The Double Bladed Sword

Prologue: Awakening

Bismack. A name that is the epitome of German Strength, both mentally and physically. The "Iron" Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who built and defined modern Germany, and the Bismarck, pride of the Kriegsmarine, made to rule the waves across the seven seas. Such exploits have carved the name Bismarck into every mind. The phrase, Iron and Blood, follows them like a faithful hound, the words were constantly mentioned in their descriptions. Such power and fame made the Manifestations of latter enticing to the Sirens to manipulate and experiment.

Charged with the task of the evolution of mankind to combat a foe in the distant future by their mysterious Creator, they waged a fearsome war at sea and land in alternate timelines, each one with a different variable or boundary to feed their insatiable hunger for data. In some cases, the Sirens revealed their goals to a chosen to few for their desired result, a united front plunged into civil war to maximise data collection. All this in the name of humanity's advancement.

Amongst the many timelines were two dark figures skating across rough, pale waves of the North Atlantic. The Tallest wore ancient armour of a bygone era, clutching an embellished standard in the left gauntlet with a broad sword dangling in its scabbard on the waist. Beside the dark paladin was its loyal escort. Instead of complex, decorated, overlapping plating there were singular pieces with gaps for mobility. A smaller, but no less dangerous rapier was attached to a shield in the shape of the Iron Cross.

"Have you detected any Sirens?" inquired the paladin after evading a large wave, The sun was weak, shrouded in heavy clouds, with thick fog lying on top of the waves. Only pure instinct prevented them being drenched in sea water.

The Escort glanced at its radar before shaking its helmet, "Negative, however Royal Navy Ships are closing in, Lord Bismarck"

Bismarck scowled under the armour. The Mission had been compromised from the very start. A Royal Navy Patrol had been waiting for them at the Denmark Straits with HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales. Only their experimental stealth technology and Bismarck's chiding had evaded the fleet. The Sirens where evidently feeding them information.

"Affirmative," the flagship hesitated before asking in a low tone, "Prinz Eugen, what are the chances of escaping back to allied territory?"

"None," replied Eugen without hesitation, "The closest allied port in Iris hands. Despite their best efforts to conceal us, Eagle Union would immediately spot us, and the Royal Navy would besiege the port until our surrender or demise."

The pair sailed in silence as reality slapped them. Initially, their mission was a simple as garrison duty. A search and destroy against the Siren fleets operating in the area to relieve pressure off their ally, Iris Orthodoxy, with their fight to maintain their coast from Eagle Union. That was until the intervention of the Royal Navy. The Royalists' decision to enter the war was a shock to all, but it wasn't as a surprise that politicians had made it. Technology was not a matter to be trifled with. 

A silent ping brought the attention of both Ironblood ships. A quick examination of the hydrophones confirmed their fears. "Two fast moving turbine ships at 280 relative bearing," noted Eugen. Bismarck nodded. If they could detect them, it would only be a matter of time before the reverse was true. "Permission to engage? They are unlikely to be capital ships, most likely cruisers given the Royal Navy's preference for the class."

"Granted, maintain distance to prevent identification. I shall provide support in the form of covering fire."

The Ironblood Heavy cruiser predictably declined, "No. My lord, I do not wish to trouble you with two mere heavy cruisers. You should save yourself for their capital ships."

"While true," countered Bismarck, "It would only the Sirens if you were sunk. You, yourself, is irreplaceable while any ammunition can be resupplied. Do not hesitate to call fire my guns"