28 February 1942
Location: Pearl Harbour Multinational Naval Base
Time: 0900
The command room felt heavy with anticipation. The stakes of the next mission were higher than ever before, and every carrier knew it. Saratoga, Enterprise, Lexington, Illustrious, and Béarn sat together at the table, along with Rear Admiral Karel Doorman, who had been called in for his expertise in Southeast Asian waters. The Commander stood before a vast map of the western Pacific, marking out key locations as the final preparations for the later famously called 'Operation Curtainfall' began.
"Everyone here knows the importance of this mission," the Commander started, his tone serious. "For some time now, our intelligence has been murky. There's something, or someone, obscuring our view in the western Pacific. It's time we lift the veil."
The carriers nodded, exchanging glances. They knew this wouldn't be a straightforward mission.
"Our primary areas of interest will be the Philippines Sea, New Guinea, Celebes, the Coral Sea, Zealandia, and Terra Austral," the Commander continued, pointing to various points on the map. "We'll avoid Sakuran territorial waters where we can, but some of you may need to pass through them quietly."
Saratoga, the usually cheerful kansen, frowned, "That's a lot of ground to cover. What happens if we encounter resistance?"
"Engagement is not the goal," the Commander said firmly. "This is reconnaissance. If you see signs of the enemy, withdraw and report. We're not here to start counterattacking, yet."
The Commander leaned back slightly, looking at each of the carriers. "I trust you all understand the importance of your missions. We'll have limited communication, so I'm counting on each of you to make smart decisions."
He paused, his gaze hardening. "We've been receiving reports from the colonies claiming they've been holding strong for two months, but I suspect the Sakuran forces aren't sitting idle. Their need for resources in the western Pacific and Southeast Asia makes that unlikely. Worse, I'm concerned these reports have been altered or compromised. Your mission is to confirm what's truly happening out there."
The room fell into a contemplative silence as the carriers processed the Commander's words.
Lexington was the first to break it. "If the colonies are compromised, what's the priority?
"Observation," the Commander replied firmly. "But if things have gone south, I don't want anyone risking themselves to engage. Report back, retreat, and live to inform. We need intel, not bodies."
Saratoga's eyes narrowed. "So we're going in assuming the worst?"
"Yes. Assume the worst," the Commander said, standing to address them more directly. "Each of you may have to operate under the belief that your region has already fallen to the Sakuran. They won't stay idle when resources are at stake."
Enterprise folded her arms, her expression serious. "If communication is compromised, should we even trust the local governments? If something's off, we pull back?"
"Exactly," the Commander said, nodding. "If a garrison or local authority isn't responding properly, retreat immediately. We can't risk being misled by an enemy already controlling the territory. You're the eyes and ears, not the fists. Not yet."
Illustrious leaned forward, her voice low and deliberate. "What if they see us first?"
"Then you run," the Commander said simply. "Don't engage unless you have no other choice."
Doorman, seated quietly throughout the exchange, finally spoke. "I can't stress enough how dangerous the waters of Southeast Asia are for this type of mission. There are countless places the enemy could be hiding, and those island chains are perfect for ambushes. Be cautious, be quiet, and above all, be ready to turn back if something feels wrong."
The Commander nodded, then closed the map in front of him. "Tomorrow begins Operation Curtainfall. Each of your task forces will operate under extreme caution. You'll all be working within contested areas, possibly passing Sakuran waters, so caution is vital. I'm trusting you all to adapt, improvise, and avoid detection."
He began pointing at regions marked on the map.
Carrier Task Force 1, led by Illustrious: "You'll be focusing on the Philip Islands. It's a vast area, but it's crucial to understanding any movements coming from the west."
Carrier Task Force 2, led by Lexington: "You're covering Zealandia, the Coral Sea, and New Guinea. It's vital we understand the situation down there."
Carrier Task Force 3, led by Enterprise: "Fiji, Tonga, and the Samoan Islands are your territory. We need to ensure those waters are secure."
Carrier Task Force 4, led by Saratoga: "Your focus will be on the Lowland East Indies. It's a tricky region, so make sure to tread lightly."
Carrier Task Force 5, led by Béarn: "You'll be heading toward the Tuamotu Archipelago. It's remote, but we can't overlook it."
Lexington nodded. "What about our escorts?"
"I'll give you the list later," the Commander replied.
Enterprise with her nonchalant and cold demeanor asked. "Commander, why isn't Hornet with us?"
The room quieted. The Commander leaned against his desk, folding his arms. "Hornet has a special mission. You may have heard about her training regime and those B-25 bombers on her deck. That training was ordered by me. I can't tell you why yet, but Hornet's operation requires her elsewhere."
Saratoga exchanged a look with Enterprise, from her voice, her curiosity was shown. "B-25s? They're not carrier-based aircraft... what exactly is she doing?"
"You'll know soon enough," the Commander said. "But for now, focus on your own missions."
The carriers exchanged looks, realizing that the stakes were higher than they thought. As they stood and prepared to leave, the Commander's voice cut through once more.
"This isn't just about finding out what happened. It's about staying ahead. Be the shadow, not the hammer. And return with the truth."
With that, the carriers nodded, their determination clear. They were ready for Operation Curtainfall, and ready to face whatever was hidden beyond the horizon.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 March 1942
Location: Java Sea
Time: 1000
Mo's ship cut through the waves off the coast of Semarang, the sun hanging high in the sky. It had been hours since they left Soerabaja Port at early dawn, and the heat of the late morning was already settling in. Mo's detachment had been tasked with a patrol mission to circle around Java for the next few days, their route taking them from port to port. They wouldn't return to Soerabaja for a while, but for now, the seas seemed quiet.
The local garrison was spread thin. De Ruyter, Houston, Exeter, Perth and others had all been assigned to rapid reaction fleets, stationed at various ports along the northern coast of Java, ready to respond to naval invasions at a moment's notice. The Sakuran air raids had become relentless, with attacks from dawn till dusk. The cities suffered, but the local garrisons were holding, despite the constant pressure. Mo had visited the fleet at Semarang Port earlier, where Exeter reported the morale of the soldiers was still high. The damage was being minimized, but the constant threat hung over them all.
Mo glanced at the radar on the bridge, watching the green lines sweep in rhythmic arcs across the screen. She was focusing up here, with Jervis down in the engine room, Amazon leisurely fishing on the helicopter deck, Newcastle in the kitchen, and Memphis engrossed in an iPad left behind by one of Mo's former crew. Indomitable stood nearby, staring at the radar.
"You've really got something special with that radar," Indomitable said, breaking the silence as she admired the display. "With an uplink like this, I can swat out enemies from the airspace in no time. Honestly, I don't think I could live without it anymore!" She chuckled, a familiar hint of laziness in her tone, though there was genuine gratitude beneath it.
Mo gave a small smile. "It does make things easier."
Indomitable stretched, leaning back in her chair with a smirk. "You know, Mo? I came to Pearl long before you, mostly to avoid my sister's constant nagging. Victorious never lets me have a moment to relax. She's always saying things like, 'reach your potential,' and pushing me to train harder. It's exhausting!"
Mo laughed softly at that. "You've never been one for hard work, have you?"
"Not if I can help it," Indomitable said with a wink. "But I was there during the attack on Pearl Harbor. That meteor shower… was that your doing?"
Mo paused, considering how to answer. "It wasn't quite like a meteor shower," she said, her voice measured, "but, yeah… you could say that was me."
Indomitable's eyes widened, genuine surprise flickering across her face. "Really? You're telling me you can rain down fire like that whenever you want? So the Commander wasn't lying.. I thought it was some kind of huge flare or something!"
"Well, I don't do it often for some reasons" Mo replied, her tone casual, but there was an edge of pride. "But I have my capabilities."
Indomitable sat up a little straighter, her curiosity piqued. "What else can you do? I mean, I know about your radar, your main gun, those autocannons, and the meteor showers, but there's gotta be more, right? You're from another world, after all."
Mo tilted her head, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "There's more, but I'm not one to brag."
Before she could elaborate, the radar emitted a soft ping. Mo turned her eyes to the screen, and a cluster of signatures appeared, coming from the direction of the Sakuran-controlled islands. Her smirk deepened.
"Well," Mo said, her voice filled with confidence, "if you really want to know what I can do, I think I can show you right now."
Indomitable's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Oh, this I've got to see! Let's see what kind of fireworks you've got this time."
The anticipation in the air was palpable, the conversation shifting as Mo prepared to demonstrate her capabilities.
The others had already felt the shift in the air, moving to their stations around the ship as they connected to Mo's radar. There was a tense hum in the ship's atmosphere, but Mo's voice cut through it. [Stand down, everyone. Move away from the missile launchers. I've got this.]
Indomitable watched with keen interest as Mo's calm orders were relayed. The radar lit up with approaching bombers, 120 of them, closing fast. Mo closed her eyes, assigning her ESSMs to each bomber with practiced precision. The quad-packed missiles gave her a potential launch of 320 ESSMs, and 120 targets were well within her capabilities.
A series of thuds reverberated through the ship as the missiles launched, smoke trailing from each one. The sky above the ocean filled with streaks of vapor as the ESSMs roared toward their targets at mach 4. Mo's eyes remained fixed on the radar as one by one, the bombers disappeared from the screen, wiped out long before they could even see their targets.
The door to the bridge flew open, and Memphis burst in, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Mo! Those missiles are amazing!"
Before Mo could respond, Newcastle and Jervis followed her in, each wearing expressions of mixed pride and curiosity. Newcastle carried a tray loaded with heavy snacks, setting them down near Mo. "Here, Lady Monsoor," she said, adjusting some plates on the tray. "You need these snacks after launching all those missiles. Can't forget that appetite of yours."
Indomitable raised an eyebrow, glancing from the snacks to Mo. "Wait, you eat more after every launch? And here I thought you were some kind of endless machine."
Mo gave a sheepish smile. "Let's just say there's no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to firing those missiles."
Jervis, who had been quiet until now, crossed her arms with a thoughtful frown. "Speaking of those missiles, Mo, do you have any books on VLS maintenance? I'd like to make sure everything stays in perfect order, though honestly I'm also curious."
Mo chuckled, reaching for one of the snacks. "Always thinking ahead, huh? I'll find you something to read later."
Indomitable, still leaning against the radar platform, shot Mo a sidelong glance. "Missiles like those... they could replace aircraft someday. The way you handled those bombers was unreal."
Mo shook her head with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Indomitable. Even a hundred years from now, aircraft carriers will still be a big deal. Missiles are great, but planes bring a different kind of versatility."
Indomitable laughed softly, though her eyes lingered on the radar screen. "I hope you're right. I'd hate to think my kind would be obsolete."
Mo just smiled softly and turned her attention back to the radar, the calm sea stretched out before them, the threat neutralized for now.