9 December 1941
Location: The Pacific Ocean, 200 km southeast of Pearl Harbour.
Time: 1340
A fleet of kansens equipped with metallic riggings raced across the ocean, heading for Pearl Harbor. The air was tense after news of the attack had reached them.
"Calm down, Hammann," urged USS Helena, her long blue hair swaying as she kept her focus on the radar.
"How can I calm down!?" barked USS Hammann, her cat-like ears twitching with frustration. "The base was attacked, and you're telling me to relax?"
"The attack was two days ago," Helena reminded her. "The damage was minimal, and our friends managed to hold the base. There's no reason to panic now."
"But what if there's another attack?" Hammann huffed, still on edge.
"She's been wound up since yesterday. I hope her oil holds out," quipped USS Northampton, the only heavy cruiser in the formation.
Yawning, USS Long Island adjusted her baggy coat. "Ugh, I'm still tired from that long game."
"At first, I thought it was Enterprise who defended the base," chimed in USS Hornet, adjusting her cowboy hat.
"Isn't she your sister?" asked Northampton, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but having a famous sister can be a pain," Hornet smirked.
Helena's voice cut in, her tone more serious. "It wasn't Enterprise. Reports say it was the Royal Navy that unleashed a 'meteor shower' on the enemy."
Hornet still looked skeptical. "Meteor shower? Come on. I read the report and something about streaks of light hitting the enemy at speeds faster than any aircraft. They took out Siren battleships in one hit. It sounds unbelievable."
"I thought so too," Helena admitted, still glued to her radar. "But a friend at the front confirmed it. She said the light looked like a flying torpedo. Well, I'd say it's just a rumor, as even hitting targets with regular torpedoes is already difficult enough for us."
"Well, whether it's a miracle weapon or not, it worked," Hornet said. "They took out Kaga and two carriers. It's powerful, that's for sure."
"As long as it helps us end this war faster, I'm all for it," said Northampton.
"I wouldn't mind trying it out myself," Hornet added with a grin.
Hammann, still fidgeting, cut in, "Focus! We need to be ready in case we get ambushed."
"She's right," Hornet agreed, her voice firming up. "Let's push the speed. 26 knots, everyone!"
They took up their speed toward Pearl Harbour. A few hundred miles later however, Helena suddenly stiffened. "Aircraft, 25 miles out, bearing 3-5-5!"
"Enemy aircraft?" Hornet's tone sharpened.
"No friendly bases in that direction," Helena confirmed grimly.
"Prepare for battle!" Hornet barked.
The fleet were already in their riggings, so they've somewhat prepared. They formed an Anti-Air formation, circling Hornet and Long Island in the center.
"Guys…" Helena's voice trembled. "It's a Sakuran fleet. Two carriers. Multiple escorts."
Everyone went still. The odds were not in their favor. They were practically outnumbered and outgunned. In other words, they were successfully getting ambushed.
Hornet took charge. "Helena, send word to Pearl. Tell them we need reinforcements, now. We hold until they arrive."
"Hah! We also have two carriers, we can beat them!" sneered Hammann.
"You think too highly of me, Hammann. I'm just a light carrier, you know?" said Long Island flatly.
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9 December 1941
Location: Pearl Harbour Multinational Naval Base.
Time: 1345
[Attention: USS Enterprise, HMS Duke of York, USS Laffey, HMS Javelin. Report to the Commander's office immediately!]
The base buzzed with chatter as the broadcast echoed through the base. It was rare for the Commander to call anyone over the intercom. The last time it was used was during the attack. Many wondered what had happened.
"It's the Commander. Enterprise, you've got to go," said Warspite to Enterprise as she unsheathed her sword.
"Right, see you later Warspite, Monsoor," said Enterprise as she walked out of the training ground.
"Hey, Monsoor. Are you curious?" asked Warspite.
"To be honest, yes. I have been here for two days, but this is the first time I heard some kansens were called out. Is it maybe for a mission, Lady Warspite?" asked Mo curiously.
"Most likely to be an emergency one. Well, let's follow her and see if we can help," mused Warspite.
The two followed Enterprise, passing the training ground where Newcastle was seated. She stood gracefully as they approached.
"Newcastle?" asked Mo confusedly. She was not aware of Newcastle being here.
"Great work, Lady Warspite, Lady Monsoor," Newcastle greeted with a slight bow.
"Good job, Newcastle. We are going to the Commander's office, are you coming too?" asked Warspite.
Newcastle smiled warmly. "If you'll have me."
Three of them walked to their destination, with Warspite at the front and Newcastle and Mo behind her side by side. Mo, who was curious about something, could not help but ask the kansen beside her.
"Hey Newcastle, since when did you arrive at the training ground?" whispered Mo.
"Fufu, I arrived together with Belfast right before Enterprise arrived," said Newcastle with a smirk.
"Eh!? Belfast too!? But I didn't even see you," amazed Mo.
"Fufu, it's a maid secret," said Newcastle followed by a playful wink.
As Newcastle said that, they arrived at the Commander's office. But as they arrived, the door burst open. Enterprise, Cleveland, Laffey, and Javelin sprinted out toward the harbor.
"What's happening?" Mo asked, watching them dash off.
When she turned back looking at the office door, Duke of York was there, closing the door.
"Those guys forgot I'm a battleship.. Oh, Good Afternoon, Lady Warspite, Monsoor, and Newcastle," greeted York after she murmured something.
"Good Afternoon, York. Aren't you supposed to be part of them?" asked Warspite as she pointed at the running kansens' direction.
"Yes, Lady Warspite. USS Hornet's fleet is getting attacked by the Sakuran on their way here. We've been sent to rescue them," said York concernedly.
"Where?" Warspite asked, her expression steely.
"200 kilometers southeast. Two Sakuran carriers and escorts," Duke of York explained.
It's within range of my Seahawk! Thought Mo. If she could transport the rescue team quickly, the chance for Hornet's fleet survival would increase significantly.
Mo's eyes lit up. "I can help!"
"What are you going to do, Monsoor?" suddenly a man behind her asked sternly. He was the Commander. After he heard York's voice still at the front of the door, he was curious why she had not gone and decided to check her out. But he found there were Warspite, Monsoor, and Newcastle conversing with York.
"I can transport them with my helicopter! It's going to be faster than sailing there," exclaimed Mo.
Five of them were aware of Mo's true identity, therefore they were not shocked if Mo said something unfamiliar to them. Mo continued,
"Helicopters are a kind of aircraft but they can carry a lot of weight! It's also relatively fast, I believe we can reach them in 45 minutes with it!" explained Mo.
The Commander was silent for a moment as he pondered a bit. Mo hoped the Commander would give her first mission this time. After some seconds, the Commander opened his mouth with a sigh and said,
"Alright, Monsoor. If you want to help, here's your mission…"
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9 December 1941
Location: The Pacific Ocean, 180 km southeast of Pearl Harbour.
Time: 1430
A dampened rapid flaps noise could be heard by the passengers inside SH-60 Seahawk. The cabin for passengers was silent and the atmosphere was heavy. Passengers' expressions were anxious and worried, although inside they felt relieved as they could reach their destination faster than they planned.
"[Alright, ladies. We've reached the drop point. I apologize for only accompanying you this far. If you need missile support or a diversionary attack, just let me know. I'll remain in position here]," said Mo through the built-in communication system in her helmet. The passengers, also equipped with tactical headsets, nodded in acknowledgment.
"[Don't worry, Monsoor, and thanks for the ride. Rescue fleet, listen up! I want to thank you all for helping me save my sister. But be cautious! The enemies are Shokaku and Zuikaku from Kido Butai. They're formidable. That's all! The rope's down, we're descending!]" Enterprise called out as she slid down the rope, making her way toward the ocean surface.
The rescue fleet followed her lead, quickly descending one by one.
As Mo watched them race off, she summoned her ship, positioning it behind a karst island to stay hidden from the enemy. She had already spotted enemy kansens and aircraft 15 kilometers southeast and immediately sent an encrypted message to Enterprise, relaying the intel. After landing her helicopter on her ship, Mo entered the cabin to tidy up the headsets.
To her surprise, she found someone else onboard, Newcastle, who hadn't followed the others.
"You're not going with them, Newcastle? I saw Belfast joined the team," Mo asked, curious.
"Belfast is Enterprise's personal maid, Lady Monsoor. As for me? I'm your personal maid," Newcastle replied with her usual warm smile.
Mo simply nodded, hoping for the best for the rescue fleet.
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