… I never thought this day would come.
Days turned into lies. Friends turned into foes. Events made irreversible. Time held still. Futures in doubt. The waters and skies now blackened and cold.
A life soon to end.
To think, we were at peace. A cherished life. A world of endless blue. Now it stretches behind us in eternity. The days we knew lies beyond the great ocean, beyond our reach. We have sailed, and our course took an uneventful turn. By hands not our own, too entrenched in the dark for us to see.
One day, it all turned upside-down. The world once at peace was now at war.
It almost seemed like yesterday.
It almost seemed like yesterday that I knew peace. Of life with friends and family, of tranquility and passion. But all I see now is tragedy.
Peace… proved more fragile than I had hoped.
How easily it can come apart, carrying us like waves to fates unknown. All we can do… is survive; try to rebuild what was lost.
But nothing will ever be the same again.
This is my story, my life.
This… is how I will die.
Location: Sand Island, Ceres Ocean
A loud cheer rang loud and joyful, its deliverer gliding over not the sparkling blue waves but the field of yellow-hot sand. She ran towards the ocean, eager to meet the tides and chase the wind. Seagulls circled in the heavens, their long wings a privilege of freedom. Down below, the figure could almost take flight, longing to be as free as they were on the bright day.
But for now, Javelin was content with the beach.
She dashed across the dunes but it was the seas that met her first. The tide washed over her bare feet, rolling her skin in a cool embrace, the wet sand soft against her soles. The Royal destroyer giggled at the sensation - long familiar but always welcomed and exhilarating. The frills of her swimsuit hopped playfully in the breeze.
She ran out to the waters but found herself alone in the excitement. "C'mon you lot! The water's great!"
"All in good time, Miss Javelin," a voice called back. "The seas will not depart from us after all."
"Though it is tempting to jump in," another mused with a yearning smile. "The day is never full without the joys of the sea, aye?"
Belfast smiled in agreement. "Quite so. Although the tea will grow cold should we abandon it in favor of the ocean."
"Of course," replied Warspite, raising her cup of steaming fresh tea. "Under the shade and in the company of the cool breeze and acquaintances, a spot of tea is just what's needed on days such as this."
She took a sip, enjoying the taste and sensation before reluctantly letting it go with a look of delight. Seated around a porcelain table and covered by the wide umbrella, Warspite and Belfast took in the sights with delectation. A long stretch of yellow sand as wide as the surrounding oceans, with nary a palm tree or hill to mar the view. Looking around them, the two could even see the full breadth of the island, a tiny speck of soil so far from land. From their position, both Warspite and Belfast beheld all.
As she surveyed the spectacle, Belfast paused when her eyes caught a certain figure. Distanced from the waves but not from the activity that buzzed, a small camera was affixed not towards the majesty of the land but rather on her and Warspite, black lens through which an unmet eye stared back. Seeing this, a person emerged from behind the camera, unveiling to the maid a small girl.
"I uh, hope you didn't mind me taking footage," the girl sheepishly said. The name tag on her blackish-blue vest spilled to the maid the identity of this particular individual.
Silver Star Federation Destroyer
CORMORANT
Belfast glanced at the destroyer with amusement. "I do not mind, though I consider it more polite had you asked."
Cormorant fidgeted with her blue baseball cap, worn in a curious reverse in spite of the sunny day, her short white and brown hair poking from underneath. "U-um of course! I-it's just that today's full of sights that I can't help but capture. Particularly with you two, leisurely enjoying tea by the ocean. I think it makes for a great composition!"
The Royal Navy maid considered her words with a hum of agreement. Today was a beautiful day, the reason everyone had chosen this moment for the beach. Blue skies, blue ocean, the winds that called like summer, it was almost heavenly to ships.
Of course, as she turned back Belfast remembered that she and Warspite had been dressed for the moment like all the others. As she noted her attire which did nothing to flatter her curves, a playful thought occurred to her.
"Perhaps… there was something else you were interested in capturing?"
Cormorant blinked and it took her a good second to realize what she meant. When she did, her face turned bright red before she beat a hasty retreat.
Warspite could only watch the destroyer's sudden departure with worry. "She could've landed herself in quite the trouble…"
"Well, no harm no foul," Belfast replied. She turned her sights back to the open sky. "I fully understand her intentions. In a day like this, the world is too alluring for our eyes alone."
The battleship followed her gaze. "Aye. A scene too beautiful to forget. Especially in a time like this…"
Taking another sip, Warspite was all too glad for the refreshing beverage, the taste soothing her mood. Like cool water from a lone oasis; a delectable drink to slacken the nerves and alleviate her concerns. She could not ask for anything better.
"I pray our efforts will bring a favorable outcome," Warspite murmured.
Belfast stood taut, her mind drifting to serious matters. "I hope so too. We've struck the first great breakthrough so long ago. Now, the next great step awaits us, just out of reach."
The battleship leaned back on her seat, the seams wincing as if they too were weary of what had transpired and of what was to come. She gazed off into the distance, feeling its limitless width in all directions. On an island so small, Warspite felt so dwarfed, so surpassed, so eclipsed as to feel insignificant to the world at large, the outcome of actions so vast and varied she could scarcely comprehend them with the strict limitations of human understanding.
With her eyes drifting back down to sea, where Javelin played in the waves, Warspite felt never more envious of the young carefree ship.
She continued her pensive stare but as her thoughts led from one to another, a new thought stirred her out of the spell.
"I wonder where Enterprise is…"
The ocean waves surged forth, bringing with them a gentle breeze of the sea.
The same wind that blew from the sea, washing over the shores rolled throughout Sand Island, carrying its reach to all corners of the tiny speck of green land. Sounds of the crashing tides echoed in the breeze, the smell of ocean salt tickling the senses - nature's influence was felt by all.
The same wind swept past two figures in black, their hair and coats unfurling as they stood in attentive vigil.
Standing as one, Enterprise and Buzzard gazed off into the endless ocean, the blue abyss that was their home. Burning sun in the sky and dancing lights reflecting off of the waves, two halves made one whole. Two distinct worlds blurred into one.
And here they were, ships of two eras enjoying the view in united silence.
Enterprise stared at the sight, the infinite ocean an intimate sight to her. She stared, yet the luster did not capture her eyes. Gazing off, she watched but did not see.
Staring off into the endless blue, she instead saw into the past…
Just earlier…
Enterprise awaited in baited silence, Warspite seated the same. Across from them sat Barbet, brooding from behind her desk with Buzzard and her secretary Halcyon by her side. They were not alone, but the three representatives felt never more isolated as they vied for the center stage within the office - the inner sanctum of the Silver Star Federation's heart.
Enterprise took care to steady her nerves under Barbet's scrutinizing glare. Much was at stake with what they would say or do in this room.
"... A furthering of our defense clause?"
The Eagle Union carrier nodded. "We presently have agreed to a joint collaboration: the Azur Lane contributes to the Silver Star Federation's peacekeeping efforts and in exchange we receive the logistical and scientific support to aid our own. But recently, we have seen fit to expand our relationship in light of certain recent events."
"The confirmed presence and involvement of the Sirens," Warspite finished.
Barbet narrowed her eyes. "And for what reason has the Royal Navy sent not their queen but her pet for these negotiations?"
"I apologize if I am not the one you had expected," Warspite replied, her composure stalwart. "But My Majesty was unfortunately unable to give her attendance. As her personal knight, I have been sent in her stead, along with our aides." Exchange concluded, Warspite shared a sneaking a glance with Belfast beside her, standing in respectful silence.
Barbet's appearance and mood remained firm but from her silence came the next battle. "Regardless, I find this occasion… overblown. The single sighting of this Siren of yours has elicited no further encounter. What cause for alarm is there to this 'great enemy' of yours?"
"We know from experience that the Sirens - any Siren involvement - is a grave threat," Enterprise answered. "Discreet or not, their influence reaches far and wide. Where conflict starts, they are sure to be there."
"And so shall you," shot back the leader of the Federation. "You have dealt with them time and time again, even emerging victorious on occasion. The threat may exist but not impossible to meet. Is that not the purpose of the Azur Lane after all?"
The Royal Navy's knight stepped in. "Yes but now we have credible proof that they too dwell here. We had long feared their presence in your world since they were what brought us here but it was only during the War of the Roses that we have seen not just a Siren, but their machinations. It was them and their armies that aided the Rose Kingdom in the previous war."
"It is also possible that they intend to make their moves here in your world, just as they had in ours."
Barbet remained unenthused but she was no fool for the gears were turning in her head. "... And so you seek our assistance. What would you require of us?"
Sensing the opportunity, Enterprise leapt at it. Or rather, she intended to pass the baton to someone else. "Allow my chosen advisor to share with you the details." Motioning with her hand, Barbet, Halcyon, and Buzzard turned to a singular figure which had been present, accompanying the Grey Ghost on this diplomatic mission. A ship they had rarely seen but her attire of blue and white left no doubt to her allegiance.
Eagle Union Light Cruiser
BROOKLYN
With the attention now on her, the light cruiser braced herself. But she had been ready for this moment. Clearing her throat, Brooklyn started off.
"As it currently stands, the Azur Lane is obligated to assist the Silver Star Federation in maintaining international peace as per the Megafloat Treaty in return for SSF military technologies. However the clause is defensive in nature; military intervention is only in response to belligerent actions of recognized nations. Any action conducted outside of this framework would be considered illegal. As it stands, investigation of Siren intrusions falls outside of our clause, unless the Azur Lane wishes to conduct their own operations separate from the Silver Star-"
"And that would be out of the question!" Barbet hotly spat. "An armed organization, one with ties with the Federation, operating autonomously will only lead to international disaster!"
"... Which is why we wish it our best interest to amend the Treaty," Brooklyn finished with hardly a crack in her calm facade.
The Silver Star ships all looked with intrigue. Even Barbet betrayed the slightest sense of surprise. "Amend? Just what do you propose to alter in our current arrangement? What is it you intend for the Silver Star Federation?"
Enterprise and Warspite shared a quick look, the battleship granting the carrier a slight nod. It was all on her now - to deliver the decisive blow.
She took a deep breath.
"A chance for the Silver Star Federation to become a member of the Azur Lane!"
A hum. "Quite the bombshell you dropped on us. Even I didn't see that coming."
Hearing Buzzard's voice, Enterprise found herself back to the present. The moment stayed fresh in her eyes, almost stuck on replay, frozen in time.
"An opportunity for our Federation to join the ranks of your alliance," Buzzard continued. "A more open and active involvement to combat the Sirens and their forces. Their manipulations towards the Rose Kingdom was just the start of their schemes.
"... And they're not the only ones. During the last war it wasn't just the Rose Kingdom we fought, but certain… collaborators."
"Not quite." Enterprise replied. "I know who it is you're thinking of. Like Tanager, they too sought power and security granted by the Sirens. But although they have dealt with the Sirens before, I hesitate to brand the Crimson Axis collaborators."
Buzzard narrowed her eyes as she spied a look at her peer. "Exactly who are the Crimson Axis? Where do they lay in your war against the Sirens?"
Of course, when Buzzard asked what relation the Crimson Axis had with the Sirens, Enterprise already knew that she also had in mind what role her nation would play in this game.
Enterprise took a breath. "When the Sirens first set fire to our world, we united against a common foe, one unlike anything ever seen before. To fight them was why the Azur Lane was formed, as a singular front against the Siren menace. But once we began to understand our enemy, the union was not to last.
"Our mission was to repel the Sirens and erase their terrible influence from our world. But their powers, once terrible and incomprehensible, became alluring. Some of our own felt that the benefits were too great to ignore, and soon the lines that used to divide our world only widened. Before we knew it, the Azur Lane had fractured and all semblance of unity we once had became shattered. Even as the Sirens remained at large as a common threat, the border of ideology was too great for us to erase… And our animosity only ensured we would remain divided.
"It is my wish that we all put aside our differences and come together against the Sirens. It pains me to say this, but if we are to defeat them for good… we must defeat the Crimson Axis."
Enterprise sighed with a certain wariness that raised Buzzard's eyebrow. "... I'll be upfront with you: we are not losing our war against the Crimson Axis. But at the same time, we are not winning. Every hard-won battle only leads to another looming on the endless horizon. We are at a stalemate, and as long as that remains our world won't know of peace. Every day is a day a familiar face on either side may not return to port…
"Therefore, it is my wish to form a greater pact with your Federation. To bring their might to end this hideous war that now threatens your world as well as ours."
Buzzard said nothing, merely nodding in silent understanding. Silence tethered the two in the moment as they returned their gazes to the blue sea. Although joined by the Federation carrier, Enterprise found herself more in company with the silence that invited her thoughts. Of the Sirens, of this world, of her mission, of this war. She was a warrior and today was yet another battle to fight. But like all others, she would give it her all. She needed to convince Barbet to commit the Silver Star Federation to the cause. If they won here, then the victory would would be immeasurable. She will have won not one battle but many others to come.
And with him to take command…
"Look out!"
Lost in her thoughts, Enterprise had no chance against the unforeseen surprise attack, the top of her head a prominent casualty. Ripped back to the present, Enterprise winced, blinking away stars from her vision.
Buzzard was already by her side. "Are you alright?"
"Rrgh… I'll be fine. Just what was that?"
A pair of distant voices crept into clarity, the two carriers' solitude broken by the onset of intruders. "Argh! Not again!"
"I've been telling you your strikes are off! Gotta smack the ball with your palm, Vulture."
Suddenly, the heads of Cleveland and Vulture popped from over the crest before they found themselves just as quickly ambushed by a scowling carrier.
"Wah!"
"Woah-woah-woah!... Uh, h-hehe, easy Buzz."
As the bespectacled ship glared at the two, a bald eagle swooped from above yonder to join her in their shared disapproval, particularly toward Vulture. "Just what were you up to?"
"Just some classic volleyball," Cleveland admitted, putting on an innocent of a smile as she could. "On a trip to a beach like this, you gotta put on the net and jam!"
Buzzard gave her an odd look. "The nearest coastline is ways off. Just how did-" She stopped as the dots had already connected, her trail ending on the sight of Vulture. The tomboy immediately grew nervous.
"H-hey! It was an accident! I just got a little carried away that's all!"
"Sounds like this friendly game got rather spirited…" muttered Buzzard, her eyes still glued to her sister in disappointment. As expected, Vulture wore a typical bikini, her skin and hair damp. But looking her over, Buzzard quickly spotted a peculiar anomaly which only drew her disdain.
"... Really, Vulture? Of all the things you could wear…"
Glancing down, all eyes were drawn downward to see not the expected bikini bottom to complement her fitting attire but instead a baggy swim trunk.
"What? I find it more comfy than wearing tight-ass underwear."
Buzzard could only voice her disapproval behind her pinched nose, but a hand on her shoulder brought her out of it. Enterprise stepped forward, her hand over her injury but a forgiving visage on her face. "It's alright; in a day like this it's fine to cut back and have fun. Just try to be more careful next time, okay?"
The two were let go as concession and they breathed easy with a sigh. Even though Buzzard remained leery, the danger had diffused. Her eyes wandered back at Enterprise, now joined by Grim Reaper in the tending to her bruised scalp.
"Perhaps you should spend your recess somewhere indoors, where there won't be a chance of an errant volleyball. And have that looked into."
Enterprise politely waved away her concerns. "It's not bad. A casual injury like this is nothing."
Cleveland eyed the carrier with an anxious look. "Soooo what's the word?"
"Still yet to be decided," Buzzard replied. "The Siren/Crimson Axis problem and our role have yet to be concluded."
"Stuck on that nugget huh," Vulture muttered. "I'm honestly surprised you're having this much problem with the Crimson Axis."
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you have this guy who leads you or something?" the tomboy carrier clarified. "I would've thought he'd crush those dumbasses in record time already if he's as good as you say."
Cleveland crossed her arms. "That's because you don't have the full picture. If the Commander could defeat the Crimson Axis, he would have. The reason why he hasn't is rather complicated."
"How so?"
Enterprise stepped forward. "For starters, the Azur Lane was founded to be an international coalition to combat the Siren invasion, its mission decreed by the council of nations. The Commander was elected by the world's leaders to direct the Azur Lane and to carry out its mission. Before the schism, that was exactly what he did and we have him to thank for the gains we made."
"But once the Crimson Axis left the Azur Lane, that's when the big problems cropped up," added the light cruiser. "See, as Enterprise said, the Commander's job was to fight the Sirens, all said and written in fancy ink. But the Crimson Axis threw a big wrench in that whole idea. They may have chosen to use Siren technology and fight us, but they're not Sirens; they're not 'threats unearthly or extraterrestrial'. That fine print is what discourages the Commander from legally intervening outside of Siren engagements."
Vulture was intrigued but her face still hinted at skepticism. "I don't think that would stop anyone honestly. Wouldn't stop me."
"No disagreements there," Enterprise admitted. "But remember that the Crimson Axis didn't just appeared out of nowhere one day. They too were once Azur Lane; they were just like us, kansen brought to life in human forms to fight for humanity against the Sirens. We were all there since the beginning, and so was he. He was our Commander and we were like his family…
"Needless to say, the Commander is in a tough place right now. He may still be under the Azur Lane banner but he is to play a very delicate game in our war. To openly fight for a side is to betray the trust of those whom he cared for and of those who devoted their lives to him. This war has seen nothing but former friends and allies turned against each other, seas stained with blood and tears. If a peaceful resolution can't be reached, then the only option left is to force a surrender…"
Hearing this, Cleveland was tight-lipped; Buzzard said nothing. Even Vulture read the mood and refrained from further comment. On such a bright and lively day, a disquieting silence hung in the air.
So serious the atmosphere was that it took everyone a moment to finally realize they had company. All heads turned in surprise, prompting Cormorant to recoil likewise when her presence was finally noted. "I uh, hope I didn't make things too awkward. I-I mean, I was just waiting 'til you were all done so I could, um…"
Enterprise spotted the camera resting in the destroyer's hands, recognizing it for no mere picture-taking. "Is there anything you need?" she inquired.
"Wha- Oh, er nothing much. I-it's just that I finally had the chance to meet the one who others have called 'The Grey Ghost', as well as other acclaimed titles!" In a flip of a switch, Cormorant had went from awkward to forthcoming, her feet back on familiar ground as the camera converged upon the silver-haired carrier. "Would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? I'd love to hear all your accounts on the Siren War."
Enterprise couldn't help but be amused, turning to face the destroyer while donning a friendly smirk with Grim Reaper posed on her arm. "Well, my many names are a result of my innumerable accomplishments. Medals, commendations, none are as immortal as titles known by both friend and foe. But other than that, it's a long story."
As the two chatted, Vulture and Cleveland's interests began to drift elsewhere, their involvement long passed. "So uh, we're just gonna go find our volleyball real quick. Guess we'll catch you later."
But right as the two turned to depart, Buzzard stopped them. Looking at her sister, Vulture saw that her eyes glanced side to side, her attention latched onto something she saw in her mind but not in her sight.
"Have any of you seen Kestrel around?"
Enterprise marched down the path, her way marked by pebbles, ordered not by consistency but by their arrangement that formed the narrow threads of civilization that ran all throughout Sand Island. With lush grass on one side, and coarse sand on the other, Enterprise walked on the border of two domains - of land and sea, of flora and terra, of peace and war.
She deposited what lingering doubts she had to the back of her mind as she focused on her search. Her eyes scanned the vegetation, shrubbery and man-made terrain attractive to unseen and overlooked sights.
As her eyes remained on the search, the sounds of soft footsteps piqued her ears. Ever so subtle, concealed within the noise of nature, the sounds proved all the more unusual to Enterprise. Glancing over, she spotted the quick-footed movement below on the dunes. The yellow characters hardly fooled her from recognizing the telltale waddle of manjuus, a herd in a hurry somewhere.
The sight gave Enterprise pause, wondering where such a group was headed. She began to trail them and as she did, she noticed more manjuu trickling in from elsewhere, their destination consistent with all the others. Curiosity became suspicion as she followed suit until, glancing ahead she spotted a nexus of yellow birds. The sight then gave way to an unexpected - but familiar - voice.
"... Thoughts endless in flight~
Day turns to night~
Questions to ask your soul
Which way do I go~?
How fast is too slow?
The journey has its time with us~~"
Seated in the shaded wings of an umbrella, Kestrel sang to her audience. The spread beach towel on the sandy shore was far from an ideal stage, but this was no mere venue as the boundary between performer and listener was blurred, the birds having gathered all around the carrier. They joined her in the shade, mounds of yellow crowded around Kestrel in close company, all in deep slumber.
One such nugget was fortunate enough to be in Kestrel's embrace, fast asleep like the others. Snoozing in her bosom, Kestrel looked over the dozing blob bird with a tender face. The nugget blushed as a hand gently caressed its head, her song a lullaby as the carrier wished this particular hardworking bird a good sleep.
All of them. Every nugget whose work brought them no glory as the ships, no fame as soldiers, but as the humble workers that made them unsung heroes.
"A-ahem."
Kestrel looked up, surprised by the sudden appearance of another silver-haired carrier in black standing over her and the napping manjuus. "Hello, Enterprise." Her greeting barely came above a whisper.
"Hello to you too," replied the Eagle warrior, astounded by the congregation resting by her feet. "I've rarely seen so many in one place."
Kestrel smiled with fondness. "And yet they're everywhere. All around us, they spend their days for us. This is the least I can do to thank them for everything."
Enterprise peered at all the manjuus, their form very familiar to her. From tending to their daily needs to being entrusted with laborious tasks, she too had seen them everywhere, always hard at work. So much had she toiled under the banners of freedom, protecting mankind and the oceans that she rarely considered how much she took these birds for granted. She found herself unable to imagine a world without these small helpers.
Kestrel glanced back up. "Do you love them as well, Enterprise?"
The Grey Ghost found herself taken aback by the inquiry. "Well, I… I like them. I can't imagine ever disliking them…"
From the corner of her eyes, Enterprise saw that Kestrel's attention was directed out to sea, the same view that occupied the horizons all throughout the island. She followed her gaze but only the already-familiar sight awaited her. What Kestrel saw in the field of blue, Enterprise could not determine.
"... Do you sing?"
Enterprise blinked at the sudden question. "I… no. Why?"
"Your voice… I think you'd be good at it."
The carrier scoffed to herself. "I… appreciate the compliment. But I don't think so."
Kestrel tilted her head. "Why not?"
"It's just… not my thing." As she answered, Enterprise found it hard to differentiate honesty with embellishment. The oddity of the questions made her feel strange. What brought this up all of a sudden? Why her?
Rapt eyes remained affix to her, shining not with disappointment but a sense of forgiveness. A small smile reached out to the Grey Ghost. "Would you at least like to try? The nuggets enjoy it."
Enterprise glanced over the still-slumbering manjuus, expressions of contentment frozen on them. She would be lying if she claimed that their cozy faces weren't endearing.
Yet, she remained hesitant on the offer. Her mouth was ajar but found its voice withheld.
She heaved a sigh. "I… I appreciate the offer but I- I'm just not the type…"
The Federation carrier studied her counterpart quizzically. Enterprise could feel her gaze bore into her, latching onto her like leeches. She tried to ignore the eyes that kept aiming at her, the uncomfortable feeling that plagued her.
Her mind was at an impasse. Just why was she feeling this way? What was so discomforting about her?
Why was it so difficult to look her in the eye?
Kestrel said nothing, the song having subsided. Her expression turned to confusion toward the Eagle ship that although standing over her, remained so distant. The noon sun blazed red-hot yet the mood between them was like an ice wall.
Enterprise wasn't sure how long the silence lasted. But she was glad it ended when a new voice cut in.
Well, "cut in" quickly proved a misnomer as the atmosphere found itself shattered by a booming entrance, a voice brimming with alacrity with the subtlety of a battleship gun.
"LA LA LA~~ LISTEN TO MY BEAUTIFUL VOICE~!" loudly caroled a girl in red, diving upon the pair rolling them over with a vocal ambush that jolted the two carriers.
"Let's be cheerful together now~
"Cuz I'm San Diego numbah ONE!"
Eagle Union Light Cruiser
SAN DIEGO
At once, all the manjuus were torn from their sleep, their peaceful moment invaded by the sudden din. San Diego sang, prop microphone in hand, her free hand in wild motion, and wings on her feet as she danced and pranced about.
It was not long until she eventually ceased her performance that she realized that she no longer had an audience to perform to, bird tracks lying freshly stamped on the sand away from the stage.
"Thank you, thank you! I may have missed my encore but the Sandy tour will resume tomorrow, the day after, and in your hearts~! Wink~!"
As the idol put on a silly pose, Enterprise could only sag her shoulders. Glancing to her side, she could see the empty towel mat, Kestrel its lone inhabitant. She looked over the vacancy with sadness but remained silent, not even sparing the slightest glare towards the idol in red that upstaged her.
The song that so ruined the ambience Kestrel crafted was then followed by the pitter-patter of quick footsteps. Enterprise knew it was Buzzard before she even turned to see her arrive at an eager pace.
"So that's where you were," she began, nearly panting.
"As well as Kestrel," replied Enterprise, gesturing to the figure behind her. "I finally found her so you-"
"That's good." Taking a breath, Buzzard nudged her glasses up. Enterprise quickly caught the unusual hint, and so did Kestrel as she rose to her feet. "I need her to follow me back to base. We've got an unexpected situation."
Location: somewhere in the Ceres Ocean
Buzzard kept her ears trained to the radio as she listened. "Are you certain?"
"Affirmative. After we detected leakers of unknown origin, the patrol group we sent in to investigate failed to report back. We don't know what's going on so we're sending you in."
On the other end of the formation, Vulture shrugged. "No big deal. A little milk run and we'll be back rolling on the beach before we know it."
"Don't assume things. You can always expect a mission, no matter how simple, to be complicated before you know it."
Buzzard peered over to the third ship in their formation. As much as she agreed with the words, she still found their speaker unusual. "You know you didn't have to sortie with us, Enterprise. My sisters and I would have sufficed."
Trailing close behind the armada, Enterprise volunteered to be their rearguard, her eyes as well as Grim's on the vigilant lookout. She spared some attention to answer Buzzard. "I prefer to think of this as a friendly favor. As long as I'm here I'm willing to help out. Plus, it never hurts to have some practice."
Buzzard relented with a small nod, turning her focus back to her surroundings. Taking the head of the formation was Kestrel doing the same in silence. In a diamond-shape arrangement, the four carriers glided over the expanse of blue, the lush green island left long behind them.
Privately, Enterprise could not quite shake off the feeling as she followed in her wake, Kestrel's black long coat, silver hair, and hat a near identical match to her own. Like following her own image…
"There's something on the horizon!"
Shaking her head clear, Enterprise chastised herself for falling distracted. Eyes forward, her gaze mimicked the others where amid the clear blue skies, distant wisps of gray were seen. Anomaly detected, all ships corrected their course towards it, pushing towards it with greater speed.
But as they closed in, their fears only grew.
The distant wisps grew darker, evolving into columns of smoke. The winds brought an acrid scent. Coming closer, specks of fire and wreckage strew the waves.
They had arrived at the tragedy too late.
Enterprise glowered at the tell-tale signs of a lost battle. But her grim frown was nothing compared to the others who gazed upon the sight in horror. Amid the discarded wrecks and burning scrap, the faint emblem of the Silver Star Federation adorned a charred piece of refuse.
A deep scowl burrowed over Buzzard's features. "Buzzard to command, we've reached the coordinates… We were too late."
A sigh was heard from Andromeda on the other end. "... I see."
"Sanitize the area and retrieve what you can salvage," a curt order came. "We can pay our respects later."
"Wilco over." Buzzard's frown deepened at Barbet's command. Her eyes shifted over to Kestrel who knelt down, a warped hull plate in her hand. She knew not who it belonged to for the name and faces faded beneath the waves. But whoever it was, she would make sure they would never fade from her heart.
"Who could've done this…?"
Enterprise scanned the area, but in search of the answer she found naught but ruin. The fires and smoke dangled the clues but told her nothing, only their blemish upon the blue earth. A day of infamy on a once-peaceful world.
'Just like…'
"Hey. Got something on radar."
In unison all heads snapped to the horizon. The three Federation carriers peered to their radar, finding errant blips on display… approaching.
Enterprise scanned the skyline. The pristine sea betrayed no discrepancy, no distant figure, but glancing upward she found them in the heavens. Black specks of a migrating flock crossing the sky. But she knew better than to be fooled.
"We have high-speed bogeys inbound," Buzzard reported. "Bearing 280."
Vulture tensed up, her fists clenched. "Bet it's them!"
"Hold your fire," her elder sibling ordered. "Don't jump to conclusions."
Kestrel tracked the oncoming planes with apprehension. "Could they be here to investigate too…?"
No one answered, uncertainty blossoming in all their heads as they watched the unknown aircraft come close. Enterprise stayed her hand but as the only one with a weapon, her grip tightened, her fingers ready to pounce for a golden bolt. Seeing faint unknown planes, their intent and make shrouded in enigma, gave her a peculiar sense of deja vu.
Now the birds came close enough to be barely discernible. Buzzard's sharp eyes narrowed as she finally made out details. "Su-27 Flankers," she whispered. Her eyes caught the glimpse of a crimson badge on their fuselage.
Their ears soon picked up the sound of howling engines. Through the eyes of the Federation carriers their displays picked them up, confirming their identities. They approached as entities framed in green, the distance counting down in a freefall. The wind growled in their arrival yet there was no dialogue offered from the Flankers to hint their presence.
All of a sudden their missile alerts went off.
"Hey! We're being targeted!" Vulture yelped.
Smoke popped from the Flankers' wings. All present instantly jolted into action, tensioned legs springing to life as missiles began lancing towards them. CIWS fire rumbled to life, burning tracers now filling the skies as much as the haze.
Rolling from a near-miss, Vulture spied the swooping birds with contempt. Her own rigging shared the look as it shook to life. The Flankers flew past overhead, their quarry behind them. A second later, so did their hunters - F-15 Eagles hounded after them, vengeance chasing after their contrails.
Vulture smirked until a harsh beeping in her ear dampened her mood. "All ships, weapons safe! Hold fire until further orders!"
She looked with outrage. "Oh come on! Those aren't blanks they're firing out there!"
Grimacing, Buzzard snapped a finger to her ear. "Barbet, what-"
"You heard me! Hold your fire, I have not given you clearance to engage!"
Buzzard shared a baffled look with her sisters. Every instinct told them to fight, to defend themselves with their own armaments primed and hot. Yet the order came in defiance to every impulse, against all their experience and training that tugged at every fiber of their being. The unjust circumstance only fueled their chagrin. The hostile Flankers circled, uncaring in the sisters' quandary as they circled for another attack.
Suddenly, a streak of light slashed the air. Buzzing filled the air as more aircraft took to the air - propeller aircraft.
Enterprise charged forward, bow already loaded. "What are you waiting for? Fire back!"
This brought about laughter from the tomboy. "Welp, might as well!"
She was swiftly joined by another carrier in black, a kindling shining in her eyes. But they shone not with anger, but with brilliant determination. "I can't risk any more of our lives out here. Kestrel, engaging!"
Buzzard groaned to herself. "Fine. Buzzard, engaging!"
"Whoops, I forgot! Vulture, engaging!"
And suddenly, the skies began to fill with darting shapes as more birds took flight. The droning of engines multiplied with every new aircraft, the air buzzing with zealous energy. Hisses of missiles accompanied them, streams of white filling the air as much as the dark and white shapes knifed to and fro. The era of peace found itself home to the sounds of war in the wind.
The sense of triumph carried with it.
"You lot, this is Barbet! You are violating direct orders! I said weapons safe!"
Enterprise paid the grievance no mind as she shifted to the attack, confronting the enemy planes from below with her bow and above with her Dauntless fighters. Eyes locked to the enemy squadron, she needed no missiles as she loosed shot after shot, arrows of light chasing after the Flankers as they wavered from the sudden enemy counterattack, dodging missiles, bullets, and arrows from a certain archer.
F/A-18 Hornets swooped by, preluding the arrival of Buzzard. "Enterprise, keep your distance. Your planes aren't suited for air combat!"
"They still have guns. Engage!"
The Dauntlesses pressed forward, engines at max power as they attempted to meet their enemy. Propellers chopped the air in a mad frenzy that reflected their pursuit. The Flankers outpaced them, eliciting a stream of hot lead that streaked after them. They banked and rolled, zooming past Enterprises's planes only to run into a pincer of Hornets, Eagles, and Tomcats. A cloud of missiles awaited them.
Soon the sea became home to new burning pieces of wreckage, new columns of black smoke that fouled the blue skies.
One by one, the carriers began to relax, their scopes clear of all threats. Kestrel lowered her guard, now aware of the sound of her own breathing.
She exhaled, finding herself back to the sight of dark fumes and burning scent. Glancing around, she saw her allies all unharmed, if shaken. The sea which claimed their patrol now claimed more victims, now by their hands. Spying the fresh fires, Kestrel wondered if they had been avenged, if it was worth so.
But had they? What transpired? Why was a patrol attacked and they in turn?
The same questions dwelled in all heads as they collected themselves, their gazes still attentive and sharp. Enterprise slowly skimmed the waves in patrol; she knew better than to assume safety so soon after a skirmish. The frenetic pace of a battle, the brief lull of nothingness, the uncertainty of security - the cycle was all-too familiar to her.
She felt her foot tap against something loose. Peering down, she had inadvertently wandered close to where a Flanker had crashed, its winged form twisted beyond salvation. She watched as the slender form bobbed in the waves, never to fly again with its distinct stabilizers. Though its skin was charred, it displayed a noticeable skin of desert green and khaki, colors whose camouflage scheme she found peculiar.
But on its form, her eye caught something. On the gash-sprayed wings, an emblem stood out. A badge, one of simple geometric shape; a crimson finish that emphasized it from the Flanker's exterior.
Then, just before the dead plane sank beneath the darkened waves, Enterprise spotted it. Another sight worthy on note when she looked closer. Within that emblem, another clue within another.
A bronze star, wreathed by branch-like antlers.
Even when the oceans claimed the wreckage, her eyes scarcely departed away.
She glanced at the others, troubled looks adorning them as the dead airframes slipped under the waves.
"... I think we've overstayed our welcome," Buzzard quietly announced. Around her, the sentiment was tacitly shared.
"We need to head back ASAP."
To say that Barbet was not in a good mood was an expected sentiment. Rarely did she possess an optimistic disposition. Her perpetual sour demeanor ensured that a frown was forever carved on her lips - sometimes a scowl at worst.
Today, her scowl could never be etched deeper on her face.
"Need I remind you that we exist within a military institution? As part of a maritime force, expected to be prepared and vigilant? We are not some unruly mob; there is discipline and there is a chain of command."
Buzzard sighed. "Yes, but-"
"But nothing!" Barbet barked. "What part of my orders did you not understand?!"
Assembled before her, Barbet's glare marched through the four carriers as they stood in a line, no one hidden from her sight, all rendered equal in her furious gaze. The mood was like that of a firing squad, with the beak-haired carrier their executioner and Halcyon an impassive witness.
Barbet directed her sharp eyes to the ships of her own faction but more than ever they found themselves prejudiced toward the outsider, the blame implicitly aimed.
Enterprise exhaled quietly. She was not surprised by this treatment. "... With all due respect, I believe we did what was necessary given the circumstances."
"I did not ask," retorted Barbet. She disengaged from the group, shaking her head as she paced around impatiently. "We are short one patrol and now someone is short a few planes. Thoughtless hostile action risks implicating us, more so as we have not yet even ascertained the parties involved!"
"Captain Barbet raises a point," added Halcyon. "We still lack all the necessary facts to consider the full situation. We possess no leads as to who intruded our waters earlier today, what it was that attacked our first responders, and who it was that attacked you."
The carriers fidgeted. The office was thankfully not the courtroom-like chamber yet the air was absolutely stifling. The context in which they shared presence with Barbet made for a tense mood.
But as daunting as the atmosphere was, one thought continued to haunt Enterprise's head. Taking the risk, she blurted out again. "After we shot down the enemy, I spotted a certain emblem on one of their planes. It was a red badge with antlers."
All heads turned to her at once, Barbet's especially. "One, take heed not to speak out of turn," she growled. "Two, are you certain?"
Enterprise nodded without a hint of doubt. "Yes. I recognize the symbol, I remember to which nation it belongs to back, back when we signed the Megafloat Treaty. The other country that stood equal with the Federation…"
"... The Verusan Entente," Kestrel finished with a whisper.
Everyone exchanged looks, startling revelation and disbelief shooting off between everyone present. The room's temper shifted as all parties considered their thoughts and theories.
"But why would the Verusan Entente attack us?"
"I don't know," answered the Eagle carrier. "But it was their emblem; I saw it."
Vulture shrugged as she nonchalantly rested her hands behind her head. "Well, guess those Vers are in for it now. So now what?"
The secretary ship shot the tomboy a condescending look. "Must you be reminded to not jump to conclusions? An emblem may be a clue but it is the only one we have."
"Perhaps…" droned Buzzard as she lowered her head in thought. "The bandits arrived from the east. The only thing across the ocean in that direction would be Murska naval base - that's Verusan territory."
A loud scoff was heard from the front of the room. "Ridiculous. We need concrete evidence to prove that the Entente was behind their unexpected attack. I will not risk tarnishing the Silver Star Federation's reputation and standing with an accusation that isn't 100%!"
"There is one way we can be certain." Stepping forward, Enterprise entered Barbet's vision. Her presence demanded her full attention, her cold expression unafraid of the Federation's strict head. Enterprise's pet eagle reflected the stare, eyeing Barbet with unblinking eyes.
"And just what would that be?" she demanded, crossing her arms.
"... Contact the Entente," came the Grey Ghost's response, not an answer but an order. "Call them, and we'll figure out what they know."
This time, no objection or outrage spilled from Barbet as she settled with a fuming glare, a silent showdown between the guard dog of the Federation and the eagle of the titular Union.
Soon, Barbet relented, her displeased reluctance present in her motions even as she promptly went to work. By her desk, a display was summoned as the carrier navigated it expertly with but a single finger. Within a second, Andromeda's disembodied voice came through.
"Andromeda, put me through to Cinigrad, priority one."
"Understood. Patching you through now."
Another second, and then Barbet spoke again. Already all voices were hushed in respect to the open call, one voice ringing aloud for all everyone present. "Attention, this is Barbet of the Silver Star Federation, hailing to the Verusan Entente Cervidae Presidium. Come in."
Silence. All held their breaths as if afraid they'd intrude in the call. No words came back, only the faint whisper of static that came from the open channel.
Suddenly, the silence was broken. Everyone jolted but it was not from the untimely response that surprised them.
It was the voice.
"This is Umely, acting Commissary of the glorious Verusan Entente!"
Barbet lowered her brow. "You're not Tsanev. Where is-"
"Unavailable, thanks to you Federation dogs!" the voice rebuked, anger and accusation riding high from the caller. "You stab us in the back and now you have the audacity to hail us! We will not stand for this treachery! You will pay for your deceit, for those years spent lying through your teeth! Consider this the last words we will exchange - the next shall be when you submit defeat!"
Confusion spread like a shockwave as every head turned in a futile attempt to find rationality. But the incredulity was everywhere. So stunned they were that they nearly missed the next fatal words as the call advanced.
"... I too look forward to hearing your cries for mercy, when we set the sea ablaze to cleanse the Azur Lane from this world. Fufufu…"
Kestrel peered towards her sisters in light of the new voice, fearing the words' meaning as did Buzzard and Vulture. But as she exchanged looks, she noticed Enterprise.
Where they stirred awake in light of unforeseen development, she was rigid as a statue. Where the room filled with revelation, she remained deathly silent. Where uncertainty and disbelief reigned, only a grim expression was written on her visage, her stare sharpening like knives.
"... Akagi."
The playful cackle continued to sing, unaware or uncaring if Enterprise's whisper was heard. The sound filled the air, drowning out all others that would have protested it. It ran unopposed, trampling the once-tense but docile mood, shattering the tranquility that had defined the day. The laughter carried with it the feeling that only worsened since the skirmish earlier.
The noise carried with it a recognizable, primal sense; one that foretold a greater act to come, like the roar of a monster yet unseen.
It was the sound of war.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
HistoricHippos:
And we're back to our scheduled programming, with the start of the new story arc! Hope the filler content from before was satisfying because it's about damn time we move this plot along. If the filler chapters or the wait bored you, I apologize as I had those chapters prepped long beforehand to help give me a head-start. There'll still be some filler content here and there but the focus now will be on this arc!
Now, onto some commentary. It was established (or should have been established in the writing) that the Azur Lane had made an alliance of sorts with the Silver Star Federation (the not-Osea), hence their presence in the previous story arc. The negotiations in this chapter was not just a reminder of that arrangement and the repercussions of "War of the Roses" but also an attempt to properly justify the AL cast's involvement in this arc. It was also an attempt for me to inject some exposition and world-building, to explore a bit behind the scenes of what's going on. The stuff about the Commander was me trying to rationalize how he and the Crimson Axis war could exist simultaneously (or at least my own take on the explanation) since I first mentioned him in an earlier chapter. That said however, the "politics" stuff like the treaty details and legal jurisdictions might be rather rough around the edges in terms of execution. I'll admit that the ideas all sounded better in my head than they did putting them on (digital) paper, which can be said for a great deal of other stuff too as this chapter went through a few rewrites.
Well, until next time!