November 14th 1945

Snow had begun to set in, covering everything with a white blanket. Ice was also now a regular occurrence and some slips or falls happened on occasion.

Siren attacks had come and gone, but they were only smaller forces that were repelled as quickly as they appeared. But even then, there was an agreement between the forces that held firm against the Siren's. They simply didn't have enough forces in order to be fully comfortable in a defence.

"We need to find more of our friends" Indomitable said as she, Sovereign, Anson, Hector and a few others all sat around a table aboard Anson's vessel. "Whilst what we have so far is a decent amount. If the Sirens do attack us in full force, for a prolonged siege to overwhelm us. We need so much more than what we have already"

"Agreed. The recent additions of Barham, Phoebe and Seraph, we've been able to fill some gaps. Especially with Seraph. Submarines are going to only prove more useful for us as the battle goes on'' Sovereign commented. "But it's finding our friends that's becoming the issue. Anyone who wasn't reverted back to their cubes when that blast happened were probably captured by the Sirens."

"But there are still possible safe hideouts that they've taken refuge in. Phoebe, you and Barham hid for some time right?"

"Yes my Lady. I had Lady Barham hidden within a cellar as I scouted out before I brought her here" Phoebe replied.

"So we could still find our friends who may have been revived in hidey holes and such. I imagine our lost friends may be trying to find any rally points they can in order to regroup" Anson continued

"However, the Sirens may already know of these locations and use them to trap us," Indomitable commented. "Did Her Majesty not have any secret locations that we could gain access to?"

"She does. But I do not know where they are" Anson replied.

"But… You're one of our leading Knights. Did Her Majesty not inform you?" Sovereign asked.

"She didn't get the chance to. George would know. Maybe even Wales. But I cannot give any more guarantees" Anson answered.

The ships were silent for a moment before Phoebe spoke up. "Pardon my saying so my Lady, but perhaps Seraph may be of help?"

The others exchanged a look before they nodded in agreement. "Seraph did a lot of secret missions that even I haven't been able to read about. She could very much be the person we need to talk to about this" Anson replied.

"I doubt she'll be too long," Indomitable commented.

Out in the Channel, Seraph was returning from a patrol. She'd sunk another small Siren force but was forced to run silent and deep as the Sirens had deployed more reinforcements to find her. The lack of noise was almost deafening for her, only small groaning noises kept her company as she stood in silence aboard the bridge. "Shouldn't be too far away now" She thought as her vessel carefully passed through a minefield. She knew this route well. But as she was coming out of the minefield, she began to feel a presence. Bringing the submarine to a halt, she equipped her rigging and plunged into the ocean as her vessel faded away into the much smaller vessel she held onto as it brought her closer to the presence she was feeling. Once she was aware of what she was feeling, she looked down and saw two cubes sitting on the seabed. "Who's this then?" She mused as she drew in close to the cubes and picked them up to take a better look. She smiled when she identified who was inside the cube and then looked up, seeing no Sirens having followed her. "Let's get you home, Venturer" she said as she got moving again, quickly heading for the base.

She arrived there nearly half an hour later, emerging from the water she brought her rigging up to the dockside and climbed up before rushing over to the machine that Resource had built. From there she inserted the two cubes and picked up another item before placing it in the required slot. By now, Indomitable and Unicorn had turned up, seeing the Sub having arrived and run up to the device. "Seraph? You look to be in a hurry" the elder carrier asked.

"I found one of my friends out on patrol. Another Submarine" Seraph replied, showing a surprising amount of cheer. Indomitable was rather surprised that Seraph, who she'd only heard about and previously seen as rather calm and orderly, was emitting so much joy. "Yes I know I'm a bit besides myself about it"

"At least you've found someone else. Anson and Sovereign were wishing to see you" Indomitable replied.

"Of course. I'll head to Anson's ship once Venturer is awake" Seraph replied as the pod brought up the newly revived Submarine.

The ginger haired submarine inside the pod slowly began to awake and blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the light. "W-Where am I?" she asked.

"You're in a safe place, Venturer" Indomitable spoke as Seraph helped her friend out of the pod. Venturer looked about a bit, taking in what was around her.

"Lady Indomitable. It's been so long" the sub replied.

"Indeed it has. I imagine it has been some time since you've talked to Seraph also?"

"Seraph?"

"Right here, V" Seraph spoke up and Venturer's face lit up as she hugged her friend. "You've certainly been wanting to do that, haven't you?"

"Yeah. It's been so long since I've seen one of my friends or sisters" Venturer replied. "I'm especially glad that it's you Seraph."

"That's because you obsess over my achievements"

"Hey! It's not like I have an impressive feat to my name" the ginger replied, making a fake pouting expression.

"What was it that you managed anyway?" Indomitable asked.

"Oh, right. I managed to sink an Iron Blood Submarine whilst we were both submerged" Venturer replied.

Unicorn and Indomitable both raised their eyebrows in surprise. "That's quite the feat"

"I know right?" Venturer replied as Seraph handed her over to the two Carriers and bid them farewell in order to report to Anson aboard her vessel.

She was there a few minutes later and Anson was expecting her. "How was your patrol?" the battleship asked. She looked far better than she had a week ago. The cuts were healing well and her arm was in a far better state. Resource had done well to ensure everything was healing well.

"It was fine. Several more Siren Warships sent to the bottom. It got a little hairy as they attempted to give chase, but my seabed lurking bore fruit.." Seraph replied.

"Go on?"

"I found another submarine. HMS Venturer, V Class. She was reduced to her cubes but otherwise unharmed. I brought her back and revived her. She's in Lady Indomitable and Ms Unicorn's care currently"

"Glad to hear you were able to find another Submarine. It makes the plan easier." Anson replied.

"I imagine I fit in to this plan you speak of"

"Indeed you do." Anson said before she activated a part of her rigging and the door behind Seraph closed. "Given this involved you. I felt that secrecy was required. Only myself and six others currently know of the discussion so I know to bring you into the fold. As you may know, we are somewhat lacking in vessels in order to comfortably attack Siren forces. Or to hold a formidable defence for a long period of time"

"You wish to know of locations of note that may be protecting missing friends?" Seraph replied, knowing where Anson was going.

"Yes. I know Her Majesty assigned you to various secret missions that even I am not privy to, so I must ask. Are there any hidden locations or points of interest that may enable us to recover reinforcements?" Anson asked.

"There are. I can name one right now. However, I must ask. Did you consider Scapa Flow?" Seraph replied.

"We did. It was the first after Portsmouth and Liverpool. Clydebank was considered after Scapa. But all will be well defended by Sirens." Anson answered.

"Of course. But we both know Scapa would be a far easier spot to contain any of our allies." Seraph continued. "Would you be willing to allow me time to perform recon of Scapa Flow and the surrounding areas to see if they do hold any allies as prisoners?"

"Of course. With Venturer now here. We can have her taking your patrols as you scout Scapa for us. I will be asking her to go with you for escort before she turns back to patrol your hunting grounds" Anson said.

"I am fine with that. The more Submarines we find, the better"

"I cannot argue with that. But now I must ask. Where is the base you can think of off the top of your head" Anson asked.

Seraph looked back to the door and then walked forward to whisper to Anson. "It is hidden on the Shetland Islands. One of many hidden bases Her Majesty had built in total secrecy."

Anson nodded "I imagine that may be where some of our Blueprint ships have been put for safekeeping" she whispered back.

"I would suggest that we go for Scapa first. As anyone we find there can be here to defend when a group of us go to the secret base"

"I will agree with you on that suggestion. I'll organise a meeting with the others and we can finalise more of this discussion. I'll let you go now"

"Thank you. I'll go check on Venturer before I head out again" Seraph said as the door opened again and she headed out.

As Anson watched her go, she smiled. Despite her confinement to her room. She was still regularly visited by everyone, wanting to see how she was doing and if she wanted anything. She was kept informed of developments with retaken ground outside of the port. Whilst there wasn't much ground taken due to precautions being taken with possible surprise attacks from Sirens, they had a decent amount of recaptured land now. And they were preparing to begin to restart using some farmland in order to create food. Thankfully the food stores onboard everyone's vessels would manage for the time being, Anson and the carriers having the most foodstuffs onboard.

Seraph was back on the dockside with Venturer not long afterwards and following a chat on catching up since they last saw one another, Seraph asked her how she had been reduced to her cubes. "RIght.." Venturer replied as she thought hard. "It was August 10th. The day that blast happened. I saw it and tried to crash dive to avoid it. But I wasn't fast enough"

"I was submerged at the time." Seraph commented. "After it had passed over me. I knew something wasn't right. I returned to the surface and tried to hail anyone on the frequency we use only in emergencies. But I got nothing back. I recall who was on the communications set that day."

"It was Resolution wasn't it? Lady Sovereign and Revenge's sister" Venturer asked

"Yes. I tried several times to contact her but she didn't answer. That's when I saw a Siren Portal open up roughly half a mile east of where I was. I had to dive to avoid being detected and I spent the time till I met with Anson on my own. I tried to look for my sisters or anyone else. But there was nothing" Seraph replied. "I felt…"

"Like you were unable to do anything to stop what you saw?" Indomitable asked, she and Unicorn had stayed with Venturer and had been quietly listening.

"Yes. I hated it."

"I think we all feel that way. A few of us were revived after the blast. But many of us were still stuck as cubes, and the Sirens capitalised on that and snatched who they could up. I know a few of our friends were taken"

"Anyone you know of that was taken?"

"My little half-sister. Implacable. I know she was taken by the Sirens. I don't know if her sister was taken too. I hope to god she wasn't."

"This is where Lady Illustrious would have talked about the Holy Light showing her the right path and how Implacable's sister is safe, isn't it?" Venturer asked and Indomitable gave a soft chuckle.

"Yes. Big sister would. I do hope she's safe in Bermuda."

"I'm sure she will be, going by how you speak so highly of her" Hector commented as he walked up.

"Oh. "Good-day Hector" Indomitable replied as they all turned their focus to the man.

"Who's this?" he asked, noticing their new arrival.

"This is Venturer, Hector. She's a submarine like Seraph."

"I found her and brought her here, Sir" Seraph said as he looked at her.

"That's very good. I'm glad you were able to find her. Always helps the fleet out doesn't it?"

"Indeed it does." Seraph replied before Hector introduced himself to the new arrival.

"I'm Hector. Anson's husband. And acting Commander for this fleet"

"Acting Commander?" Indomitable asked.

"Sovereign and Anson gave me the title of Commander. Since you've lost contact with your original one" Hector answered and the girls nodded in understanding.

"That is a fair judgement. Has anyone had any issues with that?" Indomitable asked.

"Not as far as I know" Hector replied. "But if anyone does have any issues. I am here to be talked to, and not to just look pretty beside my wife" he replied before they all laughed.

"Thank you Hector." Venturer replied "Will there be anything you need me to do?"

"I'm sure you can sortie with Seraph when required."

"Awesome. It'll be like the old days" Venturer replied "I'll just have to get my vessel back… How do I go about that?"

"Simple. We'll show you" Indomitable said as the four of them headed off to rebuild Venturer's vessel. Hector watched them go before he headed off again to check on the soldiers.

Captain Ryan was sitting in the back of the Bedford truck with some of the other soldiers gathered around him. They were all wearing winter coats that had been collected for them by the girls. A small group of them had gone out and found a store building that contained winter gear for them. They still had plenty of spare clothing so Hector was wearing a coat similar to the Captain's. "How are things going then, Captain?" Hector asked as he joined them.

"It's slowed down since the snow started. Corporal Martin and Private Dean are furthest forward. But have support from the tanks a couple of metres away. So they've got good company and can easily keep warm. How's it going with your sailor girls?"

"As good as It can currently. This weather is doing favours to no-one at all. Especially with it freezing up parts of the harbourside." Hector replied. "I hope you lot haven't been slipping"

"I did" one of the soldiers replied as he raised his hand before quickly tucking it back into his jacket to preserve as much heat as possible.

"Did you get checked up on?" Hector asked.

"Yeah I'm good. That Resource is well… Resourceful. She looked at me. Just a scuff on my elbow and a bruise. I'll be right as rain" The Corporal replied

"Good to hear. Won't do to have some of our best out of action" Hector said warmly.

"Oh, Hector. If you're wanting to see Captain Vincent. He's over by the entrance to the town." Ryan mentioned as he took a bite out of a loaf of bread he had to hand.

"Thanks Ryan. I'll go check on him now. See you again soon"

"See you mate" came the replies from Ryan and his men as Hector trudged through the snow towards the multiple self propelled guns that had now been painted into winter camouflage, thanks to the handiwork of Sheffield and Manchester assisting the tankers when they had time to help between patrols. However, Captain Vincent was nowhere to be found, so Hector looked around for a minute or two, finding only some of the other men under the Captain's command.

"You wouldn't happen to know where Captain Vincent is," Hector asked one of the other tankers.

"Oh he's in that house over there. He decided that we should have somewhere to live for the time being" One of the Corporals replied, pointing to a building nearby.

"Thanks" Hector said as he headed for the indicated home and knocked on the door once he had arrived.

"Enter" came the reply from the Captain. Hector entered and found the Captain sat at the small table writing. "Writing a Diary are we?"

"Indeed. My wife suggested I write in a diary prior to the last war with Jerry. I've had to find another to continue logging this new war"

"Do you know where your wife is now?" Hector asked.

"We lived in Grantham. It's understandably been quiet. I keep letters I've written in my satchel. Hopefully I'll be able to give them to her eventually"

"I'm sure you will, Captain." Hector said before he left him be, closing the door behind him so there wouldn't be a draft coming through the door. He then headed back to the harbour and had the Bulins take him to Anson's vessel.

Snow began to fall again mid-afternoon when Anson summoned a meeting of the available ships. "We have begun to make preparations for our next move against the Sirens. I should be healed by the time the mission comes around and Sovereign is accompanying me. But I wish to ask for volunteers to come with us" Anson asked and a few hands rose up.

"Z20." Sovereign noted down on the chalkboard she was standing beside and the German destroyer lowered her hand, pleased she was to take part.

"Swift? You wish to take part?" Anson asked.

"Yes, My Lady. Speed would certainly be useful. Myself and Z20 could provide a distraction of sorts. Unless you had something else in mind"

"No. It's fine Swift, You can come along" Anson replied as the other Destroyer's name was added to the board.

"I shall go too," Sheffield said as she stepped forward. "Manchester has improved since the last war. I believe she will do well whilst I am away"

"Very well" Sovereign replied as she added the Maid to the list

"Oh. Put Formidable down. Carriers will come in handy for dealing with any unwanted nasties" Anson said and a slightly muffled curse came from the gathered group. "Was that Wasp i heard"

"Crap." Came the carrier's reply. "Yeah. I wanna take part too. Kick some more Siren ass"

"Having a Bow will certainly help to keep things quiet" Sovereign commented. "Could do well if we want to try to do this discreetly"

"And combined with Sheffield having that rifle of hers. They could make excellent Snipers if we need some" Anson replied.

"We can discuss it further when we have everyone we need," Sovereign answered.

"Is there anyone else wishing to assist?" Anson asked as she looked away from her fellow Battleship. No further hands were raised. "Very well. I'll have Sovereign go look for a final member after this meeting. A meeting will be arranged in due time with all members who will be on the mission. in the meantime, return to your posts or take a rest if you have a break to take. Dismissed" Anson said and the gathered ships departed. Sovereign remained and once everyone was gone, she spoke.

"Rather even mix. Two Carriers, Two Destroyers, Two Battleships. A Cruiser and a Sub"

"Indeed. But I feel that a Heavy Cruiser would be in order. Norfolk has certainly been proving herself. Please go find her. That brings our team up to Nine. Everyone else shall remain here for defence of the base." Anson replied as she grabbed the crutch that Revenge had made for her. It was a little rudimentary but it did the job. The two then left the room and headed back to Anson's quarters.

"How many do you think will be up in Scapa?" Sovereign asked as they walked along.

"Something tells me we won't find too many. I'm not expecting ten or more, that would be too convenient or easy. Seraph's scouting reports should give us a good idea of how many we will be rescuing." Anson replied as Sovereign helped her down a set of stairs.

"Do… Do you think my sister will be there?"

"Royal Oak? Possible I suppose. But I don't think anyone's heard from her in a while" Anson answered.

"That's what I was worried about. With Resolution and Ramillies still out there somewhere I just want to know where at least one of them is"

"Words cannot describe how badly I want to know where my elder sisters are, even Monarch. I don't think I'll be satisfied till I know where all of them are and if they are well"

"Couldn't agree more with you on that" Sovereign replied as they arrived at Anson's room and the battleship sat down on her bed, resting the crutch beside the wall. "I'll go find Norfolk and let her know she's requested for the mission. in the meantime, I'll let you rest"

"Thanks. Resource will be along soon to check on me. So I won't be lonely for long"

"And then I imagine hubby Hector will arrive too" Sovereign replied with a cheeky grin

"Only I can't call him that, Sovereign. get your own" Anson chuckled in response as she wafted her hand to jokingly shoo her away. The older pinky-blue haired battleship simply continued to chuckle as she left the room and headed off to continue her afternoon duties.