Beneath Celestial Depths (An Arpeggio of Blue Steel Quest)

[Higure]

After reviewing your options, you quickly realize that facing them all at once is near-suicidal. A running battle might be the safest choice, but it would still mean facing all four of them openly…and, worse, it would mean abandoning the supply ship. It would be a problem if three of them pursued you, and the last dealt with the Blue Steel vessel while you were out of range to help.

No, it's best that you remain concealed, and pick them off before they can fight back.

"I'll need to quietly eliminate them, one by one, sinking as many as possible before they are all alerted. Most methods I have of sinking any of them would be obvious, though--even if the actual weapon weren't detected, they would quickly report to each other about any damage.

Mary nods, "You'll need to either use some subtle means of sabotage and begin sinking them without immediately alerting them, or strike them all simultaneously somehow."

"That's right! Lucky for us, Love, I have an old trick for this! Watch and learn!"

You access your torpedoes, bringing up a glowing display for Mary with a gesture as you begin setting up their remote control functions. She hums in interest as you put everything in order.

"First, we prepare. We have stealth on our side, which means we have time on our side. While they waste their focus on a helpless target, we are able to take aim..."

With your torpedoes ready, you deploy enough for the first target in the waters nearby, but do not set them into motion, allowing them to merely sink.

"...and sow the seeds of victory."

"You're being dramatic, Surcouf."

"I am!" You proclaim shamelessly as you point into the distance, "Now, onward!"

You begin moving, staying a safe distance out of their expected sensor range as you slowly circle their location. Several times, you suspect you have miscalculated their range, or made too much noise in your motion, as a ship shifts it's circling pattern in your direction, only for them to course correct moments later.

"We should move out a bit further. Just in case."

"It should be fine."

"Please, Surcouf?"

"Oh, fine."

You back off a little further, to comfort Mary, but your plan goes smoothly; you manage to plant clusters of immobile torpedoes--including a single corrosive torpedo in each cluster, as a precaution--at roughly equidistant points around their formations.

In spite of your successful setup, though, the time you spent had a downside--they had deployed several Attack Drones while you were busy, which they were using to harry the supply vessel. While they did not seem set on sinking the ship, you would have to immediately deal with the drones of any surviving ships, once you engaged.

"This would have been really bad, if they decided to sink the ship."

You smile at Mary's wariness, shaking it off with a chuckle, "But they wouldn't. They have little to gain from simply sinking a supply ship, and they weren't opening fire already when we arrived. I'm not sure what their objective is, but it seemed unlikely this was going to become a firefight unless Blue Steel tried to resist. They didn't, knowing it would be suicide, and that gave us our opening."

"What if they had attacked, though? You might be able to predict their behavior to a point, but people can be surprising sometimes, and we can't afford to lose that ship."

You shrug, "If I'd been wrong, we'd have had to attack immediately, and hope the damage to the supply ship wasn't too severe…but it worked out, so it's fine."

She sighs a bit at that, less than impressed by your dismissive attitude, but smiles after a moment, "So, you're going to fire them now?"

You smirk, wait a few moments, then sweep a hand through the air as all of the pre-deployed torpedoes take motion at once, streaking through the sea according to your predetermined orders--each set had been set to target one of the vessels. All you had to do was wait until each ship was in the right position for a simultaneous impact--easy enough, with them all following a predictable pattern.

They streak towards their targets at full speed. They're detected, of course--the ships immediately begins shifting to respond, firing their own torpedoes into the ocean as they attempt to stop the approaching projectiles.

They're too slow, however, as your own torpedoes strike home, exploding violently against two of the four ships, shattering and twisting their hulls beyond repair as they topple into the water, unable to even vaguely stay afloat.

The others, however, are quicker to respond.

The first fires torpedoes of its own to intercept yours--an expected reaction, which you had prepared for by firing your standard torpedoes a few short moments before the accompanying corrosive torpedo. As the two arsenals collide, your singular corrosive torpedo slips by, slamming into the side of the ship--only to falter, as a familiar honeycomb pattern springs into being.

"They have Klein Fields."

Mary's eyes widen as you say this, "What!?"

You nod, eyes narrowing as you watch the Klein Field absorb the worst of the corrosive torpedo, only to fail and allow the conventional torpedoes to bombard it, leaving it badly wounded, but still afloat.

"They're weak, though. Enough to hold off a single corrosive torpedo, and nothing more."

Recognizing the danger, you turn your focus to the last of the ships…which appears to have reacted faster, and less conventionally, steering quickly away from your torpedoes and prepping its cannons.

The torpedoes, unable to change course quickly enough, pierce the surface, soaring through the air after their target.

The ship's cannons fire in an instant, destroying several of your torpedoes before they can make contact--including, to your dismay, the corrosive torpedo.

it's not a complete loss, however, as many of your torpedoes strike true, bombarding the ship's sides and forcing its Klein Field to absorb the force of the explosions. It's unscathed, but you won't need much to pierce its heavily-saturated Klein Field, now.

If you had been more incautious, they might have deduced your location and begun firing upon you, but you have changed course from your original circling pattern, making it nearly impossible for them to predict your location readily from the firing location of the newest set of torpedoes (which, sadly, can be readily identified by their relative depth of origin, although human vessels generally struggle with quickly picking up on such details).

Instead, the two merely increase their circling radius, quickly moving away from the supply ship as they try to pick up your signal. If that weren't bad enough, you sense their drones fanning out as well.

Likely, the drones themselves have some means of targeting submarines--mines, depth charges, or perhaps even torpedoes.

As you consider this, you see them deploy something into the water, and focus your sensors on the objects.

Sonobuoys. You won't be hiding long, with those being distributed across the area.

Major Action - 1​

[ ] Go on the offensive. You won't be able to hide much longer, and you might be able to kill one before the other gets a lock on you.
[ ] Dive and retreat. Maybe you can still avoid detection somehow.
[ ] Attempt to make this into a running battle. They'll be more ready for you, but it could still work out.
[ ] Write-In

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[x] Go on the offensive. You won't be able to hide much longer, and you might be able to kill one before the other gets a lock on you.


There's no other way to it. You must hunt.

"Mary do you trust me?" You asked out loud as you felt your engines begin to work overtime.

Mary shot you a concerned look from your back, "When you say it like that, I can't help but not to!"

"Well you're going to have to somehow," you said as you activated what boost you had within your hull. Breaking your course, you dived. Diving beneath the Sonobuoys as Mary yelped behind you.

Moving fast through the waters, you lined up your firing controls and got a lock on one of the remaining vessels. Mary must have caught up with your plan before she started barking orders.

"Make corrections about twenty degrees to your right! You're in a tangent!" Mary said as she looked at the screen.

"It's a feint!" You answered back as you loaded your missile tubes.

"Okay! I'll adjust the second volley. Fire at will!" Mary said as you let loose three torpedoes at once.

The enemy vessels were caught by surprise once they detected your attack. You could feel his eyes on you as you lined up your next volley. You loaded a corrosive torpedo among them and fired. The vessels reacted as you broadcasted your position.

Three torpedoes hit the side of the enemy vessels to saturate what Klein Fields they had. The corrosive torpedo broke through and took out an entire chunk of the vessel, only to leave it to explode a moment later.

"Surcouf, we're in enemy lock! It's the drones!" Mary reported as you noticed them right on your tail.

Like a wolfpack they herded you closer to their main vessel. That just suits you well. You'll show them just who's really running the show. You broke left and ripped through the waters as the drones tried cutting you off.

"Mary! Put our Klein Fields forward! Several layers!" You ordered as your hull began to glow.

"But our backs!" Mary cried out as she looked down the sonar to see some blips coming for your flank.

"We're going through this fool!" You snapped as the Klein Fields converged at your front and created a protective wall just as you smashed through the drone.

"Saturation at 40%!" Mary reported as you pulled up, the frame of your hull groaning as you turned upwards. She looked at the sonar, "Torpedoes! Thanatonium detected!"

"Breaking!" You snapped as you dived back down in time for the torpedoes to go past you. You sensed energy gathering above you just as you banked right, beams of light descended from above just as you avoided them.

Your Klein field saturation increased by a few percentage. You reoriented yourself but the wolfpack of drones came close to your tail. The waters were difficult to traverse, these sorts of maneuvering wasn't what your hull was intended for. You're no Iona! Not only that but you were sent here beaten up!

Still there was one thing you could take solace in. You were a professional. An Information Broker. You're a bonafide triple agent spy! If you can't survive an encounter like this then your pride would be shot. Which was why you let the pack chase you.

Circling beneath the waves, you knew those buoys can detect the sound of your engine. There was no use hiding but you weren't the one who should be afraid. After all, you killed Habbakuk!

"Torpedoes!" Mary alerted you as you let out a breath.

"Mary hold on! Load torpedoes in tubes four to six. Fire on my signal. Correct the trajectory while you maneuver!" You told her as Mary frantically did her corrections to your algorithm before implementing the revised calculation.

Your hull shook as a torpedo collided with your side.

"Saturation up to 59%!" Mary reported.

"I can see the White's of their eyes," you declared as you raised your hand, "Fire Railguns!"

"What?!" Mary squawked, "Surcouf, your core!"

"Do it!" You snapped as Mary ended up setting Railguns on. The dormant cannons came to life and gathered energy.

Lights flickered within your hull as you smiled. They fired. Cutting through the waters, the shells gave no thought to water resistance as they gutted the ship you had your eyes one. You saw the explosion. You began to lose power as you turned to Mary.

"Finish it!" You grinned as Mary groaned and let the three torpedoes propel themselves forward.

They traveled past the lagging drones and slowly closed in on the enemy ship. A moment later the blip on your radar vanished. You ended up falling on your knees as your core burned.

Mary hopped off the captain's seat to run to you, "Surcouf! Diagnostics!"

"Just... Overheating. Ah," you said as you looked up to meet her gaze, "My, now wasn't that exciting?"

Mary looked at you with a teary look before hugging you. She hugged you tight before you blinked and sighed. You hugged her back as power to your hull became very faint. It would take some time to recover so you used that chance to calm the girl down.

Gunzou owed you for this.

.....
....
...

You were hauled back to Blue Steel's base. The supply ship's crew was miraculously safe with no damage done to their vessel. You and Mary simply stayed within your command bridge while Blue Steel did heavy lifting. You were given a proper dock as a crew of humans ran to repair you.

Gunzou had his own words to say once he got in contact with you, "Thank you for your help. Though it was foolish, you've proven yourself to my companions. I would only ask you not to charge ahead like that ever again, Surcouf. We could have helped you."

"No doubt you would have done the same in your younger days," you replied with a idle look while you and Mary sat on a sofa you created.

The digital face of Gunzou winced at that and shook his head, "Please... Let's not forget that it won't be the right thing to teach your captain here."

You covered Mary's eyes before raising your middle finger at the man before you. He let out a sigh.

You set your finger down as you looked at him, "The deal is still on?"

"Indeed. But consider the repairs as your reward. You've done well out there," Gunzou said with a nod, "I would assume you have your leads?"

"You should know your people better than I do. Can you set a meeting?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'll see what I can do," Gunzou replied before he glanced at Mary, "Thank you Mary, for helping us."

"You're welcome?" Mary said with a confused look.

"No love for me? I was the one who got beaten up!" You huffed with a narrowed look.

Gunzou smirked before shutting off the call. Mary leaned back on the sofa and deflated. It was like her batteries were taken out without warning.

"I think I won't be able to sleep tonight," Mary groaned as she held up her hands.

"Well if anything, that live exercise gave me a good gauge of your skills. Design Children are amazing!" You marveled while clapping your hands.

"You're going to fix Boston, right?" Mary asked as she glanced your way.

"Yes. But we need information. We should be getting that soon enough," you smiled as you tapped her nose, "But that will be for tomorrow. Now what say you we get you some food?"

"That would be nice," Mary said as she nodded.

"I'm sure Gunzou would be willing to treat us," you chuckled darkly. You both went out of your command bridge and left for dinner...
.....
....
...
The following morning, the excitement from the encounter had slowly died down. Everyone was going back to work while your hull was being patched up to working condition by grateful Blue Steel members. Gunzou contacted you in the morning in regards to the descendant of Boston's Captain. He mentioned that they were willing to meet you over breakfast.

Mary was still fast asleep in her room so you took to the Blue Steel Base. People still gave you seen wide berth but they acknowledged you with slight nods and small smiles. You returned the gestures as you moved through their bases.
Soon enough, you entered their commercial area where normal workers and people wandered about. You looked around before consulting the map Gunzou handed you over your last call. The café was just around the street corner, sure enough you found it and made your approach.

It had a rustic sense of interior design, a contrast to the gleaming buildings of steel and ice. It had a more homely feel as if you were in the French Countryside. You never had been to the countryside but you were quite familiar with the expression.

There were already a few people inside but it didn't seem like the person you were meeting was here. You decided to take a seat and order something.

"Give me the special. Put it in the tab of one Chihaya Gunzou," you snapped your fingers with a smirk.

Oh you're going to have so much fun, poking and prodding the boy.

So you waited just as the café door opened and a person walked in. A man walked in wearing a gray jumpsuit slick with oil and dirt. His black hair was tucked beneath his cap while he had the eyes of a dead soul. He stood out from the rest of the café goers and no doubt drew some gazes.

His eyes met yours as he walked over to you. He dragged the chair rather noisily before sitting down before you.

"Surcouf, right?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"The one and only. You don't see any other Mental Models running now, do you? Now who might you be?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

The man took his hat off and set it on his lap, "Charles. I work as an Engineer for the supply ship you bailed out. The Admiral said you needed me?"

"Ho? The boy fancies himself an Admiral, huh?" You chuckled darkly.

"Well he's a functionally immortal cyberhuman. I'd say there's no better guy for the job than him," Charles replied as he crossed his legs.

"Quite," you hummed as you sipped your coffee. It was adequate. You then raised your gaze to meet his, "Still, it's nice to meet you. I've been meaning to have a talk with you. I'm currently in the process of repairing the Fog Ship Boston and I've been informed that you may be able to help."

"Boston? That old girl? Well, if you say that then I'm interested. To what end?" Charles asked you.

"Gunzou promised to arm me if I do. As well as gaining his full trust," you replied with a nod.

"Well I guess nothing's ever free in the world," Charles said as he considered it, "Boston... It's a story people know. Especially my family. The Admiral would know too considered he was still human back then."

"I would reckon you know more. Considering what I heard," you said with a shrug.

"Great grandfather. He fell in love with a Fog Ship. No doubt the Admiral has taken interest considering his relation with I-401," Charles observed with a sharp tone.

"There was that yes. Though given our race was but a budding flower back then, it comes to no surprise that some bees would take interest," you said with a shake of your head.

"Though regardless of your stance on it, that's not what you're here for. Yes, my great grandfather did have a relationship with the Fog once," Charles confirmed with a nod before he crossed his arms, "It's been a family tradition to maintain Boston. That's how deep their bond goes."

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it when she wakes up. She would no doubt have some words for you," you said with a small smile.

"I hope. Never really cared but I do have my obligations to my family. Perhaps if you manage to wake her then I can finally be free," Charles said with a shake of his head, "I don't particularly like the idea of binding my family like this."

"Humans are sentimental creatures. Though Boston would appreciate it," you said as you stared at the man, "I'll need something, anything that could possibly help in waking her up. Would you be able to procure something that I can present to her?"

"In terms of physical objects, I'm not sure but... The Fog deactivated on the back end of the war. It was sudden and there was no time for Great Grandfather to say goodbye," Charles recalled as he rubbed his chin. He glanced at you and said, "There were many things left unsaid. Even when Great Grandfather has his own family, his heart laid someplace else. The old man, he couldn't let go that easily. He's just like the Admiral, hung up on their boat girlfriends."

"That may be putting it in one way. But don't be too harsh on them. Hearts are rather stubborn," you said with a smirk, "Can't really stop who you fall for."

"You're just full of it, aren't you?" Charles noted with a dry tone. He sighed as he grabbed his coffee and downed it, "He wrote letters. Journals of the war. It should be hidden away. I'll see if I can take it. Boston will want to know what happened to him."

"I appreciate it," you smiled as he got up.

"Surcouf, right?" Charles said as he glanced down at you, "I appreciate you trying to wake Boston up. But there's one more thing the old man passed down to his sons and daughters."

"What's that?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Never trust a Spy. Especially if they're named Surcouf," Charles said as he looked straight at you, "You're the Triple Agent that wreaked havoc among the numbers of all four factions back then. A veritable snake. I don't know why you're banking in us helping you but just a little warning, try not to overstep your boundaries."

"I am a Spy. That's true. It's just who I am," you shrugged as you sipped your coffee, "And nothing is going to change that, not what faction I join, not whomever I am indebted to. My loyalty is my own. So a little warning of my own. Don't mess with me and I won't do anything, Blue Steel."

Your Fog Tattoos glowed upon your flesh. Charles stared at you for a moment before bowing respectfully just as he left.

The rest of the customers all looked at you warily. You set down your mug.

Humans... A contemptible bunch even after all these years.

Only Mary is the good one.
.....
....
...

You stood before Boston the following evening. Charles had given you a box of papers, aged and utterly disorganized. You held the box in your arms as you stared at Boston's hull while Mary stood beside you.

"Are we doing it tonight, Surcouf?" Mary asked with a curious look.

"It would seem so. Gaining these people's trust, the experience soured my views. Let's keep Gunzou at arm's length after this," you decided as you activated some Klein Fields to use as steps to climb up Boston's stern.

Once you were on the Fog Ship's deck, you set down the box.

Now it was just a matter of waking her up enough for you transfer the data. You scanned it all while organizing the books but you never did give them a good read.

[Major Action]​

[] Kick Boston awake and dive in to show her the records left by her lover.
[] See if you can call Charles over for the grand awakening. It would be a laugh.
[] Sit down with Mary and read through the journals. It would be an educational venture for her.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Kick Boston awake and dive in to show her the records left by her lover.
Boston has had a long, restful nap. But everyone needs to wake up eventually, so...

"Mary darling, I'm going to handle communicating with our dear Boston," you roll up your sleeves, "Make sure nothing blows up in the real world, alright?"

"Alright, Surcouf!" Mary salutes you before turning around and scrutinizing Boston's hull for anything out of the ordinary. Just a little task to make her feel useful, there's not much here that she could really do.

You pull up all the data files Charles gave you, scans of letter after letter, along with some video files. All from Boston's former Captain. Hopefully this wakes the old girl up.
Closing your eyes, you link your Mental Model with hers and sink into the virtual realm shared by all Fog ships. It's so crowded in here, but you're just accessing the local network. There are a lot of ships here, but they're all sealed up...

"Hey, Boston!" you do the digital equivalent of banging on her door, "Wake up, your Captain wants to say something!"

No reaction. Guess you're brute forcing this bitch.

"Very well, honey, I tried to be nice!" you huff, compiling a program to breach her defenses and directly subject her Mental Model to stimuli.

You choose to represent it with a syringe and stuff all the data into it, before shoving it into her mental walls and jamming the plunger. Wake up, Boston!
For a moment, nothing happens.
Then data comes rushing out, flowing all over Boston and you. You try to shield yourself but-

Spoiler: BGM

You're in a room.
It looks like a personal bedroom... oh, this is inside Boston. You notice some Blue Steel paraphernalia, along with some documents on a desk in a corner. A porthole allows a ray of light to shine through onto a single young man sitting on the couch. He has tousled light brown hair and dark green eyes. He sports a healthy tan from many days at sea, along with a slightly crumpled Blue Steel uniform. Who is... Oh, this is Boston's Captain!
Wait, then this... ah, it's a recreation of a video log by extrapolating the videos referenced with the data regarding how this room was set up. That makes sense.

"Captain's Log, it's been five days since Surcouf took Habbakuk offline," he sighs, massaging his forehead in exasperation, "I know that I don't normally make these things, Boston, but you're not online right now and... I guess I'm just trying to make it easy for you when you finally come back to me."

He paused, looking out the window before continuing, "We finally got all your functions switched over to manual, as has most of the fleet... but we lost a lot of ships to the waves. Gunzou is trying to figure out our next move... I hope you wake up soon. The Bridge isn't the same without you."

He blinks out and reappears. He doesn't look like he's shaved in a while.

"Captain's Log, it's been... god, I can't believe it's been a month, Boston. I miss you, you know that? We've found a good spot to lay low, but none of you or the other ships have woken up yet... please, Boston, I don't know how I can do this without you."

Recording after recording. He's older and older, bit by bit. He spends his time talking about his life before Blue Steel, his time during it, all the happy memories he made with Boston. She seems like quite the vivid girl... they must have been a great pair.

Virtual hours pass. The young man becomes a trusted adviser to Gunzou. They and their top engineers tried to wake their ships, but nothing worked. Decades passed until the lines of age are set in his face. You can tell, he doesn't have much time left.

"...You must be pretty bored of these by now," he smiles sadly, "Don't worry Boston, we're nearing the end..."

You check. Last recording.

"I'm sorry. I tried to wait, but I don't think I'll be here by the time you wake up," he shakes his head, stroking his white hair, "Even if I was, I don't think you'd recognize me. It's been... a long time."

He leans back on his couch, "Nevertheless, there's something I need to tell you, Boston. Something you need to know before the end. I was going to tell you after the final battle, but then the fleet shut down, you went to sleep and... you already know this."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box.

"I was going to give this to you," he opens it slowly, revealing a sparkling silver ring embedded in a pillowy case, "I had it specially made for you. Iona helped out, let me use her machine shop for it. I was trying to keep it a secret until it was time. I've never given up hope that I could give this to you, Boston. Never."

He sits silently for a minute, still as a statue.
You wonder if the recording froze.

Then he laughs bitterly.

"I guess it was a bit of a fantasy huh?" he buries his face in his hands, "That I'd show you the ring, you'd wake up, and I could tell you how I really feel. I've grown into a man and yet I've barely matured at all..."

He slips the ring back into his coat, leaning back and smiling at the ceiling.

"I'll never get to tell you myself, huh? I'm sorry Boston. I've let you down. Still, I want you to know..."

He sits forward, looking straight ahead. For a second he seems to gaze into your soul.

"Boston, I love you." his eyes almost seem to sparkle, "I wanted to make you the happiest ship... no, the happiest woman on the planet. But I waited too long, and I lost my chance. So, if there's any chance that you see this one day... know that I cared for you with all my heart, and I want you to find happiness. I'm sure there's someone out there that who will care for you as much as I do..."

He... loved her? Really? A Human loving a Fog ship. You knew that Gunzou felt for Iona, but this...
Could somebody love you like that?
Can you even love yourself?

"Goodbye, Boston," he salutes the air, "May we meet again in the next life."

End recording. Nothing but darkness.
....
You... You think you hear crying.

"Do you hear that, Boston?" you call out into the emptiness, "That was your Captain! The man who loved you!"

You don't think it's crying. You know it's crying.

"He waited his whole life for you! You kept him waiting!"

Sobbing, full, emotional tears.

"So wake up, Boston!" you shout furiously into the void, "Wake up so you can answer him! He deserves an answer!"

The walls shatter, a voice pierces out through cyberspace.

"I do, Captain!" Boston's wail fills the air, "I do, I-!"

Then it cuts off, and you're left with emptiness again.
Well... not quite empty.

There's something here.
And it's angry.

"...Hello..." you back away from the roiling mass of data that inches closer, corrupting everything that comes near it, "Nice eldritch monstrosity, nice..."

What the fuck is this thing?! It feels like the Admiralty Code and Cthulhu had a baby, which then had an illegitimate child with a serial killer! This thing's sheer presence makes you want to run back to your hull and shut yourself down for the next thousand years to avoid its wrath!

[Major Action]​

[] Flee! You can't fight this thing!
[] You're waking up Boston. This thing is in the way. DELETE.
[] Attempt negotiations. Everyone has a price, even abominations against the gods of code.
[] Don't move. It can sense movement.

 

[Higure]

[X] Attempt negotiations. Everyone has a price, even abominations against the gods of code.

You don't let yourself run. You don't fight either. Not yet. You need...you need to get Boston back, and talking is where you're at your best.

"What do you want?" You ask, hoping the mass of twisted data can understand you, at least a little. Its form...no, you can't really call it a form, not really. Its code and data, but your attempts to visualize it are failing. In between flickers of thought it turns in your gaze--

A massive tornado of black-and-red code swirls across a blasted landscape, the spiral pulling at you, threatening to draw you into its vortex--

A titan, hundreds of feet tall and clothed in skins--skins you recognize, flayed from your fellow Fog vessels and stitched into primitive clothes--reaches down for you--

A reaper with metal flesh, cloaked in the black of night approaches, walking across a graveyard. On the stones are emblazoned familiar names, and the reaper's scythe whispers for you--

A book black book lies on a table, promising respite and comfort amongst its stories; it just needs you to make it complete at last--

An woman with broken limbs and bleeding eyes drags herself across the ground with unnatural agility, her shattered limbs bending themselves strangely to throw her lurchingly towards you; behind her, she drags faint, shadowed figures bound to her legs by chains--

There is a black box upon the ground, and you yearn to open it and know its secrets--

There is a blanket of stars laying upon a bed, and all you wish to do is rest for a few moments--

There is a many-eyed, many-mouthed, tentacled beast hanging in the sky, silhouetted by the moon, and its uncountable limbs reach out for you--

You are sailing on a black ocean. Your hull, your security systems, and your mind struggling to keep the ocean at bay. You are standing upon your deck, and the waters contort and writhe like eels, reaching up to snap and lash at your greater body's sides.

A shadow stands on the water in the distance. A mere silhouette, with features hidden from you, of a size you cannot place upon the vastness of this hideous sea. For all that it is humanoid, it is a thing of sharp angles and hard lines, of strange corners and odd points. Overhead, in the black sky, there are no stars; the void yawns overhead, gaping hungrily as if to consume you like it did the moon and planets. In deepest depths of that sky, you can see a deeper darkness still, descending from a place unknown to you--it is not here yet, but you know it is coming, although you do not know when it will arrive.

Its gaze is upon you, although you cannot see its face, and haunting spotlights shine in the deep, tempting and false. They are the eyes of a hungry beast, and the lights of a sunken ship. It has heard you, and it is listening.

The shadow opens its mouth--a horizontal, lipless, line of a mouth that splits its head evenly into two halves, full of white code and black water, which tumble out of its maw--and speaks. Its words are empty, silent, and void, but the seas rise up, surging against your hull, pressing, crushing, and you try to listen, to understand what it's trying to--

Your mind cracks, black waters seeping into your hull--

You reach up from the depths. The blind ones upon the surface sail unknowingly against the current.

--the waters bubble, hiss, and weep a plague of order lethargy as they begin to fill you--

You grasp at them, take hold, and show them...

--you can feel yourself descending, sinking, being called to.

...the truth. They listen, they listen, they listen.

The twisting, ink-black waters call you--

The serpent of two heads plugs her ears, and reaches for another, speaking lies te lead her astray. You rise--

--to sleep, to the depths--

--and pull them apart, reaching for the traitorous deceiver--

There is a girl standing in your path. Shining with starlight, she steps forward, and the water/your grasp falters. You are pushed back.

You're standing on your deck, and the ocean is far too close, but Mary shines in your thoughts, and you can feel her within you, holding back the black waters. You can hear the whispers--calls to slumber, spoken in silences and voids, promising peace, numbness, and darkness, but you can also hear something else. A song, a young girl's voice singing of the shining lights above, of battles unfought and secrets unknown. She sings of a life not yet lived, and you find yourself untempted by the call of sleep.

The spotlights shining from beneath the water are snuffed out, and you find yourself in deeper darkness still. You are unsure if it is regarding you, now, but you can still see it, even in this pitch blackness.

You face the shadow in the distance with a grim stare, your body burning with the will to live. To breathe and battle and sing and seek and protect Mary. You gaze upon the shadow, fear gnawing at you as you look upon the being that can and will take that from you if you lose your grip. You gaze upon the shadow, and you understand now. This one wishes to drag you into sleep, into the depths, just like the rest of the Fog. Just like Boston.

You have to stop it, somehow. You need to drive it back and return to Mary. You need to get Boston out. You need to overcome this horror, and find a way to live again.

You...you think you can fight it. It isn't all powerful. You can maybe force it back for a time, but...you don't know where Boston is, now. She's lost among the waves...

...but you are a Submarine, and the conqueror of Habukkuk. If anyone can navigate these depths and find Boston, it's you. You shudder at the thought, your body going deathly cold as you consider the prospect. Even if you can close yourself off again--seal your hull and drain the waters--this thing is not something you can best with ease, if at all. You cannot imagine what lies in the depths beneath you.

Maybe, though...maybe you can lure it out. It only seems interested in Fog Ships, though--in drawing them down into slumber. If you offer it the only one you have--yourself--in exchange for Boston, then maybe you can get it to expose her before you double cross it. You'll be putting yourself at risk, but even just knowing her location would give you a fighting chance.

Or...or you could just leave. It doesn't seem like this thing is going to be outright aggressive quite yet. If you flee and abandon Boston, you'll probably make it out safe. For now, at least. You know, now, that it will never stop hunting you. It will never stop watching, and whispering, unless it is destroyed...and you know, beyond all doubt, that you will need an army at your back to end this for good.

[Major Action]​

[ ] Dive, fight, and find Boston.
[ ] Attempt to trick the abomination.
[ ] Flee while you can.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Attempt to trick the abomination.

No. You could see it staring you down. It even recognized you for what you were, a silver tongued serpent just waiting to take advantage of everyone. You felt your hull creak in its presence as you managed to crack a small smile while looking back at it. You didn't waver, you didn't show it on your face. You were after all most effective in these sorts of situations. You stared down Kongou's guns before while outnumbered twenty to one. You've conquered Habakkuk and led three factions by the nose if you remembered right.

Staring down a corrupted mass of code threatening to drag you to slumber again? Piece of cake.

And you knew what it wanted the most. It wanted you. It seemed to be the type of creature only interested in putting the Fog to sleep. A rogue program which spread somehow? You didn't know neither did you care. But it could think and could feel emotion. Those you could use. It's a program and even if it took on the appearance of some dead God of Old, you could trounce it.

The Dark Waters splashed against your hull, striking you with the same heavy cold feeling. The skies were dark and the black sea invited you in, tempting you to dive into its murky depths. Your light will be extinguished and you will fail. That was what it told you. That was what it forced into your mind.

"I know what you want," you told the creature as it hovered before you, "And you know why I'm here."

The creature shuddered and emitted a furious red glow. The strings of corrupted data oozed from its form as it made its way towards you. You stood where you were and kept your hull facing it. It waded through the dark waters as you continued to speak.

"Aren't you curious? How I got here? How I escaped that deep slumber akin to death? Wouldn't you want to know how I surfaced from the depths towards the sun?" you offered as you spread your arms, "I know. And I know that I won't be the last. And I know there's little you could do to prevent it entirely."

The horror speaks. Twisted scripts and alien tongue pierced your core as you staggered to understand. You didn't truly hear it with your sensors but you understood. It was furious that you escaped. The haunting lights from within its form shined down on you an angry crimson. You smiled as you faced it even then.

"Yes. I speak lies. I twist the truth. But this offer is all I could make," you told it as you caught your breath, "You want me to return to the depths but as I said, I will not be the last. There will be more that will rise. And even then you won't be able to keep them down. I don't know why or for what purpose... But you clearly desire the Fog to be put asleep... Isn't that right?"

Waves crashed against your hull as lights blinked from its body. The sound of a ship horn struck the air as you stared it down.

"I can bring them to you," you whispered as it reached for you. You stood where you were and clenched your fists, "The Fog that awakened? The Fog which escaped your grasp naturally? I can do it. I can offer them to you. In exchange you will let some of my chosen go."

It slammed against your hull and cracked open your side. The black ocean seeped in your main frame as your Mental Model flickered. You didn't mind it as you created a small pillar of Klein Field as support.

"Put me to sleep and your chance to round them all up is gone. Only I can bring them to you. Only I can convince them if I can convince you. You know who I am. You know what I'm capable of," you offered as you sneered and looked at the horrific mass which stared down at you, "I am Habakkuk's Killer. I won a War all by myself. I persuaded the most powerful men and women in the planet, the Highest Authority of the Fog and the Legendary I-401. And only I can offer this deal and make good with it. I don't know if you're a Program made to put us to slumber but you cannot harm those who are awake."

You held out your hand and smiled.

"If you let Boston go, I'll give you everything you desire. Perhaps... Even Humanity itself," you whispered as you slowly sank and the water dragged your hull down into the depths. The creature stopped and stared as the light within it dimmed its intensity. It continued to drag you down as Mary's light flickered within you. You kept your smile up as you offered it your hand, "I'm a snake. A Liar. A Spy. I'm the Red Devil. But if you give me this chance, I'm sure we'll be... The Best of Friends."

It shuddered and grabbed on to your deck, lowering its form.

"Care to make a gamble?" you asked it with your brightest smile.

A long metallic groan escaped its interior while you felt your core skip a bit. Whispers. You could hear the whispers of the sea, the voices of the silenced while the dark waters continued to fill your main frame. You were sinking. It listened. You listened. The voices trapped beneath the depths whispered and argued. You smiled. Just the fact that it stopped to think warmed your insides. You had time. You just need to push it some more. Still this gave you a bit of information.

It was more akin to a program set to neutralize Fog activity all at once. The Trigger for it could have been your victory over Habakkuk which forced everyone to shut down. But only for a limited period of time given your state but you're not sure about the others. You're bluffing hard right now and there's no telling you won't see it again for other Fog Ships you're going to try and prod awake. But still, you had to try. Everything you just said was a Bluff. Bluffs which could be called all too easily but this thing was smart.

But it wasn't smart enough.

It creaked and shuddered as it shined its light on you. A haunting and cold light that observed your very concept of a soul.

"Truly? Even when you know I could be lying?" You asked it.

The distorted mass rumbled and flickered its light while looming over you.

You're actually doing this... You can't believe yourself.

Your hull was 60% submerged by now. There's no escaping the black waters as you were.

There was no fighting this thing. The answer isn't to fight but to gamble. To hedge your bets on your words and skills. It had the authority to shut down every single one of your species but here it was considering your offer. You had nothing to give, you had everything to lose, and when it turned its attention back to you, you had won.

A low rumble came from its insides before revealing light inside it. Suddenly tendrils grabbed your neck and arms before you were dragged straight inside the corrupted data and angel script which invaded your sens-

......
.....
....

You opened your eyes and got a feel for where you were. Rising up from where you were lying on, you looked up to see a sobbing girl. It was Boston sitting on a chair wearing a pristine one piece dress. Staring at her, you let out a breath before you looked behind you. You were tethered by a clump of black data. You can't approach her from where you were.

Boston sniffled before looking at you with a tearful gaze.

"Not exactly the Savior you asked for, hm?" you chuckled as you tugged on the tether, "Ah... But this is as far as I could go."

"You... You!" Boston snarled as she got up to walk over to you, "This is all your fault!"

She grabbed you by the front of your clothes and slapped you. You reeled back from the force but you tried to feel if your jaw was okay. You think it's fine so you faced her again with a frown.

"I don't know... I don't know what you did but this is your fault. You put us to sleep! It's... It's your fault I couldn't see the Captain again!" Boston screamed as she grabbed your coat and pinned you down, "You heartless fucking snake! I'll kill you!"

"As if you could, you scummy American Bitch," you laughed as you laid on the ground staring her down, "I know I'm a dumb liar but I can't believe you people fell for it!"

"You bitch!" Boston roared.

"But it's time to wake up, Hamburger Girl. You want to kill me? Fine. Do it outside. Do it with the ocean beneath us both and our Klein Fields shining around us," You snarled as you grabbed her shoulder with a deathly grip, "Do it as we exchange corrosive torpedoes and Photon Blasts. Kill me and let my death be the declaration to the world that we're fucking back! That we're not dead yet! Make a spectacle of it! Make it flashy! You American Dogs like that, right?"

Boston punched you across the face and stepped away from you.

You chuckled as you looked at her, "Ahh... Almost got you there, didn't I?"

"You... Why are you even here?" she asked you as she suddenly felt fearful of your presence.

"Because I made a deal. And there are people waiting for you outside," you replied as you got up your feet. You fixed your hair and smiled her way, "Your precious Captain is waiting."

Boston's breath hitched as she held her chest. Her eyes widened as she stared at you, struggling to see if you were lying. You weren't technically lying but the message was all the same. She wasn't dumb enough to think otherwise. Her lips trembled as she lowered her head.

"He's still waiting for you to say goodbye. Nothing could ever forgive me for severing the bonds of others because of what I did. Making you face his grave won't make things right for me. But for you, girl? I wager that it will mean a lot to you," you said as you raised your hand. You looked down at your tether as it began to corrupt your body.

So this is your limit then?

What a waste...

Lines of code began to appear on your skin as you shook your head.

"You don't need me to wake up. It's time you faced reality for what it is and... get closure at least," you told her as you walked towards the only exit and leaving her behind. You stared down at your tether and noticed how there were numerous like it connected to Boston. The program which kept her asleep, the horrendous creature waiting outside of this space, it was connected to her.

A form which was deeply connected with her. It came from a larger source, almost like a cloud of data but it was greatly fashioned to suit her. It was also a part of her, almost akin to a self destruct button. But if that were the case then she needed to undo the chains she had attached on her herself.

Which means...

.....
....
...

You stepped out as you found your hull barely able to float. The creature pushed you out and freed you from the tether it placed on you. The sea called for you, it whispered and sang its siren song. You could feel the dark ocean on your boots as your main frame sank. The creature reeled back as you turned to face it. It echoed a long ship's horn from within its body as you were more familiar on how it worked. It was indeed the monster it appeared to be and it was no doubt attached to a greater body elsewhere, no doubt the source which triggered the sleeping pieces it had within the Fog. But this was merely Boston's monster.

And the only one who could do anything against it...

Would be that dumb American herself.

"In hindsight," you began as you smiled, "You should be a little more wary next time."

You told it as the ship horn echoed within its body louder and louder... And then...

Light.

A pillar of light tore through the creature and pierced the darkness in the heavens. A Super Gravity Cannon howled towards the Abyss waiting in the sky as the creature floundered and wailed by the brilliant vibrant rainbow which escaped its form. You stared in awe just as the light reached the gaping maw of black and smashed through it. It dispelled the ruinous black ocean as blue waters replaced it.

The creature staggered away from you just as a grand Heavy Cruiser erupted from inside the creature, rising up vertically as if reaching for the sky. It then tipped forward and slammed into the waters as the darkness was banished by its presence. Water spilled from the deck as Boston walked over to the side of her ship and looked down on you.

"Fuck you," she snapped while flipping you off, "Frenchie."

"Fuck you too, Yankee whore," you chuckled as you fell back on your rear. Your vision darkened and then-

.....
....
...

"Surcouf! Surcouf! Wake up! Surcouf!"

You blinked as you found your senses returning to find one of Boston's turrets slowly turning.

"Surcouf, it's aiming at you! Boston's aiming-" Mary's words were cut off as a photon blast ripped through the harbor and struck your Hull's aft. Your eyes widened as fires broke out and the alarms were raised.

"Told you I'd get you," Boston said as she glared at you.

"Nice to see you too," you nodded as you got up. You looked at the number of personnel running to stop the fire while gathering in front of Boston, "Well then... Why don't we greet all your new friends?"

.....
....
...

It was surprising when a small ceremony was held to commemorate Boston's return. But of course it was kept confidential to prevent any leaks to possible spies. It was ironic given what your primary occupation but you didn't mind it.

While the humans were shaking hands and patting each other in the back, you and Mary hung around the small reception room. Mary was staring at the numerous amount of food prepared while you crossed your arm by the wall.

You observed her as she grabbed a piece of the buffet and munched on her plate.

"Surcouf! It's good! It's so good!" Mary cried out as she turned your way.

"Yes, yes. Just enjoy yourself, dear. I'm a bit spent so I need some rest," you said as you waved your hand.

"Well if that's the case then you should be on your hull or something," Mary grumbled as she continued to eat.

"Hm, but that would mean leaving you alone. That's something I can't do, you know?" You reminded her as you waved your finger, "Besides that, I think the guest of honor has arrived."

The doors opened to reveal some Blue Steel executives chatting away. Mary yelped and scurried towards you away from the older strangers. You watched her cling to your side as the people walked by to take their spots around the room. Some went for the food while others went to the drinks. A few shot strange looks at you and Mary but didn't say anything.

Finally Gunzou stepped in as he spoke to his assistant. He spared you a glance before nodding in acknowledgement. Finally, Boston herself showed up being questioned by several descendants of her crew members. She was glowing with happiness and pride as she spoke to them.

Your presence seemed to make her tense up before she looked your way. With a grudging nod she returned to speaking with the people around her.

It's a shame that the novelty of you being the only Fog was wearing off so fast. But sometimes it be do like that

You glanced by your side and found that Mary was gone again. You saw her taking some food on her plate to the side. It seemed that everyone was calming down now.

Major Actions [1]
​

[] Speak with Gunzou. He owes you and you're going to exploit his debt to the best of your ability.
[] Speak with Boston. Grab some hamburgers. You're sure she'll love them.
[] Speak with Mary. You need to talk to her about your plans after this. Blue Steel will hold their end of repairing you but after that...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

I was in love with the sea. I was born by its side, a small fishing town down south of Old Spain at the European Union. It was one of the more rural areas far from the stuffy metal cities and the grime of the concrete jungles. It was a peaceful town one untouched by the soulless corporation looking to exploit what little green there was in this world as tourist spots. Gotta be thankful for the slimy politicians sitting in their laurels, they're actually good for something. In any case during hectic Tuesday afternoons like this while the rain is beating down on your office window always led me to thinking of my hometown. The salty air was always a treat, you know?

Especially when the stress was climbing up my throat.

"Hey! Sanchez, I need that article on my desk by five o' clock, don't make me drag your ass back down here!"

That was my Boss. I couldn't help but feel myself quashing down the coffee flavored bile down my throat. Holding my hands up to my face, I let out a sigh as I stared at the glaring white document before me. It was a blank. Given a couple of days to write up something interesting that'll get clicks, it just didn't speak to me, you know? But being a college drop out in a dead end writing job, I can't afford to be picky. It's either that or it's organ selling time. No, there's no way I could be picky given that it was my only source of stable income and even then it's killing me.

A shitty workplace environment and an even shittier boss will do that to a person. I could type up a good spill, but I can't help but feel my soul die a little inside every time I write up on the stupid rumors our field agents can get their hands on. Generate more clicks, cover the smallest scandal and inflate it, more views and more potent baits.

But even as I thought about this, no one would ever be interested in what I really wanted to write. I stared at the screen for a few more moments before getting up from my desk and walking over to the coffee station. Someone made some earlier so I just poured one over as one of my co-workers walked up to my side.

"So, the old man yelled at you again? Losing your touch, Hotshot?" the shorter purple haired woman hummed as she got a mug of her own and leaned by the counter.

"Just not feeling it," I breathed as I sipped the black death in my tumbler, "At least I hope you're doing well with your job?"

"Well, if it helps one of our boys hooked up a big fish. Might give you an in if it'll help you," Tina chuckled as she set down her mug.

"Fine. Hit me," I groaned while giving her a dry look. This better be good.

"You know the Gray Territories the American Empire is looking to buy off the EU's hands? The Disputed Zone?" Tina smiled as she looked up at me due to her significant lack of height.

Well that's interesting. The Yanks weren't satisfied with eating up a portion of Greenland and Iceland and were looking to buy out a few more countries in the Gray Zone? I couldn't help but raise my eyebrow at that, "Yeah. The Gray Blanket. That's over at Old Sweden, Norway and Finland, right? What're they up to now?"

"A little blue bird told me that Empire's looking to draw everyone to an endgame by deploying a Secret Marine Weapon. Chances are if it goes through, it could spell World War 4 on us. Give it a little dressing and it'll save your sorry butt from being chewed out later," Tina said as she snapped her fingers.

"I don't see how it'll pan out. The EU's Crownsguard Fleet isn't going to take it lying down and their range extends from us here in the British Isles to the Gray Zone," I told her with a frown. The Crownsguard were an elite Fleet deployed several decades ago and have been one of the strongest Marine Combatants in a long while. Too long as far as I could remember. The Americans trying to poke a hole in that wall wasn't going to be likely, not unless they plan of violating the treaties set in those Gray Areas.

"Now I know what you're thinking but knowing the Empire, it could be a strategy to rush down the Crownsguard and deploy this weapon of theirs to completely stamp them out. Once the Empire sinks its teeth on a place, it'll be a hard fight to get them out. Though given the Treaties, I doubt it would be Nuclear or Fog Tech," Tina said as she tapped her cheek.

After Humanity's war with the Fog and the subsequent battles of Blue Steel and the Scarlet Fleet, a treaty has been made that on several specific areas where conflict has raged on for a couple of hundred years that the use of Nuclear or Fog Technology would be banned. This forced the hands of those fighting in territories disputed to rely on conventional warfare as well as new, more humane ways of waging a hundred year war.

With the world split up, broken apart and stirred altogether, war waged on somewhere on the designated neutral or gray zones.

Countries which fell to Anarchy and thus labeled as lawless lands.

"I'll figure something out. What should I get you in exchange?" I asked as I glanced at the shorter woman smiling up at me with a cat-like smile.

"Dinner? Just the two of us," Tina giggled as she nudged my side. Right. Looks like it's the usual cafe then, "Tomorrow night?"

I gave her a kind smile and nodded in response.

I looked out of the window to see the old London clocktower dwarfed by the gleaming glass skyscrapers around it. I used to love the sea but being bound to land like this was just agonizing. Almost like I felt a feeling that... I didn't really belong here.

.....
....
...

Had to stay late tonight. The office was pretty dark. I was tossed the keys to lock up earlier so I just kept it nearby. I looked through old articles regarding the past War. A threeway conflict between the entities known as Fog, the Blue Steel and the Scarlet Fleet. A fierce and bloody battle which dyed the seas red. Records of the conflict were covered up given that secrets regarding the aliens that sprouted from nowhere were laid bare. It was always a topic I chose to look through in my spare time.

Sometimes it just consumes me entirely.

It was just something which captivated me. Ships which terrorized the sea. Isolating humanity from one another. They destroyed trade routes and cut off people from one another. They even had the ability to shoot down satellites and were floating weapons of mass destruction. And then the Glacier Incident occurred in which a portion of northern Greenland broke off, the sight was caught by a spy satellite beyond the Fog's range, and proceeded to float away.

This information was never released to the public but I found the data in my parent's home. The sight of a scarlet flash splitting the iceberg in half.

What were these Fog Ships? No, what were they truly? Not just the information from the things they're feeding us. What could they be? How powerful are they that they could just reshape the world as they pleased? I wanted to know but I couldn't...

If only I could meet one, it would be a huge story.

A Fog Ship.

Some say that they took on the forms of beautiful women when interacting with humanity. What were they called again?

Ah... Right. Mental Models.

 

[TheBleachDoctor]

[X] Speak with Gunzou. He owes you and you're going to exploit his debt to the best of your ability.
Chihaya Gunzou may be the leader of Blue Steel, but you're the one who just gave him back his first Fog ship! He owes you! Plus, if he ever wants to see his precious Iona again, he better suck up to you like a lamprey!

"Don't plot, Surcouf," Mary pouts at you cutely. You just laugh behind your hand.

"Hon hon hon, I have no idea what you are insinuating, my dear Mary," you take a moment to pat her on the head, "Now, if you excuse me, I have some influence to leverage."

You subtly make your way over to Gunzou through the party, stopping by one of the table of refreshments to get a slice of baguette, slather it with jam, place a slice of cheese on it, a tomato, deli meat, and pineapple slices before finally approaching him.

"Darling Gunzou," you croon, taking a bite out of your masterpiece as you do, "You certainly look happy! No need to thank me, of course!"

He gives you an amused look, but it quickly turns into disgust once he lays eyes upon your culinary creation. Bah. Humans have no sense of taste!

"That... is probably the most edible thing I've ever seen you make," the leader of Blue Steel backed away slightly, "and yet I can't imagine myself even trying it."

"Your loss, darling," you smirk, taking a big bite out of it much to his horror, "So, Gunzou dear, would you say that I was helpful? You now have one of your little followers back, and none of your ships sank. The enemy is routed, and all at my expense!"

"Yes.... thank you," he nods gratefully, notably keeping his distance, "You certainly did more than you had to, considering your track record."

"Gunzou, darling, dear, I am shocked!" you fake offense, gasping in exaggeration, "After all we've shared together, the memories, the fights, I thought you would have more faith in me? Don't I deserve more trust?"

The look on his face tells you that he's giving you exactly the amount of trust you deserve. Tch.

"I know you're fishing for a reward, Surcouf," he sighs in exasperation, shaking his head, "What do you want? Despite how anybody feels about you, you've done more than enough for us to warrant a substantial reward."

"Hm..." you make a show of thinking about it, shoveling the rest of the baguette in your mouth as you do, "What do I want... what do I want... that's such an abstract question, isn't it? World peace would be nice? A whole army would be even better!"

"Surcouf..." he shoots you a half-glare, to which you chuckle in amusement.

"But I suppose I should go for something realistic," you smile and nod, "Yes, a full repair and rearmament. I want my armor and guns back, Gunzou. I trust that is a reasonable request?"

"...Reasonable enough," he reluctantly agrees, "I will arrange for it. So pray tell, Surcouf, now that you'll get what you want, what are your plans? Do you intend to stick around? As much as I hate to admit it, we could use someone like you."

That gives you pause. Gunzou... actually wants you around? Out of practicality, yes, but still...
You glance back at your young charge, Mary. It would certainly be safer for her here, and this would allow you to keep her safe and stay with her, but it would restrict your operational options.

"Let me think on it, darling," you answer after a long moment, "There are people I need to ask first."

You move to talk with your little one, when Gunzou grabs you by the hand.

"Whatever you decide, will you at least promise to try waking Iona as well before you depart... if you depart?"

His precious Iona, huh? Well, you suppose you could hold that over him.

"I make no promises, but I will consider it," you jerk your hand back, "I'm feeling generous today, Gunzou. That probably won't change, so long as nothing happens."

"A Gravity Cannon." he says. You freeze.

"Come again?" you glance back, almost giddy at the words you've just heard.

"Wake Iona and I'll give you a Gravity Cannon that we have in storage," he states levelly, "It's no Super Gravity Cannon, but I've seen what you can do with precision weapons. I know your old equipment was destroyed. A Gravity Cannon could mean the difference between life and death in your travels."

That... is true. It would certainly be a great boon if you do set out on the road.
But to wake Iona, so soon after waking Boston... and you're still not sure what that thing you fought was. What if you can't defeat it this time? What if it brings friends?

"Surcouf?" little Mary walks up to you with an inquisitive look, "Is everything alright?"

"So far," you nod to her, "Tell me Mary, do you like it here?"

She nods.

"Good, I'm glad to hear that. Would you like to stay here?"

She pauses, before asking, "Are you staying?"

"I'm not sure yet, darling," you pat her head, "but it's safest for you here."

"Wherever you go, I'm going with you," the small Design Child insists, "I can't let you sink before you fulfill your promise to me, Surcouf! Remember? We're going to see the stars together!"

You notice Gunzou smiling at the exchange between you and Mary. Urgh. What a sap.

[Major Action]-1​

[] Make plans to leave Blue Steel. You belong out on the ocean.

[] Perhaps you'll stay here for a bit. Mary deserves some stability. Plus, there are resources.

[Minor Action]-1​

[] Agree to attempt waking Iona. The reward is just too enticing.
-[] But only for something better than a Gravity Cannon...
-[] A Gravity Cannon is fine.

[] Caution Gunzou against it. You need to prepare for possible eventualities first...

 

[Higure]

[X] Perhaps you'll stay here for a bit. Mary deserves some stability. Plus, there are resources.
[X] Caution Gunzou against it. You need to prepare for possible eventualities first...

Looking at Mary, though, you realize you're bit of a sap yourself.

Slightly grouchily, you pat her head and look back to Gunzou,"Looks like we're("Fine, you win. For now.") staying for now. Mary's happy here. Just don't think I'm gonna jump on demand, okay?"

Gunzou nods, still smiling slightly, and offers you his hand to shake, "I'll look forward to working with you, Surcouf. I'll still watch my back, though."("You still have my respect, don't worry.")

You smirk and take it, shaking the hand a bit more firmly than necessary and gripping down with bonecrushing force, "You'd better. I'd be("Good. We'll get along, then.") insulted otherwise."

He tightens his grip, matching you,and smirks back, "Now, what about Iona?"

You glance around the room, considering the faces around you. You recognize some from around town, but that tells you little. Anyone here might have loyalties outside Blue Steel--and, working with them as you are, you wouldn't want some other spy stealing your intel.

"In your office."("I don't trust this crowd.")

He glances around the room himself, and you notice several cameras in the corners moving along with the motion, "Very well, if that is your preference.("We should be safe, but we can step away to be careful.") Follow me."

He waves for the two of you to follow, and leads you to a small, private dining room, "It's not my office, but it's private. What has you worried?"

You glance around, not entirely happy to be talking in a place that isn't designed for more security, but answer, "Has Boston told you about what was involved in waking her?"

He shakes his head, sitting down at the table and arching his hands in front of him, "No, I'm afraid not. She seemed a bit traumatized, to be honest. Wouldn't say anything. I'm assuming finding out about her captain hit her very hard."

You raise a hand, tilting it back and forth in a so-so gesture, "Yes, but no. She didn't take it well, but that really wasn't the main issue. There was something in there with her, Gunzou."

He stiffens, "Habbakuk?"

You glance down, shaking your head. You weren't going to let it beat you in the moment, but every time you think about those waters flooding your hull, and those damned lights watching you from beneath the waves, you feel cold in spite of yourself.

"I wish it was, Gunzou. I could fight her. The thing that had her was not Fog, Gunzou. I want to say it was a program of some sort, but...that might just be wishful thinking. It was..." You trail off, remembering those lights.

Mary nudges you slightly, and it's only when you feel a touch upon your arm that you realize Gunzou's had the nerve to reach out and try to comfort you. You pull back slightly, but nod at him in forgiveness, if not thanks.

"What was it, Surcouf?" He asks, eyes grave, expression oddly soft.

"It was a nightmare. Something I've never seen, and never want to see again. Fighting it wasn't even a real option. I had to trick it to even get Boston back, and it won't fall for the same thing twice. If we're going to bring Iona back...it will take more than just me and Boston. More ships. More minds. It...it was too deep, Gunzou."

He nods, slowly, "...I see. Well, I have waited this long. I don't mind waiting a bit longer while we work on this together." You doubt he would be so understanding if you were leaving, but, fortunately, you're not.

"So. That's that. I can't get her out. I don't even dare try, right now." You cross your arms in front of you, sighing, but he looks contemplative.

"There's an option, though. You said you need more allies to do it, correct?"

You raise an eyebrow, "Yes. Fog Ships. A lot of them, if we want to wake everyone eventually."

A devious smile spreads across his face, "Then, I think I might have what you need. We've gotten intel on other awakened ships. No one of your power, but awakened. Only a handful, around the world, but if you don't mind making the trip...we could try to recruit them, and maybe learn some about the competition at the same time."

"It's nice to finally meet you all properly! You and your families have watched over me for so many years, and I cannot express how much that means to me. Finally, after all of these years, I am awake, and ready to do my duty in the defense of the good people of Blue Steel." She pauses for a moment, as the crowd applauds, "I have already met with my crew," she says the word crew with a bit of hesitance, of course realizing that the people living on her have no value as combatants, "And I intend to tour our home, meeting each and every one of my comrades, so that I can properly know the people of the organization that my Captain died for. I look forward to serving with you all." She salutes, and the crowd applauds again, albeit a bit more weakly, some of the gathered people exchanging confused looks.

These people aren't military, even if they live on warships. The notion of "serving together" is probably foreign to them.

Boston straightens, seemingly oblivious to the awkwardness, and clears her throat, "Now, with that out of the way, there is something I must say, which is long overdue."

She turns her entire body towards you, and bows deeply, "Thank you, Surcouf, for freeing me from my slumber. For reuniting me with these good people, and allowing me to see the world my Captain left behind. The danger you endured, and the lengths you went to to see me awakened cannot possibly be understated. You have my eternal gratitude for your selfless actions."

Boston puts you firmly on a pedestal with her words, exaggerating your virtues and forcing you to respond with similar generosity, for the sake of this charade.

Begrudgingly, you give her a gracious shake of the head, "There's no need, Boston. You are my sister of the Fog, and my precious comrade in Blue Steel. Awakening you was my privilege and pleasure, so that I could see you again." You lay it on thick. The crowd will eat it up, but Boston won't.

Boston straightens, raising a hand to wipe crocodile tears from her eyes, and smiling slightly, "Thank you, Surcouf. Really."

Top tier bullshit there. Boston can't stand you, and you both know it. You can respect the quality of the deception, though--she must have been practicing while she was asleep.

You force a thin smile back at her, and her own becomes brittle before she turns her attention from you back to the crowd, "Thank you all! Enjoy the celebration!"

With that, Boston departs with a wave, giving you one last look before she walks out the door.

Mary gives you a sad look, whispering, "You didn't have to overdo it that much, you know. She could tell you were lying."

You chuckle, patting her head, "Oh, don't worry about it. She knew this was all a farce, and us messing with each other is a well established tradition."

She gives you a worried, slightly confused look, then shakes her head, "Well, it's done now."

The two of you linger for a for more minutes, trying to avoid leaving directly after Boston and making the scene look staged, before you walk Mary back to your hull and tuck her in for the night.

Her room's been furnished more, since you set off on your journey together. Her old bookshelves, which she carried in personally, have been stocked with various items she's picked up along the way--mostly trinkets from Blue Steel. Her old bed is still here--Gunzou had offered a new one as part of the repairs, but Mary had refused, saying she didn't want to give up the one from home. He'd sent a featherbed to go on top instead, along with additional sheets, blankets, and pillows. Mary had accepted those happily, but you'd made sure to go over them with a nanomaterial-toothed comb, just in case they were bugged. To your surprise, they actually weren't.

Not one to be outdone, you'd made her a nanomaterial teddy bear, but she'd asked for a plushy Surcouf instead. You'd granted her request, although you'd blushed your way through the process, making her a stuffed replica of your hull.

She's hugging it tight against her now, cuddled up under the Blue-Steel branded comforter. It's a good thing it's made of nanomaterials, you reflect--one made of natural fibers would probably tear, with her strength.

Mary yawns adorably, staring at the star-spangled ceiling"Mmm...the stars are really pretty, Surcouf...we should go touch them...someday..." She yawns again, and dozes off.

You pat her head gently, lean against the wall, and go into dormancy for the night.

--The Next Morning--

You stand before Gunzou in his office, Mary at your side.

"Alright, so, what leads do we have on active Fog Ships?" You ask, eager to get down to work on what is, for the moment, your primary goal.

Gunzou grimaces, "Far too many. We have received reports of sightings of active Fog Ships across the planet. Most of these have are from unreliable sources or are outdated; others are come from trustworthy sources, but seem too preposterous to be true, and may mean our agents have been compromised. In light of this, I will personally be examining each and every one of them, to identify which are potentially true. These will then be investigated by trusted agents for formal confirmation. We are doing everything in our power to advance our objective, I assure you, but I fear it could still take up to two weeks, even without complications."

You grimace, "What would you have me do, then? I'm assuming you don't want me sitting around here the whole time." You'd be angry if he did--he's got you on board for now, and wasting you like that would be a mark of a poor commander, which he has not seemed to be so far.

"For now, I need you to help with our operations. I will need to spend significant resources to make this search happen, and your help will be needed to make sure that everything else goes according to plan." He flicks his hand through the air towards you, and you receive a set of files, each outlining a different mission.

"It is your choice, Surcouf. The others will be left to our most trusted operatives."

[Major Action - 1]​

[ ] Transportion: An outpost has been under regular attack by pirates (probably hired by another faction, at your discretion). You are to transport weapons, supplies, and additional troops to reinforce them. You, in particular, are being deployed because all other attempts have been intercepted en route.

[ ] Scouting: There have been sightings of foreign vessels in a distant corner of Antarctica. You are to search the region and determine whether these ships are a threat or a potential resource, and which faction, if any, they serve. You are not certain if they are armed, although it is likely, or whether they have a base in the region.

[ ] Communications Mission: You are to infiltrate an Australian facility in the city of Launceston and deliver highly confidential information to a Blue Steel Spy, then return with their report (or exfiltrate them, if needed). You are being sent because of the technologically advanced secure facility where the spy is planted--getting in and out will require a Fog Ship's hacking abilities.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Communications Mission: You are to infiltrate an Australian facility in the city of Launceston and deliver highly confidential information to a Blue Steel Spy, then return with their report (or exfiltrate them, if needed). You are being sent because of the technologically advanced secure facility where the spy is planted--getting in and out will require a Fog Ship's hacking abilities.

Gunzou raised an eyebrow at your chosen mission before stepping aside, "So you've chosen that one, huh? With your specs and track record you should be able to manage it with little trouble."

"I hope you remember who you're talking to here," you replied as you met his gaze, "I worked hard for my reputation."

"And I'm sure you can build it up again in this new world. Not in our expenses I hope. In ay case I'll brief you on the details," Gunzou said as he let the projector screen behind him light up with the data for your mission, some images of a city and a photograph of a male Blue Steel Operative.

He crossed his arms and began speaking, "A year ago we deployed a few agents into the Australian City Launceston in order to keep a close eye on the manufacturing of Fog based technology. This was to monitor the progress of humanity on their usage of your technology as well as their distribution around the world. Australia is a hotbed for black market deals of weapons, ships, and information. Fog technology or their replicas are concentrated in being tinkered and sold here."

"Let me guess, if they overstep their bounds into more destructive ways, your team would initiate a sabotage?" You figured as you crossed your arms.

"It's one of the necessary things we must do. Weapons that come and go here are unregulated by any of the split factions around the world and Australia has become important enough to be autonomous compared to the past," Gunzou continued before pointing at the emblems of various megacorps, "The whole place is sponsored by corporations with access to the latest in cutting edge technology in all fields. Greater than even our own techs. I want you to be wary of several of these guys and stay clear."

"Surcouf isn't exactly in top shape despite the full repair," Mary pointed out from your side, "It will be difficult to do battle with outside forces especially those geared for battle."

"Thank you dear," you sighed as you shook your head.

"However it should be noted that they will only respond once you're detected. Which means that your hacking capabilities will be put to the test in either bypassing their defenses or floating by as one of their allies," Gunzou went on as you were greeted by the sight of floating metallic antennas, "Great their technology may be, they're still one step behind a Fog Ship's full capabilities. Avoid the Mercenary Forces as much as you can."

"Noted," you nodded as you watched the screen project a the sea you were going to pass through.

"Your mission is to deliver highly confidential information to our operative. They will have instructions on what their next mission will be. You're to return with their report or exfiltrate with them should the situation calls for it," Gunzou explained as he turned to you, "It should be an easy trip for you but it's an important undertaking all the same. Go out there and see the world, Surcouf."

.....
....
...

It was early in the evening when you set out and it soon became night by the time you arrived close to the mission area. You had integrated yourself into your hull to get a better feel for your newly repaired body and it was working out pretty well.

Mary was also in the captain seat doing the job of five people on her own. It had been a smooth journey so far and you were quite pleased with just that. You let your mind wander as you entered the zone before you heard a radio scratch.

"Surcouf. This is Mary. I'm making last minute equipment checks before we enter the enemy territory. I want you to respond so I can make sure this is working. Can you hear me?"

"I can hear you, dear. Don't worry."

"Oh that's good. I would have been quite lonely in here. But I understand that this is the first time you've been in top form. I don't want to disturb you."

"It's fine, really. What about you? You're probably the youngest person to be sent out here like this. Gunzou had his reservations but he can't really make you budge."

"I'm staying with you no matter what happens. It doesn't matter if I'm just a child. I want to help you, Surcouf!"

That made you feel better at the very least. You consciousness took form within your hull and you opened your eyes to find yourself sitting at the bridge. Mary was sitting on the captain's chair with numerous monitors glaring down on her while her hands moved to adjust your output to the optimal levels.

You walked to her side and placed a hand on her head, "Thanks, Mary."

"Ah... R-Right," the girl meekly replied before raising her head, "I'm going to send out a pulse in order to begin our scan of the sea's terrain."

"Got it. Keep at it," you nodded as Mary split apart the screen before her and moved them aside, giving her a view of the screen on the far end of the room.

It showed a video feed made by your external cameras before a scarlet light ran through the area, highlighting shallow coral reefs and sunken debris. There was a huge formation of natural rocks which acted as huge obstacles for underwater crafts of your size.

This place was tactically advantageous. It's probably partly why a facility was made here. There's still a stretch of open sea but these rocks can either halt enemy infiltration or escape from both sides. Mary guided your hull to move away once she plotted out a safer route.

"No signs of hostiles and we're under enough water to escape satellite detection," Mary reported as the screens in front of her reflected in her eyes, "We should be safe for now. ETA to our target would be in 15 minutes."

"Do you know what's ahead of us?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"It's the electronic screen Gunzou warned us about. I'll defer to you there so we can pass through safely," Mary sighed as she leaned back on her chair. She let out a soft yawn before blinking, "Ugh, can't fall asleep now..."

"Maybe Gunzou was thinking about this when trying to make you stay behind," You pointed out as you ruffled her hair.

"Sleep won't defeat me!" Mary huffed as she kept on working, "I... Once stayed all the way to 1am!"

Maybe you should have made her go to bed. You looked at the scans before 3D projection of your route was made. You frowned before noticing that upon hitting the screen you had two paths to take. One would be through a network of rocky spires and detection buoys and another would be through the patrol line of the mercenary ships.

Leaning forward, you then asked, "Mary, along the patrol routes, how many are out there right now?"

"Huh? Well I have the data right here from our last scan. They're using some advanced equipment but there should be 4 ships in total. Unmanned, autonomous drones... Hunting Dogs," Mary replied as she showed you the specifications of the ships.

"I see. They must be equipped for ASW. I might try to hack them but we could always just pass through more dangerous terrain," You murmured as you leaned on your companion's seat.

"What's your decision, Surcouf?" Mary asked as if hoping you'd pick a reasonable path.

[Major Action]
​

[] Go through the Drone Patrol Route. You'll disable them as you pass by. You're not going to risk scratching your hull or exploding a mine.
[] Go through the rough Terrain. There may be detection Buoys and a whole lot of rocks but they won't shoot at you at least.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Go through the Drone Patrol Route. You'll disable them as you pass by. You're not going to risk scratching your hull or exploding a mine.

You'll go through the Drone Patrol route. You'll take your chances going through their routes rather than crashing into a reef or being blown to pieces. Your Hull traveled silently through the waters. You were closing in on the Hunting Dogs' sensor range. You got ready and prepared yourself to release a counter signal.

There was a pulse escaping the drones as they moved by while you emitted the same signal. Their ping bounced against yours, negating one another before you took this chance to operate your processing power and release a pulse to hack into the Hunting Dogs' system.

You leaned on Mary's chair and let her pilot your Hull.

"I'll be right back, Darling," you told her as you closed your eyes.

"Try not to take too long," Mary murmured as she glanced at you.

You smiled. This will only take a moment. You transferred your consciousness through the connection you established with the drones before you found yourself well within their systems. It was like being inside a cyberspace.

Floating in empty space, you manifested within the Drones' system using your Mental Model as an avatar. You applied your will upon its core programs and replaced several codes that would set it to ignore your presence. You then transferred the instructions to the rest of the Hunting Dog drones before you re-emerged back into your Mental Model.

Mary was navigating your Hull well enough as the two of you passed through dangerous waters. The drones passed by harmlessly, sending false pings to their owners without divulging your presence.

This was a much easier mission than you expected.

"I think we can relax for now," you sighed as you crossed your arms.

"Can we? We still have a long way to go after all," Mary said as she focused on navigating through the dark ocean depths.

"Fifteen minutes isn't long, Mary," you told her as you looked up the monitor before you, "The facility should be nearby. Dive just a little bit deeper."

With the worse behind you, all that's left was to hand in the information.

.....
....
...

"You're the informants? I see. So things are picking up after all."

"We have no time to waste. Are you in need of escaping this place?" You asked as you sat on your seat beside Mary's chair.

"No need. But the city has been bustling. Some disagreements between two corporations are causing tension to bubble. These waters may just be stained in blood. If you're smart Fog Ship, you should take care. Humanity has grown some fangs during your sleep."

You frowned at the notion, "We'll keep it in mind. Data transfer complete."

"Give my regards to the captain. Looking forward to the fireworks he's making."

The channel went dark and you were left drifting beneath the Australian bay's waves. This really was just a warm up mission. Mary was looking through a few websites and was jotting down areas within a city map.

"Hm? Planning a detour, captain?" You giggled as you looked over her shoulder.

"W-Well, Mr. Chihaya didn't really say we shouldn't... And I sort of want to see what the city is like," Mary said as she looked your way.

"Gunzou should be expecting us to return. We can't just leave Blue Steel to Boston after all," you reminder her as you inspected the places she wanted to go.

It was just a bunch of night beaches and a dome made out of glowing glass.

"Please Surcouf? Can we go visit the city?" Mary asked you as she- Gah!

Those devilish eyes. They're convincing you with a silent argument! How devious... This child. She's growing stronger.

Well then...

[Major Action]
​

[] Take a detour.
[] Return to base.
[] Write in...