Chapter 20: Here's the Bad News
To describe the mood inside the Bakunawa's planning and operations room as dour would have been undercutting the severity of the situation, as the shipgirls and the Commander all crowded around the sprawling tactical planning table, holographic displays showcasing the utterly gargantuan Siren fleet now bearing down on them as additional personnel in attendance shifted uneasily.
"Current projections place the Siren fleet on a direct course for Azur Lane, estimated time of arrival being eleven days, thirteen hours and forty-two minutes. Their strength comes to a sum total of 732 vessels, 189 destroyers, 248 cruisers, 201 battleships, 53 carriers, an estimated 40 submarines and an unidentified vessel roughly the size of one of their supercarriers nestled in the center of the formation. And eight of the aforementioned carriers are of that same class."
The Commander grimly gestured to a more conventional screen overhead, showcasing a large map of the world with various portions glowing with small, noticeable lights.
"I put out the call to any and all contemporary naval assets that may be able to come to our aid, a number answering our hails. 8 battleships, 19 cruisers, 1 carrier and 13 destroyers will be on station near Azur Lane within nine day's time. Progress on the coastal guns and shield arrays has been greatly accelerated and should be online within a week."
The man clasped his hands behind his back, calmly announcing, "The floor is now open for questions."
"Commander, how are we supposed to engage this force? Even if we concentrated all our assets around the island after its defenses have been increased it would hardly make a difference. The first attack by the Sirens will be a tidal wave of artillery, missiles and fighter craft that even if we had three times the number of guns wouldn't be able to shoot down."
The Eagle Union officer's words were met with grim agreement by the room at large, even the shipgirls - with all of their improvements - painfully aware of the simple fact that they were massively outnumbered.
Enterprise, Vampire, Kawakaze and Warspite had taken on a fleet of fourteen Siren warships and come away with only light damage to Enterprise, odds of a bit more than three-to-one being perfectly manageable. By that metric they could conceivably take on up to five Siren warships of relative parity and still trade evenly.
The odds they faced now were somewhere in the ballpark of thirty to one. Even with force multipliers like the Bakunawa, the coastal guns and even the more standard naval elements...that was just too much.
The Commander wordlessly gestured to one of the various drones from the Bakunawa that hovered nearby, announcing, "In that regard we're in luck, we recently managed to activate a Siren computer aboard this ship that holds a great many records and recordings of Siren tactics and doctrine. Feeding this scenario into the device it gave off a series of suggestions and tactics that we further refined and have come up with a possible route to victory."
The shipgirls sent brief glances each other's way, knowing that it was actually just Alexander speaking through the device. If any of them were still alive after this whole ordeal they would really have to think about introducing him to humanity as a whole, this whole cloak-and-dagger business was swiftly headed towards demeaning rather than necessary.
[Engagement of Siren fleet at site of Azur Lane home base will result in complete destruction of local fleet. Recommended course of action is to take designation 'Bakunawa' and designations 'shipgirl' and engage larger force in small skirmishes, making use of greater speed and flexibility to avoid concentrations of enemy firepower. Once sufficient losses have been inflicted on main Siren fleet, stationary defenses at Azur Lane home base will be of sufficient power to eliminate remainder of enemy forces. Recommended force depletion is 70% or greater.]
A palpable sense of dread accumulated in the room, grimaces and quiet whispers filling the conference room as the Commander quickly called for order.
"Save the bellyaching for later! We're on a timetable here and I just so happen to concur with this plan being the only one available to us at the moment. Get back to your stations and triple-time that double-time! I want an inventory of every shell, bullet and grain of sand we have on this island, I want the civilians headed towards the mainland on the next available ship headed there and I want our fuel stocks topped off, is that clear?"
"YES SIR!"
"Then get to it! Shipgirls, stay behind so we can go over the finer details of the plan."
The room quickly cleared of the rest of Azur Lane personnel, hurrying to carry out their orders as an unsteady quiet grew, broken only by Z23 worriedly stating, "70% is, what, on the order of 500 vessels? How are we...Commander, is there no other option?"
Appearing from a hidden side door Alexander strode inside with a grim countenance, stating, "There isn't, but I've got an idea on how we might be able to make that utterly impossible number stick. Not to mention we may very well be getting another windfall in the wake of something Akashi, Essex and I-13 discovered not too long ago, even if by complete accident."
He pulled up the larger map of the Siren armada, explaining, "The Sirens simply have too many ships for us to enter any sort of real broadside against. Instead we're going to constantly nibble and pick away at their escorts and outer elements making use of the battleship's long range guns while everyone else keeps close and shields them from submarine and air attacks, which are likely going to be fierce and persistent. When the Sirens inevitably try to encircle us and crush our force with sheer numbers I'll make use of the Bakunawa's HELGA battery to clear a path for us. All the while U-522, I-13 and U-81 are going to be split off from us and trying to sink as many of the carriers or heavy battleships they can."
He faced the submarines directly with obvious regret, the trio of diminutive shipgirls caught between pride at being given such a crucial task and rightful apprehension.
"Even with the stealth and concealment enhancements you three will arguably be in the greatest danger, cut off from our support and actively hunted by the Sirens once they realize what you're doing. I'm sorry, but...there'll be no other better opportunity to strike at those vessels than through the three of you."
Squaring their tiny shoulders the trio of subs put on brave faces, U-81 playfully stating, "Heh, don't worry, Alexander~! All those years of hide-and-seek with those dumb ol' Sirens are gonna culminate in the best game yet, can't afford to lose now."
U-522 nodded in agreement, mechanical tail waving as she added, "Yeah, who better than us to get the drop on those big and slow beasts than us quick and sneaky types?"
Alexander's features softened, tone quiet as he replied, "Thank you, you three."
Shoukaku and Zuikaku placed their hands on I-13's shoulders, offering support as Prinz Eugen pulled the two subs in for a comforting - and embarrassing, if their cries of protest were any indication - hug, the Commander clearing his throat before continuing with, "Akashi, you'll be on base working full time in figuring out how to make as many of those fancy bombs as you can, we're almost certainly going to need them."
"Nya?! B-b-but Commander, I just got new upgrades and can fix up my sisters better than ever-"
"Akashi."
Curtis' blunt tone caused the tiny catgirl to halt her protests, the man's words as harsh as they were based in cold logic.
"We'll be running our ships at full speed almost the entirety of the battle and as much as your retrofit allows you to effect repairs...you won't be nearly as effective when we're under constant threat from air attacks, shelling and who knows what else the Sirens are going to be throwing at us. You'll be better served getting that bomb into working condition and being on hand at base when the siege inevitably hits, where a fast moving repair ship will be needed most. Not like we'll have any place left to run to if this island falls."
Clearly distraught at the cold reality of the situation it was Nagato who gently took her fellow's hand, calmly stating, "Akashi...can you be brave for us? Brave enough to stay behind and create a miracle?"
While her tail and ears drooped considerably it was with a miserable nod that Akashi acquiesced, Alexander quietly stating, "I'll leave you with as much information regarding the means of creating the bomb as I can, Akashi. Thank you."
The rest of the shipgirls also murmured or nodded their approval, the Commander loudly announcing, "Then there's nothing left to discuss. I'll be in my office coordinating the overall operation, we plan to have all of you leaving the island within six hours and no more, the more time you have to engage the Sirens away from Azur Lane the more time we'll have to fortify it against those bastards. Good hunting and move out!"
The shipgirls snapped off a round of salutes of varying professionalism, Alexander nodding as he immediately began going over what files and information he would leave with Akashi...and froze, Observer Zero appearing for the first time in many weeks in the corner of his vision, smiling beatifically at him as he felt his mouth form a snarl-
"Alexander? Are thou...alright?"
"You seem distressed."
Snapping out of his ruminations he found Vampire and Kawakaze standing by his side, both destroyers staring at him with clear concern despite the fact that they were probably just as worried as he was.
...Or maybe they weren't, they'd been fighting for a lot longer than he had.
"Sorry, just a little anxious about what's going to come moving forward. I thought I would be relieved by the fact that things were finally coming to a head, but…"
A slightly lopsided smile graced his lips.
"Guess I was dead wrong."
Kawakaze nodded in an understanding manner, Vampire's lithe form relaxing a fraction as she placed a comparatively tiny hand on his own, reassuring him with, "Thy anxiety is well warranted, Alexander...but rest assured, all of us shall be with you during the entire battle, shoulder to shoulder and gun to gun."
Her ruby eyes shone with a tired sort of experience.
"Tis not nearly so frightening that way."
Hesitating at her words the man eventually nodded, flipping his hand over and softly squeezing her delicate appendage in acknowledgement of her response.
"I'll keep that in mind. See you in a few hours when we depart."
He spared Kawakaze a final pat on the head - the Sakura seeming torn on whether to accept the gesture stoically or happily - before they followed in their sister's wake without a backward glance, Alexander already able to hear the distant shouting and clamor of Azur Lane as it sprung into action.
"What the fuck are you hoping to get out of this? How are we supposed to beat this many of your ships?"
Observer Zero casually perched on the edge of the planning table, idly kicking her legs back-and-forth as she explained, "The purpose of these tests is to ensure that you are sufficiently prepared for when the Sirens inevitably arrive on this planet. To that end, you are now confronted with odds humanity did not face even during the height of the original war."
A smug smile appeared on the pale-skinned woman's face.
"Would you not agree that is a rather wonderful way to ascertain your readiness, if you were to emerge victorious against a force not even all of humanity at its height was able to defeat?"
The male scowled, furiously growling, "Assuming anyone is left alive at the end of it. And how do we know we won't simply expend our strength on this battle, only to find another couple hundred ships bearing down on us a day later, or other parts of the world while we're dealing with this?"
Zero arched an eyebrow, amusedly asking, "You make it sound as if responding to Purifier's assault is a choice you have any initiative to make."
Filing that name away for future perusal Curtis found the bitch of a Siren offering up a bored yawn, lazily responding, "But I suppose a little bit of assurance can't hurt...if you emerge victorious from this battle then know that you just engaged three-fourths of all available Siren assets and destroyed them, a number that will significantly impact our ability to wipe you off the face of the planet. You will never again face a fleet this size, should you win the day."
Facing down the guileless Siren Alexander grit his teeth...and turned away from her with a snarl of frustration.
"Fine. Your point is made, now fuck off and let me work."
A sultry giggle left the woman, eyes flashing as she demured, "But of course, Alexander. I eagerly look forward to your performance."
And with that she faded from view, the male Siren returning to compiling what information he had on the bomb Akashi would be constructing, trying to ignore the curling sensation in his gut.
He'd spent so much time ensuring the shipgirls were of sound mind and soul, the relative peace and quiet leading up to this very moment allowing him to grow attached and become intimately aware of all their individual quirks and personalities…
How many were going to survive the coming battle?
"We all loaded up and ready to go? We've got a big show to put on today and I don't want to mess it up, that's for sure!"
"Worry not, sister. We're as ready as ready can be."
"Yeah, what Lexy said! We just need to-EH?!"
With a dull, metallic thunk San Diego's head impacted the metal flooring of Saratoga's flight deck, the red-haired shipgirl having tripped over her own feet as the rest of her sisters sent her a resigned, knowing look.
"Laffey thinks Sandy's head should be able to deflect artillery shells by now."
"Well she's not wrong…"
Laffey and Javelin's quiet remarks caused the cruiser to snap her bruised head upwards, protesting, "I'm not that accident prone, don't make fun of me!"
The brief moment of familiar levity was broken as a slew of drones from the Bakunawa airlifted a number of pallets from the ship towards one of the steadily growing coastal gun batteries, Z23 tucking her legs into her chest as she muttered, "This all feels so...surreal."
"Which part? The war or the enemy force we're up against? I don't see what the big deal is, it's nothing we haven't-"
Aurora set a hand on Hipper's shoulder, the Ironblood trailing off into silence as she muttered, "Sorry, sister."
The destroyer just nodded in acceptance, Ayanami, Javelin and Laffey crowding close to her as they all observed the hive of activity taking place on the island, Saratoga, Lexington and San Diego joining them a moment later as Aurora and Hipper also watched the controlled chaos.
"...You know, when I first saw this island I couldn't have been any less enthused."
All eyes turned towards Hipper, the blonde Ironblood sounding uncharacteristically pensive.
"Eugen and the rest kept talking about how it was some kind of great experiment, a crowning achievement of what shipgirls and humans alike could achieve...all I could see was a bunch of enemies fooling my sisters into believing they were friends, turning them weak and stupid."
A humorless snort escaped the Ironblood.
"Still not sure when I became one of those stupid people."
"Join the club."
Z23's dry tone caused Lexington and Saratoga to chuckle, the idol sisters turning to them as the older lightly suggested, "Perhaps it was when you all met us? We are rather personable people."
"Yeah, what big sis Lexy said! And let's make sure to all come home afterwards, okay? We're gonna have the biggest concert ever to celebrate our victory~!"
Ayanami tilted her head, asking, "With the sound equipment you stole from the Bakunawa-"
"Appropriated is the correct word, thank you very much!"
"-correct?"
Lexington smiled, petting her protesting sister's head as she replied, "But of course. We've done some preliminary tests with it and the results are quite impressive, to say the least."
Laffey's bunny ears perked, tone more lively than normal as she asked, "Drinking and music party?"
Aurora giggled, remarking, "I imagine there will indeed be a great deal of drinking."
The rabbit-eared shipgirl turned towards Azur Lane, rare expression of determination upon her soft features.
"Then Laffey will save our home for sure."
Javelin took her friend's hand in her own, the rest of the shipgirls following suit as they all watched over the island they had come to view as paradise, resolute in their desire to see it spared the coming onslaught.
"I can't believe you're doing this to me, nya…"
Nagato comfortingly gathered Akashi's hands - still concealed deep within her voluminous sleeves, even now - in her own, the Sakura battleship stating, "It's a cruel thing to leave you behind, this I know...but your work in developing this new weapon might very well end up being the weight that tips the scales in our favor, especially if the battle we engage in does not go well."
Miserably nodding the diminutive catgirl nonetheless tried to hold herself straight in front of her empress, Elizabeth nodding in satisfaction at the display from where she stood nearby, regally stating, "Your courage in this matter is noted and approved of, sister Akashi. We shall all be counting on you."
"I'll do my best, your majesty."
"Ooh, ooh! Can you maybe make it deliverable by air? A big new bomb that can be used by carriers would be so cool!"
"It might be pretty heavy, nya...but ease of transport is a big part of how to make weapons useful, hmm…"
I-13's comment seemed to spark a multitude of thoughts and ideas to begin racing through the Sakura's mind, Essex affectionately ruffling their heads as she cautioned, "Don't try to go overboard, Akashi. Just focus on making something that works first, rather than something that's perfect."
"Do you think I'm some kind of second-rate engineer, nya?!"
Warspite sighed at the continuing debate between the three machine-heads, gazing out from the deck of Nagato's battleship where they had met and regarding the sight of her sister's many vessels with some wry amusement.
"Not long ago the sight of a harbor with so many Siren-themed vessels would have set my pulse racing and adrenaline spiking...now it's a sign that we may yet have hope."
"Tis an odd turn of fate indeed, Lady Warspite."
"Mmm."
Vampire and Kawakaze's shared perspectives as they stood aside her were corroborated by Nagato and Elizabeth, the respective leaders of their factions looking out over the scene with contemplative airs.
"Would I be considered a romanticist for interpreting this view as something of a promise for a brighter future? Siren, human and shipgirl alike, all unified as one?"
Elizabeth snorted at Nagato's mildly wistful comment, musing, "Were you to have told me weeks ago that we would be aligned with Sirens and be grateful for it...well, court jester seems like fitting enough of a duty, does it not?"
"It is as you say, your majesty."
The comfortable silence continued for a few moments, Nagato turning to Kawakaze and asking, "I heard from Ichika that you were acting out of sorts the other day, sister...did you perhaps take my words to heart?"
Her tail and ears briefly stood in agitation before the appendages smoothed themselves out, Kawakaze looking to the side before muttering, "Is such a conversation truly necessary on the eve of battle, empress?"
"Now could very well be the only remaining chance we have."
Unleashing a soft sigh as the Sakura destroyer noted how the rest of her sisters also seemed to be listening with rapt attention, curiosity and eagerness plain to see as she grumbled, "I have...considered being more open and vocal with my thoughts."
"Oh hoh, it seems that yet another of our own has fallen sway to the wiles and charms of Alexander, perhaps I should withdraw dear Belfast before she too succumbs to his presence~?"
The teasing words of Elizabeth caused Kawakaze's hair to stand on end before she yet again mastered herself, calmly replying, "You may think as you wish, your majesty."
None of her fellows took those words at face value, instead staring at her slightly flushed neck and cheeks, Nagato shaking her head in fond exasperation before stating, "Then please return to Azur Lane when this battle is over and done, sister...we would like to hear more of your supposedly 'vocal' thoughts and opinions."
Feeling a brief swell of conflicting emotions that seized her throat as she gazed at her assembled sisters, all smiling and nodding at her, Kawakaze settled for the old saying that less was more.
"...I shall try. And thank you."
"Aah, my brave little kriegerins...here you are, with the most daunting task of all of us and yet you still remain so brave…"
"E-Euegen, you're suffocating...me…"
"M-most subs aren't equipped with...such large and well-stocked...torpedo tubes…"
Tirpitz sighed and gently extricated U-81 and U-522 from Prinz Eugen's suffocatingly affectionate hold, more generous assets squishing the submarine's faces and cutting off their air supply.
Even subs had a limit to how long they could hold their breath, after all.
"Excessive means of showing it aside, Eugen is quite right...the two of you are some of the bravest of my sisters I've ever met."
Both subs instantly turned bashful at the tall and statuesque Ironblood's quiet words, U-81 responding, "Well, geez, it's kind of awkward when you say it like that...and, you know…"
U-522 rubbed the back of her head, playful words unable to completely hide the slight stiffness and rigidity to her posture.
"We are kinda scared. Just a little bit."
Shoukaku and Zuikaku kneeled close by, smiling at the smaller shipgirls as the pale-haired carrier stated, "And you are all the more courageous for it. May we ask you to watch over I-13 for us? Our little sister has a tendency to be more...enthusiastic in her actions."
Zuikaku wrly nodded in assent with her sister's comment, adding, "She's always tried to act as if she was a full blown carrier rather than a precision combatant...in such a crucial and desperate time like this one we fear that mindset may be dialed up to eleven."
The pair of subs gave exaggerated salutes to the Sakura pair, U-81 boldly announcing, "Have no fear, we're on the case and will make sure I-13 doesn't try to take on a carrier battlegroup all by herself!"
The other sub quietly murmured, "She would totally try to do that…"
"...Yeah, she would."
Giving Prinz Eugen and Tirpitz one last series of hugs the submarine duo were off and running to their respective vessels, the quartet joined by Enterprise and Belfast.
"Considering our long and storied history of conflict I find it incredibly strange, even to this very day, that we fight on the same side for mutual goals, Grey Ghost."
Enterprise heaved out a sigh, affixing Zuikaku with a consternated expression while Belfast and the rest seemed amused at the Eagle Union carrier's exasperation.
"To this day you still are unable to let bygones be bygones?"
"What, you have suddenly also forgotten about our past disputes? And don't think being granted the chance to test your new and improved aircraft in a real life engagement will give you an edge, Grey Ghost! Sister and I will outstrip your kill tally yet!"
The Sakura duo and singular Eagle Union shipgirl stared each other down...and the three promptly released soft laughter, tension dissipating just as quickly as it came, Shoukaku wistfully gazing out towards the horizon as she tiredly murmured, "How long has it been, since we entered into our rivalry? Sixteen years?"
Enterprise took a moment to consider the guess, eventually removing her cap and allowing her pale hair to flutter in the breeze as she tiredly replied, "I believe you're right. Six years at war between our nations, ten with the Sirens...and now this."
Belfast tittered, idly remarking, "One would think sixteen years would be plenty to cure a few immature sisters of mine of their more foolish and childish squabbling."
All three carriers turned to the head maid with betrayed looks, Prinz Eugen mirthfully chuckling as she remarked, "Oh my, it seems our little Belfast has delivered another of her trademark barbs-"
"But at least progress has been made, unlike a certain sister of ours who still insists on needling and sniping at others like a schoolyard bully."
Tirpitz cracked a small smile, lightly remarking, "I do believe she's talking about you, Eugen."
"Oh, really? I hadn't noticed," was the Ironblood's disgruntled response.
Turning their collective gazes towards the lightly swaying form of the Bakunawa Enterprise suddenly asked, "Do we have a chance? Or is this just a desperate last stand, pretending that our retrofits and upgrades will be enough to turn the tide?"
Amongst other company such a statement might have seemed off putting or even defeatist...but the group of shipgirls surrounding the carrier were more than passingly familiar with her, Tirpitz calmly but confidently replying, "No, there is a chance...a slim one, one where I could not even begin to fathom the sacrifice needed to achieve it...but we can do it."
The uncharacteristically hopeful and confidant words from the Ironblood - couched in harsh reality as they were - caused the rest of the group to nod, Belfast stating, "Then let us seize that light with all of the skill and power we possess, sisters...I fear master Alexander would not fare well if his plans were to result in too many casualties."
Prinz huffed, commenting, "Try any casualties, Liebste that he is."
The group smiled, Enterprise lacing her hand through Belfast's as they allowed a peaceable quiet to grow between them.
It wasn't a pleasant thing to dwell on - and would no doubt hurt just as much as it always did - but the simple reality of the situation was that some of them were going to die...maybe a lot of them, upgrades or not.
But for now, being among friends and the closest thing to family they had was enough.
"We're all set here, ready to depart."
[You sure you ready for this, son?]
"No. In fact I'm scared shitless, I never served and this is more or less the first real battle I've been a part of...and it's one of this magnitude against odds that are utterly absurd, humanity's survival riding on the outcome."
Alexander tried to calm himself, to work past the nerves plaguing his mind...and largely failed, anxiety eating away at his confidence. Yes, the Bakunawa was easily the most durable and powerful ship of their fleet and he had countless years of knowledge and tactics more or less burnt into his brain...but he didn't have the experience needed to take full advantage of that information, the hands on know-how that would allow him the skill to turn the Bakunawa into a true force of nature.
[A valid concern...but you do know you're not alone out there, right? Rely on the shipgirls to cover the gaps in your knowledge, your ability. They've been doing this for a long time and right now you're a team. Bear that in mind and I have faith you'll do just fine out there.]
Releasing a quiet sigh Alexander nodded, murmuring, "You're right...sorry, kinda lost my cool there."
Straightening from where he sat on his command throne Alexander nodded to himself, the time of their departure bare seconds away as he sent a mental command to warm up the Bakunawa's engines, a soft yet powerful rumble causing the ship to hum as the Commander parted with, [Do us proud out there, son. We'll have the base locked up nice and tight when or if those Siren bastards come knocking.]
The man signed off to speak with the rest of Azur Lane, a motivational speech or something that he didn't really pay attention to as he instead watched the rest of the fleet maneuver into position around him. Destroyers and cruisers in a wide, encircling arc while the Bakunawa floated amidst them, battleships flanking the colossal vessel while the carriers resided safe and protected within the center of their formation, trio of submarines either scouting far away from the main body of the armada or pacing safely among them.
It was a showing of force that could have single-handedly conquered the world given the technology and weaponry available to them...but against the foe they had to face Curtis couldn't help but worry that it was going to be inadequate.
The speech concluded, engines rumbled and with a sense of quiet determination filling his mind from the assembled shipgirls they departed Azur Lane, the male allowing the calming emotions to keep his own in check with a grateful breath.
"Alright...let's get down to business."