APRIL 15, 2013
A pair of kaleidoscope eyes surveyed the city skyline with growing interest. In a few minutes, the first of the runners would come by their owners dock. Constitution looked forward to that. Lots of people meant lots of attention and what ship didn't like that? The aging Ship of State held herself high and proud upon the water. "Show off." muttered Perry, a modern day frigate moored nearby. Constitution merely stuck her tongue at her in reply. Immature for a former US Naval Fleet Leader but she didn't care. She was enjoying herself. Perry snorted behind her and turned her attention back to a pair of fish that were swimming lazily beneath the waves. "Just a little closer." She murmured to herself.
After a little more waiting, Constitution's battle instincts grew more on edge. She sensed something amiss, she just didn't know what. Her ears wide open and her nostrils flaring, she listened for anything that might indicate trouble. There was no warning, Constitution never sensed anything before she saw it. A puff of smoke in the distance. From her position, it might not have looked like much, just another part of the festivities. But the old warship knew better. Her nostrils flared as she breathed in the strong, almost overwhelming, smell of black powder struck her. That was the last straw for her. With a simple flick of her head, Constitution threw her mooring lines away and raced to the scene.
She was scolded by several officials for leaving her berth but she accepted the reprimand, knowing they were merely concerned for her safety, as well they should be. Who knew how many other devices had been planted. On the dock nearby, Constitution caught the distinct dull shine of metal. Curious, she moved towards it, picking it up in her teeth. Her years of combat had made her well attuned to the scents of black powder and this hunk of junk gave off heaps of it. "I think I found something." She said, her voice muffled behind the metal. An FBI agent came over to her. "Let me see." He said, holding out his hand. She dropped the piece of metal lightly into it. He patted her nose in thanks and observed. "What is it?" Constitution asked. "It looks like a piece of a pressure cooker." He replied. Constitution's breath hitched. "A bomb?" She asked. He nodded. "Fraid so."
Constitution was no stranger to such tactics. 2 of the 4 planes used in the September 11 attacks were from Boston Airport and she'd known, from the moment they took off she had sensed the sinister quality about them, that something tragic would occur. But she had no time to warn anyone. She'd woken up this morning feeling a bit uneasy but she merely attributed it to her late night excursion previous. Now she knew better and she knew, just by looking at the remains of the once potent bomb, just who was behind this. "Those fucking bastards!" She growled. "I'm assuming you know who's behind this." The agent said as she started to pace. Not pausing, Constitution replied "11 years ago, a pair of planes took off from Boston Airport, a few miles from where I was docked. I could sense something sinister about them but I had no time to give out a warning before tragedy struck. I'm getting the same sense now, the exact same." She halted, growing weary of her efforts but her eyes, a minute ago a bright assortment of hundreds of colors, now turned coal black with fury and her teeth, her razor sharp dagger teeth, became bared up to the gumline. "There's is a stench I'd recognize anywhere." She snarled. "Al Queda." The agent growled. Constitution nodded, keeping her eyes on the waterfront. "The FBI will find the bastards!" The agent promised. "What is your name, sir?" She asked, a tinge of authority seeping its way into her voice. "Bainbridge ma'am." He replied, standing at attention. "Isaac Bainbridge." She tipped her head to one side. "Interesting." She mused. "Are you..." "Yes. William was my great, great grandfather." He finished for her. Her eyes widened slightly, the black orbs turning a vibrate shade of green. "So that's why I can sense you." She murmured. He nodded, reaching out with one hand. She accepted the offer, pressing her prow against his fingertips. His other hand came up to join his first, his fingers tracing the unique curves in her hull. Constitution's eyes turned amber before she closed them, purring contentedly. "I have no idea who caused this directly, but you have my word I will find the bastards and take them out." He growled. Eyes still closed, Constitution murmured "Let me help." Bainbridge hesitated. "Oh, Constitution I don't know.." He began. "Please." She begged, her eyes turning a deep shade of blue as she pleaded with him. He shifted, still uncertain. "We Bostitonians have to stick together." She said. "Well alright but if it gets too dangerous, you're off the case, got it!" He growled. She nodded. "I hope I can handle it." She grinned.
Bainbridge left a few hours later but he was back by days end. Constitution had returned to her dock, getting permission from her caretakers to take part in the investigation. "Tsarnaev. There are two brothers, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan. That's who we're looking for." He told her. "We'll find them." She growled. "If it's the last thing we do, we will find them." There was a fire in her eyes that hadn't been seen by anyone of this generation. It was a fire that was lit when a warship fought, when she was at war. But nothing, not 1812, nor Barbary, not even the horrors of 9/11 could've ever sparked the flame that lit Constitution's currently silver eyes. Her birthplace, her home, her city had been attacked. Her people's blood had been spilled this day and by God she was going to avenge them.
She remained awake that night. Anyone driving by her berth would've seen her proud outline against the starlit sky, her kaleidoscope gaze flashing in the darkness, the faint glint of her bared teeth seen as well, as she kept careful watch over her beloved home.
