(Remaster) The Ship of the Tempest

Opposite Reflection

The time had come sooner rather than later, as many had hoped for.

Rossiya was gathering everyone together, all from both the reinforcement and the girls already living there, all for the announcement prior to their leave to the Arctic. In that talk was plans that were gone over, such as positioning, possible threats to encounter, and much more that could jeopardize anyone's safety and combat effectiveness.

Yet in each plan gone over, they never included Z73 into the fray of their usual tactics, and knowing how they tend to be, that meant she had a different job than everyone else. If it's what it'll be for her expertise, she's getting behind enemy lines to go straight for Omitter and take out the big shot before anyone else has to try.

A strategy she hopes she gets to use today.

"Now everyone, remember all of this, for you'll need it if you want to survive! We're going to go into the thick of it all, so if you screw up once, you'll end up dead!"

Rossiya didn't mince her words for this coming battle, wanting everyone to know just what they were getting into. This was possibly the most dangerous place on the planet for the Kansen now, what with the massive Siren activity and the frigid cold bordering on freezing their ships solid.

If they screw up, they're dead, just like she said.

"Any questions?"

...

"Good! Form up and get into your ranks, we sail once the sun rises above the waves!"

Everyone scattered off to do as they were told, activating Riggings and jumping to the waters to join up with their allies on the waves. Soon enough, all that was left was Rossiya and Z73, who were stuck staring at one another.

"...And you, Z73."

"Let me guess, I'm going into the thick of it alone?"

Rossiya smiled, the hints of vindictiveness shining through. "But of course, aren't you a one woman army?"

"I am, but this isn't no ordinary place anyways. I got Omitter and Adapter in there, I'll need the help."

"I know that, which is why we will deliver the strikes as fast as possible and take out our enemies, then we will advance inside the Fortress Omitter hides in and join your battle."

Z73's eyes sharpened, her eyes slowly turning red. "And how long is that going to take?"

"Who knows?"

...

The German clicked her tongue, walking past Rossiya out towards the docks. "I know you're staying behind on this Rossiya, so you better watch out for Marco."

"What makes you so sure I'm staying here?"

With a glance over her shoulder, Z73 gave her a final glance as she put on her mask, her eyes fully changing to red. "With how carelessly you're throwing my life away, it's only fitting you wouldn't want to be caught in the crossfire."

With her final words said, she continued on and left Rossiya behind, the woman staring into her back with what could only have been disdain. The woman was a prude thanks to this war, and so, thanks to how much chaos Z73 had already caused her, it's no wonder she's hoping she can either win this, or die trying.

Whatever it may be, she's getting the job down one way or another.
—————

The waters only grew more dense with ice, and the girls all finally put on better clothing for the Arctic weather. Magdeburg especially bundled up, looking pretty comical with how thick her coat was.