A/N: Welcome back

Bit of a shorter chapter this time (still 5.5k words, but short I suppose in the relative sense). Originally this was going to be one big long chapter, however I decided to break it into two parts for pacing purposes, rather than have it essentially jump between important plot points.

Hope you understand, and that you like this chapter too~

Stardust

Chapter 19: The Choices We Make

''They WHAT?!''

Saratoga's shriek echoed throughout the hospital room in its volume, shrill and furious; borderline apocalyptic.

Yorktown winced slightly at the shrill sound, laid in her bed and with hands folded over her stomach. Laying in the bed a few feet across from hers was Hornet, who remained as bandaged up as she had been when they returned, stuck in bed until Vestal gradually healed her wounds back up. And gathered within their shared hospital room was Washington, Essex, Vestal, Edinburgh, and of course Saratoga herself.

A very furious Saratoga, at that. Truthfully Yorktown had rarely seen the diminutive woman so white-knuckled mad, and it intimidated her to say the least. Saratoga wasn't a violent person but in that moment she looked ready to knock down the nearest wall with her sceptre, if only to let loose some frustration. Mercifully she held onto what little restraint she had, but even then the sceptre trembled in her tight grip.

''B-Belfast said they arrested her...?'' Edinburgh herself had clearly no experience dealing with frothing-mad folk; white as a sheet and shaking.

The sight perhaps helped calm Saratoga down; a tense breath escaping the carrier as she forcibly calmed herself down, not wanting to scare the others.

Seeing that Yorktown took the chance to speak up. ''Did they say what for?''

''Belfast said 'breaking their rules'. She didn't elaborate on what; she said she had to hurry before they left.'' Edinburgh explained. ''She threw some clothes and other essentials in a suitcase and left immediately after.''

''Rules...'' Washington's eyes narrowed. ''Enterprise mentioned that she got a punishment from Admiral Henderson. No sparring, docked pay... and no leaving the base.''

''Which she did when she came an' rescued us.'' Hornet piped up with a displeased drawl. ''Anyone up for going to HQ and starting a fuckin' civil war?''

''Hornet.'' Yorktown sighed exasperatedly, though couldn't help but entertain the thought.

She banished it a moment later. Tempting as it would be to take Enterprise back by force, it would only cause more problems than it would solve. Best case scenario was that the admiralty just threw their hands up and let them do it, worst case was they'd find themselves fighting their own friends because they let their emotions inhibit their judgement. And Yorktown had no intentions of bloodying her hands with her own comrades.

Hornet clearly felt the same, grumbling some choice words but not posing the potential 'solution' – if it could even be called that – again.

''So, what?'' Essex spoke up then, distraught. ''We're just gonna sit here and wait?! That's it?!''

''That's all we can do.'' Saratoga grumbled. ''If the stupid bigwigs catch wind of us getting restless they might take it the wrong way. Best we can do is send an official letter and hope they actually consider it.''

''An official letter.'' Essex repeated in disbelief. ''You can't be serious.''

''Well what do you insist we do?'' Saratoga crossed her arms and looked at the taller carrier. ''March on in and bust her out?''

''Well...'' Essex awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck, guilty.

Saratoga sighed; a long-suffering sigh of someone who was far more mature than her youthful appearance let on. ''Trust me, I want to... but it won't solve anything. Belfast said she was going with them, right? Then she'll keep an eye on Enterprise.''

''She'll protect her.'' The surprisingly firm comment came from Edinburgh, the maid blushing as all eyes went to her. ''I-I mean... Bel's got a strong heart. If she thinks Miss Enterprise is being mistreated, she'll put her foot down, even if it means using force. She won't let anything bad happen to her.''

Yorktown smiled slightly at that. She made a mental note to thank the maid for looking out for Enterprise, despite never having to do so.

''...well, guess that settles it.'' Washington concluded, sighing. ''We'll sit tight and twiddle our thumbs 'till either Enterprise comes back or Belfast blows up their HQ and we dash in and save the day. Sounds like fun.''

''Um, I could see about lodging a diplomatic protest?'' Edinburgh hesitantly offered. ''I-I don't have the same authority as Bel, but I can pass word back to Her Majesty. She understands how important Enterprise is, especially for morale... she can probably tug some strings from her end.''

''That would be appreciated.'' Yorktown smiled thankfully, touched.

''Hmph. I'll have the Sakura admiralty push a protest of their own.''

The voice came not from one of the girls in the room, but rather from outside it.

Yorktown's surprised eyes flickered past an equally-startled Saratoga, and laid eyes on a very familiar brunette. ''Akagi?''

The fox-woman smirked a little, leaning against the door-frame – more for support than style, her body still bandaged up beneath her pale violet yukata despite Vestal's continuos care. ''Consider myself 'in the loop', regarding Enterprise's condition. And I for one loathe the idea of her being chained down in part thanks to my own actions.''

Akagi tilted her chin up haughtily. ''Thus, I'll bring mention to the admiralty back in the Sakura Empire. While Enterprise might not hold as much reverence as she does in the Eagle Union and Royal Navy, they understand her value, and will not wish to see her taken off of the front lines, even if only purely for strategic reasons. They will protest.''

Diplomatic protests could only go so far. They had limits. But the mere fact other nations would protest against the admiralty's decisions spoke volumes, and would perhaps force their hand. Nobody wanted to be seen as the bad guy after all, especially not for something so ultimately trivial as rule-breaking.

''I... thank you, Akagi.'' Yorktown said sincerely, a warm feeling within her.

The fox-woman just hummed. ''It's alright... and, for the record, consider it my apology for being overzealous in our spar, Yorktown.''

Then with a flutter of her kimono Akagi left.

''Wow...'' Hornet blinked owlishly. ''Guess Enterprise really changed her, huh.''

Saratoga just smiled, shaking her head fondly. ''She has a way of doing that.''

'That she does.' Thought a certain keen-eared fox, smiling as she returned to her room.

'That she does indeed.'

X-x-X

Enterprise wasn't quite sure what to expect, as she was marched in through the doors of Azur Lane's headquarters; specifically it's detention centre.

The building was about as vast as you would expect from a naval headquarters for an entire nation. Grand white buildings, flowery gardens and a myriad of car parks and expansive docks. It was a naval base enlarged to suit an entire officer's corps and all the security that came with it, alongside many coastal batteries and shore defences carefully hidden out of sight, maintaining the pristine and elegant design of the base whilst not surrendering its logical defences. With it being located on the shores of Texas, the Sirens had a much harder time attacking it, unable to sneak past the myriad of shipping traffic that went in-and-out of the gulf.

Located at a quieter edge of the base the detention centre was smaller than the larger administrative buildings near it, but still easily bigger than the dormitories back at her own base. Perhaps understandably so, as the building's walls were thick and reinforced several times over, designed to withstand the superhuman strength that Ship-Girls possessed. In addition the building itself was known to have many floors beneath the surface, further reducing the chance of a Ship-Girl breaking out. Not without burying themselves in the process, at least.

Enterprise shook off the haunting thought, walking down the white-walled halls with Colorado and her sisters behind her. Belfast walked alongside her, expression remarkably placid and her hands folded in front of her, though every so often she spared a glance over at her, as if making sure she was still alright. Enterprise said nothing but dared to shoot a slight nod at the maid every so often, the silent communication bringing a slight smile to Belfast's face before she hid it, lest it draw undue attention.

Any such thoughts of the maid however were shelved as a familiar face came into view, alongside a familiar voice.

''And at last you arrive... Enterprise.''

The carrier dipped her head in a slight nod. ''Admiral Henderson.''

The admiral in question clicked his tongue, marching up to her. Standing slightly shorter than her he still managed to give off an intimidating presence, examining her critically before sparing a look at Belfast.

The maid moved to speak, but Henderson cut her off. ''I know why you're here. Colorado told me.''

''I see.'' Belfast stated instead. ''I would hope we'll have time to discuss matters as soon as you have a moment.''

''I hope so too.'' Henderson took his cap off, scowling as he ran a hand through his hair. ''Unfortunately you'll have to wait a while.''

''And why is that, if I may inquire?''

''Because, Miss Belfast.'' Henderson slid his cap back. ''Whilst Enterprise here was running off to Bermuda, the Sirens launched a simultaneous offensive in Hawaii. Specifically, Pearl Harbour.''

''At Pearl? Why?'' The words gained Enterprise's full, undivided attention.

''That, we don't know.'' The admiral grunted. ''We're still scavenging what information we can and putting it together. They attacked us with a fleet of carriers, but the first wave were disguised as Eagle Union planes. Wildcats, Devastators, Dauntless, Avengers – the whole shebang. The girls stationed there didn't even realise what was happening until ships were being blown out of the water, and by then several ships were going under.''

''...how many?'' Enterprise asked quietly.

''Seven, so far.'' Henderson stated simply, but not emotionlessly. ''Three of them died before they realised what was happening. The other four fought like hell from what I've heard before they were overwhelmed. Dozens of others were wounded badly and the navy's scrambling to get things fixed up over there. Vestal will probably be put on emergency duty shortly and sent over to the west coast to receive the injured. Admiral Arnheim is currently discussing with the Sakura Empire about sending Akashi over to help.''

''The only mercy is that this doesn't seem to be a 're-enactment'. Or at least, not a very accurate one.'' Henderson added. ''Arizona and most other Battleships weren't there at the time, so they were spared. The Destroyers and cruisers there... weren't so lucky, as you can tell.''

Enterprise just swallowed and nodded. Seven Ship-Girls might not be huge in the grand scheme of things... but each of those were her comrades. Friends, even. Some of whom might've sunk in their past lives as warships, only to be reborn as Ship-Girls... and then sunk a second time. The thought broke her heart. Perhaps because of that, she didn't ask their names. She could learn them later and honour them properly. Now wasn't the time for that.

Something Henderson seemed to agree with, sighing and tipping his hat back. ''But enough of that now. I'm sure you know why I called for your arrest, Enterprise.''

''You told me not to leave the base and I did.''

''Correct.'' Henderson clicked his tongue as he spoke. ''I'm aware you did so to save Yorktown and Hornet, and perhaps the fleet as a whole. For that you have my thanks. However, you also put others at risk – because of how recklessly you fled the base, others chased after you to escort you only to lose sight of you and get lost themselves. Had the Sirens wanted they could've picked them off one by one.''

''Forgive my interruption, Admiral Henderson, but I was a part of that escort party.'' Belfast noted. ''Whilst it was admittedly a chaotic rush, we all did still manage to maintain a semi-reasonable formation.''

Henderson wasn't amused. ''So you can attest that all of the ships involved were within that formation, and there weren't some reckless ones rushing ahead?''

Belfast pursed her lips, conceding to that.

He huffed. ''We just lost seven ships and have over a dozen more injured. We can't afford to have the Sirens pick off more of you just because you, Enterprise, didn't think to organise a sortie group to follow you, and instead ran off on your own.''

''Thus, you'll be in processing until the formal documentation is done and you'll have a trial and all that.'' Henderson grunted. ''Should take a couple days. In the meantime you'll be fitted with a newly-made collar designed by our top scientists until then.''

As he spoke Henderson tilted slightly, waving forth a man waiting behind him. The man in question fitted the archetype of a scientist to a T; his dark hair neat, a pair of wide-framed glasses resting upon his nose, a lab coat thrown over a white button-up shirt and slacks, and a slightly-dishevelled tie hanging from his collar. What caught Enterprise's attention the most however was what laid in his hands – a black metal collar, the band smooth to a shine, yet with a strange, almost ominous vibe to it, her very soul reeling at the sight of it.

''This will help suppress that superhuman strength of yours, and prevent you from manifesting your rigging.'' Henderson explained gruffly. ''I'm not sure if that will also effect your ability to manifest those floating arrows of yours, but it hopefully should. I'd rather you not try and shoot the guards whilst they weren't looking.''

Enterprise swallowed as the scientist approached her, a slight smile on his face as he spoke in a stiff tone. ''Please bend down a little.''

Reluctantly the carrier obliged, leaning down more to the scientist's short height and allowing him to raise the collar up to her neck. Her very being rebelled, wanting nothing more than to slap it out of his hands but she restrained the urge, grimacing-

-when the collar snapped shut around her neck.

'NONONONONO-!'

There was no sensation describable other than sheer, unholy wrongness. It felt like she'd just lost the ability to breathe and was now floundering; her knees giving out under her as she collapsed, clutching at her chest with a wheeze. Her pupils dilated and she instinctively reached out to her rigging, attempting to manifest it around her like a shield.

But nothing came. Like trying to pull a square object through a circular hole it wouldn't manifest, her rigging, her hull – part of her very being being blocked off from her. It was a suffocating, panic-inducing feeling, her hands gripping at her throat and trying to pull the collar off with sheer strength... and found to her horror that she could barely make it nudge. Her strength, capable of shattering stone with a simple back-hand, was now moot. Even though Henderson outright said it, she still didn't believe it.

With a simple click around her collar, she had been rendered as weak as a normal human.

''Enterprise!'' Belfast was by her side in a moment, holding onto her – and it was only then Enterprise realised how much she was shaking, even if involuntarily.

Henderson however turned a sharp, reprimanding eye on the scientist. ''I thought you said it would be just a 'jolt like getting a tooth out', Doctor Neris.''

The doctor merely smiled and shrugged. ''That was what was described to me during trials; ask Maryland yourself. She was the one who described it as such.''

The Battleship in question awkwardly scratched her head. ''Well yeah, it wasn't... this bad...''

''Perhaps it's just the initial shock.'' The scientist ventured. ''You said she had a you-know-what device inside her, yes? It might just be some conflict with that. She should be fine after she adjusts.''

''You best hope so.'' Henderson said, grumbling something about 'crazy R&D bastards'. ''Colorado, take Enterprise to her cell. Doctor Neris, you'll be checking up on her every thirty minutes to monitor her condition until she stabilises.''

The two aforementioned people agreed, but Enterprise didn't hear any of it. Even as Maryland and West Virginia whispered apologises and frogmarched her to her new cell, all she could feel was the clawing, unnatural emptiness within her chest. As if her very heart had been torn out.

Belfast followed behind the two Battleships frogmarching Enterprise, eyes hard as she spared a look at Henderson, conveying her feelings aptly without daring to say anything openly disrespectful. He dismissed her with a grunt, murmuring something to Doctor Neris before departing for a smoke. Belfast didn't pay the man anymore mind, opting instead to follow Enterprise's pseudo-jailers down the long hallways. It wasn't a long walk until they reached an elevator, the wide nature of it big enough to fit a dozen people... or, multiple people with riggings. Such as the Colorado-class.

The maid said nothing about that detail, simply stepping inside and waiting as they were lowered down one floor, then two, three, four – ending at five storeys underground. The very air was cooler this deep down, giving Belfast the chills as the elevator doors opened to reveal a bright but still hallway, the steel-grey walls and fluorescent strip lights giving it all a very mechanical, dull vibe to it.

Something that Enterprise clearly noted, her breathing fast and almost panicked. She struggled against Maryland and West Virginia, jerking her arms, but she was so weakened she didn't even make them flinch – though the pitiable resistance drew a concerned eye from the two Battleships, said duo sharing a glance behind at Colorado. Their eldest sister merely nodded to keep going, her expression void of emotion.

''It would be best if Enterprise's accommodation was... more colourful.'' Belfast couldn't help but remark to Colorado, stern. ''This environment most likely reminds her of the Sirens.''

Colorado just grimaced. ''It isn't up to me. I'll ask Henderson if we can paint the walls of her cell at least... though, with everything going on, don't expect anything prompt.''

Belfast merely pursed her lips and nodded, not pushing the Battleship further. Silence resumed, naught but the clicks of their shoes and the dull buzz of the strip lights audible, what few guards remained on the floor saluting as Colorado passed – earning one from the gothic girl in return.

'Perhaps Colorado has become an enforcer of sorts?' Belfast wondered. As far as she knew the Battleship was just a regular Ship-Girl, albeit one assigned under Admiral Henderson's command.

Though looking at it logically, it made sense. Who better to arrest superhuman Ship-Girls than three members of the Big Seven, who's guns were outmatched only by the infamous Iowa-class? Even on the international stage they still stood out as fearsome opponents, not hurt by their distinct appearances. They were the perfect candidates for the role. A role that was, perhaps, a rather thankless one.

Belfast stirred herself out of her thoughts as the group slowed, arriving at a metal door. Colorado stepped past her sisters and unlocked it, allowing them to guide the shivering Enterprise within; revealing the square room beyond, half of it behind a row of bars. A door made of metal bars laid to the right; one that Colorado also unlocked, and at last allowed Maryland and West Virginia to half-drag Enterprise inside and lay her down next to the bed within.

Belfast made to enter with her – only for Colorado to put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

''Please allow me inside.'' Belfast curtly asked.

''I can't.'' Colorado's expression gave away nothing. ''Room's monitored with cameras. Can't let you in for security reasons.''

Belfast understood, on some level. She could easily sneak something over to Enterprise or vice versa. But even if she understood that, in this scenario she couldn't let it stand.

''Very well. Then when Doctor Neris comes by to inspect her, I will be entering with him.'' Belfast sharply remarked, speaking again when Colorado opened her mouth. ''If only to make sure she doesn't react violently to him. She's hardly stable with that thing on her now, is she?''

Colorado's mouth shut, and she fell silent – before with a gruff grunt she acquiesced to her not-so-subtle demand. Probably less because her argument was a valid one, and more just to calm her down.

Belfast took the small victory, but her attention was swift to turn to the carrier she had found herself becoming more and more intrigued by; hearing cloth shift across floor. Her heart broke at the sight of Enterprise, the silver-haired woman holding her throat with one grasping hand and shuffling towards the door pitifully with her other hand, still gasping like she couldn't breathe right – the fact she was still conscious after the long journey the only relief, as it meant she was hyperventilating more than she was choking. A relief muted by the pitiable sight before her.

West Virginia and Maryland couldn't stand the sight, and with a murmur stepped outside, leaving Colorado to stand by the door, quiet.

Belfast ignored her. The maid got down on her knees, sitting by the door and sliding a hand through the bars – an in a heartbeat Enterprise grasped it, squeezing it desperately.

''I'm here, Enterprise.'' Belfast softly reassured. ''I'm here.''

Enterprise jerkily nodded. ''Yes, I... I know, I just... it hurts... I can't...''

''Talk.'' Enterprise exhaled the words out, head coming to lean against the bars. ''Just talk... fill my head with your voice, please... anything but the silence...''

Belfast's eyes softened, and with a soft murmur of agreement she obliged, her gentle voice filling the jail cell as she talked about all manner of meaningless subjects, far away from the current hell Enterprise found herself now trapped within.

X-x-X

Many hours passed.

Enterprise's condition did not improve.

Doctor Neris came by every thirty minutes as prescribed all the way. Each time he saw Enterprise he came prepared with a needle filled with pain-killer or other medications, ones even specifically designed for Ship-Girl's superhuman tolerances, yet they did not improve Enterprise's condition. Her gasping eventually stopped but her breathing became shallow instead, her already-fair skin lost its colour and paled to an almost ashen hue, her voice became weak and she looked almost like she was dying, even though her vital signs were all relatively normal.

Belfast remained with her the entire time, up and throughout the night that followed; declining the offer of an overnight room. Enterprise remained awake with her, head pressed to the bars or back to the wall, her clammy fingers interwoven with Belfast's own. The maid did as asked and talked as much as she could. She told stories of her life, of her adventures, of her friends and of their mishaps. When she ran out of stories, she talked of the world. When she ran out of places, she talked about the places she wanted to see. When she ran out of those, she sung lullabies and senseless songs, doing anything to stop the room from becoming quiet.

Enterprise stopped responding after a while. But whenever her grip loosened, whenever she shifted, the carrier's grip grew tight and her eyes more alert – holding her hand as if begging for her to not leave.

But Belfast needed to leave. She couldn't help Enterprise if she merely stayed by her side, as cruel as it was to say.

So it was with great reluctance the following morning, as she fed Enterprise some porridge through the bars, she loosened her hold on her.

''I need to go.'' Belfast whispered.

The reaction was instant, A look of alarm, then panic, then almost fear. It was startling to see such a wide range of emotions on the normally-casual carrier's face, the vulnerability almost painful to see.

''I won't be gone for long.'' Belfast said before Enterprise could speak. ''I need to talk to Henderson. Try and get you out of here; I can't do that from here. I'll be back as soon as I can.''

''Don't.'' The single word was filled with such need, such... such desperation it was heart-wrenching to listen to.

Enterprise grasped at her hand again, squeezing it for dear life. ''Please don't.''

''I need to.'' Belfast repeated softly, rubbing her hand with the back of her thumb.

The carrier shook her head, pressing it against the bars and her lips pursing tight. Gently Belfast leaned in, resting her head against hers. ''I promise, Enterprise. Have I let you down thus far?''

Enterprise went quiet, and then shook her head ever-so-slightly.

Belfast smiled at that. ''Then you know I'll be back. No more than an hour. I swear.''

Hesitantly Enterprise loosened her hold, and with a slow gulp released her hand at last. Belfast gave her a gentle smile and stood, her gaze flickering up to Colorado. The silent Battleship stood by the door, watching their interaction. She'd been present for most of Enterprise's imprisonment, swapping out during the night for Maryland and returning an hour earlier, the three sisters clearly operating on a rotational basis of sorts.

''Keep an eye on her.'' Belfast knew she wasn't in a position to be giving orders, but she hoped at least Colorado would feel sympathetic to her own comrade.

Judging by the slight nod Colorado gave, she was willing to do at least that much.

…

''He'll see you shortly.''

''I see, thank you.''

The secretary nodded and retreated back to her desk, typing away. Belfast on the other hand leaned back into her chair before Admiral Henderson's office, the hallway around her busy and flocked with officers going to and fro. They spoke in low, hushed tones, but her ears were keener than most.

She heard the whispers. Of Pearl Harbour. Of the newly dead – or sunk, as some referred to it. As if that softened the blow at all. She could tell from the whispered tones and stunned expressions that few had expected the attack, and even fewer had expected the amount of casualties. Some clamoured about retaliatory actions, other scrambled to deliver information, both vital and not, to the relevant officers higher than they themselves.

All in all, it was safe to safe the navy was scrambling. Though in their defence, the nature of the attack was quite the odd one indeed.

'The first wave disguised as Eagle Union planes? Why? For what purpose?' Belfast frowned. Why bother disguising yourself as the enemy, but only the first wave? And in fact, why not disguise them as the Sakura Empire's planes, to cause even more chaos?

Something wasn't adding up.

Belfast was disturbed from her thoughts as the door ahead of her clicked open, allowing some unnamed officer to step out of Henderson's office, shutting the door behind himself. He didn't spare her a look and marched off down the hall, and after a moment the secretary called her up. Steeling her expression into one of stoicism Belfast approached the office door, popping it open with a quiet click and stepping within.

It was a fairly nice office; neither lavish nor spartan. Brown walls were decorated by pencil-sketched artwork of ships, medals and certificated awards laid within shelves and a bookshelf hung off to the right side next to a wide window overlooking the central courtyard. A hardy desk at the far end of the room held several small stacks of paperwork, a half-empty paper cup of coffee resting next to a bin full of identical paper cups.

And sat behind the desk was Henderson himself, a document held up in one hand and a cigarette in the other. ''Miss Belfast. I had a feeling you'd want to see me today.''

''And why is that?'' Belfast neutrally inquired.

''Because you didn't get the chance to yesterday,'' He stated, letting the document drop down onto his desk, his attention shifting to her. ''Forgive me for being blunt, but be quick about it. I've got a dozen calls to make before nightfall and coordinate Arizona's fleet through to Pearl as quickly as possible in that same time frame.''

Belfast curtly nodded. ''Enterprise's condition hasn't improved. I request that, at least, that collar be removed from her.''

''Ain't happening.'' Henderson shut that down immediately. ''I'll admit to not the brightest bulb in the room, Miss Belfast, but I'm not about to let a carrier with more destructive potential than my best ships have free access to that power.''

''The longer you keep that collar on her the faster she is deteriorating, both mentally and physically.'' Belfast couldn't quell the sharp rebuke in her tone, uncaring even when Henderson gave her a sharp, reprimanding look. ''I don't know what that thing is doing to her, Admiral, but I know that it's only making her unstable! You insist on not letting her loose with the amount of power she has, but you're caging her up like an animal and expecting her to not fight back!''

''And why would she be reacting like this, then?''

Belfast paused, startled. ''What?''

''Why would she be reacting like this?'' Henderson repeated slowly. ''You said it yourself. You don't know what that collar is doing to her. Thus, how can I be certain that she isn't faking it? Moreover, if Doctor Neris's observations are correct, then the Mirror Seas device within Enterprise can only be used when she has access to her rigging. By prohibiting access to that, we can prevent the risk of her accidentally summoning a Siren armada right on our doorstep. Or from her disappearing into a Mirror Seas and evading punishment.''

''She shouldn't be punished in the first case!'' Belfast strongly argued. ''She saved the lives of her sisters! Came back bloodied and having barely eluded the Siren's mind-games, yet her reward is imprisonment?!''

''They are rules for a reason.'' Henderson growled. ''Discipline cannot be instilled if I allow our best fighters to ignore them.''

Belfast glared right back at him. ''Yes well forgive me for saying this, Admiral Henderson, but I do believe you and your rules could use a good dose of common sense!''

He narrowed his eyes. ''Bold of you to say that to my face.''

''Bold?'' Belfast's gaze smouldered with righteous indignation. ''Bold is locking up a carrier who just escaped from the Siren's own prison and nearly making her have a meltdown!''

Henderson made to speak, but Belfast cut him short. ''Do you have any understanding of what she went through under the Siren's thumb, Admiral? She was forced through experiments! Forced to fight her own allies, living out her days, only for the Sirens to reveal it was just one of their 'simulations' – undermining her confidence at every turn until she doubted what was real! Left at the mercy of the Sirens for not thirty days, but seven years!''

The declaration rung throughout the office, and for once Belfast was treated to a look of genuine surprise on Henderson's face.

''Seven years.'' He repeated aloud.

''Yes.'' Belfast curtly stated, stiff. ''The Sirens altered space-time. Made her suffer through years of that, of being a prisoner, a pawn to their whims – and you threw her into a prison, robbed her of her strength and inject her with drugs! It's no surprise she's reacting as she is!''

Belfast stopped herself before she went off on one, sucking in a deep, restrained breath, before speaking. ''Enterprise has been through more than you nor I can truly understand. And for that, I will be spending the rest of my life atoning for the fact I could not be there when she needed me most. I would suggest you do some atoning of you own, Admiral.''

Henderson didn't reply. In response Belfast marched up to his desk, one hand planted up on its surface and drawing his gaze up to hers.

''Enterprise does not deserve to be a prisoner of her own home.'' Belfast said quietly, but firmly. ''Do not shackle her like you would a feral dog.''

Admiral Henderson gazed up at her, their eyes locked for what felt like a small eternity-

-when at last he spoke. ''I will consider it. Now get out of my office.''

Belfast pursed her lips and nodded sharply, turning and leaving without so much as another word – her feelings not-so-subtly expressed by the way she slammed the door shut behind her, rattling the hinges.

Henderson paid the disrespect no mind, leaning back in his chair with a long sigh, taking a drag of his cigarette.

''Seven years...'' He breathed out with the smoke. That was longer than some children had been alive.

What a fool he had been.

He couldn't be faulted for not knowing that she was locked away for seven years. That he knew. However, he should've seen the signs. He'd seen, worked with, and served alongside soldiers who suffered PTSD and other trauma, whether from the war or the shock of it. The time prior to Ship-Girls had been a bloody one and there was no small number of traumatised veterans who saw entire fleets be razed by a single humanoid Siren. He knew of how the Sirens saw humans, and by extension Ship-Girls, as experiments.

He just never thought to look deeper than the stoic and stubborn personality Enterprise projected. Never thought to actually think of what the Sirens did to her, He'd just taken one look at her, assumed she was as fine as she seemed and moved on, never once doubting his initial presumption. A grave mistake on his part, he now realised.

And now he found himself feeling something he never thought he'd feel for Enterprise.

Sympathy.

[END]

A/N: And thus Enterprise begins to break down, Saratoga becomes testy, Belfast is a wholesome guardian, and Henderson gets chewed out for being a bit of a dingus~ Whatever might happen, hmhm~

See you next time in Chapter 20: The Choices We Make II~

No sneak peek this time; don't want to spoil anything, hehe~