Chapter 2: Washington

"Admiral, this is Heavy Carrier Spencer of Aegis Squadron reporting from the outer perimeter."

"Spencer. What do you see?"

"There's a massive Abyssal fleet heading right for us. I also see three or four Fleet Girls just standing there."

"Spencer. Keep the policy in mind. Kill first, talk later. Destroy the fleet. After you are done, you may bring the Fleet Girls in."

"Yes, sir. Initiating Aegis Forma."

"All Heavy Cruisers, we are initiating Aegis Forma! Form a defensive line! I need all Torpedo Cruisers to use hit-and-run tactics! Leave nothing standing!"

"Heavy Cruiser Idaho reporting. Aegis Forma tactics will maximize risk factor. We could lose a few-"

"Don't question orders! Aegis Forma, now! These orders are being relayed from the Admiral himself!"

"Y-yes sir. All Heavy Cruisers, form a defensive line! I am relaying these orders from our flagship!"

"This is Torpedo Cruiser Vermont. A few Abyssal aircraft have slipped through the inner perimeter. What do you plan to do, Spencer?"

"Spencer reporting to Vermont. I plan to fire my AA guns at them. The range factor is not a problem."

"This is Flagship Spencer to Aegis Squadron. Aegis Forma has been completed. Everyone, take on assigned roles. Battlestations!"

"What-what's that sound?", asked Zuikaku.

"What do you mean? I don't hear anything.", replied Shoukaku, while preparing to fire an arrow.

"I hear cannon fire. Sounds like Heavy Cruisers, but it can't be one of us. Unless…", said Zuikaku, trailing off.

"Oh no… No, no no... ", said Shoukaku.

"What is it, Shou?", asked Zuikaku.

"The island could be a Naval Base we were never told about!", exclaimed Shoukaku, while moving up.

"Everyone, move up! Follow Shoukaku!", ordered Fubuki.

"Nagato, this is Fubuki reporting from north of Base F! There's a massive Abyssal fleet heading right for the island that we have been sent to patrol!"

"Nagato to Fubuki. You're saying it's not an Abyssal base? Abyssals are attacking the island?"

"Fubuki to Nagato. That's exactly what I am saying! The island is being attacked!"

"The Abyssals must be distracted by whatever's at the island. Take this chance to sink as many as you can."

"Zuikaku also says she hears Heavy Cruiser cannon fire. But it's not from us. And Abyssal cannon fire sounds completely different than what Zuikaku says the cannon fire sound like."

"Investigate the root cause. Use force if necessary. Reinforcements on standby."