Legends

Chapter 46~ Temper, Temper

Having Alaska's division of cruisers in Europe somewhat unsettled Wisconsin. It wasn't that she disliked the Japanese cruisers. Rather, she found them a very pleasant sort to be around if a bit eccentric. But she had gotten used to the presence of fellow Americans. Even Prinz Eugan had shown she was more than worthy of the flag she now flew. So, when word reached her of a lone Abyssal force attacking South Korea, there was an extra spring in her step as she reported to the Admiral's office.

New Jersey and Missouri were on either side of her with both Yamato's trailing close behind. None of the carriers were asked to participate in this operation. Intelligence indicated that this force was primarily battlecruisers and battleships with a handful of destroyers. It would be a slugfest. If speed wasn't essential, Wisconsin had no doubt that Arizona and Pennsylvania would be asked to join as well. But while powerful, a standard couldn't hope to keep up with an Iowa even on their best day.

"I don't care how you do it. Get it done." Admiral Goto ordered.

"Yes sir!" New Jersey snapped off a salute and guided them all out.

Naka and the Dukies would be joining them with the Taffies being a given. Teruzuki was worried about leaving Pennsylvania when the standard was still so obviously grieving for Kawakaze but Mutsu assured her she'd look after the American.

The group departed Sasebo at dawn and raced south. With the Yamato's being slower, it was decided that the force split in two with Naka and the Duckies providing escort for the two Japanese battlewagons. Musashi was more than a little jealous of her counterpart's speed and got the obligatory teasing from New Jersey but overall the sniping was precisely what it was meant to be. Good natured teasing between lovers. The Americans continued south with New Jersey giving both her sister's a whack on the head for their catcalls.

They reached the combat zone in just under a day. By the time they arrived it was clear the coastal garrisons had fallen to the enemy. The Abyssal sea force was no where to be seen, presumably they were on land getting resupplied or doing whatever it was Abyssals did after they captured a territory. None wanted to dwell on it, especially New Jersey who had seen the fucked up shit on Woody Island.

"Anyone feel like a little shore bombardment?" She asked.

"Why, yes. I do believe I've been feeling a little cooped up." Missouri grinned as she fell in line behind New Jersey.

"I have 500 HE rounds and now I have place to put them." Wisconsin purred as she completed the line. The Taffies settled into a standard escort position just to the seaward of the battleships, ready to alert them if anyone showed up. Wisconsin trusted her sister's favorite murderballs to alert them, she just wasn't sure if they wouldn't have their own fun first before doing so.

In any case, she had other things to worry about. She joined her sisters in bombarding the shore. The rounds made impressive impacts in the countryside, producing distinctive plumes of smoke and dirt. Even from five miles out, all three Iowa's could see the enemy scrambling for cover with more still prepping their batteries to return fire.

Missouri identified several large guns, 155 mm at least if they were that large, as they swung around to aim at the American fleet offshore. New Jersey took care of the batteries behind it that were also turning to engage. Missouri was still reloading. The thirty seconds felt like an eternity, especially once she saw the distinctive flash of return fire.

"MOTHERFUCKER!" Wisconsin swore.

In such a close formation, neither Missouri nor New Jersey could risk turning around to look although both knew their sister had been hit. Judging by how pissed she sounded, it didn't seem to be serious. Both had heard the stories but neither actually believed they'd see their sweet younger sister actually lose her temper.

The shell had done the damage equivalent of chipped paint but nonetheless Wisconsin was seeing red. "ALRIGHT FUCKERS! YOU WANNA PLAY? I'LL PLAY! ALL GUNS, FIIIRREEEE!!!!!"

New Jersey and Missouri turned in time to see Wisconsin fire a full broadside from her nine rifles, her secondaries also going off for good measure. Her aim was spot on and the battery disappeared in a haze of smoke and flame. But Wisconsin wasn't finished. Oh no, not by a long shot! When the Abyssal fleet finally gathered on the beach, she set her sights on them. New Jersey and Missouri provided support but that's all it was. Wisconsin was running this ass whooping! It ended when the entire beach and the hill behind it finally surrendered to the power of her main guns and vanished in a colossal explosion, the remains dropping into the sea.

Silence reigned for several minutes as both New Jersey and Missouri worked to get their jaws working again. Even the Taffies were silent as they were in awe of the power that was an Iowa-class rage.

Wisconsin for her part, was panting heavily her eyes narrowed as she pushed a strand of copper hair back out of her face. She turned to her sisters. Missouri was grinning and opened her mouth to speak.

"Say it and I'll make those the last words you ever say!" Wisconsin hissed.

Missouri closed her mouth again and New Jersey simply laughed. "Hell yeah! That's my little sister!" She cheered.

Johnston started clapping like she'd just seen the best show she'd ever seen which to be fair, she probably had.

"I knew you had it you. I just didn't think I'd ever see it." Missouri said.

"Nice work, Wisky." New Jersey said. "Shame you had to destroy that beach though. It looked like a prime sunbathing spot."

"Can we just go home now?" Wisconsin asked, face flushing with embarrassment. "And leave my temper out of this?!"

Her sisters just laughed while the Taffies crowded around her with almost a worshipful air.