[A/N]: Here's chapter two for y'all! As mentioned in the last chapter, this is a cooperative project with Goodalwayswins98. He writes the perspective of the HCMS Rainbow, and I write the perspective of the USS Meredith.

As always, I hope you enjoy!


September 20th,

2313 hours, 20XX

Aboard USS Meredith,

Status: Picket duty for convoy anchored at Ioto Ogasawara.

Location: 24.7410, 141.9028

"Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink." Allison yawns as she scans the dark horizon again with a pair of binoculars.

"You make it sound like we're out of fresh water. We've still got enough to last us a week." I state before taking a drink of coffee, my newfound lifeblood that has kept me running for a good majority of the trip.

"Yeah, but it still sucks. Everyone else gets to have fun and relax at Iwo Jima while we get stuck with picket duty."

"Hey, it's not Iwo Jima anymore. It's Ioto Ogasawara. Get with the times." Samuel says teasingly,

"Samuel." I glare at the helmsman.

"Aye Captain, shutting up."

{Bridge, aft lookout. Is there any chance of thunder on the forecast? I could swear I just heard some.}

I grab the Technical Officer's tablet out of the satchel hanging in the back of the bridge and pull up the weather forecast. Allison hands me the handheld radio and I hold it up to my face. "Negative, clear skies for the next five days. You might just be too tired. Swap out with someone from the Galley."

{Aye. Switching out.}

I place the tablet back in the satchel and hang the radio onto the strap, a scowl on my face the entire time. "As you were saying Allison, I don't like it either. I'm running everyone ragged while the weebs and merchants get to play. We can play in Japan after we've reached Yokosuka. The instructor didn't need to order R and R."

{Bridge, Radio! Urgent message from Instructor Gleaves! They're under attack, and are sinking!}

My heart jumps into my throat, and though both Allison and I run to the intercom, she reaches it first.

"Ask them if they can give us any further information! Under attack by who? How many ships?"

The silence that ensues is only broken by the sound of my heart pounding in my ears, which is enough evidence that the lone Radio Operator is hard at work.

{All of the armed ships there opened up on some of the cargo ships and the uncrewed instructor ships! The Instructor's ship took a full salvo from Kumano! She says it's a probable RATt infection!}

Allison looks at me with wide and slightly terrified eyes, and I grab her by the shoulder. "Sound General Quarters. We've gotta go help anyone in the water."

She nods, fumbling with the Bosun's whistle hanging from her neck before finally holding it up to her mouth, cuing the PA system, and blowing the two-tone low-high note. "General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands man your battlestations! This is not a drill!"

I flip the covered switch on the back wall and listen to the Klaxon as it starts blaring before turning to Samuel, who already has his protective gear on.

"Full speed ahead! Full left rudder! Get this boat pointed in the right direction!"

"Aye! Full speed ahead! Full left rudder!"

He spins the wheel with one hand while changing the E.O.T with the other, and the ship responds according, tightly turning to port until the bow is pointed in the general direction of Ioto Ogasawara.

The E.O.T finally rings back with the acknowledgements from the engine rooms, and I can feel the ship start to accelerate, though with a bit of shaking due to cavitation.

Finally with a pounding of boots and shoes on the metal gantry Justin, Savannah, and Serena stumble in, still half asleep, but dressed in their uniforms.

"What's going on?" Justin asks, throwing on a protective vest and helmet.

"The convoy was just attacked. The Instructor's ship has been severely damaged along with several cargo ships. We're moving in to rescue any people in the water and ensure further safety of the convoy."

"Do we know who attacked them? This sounds more serious than some pirates." Savannah stuffs her tablet into the pouch on her belt and runs the sleep out of her eyes.

"Reports are that the warships in the convoy including the Brooklyn all opened fire. The Instructor said that this is a possible infection."

Finally Emily stumbles in, her hair a complete mess, but dressed in her uniform. "I heard infection. Please tell me this isn't the same shit that the Japs were battling a couple months ago."

"It's starting to sound like it." I confirm, refilling my coffee mug at the rear of the wheelhouse.

{Bridge, Radio. The Monterey and the other destroyers are trying to monitor the rogue ships while we go to help the damaged ships.}

"Copy that Radio. Bridge out."

{My apologies Bridge, but there's more. They can't find the Akigumo or the Myōkō.}

All of us on the bridge look at each other nervously at the mentioning of the missing heavy cruiser, and Allison gulps before cuing the intercom. "Thank you Radio, we'll keep our eyes peeled. Bridge out."


September 20th,

2320 hours, 20XX

HMCS Rainbow

Status: Preparing for convoy raiding exercise

Location: 24.6604, 140.9400

An eerily red light filled the sub's control room. The sound of footsteps could barely be heard as the crew moved with an agility they had developed over the past few weeks. A series of simulated exercises with the convoy and its warships had helped the sailors and officers of the Rainbow master their boat and the skills related to underwater warfare. Tonight was yet another practice for them in which they had to "raid" OYSK067 and bail out before getting caught.

"Periscope depth reached sir," announced Oliver. He was looking at the depth gauge as he made his report.

"Excellent," replied Kinh, "I'll raise periscope and catch a glimpse of what's going on top. Rig for silent running."

"Yes sir!"

In the past month, thanks to the rigours of submarine warfare, the crew of the Rainbow had loosened up on their appearance. Some of them were sporting small beards and mustaches while their hair had grown out. Their uniforms, though clean, weren't ironed. Olson had grown a massive beard while Kinh had a few small whiskers above his upper lip. Oliver had managed to stay well groomed. Luckily for them, the Rainbow had been modernized with creature comforts like a pair of showers and the desalination units were modern ones that were superior to those originally on. Still the scent of diesel and sweat clung to their uniforms as recirculated air filled their lungs while they sailed underwater.

The order for silent running was sent over the sub's intercom. Looking over the control room crew was Olson. The man had remained passive yet something had been nagging at him all day long.

The humming of electric motors was heard while Oliver and Kinh laid out the course to take. The rest of the crew was readying themselves for the "attack".

The Rainbow was making its way stealthily towards its intended target. So far, everything was progressing normally. Kinh was scanning the horizon with his periscope looking for anything unusual when he felt someone tapping on his shoulder.

"What is it Oliver?"

"Sonar's picked up something heading our way," he reported nervously, "High speed screws."

Kinh removed himself from the periscope and looked at his first mate in surprise. He was holding a clipboard and looking at it.

"What?" he hissed, "Are you sure?"

"Sonar's confirmed it," replied Oliver, "Contact bearing zero-four-nine."

"So heading our way."

He was nervously sweating. Both didn't noticed that Olson was frowning. The captain's mind tried to find a reason for this development.

"Maybe someone decided to break the rules and take the initiative," said Kinh. He wasn't sure if he was convincing himself or his first mate. "What's the ETA?"

Oliver took a look at his watch and clipboard. He was in deep concentration as he calculated.

"In about five minutes sir." he answered. Kinh massaged his temples and let out a sigh of annoyance. He muttered a few swear words. "You know the drill."

Returning to his periscope, he continued to scan the horizon for the "enemy" ship.

"Keep me updated about that ship's heading." he ordered. "We'll find and shake him off."

Scanning the horizon for an approaching ship in pitch darkness was a difficult task made slightly easier by Oliver's directions. From the reports that the first mate received from the sonar operator, it appeared that the contact didn't have any idea where they were and was searching for them.

"I think we might be able to slip past them," muttered Kinh, "Set heading for three-five-zero."

"Understood, set heading for three-five-zero."

Just as he finished his order, the familiar sound of sonar pings resonates through the boat followed by a audible but muffled grunt of pain and a headset falling.

'Merde...it's a fucking destroyer.'

Oliver blanched as he received the latest report on the contact. Sweat formed on his brow as he described the changing situation.

"Contact's changing its heading sir… heading is now one-nine-zero."

Kinh felt his heart beat faster and knew the answer to his next question.

"Right towards us?" he asked nervously as he looked at his first mate who merely nodded, "Tabarnak…"

The Rainbow stood no chance of evading its foe. With a top speed of 6 knots, it was a sitting duck against what the crew suspected was a destroyer steaming at cruising speed. Looking through his periscope, he could see a searchlight moving across the ocean's surface. It was getting closer towards the Rainbow's periscope. Needing nothing more, the captain began lowering his periscope as he could though he saw the searchlights beam fill his sight as he removed his eye from his optic.

"Enemy ship's picking up speed and changing bearing!" reported Oliver, "We've been found!"

"How long before they're on top of us?!"

"Maybe 2 minutes at most!"

"Tabarnak! Take us down to 40 meters NOW! Prepare for depth charges!" yelled Kinh. Sweat trickled down his head.

"Set depth to 40 meters!"

The crew felt their boat dip forward as they ran through the diving procedures.

"Depth charge above us sir!" shouted the sonar operator.

"Change heading to zero-five-zero!"

What happened next however marked the crew of the Rainbow. A series of loud simultaneous explosions were heard above them as their boat shook from the violent force. Lights flashed inside the various compartments as many tried to digest what had just happened.

"FUCKING HELL!" yelled a red-faced Olson, "Those were live charges!"

"WHAT?!" was all Kinh and Oliver could say before their instructor grabbed the intercom phone.

"Damage report all compartments!" he asked urgently. After a brief moment, the first reports from the rest of the crew came back.

"Torpedo room all good!" gruffily replied Remi over the net.

"Engine room uh all good here!" answered Justin.

"Crew quarters all good!" exclaimed Al with clearly anger in his voice.

'Thank god'

Looking over at the Rainbow's captain and first mate with a steely gaze, Olson issued his next directives. His voice had lost its usual casualness and was filled with cold, determined resolve.

"I'm taking over command right now. With what's happening right now-"

"Understood!" cut off Kinh.

"Destroyer is circling back towards us!" frantically reported the sonar operator, "Bearing one-seventy-two, entering our baffles!"

Olson's had an expression of deep concentration on his stern face. He appeared to run through his mind to find an escape for the Rainbow.

"Full reverse! Hard left rudder!" he called into the intercom. The command crew began activating various levers, wheels and valves as they executed the orders. The Rainbow shifted course.

"Depth charges above us sir!" shouted the sonar operator for another time. Olson nodded with a grim smile.

"Ahead slow! Nose down five!" shouted the instructor.

All the while this was happening, Kinh and Oliver were staring in awe at Olson's prowess with the sub. The ominous sound of propellers above the Rainbow filled the crew with dread as they looked nervously above them. Some were silently praying that they would escape unscathed from the renewed assault. Sweat was marking the cadets' uniforms while others hoped that their bladders would hold on a bit longer. Those standing up were bracing themselves for the eminent shockwaves by holding

"Merdemerdemerde" muttered Kinh, "Fucking sons of bitches… fuck you, your mother and your fucking depth charges! "

He could hear Oliver's breathing quickening before another series of blasts shook their sub. The lights flashed again before coming back on.

"Goddammit why are they doing this?" moaned the First Mate. He was on the verge of tears as he held onto a railing.

"Fucking shit, I don't fucking know man," snapped angrily Kinh, "I'm gonna fucking put my boot up that captain's ass if I find him… along with whoever's manning the goddamn depth charge launchers."

While that exchange took place, Olson still had his wits about him and was assessing the situation.

"Destroyer is maintaining its current heading." reported the sonar operator as he breathed heavily.

"Hard right rudder!" called out Olson. "All stop!"

He let out a sigh of relief. "Any changes in that destroyer's heading?"

"Not yet," replied the sonar operator. "They're still sailing away from us, heading one-seventy-five. Picking up speed."

"Must have run out of live depth charges." realized the instructor.

A laugh of relief rang out in the control room.

"Fuck man… tu me fucking niaises," Kinh chuckled hysterically, "Y'ont manqué de munitions. This is the best tabarnak."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Oliver called out an order to the sonar operator..

"Monitor that fucking destroyer's heading."

"Aye sir!"


Aboard USS Meredith,

0107 hours, September 21st

Status: En-route to Ioto Ogasawara to assist in rescue

Location: 24.6993, 141.3530

The tense silence on the bridge is only broken when a skinny guy from the gun director opens the starboard bulkhead. "Captain, there is a ship on the horizon to our front."

"How far?" I ask, scanning to our front with a pair of binoculars.

"It's just past the point. We can't tell what it is, but it's something big."

"Savannah, get me spotlights on that ship."

"Aye Captain." She starts conversing with people on the handheld, and I turn back to the guy from the gun director. "Get back to your post, we may need your skills soon enough."

He closes and locks the bulkhead, once again sealing the bridge closed.

"Captain, spotlights are ready on your mark."

"Turn 'em on."

I stare intently through the windows, and the spotlights light up the ship that is barely even five miles in front of us. More specifically, what catches my eye about the ship isn't the size of the vessel, but the ten eight-inch muzzles.

Pointed straight at us.

"It's the Myoko!" Savannah gasps, looking at the ship through a pair of binoculars until multiple flashes of orange belch out from the gun turrets.

"Hard to Starboard!" I order, pointing at Samuel. "NOW!"

The ship only begins its turn when the shells shriek in, and by god's grace alone the shells all miss, but some of us are thrown to the floor from the explosions that follow.

"Get me the shortest course out of their gun range! Let's start laying smoke! Turn those spotlights off!" I yell as I haul myself to my feet. "They're firing live ammunition, and in this tin can we can't afford to take a hit!"

With the simple flip of a switch both of the smoke generators start belching out black smoke that hangs low on the water, making it damn near impossible for the Myoko to see us, especially in the dark. That doesn't stop the ship from firing wildly at us, scoring more than a few near-misses.

"Serena I want torpedoes in the water. Get them to maneuver."

"Aye Captain. How many torpedoes?"

"All of them."

She grins fiendishly and nods, leaning into a voice tube before she starts giving instructions to the torpedo launchers.

"Justin, get me star shells straight up. The more we can put ourselves in the shadow of the smoke the better."

"Yes ma'am! Star shells, coming right up!"

{Torpedoes to our stern! They'll miss unless we keep turning!} One of the lookouts shouts over the radio as another salvo of shells shriek in.

"Straighten us out Samuel."

"Yes ma'am."

'I completely forgot that the Myoko has torpedoes…'

I walk over to the intercom and press the button for the radio room. "Radio, Bridge. Advise Monterey and the destroyers that the Japanese cruisers have torpedoes, and that we're in contact with Myoko south of Ioto."

{Roger wilco Bridge.}

"Captain, both launchers are ready on your mark." Serena advises as the guns fire straight up, launching star shells through the smoke layer.

"Fire torpedoes."

She leans into the speaking tube. "Launcher one, launcher two. Give 'em hell!"

The launch of the torpedoes is quiet enough that it can't be heard from the bridge, but the report back from the launchers is audible to us all.

"Launcher one, all torpedoes away!"

"Launcher two, four away, one's jammed in the tube!"

Serena looks at me for advisement, and I point towards the aft end of the ship. "Get that faulty fish off my ship. Helmsman, get us the hell out of here, the survivors will have to wait."

"Aye Captain!"

The next salvo is ripple-fired by the Heavy Cruiser, and though I hear the splashes of the first few shells the last few I hear the shriek stop, without an impact.

"Brace for impact!"

Everyone lowers their center of balance and grabs onto the nearest bolted-down object just as the ship lurches from the detonation of eight-inch shells in the water.

"Damage report!" Savannah yells into the handheld radio.

{There's a nice neat hole in both sides of the fore smokestack.}

{One of the Bofors mounts is missing a barrel.}

{Nothing to report.}

"Those shells are a too little close for comfort." Allison's voice wavers slightly as she looks to me, her face clearly showing that she's absolutely terrified.

"Helmsman, zigzag on this course. Gunnery, you may open fire. I'm authorizing use of live rounds." I pull a key on a necklace out of my shirt and look to Allison, who shakily does the same and starts to walk over to a keyswitch on the opposite side of the wheelhouse from mine.

I insert my key into the switch and look to Allison to confirm she's done the same before I take a deep breath. "On my mark. Three. Two. One. Mark." We both turn our keys simultaneously, and a red light appears above the switches before we pull our keys out and close the covers.

"Alright Gunnery, make it rain." I mumble, watching the fore turrets turn while Justin calls out instructions.

"Radar shows target at six miles even! Pre-set and let 'em have it, but make sure you aim low!"

The guns slightly change their elevation before the reports come in from the gun officers.

"Gun Alpha ready!"

"Gun Bravo on target!"

"Gun Charlie ready!"

Justin looks back at me for one last confirmation, and I nod. "Fire at will."

"All guns, commence fire!"

Our first salvo lights up the night around us in a sudden flash of orange while our guns belch columns of flame.

{Bridge, gun director! We can't see the fall of the shells because of the smoke!}

I walk over to the intercom and answer them. "That's fine gun director, we're just firing to make ourselves feel better."

The response has a dark chortle to it, while in the background full on laughter can be heard. {Roger that Bridge. Gun director out.}


USS Meredith DD-726

0348, September 21st.

Status: en-route to rendezvous with USS Johnston DD-557

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

"Cap'n, sorry to wake you. We've got the captain of the Monterey on the horn. She's asking to talk with you."

I sit up and swing my legs out of bed before looking at Savannah, who hands me a cup of coffee.

"Thanks. I'll be up in a jiff." I mumble, wiping my eyes. The Technical Officer leaves my quarters, and I take a cautious sip from the mug before standing up.

"No rest for the wicked I guess."

I traverse the easy route up to the bridge and refill my mug before grabbing the ship's phone. "Captain Danielle Schumer of the Meredith here."

{Hello Danielle, I'm Sierra Lurtz, Captain of the Monterey. I've managed to round up all of the cargo ships and the liberty ships that weren't damaged last night. I need at least one destroyer with us before we head to Japan though.}

"You're not going to be staying here to help keep track of the rogue ships?"

{I can't unless we get more ships. The only reason we were allowed to come along was due to the amount of ships involved.}

I'm fuming inside, but at the same time I understand the situation. "Alright. Let me ask everyone. I can't make this decision on my own."

{Alright, I'll be waiting.}

I hang up the phone, take a drink of coffee, and turn around.

"Alright, here's the situation. Monterey has managed to round up the undamaged cargo and liberty ships. They need a destroyer to escort them to Japan, and they're asking us to do it. I want everyone's opinion, we can either stay here and continue monitoring the rogue ships, or we can go with them to Japan."

There's a minute or so while everyone makes up their minds, and it's only broken by Allison. "I vote we stay."

"I vote stay." Justin nods with his vote.

"Stay."

"Let's stay. Escorting them to Japan would just put more lives in danger by not keeping an eye on these ships."

"I vote stay. But ultimately it's your choice cap'n."

{Submarine surfacing to our starboard side!} a lookout up in the gun director calls out over the handheld radio, and I rush over to the starboard side windows to spot the sub in the early morning light.

"That number… it's the Rainbow!" Savannah cheers, looking at the sleek sub through a pair of binoculars.

"But are they friendly?" I ask, watching the deck gun for any sign of activity.

"Only one way to find out. Flash them a message. Ask them if they're friendly."

"You think that'll work?" Allison asks from beside me as I let her borrow my binoculars.

"From what the report said on the rat incident the infected ships didn't respond to any sort of hailing."

"Alright, here goes nothing."


HMCS Rainbow

0350, September 21st.

Status: Surfacing

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

After a couple of hours filled with harrowing fears of rogue destroyers and live depth charges, the Rainbow had located a warship by passive sonar. Its heading was leading it straight towards the convoy.

Looking through his raised periscope, Kinh adjusted the zoom levels as he spotted the lone destroyer steaming away from him at roughly 20 knots. The dark night was slowly fading away as the first rays sunlight appeared.

'Seems they haven't detected us yet,' he mused, 'Otherwise they'd have swung around against us.'

"Any other contacts on sonar?" he asked before peering again into the periscope. He wanted to make sure that he wasn't being led into a trap of some kind. One depth charge attack was more than enough "thrills" for today and he shuddered at the thought of going through another one.

Looking at the warship, he noticed something odd…

"What the hell happened to that ship's smokestack?" he muttered, "Why is it smoking from the sides and top?"

Furthermore, he noticed students posing around the smokestack and small flashes before them.

'The fuck… photos?'

"Something's not right here Oliver," he remarked, his periscope still pointing on the destroyer, "They're not combat ready for two cents."

Oliver was struggling to stay awake at his post. His eyes bleary as his head kept tilting forwards and backwards. He was leaning back on the navigation table.

"What sir?" he asked groggily, "The unknown contact?"

"Yeah, the crew seems too laid back to be trying to attack us," Kinh said casually before turning to Olson, "Take a look at this will you? I'm thinking we could surface and ask them what's going on if you think it's safe."

"Gimme a second," replied the tired instructor before he took Kinh's place at the periscope. He blinked in disbelief. "That destroyer isn't at battle stations at all."

"All right then… take her up!" ordered Kinh.

'Finally some fresh air,' he thought, 'And an explanation for that damned mess.'

He felt the Rainbow's bow lift upwards and watched as the depth gauge moving towards zero. The sound of the hull clearing the surface ran through the crew's ears signalling that the sub had finally surfaced. Using the intercom, he called up Al and Chris to the control center. As they arrived, it showed that they had gotten up in a hurry during the night as their uniforms were unkempt.

"What's going on?", asked Al tiredly. His eyes were barely opened.

"We got a potential friendly contact on the surface. I need you to signal and confirm their intention," explained Kinh as he stifled a yawn, "As for you Chris, I want you to keep your eyes open for anything unusual."

Both boys nodded before the trio climbed up the ladder to the top of the conning tower. As they opened the hatch, the salty smell of the ocean air filled their noses. It was a welcoming change from the recirculated air in the sub's compartments. Kinh grabbed the intercom and patched himself through to the engine room.

"Justin, get ready to crash dive on my word."

"Aye aye sir!" Justin responded. "I'll set the engines to charge batteries in the meantime."

"Understood," replied the captain before turning to Al, "Signal them! Ask' em if they're friendlies."

"Right!"

The watch officer activated his signal lamp and flashed a message in morse code. Kinh had raised his binoculars and pointed them to the destroyer.

..-. .-. .. . -. -.. .-.. -.-

Much to Kinh's surprise and relief, the destroyer flashed the same message in morse: Friendly?

A grin appeared on his tired face as he yelled in happiness. "They're on our side haha!"

"Ostie man… I'd never thought I'd be so happy to see a destroyer!" Al exclaimed with a goofy smile on his face.

Soon cries of joy were heard when the control room crew overheard their captain and lookouts' shouting.

"Message them if we can come aboard."


Aboard USS Meredith DD-726

0402, September 21st,

Status: interrogating HMCS Rainbow of hostile intentions via flashing light signals.

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

"They're asking if they can come aboard? Tell them yes, but only three people at most."

Savannah nods and turns back to the signal lamp, flashing the message out to the submariners. I can see their reactions are mixed at first, but the message they flash back is simple.

- -. - -.- .- .- -.- (On my way)

I lower my binoculars and pull out my phone, using the camera like a mirror. "I suppose I should go make myself look presentable."

"In the meantime, I'll get some coffee and snacks ready for our guests." Savannah says with an innocent smile.

"You do that. I'll be back topside in five." I yawn before jogging down the amidships gantry and onto the deck, then into the nearby bulkhead. I navigate the narrow corridors to my quarters with ease. The second the door is closed I'm taking off my uniform. A new, freshly-pressed uniform is hanging above my bed courtesy of the torpedo operators, and I waste no time getting into it and taking care of my messy hair, combing it down so all of the ginger strands lay together.

I look at the mirror on the wall and put my captain's cap on. "Fuck it, no time for makeup."

Last but not least I slip on my dress shoes and button the cuffs on my sleeves before heading back out, taking a shortcut through the radio room to the deck.

"Hey tell the Johnston we'll be a bit late." I slap one of the two radio operators on the shoulder while I walk past.

"Yes Ma'am!"

When I get out onto the deck I find that a rope ladder has been lowered over the side for the sub to pull up to, and I watch the Tench-class sub knife through the water before pulling up alongside. In contrast to how I'm dressed the submariners on the conning tower are dressed in loose clothes, which I guess is fitting, given their working environment.

While waiting for them to get up the ladder I use my phone once more as a camera, and only now do I take note of the bags under my eyes due to lack of sleep.

'Shit, should've put on makeup after all. Well, too late now.'

The first person who climbs up the ladder and over the railing has a Captain's cap on, but that's not the only defining feature about him. The guy is slightly shorter than me, but his most defining feature is the dude almost looks like a living stereotype of Asians. Buck teeth, and square wire-frame glasses. He's cursing up a storm in multiple languages while talking to his comrades in what I think is french, with some english mixed in.

The second man up is a rather tall and muscular blonde guy with the developments of what should be a beard, and the last up is a tall man with a big beard that screams 'experience' with some gray hairs mixed in with chestnut-colored hair. All of them have rather dark-colored uniforms, and the captain's cap seems to be incredibly dirty.

"Good morning to you, I am Captain Kinh-Luyên Huynh of the HMCS Rainbow though call me Kinh." The captain introduces himself first as the second man climbs over the railing. "This is Albert Gendreau and Robert Olson."

Both of the two look practically dead on their feet, and I'm kinda glad that I'm not the only person who looks like I had a rough night.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm the Watch Officer of the Rainbow and for speed, just say Al."

'Okay… he's clearly not fully awake. I wonder if Savannah has that coffee ready yet?'

"Captain-Instructor Robert Olson." The older sailor introduces himself, looking like he's fresh out of the rack, though his beard is ungroomed. "I'm assigned to the Rainbow as its instructor."

The captain clears his throat and flashes a look to his watch officer, who is tiredly leaning on the railing. "Apologies if we don't look as good as you guys but we've had a fucking rough night," he yawns before continuing. "One of the destroyers depth charged us twice with live explosives rather than training duds before running off. We've spent the past of couple of hours sneaking around until our sonar picked you guys up."

The news of a rogue destroyer catches my attention, as the Akigumo is still MIA.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Danielle Schumer, Captain of this here ship the USS Meredith. I'm sorry none of my subordinates are here, but we also had a rough night. Our instructor ship is sunk, along with some of our cargo ships intended for Japan. We found the Heavy Cruiser Myōkō, and that's how we got that battlescar." I look up at the smokestack, where most of the girls and guys from the gun director have stopped taking pictures with the damage and are looking down at us. "Oi! Do you mind?" I yell at them. They quickly shuffle off to somewhere else while I flash an apologetic look to our guests.

"Huh… that's how we figured you were possibly friendlies. That and the fact your crew was taking pictures near that smokestack."

I crack a smile and breathe in the cool ocean air, helping keep myself awake until I can get my hands on more coffee. "Well, thanks for not slamming a torpedo into us. We should have coffee down in the Mess if you'd care to join me."

The Watch Officer's eyes light up at the mention of coffee. "Thank you very much for the invitation." His enthusiasm given his ragged appearance is actually rather surprising, and the instructor follows up quickly. "We'll take you up on that offer Captain Schumer." His eyes suddenly show worry. "But do you have any news of the instructor ship that was sunk?"

The Captain's enthusiasm is unrivaled compared to the watch officer. "Merci bien! I think I'll also bring a few pots for my boys on the Rainbow."

I look to the instructor first. "We can swing by the radio shack on the way below. There's been so much shit flowing in lately I honestly can't keep track of most of it that doesn't involve the rogue ships or the convoy." I delve deep into my adrenaline-fueled memories from last night and pull up what little I can while starting to walk towards the bulkhead leading into the radio room. "Last night somewhere around midnight all of the warships that we were escorting to Japan opened up on the anchored convoy from inside. The instructor's ship took a full broadside from the heavy cruiser Kumano, and the light cruiser USS Brooklyn hasn't responded at all. The other three destroyers and the escort carrier have been either keeping track of the rogue ships or rounding up what's left of the convoy." I realize I'm rambling on and clam up, taking another breath to get my thoughts in order. "We can't seem to get in contact with the Navy or the Blue Mermaids. Every ship has been trying all of the emergency channels, but we just get nothing but static. We can't even hear each other on the emergency channels."

"How about satellite communications?" The instructor asks as I duck through the bulkhead into the radio room.

I can't help but laugh. "Respectfully sir, we're cadets, not the actual navy. The instructor ship was the only one with satellite communications, so unless you've got a SAT-phone, we're shit outta luck."

I lean over the shoulder of the radio operator in charge of logging everything that we receive. "Hey Mark, how soon can you get me a log of everything that's happened between now and the instructor's distress signal last night?"

"One second Captain… Johnston has lost track of Kumano, and they're trying to find her again… your log is printing on two."

"Thanks. Keep up the good work. I'll have someone bring up coffee for you in a bit." I clap the mohawk-clad radio operator on the shoulder before grabbing the printing sheets from a printer mounted on the wall beside a stack of radios. Twelve sheets of paper in hand I wave my guests along and lead the way down to the mess, which is currently empty.

I wave us over to a table by the coffee pot and sit down, inviting them to do the same before laying the radio log on the table.

"Alright, let's get down to brass tacks."


HMCS Rainbow

0402, September 21st.

Status: Surfaced, next to an American destroyer

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

After ordering his boat to adjust course to line up with the destroyer and pulling along side the surface ship, Kinh looked at the ship's deck. He immediately noticed how much better dressed and groomed his American counterparts were.

'You try and look good when living in a fucking sub,' he mentally grumbled. Alongside him was Olson and Al. He had asked for those two since Olson was an instructor and he could trust Al to not make a show. Oliver would remain on the sub to ensure everything was in order.

As he started climbing the rope ladder, he began cursing.

"Tabarnak, pourquoi y'ont pas une ostie de fucking rampe? Calisse que c'est de l'ostie de marde." (Tabarnak, why don't they have a fucking gangplank? Fuck this fucking bullshit).

"Ta yeule pis grimpe crisse de fif." shouted back Al. (Shut the fuck up and climb you goddamn wimp.)

"Fuck you ostie!"

Olson merely rolled his eyes. This wasn't anything new for him.

Finally reaching the top, Kinh dusted himself off before wiping his hands on the seat of his pants.

"Good morning to you, I am Captain Kinh-Luyên Huynh of the HMCS Rainbow though call me Kinh," he saluted before introducing his colleagues who were getting over the railing, "This is Albert Gendreau and Robert Olson." He hoped that he didn't seem too braindead. In front of him was a young woman that was slightly taller than him. She had an elegant but well built physique while her long, vibrant red hair clashed with her tired expression. Judging by her uniform, she was probably the captain of the destroyer.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm the Watch Officer of the Rainbow and for speed, just say Al." he said before leaning back on the railing

"Captain-Instructor Robert Olson," said the older man, "I'm assigned to the Rainbow as its instructor."

Kinh cleared his throat.

"Apologies if we don't look as good as you guys but we've had a fucking rough night," he explained as he yawned, "One of the other destroyers depth charged us twice with live explosives rather than training duds before running off. We've spent the past of couple of hours sneaking around until our sonar picked you guys up."

He immediately notices the captain perking up as she heard his tale. She introduced herself as Captain Danielle Schumer of the USS Meredith before explaining a rather grim situation… Rogue ships sinking other ships and how her ship almost got obliterated by a Japanese cruiser but somehow survived with only a hole in her smokestack before berating her crew for listening in. His head rang a bit at her yelling.

"Huh… that's how we figured you were possibly friendlies," Kinh remarked dryly, "That and the fact your crew was taking pictures near that smokestack."

Danielle managed to crack a smile before taking a deep breath.

"Well, thanks for not slamming a torpedo into us," she replied, "We should have coffee down in the Mess if you'd care to join me."

Al's eyes lit up a bit.

"Thank you very much for the invitation." he said with somewhat more enthusiasm followed by Olson.

"We'll take you up on that offer Captain Schumer," said the instructor before asking the question that nagged him, "But do you have any news of the instructor ship that was sunk?"

"Merci bien!" said Kinh with a tired smile, "I think I'll also bring a couple of pots back for my boys on the Rainbow."

His American counterpart began explaining the situation after they began making their to the radio room. It was, in Kinh's mind, a complete mess. Communications were out, ships had been sunk or disappeared or fired on their own. The convoy was reforming after last night's attacks though it only had three ships guarding it right now. The sub commander shook his head, really wishing for some sleep after last night's events. After stopping at the radio room and hearing about a rather unpleasant development about another missing warship, the crewmembers of the Rainbow were being led to the empty mess hall to discuss of the current situation.

"Alright Captain Schumer, first off, can I just call you Danielle? We submariners aren't too formal cause time's precious." Kinh asked as he poured coffee into everyone's mug.

"Of course, please do," answered the redhead as her counterpart handed her a mug of steaming coffee.

"Second, what happened to you guys over night while we were getting depth charged eh?"

The American captain spread out a dozen loose sheets before explaining what they were.

"Around approximate one-thirty we approached Ioto Ogasawara in an effort to rescue the sailors from the sunken ships. We encountered the heavy cruiser Myōkō, and were fired upon. In the interest of keeping the ship in one piece we turned around, launched torpedoes in the general direction of the cruiser, and beat feet in the other direction. Not much happened after that aside from multiple location reports from the other ships regarding the rogue ships. Our instructor said this might be another RATt incident."

Kinh reclined back on the bench.

"Tabarnak… just what we fucking needed, un ostie de croiseur lourd avec un équipage fucké par le fucking RATt." (A goddamn heavy cruiser with a crew gone mad by the fucking RATt.) he groaned before asking his next question, "How many ships went dark?"

"Let's see here… Seven Japanese-style ships, and six others. The light cruisers Yahagi, Brooklyn, and Noshiro. Destroyer Akigumo, who you gentlemen encountered earlier. The heavy cruisers Haguro, Myōkō, and Kumano. The aircraft carrier Shōkaku, and five Liberty ships."

Upon hearing this, Olson decided to speak up.

"Any aircraft spotted and what were those cargo ships carrying?"

"From what I know… and from what these logs say, not a single plane has been spotted. Sadly I can't say I know what the ships were carrying. Let me get my Technical Officer down here."

Danielle stood up and made her way to the intercom system.

"Bridge, Captain."

{Go ahead Captain.}

"Send Savannah down here to the mess, we have need of her tablet."

{Aye, she's on the way.}

While Danielle was waiting for her Technical Officer to get to the mess hall, the Rainbow's officers were discussing the situation as they drank their much needed coffee.

"I reckon we could take out the bigger ships with our torpedoes though we'd have to find them first. They shouldn't have gotten too far away," estimated a somewhat more awakened Al.

"The only problem is finding those ships without them finding us," said Olson but was interrupted.

"As good a plan as that sounds, we need to keep those ships afloat." Danielle argued, sitting down across from them again.

"Figures," remarked Kinh, "We can't go around sending other cadets to Davy Jones' locker eh. Not to mention that the Japanese just paid for those new ships too. Just for reference, Olson?"

"Yeah?"

"All our torpedoes can be made live right?" He was met with a nod. "Good."

"Hold up a tick. Is it not clear enough? We cannot sink those ships. Why are you asking that?"

"Crisse, it's simple… any of those ships decide to attack civilian shipping or cities… we're gonna have to stop them, non?" retorted Kinh, "I understand your point but I need a backup solution. Even if the Rainbow had a deck gun… it's a fucking watergun against anything badder than a Liberty ship. That said, we'll avoid sinking them for now."

"Just a question for you though." Al asked looking at Danielle, "Didn't the Japanese contain the RATt?"

"From our reports, they did do a sweep of all the small islands within a certain distance of Japan. But it's a big ocean, and finding an animal as small as a rat is no easy feat. Some were bound to slip through."

"Évidemment," muttered Kinh before turning his attention to his host, "Correct me if I'm wrong but this whole virus incident started after an instructor ship and a good part of that school got infected during an exercise. What was that school again?"

"Yokosuka Girls High School. The same school we were supposed to be escorting the convoy to."

"Luckily, one of their ships gets away despite everything being thrown at them but most of that school's fleet is infected." continued Kinh.

"The destroyer Harekaze. They faced down a state-of-the-art instructor ship, a German Deutschland-class pocket battleship, a Kongo-class battleship, and also managed to ram and board the Yamato-class battleship Musashi. They're practically celebrities to us on destroyers."

"I can understand that," gruffly replied Olson, "We submariners heard that they managed to disable the best sub that Toumai had with one depth charge, steel wire and a paravane."

"Ok, what the fuck did those crew learn in theoretical classes?" exclaimed Al, "That's fucking op."

"I want to meet that crew and shake hands with all of them! What do we know about that virus though?" asked Kinh, "We got shots for it before sailing out but that's definitely not something natural though. Mind controlling hate virus? Sounds like a bad science gone wrong movie."

"I believe I can help shed some light on that."

The mess hall's occupants turned their heads at the new arrival. The girl walks in with a computer under her arm. Her strawberry red hair is french braided and pulled over her left shoulder. Her dainty frame seemed like it didn't quite fit in with the steel surrounding them all, but when she sat down her expression proved otherwise, showing no-nonsense.

"This virus originates from genetically modified rats. It creates a sort of hive-mind that enables large groups of people to work seamlessly together. It started when a research sub sank to unreachable depths, and the project was abandoned."

"Do we know how that sub sank?" asked Al with a raised eyebrow, "Cause every lost boat has to be investigated and they don't sink without reason."

"Maybe an accident happened and the crew lost control?" suggested Kinh, "They were doing experiments so something went wrong? Who knows?"

"Nope, it doesn't say in the report… wait… here it is. Ballast tank rupture, leading to the sub sinking into the depths."

Olson shook his head in disbelief at this statement.

"Bullshit! Ballast tanks don't just rupture without cause. Subs go through heavy inspections before heading out and that included metal stressing tests on their ballast tanks. Either there's been criminal negligence or something else happened. How old was that boat?"

"Let's see here…"

The Technical Officer began scrolling through her computer's files.

"It was launched… two years ago-"

"How many patrols did that boat do?" interrupted Kinh, "Maybe they overstressed the hull in some very localised points?"

"It says right here though that it was a 'deep water research station'." explained Savannah as she turned her laptop towards her audience. "That means there should be no fucking way that the tanks on that thing ruptured."

"What about the scientists and logs inside?" remarked Al, "Those should have given us a better light."

"The crew drowned inside and the damage to the electronics was so bad that they were unsalvageable. Apparently, they sank so fast they couldn't get their emergency beacon out," answered Olson with a frown, "One crewmember got lucky and wasn't on board when that boat went down. Broke his leg a few days before in some sporting accident. That scientist and the rest of his shore team were the ones that reported that the sub went missing after they failed to report back on time."

"That is one lucky bastard," whistled Kinh, "If I recall correctly, the sub washed up right?"

"Actually, an island formed and pushed it up out of the water. The Yokosuka training exercise was designated to be in the island chain, and thus that's how the instructor ship contracted the virus."

"Alright, skip the whole description of the ordeal, we can go over it later. The big question is how do we combat this virus? What do we do to people who are infected?" The American captain asked, refilling her mug.

"The report says that exposure to saltwater during early stages of infection can render the virus inactive, but after approximately eight hours exposure to salt water will only render the infected individual unconscious. In order to decontaminate a ship the recommended method is… a cat."

"A cat?" asked Kinh with great interest.

"Yep! There's even a picture of a tabby cat in here. The description says it was the cat that was aboard the Harekaze." To prove herself the Technical Officer turned the computer around to show a fat orange cat grooming itself atop a pair of Japanese naval binoculars. "He almost looks like Garfield!"

"Aww it's so fucking fat and adorable," squealed Kinh with obvious joy in his eyes, "I want that cat." he exclaimed with envy while Al was rolling his eyes in annoyance and muttered something along the line of "Urgh cats".

"If he had an orange belly he would look exactly like Garfield, but that's beside the point." Danielle started to get sidetracked, but quickly got herself straightened out.

"What would be the plan then ladies and gents?" asked Olson with a smile.

"Well, our first two priorities should be the following. One, keeping track of all the ships. And two, evacuating the survivors from Ioto to mainland Japan." proposed Danielle.

"I like that but I don't want to sound like an ass," remarked Kinh, "But a sub doesn't have much room inside… we're already pretty cramped inside. We'll be rather limited with how many survivors we can carry."

"Well, unless you'd like to be tailing a cruiser, or a carrier, or possibly even that destroyer, we're going to need you to be part of the rescue effort. If we put all of the survivors on one ship that just increases the chances of an even bigger disaster. I don't need you to take many, just some." Danielle ran her fingers through her hair prior to looking at Kinh. "Oh, and we might need to borrow like five torpedoes."

Kinh sighed and lowered his head in defeat.

"I don't like it but you have a point."

"Well, it's a good thing you don't have to like it then. You might as well embrace the suck, because it's gonna get worse before it gets better." Danielle giggled before taking a drink of coffee.

"Uh… guys?" Squeaked Savannah with a scared twinge in her voice. "I found out what was on those liberty ships… and you're not gonna like it."

Within seconds the computer had been pulled out of the Technical Officer's hands by Danielle, who heavily criticised it before pinching the bridge of her nose. "Well fuck me seven ways to Sunday. Here I was thinking that this shit might just be easy. I redact my previous statement, this fucking sucks."

"Ahh merde," groaned Kinh and Al before the captain started talking again, "Lemme guess, a crapton of ammo and fuel?"

"Enough shells to last a few months if they decided to bombard some place. No fuel, but they were fully filled when we left Saipan. Half of one of those ships was nothing but torpedoes and depth charges. The other half of the same ship was aircraft bombs and aerial torpedoes. Adding the final 'fuck you' to the mix is the fact that one of those ships was transporting foreign exchange students back to Japan. Pilots to be exact."

"Tabarnak," muttered Al, "Just what we needed."

"Yeah, no kidding… is it just me, or does this seem a little too… organised? I mean, look at the big picture. All of the Japanese heavy-hitters, our only cruiser, and the ships that just happen to have all the ammunition for the Jap ships fall to this virus. This is sounding more like an attack than a virus run amok."

"Don't forget the fucking pilots…" groaned Kinh before banging his head on the table. "Tabarnak, fucking shit, calisse. I want some fucking sleep."

Everyone glanced around at each other before Savannah laid a hand on Danielle's shoulder. "I think it's just you… tonight I'm relieving you of duty so you can get some sleep. It's been a trying night, and we've already been lacking in the sleep department."

Her Canadian counterpart was rubbing his chin and muttering to himself.

'It's almost a perfect coincidence… maybe she has a point.'

The American Captain drained her fourth cup of coffee and set the mug down on the table prior to rubbing her eyes. "I'm not gonna argue with sleep. I'll make it up to you when we get to Japan."

"How many hours of sleep have you had in the last three days? I know you've been giving yourself longer watches so the rest of us can sleep."

The ginger held out two closed fists and lifted a finger with every hour listed. "One… two, three… I think that's it. Maybe four if you tally up all the five-minute naps I've gotten to take."

"That's not healthy." Olson started, only for the American to close her eyes and rest her head on her forearms.

"I'm well aware sir. However, it's in the interest of having a fresh crew who aren't dead on their feet." Opening one bloodshot eye she looked to Kinh. "So, whatd'ya say about those torpedoes? Think you can hook us up?"

"Hmm, I think we can give you five. How's that sound?" proposed the Canadian, "It'll clear up some room for the survivors."

"That's plenty. We used all our torpedoes when we ran from the Myōkō, and I want to have some just in case we run into another cruiser."

"Right, I'll get this show on the road once we're back on the Rainbow."

"Then… I guess I'll get in touch with the other destroyers in the area and start planning a rescue effort- err… with your permission Captain."

"Relax. I'm tired of the formalities. Just get it done." The American captain grumbled sleepily to her Secretary, so quickly swept up the computer and left.

"Can we get your radio frequency?" asked Kinh quickly, "If anything comes up, we'll be able to have an idea of what's on going on quickly."

"Yeah. The destroyers were all on… um… frequency one-twelve-point-six… I think. I know it's one-twelve point something. I know my instructor would chew my ass for not being certain."

"I'd probably do the same." Olson chortled. "I'd recommend writing the important things down in a small notepad, but make sure you keep the notepad with you."

"I'll keep it in mind. Now let's get everything taken care of topside before I pass out." Danielle yawned. The ginger stood unsteadily and motioned for the others to follow her while she made her way towards the door to the Galley.

"Hey Steven! Grab four packages of Hi-Rev and bring 'em here!" She yelled upon entering. A cook with messy hair under a hair net stopped dicing potatoes and disappeared into a storeroom for a few seconds. Upon emerging he had four cans of coffee in his arms, which he handed to Danielle before resuming cutting potatoes.

"Here you go gentlemen, four cans of the most caffeine-loaded coffee we have aboard. Consider it a gift."

The submariners grinned.

"Oh yeah baby!" exclaimed Kinh as he grabbed 2 of the cans as he stood up. Al grabbed the other two and groaned at his captain's answer. "The boys'll appreciate this." said Al with a grin.

'Drop the coffee off with the cook and then… SLEEP! GLORIOUS SLEEP!,' thought the Captain with a smile.

"I'll show you guys to the deck and-"

{General Quarters! General Quarters! Unresponsive aircraft formations inbound! All hands man your battlestations! This is not a drill! General Quarters!}

"Are you fucking kidding me tabarnak?!" shouted Kinh. He was surprised he had enough energy for yelling.

"Well, I was gonna say that I could take a nap, but there goes that idea. Follow me, quickly."

"Bien reçu! Let's go boys!"

The sound of running feet was soon heard as the various sailors ran outside of the mess hall, the Canadians holding dearly on their coffee pots. In the hallways, the crew of the Meredith sprang into action.


Aboard USS Meredith DD-726

0712, September 21st

Status: General Quarters, under air attack from carrier-borne aircraft.

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

"Godspeed to you! We'll keep in touch!" I yell to the Canadian submariners as they climb down into the conning tower of the Rainbow. A hasty salute from the instructor is all I see before I sprint across the deck and take the gantry two steps at a time.

All around me 20mm Oerlikon's, 40mm Bofors, and dual-purpose 5-inch guns blaze into the sky, seemingly without aim as planes swarm overhead.

I run into the bridge and start doing my best to restore order. "Savannah! Have radio get the Monterey on the horn! We need fighter cover if they're close enough! Justin get those five-inch guns to cease fire until they have an actual target! Samuel get this boat moving, ahead full!"

The responses all come back in a jumble. "Aye Cap'n!" "Yes ma'am!" "Ahead full, aye!"

I grab the protective vest and throw it on before pulling off my captain's cap and replacing it with a helmet. A minute later the intercom squeals to life as planes can be heard above

{Bridge, Radio. Johnston is twenty miles out! Basilone volunteered to escort the convoy, but they've taken damage, and once they anchor they'll be out of the action for a while so they can conduct repairs!}

I start towards the intercom before an ear-splitting whistle can be heard above.

"Hard to port!" I yell at Samuel before I hear and see the 5-inch guns open up again, belching sheets of flame skyward.

{Grace's diving from above! Bombs incoming!} someone shouts over the handheld just before the first bomb hits the water to our starboard side, sending a column of water skyward that towers over the ship. The near-miss throws the ship to the side, sending most of us to the floor as more bombs bracket the ship,

"Damage report!" I yell, hauling myself to my feet.

"No direct hits, but the sensors are indicating flooding in starboard void six!" Savannah responds, holding her tablet while pulling herself up.

"Make sure that the cap is sealed, we can't have that spreading!"

"Damage control team one to void cap six!"

{Team one on the way!}

{Bridge, Radio! Monterey says they're too far away to send any planes!}

"Bullshit! They can't be too far away, Johnston was just with them!"

{...Would you like me to relay that?}

"Yes. Tell them to get off their lazy asses and send planes our way before we end up an oil slick on the water!"

{Roger that bridge! Radio out!}

I manage to get across the wheelhouse before the earsplitting scream of bombs rings out again.

"Reverse course! Hard to starboard!" I yell, grabbing hold of the nearest bolted-down object, which happens to be the radar repeater.

"Hard to starboard. Aye!" Samuel echoes while turning the helm.

The ship starts to tilt the other way as our course reverses, and everyone compensates by leaning the other way until a blast by our stern causes the ship to lurch forward, sending my helmeted head into one of the front windows of the bridge, giving me a headache and thoroughly pissing me off.

"Damage report!"

"No flooding! It wasn't a direct hit!" Savannah calls out.

"The wheel won't turn anymore!" Samuel groans out, trying to turn the ship's wheel.

"The rudders must be jammed, if they're still there that is." Emily concludes.

"Well, given that we're still turning I'd say that they're still there." Justin snarks before going back to directing the guns.

"Stow the banter! Ahead slow! Vary our speed!" I yell. "Savannah, get me a readout on any carriers bound for Japan that can launch Grace bombers!"

"Working on it!"

"What's the plan Captain?" Allison asks from the intercom.

"We've gotta keep avoiding everything until the fighters can get here. With our rudders jammed there isn't anything else we can do. Anyone who isn't in damage control, radio, or the engine rooms should be manning a gun."

"There aren't enough guns to go around even if we put three to a gun." Allison reminds me.

"Uh… then just… I don't know, have them prepare ammo... or something." I pinch the bridge of my nose, then start rubbing my tired, aching eyes.

{Bridge, Radio. Monterey reports that they've finished launching fighters. ETA is fifteen minutes.}

"Fifteen minutes isn't fast enough!" Allison yells into the intercom.

{There's a flight of four hellcats inbound that have been rerouted from Combat Air Patrol. ETA is five minutes!}

"Thank you for the heads-up, bridge out!"

Outside the wheelhouse the sound of the anti-aircraft guns firing tapers off, though the five-inch guns still belch sheets of flame skyward at the withdrawing aircraft.

"A-are they gone?" Emily stutters, looking out at the sky through a pair of binoculars.

"No, that was just the first wave. They'll be back." Allison sighs.

"I got it! There's only two aircraft carriers capable of launching the Grace that have been sent to Japan, the first one is far to the north of us, but Taihō was part of a convoy bound for Nagasaki that came through here several days ago! It dropped out of the convoy and the escorts lost contact with it!" Savannah cheers, turning her tablet around to show me.

"How many planes can it carry?" I ask.

"Sixty-five, but only fifty-three can be launched at a time. The other twelve are held in reserve. In the last attack there were twenty-five aircraft, all of which were torpedo bombers. Meaning we should be relatively safe for a while."

"Slow us down, get a camera over the side and look at the damage. Have radio get me an ETA on Johnston." I order, stifling a yawn after I'm done giving orders.

Serena bounds out of the wheelhouse while Allison relays my request to the radio room. Despite the calm seas I stumble, but catch myself on the compass platform.

"You alright Dani?" Savannah asks, using her nickname for me.

"Yeah... I'm fine. Just need more coffee."

"What you need is sleep. ETA on Johnston is ten minutes. We should have them on radar soon." Allison snaps, hanging up the intercom phone.

{Bridge, Radar! Twenty contacts inbound from the west! Three thousand for eight miles! They just popped up!}

"Here we go again." Justin groans.

"These are probably fighters." Savannah warns. "They can't carry any bombs if they're the Sam's, but if they're Zeke's then we might have problems."

"Five-inch guns firing." Justin warns before giving the guns the order to fire. Due to the low altitude of the inbound planes the guns fire almost horizontally, giving the direction for all the other guns on the ship to point at when the rounds air-burst at five miles.

"Ahead full." I order, watching the black dots in the distance.

"Ahead full, aye."

With our rudders jammed at eighteen degrees the speed changes are the only way of changing our turning circle, and I intend on bringing everything to bear on the fighters.

"They're scattering. This isn't going to be easy, keeping them all off of us." Emily reports while watching the planes through a pair of binoculars.

"It never is easy repelling planes." I yawn back, feeling my lack of sleep despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Here they come…" Justin mumbles, making sure the straps on his vest are tight.

The silence of the 40mm Bofors guns unnerves me, and I momentarily wonder if they're paying attention before both the Bofors and Oerlikons open fire at the same time with the salvo from the five-inch guns signalling the start. The sudden fire from the guns makes a wall of tracers and flak bursts that would make any reasonable person break off the attack. That's where the severity of the virus strikes home, because none of the fighters vary from their courses. Some continue to encircle us while others streak in, angling for strafing runs.

"Have all non-essential personnel get belowdecks. Now." I snap, securing the chin strap on my helmet for the first time in our voyage.

The order is broadcast over the PA system, and a minute later the planes are on us, raking the deck with live ammunition.

"All personnel inside! Report to the command center for automated control!" I yell into the PA system right before the glass on the bridge shatters. Everyone drops to the floor as practiced, and though I do the same an impact on my left side knocks the wind out of me. I grab at my side and breathlessly rejoice when I feel that the vest caught the round.

"Everyone good?!" Allison yells, standing up once the fighters responsible pass overhead.

Still trying to regain the ability to breathe I pound on the floor with a closed fist, pushing myself up onto my hands and knees.

"Dani?! You okay?!" Savannah yells, rushing to my side. I give her a thumbs up and use her to haul myself to my feet. I take a deep breath and almost instantly regret it when the pain in my side flares up, threatening to put me on the ground again before there's a pop and I can breathe better. "Good…!" I squeak. She starts fussing over me like my mother before I stubbornly push her away, holding myself up with the radar repeater.

{Bridge, Radar! We have Johnston on the scope! Four more planes are flying in from the same direction!}

Another deep breath and there's a second pop in my back, then I can suddenly breathe at normal capacity again. "Motherfucker that hurt!" I groan, gasping for air.

{Bridge, Radio! The four hellcats are here! The lead pilot is asking to speak with the captain!}

I release the radar repeater and stumble my way across the bridge, still holding my throbbing side pointlessly when I grab the ship's phone. "Captain Schumer of the Meredith here."

{Hey there Sis', I think you owe me for saving your asses. Have your guns cease fire, we're coming in to chase these buggers off.}

"Yeah sure, whatever. I'll pay you back once this is over. Be careful."

{Always.}

I hang up the phone and turn to Justin. "All guns cease fire. It's our fighter's turn to give 'em hell."

Justin turns to the communications. "Cease fire! All guns, cease fire!"

The effect is almost instantaneous, none of the guns fire anymore, and the sound of planes overhead is the only thing that keeps the silence at bay. I turn to Samuel and grab at my side when the pain flares up again. "All stop."

"All stop, aye."

I start to walk to the bulkhead, but pause by Allison. "You have command, I'm gonna go get my ribs checked out."

"Aye. Go ahead and get some sleep while you're at it."

I continue trudging along and flash a thumbs-up over my shoulder before giving my brother a 'V for victory' as he flies past, then descending the ladder to the splintered deck, where people ferry more ammunition to each anti-aircraft gun in preparation for another attack. I move through the radio room and down the stairs into the belowdecks, following the path to the infirmary, where there's a small line of people getting treated for cuts and splinters.

"Welcome Captain, I take it you got hit?" The ship's nurse asks, helping me take off the protective vest.

"Yeah, I took a twenty. Vest caught it though. My ribs hurt like hell."

"You probably cracked a rib or two. This is gonna hurt, but I'm gonna need you to breathe deep."

She places a stethoscope against my back, and I do my best to breathe deep, ignoring the throbbing pain that accompanies the action. After a dozen or so deep breaths she takes the device off my back and starts gently prodding at my side with her fingers. The second she pushes in on the spot I suck in air through my teeth, holding the breath while she continues to prod around for a bit.

"Alright. I don't think anything's broken, but you're gonna have one hell of a bruise. I also note that you're suffering from some signs of exhaustion. How much sleep have you gotten in the last twenty-four hours?"

"Probably… hour and a quarter if I had to guess."

The nurse scowls at me before poking me in the collarbone, then pointing at the door. "You. Bed. Now."

I give a slow salute as I rise. When the ship's nurse gives you an order it doesn't matter if you're of higher rank, you listen to them. "Yes ma'am."

She scribbles down on a notepad and tears the page out, then hands it to me. "Good, now move it."


HMCS Rainbow

0712, September 21st

Status: Emergency Dive

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

As soon as the conning tower hatch was closed, a single order rang clearly through the Rainbow.

"Submerge 20m! Enemy air attack!"

Alarms and klaxons rang throughout the Rainbow as her crew was getting out of bed with haste. The boat was rocking as the wash of the Meredith hit her. Barely throwing on their shirts, many crewmen who were sleeping were still wearing their pajamas pants as they sprang into action. Swearing was heard as some, barely awake, ran into tables and other objects left haphazardly on the sub's floor.

Amid this chaos, Kinh, Al and Olson had gotten down from the top of the conning tower and into the control room where Oliver was managing things. Somehow, they had managed to hang on to the coffee pots.

"What's going on top-side sir?" the first mate asked with worry in his voice. "We heard alarms from the Meredith."

"Air attack and it's not a drill." replied Kinh. Another crewman reported that they had reached periscope depth when a shockwave hit the Rainbow.

"What the hell was that!?" cried out Oliver, "Another depth charge?"

"No, that was a bomb." stated Olson, "The impact wasn't as strong."

Sighs of relief were let out by the crew who overheard this.

"Periscope depth!" shouted Kinh. The sub leaned backwards as it progressively headed to a shallower depth. After a few moments, it leveled itself out as the crew operated the complex controls.

Kinh had moved over to the periscope and was looking at the surface. He saw the Meredith hold her own against waves of enemy aircraft.

"What the? Oh shit, their rudders are kaput," realized Kinh in fear as he saw the ship move in a circle. "Tabarnak… tabarnak. They're sitting ducks up there."

'And there's nothing we can do dammit!'

The sound of an anxious foot tapping mixed itself with the noise of a submarine crew's activities

Luckily, the planes break off as soon they ran out of bombs. The reprieve was brief as the Meredith's guns fire off again. This time however, the intruders come in lower and began strafing the destroyer.

The gun flashes from the main turrets ceased all of a sudden.

"Fuck!" shouted Kinh, "The Meredith's lost power!"

The crew behind him blanched as they digested the new information.

"Dammit," Oliver swore, "There's no way we can get everyone from that ship on board even if we wanted to!"

The first mate had his fists clenched while he tried to figure a solution.

"The best thing we can do is surface and signal for help once this is done," suggested calmly Olson, "As well as getting the more badly wounded people aboard."

Oliver seemed to calm down before grabbing the intercom.

"Medical personnel prepare for casualties!" he ordered before receiving his answer.

"Understood!" was the reply. It had a grim, determined tone to it.

A sudden shout from the periscope rang out with enough might to cause everyone's head to turn around.

"FUCK YEAH! HAHA!"

As every crewmember looked at the source, they saw Kinh grinning madly with a few tears of joy. "Eat that bitches!"

Oliver was the first to ask.

"Sir?"

"Friendly Hellcats. And take a look at this!" Kinh exclaimed as he pulled away from the periscope. He grabbed Oliver and almost gave his first mate a black eye as he pressed him to the eyepiece.

"Sir, could you try not to injure your First Mate!?" Oliver exclaimed in annoyance.

"Just shut up and look goddammit!" ordered Kinh. Oliver scowled in irritation but his irritation was soon replaced by elation. A hopeful smile appeared on his face as he saw the scene before him.

On the Meredith, a lone woman stood on the gantry, her hand doing an all too familiar sign, the V for Victory. Overhead, Hellcats flew proudly through the heavens like guardian angels driving off demons.

'We might just make it out alive,' Oliver thought.

"Get us topside gentlemen!" exclaimed Kinh, "We're gonna help them out a bit and got some rest as well."

The tension in the sub seemed to go down.


USS Meredith DD-726

1931 hours, September 21st

Status: finishing repairs

Location: 24.5462, 141.1572

"Captain, wake up. We've got problems."

I'm rousted by Allison, who holds several sheets of paper in her hand.

"What now?" I groan, easing myself into a sitting position.

"Convoy NGSK124 from San Francisco has reported that several of their Japanese ships have fired upon the convoy. Taihō was from that convoy, and as it is now all the infected ships seem to be converging on Iwo Jima. We need to act soon if we want to mount a rescue effort."

"Fuckin' lovely. What ships from that convoy are infected?"

"The heavy cruisers Maya, Atago, and Nachi. Light cruiser Ōyodo, and… the battleship… Mutsu."

I flinch at the battleship being listed, and turn slowly to face the deputy-chief. "... Are you fucking kidding me? Like, the Mutsu?"

"It would appear so. The light cruisers CL-89 Miami and CL-67 Topeka were both crippled, along with the battleship BB-60 Alabama. The cruisers Santa Fe CL-60, Portland CA-33, and Toledo CA-133 have been sent to assist us with the rescue effort."

"Well at least there's some good news. When will we rendezvous?" I ask, rubbing my eyes.

"We already have. Everyone is ready to set sail as soon as we finish getting the rudders unjammed."

"Oh, alright. Anything else?" I grunt while standing up.

"The Portland managed to get in contact with the Blue Mermaids. They're mustering, and they'll be in the area to take over tomorrow evening at the earliest. Yokosuka is also sending ships to assist. They should arrive some time tonight. The Rainbow gave us five torpedoes after the sky was cleared."

"More good news is just what I needed. I'll be topside in five minutes."

Allison salutes before leaving my quarters, closing the door behind her.

The prospect of getting changed is a painful one. My side is swollen, and a large portion of it is discolored from bruising. Each movement is prominently protested with aching, but I need to look presentable, so I push through the pain and manage to get myself dressed, though it takes twice as long as usual.

When I eventually get up to the deck I find that the fore torpedo launcher has been replenished, and I can see in the distance a cruiser, most likely the USS Portland judging from the silhouette. I make my way to the fantail first, where multiple people are gathered, some in wetsuits and removing SCUBA gear while others start to put up equipment.

"Rudders are unjammed Captain!" A wetsuit-clad Serena cheers when she sees me.

"Perfect. We need to get underway as soon as possible." I respond, giving the torpedo officer a thumbs-up. I turn and start to make my way up to the wheelhouse, moving slow as to not agitate my ribs. Eventually I manage to get up there, to find that the glass has been replaced in the windows, and most of the officers are gathered behind Savannah, who is showing them something on her computer.

"If we have the cruisers come in from the north they can act as a distraction and draw any ships away from the island, but that takes time, which is one thing we don't have." Allison points out. I've obviously missed the initial briefing, so I trust her judgement.

"We'll be going in as a fleet. The cruisers will keep the enemy cruisers busy while the Rainbow, Johnston, and us go in to pick up the survivors. Laffey will lay a smoke screen to ensure the enemy ships cannot fire on us." I cut in before anyone else can say anything. "We approach at night, and with any luck we'll be able to rescue everyone without having to fire a shot."

"It sounds like an okay plan Captain… but I'm pretty sure all of us will agree, it's not a good idea to rely on luck." Savannah counters, straightening up from the laptop.

"And that's why we're not relying on luck, we're relying on skill here. Relay my plan to the other ships. Helmsman, ahead slow, bring us around. Emily, get Samuel a bearing for Iwo Jima."

Everyone jumps into action, Allison moves to the intercom and relays the message to the radio room while Emily talks to the people in the chart room. Samuel sends the speed order to the engine rooms while Savannah approaches me.

"I'm going to schedule an X-ray for you as soon as we can get in contact with Japan. You took a twenty millimeter shell, so there's bound to be at least one broken bone."

"No Savannah, I'll be fine." I argue, but she grabs my shoulder and stares into my eyes.

"I'm not budging on this. I'll have the engineers haul you out duct-taped to a door if I have to."

"... Alright, fine."

"Oh, also the captain of the Rainbow wanted me to let you know that they went ahead to conduct reconnaissance."

I grunt to acknowledge I heard and start towards the coffee maker in the rear of the wheelhouse. "How much of a head start do they have?"

"Four hours. Last transmission we received they were submerging to start scoping out the area."

"Good forethought on his part. let's get this show on the road. We've got people to save."


Naval and aircraft terminology used:

E.O.T - Engine Order Telegram.

'Grace' - reporting name for the Aichi B7A 'Ryusei' torpedo/dive bomber.

'Sam' - reporting name for the Mitsubishi A7M 'Reppu' fighter.

'Zeke' - reporting name for the Mitsubishi A6M fighter.

Port - left

Starboard - right

Hellcat - Grumman F6F-3 Naval fighter.

Mess - dining area

Galley - kitchen