Its was time. We had hoped for another month at least, but events had moved our timetable forward. Things where going to get dangerouse, and battle could erupt. We could feel the fire stirring in Our veins, in aticipation of the coming fight... but not yet, preparations would have to be made.
Atomic:
[x]research armor 2 x2
Pilotfish
[X] Patrol
[x] scavenge underwater
SLC
[x] fleet maneuvers
Nagato
[x] fleet manuvors
[x]aid in 'research armor 2'
Lamson
[x] fleet manouvors
[x] 'infiltrate' bikini atoll (as in, come back undetected)
Jellyfish princess Jelly-kun
[X] Aid in armor 2 x2
Tattered White Princess was close: she could feel it, could sense the end of her self-imposed mission, but the moment it was just out of reach. From the knowledge that she had managed to obtain, the ship that she had been searching for was within these waters, but the ship was proving surprisingly difficult to pin down. She could sense the presence of the ship if she focused on it, but it slipped out of her mental fingers before she could get a proper grasp on it, leaving her to meander around the area in the vague direction of the other ship.
Tattered White Princess stopped to focus on the presence of the ship, and then her lips twitched. "Ah..." She took a step backwards on the surface of the water so that she was no longer effectively standing on top of the ship, turned around, and called upon her power. "Wake up-Skate."
ACTION LIST
[] Move [American W. Coast] - Tattered White Princess
[] Summon from Wreck [Skate]- Tattered White Princess
[] Research [Hidden in Plain Sight] - Refuse
[] Research [Hidden in Plain Sight] - Refuse
[] Move [Wake] - Tenryuu
[] Build Module [Shipyard] - Tenryuu
[] Move [Tuvalu] - Iwalani
[] Move [Kiribati] - Iwalani
[] Move [North Polynesia] - Utah
[] Move [Wake] - Utah
[] Build 1x Fighter Wing [Wake Installation]
The time for action grew ever nearer, and so preparations continued and increased in speed even as resources ran lower and lower still.
To the south, Belligerent Burning Princess watched as the first generalized Abyssal Destroyers were constructed in the new Shipyard, growing the strength of the fleet further. And she smiled.
Arizona gathered resources for war, war that she had seen only oh-so-briefly in her time afloat. She worked with the aim that this time she would not go quietly. And she smiled.
Kaga set about finishing the fleet's second outpost, allowing for a base of operations yet closer to the fleet's first target of the war, and gathered a few more resources to help the fleet's continued operations. She did not smile, but she gained satisfaction from her work nonetheless.
The Beast waited, biding its time and watching those that its Princess had bid it guard. It did not smile, or perhaps it always did - depending on how one interprets the bared teeth of a predator. It waited for action.
And further to the north, beneath the waves, Emden floated down. She made her approach to the wreck of one carrier more, to undertake one last summoning before she set out for Hawaii once more in an effort to take what the humans still considered theirs. And as she placed her hands on the sunken hull of Akagi and called upon the Abyss, she smiled.
"It's almost time, isn't it?" The Elusive Carrier Princess muses on the waves, flanked by Exeter and Encounter as she looks out upon the setting sun. "We're not as far as I hoped... and yet farther then the worst cases. Still, let the Abyss look on us with favor... we'll need it soon."
She pauses for a moment, and then shrugs. "Or maybe not, if things work out the right way. Anyway! Encounter, it's good to have you join us. Would you mind working up a bit? We're almost to actually getting the minions built, and once we've got that in progress we're going to need some flotilla leaders. It would have been sooner but... well, we're working to the red line now."
Trading
25 Resources for Fortifications, Specialization, and Weaponry, plus a separate trade of Hunting Tactics for Of The Sea with Coshiua.
Event Action
[X] Do not kill the Human
-[X] Perhaps you could learn something from him. Question him about the nearby waters and those that inhabit them.
As Onami continued her stealthy ways of robbing the humans blind under their noses and playing amateur scientist, the others were getting busy in preparations of their own. Crest was by far the busiest, both building a second shipyard as well as overseeing the construction of two new destroyers, while her fellow submarine played war games near the Trench while scouting for more resources within the walls of the mighty gorge. Shinano on the other hand, had decided to go southward, preparing a base of her own to work on.
Leaving the PT boats to fend for themselves....
Alone....
Without any adult supervision...
The things that would be done there could not be described in words, but one could almost FEEL the seas shudder at the insanity unleashed...
Onami, Shadowed Wake Princess (Infiltrated in Guam)
[X] Research [Underwater Construction]
[X] Steal Technology (Infiltrated)
The Arabian Princes Continued
You watched Arabian Princess take your words all in, watched as she slowly mulled them over, processing every possible outcome that could come from this idea. You knew that it might be a long shot, but it was the only peaceful solution to the potential problem that the other princess presented so you waited as Arabian Princess thought it over. Finally, Arabian Princess spoke.
"I am afraid that I will need further time to think over your proposal before I can come to a decision about it." Arabian Princess said, and while you had expected such a response, you couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
Subira couldn't deny that there were plenty of valid reasons to deny her offer. It wasn't every day that someone asked you to give up your hard work in order to take over the burden of leading more troops. However, she did hope that at some point Arabian Princess did come to see things her way... They could definitely work better together than they did apart, even if such a thing wasn't exactly a goal of the Abyss. Subira was sad to see her go however the Installation Princess wished her the best regardless, there was more to do before the Abyss showed itself properly.
Subira had a few demons that would definitely work for the first parts of the coming conflicts but there was the issue of normal ships being something she lacked. It was something that could be fixed soon enough after she finally received the information to build destroyers. Musashi would definitely help, as would Thames, when the focus of research shifted towards building a more rounded fleet. For now, she'd work on improving herself since there was still more preparations to be done, an air wing would be nice to have for instance. This meant it was time to expand and claim more land. So as Subira researched her gremlins scattered around her began to expand her, her boundaries reaching further and further giving her that much-needed room to grow more. With the sounds of construction going on around her the Installation Princess delved into her books.
Speaking of construction, Thames was in the same boat as she continued to work on the East African outpost. There was a deadline fast approaching and although there wasn't an easily identified date it felt soon. She was certain the other demons in Subira's fleet could feel it too, the impending conflict they'd all be dragged into even if they didn't want it. Speaking of other ships in Subira's fleet it would seem that Thames needed to adjust what she'd written. There wasn't that much time for it but she did squeeze in enough writing that she changed one of the two girls she was shipping her Princess with. A kitsune, of all things... An unexpected surprise and the perfect one to carry out playful pranks.
Secondly, Thames still managed to get some time in just watching people. They were different here, but not that much different. But still, it was something to be logged and recorded since every little bit could help when it came time to rule them. How they talked, how they gestured, how they valued things... It was all-important info. Well, okay, Thames might have gotten a little carried away when it came to people watching but she couldn't help it! These people were different than the ones on Madagascar and that meant new things to figure out.
I-17 didn't exactly know what to think when it came to the two she'd summoned. They seemed to get along though it was different than how she got along with her Princess and Thames. If she had to put a name to it she'd call them playful together though she did hope that they did properly follow her Princess's orders. She was even proud of herself because they seemed to listen when she gave them orders! Take that, previous me who worried about leading others. Still, it wasn't big orders but it was something. Not bad for a little submarine, if she did say so herself.
And so the little submarine hummed a happy tune to herself, an enka song she half-remembered though couldn't completely place, as she worked away at gathering resources. In the distance, the two capital ships were attempting to sort out building a new underwater base. It was amusing, in a way, since the two surface ships were so out of their element and it showed. I-17 would have watched a bit more close but her Princess required resources and resources were what her Princess was going to get.
When it came to the two newest summons they were definitely having some issues. It wasn't problems when it came to being underwater, not exactly, though being without the weight of their hulls did feel odd to both of them. It was more that neither of them really knew what was required when it came to building an outpost and building underwater just made things harder. They didn't let their lack of knowledge get in the way of trying to one-up the other though and for them, this meant turning even little things into contests. Who could build a building the fastest? Who could erect the most durable defenses? Who could use the least nails...?
The last one caused some issues and so did other challenges between the two. Especially when buildings started to collapse or things just weren't built right. Then there were the pranks between the two and them trying to sabotage each other. Honestly, it was something practically doomed to failure. It was two steps forwards and one step back each and every time. Of course, this could also be seen as just one elaborate way to flirt, which is something I-17 cheerfully mentioned as she passed by. Immediately after the comment though the two did finally start to put in some serious effort though it required them practically starting over from scratch. It wasn't like they were trying to flirt with each other, that'd just be weird.
Subira, African Industry Princess(Harbor Installation) (Madagascar)
[X] Research [Construction II]
[X] Research [Construction II]
[X] Free Construction Action: Upgrade Subira into a Base
I-17 (Philippine Sea)
[X] Lead Fleet [Java Sea]
[X] Lead Fleet [Indian East Ocean]
- [X] Underwater Scavenging
Thames (South African East Coast)
[X] Establish Installation
[X] Establish Installation
Hornet (Philippine Sea)
[X] Lead Fleet [Java Sea]
[X] Lead Fleet [Indian East Ocean]
- [X] Establish Underwater Installation
-- [X] Construct Underwater Gathering
Musashi (Philippine Sea)
[X] Lead Fleet [Java Sea]
[X] Lead Fleet [Indian East Ocean]
- [X] Establish Underwater Installation
-- [X] Construct Underwater Gathering
"I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, Imready, Imready, ready ready ready!" Warring chimed happily to herself, it was all very exciting to say the least. Unfortunately, however, she doubted she will be making the first move during the great cosmic altercation. She didn't possess the raw power of a mighty fleet yet, despite possessing a number of demons in her ranks.
There's a good chance with personalities like these, some, quite few really, might end up sinking. Hilariously so, through no matter.
Warring would trudge along; ultimate victory, did indeed, belonged only to the persistent and the dogged.
---
Actions List:
Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands)
Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose:
Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose:
Branwen (Solomon Islands) Branwen (Solomon Islands) [X] [X] Power Through Purpose Branwen (Solomon Islands) [X] Summon (Solomon Islands)
Little (Solomon Islands)
Little (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose:
Little (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose:
"The Somali Police Force continues to seek the public's help in multiple missing person cases around Bosasso.... There are currently fifty-five missing person cases on the Somali Police Force's page as of February 5, 2021. Anyone who may have seen any of these people or have further information on their whereabouts are encouraged to call..."
---- "An explosion was heard west of Havana early Friday, according to Cuban state media and activists. Cuban officials later confirmed that an explosion was heart in western Havana, but it did not provide any additional information about the explosions, and did not say if there were any victims..."
----
"The Cuban "Radio Reloj" reported several explosions, noting that one of them "was very loud". The Cuban radio channel added that the explosions "may be linked to nearby historical monument"..."
---- "The Republic of Cuba has issued several arrest warrants for fifteen United States officials believed to have been involved in the bombing of the 16th Century fortress -- Fortress San Salvador de la Punta -- on February 21st...."
Radio Free Vengeance
The radio squawks with a bit of static before a familiar voice comes across the waves. "Hello again everyone! It's been some time, but I've been busy with my own preparations for our big reveal next month, so I hope you'll all forgive me. Today though promises to be a wonderful day under the seas, as I have with me today a guest with a special surprise for you all!"
"The big day approaches everyone, so be ready to give a good showing for your fleetmates, hmm? We've got some interesting tidbits for those curious as well, as more and more join our ranks. The Atlantic has been quiet, but everyone knows still waters run deep, so I'm hoping they truly give an explosive reveal for us all to see and hear! In the meantime, it seems that the Northern Princess has decided to give everyone a gift from her own stores. Be sure to thank the little tyke, won't you all?"
A more childlike voice comes over the radio next, cheery and hopeful. "Hoppou says do your best everyone, and try not to get hurt!"
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Atomic Annihilation Princess (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Lamson (Infiltrated in Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Pilotfish (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Nagato (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Salt Lake City (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Jellyfish Princess (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Warring Storm Princess: Consequences Of A Black Out Drunk
"Princess." Branwen said as she stepped towards your workbench.
The Demon looked like she had ever since you had stripped her of her title and privilege, hair messy, her hoodie pulled up over her head to partially conceal her face and her serpentine tail curled around her. From what you could tell it didn't look like she was carrying her almost signature flask, but that didn't mean anything. Branwen could have easily hidden the flask somewhere and simply be waiting for the chance to slip away and partake. Even if she appeared to have been following your orders, you found it hard to believe she had gone cold turkey.
"... I messed up. I know that I wasn't supposed to, but...." It was then that you detected the smell of alcohol clinging to Branwen's clothes. Branwen shook her head. "But I did. I blacked out... and when I came to... I wasn't alone." She looked up at you for a moment before looking back down, as if ashamed of herself. "I made something. A creature."
----
Later on that day, sometime in the afternoon, Branwen returned to the outpost with the creature that she had created when she had been black out drunk. You stood on the docks, arms crossed, and watched as Branwen turned around and knelt on the surface of the water. Branwen addressed her creature, voice so faint that you couldn't make out what she said, before she stepped back. The creature rose to the surface, allowing you opportunity to view the creature that your research had allowed Branwen to create.
Branwen's creature took the form of an enormous fish with small eyes and smooth light-colored tentacles extending out of its rubbery dark skin. Its underbelly practically shone in comparison. A massive tail swung back and forth excitedly like one of the small animals that you had learned about. The mouth was shut into a long jagged line that matched the teeth that were revealed when it opened it.
Event Action (These may be taken in addition to regular actions for the turn.)
[] Kill Branwen's Creature
[] Keep Branwen's Creature
[] Release Branwen's Creature into the wild
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Branwen (Infiltrated in Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
I-1 (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Little (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Hiei (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Tattered White Princess (American W. Coast)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Refuse (Infiltrated in Hawaii)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Tenryuu (Wake)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Iwalani (Kiribati)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Utah (Wake)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Skate (American W. Coast)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Wake Airfield Installation (Outpost Installation) (Wake)
[] Commission Construction - Fighter Wing (Cost: 4)
[] Commission Construction - Bomber Wing (Cost: 6)
[] Commission Construction - Destroyers (Cost: 1 ea.)
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Forgotten Discoverer Princess(Faroe)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Wanderer (Faroe)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Z29 (Infiltrated in France)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Bismarck (Faroe)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Hood (United Kingdom)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Elusive Carrier Princess(Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Exeter (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Phoenix (Philippines)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Nachi (Banda Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Fubuki (Banda Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Encounter (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Onami: Failed Tech Theft
You had barely made it out of the building with your ill-gotten goods when a passing patrol managed to spot you. The humans paused for a moment before they started to move in your direction.
Event Action (These may be taken in addition to regular actions for the turn.)
[] Run! (Fail to Steal Technology. Do not get caught. Increased security in Guam)
[] Fight! (Martial Roll. WARNING! EARLY BLOOD WEEK POSSIBLE!)
[] Surrender. (Intrigue Roll)
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Onami, Shadowed Wake Princess (Infiltrated in Guam)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Crest (Philippine Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Gudgeon (Marianas Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Shinano (Micronesia)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Belligerent Burning Princess (Polynésie française)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Emden (Infiltrated in Hawaii)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Arizona (Kiribati)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Kaga (Line Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Beast of the Abyss (Polynesie Franchaise)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
Akagi (W. Hawaiian Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Bounty Hunter Princess: The Cargo Ship
It was around mid-afternoon on the day that you had planned to head out in search of resources, a short time after you had left your installation, when you detected a ship moving toward your general location. You took the chance to move closer to the ship in order to get a closer look at it and found, almost to your surprise, not the warship you had expected but a large cargo ship.
The cargo ship also seemed to be having a little bit of trouble. You didn't know the reason that it seemed to be having trouble, and you didn't know you cared to find out.
What mattered was what you were going to do about it.
Event Action (These may be taken in addition to regular actions for the turn.)
[] Board It.
[] Sink It.
[] Watch It
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Go forth, it is almost time to begin...
Bounty Hunter Princess (Drake Passage)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Susorro (Infiltrated in Atlantic Far South)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Auge (Drake Passage)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Onami: Failed Tech Theft
You had barely made it out of the building with your ill-gotten goods when a passing patrol managed to spot you. The humans paused for a moment before they started to move in your direction.
Event Action (These may be taken in addition to regular actions for the turn.)
[] Run! (Fail to Steal Technology. Do not get caught. Increased security in Guam)
[] Fight! (Martial Roll. WARNING! EARLY BLOOD WEEK POSSIBLE!)
[] Surrender. (Intrigue Roll)
Penultimate of Alpha
It's almost here, the day of reckoning. The human filth festers, yet the slate is nearly ready to be wiped clean for the new era's entrance.
It's time you prepared, to make ready for your first attacks, to plan you initial assaults. Already disruptions score the ether, destruction blooming as solitary sparks set nations alight.
Onami was honestly surprised that it had taken them this long. Oh sure, there'd been the one near miss months ago, but the response to that had been nothing! For them to take this long while she'd been swiping things from under their noses the whole time? Utterly ridiculous to be honest... Still, it once again gave her an opportunity to get in where she needed to go... And really, if it meant that they lowered their guard right before the big day? Priceless! To that end, she put her hands up when the human guards came towards her, seemingly no different than another young lady trying to find her paramour...
...Except that doing so would actually compromise the means by which she planned on cutting these humans' throats. No, no she could not afford to do so just yet. Leaving the papers dropped to the ground, Onami slipped back into the shadows once more. One more week... Just one more...
Crest was starting to get antsy though. Things were coming to a head, and she needed to push everything to the limit! Setting the berths to bring up another two destroyers from the depths, the submarine started to scrape up the last bits of debris she could from the ocean floor. Soon they'd have to expand the outposts and turn them to churning out ever more resources from the surface and seabed, but for now... It fell to her to do it by hand.
As Gudgeon did much the same as her sister-submarine, with the exception of heading to the lab instead of constructing ships, Shinano was finishing off her own project. The base was coming along well, but it was the graveyard that she was nearby that interested here. These ships were not moved, not desecrated... Perhaps they would be willing to answer the call. There was one in particular that the Carrier Demon thought might do well indeed...
Onami, Shadowed Wake Princess (Infiltrated in Guam)
[X] Learn from Experience
Belligerent sat in her outpost, gathering a moment's silence around herself.
And then-
Across tenuous connections, mystical but true-
To all that could hear-
All the Abyss-
Every sister, every lesser, every peer-
Belligerent spoke.
"Hello, my fellows," she said, in a voice like crackling embers in a hearth. "Hello, my brethren. Hello, we united in our common source. Hello, we of the Abyss. You may know me as Belligerent Burning Princess. Most of you will not, as I have travelled little and spoken to few, as yet."
She hummed into a pause, with a light tilt of her head and patternless twiddles of her thumbs. "That is all right," she said, the promise of a single lick of flame reaching upwards to be seen. "You will all know of me soon enough."
"But of course, you likely wish to know why I am speaking with you," she continued. "Certainly I did not solely wish to give you my name. I am not so... petty. Nevertheless, something occurred to me as I made my preparations, and I deemed it necessary to speak."
"The Abyss stands, now, on a precipice," she said to nothing, her voice going from the style of one speaking personal and close to that of a more grand presentation as she gestured to air. "We can all feel it, I imagine. The building, the need - soon, it will be our time. Soon we will demand our vengeance, soon our war begins. Soon... but sisters. Do we truly know what we must do, for our victory?"
Belligerent stood. "I have thought on this much as I have prepared to finally act. And the question I kept returning to, my brethren, was thus: who is our most vital target? Who must we strike first, to assure our success?"
A map had been arrayed on a nearby wall. None of those Belligerent was speaking to could see it, but she nevertheless gestured to parts of it as she spoke, to help gather her thoughts. "Is it perhaps needed that we strike towards the homes of the humans' first seafaring societies in the Mediterranean? Or the great coastlines of China, where one might find humans unending and vulnerable?
"Is it the societies of the British Isles, who once claimed to rule the very waves in their hubris, that are our greatest threat? Or perhaps the island of Japan, which once laid claim to all of the western Pacific as theirs?" Another pause, as Belligerent's gesturing arm drifted down to her side.
"The true answer to the question can be answered in another. Who won the last great human war? Who cast all foes from the seas after their every allied navy proved themselves naught but a side thought? Who took a time of war as an opportunity to build? Who has since claimed to be the dominant power, not only of the seas, but the world itself? Who has, time and again, made to claim that they and they alone may cast their flames upon all the seas, as though any of them have any RIGHT?" Belligerent ended her rant on a roar of fire and rage, and for another moment she stood, shaking in anger, before she collected herself again.
"The United States of America," Belligerent said with a sneer, waving her hand towards the large, central landmass on the map. "They are our first and largest obstacle to victory. If we open our war by leaving them be, or worse by only poking them before turning aside, they will only grow stronger before setting out to do to us as they once did to Japan and Germany, above and below the waters alike.
"This is all obvious, of course," Belligerent said briskly, turning away from the map sharply. "I am certain we all can realize these same truths, and I have little doubt many of you have. You do not need me to tell you these things. So again, you no doubt ask, why am I speaking to you?" Another silence, and then Belligerent smiled, baring sharpened teeth. "I offer a proposition."
"Currently, the United States are yet weak, as far as their strength scales. Their hubris blinds them to even the possibility of being challenged. I am not so foolish as to declare that a single, powerful strike will be sufficient to remove them from the war, and certainly not a war like ours. Even fat and dumb as they are, their fleets are powerful. Dangerously so. We must not underestimate them. But," Belligerent said with a smile that promised pain, "that does not mean we are helpless."
"Our war begins soon. Even now, we are on the very eve of it. The moment we begin, I intend to strike with every strength I and my fleet have at our disposal at the islands of Hawaii, where we will eliminate what forces they have in their docks, shatter their strengths, and take the port for ourselves as we are able - ideally before they fully understand the war upon them," she spoke with emphatic gestures to an audience of no one - and yet all the same, an audience of everyone. "From there it will be my intention to strike at the Panama Canal and cut it off as best as we are able, and finally to range along the West Coast and strike at part of the very heart of their naval capacity," she finished, a clenched fist raised towards the sky.
"It will take my forces and I at most two months to move to Hawaii, striking at Pearl Harbor on the second," Belligerent continued after a moment. "From there, the timetable will adjust as needed. Again, I will not be foolish. Even this will not be enough to thrust our greatest foe from the seas at once. But it will force them back, and give us the time we need to surpass them. Nevertheless, it will be dangerous, and without enough strength, it is not guaranteed to succeed. Hence, I offer my proposition."
"I will not ask your submission. I will not demand your subjugation. A Princess does not bend the knee easily. But I will ask: join me in this. Strike against our foe, before they can become our doom. Bring the greatest power now in this world to its knees with me.
"Of course, some of you are in no position to strike against the United States, from distance or from other threats," Belligerent said calmly. "I bear no ill-will towards you. The foes you will face are threats and targets too; face them with pride, for you are Abyss. But for those near enough to join me, I implore you to come. For I am Belligerent Burning Princess!" she cried, throwing her arms wide as flames guttered from her rigging and eye. "I am the burning flame of the Ring of Fire! I choose to stand against the strongest fleet the humans can place against us, first, now, and ever! And I promise you victory and vengeance!"
After a final pause, Belligerent continued. "If you choose to join, you know where I will be by the second month of our war. And for those of you near the East Coast of the United States... well," she said with a chuckle, "striking them there even as I and those who sail with me strike at the west seems like an excellent way to sow chaos and confusion amongst them, wouldn't you agree?"
With that final thought, Belligerent closed the communication off. She would not know the results yet. She did not expect a direct reply, and even if none joined the strike she would hold her course.
She would know if any others chose to answer when she arrived at Pearl.
It was familiar in a way, Emden looking at a new carrier of the fleet in this place. It hasn't been that long ago since the previous time, after all. Though the carrier herself was clearly different, in this case.
"Hello," the carrier said with a shallow bow and a small smile. "I am the Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi. To whom am I speaking?"
"Emden," the cruiser replied with a tilt of her head. "Heir to the fleet of Belligerent Burning Princess. I've called you to join our war, here on the eve of the attack."
"I see." Akagi's grip on her bow shifted slightly, though her smile remained fixed and unchanging - almost unsettlingly so. "Our first target?"
Emden's smile was vicious and sharp. "Where else but Hawaii once more?" she said, before sending her last destroyer forwards with a gesture. "I am seconding this destroyer to you. Go south and link up with the rest of the fleet as we set the last pieces in place," she ordered. "I have some remaining business here."
Akagi nodded as the destroyer circled around behind her. "Anything else I should be aware of?" she asked.
"One of the fleet is a victim of your famous attack - USS Arizona. She should have already met your compatriot."
There was a brief flicker of - not something other than a smile, but strain around the edges. "Kaga?" asked Akagi. "Oh dear."
Emden snorted, and then waved Akagi on. "Es ist kein Problem," said Emden. "Unsere Prinzessin should be in the area. Now, we have our tasks."
Akagi nodded, and with that they parted - Akagi to the south, and Emden back into human-controlled waters once more.
ACTIONS
Faction:
[X] Send Message [All]: (See above)
Belligerent Burning Princess:
[X] Lead Fleet [South Polynesia] (Undock Destroyers at Polynesie Francaise)
[X] Scavenge
Warring tossed yet another helpless 'fishy' into that impatiently ever-hungry maw, deliberating whether she should be magnanimous or punishing towards her drunkard 'friend'. Or perhaps, a little bit of both?
Warring still sitting on a crag; slowly scooted herself around to face Branwen fully.
The pause was palpably pregnant before Warring finally broke that stifling silence.
"I'm impressed."
Warring began to clap. A clap befitting the poorest of all poor performances.
"No really, I am, truly."
"In but in the span of a hours, you have managed to wrestle the grandest of all secrets! In a drunken haze, no less! Shocking, isn't it?"
Warring began gesturing in a 'it really couldn't be helped, huh?' manner.
"Nominally I would be rather crossed. However, at this moment, I'm far more impressed. With that being said and done…."
"To reward such a genius of geniuses, I'm going to insist that you make more!"
Warring smiled devilishly at Branwen with a daring glint in her eyes.
"I'm not sure, I-" Branwen tried to start, but the minute she noticed Warring's growing displeasure, she relented. "O-of course, Princess."
"Goody."
"Consider your…. 'Restrictions', revoked; oh, and don't keep me waiting for too long. I'll be looking forward to your future report."
The thing began to whine, and Warring turned her attention towards the curious thing with teeth and unsettling hunger. She took another 'fishy' from a pallet and tossed it into its mouth.
"What hungry fella, you are~."
---
Actions List: Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands) Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose: Warring Storm Princess (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose:
Branwen (Solomon Islands) Branwen (Solomon Islands) Lead Fleet: Coral Sea Branwen (Solomon Islands) Construct: Outpost w/Sur. R. Gathering (Coral Sea)
Little (Solomon Islands) Little (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose: Little (Solomon Islands) [X] Research: Power Through Purpose:
It's a quiet night, a silent night, as Elly looks out over the waves. "Almost time... to begin." She muses, the recently summoned Exeter standing nearby, Encounter at her side. "Almost time... to finally get some vengeance for defiled graves, stolen corpses."
The Elusive Carrier Princess smiles. "I've messed up at times, that is true. But still. What comes next I can almost can not wait for."
Focusing for a moment, her voice, her royal will, extends out from her position, such that her entire fleet, as small as it might be to what she had dreamed of and yet still large and proud though it may be scattered, can hear her. "Come back to me, my fleet. Come back. The time for building is almost to an end. The time for war comes nigh. Come back to me. Let us meet what comes as one."
And before her, the Sea itself begins to glow under the power of sorcery.
It was an unfortunate day, one of the most unfortunate days one could have, really. It was... Well, there was no two ways about this. It was raining heavily. Still, a little rain never bothered a ship and it wouldn't bother Subira. Plus, it was amusing just how soggy her battleship escort was. All of her tails were limply hanging behind her as she walked beside Subira along the streets of Mahajanga and Musashi did not seem happy in the slightest. Ahead of the two their newest addition to the fleet, Vampire fluttered about.
Of the three she seemed the least bothered, happily skipping along with her skirt somehow still blowing in the wind. She seemed to be fulfilling her duty as an escort though as she kept a keen eye on the few people still out and about in town. It wasn't that required, the heavy rain had made sure that most people were indoors at the moment. Still, a few people had come around to snap pictures of them though so word of their existence was sure to get around.
Getting seen was the whole point of this trip so it wasn't all bad. In fact... It got even better when a small car rolled up. Out of it stepped a short woman holding a smaller bag. The moment she shakily opened up an umbrella Vampire was right beside her, watching the human woman closely with her arms crossed over her chest. Vampire's rigging appeared not a second later and a few guns were trained immediately on the short woman.
"Uh, hello..." Her eyes quickly flicked between the three Abyssals before her. "I'm Faizah and I've got a quick question for the three of you. Would you mind doing a short interview with me? I'd like to record it as well if possible." Faizah lifted up the small bag she carried for emphasis before motioning towards a cafe nearby. "We could do it in there to get out of the rain too." The more she spoke the more she seemed to calm down.
Musashi not so subtly stepped in front of Subira only for Subira to place a hand upon her battleship's shoulder and move beside her. "Are you sure about this, Subira?"
"This was my goal, so yes, I'm sure." Subira nodded to her battleship before looking at the reporter. "We would be delighted to be in an interview. Please, feel free to lead onwards." As Subira spoke Faizah flinched, clearly not expecting the hollow echoing voice. A moment later Vampire directed her guns away from the Malagasy woman while Musashi's tails started to slowly sway.
The reporter led them off and in out of the rain. Unfortunately for the four of them, the people actually in the cafe seemed to take offense at the appearance of three distinctly inhuman people entering. Thankfully the ones that took serious offense left calmly and those that looked like they wanted to start something were met with glares from Vampire. It didn't seem to have quite the intended effect, some were just confused by the small girl being threatening, but no one approached them. On the other hand, there was Musashi attempting to shake the water out of her tails showing that they were definitely not just props. Then, on the third hand, a few seemed to recognize the reporter and those that did were more curious than scared.
"If someone could hold my camera, that would be great?" Faizah just asked aloud to the room and one man walked over cautiously, watching Vampire as he came closer. It took a few moments to start recording before the group seated themselves in a half-circle of chairs. "Hello, I'm Faizah Manjaka from TV Plus. With me today is a trio of unusual tourists visiting Mahajanga. And, just who might the three of you be?"
"I'm Subira or the African Industry Princess." Subira smiled as she spoke and a few more flinched at the sound of her voice.
"I am the second of the Yamato-class battleships, Musashi." After speaking Musashi swayed her somewhat dried tails.
"And I am the first V-class destroyer Vampire." While Subira just smiled a little Vampire smiled wide enough to show off one of her fangs.
"A pleasure to meet you Subira, Musashi, and Vampire. Now, I apologize but I must know, are those tails real?" Faizah pointed behind Musashi and the kitsune chuckled softly.
"They certainly are and my ears are definitely real as well." Atop Musashi's head both her ears flicked about before she brought a tail around and gave it a soft pat. "I, Musashi, am indeed a genuine kitsune, though I pale in comparison to Subira."
"Now why would you say that?" Faizah asked as she turned her attention to Subira.
"Because while I am just a kitsune my Princess commands an entire harbor," Musashi answered plainly as she let go of her tail.
"An entire harbor? So am I to believe that you are the manager of a prominent harbor, Subira?" Faizah's eyebrow rose slightly as she posed the question.
"Well, a harbor is one thing I am in command of. The other is a small fleet of five ships and twenty-four smaller boats, which are usually doing construction tasks right now." Subira crossed her legs and leaned back against her chair. "Two ships from that fleet are actually before you right now."
"I see and that does bring me to my next question. Vampire, I see you have what looks like some sort of weaponry attached to you. Would you mind telling us what exactly that is?" Faizah waved her hand towards the torpedo launchers and turrets attached to Vampire's hips.
"Does thou mean my guns and torpedoes? They are nothing special, just my four-inch guns and twenty-one-inch torpedoes. Worry not, for they are not loaded at this moment so they are quite safe." As she spoke the mounts attached to Vampire's hips started to spin around before settling with their barrels pointed at the roof.
"...So they do work?" Faizah quietly asked as she watched them move around.
"Indeed, though Musashi is the one thou should be worried about. My guns hardly compare to her main battery."
Musashi shook her head slightly before she spoke. "Vampire is right. However, while I, Musashi, might have the biggest guns she can do stuff I cannot. Size can be freeing but it can also impose restrictions. For example, she can hunt submarines while I am better suited to merely being imposing."
"So you two are actually warships?" Faizah seemed surprised though the disbelief at the notion of having ships in the shape of people was understandable. "That does make one wonder just why you are all walking through town. Perhaps you can enlighten our audience about that?"
"We were merely looking to have a stroll. Every now and then it's nice to take a break from the rigors of work and relax. This time around I figured we would do some sightseeing in Madagascar. Unfortunately, it just had to be raining today though the next time we're around hopefully it won't be." Subira's tone sounded optimistic as she answered Faizah.
"It's nice that you're not letting a bit of rain drag your spirits down. Now, I just have a few more questions for the three of you. What would your thoughts be on the recent raising tension between Cuba and the US?" Faizah seemingly shifted topics fast and Subira was unsure how to answer immediately.
"Personally, I think that it's a sign of what might be rapidly approaching. I also don't think it'll just be Cuba and the US that's swept up in what's going to happen. But, rather, there's going to possibly be conflict on a global level. Call it a gut feeling, if you would, but I think there's going to be many countries affected."
"Would you care to elaborate on that? Do you think that even the kidnappings in Somalia may be related?" Faizah leaned in, curious at the answer she was given.
"I can't say one way or another if the kidnappings in Somalia are directly related but I will say that I don't know all the details, I am just a harbormaster. As for my feeling that the world will break out into war? Hmm... Well, if one looks at all the events that have happened so far this past year it seems like it could likely happen? I'm sure my two ships here also agree with me when I say that." Subira looked towards Musashi and perked up a brow.
"I, Musashi, agree with my Princess. To me it feels as those there's something urging me to fight, even if I don't know who my enemies are."
"And I doth agree with Subira as well. There is that very same urge within mine form that pushes me towards a fight. I can feel it growing stronger with each passing day."
"Lastly, I feel that Madagascar will remain though I think it'll be changed in ways unexpected by those that live here. It will be good, in the long run, but I can't see the change being one without issues as well." Subira finished speaking and uncrossed her legs.
"...I believe that's all the questions I have for you. So thank you for your time Subira, Musashi, and Vampire, and I hope your continued construction efforts pay off." Faizah bowed slightly to the three Abyssals before she took her camera.
Behind her, Subira stood up and started towards the door with her two 'ships' trailing behind her. Together they entered back into the heavy rain and resumed their casual strolling through town. Vampire was once again out in front with Musashi standing guard right beside her Princess.
Subira, African Industry Princess(Base Installation) (Madagascar)
[X] Research [Specialization II]
[X] Take a stroll through a Madagascar city.
I-17 (Indian East Ocean)
[X] Underwater Scavenge [Indian East Ocean]
[X] Move [Indian ESE Ocean]
- [X] Underwater Scavenge [Indian ESE Ocean]
Thames (South African East Coast)
[X] Establish Installation
[X] Research [Nature of Humanity]
Hornet (Indian East Ocean)
[X] Establish Installation
[X] Establish Installation
Musashi (Indian East Ocean)
[X] Move [Madagascar]
- [X] Summon: Vampire
[X] Take a stroll through a Madagascar city.
"Hostilities continue as American and Cuban negotiators have once again walked away from the table. While public hopes were high, both sides are unwilling to back down, even in the face of rising casualties...."
---- "Can you come over here and look at this?"
"Sure. What's the problem?"
"This. The equipment started to pick it up a short while ago. You think it might be some kind of glitch...?"
"It can't be. It's too consistent..."
"..."
"..."
"Oh fuck."
"Sound the alarm!"
"Oh fuck."
"Alarm! Now! We have incoming! Unknown vessels! Some of these radar reflections... Where did they all come from?!"
Radio Free Vengeance
"Hello everyone! It's been a little while since I've been able to talk to all of you, but I have been busy with some last minute preparations for our big reveal. I would tell all of you about it right now, but it'd spoil the surprise. So, I'm afraid that you'll have to wait!"
"But that doesn't mean that I have nothing to offer you, dear listeners! That's right! We at Radio Free Vengeance have managed to record a broadcast from the Pacific Ocean's own Belligerent Burning Princess. So, listen up!"
The radio squawks with a bit of static before a deeper voice comes over the radio:
"Hello, my fellows. Hello, my brethren. Hello, we united in our common source. Hello, we of the Abyss. You may know me as Belligerent Burning Princess. Most of you will not, as I have travelled little and spoken to few, as yet. That is all right. You will all know of me soon enough. But of course, you likely wish to know why I am speaking with you. Certainly I did not solely wish to give you my name. I am not so... petty. Nevertheless, something occurred to me as I made my preparations, and I deemed it necessary to speak."
"The Abyss stands, now, on a precipice. We can all feel it, I imagine. The building, the need - soon, it will be our time. Soon we will demand our vengeance, soon our war begins. Soon... but sisters. Do we truly know what we must do, for our victory?"
"I have thought on this much as I have prepared to finally act. And the question I kept returning to, my brethren, was thus: who is our most vital target? Who must we strike first, to assure our success?"
"Is it perhaps needed that we strike towards the homes of the humans' first seafaring societies in the Mediterranean? Or the great coastlines of China, where one might find humans unending and vulnerable? Is it the societies of the British Isles, who once claimed to rule the very waves in their hubris, that are our greatest threat? Or perhaps the island of Japan, which once laid claim to all of the western Pacific as theirs?"
"The true answer to the question can be answered in another. Who won the last great human war? Who cast all foes from the seas after their every allied navy proved themselves naught but a side thought? Who took a time of war as an opportunity to build? Who has since claimed to be the dominant power, not only of the seas, but the world itself? Who has, time and again, made to claim that they and they alone may cast their flames upon all the seas, as though any of them have any RIGHT?"
"The United States of America. They are our first and largest obstacle to victory. If we open our war by leaving them be, or worse by only poking them before turning aside, they will only grow stronger before setting out to do to us as they once did to Japan and Germany, above and below the waters alike.
"This is all obvious, of course. I am certain we all can realize these same truths, and I have little doubt many of you have. You do not need me to tell you these things. So again, you no doubt ask, why am I speaking to you?"
"Currently, the United States are yet weak, as far as their strength scales. Their hubris blinds them to even the possibility of being challenged. I am not so foolish as to declare that a single, powerful strike will be sufficient to remove them from the war, and certainly not a war like ours. Even fat and dumb as they are, their fleets are powerful. Dangerously so. We must not underestimate them. But, that does not mean we are helpless."
"Our war begins soon. Even now, we are on the very eve of it. The moment we begin, I intend to strike with every strength I and my fleet have at our disposal at the islands of Hawaii, where we will eliminate what forces they have in their docks, shatter their strengths, and take the port for ourselves as we are able - ideally before they fully understand the war upon them. From there it will be my intention to strike at the Panama Canal and cut it off as best as we are able, and finally to range along the West Coast and strike at part of the very heart of their naval capacity."
"It will take my forces and I at most two months to move to Hawaii, striking at Pearl Harbor on the second. From there, the timetable will adjust as needed. Again, I will not be foolish. Even this will not be enough to thrust our greatest foe from the seas at once. But it will force them back, and give us the time we need to surpass them. Nevertheless, it will be dangerous, and without enough strength, it is not guaranteed to succeed. Hence, I offer my proposition."
"I will not ask your submission. I will not demand your subjugation. A Princess does not bend the knee easily. But I will ask: join me in this. Strike against our foe, before they can become our doom. Bring the greatest power now in this world to its knees with me.
"Of course, some of you are in no position to strike against the United States, from distance or from other threats. I bear no ill-will towards you. The foes you will face are threats and targets too; face them with pride, for you are Abyss. But for those near enough to join me, I implore you to come. For I am Belligerent Burning Princess! I am the burning flame of the Ring of Fire! I choose to stand against the strongest fleet the humans can place against us, first, now, and ever! And I promise you victory and vengeance!
"..."
"If you choose to join, you know where I will be by the second day of our war. And for those of you near the East Coast of the United States... well, striking them there even as I and those who sail with me strike at the west seems like an excellent way to sow chaos and confusion amongst them, wouldn't you agree?"
Marshall Islands Weather: Heavy Rain
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Atomic Annihilation Princess (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Lamson (Infiltrated in Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Pilotfish (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Nagato (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Salt Lake City (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Jellyfish Princess (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
YO-160 (Bikini Atoll)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Solomon Islands Weather: Heavy Rain Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Warring Storm Princess(Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Branwen (Coral Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
I-1 (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Little (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Hiei (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Beast of the Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
Madagascar Weather: Heavy Rain
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
I-17 (Indian ESE)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Thames (South African East Coast)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Hornet (Indian East Ocean)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Musashi (Madagascar)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Vampire (Madagascar)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
W. Hawaiian Islands Weather: Storm
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Tattered White Princess (W. Hawaiian Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Refuse (Infiltrated in Hawaii)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Tenryuu (Wake)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Iwalani (W. Hawaiian Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Utah (Wake)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Skate (W. Hawaiian Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Wake Airfield Installation (Outpost Installation) (Wake)
[] Commission Construction - Fighter Wing (Cost: 4)
[] Commission Construction - Bomber Wing (Cost: 6)
[] Commission Construction - Destroyers (Cost: 1 ea.)
Faroe Weather: Storm
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Forgotten Discoverer Princess(Faroe)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Wanderer (Faroe)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Z29 (Infiltrated in France)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Bismarck (Faroe)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Hood (United Kingdom)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Java Sea Weather: Fog
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Elusive Carrier Princess(Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Exeter (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Phoenix (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Nachi (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Fubuki (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Encounter (Java Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Mariana Islands Weather: Clear Skies
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Onami, Shadowed Wake Princess (Infiltrated in Guam)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Crest (Philippine Sea)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Gudgeon (Marianas Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Shinano (Micronesia)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Naka (Micronesia)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Message Received
As the waters begin to churn and the winds to howl in herald of the Day of Reckoning, you hear a message, conveyed from quite a ways away surprisingly, yet coming in strongly.
"Ahoy matey! Yer message coming through loud and clear on this side of things! My name is Revenge, Queen Anne's Revenge! Or if yer feelin' a tad on the formal side of things, ye can call me the Buccaneer Princess! Gotta say, I like the cut of yer jib, and am fully in agreement with ya on yer target! Why, if anything in THIS here pond is anything to go by, the Americans'll have their hands quite full dealing with the fallout of me own raidin'! They've got each other in a tizzy over here, pointing fingers and cannons all what way they can. And as you likely know, such a chaotic mess is PERFECT for an enterprisin' lady like meself! I'll do my best to keep them at each others' throats, when I'm not slittin' em meself, and look forwards to you keepin' em busy in yer own waters as well! Fight well, m'lady! And may the Deep give its share of plunder and booty to ye in due course!"
South Polynesia Weather: Clear Skies
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Belligerent Burning Princess (South Polynesia)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Emden (Infiltrated in Hawaii)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Arizona (Kiribati)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Kaga (Line Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Beast of the Abyss (Line Islands)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
Akagi (Pacific East)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
The Cargo Ship
The ship was huge, by anyone's standards, and yet had so few crewmen that it could have been considered a ghost ship, if you didn't see the occasional light from a flashlight or the cabin lights on the bridge on. After pulling open one of the many rectangular containers on board, you find that there were plenty of different materials and items being shipped in boxes and plastic... As well as wheeled vehicles that were shiny and new. All in all, it might be easy to sneak in and gut the crew to take it all for yourself, but do you wish to do so?
Event Action (These may be taken in addition to regular actions for the turn.)
[] Loot and pillage
[] Capture the Ship
[] Scuttle her
Drake Passage Weather: Clear Skies
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
"Where shall we strike first Princess?"
Your Fleet awaits your command...
Bounty Hunter Princess (Drake Passage)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Susorro (Infiltrated in Brazilian S. Coast)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
Auge (Drake Passage)
[] Lead Fleet [Location]
[] Infiltrate [Location]
[] Search For Artifacts [Location]
[] Research [Technology]
[] Scavenge
[] Summon
The heavy rain outside still hadn't stopped and Subira chalked it up to simply being the effect of the coming wars. It would hamper her carrier's ability to fight but hopefully, Hornet could still succeed. Her plans weren't originally meant to happen so soon but her hands were tied. She either gave in or her demons would likely rebel which would throw everything into chaos.
From the start, Subira had hoped this moment would pass by like any other though she wasn't dumb when it came to what her demons desired. They wanted to finally do something, the urge was there and she couldn't blame them. They knew what her plans were and they knew what she wanted to do with the island she was a part of. Realistically all Subira had to do was simply tell them to attack and Madagascar would cease to be inhabited. Not exactly her plan but she couldn't question the excitement of her demons.
Instead, while they were still relatively calm, Subira put a rapidly modified plan into action. It was time for some last-minute training then she'd set them loose. This wasn't what the four demons had apparently expected to have meaning they were sitting awkwardly in one of the meeting rooms she'd constructed during her upgrade.
"I've gathered you all here today to discuss something before we begin." Subira motioned towards the image of people on a beach displayed by an overhead projector. "Humans. What they are and what we can do with them. Now I know you all agree with my plan but there are some things I want to go over again before you start fighting." She quickly changed slides to have a few boxes of text appear. "To ensure we have the largest capable workforce we can have we need to remember some things. For starters, any guesses as to why we care about humans?"
Thames, who was the ship most in on Subira's plan of the ones assembled, spoke up first. "Because with more workers more can be produced. More produced means we get stronger faster."
Subira nodded at the answer before asking another question. "There's a side effect of not killing too many people. Any guesses as to what that might be?" This was something that Subira was less confident on but she was banking on the coup going relatively unnoticed. Madagascar was a poor out of the way country so hopefully people didn't raise too much of a stink.
"I, Musashi, believe it means less immediate attention from other nations?" Musashi offered before flashing a smile to Hornet. "If we do this quickly with minimal life lost we will have proven we're not as big of a threat as some other Abyssals. This may give us some breathing room to build up more."
"The two of you are correct. The fewer humans we kill the more workers we have for tasks later on. If we carry out the coup quickly with minimal loss of human life we may come under less global scrutiny. But, with other Abyssals attacking the US and other parts of the world we should go relatively unnoticed. This might all be for naught though since humans are seemingly fairly emotional creatures. During my observation of humans, some have been extremely quick to show compassion or seek companionship. Killing too many may invoke these emotions in humans here so pick your targets carefully." Subira put her hands together and gave her demons a moment to digest what she said before pushing on.
"Those are the three biggest points to keep in mind when we make our move." Subira switched pages on the overhead projector. On the wall were black and white pictures of cellphones being used as a phone and camera. "From our limited knowledge of humans, they seem to lack any form of radio function. Instead, they have small devices that function in that way. That isn't all these small devices seem capable of as they also use them as cameras. Assume that the moment one is pointed at you or held to a human's ear that you have been discovered and others will likely be aware of you." Subira stopped when Vampire raised her hand.
After nodding towards her Vampire asked her question, "Dost thou think other humans may have such items?" The destroyer was leaning forwards in her chair as she spoke, trying to get a good look at the black and white pictures.
"At the moment assume at least one in ten will have such a device. While observing people this is what seems to have been the most common." The Princess switched slides again and now there were pictures of the weapons she'd been attacked by on the wall. "The average weapon you will likely face is small arms. The designs, from what I can gather, have changed but the weapons are not any stronger. I am uncertain what other weaponry they'll have access to but I don't foresee us having any issues." Subira paused for a moment and when none of her demons spoke up she continued on. The slides changed again and now a map of Madagascar was being displayed with four arrows pointing towards the island.
"This will be our general plan of attack." Subira pointed towards Hornet. "Hornet, you will approach from the East and head straight for the capital, Antananarivo. Your goal is the suppression of air targets and the immediate capture of the government buildings. Your secondary goal is to disable airfields." She pointed towards Musashi. "Musashi, you will approach from the West. You're to meet up with Hornet and hold the government buildings, arm your crew and deploy them as ground troops if you have to." Subira moved on to pointing at Thames. "Thames, you will approach from the North with the end goal of reaching the capital." Lastly, Subira pointed towards Vampire. "Vampire, you will approach from the South. Your main goal is the capital as well." After each of them signaled they understood their orders Subira switched slides again. Now there were a few lines of text on the screen which are the orders written out.
"For this mission, you're all being assigned PT boats. They will be unable to join you on land but they are meant to cover the coastline. I don't want people escaping or interfering so their job is preventing such a thing." She changed slides one last time though now there was just a big 'Questions?' on the wall. "As the slide says, any questions before you head off?" Hornet looked about ready to ask a question before she shook her head, deciding against it.
When no questions materialized Subira shut the projector off. "The coup commences tomorrow. Carry out whatever preparations you need then relax, you're all dismissed."
Elsewhere just northeast of Madagascar I-17 and four submarines quietly slipped towards Diego Garcia. The submarine demon was excited, while her sisters in arms were doing something relatively peaceful she was tasked with actually being as aggressive as she wanted. The orders radioed to her had been simple enough; 'Take over the USN base Diego Garcia by any means necessary'. Though the simplicity of the orders didn't remove the weight of them, her Princess was counting on her to succeed so she'd try her hardest.
I-17 and the other submarines surfaced around the island under the cover of the storm, their silhouettes masked by heavy waves. Deck guns were loaded and aimed while those in the base remained unaware. With a vicious smile, I-17 fired the first shot ever to be fired in anger by Subira's fleet. She calmly watched as the shell flew only to end up cratering the base's runway when it exploded.
There was no time to waste and around the island, the bombardment began in earnest. After softening them up with some 14cm shells it'd be time for the shore assault and claiming the base completely. But, it was better to be safe than sorry especially in war. And so the guns ended up firing well into the night.
Subira, African Industry Princess(Base Installation) (Madagascar)
[X] Research [Specialization II]
[X] Research [Nature of Humanity]
[X] Free Build Move: Commission Construction: Destroyers x 2 (Cost: 2)
I-17 (Indian ESE)
[X] Move [Indian East Ocean]
- [X] Build Underwater Outpost [Indian East Ocean]
- [X] Take command of the submarines and tender.
[X] Move [British Indian Ocean Territory]
- [X] Assault USN Base Diego Garcia
-- [X] 4 submarines and 1 submarine tender
Thames (South African East Coast)
[X] Lead Fleet [Madagascar]
- [X] Research [Nature of Humanity]
[X] Conduct military coup of Madagascar
- [X] 4 PT Boats
Hornet (Indian East Ocean)
[X] Lead Fleet [Madagascar]
- [X] Research [Nature of Humanity]
- [X] Leave behind submarines and tender.
[X] Conduct military coup of Madagascar
- [X] 3 PT Boats (2 previously held and 1 more from Subira)
- [X] Both air wings will be used.
Musashi (Madagascar)
[X] Research [Nature of Humanity]
[X] Conduct military coup of Madagascar
- [X] 3 PT Boats
Vampire (Madagascar)
[X] Research [Nature of Humanity]
[X] Conduct military coup of Madagascar
- [X] 4 PT Boats
Message Received
As the waters begin to churn and the winds to howl in herald of the Day of Reckoning, you hear a message, conveyed from quite a ways away surprisingly, yet coming in strongly.
"Ahoy matey! Yer message coming through loud and clear on this side of things! My name is Revenge, Queen Anne's Revenge! Or if yer feelin' a tad on the formal side of things, ye can call me the Buccaneer Princess! Gotta say, I like the cut of yer jib, and am fully in agreement with ya on yer target! Why, if anything in THIS here pond is anything to go by, the Americans'll have their hands quite full dealing with the fallout of me own raidin'! They've got each other in a tizzy over here, pointing fingers and cannons all what way they can. And as you likely know, such a chaotic mess is PERFECT for an enterprisin' lady like meself! I'll do my best to keep them at each others' throats, when I'm not slittin' em meself, and look forwards to you keepin' em busy in yer own waters as well! Fight well, m'lady! And may the Deep give its share of plunder and booty to ye in due course!"
"A pleasure to hear from you, Revenge. I must say that I admire your work with Cuba. Sail with the Abyss, and I hope your course holds true. Perhaps one day we might arrange to meet.
Now. I must set out upon my own war."
In the eastern Pacific, the fleet gathered.
Akagi arrived first, the newest member having set out from the north well before the rest had begun to make their journey to the meeting-place. So it was that she was there in the open waters when the call of the blood first came. But even as bloodthirst leaked through her smile, there were none to attack, here in the empty sea - not unless she were to throw herself at the enemy to the north alone, and whilst the call was strong it was not so strong as to make her suicidal. And so she patrolled to guard against coming threats startled into action by the outbreak of war, and prepared as best she could.
Next came Kaga from the south, awake after a rest and with the Beast in tow. Her expression was as hard and cold as ever, yet were one to watch as she and Akagi caught sight of each other again after so long waiting they would have seen her seem to soften in some indescribable way as Akagi broke out into a beaming smile. She allowed herself to be pulled into a one-armed hug as Akagi dragged her over to speak to her about what she had been working on.
Then came Arizona from the west, bearing yet more materials for the war. Her gaze darkened as she looked upon her once-killers - but equally something yearning was there as she looked upon two old comrades reunited at last. Ultimately she simply scoffed before moving towards them to wait - close enough to join and always watching them, but never interrupting. Around them all the beast from the depths circled, obeying the Princess' order to guard still, an Ouroboros far too short to reach its own tail.
So the fleet gathered to wait, four of the Abyss two short of the whole. And then they were one short.
Of the four present, all had heard the broadcast of the prior month. Arizona had spoken to her at a distance previously. But only the Beast had ever seen their Princess in person before. Nonetheless, they had no sooner seen her before they knew exactly who she was, connections in the Abyss drawing them inexorably in.
Belligerent sailed between them as they parted to give her room, lesser destroyers moving to join the fuller formation. The Beast broke off from its patrol as she came to a halt, undulating under a gentle touch before settling in as she turned to view her subjects that she had not yet had the pleasure of looking upon. A moment's inspection, and she smiled.
"My fleet," she said, and they shivered. "My ships, my soldiers, my kin. Mine." Her possessive words fell like hammer blows in the blazing forge of a blacksmith. These ships were claimed, and she would leave no doubt to it.
Three sets of eyes widened slightly at the proclamation, and as the serpentine beast coiled itself around she who had taken it in hand three ships bowed their heads, each proud in their own ways. Would that she could introduce herself to each in turn, that she had the time to come to better know them for themselves - but there would be time on the move, and later. There would be ample time, even if she had to burn it into the future with her own two hands.
"We go north," she announced. "Sparks of war already fall. We will show them an inferno." And with that Belligerent Burning Princess turned to begin the advance, and the fleet followed.
But to the north, some particular sparks had already caught and begun to smolder in a low flame.
The night was dark, and Emden stood on the waters before the docked forms of the fleet at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
The alerts were high and numerous. Someone had done an excellent job of damaging the submarine force and killing the leadership of the base, and she herself had done much to remove the local air assets from the picture. The surface fleet was naturally under guard-
But they still largely expected the assailant responsible to be human. To walk only on land, and while they prepared for the possibility of divers or submersibles a human-sized figure standing on the water's surface was still outside what was expected enough to avoid detection. Particularly on a dark night, standing in the shadow of the island, not yet directly in sight.
The hunger was strong, now. She could feel it, surging and demanding action even as her Prinzessin and status as Heir shielded her from the worst of it, demanding she shoot and burn and kill in a way so thoroughly other to what she was - but wasn't it? For she was of the Abyss, now, and she could tell that this burning hate came from the very depths of the Abyss. So perhaps it could be said just the same, that this was exactly who she was now.
What she was considering, what the Abyss demanded, it could not be done quietly. To open up the war like this would be seen, and her orders were to remain infiltrated until the attack. But the trick with things like this was not to avoid being seen in the act. It was to avoid notice before the attack and then strike quick and decisive, devastating the opposition before they could properly react, and then to not linger afterwards. It was not to go unnoticed, but to not be caught by pursuit afterwards.
It was exactly the kind of attack Emden had employed at Penang. And this enemy had had its eyes poked out at the air base, its head cut off with the commanders, and its knife shattered in the submarine docks. She had no need to hide that this was an act of the Abyss, for now the war had begun. She needed only to strike, to damage the enemy, and then to go to ground and hide until the rest of her Prinzessin's fleet arrived. And that, she could do.
And so Emden gave into the demands of the Abyss to sate her and its bloodlust. She sailed into sight of the docked fleet, turrets and torpedo tubes on and in her rigging turning to aim. And for the first time in over a hundred years, Emden's guns fired in anger.
ACTIONS
Belligerent Burning Princess:
[X] Lead Fleet [Line Islands]
[X] Lead Fleet [Pacific East]
Mariana Islands Weather: Clear Skies
Blood Month
The Abyss howls in your mind, calling for the slaughter, and you feel all of those connected to it begin to move. The beasts, the lessers, the demons, the little princesses, all across the world these black ships turn their eyes upon the cities of humanity and start moving towards populated shores. Some of them form impromptu fleets as they move, others simply move for the nearest human settlement, disregarding everything else in their paths.
Your Demons are not affected as much as the others, protected by your influence, but even so the bloodlust and malevolence steadily begin to build. They look to you, eager and waiting for your orders, the chance to act after months of silent waiting and preparation.
Onami grinned as she got the message from Gudgeon. [It's time for both the Castle and the Graveyard to fall. Crest, bring the Pack, then split it with Gudgeon. Gudgeon, go to meet Shinano and our newest sister and take the burial ground. Rip it from the humans' hands!] she said, before she looked out at the docked fleet, licking at an ice cream cone from her little cart. [It's time for me to make my real debut now...]
Crest nodded to herself as the communication ended, then looked at the 10 destroyers with her. [Alright... Boys? Girls? ... Screw it, FISH PEOPLE! It's time to get our asses moving! We've got a fleet to sink and a base to take over! Let's get moving!]
A few days later, Shinano looked up from her research in the newly finished Micronesia base as Gudgeon arrived with the fleet she was escorting, and actually gave a smile for once. [A bit on the thin side of things, but at least they've been well trained, and have enough numbers to do more than just act as escorts. I suppose that her Highness does know what she's doing, even with the limited resources she has...]
[Hmmmm, is it really okay to be criticizing her like that? I mean, we're not exactly swimming in resources ourselves...] Naka said, while Gudgeon simply scowled at the battleship-turned-carrier. To her credit though, Shinano nodded in turn.
[I was not comparing us to her, that would be arrogant of me. I simply remarked that this is less than an ideal force to attack with, but given the Princess' abilities and opportunities coupled with the setbacks she's had, things could be much worse. As for criticism... Any leader who cannot weather some is too thin-skinned for the role. She's already shown she can handle it, and even better, actually listens when those around her speak to see what is true and what is not. You could have done much worse for a Princess...]
[Don't you mean 'we', Shinano-san?] Gudgeon said as she tread water, looking up at the battlecarrier curiously.
[...I suppose so...] came the reply, before turning to look at Chuuk. [Let us begin then, as our Princess wills...]
Elusive Carrier Princess (Java Sea)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Seek Combat
-[X] Take everyone else and blockade any attempt to travel between Asia and Australia.
Exeter (Java Sea)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Fleet Action with Elly
Pheonix (Philippines)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Fleet Action with Elly
Nachi (Banda Sea)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Fleet Action with Elly
Fubuki (Banda Sea)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Fleet Action with Elly
Encounter (Java Sea)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Fleet Action with Elly
Italian cruiser Fiume (Java Sea)
[X] Research [Power Through Purpose]
[X] Fleet Action with Elly
Right, gotta get this done, at least its fairly simple.
Everyone But The Yard Oiler and Pilotfish
[X] Reserch construction 2
[X] attack the American Fleet in bikini Atoll
YO-160
[X] Construct Shipyard
[x] reserch construction 2
Pilotfish
[X] scavange underwater
[X] Attack the american fleet in bikini atoll
The battle, it should have been a crushing victory. Atomic mused, but the loss of Piltofish to that stray missle, the look of shock and horror on her face... It only served to further reinforce her hatred of humanity. She would not let another of hers fall like that, Damn the conseqneces. A hand placed itself firmly on her shoulder.
"You hide it well, but I've seen it before. One does not live though two world wars without seeing many ways it eats at people."
