USS Johnston (DDG-175) "Fog of War"

Chapter 1

I awaken from a very terrifying sleep as an alarm blare throughout my room. I huff in terror as I get myself up from my bed, putting my hands on my face as I try to recall the dream.

It was fuzzy, mostly dark and cold and any other details becoming mist. I stand up and pound the irritating alarm clock. Once finished, I stretched to get my limbs active after a long sleep.

I am USS Johnston, named after the Fletcher class destroyer, USS Johnston DD-557. She sacrificed her life to protect her comrades from an invading force that threaten the important invasion in the pacific. I bring myself out for my thoughts as I finish showering and getting on my kansen uniform.

I am the living embodiment of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer, mass produced warship for the US Navy. I had just completed my 6-month cruise to get all of my systems broken in. Luckily there is an exercise that is due in a few days. Its called Nordic Response, basically its a Norwegian led operation where NATO forces are conducting exercises in the artic regions, along with that is a target ship that will be used to be the receiving end of our weapons as a replacement for any enemy forces coming after our landing forces.

I open my blinds in the room I am residing in, the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth stands above the buildings as it sits in the port awaiting orders from command.

Just then a knock on my door and is opened when I relpied. Carney stands in the doorway, looking at me

Carney: Johnston, meeting is going live.

I nod and we both made our way to the command post where all of the kansen are crowded in the room, talking to each other as I find a spot behind Queen Elizabeth and next to her is Gerald R Ford, the two carriers are conversing when a soldier opens the door.

All conversation is killed at the drop of a hat and the commander comes into the room with a folder.

Commander: At ease. Now, this exersize is going to be a beach landing operation, the 2nd marine company on Wasp will lead the "rescue force" where they will go inland and recapture key towns near the coast.

The commander flips through the papers.

Commander: Rest of everyone will be near the coast at grid Q17 at the island to conduct live weapon fire, after will be a mock battle of target ships will come to disrupt our forces from recapturing the towns. Now that the brief is over, any concerns?

Noone says anything, until Queen Elizabeth raises her hand.

Elizabeth: I might have a problem, I am currently having some engine issues, and I am currently getting it worked on, but I will rejoin the fleet not long after.

The commander sighs at the news and pulls back his hair as he thinks about the sudden delay.

Commander: (Nods his head) Alright, you. You will be her escort until she rejoins

the commander points to me, which I silently nod in confirmation. The commander says his goodbyes and leaves the room. A few moments after, all conversation picks up as Queen Elizabeth leaves the room immediately.

Ford: Liz, so sorry about your troubles, I will try to keep the fleet speed to a crawl until you catch up. God knows what command might say.

Elizabeth: Don't worry, we will catch up in no time, just get yourselves ready. I won't be long.

Elizabeth turns to me and wiggles a finger in a come along towards me. As we go outside, the carrier turns around and holds my hand in comfort

Elizabeth: Now that we are out of everyone's ear, I have a bit of a confession... My systems are fine, I just want to have a bit of tea with a friend that is staying here for a bit, hope that is ok with you and to keep this a secret?