Azur Lane: Euphoria

Ch55: Aftermath

<< Rosetta's POV >> (Pacifica)

We arrive back in Pacifica as quickly as possible but the damage has already been done. All around us, there's widespread destruction. It looks like our girls were caught off guard. Most of them are lying on the docks, unconscious, being cared for by Barbara, Jasmine and the meowofficers under their command. 

As we step closer, Jynx jumps off my shoulder and rushes over to help Chichi. 

Barbara: Oh, Jynx...yes, keep applying it there.

Me: What happened?

Jasmine: Shortly after the 5th Fleet returned from Royal Navy we were attacked by an ASHES - Azur Lane fleet. At the time, the coastal defences were undergoing a maintenance check and as such, they were able to breach the outer perimeter without much difficulty.

Me: A joint fleet?

Jasmine: It appeared that way. They were fighting alongside one another. From the data we had on the Azur Lane girls, I was able to identify both Iron Blood and Northern Parliament girls in the fleet alongside various ASHES ships, most of which looked like various Sakura Empire girls. 

Me: What was their objective?

Barbara: We're still unsure about that part but they seemed to only be concerned with dealing as much damage as possible to our facilities without taking losses themselves.

Jasmine: I noticed that as well. After the 6th and 8th Fleets, which were still here, successfully launched and staged a counter-attack, they retreated but not without first inflicting more damage. 

Me: Did anyone get...

Barbara: No, but the 5th Fleet, which had exhausted all its resources before returning, won't be operational for at least a week. The 8th Fleet was also hit hard but they should be ready within a day or two. The 6th on the other hand is relatively fine and only need minor repairs.

So we lost effectively three fleets then. As I continue pondering this, Genesis and the others arrive nearby via a portal. I notice the shock written across their face as they take in their surroundings. 

Me: Have the other fleets reported any changes?

Barbara: Nothing of any significance with the sole exception of the Vichya Dominion who has successfully gotten the Iris Libre to accept our terms. The 2nd Fleet has also reported that the Sardegna Empire's fleet wasn't at the reported location but they've still proceeded with their secondary objectives and have successfully destroyed military targets within the Sardegna Empire. They are still currently carrying out this task.

Me: I see. That's good but have them return to Pacifica immediately.

Genesis: Are you-

Me: Inform the Vichya Dominion that, effective immediately, they are released from the Empire and are free to pursue their own objectives. Furthermore, have the SIREN fleet currently guarding their port withdraw and join the 7th Fleet in Royal Navy. As for the others, let them maintain their current objectives. The 9th Fleet and the Baltic SIREN fleet are to engage and eliminate all Northern Parliament ships and naval bases within the Baltic but are not to engage the ASHES. 

Genesis: That's a pretty drastic change from the original plan.

Me: It is, but it's a necessary one. We can't afford to keep the Vichya Dominion right now. Being on the other side of the world, even with portals, makes defending them and ourselves at the same time challenging. As for the rest, we need to reevaluate our situation. Clearly, we've underestimated the enemy. What's more, did you notice Enterprise's change? 

Genesis: I did. It was as though she had completely changed. Reminded me of the ASHES aesthetics. 

Me: That's what I thought as well. If that's true, then it means that it's possible for all of Azur Lane's girls to change like that and become much more powerful. If we can't end this war before that happens, we will lose due to their sheer numbers.

Genesis: But the current ASHES girls seem to be completely different ships. The Hiryuu one, in particular, was reported in both the Royal Navy and AF Base during the same time period and in both the ASHES form and normal form respectively.

Me: True, but we've also seen a normal KANSEN transform before our eyes so we can't take the chance that they might be two separate entities. We must eliminate all of them.

Genesis nods in agreement and leaves to assist in the cleanup. Gazing out to sea, I remember the look in Enterprise's eyes as she began firing our way. That glare was unmistakable. It was the look of someone backed against the wall with nothing left to lose. If all the other Azur Lane girls are put in similar positions, would they go through the same changes she did? 

Changing my plan to one of extermination would do precisely that but it's a necessary act. The longer this war goes on, the more likely our chances of defeat will be. We initially started this war over the black boxes but it quickly shifted to one of world domination. Now, we must fight for our own preservation. If we can successfully achieve our goals...

The sound of approaching footsteps pull me back to the present time. Turning, I find Phoebe and Rachel coming towards me. Phoebe has a bowl of sweets in her hand and is in the midst of devouring each one but looks to be in perfect condition otherwise. When she finally notices I'm looking at her, she seems torn between the sweets and coming over to greet me. 

Laughing, I walk over to them and take one of her sweets for myself, kissing her on the cheek in the process, before turning back to face the sea. Rachel and Phoebe join me as we watch the waves coming in. Looking at the waves, one can almost be forgiven to think all's perfect in the world but if you look just a little bit further, the signs of a recent battle are unmistakable. We have a lot to do.

Me: I'm sorry Gabriella, but mom won't be able to come for you just yet. Just hang in there a little longer.

Phoebe: Don't worry mom! She's safe! 

Me: Hmm?

Phoebe: Sis escaped while we were being transported between bases. I had forgotten about it because I thought auntie had already found her and told you.

Rachel: Are you saying she's already contacted us?

Phoebe: I'm not sure, but if not, I can show you where she managed to break away.

Rachel: Phoebe, love, this is the kind of thing you should tell us as soon as possible.

Phoebe: I'm sorry, I just kind of, forgot.

Rachel: F-

Me: It doesn't matter now. We just have to work with what we have to do our best to find her before they do. We might even find their base in the process.

Things might not be so bad after all. Just as things were looking bleak, a ray of hope appears on the horizon. Hang tight, we're coming for you!

Me: Genesis! How ready are you to move out?

Genesis: Uhh...

Me: Gather everyone that's in a relatively perfect condition. We're going to find my daughter!