Of Space Whales and Battleships

[Common]

November 1st 2011

Brockton Bay. No the world had changed significantly ever since Georgia had killed two of the endbringers and the third one is afraid to come up in fear of facing the killer of its kin. The world was told that Georgia was responsible for the death of both of them, so Brockton Bay has actually been rather peaceful these past few months due to no one wanting to upset the walking Act of God

Space Agencies were launching rockets again, Naval trade was starting to pick up again, port cities were being cleared and prepared while steel companies were producing ships at a record pace. Nowhere near the 4 days and 15 hours record although it was getting to the point nearing the average speed of creation of the Liberty ships during World War 2. While all of this was going on, politics always reared its ugly head.

The Soviet Union was struggling for power as Ukraine had declared independence and the fight was turning out rather badly for both sides. Especially since you Ukraine was the breadbasket and held a massive reserve of arms and ammo. China was encroaching into India, and North Korea, and expanding out seaward towards Taiwan.

Yet while all of this was going on life continued for the Ship girls under Georgia's command.

In the new heart of the bustling waterfront district, the Dock Worker's Union's brand new office which held a unique place in the community, having barely weathered the endbringer era, the DWU saw a prosperous future ahead. The office was also shared with the nearby ship museum, the office served as a bridge between the maritime history of the past and the labor struggles of the new present, especially with the rapid growth. Warehouses were being updated, and all of the port infrastructure was being brought up to date.

Georgia however was relaxing while reading her book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History. When her door was knocked on.

"Come on in." Georgia shouts putting a bookmark in the ancient novel before sliding it carefully back into her bookshelf.

Danny, the leader of the Dock Worker's Union, entered with a determined look on his face. He closed the door gently behind him before taking a seat across from Georgia's desk. The formerly portly man no longer looked nearly as sickly and he seemed to be taking better care of himself.

"How's it going with Taylor?" Georgia asks

"Isn't she the assistant Curator?"Danny asks

"You know how busy it gets here right? Especially recently, we hardly ever have time to talk about life." Georgia comments.

"I have gotten her to forgive me for withholding the fact she was kinda adopted. So, rather well I think." Danny admits.

"Good Good, So what did you need?" Georgia asks,

"I wanted to talk with you about the promised Panamax Cargo ships. You know, with all the updates happening in the port, the union members have been eagerly waiting for those vessels." Danny admits

Georgia chuckled softly, her thoughts momentarily wandering to the bygone days of promise, almost wondering when the mayor's office was going to come knocking about promoting the museum. "Oh dear, that was nearly a lifetime ago, Danny."

"I think Taylor should be able to summon them for you if you were to go and talk to her." She understood the significance of Danny and Taylor making amends, recognizing that it would be in the best interest of both the museum and the union.

The ship girls, surprisingly, enjoyed a relatively hands-off approach from the Navy despite being under their umbrella, which provided them with the freedom to navigate their own relationships and interactions.

As the world outside grappled with geopolitical turmoil, the docks of Brockton Bay remained a symbol of new hope, and rapid growth. After all it had the unfair advantage of the ship girls and Installation Brockton Bay.

Georgia's smirk faded into a contemplative expression as she received the text from her cousin Iowa. The exchange of wisdom cubes among the museum ships had become a symbolic and significant act in their unique world. Each cube contained the essence and knowledge of a legendary ship, a repository of history and experiences.

With the ability to fly and her unwavering dedication, Georgia had managed to restore the SS United States, turning it into a beautiful maritime museum. The once-venerable vessel had been given a new lease on life, preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Her power of flight had also enabled her to retrieve the SS America from its coastal island resting place in Spain with ease. It now holds a spot on rotation here at the Brockton Bay Ship Museum. She traveled the world collecting wisdom cubes and bringing ship spirits to life, The amount of ships at the museum was just short of 1000 and the girls were all a massive hassle. The unintelligent ones had added to the growing collection stored within the vault. The former endbringer shelter was now a treasure trove of maritime history and knowledge that only she and Taylor could access.

Georgia sighed as her fingers traced the surface of the wisdom cube containing the spirit of the USS Enterprise,
"All of this time, and I still couldn't fix you."

==================================================

In the chilling wilderness of Alaska, where the bitter cold was only surpassed by the Slaughterhouse Nine's chilling presence, the notorious group had fled to Alaska to avoid Georgia and while avoiding the battleship the group found themselves in the presence of the first Parahuman, Scion.

Jack Slash, the leader of the Slaughterhouse Nine, saw an opportunity that could potentially sow chaos across the world and take care of his group's little problem.

Jack Slash, stepped forward. "Scion," he began, his voice filled with a charm, using every bit of his master powers he could "We're just here for a bit of fun, you know. But you, you could make it so much more entertaining."

Scion regarded Jack Slash with an emotionless stare, his golden eyes piercing through the frigid air.
[Query]

Jack Slash grinned, the gleam of his blade catching the faint Alaskan sunlight. "I want you to attack Georgia also known as BB-70, all the way over in Brockton Bay."

Scion's expression remained stoic

"my dear Scion," Jack Slash purred, "Georgia is a symbol of Power and Authority, she is an outsider, an unknown. A [Threat]."

As Jack Slash's persuasive words hung in the frigid Alaskan air, Scion, the seemingly omnipotent parahuman, made a decision that sent shockwaves through the Slaughterhouse Nine. In a flash of golden light, Scion unleashed his power upon the group.

[Acknowlged]

The members of the Slaughterhouse Nine, infamous for their brutality and abilities, found themselves utterly annihilated by Scion's wave of overwhelming might. In an instant, their powers and abilities were rendered meaningless as the godlike entity literally wished them dead and tore their shards from them to insert it back into the system.

Just like that the Slaughter house nine was gone, and Scion was flying South East.

 

[Common]

November 2nd 2011

Contessa moved through the dimly lit room with the grace of a seasoned predator, her steps soft and purposeful. The only sound was the hushed rustle of fabric as she approached the bed, where a figure lay slumbering beneath the covers. The digital clock on the nightstand blinked 3:00 AM in crimson numerals.

"Get up! We don't have time! They're coming, and we need to move now!" Contessa shouts shaking Georgia

Georgia jolted awake from deep slumber to sudden chaos, stared at Contessa with wide, disoriented eyes. "God Damn it, isn't this a few years early?" Georgia asks

"It's your own damn fault! NOW FIGHT THE SPACE WHALE!" Contessa shouts, flipping the mattress in a rush of adrenaline.

"What in the fuck happened to you?" Georgia mutters from the ground, the battleship girl stands up her pajamas being the appropriate navy blue.

"You did." Contessa states her anger surprisingly clear in her voice.

"Yeah, that makes sense." Georgia says in a rather relaxed manor.

The room seemed to crackle with tension as Contessa glared down at Georgia. The urgency of the situation couldn't be overstated. Scion, the seemingly invincible being, was moments away, and the fate of the world hung in the balance. Yet, Georgia's nonchalant response was unexpected, even for Contessa.

Contessa clenched her fists, her frustration evident. "This isn't a time for jokes or sarcasm, Georgia. You need to focus. We're facing something beyond comprehension."

Georgia climbed to her feet, her expression more serious now. "Alright, I'm up. What's your plan?"

"We're going to use your powers to take down Scion. Hit him with the same thing that hit the Simurgh and kill him." Contessa says

"Yeah, that probably won't be enough… It's actually a pretty bad plan, however I got it." Georgia says

Contessa's eyes narrowed at Georgia's response. Her irritation was palpable, but she knew there was no time for further arguments or discussions. The leader of the ship girls was just so frustrating.

"Just do it!" Contessa shouts.

"Alright, sure," Georgia responded calmly.

Only for Scion to immediately tear through the building, abducting Georgia and carrying her in his grip high above the Atlantic.

"Wow, you are rather riled up." Georgia says not even caring that her throat was held in a vice grip.

[Threat] Scion replies.

"Ah, I thought I forgot something… I can not believe I left the Slaughterhouse 9 alive long enough to start this off." Georgia says in understanding.

[Die] Scion says

Georgia smirked. There was a radiant burst of light. Sky seemed to ripple with iridescent colors, as if the very fabric of reality was being woven anew. The sparkling stars intensified in magnitude, and the air itself shimmered with ethereal magic. The navy blue pajamas were engulfed in a torrent of shimmering dust and Wisdom cubes. Motes of light wove around Georgia, forming her combat clothes and the physical representation of her rigging began to appear.

Scion let go of Georgia in shock yet the girl didn't fall, she gracefully floated backwards across the inky blackness of the night sky.

[Irritation] Scion states

The rigging continued to solidify, growing significantly larger than its previous form, rivaling the sizes of both Musashi's and New Jersey's. It was a formidable presence, brimming with untapped power.

With a deep breath, Georgia raised her outstretched hand toward Scion. Every single gun mounted on her rigging turned in unison, their barrels pointing squarely at the false god.

"Level 1 GEORGIAAAAA BEAAAAMMMMM!" Georgia's voice rang out, a declaration of her resolve. The rigging unleashed its devastating firepower, delivering a full broadside that rocked the very heavens. Six massive 18-inch nuclear-capable shells erupted from the barrels, streaking toward their target with pinpoint accuracy.

The shells struck their mark with explosive force, detonating near point-blank range. The resulting eruption of energy was nothing short of cataclysmic, a dazzling display of light and force that sent shockwaves reverberating through the night sky.

The electromagnetic pulse generated by the cataclysmic event surged outward, a relentless wave of destruction swept across the eastern seaboard. Power grids faltered and failed, leaving cities and towns in darkness.

Georgia herself was sent hurtling backward by the sheer force of the explosion. Her form tumbled through the air, a lone figure silhouetted against the blinding light show that had enveloped Scion.

As the smoke and haze cleared, the night sky revealed a startling sight. Scion, stood unscathed by the Nuclear hell fire. Yet one thing that had changed was his demeanor. The explosion had not harmed him physically, yet the Space Whale was angry.

Scion launched himself at Georgia, his golden figure surging forward like a relentless force of nature. He raised his outstretched hand, and from it, a beam of radiant energy shot forwards.

Georgia stood firm, unflinching in the face of Scion's beam. As the golden light of the attack engulfed her, her force field activated with a shimmer, absorbing and dissipating the immense energy of the beam.

The night sky crackled with the intensity of their clash, and the spectators on the shores below could hardly believe what they were witnessing. The beam that would have obliterated any normal parahuman hadn't even phased the slayer of endbringers.

Georgia's missile alarm was blaring, her sensors had seen what she physically couldn't, Scion approaching fast and he was dangerously close.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Georgia executed a perfect sidestep in mid-air, narrowly evading Scion's lunging attack. She watched in amazement as the golden manifestation of the Space Whale sailed past her, the force of his movement creating a rush of wind that ruffled her newly formed combat attire.

Yet her guns continued to track and her radar kept a constant bearing on the target, it was time to stop playing around.

"If you continue at this rate, I will be forced to destroy you!" Georgia shouts at the now hovering form of Scion.

[Resolve] Is what Scion ends up responding with.

"Level 2 Georgiaaaaa BEAAAAMMMM!!!" Georgia shouts, as she unleashes the same attack which had killed the Simurgh.

Once again, her main guns erupted with a deafening roar, and the night sky was rent asunder by a searing beam of eerie black light.

In the atmosphere high above, a tiny yet immensely powerful antimatter particle was released and collided with matter in a world ending event. The result was nothing short of apocalyptic.

The very fabric of reality itself seemed to tremble as an incomprehensible reaction occurred. A colossal release of energy, beyond the scope of human understanding, unfolded. The air itself ignited, and the atmosphere became a roiling inferno, the end of the world had come to pass.

Horror gripped those who watched, their eyes wide with disbelief, as the world appeared to be consumed by the overwhelming power of the explosion. But then, just as quickly as it had begun, the flames vanished, leaving behind a vacuum that sucked in the surrounding air with a thunderous shockwave.

In the aftermath, Georgia and Scion were gone, their existence erased by the unfathomable forces at play. The ocean's temperature had risen to near boiling, and oxygen levels had plummeted. The world had been forever altered, yet it would likely endure.

 

[Common]

Georgia's eyes fluttered open to a surreal and disorienting sight. She found herself lying on a barren, desolate planet, the ground beneath her composed of some fleshy material which really couldn't be described with words. As she struggled to sit up, her gaze was drawn to the ground below.

"Where the fuck am I." Georgia mutters trying to stand up as the ground mushes below her.

A deep and unsettling rumble echoed through the very ground beneath her feet. It was a sound that seemed to emanate from the planet itself, like the growl of a massive, slumbering beast.

"Oh shit, am I on top of Scion's main body?" Georgia asks as her rigging gives thrust throwing the battleship girl into the sky.

As she ascended, the rumbling and growling persisted, and she couldn't help but feel dread in the pit of her stomach, as she continued to go higher, the planet just kept getting larger in her view.

"I need to make a slip space jump." Georgia whispers in horror.

Suddenly reality breaks as the air itself seems to tear in 10 different spots.

As the rifts in reality crackled with energy, the ten Scions emerged from them, their golden forms materializing in an unsettling display of power.

Georgia starts flying up, picking up speed. The 10 Scion's give chase. Georgia looks down and watches the 10 golden men gaining on her, before kicking her engines into overdrive. She appears to develop a mach cone, yet it is an electrified blue.

Georgia smirks as a sudden surge of energy kicks in, Her engines seemingly kicking up to nearly 200% power. The surrounding air seemed to ripple and distort as Georgia initiated the slipspace jump. For a brief moment, it's as though reality itself bends around Her. The atmosphere outside shifts, displaying colors and patterns reminiscent of a surreal aurora borealis.

[Impossible] the ten Scions echo.

Then Georgia had disappeared, there is a profound sense of stillness and silence. For a moment, it's as if the universe itself is holding its breath. Scion stared on in complete confusion. Then, without warning, a blindingly bright flash illuminated the cosmic darkness, followed by an earsplitting explosion that seemed to tear a hole into the very fabric of reality. The shockwave that ensued was a force of nature, expanding outward with relentless power. It created a visible distortion in the surrounding air, causing it to shimmer and vibrate with an otherworldly energy.

The wave quickly cascaded and knocked all ten Scion's back down towards the surface as they were hit by the force. Nowhere near enough to kill them however the power from an unknown dimension was a mystery to the ancient space whale.
========================================

As Georgia found herself halfway across the star system, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the celestial bodies around her. The giant planet-sized space whale, Scion, was now visible in the distance, its immense bulk rivaling that of Jupiter, one of the largest planets in the solar system. Its enormous form moved like a massive hulk forcing its way through the cosmic waves of the sky, it wasn't graceful, and there was no form of control, it was just moving.

Her sensor's could actually pick up it's organic sensors… That was a weird thought, although it allowed Georgia to be made aware of one thing. Scion was looking for her.

"I, could the wave motion gun even kill that thing?" Georgia mutters knowing the star killing gun was really her only chance besides bombarding the ever loving shit out of the space whale with antimatter.

"Do I have to summon the hull? Or can I form it in my hand like my normal main guns?" Georgia mutters holding out her hand.

Georgia held her hand outstretched and her mind focused on channeling the power of the Wave Motion Gun. The weight of responsibility hung heavily in the air as she knew that her actions were about to determine the fate of Earth Bet along with hundreds of thousands of parallel earths.

The energy within her surged, much like the reactor of the Battleship Yamato, and the ambient hum of power filled the surrounding space. The wave motion energy, a radiant and otherworldly blue, began to gather and coalesce in her palm, forming into a highly explosive ball.

The Battleship girl could feel her energy being sapped and her main functions running on emergency power, yet she continued on. As the energy condensed, it cast an eerie glow across her face. In her fingertips she held the power to kill a god.

Her sensors pinged a warning before they too lost power. Scion must've noticed the build up of energy because he was now metaphorically looking directly at her.

"IT'S TOO LATE YOU BASTARD! I HAVE YOU NOW!" Georgia shouts releasing the beam of energy.

[MUTUAL] Scion returns releasing his own weird form of energy.

Georgia willed the order to fire. The energy surged forward, a streak of sapphire lightning, propelled by the sheer unfathomable force. It tore through the vacuum of space, a brilliant lance of destruction aimed directly at Scion, no Zion.

The release of the beam had killed all of Georgia's power; she was now sitting open for any and all attacks. However Zion was not in a good spot himself.

The moment of impact was cataclysmic. In that cataclysmic instant, the universe bore witness to a monumental clash of forces. The energy beam from Georgia's Wave Motion Gun struck Zion, the ancient space whale, with unrelenting force An incandescent inferno of radiant blue light engulfed the colossal creature, its sheer intensity swallowing the massive form of the cosmic behemoth.

The laws of physics seemed to bend and warp in response to the unimaginable force at play. The Wave Motion Gun's beam tore through Scion's form, cleaving it asunder with an unstoppable might. The very fabric of reality seemed to scream in protest as the space whale's essence was rent asunder.

The eldritch horror of the cosmos, found itself evaporating into nothingness, its existence unraveling in the face of the relentless onslaught. Its dying scream, a mournful and otherworldly sound, managed to carry through the vacuum of space—a haunting sound which Georgia would be happy never hearing again.

So there she sat, in the fast expanse of space. Her wave motion engine having to undergo a restart. Her sensors were the first to come back on and they were blaring.

Georgia's eyes widened in shock as a disturbance in the cosmic fabric, and before she could react, the colossal space whale's last desperate attack hit her center mass. The star system shifts and Georgia has no clue where she is although it looks alot like the inside of slipspace.

"That's what he meant by mutual." Georgia mutters wincing in pain.

The full hull of USS Georgia had been summoned into reality, the Armored Steel and Titanium structure had been ripped to shreds. Georgia struggled to remain upright on her damaged bow, her physical form showing signs of severe stress. A painful cough wracked her body, and she felt a buildup in her lungs, which she expelled into her hand, revealing reddish-black oily blood.

"Fuck me, this is it isn't it?" Georgia mutters stumbling down the deck.

With a sense of resignation and fatigue, Georgia leaned against the 18-inch turret of her broken hull. The steel hulk surrounding her began to glow with a blue light .

In her final moments, Georgia's thoughts turned to Enterprise her friend, she summoned the golden glowing wisdom cube. It was the only one which she carried on her, all of the other one's were in the vault below the museum. Georgia held Enterprie's wisdom cube close almost cuddling it.

"I never did find a way to bring you back. Sorry." Georgia mutters coughing up more oil-blood.

Closing her eyes, she released a tired sigh, ready to embrace the darkness and unknown, as she broke down into a single wisdom cube.

Then as quickly as the cube had formed it was swallowed away by space.
Georgia and Enterprise were gone.

 

[Common]

Three months had passed since that fateful night when Georgia had entered into the battle against Scion, the seemingly invincible entity that had threatened to bring about the end of the world. The world was still reeling from the aftermath of the cataclysmic clash.

The battle had been nothing short of apocalyptic, and the consequences were visible across the globe. The electromagnetic pulse generated by the explosion had led to rolling blackouts in cities and towns, plunging vast regions into darkness. Power grids were still being repaired, and the process was slow and arduous.

The coastal areas near the epicenter of the battle had indeed been devastated, and the road to recovery was a long and challenging one. Efforts to assess and mitigate the environmental damage were ongoing, with scientists and experts working tirelessly to understand and address the ecological disruptions caused by the rise in ocean temperature and oxygen depletion. Coastal communities were struggling to rebuild, and the scars of the battle remained visible in the altered landscapes.

The bay, which had already been in the process of rebuilding after the devastating attack by Leviathan, now faced further challenges. The USS Enterprise CVN-65, having survived the clash with Scion and still retaining power, was considered for a permanent station in Brockton Bay to provide much-needed electricity to the North-East of the United States. It was a potential lifeline for the region as it worked to rebuild its infrastructure.

The memory of Georgia's final, awe-inspiring attack had left an indelible mark on those who had witnessed it. Her courage in the face of overwhelming odds and her sacrifice had become a symbol of hope and resilience. The image of her standing resolute, tanking Scion's beams, and unleashing a world-ending explosion was etched into the collective memory of humanity.

But as with any great sacrifice, there was a void left in the hearts of those who had known Georgia as a leader and a friend. Her absence was deeply felt, and her legacy was carried forward by those who had fought alongside her.

In the three months that followed, the world had made slow but steady progress in rebuilding. Efforts to address the rolling blackouts were making headway, and power was gradually being restored to affected areas. Communities had come together in the face of adversity, fostering a renewed sense of unity and resilience.

Taylor, who had assumed a leadership role after Georgia's disappearance, dedicated herself to ensuring the success of the recovery efforts in Brockton Bay and beyond. She recognized the need to rebuild and expand the fleet to unprecedented levels, not only to secure and defend the United States but also to prepare for any future threats that might emerge.

It was this very dedication that had brought her to her current position, huddled behind the remnants of a building, thrust into what appeared to be one final, life-or-death battle.

January 23, 2012
Milwaukee Wisconsin.

The once tranquil city, which had rarely seen any conflict, was now shaking to its core. It was under attack by Behemoth, the world's last end-bringer, a monstrous entity with devastating radiation attacks. It is a deadly threat to most humans and heroes. However, in a little-known fact, the ship girls were immune to radiation, a crucial advantage in this last fight.

They had been trying to get a good hit on the slippery beast for the past 4 hours; most of the city was heavily damaged due to large and small naval shells along with bombs and Tiny Tims from the carriers.

"Corner it!" Taylor's urgent command echoed through the communications devices as she sprinted down the deserted streets. The once-bustling avenues were now deserted, and the city's serenity had been shattered by the relentless assault of Behemoth. With determination in her eyes, Taylor led the charge to confront the last Endbringer.

There were over 77 Ship girls here, the smaller ones rendering aid while the big ones faced off the Behemoth.

"I wish Georgia were here," Taylor mutters, dodging a flying piece of debris.

"I've got it!" a voice shouted over the comms as the ground shook violently once again.

As Taylor rounded the corner, she was met with an astonishing sight: a floating figure, the spirit of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, featuring a massive delta wing behind her back. In a departure from conventional armaments, her chosen weapon was the Canada Arm.

"Well done, Enterprise!" Taylor shouts happily to see the arm completely pinning the Endbringer in place. The powerful beast struggled against the massive manifestation of the claw arm.

"Battle Line 1 We got him still! We need gunfire support at the corner of Oklahoma and 20th Street by the Sports Center." Taylor says into coms.

"Warspite is underway leading the fleet." The smug British voice says over coms.
==========================================


Milwaukee's downtown area bore the mark of a massive crater, a stark reminder of the recent battle. However, the world could finally breathe a sigh of relief, for Behemoth had been defeated once and for all.

Weary from the long day's events, Taylor trudged into her combined office and apartment, collapsing onto her bed without hesitation.

"So much paperwork," she groaned as the exhaustion of the day weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Suddenly, the old squeaky door creaks open as a certain mousey redhead pokes said head into the door.

"Taylor, are you awake?" she says

Taylor, of course, waves at the door. "Hi, Amy," Taylor mutters tiredly.

"Hey, are you alright?" Amy's voice carried a soothing tone, a mix of care and devotion for Taylor, as she walked up and sat at the edge of the bed.

Taylor managed a faint smile, her weariness visible. "We did it, Amy. Behemoth is gone," she said, the tiredness clear in her voice as she stretched and readjusted the blankets.

Amy laid down next to the tired Taylor. "You led the team, Taylor. You were incredible out there."

"It was a lot of work, and the fleet put in so much effort," Taylor insisted, her thoughts drifting to battle only to be startled out of it as Amy grabbed her for cuddling.

"Of course, but you were the one at the forefront. Georgia would be proud," Amy says, her voice full of love.

"Thanks…" Taylor mutters as sleep takes her.

============================================

One year after Georgia disappeared and Mordai was finally found, it was on a freighter bound for Japan. Nevada, upon finding the man, dragged him off the freighter and towards Pearl to get a suit.

His wedding with the USS Wisconsin was looking like it was going to be a national event. The ship girls, revered as heroes of the Navy, were beings of immense power, yet their bonds with humanity were often underestimated. So, a wedding between one of the strongest battleships and a human showed that the shipgirls were also surprisingly human.

The wedding at Pearl Harbor was a grand affair, carefully planned to honor the significance of the location and the union between Mordai and the USS Wisconsin. Most of the Navy's high command was showing up, along with several jealous sailors and all of Wisconsin's remaining crew.

The picturesque setting of Pearl Harbor served as a poignant backdrop, blending serene waters, lush greenery, and the historic monuments that dotted the landscape. The decor was a harmonious blend of elegance and reverence. White and navy blue hues dominated the color scheme, symbolizing purity and resilience. Delicate floral arrangements adorned the aisles, interwoven with maritime elements like seashells, pearls, and miniature ship motifs, evoking a sense of both romance and naval heritage.

The decision of who was to officiate the wedding was a tough one that didn't come without its share of commotion. Several naval chaplains, eager to officiate the historic wedding, had engaged in a "lighthearted," albeit spirited, competition over who would conduct the ceremony. Rumors of a "minor" scuffle or two among the chaplains had circulated, each vying for the honor of presiding over the event.

However, Arizona, with her keen understanding of the significance of the moment, intervened. Utilizing her connection to the bride, Wisconsin, she gracefully navigated the situation, advocating for her role as the officiant. Her wisdom, experience as a "Doctor of Anthropology," and unique bond with the shipgirl bride made her an ideal choice to solemnize the union.

The entire wedding group was standing at the Pulpit as Uss Arizona walked out in the classic full-dress uniform.

Taylor being the maid of honor was the most obvious choice as the girl had done surprisingly well stepping into the role of flagship after Georgia was lost.

Mordai stood at the altar awaiting his bride in a Black and White suit, complete with a pocket watch. His red goatee was trimmed and in line, while his dark brown hair was cut short and trimmed. Green eyes looked through the crowd with a nervous look. Although, Mordia's best man… Was a husky man with an unkempt beard who looked like a conspiracy theorist. Who was also surprisingly from Canada? It was hard to tell he kept taking passing glances at USS Little Rock(CL-92).

As Arizona took the podium, she opened her mouth and began, "In the presence of these cherished guests and amidst the beauty of this day, we gather to honor and celebrate the love between Mordai and my own family, Wisconsin."

"Love, what a special word… What a special thing. Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, today we stand at the threshold of a union that embodies the spirit of a voyage upon the open sea. Marriage, much like navigating the vast ocean, presents moments of tranquil waters and occasional storms. However, through these trials and tribulations, it remains a continuous, thrilling adventure, where every day, there is something new." Arizona says.

With a light ought the old Standard class continued.

"Marriage, as I often reflect, resembles sailing a ship on unpredictable waters. At times, the seas may test the strength of the relationship, while at others, it's a beautiful journey under clear skies. But every wave, every turn, marks a new chapter in this surely to be a remarkable voyage."

"It's in these moments of change, in the cresting waves and the raging seas, that the true essence of a union is revealed. It's about standing together in the face of adversity, navigating the storms as a united front, and cherishing the calm that follows. It's an ongoing journey—one that promises growth, resilience, and shared experiences."

"May the voyage that Mordai and the USS Wisconsin embark upon today be one filled with the unwavering strength to face challenges and the joy of discovering new horizons together. Here's to embracing the adventure, cherishing the calm, and weathering every storm that may come your way."

"Let this union not just mark a moment but be a testament to the enduring commitment and the profound love between two souls setting sail on a lifelong journey. To Mordai and the USS Wisconsin, may your voyage be filled with boundless love, unwavering support, and a lifetime of beautiful adventures."

"Mordia, do you truly love Wisconsin with all of your heart?" Arizona asks

"I do," Mordai says seriously, staring at the shipgirl.

"Wisconsin, do you love Mordia with all eight of your boilers?" Arizona asks.

"I do," Wisconsin says, blushing a little.

"If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," Arizona asks aloud to the procession.

"As you embark on this journey together, let this kiss be the symbol of the love and promise you have for each other," Arizona announces with a grin.

As the audience cheered upon the kiss, several news cameras caught the moment.
=======================================
A month after the wedding.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the office window, casting a warm glow on the cluttered desk where Taylor sat surrounded by stacks of paperwork. The old mahogany desk had been a fixture in the office for as long as anyone could remember, its worn surface showing signs of years of use.

With a focused expression, Taylor meticulously filled out forms, occasionally sipping from a lukewarm cup of coffee. The rhythmic scratch of the pen against paper was the only sound in the room until, suddenly, a faint ringing noise began to emanate from within the depths of the desk.

Taylor furrowed her brow, glancing around the desk for the source of the unexpected sound. The ringing persisted, growing louder with each passing second. She set down her pen, pushing aside a pile of documents to investigate. With cautious curiosity, she opened one of the drawers.

Nothing… Really?
Frowning, Taylor paused, glancing around the desk before her gaze settled on a peculiar panel she'd never noticed before. It seemed out of place, a section of the desk that appeared seamless but held the promise of a hidden compartment. She ran her fingers along the edges, finding a subtle seam that, when pressed, gave way with a soft click.

The ringing intensified as she opened the concealed compartment, revealing an unexpected sight—a sleek, modern cellphone nestled within, along with a notebook. Its screen is illuminated with an incoming call, the caller ID Brocton Bay CVB.

Curiosity piqued, Taylor answered. "Hello?"

A cheery voice greeted her from the other end. "Hi there, Taylor! This is Lisa from the Brockton Bay Conventions and Visitors Bureau. How are you today?"

Surprised, Taylor straightened in her seat. "Um, hi. I'm doing fine, thank you. How can I help you?"

Lisa's voice carried an unmistakable enthusiasm. "I wanted to talk to you about an exciting opportunity! We've been reviewing the paperwork Georgia had left with us and we wish to give some city funding to the museum along with officially recognizing it as a Museum in the city of Brockton Bay.

"That's great. If you just want to reach out with an email that tells me what to do, I'll have it done by Friday," Taylor says with a smile, looking at the notebook curiously.

Taylor's eyes widened in astonishment as she flipped through the pages of the password book found within Georgia's belongings. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized the extent of access granted by these passwords—access to Georgia's accounts, including a multitude of PHO (Parahuman Online) accounts and other online platforms.

Among the list was Georgia's Tubeyou account, Earth Arche. Intrigued and slightly bewildered, Taylor navigated to the account, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected discovery. The account held a treasure trove of content, showcasing a unique world filled with all sorts of music that Bet had never seen before, seemingly a niche community Georgia had been a part of. I guess Sarah's theory of Georgia being from another world made a lot of sense now.

"I wonder how her legal degree is going?" Taylor mutters as she starts clicking around on the account info.

As Taylor delved deeper into the Tubeyou account, she found not just content but a substantial amount of money made from advertisements on the site, along with hundreds of unpublished songs. It was an unexpected windfall, especially considering the responsibility of caring for 77 ship girls at the museum.
Taylor had managed to figure out the cube transformation. However, she herself was not able to repair hulls as Georgia had been, which has been a massive resource pitfall recently.

As Taylor clicked back to the main site, there were several breaking news posts.

The world seemed to teeter on the edge of chaos, each headline more alarming than the last. The US Navy's rapid ship commissioning hinted at a global unrest brewing.

Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan were lining tanks along the borders, and apparently, the Parahumans in their armed forces had attacked Turkey.

Triggering Article 5.

5 mins ago.

"Fuck." Taylor mutters

China plunged into a civil war as survivors from the aftermath of Leviathan's sinking of Taiwan resurfaced. Their aim was to overthrow the government and reinstate the old Republic of China, which was good; they had been allied with America during the Second World War.

North Korean Artillery Shells had hit Seoul.

3 minutes ago

And nothing out of the Soviet Union… That was never good.

Suddenly, a phone began to ring again. Taylor looked up to see a call incoming from Admiral Avatar.

"Get the girls. It looks like we are needed," Taylor announces over the radio channel to all Shipgirls at the Museum.

Taylor picks up the phone. "Hello, Admiral."

=======================

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g&ab_channel=billyjoelVEVO
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g&ab_channel=billyjoelVEVO