Chereads / The Guardian: Transported in the World of Azur Lane (Rework Version) / Chapter 5 - Season 1 Chapter 3: "Operation Phoenix Resurgence Part 2"

Chapter 5 - Season 1 Chapter 3: "Operation Phoenix Resurgence Part 2"

(Location: Diwata-Class Celestial Skyfortress)

(Time: Thursday Morning, 1st Week of January 1930)

The Diwata-Class Celestial Skyfortress sliced through the calm waters of the Pacific, a massive fortress at sea with thousands of personnel at work within its vast halls. Captain (CAPT) Accel Winchester stood on the bridge, his sharp eyes taking in the various data being fed to him. The tension in the air was palpable as his team, including his wife and second-in-command, Commander (CDR) Lizzy Winchester, worked around the clock to ensure the supercarrier remained battle-ready.

For hours now, they had been tracking a group of three unknown ships engaged in heavy combat against hostile forces. The destroyers were holding their ground but barely. What was even more concerning was an unidentified contact moving beneath the enemy vessels—a possible Siren. Accel's gut told him they couldn't delay action any longer.

(Combat Information Center - CIC)

Lieutenant (LT) Alexander Grayson , the radarman stationed at the CIC of the Celestial Skyfortress, was monitoring the radar with keen attention. His equipment lit up with alerts, detecting the movements of several unknown vessels. The combat was fierce, but something else was lurking beneath the surface.

"CIC, this is Radarman Lieutenant Alexander from the Diwata-Class Celestial Skyfortress. I have detected an unidentified contact bearing northeast at 45 degrees, range 162 nautical miles (300 km). Classification is unknown, over."

The CIC responded with their typical calm professionalism.

"Roger, Radarman Lieutenant Alexander. Maintain continuous tracking on the unidentified contact and provide regular updates on its position and any changes. Standby for further instructions, over."

(15 Minutes Later - CIC Updates)

Lieutenant Grayson's eyes widened as the situation quickly evolved on his radar. The ten enemy contacts that had been moving towards the three allied ships suddenly vanished from the screen.

"CIC, this is Radarman Alexander. The previously detected ten enemy contacts, represented as red dots, have disappeared or sunk down from the radar display. The contacts are no longer present, over."

The CIC's response was immediate.

"Copy, Radarman Alexander. Acknowledged that the ten enemy contacts have disappeared or sunk down. Maintain surveillance and alert us if there are any changes or new contacts. Standby for further instructions, over."

But just as soon as the threat seemed to diminish, new contacts began appearing—this time, high-speed vessels moving directly toward the unknown ships that had been identified as friendly.

"CIC, this is Radarman Alexander. I have detected a high-speed, unidentified contact resembling a ship. Bearing 45 degrees northwest, range 162 nautical miles (300 km). Classification remains unknown, over."

The atmosphere in the CIC remained tense as the unknown vessel continued to move at an alarming speed. Lieutenant Grayson continued his report, knowing the stakes were increasing.

"CIC, this is Radarman Alexander. I have detected an additional ten enemy ships on the radar display. Bearing 45 degrees northeast, range 162 nautical miles (300 km). Multiple contacts, unknown classification. Immediate threat, over."

"Copy, Radarman Alexander. Initiate immediate defensive protocols. Maintain tracking on the enemy ships and provide continuous updates on their positions and any discernible characteristics. Standby for further instructions, over."

(Bridge - Celestial Skyfortress)

On the bridge, Accel Winchester watched the data flow in. The decision to classify the unknown ships engaged in combat as allies had been a calculated risk, but the enemy's aggression made it clear where they stood. Commander Lizzy Winchester had been coordinating with the Combat Information Center, tracking the enemy's movements. The unidentified ships, which Accel now considered as allies, were labeled in green, while the hostile ships surrounding them were marked in red.

"Lizzy, we're going in," Accel declared, his voice firm with resolve.

Lizzy nodded, but concern lingered in her eyes. "Are you sure about this, Accel? We still don't know exactly who these ships are."

Accel met her gaze steadily. "I trust my instincts on this. Those ships are fighting the enemy that we will fight in the near future or now. Helping them might give their trust to us, I hope so..."

(Conference with Commanders and Senior Officers)

Accel called for an immediate conference with his senior staff. In addition to Lizzy, three other commanders joined: Commander (CDR) A, Commander (CDR) B, and Commander (CDR) C. Alongside them were eight Lieutenant Commanders (LCDR) and twelve Lieutenants Senior Grade (LTSG). Each officer was assigned a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of their ship.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Accel began, standing at the head of the table, "We've identified an active battle to the northeast. There are three unknown ships that we've labeled as allies, surrounded by hostile forces. Our goal is to provide them with air support and neutralize the enemy fleet."

Commander A (CDR), a woman with steel-gray eyes and a no-nonsense attitude, leaned forward. "Captain Winchester, do we have any confirmation on whether these ships belong to the Eagle Union or any known faction?"

Accel shook his head. "No. We're going off the assumption that anyone fighting against the Sirens and their forces is an ally. We don't have the luxury of time to confirm identities right now, but all we know is that those siren ships are much more high-tech then the ships we are helping."

Lieutenant Commander B (LCDR), a tall man with a sharp mind for strategy, chimed in. "We're ready to deploy the Haribon Skyfang fighter squadrons. We've been prepping the jets, but we'll need precise coordination with our air traffic control."

"Good," Accel said, nodding. "Prepare the jets for immediate launch. Coordinate with CIC to maintain tracking of enemy movements and provide air cover for our allies. We move fast, and we strike hard."

(Final Decision - The Fight Begins)

The command team dispersed, heading to their stations. Commander Lizzy stayed behind, watching as Accel gathered his flight gear. She approached him cautiously, her eyes filled with concern.

"You don't have to do this yourself," Lizzy said quietly, stepping closer. "We can handle this from here. You've already done more than enough."

Accel looked at her, pausing for a moment. He could see the worry etched in her face. Without a word, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. Lizzy leaned into him, her heart racing. After a long moment, Accel pulled back slightly and patted her head softly, his eyes locking onto hers with reassurance.

"I'll come back," Accel said with a soft smile. "I promise. I'll come back without a scratch."

Lizzy sighed, reluctantly letting him go. "You'd better," she replied with a faint smile, wiping a tear away. Lizzy always worried Accel's safety, due to the long invasion that they have been trying to fight back against a very powerful god that was about to destroy earth. Ever since that invasion ended and peace came she though that she and Accel would have the retirement life they need, but because of the damn annoying World Association always asking help from us... But unexpectedly maybe she and Accel would better spending into another world that she would hope...

(Flight Deck - Celestial Skyfortress)

On the flight deck of the Celestial Skyfortress, the Haribon Skyfang squadrons were already in position. The roar of jet engines filled the air as the powerful fighter jets lined up on the catapults, ready for deployment. Accel joined Lieutenant (LT) Benjamin Thompson, the leader of the Alpha Squadron, climbing into the rear seat of one of the lead fighters.

"Captain Winchester," Benjamin called back. "You sure you want to be up here with us?"

"Absolutely," Accel replied. "Let's get this done."

(Launch Sequence)

"Alpha Squadron, you are cleared for launch. Execute catapult launch sequence. Godspeed, over."

The fighter jets were launched into the sky, tearing through the air with precision. The Haribon Skyfang squadrons quickly formed up and headed towards the battle zone. The red enemy ships had fully surrounded the allied green ships, and the Siren was wreaking havoc from its position at the rear of the fleet.

(In the Air)

As they approached the battle zone, the intensity of the fight became clear. The enemy ships had launched a series of projectiles toward the destroyers, many of whom were already heavily damaged and unable to maneuver effectively.

Accel's instincts screamed at him—he could see what was coming.

"Lieutenant Benjamin," Accel shouted over the comms. "Eject my seat now!"

Benjamin hesitated. "What?! Are you crazy?"

"Trust me," Accel insisted. "Eject me now."

Benjamin nodded, understanding the seriousness in Accel's voice. "Good luck, Captain."

With that, Accel was ejected from the fighter, hurtling toward the allied destroyers. As he fell, he quickly activated his skill, Sanctified Barrier, locking onto the three allied ships. A glowing, golden shield materialized around the destroyers just as the enemy projectiles struck. The barrier absorbed the full brunt of the attack, exploding in a brilliant display of energy but keeping the ships safe.

The destroyers and their crews looked up in awe, realizing that they had just been saved by the unknown figure.

(End of Chapter 3 Part 2)