War Disciples (Part one)By: Unknown PFC-A story of love, war, drama, struggle, and tragedy-An Azur lane fan fiction (Warspite)
Prologue
"They say that the more things change the more stays the same. For once things aren't changing so I guess the change is the lack thereof. Keep on your toes and stay frosty. We get out quick and clean." You shout to your men. None of which are above the age of 23. You turn around to get your things together, but then you remember "Oh by the way don't get shot."
You turn around again and resume your tasks to get ready. Rifle? Check. Ammo? Check. IFAC? Check. The list goes on as you space off thinking about the days mission will it put an end to the war? The possibilities are endless, another terrorist to smite. You pick up your helmet and strap it on.
"Sarge? Permission to speak freely?" A low voice chirps as he enters your hut.
You keep your back to him, roll your eyes as you think to yourself, another damn kid going into the meat grinder with us today.
"Granted. However, kid leave that bullshit in basic. We get it you're new and don't know any better. Anyway what's up?"
"Why are we here when there are more pressing matters?"
"Because we have a job to do." You growl. "Ask your politician. They always seem to know what's right." You think to yourself that's probably and hopefully the last lie you'll have to tell today but its only just started.
"Roger Sarge" He snaps from parade rest back to attention. Then steps backward to rejoin the others.
He walks out as you start to smirk again. He's too innocent for this but you won't take the right to fight from him. This is what we all signed up for. Before you leave the tent to rejoin your men you look at the friends you had lost in this war. Their pictures, with their dog tags at the bottom. You don't want their sacrifice to be in vein. Thoughts of the war should be pushed to the back of your mind but you can't help but feel there are more pressing problems that are about to rise. We had lost an entire naval task force due to unknown reasons recently something big is about to happen and you don't know quite what yet, and won't until an entire battle group comes back for a report.
"Hey you ready bro?" Your platoon leader asks
You look back and give him a nod "Lets go finish this crap, Sir!" You roar to motivate your soldiers.
We walk out of the tent together in full battle rattle. You stand on top of a box behind the rear guards Humvee. Looking at all of your men and women in the platoon. Knowing some of them might not make it back to base.
"Listen up, listen good! Our nation is looking to us to put an end to these bastards. We will make sure that all of them are pleased with our performance. This is our last mission until we go back to the 'Green Zone' so no fuck ups!" You roar. "We are the sons of bitches that have walked through the Valley of The Shadow of Death and came out the other side laughing! Let's show these cowards what we are made of! Now let's mount up!"
You step down and nod at your LT. It begins now. You go through your prayers in your head. You hop in the lead vehicle, riding shotgun. You cock your rifle while you think to yourself 'time to show you've earned the stripes on your chest.' You rack a round in the chamber. The gunner hops on the 240. The driver hops in, you look over at him then realize it's the FNG.
"You look nervous kid, don't worry though we'll get through this." You tell him in a calming voice.
"Sarge I'm not worried about dying. I'm worried about dying for something I don't believe in." He says softly.
"Don't worry kid, every death has its own meaning. What's your name?" You ask.
"Fitz Gerald." He chirps
"No shit. I can read your name tap. I meant your first name."
"Thomas."
"Alright well there Thomas. You're going to be fine." You pull a flask out of your pocket. It's contraband in a warzone but who gives a shit.
He takes a sip and shakes. The kid can't be over the age of 18.
"ugh it burns on the way down but thank you. What is it?"
You look over at him and can't help but smirk "Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey. Give it a minute you'll loosen up a bit. I never gave you this. Don't be a blue falcon."
"You didn't give me anything, I don't know what you're talking about."
You smile and think to yourself that's the one I'll promote later we need more like him. Not being able to complete the thought, the radio cracks on.
"Let's get the show on the road!" The Lt commands.
The engines turn on the convoy moves out. The operation has just begun.
An hour passes by nothing of note occurs. Until you hit the town. You hear a loud bang followed by what can only be described as a jet flying right at you. It can only be an RPG. Here comes the bull shit you think to yourself. You hold your rifle in a low ready grip. Its time to fuck some shit up. Then your world goes black. The concussion knocks you out.
You wake up a few minutes later. Gun fire is all you hear. You open your eyes and you're on the ground. You feel pain and heat coming from behind you. You think to yourself, gotta act fast I'm taking those sons of bitches down with me. You try to get up but you immediately fall back down. Something is very wrong, Is it a concussion? You try again but you fall down again. You look at your legs, maybe something is broken. When you go to look down you realize your right leg from the knee down is missing.
"MEDIC!" You scream desperately.
There's no response. You pick up your rifle and start firing back at the enemy. You knew this was going to happen sooner or later when your rifle jams you low crawl back to the 2nd Humvee to get some cover. It's under heavy fire and you're pinned down as the 240 gunner is letting loose on the enemy. You get a tourniquet out of your IFAC to stop the bleeding for now. The medic comes running up to you, he looks down and then looks at you. He's nervous but you nod to reassure him. He gets to work to stop the bleeding on your leg when some of the squad leaders run up and see for themselves what's happened. Suddenly the firing stops.
"What the fuck happened?" One of the squad leaders exclaims
"Oh you know I was on a stroll and the thing outlived its usefulness" You reply sarcastically.
You pull out your flask again and give it to the medic.
"Here bud have some it'll take some of the stress out of the situation."
"Really? Right now?" He asks
"Well either I'm chugging this or y'all have some swigs."
He takes it takes a few hits out of it and passes it around. You light up a cigarette while he patches up what is now your stump. Then you close your eyes. Embracing what is surely the last day on Earth. The world fades away there's no sound.
You wake up in the field hospital. Confused about what's happened. The battalion commander, company commander, and platoon leader walk in as you wake up.
"Son," A low pitched raspy voice says "Your war is over. We're sending you home."
"I would rather die right here, I'm not leaving my soldiers here alone." I growl
"Do you realize who you're talking to Sergeant First Class." Lt. pitches in
You look at him with the saying I don't give a fuck written on my face.
"Son I am Lieutenant Colonel Rogers your Battalion commander. This is not a discussion." In the same raspy voice.
"I know who you are, sir." You say in a calm voice. "But I'm saying I will never leave my men."
"You don't have a choice. You're going back to the states whatever happens there is beyond my paygrade." The LTC states. "The Colonel is putting you in for a purple heart."
You fly home back to the main post where they give you your prosthetic leg. The acting rear detachment commander steps in while you're learning to walk again.
"Back on your feet again I see Sergeant." He says cheerfully
"Mhm" you grunt
"Well we got word from up top your fearlessness in battle has been exemplary. We need more leaders like you. You're being put in charge of a new navy division." He says
You look at him with a confused look on your face.
"You do realize that I'm a soldier…right?" You say in a confused manner.
"Painfully however this is coming from up top." He says.
"Do I have another option?" You ask
"Yeah, go home and live off of a disability paycheck." He said.
"Well I guess Im in the navy…fuck it." You respond.
Chapter 1- Change of pace
"Sergeant First Class, you're being promoted to Lieutenant. Your orders are to take charge of Azur Lane. The story behind it is classified. You will be sworn to secrecy." A fleet admiral says commandingly.
"Sir. Whatever needs to be done I will do to the best of my abilities anything less than 100 percent is a failure, sir!" I sound off.
"Good sign here." He states
His name plate says Gilday. He's the top dog in the Navy apparently. On his chest is 5 stars, which can only mean one thing. We are in trouble, something big has gone down and now 4-stars are not enough to fight effectively. Politician logic right there.
"Here you go sir. What can I do to help?" You sound off
He points to an island on his map.
"You're going to this island in the middle of the pacific. Once you are there you will meet up with 3 other naval lieutenants from Russia, Germany and Japan. The British Lieutenant in charge was killed when his convoy was hit by the thing you will be fighting. They call themselves The Sirens. They are not to be underestimated. The battle ground was lost with all hands. Say for the submarine that was heavily damaged. It barely made it back to Pearl Harbor. In two hours you will be put on a transport to head to the new base. I hope you haven't done any unpacking since you arrived this morning. You will be escorted by our prototype weapons. Later this will make sense, however you are not to get too close they are just things they are not real people." He said in one long winded introduction.
"Yes sir!" You sound off.
You go back to your hotel room and await further orders as you pack up. Before you know it, you get a knock on the door.
"Sir are you ready?" A young man said
"Yeah let me get my bags."
"It's okay sir, I can carry them!"
"Relax, there are only two I can carry it."
As you walk down to the transport you realize this is going to be another grueling deployment. But you reassure yourself it's nothing you cannot handle. You've done worse before. Sure, but this is your first classified op. Before too long you arrive at the pre-arranged destination.
"Sir, we're here."
"Roger that."
You start to hop out of the transport and see 5 women of different stature. You spot one with a stocking on that says 'Montpelier'. You stop dead in your tracks befuddled. She looks mystical in appearance. Could this be what the admiral was talking about? Could these women be just prototypes? You stare at Montpelier, your eyes are locked, she's beautiful, but you have to shake that thought. This is war, if this is as brutal as your last battle you cannot afford to think of her or even get your hopes up.
"So you must be the famed Lieutenant." A woman with a high pitch voice says. "I'm Hammann, a Sims class destroyer. Eagle Union."
You look at her with completely confused. She's human as far as I'm concerned. She isn't a damned weapon, she's a person. You shake off your confused look and reach out your hand.
"Yes ma'am guilty as charged nice to meet you."
She shakes your hand while trying to figure you out.
"So who are your friends?"
"That's Montpelier, Arizona, Long Island, and Smalley." She says while pointing them out.
"Nice to meet all of you. Who's the squad leader?"
They look confused as they look at each other.
"Nobody." Montpelier pitches in "We all share the equal burden around here, Sir."
That strikes you as odd never in the military has something been like this. Usually there is a dedicated leader. However, everyone has an equal say in terms of combat, this way people can spread their wings in a leadership sort of way.
"Roger that then, in that case what's the enemy position in regards to our current route?"
"Light if any, on our way here no hostiles spotted." Long Island reported
"Sweet easy day then?" You ask.
"Yes Sir!" They say collectively
"Alright well let's go to the base and start sending these friggin' tourists home." You shout in motivation.
The brief is boring as usual. The night is dark but you still try to steal some looks at the women. They're all so beautiful in their own little way. Arizona her eyes are innocent and when she smiles it really lights up the night. Montpelier is beautiful from head to toe, She's confident. You really find that attractive she's so sure of herself without saying it. Then there's Hammann, Long Island, and Smalley. They all really just have that beautiful innocence about them like they don't have a care in the world they're happy just to be a part of the mission. You can relate to this you think to yourself about your first combat mission the 'this is what we've been training for!' moment the anxiety mixed with the excitement. As you reflect you can't help but smile about all the good times.
"Sir! It's time to go!" One of the crew members shouted.
"Alright let's get this show on the road…erm the waves?" You say uncertain if it'll stick.
You board the transport the prototypes take escorting positions around the convoy of oilers/tankers and other supplies. We set sail and it will take approximately 8 hours. You use this time to get some rest before the big day where you take over command of the new base.
Chapter 2- Azur Lane
"Sir we're here the Rear Admiral is waiting." A sailor says in a low raspy voice
You grunt slowly rolling out of your rack.
"Alright I'm going to start getting ready. I suggest you do the same. Are you going to be my Senior Chief Petty Officer?" You ask.
"Yes sir. Why do you ask?"
"Well Chief, I better know your name."
"It's Andrew Moore sir."
"Alright Moore. Don't worry about formalities," You put your prosthetic leg on "I used to be enlisted as well. So in other words this post will be better."
"Damn shots fired."
"Well we all think about it. I just thought I should say it this time. Anyway let's get ready to meet these…women? Prototypes?"
"Yeah I feel like this is one of those touchy subjects sir."
"Well let's wing it as we go on the reports."
"Solid plan, sir. What if that doesn't work."
"It will we're the first chain of command in this kind of environment. We are walking the line as we speak. The line between humanity and weapons. These women are humans yet weapons."
"That's a way of looking at it. I'll start getting ready sir."
"Okay, Message from the top saying we are to pick our own secretaries to help us with paperwork, commissions, and battle reports. So in other words our own shops for each area."
"Roger."
You get ready, clean shave and the whole works. You get into your dress uniform which is always a pain in the ass but you have to look your best for your troops of course. Time passes and SCPO. Moore walks in.
"Sir we're ready to dock, a detail will collect our things it's time to meet the Admiral."
"Alright lets not keep the guy waiting."
You walk off the ship it's a cool spring morning a few of the women walk up to you to meet Moore and yourself.
"Good morning gentlemen." An average sized woman says "My name is Sheffield. I will be your maid if you need anything let me or one of the other maids know and we will assist you."
"Thank you we will be sure to let you know." You say "Actually before I let you go quick question."
"Yes sir?"
"We are the new command team and we need a list of those who are available."
"Yes commander I will have a list for you before noon." She says
"Sir is it necessary to have a secretary already?" Moore asks.
"Well we don't know how many reports that need to be filed are already there. I would much rather be prepared." You say.
"Fair enough."
The two of you walk to the transport that will take you to the admiral's HQ. Along the way both of you make small talk. Getting to know each other, it's clear that you can rely on each other to make the right calls.
"Here we are." The driver says.
"Alright and so the fun begins." You say to Moore.
The both of you get out of the car and walk up to the admiral's office. A man with a duty uniform with two stars is sitting alone at a desk making sure everything is in order. He looks up as both you and Moore snap to attention.
"Good morning gentlemen, I'm Rear Admiral Willis, welcome to your new base. The headquarters are all yours. The ships will take you to your quarters that are with in close proximity. You will not be reporting to me however you will still be reporting directly to Fleet Admiral Gilday, This will be the only time we meet hopefully. I'm the black operations commander of the Pacific. Any questions?" He says.
"Yes sir. What do we call these weapons?" You ask.
"You can call them whatever you'd like personally I don't care. Ships, women, weapons, whatever you fancy. Just treat them well." He says
"Yes sir!" You reply
"I have none at this time sir." Moore reports
"Well in that case I leave you to it. Get to know the base. In the meantime I'm going to board the ship to my head quarters." He says
He leaves the room. You and Moore look at each other.
"Well I hope I don't have to look at you either." You say mockingly to Moore
"Oh my feelings are just so hurt sir. I need a safe space." Moore replied sarcastically
You both chuckle as you walk around the headquarters. Sheffield comes up to the both of you bringing another one of the maids.
"Commanders, we have the list as you requested." Sheffield reports.
You check your watch. It hasn't even been an hour.
" Wow you're quick! Who's your friend?" You reply
"She is Dido. She will be assisting SCPO Moore sir. Or other way around if you prefer."
You look at Moore and he shrugs.
"That works."
You look at the list and the name you choose is Warspite, Moore picks Houston.
"Alright we pick Warspite and Houston. Is that okay?" You ask
"Yes sir, of course we will let them know of their new duties at once." Sheffield sounds off. "In the meantime would you like any refreshments?"
"Sure is there a dining facility or canteen where all the sailors go?" You ask
"Sailors? You're the only humans on the island sir. But us ships gather at the local mess hall sir." She says
You think about it. It's both a sobering reality and a sad one. They look like humans act like humans but they don't seem to think they are. Maybe it's just her maybe not but you have to change that they are humans, people in your eyes. You think it over. If it acts like a duck quacks like a duck then it's a freakin' duck. You then look at Moore and he nods. You don't even need to really communicate at this point it's just a subtle nod here and there, then boom you're on the same page.
"Then that's where we'll go hop in the car with us and we'll all go together." You reply
"If that's what you desire sir." Sheffield says.
"That would be nice. Could you two introduce us to Warspite and Houston?" Moore pitches in
"Of course sir. Would you like to let them know of their new duties?" Dido chimes in.
"That would be great Dido." You say
They both nod. The four of you hop in the car and head to the dining facility. On the way both you and Moore talk to Sheffield and Dido about how the women around the base act on a day to day basis. The multitude of personalities, you find yourself drawn to the personality of Enterprise who is the embodiment of the CV-6 version of the carrier. This intrigues you deeply with the knowledge of how that carrier survived and never stopped fighting in World War II. You realize you need to talk to her about her behavior later on.
"Where does Enterprise usually reside?" You ask Sheffield.
"She's usually with her ship." She says.
"I would like to talk to her at some point. I feel like we may have some things in common this way she has of looking at things that seem to be flawed if you don't mind me saying." You lift up your right pant leg revealing your recent injury. "That's what can happen if you look at things so bluntly."
"That's what we're afraid of. She might listen to you best. Most of us look up to her as a leader of sorts." Sheffield says
"I won't get in the way of that."
"We're here." Dido reports.
Both Moore and yourself nod and look at the building.
"Is it connected to the barracks?" You ask
"Yes sir." Dido answers
"Oh nice that's pretty nifty."
We head inside and have a look around it looks like an improved army dining facility. It has a nice lobby that looks to double as a meeting ground for the ships? Women? Weapons? Girls? It'll pose an awkward question to ask Sheffield but one that should be asked as to not offend later down the line. The four of you walk into the dining area to sit down Sheffield and Dido doesn't sit down with the two of you at first.
"You guys don't want to eat with us?" you ask
"Sir we cannot. We have our maidly duties." Sheffield says.
"We'll if I have any say in it and if you don't mind me saying this. I would like to exempt the both of you until after lunch." You say
You think to yourself, I never had this much power as an NCO. I always had to kiss someone's ass to get a small task done but would you look at this. I finally have power. They look at each other then to you and Moore.
"If that's what you wish sir."
"Indeed it is we still don't know a whole lot about y'all. Since we may all have longevity here we should all get to know each other. As to not aggravate one another. I don't see this being a problem however everyone is different." You say
"I agree. Dido may we talk one on one?" Moore asks.
Either he's a player or he's genuine. He's a hard to read person but for some reason you trust him. Maybe it's because you've developed a sixth sense for trust worthiness or he knows how to put on the face.
"Your wish is my command sir." Dido reports.
You can't help but smirk. The inner 13 year old pops out. 'Is it now??' You stop yourself, you're on an important assignment.
"So Sheffield, what is it that you guys like to be called?" You ask. The awkwardness of the question is out, now there's nothing you can do.
"Most of us prefer to be called ship girls, ships, or just by our names." Sheffield replies. She must have been waiting for something like this to happen.
"Thank you in reports that will make things much easier. Now about Warspite what is she like?" You ask
"She focuses on the mission and bettering herself. She's skilled with her claymore. But she also has a big heart. She doesn't like to show it though. She can be really caring at times. Why do you ask?"
"Just wanted to make sure she wouldn't mind me. Not going to lie this has me nervous. If I'm not mistaken she is made in memory of a Battleship constructed during World War I and that fought in World War II? If that's the case she could quite easily wipe the floor with me. That kind of power is a little intimidating to say the least."
"Well although you're right, she isn't like that she's nice so long as you don't mess with Queen Elizabeth."
"That's comforting. But I need you to start eating before I do. It's an old tradition where I come from ma'am."
"Of course sir however, it's also tradition from where I come to let you eat first."
"Well then, as my first order on this post, I order you to take the first bite."
"Yes sir."
You both enjoy a delicious lunch together as a lot of the ship girls look on in confusion. You and Moore are possibly the first males they've ever seen. Well that's if the Rear Admiral didn't meet them or even try like you and Moore are trying to do but by the way Sheffield and Dido are any indication that's not a possibility. Sheffield stands up.
"Sir are you done with your tray?" She asks
"Yeah but don't worry i'll handle this. Could you grab Warspite and Houston for me?" You ask
"Of course sir."
You grab your tray and hers. Then head to where there's already a hand full of trays. You turn to Moore and nod, him and Dido seem to be enjoying their conversation but he stops to nod back so you head over.
"They're on their way."
"Roger that sir." He replies
You go to sit down and not long after Sheffield comes walking back in the room. Accompanied by a woman who is blonde and is wearing a nice shirt and no pants. This strikes you as odd but then again most of the ship girls in the room are wearing spandex and other revealing clothing. You shrug it off and decide to kind of study her. She looks stunning and her hair is perfect, she has beautiful purple eyes that make you nervous. She has a look of pure determination on her face. You admire this. Her look screams: I will never accept anything less than complete victory on her face. She looks at you then starts walking over to you and she gives a nice little smile.
"Good morning commander!" Warspite says
"Good morning Warspite." You say almost choking on your words
"Are you okay?" Warspite asks
"Yeah sorry." You say in a shitty attempt at a cover up
"What do you need me to do?"
"I need a secretary that I can trust and rely on. I need someone who will help me organize battle reports and help me with communicating to the other girls on post. Do you have a preferred nickname or anything you would rather me call you by?"
"You can rely on me commander. Some call me The Grand Old Lady. Other times just Warspite. It's up to you commander."
You give a confused look. She seems really young to be called an old lady. Maybe the name carried over to her, in a way inherited the name?
"What's troubling you commander?" She asks
"Nothing it's just you look too young to be called an old lady."
She giggles and she lights your world up with her smile. You can't help but feel her charm with her smile and laughter, her eyes. STOP! You think to yourself. This has to be against regulations of some sort. Alright, alright i'll look it up later. You say to yourself.
"It's from my ship commander."
"That makes a lot more sense." You chuckle to it
"Well commander when do I start?" She asks.
"Depends, personally I'm starting on reports after this. If you want we could start tomorrow morning or tonight at the HQ. It's up to you."
"Okay I'll start tonight commander."
"Sounds good it'll be the middle room."
You shake hands with her and she leaves. It was a big mistake. You didn't want to let go of her hands. You want to spend a lot of time with her and get to know her. It's like having something that's amazing and you've had your first bite and now you crave a second. But you have to be patient, you have to look up some regulations when you get back to your office.
"Sir, I have a great feeling about this assignment." Moore says
You cock an eyebrow and look at him.
"Is that what you got from that first introduction."
Both of you laugh.
"Well let's head back to see what our instructions are." You say
So it is you head back with Moore to HQ. Looking at the base. Its breathtaking not to mention the ship girls are gorgeous as well. The odds are in your favor and the assignment has no problems for the foreseeable future. You pull up to the office. You look at Moore.
"Hey you know what? Go have fun i'll hold down the fort, Warspite is swinging by later tonight anyway." You say
"Thank you, sir."
You head inside and go into your office. There are a few packets of paper work on the desk you go over to check them out. There's a post it note on top. 'Look in the drawer- R.A. Willis. You open up the drawer and see a small ring box
"Oh what the fuck?!" You say out loud accidentally
"Sir, what's wrong?" Sheffield comes running to ask
Scared the piss out of you.
"Where did you come from?" You asked.
"I was tidying up after I got Warspite for you."
"Oh, well come here for a second."
"Yes sir what's troubling you?"
You put the ring box on your desk.
"What's this?"
"It's an oath ring sir. Once you find the right ship you can marry her and you make her more powerful in every way."
You grab your forehead and massage your eyebrows. A lifetime commitment in war time. On top of which you still have to adapt to a whole new way of life and now you have to…this doesn't have to be a bad thing, just a new beginning with a beautiful woman.
"Well I'm at a loss for words. Can you make me some coffee please?" You ask
"Of course sir anything else, sir? Sheffield asks
"No that's all just black coffee and when you're done go home get some rest." You say
After reading a few boring regulation packets Sheffield comes back in the room and gives you coffee.
"Thanks Sheffield very much appreciated. Have a nice day and have fun out there." You shoot her a smile.
She bows and leaves the room.
Hours pass and you pass out on your desk.