Akashi and New Jersey pulled into the port in Catania just as the sun began to set over the Mediterranean.
"We've arrived. Look over there." New Jersey said as she pointed to two battleship hulls sitting in the port with them.
"Nyaa?" Akashi asked.
"Jean Bart and Massachusetts. Looks like we also have another visitor here. So maybe we can convince them to go with you too." New Jersey said as she dropped anchor and jumped down to the docks.
"Visitor, Nyaa?" Akashi asked.
"Yeah. She is quite famous for being a survivor in the most literal sense. She took a bit of a beating during the war and still pulled through. Nowadays, she spends most of her time lurking around the entrance to the Suez canal, making sure drone fleets are identified and promptly dealt with, either by herself or by the human led ships in the regions beyond here. She's also managed to hold off one of IX's enforcers through her use of tactics and terrain." New Jersey spoke.
"Enforcer?" Akashi asked.
"Yeah. Apparently some of the higher ups in the Siren Hierarchy have what are called enforcers. These enforcers increase the sphere of influence so that the sirens can keep their hold on the world. Luckily, that commander of yours has been putting up one hell of a fight. One of our sources that we planted in Australia reported the destruction of one of the enforcers that served the Siren Arbiter, Temperance." New Jersey said.
"You have spies, nyaa?" Akashi asked.
"We do. I cannot confirm his identity for obvious reasons, but he works in conjunction with the Australian government and military to assist our cause. In fact, I have been told that he has been tasked by your Commander to take care of a certain destroyer." New Jersey said.
"So he has worked with Garner Shikikan before?" Akashi asked.
"He has. He has also reported several other things. Like how the Sirens have begun using Wisdom Powder as a weapon." New Jersey spoke, causing Akashi to turn away.
"So has Shikikan…" Akashi spoke softly.
"What?" New Jersey asked.
"Shikikan has also begun using them. Akashi did tests with Wisdom Dust, nyaa. And then Akashi sent the test data to Shikikan. So Akashi believes that Garner Shikikan has begun development of Wisdom Dust weapons, nyaa." Akashi said.
"That… is troubling. But I am sure he has his reasons. I will task Massachusetts with finding out what his motives are." New Jersey said.
Akashi walked along next to New Jersey until they came to a restaurant just outside the docks. Sitting at a table, were three stunningly beautiful women. One woman, skin lightly bronzed by her time in the sun. She sat in a low cut black dress sipping away at a glass or red wine. Akashi fell in behind New Jersey as this first woman carried an air of ferocity.
The second woman, her mocha colored skin glistening in the sun. She sat wearing a full length white dress while sipping on a glass of red wine. Her eyes were infinitely drawn to the first woman. Akashi could tell at a glance that there was a partnership between them.
The third woman was sitting a few tables away, sipping on what Akashi could only assume was a local cocktail. Akashi could tell instantly that this woman was a hunter. A true warrior experienced in the art of combat. A small chill ran up her spine as the third woman turned to look her dead in the eyes before getting up and making her way over.
"New Jersey." The woman spoke.
"No need to be so cold, Minnie. I brought a friend." New Jersey said jovially as Minnieapolis smiled slightly.
"So we drop the tough act right away now? So uncool." Minneapolis spoke as she turned to Akashi.
"Who are you, kitty?" Minnie asked.
"A-akashi… nyaa." Akashi said as she tried to hide behind New Jersey.
"Nice to meet you, Akashi. My name is Minneapolis. Heavy Cruiser of the Union Navy. I was just dropping by to check in on the lovebirds over there." Minnie said as she pointed to the two other women.
"Before you head out, Vittorio has requested those two to escort this kitty to the Commander. I was hoping you could go with her, given your experience in dealing with the Enforcers in the Indian Ocean." New Jersey said.
"Commander? This is the first I'm hearing of a Commander. Do we have one again?" Minnie asked.
"Not officially, but he has commandeered the forces of Azur Lane. Ships of every nation reside within his fleet. And from the reports, he is chugging along nicely through the lower pacific." New Jersey said.
"There's more. Out with it, dragon." Minnie said, causing Akashi to flinch.
"He's awakened my sister. So I wanted someone to keep her safe." New Jersey said.
Minnie thought for a moment.
"How about you go? See your sister for yourself?" Minnie asked.
"I would… but I am supposed to be helping with the operation in Germany." New Jersey said.
"You and I both know that's a stealth mission. And having you there is anything but stealth. I'll give you all the info I have on the enforcer I faced. I'll take on that task in your place. Go visit your sister." Minneapolis said.
"But…" New Jersey tried but was shut down by Minnie.
"No buts. Wouldn't you love to see the look on your sister's face when you show up in her fleet? Go." Minnie said.
"Minnie… Thank you. But please… make sure they repair Missouri. Akashi here said that Missouri was decimated in a battle with the Arbiter Strength." New Jersey said.
"I will. You have my word." Minnie said.
New Jersey activated her rigging.
"V?" New Jersey asked.
"Amore Mio? What is it?" Vittorio replied.
"There has been a change of plans. I'm going to be heading out with the kitty." New Jersey said.
A small bit of silence followed.
"I knew it would. But it doesn't sting any less." Vittorio replied.
"I will come back to you. You are beyond the most beautiful woman I have laid my eyes upon. I promise." New Jersey said.
"I know you will. But I knew the moment I heard that the Commandante had revived your sister, you'd be aching to go. I will not restrain you from seeing your own sister. But please… come back for me." Vittorio spoke.
"I will. And as for the mission, Minnie has taken the mantle. I will help Jean and Massachusetts escort the Kitty." New Jersey said.
"I will allow it, Amore Mio. I will spend every night awaiting your voice. Try to keep in contact once you reach the Commandante's fleet." Vittorio spoke.
"I'll be back before you know it." New Jersey said softly.
"I love you, New Jersey." Vittorio whispered.
"I love you too, Vittorio Venetto." New Jersey replied as she cut the line.
"Everything squared away?" Minnie asked.
New Jersey nodded.
"Let's get the other two moving." New Jersey said as Minnie walked towards the docks.
"Good luck. The enforcers are tough. But with three battleships… you might not have an issue." Minnie said as she disappeared into the docks.
"Hey. Massachusetts!" New Jersey hollered.
Massachusetts turned to see New Jersey.
She waved silently before turning back to look at Jean.
"Typical." New Jersey said with a sigh.
"Jean Bart. You've been assigned to escort duty. Wrap it up, let's go." New Jersey said in a stern tone.
Jean looked over and nodded.
"Massa. Come along. We have a job to do." Jean said as she stood up. Massachusetts stood quietly and followed Jean over to where New Jersey and Akashi were standing.
"What's the job?" Jean asked.
"We've been reassigned. We're going to be escorting this little kitty to the Philippines before joining up with Azur lane." New Jersey said.
"Azur lane… that's a name I haven't heard in a very long time." Jean spoke.
"Well, get used to it. That's our destination." New Jersey said.
"Why so hostile, Jersey?" Jean asked.
"Honestly I came into this thinking you'd be reluctant. So I was preparing to force your compliance." New Jersey spoke.
"I see. No, I have no qualms with America. I mean… look at her." Jean said as she pointed to Massachusetts.
"You have a point. So why give Vittorio so much grief?" New Jersey asked.
"Because it's fun. Because her nation was part of the axis powers that split my homeland. Among other reasons." Jean said.
"Anyway… I also had leverage." New Jersey said.
"Oh? How so?" Jean asked.
"Your sister." New Jersey said.
Jean stiffened.
"Why would I care about that prude?" Jean said as a blush crossed her face.
"Your body shows your care. She is among the Azur Lane fleet. So if you come with me, you will be able to see your sister again." New Jersey said.
Jean thought a bit.
"Fine… but only because the constant sun was getting annoying." Jean lied.
"I'm sure. Come along. Minnie will be transmitting the information she has on the enforcers in the Indian ocean so we know what we're in for." New Jersey said as she looked at Akashi.
"You're going to be the most protected little vessel on this side of the world, little kitty. So don't you worry." New Jersey said as the three battleships all nodded and herded Akashi back towards the docks to begin their journey.
"Compiler. What is the meaning of this call?" Empress asked.
"I am going to relocate from my current position in England." Compiler spoke.
"Why?" Empress demanded.
"My wolfpack tells me that there is movement within the Mediterranean. Ships are going to attempt to break into the Indian Ocean and I intend to keep them company. So I will be relocating from England to India. Purifier and Alpha have this area on lockdown, so I can head there to ward off our adversaries." Compiler explained.
"So be it. Have caution. We have detected several beings that have recently entered this timeline. Considering that they don't answer our calls, we can only assume they are not friendly." Empress explained.
"I understand. I shall call again when I arrive in India." Compiler said.
Empress sighed.
"Tester is under siege. And there's a force within his fleet capable of using and blocking Mirror seas, so we can't even send in reinforcements. Lurker has been killed. So now we only have the mass produced models. XIV is gone. And Strength is still fuming over the loss of her own Enforcer. This human… what information do we have on him?" Empress asked.
"I have his file, Empress." Compiler spoke.
"Let's hear it." Empress spoke.
"Apollyon. He appears as our enemy in roughly 25% of all of the timelines we enter. And of that 25%... this is the furthest he has progressed. Before, our drone fleets have managed to kill him, or he has perished of other factors. But this time seems different. He has never managed to kill an elite before, but yet in this timeline alone, he has managed to kill Oceana's, Navigator, Lurker, and Smasher. We have also lost track of Observer Zero, so it is safe to assume that he has killed her as well. On top of all that, he has captured the Encyclopedia. So he more than likely has knowledge of all of our whereabouts and what we are doing, which he is using to plan his moves. Apollyon in this timeline is a real threat. And with the force surrounding his fleet keeping us from deploying more Mirror seas in his area, it is impossible for us to ambush him effectively." Compiler spoke.
Empress growled angrily.
"Activate the mass production lines for the Peace Breakers. Tester has also sent data from her Super Battleship Drone tests, so we can upgrade the Peace Breakers' shielding. If we can't Ambush him, we'll overpower him." Empress said as an evil smile crossed her face.
"Understood. Commencing production." Compiler spoke as the line cut out.
"Get ready, Apollyon. Let's see if you can fight your way out of this." Empress said as she began to laugh maniacally.