Brooklyn Navy Yard, once a major hub for ship construction and repair, had been turned into a staging area.
Perhaps for a hopeless fight.
But a fight, nonetheless.
And that's what they were born for. To fight, to defend.
To protect.
There was a constant clanging of tools meeting metal, thick smoke from all the repair work on assets the Navy could salvage, and no shortage of workers and seamen scrambling and running around. The smell of oil and seawater was thick.
Her sisters and friends had practically thrown themselves at her the moment they saw her, and she couldn't help but laugh and hug them back despite her exhaustion and even Yorktown's ceaseless fussing and coddling, as well as Hornet's incessant chatter.
Tears were spilled, and even someone as flippant as Saratoga wasn't immune—she wouldn't admit it, though, and was quick to make a few jokes at Enterprise's expense...then quickly got quiet again as if realizing something.
She was immensely relieved to find New Jersey alive, if a little banged up, and received a hard slap to the back from the equally relieved battleship. But she was solemn, too—the weight of Norfolk's loss had finally sunk in, and she was still in disbelief that it had happened.
After the high of the emotions calmed down, they told her everything she needed to know.
Some had been sent to New England to safeguard the refugee shelters and evacuation routes. The foreign KANSENs were a great boon, and their numbers had grown, even if not as many as they had hoped. The survivors were not as few as they feared, even if they arrived battered and bruised and needing thorough repairs.
But for once, there was a reason to hope.
A reason to go on.
Even in the darkness, there was light.
She hadn't seen the Commander since their arrival at the Yard, but he was likely working on his report, hopefully after some rest.
She would have to go and check up on him later.
For now, she was glad that she could reunite with everyone, to see them safe even if wounded, even if the circumstances were less than desirable.
And sooner or later...
She will have to reveal the truth.
***
The medical ward, makeshift but well-equipped, was not that far from the living quarters. When she arrived, Vestal told her that the Commander had just left. She was skeptical about him wanting to fly, and though the healer was worried about his health, she cleared him for duty anyway, but not without reminding him not to push himself.
Perhaps she had seen in him the same thing Enterprise saw, and there was no point trying to dissuade him.
Vestal looked haggard, like she'd had too little sleep, and it was unsurprising. Technicians could only do so much, and her power was the best remedy for the injured KANSENs.
But she perked up anyway when she noticed the carrier's presence, and she was quick to wrap her in a warm hug.
But she had a feeling that this wouldn't be just a simple reunion.
Vestal had a knack for noticing things about fellow KANSEN.
Commander Halsey didn't escape Norfolk unscathed.
So was she.
And Vestal would've noticed, or at least have some clue.
Each subtle reaction, the twitching, the shiver, the tensing up.
"Are you alright, Enty?" Vestal inquired. "Please, be honest."
"I'm...fine, Vestal," she smiled. But it hurt to smile. It hurt to lie. "Really. I'm fine."
Vestal glanced over her shoulder at the massive machine behind her; its hum and the whirring gears were the only noises in the room.
"Please don't take this as distrust. We will have to run a scan on you. And...if you...are not telling me the whole story...I'm going to ask again. But know that it pains me to see you hiding things. You're my friend, and I'd like to think you'd trust me."
"Vestal, I..."
"And you know very well that it would be difficult to hide anything from me."
"Vestal...I..." Enterprise trailed off, and Vestal took her hand.
"Look. If there's something troubling you, let's fix it together. If there's something weighing on your heart, tell me. Please."
"They...did something to me," Enterprise sighed. "And I can feel myself changing...I've been struggling with my planes. I've been dreaming things. What if people start to doubt me because of this? They wouldn't want a weapon that is faulty, right?"
"Enty, no one doubts you," Vestal soothed, rubbing her shoulder. "And you've already proved yourself time and again. Let's run that check on you, and I'll see what I can do. Then, we can talk. Okay? And you know I will do my best to help."
"...Okay."
"Now, let's take a look at you."
The scan was not painful, but the experience was still discomforting. Being stripped of your clothes and having a scanner running over your body wasn't exactly fun. But Vestal's presence, her calm and soothing demeanor, did help.
It was like a long, arduous physical. She could feel her heartbeat growing louder, thumping like a march, and the lights, with their erratic blinking, didn't help ease her any. When the machine finished, she put on her clothes, and Vestal began looking over the data. The way she frowned and muttered to herself, how she kept rereading the records, flicking through its pages, and mumbling to herself, wasn't reassuring—even more so when color seemed to drain from her face.
"...What's wrong, Vestal?" Enterprise asked, only for the healer to stare straight into her eyes after seemingly struggling to gather herself.
Horror, anger, sadness.
A pregnant pause.
And then...
"OR. Now."
***
KANSEN surgery was, thankfully, not a very common occurrence. Considering their physiology, it was rare for their bodies to be harmed so severely that the damage could not be easily fixed.
But now, for the first time in a while, a surgery was to be performed.
Not with a team of surgeons but with a few skilled technicians and a lone healer. The former were not on standby but could be quickly gathered if need be.
They were already setting up equipment when they arrived, and Vestal told Enterprise to lay on the operating table.
"Sorry. I owe you an explanation," Vestal said, her voice almost breaking, putting on a mask and surgical gown. "But...the enemy...they implanted something inside you. I don't know if that's the cause of your condition...but it needs to be taken out before it can fully take hold...or affect your Wisdom Cube. If we don't hurry..."
She trailed off, her eyes darting to the machine looming over the table, then the technicians, who had begun to power it up.
"But before that, I'm asking for your consent. There are risks involved, and while you will be unconscious, your mind might go through a lot. We could keep you sedated, but your body needs to stay awake so that your Wisdom Cube can repair you. And...there's no telling what will happen. So..."
Enterprise turned to her and reached out, squeezing her hand.
"Yes," she said, her voice resolute.
She was done hesitating.
If she could have a chance to fight back with all her might, then she would seize it.
Vestal squeezed back and nodded.
"You have always been like a sister to me, Enty. To all of us. And I won't let anything happen to you. I'll protect you. With everything I have."
"Thank you, Vestal," Enterprise smiled. "And...I'll do the same."
"Then...it's time."
"Okay."
The needle was the last thing she saw before the world around her faded.
And the last thing she heard,
in a voice she'd never known,
Why are you fighting?
***
"Fascinating."
The voice was clinical, almost devoid of emotion.
There was an undercurrent of glee. Of interest.
But no empathy. No sympathy.
"An anomaly, here, in this very simulation? Purifier will be delighted. Shall we begin the containment protocol?"
"Not yet. The aberration has to prove itself. The relation with the other variable is too important to ignore."
"Shall we proceed with the attenuation protocol, then?"
"If the anomaly is to be examined, a certain level of stability has to be maintained. Yes, let us commence the procedure."
"Understood. Initiating attenuation."
She felt like she was being chained, her consciousness slipping even further, like she was being dragged into an abyss.
The darkness was complete, but the cold was unbearable.
What were they doing...?
How did she get here?
Norfolk.
The battle.
What happened next?
Was she too careless?
Commander...!
"Beginning the next phase."
"Next phase commencing. More study to follow."
***
Norfolk was burning, its skies choked with thick, black smoke.
She was back.
Back in Norfolk.
But was it the present or the past?
There was no telling.
But the place was the same.
She was lying on the cold asphalt while the Naval Station was aflame, and the air filled with sounds of destruction, with Grim looming over her, tilting his head aside.
"Grim..." She croaked. "You're okay...thank goodness...Sorry for worrying you..."
The eagle nuzzled her cheek, and she reached out, petting his feathers.
"Enterprise...!"
Commander Halsey, clutching his wounded side, staggered into view. His uniform was soaked with blood, his face pale and drawn.
"Sir!"
He had survived, and so was she. Whatever they did to her...it didn't seem to stick.
The night sky was brightened not by the moon but by the city's flames.
"We need to move," she said, grabbing the Commander and letting him lean against her. "This place is a lost cause."
"New...Jersey is...still holding them off," he mumbled, his breath rattling, "She'd sent her namesake away...John F. Kennedy...is lost. Theodore Roosevelt is...too badly damaged...I don't know if she'll make it...But we...need to retreat..."
She sprung into action, scooping him up in her arms, and he directed her to his car, the old AMC Matador he'd always been so proud of. She opened the door and helped him into the backseat, then hurried to the driver's side.
"Hurry, please...I'm not gonna last long. You'll have to leave me. Just...get yourself out."
"No, sir, I'm not leaving you."
"Enterprise, listen..."
"Sir, please."
Commander Halsey stared at her for a long moment before smiling sadly and leaning back in his seat.
Enterprise scrambled for a first-aid kit, found it in the glove compartment, and took stock of her supplies.
Only enough for a single use.
But it would have to do.
"Admiral Roberts...is ordering every unit available...every survivor, from Norfolk to Oceana, to rush to New York...I...don't know if anyone's left in Norfolk, Enterprise. We need to go there. I can't..." He coughed, his lips stained red, "I can't contact them."
"We'll find a way, sir," she replied, dressing his wounds and giving him the only dose of painkiller she could find. She knew it wouldn't be enough, and she was afraid of hurting him, but she had no other choice. He didn't complain, and that worried her even more. She'd wanted to ask what wounded him so, but she knew this was not the time.
She ordered Grim to stay in the passenger's seat and keep the Commander company.
And then, they were off, speeding away from the burning Naval Station and the wrecked fleet.
Only then did she begin feeling
That something was off.
Her senses were screaming, but there was nothing to indicate danger.
No, not quite.
But what?
***
"This is a risky procedure...her Wisdom Cube could be irreparably damaged."
Blurry, almost white figures stood around her.
The voice wasn't pressing, wasn't distressed. It was matter-of-fact, with an undertone of indifference.
"There's no other way! It's corrupting her!"
Vestal?
The voice was more forceful, almost pleading, before it turned into distorted whispers.
She could see what seemed to be a hand covered in red, reaching out.
The touch was ice cold.
She could feel it.
"I'm just warning you, Ve—"
More garbled voices.
"—sive corruption. But if we don't do this..."
"You have never dealt with a case like this! It's the only way!"
"We have no choice. We're beginning the purging. Let's hope it's not too late."
A searing, throbbing, jabbing pain.
***
Why did she fail?
If only she were stronger, she could've made a difference. Save everything like she was meant to be.
Why did they fall?
Because she wasn't good enough?
Because she was weak?
They had placed so much trust in her.
And she let them down.
"But you fought, Enterprise. You did well."
"I should've done more, sir."
"So am I. But I'm not giving up. Are you?"
"No, sir."
The road stretched on, seemingly to infinity.
***
The dream came back.
The dance.
But it wasn't the same.
"Sir...why are you...?"
She was wearing a dress.
Commander Halsey, in a tuxedo, held her close.
The lights dimmed.
And then, the song.
The same haunting melody.
"Sir, why are you..."
"Just this once, I'll allow you to call me Jerry, and just that. We won, after all."
"Sir, you're not making sense. You're hurt. You need to rest."
"I'll rest when I'm dead. And we have to dance. Just one last time."
"I can't dance. Sir."
"Let's try."
The dance was awkward.
She didn't know where to step or how to move.
And he was no better.
They stumbled and stepped on each other's feet, and he laughed at his mistakes, but she only had a smile, trying to hold back her amusement.
But when the song was over, the Commander pulled her close.
And she could feel the warmth, the softness of his lips, and his gentle, trembling hands.
"I'm sorry. But I can't lose you."
***
"It's spiking! What's happening?"
"Hold her down, please! Her vitals are critical!"
"The corruption is spreading!"
"Damn it, this thing doesn't want to be removed!"
"J—just a little bit more, Enty! Hang on! Please!"
***
Hulks of broken ships littered the waters.
The waters were strange. Still like a polished mirror.
Storm clouds over Norfolk, but no rain.
But those sights were already miles behind her.
Her thoughts were not as clear.
The Commander was delirious in the backseat.
"Don't...leave...please."
***
"Iso—"
The voice was getting clearer.
"—lating."
"Stabilization...complete."
"Wake up soon, pl—"
"Vestal, calm d—"
***
Painless, like a dream.
She woke up to find Vestal at the bedside, slumbering, her hand clutching Enterprise's. Nobody else was there.
The machines had stopped, their screens now dark, and the lights were out, leaving only a dim lamp as her source of illumination.
Her body felt numb, but at the same time, lighter. Like a heavy burden had been lifted.
Like she had woken up from a nightmare.
The room was peaceful.
A soft glow.
The hum of machines and the smell of disinfectant didn't feel oppressive anymore.
She touched her chest. Her face. Her arm.
Her hands.
They no longer twitch.
It felt like waking up from a fever dream.
She blushed a little when she recalled part of what she saw, but couldn't help but let the smile break free.
Was it a vision of the future or her desires?
Either way, she was thankful.
"Mhmmm...Enty?"
Vestal had awoken, and the sight of her brought the carrier great relief.
"Vestal," she smiled. "Thank you."
"I'm so glad you're awake," Vestal said. Her eyes seemed to glisten. "We...lost you, for a moment. The corruption was spreading, and we had to use the prototype to purge it. But I'm glad it worked."
"And you have my thanks," Enterprise squeezed her hand, "I'm sorry I worried you. About that...what was it? Was that really...?"
"It has been sent to the labs."
Enterprise frowned. Vestal, who seemed to know what was going on inside her head, rubbed her shoulder.
"No need to worry about that anymore, Enty," she whispered. "What is more important is that you're safe and will return to fighting form. You will recover."
"Thanks, Vestal."
"I'll leave you to rest," Vestal said, standing up. "The others will be glad to hear. And...I'm sure the Commander will, too."
Enterprise watched her leave, the door closing with a soft thud, and closed her eyes.
The battle, when it came, would not be kind.
And even if they won...
Would that be the end of it?
No.
No, it wouldn't.
She could remember everything they said now.
She once entertained the thought only as a possibility, but now she was convinced that there was more to it.
Their enemy was not seeking conquest, nor were they come to exterminate.
They were testing.
And if they were testing, losing this battle would likely just motivate them to ramp up the stakes.
Or worse, they will decree it as a lost cause and simply end the world.
But if that was the case, she would show them what humanity could do.
If she couldn't fight the abyss head-on, then she would have to find another way.
***
She was stirred awake by the soft voice.
Not imaginary. Real.
"Enterprise?"
The door opened to reveal Commander Halsey, now looking healthier than ever, though the tired expression hadn't faded.
"Sir."
He closed the door behind him and took the seat previously occupied by Vestal.
"Vestal told me what happened," he sighed, taking her hand. "I...I didn't know. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault, sir," Enterprise smiled, squeezing his hand.
"But I failed to notice...You seemed...normal. Except for that one time you unleashed those planes, you didn't seem different. But I should've known better."
"It's alright, sir. I don't even know what they did. And even if we could figure it out, we'd have to take it to the lab, and they'd need months to study it."
"Yeah. But still, I feel responsible."
"Please don't, sir," Enterprise said, her expression turning grim. "But thank you for showing that you care."
"Haha, yeah. Well...there's a big fight coming, and I want you to recover. We need you, Enterprise."
"And you, sir."
"Me? Haha. You flatter me. But tell you what, I spoke to Admiral Roberts again. She was stubborn at first, but after I reminded her that she was the one who convinced me to earn my wings, she finally allowed me to fly again. There is this squadron from Naval Air Station Oceana that is without a leader. So she put me in charge of it."
"Ah...that's...good, sir. I'm glad. I take it your condition has improved?"
"Yep. Mostly. At least the G-force training is helping."
"And you will be flying in a..."
"F-14. I got assigned a pretty green RIO, though. But we will manage."
"F-14? You've never flown one before."
"Actually, I had a couple hundred hours of Tomcat experience as a test pilot," he smiled. "If I may brag, pilots like me have an asset. Instinct. Sometimes that's all you need. And if I may brag again, the brass at Pensacola said I was a natural. Admiral Roberts told me she hoped I wouldn't prove them wrong...posthumously."
Enterprise laughed, shaking her head. Only when talking about this sort of thing could Commander Jeremiah Halsey forget his modesty.
But he earned it.
"That's good to hear, sir."
"Yeah. It is. Well then...rest, Enterprise. We'll never know when we will strike...or be struck first."
His countenance turned a little grim, but only for a moment. It was quickly replaced by the warm smile he always gave her, one she returned in kind.
"Yes, sir."