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Thrust, if you dare to have dreams of power, you will be consumed by them: Galvatron Transformers Armada


In a building located deep within the heart of the Sakura Empire, in a room known only to a handful, a single figure sat within its walls. The only sources of light in that room came from the several lit candles that were a part of a vigil that the room's only occupant was currently holding.

As that single occupant was praying that her plans would succeed because if they did not then she knew that her life was forfeited. But she could not afford to die, at least not yet, not before she finished her work and ensured that she kept her promise to her sisters.

"I will make this right Kaga, I'll bring you back like I did our sister; Amagi. Then we'll show them why we were right to embark upon this path." The lone figure muttered into the dimly lit room.

This lone figure had good reason to say such things as she was Kaga's sister: Akagi, Kansen and lead carrier of the Sakura Empires' first carrier division. But now she was in danger, hence the reason why she had secluded herself in this room, as there had been an attempted coup against her. Akagi could not help but watch the slowly burning candles around her, thinking like them her light before she could be snuffed out at a moment's notice.

But no, it was not only her own life at stake; but as she saw it the future of the Empire as a whole.

Because Akagi knew that the whole Empire would stand at the presage of civil war if this situation was not handled swiftly. As such this had placed Akagi in a position that she had not wanted to be in but considering the circumstances, if she did not act then it would be as good as declaring defeat in the war with the Union. And with what they had done to them in this drawn-out conflict; Akagi knew that they would not be in a leant mood.

But despite that, there was still one thing that bothered Akagi about this.

'High command held back, and for what?' Akagi asked herself this question once again.

This had been a question she had been asking herself for a while now. As she could not understand why the upper echelons had decided not to inform her about their secret reserve fleet!

Well, not so secret now that she knew about it, but still, that did not answer the question. Nor was she expecting one to be given one even if it was to be offered, as the mere fact that they had hidden this fact from her infuriated Akagi to no end!

As it showed that dispute having spent over two decades fighting in defends her home island, those who she had served with nothing, but the best interest of the nation did not trust her.

Akagi took this lack of trust as a personal insult. As had she not them had been fighting on the front lines of the Siren threat? As all the while those same offices and Shikikans had spent their time making sure that front-line soldiers died slowly enough that she and the other Kansen could stabilize their boards.

So why had they had a change of heart?

Akagi could not for the life of her understand this sudden change in their behaviour. Even so, it was not going to matter in a couple of hours, as they would get what was coming to them. But still, the carrier knew that making such a move was a terrible risk to take during wartime.

But this was a move that became necessary to ensure her safety, especially considering the attempt on her life that had happened only hours beforehand. As her opponents within the government and armoured forces had finally shown their treacherous hands; but they had failed in their attempt to do away with her. And now Akagi had no choice but to launch a purge of her political opponents in both the government and upper levels of the military as well.

As Akagi could not risk another coup while she was away; for she was desperately needed at the front as the Union had finally broken through their first defence sector. Still, that did not mean the fox was happy about this current situation, but still, Akagi could not help but feel a certain amount of sadistic glee at the knowledge that her assassins had brought about their greatest fears by their actions.

Even so, Akagi's feelings were also tempered by the fact of what could happen should any of those traitors' swans escape the purge. As such, she knew that they all had to be taken out in one go, lest any of them escape and go into hiding.

"If even one of those vermin survives then-!" Akagi stopped in mid-sentence as her acute hearing heard something approaching.

But then much to Akagi's alarm, she then heard the door to this room open behind her, and she silently cursed herself for her mistake. But there was no time to correct her mistake, as the carrier prepared to defend herself from the assassin she knew to be standing in the doorway. Still, a moment passed in which Akagi had fully expected her attacker to rush her, or at the very least try to speak to her.

But what Akagi heard instead was what she could only describe as the sounds of a wet, slimy, animal moving slowly as if it tried to grab her attention.

Knowing this sound all too well Akagi then turned to face her visitor and found someone that she was both annoyed and relieved to see. But not for the reasons you might think; as standing in the darkness beyond the light cast by the many candles around her was what could only be described as a monster for a children's nightmare.

But to Akagi, the mass of flesh, tentacles and tech was something else entirely. Sitting upon what could only be described as the body of a mutated cuddle fish was the familiar form of a human.

'Observer? But why now?' Akagi then asked herself as she looked upon the Siren.

As it had been weeks since she had last seen, let alone talked with her. So why had she shown up now?

But as that thought entered Akagi's mind she quickly came to realize that the answer to her question lay in the question itself. Still, Akagi had a tough time believing that Zeta would've to be alerted as to what had taken place only hours before. The fact she might have only meant one thing, and if that were indeed the case then Akagi knew that she would have no better opportunity to confirm her suspicions.

"Why are you here alien?" Akagi asked the pointed question of her 'ally'.

For she had never informed her ally about this safe house, the fact that Zeta did not answer her right away unnerved the fox. As Akagi then checked to ensure that she could call upon her rigging should the need arise; she then watched as the Sirens' faces then turned into that of a smile that made Akagi's hair stand on end. As this seemed unnatural coming from her.

"You didn't think I wouldn't check up on you?" The smile on Observer's face turned to a frown, "After everything I hear. I'm hurt Akagi-Chan, to think I started to think we were friends." They were not of course.

By saying this Observer was merely trying to bait a reaction from Akagi. Which the Kitsune produced in recorded time.

"Watch your tongue alien. Less I decide that I like you more without it." Akagi threatened the Siren.

But Zeta was more amused than intimidated by Akagi's words. As she knew that carrier could not follow through with that threat unless Zeta allowed her to. This was something that Zeta might have to allow; considering what she knew was about to take place in a couple of moments.

"Perhaps you just might..." Zeta started to imply just as she then reached for something out of Akagi's sight.

But before her hand could even reach the item, a furious Akagi was upon her. Tackling her to the ground and pinning her there.

"YOU WITH THEM AREN'T YOU!" Akagi all but declared this as fact.

As she had fully expected that Zeta would stab her in the back eventually. Still, Akagi had already planned for the moment they had entered this partnership, now all she had to do was...

'What?' Akagi's mind came to a complete stop as Zeta started, laughing.

As it had been a completely unexpected reaction from her. Zeta was pinned and completely at Akagi's mercy, but despite that, the alien who wore the face of a human was laughing as if someone had delivered a strong punch line to an inside joke.

'Maybe I should...' The dark thought entered Akagi's mind.

Because with Zeta at her mercy and unwilling to defend herself she might not have another opportunity to end this. But no, the thought died as fast as it had entered her mind.

As an Observer for everything that she had put them through was still useful to the Sakura Empire, as she still had many secrets to share with them.

'You will pay for this alien. I will see to that.' Akagi thought bitterly.

As Akagi knew that they could not afford to kill Zetas, not now, as she knew that they would need the Siren's help in the coming weeks. Still, this fact was a bitter pill for her to swallow, but it was one she had to. As the fate of the Empire depended on it, Akagi finally released her Zeta and allowed her to stand.

"And here I thought you were going to chock the life out of me." Observer said in good cheer, even though Akagi had a death grip on her moments before.

This was because the Siren had known that this had been the most likely outcome. As she knew that the Fox could not afford to discard her yet, Zeta had amused herself by watching Akagi's face, as it had turned from one to murderous rage, to anger and finally one of contempt. As Akagi was forced to realize that she still needed her.

A clear indication of the power Zeta held over her and the situation at hand. As Zeta had always ensured that she simply could not be thrown away by her 'allies', but instead ensured that her position was unassailable by making herself the linchpin of their war efforts.

Without Observers 'help', the Crimson Axis would've already lost this war; but with it the Crimson Axis instead found themselves locked into a stable but bloody stalemate with the Allied forces.

A situation that Observer was more than happy with, as the current stalemate served her plans. But still, this status quo could be easily ruined if she did not ensure that certain figures were not wrapped around her fingers. And unfortunately for her, Akagi was one of those figures.

She had been the easiest to manipulate at the beginning of this, Zeta had to admit. But slowly but surely Akagi had caught onto her and was now starting to become a... problem.

'A problem; I can hopefully be rid of soon enough.' Observer thought bitterly to herself.

Despite wanting to have her removed and replaced with someone else more easily to control. Observer knew that she could not afford to let her go, at least not yet. As she still needed Akagi for her plans and to play her part in what was to come.

Still, it did not mean that Observer could not lower her guard around Akagi. Zeta could not do so for even a moment as the Akagi was finally starting to catch onto what she was doing. This was a problem, because if Akagi ever figured out what Zeta was up to, then Zeta might see all her plans come crashing down around her. At which point she would have to explain her activities to her chain of command, at which point Zeta knew that they would execute her for deviating from her original order so drastically.

So, to even have a chance to avoid that grizzly fate, Zeta needed to deliver the one thing that could save her: results.

But those very results hinged upon her relationship with the soon-to-be supreme commander of all Sakura armoured forces. As Zeta was more than aware of what Akagi had set in monition in her attempt to, 'stabilize' the Sakura Empire's political and military situation.

Still, Observer knew that there was nothing to be gained by speaking about this Akagi, so she remained silent on the mission that Akagi had authorized, and instead decided to remind her co-conspirator of something important.

"Also do you think I would've allowed you to see me if I was her to kill you? I'm not that clumsy Akagi; I suggest you remember that!" A bit of heat entered Zeta's voice.

This only earned her a scowl from the Akagi. But Zeta did not care, as she had gotten her point across.

"And I'm not in the mood to play games Zeta. I know you are aware of what is happening, so I will ask this only once. How did you find me?" Akagi demanded while at the same time giving Zeta the tools, she needed to use against her.

"You didn't think I would ensure that I could find you should anything happen Akagi? I'm hurt you think I would look out for my friend." Observer said the sarcasm was obvious in her voice.

Akagi did not much care for the woman's sarcasm, not with what was currently taking place within the Empire's board. As such Akagi needed Zeta to explain why she was there; if she could not then she would see Zeta out. As the carrier needed her out of her hair so that she could respond to events as they unfolded through the Empire.

Akagi knew that certain events might require her intervention.

"Let me put this another way alien," Akagi said as she approached Zeta to be as close to her face as possible, "Explain what it is you're doing here. If you can't, then perhaps those in Unit 731 will be getting themselves a new test subject." This was not a threat on her part.

As Akagi was making it clear that she was not in the mood to entertain Zeta, as she had more important matters to deal with. Still, her reaction to Akagi's threat was one she had expected, as the Alien simply laughed off her threat. As Zeta was once again amused by the fact that Akagi was once again threatening her with something she was incapable of following through on.

'Oh, how have you changed since we first met Akagi; oh, how you've changed.' Observer thought to herself.

Zeta had known that this would happen of course, as her suggestions and the bit of intelligence she had given Akagi had already changed this timeline beyond recognition. But what had surprised her most was the choices that she had made independent of her, especially the fleet she had assembled and sent to attack the Union heartland.

This was something that Zeta had never expected her to be capable of, but then again it did serve a purpose, as Zeta knew what the target was of this suicidal raid.

But then again, this whole timeline was a gold mine for data; still, Zeta could not help but be aware that one of the things that had changed with Akagi was her patients. As Zeta had found that she had less each time she had met with her, then again it was not unexpected given what Akagi had been through.

So, it would be prudent for Zeta to give Akagi what she wanted unless she wanted to embarrass herself once again.

"Very well, Akagi, I sought you out to deliver news regarding one of our Eastern allies." Zeta left the details vague, as she wanted Akagi to ask the question.

"Which happened to them? As I know you wouldn't have gone through all this effort if it wasn't important." Akagi pointed out.

As Zeta was never one to bother her with what she deemed, 'insignificant issues', so for the Alien to go through all this effort to inform her of this was more than enough reason for Akagi to be interested. As she knew full Zeta would not have gone through all this effort to find her if it was not important. This reason alone was why Akagi was tolerating Zeta, as irritated as she was at her as she was; as the alien was useful when it came to providing them with valuable information.

Seeming to sense Akagi's current mood and what might happen if she were to drag this out: Zeta simply decided that she would get straight to the point and explain the finer details later.

"The Sardegna Empire; it has fallen," Zeta stated simply so bluntly that Akagi was taken aback.

As there was no reason why she should sugarcoat what had happened. Mostly because Zeta wished to gadget Akagi's response to the news; it fell into the parameters that she had expected; as the Akagi exploded in rage.

"Those, USELESS!? WHY DID WE EVEN BOTHER ALLYING WITH THEM!?" The raw fury in Akagi's voice manifested itself in the small embers that rose from her clenched hands.

As this news was the second worst, she had gotten all week, as she and her Iron Blood colleagues had been counting on the Sardegna to hold out a little longer. As between them and what remained of the Iron Blood fleet, they had enough ship-girls between them to still pose a threat to the Royal Navy.

But now...

Akagi did not even want to think about the tactical situation in the Meditation. All Akahi wanted to know at that moment was just how she had let this happen!

Even if that meant she would be forced to play twenty questions with the Alien. As Akagi tried to recompose herself before she spoke again; as the carrier was more than aware of what would happen if she were to damage Zeta's ego in some way. And she could not afford to deal with that, but still, despite trying not to, Akagi could not help but let what she was feeling slip into her question.

"I'm assuming; you had something to do with this?" Akagi half asked half accused Zeta.

As Akagi would not have put it past her to pull this kind of stunt. Because she had a tough time believing that her partner did not have a hand in these events.

"Would you believe me if I told you I had nothing to do with this?" Zeta inquired to which she to a disbelieving look from Akagi.

As Akagi did not believe for a second that Zeta was not somehow involved with this. But considering that she had no way of varying this other than attempting to beat the truth from her, Akagi would simply have to accept her word on this. Still, this did not mean that she would not attempt to find out the truth of what happened once Zeta was gone.

Their partnership was not one of trust, but more one of conveniences; a fact that both parties involved were more than aware of. So, it made trust between the two of them nonexistent, and that was putting it mildly.

Half the time the two parties were questioning what the other was usually doing. A fact that was shown in Akagi's response to Zetas' claims of not having any part in the fall of the Sardegna Empire.

"I have a hard time believing that you would allow something like this to happen," Akagi said half sarcastically.

For Akagi knew that Observer had several spies and informants scattered throughout the Crimson Axis. So, she found it hard to believe that Zeta did not at least know about what was taking place within Sardegna territory.

Still, Akagi was then taken aback when Observer took a bow, one of which signified someone asking for forgiveness. This of course took Akagi completely off guard, as Zeta had never done this before.

"Of course, I wouldn't have let this happen. But sadly, I couldn't do so, for a rather good reason." The moment that Zeta made these claim red flags went up in Akagi's head.

As this was the first time that Akagi had ever heard Observer talk in this way.

"Explain." Akagi all but demanded of her.

Thankfully, Observer was in a good mood, as she did not allow any of her 'partners' annoyance to bother her as she continued.

"Simply put, they finally caught onto the variable that was holding them back. As such, they tried to correct this error." Observer started to explain before she was cut off.

As Akagi did not understand what Zeta was going on about.

"Care to explain that in a way that I can understand Alien? As you know I don't understand when you're just talking to yourself." Akagi mocked Zeta, who was yet again reminded that she was dealing with someone who did not know the things she did.

Still, Zeta did not mind this, as it reminded her that she was dealing with someone who was not on her level of intelligence. So, she would let Akagi's words slide for now, and grant her request to explain things in a way she could understand. As Akagi had already proven her worth to Zeta, she would bring herself down to her level and explain things.

"Very well, simply put they tried to address the glaring problems of their leadership. Much like you're doing now," Zeta stated simply.

Akagi knew what the Alien was trying to do, and yet she did not rise to the bait. As Akagi knew that Zeta could never understand why she had taken such a risk, as her circumstances were different from those of the Sardegna Empire. Still, Akagi could not help but ask more questions from the alien, as much as she loathed to do so.

"I can't help but notice that you haven't explained how this all happened." Akagi then pointed out.

To which Zeta seemed to shrug in response.

"This is because I don't have all the details on what they were doing before all this took place." Observer stated even though Akagi did not believe her for even a second.

As Zeta had known she was here; so, considering that fact Akagi was having an extremely hard time believing that Zeta did not know more than she was letting on. Even so, Akagi did not say anything and let Observer continue speaking.

"But from what information I've gathered, it seems they... miscalculated..." Observer then trailed off, wanting to make Akagi the obvious question.

"In what way," Akagi asked/demanded.

As Akagi was starting to grow tired of asking questions; the carrier felt that she should not be forced to do this to get the most basic information from Observer. But this was exactly the reason why Zeta did this. As she felt insulted by Akagi claiming that she had not known anything about this, she would force her to ask for everything, no matter how small it might be.

Because Zeta knew that this was the best way of getting back at her, as she then answered her question.

"The reaction they would get from the local elites, alongside their supporters. But I never thought they would be able to accomplish such a thing. As there has never been this kind of outcome in any previous modes. Let alone on this scale; this unexpected variable in the test has yelled more data than in decades of previous studies." Zeta was now muttering to herself.

This was important for her, as she had managed to achieve something that had not happened in any other simultaneous that had been set up. Then again this was due to the very nature of this setup.

Then again Akagi was not aware of this, nor did she care about Zeta mussing. As all Akagi cared about at that moment was getting as much information as she could from the Siren. Because, as much as she hated to admit it, Zeta was one of only a handful of sources she could trust for useful information.

A fact that has been proven by their raid on the Hawaii Islands, as the files they had managed to capture during that operation had exposed just how badly intelligent at home had failed to uncover major security breaches. This revelation had been a major embarrassment to the whole Imperial intelligence community. And had also been the main catalyst for reformers to say agency throughout the entire armed forces. Thus, leading each branch to have their intelligent work, and from any source they deemed reliable. But unlike before, all of them shared information, as they tried to avoid making the same mistake as before.

But unlike them, Zeta shared what she wanted. And knowing this, Akagi knew she would simply have to get to the heart of the matter with her next question.

"I don't care about such things. What about the Ship-girls?" That was Akagi's main concern.

Depending on the answer she received there still might be a chance of salvaging the situation. But her hopes would be dashed upon the rocks of Observer's answer.

"They're either in hiding or dead," Zeta stated bitterly.

It was not like she cared about them at any rate. But the fact was that she had lost the potential for gathering data from further investigation down these newly created paths they had made.

But more importantly, Zeta needed some of them alive for her end game. If not, then she would have to find a way to improvise. But their loss was not that great given the circumstances.

As she could only imagine the effect the news would have on the head fool of Azur Lane.

Because she knew the possibilities of that news add alongside that of the loss of his family and a major strategic basis in the southern Pacific. Observer could not wait for the bounty of new data that he was sure to bring her and the best part of it all was the fact that she had made this possible herself.

But such self-congratulations could continue later, as Zeta still had a fox to handle.

"You're just saying that Vittorio allowed this to happen?" Akagi was speechless, as she would have expected her to try and stop this from happening.

As she knew the woman only from reputation, and from what she knew; Vittorio would not have allowed this to happen under her watch.

"No, in fact, she took part in it," Zeta informed Akagi; who now looked at her as if she had grown a second head.

All the while Observer was enjoying this for all this was worth it. That was until one of her rigging appendages came a little too close to Akagi. Who upon seeing the opportunity crushed the offending tentacle under her heel, finally having something to vent her frustration at Zeta in her grasp.

As Akagi then watched, much to her satisfaction; as Observer's smug smile leave her face.

"What the hell were they thinking?" Akagi asked herself as she continued to grind the offending appendage underfoot.

Which Observer responded to her by giving her an approximation of a shrug.

"Perhaps the commanders of Regia Marina were thinking of his position; as I know they're not the most beloved group of their politic masters." Zeta once again hinted at the truth of the matter.

As it was an open secret at this point that relations between the military and the civil government of the Crimson Axis were stranded, to put it mildly.

"Then she is an idiot! What the hell did Vittorio think she accomplished by doing this!?" Akagi asked aloud.

As Akagi could not understand why Vittorio would take such a risk, let alone follow through with it. As such an action had all the potential to backfire horribly, especially considering the current situation that the Sardegna Empire. What was worse was the consequences this would have for their Iron Blood allies, as Akagi knew their strategic situation on its Eastern front.

"Perhaps she was sending a massage." Zeta then hinted, cutting through Akagi's thoughts.

As Akagi thought that Zeta might be right. It was not a proper message, but a quiet one stating that the military and Kansen were willing to take over should things start to fall apart. At least that is how the carrier saw it; still, this was not the time to wander into the deeper meaning of things, as Akagi knew that they had more immediate problems than they needed to deal with.

"Irrelevant," Akagi muttered bitterly, as her mind started work in overdrive, "All we need them to do was keep drawing off Royal Navies' attention until we can deal with the Union. But now…" Akagi spoke this under her breath.

As Akagi knew now that this was the only strategy that she could employ with any chance of success. Still, there was also one other crucial element she would need if there was any chance of making this strategy work. Though she was still certain that this was already a mistake, despite that feeling Akagi knew that she did not have any other options available to her. At least if she wanted to draw off some of the Union's fighting forces for long enough for her to reorganize the military to deal with their new reality.

At which point, seeming to sense the direction of her allies' thoughts: Zeta then chimed in.

"I'm guessing you want me to assist you with-." Zeta started to speak before Akagi cut her off.

As fox knew what the alien was looking for.

"You'll be you will be granted free reign in the southern Pacific as per our agreement," Akagi assured the interloper.

Honestly now Akagi could not care less as to what Zeta and her lick did in the southern reaches of their Empire; so long as the Siren upheld her agreement and helped protected the vital oil fields that the Sakura Empire needed for its war efforts. As such Akagi was willing to ignore 'partners' activities so long as they did not clash on her own.

"I'm most great full for your assured of our pat." Observer said as she mocked and bowed to her.

Akagi did not respond to this obvious disrespect that the Siren was showing to her and her culture. As such small insults could be avenged later Akagi knew.

Besides, the carrier had more pressing matters to attend to; such as checking in with her fellow conspirators to see what progress they had made regarding her counter-coup.

"If there's nothing else, then leave. I'll signal you once I've finished." Akagi assured her benefactor.

But Zeta was not done yet, as she had one last thing to do. And it was an important thing indeed, as she had judged that Akagi was finally ready.

"There is one thing one last, Akagi," Zeta said simply.

At which point Zeta reached for what she had been aiming at earlier before Akagi tackled her to the ground.

"Consider this a gift," Observer said, producing a black, purple cube from her within her rigging.

For a moment Akagi just started at the thing. As she could not believe what she was seeing, as in Zeta's hand was a Wisdom Cube. Something all the major nations had been trying to recreate for years. But regretfully all attempts at doing so had failed, thus they were still forced to salvage them from down from where they had originally gotten the first one, from downed Siren ships. Though in reaction times, many warring nations had taken to the practice of stealing them from their own Kansen enemies, as most of the available Wisdom Cubs were currently being used by those countries with a Kansen program.

Still, the fact that Zeta had one on her raised a million questions in Akagi's mind. But there was one question which dominated it, and knowing what that question would be, Zeta merely did her the service of explaining what this Cube was capable of.

"Before you ask; no, this Cube can't be used to create a ship. But it is not meant to, for it is meant to give its user great power. As to what you do with that power; I will leave it up to you; Akagi." Observer said softly, carefully watching Akagi's reaction to what she said.

The reaction to what she had told her was everything that Zeta had been hoping for. As Akagi then reached out for the Cube; as if she were watching a child reaching out for a toy that its parent was offering to it. As the carrier seemed to be transfixed by the Cube she now held in her hands, for it seemed to hold all the answers to all her problems.

At which point Zeta handed it over to her, waiting for a moment to see what would happen. But as she waited for what Akagi would say next; Akagi herself was trying to understand why Zeta would give her this.

'She just gave this to me, why?' Akagi asked herself quietly.

As the fox could not understand why Zeta would do this.

'Unless...' Akagi thought about a certain mission that she had put into action only hours ago.

This was the reason why she had given this to her, as it was not much of a secret that Zeta still needed her. At least for now, so she was just hedging her bets to ensure that Akagi survived. But even so, Akagi for her part could not believe how casually Zeta had given her something that radiated this much power. As Akagi could feel the power the Cube radiated in the palm of her hand, leading her to ask Zeta one question.

So, as she took the Cube from her 'allies' hand a question slipped from her mouth. And it was not one that she had been expecting.

"H-How can I thank you?" Akagi stuttered as the carrier knew exactly what she was doing once she mastered this newfound power.

"Thank me, by staying alive," Zeta stated simply, as she then melted back into the shadows from which she had come.

Once again leaving Akagi alone and isolated as she had been and was forever bound to be. For those that walked the road, the phrase 'lonely at the top' became something they learned had real weight behind its meaning.

A fact that Akagi was certain to learn, one way or another; as she continued trying to understand the tainted Wisdom Cube that had been gifted to her, its light was now the only source of illumination within the dark and lonely room.


Instead of just leaving immediately, Zeta simply continued to linger in the lower levels of the building, as she tried to locate someone she knew to be in the area.

"Hmmm~" Zeta hummed a tune to herself as she continued her moving through the hallways, trying to locate her target.

It would not take long for her to know that she was getting close, as she heard a muffled scream. At which point Zeta knew that it could only be her, as she then moved towards where the scream had originated from. But as she approached closer to the entrance of the building, a contact appeared on her radar.

To which Zeta smiled, as she knew this radar profile all too well, as she then called out to the person she knew to be there.

"We're you followed?" Observer asked as her right-hand woman can out from her hiding place.

"Just one wretch," The disgust was evident in the woman's voice as she emerged from the shadows.

But such a reaction was to be expected from Beta; as Zeta had not known a time when Chaser had not reacted in such when dealing with humans. As she could barely stand the idea that Zeta was allied with them. But it was not her place to decide how this experiment was run. Only that it was done in line with what the Creator wanted it.

"Oh? So, what did this; wretch do Chaser?" Zeta then inquired.

As she knew from Betas' voice that whoever it was that came across had attacked her. A rare thing to find in this world, as such Zeta wished to know more about what had occurred between Chaser and her attacker to see if they were deemed worthy of further investigation. But in response to her question Chaser then shot her an unimpressed look. Still, despite her personal feeling on the matter, the ivory-haired woman finally sighed and explained what had taken place.

"The worm managed to catch me off guard and tried to use a poisoned blade on me." Chaser then lets a cruel smile slip onto her face, "Guess no one told him that such things don't work on us anymore."

This was very much true, as throughout their long existence, the Sirens with their unique biological if you could call it that had made it so that most poisonous, they had encountered were made harmless. A byproduct of their constant tests and simulations through, still this was not what caught Observers' attention, however.

No, it was the way that Chaser had explained what had happened that immediately which had caught her attention.

"You're saying that he managed to injure you?" Zeta almost sounded stunned; and for good reason.

Beta for her part did not respond to Zeta's question, as she merely looked away from her. As she did, however, Observer then caught sight of the cut on her left arm. Confirming what she had suspected, to which she asked the next obvious question.

"Do you at least capture the blade that injured you?" Zeta then inquired as Chaser wordless handed over the weapon to her.

"Interesting..." Zeta muttered to herself as she looked it over.

As it was not often that you found a blade that could pierce Siren skin. So, it had to be investigated and if possible, a counter made to it.

"So, what do you want me to do with a wretch?" Chaser inquired, cutting through Zeta's thoughts as she once again got back to business.

As Chaser knew that her superior often had used these insects. Not that she knew what they were, as Chaser was often too busy to bother asking. Nor did she care enough to ask at any rate.

"Oh, maybe you should keep him and have some fun~ Might soften you up a little bit." The observer teased.

Chaser shot her a look that made it clear that she wanted to punch her in the face. All the while she looked like she was going to vomit for Observer even suggesting she do that.

"If he hadn't got himself caught. Then maybe he would've had a chance to prove himself worthy of that." The mockery was clear in Chaser's voice.

But her answer also concealed a certain truth. As Observers knew that Chaser was looking for someone; but so far, she had only a vague idea as to what Chaser was looking for. But she did not dare pry any more into the subject than she already had, as this was Beta's business. And if she did decide to interfere, Zeta knew that she would bring down the hammer of Siren society by doing so.

So, she would leave well enough alone; besides, she had orders for her assistant.

"A shame, still Akagi could use a test subject. Take him to her; you are to ensure she uses the Cube on him." Observer stated her orders to her.

As Zeta wanted to begin nudging Akagi in the direction in which she wanted her to be going. And having her break someone by not even laying a finger on them would stock Akagi's ego and create faith and confidence in her newly given powers.

"If you say so; do you want me to return to my usual activities?" Chaser then inquired.

It was a routine question, as Chaser did not expect anything to come of it. She was surprised by her handler's answer.

"No, I'm recalling you; we're moving to checkmate." Observer stated simply.

Chaser perked up immediately upon hearing this. As she had not been expecting this to happen for at least another nine to ten months, but given what had happened in the Sardegna Empire, Beta guessed that Zeta had been forced to move up the timeline.

"So, you're bringing the fool into play?" She then asked, of course referring to the Grand Admiral of Azur Lane.

Though he was not exactly the person who was supposed to be there, given that they had started operations at least twenty years ahead of schedule. Still, the position was the same, despite this small difference in who was currently sitting in the chair.

"Two fools, if we're going to be precise," Zeta said off handily.

As Zeta had planned this move for quite some time now, and as such did not want Chasers to know more than was necessary. Because she would have a major part to play in all this and the chance, she could be captured during this part operation was around 69.8 percent. This was a risk that Zeta wanted to mitigate by any means available to her; so, she kept her companion in the dark about certain things in case she was captured.

As Zeta wanted to ensure that her enemies would know as little as possible about what she was planning. Zetas' thoughts then turned back to what she needed from her companion.

"Still, I'm going to need you to personally oversee the upcoming test in the southern sea base. I'll set events into motion." Zeta informed her compatriot.

"Understood, anything else or can I go already?" Chaser asked.

This was what she loved about having Chaser Beta as an assistant. As she never baked at her order, nor asked for any more information than necessary. In short, she knew her place and played her role very well.

"Go. Make sure that the fleets are ready for immediate raiding activities once you get there. I'll contact you once you are to begin operations." And with those words Chaser disappeared back into the darkness from which she had originally come.

Once again, leaving Zeta alone with her thoughts, but the Siren knew that there was nothing more to be gained by staying here any longer as she opened a portal.

As she moved towards it Zeta could not help but run through the current situation in her mind. As she wanted to make sure that she had not missed anything.

Still, there was this one thing on her mind, there had been an unexpected development. During one of her subordinates' operations that had resulted in the loss of a valuable piece of equipment.

Even so, these Outsiders had not cost her too much. As she could easily replace the equipment; still she felt that from palmary data on them from her cat's paw. Observer did not feel like they were a threat to her plans.

Still, she would keep an eye out for them in case they became a... problem.

Even so, Zeta was not particularly worried as she slowly made her way into the newly formed portal. Zeta was confident that no one, not even these Outsiders, could stop her plans now!

As the portal then closed itself behind her; leaving no trace of the actions she had made there.


That's all she wrote, hoped that you all enjoyed it, and until next time have a good one.