Chapter 9: Uncertain

It was like a dream, or a nightmare. Honestly I don't know how long I stood there, frozen in shock.

"The ruling is decided. The Supply Depot Princess known as Wake Island is to abdicate her position as leader of the Abyssals."

After the Peace Treaty we had gone straight to Yokosuka with very little media presence interrupting us. The HPSC was true to their word and we received unmarked and unremarkable vehicles that weren't recognized by the hordes that had waited right outside of the building. It still irked me that the HPSC went out of their way to do this, but I would make a note of it for later rather than actually focus on it now. When we got back I was shown to my room and was given free reign of the base, as long as I stayed outside of the restricted or sensitive areas, but that was fine with me. When I went to get dinner I wanted to take it back to my room, as I was guessing that most of the shipgirls hadn't just forgotten that I was an Abyssal. The war over, yes, but centuries worth of warfare implanted a deep-set hatred that I doubted would just disappear. However when I did get to dinner, I was caught off guard when the owner of the little place wanted me to stay.

That owner was Hosho, the world's first aircraft carrier. Much to my surprise she wanted to talk with me—and that immediately put me on edge—but she just wanted to know how I was handling it all. We talked for a while about nothing and everything, and I quickly found someone that was quickly becoming a friend. It was pleasant, and not at all what I expected out of my little outing.

After that I just retired to my room and sat on the small balcony for a time. The quiet gave me time to simply… process, for a lack of a better term. For once I had a chance to look back at things without any massive interruptions, and I thought about things I could do for the future.

Well, I thought about things Dione and the others could do about the future. With a trial looming over the horizon I was a bit pessimistic about my future. I didn't lie when I said I didn't attack civilians of my own volition, but that didn't change that fact that I was present for many large scale attacks on human cities. I was also a key figure in the Abyssal Navy. There would be a want to try somebody. I was the only one left they could pin their anger on.

Damn the Battleship Princess! If the Attack on Tokyo never happened the humans wouldn't be nearly as angry. It was far too recent, and I still saw damage left behind. What would it be I wondered? The Death Sentence? Imprisonment?

Regardless of what I thought, I didn't have to wait very long, because before I turned in for the night Admiral Mato told me that the trial was already scheduled.

For tomorrow…

The very next day was like a repeat, except this time there was no friendly police officer to keep me company. Even though we were driving for an hour, it felt like no time at all and suddenly we were in front of the Japanese UN building. Honestly I was shocked that it was still standing after all this time, especially after the recent attack. Unlike the Peace Treaty there was no waiting period in the front lobby, and there wasn't any major preamble. It progressed… Well it progressed like any court that I could remember; as in I had the memories of an American from the Second World War who had to stand on a jury in the 1930's. I wouldn't use that as concrete foresight though, for obvious reasons…

My trial was simple, though it wasn't a traditional one where a case was brought against one party from another. This was a trial to determine what kind of punishment I deserved on behalf of my race. Stupid or not, humanity would always want to lay the blame on somebody.

My actions during the War were brought up; every campaign and every battle that I had taken part in, but they were mostly glossed over. To my surprise, the American, Japanese, and Australian Admirals had cited the Nuremberg Trials as Precedent. Specifically they cited the instance about the German Kriegsmarine and how they couldn't entirely be tried for war crimes they didn't commit. To them my actions against Humanity's militaries were similar, and they did find evidence that corresponded with my claims. My own records combined with theirs revealed that the only times I was ever directly attacking civilian targets was when I was under the command of a higher ranking Abyssal Princess. I still attacked civilian targets, but the supposed penalty would be much lower than I expected it to be.

Seemingly to verify my claims or to try and discredit me, the current sitting president of the Marshall Islands was brought into the hearing. Whatever they were expecting, it wasn't the Utopia I had crafted for centuries where Abyssals had learned to live in harmony with humans. I had to suppress my faint blush when I witnessed just how vehemently the president defended me. After that they brought up the issue of Darwin.

Darwin… I hadn't thought about that day in decades…

This time they were trying to prove that I went ashore to kill or finish off any surviving civilians, or that I tortured them for information or pleasure. There was a lot I expected, certainly none of it very favorable, but the last thing I expected was the Australian Admiral to stand as a witness! The scarred and older man wore a crisp admiral's uniform, and when his eyes met mine I felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity was over me.

I know him…

The admiral talked at length about his presence during the battle, and to my great surprise not only was he an eye witness to the entire event, he had actually seen me in person!

Why do I know him?

"You said that after the attack had finished, you ran into the Abyssal Princess personally. Can you confirm that it was, in fact, Wake Island and the woman seated before you?"

The admiral looked me in the eyes. My body erupted in goosebumps. I know you. "Without a doubt. That's her, I'd know my savior anywhere."

My eyes widened.

"Dione, take Indiana back to the coast. Tell the shore party that I'll be back soon. No survivors so far." My two lieutenants left, shaken and distraught. I moved on.

I wondered what stories ended. These buildings, who lived there? What shops used to be on this street? Did somebody build their business from nothing? Did they know that their lives were going to end today?

Movement to my left. Rubble was shifting. I manifested my rigging and grabbed the large piece of wall that was blocking the survivor, lifting it and setting it aside. It was another child, a boy this time, maybe a year older than the girl had been. He wasn't dying, but his leg was mangled to hell and back. He looked up at me in sheer terror.

I smiled at him, sadly, and reached a hand out to him, "don't worry. I'm not like the others. I'm here to help you." Very slowly, after making no movements, he reached out and grabbed my outstretched hand. It wouldn't atone for the lives I'd already taken. But it was a start, a start to a new beginning.

…

It seemed that the fates had been smiling upon me that day. I ran across a group of survivors close to the edge of the city, some navy personnel and other civilians. All injured to some extent and terrified when they saw me. Abyssals and Kansen had a reputation. Our bodies looked human, but we held the same strength that our ships did.

They didn't trust me, obviously. They became more confused than anything when I walked right up to them, handed them an injured child, and deposited whatever medic supplies I could. After checking my radar for other Abyssal forces I told them they were as safe as they were going to get, and that they should flee the city while they could. With that, I left, turning and giving one last smile at the boy I had saved.

"Why?" I stopped at a small voice. I turned back. The boy was looking at me. "Why are you helping us?"

"You aren't responsible for the actions of other people from ages past. I've started to realize that." I didn't wait for a response, I had tarried enough already.

I wouldn't feel the results of my actions until decades later.

I was right, I wouldn't feel the results for decades, not until today.

I hadn't thought much about the boy, not in a long while. I always wished that he had found his way of course, but I never thought that I'd see him again, and I certainly didn't expect that he would become an admiral! He told them about what I did, that I reached out and saved him, that I went out of my way to help the civilians caught in the aftermath of the attack. Darwin had since been rebuilt, but it was still a shadow of what it had once been. The shadow of the attack would loom for many years to come, but I held out hope that it would truly recover.

For the entirety of his time at the podium the admiral remained cool and collected, showing very little emotion beyond what was necessary. His account was incredibly detailed, and it lined up with my own records exactly. Him being here was an unexpected, surprising, but very welcome boon that would go a long way for my case. But throughout the entire ten minutes he talked and answered, he never looked at me other than the one instance. Make no mistake, he was here on my account, but it looked like he was primarily returning a favor that he owed me. It was sobering, and it made sense; because even though I had saved him I had still been part of an attacking force that destroyed his home. If I had the chance I would talk to him, in a way I felt that I needed to. When he finished he made his way out of the room, as he passed me though our eyes met and he gave a very small nod. He was gone and through the doors seconds later. I never even had a chance to thank him…

It was a very short amount of time but we also discussed the operation that led to me giving stolen nukes back to human forces. I wasn't there for the actual event, but it was noted that I was the one who did it. And then, the last point of discussion; Tokyo.

Tokyo…

I had no defense other than my word here. Not only was my fleet within line of sight of the city itself, but there was also the fact that on top of fighting military targets, I had also fought a hero and his sidekicks. Regardless of my defense, that was pretty damning in and of itself. Japan revered its heroes, so in the eyes of many I would probably be seen as a villain regardless of the verdict. And for the verdict itself? I wouldn't have to wait very long, though I never expected that it would be this.

"The ruling is decided. The Supply Depot Princess known as Wake Island is to abdicate her position as leader of the Abyssals. Furthermore, she is barred from returning to her installation at Wake Island or any other Abyssal Holdings. For a period of five years, she will be unable to leave the Island of Japan unless it is approved by a governing body, or if she has received an adequate escort." The sound of the hammer hitting its pad filled the room with a crushing silence. This…

This was worse than death…

For half a decade I was going to be banned from going to the sea, and she was barred from going to her home indefinitely. She would have happily abdicated her position, but the rest of it was going to cause an uproar with the remaining Abyssals! I would need to make more than a few calls when I got back to Yokosuka, so I would put my emotional breakdown on hold for as long as possible.

I found myself back in the main lobby, politely ignoring or denying any questions. The uniform felt tight, my generators were stressing themselves, my boilers were overheating. Was this my equivalent to a panic attack? I sent emergency damage control teams to manage the damage for as long as possible. The naval liaison I arrived here with spotted me and waved me over.

"I'm sorry," he said rather unexpectedly. "I've worked with shipgirls for most of my life, I know what the sea means to you."

When I got over my shock I smiled sadly at him, "It's home, you're right… But if I'm being honest I think my ruling was decided before I even stepped foot in that room. The Abyssal War has been going on for centuries, and despite the peace humanity came out as the victors… This is punishment."

"Still…"

I sighed. The damage was manageable, for now. "It hurts, more than most would know. But if this is the requirement for peace then I'll bear this punishment."

A new voice spoke up from behind us, "Even the strongest fabric will rip and tear after repetitious abuse." I felt my control room operations stutter to a halt when I observed the newcomer. "This trial was a ploy, one that was put forward far too quickly."

I blinked, my looming panic attack forgotten for the moment. "I'm sorry… But I don't think we've met?"

"You would be correct, Ms. Wake," the stranger before me was covered nearly head to toe in denim, and even had a scarf-like collar that covered most of his face; also denim. Intense blue eyes gazed at me framed by perfectly combed blond hair. Before continuing the man struck a flamboyant pose and placed a hand on his hip, "you can call me Best Jeanist."

A noticeable crowd had gathered around us, all taking pictures or murmuring excitedly. I noticed that most of the awed and excited looks came from young women, though everyone seemed excited to some extent. Was this one of Japan's fabled heroes?

"It's a… pleasure. Sorry I'm just a little caught off guard. I wasn't expecting to meet a hero today. Can I help you?"

"As a matter of fact I think I'm the one who can help you."

I blinked again and narrowed my eyes slightly, "is that so?"

The denim hero nodded, "Yes, and I would be more than happy to elaborate if I could borrow some of your time?"

Ah. "I'm afraid that I still need to make some arrangements with my new… situation. Perhaps if I had a way to contact you?"

"Of course!" With a flourish Best Jeanist pulled a blue business card—was it made of denim?— from one of his many pockets and handed it to me. On it was a number and an address. I memorized both and stored the card in my own breast pocket. "I'd thought peace would be enough," he began unexpectedly, "but it seems that even in our progressive society hate and anger lingers towards your race, like cheaply made denim." Again with the fabric analogies?

"Their hate isn't exactly unfounded, Jeanist. Until recently our goal was the destruction of humanity."

"And what changed?" Excuse me?

"… Some of us saw the pointlessness of the war. Unfortunately the fanatics were powerful."

He closed his eyes and gave a dramatic sigh. "A tale as old as time, hardliners clinging to the past like an old rope holding a sail." What? "But look at what you've accomplished. You've proven that you're willing to take the first steps into the unknown, but you've been attacked and shaken, making the way forward even more uncertain."

He ran a hand over his hair before continuing. "I've taken much of your time. When you've settled your immediate affairs, call the number on that card. I'd like to talk with you more, sooner rather than later."

"I will. It was a pleasure meeting you, Best Jeanist." And boy did that name sound weird coming from my lips. With a nod and a flourish he departed the Abyssal and the shocked liaison. When I looked at him he managed to shake himself out of his stupor and both of us departed the building. This time there weren't any fancy HPSC vehicles to spirit us away quietly, so we had to brave the hordes of the media reporters. This time I found it rather easy to ignore them, as there was already an oppressive cloud closing in all around me. The reality of my situation was finally settling in. On the drive back I contacted Dione. To say my friend was furious would be a monumental understatement.

[They can't do that! It's completely beyond their control!]

I reeled from the sudden screaming, several of my crew had ringing ears. [I've accepted the ruling. There's–]

[No! You've already done so much! You've taken the brunt of all of this. They're blaming you because there isn't anyone else, but you're the last person they should be punishing!]

[It's as you said, there isn't anyone else… Do you remember what I said at the Peace Treaty?]

[…]

[Dione…] I implored.

[You said that if going to a trial and being punished meant the survival of our race, you'd do it without hesitation…] Her voice was softer, and it was a mix of several emotions. [I'm coming to see you.]

[Have the Americans arrived at Wake Island yet?]

[No, they aren't due for almost a week. But you can't be alone right now. Not after that.]

[There's nothing I can say to convince you?]

[Negative.]

I sighed. [Fine. But can you tell the others something? I've accepted this fate. Don't use this as an excuse to break the treaty, no matter how angry everyone is. We need this peace, even if it costs me my home.]

[I'll pass it along… Now how are you?]

[I'll be fine.]

[Bullshit.] I flinched from the tone of Dione's voice.

[… I think I'm staving off a panic attack. This ruling is worse than death. I don't know if I'll survive being away from the sea for this long. I know I'm supposed to be strong for us, but…]

[This had been a long time coming, Wake. You've been under so much pressure. Everything happened so quickly. No one would've had the logistical know-how to do what you did. And you did most of it alone.]

I felt tears clouding my vision, and I swallowed down a lump in my throat. I hoped that my breath didn't give away what I was feeling. I should've known better.

[I'll be there in a few days. Andromeda and the girls have things well in hand. You don't have to worry about them.]

[Dione… Thanks.] My voice was shaky as it passed through the radio.

[Of course, anything for my sister.]

I was already crying by the time we got back to Yokosuka, and apparently Kongo had to help me back to my room. I didn't remember much of it past getting out of the car and just letting the vale drop around me. I did remember the looks though. All of the shipgirls heard about the ruling, and even if I was an Abyssal they knew what I was probably feeling. I wouldn't be able to see much of my family for a long time, but maybe I would gain a few new friends in time.

Meanwhile in a different part of Japan, a man was watching the latest news broadcast. It seemed that his influence still reached far enough, and because of that the wayward Abyssal Princess had just been landlocked to Japan. She was completely cut off from everything she knew.

"Poor Wake Island, if only you had accepted my offer all those years ago. Now look at what's become of you, how tragic." The man started laughing to himself, plans already brewing in his twisted mind.

This chapter could've been added to the last one, but I made the decision to split them into two separate pieces. Unfortunately that means this won't be as long as what I usually do now, but oh well~

It certainly would have been longer, but to be honest I figured that you guys are here for the plot instead of a fully fledged war trial. Also, what an interesting meeting at the end, I told you we'd meet some more familiar faces, and that trend is only going to continue! Everything's about to kick off, and even though things look dark for our protagonist there's light at the end of the tunnel, just creeping into view!

It's also coming up on the one year anniversary of this story! Honestly it's kinda pathetic that I've only released 9 main chapters but I plan on doing much better than that going forward.

I can't wait for you guys to see what's in store, I'll see you all soon, for the anniversary!~