Lieutenant Casey's eye's scanned the email from the Commander of the 4th Fleet. His blood ran colder the longer he read. “Well.” His hand closed the laptop lid with a muted click. “Shit.” He glanced out the window and out across the open bay. It was eerily empty now that Alabama's hull was missing. He hopped to his feet and threw on a clean set of khakis. He needed to see her right away. _ Alabama was nowhere to be found in the Hotel. Searching around the troop tents proved to be just as useless. After a fruitless walk through the aircraft pavilion, Casey changed course and headed for Sweet. He finally met the large man walking out of the Army command tent, with Russels hot on his heels with a stack of papers. “Sweet! Have you seen Alabama anywhere?” He gestured over to a very annoyed looking Russels. “And what's Tweedle Dee doing here? Ya fire Joseph?” Sweet nodded back towards Russels. “I got this joker, and his other half working for me today.” As if summoned, Brocheque hopped out of the tent, smashing into his friend, and sending papers flying all over the place. Casey covered his mouth to keep from laughing. “Looks like you got yourself in good hands, bud.” Sweet shot Casey a glare that could melt steel. “What do you want, Casey.” “Calm down, calm down, geeze. Have you seen Alabama anywhere?” “Yeah, she insisted she needed to make a supply run, so I sent Joseph to escort her.” Casey's amusement turned to dread in a second. “What?” “She said she wanted to update her wardrobe, and pick up a few other things.” Russels piped up from the ground, as he swiped a piece of paper from Brocheque. “Yeah, we offered to go, but I don't think she's too happy with us right now.” He tried to grab the paper back, but ended up tearing it half. “No one's happy with you idiots right now.” Sweet snapped, before turning back to Casey. “But yeah, I sent someone who DOESN'T have his head up his ass, with her.” _ A fifteen minute car drive away, Alabama was having the time of her life. Stores and food stands of all types surrounded her. She chewed on a giant pretzel, dragging Joseph from store to store. “Oh my GAWD! There's so much to do and see! The future is so much fun~” Alabama pranced from window to window. “Oh! Joseph! What store is that? Let's go there next!” Joseph glimpsed from behind the growing stack of bags he carried. “Oh, um, that's f.y.e., Ma'am. They sell music and movies-” “Movies? You can buy them just like that?” “Yeah, the TV's in the hotel can play the-” “Then what are we waiting for? Come on Shug.” Joseph slowly followed her in, pondering what he had done to anger Captain Sweet. “Film's sure have changed a lot since my last movie.” The curious shipgirl roamed the isles, picking out any film that caught her eye and handing them off to Joseph. One in particular caught her eye. “Oh! Look at this one.” She picked up a case off the shelf. “It has Missouri in it! We absolutely MUST get this one.” Joseph looked at the cover. “'Battleship'? If you say so.” The bewildered cashier rung the purchase as Alabama chatted away at her. “Oh sugar, you hair color is lovely! And who does your nails? Your make-up is so well done!” The younger girl could barely reply to all the rapid questions. “I-I do it myself.” “All Yourself? Hun, you oughta be a professional!” “Thank you?” She accepted the credit card from Joseph, who mumbled an apology. “You are quite welcome dear. OH! Let’s get a picture together. Joseph, what you be a dear?” “I really need to get back to wor-HURK.” Alabama cut her off with a hug, squeezing their cheeks together. “I'm so sorry for this.” Joseph apologized before snapping a picture with a small camera Alabama had bought earlier. They left the confused girl with an autograph, and moved to the next store. “Bama Fever? What's that place?” Alabama looked inquisitively into the shop. Crimson and white decorated the entire store. She eye's scanned to the other side of the shop. “And Tiger Pride?” Joseph wiped some sweat from his forehead after setting down his charges purchases. “It’s a fan store for the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Mostly for the football teams.” “Well I'll be. College football has come a long way, huh?” “Down here at least. I don't think can really live here without choosing either team.” Alabama giggled at his answer. “So which team do you root for, hmm?” Joseph shruggd. “I can't say I keep up with it. It's all anyone talks about, no matter where I go. Even at home, my parents fight about it.” “Oh my heavens!” Alabama brought a hand to her mouth. “That's terrible!” “Oh no, no. It's not that bad. They just have to watch different TV’s during game day is all.” “More than one TV? I reckon people these days just got too much free time.” “Heh, maybe so. You wanna take a look?” “Well, I suppose that's alright!” Thirty minutes later, Alabama walked triumphantly out of the store. Her usual outfit was replaced by a cut-off Jersey and denim shorts, while white socks replaced her usual stockings. “New clothes are so refreshing. Whatcha think Joseph?” She twirled on the balls of her sneakers, giving the young man a full view. Joseph swallowed and looked down. His mouth felt suddenly very dry, and his face very hot “It. It looks good.” Alabama's smile turned into a sly grin. “What's wrong, hmm? Ya never told a girl she looks cute before?” She slid up to him to look him in the eyes. She giggled as he jumped and made himself busy picking up all her purchases. “O-of course I have.” “Oh? And who was the lucky girl?” Alabama grabbed some of the bags and latched onto his free arm. Joseph mumbled quietly. Alabama pulled him close, her lips brushing his ear. “You'll have to speak up Sugar, my ears ain't so great after firing those giant cannon's all my life.” Joseph squeaked. “My sister.” Alabama laughed, pulling him closer into her side. “You are just too sweet! I just wanna eat ya up.” She pecked a kiss on his cheek and rested her head on his arm. “How old is your sister?” “She's 13 now.” Joseph was painfully of aware of all the looks they were getting. “And hold are you?” “I turn 20 next month. Ma'am people are staring.” “Well, let 'em stare Hun, there ain't nuthin' wrong with a handsome young soldier on a date with a cute girl.” Joseph tensed at the word “date”. Alabama giggled again, before another shop caught her attention. “Oh! Let's go here next.” Alabama pointed excitedly in the direction she wanted to go. His stomach dropped as he followed her finger to the windows filled with manikins dressed in frilly negligee. “Victoria's Secret?” “Secret? It can't be a secret if they got it on display like that. Come on let's go in!” “I think I'll wait out here, Ma'am.” he tried to pry his arm from her grip, panicking as it turned to steel. “Oh no no no. Yer comin' with me. There's no need to be shy now.” His boots left skid marks on the tile floor as she drug him through the doors. “How else am I gonna decide what looks good, hmmm?” For the thirtieth time that day, Joseph questioned his choices leading to this moment. _ “How about this one?” Alabama opened the door to the dressing room, for Joseph sitting on the bench. He was concentrating intently on a spot on his boot. “It uh, it looks great, Ma'am.” “Joseeph~” She purred. “Look up.” He let himself glance up, and his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Alabama stood in front on him in a bright red babydoll top, and white silk stockings. “Well?” Joseph sat speechless, not moving. “I'll take that as a yes.” She giggled and grabbed another set. “This is so much fun, isn't it?” Joseph didn't say a word, following her movements as she stepped back into the small dressing room. _ Joseph couldn't see where he was going from all the baggage. He let Alabama guide him as he walked in a daze through the crowded mall. “Now where should we go, hmm? You choose this time.” Alabama smiled up at Joseph. “Huh? What?” He jerked back into focus. “Oh, Sugar.” She grinned. “What store do you want to visit?” “I think we-” His phone going off interrupted him. “Uh, just a second.” He fumbled with the phone and packages, trying not to drop either, before Alabama snatched the device from his hand. “Allow me, Shug.” She swiped the green bar on the screen and put the phone to her ear. “Hello! Joseph can't answer right now.” Her cheery tone was lost on whoever was on the other side, Joseph noticed from the muffled yelling coming through the speaker. Alabama merely smiled and nodded as the voice continued. “Mhm. Yes. Alrighty! We'll be back soon!” She pressed the end call button. “Looks like we'll have to finish our lil' outing some other time Darlin'. Captain Sweet wants us to hurry back quick, fast, and inna hurry.” She grabbed most of the bags from Joseph, and took off running down the hallway. A heartbeat later, he ran after her, confused onlookers watching them both run out. _ Fifteen minutes later, Alabama burst through the command tent, sending Brocheque and the food he was carrying into the tent wall. “Casey, Sweet, what's going on?” She found the two looking at Casey's laptop. “Come over here Alabama, you need to see this. He moved his chair over to give her room, but his face never left the monitor. “Is there something wrong? What's that?” She pointed at a spinning black mass of clouds near the coast of Peru. Something deep within her told her she knew the answer. “We believe the Abyssals are using that cloud as cover.” Casey's voice was calm and even. Alabama felt “There have already been reports of raids along the coast line, and they are moving north.” He peeled his eyes away from the monitor, and looked into Alabama's. “Our Intel is confident they are making their way to the Panama Canal. We have forces moving to intercept, but 4th Fleet wants you down there as well.” “Me?” Alabama fidgeted with her watch. “Just by myself? No escort?” “You'll have escort, yes. Part the group joining you will be the USS Chafee and the USS McFaul. USS Montgomery will follow you for the first leg as well. She's currently stationed of the entrance to the bay.” “That weird looking girl?” “uh... Sure. Why not. How soon can you be ready to leave?” Alabama took a deep breath. “I can get underway now.” She spun around and left swiftly through the tent flaps. “She seem different to you?” Sweet asked Casey. They both rose and hurried after the rushed ship-girl. “I figured she'd be more, I dunno, giddy to get at it.” “Dunno. It's gonna be her first fight in decades. Probably nerves.” Alabama led to the two officers to the edge of the wooden peer that stretched from the park. A glowing aurora surrounded her as she neared the end. With a small hop, she fell towards the murky water. Casey and Sweet threw their hands up to block their faces from the geyser of water from her impact. Water rained down, plastering their uniforms to their skin. “Oh goddammit. I just had these cleaned.” Sweet sputtered and shook his arms angrily. Casey peeled a chunk of seaweed off his head. He wiped sea water from his eyes to see Alabama floating in front of them. She was back in her black dress, her sea fit-out surrounding her form. She rotated each turret, elevating and lowering the huge 16 inch cannons in their mounts. “Are you alright, Alabama?” “Just give the word, Casey. I'm ready to sortie out.” He nodded. “Alright then. Head out to the bay entrance. I'll radio you more details on the way.” “Sure thing, Shug. I'm headin' out.” black smoke began to pour from her stack, and the bronze propellers on her boots started to spin. Slowly, she made her way to the bay entrance. “Yep, she's nervous.” Casey turned to his comrade, who continued to watch the shipgirl head out. “I'm inclined to agree. Let's head back and get set up.” He wrung water from his shirt, and turned back to the command tent. There was much to do, and not much time to make it happen. _ A little later, Casey was following Alabama on camera in the tent. Other monitors had been set up, with feed and from drones, satellites, and observation planes. Video was already coming in, showing Alabama as she steamed out of the bay. The camera showed her waving to the USS Montgomery as she passed. Not long after, the two Destroyers Chafee and McFaul fell in with them. “Off they go.” Sweet leaned back in his chair and took a sip from his Coke. His eyes cut to Casey, who was still glued to the screen. “Guy, are you gonna be alright?” “Huh? What, yeah. I'm fine.” Casey jerked back from the screen. He tried to make himself look busy with another monitor. “With all due respect Sir, I think you got it bad.” Russels piped up from behind a monitor, a bundle of cords in his hand. Casey shot a look at Russels, who didn't seem to notice, and continued on. “If ya need any advice, Sir, just let me know. I can learn ya what ya need to know about picking up the ladies.” “Shut it, dumb ass. You haven't gotten laid since we've been here, and you're gonna try and brag?” Brocheque piped from under the next desk over, working on his own set of wires. “And yet I've still gotten more numbers then you.” He grunted and yanked on the cables. The action jostled the desk next to him, sending the monitor standing on it crashing onto Brocheques' head. “GATDAMSONOVABITCH!” Sweet jumped from his seat his can of Coke crushed in his angry grip. “OK you dumb-asses, I've had enough of your stupidity. Get your asses out of my fucking tent.” His rage was as thick as the lump forming on Broceques head. Both men bolted out the entrance. Sweet fumed and grumbled, following them out of the tent. “Jackasses.” Casey muttered, and turned back to his monitor. Alabama had taken up in the center of the small fleet, as the other ships formed a triangle around her. He pulled on his head set, and adjusted his mike. “Casey, to Alabama. Casey, to Alabama. How do you copy?” On screen, Alabama looked around for a moment, confused. “Casey to Alabama, am I coming through?” Realization spread over her face, and he saw her mouth start moving. “I hear ya loud an' clear Lieutenant.” “Fantastic. Ok, Alabama listen up. We need you at Balboa ASAP, so that means at your best speed. Montgomery doesn't have the endurance to make to keep, so she’ll be breaking off.” “She can't keep up? Can't I give her a little boost?” “She's diesel. So are Chafee and McFaul.” “Gracious! Well this is a problem. And where are their guns? They can't just have those little pop guns can they? And they look so small! Where's their armor? They should have some meat on their bones for their size!” Alabama looked around at the ships around her. “Warfare has changed a lot, even since you were put in reserve. They carry a lot more firepower than they look.” “Dear oh dear I'd hope so! These girls look downright scrawny. Monty looks like a skeleton over there.” “Ma'am, what are you talking about?” Casey watched her gesture to the LCS. “You don’t see ‘em?” Alabama asked. She looked rather exasperated as she gestured to the other ships. “Alabama please, we have to focus here. We’re still not even sure what we’re going up against.” Casey sighed. “Hmph. Well exsuuuse me for caring for these girls well-being.” Alabama pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. “What *have* we heard?” “What we do know is that there is heavy caliber gunfire hitting small villages and port up the coasts of Chile and Peru. A small condensed storm front is crawling up the coast, concealing any satellite pictures.” “Like that rude picture they took of me?” “Yes. The same kind.” “Hmph! Serves those cameras right. Taking a girls picture without permission.” Casey ignored her, and continued. “After you link with the rest of the force at Bolivia, our instructions are to intercept and destroy any Abyssal we come into contact with. I’ll keep in contact with you from here. We’ll have surveillance on your group at all times as well.” Casey paused for a second, then continued. “Don’t worry too much, Alabama. You’ll do fine.” Casey saw her nod over the video feed. _ Alabama remained silent for a majority of the voyage. Her boilers were running hot to keep her going at twenty-seven knots, but speed was vital. Her thoughts kept going back to the past. Visions of planes filling the sky, and the flak from her and other ships anti air artillery filling the sky. The memory drifted to an earlier time, selling through the North Atlantic searching for an enemy that refused to reveal itself. She remembered bombing beaches and shelling towns. She frowned, remembering passing by Taffy 3. She and the other capitol ships had been sent after Japanese carriers reported in the area. She had tried to steam back as fast as she could, after news of the smaller fleets plight spread through the fleet. By the time she had made it back, however, the enemy had already retreated. Alabama swallowed the lump building in her throat. She would not be late this time. She would meet these Abyssals, and make them sorry they’d ever shown their selves to the light of day. Determination filled her, and she pushed her boilers a little farther, trying to ease out a few more knots. She’d show them what Lucky A could do. _ In the port city of Tumaco bustled with activity. Word of Abyssal attacks traveling up the coast was spreading fast, and anyone who could was trying to reach safer grounds. Destroyers and frigates patrolled the perimeter set up around the city, every eye, machine and man, looking towards the Southern horizon. Dark clouds were forming in the distance, and these days, that usually meant one thing. The terrors from oceans deepest secret was quickly heading their way. The captain of the Almirante Padilla was worried. Captain Miguel's force consisted of three frigates, a corvette, and a handful of submarines. If the Abyssal force heading his way was as large and as powerful as the reports were saying, his small fleet would only be a speed bump in their path. The other nations in the region were scrambling anything they could to help, but any real hope was dim. His weathered eyes scanned the clouds in the distance. He wouldn't-no he couldn't let the Abyssals keep moving up the coast. No one could say positively, but the intended target seemed to be Panama, and if that fell, life would get that much harder for both North and South America. “Sir, we finally have hard contacts in range.” The captain glanced towards the young sailor who had spoken. “Then lets give them our welcome.” Missiles spewed from the frigates, and streaked over the horizon towards the coming Abyssals. _ The passage through the canal was mostly uneventful, much to Alabama's chagrin. “They could have at least cheered me on.” Alabama pouted. She pushed a few stands of hair from her face as the sea breeze blew past. Casey sighed into the radio. “Ma'am, this is exactly the time or place to worry about that. You are almost at your destination. Please, PLEASE, focus.” “Hmph. Well fine.” Alabama puffed her cheeks and whispered to herself. “At least some flowers would have been nice.” Casey continued over the channel. “We lost contact with the ships that made the intial contact. The storm is playing serious interference with communications. There isn't much hope, but keep an eye out for them too.” Alabama nodded. “I hope they're givin' it to 'em.” _ Miguel cursed as his ship burned around him. The 76mm cannon pounded at a dark silhouette in the distance, even as the fire engulfed the bow. The oceans burned around him, and his other ships. Another explosion rocked the frigate, throwing him to his feet. “Dammit! Juan, have you been able to get anything on the radio?” “N-no sir! Only static. Sir we need to get out of here!” “And if we leave then the path is wide open for these bitches to get through. No. We fight.” Juan whimpered, before crackling from the radio caught his attention. “Sir, something is coming through. It's. Give me a moment sir.” Juan adjusted the radio, till the sound came through clearer. “Any ...orces in the are... This is USS ...A ...an you read me?” “Sir, it's the American’s! They've arrived!” “What? Tell them we're here!” “Yes sir.” Juan made himself busy, speaking rapidly into the radio microphone. Captain Miquel looked across the stormy ocean. Something in the distance stood out among the fires and explosions. He brought up his binoculars, and focused in on the object. His blood ran cold. “Dios Mio.” A figure, no a woman, clad in orange and steel stood on the waters surface. Four massive turrets surrounded her. They rotated as one, and fire belched from the muzzles. Many seconds later, the thunder from the cannons reverberated across the waves. The dark silhouette his ship was firing on disappeared in fiery blast. “Looks like you boys need some help.” The mystery ship's voice flowed through the speakers. “Let's smack these bastards down!” Captain Miguel's fist slammed on to the console. “It's about damn time the Yankee's got here! Juan, get anyone you can on the radio. We need to give that ship as much support as we can.” Thunder from the distant ships guns punctuated his sentence.