Isaac and the others made their way to the Norfolk, followed closely behind by Atago and MacArthur. MacArthur looked on in amusement as he took stock of the modern ship he was standing on.
"Commander!" Norfolk growled angrily as her display appeared in front of Isaac.
"Norfolk." Isaac said as he removed his helmet, holding it to his side.
"I oughta get Vengeance to kick your sorry ass." Norfolk said as she pouted at him.
"I know. I know. I was supposed to be back here quite some time ago. You mentioned new armor?" Isaac asked.
"Yes... Even though I am very cross with you... I went ahead and completely redesigned your suit based on new information from the battle, and new scans from that energy spike yesterday." Norfolk said.
"Oh?" Isaac asked as MacArthur wasted no time looking around the boat.
"First off, I adapted a new body suit to support heavier plates that cover more of you body. It seems that the lighter armor of this design is not suited for this kind of combat. You survived, but several plates are irreparably damaged. So it is clear that aside from your horrendous conduct in the field, the plates you have will not work any longer." Norfolk explained as she showed him the design. MacArthur turned to see this and was stunned at how it looked.
"What the hell is that?!" MacArthur asked.
"This fleet utilizes salvaged siren technology to enhance ships and our commander. I still am working on a mass production variant of the Commander's light armor that can be worn by anyone, but that seems to be a bit ambitious for us now." Norfolk said as she turned to face MacArthur.
"About this armor, Norfolk... It covers everything. This is much more than a simple upgrade." Isaac said.
"Of course. This is something I like to call an environmental protection suit or EPS for short. Using Vengeance's knowledge of Siren armor plates and technology, she taught me how to make a suit of armor from the ground up that will keep you safe from most things." Norfolk said.
"Okay... so the gauntlets are being incorporated into the bodysuit?" Isaac asked.
"Yes. It will have a new set of code to detect if your suit has been damaged in a way that needs attention. As the weave for this suit also contains protection from the energy that is similar to the energy still emanating from the Sakura Empire, and from the spike from the other day." Norfolk said.
"So you're telling me that you cracked radiation protection?!" MacArthur asked, dumbfounded.
"Yes. Radiation... so that is what it's called. I will update my data later. Anyway, Commander, I upgraded the armor plating using your... exact measurements for optimal comfort. You'll find thicker shoulder guards, thicker upper chest protection, upgraded thigh and leg plates, in addition to low grade protection everywhere else." Norfolk said as Isaac looked it over.
"Can I see the helmet?" Isaac asked.
"I got rid of the lower vertical portion of the visor, replacing it with solid plating. I transferred the communication system to this design as well as the targeting system. I increased the thickness of the actual armor, and layered in a sheet of steel to improve resistance to bullets, since your situational awareness is not the best." Norfolk said.
"So this suit is just a heavy duty, highly protective version of my normal armor?" Isaac asked
"Yes. And even with the upgraded protection, the nature of the Siren Armor, combined with Vengeance's know how, it will not be too much heavier than your current suit. I would be delighted if you could change into it so I can turn this destroyed suit into something more usable." Norfolk said.
"General, I will be just a minute. Norfolk, could you entertain him for a few minutes? I am sure he has plenty of questions." Isaac said as he walked inside the superstructure and headed to the secret room on the bridge, where he received his first suit.
"So you are Norfolk?" MacArthur asked.
"I am. I am a custom built ship that has been melded with Siren tech and wisdom cubes to serve the Commander and his fleet.
"Siren tech... you have me confused as to what that is, exactly." MacArthur said.
"It's the tech that we used to take over the world, human." Vengeance said as she stepped onto the main deck.
"Are you one of them?" MacArthur asked as he reached for his sidearm and Atago drew her sword.
"I used to be. I have since gave my service to Isaac." Vengeance said as she held the wrist of her prosthetic arm.
"You used to be a siren?" MacArthur asked.
"Yes, human. How many times must I say it?" Vengeance asked as she glared at MacArthur.
"It shows. Well, what happened to you? You don't look like any of the classified photos from the union." MacArthur said.
"I removed my corrupted cube. Now I look more like a human version of myself. I am a Smasher class Siren Elite... at least I used to be. But now I have been given the prospect of even more power thanks to Isaac." Vengeance said.
"He offered you power?" MacArthur asked.
"Yes. A new class of ship when we reach Japan. He called it AL Vengeance, a United States of America class Hybrid Battleship." Vengeance said.
"How the hell will he be able to do that?!" MacArthur asked.
"He built me using recycled Drone ship plating and Siren Technology. It is not impossible for him to build a ship of his own design. The bulins help to that end." Norfolk said as she looked at the two bloodsoaked bulins next to Friedrich.
"What the hell?! Norfolk cried as she ran to the bulins.
"What happened to you?" Norfolk asked.
"We followed Mama Duck into battle. She led us to victory." The bulins said as they raised their wrenches, coated in dried blood.
"Go inside and get washed up! You too Friedrich." Norfolk said as she shook her head.
"Quite the dynamic you have here. Is it always this free?" MacArthur asked.
"Yes it is. The Commander likes for everyone to maintain their unique personalities, even if they become troublesome." Norfolk said as she pointed to Kaga and Akagi bickering on Akagi's flight deck.
"Are those two not the ones primarily responsible for Pearl Harbor?" MacArthur asked.
"They are, but they have proven useful in my quest thus far." Isaac said as he came out wearing his new suit of armor, the heavier plates giving him a more imposing stance.
"Well, considering that the military is currently... furloughed. I can't complain too much aside from personal gripes." MacArthur said.
"How is the armor, Commander?" Norfolk asked as she looked him over.
"There are several features you failed to mention." Isaac said.
"Like?" Norfolk asked.
"The fact that the collar of my suit has to be sealed to the helmet for the UI to activate." Isaac said.
"Ah yes. It has been completely sealed to facilitate the anti Radiation measures that make up the fabric of your body suit. The armor plating is also radiation resistant to an extent." Norfolk said.
"And the tank and hoses that are connected to the back of my helmet?" Isaac asked.
"More protection from hazards in the air, but doubles as an air tank for underwater operations." Norfolk said.
"I see. You two are the perfect research team then. If Akashi were here, I'm sure you three would have figured out how to get to the moon and back." Isaac said with a laugh.
"Speaking of, based on the spike in radiation, my estimate is that they just made the turn north from the bottom of Argentina. Based on their speed, they should be in Bermuda within the next 10 days." Norfolk said.
"Good. Can you send a message to speak to Lizzie?" Isaac asked.
"I made a special modification to your helmet, Isaac. Using an unused and untraced Siren Neural highway, you can connect to any radio aboard any ship or land installation so long as you have the exact frequency." Vengeance said as she walked over to Isaac.
"And since I assume Lizzie is referring to Queen Elizabeth, I have her frequency memorized since she was my next target after I returned from Niue." Vengeance said.
"Well... as creepy as that is, I am grateful." Isaac said as Vengeance tapped the side of Isaac's helmet a few times before giving him the thumbs up.
"uh... Lizzie?" Isaac asked.
"What?! Who is this and how did you get this frequency?!" Elizabeth replied.
"Lizzie. It's me. Isaac." Isaac said.
"Commoner!? How are you speaking to me right now?" Elizabeth asked.
"I am using some plundered goods to make the best of my situation." Isaac said.
"As resourceful as always, commoner." Elizabeth said.
"I have to keep it short, I am in the middle of an invasion. But Akashi should be within range in ten days." Isaac said.
"Just Akashi? Last Warspite saw, she was being escorted by a French cargo ship, a huge cruiser, and a destroyer I have never seen, along with St. Louis and her sister Phoenix." Elizabeth said.
"Well, then I trust Warspite and her observations. I know you will treat them well." Isaac said.
"But of course. It wouldn't do for a Queen to mistreat her subjects." Elizabeth said with a giggle.
"Thank you, Lizzie. It means a lot." Isaac said.
"I thought I asked you to stop calling me that..." Elizabeth said.
"It's cute." Isaac said.
"... Fine. I will allow it. But only you, and only on this frequency." Elizabeth said.
"Alright, your highness. Thank you again. I must go. I hope to see you within the coming months." Isaac said.
"That is my hope as well, Commoner. Take care, and I order you to make it to me alive." Elizabeth said.
"I will do my best, Your highness." Isaac said as he tapped the side of his helmet, cutting the line.
"You sound pretty chummy with Her highness." Belfast said as she stepped aboard the Norfolk.
"She and I had tea together while she was in for repairs in the Union." Isaac said.
"I was unaware." Belfast said.
"She said the tea I made was absolutely terrible and expected of a commoner of the Union. Yet she drank all but one cup from the pot, and that one cup was mine." Isaac said.
"You clearly must have some profound effect on her. She never once liked speaking with human commanders." Belfast said.
"I guess. Anyway, I've gone way off track. General, I have a request." Isaac spoke.
"I'll hear it, Commander." MacArthur said.
"If I aid you in squashing the resistance on this island, will you join me on my quest? Turn this fleet into a force capable of seiging the Phillipines and even mainland Japan?" Isaac asked.
"Boy... I've been stuck here for months, fighting for every god damned inch of this island. You help me turn the tide, I will personally command the entirety of your ground forces alongside your present field officer." MacArthur said.
"The it is settled. We will give you the firepower, in return for your manpower. We will become the Azur Lane Joint Task Force." Isaac said.
"I like the sounds of that, Commander." MacArthur said as he snapped a salute. Isaac did as well.
"First order of business, let's get this port back in order and set up a defendable position. Those Explorers won't be gone for long." Isaac said as everyone vacated the deck of the Norfolk and headed into the port to begin helping with construction.