[Azur Lane Bismarck]
A curry competition isn't exactly the way I'd celebrate Easter, but to each their own.
We were all stood behind our outdoor tables. Prinz was stood with me and the requested equipment and ingredients were all ready.
There was a table where this world's Akagi and Kaga would be, but our Akagi and Kaga decided to give it a go, despite the fact the last time Akagi tried to cook something she set the base on fire. Again.
I hoped Kaga would keep her under control as we set about cooking the curries.
"Just like I showed you, Prinz."
"Ja… like this?"
"Ja. Good work." I encouraged.
Looking around, I saw the other contestants.
Shimakaze and her sentient turret working hard. With a pre-made curry mix. And now she's eating it.
Kongou and her sister using ingredients I've never seen before. Oh, they're tasting it. And they fainted.
DD6 with their golden pot and… a flamethrower!?
How the hell did the Kriegsmarine ever fail this!?
"Bismarck!" Prinz brought me back to ours. I managed to save the currywurst from overcooking.
[Azur Lane Pacific Commander]
Shinano's been asleep for longer than usual… she must be having a very nice dream. She kept smiling and was hugging the body pillow that Taihou left here when she last visited. She even wrapped her tails around it.
I kinda wished I was in that pillow's place.
Believe me, I've tried to get rid of that thing but it keeps coming back somehow. It's even found its way into my bed a couple of times until Mikasa changed my lock for me and gave me the new key…
Anyway… I wondered what she was dreaming about, until I got a call from the patrol team.
"This is the Commander. Report." I ordered professionally.
"Shikikan-sama, this is Akagi." Ah, so the alternate Akagi and Kaga went above and beyond to help out here. While I was impressed, I worried for them. They were far more physically human than the Kansen.
"What's the situation, Miss Akagi?" I asked, not used to that name being used by so one so level-headed.
"We've been sending our planes on recon patrols and they found a massive Siren Carrier Battle Group on course for the base!"
I stood up quick, "What!? How many Carriers!?"
"Looks like 2 double-hull vessels with dual runways, Shikikan-sama. Accompanying them are 2 Battleships, 5 Heavy Cruisers and 10 Destroyers. I've not seen an enemy force so large since Midway… I think I see two humanoid targets there…"
Two Humanoid Sirens!? Shit… that may mean it's at least an Arbiter and her Enforcer. Whenever it's an Elite they're here alone.
"Retreat immediately, Akagi! We'll use the full force of the base against them!"
"Hai! Come, Kaga!"
I grabbed the receiver for the base tannoys and slammed the alarm button. I announced, "All available ships to battlestations! Large Siren fleet incoming!" I saw everyone scrambling out if their dorms, training areas and cafeteria, even the Sardegna girls, to my surprise. I didn't expect them to help this much. I got on the radio and started barking orders.
Shinano woke up and said, "This one will help, too…" As she walked out. I almost felt bad waking her.
"Carriers, get our patrol back safe and establish air dominance ASAP! Battleships, get ready to provide support for the Vanguards!"
[Azur Lane Prinz Eugen]
Great. Now Wales would have another excuse to stall on her answer. She kept me waiting for ages for her to decide.
Maybe she thought I was joking…?
Oh well, at least I got to blow off some steam on these Sirens. They needed to be taught a lesson for interrupting my teasing of the flattest sister in existence, hehe~
We arranged ourselves into defensive formations and saw the Siren fleet on the horizon. Looking up, we saw our Carrier fleet's air wings flying out to intercept theirs. We all had our AA ready while our Battleships readied their artillery as they had the most range.
My rigging sharks were quite literally chomping at the bit to start fighting. Or is it "champing?" Eh, who knows?
I saw Wales on the back line with the Eagle Union Kansen. Looks like this Kommandant actually read up on our abilities. She seems happy, but she avoided eye-contact with me when she realised I was looking at her.
I suppose that was her answer. I probably came on far too strong. At least she's stopped taunting me.
Bismarck is probably right. We Iron Bloods are fools to think we're worthy of love after all we've done-
"EUGEN! Are you listening!?" Tirpitz yelled.
"Huh?" I looked at her. She and the rest of Iron Blood were staring at me.
"Bismarck was giving orders! Were you listening to her or staring at the backline!?"
"Ah… forgive me, Frau Tirpitz. Explain to me again?" I asked, a little embarrassed.
I heard Deutschland mutter, "Eugen's losing it, I swear…"
The alternate Bismarck radioed to me, "Eugen, I studied your abilities and I know you prefer to be up close to the enemy. I want you leading our Vanguard fleet. Show us why you're one of my other self's most trusted retainers."
"Jawohl." I responded as I moved to the front of Iron Blood's Vanguard, trying not to think about Wales. The Sirens were getting closer.
"Attention all ships." Our Kommandant spoke over the radio, "This enemy fleet consists of two Queens, 2 Rooks, 5 Bishops and 10 Pawns, along with two humanoid Sirens. I suspect they are either an Arbiter and an Enforcer, or potentially two Arbiters. Stay alert and be ready for anything. Remember they can't use a Mirror Sea on us, thanks to Akashi. Stay close to the base but don't let them near. I'm counting on you girls. Make me proud!"
Ah, so this Kommandant actually has a plan? I won't have to train him after all~
[Azur Lane Pacific Commander]
I saw Eugen move to the front and deploy her shields for everyone. I wondered what was on her mind as it she seemed to zone out for a moment. I also wondered for a moment where Belfast was. Enterprise wasn't there, either. I guess Bel still isn't ready to return to service yet and wanted E with her. I was glad she wasn't pushing herself. I'd hate for her mental state to worsen. Plus, with the combined might of the Kansen here, and Warspite's new vessel, I hoped she wasn't needed.
Anyway, when everyone was ready and the air wings were sent out, all we had to do then was wait. I had the Battleships launch scout planes to fly around the island to make sure we weren't caught out by flanking manoeuvres. If I've learned anything, it's that the Sirens always have something up their sleeves…
Which is why I was so nervous. This attack seemed for too blunt, even for the less tactical Sirens. There had to be something else going on, but I couldn't find it.
"All ships, maximum alert for anything else out of the ordinary. Keep your heads on swivels." I ordered. I looked to my right to see Javelin, Z23, Ayanami and Laffey stood with me as they wanted to guard me. Seemed like Jav was warming up to me. "You four, go check the base. We don't want to be attacked by an infiltrator."
"Herr Kommandant, we should stay and make sure you're safe!" Z23 argued.
"Laffey and Ayaya will protect Commander…" the sleepy bunny suggested while hugging me, "Nimi and Javvy go check the base…"
"I'll be just fine with the bunny and the demon here, Zed. Go make sure the base is secure. There's something else the Sirens are doing, there always is." I repeated.
"Jawohl!" The Iron Blood saluted and left with the still silent Javelin.
I then radioed on a secret channel, "Warspite. You know what to do."
"With utmost pleasure, Commander." The warcorgi responded as her vessel submerged, hidden behind the Battleship line.
[Arbiter: Temperance XIV]
Of course the massive data spike came from the most fortified Azur Lane base. I didn't know what they did, but that was what I was there to find out, before Zero sent one of her lackeys to investigate.
The other Sirens… they're fools for trying to stop the inevitable. All that can really be done is gather as much knowledge as possible and pass it on before the Leviathans destroy it all. Those insects don't seem to realise that. I had to steal this fleet from Tower. At least my Enforcers, Equilibrium and Harmony, know their place. I sent one into the base via portal to investigate for me while I have Azur Lane distracted. All I had to do was wait for her report and then have the mass-produced vessels cover our escape. At the very least I can use the cover of testing the now combined main 4 Azur Lane powers should Zero demand an explanation from me.
Also, something over in that base managed to kill Purifier and drive Observer crazy, so I'm not going in just yet.
Anyway… it seemed the Carriers sent out their planes. I then had Equilibrium do the same and establish air dominance. Annoyingly, that proved far more difficult than I'd have liked.
"Temperance." My Enforcer said, "Their air wings are overall more powerful, but Akagi and Kaga's are now a lot less dangerous."
"Hmm… interesting… I don't see their giant foxes or their flaming planes… keep an eye on them. Something isn't right. Their Battleships all have their vessels deployed while everyone else is using riggings. I don't see Enterprise here, either." I switched to Harmony, "Report. Where is Enterprise?"
"Now what have I told you about manners, honey?" She annoyingly reminded me. "You could ask nicely."
"You're right. I could. Report." I repeated.
"Well, from what I've managed to gather from inside the base and from their databanks, it seems that a Kansen has become pregnant."
That made me pause. That's not possible… is it?
"What?"
"Indeed. I was shocked as well. This has only happened in 0.6% of all timelines we've ever observed. This could be an opportunity to enhance our chances of fighting the Leviathans. Imagine a Kansen with the qualities of a human as well."
"That could mean they're weaker as they're half human, which are inferior." I argued.
"Yes, but there have been many exceptional humans, yes? Remember the stories of Adrian Carton de Wiart? Alvin York? Simo Häyhä? Or perhaps Milunka Savić?"
"You've been listening to threat Swedish band again, haven't you?" I asked.
"Perhaps, but my point is that their positive qualities still exist in a lot of humans with the willpower and the strength to do so, where Kansen usually just exist to follow orders and blow things up."
Hmm… "Yes… you make a point… their decision making and autonomy were something to consider… a Kansen with their kind of reliability and independence… very well. Have you found out what the surge in power was?"
"Still working on that, sweetie. I'll get back to you." Harmony said before she hung up. That girl, I swear…
This battle is getting off hand now. She'd better hurry up.
[Azur Lane Prince of Wales.]
Bloody hell… I think Eugen might have the wrong idea. I averted my gaze because every time I look at her now… my heart… anyway… now that I can finally use my skills, the Eagle Union Kansen have been benefitting from it.
Of course, I equally gain from fighting alongside them, too. I've never felt stronger, even more so than fighting alongside my own sisters, I dare say. I must remember to thank this new Commander. It's quite a nice change, but not before a serious talk with Eugen.
"Lady Cleveland!" I yelled at the Eagle Cruiser, who was about to take a massive hit. I used my skill on her and boosted her shield, which stacked with the shield Eugen generated for her, which allowed her to tank the hit and keep on going.
"Thanks, Wales!" She gave me a thumbs-up, which felt nice. "I owe ya one!"
"We appreciate the support, Miss Wales." Yorktown nodded to me, "Keep it up. We'll cover you."
I looked over at George, who surprisingly looked back, smiled and nodded, as if she were proud of me for finally being able to play to my own strengths. She must've seen what just happened.
Despite the fact we're fighting the biggest Siren fleet I've seen in quite a while, today is a good day.
[Enforcer: Harmony]
After cutting the line to dear Temperance, I sifted through the rest if the databanks here, but I couldn't find anything on the power surge… not even the packets of data hidden around by Infiltrator before her demise helped…
Hmm…
I went to the lab. I thought perhaps it came from there. Cloaked, I strolled right on in and saw the green cat that Observer tried to have killed back when Orochi was being developed. Alongside her was one of the Kansen from the Sardegna Empire. So this is where they went. But why?
Ah, there was the machine blocking our Mirror Seas. I contemplated shutting it down, but that would raise far took much suspicion.
Also, in the lab, presumably because it's the safest place in the base, were the pregnant Light Cruiser Belfast and the legendary Carrier Enterprise… why was she there? She'd have been far more useful in the battle…
Oh, well. That wasn't what I was there to find out. Floating up to the corner of the room, I activated my "Fly-On-The-Wall Protocol."
[Azur Lane Enterprise]
"I should be out there…" I muttered, thinking of the fight going on outside. I looked at Belfast who smiled at me. I felt a strong need to go out there, but not as strong as the need to stay here for her. I promised not to leave her, but—
"Enty." Bel said to me. I looked at her and she pulled me close. She kissed me and said, "Go help them."
"A-Are you sure, Bel?" I asked, bright red again.
"I'd prefer you stay… but I couldn't forgive myself if someone else died as a result of you not being able to help them. It is terribly selfish for me to keep you here. Go." She ordered.
"The old Bel really is coming back, isn't she?" I smiled back.
"Feeling more like myself every second I'm with you, Enty. Now please… just go. I have Lady Akashi and Lady Da Vinci here to help me if I need them. I'll be fine."
I kissed her back and said, "Be right back." With a wink, I took off from the lab.
[Azur Lane Belfast]
Even though I promised her I'd be fine… my heart started beating much faster when she wasn't there with me…
"Pull yooehrself togeder, you stupid Cruiser. You're supposed to be de 'ead Maid, start acteng like it again!" I thought to myself.
"Ahem." I cleared my throat, getting the attention of the two scientists.
"Are you okay, signorina? I heard what you went through…" Da Vinci asked.
I nodded and replied, "You're kind to ask, Ma'am. Yes… I think. I like to believe I'm getting better. Miss Enterprise and Miss Bremerton have been helping me a lot. I'd like to ask you a few questions, however."
"Sì? What would you like to know?"
"How did you bring back Lady Warspite? Can it be done again for our fallen comrades?"
[Enforcer: Harmony]
…what?
Thank the Creator I'd already started recording. Reviving a dead Kansen? This is something I'd never heard of in any other timeline.
The green cat enthusiastically answered instead, "U-556-san managed to get data from the former Atlantic HQ, nya! Now that it's a Siren base, they took the data from the scrapper, nya! She brought that here and we found all the data from Kansen who had been sent into it, nya! We used that to bring back the most recent victim, Warspite-sama, and put her data into a spare blank Cube, nya!" While waving her ridiculous sleeves up and down.
Impressive… this is Siren-level science she's doing now… maybe letting her go after she saw Orochi was a good idea, after all…
"That's incredible…" The Maid replied. "But only those who were sent into that ghastly thing can be brought back?"
The Sardegnan one nodded, "Sì. We'll have to use it as a base for reviving those lost in battle or by other means." While working on a robotic arm. She was adding an upper section and shoulder joint to it. I instantly deduced it was for that alternate Bismarck.
Staring at the arm, I then had an idea. I quietly picked up a beaker and…
[Azur Lane Belfast]
We heard the sound of glass breaking and all three of us looked at where it came from. Finding a shattered beaker, we assumed it fell off the shelf above.
"Strange…" I muttered. "Perhaps the battle is making things shake a little in here." I set about cleaning it up immediately.
"Or maybe the lab is… haunted, nya?" Akashi asked with a shaky tone. The poor cat's ears were down and she hid her face behind her massive sleeves.
I comforted her and massaged her cat ears, "I'm sure it's not haunted, Miss Akashi. You'll be okay."
"You're very kind to Akashi, nya. I'll make sure any purchases from you or Enterprise-sama will be discounted, nya." She smiled.
"I… appreciate that, Miss Akashi." Strange way of showing gratitude, but I wasn't about to complain. "Miss Da Vinci, how is Lady Bismarck's arm?"
She scratched her head and muttered, "Did I leave that screwdriver there? I could've sworn that was there…"
She seemed busy so I didn't question her further. With the glass safely disposed of, I sat down and started feeling remarkably hungry all of a sudden…
[Arbiter: Temperance XIV]
These girls impressed me. It was actually becoming difficult to keep stalling them to give Harmony more time. Every mass-produced unit we sent in was obliterated. It seemed the Kansen have different strategies for dealing with different units and combinations of units. If my fellow Sirens were more intelligent, they'd make different fleet formations, but I doubt those foolish insects possess the processing power for that…
"Arbiter!" Equilibrium yelled, "I can't hold them much further! They're getting close to us!"
"Irrelevant." I retorted as one of their Battleship's shells exploded on my shields, causing no damage to me. Unflinching, I added, "Keep up the defence until Harmony is ready to retreat."
Hmm… Enterprise had joined… I launched my reserve planes to keep her busy. I then noticed something… odd.
"They're not pushing towards us. This is unlike them. They're up to something…" I deduced. "Equilibrium, scan their fleet with sonar."
As it would turn out, only scanning ahead of us with sonar was a mistake.
"Maybe they have some new weapon?" My Enforcer suggested. "They might be stalling us, too!"
"That matters not. No matter what they develop, they'll never match our power-huh?"
SPLASH
I heard something behind us… I saw water gushing upwards and smoke trails leading from two large projectiles flying at us…
"Are those… missiles?" Equilibrium asked.
Before we could register what had happened, the missiles detonated, their explosive payloads overpowering our shields and sending Equilibrium and myself flying towards the Azur Lane fleet…
[Azur Lane Eugen]
I couldn't help but let out a smug laugh as the two Sirens got blown out of the air by Warspite's new toys. Harpoons, I believe they're called. The flagships and lead Vanguards, including myself, encircled the two of them and aimed all our riggings at them as the former Battleship-now-Submarine resurfaced in her new wetsuit and goggles. Her missile launchers and torpedo tubes seemed to automatically lock onto the Sirens independently of her.
"Nice shot, Warspite." Enterprise nodded.
"You weren't too bad yourself, E." she responded. "Nice distraction, you lot."
"So, the warcorgi is a dogfish now, hmm~?" I teased.
"Shut it, you." Warspite retorted with a grin.
The big one with the jellyfish rigging grunted as she picked herself and her Enforcer up. "Ugh… that was… rather interesting…"
"Give it up! Surrender now and we will treat you fairly!" George ordered with her oh-so scary voice.
"Heh… yes, I'm sure you would." The Arbiter retorted. "You really think you're the only ones who can cause distractions?" A portal opened under her and her friend!
"Damn it… every time…" Enterprise muttered as we put away our riggings. She radioed, "Commander, the Sirens have been defeated. RTB."
"Good work, girls. Warspite, that was pretty damn cool. Everyone come on back and we can finally get Easter celebrations started!"
"With pleasure, sir." Warspite responded.
"Wait…" Wales stopped us. "Did that Arbiter mean… her attack was a distraction?"
Several of us looked at each other.
I admitted, "That did seem like a pointless attack…"
Enterprise suddenly yelled, "BACK TO BASE, NOW!"
[Azur Lane Bismarck]
Second place. Not bad. I don't know how DD6 won with a verdammt flamethrower, but it is what it is. Prinz seemed happy enough.
"We did it, Bismarck! You helped us not get last place!"
"We didn't win, Prinz." I once again downplayed my own contribution.
"But we're not last for once! I knew you could do it!" She argued. "To show our thanks, we banded together and got you this!"
I looked at the other German shipgirls and they presented to me a large chocolate egg. I know a certain Submarine who would absolutely love this. Me, however?
"Danke, but I don't think I'll be able to eat it all… could you store it away for now?"
""Jawohl!"" Z1 and Z3 eagerly responded before carrying it to the walk-in freezer in the Kriegsmarine kitchen.
I smiled, "Now I need to meet Geryon, he's on his way back."
"Can I see him too?" Prinz asked.
"Natürlich." I nodded. She and I went together.
As we got back to the docks, my hydra emerged from over the horizon. He saw Prinz and lowered his middle head for her to pet. Prinz giggled as she did.
"Geryon, my friend. You found the anomaly again?"
His two other heads roared into the sky in triumph.
"Good work!" I praised. "Transfer me the data."
He obeyed immediately and I started going over it.
"It's… in the Atlantic? Wait… nein…"
"Bismarck?" Prinz asked.
"We need to see Seaport now!" Prinz and I climbed onto Geryon's left and right heads as he took off towards the new, secret Abyssal section of the Naval District.
The anomaly is where the Atlantic HQ is in my world!