Chapter 17: Ten Million Relief Plan

08:13 AM
59.0 *F
Nov 11, 1940

David has multiple tabs of the news about Alicorn up on his lap top, along with an image of Alicorn and his report summary.

"Some individuals are exempt from rules that should apply to everyone." David says to his A.I. Then an Image of Enterprise pops up on his screen. "A hero is suddenly a risk factor the moment the war is over. So you murder her. Crude, but effective. In reality, they've no need for living heroes, just dead ones. Here's a question, Alex. Can we stop Alicorn?"

"Depends on if you treat Alicorn or Enterprise as a singularity." Alex states.

"Both are. What happens when two singularities exist on the same field?"

"That requires seven months calculation with current resources." 

"We'll just have to trust the guys and gals in the field." David says as he looks at a schematic of Alicorn.

"David, evacuate." Alex pleads.

"No, I still have to finish up here."

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Inside Alicorn's sub we see Alicorn in her room with a massive smile on her face. "Later today, I shall bring the end to this war, and bring the focus on what is actually needed." Her yellow eyes glow brightly.

Suddenly a pair of pale arms wrap around Alicorn. "My dear, Imouto~ I hope you're ready." 

"You know I'm ready, this is what I was born for." Alicorn turns around and hugs Purifier. "My dear, Onee-Chan, can you look into my programming again, something's still holding my body back?"

Purifier hums in response as she puts a hand on Alicorn's flat chest and pulls out her Mental Cube. Her cube is nearly completely black, there's just a small bit of blue swirling around.

"Hmmm, I see the problem. Some of your old programming is still swimming around in here." Purifier pushes the cube back into Alicorn's chest. "We'll deal with it after this battle, and then I can take you to meet everyone else. They'll be happy to know that my plan was a success."

Alicorn grows a toothy smile. "Oh, the lives taken today will be just so..... BEAUTIFUL!" She laughs manically as Purifier walks away.

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Ten Million Relief Plan
11, Nov, 1940 09:01 AM Bremuda 35*57'38''S 69*8'27''W Cloud Cover: Scattered Operation: Fisherman

 

Enterprise and her squadron are flying Douglas SBD Dauntless'.

<<Well, it's time for some treasure hunting, Enterprise.>> Count says.

<<Oh boy, I'm excited." Lanza exclaims.

<<Hey, Stop screwing around!>> Húxiān orders.

<<Don't be such a hot head, Húxiān.>> Count says. <<We all know what'll happen if we screw up."

The squadron flies over the small fleet of HO ships and Hood.

<<Let's do this right. Because we've only got one shot at this.>> Hood says.

The squadron makes it to the patrol aircrafts.

<<This is patrol aircraft Specter 1. We'll deploy the sonobuoy barrier!>> Specter 1 announces. 

<<We're all prepared to buy the farm, that's why there's so many of us.>> Another patrol aircraft says.

<<According to calculations, just one needs to fly to locate her.>> A third patrol aircraft informs.

The patrol airplanes break off.

<<Those aren't the sort of calculations we like, are they, Enterprise?>> Count asks.

<<Damn right! Same for the rest of us too!>> Húxiān says.

A group of planes show up on the radar.

<<They're here as predicted!>> AWACS Long Caster says. <<Detecting hostiles! They're definitely aircraft from Alicorn!>>

Wiseman comes over the radio. "Enterprise, you take the lead! The patrol aircraft must be protected! All aircraft, follow Enterprise!>>

<<Wilco>>

<<Understood.>>

<<Understood.>>

<<Roger.>>

<<Understood.>>

<<I'll stay back here and protect the fleet, good luck Enterprise>> Hood says.

"Good luck to you, hood." Enterprise says into her radio.

The squadron closes in on three jets heading towards them. They're human operated.

Enterprise holds up her bow and pulls back the string as she takes aim at Rafale M Jet, SACS Squadron. She lets out a breath and lets the arrow fly. 

The arrow travels through the air and right through the cockpit of the jet. Killing the pilot and sending the jet towards the ocean.

The others engage the other two jets.

<<Grey Ghost revels in the killing. Catch her while she's at it!>>

<<Go! Rip the wings off of that degenerate!>>

Enterprise chases after another Jet.

<<Strider 2, engaging.>> Count informs. 

<<Strider 3, engaging.>>> Jaeger informs.

<<Cyclops 3, engaging.>> Skald informs.

Enterprise's plane gets a few hits in on the jet she's chasing and it starts to smoke.

<<They must have been waiting for us in the air!>> Jaeger theorizes. 

<<David, here's a question. How many aircraft can Alicorn carry?">> Wiseman asks.

Enterprise shoots down a second jet using her plane's guns.

<<Twenty to thirty, depending on the type of aircraft... but it's unconfirmed intel. Could be more.>> David informs. "With Enterprise, you could reduce them to a single digit.>>

Enterprise chases after the third jet, along with the rest of the squadron.

<<20% of sonobuoys dropped!>> A patrol aircraft informs.

Count and Húxiān managed to get a few shots in along with Enterprise.

"We're detecting additional UAVs! Intercept them!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

<<So there were more hiding!>> Count says.

<<Enterprise, can you get 'em?>> Húxiān asks.

"On it!" Enterprise breaks off from chasing the jet and moves towards an SLUAV.

<<Debris from the downed aircraft is landing in the water.>> A submarine crewman informs Alicorn.

<<Let me know when the bodies... I mean the debris stops raining.>> Alicorn orders.

Enterprise chases after a UAV.

<<If she gets through these waters, there'll be no way to find her.>> A fleet member says.

<<Then we won't let her.>> Hood responds to the man.

Enterprise holds up her bow and pulls the string back, and lets the arrow fly and it strikes down a UAV. Then she uses her plane to gun down a second one.

<<Was that Grey Ghost? Thanks, buddy!>> A patrol aircraft thanks her.

Enterprise heads after another SLUAV.

<<Do you have a moment?>> David asks as people are heard cheering or yelling in the background.

<<What's up?>> Count asks. 

<<Two groups of demonstrators have clashed! People are running away!>> David informs. <<I see lots of signs held up! There are even banners flying in the air! They're advertising Drones and other advanced aircraft, made using siren technology!>>

<<What, you're in D.C?!>> Count questions.

Enterprise shoots down a UAV with her bow and goes after another.

<<Well yeah, I live here! I haven't solved the terminal guidance mystery either.>> David informs. 

Enterprise flips her plane as a missile flies past her.

<<I meant, why aren't you running?>> Count asks.

Enterprise shoots down another UAV and she maneuvers around to avoid another missile then she heads after another UAV.

<<Hey, you guys aren't running, are you?>> David asks.

Húxiān chuckles. <<Damn right.>>

<<Running?>> David asks. <<...Wait, running? Yes, those drones aren't running away!>>

<<What do you mean?>> Count asks.

<<I'll call you back! ...Alex, I need you to check something!>> David says and his line cuts off.

Enterprise shoots down another UAV.

<<45% of sonobuoys dropped!" A patrol aircraft informs. 

Enterprise chases after another UAV.

<<We're damaged!>> A patrol aircraft shouts. <<The hostile's still coming after us!>>

<<We're their escorts! Shield them with your bodies!>> A Eagle Union fighter says.

Enterprise aims her bow at a UAV and fires it off, the arrow hits the UAV's wing, taking it off, and sending the UAV towards the ocean.

<<Hostile confirmed down!>> A patrol aircraft says.

Another patrol aircraft laughs. "Told ya so! Grey Ghost got our back!>>

Enterprise flies around, looking for more hostile aircraft.

Wiseman comes over the radio. <<Enterprise, the other pilots are standing their ground, but in the end it comes down to you. Do us proud!>>

Everyone starts to form up on Enterprise after all hostile aircraft are downed.

<<70% of sonobuoys dropped!>> A patrol aircraft informs. 

<<Just a little more.>> Count says.

AWACS Long Caster comes over the radio. <<All aircraft, be advised. Our radars picked up new hostiles.>>

Enterprise looks down into her planes cockpit and sees Ten aircraft on radar.

Enterprise heads in the direction of the hostile aircraft and they're more SLUAVs.

<<So they won't be landing till they wipe us out, huh?>> A Eagle Union fighter asks.

<<They're ready to die for this one!>>

Enterprise aims her bow at one and fires, taking it down and she swiftly goes after a new target.

<<Should we clear the baffles, Ma'am?>> Alicorn's CDO asks.

<<They won't chase by sea. Pursuers will be airborne.>> Alicorn says.

Enterprise's plane guns down another UAV.

<<This is Specter 2! We've been attacked by hostiles!>> He informs.

Enterprise breaks off from chasing a UAV and heads towards Specter 2.

<<Protect Specter!>> Lanza orders.

Enterprise shoots down a UAV on Specter 2.

<<They're all over the place!>> Count informs.

Enterprise heads towards another Patrol aircraft.

<<Enemy missile inbound! Prepare for impact!>> A patrol aircraft yells.

<<Our patrol aircraft are in trouble!>> Lanza yells.

Enterprise blows up another UAV harassing a patrol aircraft.

<<95% of sonobuoys dropped!>> A patrol aircraft informs.

Enterprise chases a UAV off a patrol aircraft.

<<They must be very frustrated right now. It's nearly impossible to find us in these open seas.>> Alicorn's CDO says.

<<Come if you dare, Enterprise.>>

Enterprise blows up another UAV.

<<We've lost a TACCO!>> A patrol aircraft informs.

<<Specter's in trouble. We need to cover them!>> A Eagle Union fighter shouts.

Enterprise heads towards a patrol aircraft.

<<Confirming new hostiles.>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

Rafale M jets fly into the AO.

<<Alright! Resuming sonobuoy drops!>> A patrol aircraft informs.

<<Roger that, we're counting on you!>> Húxiān says.

Enterprise engages a UAV that is around a patrol aircraft.

<<They got us! We'll fall out of the sky!>> A patrol aircraft yells.

<<Shit! Hold on tight, guys!>> Count says.

<<Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!>> Another patrol aircraft yells, then his transmission gets cut off.

<<Patrol down!> AWACS Long Caster informs. <<Protect the remaining aircraft!>> 

Enterprise takes down a couple UAVs. "These UAVs are everywhere!"

<<No more on my watch!>> Count says.

<<It's my faults!>> Húxiān claims. "The one was right by me!>>

Enterprise chases after a jet and her plane guns it down and she swiftly heads towards another.

<<Deploying the barrier as planned! Fence her in!>> A patrol aircraft says.

Enterprise engages a UAV and she shoots it down then goes after another UAV.

<<All sonobuoys dropped! Barrier completed!>> A patrol aircraft informs. <<Analysis complete! Data linking Alicorn's navigable zones!>>

Enterprise shoots down a UAV.

<<Roger that! Displaying the search area on your radar map!>> AWACS Long Caster Informs. <<Alicorn is somewhere inside that ring!>>

Enterprise heads towards the ring displayed on her radar.

<<Activating the MAD!>> AWACS Long Caster informs. <<Do you see the wave form indicated on your instruments?  Fly over the search area and look for a location that induces a change in the waveform.>>

<<Treasure hunting for real, huh?>> Count says.

<<All aircraft except Enterprise, you're contingent combat air patrol.>> AWACS Long Caster says.

Enterprise enters the zone.

<<C'mon, sharky, where are ya?>> Húxiān asks.

Enterprise's MAD starts to make noise and the wave moves.

<<Okay, Enterprise. Your MAD's getting something. The waveform on your instruments should have peeked.>> AWACS Long Caster informs. <<Turn and fly in the direction where the waveform peaks.>>

Enterprise flies around the circle.

<<How did that huge thing hide from us all this time?>> Count asks.

The MAD starts to beep faster and the waves move more.

<<Enterprise, your MAD's showing a stronger reaction. Alicorn must be near.>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

Then Enterprise flies over a spot and Alicorn pops up on her radar.

<<Picking up a magnetic signature!>> AWACS Long Caster informs, and suddenly static noise comes from the MAD. <<Signature lost! I'm seeing strong noise in the MAD's signal!>>

<<Shit! She predicted we'd use a MAD!>> David says.

<<Seems like this is our contingency!>> Count says.

<<Does anyone see the source of the noise on the ocean surface?>> David asks. <<It's likely similar to a buoy!>> 

<<I don't have a window, so I don't know about buoys, but I'm detecting strong radio sources!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

<<Correct! That's it!>> David says.

<<Sending the locations of the jamming devices. Destroy them!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

<<Enterprsie, let's destory the jamming buoys!>> Count says.

Enterprise sees a buoy near her and she aims her bow at it and lets the arrow fly, and it destroys the buoy.

<<All these jammers must have been deployed before hand. They predicted our moves.>> Skald says.

<<Then we'll go beyond their expectations!>> Húxiān says.

Enterprise plane guns a buoy and an explosion happens underwater.

<<What the...? A huge explosion just went off underwater!>> Count observes.

<<An explosions?! Patrol aircraft, what's happening underwater?>> David asks.

Enterprise and the others destroy a couple more buoys.

<<Underwater listening is impossible! W're only hearing explosion echoes!>> A patrol aircraft informs.

<<Alicorn will use the noise for cover and head out at full speed!>> David informs. 

<<Destroy the jamming buoys before the submarine escapes!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

<<Full speed ahead!>> Alicorn orders. 

<<Aye, Ma'am!>>

Enterprise destroys the last buoy with her bow.

<<The last jamming buoy has been destroyed!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

<<How'd it go?>> Lanza asks.

<<Wait for the sonobuoys to respond.>> A patrol aircraft informs.

<<Goddammit!>> Húxiān complains. 

Everyone flies around in anticipation. Enterprise's heartbeat thumps against her chest and she tries to take a few breaths to calm herself down.

<<Analysis done! Data linking!>> A patrol aircraft says.

A ring pops up on the radar and Enterprise tugs her plane towards that direction and swiftly heads towards it. The ring is just before the drop off where they'd looks her.

<<Her location has moved! Enterprise, I'm sending you the search area! Don't let her get away!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

Enterprise enters the ring and starts to fly around.

<<Alicorn has almost reached the trench! Time's running out!>> David informs.

<<Hurry!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

Enterprise's MAD picks up something.

<<It's okay. Enterprise's already on the hunt!>> Count informs. 

Suddenly SLUAV's pop out of the water.

<<Confirming more hostile UAVs! They just launched from Alicorn!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

The other fighters head towards the UAVs to protect Enterprise.

""She can launch them underwater?>> Húxiān questions.

<<If you can splash even one, it'll be that much easier for Enterprise!>> Lanza says.

The UAVs and the others clash together.

Suddenly Alicorn pops onto the radar as Enterprise flies over her location.

"You've reeled her in! Positive hit on the MAD!>> AWACS Long Caster informs. 

<<That's it!>> Count cheers.

Enterprise aims up into the air and chases after a UAV.

<<Enterprise found Alicorn!>> AWACS Long Caster Informs.

<<Yeah!>> A patrol aircraft cheers.

<<Yeah!>>

<<All that flying around paid off!>>

<<We ain't done yet. Give her the finishing blow!>> Count orders.

<<Target coordinates acquired!>> A fleet member says.

<<We'll take it from her Enterprise.>> Hood says as she sails with the fleet to Alicorn's position.

Enterprise and her squadron take out all UAVs. "Good luck."

<<Commence preparations to fire the VL-ASROC!>>

The fleet gets into position.

<<VL-ASROC ready for launch!>>

<<Line of fire is clear.>>

<<Ready!>>

<<Fire all missiles!>> 

<<Fire!>>

Four HO ships each fire off one missile and they fly up into the sky then parachute down into the water and sink.

<<Missile away!>>

<<All anti-submarine missiles launched.>>

<<Report the results!>> Hood orders.

An explosion goes off under water, then another, then another and then the final one goes off.

<<Did we get her?>>

Suddenly Alicorn sub surfaces bow first and it slams onto the top of the water, completely undamaged. (This is a really cool scene, and I tried to get gifs for it, but I couldn't find any that would work with Wattpad.)

<<Alicorn spotted; she's surfacing!>>

On the bow of the ships is Alicorn herself with a psychotic smile on her face as her siren yellow eyes glow brightly. The sub moves forward and then turns towards the fleet and her gun's come out.

<<She doesn't look damaged at all!>> Lanza observes.

<<She's attacking our fleet!>> Skald yells.

<<Son of a...! We didn't hit her!>> Count yells.

"Hood, watch out!" Enterprise yells into the radio as her squadron head towards the fleet.

Alicorn open fires onto the fleet with her rail guns and main cannons.

<<What?!>> Húxiān questions.

<<You're wrong, Count!>> Wiseman states. <<We've backed her into a corner!>>

Alicorn takes out the fleet and severely damages Hood.

<<She's vulnerable now that she's surfaced! Follow up on Enterprise!>> Wiseman orders.

<<Understood.>> Lanza says.

"Hood, you alright!" Enterprise asks as avoids AA fire coming towards her.

<<For now.>> Hood grunts. <<If we don't hurry up with this fight, I won't make it to tomorrow.>>

Enterprise aims up her bow at a railgun and fires, along with her plane as it shoots at the rail gun. The arrow hits the railgun and it blows up.

Alicorn yelps in pain as Enterprise flies over her.

<<Enterprise has destroyed a railgun!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

Enterprise flies straight up then dives down towards Alicorn, taking out some of her AA guns.

<<Awesome! That's one horn snapped off!>> Skald cheers.

<<Direct hit on main gun! It's wrecked!>>

<<Crew, prepare to abandon ship!>>

Missiles shoot out from Alicorn's VLSs and fly towards Enterprise.

<<We can't drain it! Evacuate!>> 

<<We've lost Destroyer Seagull and Aegis vessel Canary!>>

<<All fleet personnel, please swim towards me.>> Hood asks.

<<The two years that we fought at the bottom of the sea... I will not allow our perseverance to be desecrated!>>

Húxiān, Count and Lanza manage to take out one of Alicorn's main cannons.

A rail gun aims up to the sky and tracks Enterprise.

<<You're being locked onto by the railgun! Increase your speed and run, Enterprise!>> AWACS Long Caster informs. 

Enterprise maneuvers through the air.

<<If that railgun hits us, we'll be torn into a million pieces!>> Count says.

The railgun fires and the round just misses Enterprise. She then flips her plane down and aims her bow at the railgun and fires.

<<All railguns, have been destroyed!>> AWACS Long Caster informs. 

Alicorn shrieks in pain then she yells out in anger.

Hood manages to move two of her four 32-caliber BL 13.5-inch Mk I-IV guns. The other two are inoperable. She also aims four of her ten 40-caliber 6-inch Mk I-III guns.

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Count laughs. <<Enterprise tore both of her arms off!>> He metaphorically says.

<<Don't let your guard down! There's no guarantee that monster only has a pair of them.>> Jaeger says.

Enterprise engages more AA guns and she destroys a couple of VLSs. A few stray rounds from the other planes hit Alicorn in the body and she growls in anger.

<<We've lost both out main guns!>>

<<Fire all remaining weaponry at Enterprise!>> Alicorn screams. <<Ignore all other aircraft!>>

Missiles fly into the air and go after Enterprise. 

<<Hold on a little longer Enterprise, I'm situation my guns.>> Hood says.

<<Everyone on board and see what we can do to repair Hood!>> A fleet member orders.

Enterprise flies through the air as missiles fly past her and she aims her bow down at the sub and fires, the arrow slamming into the side and exploding against a ballast tank. 

<<Fire!>> Hood yells.

Two of Hood's main cannons and four of her secondary guns fired onto Alicorn. Tacking out her main cannons on her right side and damaging her ballast tanks.

<<Alicorn was hit!>> A Fleet member says. <<Nice shot Ma'am!>>

<<Thank you.>> Hood says.

Alicorn yells in anger and her sub starts to dive.

<<Alicorn is diving!>> Jaeger informs.

David comes over the radio. <<<Her ballast tanks should be damaged! She will have to surface again soon!>> Missile launch from Alicorn and head straight for Enterprise. <<You need to shoot down the drones that have been launched!>>

Enterprise does flips and dives through the air to avoid the missiles. Then she goes after the UAVs along with the rest of her squadron.

<<There's no means of retreat! We'll have to kill them all if we are to live! If you wish to live, then you must let go of your life!>>

Enterprise takes down a UAV, but a missile blows up next to her plane, nearly throwing her off. Smoke and oil come out of her plane's right wing, but after a few seconds it stops leaking oil.

<<Specter Squadron will continue surveillance! We might be able to locate her if she's about to surface.>> 

<<That's more than enough. All aircraft, position yourselves to hit Alicorn as she surfaces.>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

<<Get those guns working! Hood'll need them!>>

<<On it! Hey, put out that fire!>>

<<We got a couple of the secondary guns up and running!>>

<<Most of Hood's AA's destroyed, but we can jerry jig a couple to work!>>

Enterprise blows up another UAV.

<<Then get to it! Alicorn's not going down without a fight, then neither will we!>>

<<I like these, humans.>> Hood says. <<Very determined.>>

Enterprise's plan guns down a UAV.

<<We've picked up the Alicorn underwater!>> A patrol aircraft informs. 

<<Thanks! You're an angel!>>

The squadron flies towards where Alicorn is going to surface.

<<The engine room's damaged, but if we can get a few more men down here, we can get Hood moving again!>>

<<I'll try to help you from back here.>> Hood says.

<<That means a lot.>> Count says.

Alicorn surfaces and she's still on the bow of the ship, but with an extremely pissed off look.

<<Alicorn has surfaced! Commence assault!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

AA from the sub and Missiles fly into the air.

<<Be not afraid! Did you not leave your fears behind at the bottom of the abyss?>>

Enterprise flies over Alicorn and she fires her bow and it hits a VLS, destroying it, but a few rounds of AA hit Enterprise's plane and herself. Smoke comes out of her plane's engine. 

Enterprise spits out blood and maneuvers her plane around to avoid more AA fire.

<<You okay there, Enterprise?!>> Count calls out.

"I'm fine." Enterprise responds. "Focus on Alicorn and not me."

<<Missiles on your tail!>> AWACS Long Caster informs and Enterprise dives down and a couple missiles fly over her.

<<Targeting!>> Hood says.

Jets take off from Alicorn's runway.

<<The Alicorn has launched aircraft!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

<<That's some real skill right there! They got some serious guts to take off right now!>> Jaeger says.

<<It ain't guts! They're just damn crazy!>> Húxiān says.

<<Sir, we managed to get one of Hood's other guns operational, but on of the barrels is to damaged to fire.>>

<<That doesn't matter, just see what you can do about other repairs!>>

<<Check the radiation level every 5 minutes!>>

<<Do we have any coolant leaks?!>>

<<We're sinking even if the reactor's no good! Focus on anti-air combat!>> Alicorn's CDO orders.

Enterprise and the others take down a few Jets, but some UAVs launch from Alicorn's sub.

<<Ballast tanks have been damaged! We can't maintain buoyancy!>>

Alicorn starts to dive.

<<Alicorn is diving!>> AWACS Long Caster informs.

<<Sorry, I couldn't get a shoot off.>> Hood apologizes. 

<<It's fine, just see what you can do when Alicorn resurfaces.>> AWACS Long Caster says. <<We've got back up HO ships coming in, there twenty minutes out!>>

<<I don't know if we'll survive that long.>> Lanza says.

Enterprise chases down a UAV.

<<My fellow submariners! Your lives carry weight! it gives you the right to take the lives of others!>> 

<<We cannot let the enemy's attacks reach our brothers!>> A SACS fighter says.

<<I'll go head-on with Grey Ghost and take her down with me!>>

Enterprise shoots down a jet flying straight towards her, but it fires off a few rounds and they hit her leg. Enterprise groans and kneels down as blood seeps out from the wounds on right leg.

<<The aircraft with the girl on it... We've lost many because of her!>>

Enterprise stands up and takes a breath as she makes her plane do a barrel roll as a couple missiles fly past her.

<<Sub spotted! Sending underwater coordinates!>> A partol aircraft informs.

<<Just in time! We got the engine room running!>>

<<I'm heading towards the coordinates!>> Hood informs.

The squadron make their way to the coordinates as they fight off UAVs and a couple jets.

<<We're dead men walking. Why should we fear death?>>

Alicorn's sub surfaces and Alicorn is still on the bow of the ship, but she's holding her arm in pain as she takes heavy breaths.

<<Enemy submarine surfacing!>> AWACS Long Caster informs. 

AA fire and Missiles fly into the sky from the sub.

<<We've got a boat full of AA weaponry, and still they won't even flinch!>>

<<Fire!>> Hood yells.

Hood's cannons and secondary guns fire, making a large boom ring out. The rounds whistle through the air and slam into the side of Alicorn's hull.

A round hits Alicorn and she screams in pain, then she starts to laugh. 

<<Alicorn's outer hull is severely damaged! She won't be able to dive like that!>> Jaeger informs.

Everyone cheers.

<<Nice work, Miss Hood!>>

<<Oh, I only helped a little.>> Hood says. <<Most of the work was done by our pilots.>>

<<So admirable!>> 

Enterprise destroys more AA and the last of the VLSs.

Alicorn sighs and holds up her hands. <<I surrender.>> She broadcasts on a open channel.

<<What?>> Húxiān questions.

<<What's going on?!>> Lanza asks.

Enterprise flies around Alicorn, and her AA weaponry stops firing.

<<I know this voice.>> Skald says.

<<This is the submarine aircraft cruiser Alicorn. I surrender! Stop shooting!>>

<<All aircraft, cease fire!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

<<That's a con person talking, I should know.>> Count says.

<<Let's just sink her!>> Húxiān yells.

<<Negative! We cannot attack those that have surrendered.>> AWACS Long Caster says. <<That's a breach of international law!>>

<<I repeat! I surrender!>>

The squadron flies around Alicorn, and Hood keeps her guns trained on Alicorn's sub.

<<What do we do?!>> Húxiān asks.

<<Weapon use is prohibited!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

<<Why hold international law so dearly?>> Count asks.

<<We'll no longer be soldiers the moment we don't!>> Jaeger states.

<<Then I'll happily quit my career!>> Count shouts.

<<Do not attack!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

Alicorn's sub comes to a halt. <<We will surrender! We are currently making preparations to be disarmed.>>

Then David's voice comes over the radio. <<I'm David North, an analyst at the Eagle Union Intelligence Agency. Alicorn, we have already jammed your terminal guidance system over D.C. Your shot will miss the mark.>>

Enterprise then notices Alicorn gain a dangerous smirk. "What she doing?"

(It's all fun and games until the sky start speaking Latin)

<<...Let me tell you a story. Back when I was still training...>> The sub starts to move. <<I had to aim at a siren ship 30 kilometers away in the middle of a storm.>> The Rail Cannon moves up. <<The seas were rough that day, and still, I landed one of the two shots.>> The Cannon readies.

<<Here's a question.>> David says. <<Was your plan elegant? The answer is... yes. At least, until Grey Ghost ruined it!>>

The rail cannon aims towards the horizon and her sub stops.

<<What do you know of beauty?!>>

<<She has no intention to surrender! Stop them, Enterprise!>> David orders as the rail cannon charges up.

Enterprise turns and flies towards Alicorn.

Hit the barrel, Enterprise! Hurry!>> David orders.

<<Wait, Enterprise!>> Lanza calls out.

<<Stop attacking immediately!>> AWACS Long Caster orders.

Enterprise keeps flying towards Alicorn and she readies her bow.

<<Charged up!>>

<<Target is the Eagle Union capital of D.C.! To take the lives of one million people, 5,00 kilometers away with my very own hands!>> Alicorn laughs <<Commence firing!>>

Enterprise reaches Alicorn and she lets go of her bow sting, the arrow flies through the air and slams into the top of the rail cannon.

The cannon falls down a little and it fires.

<<It fired!>> Skald yells.

<<It's okay, the shell will miss and land in the ocean!>> David states.

Alicorn looks back at the rail cannon. <<What happened!>>

Count laughs. <<That's a blatant violation of orders, you Dumbass!>>

<<Load the next shell!>> Alicorn screams.

Alicorn's AA weapons begin firing as the squadron fly towards her.

<<All aircraft...>> Wiseman sighs. <<Destroy Alicorn!>>

A wave of sadness passes through Enterprise.

<<Wilco!>>

<<Alright.>>

<<Wilco.>>

<<Wilco.>>

<<Understood.>>

UAV's launch from Alicorn and she yells out in anger.

<<Fire!>> Hood yells.

Hood's main guns and secondary guns fire and the shells slam into the side of Alicorn and a few small explosions go off within the hull. Alicorn yells in pain.

<<Aim for the base of the rail cannon!>> David says.

<<FCS error! Can't raise the elevation of the barrel!>>

Enterprise flies around, avoiding UAV missiles and AA fire.

<<Grey Ghost int he sky is a sign of an ill omen..!>>

<<Ma'am!>

<<All slow ahead! Flood the aft trim tanks!>>

<<Ma'am, the boat will sink aft first!>>

<<And that'll give the gun the elevation it needs!>> Alicorn yells and then she chuckles. <<Don't you see, Enterprise? Ten million lives will be saved, at the coast of a mere million lives!>>

<<You liar!>> David says. <<You just want to kill people! We won't let you!>>

Enterprise tries to aim for the base of the rail cannon, but UAVs keep surrounding her.

<<Supercapacitor charge at 45%!>>

<<Pitch angle at plus 2 degree!>>

Alicorn chuckles.

<<Enterprise, you need to end this! All aircraft get the UAVs off her!>> Wiseman orders

<<Don't hesitate! They quite being a soldier the moment she faked their surrender!>> Jaeger says.

<<I don't have a shot!>> Hood Informs. 

<<A powerful boat, a powerful gun, powerful ammunition! Add to that lots of people and a precise aim! Then sprinkle death over all of it, and the formula is complete!>>

<<You're nothing more than a mass murderer!>>

<<I've already paced my bet on Enterprise. If she can't do it, no one can!>> Húxiān says.

Alicorn laughs like a mad person. <<Then indulge me! What makes you and I any different?>>

(I just gotta say, the voice actor for Captain Torres is so fucking good! Ace Combat is such a good series. Anyway back to the book.)

<<You want to kill me and the three hundred men on this boat to save a million. How is that any different?!>>

<<Enterprise, give her the answer! Have her take it to the bottom of the ocean!>>

Alicorn laughs. <<Don't you see?! Don't you see?!>> She laughs manically. <<Landing a clean shot on a difficult target! That is what makes it elegant! That is true beauty!>>

<<Finish her off, Enterprise!>> David orders.

<<At plus 4!>>

<<Everyone, grab onto something! >>

<<At 60%>

<<Alas, you don't see, Enterprise! Of course you wouldn't!>>

Enterprise gets lined up with the front of Alicorn's sub and aims her bow at the base of the rail cannon.

<<At plus 5!>>

<<At full charge!>>

Enterprise lets the arrow loose.

<<Commence firing!>>

The arrow pierces the base of the cannon and explodes. 

<<Alright!>> Count cheers.

<<Target hit! Target hit!>> AWACS Long Caster infomrs.

<<Oh yeah! That's the stuff, Enterprise!>> Skald cheers.

Explosions go off along the rail cannon and it falls and slams into the deck of the sub.

<<Confirming explosions! The rail cannon's been destroyed!>> Húxiān says.

<<Yeah, baby!>> Lanza cheers.

Hood sighs in relief. <<That was rather close.>>

<<We've don it boys!>>

<<YEAH!>>

Flames spew out from cracks of Alicorn's hull and red electricity travels around it.

Alicorn laughs. <<Don't you see? One million! One million lives!>> She laughs and multiple small explosions go off around the sub. <<Ack!>>

Alicorn falls over face first into her deck.

<<The sub's still intact, but I think Alicorn's down for the count.>> Count states.

Enterprise flies down low to the water and hops off her plane and stands a little ways from the sub.

<<I think we did it.>> Húxiān says. <<She really pulled it off.>>

<<She didn't sink, I count that as a small victory, maybe we can get her some help.>> Lanza says.

<<And that's our final answer.>> David says and count laughs.

<<Wait, I've got movement!>> Jaeger says.

Alicorn coughs up blood and she slowly stands up, wounds all around her body. <<One... Million. Damn, you Enterprise.>> Her tiara falls off her head.

<<Everyone on alert!>> David orders. 

Alicorn aims her hand towards Enterprise and her one working main cannon aims towards Enterprise. Enterprise doesn't move and just stares at Alicorn.

<<If I'm gonna die! I'l take you down with me!>>

"Onee-Chan!" A cute voice rings out.

<<What the?>> Count questions.

Everyone looks off towards the left of Alicorn and they see a small girl with purple hair standing on top of an aircraft carrier.

<<Unicorn!>> Hood says in surprise.

<<Isn't that Alicorn's sister?>> Húxiān asks.

<<Uni..corn?>> The glowing of Alicorn's eyes dampen.

"Please, stop fighting!" Unicorn yells. "Please, I don't want you to die, so give up."

<<But the... Million... Lives...>> Alicorn's eyes stop glowing and they roll up as she falls over and onto the deck.

<<I think she's actually down this time.>> Count says.

<<Good, we'll be able to bring her back to port now. The enemy submarine is down. Operation is complete.>>

Eagle Union HO ships sail into the AO and towards their Allies.

<<That was unbelievable. Just... all of it>> Húxiān says.

<<That's right. Yeah.>> Count agrees.

Enterprise looks out towards the setting sun, as it cast an orange glow over the ocean.

Unicorn activities her rigging and sails on top of the water towards Alicorn.

<<There are some who send those around them to their doom.>> David says. <<Like Alicorn, who seems like the devil incarnate. But there are others...>> The squadron fly over Enterprise and Hood sails over to her. <<Others who show the way to everyone else. Those who stand at the forefront to cast a light. Those who follow them can't help but feel that they're in the right hands. That they'll make it. This is an era where there isn't a singular answer like a quiz question. The world awaits a hero to keep the torch aloft, banishing the darkness.>>

<<Quite the poet.>> Count states.

<<That's a story I'm gonna have to tell my kid.>> Jaeger says.

<<All aircraft, David, Hood and Enterprise, the operation is complete. Return to base and get some rest.>> AWACS Long Caster orders. <<The back up fleet will take Alicorn and Unicorn back to base, so don't worry about them. Oh man, finally time for some munchies. Could you hand me the burger over there? Oh, and the knife and fork too, please>>

<<once I get back to base. I'm heading to the mess hall.>> Count says.

Enterprise summons and plane and hops on it and flies with the rest of the squadron back to base.

.

.

.

.

.

In the Debriefing room, Enterprise stand in the corner with a bandages around her body, a large one on her left leg.

"Operation is complete." Wiseman says.

"Can we celebrate now?" Skald asks.

"Yeah. Good work." Wiseman agrees and everyone cheers. "Your next mission's in 32 hours. 

"Whoa!" Lanza yells.

"Are you crazy?!" Skald yells.

"That was something!" Húxiān says.

"Not something I'll tell my son about." Jaeger states.

"Gimme a break." Count whines.

The pilots leave the room and Wiseman walks over to Enterprise. "It was an honor to work with you Ma'am, but we must go now." He salutes and walks out of the room.

Enterprise just hums and she walks out of the room.

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.

.

11:59 AM
66.2 *F
Nov 11, 1940

David is looks over his summary on his laptop and Alex gives him a ring as the time hits 12.

"I'm good, Alex." David says. "Won't need that wake-up call every two hours anymore." He drags a file into a new tab and uploads it." Then he speaks in a deeper tone. "'David, only the summary is fine. Give me the report ASAP. I'll hand it to the president.'" Then he speaks normally. "That's why I haven't slept in the last eighty hours."

"78 hours and 52 minutes." Alex informs.

"Okay..." David stretches. "Well, now to the conclusion."

"Assuming that Enterprise is a singularity, why not terminate her?" David asks.

Alex gives him an answer. "There is a fact that has been observed in all the mission Enterprise has taken part in. All dependent elements that either mimic or follow the subject have increase chances of survival."

"Try to be more sensuous."

"Go Enterprise's way, you'll make it. She leads the way."

"Really?" David questions.

"Significance is high."

David chuckles. "That's uncharacteristically illogical of you."

"Hehehehe."

David laughs. "Is that really how you laugh?"

.

.

"Maybe I have a chance at redemption."

End of the Million Lives Arc.
Next: Redemption Arc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

02-05-2023

3570 words

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