Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Butterfly Effect

"En Liberté, Nous Avons Confiance."

Freedom. The word itself spells a significance in the hearts of humanity, to be able to feel free from the Fog's reign of the ocean.

The term is also not new to us, for we have experienced moments where individuals and communities want to break free from their oppressors' rule.

France, a nation whom many sought to be the land of the free liberal with the spirit of the people believing in the idea.

She was also one of the major powers during the years before the First World War, and on par with her old rival; Great Britain. Possessing a mighty fleet of ships that contributed in many battles, such as for America's Independence and supporting the Allied Forces during World War Two.

France suffered tremendous defeat in the Industrial Era 3 times by her closest enemy; Prussia which soon became a united Germany. And the peak of the weakness materialised itself during the Second World War when Germany's war machine tore through the land of liberty and tainted the skies with fear. Paris fell in a short time as the government splits, one helping the Germans while the other towards the British.

When the Fleet of Fog first appeared, the European countries knew what was coming and they were prepared for any attack or invasion. However, not as prepared to counter any laser weapons or even defend themselves against a hail of devastating missiles that could make an American Super Aircraft Carrier turn into an old galleon.

The French Navy was utterly demolished and became obsolete as Fog U-Boats swarms the Atlantic, hunting in wolfpacks to maximise the effect towards sinking of ships.

With the same case as what happened in Pearl Harbor, France experienced the same phenomena; WW2 ships appearing on their very own spot and quite a number of them excluding smaller ships such as Destroyers and Light Cruisers.

Using their identity as 'Fog' ships, they fought back against the European Fog Theatre as the resistance force in the Atlantic. This became an annoyance for Bismarck because it was a hit and run tactic which would eventually escalate if ignored.

The I-417's next task is to reach out to the ports of Europe, and with the Resistance active around the ports and secret islands, it was also important to make contact with the French Fog ships.

The submarine is currently unloading materials salvaged from Fog wrecks and samples of the corrosive warheads to the British R&D team, the vessel was docked on an open port and made use of the crane to move the necessary items onto shore.

Hiyou observes the process while holding onto a tablet, he saw the Rear-Admiral waving to him from a distance and returned the gesture.

"Admiral Wilson, I did say I would return the favor. This should be our only option if push comes to shove, I would not prefer to resort to a full out war if negotiations fail."

Garrett exhaled before laughing, "You're quite daring, laddy. I hope we won't have to fight against those evil ships.. it's already difficult in ensuring our submarine fleets' safety, let alone fighting another war just to be free. But, good luck anyways."

The Captain nodded and saluted before heading back inside the submarine, the cranes repositioned itself and the I-417 set sails to sea again.

Contact with the Royal Navy had been established, all that's left was to reach the French Resistance's port and confirm the presence of the French Government.

Hiyou stumbled upon the Propulsion Officer resting by the engine room while enjoying the cold air from the air conditioner.

"How's the engine?"

Misa opened an eye to look at her friend, she sighed and jerked her head towards the compartment.

"It's all good, it's just the temperature to be honest. Izumi suggested that I should refrain from staying in there after every combat.. but it bothers me to leave the engine unattended."