16 February 1942
Location: Pearl Harbour Multinational Naval Base
Time: 1530
Though the initial chaos after the attack on Pearl Harbor had subsided, the base was still abuzz with activities from the reconstruction crews, Kansens training on the newly refurbished grounds, and a constant hum of military preparation.
Mo, now settled into her new dorm room within the newly rebuilt Eagle Union's quarters, found herself slowly adjusting to the pace of base life. Her new room was spacious enough, but sparse, no decorations on the walls, just the essentials. She didn't need much. This dormitory, like many others, was rebuilt after the devastation of Pearl, offering a new home for those who had lost so much. For Mo, it was another piece of her mission, another place to protect.
Her daily routine had become more structured, more focused. Between the endless missions, reconnaissance runs, and studying, Mo had found time to practice her swordsmanship, often sparring with her mentor, Warspite. Warspite had taken a keen interest in her development, though the true extent of Mo's capabilities remained a closely guarded secret. The fleet was sworn to silence regarding the full nature of Mo's "gifts," and though rumors circulated among some of the younger Kansens, none dared to ask too many questions.
Mo had also begun attending classes at the Academy, learning more about her role as a disguised heavy cruiser. Her formal education focused on tactics, gunnery, and for some reasons, reconnaissance. This was inline with missions she was sent on, often involving scouting ahead of the main fleet, silently observing enemy movements and relaying information back to the lead ship. She was the eyes in the fog of war, the unseen hand guiding their strategies.
In her spare time, she continued training with her sword, just like what she was doing right now. On this late afternoon, Mo found herself once again in the training yard, sparring with Warspite. The older Kansen was known for her precise and unrelenting strikes, each movement measured and controlled. Mo, though younger, was agile, with a certain unpredictable fluidity to her combat style. They had been training together for weeks, their sessions growing more intense as Mo sharpened her skills.
The clang of metal against metal echoed through the courtyard as their swords met again and again. Mo's focus was razor-sharp, her movements swift, but Warspite was a seasoned veteran, and Mo knew she had to stay on her toes. Suddenly, a well-placed feint from Warspite caught Mo off balance. She stumbled, her footing faltering as she lost her grip on her sword.
Warspite immediately stepped back, allowing Mo to regain herself. The older Kansen bent down, picking up Mo's fallen blade.
"Good reflexes, but you're leaving your guard open too often," Warspite said, her tone instructive but not harsh. However, as she hefted Mo's sword, a frown creased her brow. The sword was much heavier than it appeared.
Warspite's curiosity got the better of her as she studied the blade, feeling its weight and the strange, almost unnatural balance of the weapon. "This sword... it's heavier than I expected. What is it made of?"
Mo, who had risen to her feet and dusted herself off, froze for a moment. Finally, she gave a measured response.
"It's made from a special material... Depleted Uranium."
Warspite's eyes widened slightly. "Depleted Uranium?"
Mo nodded solemnly. "It's a rather dangerous material. I know I shouldn't carry this around so casually, especially near the Commander. Prolonged exposure could be harmful."
Warspite returned the sword to her, her expression thoughtful. "I see. Just be careful. I've never seen a Kansen wield a sword like this before."
Mo offered a small smile, though there was a hidden weight behind it. "I will. Thank you for the advice."
As they resumed their training, Warspite couldn't help but watch Mo with a newfound sense of intrigue. There was more to this girl than she had initially thought.
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16 February 1942
Location: Yokosuka Naval Base
Time: 1030
Meanwhile, far across the ocean at a Crimson Axis base in the Sakuran territory, Eugen and Z-23 walked through the bustling harbor, deep in conversation. The air was tense with activity, and the distant hum of engines and dockworkers filled the background.
Z-23 glanced at Eugen, her expression serious. "That last radio transmission from the Wolfpack... it's been bothering me."
Eugen's gaze remained forward, but she nodded. "The one about the large rotorcraft that pinged their location before they were sunk?"
"Yes," Z-23 said, lowering her voice. "They were supposed to be Silent Killers, but they were taken out by two homing torpedoes that hit them out of nowhere. I've never seen Azur Lane use anything like that before."
Eugen remained silent for a moment, her mind racing. The technology that Azur Lane had been developing was becoming more sophisticated by the day, far surpassing anything the Crimson Axis had expected. But there was something more.. something about the way the U-boats had been defeated that felt... thoroughly orchestrated.
"Missiles, rotorcraft, homing torpedoes," Eugen mused aloud.
Z-23 glanced at her, her face clouded with doubt. "Do you think... the Sirens could be involved in this? Feeding them information?"
Eugen stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing. "It wouldn't be the first time they've meddled. We've been at the forefront of innovation with the Sirens' help, but if Azur Lane continues at this pace... we may need to rethink our strategy. The Sirens aren't infallible, and we can't rely on them forever."
Z-23 hesitated for a moment. "Then.. do you think the Sirens are withholding information from us?"
Eugen didn't answer immediately, her eyes narrowing as she considered the possibility. "I wouldn't put it past them. They've always had their own agenda, and we're just pieces in their larger game. If they think they can manipulate us, they will."
The two continued walking, the weight of their situation sinking in. There was a growing sense of unease within the Crimson Axis, an understanding that the tide of war might be turning, and not in their favor. They would need to move carefully, or risk losing the advantage they had fought so hard to gain.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: Pearl Harbour Multinational Naval Base
Time: 1530
The meeting room at Azur Lane's headquarters was quiet, save for the rustling of papers as the factions' representatives reviewed the latest reports. Commander sat at the head of the table, his expression pensive. The reports were troubling, to say the least, but there was something else.. something that didn't quite add up.
Wales, Cleveland, Béarn, and An Shan were all present, each offering their insights as the discussions began.
"The situation in Europa is dire," Wales began, her voice steady but grave. "Western Europa has fallen to the Allemani Reich. Our forces have been pushed back, and we've lost several key strongholds. Thankfully, the Albions could evacuate their men early from the continent."
Cleveland frowned, leaning forward. "And it's not just the Reich. The Sardegna Empire has officially joined the Crimson Axis. Their fleet is mobilizing, and we can expect them to start pushing into the Mediterranean any day now."
Béarn, part of Iris Libre, looked particularly concerned. "Iris Orthodoxy has split. The Vichya Dominion has sided with the Crimson Axis, while we, Iris Libre, continue to fight. But we're spread thin. We can't hold them off indefinitely."
An Shan from Dragon Empery, summarized the situation in the Pacific. "Skirmishes are increasing. We've lost contact with several reconnaissance units near the Philippine Sea. The Sirens are becoming more aggressive, and there are reports of their collaboration with the Crimson Axis."
The commander listened carefully, his gaze flicking between the reports in front of him and the faces of his officers. He had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right, something beyond the obvious.
"And how about the Southeast Asia colonies?" he asked, glancing at Cleveland.
Cleveland hesitated before answering. "So far no invasion from the Sakuran. The Philip Islands garrison is still constantly reporting the situation in their area. The latest report from Lowland East Indies claims they have enough garrisoned kansen to hold the line. But... the information feels off. It's hard to explain."
An Shan nodded in agreement. "It's as though we're getting just enough information to keep us reassured, but not enough to act on."
The commander frowned, his instincts telling him that there was more to the situation than met the eye. The Philip Islands still standing this far in this war was something miraculous knowing that the Sakuran needed to control it to launch their invasion in the rich southeast Asia colonies. The reports from the Lowland East Indies were also too vague, too perfectly timed. It was almost as if they were being fed just enough to keep them complacent, but not enough to truly understand the gravity of the situation. The growing skirmishes and the sheer intensity of the enemy's coordinated assaults didn't align with the information they were receiving.
"Have we received any recent reconnaissance from the area?" Commander asked, leaning forward.
Béarn shook her head. "None that I would consider reliable. Communications have been sporadic at best although constant. Our aerial units report back inconsistently, and some have failed to return at all. It's possible the Sirens are messing with our signals, but we haven't been able to confirm."
An Shan crossed her arms, clearly frustrated. "It's not just the Sirens. The Crimson Axis seems to know exactly where to strike. Their ambushes are becoming more precise, as though they're anticipating our movements."
The Commander leaned back, contemplating. "We've also been receiving intelligence blackouts more frequently than we'd like to admit. It's subtle, but the more I look at it, the more it seems intentional."
Wales nodded. "If that's the case, we need to change our approach. We can't keep relying on faulty intelligence. We need more accurate reconnaissance and a strategy that allows us to anticipate their movements, not just respond to them."
The Commander agreed. "I'll have our recon units reassigned to new patrols. And we need to confirm the situation in South East Asia."
As they were wrapping up the meeting, a Kansen knocked on the door and entered. "Commander, a liaison officer from the Lowland East Indies has just arrived at Pearl. He says it's urgent."
The Commander exchanged a glance with Wales. "It seems we may be about to get some answers. Send him in."
The tension in the room grew as they prepared to hear what the liaison had to say.