Chapter 10
Massachusetts poked at the sausage on her plate, rolling it around with the tip of her fork. The Battleship couldn't stomach an appetite this morning after dealing with the aftermath of last night. Her cheeks grew warm after recollecting the acts she had witnessed at Brooklyn's doorway. She counted herself lucky she was able to slip away undetected. Hoisting a frozen stiff Bataan under her arm like some kind of cardboard cutout, Massachusetts carried the shock-ridden Carrier back aboard her ship.
After carefully tucking Bataan back in her own bed, Massachusetts immediately went back to calm the still distressed Manjuu running around atop Brooklyn's deck. Gathering each one, she made them swear to never chirp about anything, declaring last night's events classified at the highest order.
"What's wrong?" Brooklyn asks, taking a seat across to the Battleship, "not hungry?"
Brooklyn had a glow to her that Massachusetts could pick up on.
"C'mon, scoot over!" Val playfully bumps the Light Cruiser's shoulder as she slides in next to her, their lips meeting for a quick kiss.
Even Val looked completely renewed, returning to her usual form the Battleship was used to back home.
"It's nice seeing you in the morning." Val smiles at Massachusetts before opening her mouth to be spoon fed by Brooklyn.
"Yeah…" Massachusetts forces a smile back, "we'll be reaching the mouth of the canal in a few hours so I don't need to keep watch at night anymore."
"Uh, huh" Val nods back with a full mouth.
"We'll pick up a couple escorts there too that'll take us the rest of the way," Brooklyn adds before also being fed a spoonful by Val.
"Aww…" Val pouts, "that means we'll have to say goodbye to Bataan."
"It's alright," the Light Carrier says from behind the group as she takes a spot on the table across from Val, "I'll see you guys when you get back, and you still have me for at least another day."
"But I'll miss you!" Val lunges across the table to hug the Light Carrier.
"Hehe," Bataan giggles as she pats Val on her head, "I see you're feeling a lot better today!"
"Yup!" Val jumps back down on her seat, "ain't seasick no more!"
"And you too Brooklyn," the Light Carrier turns to the Cruiser, "you look way more relaxed than the other day!"
"Do I?"
"Yeah," Batan nods back, "I guess last night was a good way to let out some stress!"
Brooklyn squeezed Val's hand as they both let out a nervous laugh.
"That dance was fantastic!" Bataan continues, "when you get back you guys have to teach me!"
"S…sure can do," Brooklyn tries to smile, "I'll get the Commander to organize a class for us."
"That'd be really cool!" Bataan smiles as the trio shield their eyes from the Light Carrier's pureness radiating from her very being.
The rest of breakfast went by quietly with Massachusetts only touching half her plate by the time the rest finished.
"Something is bothering you…" Brooklyn states with concern in her voice.
"No…" The Battleship tries to deflect, "just had a long night is all."
Brooklyn stews on her answer for a bit before letting it go.
"Actually…" Bataan speaks up in a small voice as she fidgets in her seat, "did anyone hear anything weird last night?"
"Weird?" Brooklyn went deep into thought.
Massachusetts eyes go wide as she stops herself from muffling the Light Carrier's mouth.
"Yeah, like cannon fire…" Battan continues to fidget.
Cold sweats immediately hit Val upon realization of what that tremor was last night.
"N…n…nope didn't hear nothing…" Val laughs nervously.
"Cannon fire?" Brooklyn tries to clarify, "hmm, now that I think about it, nine shells are missing from my magazines, but none of the Manjuu on duty know anything about it."
Brooklyn turns to the Manjuu still inside the mess hall but they all shrug their little wings in unison.
"You must've misplaced them!" Massachusetts shouts, hoping to move the conversation along.
"Nonsense," Brooklyn turned up her chin offended, "I wouldn't do such a thing."
"Y..yeah, Massa's right," Val tries to interject, "you probably messed up taking inventory or something."
"I would never!" Brooklyn scoffs, " but if I did let loose some rounds, when could I possibly have…" the Light Cruiser stops abruptly as she quickly turns away from the table.
"Hmm," Bataan tilted her head, waiting for Brooklyn to finish.
"O…on second thought," Brooklyn stammers, still facing away from the table, "Val's right… I… I must have made an error in my manifest. Silly me~"
Though Bataan couldn't see it, Brooklyn's ears were glowing red with the Light Cruiser failing miserably to fight off a blush that had engulfed her entire face.
"I… I… should get going… to inspect my magazines… just in case…" Brooklyn nervously made her way towards the exit.
"Val!" Brooklyn raises her voice a little before leaving through the door.
"Eep!" Val lets out a guilty squeak, "coming!"
Val jumps out of her seat before bolting to Brooklyn's side.
"See…" Massachusetts forces a smile at Bataan, "nothing weird."
"I dunno… but if you say so…" the Light Carrier finally relents.
Massachusetts watches as Val and Brooklyn exit through the mess hall doors, catching a quiet argument between the two before the doors swing close.
A few moments later a pained yelp from Val came muffled from down the hall.
Massachusetts rested her chin on Brooklyn's railings taking in the calm and relatively peaceful seas. The convoy had steamed past Cuba last night and were now just a few miles away from rendezvousing with their new escorts.
"That's strange…" Bataan says to Brooklyn, "my Hellcats see three ships up ahead at the rendezvous…"
A small smile cracks on Brooklyn's face as she hands a pair of binoculars to Val.
"What are these for? I thought you could see what your ship sees." Val looks puzzlingly at Brooklyn.
"They're for you dummy." The Light Cruiser points just up ahead.
"I don't see anything…" Val strains as she leans over the railing looking roughly to where Brooklyn was pointing.
"Just a little more to the left," Brooklyn palms the sides of Val's head as she shifts her view a few inches over.
"I see it!" Val excitedly shouts, "I can't make it out exactly though..."
Bataan closes her eyes, peering through the canopies of her scouts in the sky.
"They look like Cruisers… it's Wichita…" Bataan easily identifies the unique Heavy Cruiser's profile, "the other looks like a Cleveland!"
"Cleveland…" Val chews on the name, "isn't that one of your sisters then?"
"Yup," The Light Carrier beams, "I can't see who it is though…"
"The third looks like a human vessel…" Bataan relays, "A missile Cruiser…"
Val's heart quickened at the news as she hurriedly fiddled with the binoculars range trying to get a clearer picture. Just as the view through the lenses became clear she could make out the ship's superstructure.
"It's a Ticonderoga!" Val shouts just before Bataan could.
"... yeah, how'd you know?" Bataan looked at Val, impressed."
"My dad serves on one," Val reveals, "there's a picture of his ship in my living room I used to look at a lot as a kid."
"What was the name of his ship again?" Brooklyn asks with a slight smirk already knowing the answer.
"It's The Philippine Sea, one of the few Ticonderoga's left after the war."
"And where did you say he's stationed at the moment?" The smirk on the Light Cruiser's face growing.
"On the Atlantic side of Panama…" Val slowly puts down the Binoculars as she turns to face a smug Brooklyn, "no…"
"I had to pull a few stri-" Brooklyn stumbled backwards from a sudden hug from Val.
"I can't believe…" Val shook Brooklyn around, "how'd you…"
"Like I was saying," Brooklyn laughed, "I had to pull a couple of favors…"
"More like she blackmailed the Commander…" Massachusetts pipes in.
"All I did was hold the incident with Long Island and Edinburgh above his head." Brooklyn gave a light shrug.
"Didn't that happen like four years ago?" Massachusetts pushes herself off the railing.
"Yeah, but there was never an official report given and it was written off as a freak accident." Brooklyn explains, "we're just lucky no one was killed… or worse…"
"You're right…" the Battleship shivers as she recounts the incident.
Val quickly shifted her view back and forth between Massachusetts and Brooklyn trying to figure out what they were talking about.
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened," Brooklyn was quick to answer, "but if you run into Edinburgh or Long Island at the joint base, be careful…"
"Why?"
"They might still be lightly irradiated."
"Brooklyn, stop! You're gonna freak her out." Bataan chastised.
"Too late." Val says as a shiver runs up her spine.
The new escorts slowly grew closer as the two formations were now parallel with the other.
"That's your daughter over there right Hermosa?" Ticonderoga's captain says over his shoulder at his X.O. as he peers through his binoculars.
"Yes sir, that's my little Valentina." Vals father says, shaking his head as he catches sight of his daughter dangling dangerously off the side of Brooklyn's deck, waving enthusiastically in their direction as Brooklyn and Massachusetts desperately hold on to her collar, preventing her from plunging into the water.
"A lively one, that one!" Wichita's whip cracks through the air as she cackles loudly on the Philippine Sea's bridge.
"Why are you always so loud?" A ship girl with long braided blue hair recoils slightly at her companion.
The presence of the two girls definitely drew the attention of the bridge crew as they made their way to the Captain of the Philippine Sea.
"Biloxi! Wichita!" The captain turns around extending his hand towards Cruisers, it's a pleasure to see you two again."
"It's been too long sir," Biloxi says, offering a cool level smile.
"You're an old man now!" Wichita exclaimed, gripping his hand tightly.
"I see you haven't changed one bit!" The captain shakes out his crushed digits as Wichita cackles even louder.
"So what brings you out here with us?" Biloxi asks.
"The Commander's orders actually," the Captain states, handing an open envelope to the Light Cruiser, "he wanted us to rendezvous with you to transfer some special cargo for your time traversing the canal."
"And that special cargo is?" The Bluenette inquires stuffing the paper back inside the envelope.
"Me," Val's father raises his hand.
"Huh," Wichita grabs hold of her whip with both hands as she ponders for a bit, "just who is that girl that the Commander would go through all that trouble…"
"Haha, she's just my daughter," Val's father laughs, "as for why, well… I'm not at any liberty to say."
"Top secret!" The Heavy Cruiser's whip cracks through the air again, "how interesting!"
The two formations were just a few hundred meters apart now and slowly closing.
"This is the USS Philippine Sea, USS Brooklyn do you read?"
"Clear as day," Brooklyn's voice comes through the comms, "we are ready to receive the special Cargo."
"Roger tha-"
"I'll get that Cargo over to you nice and safe!" Wichita interrupts as she shouts into the radio operator's mic, "don't you worry coz!"
The line went dead as Brooklyn started to worry. All the carefully laid plans in the world would be smashed to pieces whenever Wichita was involved.
Val's elation at seeing her father for the first time in a while was dampened somewhat by the fact he was being carried bridal style by some crazed Shipgirl.
"Who is that?" Val points incredulously.
"That's Wichita…" Brooklyn palms her forehead after witnessing the Heavy Cruiser leap off the Philippine Sea's superstructure.
"Hope he'll be alright," Massachusetts says side-eying Val as she turns pale as a sheet.
The faint sounds of a drawn out scream came closer, landing in front of Brooklyn and the others in a quick and abrupt motion.
"And we've arrived!" The red head declared before cackling loudly, "doesn't that beat any ol' dinghy ride?"
"Q…quite… tha…thank you." Val's father drops back down on his feet trying to collect himself.
"Dad!" Val lunges forward, wrapping her arms around her father's waist.
"Senior Chief Hermosa." Brooklyn stands at attention saluting, "it's a pleasure to have you on board sir."
"Brooklyn, my dear!" He wraps his free arm around the Light Cruiser as he tightly hugs the both of them.
"Sir?" Brooklyn blushes hard as she's unsure what to do.
"Oho~" Wichita rubs at her chin clearly amused at what was happening.
"Wichita! You're always running off…" Biloxi yells before her feet even hit the deck, only stopping when she catches sight of Brooklyn sandwiched in a tight hug with the Senior Chief.
"Sis!" Bataan comes flying over burying her face in Biloxi's chest.
"Bataan!" Biloxi hugs back, running her hand through the Light Carrier's short hair, "you're here too?"
A smile cracked on Massachusetts face as she took in the sight of the reunions happening in front of her.
"It's been a while." Wichita slots in next to the Battleship.
"Yeah, how've you been?"
"Same as always, you know," The red head hooks her arm around Massachusetts neck bringing the Battleship closer, "I'm surprised The Commander let you go on such an inconsequential trip."
"I… wanted to go." Massachusetts admits.
"That's surprising. I'd figured you'd be bored to death at all the talking back and forth. I know I would." Wichita shrugs as she eyes the Battleship suspiciously.
The Heavy Cruiser lowers her voice a bit, "there's something strange with all of this…" she whispers, discreetly gesturing towards Massachusetts and Brooklyn.
"What would make The Commander let his favorite attack dog off the leash to attend some budget meetings?"
All Massachusetts could do was offer a nervous chuckle as she tries to pull away from the Heavy Cruiser.
"There's really only a few people who have this much sway with The Commander…" Wichita narrows her eyes at a still flustered Brooklyn smiling warmly at the Senior Chief, "all I want to know is, why go through all the trouble?"
"Oh~ you know how Brooklyn could be." Massachusetts tries to deflect.
"So it was all her doing…"
The Battleship could feel her stomach drop as she watched a smirk form on the red head's face. Seeing a distressed look wash over Massachusetts, Biloxi walks over with Bataan clung to her arm.
"Oi, Wichita!" The Light Cruiser calls, "we just got here could you stop pestering poor Massachusetts."
"Haha! Sorry!" The Heavy Cruiser laughs, "curiosity got the better of me."
"Good," Biloxi sighs in relief, "now can you-"
"I'll just ask Brooklyn directly!" Wichita interrupts as she storms over to where the Blonde Cruiser was.
"No! Wait!" Massachusetts tried to stop her but it was hopeless.
"Hey coz!" Wichita shouts across the bow, "long time no see!"
Val's ears perked up as she watched Brooklyn's face scrunch up like she's never seen at the approaching Shipgirl.
"Wichita…" Brooklyn greets flatly.
"Oh c'mon coz! Haha!" The Heavy Cruiser slaps hard at Brooklyn's back, "is that anyway to greet an old friend you haven't seen in years!?"
Hooking her arm around Brooklyn's neck to bring her closer, Wichita whispers, "so~ what's the deal with the girl? She looks a bit too old to be one of those make-a-wish kids."
"Umm~" Val tries to butt in, Wichita's attempt at subtlety failing, "I'm not dying if that's what you're wondering."
Turning to face Val, Wichita stands tall, her fierce eyes peering straight into Val's.
"So, aren't you going to introduce me to this cute number?" The Heavy Cruiser smirks at Brooklyn.
"Val. Wichita. Wichita. Val" Brooklyn says flatly.
"You gotta do better than that! Haha!" Wichita slaps at Brooklyn's back yet again before walking up towards Val.
"Well, that's all you're going to get." Brooklyn says indignant.
"Don't be like that," Wichita laughs before gesturing to herself, tapping at her own chest before tapping Brooklyn's, "we're practically family!"
The blonde gave an annoyed look, "just because we kinda share a hull does not mean we're-"
"Family…" Val finishes as she stares expectantly at the two of them.
Brooklyn stops herself as she catches Val's gaze. Sure, the Heavy Cruiser was the source of many headaches Brooklyn thought, but at the same time she was always reliable, more than willing to take a shell or two for the ones she cares about.
Realizing she may have been too harsh, Brooklyn's shoulders droop as she lets out a sigh.
"You're right, Sorry…" Brooklyn lets out barely above a whisper before turning to hug Heavy Cruiser.
"Ah…" Wichita staggered, clearly not used to whatever was happening as her arms hung in the air not sure what to do.
Squeezing tighter, Brooklyn nuzzled into the red head's shoulder, "It's good to see you… coz…"
Wichita slowly lowers her arms, wrapping them around Brooklyn's smaller frame, her cheeks as red as her hair. "Y…yeah."
Biloxi deliberately blinked as she stood in shock at what she was seeing. Something managed to shut that Heavy Cruiser up and with a hug by a normally distant Brooklyn nonetheless.
In all the years Biloxi had known her predecessor she considered their relationship fairly close, as the family of Cleveland's and Brooklyn's normally were, but she couldn't recall the last time she saw the blonde Cruiser openly show affection like this. Biloxi's expression softened as she shrugged, figuring a lot must have happened in the last four years since she'd last seen Brooklyn.
The Philippine Sea's spotlight blinked, catching the attention of all on Brooklyn's deck.
"Have a safe voyage," it read as the Captain stood by the window of his bridge saluting. Giving a salute back, his X.O., the Shipgirls, and all the Manjuu on deck watched as the Philippine Sea broke formation heading northward towards the coastline.
"Ah," Senior Chief Hermosa pats himself down, "in our rush, I seem to have forgotten my luggage."
"Oh, no worries sir," Brooklyn smiles, "I already have some clothes and toiletries that would suit you waiting for you in your quarters."
"The stories are true," he says patting Brooklyn on her head, "always the dependable one."
"Your flattery is too much sir," Brooklyn says trying to fight the warmth in her cheeks.
"I'm sorry," he says, pulling his arm back, "I'm so used to dealing with the Destroyers."
"Ooo, I'm telling Mom~" Val teases.
For the first time in a while Brooklyn's deck was bustling with laughter and warm happy smiles. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be at sea, surrounded by those she cares about.
"I'll take you to your room if you want to change into something more comfortable." Brooklyn offers as she leads Val and her father back inside.
"So are you going to tell us what's actually going on?" Biloxi says to Massachusetts, looking to see if Brooklyn was still within earshot.
Massachusetts's brow furrowed at the question as she had hoped the bluenette wouldn't be as curious as Wichita.
"Sorry, but after witnessing Brooklyn allowing herself to act like some kind of bashful schoolgirl, I really got to know."
"And she actually hugged me and called me coz?!" Wichita freaks out.
"It's just your imagination." Massachusetts tries to deflect, "she's always been like this."
"Hmm," Biloxi raises an eyebrow not buying it for one second, "and that girl… Val her name was?"
"Val? What about her." Massachusetts laughs nervously, "she's just a plain ol' normal girl."
"She's super nice too!" Bataan adds smiling up at Biloxi.
"Being nice and normal is not a bad thing, but that still leaves the question," Biloxi pets Bataan on her head, "just who is she that the Commander would go through the trouble of taking an active duty officer and plucking him off his ship just so he can spend some time with his daughter?"
"She's not the Commander's new plaything is she?!" Wichita slams down on the railing.
"Wichita!" Biloxi yells, covering Bataan's ears."
"And that's the reason he sent you! To escort her!" The red head points towards Massachusetts, "to protect her from the crazies if word gets out!"
"If that was true then why did he not come along?" Biloxi was quick to point out.
"The Commander's a busy man, what can I say," Wichita says crossing her arms, "he just needed to keep his mistress happy."
"Haha," Bataan laughs at the Heavy Cruiser's crazy theory, "I can assure you it's nothing like that."
"Oh~" Wichita narrows her eyes at the Light Carrier, "sounds like somebody knows what's going on~"
"Uhh…" Bataan gulps as the Heavy Cruiser approaches her, fingers wiggling around threatening to tickle at the Carriers sides.
"Ok. Stop." Biloxi palms the red head's face, stopping her from getting closer, "I'm curious, just as much as you are, but I won't let you interrogate my sister."
Bataan blushed as she looked up at Biloxi with a sparkle in her eyes, "T-thanks-"
"I will…" Biloxi's tone became serious as she turned to face her sister.
"Ah-" the sparkle in Bataan's eyes faded at the sudden betrayal, "I… I… won't say anything! Not even to you!"
"C'mon Bataan," Biloxi slowly inches closer, backing the Light Carrier into the railing, "don't you love your big sis?"
Bataan looks away, protecting her sides with her arm.
"Won't you tell me?"
"Okay. Enough." Massachusetts bonks both Cruisers on their heads, "if you wanna know so bad just ask Brooklyn."
Snapping them back to normal they rub at the top of their heads.
"She was probably gonna tell you guys soon anyway." Massachusetts says opening the door to Brooklyn's interior before disappearing inside.
"Tell us what?" The two Cruisers looked at each other puzzlingly.
"Hehe," Bataan giggles, "I didn't want to say anything because it's supposed to be a surprise."
With that said, the Light Carrier skipped past the two Cruisers to follow after Massachusetts.
"This is quite the number of Manjuu you got here." Senior Chief Hermosa says nodding and waving at the little yellow birds saluting as they walk by.
"I just wanted to be sure this voyage goes as smoothly as possible." Brooklyn says with a guilty smile.
"Surely you didn't spend so much on my daughter."
"Hey!~" Val punches at her father's arm.
"As far as I'm concerned sir," Brooklyn says, stopping at the door to his quarters, "she's worth it."
Val could feel her heart pang against the wall of her chest.
*ahem* Val's father clears his throat as he tries to fight the red that had crept up on his cheeks. 'Val really couldn't have found a better partner,' he thought as he placed his hand on Brooklyn's shoulder.
"I'm proud to have you as my daughter-in-law," he says smiling down at the Light Cruiser, "and when are you gonna start calling me Dad?"
It was Brooklyn's turn to blush as her lips wavered, "not you too," she says under her breath.
Val snickers as she tugged on her father's sleeve, "mom said the same thing."
"Haha," he laughs pating Brooklyn's shoulder, "did she? Well you don't have to if you don't want to. I wouldn't want to force you."
"N…no," Brooklyn looks away bashfully, "i…its alright…. D…Dad."
"Hnng" Senior Chief Hermosa clutches his chest as he stumbles sideways into the wall not at all ready for the assault on his heartstrings.
"Dad?!" Brooklyn and Val yell in unison as they help him back up on his feet.
"I'm fine. I'm fine," he says, pulling them both into a hug again.
"Did you hear that?!" Wichita tries to whisper, "he just asked Brooklyn to call him Daddy!"
"Why are we hiding around the corner?" An exasperated Massachusetts says, not sure why she too was whispering, "and I thought you guys were done speculating?"
"The fact that Brooklyn actually said it too is what really gets me wondering…" Biloxi says, stroking her chin, clearly ignoring the Battleship.
"I'm pretty sure they just said dad, not daddy." Massachusetts tries to correct them before any further misunderstandings come about.
"Does that make a difference?" Bataan asks puzzlingly.
"Yes." All three ships reply back together.
Bataan tilted her head, still unsure of what the difference would be.
The five ship convoy carefully steamed into the bay, navigating around the fields of mines laid for any wandering Siren surface ships and submarines.
Val marveled at the giant gun batteries that dotted the various hills along the coastline, jutting out of their concrete encasements like massive spikes.
Everywhere Val looked seemed to be heavily fortified with massive concrete walls and even more guns. Very little of the natural landscape remained. Deep scars marred the terrain of what was left, the only hints of a great battle that once took place here.
"It's been a while since I actually had to navigate the canal as a ship." Brooklyn reminisced, "the last time was probably back when I was still a ship."
Brooklyn let out a tiny laugh as she looked out over her bow.
"I spent a couple years here a long time ago."
Val catches a nostalgic smile from Brooklyn as she brushes her hair behind her ear.
"My sister was with me too."
"Like Honolulu or Phoenix?" Val's curiosity takes hold, wanting to know more about her fiance's past life.
"No…" the look of nostalgia was replaced by a sad smile, "she never made it in becoming a Shipgirl."
"Oh…" Val's expression also saddened, "what was her name?"
"She was the USS Philadelphia, CL-41 to be exact," Brooklyn cheers up a bit, "she was the flagship of our little division."
"41? So she was the second oldest?"
"Funny thing with that," Brooklyn laughed
"Hmm?"
"Whose older is up for debate."
"But aren't you thee Brooklyn?" Val asked, confused.
"I am the name ship," Brooklyn says, turning up her chin, "but I was the second to begin construction, Savannah had the honor of being first by almost a year. And even though I beat her to the water, Philadelphia beat me by almost two weeks"
"So Savannah also didn't make it?"
"Yeah," Brooklyn nodded slowly, "her, Philadelphia, and Nashville were the only ones."
"Man," Val tries to feign hurt, "first I find out you're not the oldest then you tell me you have three more sisters. I feel like I don't know you anymore."
"Huh?" Brooklyn doesn't catch on.
"Is everything I know about you a lie?" Val says in an exaggerated manner.
"..." Brooklyn's eyes go wide.
*pfft* Val snickers after seeing Brooklyn's serious expression, "geez, relax. I was only kidding."
"Oh…" the Light Cruiser's shoulders drop in relief, "for a second I thought-"
"Sorry," Val leaned into Brooklyn's side resting her head against the Light Cruiser's shoulder.
Brooklyn rests her head on Val's as they both look quietly ahead.
"Thank you," Val takes Brooklyn's hand in her own, "for telling me about them."
Val lifts Brooklyn's hand, placing a kiss against her fiance's knuckle, "my family is your family, that's what this ring means."
The Light Cruiser lifts her head to look at Val.
"And all I want is," Val turns to look at Brooklyn in her eyes, "to know more about yours."
An ache formed in the Light Cruiser's chest as she lowered her head, avoiding her lover's gaze. Biting her lower lip, Brooklyn wonders if she even still has the right to call herself a big sister. She certainly hasn't done a good job of showing it lately. The ache in her heart grew the moment she recollected the last time she had spoken to her sisters. It's been almost four years since her last conversation, if she could even call it that, with St. Louis over the phone. Brooklyn didn't know why she had picked up the phone to begin with, part of her was scared, to be reminded of Helena.
She thought the distance she once had from her sisters would heal the pain she felt inside, in a way it did, but in a way it allowed the pain to seep into every fiber of her being. Burying herself in work helped her through it somewhat, but for a while, she had lost her way.
"Hey now," Val softened her tone as she lowered her neck, placing herself back into Brooklyn's view, "I know you never tell me directly, but I know you hurt every time you talk about your sisters."
Brooklyn's heart quickened as her breaths grew short. She already knew how bad of a sister she was and hearing it from Val was something she was afraid of. A soft pressure squeezed against her hand as her eyes locked with Val's.
"One sister especially-"
Before Val could finish Brooklyn pushes herself off her railing pulling her hand back to her chest.
"S…sorry… I need to get the paperwork ready… for the canal." Brooklyn finds it hard to look at Val as she turns to run off, nearly bumping into Wichita who had just landed back on deck.
"...Brooklyn," the redhead noticed the pained expression on her fellow Cruiser's face as she ran past.
"Geez… what the hell was that about?" Wichita scratched at the back of her head.
"Oi!"
Val jumps at the sudden call as she tries to wipe away at the lids of her eyes before turning around, "y… yup!"
"What's up with Brooklyn? I just saw her run-" Wichita stops as she catches the slight puffiness of Val's eyes, "...past."
"You alright?" The redhead brought her face closer to Val's.
"Y…yeah…" Val tries to smile.
"Those don't look like the eyes of someone who's alright," Wichita pushes Val's chin upwards with the tip of her whip gently, trying to get a better look at her face.
Val always thought the redhead to be intimidating and as she had her eyes locked with hers that thought still rang true, but there was also a hint of concern in her brow.
Pulling away from the Heavy Cruiser Val leans against the railing, "I'm alright really, it's Brooklyn I'm worried about."
"..." Wichita leans her back against the railing, "yeah… I worry about her too."
"She's always neck deep in work and never takes any time off for herself." Val finds herself venting.
"That sounds like Brooklyn…" Wichita gave a small chuckle.
"She can be so annoying sometimes-" Val starts to scratch at her head.
Wichita's ears perked up at Val's disparaging remark. Nearly everyone she's ever known had only glowing reviews for her Light Cruiser cousin, but it was really only the closest people to Brooklyn that would ever think of her as annoying.
"All she does is pester and nag-"
Wichita nodded her head quietly in agreement.
"She's constantly sticking her nose in things and offers advice when I never ask for it!"
The Heavy Cruiser let out a loud affirming laugh.
"She's always reaching out her hand to help others," Val's tone becomes a little shaky, "but she'll never take anyone else's, even if she's in need of it."
"I say girl," Wichita glances at Val through the corner of her eye, "you know her more than most."
"Times like this though," Val says as she rests her head against the railing, "I feel that's not the case."
"Brooklyn doesn't show that side of herself to just anyone you know." Wichita states.
"I only get to see her annoying side 'cause I like to get under her skin!" The Heavy Cruiser laughs, "but I am curious as to why she shows you?"
"Haha," Val gave a nervous laugh as she covered her ring with her other hand, "we're good friends."
"You're hiding something…" Wichita narrows her eyes at Val's hands on the railing.
"N…no not at all…" Val swings her arms behind her back as she reverses to distance herself from the redhead.
Val bumps into the side of Brooklyn's turret as Wichita's hand slams against the steel close to her head. Val had nowhere to escape to as she was essentially pinned in place.
"Let's see what we have here…" Wichita grabs at Val's wrist bringing her hand up to her face.
"It…it's a ring." Val blushes as the Heavy Cruiser continues to stare at the precious stone.
"I see that, but why were you hiding-" Wichita's mind flashbacks to earlier when she was talking to Brooklyn and had seen her wearing an identical ring, "-it"
"Holy shit." Wichita's eyes widened in shock, "Hahahahahah!"
The Heavy Cruiser stumbled backward as she held onto her forehead cackling like a madman.
"What's that idiot cackling about now?" Biloxi asked at the back of Brooklyn as she caught note of Wichita's distinct laughter coming from the ship's bow, "Whatever it is, sounds like trouble and I don't want to get involved," the bluenette joked as she moved towards Brooklyn's side.
The Blonde Cruiser hung her head slightly as she walked slower than her usual pace, something Biloxi was quick to pick up on.
"Anything on your mind?"
"No. Nothing." Brooklyn was quick to answer as she tried to straighten her posture.
"You sure?" Biloxi raised her eyebrow.
"Yes! I'm sure."
"You were all smiles and laughter just a while ago," Biloxi asked concerned, "what changed?"
Brooklyn's legs came to a slow stop as she rested her back against a wall. Crossing her arms under her chest, the blonde Cruiser looks away, "nothing's changed."
"Yeah. No kidding." Biloxi started to get annoyed, "I see where your sisters get it from."
"..." Brooklyn grumbled to herself clearly offended, "What are you even on about?"
"That you Brooklyn's are all the same!" Biloxi's passion flared up for a moment as she slammed the side of her fist against Brooklyn's superstructure, before taking in a deep breath,"I can never get a straight answer from any of you…"
The Bluenette's tone was low, sounding almost hurt to Brooklyn's ears.
"Whenever I ask what's wrong-" Biloxi lets herself slump to the side against the wall, "-it's just met with deflection or anger."
"Because our problems don't concern you." Brooklyn states flatly.
Biloxi grabbed at the searing pain in her chest, like a knife was stabbed into her and twisted.
"That hurt…" the blue haired Light Cruiser says in a whisper with her head hung low.
Brooklyn looked away angry at herself for that outburst.
"And of course it concerns me…" Biloxi raised her head taking a few steps closer to Brooklyn, "we're friends? Are we not?"
Extending her hand, Biloxi grasps Brooklyn's shoulders.
"…" Brooklyn, still avoiding Biloxi's gaze, "that's why I'm not going to burden you with… whatever is happening right now."
"God, you're impossible," Biloxi let out a small laugh, "But~ you did just admit something is going on. So I guess that's a start."
"And like I said-"
"It's none of my concern," Biloxi finished for the blonde, "yeah. I get it."
Tapping Brooklyn on her shoulder the bluenette takes a few steps back.
"Do you want to know the difference between us? Cleveland's and Brooklyn's?" Biloxi smirks, "besides being better than you of course, we actually talk about things that trouble us."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that first part," Brooklyn said, annoyed, almost readying her riggings.
"I know I'm not the best example of a Cleveland, and I don't idolize her like my other sisters do, but I appreciate how she's always there for us, no matter if it's big or small, important or mundane, we can always count on her."
"I get it. Cleveland's a better sister than me-" Brooklyn clenched her fist, the knife she jabbed into Biloxi's chest was just plunged into hers.
"But you know what really makes her amazing," Biloxi's eyes sparkled almost in the same way as her other sisters when talking about Cleveland, "when she's in trouble, she doesn't hesitate to ask one of us for help. And we're more than happy to offer it."
Brooklyn's stance softened, keeping her arms crossed under her chest.
"And I know you guys have your own way of dealing with things, you especially, but… the more you keep things bottled up…"
"I already said it doesn't concern you." Brooklyn goes to run off again.
"And I say it does!" Biloxi grabs at the blonde's wrist keeping her in place.
Brooklyn struggles to get out of Biloxi's grip as she pulls at her arm.
"When are you going to let what happened to Helena go!"
The blonde froze, no longer trying to pull away.
"That's what this is about isn't it!?" Biloxi figured she hit the nail right on the head, "you, St. Louis, Honolulu… you guys get like this whenever you're reminded of what happened to Helena."
"That's because she-!" Brooklyn cried, tears started to form in her eyes.
"What?! Died?! Lost her memories?!" Biloxi finished for Brooklyn, "she's alive and well right now!"
"I get it…" Biloxi's tone shifts to a softer one.
"Do you really?" Brooklyn clenched her free hand, "do you get what it was like when she was brought back to life and she looked at us like she was seeing us for the first time?"
"..."
"She felt like an entirely different person!" Brooklyn tears started to fall, "like the Helena I knew was well and truly gone…"
"Well she's not gone!" Biloxi pulls Brooklyn in front of her, "she's here! She's right here at the Joint Base! She laughs, she smiles, she cries. She's as fastidious as she always was, she works harder than she ever did, and she's still a great big klutz. If that doesn't sound like the Helena we know and love…"
"She may have lost her memories, but… she's making new ones…" Biloxi shakes at Brooklyn's shoulders, "But you know what else she lost?"
"..." Brooklyn still avoids the bluenette's gaze.
"Her big sister…"
Brooklyn felt like the knife in her heart was being twisted over and over.
"And it's not just Helena," Biloxi loosened her grip on Brooklyn's shoulders, "Honolulu, and even St. Louis, they're in need of their big sister."
Brooklyn bit at her lower lip trying to stop its quivering.
"They'll never say it out loud, but I can see it…" Biloxi gently caressed the blonde face, brushing away the small tears that formed in her eyes, "and I can see that you need them. Or else you wouldn't be shedding any tears right now."
"I miss them…" Brooklyn could feel Biloxi's arms wrap around her neck as she was pulled into the bluenette's chest.
Biloxi stroked at the blonde's hair, letting her quietly sob into her shirt.
"But I'm scared." Brooklyn admits to Biloxi's surprise, "I don't know what to say to them, after so long."
"It's not words they need," Biloxi says softly, "it's you. You just need to be there, to listen every once in a while."
"Sure, you'll definitely get an earful from Honolulu," Biloxi laughs, "but she'll forgive you… eventually. And I know what I said earlier, but know your sisters don't think you've abandoned them."
"But I have…"
"No! And you can stop saying that right now. Everyone knows how hard you work for not just them, but for all our sakes. You think the war would've ended so smoothly if you weren't there in the background?! Remember when the top brass wanted us scrapped for being what we are? If I remember correctly it was you who fought for us every step of the way. We can all live comfortably now because of the battles you fought and they see that, we all see that."
Biloxi always knew tickling the blonde Cruiser's ego would get her to come around but every word she said, she meant it.
"You work hard and you work alone, but please don't forget," Biloxi breaks off her hug, looking into Brooklyn's puffy eyes, "that you can lean on us whenever you need to, and you're not alone."
"...thanks…" Brooklyn wipes at her eyes as she takes in a deep breath.
"Don't sweat it," Biloxi smiles back, "so are you okay now? No more sulking?"
Brooklyn nods, still rubbing at her eyes.
"So, besides Helena, are you going to tell me what was troubling you?
"...I still don't know how I'll tell my sisters." Brooklyn continues to rub at her eyes.
"Tell them what?"
"That I'm getting married." Brooklyn sniffles.
Biloxi blinks, "that you're what?"
Brooklyn blows her nose on a handkerchief before answering back, "...getting married."
Biloxi lets her arms flop to her side as her mouth hangs open, staring blankly at Brooklyn.
"H…hold up for a second…" Biloxi clutches at her forehead as she stumbles to her side, "you….are getting…"
"Married! Yes!" Brooklyn says exasperated, "how many times do I have to say it?"
Each time the word was said, Biloxi could feel a jolt, like a shockwave was coursing through her entire body, "t… to…to who?! The Commander?!"
"No!" Brooklyn shot out quickly, "...to Val."
Taking a few steps back, Biloxi began to laugh, "and we're only hearing about this now!?"
"I'm sorry," Brooklyn cried, "that's why I'm here right now, so I can tell them."
"Forget what I said about Honolulu forgiving you," Biloxi laughed again, "I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to sink you!"
"I… I deserve it."
"Damn right you do!" Biloxi couldn't help but get heated again, "first you don't say a single word to any of us for four-"
"-Three" Brooklyn corrects.
"Three years, and the first thing out of your mouth is; Hey! Hi! By the way, I'm getting married!" Biloxi acts out the scene, "and are you forgetting, we're Shipgirls!"
"And what's wrong with that?!"
"I…." Biloxi bit her tongue, "I'm sorry, I should be congratulating you."
The bluenette starts to calm down, "this is monumental news. A human and a Shipgirl, the first union of its kind."
"I know…"
"And with another girl," Biloxi holds on to herself tightly.
"Is that so strange?" Brooklyn tilted her head at the bluenette, "I mean we're all girls and how many of us have taken the company of another? Even for one moment?"
Brooklyn could clearly see Biloxi mulling over that fact, as her cheeks tinged slightly. She always remembered just how popular Biloxi was amongst the other Shipgirls. And the face she was making reminded Brooklyn of Massachusetts the day she decided to press the battleship on her relationship with Jean Bart.
"Surely there's someone back at base you care for?" Brooklyn decided it was her turn to pry.
Biloxi grumbles not really wanting to answer, "you're both the same…" the bluenette says under her breath.
"Hmm? What was that?" Brooklyn teased.
"Nothing!" Biloxi turns to walk off.
"Now look who's the one not being open," Brooklyn continues to tease as she matches with the bluenette's pace, "but seriously. Thanks."
Biloxi side-eyes the blonde Cruiser as she keeps her pace.
"I know I've been avoiding my problems and I know now's the time I've dealt with them, but just when I thought I was ready to face them… " Brooklyn slows to a stop again, "Val just showed me I'm not."
"I was going to say, if you ever needed a shoulder to lean on… but~ looks like you already have one." Biloxi stops in front of the blonde, "just talk to her about it and tell her the things you told me, if she fell in love with you for the right reasons, I'm sure she'll be more than willing to listen."
"But what do I know?" Biloxi laughs, "I barely know the girl, but if she managed to put up with you enough to put a ring on you, she must be a very patient person."
"You have no idea," Brooklyn laughs, "and again, thank you."
Biloxi opened her mouth to say something but a sudden hug from Brooklyn put everything out of her mind. Brooklyn was always so distant, keeping everyone at arm's length, so the fact she currently has her arms wrapped around Biloxi really sent the younger Cruiser's head spinning.
An incredulous whistle came from behind them on the walkway.
"Always thought you were a homewrecker!" Wichita laughs loudly.
"Haha, very funny," Biloxi breaks off the hug.
"What's the matter?" Wichita smirks, "one Brooklyn isn't enough for you?"
A menacing aura emanated from behind the bluenette freezing Biloxi in her place. A bead of sweat dripped from her brow as a slight rumble could be felt at her feet.
"What exactly did she mean by that~" Brooklyn's sing-song voice sent a shiver down Biloxi's spine prompting a fight or flight response.
"N…nothing!" Biloxi stammers out before vaulting off the edge of Brooklyn's deck.
"Get back here!" Brooklyn yells leaning over the railing as all her guns turn to her portside, tracking the bluenette zigzagging along the water.
"You're crazy!" Biloxi could be heard faintly yelling.
Val watched, laughing along, her previous worries clearing out of her mind. Brooklyn was amongst her close friends once again and seeing the Light Cruiser caught up in the moment, Val couldn't help but smile.
The final part of the voyage is up next.