The Ship of the Tempest

Cooling Down

The return back to the base was quiet, despite the absence of their target of worry. The girls slowly sailed, watching out for any more siren patrols that could ambush them.

Z23: Lord Bismarck, are you alright?

Bismarck: I am...I'm just worried

Z23: It's...because of my sister, isn't it?

Bismarck: Yes...yes it is

The image of Peace Breaker's corpse still clouded her mind. She shuddered as she remembered the cold look in Z73's eyes.

Z23: Please Lord, if anything is wrong...come to me

Bismarck: I will...thank you Nimi
—————

Nearby...

Z73: Looks like those two are getting closer, good

She was standing on an iceberg a few klicks away from the fleet. She was silently watching them to make sure no other Sirens got the drop on them.

Z73:*sigh* Now I'll have to earn their trust again...damn these abilities

She brought a hand to her cheek, not caring in the slightest that Peace Breaker's skull and brain bits were still stuck to her.

Z73: Well, they're close enough, might as well freshen up

With that said, she vanished from the spot.
——

The fleet had just got back to base, most of them were fine, but still slightly unnerved from the events that transpired.

They docked in port and got back to usual business, which depending on what group you went too, could involve drinking till you pass out or playing poker and losing your Rubles.

Rossiya: Now then, since the Sirens have been dealt with, you can properly relax now

Bismarck: Understood, and thank you for housing us

Rossiya saluted to her and walked away, most likely to her office.

Z23 and Bismarck both didn't know what to do, but one thing was for sure, they needed to shower off the soot and ash in their clothes and hair.

Z23: Do you know where the showers are lord Bismarck?

Bismarck: Yes, they were just down the hall from the infirmary

The two made their way to the showers, after getting a fresh uniform of course. Once inside, they chose and opened a locker to put their things away in before hearing something from inside the showers.

Z23: You hear that too?

Bismarck: Yes, it sounds like water falling. Someone must be using one right now

The two stripped down and walked to the entryway. Once inside they noticed a moderately large pool of water, enough to fit 10 people, as well as actual showers to the side.

Bismarck: There

They saw one of the showers steaming, so they went to the ones opposite of hers so they can bathe and see who it is.

Too no surprise, it was Z73 washing out her hair, some of it was red and sticky from the gore but was slowly going back to its usual silvery shade.

Z23: Uggh..how can she touch that stuff without flipping out?!

Bismarck was mostly thinking the same, but was more tame.

The shower was turned off on Z73's side, as she stepped out and into the pool to soak.

Z73: Ahhh~, it's nice to see you two

Z23: Yeah...

Z73:*sigh* You're still scared of me?

Z23: No, but I'm more unsettled than anything

Bismarck: What happened has happened, we can't dwell on it forever you two

Z73: Couldn't have said it better myself

Soon the other two joined Z73 in the pool, soaking themselves in the warm water.

Z23: This is sooo much better than the freezing cold out there

Bismarck: Agreed

Z73: Exactly what I thought!

The three relaxed while talking about random things, overall, it was a peaceful bath.

Z23: Hey sis

Z73: Yes?

Z23: Can I...see what your ability does exactly?

...

Z73: There

Z23: What do you mean?

Z73 pointed to her right, so she looked and was face to face with herself.

Z23: AAAHHH!!

Z73 was laughing her ass off while Bismarck giggled, as the Z23 they originally talked too vanished.

Z23: My god...that is the strangest feeling I've ever had

Z73: What, transferring consciousness to your future self?

Z23: If that's what that's called, then yes

Bismarck: Hmm...may I experience it?

...

Z73: Done

Bismarck looked to her left, being face to face with herself. She smiled at her future self before she felt her mind...leap for the lack of a better word.

Bismarck: Wow...

Z73: Unfortunately I can't do that, but it's still fun to control time

She held out her hand and suddenly had Z23's beret in hand. She put it on while her sister watched her.

Z73: How do I look?

Z23: Well, it doesn't suit you, but maybe if it was black it would

Z73: Yeah that makes sense

The beret vanished as the group settled back down in the water.

Z73: Alright...quick question Bismarck

Bismarck: Hm?

Z73: Have we decided on what to do about Omitter?

Bismarck: Actually, we have

She shifted a little bit to get comfortable.

Bismarck: We're planning a large assault to tear through her enhanced sirens, then clear a path to Omitter herself

...

Z73: While that sound nice and all, where do I fit in?

Bismarck:*smiles* You're going in alone

Z23: WHAT?!

Z73: Calm down sis, I'm sure she has a reason to say that

Bismarck: When I said you were going in alone, I meant that you were going first. You'll be the one to reach Omitter first of all of us after all

Z73: Hmm...

Her eyes glowed red, signaling that her decision was made.

Bismarck: What's your answer?

Z73: You already know what it is

Bismarck: Hmph, I guess I do...