due to the Siren's machinations or the effectiveness of their technology, she didn't quite know.
After a long pause, Vestal just sighed. ''Okay... okay. I'll see if I can convince them to not steal it from your hull – if you promise to not use it to escape. Not unless... not unless you're certain this world isn't really, well, real.''
Enterprise looked up at her, blinking in surprise. Vestal just smiled sadly.
If Enterprise really wanted to, she could leave at any moment. Nothing she could say would change that; if anything the more she tried to argue, the more Enterprise would push her away.
So all she could do was lay down the facts, and hope Enterprise would accept them.
Perhaps then, she'd get one step closer to recovery.
''Come here; I'll heal you real quick...''
X-x-X
Colorado found herself standing in quiet contemplation, within the walls of the hospital.
Following their silent retreat from Enterprise's hull she had quite curtly told Henderson and Yoshinoya they had 'lost' – though she was tentative in using the word. It couldn't be called a battle nor a fight, but more of a spat. They weren't allowed to use their guns and Enterprise couldn't use her planes, all of them forced to use hand-to-hand lest they fire and cause a chain reaction within her hull that could be fatal to all, or worse even hit the Siren device and set it off catastrophically.
Naturally neither admiral had been pleased, and Yoshinoya had made some very unfriendly comments about the competence of the Eagle Union's own warships, but Colorado said nothing. Not until she had all of her thoughts in order. Thus she remained silent all the way back to the hospital, a couple Manjuu hopping about and attending to their injuries until Vestal returned. None too severe, but hardly negligible; a gash through Colorado's shoulder, a deep cut across Maryland's side, and bruises abound between them.
''Goddammit...''
Colorado slid her eyes over to Henderson. The admiral was marching up-and-down the length of the hallway in front of them, scowling something fierce and toying with a cigarette, not lighting it given he was in a hospital but clearly tempted to given the situation. Yoshinoya and his two carrier escorts were outside, currently paying an unexpected visit to the Sakura Empire dormitory. Both to check up on his nation's lent ships, and to nosy around as one might do when visiting a foreign base.
As if sensing her gaze Henderson looked over at her. He held her gaze, looked over at Maryland, and then stepped in close. ''What the hell happened in there, Colorado?''
Colorado mulled it over, gathering her thoughts. ''...we failed.''
''I can see that.'' He snipped back. ''But how? The three of you weren't enough?''
The Big Seven member shook her head slowly. ''Her strength was about equal to ours. She was fast too. Her arrows though were the biggest problem; we couldn't pin her down without risking getting hit by them.''
Those arrows. Normally summoned via Enterprise's bow, the carrier seemed to have acquired a way to simply manifest them in the air around her, and seemingly without any gesture needed. It was a frightening ability. How did you counter something that could shoot you in the back of the neck within a second, with no sound or real light to give it away? Had it not been for the fact Enterprise had also summoned an arrow behind Maryland and West Virginia, and she doubted she'd have seen them.
Henderson looked at her closely, eyes flickering about as he sought to gather any information from her. ''...how bad are we talking here?''
Colorado's stoicism gave none of her thoughts away. ''...see for yourself.''
With a flash she manifested her rigging, the imposing bulk filling most of the hallway alone. Slowly she lowered her two frontal turrets down... and revealed the chunks missing out of the sides of them. The parts that had taken an arrow for her sister-ships.
''She penetrated clean through. From top to bottom... that's about a hundred centimetres of steel.'' Colorado intoned, eyes narrowing. ''...there wasn't any resistance. Not one bit. Whatever her arrows are made of... aren't something my armour can stop.''
The thought was a chilling one. Battleships were the pinnacle of firepower and armour. To have that nullified, tearing away their only advantages... it brought Colorado to an ominous conclusion.
''If my sisters and I were to fight Enterprise, no holds barred... we would die, Admiral Henderson.''
The statement weighed more than many would realise. If three members of the Big Seven couldn't win against Enterprise...
...then who could?
''...keep this information to yourself. I don't want that carrier to get any bad ideas.'' Henderson ordered sternly, grim. ''We'll back off for now. I'll have R&D try and whip something up; in the meantime, we keep our distance. No need to make her think she's unstoppable.''
''What about Yoshinoya?'' Maryland grunted, careful to not upset her limp wrist. The tendon was cut, rendering it useless until Vestal could work her magic.
''He'll be leaving in a few days. He'll probably just want to check out the other bases in the meantime.'' Henderson grunted back, fumbling for his lighter. ''Now if you need me, I'll be outside making some calls.''
Colorado merely hummed, watching her admiral leave.
'Something R&D can whip up...' Colorado repeated the words in her mind, her brow furrowing severely.
Perhaps it was just her recent bout with Enterprise, or perhaps it was just her instincts...
...but she had a bad feeling about what Henderson might be implying there.
[END]
A/N: Poor Enty, getting all the flak~ Though Henderson does have some points, and Colorado's just the enforcer here... oh dear~
See you next time in Chapter 12: War Games~
Preview:
''Fantastic.'' Akagi groused, reversing – kicking up wakes beneath her heels. ''Don't think I'll go down without a fight, Grey Ghost.''
Enterprise just smiled, raising her bow skyward and firing, transforming the subsequent arrow into a wing of three torpedo bombers that curved around, aiming for Akagi. At the same time Enterprise manifested an arrow over her shoulder and launched it with naught but a thought, transforming it into a wing of three Dauntless dive bombers that began to climb. Akagi's eyes darted between the two, her lips thinning.
Then her eyes lit up. Enterprise immediately searched, a radar ping scanning her surroundings – searching for whatever trick that Akagi had. She didn't need to look far, as all the remaining Sakura dive bombers suddenly banked downwards... but they weren't going for her.
Their trajectory was obvious.
'Yorktown.'