The Orion sent to monitor the activities of the enemy force in the Atlantic reported that the fleet had yet to advance further than the area between Iceland and Greenland. Apart from a few NATO ships, no other forces were seen there.
The New York Naval Militia had been deployed to Long Island to help fortify the coastline, and the National Guard to the Upstate New York region, where the drone offensive had been halted.
With no order to deploy coming anytime soon and the enemy seemingly stalling—which she couldn't help but suspect was their plan all along—Enterprise decided to accompany Commander Halsey as he toured the Theodore Roosevelt, which was undergoing the final repairs needed for it to be ready to sail again. Scaffolding lined its sides, and the hull was a patchwork of metal plates welded and hammered into place.
"Hello again, Big Stick," he chuckled amid the distant radio chatter and hammering, going in circles around the flight deck, avoiding the cables on his way. "Just like the Bull Moose himself, you won't go down that easily, huh?"
"She took quite a beating," Enterprise said, watching the sparks rain from a welder's torch, "but it'll take more than that to keep us down."
Her voice carried quiet defiance as if she were speaking for herself just as much as the ship.
"Yeah, her hull and superstructure are solid—way better shape than America. And New Jersey's ready to go, too. Maybe she'll give us one last taste of the old battleship era."
Commander Halsey paused to watch the workers welding steel plates.
"Are you going to meet your squadron today, sir?"
"Later. After our lunch. We've got some things to discuss, too. You can do whatever you like, but I'd prefer that you get enough rest."
"I've rested enough, sir. If I could have your permission, I'd like to help."
"Of course, Enterprise. But remember, don't overexert yourself. You're still recovering."
Enterprise unclenched her fists before he could notice. She knew he meant well, but she wasn't fragile. Not now. Not ever.
"I understand, sir. I'll be careful."
But deep down, she had no intention of holding back when the time came.
And the Commander would've known this.
Over the horizon, the sun was slowly rising.
And they could already feel the coming storm.
***
Commander Halsey had left to speak with his squadron, and she had decided to walk along the docks, passing the hulking form of USS New Jersey, her nine guns trained at the ocean, at the unseen threat.
Several years ago, she was reactivated along with her sisters as part of the Navy's countermeasure against the Soviet Union, and though she'd seen no combat, she was still a formidable force to be reckoned with, especially after she was refitted with missile systems and advanced radar.
After some time in Long Beach, she was transferred to Norfolk to join her sister, Wisconsin, which was nearby and equally imposing. It was partly an effort to reinforce the confidence of America's NATO allies in her ability to deter Soviet aggression, especially the UK—which had always been wary of the Soviet activities in the GIUK gap—and reassure citizens on the East Coast.
Now, with the Cold War already over, they were facing one last foe—and this time, it was not just for the United States.
This was for the world.
A strange sense of calm enveloped her as she continued to walk.
Knowing that they had two of the greatest battleships ever built at their side was certainly reassuring.
"Hey, Enty! Whatcha doing?"
And her namesake KANSEN—in essence, the one carrying her soul—was strolling, too.
"NJ," she smiled. "Just thinking about the upcoming battle."
New Jersey grinned and struck a pose. "Haha, I know, right? But I'm not that nervous. I'm bodacious enough for both of us. Mo and Iowa better not embarrass on the other side, though!"
"I'm sure they won't."
"And we'll have you, too. I'm really excited!"
New Jersey was sincere, and it was hard not to smile in the face of her enthusiasm.
"Thanks, NJ. It'll be an honor to fight alongside you."
"Likewise! Let's lay down some serious firepower for freedom, Enty!"
"Let's."
Enterprise looked at the sea again.
Still calm.
But somewhere beyond the horizon, the enemy was waiting.
***
It was a hectic day.
And a busy night.
Repairs continued long after sunset, with crews working around the clock to ensure the ships were battle-ready. Even civilian technicians offered their help, working tirelessly alongside the military.
"Reminds me of how my own ship took only 72 hours before...Midway," Yorktown recalled, rather melancholically, as she and Enterprise watched the repair ships from the docks. "Even as that ship set sail, workers were still hammering."
Enterprise was unsure why her sister chose to remember that particular moment, and it pained her.
But maybe it was to tell her just how important this was.
"...Sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up," Yorktown said after a while, her face drawn. "But it's...nice seeing everyone so hard at work. I just hope the repair won't take longer. I wish I could join you. I wish I could be at your side."
"I know, sis," Enterprise replied, squeezing her hand. "But we can't afford to send the entire Atlantic fleet."
"You're right. Well, I'll be defending the homefront," Yorktown smiled as Enterprise let go. "And not just the Navy. The Coast Guard and the Air Force are also involved. We'll keep New York safe. No matter what."
"Yeah. Just promise me that you'll keep safe."
"I should be saying that to you."
They exchanged a smile before Enterprise turned to leave.
"Enty," Yorktown called.
"What is it?"
"If...you're going, I'd like you to take my Skyraiders."
Enterprise blinked.
"Really? Your own planes?"
"Yeah," Yorktown nodded. "They've done good. And you...need all the firepower you can get. And I believe in you, Enty. If there's anyone who could win this, it's you."
"Thank you, sis," Enterprise whispered, smiling. "I'll take good care of them."
"Please do. I'm...glad you're alright. Please be careful."
"I will."
***
Before they knew it, the decision had been made.
They would engage the enemy fleet directly. That was why she was in the briefing room, standing alongside fellow KANSENs and the officers of the assembled battlegroup.
The tension was palpable, a thick smog in the air.
A large operational map lay spread across the table, marked with various paper counters denoting friendly and enemy forces.
Admiral Roberts stood at the head of the table. Her expression was hard, unwavering. She tapped a location on the map.
"This operation falls under my command," she stated. "I will oversee the engagement personally. Our primary objective is to prevent the enemy from advancing across the Atlantic. We've established contact with Naval Station San Diego. Their reports confirm a smaller enemy force is approaching from the Pacific, but they assess that it can be handled. Our focus remains here—on the Atlantic front," her finger traced a path eastward, stopping at a point off the New York coastline.
"USS New Jersey will serve as the vanguard. USS Wisconsin will remain stationed here to secure the region. This sector is too critical to leave undefended."
Her hand shifted northward toward deeper waters.
"USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will function as our primary carrier strike element, with USS America and USS Theodore Roosevelt acting as additional strike assets. USS Ticonderoga, USS Normandy, and USS Leyte Gulf will provide surface escort and anti-submarine support. USS Oliver Hazard Perry and USS Spruance will act as the main ASW escorts. USS Arleigh Burke will also support in the AAW role. The rest of the battlegroup will be organized and assigned at the time of deployment."
She looked at each KANSEN in turn.
"All KANSENs are expected to provide direct escort for the carriers. And I was told we would have assistance from several foreign KANSENs. They will be staying here as backup and to help defend this city. Now..."
She motioned toward a stack of reconnaissance photos taken by P-3 Orions. As the images were passed around, hushed murmurs filled the room. Enterprise felt a lingering gaze from one of the captains, though she ignored it.
"The imagery lacks high resolution, but these figures..." Admiral Roberts hesitated briefly, scanning the room before settling her gaze on Enterprise. "...suggest that the enemy may possess assets similar to our own."
Silence fell. A few exchanged uneasy glances.
"Before anyone jumps to conclusions about the nature of these figures, let me be clear," the Admiral's tone sharpened. "I have no doubts about the loyalty of our KANSENs. The enemy may have their own equivalents, but we are not here to speculate. We deal with threats as they come—no assumptions, no mistakes."
The murmurs ceased.
"Our primary target is this," she pointed at a lone image. A sleek, black vessel larger than Enterprise—and likely everyone—had ever seen.
"We have reasons to believe that this is a command ship or, at the very least, an important vessel, considering its escorts. We expect this enemy force to be commanded from here, so it is our priority target. The carriers will be tasked with engaging this force, but the escorts will remain close to defend against any potential counterstrikes. Squadron assignments have been adjusted for this engagement. No aircraft will launch until the fleet reaches the designated contact range. Once in position, air operations will commence as follows:
VF-141 will provide close escort for our surface elements.
VF-103 will conduct Combat Air Patrol, intercepting and neutralizing all hostile aircraft and drones within our airspace. Fighter controllers aboard the carriers will manage engagement authority.
VF-211, VF-31, and VF-102 will serve as primary air defense squadrons, launching as needed to counter aerial threats.
E-2 Hawkeyes will provide airborne early warning and battle management to maintain situational awareness and detect inbound threats before they reach the engagement range.
All pilots have been briefed, and aircraft are fully armed and mission-ready."
The Admiral exhaled slowly, scanning the room.
"Assemble your crews and make ready for departure. We move as soon as we receive further intelligence."
She paused. "Any questions?"
None.
"Good. Dismissed."
***
Enterprise, though weighted with the burden of the mission, was feeling lighter than she had days ago.
She requested permission to go to Madison Square Garden and was granted it, and when she arrived, the place was even more crowded.
Janine and Reese had volunteered to assist with medical duties, and now they were tending to the injured, the ones who could be patched up easily, and the ones who were a little harder. Jim and Josh also helped with hauling the materials.
But she was looking for Amy.
She found the girl playing with dolls alongside Jessie and another girl.
"Amy," she greeted.
"E-Enty! Hi!" Amy dropped the doll and ran to embrace her.
"How have you been, kiddo?"
"I miss you," Amy sniffed. "Wh-where is...Jerry?"
"He's...briefing his squadron," she said, not wanting to lie. "Sweetie, I'm sure he misses you, too. But please don't cry. He will come back."
"P-promise?"
"Yeah, promise," Enterprise said. "And he and I will come visit you."
"O-okay...but are you going now?"
Enterprise pondered the question. How much time did they have left? As far as she knew, she wasn't expected to return for a while.
"No, I'm staying...for now."
Seeing the girl's eyes light up made her glad. It reminded her of what they were fighting for.
"So...so...Wanna play with us?"
"Eh...?"
"Here!"
A doll, a brunette, was placed into her hands.
"Oh, okay," Enterprise sat down, crossing her legs, unsure of what to do.
"Let's play!"
The three girls started moving their dolls around, speaking in a childish fashion.
It was...strange.
But strangely, not bad.
She never experienced anything like this.
Never.
But she liked it.
***
She returned just before dinner. Amy wasn't as reluctant to let her go this time, not when she promised that she would come back.
The mess hall was packed with fellow KANSENs, and Saratoga was doing a good job at keeping the mood up, making jokes and laughing about the bland food, to Vestal's dismay. Hornet made several quips at her expense, and soon they were roasting each other.
She idly wondered if Commander Halsey was eating properly, as he seemingly had been skipping meals during the last few days. Apart from the CNO's briefing, they hadn't spoken much, and he seemed more focused on preparing his crew.
She didn't fault him for it.
Duty first.
But, deep down—a thought that surprised her—she did miss his company.
"Enttttyyyy! Hornet is bullying meeeeee!!!!!"
"Oh, come on," Hornet laughed. "Don't drag sis into this, Sara. Not with that fake crying."
Enterprise couldn't help but smile.
Then laugh.
It wasn't the kind of laughter that could be heard across the world. Not one that was so loud or hearty.
It was a quiet laughter but a warm one nonetheless.
Saratoga, who had been pouting, grinned and laughed too.
And Hornet was grinning from ear to ear, and soon, they were all laughing.
Laughing for no reason.
And it was good.
***
She couldn't sleep, so she decided to take a walk around Theodore Roosevelt.
The Commander's squadron would fly sorties from her flight deck, and she was hoping, in a way, to see him there.
He wasn't in the officer's quarters nor the flight deck, and he was unlikely to be in the CIC or the bridge.
So she went down the central hangar.
And found him.
He was in his flight suit, helmet in hand; his squadron members were already beginning to disperse. She waited until only one other remained, a slightly younger officer, who she guessed must be his XO.
They talked some more, and Enterprise idly overheared snippets of the conversation.
"—and you were a Phantom Phlyer. Always good people in my book, they are. Rest assured, skipper, we all think of you highly, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure the team is a success. After all, it's only the start."
"Thanks, Commander Graham. I'll see you later."
"Roger, skipper. Take care."
The man saluted, then left. He passed her by and nodded, smiling. Only then did the Commander notice her.
"Oh. Hello there, Enterprise. How long have you been standing there?"
"Not long," she replied. "Sorry, sir. Didn't mean to intrude."
"Ah, no worries," he said, putting his helmet under his arm. "It's a relief to see that you're well."
"Thanks, sir," she smiled, noting the trumpet-blowing angel on the side of his helmet. "How's the F-14? Have you tested it out yet?"
"Haha, yep. Not as complicated as I remembered. Turning better than the Phantom, too. And my crew...I think they'll be a great team. I believe in them...like I believe in you, Enterprise."
A faint blush crept up her cheeks, and she hoped the dim lighting would hide it, like whatever that hum was could hide the pounding of her heart.
"Thank...you, sir. And not just for me. Thank you for everything. You've always supported us. For protecting...all you care about. And your people. It's what makes you who you are."
The Commander's gaze softened, his shoulders relaxing. He looked down, for a moment, at his helmet, at the angel on its side, then back at her, this time the look in his eyes different, warmer.
And held longer.
"...Just...something I had to do, Enterprise. It's not a big deal."
"It is," she insisted, inching closer. "You did so much...for us. For Amy. Even bleeding, you protected her. And me...me, who should be protecting you. For a time...I thought...I would have to watch you die. But it's who you are, aren't you? A protector? But I couldn't underst—"
"Enterprise."
His voice was a whisper, but it cut through her words, stopping them.
She was a scant foot from him, and his free hand was now holding her arm, a gentle grip.
"Can I...tell you something?"
"Sir?"
"If you want to understand me...let me tell you a story. It's not...something I share with anyone."
"Yes, sir."
He looked up into her eyes, the warmth radiating from his like the sun.
But there was a distant pain there, too.
He told her to take a seat wherever she wanted. She chose a metal crate. He sat down across her, just a few feet away, his helmet placed between them.
"...I had a brother. I...idolized him. My parents did, too. My father, especially. He'd wanted to serve, just like my grandfather, but he wasn't drafted. They said he wasn't fit for combat."
She listened, not knowing what to say, watching him.
"But my brother went to the Navy through the ROTC, and he excelled there. He got his wings. My parents couldn't have been prouder. And then..."
Enterprise didn't have to guess. The heaviness of his voice spoke volumes.
"...He went to Vietnam. It was 1968. The letter came. He was flying a Skyraider to relieve ground troops. He...was shot down. His plane went up in flames. They could never retrieve his body."
He paused, taking a deep breath, though Enterprise didn't know what good it was for.
"I was only 16...then. My parents...my father especially, were devastated. And home was never the same again. My mother would always set up an extra plate for every meal as if waiting for him to walk through the door. My father would just...sit in his study, not moving. Sometimes he would just stare at the photos and sob. Admiral Roberts...she is a family friend, actually. She was only a Commander back then, but she was always there to offer her support. Tried her best to help us cope. But it was hard.
She was the one who persuaded me to go through with my plan to enroll in the USNA. I wasn't sure about it, but after she talked to me, I decided to go for it. Her husband was a Californian congressman, and he helped by nominating me. And, well, I got in. I went to Annapolis. Commander Roberts was an instructor there. She was at times harsh, but you know her—she's fair. I'm grateful for everything she has done. She...is the reason why I'm here."
He leaned back, but the gesture seemed to hardly relieve the pain.
"When I graduated from Annapolis, they were there. But it was like… they were just going through the motions. No celebration, no speeches about how proud they were. Just a quiet nod, a 'good job, son,' and that was it. But I never held it against them. They lost one son to war, and now their other son was following the same path. But I understood. It's why I had to do well. To honor my brother's memory. To keep anyone from feeling that kind of pain. That was why I went to Pensacola. Just like how he gave up his life to save those soldiers pinned down in the jungle, I was...ready to do the same. That's all I wanted to do. Lay down my life so others may live."
"Commander..."
"I used to think I had to prove something. That I had to be as good as my brother—maybe even better. But that's not why I'm still here. I fight because there's always something worth protecting. And because if I can keep just one more family from getting that knock on the door, then it's worth it. And this," he ran his fingers through the angel on his helmet, "...is my callsign. It was given as a nod to my hometown, and only that. But...for me, the meaning was much deeper. Angels are protectors, aren't they?"
He looked at her again, the pain fading.
Enterprise listened on, despite the emotions raging within her. For him to open up, and like this, was a first, and she wanted to honor that trust, show that she wouldn't take it for granted.
"And that was also why I remained a dutiful son. I still send my parents money, even if they don't need it. I try to keep in touch, though sometimes, it's difficult. When they grew frail and sick, I tried to care for them as much as I could, but it was hard. And one day...I...just talked with them. It took a long time, but before they passed, I think we finally understood each other. They didn't want me to live in my brother's shadow. And I didn't want them to feel like they'd lost me, too. I got to say my goodbyes properly. Not everyone gets that."
He finished his story, looking up at the ceiling, his face blank, but soon enough, the smile returned as if he was thinking back fondly of that time. No more regrets, just proper closure.
But that also meant he had no one else now.
Alone.
No, not alone.
He had them.
He had her.
"Sir...I...I'm glad you told me," Enterprise said, finding her voice. "It's not easy opening up, let alone sharing your pain."
"Thank you, Enterprise. It's been a long time since I've spoken to anyone like this. But you...we are...let's say we are quite birds of a feather, eh? Both of us fight to protect."
She smiled at the joke, but his words were true. They had so much in common.
"And you will never be alone in that, Commander. You are not fighting alone."
"Haha, right," Commander Halsey chuckled. "I'll be counting on you. All of you. Together, we will end this war. After that...I'm going to see Amy. There's something I need to tell her..."
Enterprise had an inkling what, but she wouldn't press. When the time came, she had a feeling she'd be there to hear it.
"I'm sure she would love to hear it."
"Yeah. Anyway, thank you, Enterprise...for everything. Get some rest, if you can. We have a long day ahead."
"I will, sir," she smiled, watching him stand. "Goodnight."
"Night."
The Commander turned and walked away, his helmet under his arm.
As she watched his back disappear into the elevator, her heart swelled.
It was a different kind of pride. And more than that, hope.
Hope for the future.
For both him and her.
For all of them.