Inside the Dome
Enterprise-80 and the rest of the fleet found themselves assembled on the spacious Flight-Deck of her Carrier. Their immediate concern revolved around meticulously contemplating and formulating intricate plans for busting their way out of the restrictive imprisonment that Arbiter XVI: The Tower had imposed upon them. The situation demanded their full attention as they strategized their desperate escape.
Arrayed along the Starboard-Side of the Flight-Deck were various jets, ranging from advanced 4++ Generation Fighters to the sleek, cutting-edge 6th Generation Fighters. These aircraft collectively represented the formidable striking force of the American Naval Force, each one poised with a clear state of readiness. Their powerful engines were ready to ignite, prepared for an immediate sortie should the order be given in a quick snap of a finger.
The Flight-Deck Crews, (Manjuu), were present on the deck just seating and waiting. Many of whom wore green vests, or the Maintenance Crew, performing essential upkeep tasks within the expansive Hangar-Deck below. The Flight-Deck itself had been thoroughly swept and cleared of any loose materials or debris that could potentially ignite small fires or, in a more catastrophic scenario, contribute to a massive explosion if not handled with extreme care.
A small, dedicated group of Manjuu operating a RHIB ventured cautiously close to the formidable Wall of Energy. This shimmering barrier served as the distinct separation between their enclosed space and the outside world. Their mission was to meticulously observe for any minute changes as time progressed. However, their consistent reports indicated the same outcome: there were absolutely no discernible changes at the imposing Wall of Energy.
Meanwhile, MH-60 helicopters were systematically launched from the deck to conduct ASW operations. Even though with the knowledge of lack of underwater presence of enemies inside their immediate vicinity, Enterprise-80 maintained an elevated sense of caution, constantly wary of any unseen enemy Submarines that might be lurking beneath the tranquilized waters of their confined space.
Positioned along the port-side of the massive Super-Carrier, Battlecruiser Hood and Constellation were moored side-by-side. They were accompanied by Bunker Hill's Nuclear Cruiser. Although Bunker Hill's Ship was technically on standby, with its advanced Weapon Systems and Defense were on high alert, prepared for any sudden surprises or unforeseen developments.
At the very Bow of the Carrier, specifically on the forward Flight Deck, a small, distinct space approximating the dimensions of a Tennis-Court had been arranged. Centrally located within this area was a round tea table, surrounded by six chairs. Five individuals were observed seated around it, engaging in quiet conversation.
The Royal Navy Shipgirls were peacefully enjoying their tea time. This period served not only as a momentary respite but also as a time for them to wait and coordinate any further plans of action. All in all, it presented a very typical Brits indulging in their customary teas and chats.
"Are you feeling quite alright now, Your Majesty?" Hood inquired, her tone carrying a note of concern, as Queen Elizabeth still appeared somewhat displeased and perhaps a little "salty" about the recent incident that had transpired.
The Queen had been unexpectedly knocked out by the intense shockwave that followed Warspite's powerful Skill: Belli Dura Despicio. This devastating attack had struck the very middle of the Energy Dome with full and unbridled force.
She had been so completely thrilled and captivated by Warspite's impressive display of Marksmanship that she had regrettably forgotten to put on the Ear-Protection that had been provided to her earlier. As a direct consequence of this oversight, she was knocked out and, rather undignifiedly, floated on the surface of the ocean, "GTA Style".
Queen Elizabeth grumbled softly, a hint of embarrassment coloring her tone. "You should have informed me about that before Warspite opened fire," she stated, pouting slightly like a child.
Warspite, positioned respectfully at her side, felt a pang of guilt regarding the mistake that had occurred.
"I apologize for not meeting your expectations, and for my carelessness, Your Majesty," she said with a flush of embarrassment, nervously fiddling with her teacup.
Queen Elizabeth, despite her earlier grumbling, offered comfort and reassurance to her, stating that what had just transpired was genuinely not her fault, and affirming that Warspite continued to meet her Queen's high expectations.
"No need to blame yourself, Warspite. You simply did what I told you to do... it was my own mistake that the unforeseen circumstances unfolded as they did," she clarified, a teacup held delicately in her hand.
Cruiser Belfast, now equipped with a freshly refilled teapot, gracefully refilled Hood's teacup, having noticed it was empty.
"Thank you, Belfast," Hood expressed with sincere gratitude.
Cruiser Belfast acknowledged the appreciation and bowed her head slightly in return. "You are most welcome, Madam," she replied with an elegant and professional smile.
Constellation, meanwhile, simply remained seated, unsure how to properly act or how to effectively socialize with the British Shipgirls. The other three Americans were conspicuously absent, having their own separate discussion on the pressing matter at hand.
Cruiser Belfast noticed her silence and also observed that the tea in her teacup was only half-finished.
"Is there something wrong, Madam?" she asked after discerning her quiet demeanor. Constellation only made a soft, indistinct noise, indicating her inherent difficulty in socializing with them.
*Casual American noises*
"Would you perhaps prefer some coffee instead?" Cruiser Belfast inquired politely, attempting to make her more comfortable.
"No-No, I think the tea is fine," Constellation responded, a little startlingly.
Cruiser Belfast merely offered an understanding smile. She was all too familiar with this particular kind of behavior when it came to Eagle Union Shipgirls attending what were often perceived as 'fancy' Royal Navy's Tea Parties.
At the Edge of the Flight-Deck
Enterprise-80 stood at the very edge of the Deck, her gaze fixed intently upwards at the shimmering middle of the Energy Dome. She had considered a number of rather ridiculous ideas for busting their way out of this unexpected imprisonment. However, she acknowledged that all of these theoretical plans presented significant safety hazards to the more conventional WW2 Warship Designs of her companions.
Bunker Hill-76, standing beside her, spoke with a pragmatic tone. "Ma'am... you know those options are effectively out of consideration if we prioritize safety concerns."
"I know... I'm just thinking about the higher percentage of success for our break-out from this cage," Enterprise-80 responded, making a sweeping gesture towards the imposing surrounding energy wall and roof.
Bunker Hill-76 sighed deeply, a hint of frustration in her voice. "I only wish our Skill attacks were Energy-Based and not Kinetic-Based."
The reality was that breaking the Energy Dome could not be effectively achieved by a Kinetic-Based attack. They were all trapped inside the entirely enclosed space of the dome, and an explosive, kinetic-based attack would inevitably shred their internal organs due to the overwhelming force of the resulting shockwave.
"Yeah.... I kinda wish the DOD had focused their brilliant brains and substantial budget on making advances in more Energy-Based Weapons like laser cannons and anti-satellite lasers," Enterprise-80 mused, reminding herself of the ongoing Cold War back on Earth. "Because of the 'Pointy Wiener' competition with China, the Nerds in DARPA chose to simply sharpen their existing pencils instead of truly finding other innovative and groundbreaking advancements."
At the Other Side of the Flight-Deck
Enterprise-6 was seemingly lost deep within her own world of thoughts, contemplating precisely how she would utilize this another Skill that she had long obtained. To her, however, this particular Skill felt somewhat borrowed from its original owner, a subtle distinction that weighed on her.
She harbored some conflicted thoughts about having to use it again. She had, in fact, deployed it only one time previously, when she and the other Shipgirls had been dispatched to face off against the Sakuran Fleet near the Islands of Midway.
To an unforeseen and unexpected events, the Sakurans, and Akagi in particular, had managed to open a mysterious portal. Through this portal, everyone present in the Fleet, from both sides of the conflict, was abruptly teleported into the Mirror Sea. Consequently, everyone, including Enterprise-6 herself, was left confused and undeniably afraid by the sudden and drastic change in their environment.
A wave of panic rapidly befell the disorganized Azur Lane Fleet. The toddlers or Destroyers, were the first to descend into chaos, running around in palpable distress and disarray. As the whole Azur Lane Fleet became thoroughly engulfed in widespread chaos and panic, Akagi delivered her chilling, villainous monologue as she floated ominously in the air.
Enterprise-6 remembered Akagi's unsettling words all too well from that distorted dimension.
"Azur Lane...! I welcome you to the place of what may ultimately become your own grave. Your sacrifice will not be in vain, because you will all be remembered merely as stepping stones for the Empire to topple those who dare defy the sacred word of our Emperor."
Following her menacing monologue, the intense battle between Azur Lane and the Sakura Empire violently ensued within the Siren's own backyard – the humanity's true enemy that patiently awaited its moment in the shadows to strike when both combatants were at their absolute weakest point.
The opportunist Observer α ruthlessly exploited this opportunity, seeking to destroy Azur Lane altogether. But to her dismay, the meticulously crafted and developed plan she had painstakingly put together was utterly in shambles when a new entity suddenly appeared and unexpectedly offered a helping hand.
Enterprise-6 succumbed to such a profound fright of making the same catastrophic mistake again. This time, however, the consequence would be the dire demise of the Azur Lane Fleet trapped inside the Mirror Sea.
At her total loss of concentration, both Akagi and Kaga swiftly seized the opportune moment and struck at her with devastating precision. Enterprise-6 plunged deeply into the abyss of the Mirror Sea, a place where light never touched, sinking slowly as if her entire world slows down.
'No... I don't want to die! I'm not done yet!'
These were her desperate, pleading thoughts as she plunged deeper into the murky depths, tears streaming from both of her eyes. She felt a profound failure, having broken her promise of returning home to Yorktown and her cherished friends.
The oppressive darkness of the Mirror Sea caused those cherished promises to fade into the gloom, along with her diminishing hope of return. At that dire moment, she reluctantly accepted her fate and slowly closed her eyes. However, her ears could still faintly hear her friends and Sisters calling her name, desperately urging her to return.
With a sudden, renewed vigor, she fiercely fought against the negative thoughts that sought to surround and consume her, struggling with every ounce of her being to return. To her profound surprise, she found she was no longer sinking. Instead, she was standing in the very place she had wished to avoid.
She quickly recuperated and turned around, locating the one who had called upon her. She had been summoned by Code-G, who had heard her desperate pleading for life.
"I came in your time of need, remember. Power is what you seek to protect those you treasured, and power I shall answer with."
After Code-G uttered those powerful words, a strong, invigorating surge of power began to flow throughout Enterprise-6's entire body.
Code-G then offered her a final piece of advice before everything faded away. "Great power comes with great responsibilities, Enterprise."
"Miss Enterprise.... Miss Enterprise...."
Enterprise-6 heard a familiar voice, which gently pulled her back from her deep thoughts and the vivid flashback to what had just transpired at the Midway Islands and within the Mirror Sea.
With a light, comforting tap on her right shoulder, her mind fully returned to reality and the present moment. She quickly turned to her right and saw Cruiser Belfast standing there, a slight look of concern etched upon her face.
"Are you alright, Miss Enterprise? You've been spacing out for a while now... Is there something bothering you?"
"...I...." Enterprise-6 stuttered, her words catching in her throat as she wanted to say something more, but chose to convey a simpler response instead. "I'm alright, Belfast," she said, though her voice lacked conviction, making her own words sound unsure.
Cruiser Belfast's expression immediately softened into a friendly one, subtly encouraging her friend to release the emotional burden she carried.
"Miss Enterprise. I'm your friend, we can talk about it," she said softly, while gently holding both of Enterprise-6's hands and looking directly into her eyes.
Enterprise-6 felt a bit hesitant to speak about Code-G, as she had promised to keep her existence hidden from the knowledge of Azur Lane.
"It's about the same vision I've been having again," she said, an undertone of guilt subtly present in her voice, indicating she wasn't telling the whole story of why she was experiencing those visions.
Cruiser Belfast understood how profoundly painful it would be for her to recount the full extent of that story, so she simply offered a gentle smile of reassurance.
"I will be there for you to quell those nightmares that haunt you, Miss Enterprise. I will always be on your side, and remember, everyone else is also here for you," she said with a warm and genuine smile.
"I think you're just tired with all the intense thinking for our escape plan. Perhaps you should take some rest. One of the seats is vacant, and you might want to have some tea to freshen up your mind," Cruiser Belfast suggested kindly, as she gently led her to the table.
Enterprise-6 attempted to decline, but Belfast was quick and decisive. Before she could even articulate her reasoning, she found herself seated at one of the chairs. Right beside her was Constellation, who still hadn't managed to finish her tea, which by now had grown cold.
At the tea table, Cruiser Belfast thoughtfully placed a small plate with a fresh teacup and began to fill it. "Here you go, Miss Enterprise. This tea will help you clear your mind," she said after gracefully pouring the tea.
Enterprise-6 couldn't fully decline now that she had been served. She took a deep breath and slowly took a sip of her own tea.
Cruiser Belfast watched her with a subtle delight, noting that she didn't decline this time. (You practically forced her to drink tea, Bel.)
Queen Elizabeth, situated on the opposite side of the table, could no longer contain her mounting frustration and, in a sudden outburst, slammed her fist on the table.
"I have had enough of this! Our friends are actively fighting out there – and we're here leisurely passing out time!" she declared, her voice rising in frustration.
"What do you suggest, Your Majesty?" Hood inquired calmly, carefully moving her tea to prevent it from spilling from the Queen's sudden impact on the table.
Queen Elizabeth stood up from her seat and pointed decisively towards the center of the dome above them. "I say we fire all of our skills at it at the very same time!"
"That was a rather bold proposition, Your Majesty... if you're genuinely willing to sacrifice your internal organs from the inevitable blast wave inside this enclosed imprisonment," Enterprise-80 remarked, a hint of playful teasing in her voice as she observed the flustered Queen.
Queen Elizabeth immediately sat back down, arms crossed and pouting. She proceeded to make her typical bratty noises and grumble some distinctly British curses under her breath.
Hood, after calmly sipping her tea, spoke. "We need to act with extreme caution, Your Majesty. One wrong move inside our imprisonment could spell disaster for all of us here."
Everyone at the table looked down, their faces displaying a mixture of vanquished hope and palpable distress. They were severely limited in their options for breaking out. They possessed more than enough power to break through the dome, but the inherent danger of the massive wave blast inside the enclosed space of their imprisonment was a significant, almost insurmountable, hurdle.
Bunker Hill-76 approached them, informing them of the time that had passed. "It's almost 4:00 PM; we've been idling here for the past 6 hours now."
Enterprise-80 clapped both of her hands together to effectively get everyone's attention. "Looks like we're going with the Queen's proposition of firing our Skill at the same time - at the very same spot."
Everyone present was taken aback by such a seemingly ridiculous and desperate plan. They were all jolted in surprise. Hood, typically known for her calm composure, broke character upon hearing this, making a rather cute and surprising facial expression for a lady of her bearing.
Queen Elizabeth, on the other hand, screamed aloud in genuine horror. She had only suggested it as a desperate way of releasing her pent-up frustration and mounting anxiety. She had absolutely not expected that she and the rest of them would actually consider doing it.
The Americans, with their inherently limited options, would invariably choose the option of a massive explosion. The crucial question, however, was how much explosive force it would truly take to blow their way out of this current imprisonment.
Vestal slammed her palm sharply on the table, causing everyone to jump in surprise. "You can't be serious?! Our internal organs will be utterly squashed if that plan fails!"
Enterprise-6's mind once again drifted into a dark void of anxiety as she carefully considered her own potential options. She vehemently hated the idea of using their skills simultaneously. Her primary Skill, 'Lucky E', was both offensive and defensive, but it was effective only for herself.
Constellation's Skills were both offensive and defensive. Vestal, though... she was more focused on an assist Skill, and if she were to be incapacitated... they would all undoubtedly be doomed inside this restricting dome.
Queen Elizabeth's Skill: Queen's Order, was primarily a support skill, which was a stark contrast to the offensively-based Skills of Hood, Warspite, and Belfast.
Considering all of these crucial factors, Enterprise-6 slowly raised her hand, feeling as though she had no other choice but to prevent that reckless option from being enacted. She harbored deeply conflicted thoughts about using this particular Skill, even though it held the potential to help them break out of their seemingly insurmountable imprisonment.
Everyone looked at her, surprised that she might actually have a viable plan for breaking out. However, those who observed the conflicted expression plastered on her face understood the internal struggle she was undergoing.
Cruiser Belfast spoke with genuine concern. "Miss Enterprise... is there anything you would like to say?"
Enterprise-6 could clearly see everyone's eyes fixed intently on her, waiting for her to speak her mind.
"Leave it to me... I'll handle it," she said, her voice imbued with a heavy, unwavering force.
Enterprise-80, now thoroughly intrigued, raised a curious brow in anticipation of Enterprise-6's own plan of action.
'Is she going to use another Skill? The only thing I knew about her Skill was that of 'Lucky E'. Is she hiding another Skill?' Enterprise-80 thought, deep in contemplation.
Vestal, with her typical annoyed expression, suddenly burst into a firm rebuke of Enterprise-6, criticizing her plan of attempting to solve the formidable problem they faced in a solo endeavor.
"Don't be ridiculous, Enterprise! Have you seen Warspite fail in an attempt at breaking the dome with her own Skill? I'm not going to let you do something foolish that could cause any injury!"
Cruiser Belfast swiftly jumped to Enterprise-6's defense. "Miss Vestal, please calm down.... Let's hear what Enterprise-6 would say about her plan."
Enterprise-6, maintaining the same determined expression plastered on her face, slowly opened her mouth as she began to clearly articulate her plan of action.
"I cannot allow that plan of yours to happen.... Queen Elizabeth almost died with Warspite's failed attempt. If we all fire our Skill at the same time.... We might all die."
Enterprise-80 held her chin thoughtfully as she listened intently to Enterprise-6's reasoning. With a heavy sigh, she ultimately gave her approval for Enterprise-6's plan.
"Fine.... Let's see what you might do with it," she said, placing a significant measure of trust in her.
Vestal immediately tried to argue with her. "No! We can't let her do reckless things again."
Enterprise-80 raised a firm hand to silence her. "I do believe in the old adage that 'it ain't stupid if it works.'"
"But -- "
"Besides, it's certainly worth trying. And I'd personally like to see what kind of Skill she might pull out of the box."
Enterprise-6 looked at her, her eyes shining with a clear determination that her plan would indeed work. "I thank you for the approval you have bestowed upon me."
Enterprise-80 slowly nodded in acknowledgement. "Let's see what miracle you might bring out of the blue."
And with the pivotal approval that had been granted to her, Enterprise-6 rose from her seat and slowly walked towards the very edge of the Flight-Deck.
Small-sized Wisdom Cubes began to float gracefully around her, gradually starting to combine and coalesce into an axle Flight-Deck Rigging. With this impressive transformation underway, Enterprise-6 grasped the small Bridge/Island section of the rigging and slowly transformed it into a Bow.
After that intricate transformation was complete, she deliberately jumped off from the Flight-Deck, landing gracefully on the sea with seawater splashing dramatically around her. Utilizing the propulsion from her boots, she moved with surprising speed directly to the center of the enclosed space.
Everyone on the Flight-Deck of the Super-Carrier watched her with intense anticipation. A worried and concerned expression was clearly plastered all over Cruiser Belfast's face, as she knew precisely what Enterprise-6 was attempting to do. However, her deep concern gradually subsided as she observed the other Enterprise, who showed no visible concern or worry whatsoever.
"What exactly is she trying to do this time?" Queen Elizabeth mused aloud, as she rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"Is she trying to do that thing once again?" Warspite muttered quietly to herself.
To everyone's surprise, Enterprise-80 was genuinely intrigued by what had just been said.
"Interesting..." She quickly turned her attention to Warspite. "What might that be that she tried to do back then?"
Warspite was, in fact, the only one who had witnessed that remarkable event unfold in the Mirror Sea, as everyone else had been actively engaged in fighting the Sakuran Forces.
"I think she's going to use that thing that she did once before, back when we were trapped at the Mirror Sea..." She said in a serious, reflective tone. "And because of that sheer energy she released, the whole place became unstable and utterly collapsed. Luckily for us, we were then teleported near the Alaskan Gulf."
"So that's what truly happened back there?!" Queen Elizabeth exclaimed in genuine surprise. "Why did no one tell me about it!"
"Umm... Your Majesty, we actually tried to tell it to you, but..."
The Royal Navy Shipgirls collectively displayed a subtle "sweat drop icon" on their foreheads as they vividly remembered the Queen on the deck of her Battleship shouting and screaming, desperately covering her eyes from the blinding lights. They had indeed tried to discuss it with her, but the Queen had immediately dismissed it, clearly not wanting to remember that particularly awkward moment in her life.
Now, after remembering that embarrassing moment, Queen Elizabeth's head seemed to visibly release steam in her acute embarrassment. She crouched down, tightly holding her aching and visibly steaming redhead.
"We sincerely apologize for not informing you, Your Majesty, at a later, more opportune time," Warspite apologized softly.
Enterprise-80 was far too engrossed with the newly acquired information to even notice the embarrassed Queen. She stared intently at where Enterprise-6 was floating, her Bow now ready.
Enterprise-80 then distinctly noticed that familiar energy she had once sensed before. She smiled subtly as she knew exactly who that energy belonged to. With a quick thinking she promptly ordered everyone on deck.
"Everyone! Man your Battle Stations! I want these birds in the air, Now!"
The Manjuus on deck, who had been lazily collecting fats as they sat and lay flat in total boredom, suddenly heard the urgent order over the intercoms of the Super-Carrier.
"General Quarters, General Quarters! Man Your Battle Station, Man Your Battle Station!"
The orders broadcasted over the intercoms were clear as day, and everyone rushed immediately to their designated action stations. The tea-table and chairs that had been meticulously set up by the Manjuus were swiftly removed as Flight Operations vigorously resumed.
Manjuus wearing Purple Jerseys pulled the fuel hoses and began to efficiently fill the parked F/A-18s and F/A-25s with fuel. Push Tugs' electric engines were loudly turned on as planes on deck were strategically repositioned for launch.
The Weapons Elevator smoothly opened, revealing a platform carrying AIM-260 JATAMs and AIM-9Xs. The Ordinance Crew rushed in, quickly pulling the Air-to-Air Missiles out and dragging them directly to the Planes that were now ready for imminent take-off.
After the orders were decisively given, she turned to the Shipgirls on deck. "Get your riggings ready; we're going to make our way out, now."
Everyone nodded and quickly got their riggings prepared. She then ordered Bunker Hill-76, who was at her side. "Weapons ready; we might not know what Siren Forces might await for us out there." She said in a stern, resolute tone.
Bunker Hill-76 nodded and quickly activated her rigging, and the Aegis Combat System immediately went on full high alert. Ballistic Missile Defense, Anti-Cruise Missile Defense, and Anti-Air Defense systems swiftly came online, searching for any potential Siren surprises.
...
At the Center
Enterprise-6 deliberately stretched the string of her Bow and raised it towards the very center of the ceiling of the Energy Dome. Immediately, glowing energy Arrows began to emerge between the Bow and the string, materializing with palpable power.
Golden rays vividly illuminated the Energy Arrows, which visibly grew in size with every passing second as the powerful golden aura that surrounded her was being steadily consumed and absorbed by the magnificent Arrow she was producing.
The sheer amount of energy she exerted visibly pushed the water she was standing on, causing it to ripple outwards in concentric circles. Her vivid violet pupils glowed with an intense golden light that resonated with immense power.
As the formidable borrowed power surged all over her body, flowing like blood circulating through her veins, she recalled that specific time she had desperately sought such power to defeat the menacing Sirens. She had been weak then and could only desire such overwhelming strength.
She remembered that day, that very day she almost met her own premature end due to her reckless and impulsive actions.
'Do I have to do this? ..... this is for the others... and my friends who were in dire need of help - I have to do this even if I have to ask her for help.'
Enterprise-6 thought, a brief, fleeting flashback about her very first encounter with Code-G passing through her mind.
The waters surrounding her were intensely cold, and raindrops never stopped falling from the perpetually dark sky. Lightning repeatedly flashed from the ominous dark clouds, serving as a stark reminder that humanity, much like the rain, was unpredictable and volatile.
Hot breaths forcefully came out of her mouth as she gasped desperately for air. She was currently battling the overwhelming Siren Forces entirely alone – even though the explicit orders from her superiors were for everyone in the vicinity to immediately retreat. She completely ignored the crackling radio; all the repeated orders fell deaf to her ears.
"Retreat, Enterprise! Retreat! I order you to retreat!" The Commander at the comms shouted multiple times, his voice laced with desperation.
Enterprise-6 was floating amidst the tumultuous sea state 5, directly in line with the rapidly advancing Siren Forces. 'No.... I'm not retreating back! I'm not running away.... If I let them through, another tragedy might happen next if I were to retreat... I... I am not going to let that happen!'
She defiantly ignored the repeated order that was given to her by her Commander, over and over, and charged directly at the enemy lines, alone and determined.
With her Bow raised high, Arrows of pure energy flew, striking one Siren Ship after another in rapid succession. Explosions followed suit, tearing through the Siren Ships.
"Die, Sirens!" She yelled out a fierce war cry while charging relentlessly forward.
Other Siren Battleships swiftly turned their formidable guns at her with a full broadside, and Enterprise-6 skillfully maneuvered her way out of the raining shells. Massive splashes of water erupted dramatically right beside her as the Siren Ships' shots were getting dangerously closer to her.
She had been fighting the Siren Forces for the past hour, and the insidious exhaustion was slowly but surely getting into her. The biting cold weather did not help her dire circumstances in the slightest.
To add to her already bad luck, or perhaps by cruel coincidence, the Siren Forces that she was fighting included an Executor-Class Siren tagging along with the main Siren Fleet.
Enterprise-6's eyes widened in shock as she didn't expect a Humanoid Siren to be present. "Damn you all, Sirens!"
She cursed vehemently as she fired her Arrows at Tracker Mk-I with raw anger. She didn't even think of the other Siren Ships as she charged directly at the Humanoid Siren.
"My~... how brave of you to charge at me alone, even if your friends retreated." Tracker Mk-I said, her ego seemingly inflated to an absurd degree, bigger than her own head.
Enterprise-6, fueled by an unyielding anger, challenged Tracker MK-I along with the entire Siren Ships fleet all by herself. SBDs and F4F Wildcats launched relentlessly from her Flight-Deck Rigging and Bow.
"You're a bold one, I'll give you that much," Tracker MK-I said, as she pointed her Plasma Cannon directly at her.
Alone, Enterprise-6 now had to skillfully dodge all the Siren Ships' hail of fire, along with Tracker Mk-I, who also opened fire with her powerful Plasma Cannon.
Her stamina was utterly exhausted, and her body shivered uncontrollably from being exposed to the cold, as her clothes were thoroughly soaked and wet. As soon as she fired her last Arrow, her knees succumbed to total tiredness and gave out. With that, Tracker MK-I seized the critical advantage.
The Plasma Cannon that Tracker MK-I fired broke her Bow and snagged the string. The snapped string then whipped violently against her right cheek and left a painful bruise.
She kneeled, the combined weight of her body and rigging preventing her from standing to no avail. Her knees were far too tired to even stand up, and her arms couldn't even raise and pull her Bow.
'Damn it! I wish I were strong enough to send them back to where they came from...'
Her situation was undeniably bleak as she could only watch, helpless, as the end of the barrel of each Siren Ship slowly pointed directly at her. In the chilling reflection of her pupils, Tracker Mk-I could be clearly seen pointing her Plasma Cannon right at her forehead.
Panic flooded her mind as she felt dread for the very first time. She had never felt such overwhelming dread and the cold approach of death before, and because of that previous lack of fear, she had become bolder in her encounters with the Sirens.
She could clearly see the grinning Siren looking at her face, which was now filled with utter despair. 'I don't want to die; I don't want to die.' Her mind screamed desperately for help.
As she closed her eyes, hoping that someone, anyone, would come and save her. 'Somebody... someone... save me..."
A profound feeling of warmth and comfort suddenly engulfed her. At that sensation, she opened her eyes and witnessed magnificent pillars of golden lights piercing through the Siren Ships and the Humanoid Siren directly in front of her. The pillars of golden lights, glowing brilliantly against the stormy backdrop, eliminated all the Sirens in one swift, sweeping motion.
A dumbfounded expression was plastered all over her face as she simply couldn't comprehend anything of what had just transpired in front of her.
The stormy sea and its turbulent waves visibly calmed, and the entire violent weather system transformed into a tranquil calm in mere seconds. She turned, and looked up. There, she saw the being, the one who had heeded her desperate prayers.
The being in mention wore a flowing white dress with angelic wings that seemed to blend seamlessly with her ethereal white skin and hair. The thing that surprised her the most was that they shared the very same face.
"Who - Who are you?" She asked, as she tried desperately not to stutter with her tired voice.
"I came as I heeded your prayers," the woman said gently, while gracefully stretching out her right hand.