Skies above Azur Lane Base Pearl Harbor
Two F/A-25 Hellcats flew uncontested above the clouds, conducting aerial reconnaissance of the Azur Lane Pearl Harbor Base below. The 6th Generation Fighters were invisible to the base's radar detection, thanks to their superior 21st-Century Stealth Technology.
A squadrons of F4F Wildcats and Spitfires flew at their operational ceiling, conducting aerial patrols. The propeller planes, once champions of aerial dogfights in World War II, did not detect the two 6th Generation Fighters, which flew at a higher altitude.
The F/A-25 Hellcats circled above the fighter planes, undetected. Their high-resolution cameras and AESA radar created a 3D mapping of the base, which was then transmitted back to the Carrier.
The harbor, resembling Pearl Harbor from Earth but larger and more spacious, housed various World War II warships docked at the piers, including Battleships, Carriers, Cruisers, and Destroyers. Cargo Ships were also docked, unloading cargo.
By visual estimation, the harbor could accommodate four supercarriers in a single row, with space for a few destroyers.
The harbor below began to bustle with activity as Shipgirls activated their Rigging and deployed more Fighter Aircraft. Anti-air defenses are being manned by Manjuus, as some brought crates of ammo and shells. Coastal batteries came to life, with Manjuus cranking the large guns to point their barrels at the harbor entrance.
The F/A-25 Hellcats returned to the carrier after completing their aerial reconnaissance, unnoticed by the patrolling Aircraft and Ground-Based Radar.
~Hundred Kilometers Away~
An E/A-18 Growler used its Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) to conceal a loitering squadron of F/A-18 Super Hornets armed with JDAMs and Laser-Guided Bombs.
The squadron's purpose was to provide a quick retaliatory strike if the base attacked, employing "Big Stick Diplomacy."
In the Carrier's CIC, Enterprise viewed the harbor's layout and Anti-Air Defense emplacements on the monitor screen. The screen showed the base's defensive preparations and Shipgirls activating their rigging.
"Looks like they're preparing for our arrival," she muttered, unsurprised by the base's readiness.
Her suspicion about the technology and timeline of this world was confirmed: World War II-era Technology with some unknown advancements.
Belfast entered the CIC, carrying a tray with a cup of tea. "That looks like Pearl Harbor, but bigger." She handed the tea to Enterprise, who took a sip.
"Yeah..." Enterprise responded. "It's quite big, even Ford Island in the middle is similar in shape."
Belfast noticed the F/A-18s loitering above the harbor. "Isn't that a bit much?" She then saw the World War II Planes on the radar. "A single squadron of F/A-18s could cripple this base. Why scramble another?"
Enterprise replied, sipping her tea, "Remember, we're in another world. Precautionary measures are always necessary."
"Really... two squadrons for one harbor," Belfast said, unimpressed.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm going to be a diplomat now, because I know you Americans like to use 'diplomacy' with your naval vessels. So, no bombs while I'm gone." Belfast headed for the door.
"Fine..." Enterprise said, rolling her eyes. "No bombs, but..." She raised a finger. "If things go south, you leave the harbor." "Understood." Belfast nodded and left.
Enterprise murmured, "American diplomacy 'never' fails." She smiled at her own joke.
At the Carrier's Deck
Belfast walks at the Deck of the Aircraft Carrier that is bustling with activities as F/A-18 Super Hornets Block IIIs are being prepared for launch. Jet blast deflectors rise up from the Deck as they divert the gust or blast coming from the two GE F414-400 Turbofan Engines.
She watches the Jet being catapulted off the deck and fly toward the loitering fellow Hornets above. After watching the catapult launch, she returns to her agenda. She walks towards the direction of a parked AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin that is waiting for her.
"Let's hope this diplomatic go so well." She mumbles to herself before getting on board.
Hawaiian Waters
A Fletcher Class Destroyer in its WW2 configuration and armaments. The said Destroyer is sailing at the entrance of the
Harbor in guarding duty. At the Destroyer's 5inch forward GunTurret, a Girl can be seen seating at the top.
The Girl has a twin tail wearing a Sailor Black Uniform and a Hat, the Shorts are too short while wearing a Yellow Jacket.
She gazes at the horizon while she covers her eyes with her hands from the shade of the sun, she then squints and sees a silhouette of two Ships and one sub, poking its upper-deck and conning tower.
"This is Bache, I see a shadow over the horizon that is approaching the Harbor entrance." She radios back to Base.
"Copy that, Bache. Intercept them and confirm their identity." A Radio Operator back at Base says.
"Alright~...."
She then jumps off from the 5inch Gun-Turret with a resounding metallic clank on Deck. She raises her right hand in the air and activates her Rigging. After the Rigging Activation, she speeds toward the three Vessels for interception.
Bache points her gun at the three Vessels. "Halt. This is the territorial waters of Azur Lane, identify yourselves or I'll---?"
"This is Albacore, and these folks are with me." Albacore radios.
"Good to see that you're back again." Bache then lowers her 5inch Gun-Turret and escorts the three Vessels entering the Harbor.
"Yeah, I know." Albacore replies.
Lafayette at his Ship's Bridge with his binoculars sees the Rigging Activation and is amazed at how the Girl activates her Rigging. "Whoa.... I can't wait to do that myself." He says with hope.
Belfast thinks. 'Those clothing is a bit too revealing for 1940's fashion.... I'm not even going to be surprised if one of the Commanding Officers is in a Jail Cell right now.'
"So... how's your War Patrol? Did you find something interesting?" Bache asks.
"Most of it was boring." Albacore says in a tired voice. "But." Her expression lights up and she points to the Modern Vessels. "I met them."
Bache looks at the Modern Vessels and glances at the Deck where the mounted guns are. "They are too unarmed to be Warships." She says with scrutiny and criticism for the lack of Guns on Deck.
Albacore shrugs off. "I don't know why though, but." Bache shifts her attention to her and leans closer.
Albacore places a hand on her mouth like-cover and whispers at Bache's ears. "I saw one of them fire its Main Gun in rapid fire and with precise accuracy, each shell landed on its target."
Bache recoils back in surprise. "N-No way! You need a lot of guns to claim such miraculous hit." She exclaims in surprise at the absurdity.
Albacore's Submarine enters the Harbor first and is followed by Belfast and Lafayette's Ships. As the Modern Vessels pass at the entrance, everyone at the Harbor, including the Shipgirls, stares at the two Modern Warships and is amazed at the angular design of the superstructure.
Some are curious as to how they are lightly armed for Warships after seeing the single Deck Gun forward of the bow. Gossips rise up around the Shipgirls as they all debate about the peculiarity of the lack of guns.
A Blond Hair Girl with a red ribbon wearing a Sailor's Uniform speaks. "Are those our ships?" She points at the American flag that resembles the Eagle Union flag.
Everyone looks at the American Frigate. "Yeah... seems like it, but the Flag is different."
The Eagle Union flag is similar to the American, but it has an Eagle on its canton and not 50 stars.
But the one that catches the Girls' attention other than the peculiar flag waving in the wind, at the Bridge of the American Frigate they see a 'Boy' accompanied by Manjuus.
"A-A Ship-boy?!" A Girl dressed up as an Assassin's Creed character speaks up in surprise. Catching everyone's attention. "Yeah, but. HOW?" A Twin Tail Blond Girl wearing a School Girl Uniform asks in confusion.
"Is the Eagle Union making Shipboys now?!" a Twin Tail Green Hair Girl wearing a School Girl Uniform shouts.
After the Girls gossip about the two Frigates, the two Frigates slowly dock at the Harbor, Manjuus on deck throw mooring ropes at the Harbor. The Manjuus (The Small Ones) at the Harbor prepare a Gangway for the two Ships.
Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Philips, Cmdr. Thomas and Yorktown are waiting at the Harbor for the Unknown Ships to arrive. The Naval Officers wear their formal Naval Uniform; Yorktown wears her typical clothing.
A Woman in a Maid-Outfit is slowly walking down the gangway that the Manjuus set up. Her appearance catches the Shipgirls and the three Navy Officers waiting at the Harbor.
"Belfast." Yorktown says, as she gasps in surprise.
Adm. Philips is awestruck and dumbfounded to see her, as one of the Modern Vessels mentioned in the report.
"Be-Be-Bel?" He stammers after seeing her.
Cmdr. Thomas scratches the back of his head in confusion. "Wa-What?"
Adm. Nimitz maintains his calm posture, but the gears in his head are turning as he assesses the newcomers.
A Boy in a Revolutionary Jacket walks down the gangway escorted by 4 Manjuus armed with M4s (US Navy standard, safety first).
"A boy. A Ship-Boy!" Yorktown exclaimed.
The three Naval Officers furrow their brows and squint to confirm the Ship-boy's identity. "An Irish Orthodoxy!"
Everyone looks at the newly arrived Kansens. Many are just standing where they were walking, the others who are sitting and chatting at the bench stop and look at them. Within a second, they've gathered a lot of onlookers than they could have expected.
"Alright. Let's greet them properly at the Base." Adm.Nimitz remarks.
They all exchange nods and walk towards the two, and greet them with open hands warmly.
"Welcome to Azur Lane Base Pearl Harbor."
Adm. Nimitz greets them with an optimistic voice. "My name is Chester W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral of Eagle Union." He then gestures to his side. "and this is my Secretary ship. Yorktown." Yorktown greets the two. "Hello." She says with a warm smile.
Lafayette is having a flashback of the Battle of Midway when USS Yorktown sank. Images of USS Yorktown going down the waves project in his memories.
"U-Umm... He...llo..." He cannot respond properly, as he stammers.
He cannot even look at her directly in the face.
Yorktown just gives him a warm smile at his frozen state. Lafayette holds his chest as his heart starts to beat faster than usual, his cheeks turn red each time he looks at her.
'That smile... she looks like a G-Goddess.' He thinks.
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Yorktown." Belfast greets her.
Belfast then notices her escort beside her sweating and turning red. "Are you alright?"
Lafayette nods frantically. "Y-Yes. I'm alright."
*Heavy breathing SFX*
Adm. Nimitz continues. "Right beside me is the Base Commander, Thomas Jones." He introduces Cmdr. Thomas Jones, as he gestures at him.
Cmdr. Thomas greets them. "Hello there." While he offers a handshake.
Lafayette takes the offer. "It's nice to meet you, Commander."
'Who is he? And why can't I find his name in the US Navy Officers Records.' Lafayette thinks, as he accesses his Ship Data Base about the Naval Commanders of WW2.
Cmdr. Thomas laughs. "You don't have to call me Commander every time. Call me Thomas instead." He says.
".... Right... Thomas."
"And this is Admiral. Tom Spencer Vaughan Philips of the Royal Navy."
Adm. Philips greets them "Hello." and offers a hand shake.
Belfast thinks about Force Z and the fate of Adm. Philips and the other Naval Officers that went down with Battleship Prince of Wales. She then snaps back to reality, and shakes hands with Adm. Philips.
"It's nice to meet you, Sir. Philips." Belfast greets him too.
"Likewise." Adm. Philips says.
'She looks and acts like Belfast, but she lacks most of her body traits. Her personality didn't differ from hers.' Adm. Philips thinks, as he glances at her sleek body.
Belfast does a little, yet elegant bow as she introduces herself and Lafayette. "My name is HMS Belfast F-90, a third ship of the Type-26 or City-Class Frigates."
"A-Are you really named Belfast? And just not some copy?" Adm.
Philips asks, as to confirm her true identity.
"Yes, I was named after Cruiser Belfast or Belfast City in Northern Ireland." Belfast remarks.
"I see now. Why you look like her. Because you were named after her." Adm. Nimitz says. As Adm. Philips, Cmdr.
Thomas and Yorktown nod in agreement.
Yorktown smiles in thought. 'How would Belfast react if she saw her? I think it would be funny.'
"This is USS Lafayette FFG-65, 4th of the Constellation Class Frigate of the United States Navy." She gestures to the kid right beside her.
Both Adm. Nimitz and Yorktown look at him, as they're trying to figure out how an Eagle Union Ship ended up having a name after an Iris Orthodoxy.
Adm. Nimitz and Yorktown both think about him. 'His clothes are similar to Iris Orthodoxy and his size is equivalent to a Destroyer. But you're not classified as a Destroyer.'
Thomas asks. "I thought you two were Destroyers? According to Albacore's report, you two are identified as Destroyers based on your appearance and length, but you said you two are Frigates. Can you please explain why?"
Belfast speaks. "That question can be answered later; we came here for a Diplomatic purpose."
"Let's discuss this inside the Office Building." Adm. Nimitz signals them to follow him inside the Office Building.
Lafayette orders the other Manjuus to look after their Ships. Manjuus run at the deck into their station, the 3 Manjuus are operating a M2 Heavy Machinegun that is bolted to the Deck. Manjuus armed with M4s patrol the deck of both vessels for any unwanted boarders.
Adm. Nimitz Office, Azur Lane Head Quarters
Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Philips, Cmdr. Thomas and Yorktown sat at the couch parallel towards Belfast and Lafayette, who were in their own seat facing them.
Belfast explains to them about their current peculiar situation. They were not from this world and stranded, they were only here to seek some shelter and find some reasons to why they were teleported here. In this world for some unknown reasons.
"So you're saying that the world you came from doesn't have Sirens, and you guys are stranded here and are looking a way to return?" Adm. Nimitz says, as Belfast nods gently.
"Currently right now we can sustain ourselves in some months of equipment and materials, before we run out of fuel and ammunition. So our current plan is to go to Pearl Harbor to restock and find some answers, to why we are here." Belfast says with seriousness and worriedness to her voice.
Adm. Philips asks to change some sensitive topics. "Does the Royal Navy counter-part have monarchy?"
"You mean United Kingdom? Yes. We still have some Monarchy seating in the throne. The Royal Family these days didn't have the power and authority as the nation transitioned into a Constitutional Monarchy. The Royal Navy is also called British Navy by many nations back in my world, but some referred it as Royal Navy."
Yorktown suddenly asks Belfast. "How did you guys manage to defeat an Elite-Siren and its fleet of Mass-Produced Siren Ships?"
This catches everyone's attention, as Belfast and the rest in the room raise some eyebrows. Lafayette frowns after hearing that, he really doesn't like to remember that failed interception.
Belfast tries to find a right explanation about their first encounter with the Siren, but the story seems to be unbelievable to some ears.
"Well... to tell you the truth is that.... we didn't really defeat Tester β and her fleet of Siren ships." She says shrugging with wide spread hands.
Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Philip, Cmdr. Thomas and Yorktown breathe in relief, because the report was just a hoax. They don't want to be that person who would have to report this kind of ridiculous story to the Higher-ups. About a single bomb manages to killed an Elite-Siren.
Belfast continues. "It was Miss Enterprise's Planes and Bombs alone who destroys the Siren Fleet and... by blowing her head-off with a 2,000-pound General Purpose Bomb."
The three Navy Officers freeze in shock, mouths agape. Yorktown falls on her knees, having a mental break down after that one.
"How? How come she's more reckless than my little sister." She mumbles in disbelief.
"H-How?" Cmdr. Thomas asks.
Belfast explains. "It was a dire situation, as Tester β summons her Force Field. Miss Enterprise had to do something drastic as to not risk the two. So.... She orders one of her Planes to conduct dive-bombing run at Tester β. To be honest we didn't expect such ridiculous move coming-out from her."
The three Naval Officer nods along with Yorktown as they all think such ridiculousness would only come-out to Enterprise.
"And with that bombing run the 2,000-pound Bomb gains a great velocity and broke through the shield and hit her in the head... decapitating her."
"WHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT!"
Cmdr. Thomas almost slips from the couch, as they recoil from the awe.
"O-One bomb manages to break a force field of an EliteSiren?!" Adm. Philips exclaims in total shock.
"Th-That's like one in a million chance!" Cmdr. Thomas yells out in surprise.
Lafayette mutters to himself. "That's what happened when you tried to fuck around and find out with a 13 Billion Carrier."
"13 Billion what?!" Adm. Nimitz asks, as he notices the kid mutters to himself.
Belfast closes her eyes and sighs as she had to explain the acquisition of USS Enterprise. "That is the price tag of USS Enterprise in 2020 Dollar. That's how much it would cost to build and equip a Super Carrier. That 13 Billion Dollar didn't even include the future upgrades."
Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Philip, Cmdr. Thomas and Yorktown are about to lose their sanity after they hear how much it costs to build a 1,106ft Aircraft Carrier that weight more than 4 Essex Class Carriers.
Belfast continues. "Yes. You heard me right. It's a Billion Dollar with capital B."
USS Essex bridge
Both Maya and Essex are having small talk in the comms about the current situation.
"Do you think they will attack me, if they find out I'm Japanese?" Maya asks in concern.
She knew 1940's America is at war with Imperial Japan, but in this world it was Eagle Union and Sakura Empire, and it's only 6 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She worries of being attacked and harassed by the discrimination of people in Hawaii.
"I don't know. But Miss Enterprise had a plan. So... I wouldn't have to worry about it." Essex replies not worried about the matter.
Lucas barges in at the conversation of the two. "It's 1940's America, so prepare for racism."
The Girls were not amused at his remark.
"Lucas. Behave yourself. We still don't know if we are really in 1940's America. We maybe in a world where realities are reverse." Bunker Hill says with a strict voice.
"Yes, Ma'am..." Lucas says like a kid to his Teacher.
"Damn, she's strict." Arizona mutters.
"Are we going to fight them?" Laffey asks nonchalantly, as she faces the Screen Monitor where all the Base Defenses that are potential targets.
Everyone. "NO!"
Back to the Office Building
Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Philips, Cmdr. Thomas and Yorktown are trying to calm themselves down, as they hear how much it costs to build a Super Carrier.
"How deep were their pockets, for that one Ship?" Cmd. Thomas murmurs.
"How can you afford to build this one Expensive Ship? That cost alone can bankrupt any Nation's Treasury." Adm. Philips asks.
Yorktown mumbles to herself stutteringly. "13 Billion Dollars. H-H-How?"
"So, the Carriers became bigger and expensive throughout the time, Hah. Interesting." Adm. Nimitz says interested at the topic.
Belfast speaks. "About the question you asked earlier Mr. Thomas."
Cmdr. Thomas shifts his attention to her, he brushes off the confused face and looks at her.
"The reason why we are a Big Vessel for a small name, the mission of a Frigate differs from other Nations to Nations. We are a MultiMission or Multi-Role Vessels, we can Hunt Subs, provide Air-Cover to the Fleet, Littoral Operation and Humanitarian Missions. We're big, because we have a bigger role in Modern Warfare. And because of those capabilities, we became more expensive than a simple Gun-Boat."
Cmdr. Thomas nods along with the others in the room. "I-I see... the bigger you are, the bigger your role is."
Belfast nods slowly. "Yes, Mr. Thomas."
Adm. Nimitz clasps his hands together and leans forward, facing her. His gaze fixated on her as he speaks. "We will give you permission to enter the Harbor to Dock and resupply you with ammunitions, fuel, and food..."
He then holds out one finger, emphasizing something. "In one condition."
Belfast listens to what the Admiral's condition is. "And what is that condition, Admiral?"
"Will you help us fight against the Sirens?" He asks her.
He made an assumption before the meeting, after he heard the report from Albacore of their capabilities of going toe-to-toe with a Siren Fleet. He then came to the conclusion that having them in Azur Lane is a great benefit. As their firepower matches or even surpasses that of their current fleets. This is an opportunity he could not pass up.
"That's quite a deal, Admiral. Let me ask Miss Enterprise about it." Belfast says, as she then pulls her phone out of her pocket.
The Three Naval Officers and Yorktown see this device and look at it with curiosity. The device is a flat rectangular shape with a mirror-like reflection and icon images.
"What is that device you hold, Miss Belfast?" Yorktown asks, as she points at the phone.
"Oh... you mean this...?" She raises the Phone for the four to see clearly. "Think of it as a Telephone in a smaller package." She says, as they all stare at it with curiosity.
"I-I see..." They all say with a nod.
She then presses a speaker Icon on the phone and asks the person behind the call. "What do you think of the deal, Miss Enterprise?" The four hear a familiar voice speaking from the small device. Enterprise is listening to the whole conversation via Belfast's phone.
"The deal is fine. But, I would only agree to it if you can guarantee the safety of my Strike Group, Admiral."
Enterprise sets her decision to help this Alliance to fight this Alien Race of Sirens in exchange for protection and shelter for her Carrier Strike Group.
"You heard her, we will help in your endeavor to fight these Sirens. If you can guarantee the safety of the Strike Group." Belfast says it with a smirk on her face.
"So, it's a deal then." Adm. Nimitz smiles, as he and Belfast shake hands in agreement.
Adm. Nimitz anticipates the needs of the Carrier Strike Group. He knows no fleet of superior ships would survive without port support, repairs, and supplies.
"Looks like we got a brand new Ship and Fleet to fight the Sirens." Adm. Philips speaks in satisfaction.
"I'll go inform the Dockyard Workers and Shipgirls to prepare for the arrival of a new Fleet to Azur Lane." Cmdr. Thomas says as he leaves the Office to inform the whole Base.
Yorktown thinks. 'Is she really like my little sister... or not?'
Enterprise Carrier Strike Group
Enterprise addresses the whole Strike Group through the intership comms. "Attention on deck! Everyone listen up. The whole diplomatic negotiation went as planned... we now have a safe Harbor to dock with. I want you all to be on your best behavior."
Everyone breathes in relief, especially Maya. That they don't have to use "American Diplomacy" at the Harbor.
"Finally, we can rest properly." Essex speaks as she stretches her arms and yawns.
"What a bummer!" Laffey complains, as her fingers are inching closer to the firing button.
Lucas speaks on the comms with a joking tone. "Well... would you look at that, we don't have to use 'American Diplomacy'." Everyone frowns at this, Lucas just laughs.
"Finally, land. I kinda felt empathy with Submarine Crews – devoid of sun and cramped inside this hull." Arizona says, feeling relief at the premise of stepping on land.
Denver comments. "Yeah, I feel you too there, being stuck inside this Submarine along with these Manjuus."
The Manjuus and Meowfficer at Denver's Submarine groan.
"Let's be thankful that we have a port to dock." Bunker Hill speaks, her mind reeling at the information.
"Remember, be on your best behavior, we still don't know if they were the people we knew in WW2 History. Keep your mouths shut, and hands off of anything alien." Bunker Hill warns the Strike Group of potential mishaps at a foreign base.
A resounding "YES. MA'AM!" echoes through the Comms.
"Let's hope they have Fuel comparable to modern engines and turbine engines, we're limited in parts if one breaks down." William comments, as he sounds like an old man.
Enterprise recalls the two squadrons of F/A-18s armed with JDAMs and Laser Guided Bombs. The two squadrons are loitering above the whole Base. If things go south.