7. Recommissioned, Then Captured

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Just like that, news came in of the People's Republic Army Navy's defeat at Midway sent shockwaves throughout China. The loss of two cruisers, five destroyers and two of their three carriers was a mortal blow to their fleet power as with only one, they would barely stand a chance against the Western Allies but despite being in the face of this, the Chinese Communist Party didn't accept defeat and went to bring fleet strength back up again but the move they did was not a good idea.

Tai Yuan: (via phone) We've been recommissioned?! We're too old!

An Shan: I know, and we're not going to be modernised either. This is just a death sentence to us.

Tai Yuan: (via phone) But why us? There's already modern warships with our names with yours being a Type 055 and mine a Type 052D.

An Shan: Tai Yuan, they... they were sunk at Midway. We have no choice as it was either be recommissioned or we're executed.

Tai Yuan: (via phone) They can't! It's against the International KAN-SEN Protection and Wellbeing Treaty!

An Shan: How many treaties and Geneva Conversation rules have our home violated so far, Tai Yuan? We're being called back to service.

Tai Yuan: (via phone) Ok... (could be heard sobbing before the phone line disconnects)

An Shan: (sighs) She knows something that's not good, and I have a sinking feeling I know what it is.

Puget Sound Navy Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington State, USA

Naval officer: (knocks) Nuclear cruiser USS Long Beach CGN-9.

LB: Hull going for scrap?

Naval officer: Nope. (Slips a newspaper through the letter slot, then walks away)

LB: (Heads to the door and picks up the newspaper, reading the front page) "US calls for replacements following Second Battle of Midway." Great, another battle of Midway has occurred. (Reads deeper) Wait... "Long decommissioned cruiser USS Long Beach to be recommissioned and reconstructed." Bull, never be done in time. Pentagon must be desperate to recommission me.

Long Beach got up and headed for the main office of Puget Sound to see why on Earth she was being recommissioned despite the fact her hull was just about ready for the scrap heap. It didn't make sense to former nuclear-powered guide-missile cruiser as the reactors have been defueled and the superstructure removed. She went start to the office and not only did she see the commander-in-chief but also Nimitz.

LB: Well, if it ain't the "Old Salt" herself?

Nimitz: Hmm. Very funny, "Box Top".

LB: Oh, haha. Trying to make a nickname for me as I never had one. Right, what's this I hear that I'm being recommissioned? Are yous mad?

Chief: Nope. It'll also be a  reconstruction with assistance from Nimitz here.

Nimitz: Your old reactors maybe known for leaking radioactive material but could be solved. We're adapting the design of nuclear reactor on the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers to your hull.

LB: You're nuts, Nimitz. My hull's nothing but good for a couple of spoons and forks now. Recommissioning me just shows that Eagle Union is loosing and desperate for ships after Midway.

Chief: No, it's a stopgap as the next Arleigh Burkes ordered by congress won't be ready in time. You're so far that the President has requested to be recommissioned.

Nimitz: And before you ask, no Aegis.

LB: Not fair. The kids get to play with the new toys and us old dogs don't get our fair share.

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