Chapter 0
Prologue
Preparing For War
Naval Station Norfolk, 16:00 PM
Opening the door to his office, Admiral Kowalski was greeted by the sight of the one soldier he was waiting for. He greeted the man, and after the Admiral had settled down on his large chair, he began explaining to the soldier why he had been called here in the first place.
Admiral Kowalski:
- It has been a long time coming, Colonel Taggart. The last time we saw each other, you were still a teenager. I'm glad to see you are well.
Before the Admiral could continue his greeting, the colonel interrupted him, asking the Admiral if he could voice his opinion on the matter at hand. Curious, but already knowing what he was about to say, the Admiral allowed him to speak.
Colonel Taggart:
- Admiral, with all due respect, I believe that we're wasting our time here. If Operation Siren is successful, we can end this conflict once and for all. I should not be here.
Admiral Kowalski:
- Operation Siren has been suspended for the time being, Colonel. With the British holding their own against the Germans and the Sirens, we need to do our part too. The order has been issued already: We'll defeat the Imperial Japanese Navy, just like we did all those years ago. Just like my father and your grandfather did back at Guadalcanal. We can't continue Operation Siren if the US Navy has to deal with the Japanese every single day. We can barely secure our own coasts now. That's why we'll be going for the Japanese first. After we had dealt with both them and the Germans, Operation Siren can continue. We cannot have our fleets split everywhere, Colonel.
Colonel Taggart:
- *Sigh* Very well then, sir. What are my orders?
Admiral Kowalski:
- I was about to relay them to you. The higher-ups want you to command the newly formed joint operation with the British, codename "Azur Lane". I know you are well known for working alone or with a small unit, but due to your expertise, reputation, and the fact you are also familiar with the Wisdom Cubes and their ramifications, you have been chosen to be the commander of the "Azur Lane" base. Effectively immediately.
Colonel Taggart:
- Yes, sir. When I'll be departing to the base?
Admiral Kowalski:
- In a few hours, Colonel. There's some paperwork that you'll need to do first, while you'll be studying the ship that has been assigned to your command and the personnel you'll be working with. But do not fret. The higher-ups have also assigned our most competent ship as your secretary, so everything should go as they planned. Any more questions?
Colonel Taggart:
- No, sir.
Admiral Kowalski:
- Excellent. You're free to leave now, Colonel. You have much to do before you go to your new assignment, so hurry up.
As the Colonel was exiting the door of Admiral Kowalski's office, the Admiral called out for him. The soldier turned around to face the Admiral.
Admiral Kowalski:
- I'm sorry for what happened at the District of Columbia, Colonel. No one deserves to go through what happened to you there. Know that I'm sorry for your losses.
The Colonel didn't reply to the Admiral, with him simply closing the door behind him. As the Admiral was hearing the Colonel's footsteps quickly disappearing in the building, he started to think out loud to himself.
Admiral Kowalski:
- How did the boy I once knew turned into the Colonel "Grim Reaper"? They should have never had sent them to check out that damned signal...
TO BE CONTINUED...