Pax Propter Vim [Azur Lane Fanfic]

Chapter 17

USS Zumwalt Bridge, Port of Singapore.

December 17, 1941.

The bridge of USS Zumwalt was bathed in a cool blue glow from the holographic projections, its sleek, advanced design a stark contrast to the older warships moored in the harbor outside. The air inside was thick with the mingling scent of polished steel, oil, and the subtle aroma of coffee in metal cups—some officers, hardened by war, clung to caffeine as if it were a lifeline.

Gathered around the tactical table were the most important figures of the Allied war effort in the Pacific: Admiral William Halsey, General Douglas MacArthur, General Gordon Bennett from Australia, General Arthur Percival of the British Army, General Maxwell of the 25th Infantry Division, and high-ranking Dutch officers representing the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. However, the true centerpieces of this meeting stood among them—four figures who, despite their human appearance, were nothing short of legends in the making.

Zumwalt, the host of the meeting, stood at the head of the table, arms crossed. Unlike the others, she was not clad in the dull khaki of an officer but rather a sleek naval uniform adorned with the insignia of the United States Navy. Her short pale blone comb nicely, and her sharp green eyes radiated confidence. Beside her was George, USS George H.W Bush, her deep navy-blue coat draped over her shoulders like a cape, exuding the authoritative presence of a carrier’s commander. To her right stood Wales, HMS Prince of Wales, a striking figure in a dark red-and-gold military uniform with a saber at her side, representing the honor of the British battleship fleet. Finally, Orzel, the Polish submarine, leaned against the console, her ever-watchful emerald eyes scanning the projections with quiet intensity.

Admiral Halsey cleared his throat, straightening his uniform as he glanced around the table. "Alright, gentlemen… and ladies." His gaze momentarily lingered on the four shipgirls, acknowledging their presence before shifting back to the gathering of officers. "First, I’d like to extend my thanks to Miss Zumwalt for allowing us to use her bridge for this briefing."

"No problem, sir." Zumwalt responded with a small smile.

Halsey nodded and gestured to the massive holographic display above the table, where a three-dimensional map of Southeast Asia flickered into view. The map was marked with colored lines—blue for Allied-controlled territory, red for Japanese forces, and neutral zones in a dull gray. The tactical overlays, developed from reconnaissance reports, detailed enemy supply lines, naval movements, and key strategic positions.

*Well, I’ll get started." Halsey continued, his voice calm yet commanding. "The situation in the Pacific is changing by the hour. As you all know, Hong Kong is under siege. The Japanese have taken heavy losses, but they’re desperate for a decisive victory. We’ve received intelligence from Miss Orzel, who infiltrated the waters off Indochina. According to her reports, several high-ranking Japanese officers and warships have been spotted, including General Sakai, IJN Nagato, and—" He paused momentarily, his eyes darkening. "—something about Yamato."

At the mention of Yamato, an unsettling silence fell over the room. The implications were clear—if Japan was deploying their most powerful assets, the war was about to escalate. And what this about Yamato anyways?

"For now, intelligence is still limited." Halsey admitted, folding his arms. "But we have an opportunity here. I intend to lead a follow-up assault north along the Indochinese coast. We’ll strike their bases, cripple their supply lines, and keep them off balance until we reach Hong Kong."

MacArthur adjusted his sunglasses and leaned forward. "Why follow the coastline? That’s practically announcing our intentions to them."

Before Halsey could respond, George stepped forward, her voice smooth but firm. "Because we need them to see us, General." Her piercing gaze met MacArthur’s, her words carrying the weight of years of naval warfare experience. Even though she just recently become shipgirls. "If they focus on our movements along the coast, they’ll divert resources away from Malaya and Burma, giving our forces breathing room. And by the time they realize what’s happening, it’ll be too late to stop us."