Our Bonds

"I checked with Tawi Tawi Anchorage. A few days ago, a large Abyssal fleet appeared from under the ocean surface around Cape Engano. According to the seaplanes and Coast Guards patrolling the area, an Abyssal Crane Princess is said to be in the center of the fleet." (Rondo)

When I report the incident to HQ, they informed me they will send someone to check. I didn't expect Tawi Tawi Anchorage to be involved. That Naval base has been quiet for years.

I'm in the Command Room, discussing the issue with Rondo via a video call. Despite doing this a few times before, it's still feels weird to see someone's large head on the monitor.

"I'm surprised that Tawi Tawi Anchorage isn't defunct yet."

"Yeah. It's not much but there are still people running the place. It's mainly used as a supply depot if we need to send any sh.i.p.s to that area. And a hanger for some seaplanes." (Rondo)

"Anyway, back to the main issue. What is the Abyssal Fleet doing?"

"As of yesterday, nothing. The aerial pictures show no sign of movement from any of them. It has been like that since they appeared. I will send you the pictures. They are pretty strange." (Rondo)

That's true. There are no ripples in the water. So they haven't been moving for a while. The Abyssals have their heads down, which is weird. The Crane Princess, nicknamed 'Zuihime', since it's Zuikaku's Abyssal Counterpart, is kneeling on the water surface. The whole scene is just strange.

"See what I mean?" (Rondo)

"Yeah. This is unusual."

"I know what you are thinking but you are not allowed to send a fleet there. We are still in the midst of the operation. Only when we are done then I will give you the 'Go' signal." (Rondo)

"I know that. I'm not that dumb to go against standing orders. And besides, I will need to come up with a plan."

"Good. The last thing I want is you getting court-martialed." (Rondo)

"Aww. That's so sweet. You care so much for me."

I tried to make myself as cheesy as possible. I can't help but tease Rondo a little sometimes.

"Yeah yeah. Anyway, don't do anything crazy for now. That Abyssal isn't going anywhere." (Rondo)

After we gave each other a salute, I ended the video call. The information I got isn't much, but it's still something.

So we are up against a Zuihime on her home ground again. This is basically that Leyte Gulf operation all over again. An combined fleet with Azur Lane may be the right choice, but they may scare my girls instead.

Anyway, like Rondo said, I have to wait until the operation is over before going out there. And besides, that Abyssal is most likely going to idle at that location and not be an immediate threat to the locals there. That being said, it's also best to send a fleet there as soon as possible after the operation. The apearance of the Zuihime and that voice calling for help are connected somehow.

An Abyssal calling for help? Nah. That's just ridiculous.

But if it really was...

"Admiral-san!!!" (Yuudachi)

"Ooph!"

Yuudachi tackled me again...

"Hey. I told you to stop doing that, right?!"

"Ehehe~" (Yuudachi)

Thats when I noticed Zuihou And Shouhou were in the room as well. Zuihou looks very excited. She is practically jumpping.

"What is it?"

"Is it true I'm needed for the fourth operation?!" (Zuihou)

"Who told you that?"

"Shouhou told me that." (Shouhou)

"Shouhou!"

"Sorry, Admiral. I didn't know you haven't told her yet." (Shouhou)

"So? When is the fourth operation starting? Has Brunei Anchorage and Hashirajima Anchorage completed the third?" (Zuihou)

"Calm down. They just started."

I tried to hold the bouncing kid in place. This is one of the reasons why I didn't want to tell her. She gets way too excitable when it comes to sorties, especially if she realises she is necessary for it.

"Admiral-san, what is that poi?" (Yuudachi)

While I was dealing with Zuihou, Yuudachi was busy exploring the Command Room. She eventually discover the picture of the Abyssal Fleet in Cape Engano. Now wonder she has been quiet for a while now.

"Is that an Abyssal Crane Princees?" (Shouhou)

"The one from Leyte Gulf poi?" (Yuudachi)

I meant to wait till we finish the operation before telling them. I suppose I can just tell them what is going on.

"As of two days ago, an Abyssal Fleet emerged in Cape Engano. So far it hasn't been moving since its appearance. Furthermore, it's been exhibiting weird behavior."

"They are facing downwards..." (Shouhou)

"Maybe they are just sleeping poi?"

"But Abyssals don't sleep, right?" (Zuihou)

"That's right. That and this fleet might be related to the strange call I got."

"You mean the cry for help?" (Zuihou)

I told Zuihou about the cry for help made all the way from Cape Engano. I haven't told her about it being her voice. If I did, she will definitely freak out.

No, she will inevitably freak out once I send her out there and that thing starts speaking in her voice. Hopefully it doesn't. It's better for her freak out later rather than now when we are in the midst of an operation.

"Anyway, Tawi Tawi Anchorage is keeping tabs on the situation. For now, just focus on the operation. Don't worry about anything else. Got that, Zuihou?"

"Roger." (Shouhou and Yuudachi)

"Why did you single me out?!" (Zuihou)

I went and turned off the monitor.

"Alright, lets go. I'm hungry."

I turned off the lights as I gently pushed the three girls in front of me out of the Command Room. Zuihou wrapped her arms around mine as we walked along the corridor as if it was natural.

"Me too!" (Yuudachi)

"What are they serving at the canteen today?" (Shouhou)

"Zuihou, that's not fair poi! I want to hold Admiral-san's hand as well!" (Yuudachi)

"I still have another. Hey! Don't pull on me!"

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Why did I have to sink...?

Shouhou... Where are you...?

Cold...

Dark...

I'm scared...

Save me...

Admiral...