Disclaimer: I do not own either property, otherwise a crossover would have definitely happened by now.
The Man From The Stars (Part 1)
Norfolk, Virginia - 1951
A pair of eyes looked up through the cloudy sky as if to pierce the vast distances of this naval base and what lies beyond this planet itself. He had looked on more than half an admiral lifetime's worth of war and destruction despite only serving in the newly created World Navy barely six years ago.
The tale of history briefly passed through his mind. This planet is stepping into a new age ever since the discovery of the Wisdom Cube and the creation of KAN-SEN (stands for Kinetic Artifactual Navy -Self-regulative En-lore Node) over three decades ago. The newly-ended bitter conflict now known as The World War has long passed and a new world order was established from the ashes of the First Contact War. Now, the world is once again under a unified banner ever since the Siren returned.
They are here, after mysteriously vanished from the face of this world forty years ago. With them, came new weapons, ships, and even an armada that dwarfed the World Navy several times.
Soon, he will be back on the frontline with his fellow admirals, ready to contest against the Siren fleet in the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. For now, though, a rare moment of peace and silence allows him to contemplate, his purpose and mission. Sometimes, Shinji Kaminaga wondered when would this war end. When mankind would be free from this seemingly eternal nightmare.
From the window of his office, Shinji directed his gaze to the blue ocean before him. This type of scenery would be an ideal vacation spot for many people but currently, the dangers of the Siren have ceased most activities near the coast in case of a sudden attack.
"Perhaps I should ask for some extra coastal batteries, just in case," the Shikikan said to the emptiness surrounding him.
He shook his head, trying to keep himself focused on the meeting up ahead. Shinji suddenly realized that in minutes like this, he couldn't think much of anything else besides work and admiral-related business. He is no loner, that's for certain but at the same time, he is not the most associable person among all of the admirals in this region.
Would he even have time for that kind of luxury? With the threat of Sirens looming on every ocean?
Shinji sighed, his hands moved into one of the pockets of his pants, reaching for something.
"Commander?"
The admiral froze for a second there, abandoned whatever action he is doing, and glanced behind. The door shut closed as a figure stepped in, and approached him.
Her long hair is white as the snow during the coldest winter. Dressed in a white sleeveless suit, with a loose black coat and high skirt, her figure could rival any supermodel in the world and her navy eyes only highlight a beauty that could charm most men. Fortunately, Shinji Kaminaga is not like most men, or if he is a man after all.
She is USS Enterprise, hull number CV-6. Before she is this young majestic woman, she is one of the most well-known bioweapons in the history of mankind, the greatest warship ever served in the war. An ace of the former United States Navy, now known as the Eagle Union. Even in this age of so-called ship girls, a term that was denoted toward the KAN-SEN by the common people, Enterprise continues to be one of the strongest warriors among ship girls. The first among all KAN-SEN, Enterprise has fought against both the Crimson Axis and newly returned Sirens.
However, with powers, come fame and reputation. There have been several cases of Enterprise being used as a poster child for military recruitment as well as a source for all forms of entertainment, from video games to stageplays and even high-budget movies that are being pumped out by Hollywood every year. Shinji doesn't care much about that, to him, Enterprise is not just any valuable military asset but also a living being, like any Homo Sapiens that walked this Earth.
"Enterprise? Is there something you need?" the taller man asked, fully turning around to face the ship girl.
In that fraction of a second, Enterprise seems to blush, before her face regains a professional demeanor.
"Y-yes. The Head Maid and Akagi told me that you haven't left this room since yesterday. You haven't even touched the food outside the door. Is everything alright, Commander?"
"Yesterday? What do you mean yes-" Shinji blinked, rubbing the back of his head "I have stayed in this room for the entire day? Times sure flies fast. Belfast was right, it seems I really need a new clock after all."
The admiral chuckled to himself. Even to this day, his perception of time has always been below average compared to his comrades.
"Don't worry, Enterprise. I just got a little too focused. Perhaps the planning process took longer than I expected. For your question, I'm quite well."
"Still, you need to eat, Commander. A human body cannot function with-"
"I know, I know," Shinji interrupted. In a quick motion, the man strode out of the room and grab the tray of delicious food being placed next to the door before sitting down on the office couch.
The food became cold by now, but that never bothered him much. Shoveling a spoon full of rice and fish into his mouth, Shinji makes a gesture for Enterprise to sit down. The white-haired KAN-SEN chooses to be next to her commander.
"Remember, Enterprise, to keep the body in good health is a duty-"
"-otherwise we shall not be able to keep the mind strong and clear. I believed you've stated this quote several times to me now," Enterprise finished with a small grin.
"Not to you only. I've tried to make my points with other girls as well, especially the Destroyers," Shinji groaned, after another swallow "But sometimes I wondered if they even listened to what I said in the first place or if those affections for sweets are slowly becoming an addiction right now."
"I think you're just being a little too harsh on this matter, Commander," said Enterprise truthfully.
"Am I?" Shinji furrowed his brows "You know, your sister said the same thing to me too. That "I'm overreacting to this problem", as if she can control that addiction to chocolate of hers."
Enterprise snorted. She fully understands what the admiral means. Her younger sister, USS Hornet, hull number CV-8, is a carefree individual. However, she can also be a little too nonchalant on certain topics which frustrated the admiral to no end. Her love for the famous M&M candy, something that she claimed to be 'recently discovered', is one of those points.
"That's true, but that doesn't mean she is wrong, Commander," Enterprise replied, "While I'm not like my sister, I do find that sweets are certainly one of the most important things that keep the morale of this base up."
A long breath escaped from Shinji's nostril. He wanted to make a rebuttal but she was right. Despite his less-than-favorable toward sweets, Enterprise has made her point. Everyone loved them, even ship girls. And with some shortage in supplies, especially anything that would entertain the girls, this month, cake and candy suddenly became the primary tool to keep everyone happy and focus on the battle ahead.
At the same time, this is not a necessity for the KAN-SEN nor for himself, but Shinji Kaminaga has read countless reports and books about the life of ship girls during the World War. The contact between them and the human leaders was colder and far more distant. The KAN-SEN basically established their own kingdoms and represented a nation's naval force in its stead. The materials requirements for a KAN-SEN at that time were minimum and little, unlike today.
All of the changes that he is seeing and experiencing right now are a recent phenomenon, a rapid response when the World War's curtain finally fell and the Sirens returns. Perhaps that's also why the World Navy has decided to place younger, and more enthusiastic admirals as the leaders for all these ship girls rather than the grizzly and cold veterans of the conflict, not that many of them survived since the Battle of New York.
"If you said so. Perhaps I do need to reevaluate my approach," Shinji massaged his forehead, an action that has no meaning to him but it has become another habit of his to express his frustration.
Finished with the food, the admiral placed his tray on the table and leaned back, picking up a water bottle on his side. He glanced at Enterprise, who now stared at the distance sea behind the glasses.
"Commander … will there be a day where there's no more fighting?"
Shinji froze. No words could come out of this throat. He was unable to deliver an immediate reply. The question was sudden and unexpected. The admiral's eyes directed back to the sky, thinking of something for a moment. Then he replied.
"Enterprise, I would be lying to you if I said humanity can absolutely win this war in the next thirty years. There are too many variables and obstacles that we have yet to come," Shinji paused briefly before continuing "But … I truly believed that even if it took humanity another century, we will win. Even if it's just a distant dream … No, especially as a dream. Dreams lift us up and transform us. Through dreams and wishes that humanity would gain the will to see the end of this war."
Enterprise could sense her, or the equivalent of one, thumping inside her chest stronger. A familiar sensation overwhelms her mind. Her cheeks were heated up by these strange feelings. For over four decades, she never experienced it before, not until she met Shinji Kaminaga. The man before her has taught all the ship girls in this naval base many things, to help them understand more about humans and their cultures. To create a bridge between the rest of the world and the ship girls that have been disconnected from each for so long.
If she was Enterprise of the past, she would never accept these feelings or even be able to comprehend them. In fact, denial would certainly be her first choice. But she changed, like everyone around her, thanks to this man.
Love … It is a mysterious and confusing thing, but Enterprise was in love. She wants this type of love more than ever, to love and be loved by the Commander. Not as brother and sister nor comrades and partners but as a 'significant other'.
"Co-Commander … I want to ask you something" the greatest KAN-SEN switched to a more timid voice.
"Hmm? What it is, Enterprise?" Shinji blinked, oblivious to the girl's feelings.
"If there is a chance for this to be all over, for this war to finally comes to an end … would you like to tak-"
"Excuse me, Master. But Admiral Wellington is here and wishes to meet you."
A sudden voice, muffled through the door diverting Shinji's focus.
"Wellington? Here? I don't remember inviting him here," the black-haired admiral frowned. He stood up and opened the room door.
A maid, or a KAN-SEN dressed as one to be exact, greeted his view. With a blue ribbon on her neck and a white apron, this ship girl's 'assets' are still visible in their own way even under the long blue dress. A pair of dark gauntlets could be seen on her arms, covering them almost completely. Similar to Enterprise, her hair is white as the clouds, and her beauty is only enhanced by a pair of eyes with violet irises.
HMS Belfast, hull number C35. The so-called 'Head Maid of the Royal Navy' and one of the most powerful Light-Cruiser KAN-SEN in this naval base. Furthermore, unlike the Eagle Union which became the direct successor of the United States Navy after its near total destruction several years ago, the Royal Navy continued to exist, as a pseudo-autonomous entity with the famous British Royal Navy.
"Good morning, my dear Master. Based on the absence of food that I have placed before your room. I believed your business for planning the upcoming battle is concluded?" the ship maid bowed politely and spoke with a Posh English accent.
"Yeah, you could say that. I'm sorry if that worried you or Akagi yesterday," Shinji responded with a smile. "Could you tell Wellington that I would meet him in just a few minutes?"
"Of course, Master," Belfast performed another curtsy and walked away.
Shinji stared at the head maid's retreating figure for a few seconds before glancing back at the room.
"Come on, Enterprise. Let's go. It seems we have some guess."
Enterprise blinked before letting out a silent sigh, disappointed and frustrated by this sudden interruption before following her commander.
(XXXX-XXXX)
Stepping into the lounge room, Enterprise saw two figures. A woman, with long dark steel hair, and garnet-colored eyes. Her attire consists of a half-covered white dress, completely revealing the torso section, with detached long sleeves. Fortunately, under that is a black skinsuit with a high collar and a decorated cross at the front. Holding in her hand is a long spear, wrapped in blue cloth, that is heavy as the largest machine gun.
Saint Louis, one of the first-generation Priority ships, a new form of KAN-SEN that was born from the hybridization between 'dream' and 'reality'. They are the representation of what can be considered as 'historical facts' and 'wishes that went unfulfilled'. Despite the lack of a solid foundation in terms of existence, each of them possessed extraordinary combat capabilities, dwarfed over most fellow ship girls. Even for a powerful carrier like Enterprise, fighting against more than three of them would already be a hard battle.
Standing next to Saint Louis is her admiral, a tall man, even larger than Shinji by almost a head. The man also has a wider build, with dark blond hair which was cut short. Despite a lack of stubble beard compared to the taller man, Enterprise could tell he is half a decade younger than her commander.
"Hey, Kaminaga!" the blond man saluted with a wide grin.
"Hey yourself, Wellington," the black-haired admiral responded in a more dismissive manner.
The man turned his eyes to Enterprise.
"Nice to see you too, Grey Ghost."
"The pleasure is all mine, Admiral Wellesley," she answered with a salute.
Admiral Gerald Charles Wellesley, commander of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville and the man who once bear the title of Duke of Wellington. A directed descendant of the original Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, who beat Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. Despite being called 'Wellington' by other admirals, Gerald abandoned that name years ago, leaving the family legacy to his younger brother. For what reason, Enterprise does not know, nor does her admiral.
"Greeting Commandant Kaminaga and Mademoiselle Enterprise," said Saint Louis with a pseudo-Middle French accent.
""Greeting to you as well, Miss Louis,"" both Enterprise and Shinji replied at the same time, tipping their hat.
"Ha! Look at that. A real couple there." Wellington let out a hearty laugh "Are you guys sure there weren't any rings on those fingers yet?"
While the aircraft carrier was trying to hide her own blush, her commander retorted with a deadpan look.
"Last time I checked, I'm fairly sure. In fact, I should be the one who asks you that question here. I believed you have said to me somewhere down the line that there would be a wedding next year."
"Hey, just so you know, I'm still planning the date. It's just that the Sirens keep popping up too much recently, which really ruined my schedule," the taller man said with a huff.
"Whatever you said," Shinji shrugged "Now, onto a more serious matter. Why are you here, Wellington? I thought there was an agreement that you and Smith would meet me in New York this afternoon."
Gerald slumped back onto the couch, his arms placed on the back pillows. Like a vigilant guard, Saint Louis chooses to sit next to her commander.
"I want to leave the base a little sooner, in case some kind of delay happened like last time. Still, New York's airspace is in temporary lockdown right now so I figure I could stay at your base for the next few hours before we depart."
"A good excuse, I must say. But you should have given me a heads-up before that. This is a military base, not a market," Shinji groaned.
"Well, I planned to do that but then I start to think, "Why ruin the surprise"?" the blond man said, his smile never dropping.
Shinji simply shot an incredulous stare at his friend.
"I'm surprised the Fleet admiral hasn't brought you to court yet, especially with this kind of behavior."
"Ehhh, as long as I didn't piss the Old Man off too much. I should be in the safe zone."
The admiral could only shake his head at the indifferent response before finding himself on the opposite couch of his comrade.
"Would you like some tea, Master?"
Everyone turned to the door. With every step taken, Belfast walked with grace and style. In her hands was a silver tray, carrying a teapot and four gaiwans, a type of Chinese lidded cup.
"Yes, I would like to, Belfast. Thank you," Shinji nodded.
Wellington, on the other hand, glanced at the blue-dressed maid for brief seconds. He whistled.
"Man, this maid of yours. I wish Sirius could be as half as good as Miss Head Maid over here."
"You're too kind, sir Wellington. Ms. Sirius is simply still young in this job, that's all," Belfast responded with modesty.
"Trouble with your Light Cruiser?" Shinji asked.
"No, not really. It's just that … " said the blond man, scratching his chin to find the correct words "Sirius needs a little more experience as a maid. Don't get me wrong, she always brings great results when it comes to combat but … not so much when it comes to housework."
"I feel like you're using the term 'little' pretty loosely here."
"What can I say? You want me to say she is a 'terrible' maid?" Wellington shrugged.
Shinji's comeback to the statement was a snort-like sound before bringing the cup of tea to his mouth, taking in the scent through his nose.
As both men started to talk about the past, and previous battles that have bonded them together many years ago, Enterprise noticed that Saint Louis was eager to listen to every word from her admiral. She is quiet but extremely focused at the same time.
Enterprise could tell that the PR wishes to know more about her commander. By listening to these talks, she could glimpse at what made her commander be the man like today. This is something the aircraft carrier understands very well. She has done the same thing occasionally whenever her commander engaged in small talk with other admirals during celebrations here and then.
The black coat KAN-SEN took a sip of tea and secretly glanced at Shinji several times. Her mind traveled back to the day when she was still a 'weapon' that served the Azur Lane alliance during the World WarIt was a dark time that she doesn't want to think too much about but the longer those memories lingered in her, the greater the appreciation she has for her admiral.
Before that, for nearly forty years, every battle seems like an endless loop of war and destruction. Every KAN-SEN continued to fight, and fight, and fight. But there is little to be known about their purpose, the reason to throw themselves into this seemingly eternal meat grinder for men that they only met through screens and a species that they rarely interact with.
Shinji Kaminaga is one of the first humans that Enterprise and her sisters have the chance to truly bond with. To learn more about the world outside them, the way of life that is far from the violent sea. To face a common enemy and make peace with your old foes, perhaps none of these could be achieved if a human-like Kaminaga wasn't here.
He is a kind man, a good man, an educated and cultured man, but he is also a strange man. Even after working with the man for almost half a decade, in very rare moments, Enterprise wondered if she truly know her commander after all. Nevertheless, she was never bothered by it, perhaps because of the love that plagued her heart.
(XXXX-XXXX)
The Elysium, New York - 8 hours later
"It's been a while since we have had a huge meeting like this. I felt like this gonna become a common trend from here on."
"Perhaps, it seems like the Sirens would begin their counter-offensive soon. If that is truly the case, then every battle can become a decisive fight for humanity," Shinji shot his taller friend a recognized look.
Despite a somewhat flamboyant and reckless approach to most things, Gerald Charles Wellesley was also a very perceptive man, even more than the black-haired admiral himself would like to admit. When the situation demanded a serious viewpoint, Wellington could certainly provide that.
"I really hope it won't come to that," the blond commander grimaced slightly.
"We must expect the worst, Wellington. What could go wrong will go wrong after all."
"Still, it's better if Murphy's Law doesn't being too literal in every damn case," Gerald groaned "I think I have enough stress in my life already."
"No matters, we're here," Shinji shook his head.
The automatic door slid open as both men stepped off the tramcar. With no time to waste, they walked in a swift and direct manner, hurriedly crossing the empty street as the Sun start to go down from the horizon. Before them, two blocks of houses away, is a silver tower, nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building.
Built on the ruined ashes of Wall Street, one of many areas that face total annihilation when the Sirens first attacked Manhattan, The Elysium, also known as The Mithril Towers, is the first and current headquarters for the Western branch of the World Navy. As one of the largest construction projects during the restoration of the city, The Elysium is considered to be one of the most fortified places in the world.
Despite stepping foot into this building dozens of times before, Shinji Kaminaga can't help but admire the interesting architecture which blends in with a remodeled New York. It was designed to be the pinnacle of a military command center, housing combat personnel and officers alike for an extensive period. This is indicated through a massive courtyard at the center of the building, bringing great comfort to tired servicemen, and restaurants on nearly every floor.
As the elevator moved, Shinji Kaminaga stopped listening to what his taller friend was saying, his eyes bored through the glass window, staring at the dockyard below. Since the sudden attack, this entire island was turned into a pseudo-military base, with barracks and mini airfields constructed right at the center, on the location that once knows as Times Square.
A fleet of ships, conventional warships passed by the destroyed Statue of Liberty, a painful reminder for the people of this nation.
Despite the grand changes in the world navy through the rise of ship girls, major nations still like to retain normal warships, crewed by countless ordinary men and women alike, as their backup forces. While KAN-SEN became the main fighting force to reclaim the sea for humanity, these naval vessels were used to deal with local pirates or provide additional support in a large battle.
Unlike the KAN-SEN, human warships are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons in order to combat the Sirens. However, they lacked the flexibility or the supernatural agility that the ship girls have. Twenty-century tactics and weapons were considered obsolete if they are not from a KAN-SEN, with large guns being replaced with hypersonic missiles and sophisticated Close-in weapon systems to increase the chance of survival.
In many ways, an admiral of this new age must study new paths to conduct warfare, to comprehend and master the ability not only to command these human-crewed ships but also his own ship girls. Typical doctrines and tactics that were once utilized by the force of the past cannot be applied in this strange age. Innovation became the ultimate key to victory. Such requirements demanded knowledge and skills that far exceed compared of an admiral from older eras. It's a difficult thing to achieve and very few truly passed the test.
The lift suddenly froze and the door light flashed green with a DING. Shiji turned around, he have seen enough.
Both commanders strode out. Through the yellow hall, their speed increased with every pace. There is only one entrance on this floor, and they could see it, at the end of this passageway. The chatters become louder and louder as they approached the room closer. The meeting is about to start.
(XXXX-XXXX)
I am formless. I am shapeless. I do not obey the laws of this world.
I am the energy that is foreign to this universe. I am a creature that existed in a reality beyond. I am the one that will uphold the sacred code of the Planet of Light/ Land of Light.
I was a warrior. I was a killer. Now, I am an explorer, observer, and protector of this realm.
I gazed at the stars before me. Such beauty and yet so dangerous at the same time. Its existence is eternal to some life forms and like a blink of an eye to others.
Time is a concept of this dimension that I have yet to understand fully. I was too young to witness the Big Bang of the local cluster of the multiverse, a fragment of cosmic energy that barely obtain any consciousness. When I was old enough to step outside the Planck Brane Dimension in a safe manner, this reality has grown older.
I have moved through countless planets, stars, systems, and even galaxies. I have seen thousands of new civilizations, rose far enough to travel across the dark void of the universe. Through it, more conflicts raged across this reality. Not many survived in the end. But in the end, new ways of life would arise and continue to repeat this circle of doom or become something else, for better or worse.
Currently, on some nameless celestial object, in this galaxy, designated as Messier 31 by some local civilizations, I awaited my superior.
Then, after thirty cycles, he arrived in a spectacular explosion. The barrier between lower and high dimensions is distorted. The gravitational field of the system I'm in increased nearly ten-fold. Small heavenly bodies, including the local moons and asteroid fields, begin to rotate faster while following an unnatural orbit. Such is the phenomenon that is usually caused by our kind. A temporary side-effect.
+ /Agent Lipiah, + he greeted me in a language that no lifeforms of this universe can understand.
An Emissary from the Land of Light and my former commander. He has no physical form, and his state of being is almost invisible to the common eye. In this condition, his nature of existence would surely come in conflict with the local law of reality. However, I know he will be brief. He holds no love nor understanding for this universe, for he is only loyal to the Land of Light.
An efficient warrior, sometimes to the point of ruthlessness.
+ Commander Zofī / ⍜⋔⋔⏃⋏⎅⟒⍀ ⋉⍜⎎⟟, + I returned his gesture.
If the commander have any organ that resembled a neck, he would nod at me.
+ ⍙⊑⏃⏁ ⟟⌇ ⊬⍜⎍⍀ ⋔⟟⌇⌇⟟⍜⋏ ⌿⍀⍜ ⍀⟒⌇⌇ ⎍⍀⍀⟒⋏⏁⌰⊬? /What is your mission progress currently? +
The Kaiju Army from The Dark Interplanetary Alliance of Denbara was stopped. However, my attempt to capture core members of The Dark Council eighty cycles ago ended in failure / ⏁⊑⟒ ⏃⟟⟊⎍ ⏃⍀⋔⊬ ⎎⍀⍜⋔ ⏁⊑⟒ ⎅⏃⍀ ⟟⋏⏁⟒⍀⌿⌰⏃⋏⟒⏁⏃⍀⊬ ⏃⌰⌰⟟⏃⋏ ⟒ ⍜⎎ ⎅⟒⋏⏚⏃⍀⏃ ⍙⏃⌇ ⌇⏁⍜⌿⌿⟒⎅. ⊑⍜⍙⟒⎐⟒⍀, ⋔⊬ ⏃⏁⏁⟒⋔⌿⏁ ⏁⍜ ⏃⌿⏁⎍⍀⟒ ⍜⍀⟒ ⋔⟒⋔⏚⟒⍀⌇ ⍜⎎ ⏁⊑⟒ ⎅⏃⍀ ⍜⎍⋏ ⟟⌰ ⟒⟟ ⊑⏁⊬ ⊬ ⌰⟒⌇ ⏃ ⍜ ⟒⋏⎅⟒⎅ ⟟⋏ ⎎⏃⟟⌰⎍⍀⟒, + I reported.
+ /Casualties? + the commander asked, his tone betraying no emotions.
+ Estimation, forty-five billion members from twenty-eight species from nearby systems were reported deceased, including non-combatants / ⟒⌇⏁⟟⋔⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏, ⎎⍜⍀⏁⊬-⎎⟟⎐⟒ ⏚⟟⌰⌰⟟⍜⋏ ⋔⟒⋔⏚⟒⍀⌇ ⎎⍀⍜⋔ ⏁⍙⟒⋏⏁⊬-⟒⟟ ⊑⏁ ⌇⌿⟒ ⟟⟒⌇ ⎎⍀⍜⋔ ⋏⟒⏃⍀⏚⊬ ⌇⊬⌇⏁⟒⋔⌇ ⍙⟒⍀⟒ ⍀⟒⌿⍜⍀⏁⟒⎅ ⎅⟒ ⟒⏃⌇⟒⎅, ⟟⋏ ⌰⎍⎅⟟⋏ ⋏⍜⋏ ⍜⋔⏚⏃⏁⏃⋏⏁⌇. +
Zofī remains silent for a moment, seemingly absorbing the information that I've delivered.
+ /Environmental damage assertion? +
+ Calculation process is still being engaged. Current data suggested one-million-three-hundred-thousand cycles to achieve the desired result / ⏃⌰ ⎍⌰⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⌿⍀⍜ ⟒⌇⌇ ⟟⌇ ⌇⏁⟟⌰⌰ ⏚⟒⟟⋏ ⟒⋏ ⏃ ⟒⎅. ⎍⍀⍀⟒⋏⏁ ⎅⏃⏁⏃ ⌇⎍ ⟒⌇⏁⟒⎅ ⍜⋏⟒-⋔⟟⌰⌰⟟⍜⋏-⏁⊑⍀⟒⟒-⊑⎍⋏⎅⍀⟒⎅-⏁⊑⍜⎍⌇⏃⋏⎅ ⊬ ⌰⟒⌇ ⏁⍜ ⏃ ⊑⟟⟒⎐⟒ ⏁⊑⟒ ⎅⟒⌇⟟⍀⟒⎅ ⍀⟒⌇⎍⌰⏁. + I replied.
There was a fluctuation in energy wavelength. The lights around us bent and shifted as the radiation zone around Zofī slowly expand. The law of physics in this universe yields to the commander. It is a signal that the Emissary's state of mind is in some form of conflict, most likely fighting to achieve the desirable conclusive reports. Dispersed and distracted.
Nevertheless, this inner mental struggle ended as quickly as it come and I could sense Zofī's energy directed back to me in the next seconds.
+ ⟒⌖ ⟒⌰⌰⟒⋏⏁ ⌿⍀⍜ ⍀⟒⌇⌇, ⏃ ⟒⋏⏁ ⌰⟟⌿⟟⏃⊑. ⊑⍜⍙⟒⎐⟒⍀ /Excellent progress, Agent Lipiah. However … +
An uneasy feeling boils inside me. As the local life forms of this universe have a saying: 'There's always a but'.
+ … ⏁⊑⟒ ⎍⌰⏁⍀⏃ ⏃⌰⏃⏁⟟ ⍜⎍⋏ ⟟⌰ ⊑⏃⌇ ⎅⟒ ⟟⎅⟒⎅ ⏁⍜ ⏃⌇⌇⟟ ⋏ ⊬⍜⎍ ⏃ ⋏⟒⍙ ⋔⟟⌇⌇⟟⍜⋏ ⎅⎍⟒ ⏁⍜ ⏃ ⍀⟒ ⟒⋏⏁ ⟒⎐⟒⋏⏁ ⏁⊑⏃⏁ ⋔⏃⊬ ⎐⟟⍜⌰⏃⏁⟒ ⏁⊑⟒ ⍜⎅⟒ ⍜⎎ ⌰⟟ ⊑⏁ /The Ultra Galatic Council has decided to assign you a new mission due to a recent event that may violate the Code of Light.
+ Commander / ⍜⋔⋔⏃⋏⎅⟒⍀? +
If I could frown in my current form, I would do so already. I wished to question such a drastic and sudden order but I did not speak up, waiting for the commander to finish his explanation.
+ ⌇⟟⌖⏁⊬-⎎⟟⎐⟒ ⊬ ⌰⟒⌇ ⏃ ⍜, ⏁⊑⟒ ⍜⎍⋏ ⟟⌰ ⎅⟒⏁⟒ ⏁⟒⎅ ⏃ ⏁⊬⌿⟒-⎅ ⍜⌇⋔⟟ ⌿⍜⍙⟒⍀ ⌇⎍⍀ ⟒ ⟟⋏ ⋉⍜⋏⟒ ⎎⟟⎐⟒, ⌇⟒ ⏁⍜⍀ ⍜⋏⟒-⋏⟟⋏⟒-⌇⟟⌖-⌇⟟⌖-⏁⍙⍜-⋉⟒⍀⍜-⍜⋏⟒-⌇⟒⎐⟒⋏ ⌇⌿⟒ ⟟⎎⟟ ⏃⌰⌰⊬. ⏃ ⋔⟟⋏⍜⍀ ⎅⟟⌇⍀⎍⌿⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⍜⎎ ⌇⌿⏃ ⟒-⏁⟟⋔⟒, ⌿⍜⌇⌇⟟⏚⌰⊬ ⏃ ⍀⟒⌇⎍⌰⏁ ⍜⎎ ⏃⏁⏁⟒⋔⌿⏁⌇ ⏁⍜ ⏃⌰⏁⟒⍀ ⏁⟟⋔⟒, ⋔⍜⌇⏁ ⌰⟟ ⟒⌰⊬ ⎎⍀⍜⋔ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌰⍜ ⏃⌰ ⟟⎐⟟⌰⟟⋉⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ /Sixty-five cycles ago, The Council detected a Type-D cosmic power surge in Zone Five, Sector one-nine-six-six-two-zero-one-seven specifically. A minor disruption of space-time, possibly a result of attempts to alter time, most likely from the local civilization.
I recognized the designation number. The same Sector that was assigned to Delegate Seven, a brother-in-arms that I once served with, twelve million cycles ago. The uneasy feeling only grows stronger in me.
+ Then it is my duty to assist Brother Seven, as a former Warrior / ⏁⊑⟒⋏ ⟟⏁ ⟟⌇ ⋔⊬ ⎅⎍⏁⊬ ⏁⍜ ⏃⌇⌇⟟⌇⏁ ⏚⍀⍜⏁⊑⟒⍀ ⌇⟒⎐⟒⋏, ⏃⌇ ⏃ ⎎⍜⍀⋔⟒⍀ ⍙⏃⍀⍀⟟⍜⍀. +
Zofī 'stared' at me, his energy shifted again, as if he was proud of that statement.
+ ⍙⟒⌰⌰ ⌇⏃⟟⎅, ⏃ ⟒⋏⏁ ⌰⟟⌿⟟⏃⊑. ⌿⟒⍀⊑⏃⌿⌇ ⎎⏃⏁⊑⟒⍀ ⍙⏃⌇ ⍜⍀⍀⟒ ⏁⟒⎅ ⏁⍜ ⏃⌇⌇⟟ ⋏ ⊬⍜⎍ ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⋔⟟⌇⌇⟟⍜⋏ /Well said, Agent Lipiah. Perhaps Father was corrected to assign you this mission. +
I 'blinked', or an action that most closely resembles it. Still, Zofī continued.
+ ⎎⟟⎎⏁⊬-⟒⟟ ⊑⏁ ⊬ ⌰⟒⌇, ⎅⟒⌰⟒ ⏃⏁⟒ ⌇⟒⎐⟒⋏ ⎎⏃⟟⌰⟒⎅ ⏁⍜ ⌿⍀⍜⎐⟟⎅⟒ ⏃⋏⊬ ⍀⟒⌿⍜⍀⏁ ⍜⍀ ⍀⟒⌇⌿⍜⋏⌇⟒ ⎅⎍⍀⟟⋏ ⊑⟟⌇ ⟟⋏⎐⟒⌇⏁⟟ ⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⏃⏁ ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⍜⍜⍀⎅⟟⋏⏃⏁⟒/Fifty-eight cycles, Delegate Seven failed to provide any report or response during his investigation at this coordinate …
Near instantly, the necessary information, related to Brother Seven, was transported into my mind, traveling through the Planck Brane Dimension at the speed of light. The visual image of a group of planetoids materialized before my eyes in nanoseconds. It was followed by more pictures, layers of them, displaying several celestial bodies and a yellow dwarf star.
A planetary system, not too young, but not too old either. However, only one planet is confirmed as habitable. It would be my main focus to find Brother Seven.
+ ⎎⎍⍀⏁⊑⟒⍀⋔⍜⍀⟒, ⊑⟟⌇ ⋔⍜⌇⏁ ⍀⟒ ⟒⋏⏁ ⏁⍀⏃⋏⌇⋔⟟⌇⌇⟟⍜⋏ ⎎⍀⍜⋔ ⏁⊑⟒ ⎍⌰⏁⍀⏃ ⏃⌰⏃⏁⟟ ⍜⋔⋔⎍⋏⟟ ⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⏃⍀⍀⏃⊬ ⟟⋏⎅⟟ ⏃⏁⟒⌇ ⏁⊑⏃⏁ ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⌰⍜ ⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⟟⌇ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌇⍜⎍⍀ ⟒ ⍜⎎ ⏁⊑⟒ ⍜⌇⋔⟟ ⌿⊑⟒⋏⍜⋔⟒⋏⍜⋏. ⏁⊑⎍⌇, ⏁⊑⟒ ⏃⌰⏃⏁⟟ ⍜⎍⋏ ⟟⌰ ⏚⟒⌰⟟⟒⎐⟒⎅ ⏁⊑⏃⏁ ⌇⟒⎐⟒⋏'⌇ ⌇⎍⎅⎅⟒⋏ ⎅⟟⌇⏃⌿⌿⟒⏃⍀⏃⋏ ⟒ ⟟⌇ ⏃⋏ ⎍⍀ ⟒⋏⏁ ⋔⏃⏁⏁⟒⍀ ⏁⊑⏃⏁ ⍀⟒⍾⎍⟟⍀⟒ ⟟⋔⋔⟒⎅⟟⏃⏁⟒ ⟒⌖⏃⋔⟟⋏⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ /Furthermore, his most recent transmission from The Ultra Galatic Communication Array indicates that this system is the source of the cosmic phenomenon. Thus, The Galatic Council believed that Seven's sudden disappearance is an urgent matter that require immediate examination.
At this point, I fully understand the required works that need to be done, and so does the commander. I 'bowed', a display of humility and gratefulness toward the given mission.
Expected designation and classification for the location, sir / ⟒⌖⌿⟒ ⏁⟒⎅ ⎅⟒⌇⟟ ⋏⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⏃⋏⎅ ⌰⏃⌇⌇⟟⎎⟟ ⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⎎⍜⍀ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌰⍜ ⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏, ⌇⟟⍀?
+ ⍀⍜⌇⌇-⍀⟒⎎⟒⍀⟒⋏ ⟒⌇ ⎅⏃⏁⏃ ⎎⍀⍜⋔ ⏁⊑⟒ ⎍⌰⏁⍀⏃ ⏃⌰⏃⏁⟟ ⎅⏃⏁⏃⏚⏃⌇⟒ ⍜⋏⎎⟟⍀⋔⟒⎅ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌇⊬⌇⏁⟒⋔ ⟟⌇ ⎅⟒⌇⟟ ⋏⏃⏁⟒⎅ ⏃⌇ '⌇⍜⌰ ⌇⊬⌇⏁⟒⋔', ⍙⟟⏁⊑ ⌿⌰⏃⋏⟒⏁ '⟒⏃⍀⏁⊑' ⋔⏃⏁ ⊑⟟⋏ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌿⍀⍜⎐⟟⎅⟒⎅ ⌰⍜ ⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⍀⟟⎅. ⋏⍜⏁⟟ ⟒⏃⏚⌰⟒ ⌰⍜ ⏃⌰ ⌇⟒⋏⏁⟟⟒⋏⏁ ⌰⟟⎎⟒ ⎎⍜⍀⋔ ⟟⌇ ⏁⊑⟒ ⊑⏃⋔⏃⋏⎍⋏⟒, ⏃⌰⌰⟒⎅ '⊑⎍⋔⏃⋏⌇' ⟟⋏ ⋔⍜⌇⏁ ⍀⟒ ⟒⋏⏁ ⍀⟒⌿⍜⍀⏁⌇ /Cross-references data from The Ultra Galatic Database confirmed the system is designated as 'Sol System', with planet 'Earth' matching the provided grid coordinate. Noticeable local sentient life form is The Hamanune, called 'Humans' in most recent reports. They are also the dominant species of 'Earth', + Zofī answered.
Earth. Such a strange and obvious name for a planet. I was slightly surprised that the planet was not named after its ruling native residents. And only a single ascendant race? An unusual situation, indeed. However, I put those thoughts aside for now. There are far more important matters for me to concern with.
+ Commander, is it possible that this Type-D cosmic power surge is an after-effect of the Quantum-Barrier's breakdown / ⍜⋔⋔⏃⋏⎅⟒⍀, ⟟⌇ ⟟⏁ ⌿⍜⌇⌇⟟⏚⌰⟒ ⏁⊑⏃⏁ ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⏁⊬⌿⟒-⎅ ⍜⌇⋔⟟ ⌿⍜⍙⟒⍀ ⌇⎍⍀ ⟒ ⟟⌇ ⏃⋏ ⏃⎎⏁⟒⍀⟒⎎⎎⟒ ⏁ ⍜⎎ ⍾⎍⏃⋏⏁⎍⋔-⏚⏃⍀⍀⟟⟒⍀'⌇ ⏚⍀⟒⏃ ⎅⍜⍙⋏ ? + I asked, remembering what the commander said before.
+ ⏁⊑⟒ ⏃⌰⏃⏁⟟ ⍜⎍⋏ ⟟⌰ ⟟⌇ ⌇⏁⟟⌰⌰ ⎍⋏ ⟒⍀⏁⏃⟟⋏ ⍜⋏ ⌇⎍ ⊑ ⍜⋏ ⌰⎍⌇⟟⍜⋏. ⋔⍜⍀⟒ ⟟⋏⎎⍜⍀⋔⏃⏁⟟⍜⋏ ⏃⍀⟒ ⟒⌇⌇⟒⋏⏁⟟⏃⌰ ⏚⟒⎎⍜⍀⟒ ⎎⎍⍀⏁⊑⟒⍀ ⏃⋏⏃⌰⊬⌇⟟⌇ ⌿⍀⍜ ⟒⌇⌇ ⏃⋏ ⏚⟒ ⟟⋏. ⋏⟒⎐⟒⍀⏁⊑⟒⌰⟒⌇⌇, ⏁⊑⟒ ⌿⊑⟒⋏⍜⋔⟒⋏⍜⋏ ⟟⌇ ⏁⍜ ⏚⟒ ⍜⋏⌇⟟⎅⟒⍀⟒⎅ ⏃ ⍜⍀⎅⟟⋏ ⏁⍜ ⏁⊑⟒ ⌿⍀⍜⏁⍜ ⍜⌰⌇ /The Galatic Council is still uncertain on such conclusion. Additional data is essential before further analysis process can begin. Nevertheless, the phenomenon is to be considered according to the protocols, + Zofī replied.
+ Understood. I shall enact suitable measures to examine this planet / ⎍⋏⎅⟒⍀⌇⏁⍜⍜⎅. ⟟ ⌇⊑⏃⌰⌰ ⟒⋏⏃ ⏁ ⌇⎍⟟⏁⏃⏚⌰⟒ ⋔⟒⏃⌇⎍⍀⟒⌇ ⏁⍜ ⟒⌖⏃⋔⟟⋏⟒ ⏁ ⊑⟟⌇ ⌿⌰⏃⋏⟒⏁. +
Zofī 'nodded' again. His form shimmered with radiant white lights, indicating that his task in this reality is completed. Space and time morphed and changed again as the Emissary of Light returned to our realm. However, he would not do so without saying the final words.
+ ⏃ ⟒⋏⏁ ⌰⟟⌿⟟⏃⊑, ⌿⌰⟒⏃⌇⟒ ⍜⋔⌿⌰⟒⏁⟒ ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⋔⟟⌇⌇⟟⍜⋏ ⏃⋏⎅ ⏚⍀⟟⋏ ⎅⟒⌰⟒ ⏃⏁⟒ ⌇⟒⎐⟒⋏ ⊑⍜⋔⟒ ⌇⏃⎎⟒⌰⊬ /Agent Lipiah, please complete this mission and bring Delegate Seven home safely.
Commander Zofī's words seemingly echoed in my audio receptors before being absorbed deep into the back of my mind. The statement would serve as a constant reminder of this mission. I gave one last look at the star system I'm in and with that, I took off at the speed of light and continued my journey, with a new path and destination to follow through.
(XXXX-XXXX)
"Hey, Kaminaga, are you alright? You just spaced out for a while there."
Shinji opened his eyes, giving out a tired look.
"Just remembering something, Wellington."
"About what?" the blond man cocked his eyebrow.
"Personal matters."
"Alright then, sounds like some juicy stuff but I won't pry. Unless you want to tell me."
"No, I don't think I will," Shinji replied with a small grin.
The door opened again, and the sound of old leather boots gained the attention of those in the room.
"Gentlemen, it's good to see you all again."
The room turned silent immediately as everyone stopped their talks. Sitting on the rear side of the U-Shape table, Shinji Kaminaga stood up to salute, as does every other commander.
Standing at the front is an old man with a jagged long beard. His haggard features indicated what years of near-constant wars could do to a man. Fleet Admiral Arthur Parker is a fighter, a leader, and a survivor. As one of three fleet admirals operated on the Western branch of the World Navy, Parker holds an unprecedented amount of authority that gives him command over all naval operations as well as the army and airforce, to a limited degree.
The great Fleet Admiral scanned around the room, watching every face that he had met and known of for the last several years. Six admirals, including Shinji and Wellington, all come from different backgrounds and have risen through the ranks through various circumstances. Alongside them is a dozen other officials personage from various bureaucratic departments of the Navy that people barely know.
These commanders, they are the best of the best, the ultimate leaders that the World Navy holds at the current moment. Some of the most powerful people in the world, all gathered in this chamber. A notion that Shinji could agree with. Through a few short campaigns, the admiral has come to understand and even held the chance to learn more about his colleagues. Some are his friends, others are not.
Sitting on the other side, opposite to Shinji, of the table is Admiral Dmitry Gavril Danilovich, a man with much experience compared to any other admirals here, and also the oldest one, through his times as a vice admiral of the new Northern Parliament Navy and former Red Fleet of the old Soviet Union. A rugged man with a High and Tight hairstyle and thick goatee that dwarfed everyone in this room in terms of height.
He is also one of the first humans to marry a KAN-SEN, the almighty Sovetskaya Belorussiya, codename Project 23, and the only ship of her class.
Next to Dmitry is a short woman with ponytail hair. Hidden behind a long grey Toscana coat, she has a petite figure. While having little need for vision correction, admiral Wan Hong could be seen with a pair of eyeglasses on her face, something that wondered Shinji for a long time now. A commander who holds the highest win/loss ratio battles among all commanders here, thanks to her aces, the duo Zuikaku and Shoukaku, both are known as some of the strongest ship girls in the Sakura Empire.
Adjacent to Shinji's seat are Oliver William Black and Mathew North Black. Both men have mysterious pasts that they rarely discussed with anyone. With a near-identical appearance, including tall cheekbones and a slim nose as well as unnatural pale skin, many believed these two are twins. Their behavior and viewpoint toward the war are sometimes baffling and unsettling to Shinji.
Yet, for reasons that cannot be explained, their naval base also holds the largest number of PR ships in the World Navy.
After a long look, the Fleet Admiral waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit down. He pressed a button on his side as a holographic table materialized at the center of the room, displaying the map of the Atlantic Ocean, both North and South.
Despite being one of the most important places in the world, the conference chamber is plain and simple in terms of design to prevent any unneeded distractions, albeit supplied with some of the most advanced equipment that would aid its purpose. In every meeting, there would always be several guards standing at the corner, ensuring the safety of officers.
"Gentlemen, my deepest apology for the inconvenience lockdown of the city. There were minor disputes with some local agencies with the Army on security around here. Some actions must be taken after all." said the Fleet Admiral, his voice quite deep for a man of this age.
The old man makes a gesture with his fingers as the light constructs on the table begin to shift and turned.
"Gentlemen, while I believed all of you have read the reports extensively before this meeting. I want to provide a recap just to ensure we're on the same page here. We cannot allow making any mistake for what is coming." said Arthur Parker, and a touch of steel entered his voice "Six weeks ago, our satellite detected an unusually large concentrated Sirens force that emerged near Puerto Santa Cruz, a small town with less than five-thousand people lived there. After a brief skirmish with the local naval force there, ended with the total destruction of what you can consider as 'remnant of Argentina's fighting spirit on the sea'. Further reports stated that the Sirens have made their way to Falkland Island, a local British settlement where penguins and sheep resided there like true model citizens, besides some humans of course."
Some officials let out a quick chuckle at the joke.
"Our allies in Europe, the British Royal Navy and Spanish Armada, have sent out two expedition fleets to intercept what they believed a 'scouting army'. And as you know, nearly two hundred ships, all sink to the bottom of the sea. Right now, the entire island has become a new Sirens shipyard. Some of the most recent records indicated that the Sirens are building more ships through the extractions of minerals through abandoned mines and offshore platforms"
The Fleet Admiral continued, pressing his finger together with his thumb to zoom on the holographic map "To make matters worse. There was a communication breakdown before anyone could realize what is truly going on over there. Technologies malfunction and poor intels. So Europe decided to send out half of its fleet two days later. Four hundred and fifty-five ships, gone, just like that."
Silence greeted those words. To most people in the room, with one of the most powerful human-commanded naval forces gone like that, internal security would become far more difficult to maintain, not including the possibility of stretching the remaining KAN-SEN units thin.
"Our latest reports from recon stated that the Sirens are constructing a third dock near the settlement of Stanley. " the Fleet Admiral took a deep breath, his fingers pointed toward the screen as a series of images cropped up "Also, we were able to confirm that all three-thousand and five hundred lives on the island have been terminated."
Everybody in the room grimaced. Over three dozen hangars-like structures, each big enough to house a score of Destroyers. They were spread out across the coastlines. Even when the photos were taken from a considerable distance, these buildings are extremely recognizable, carrying their unique futuristic architecture and style that are also associated with their fleet.
"Lord admiral, should we expect enemy hidden reserve? The reports stated that there may be more enemies than we would expect," Wellington spoke up.
"You are right, Admiral Wellesley. It is most likely that the Sirens have hidden forces. We believed that the artificial cave systems at the center of the island are an ideal place for them to do so," said the Fleet Admiral, making another motion to the chart.
For unknown reasons, Shinji sensed an uneasy feeling knotting in his stomach. His eyes closed and arms crossed, trying to suppress the anxiety. Meanwhile, the old commander carries on with his brief.
"While our intels have yet to understand the enemy's real intention, the Pentagon and EDA believed that there would be a major offensive, aiming for the headquarters in order to completely disable the World Navy. What we are seeing here is a build-up for that offensive. However, we will strike first before they even have the to do so. I want those dockyards gone, gentlemen."
The old admiral paused for a moment, pulling out a long pipe from under his outer coat, and took a few puffs of smoke, his head turned to the left side of the table.
"However, there was a slight change in plan. Admiral Kaminaga, Admiral North, and Admiral Hong, your KAN-SEN will be transferred under the command of Admiral Wellesley, Admiral William, and Admiral Danilovich respectively. They will be combined together to form three main battle groups, Task Force 17, Task Force 18, and Task Force 21 for the fleet. The rest shall stay as reserve"
The commanders looked at each other, such decision quickly provoked a noisy reaction, but only Shinji remains silent in his seat.
"Sir? I do not understand. Why are you moving the KAN-SEN away from our authority? They would need our guidance," asked the female admiral, her hand raised up.
"A worthy concern to be voiced out, Admiral Hong, but in our current predicament, with the destruction of the main European naval forces, we cannot risk showing all hands in one game here. In the worst-case scenario, if this counter-offensive failed, there is be no guarantee that everyone would make it back, alive," explained the Fleet Admiral "What happens if the next campaign focuses on this city? The entire coast of this country, from Maine to Florida, would become vulnerable to any amphibian assaults, especially with New York. If this place falls, then we will be looking at the World Navy losing over a quarter of its total strength. That must never happen."
The old veteran stopped again, placing the brier onto the edge of his lips, and exhaled out the bitter smell. He spoke with a lower tone.
"Besides, would you agree that the KAN-SEN are just not any military assets that humanity ever possessed in its arsenal, Admiral Hong? They hold an incredible level of independence and intelligence that allows them to wage war on virtually every front. One could not ask for a better weapon than that. Now, the upcoming battle would test that efficiency. You have trained and led them well, but considered this a 'test'. To see if they could truly shine as an ultimate tool of war."
Shinji's face morphed into a deep frown. He hated to hear something like that, to view these girls as nothing but mass destruction weapons with no association with a human being. To dehumanize them at such a level.
He glanced to the side, watching Admiral Wan Hong stumbling to come up with a reply. A part of her wants to scream out how wrong the Fleet Admiral's perception of the KAN-SEN is, and yet, as an officer of the World Navy, she dare not to retort against a superior, not without permission at least.
"Now, as you have been briefed in our previous meeting, Task Force 21 and Task Force 18 will assault the first dockyard on Fox Bay of West Falkland. Reports indicated that major Sirens' defense is concentrated around this location. Task Force 17, on the other hand, will deal with the second base near Port Howard, on an inlet of Falkland Sound," the veteran admiral swiped the screen with his fingers, changing the map "After both shipyards are destroyed, all three Task Force would regroup with each other before conduct the final attack onto the third base. Now, are there any further questions, gentlemen?"
The room abstained from any sounds as everyone simply either stared at the holographic screen or pretended to write notes. The Fleet Admiral cast a look around, reading everyone's faces and reactions. Even Shinji thought he would call someone out for a moment there.
"Nothing? Truly? Good then. This meeting is officially over. Take your rest, gentlemen, you will certainly need it for tomorrow morning."
With that, the old man was the first one to leave the room.
(XXXX-XXXX)
6 Hours Later
It is early morning but unlike a typical day on this naval base, it is a noisy one. The sun has yet to pass through the horizon completely and stars could still be seen in the sky. Today, dawn was slow to break and the pearly light couldn't be seen anywhere, all they could feel is the cold ghost-grey morning mist.
However, the entire dockyard was lightened up with lamps and various beacon devices, showing a long line of human-crewed ships on one end of the terminal and KAN-SEN vessels on the other. Moreover, hidden behind the warehouse and just right around the corner are dozens more stations, each could host at least a score of ships. To both Shinji Kaminaga and Gerald Charles Wellesley, it is a haunting and beautiful sight.
"So that is the Abraham Lincoln class, huh? Another new nuclear-powered toy by Newport News Shipbuilding. " the blond man whistled, staring at the aircraft carrier before him " I heard these things won't be ready for five more years at least. The DOD must have played a role in this thing."
"Perhaps a breakthrough has been made during the research or construction process," replied the shorter man.
"I guess so. Still, this is a lot of ships here, even for large-scale deployment. I'm counting at least four-hundreds or more around here."
"Most likely more. A lot of them are still in the hangar, waiting to be called out."
"Jesus Christ …I can't lie that I'm feeling confident about this," Wellington whispered, reaching for his cross-shaped necklace "With a battle at this scale, if things go south, it could reach a biblical proportion here."
Shinji didn't reply, he is thinking of something else. His hand reached into his shirt, grasping some kind of object.
"Worrying for your girls?" asked Wellington, who noticed the hardened gaze his friend is giving out.
"... Yes, in some way," Shinji said "They are under your command now, Wellington. I have faith that you would lead them to victory or at least, doesn't throw them into senseless death."
"And here I thought we are friends, Kaminaga," Wellesley chucked in a playful manner, placing his hand on Shinji's shoulder. However, a serious demeanor immediately takes over him "I can't make any promise here but as the Full Admiral of Naval Air Station Jacksonville and your friend, I will try my best to keep them safe, if circumstances permitted."
"Thank you. I know you would," the black-haired commander replied, his tone filled with gratitude.
Both men observed the scenery for a few more seconds before Wellesley walked to one of the nearby terminals.
"All right, now if you excuse me, I think I need to have a chat with my girls. Gotta give them a motivational speech and all that shtick. See you later, Kaminaga."
Shinji stared at the retreating figure of his friend with a raised eyebrow before doing the same.
(XXXX-XXXX)
Even after the first discovery of the Wisdom Cubes in the late 20s, most scientists could tell that there is still much to be uncovered from these metaphysical objects. Their existence alone has broken the fundamental understanding of how the world function and caused much panic in various fields. Even as new disciplines emerged in later years such as Quantum Physics, Synthetic Biology, Nano Chemistry, and many more, the Wisdom Cube and in turn, the KAN-SEN as well, remains a subject that needs to be explored much further.
Rigging, for example, is one of those mysteries that are yet to be explained. Each ship girls possessed their own rigging, a special form of equipment that also served as a part of their strange physiology. However, these riggings are more than just additional firepower for a KAN-SEN. According to Enterprise and her sister, rigging helps a ship girl to manifest their so-called 'true combat form', their original body, during the time when they are still crewed by humans.
As such, one could see dozens of vintage vessels among their successors in this dockyard. However, a KAN-SEN ship form doesn't require any beings to control. Each of these crafts can perform a supernatural level of agility and strength in weaponry, these are one of many aspects that allows them to surpass even the most advanced ships in the World Navy during combat.
Reaching the top of the flight deck after a short walk, Shinji Kaminaga could see Enterprise and her sisters from afar. They were talking and laughing, just normal humans. Standing behind the trio are several Destroyers from his fleet, including Laffey, Le Téméraire, Javelin, Ayanami, and others from Task Force 21 whom Shinji has yet to meet.
As the admiral approached, one of the three sisters already noticed him.
"Heeeeey, Commander! Over here!"
USS Hornet, hull number CV-8, was waving at him, with a wide grin. The girl's entire outfit was black as ink, from her iconic cowboy hat to the long cloak behind her back to her bra and even her jean shorts. In contrast to the black color was her long blonde hair, tied together as twin tails. The girl was far more energetic compared to her elder sisters and straightforward in conversation, something that Shinji found to be quite refreshing.
Shinji responded with a similar gesture.
"Yorktown, how are you doing?" the admiral greeted.
Standing next to Enterprise and Hornet is USS Yorktown, hull number CV-5. The oldest one among the sister trio. Her attire consisted of a modified midnight-blue coat, and white dress beneath. If Hornet is the one that inherited similar facial features to Enterprise, then Yorktown is the one that bears the same hair and eyes as her little sister.
"I am quite well. Thank you for asking, dear Commander," the girl replied with a smile while trying to hide her blush through a composed look and gentle voice.
"What about you, Enterprise, Hornet? Are you two ready for the battle yet? Do you need additional ammo or fuels?" he asked.
"Don't worry, Commander. I was born ready. Just point to me to the Sirens and I'm gonna them what good ol' American football means," Hornet beamed.
"Hornet, war is not a game. Your recklessness should not translate onto the battlefield. How many times do I have to tell you that?" Enterprise sighed at her sister before bringing her attention to Shinji "Commander, are you here to wish us luck?"
"Partially yes …" the admiral paused, placing his hands on Enterprise's shoulders, much to her surprise "Enterprise, remember what I have always told you. It's alright to be afraid. Just don't let them control you. Although I can't be with you in this battle, I'm fully confident that you would lead everyone to victory, even if the situation became chaotic."
The carrier could feel her chest beating like a war drum. Her determination was restored and a new resolution burned inside her. An unknown form of energy fueled her at this moment. She has sensed it many times before but she could never truly identify it. Nevertheless, Enterprises will fight, to lead every KAN-SEN in this fleet back home, alive, for her admiral.
Suddenly, this pleasant moment was cut short by the sound of the siren, calling every ship girl to their designated hanger. With no time to waste, the trio quickly said goodbye to their commander and leap off the ship, followed by other ship girls, another display of their superhuman ability.
Shinji Kaminaga cast a look onto the horizon behind him. The smile on his face faltered, replaced with a grimace.
"Something wrong … I can feel it"
The rational part of his brain continued to tell him that everything remains under control and yet, the unreasonable and illogical thoughts stated otherwise. The uneasy feeling inside his guts continues to grow as if this battle would go terribly off the rail.
Shinji jerked his hand off from the pocket, holding something inside his hand. He stared down, at a silver cylinder-shaped device. It was a simple thing in design, with few details. The item is long as a toothbrush but thin enough for the admiral to fully wrapped it under his fingers. A small glowing sphere, crimson in color, was contained at the top of the device, with a button right under it.
"One-hundred and eighty seconds … only three minutes … would that be enough for me? … If I had more time …" Shinji muttered, gripping the object even tighter.
The admiral's eyes shut down for a few brief seconds. As he regained the calmness inside his mind from the contemplation, Shinji walked back to the main building, truly hoping that he would not have to use the device.