Even though the sun held high in the sky, casting the world in cheerful blue, none felt it as a shadow fell over them. What tranquil ambience of nature there could be was occupied by oppressive sounds of distant machinery.
For the first time, Tanager realized she was in the presence of something grander. No longer were there subjects to look up to her; now she was the one looking up in humility. It was conceded, something that even she knew was primal instinct.
"I take that it's everything you wanted?" the woman beside her asked.
"Everything…?" Tanager turned to her as if told the most absurd query. "This is simply more than anything one would have desired. But how is it that you have brought such monument to life in short notice? They were naught but ruins for years."
"... Consider such feats our speciality..." Smiling, the woman turned towards the Sirens nearby as they too marveled at the sight.
Purifier whistled aloud. "Man, they're bigger than I thought! (Uglier too!) People here must've had a lot of free time to make 'em this huge, huh?"
"Yes, as if they simply had nothing better to do than to construct such things," remarked Tester. "It's not like this world had a catastrophe to worry about to compel them to build such things."
"But when mankind is pushed against the wall, they truly can accomplish miracles," Observer stated. "Humanity can find no better incentive than the tending of their well-being. Talk of betterment, and they may prove unwilling. But talk of fear, and they will obey. And when confronted with misery, anguish, death… they will soar above and beyond their own dreams so that they may never experience the things they fear."
Her smirk widened.
"Yet funnily enough, mankind cannot seem to stop itself from indulging in the creation of monsters..."
Geofon gazed at the assembling behemoth with her typical emotionless stare. Yet behind their characteristic visage, they shone with attention. Even she knew that what she saw was nothing ordinary, conventional, or even real. Yet there it was, standing before her. A monument of undeniable monstrosity that was made manifest in reality. And it was all theirs for the taking.
"Is it fully operational?"
"Yep. Out of the eight, half are already up and running and operating at 100% efficiency," Beowulf π answered. Her eyes too shined with awe like everyone else, yet her tone was devoid of fear - quite the opposite. "Power supply, motor actuators, targeting systems… I just don't get it."
Geofon glanced at the submarine. "Get what?"
"How they were able to get the entire thing up and running in such a short order," Beowulf π clarified. "Before the project was scrapped, the foundations and preliminary structures were put in place. But even those took years to complete, and by everyone's estimates it would've required more for the entire structure to be built, let alone -"
"That is irrelevant," Geofon interrupted. "What matters is that they work as intended and that they work at our discretion."
As she made her statement, her eyes became drawn to her queen as she stood, her expression serene and content. Compared to her mood from all the previous events, it was bewildering to see such a thing from Tanager. It was as if she had forgotten their past mishaps, their defeats and setbacks now mere fleeting memories, buried and ignored in favor of the colossus before them.
Geofon looked back at it, their "secret weapon" or "ace in the hole" that so many would be fond of saying. Such expressions for what they beheld to conceal behind asinine terminology. There was nothing to be obtuse over with what this was or their intentions. It was indeed a weapon like no other and Tanager would use it for her own aims - whatever they may be.
If war was indeed hell, then it was evident that she wanted to be the devil.
The same shadow that hung above all towered over a pair of cruisers as they walked.
"Is something bothering you?" Sparrow asked. Her commander was not a talker, but even she found Raven's silence off. Ever since the news had reached them she had been rather uneasy.
"... I'd be lying to you if I claimed there wasn't," Raven replied. Her voice echoed with a tone Sparrow recognized, a tone rarely seen but something she knew to fear from experience.
Sparrow glanced up, seeing the behemoth of such constructs seemingly stretch into the sky. She remembered her history and yet she found it difficult to believe that such structures truly existed beyond the realm of myths and yore. She was as perturbed as she was in awe.
"It's about that, isn't it? The weapon we've been assigned to guard?"
Raven turned to look at the same sight herself. She frowned. "... Tanager's making a grave mistake with that thing."
Her companion looked up, surprised. "Raven, I… I never thought I'd hear you doubt her like that. If she had heard that -"
"I don't care if it was treasonous," Raven snapped. "Look at it, Sparrow, and look at what we're doing to it. Are we already this desperate to resort to a long-dead weapon to win this war? What happened to the Rose Kingdom's strength if we are to pin our hopes to a creation that was not even ours, especially consigning the likes of us to protect it rather than prove our merits on the frontline? Conspiring with… them and their gifts was one thing, as we ships are made to fight on the battlefields to sacrifice for our country. Even if we don't agree with the reason we fight, I'd be content so long as our fights were honest. But with that thing, where do we draw the line?
"Just how far will she go…?"
Location: Delta Coalition GHQ, North Point
"... But alas, I cannot let you end this experiment so soon and end the entertainment now, can I?"
The voice stopped, the recording having reached its end. Fort Grace took a breath before she continued.
"This was all that the Siren, identified as 'Observer Alpha' by your ships, mentioned during the brief encounter at the tail-end of our last operation. The only clue provided is that Tanager is involved, or at least plays some sort of role in what they're scheming. But what that is exactly, we've come up blank."
She paused as she let the others on the other side think. On the display once reserved for the overview of the map and the continent, a pair of framed faces now took precedence for the live conference.
In one, a guest immediately arrived with her own statement regarding the matter. "We don't know what she has in store either, and as much as it has already been stated, it can't be good. The Siren's involvement was already suspected but now that they've appeared in person..."
"What can we expect given your past experiences, Enterprise?" the Coalition carrier asked.
The carrier crossed her arms as she thought. "From our previous encounters, I can only say vague schemes. They're known for their ability to manipulate others and even the laws of reality to accomplish long-term goals that still elude us. The best we'd get is that they treat these conflicts as experiments and tests with which to reach some far-off nebulous goal. But for them to manipulate a nation to start a war…" Her face darkened as she talked.
In another live frame, Fort Grace watched as Queen Elizabeth quietly sipped her tea. A bittersweet expression adorned her visage. "Indeed, Enterprise. I know all too well the familiar beats to this little play of theirs… It is quite likely they are playing this Tanager for a fool if she believes she can attain their power..."
"Well, it wouldn't be out of her character," Fort Grace remarked. "If the power of the Sirens is what she seeks, then this war will grow even messier. They must be stopped before it gets worse," She paused. "Can we expect additional support from the Azur Lane? There remains much of these Sirens that we do not know and we could use all the help we can get, especially now that we have direct confirmation of their presence."
The old battleship frowned. "That may be unlikely from the Royal Navy, for we currently have our own hands full with domestic affairs. As much as we'd like to divert our maiden ships in support of your efforts, Ironblood, the Sardegna Empire, and Vichya Dominion have been making moves that we cannot ignore lightly."
"Eagle Union is also tracking a spike in suspicious activity from the Sakura Empire in the Pacific as well as assisting the Royal Navy in the Atlantic sector," Enterprise added. "It seems like the Crimson Axis is planning something, likely a coordinated offensive. The timing's too convenient. Our installations are on elevated alert so we can't guarantee any immediate reinforcement, but I'll see what I can do.
"... I know this sounds like we're pushing a lot on you, but as much as we'd like to pursue the Sirens our hands are full. Neither the Delta Coalition nor the Silver Star Federation have any experience dealing with Sirens, but I have faith. I have faith in our ships on your side and the strength of yours. We still have your back, so do your best, and may good luck be with you."
Fort Grace nodded in understanding as she thanked her. Meeting adjourned, the frames blinked closed, leaving Fort Grace alone in the room. Left to gaze into the void outside her window, she sat in thought.
A developing plot. Left to contend with a mysterious enemy, the benefactors of their enemy…
She didn't wait long until she brought up the map of the continent, the world painted with affiliations and battlelines, and began planning their next moves. The war was still raging and it still needed to be fought. And it still needed to be won.
If their foes had a surprise waiting for them, then it would do them no good to keep them waiting.
Location: near Crowne Beach, continental mainland
Operation: Bunker Shot
Kestrel scanned the terrain ahead, spying the landscape shadowed by the dark clouds. The seas and skies were in drab gray, and the winds threatened rain. As she scanned the land, its outline peaked and ebbed like jagged teeth. Water dashed itself against the rocky shores of the beach. The very land seemed to do its best to ward any and all from approaching lest they feel its bite.
But that was to be the nature of amphibious assaults against an enemy defense lying in wait.
"Visibility low, but I have visual of the enemy fortifications. Mostly shore guns, maybe AA and SAM emplacements; exact number unknown." Buzzard lowered her binoculars as she turned to her sister. "Nothing out of the ordinary, yes?"
Kestrel shook her head. "No, everything is as the intel suggested. They should be nothing we can't handle." She paused as a thought occurred to her. "Um… are you okay with them working with us?"
Buzzard didn't spare a look as she quietly groaned. "Never the team I would ask for..."
Kestrel leaned to the side, peering at the rest of the task force behind Buzzard.
"Hehe. Got you good!" giggled Fensalir.
"Hey! That is so not fair, I wasn't prepped!" Folkvangr whined. A slap fight ensued between the submarine twins.
Presiding over them, Arquette watched with (for what might be the very first time) an amused look. But right as someone wrapped her arm around her shoulders, the expression instantly disappeared as Arquette repelled the interloper. "And why must I be stuck working with you again, White Valley?"
"Wow, harsh much? The reason why I'm here is because I missed out on the big, bad brawl at Comberth. Oh and I was promised triple for pitching in here for the 'ol counteroffensive as compensation."
Buzzard could see what Kestrel was looking at and sighed. "I don't know how Fort Grace does it with these girls..."
Kestrel stifled a giggle. "Still exacting as always, Buzzard. Would you have preferred teaming up with our sister instead?"
"Ugh..." Buzzard pinched the bridge of her nose in thought. "Perhaps. I at least know Vulture enough to know what she would do. It would be more of a question of trust and efficiency which appear to be lacking with these ships. Regardless, I had her bunked with cleaning duties and orders are orders..." Then, as if remembering, she pushed her glasses back into place. To Kestrel, it meant time to get down to business.
Buzzard turned to approach the rest of the fleet. "Alright. The briefing had already covered this (unless you were dozing off in the middle of it), but as a reminder of the mission: we have the Aegir Fleet on the run and our job is to give chase, starting with this region designated Crowne, Halle, and Caranda Beaches. We're to smash open their coastal defences and open the way to a large-scale counteroffensive that will enable the Delta Coalition to retake the -"
"Yeah yeah, I think we get it: find the enemy, and bust 'em a new one. We have our fill of fun and Fort Grace gets what she wants."
Buzzard's nose twitched at White Valley's callous outburst but was halted when Kestrel stepped forward.
"The enemy before us is strong, more so with these Sirens by their side if they choose to appear. But this does not mean we are helpless. If we are ready, then let's proceed. Buzzard will be flagship of this operation, and I'll be taking point to draw their fire. Any objections?"
The Coalition ships simultaneously shrugged.
"Trying to take the spotlight? Real bold of ya, songbird. But as long as Buzzard doesn't yank my chain I'll let it slide."
"Hmph. I have no objections with her leading the charge."
"If miss Arquette likes it, then that's like, a no-brainer move, right sis?"
"Yeah. No way I'd like lead from the front. Submarines don't do that."
Buzzard privately confided to her sister with a shocked look. "Kestrel, what're you..."
Her sister only returned a calm, but understanding look. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
Within the immobile and resolute bunkers that dotted the bluffs, their guns sat in silent vigilance: cannons watched the seas while lance-like missiles scanned the skies. Invisible eyes helped both to see as they stared emptily into space. Long have they sat, waiting without moving but also without pause.
The growing wail of sirens signaled the abrupt end of their wait.
Immediately the guns sprang into action, turning to face the sea as one. The rumbling of jet engines were already upon them before black arrowheads zipped by. Against the dark clouds they flew like ominous spectres, an image they did well to maintain as missiles already struck first blood on some of the few fortifications. The inland defenses, their box-like turrets or bristling barrels spinning after the birds, swiftly went to work tracking them. Sensing their prying eyes, the jets swerved and turned to outpace their gaze.
While the air war began, the coastal defenses continued to hold their gaze towards the sea. As they expected, a figure emerged from the murky haze, speeding towards them at attack speed. Instantly the barreled turrets trundled towards the intruder and began firing. The intruding ship evaded in a serpentine pattern, deftly rendering the haphazard orchestra of cannonfire null. In the brief lull between shots, the ship struck back with a missile or two from her rigging before resuming the dodging.
As the coastal defenses focused on the lone ship, a volley of missiles and more planes streaked from high above. In a single stroke a number of the emplacements - the ones that exposed themselves in their opening fire - went up in smoke and in their eyes, more shapes appeared over the horizon.
"Weapons free!" Buzzard commanded. "Focus fire on the anti-ship guns!"
"You don't say. A buncha sitting ducks will be no sweat!" White Valley boasted, rushing in.
Arquette calmly went to work launching her planes, pretending not to have heard Buzzard's order as she began issuing her own. "Fensalir, Folkvangr. I will grant you two permission to play to your heart's content. Destroy the fortifications!"
Inspired, the submarine twins kicked off the operation with an excited flurry of missiles from their riggings.
"All right! Let's like wreck the dumb Kingdom's stuff!"
"That's right! Take this and that, you stupid turrets!"
The combined fire all zipped over Kestrel's head as she pressed on. She dodged another blow and sidestepped another - the coastal guns were still focusing on her. Things were still going as planned.
More shots were fired, and Kestrel could see the tracers hurtle in her direction. She kept up the dodging; she knew better than to hold her ground with point-defense against these particular weapons. She turned hard to evade a shell, only to look up to see a salvo headed towards her; a trap set by the automated defenses. A noteworthy attempt if it was of their intention from the beginning.
Thinking quickly, Kestrel leaned back, maintaining her momentum as she slide beneath the shells. She spared only a quick burst of two missiles in retaliation before she saw more tracers go her way.
"Kestrel!" A wing of aircraft - Hornets - swooped by, and like a wave swept away her sister's assailants. Enemy guns silenced, Buzzard rushed to Kestrel's side.
"Are you alright?"
Kestrel nodded. "Yes. Yes, I'm fine."
"... This whole thing was incredibly risky," her sister scolded. "I would have never approved of this plan if it meant unneeded casualties - especially if it was you, Kestrel."
Kestrel looked away. "... I'm sorry I worried you like this."
Buzzard looked at her sister sternly. "I do believe you owe me an explanation. Why did you volunteer for something like this all of a sudden?"
"Someone had to," Kestrel answered, her response coming swift. "If not me, then it would be someone else. The others may not be one of us, but they are our allies. I won't bear the thought of letting them sacrifice their well-being if it can be avoided."
Buzzard's look shifted to that of intrigued dumbstruck. It wasn't the answer she was expecting and she wasn't sure if she could accept it. "If you had just told me earlier, I would've had no problems being the bait..." she muttered, turning away. Whether or not Kestrel heard it, she felt it was necessary to say. And she hoped her sister understood.
A look of disgruntlement adorned Herne's face as she cursed. "Ah damn it. We're too late."
Looking down from atop a rock protruding on its lonesome by the shore, Herne saw the rest of the destroyer group gathered around. "The shore defenses along Halle, Crowne, and Caranda beaches getting torn up. By the time we get there the Delta Coalition would have wiped out the entire defensive line."
"Well blow me!" exclaimed Beluga. "Ain't that a real blow to our gasket."
Taisch crossed her arms in a huff. "Well if we have taken heed of the will of the winds rather than meet it with skepticism, we might have been rewarded with a more favorable outcome!"
Herne shot a incredulous look. "'Will of the winds'? You mean that dumb stick that you used to make your prediction? A fat lot of good it did. Fenris could play fetch with it and it would be more useful!"
"Ooh, yes yes, please!"
"So the defenses will be lost. What now?" Kolga asked with a chilly demeanor.
"U-um, yes, what should we do next? I… I don't think Tanager would be happy if we just stood by..." Lazuli fidgeted nervously.
Herne scratched her head, the thought raised by Lazuli gripping her head as she thought. A conceded defeat would do no one - not even their leader - any favors. But as she tried to consider her options, her radio came to life.
"Herne, indulge me on the situation."
Blood ran cold as everyone - Herne especially - jumped at the voice. Their queen's voice. The destroyer wasted no time in answering.
"We're on site but they'll burn through the defense by the time we even get to do anything… Er, you're not going to be too upset about that, are you?"
To the surprise of everyone, Tanager laughed. "No, far from it, Herne. Their presence provides me an optimal circumstance for the grand debut of their requiem. All I want from you is to divulge us their location, to witness the spectacle, and report to me the results.
"... And I do look forward to the results."
Though the defenses were many, their strength was only finite. With each passing second, anti-air fire steadily trickled down in the skies. The ships found more and more freedom in their movements for every coastal gun that was removed.
"Another bunker destroyed!"
"Great. All enemy shore defences silenced!" Andromeda announced. As usual, her voice came only through the radio.
"Ha! I'm either getting too good or they're getting soft!" White Valley jeered.
Fensalir and Folkvangr cheered in agreement, not noticing Arquette's disapproving stare at the carrier. On a similar note, Buzzard offered no time for celebrations as she scanned the surroundings. Columns of smoke rose throughout the bluffs and mounts, seemingly feeding the dark clouds shrouding the sky. All threats had been accounted for; she had personally kept track. Yet her instincts did not allow her to celebrate. Was it caution, or was it just her cynicism?
"Is this really all of them…?"
As Kestrel took in the surroundings, she too shared her sister's feelings. "It appears so. They would have already sensed our presence and sent a force to repel us. But to not have responded this late into our operation..."
"And we haven't even seen those mass-produced Siren ships of theirs," Buzzard added, her tone narrowing like her eyes. "Something's not right. Andromeda, is there nothing else within the AO?"
"Standby… Immediate area's clear of all hostiles. You should be in the clear so… Uh, hang on. I count six bogeys in the periphery to the west. It's the destroyers!"
Buzzard immediately sprung back to work, plan in mind. "Rose Kingdom reinforcements have arrived! Form a defensive line facing due west: carriers in the front, our two submarines in the rear! They-"
"Hold on… That's weird. They haven't moved from their positions. They're neither advancing nor withdrawing."
Buzzard peered into the radio with a confused look. "That… that doesn't make sense. If they want to attack they should take the initiative and try to strike on their terms. If not, why stick around?"
Kestrel tried to comprehend the far-off figures of the destroyers. As perceptive modern radar was in making out distant objects for the user's convenience, even it struggled to make them out for her very eyes. They lay within her vision, yet she could hardly see them, much less their intentions.
"... Are they unsure, perhaps?" she suggested.
"Unlikely." Buzzard's reply dripped with resolute skepticism. "The Rose Kingdom ships are supposed to be experienced, and the destroyers led by Herne should be no exception. It wouldn't make sense for them to falter like this. Unless..."
Unless what…?
"Warning! High-speed projectiles inbound!" Andromeda suddenly exclaimed.
All heads looked up. "Projectiles…?"
"They're- they can't be missiles..."
Buzzard had a sinking feeling in her stomach hearing the industrious intelligence vessel sound like this. "Andromeda, what's going on?!"
"Too late! Brace for impact!"
None of the ships had any idea what to expect, to anticipate what Andromeda witnessed. Nor did they have time to prepare for it as it arrived a second later. In that instant, the heavy turbulent skies became consumed by a series of sudden flashes. Deafening roars like none other had enveloped everything, turning the scene that had just witnessed war and the coming end of a battle tranquil and serene by comparison. But the sights and sounds were nothing compared to the blast that rammed into everyone, whipping their skin, instantly flattening them off their feet, and even pulverizing the clouds and any unfortunate plane left above, as if the very skies themselves had been torn asunder.
"... atus… eport!" A fragmented voiced called frantically over the radio.
Buzzard groaned as she tried to rise, her body aching all over and worst of all when her vision cleared up, her glasses had been knocked askew. "Status report? I've had much better days I'll tell you that much! Just what was that?! It felt like they dropped the sky on our heads!"
Shaken, Kestrel looked towards up, seeing the shockwaves that once ripped the sky. "Is… is this the Siren's doing? A weapon of sorts…?"
"Is it not a weapon?" White Valley remarked in annoyance. But before they could speculate further, Andromeda's warning came through yet again.
"Second wave of projectiles detected!"
The warning was all they heard before the skies lit up again in flames and light, of a splitting crack that challenged even the gods in its report. And with the force of the gods, everything in sight below trembled and the allied ships could do nothing but cower before its might.
"Augh! Pull out… We need to pull out now!"
"Rather redundant of you say that!" Arquette mocked, her hair and attire already drenched in sprays and ruffled by snapping winds of the blasts. "Fensalir, Folkvangr, with me! Do not run off or… Where in the blazes are those two?!"
She looked around but saw no trace of the submarines, save for faint ripples and wash of where they once were. The only proof of their existence came from the radio.
"RUN AWAAAAAY~~!" the twins squealed. Arquette could only stare in dumbstruck before she loudly cursed in an undignified way. But she, like the rest, were spared no respite before another wave of shockwaves enveloped the entire area. And like before they found themselves nearly drowned by the barrage. It was only a matter of time before they truly did.
White Valley scrambled back up, her usual bravado having drained from her face. "Eff this, we're gettin' outta here!"
Buzzard's expression threatened to match White Valley's as she looked. Her instinctual gaze was reined in by her mind that clung to rationality. "Should we really take our chances with the open sea?"
"Not when you're still out in the open! You'll be sitting ducks even if you run!"
"Well we can't just stand here either!" Arquette snapped. "Do any of you daftheads have a plan?!"
"... Everyone. I have an idea." All heads turned to find that it was Kestrel. Her gaze was oddly calm but seeing this, Buzzard's mind was put to ease. "Alright, Kestrel. What's your idea?"
She pointed not to the open sea from which they had arrived, but rather ahead to the coastline where the boundary of enemy territory lay in ruins. "There are narrow inlets and channels that go inland. We can use those for cover as we make our retreat!"
Peering along the coastline, Buzzard spied the openings indicated. Though she saw them as treacherous entrances framed by rocky outcrops, Buzzard saw that they were just wide enough for them to pass. That was good enough. "That will suffice. Single-file into the inlet, double-time!"
Arquette looked skeptical. But before she could open her mouth in objection, Andromeda cut in. "Those inlets should be deep enough to shield you from the shockwaves, and they lead out to friendly waters three klicks away. They're your good chance at surviving, so move it!"
White Valley scoffed. "Guess that narrows our options. I better expect extra pay if we get out of this."
"If we get out of this..." Kestrel took the lead, eagerly beckoning the rest. "Come on! Follow me!"
Though they had not arrived, everyone felt the looming presence of the next barrage. This drove them as they hurried towards land, ignoring their earlier concerns. True to their observations, the channel proved constricting, with the jutting rocks that could cut them even when they filed in a line.
Arquette quietly winced as she felt the tip of her rigging clip into loose rock. "Ugh, this is intolerable...!"
Buzzard saved her breath from making a retort, focusing solely on navigating the inlet. As much as she tried to ignore their complaints, Buzzard couldn't help but find them not disagreeable. Its cramped condition was one thing, but she quickly found its snaking pathway a challenge in its own right.
"Another wave of projectiles incoming!"
And then there was that.
In blinding light, the world shook. The buffeting winds gave the carriers pause as they ducked. Sand, dust, dirt, and rock were given flight in the howling winds. But as fierce the shockwaves were, the carriers found themselves remaining on their feet.
Kestrel quickly turned to the others. "It's passed. Let's keep moving!"
Wasting no time, she resumed the lead. With the protection now proven, the fleet's push onward became emboldened and Kestrel sped ahead to keep pace. The inlet revealed winding passageways left and right. Though aided with Andromeda's direction, they were guided by Kestrel's tacit confidence; not once did she question the guidance or her senses. She advanced with the conviction that the path they chose would leave them back to safety, and through her composure so too were the others.
"Another round incoming! Brace!"
Another series of earth-shattering explosions, and as much as they caused the ships to stumble and recoil the protection they received did not make them doubt. Even as the heavens above them seem to be alight with rage, the ships never faltered in their bid to escape. They continued to cling to life, and so long as they did they would continue to do so.
Trailing right behind Kestrel, Buzzard looked at her sister. She watched as she continued to lead them down the inlet, encouraging them on with that calm look of hers. Never did she leave them behind or dispel their surety with personal complaints or uncertainties. She even went so far as to help clear away the rock and earth that jutted in their way with her own rigging so as to assuage the withdraw for the rest - the last point was something everyone appreciated but only Buzzard witnessed.
For a warship born for war that was her reticent little sister, Buzzard couldn't help but admire her inner strength. She reminded herself to give Kestrel her thanks - a proper deserving one - once the opportunity arose.
Another wave of explosions overhead but there was little reason to take cover like they did before; their fears were beginning to abate out of seemingly familiarity. But there was no mistaking it: the violent blasts were indeed diminishing, the violent thundering now becoming more firmly put behind them.
"You're at the exit! Say home sweet home to the open ocean real soon."
"Oh terrific. Absolutely terrific! Can we move along now or should we stop and muse the sights instead?"
The ships knew not to slacken their pace and true to Andromeda's words, the confined quarters of the inlet channel gave way to an egress that lead to sea. At once, the formation broke up to take in the open freedom.
Andromeda sighed in palpable relief. "Whew! All ships confirmed outside the effected area and the AO. Fensalir and Folkvangr made it out okay."
Arquette seized the comm traffic. "Splendid. Now as a liaison, listen closely: do tell the dear twins that their highness expects them in her chambers in a punctual manner. For a lesson they won't forget."
"And while you're at it, update HQ of our status," Buzzard urged. "We've accomplished all objectives for Operation: Bunker Shot, but we've been forced to withdraw after having encountered something..."
Andromeda nodded. "No need to tell me twice. I've already began analysis on just what kind of curveball the Rose Kingdom's thrown at us, and whatever it is, it looks like this war's gone a turn for the worse..."