During the Siren War, the Azur Lane made a shocking discovery; they were not the first to take the fight to the Sirens. Stumbling across a frozen, mountainous island, the girls found traces of a cataclysmic battle, as well as what appeared to be human/mechanical remains.
These were brought back and, with the power of the wisdom cubes, rebuilt as the Shipboys, ships of more futuristic yet primal origin. After initial clashes wrought of confusion, the Shipboys were reminded of the alien threat that wiped them out, and are determined to use this second chance to protect more than just the man at his side...
Chapter 2: Gentle Violence
Clouds gathered overhead as Salvo glanced skyward. He grimaced and shook his head. A storm was approaching. It didn't help that the joint exercise included a number of destroyers. Shipboy destroyers were straight up autistic enough, but shipgirls...
He shook his head again. They really can't be blamed. They were too young. They don't remember the labs. They didn't have to fight to the last damn man on that mountain...
As his mind wandered, he absentmindedly strayed to port, and bumped into Clockwork. The old butler may have a soft spot for Hood, but...Salvo was not Hood.
"COR! Blimey, ya feckin yarpie! Check yerself!" Clockwork snarled as he slammed his fist into the side of his Ship-Brother's head. Salvo clutched his head and gave a hiss of pain but did not retaliate. He earned that one. Salvo couldn't afford to let his mind drift off. He needed to stay focused. This was Clockwork's way of showing affection.
If he didn't care, he'd have done nothing at all...
Off to his starboard, Shipboy cruiser Slamfire laughed raucously at Salvo's mishap. Salvo responded by giving a snarl of his own and flipping a finger at his Ship-brother.
Behind them, a number of Sakura Empire Destroyers and Vichnya Dominion Crusiers brought up the rear. The composition messed Salvo up but, the Commander had consulted Moder and, stars above, Moder approved. Why he did, none of the shipboys knew. The mission was officially a training exercise. In reality, the formation was hunting for Siren convoys in the area. 30 miles ahead west was a large Iron Blood submarine fleet running reconnaissance. U-556 was relaying information to Dunkerque about a number of Testers transporting Wisdom Cubes to an Observer in the Philippines. The formation was going to..."liberate" that cargo.
Salvo sighed and checked his two triple 270mm turrets, his 105mm smoothbore cannons, 40 mm AA guns and Anti-Ship missile launchers for the umpteenth time. You could never be too sure, especially at sea, when salt air got into electronics and rust was the daily enemy. The missiles in particular. Shipboys carried more futuristic tech on board, but more tech means more problems. Half the time, he needed Doktor Spaz and Gasmask to run repairs, even in the middle of battle.
"Bee in your bonnet, mon ami?" came a sweet-sounding voice behind him.
Salvo turned, feeling the blush already coming on.
Dunkerque was skating the water like some mythical goddess of water. Salvo was always amazed by Shipgirl grace on the seas. They skated on waterblades, like an actual ship in human form would. The Shipboys were not capable of such elegance; they walked across the water. Or lumbered more like, weighed down by deadly weaponry.
"Nothin' worth talkin 'bout." Salvo responded, speaking with a pronounced North American Southern accent.
"Indeed," Dunkerque giggle angelically, "which is why you almost rammed your elder."
"Oi. Watch yerself, miss," Clockwork barked over his shoulder, "I's may be old, but I's can kick yer pretty arse back 'cross the Channel. Don't you forget it."
"Ah, don't mind 'im," Salvo waved him off, "Someone pissed in his gin. Likely Cannonade."
Dunkerque did not laugh. Instead, she scrunched up her face in disgust.
"Why on this good green Earth would he relieve himself in his elder's drink?"
"Because that's what Cannonade does," Salvo shrugged, "When in doubt, be a living flashbang..."
"You shipmen are very strange," Dunkerque gave Salvo a concerned sidelong glance as she backed off to retake her position in the formation.
Salvo turned forward but the burning on his face remained. He glanced over at Slamfire.
"Bro," Oh no. He wasn't gonna...
"I'd fuck the SHIT outta that girl."
Yeah.
He was...
20 miles off the Philipine coast
"U-556 is not responding to my hails," Dunkerque's voice betrayed more than a hint of panic. The young woman was scooting back and forth, trying to find reception and running her hands through her now frazzled hair when no response came in.
Clockwork watched the seas in stony silence, on the lookout for any sign of Sirens or U-Boats...but mostly Sirens. He scoured the waves with murder in his eyes, the downward curl of his lip indicating that even if allied forces were found, they'd be considered secondary objectives...at best...
"Look, we know they have to be around here somewhere," Salvo noted. Reaching over he clasped Dunkerque's hands and looked her in the eyes. Speaking as calmly and measuredly he could, he attempted to console the Vichnya Cruiser.
"We will find them. There's no need to worry."
Dunkerque appeared to be still distraught, but bit her lip and nodded.
Salvo gave a reassuring smile...before realizing that this was probably horrifying for her. Salvo, as a Shipboy like Clockwork, had garish metal constructs built into his flesh.
For starters he had no eyes. Just a single sensor band that ran ear to ear. Speaking of which his ears were replaced with audio pickups that looked nothing like normal ears. And his teeth were not teeth, just two sharpened metal bars in his mouth that replaced normal teeth.
"S-sorry, miss, you didn't need to see that..."
"I-it's fine...you can't help it."
"Mate. A word," Clockwork butted in harshly, grabbing Salvo by the scruff of his neck, and dragging him away from the woman.
"The hell, old fart? I'm just tryna help."
"Ye wants to help?" Clockwork lifted the smaller ship off the ground suspended by the older mans grip, who now bored holes into him with his eyes, "Do not EVER maak a promise to a lady ye can't keep."
"What?! Finding U556's squadron? What wrong with that?!"
"Look around ye, mate," Clockwork flung his free hand wide, "that's a lot of sea to check. Especially with a storm incoming, sirens in the area, an' I don't suppose ye has a sonar system equipped?"
"...no..."
"Course not," Clockwork dropped Salvo into the water with a splash, "Mayhaps if ye thought wiv the head on yer shoulders and not the one 'atween yer legs, ye'd have considered yer feckin stupidity."
"Aight, aight, I got it, ya sheepfucker." Salvo snarled as Algerie approached.
"Is this the conduct of Shipboys on mission," she sneered haughtily, "no wonder you all died on that mountain."
Both Salvo and Clockwork turned to the French Crusier with faces bleeding venom, but were out done by Slamfire.
SMACK!
Shipboy and girl alike recoiled as though they themselves had taken the hit. Slamfire had decked the woman across the face, sending her spinning into the sea. Enraged, Algerie attempted to get up but Slamfire smashed his boot down into her gut, pinning her down and knocking the wind right out of her.
"I'd suggest," Slamfire spoke in a dangerously calm voice, "you refrain from bringing that memory up. We tend to get a little worked up when we face our demons, and frankly, the children don't need to see it." He motioned to the Sakura Empire destroyers, who were watching curiously behind the legs of Dunkerque and Foch.
Slamfire leaned in closer, saliva and oil dripping from his mouth full of jagged, crooked metal teeth.
"Besides," he said in a horrendous whisper, "you talking mad shit for a boat who got scuttled before she ever saw a real fight."
Algerie's face burned crimson in humiliation.
"T-that's-"
Slamfire let her go, then turned to face his brothers as Algerie sheepishly got to her feet.
"Onee-san," Uzuki cried, pulling on Dunkerques dress, "I'm hungry and my feet hurt."
"We can't stay at sea," Salvo concluded, as a large surge passed under them. The sky was almost pitch black by now, and the storm fall was imminent, "we will need shelter."
"AH! Magnifique! I've established contact with U-556!" Dunkerque suddenly esclaimed.
"Finally some good news," Clockwork sighed exasperatedly, "where?"
"The fleet is in the Philippines...the, erm...far...end of...the Philippines..."
Dunkerque trailed off, realizing how much this information did not help them.
"Ok, here's what we do," Salvo pointed at Dunkerque, Foch and Algerie, "you three move out quick to link up with the Iron Blood subs. Clockwork, Slamfire and I will take the destroyers to shore and find refuge for the night."
"Since when are ye the one giving the feckin orders?!" Clockwork growled dangerously.
"SINCE NO ONE ELSE HAS A FUCKING PLAN, OLD MAN!" Salvo snarled. He expected a fight, but Clockwork unexpectedly threw up his hands in defeat.
"Fine, we're the feckin nannies for the night."
Salvo turned to Dunkerque.
"I hate to send you out there, but none of us have Sonar capability. You stand the best chance of finding Iron Blood. When you do, lay low for the night, we'll meet up in the morning."
Dunkerque took what was told and nodded in agreement.
"Oui, Salvo, we'll meet tomorrow," she looked around and noted that no one was looking at them. Foch and Algerie were initiating their sonar and Slamfire and Clockwork were herding the destroyers to shore.
"Hopefully the storm won't-"
Salvo was cut off by what Dunkerque did next. Leaning in swiftly, the young woman gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"S'I'll vous plait," she whispered, "soyez prudent, si c'est pour moi."
Of course Salvo could only respond in one way, even as Clockworks words haunted him.
"Of course I will. I will see you again. No harm will come to the children, I swear."
Dunkerque smiled gently as the rain began to fall.
"Then I fear nothing," she had a hitch in her throat as she departed with her ship-sisters...
That night, Philipino caves...
The Sakura destroyers, despite being notorious picky eaters, apparently didn't care what Shipboy rations tasted like after a long day on patrol. Mutsuki herself had three cans of brined herring, after Slamfire clocked out at two.
Using heating elements in their machanized bodies to warm the stone cavern and build a fire, the three Shipboys began talking conspiratorially, using hushed, frantic voices.
Just as the girls were about to drift off to sleep, Salvo made a small announcement.
"Sweethearts, we have to put the fire out right now. We have blankets for you though. If you need us, use this stick and can. Tap it three times, and one of us will come to help you, do you understand."
Kisaragi yawned but nodded.
"Tap can three times...for onii-Chan."
Once the girls were curled up in warm wool blankets, the three shipmen moved into the cave.
Uzuki woke up very late at night, to a sound that came from her worst nightmares.
A wet scream of a monster.
She immediately grabbed the can and banged it repeatedly, not stopping until she heard the sound again. She threw the can away, covering herself with a blanket, tears of panic squeezing out her eyes. She squealed in terror as she felt a hand on her back.
"Uzuki-chan, Uzuki-chan, it's us...it's onii-san."
She peeked out of the blanket to see three shadows standing over her, their voices though sounded familiar.
"What's the matter, sweetheart?"
Uzuki stuttered before speaking.
"O-o-onii-c-chan...I h-heard a n-n-noise..."
The three looked at each other.
"We just came from there," Clockwork Oji-Sama's voice came this time, "Everything is fine. It's just...there's a...very naughty yokai that stole my monocle...we're just trying to take them back that's all."
Uzuki calmed down a little, but was still shaking.
"Will the Yokai try to eat me..."
Silence.
"He's gonna get me onii-chan!" Uzuki wailed as she dove under the blanket again, "I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I'm scared!"
"Shhh, sweetie, everything is going to be alright," Salvo's voice cooed to her, rubbing her head, "you are perfectly safe here. Clockwork oji-san and Slamfire onii-san and I are right here. We won't let the yokai get you."
"B-but...but..."
Slamfire found the opportunity to swoop in. In a rough crooning voice he began reciting an old Afrikaans lullaby for the terrified destroyer.
"Jan Pierewiet Jan Pierewiet Jan Pierewiet staan stil
Jan Pierewiet Jan Pierewiet Jan Pierewiet staan stil
Goeie more my vrou hier's 'n soentjie vir jou
Goeie more my man daar is koffie in die kan."
Slamfire's efforts were rewarded with Suzuki's slowed, gentle breathing, indicating she was asleep again.
"Fuckin A, dude," Salvo knocked Slamfires arm in approval, "but we need to fuckin hurry, there's more down there."
Next Morning...
Dunkerque and the combined fleet returned to the rendezvous location, only to find they had gotten there first. She did not like that. Immediately, she attempted to hail for radio communications, only to be met with dead air.
"Ne t'inquiète pas, ma soeur. Je suis sûr qu'ils vont bien."
Dunkerque couldn't help but nibble her finger nail.
After an hour of waiting suddenly...
"Azur lane, Azur lane, Cruiser squadron indent to the south west, mark."
Dunkerque gave a sigh of relief and turn to face the direction they were coming from. She saw what was coming and gave a scream of horror.
The Sakura Empire destroyers were perfectly fine, if a little shaken. Uzuki was crying in Clockwork's bloody arm.
All three of the Shipboys were savagely injured. Clockwork had a massive hole in his chest, loose gears and transmission belts hung limply covered in seared flesh and boiled, oily blood. One of his eyes had been ripped out.
Slamfire's left arm appeared to have been blown off at the elbow, the charred stump still smoking. His lopsided jaw indicated it was broken at the hinge, bolts protruding garishly from his skull. Another chunk from his side had been ripped out, exposing his metal skeleton.
And Salvo walked between them, his sensor band utterly shattered. Holes perforated his chest and stomach, leaving a greasy trail of oily blood.
"Ah... oh, mon Dieu... mon Dieu, Salvo, que t'est-il arrivé?"
Salvo, though blinded, could hear Dunkerque's distraught wails, and turned to face her.
"Sirens," he said simply, painfully, "Sirens, in the caves...hiding from storm, like us."
"We got them all." Clockwork growled, not seeming to care that his innards were exposed.
Algerie opened her mouth, made no noise and shut it again. She gulped, sickened by the image.
"But...the wisdom cubes?"
"Look, with all due respect," Slamfire snapped angrily, pointing his destroyed stump towards Foch, "we frankly don't care. We're bringing these poor things home, and then booking an appointment with Doktor Spaz. If you want em, be my fucking guest."
"Damn the cubes," Dunkerque agreed, "Call Vestal and Akashi...dammit, CALL EVERYONE..."
Later, Shipboy Port Sickbay.
Salvo recovered steadily if slowly. His surgeries had repaired most of the damage, and his damaged sensor band had been replaced. Being able to see was welcome after weeks in the dark, as he turned over on the cold iron slab they called a bed, was met with a vision.
Dunkerque in a sheer white gown, her body covered by tasteful undergarments. She did not notice the oil slick floor, the cold, clinical metal of the infirmary or even number of savants that darted back and forth carrying files and test tubes of bio samples.
Her gorgeous blue/red eyes were locked on Salvo.
"I thought you were lonely...I want to help you heal if you'll let me," she whispered sweetly into his ear, before finding his lips and greeting him, in the French tradition...
Chapter 2 of the Shipboy introductions. I have several I plan to write, but I'll post when I can.
Just to let it be known, there will child friendships, but there will be no child couples. That's a bridge too far for me.
Leave a review if you want, let me know how you like it.
