Arpeggio of Blue Steel: The Ghosts of Pacific

Episode 2: Preparations

February 12, 2047- 1:00 P.M.

It has been 2 months since the Day of Betrayal. I'm now commanding the entire US Fog Fleet, the largest fleet in the entire Fog Fleet Force. I was called by Enterprise for a meeting with the others, probably introducing me to the other mental models of the US Fog Fleet and went to the conference room at the 3rd floor of the Kagitingan Island Military Headquarters. I was escorted by Enterprise, North Carolina, who has a long orange hair with brown eyes, Missouri, who has a long blonde hair and red eyes, Iowa, who has a long light blue hair and blue eyes, and Yorktown, who has a long black hair and blue eyes.

When we enter the HQ's conference room, I saw others aside from the mental models of the fog. I saw 2 male commanders. They're not Fog mental models, but humans. I was a bit surprised to see them in such a place like this base. With their presence, a question slightly bothers me. "Why they are here?" After Enterprise accompanies me to my seat, I sat down, removed my navy hat and said –

"Good afternoon, everyone, since this is our first meeting, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Leandro Ian Estrella, former advisor to the Philippine Navy, who will now be in command of the US fog fleet. You may call me Zero from now on. I can see that there are also human commanders here as well. Please introduce yourselves." I said.

One of the commanders stands up. He's wearing a green camouflaged Philippine Marine Corps Officers' Battle Uniform, with black combat boots, and green camouflaged lousy cap. He said –

"I am 1st Lieutenant Reginald Pasao of the Philippine Marine Corps' 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team. I am in here to serve as commander of Missouri's fleet as a promise to serve her with my best of my abilities. You may call me Harbinger." Reginald said.

After Reginald introduces himself, a big, tall guy stands up and introduces himself. He is wearing a black gentleman's suit, and black leather shoes. He says –

"Greetings, everyone, I am Alexandre Avila. I'm the commander of Indianapolis' fog fleet. I'm a former commanding officer of the Philippine resistance during the Third World War." Alex said.

After meeting the two commanders, I started to speak.

"Now that the introduction is done, are there any questions that you want to ask us?" I asked.

Iowa started to ask me.

"What happened to your left eye, Captain Estrella?" Iowa asked.

"My left eye was shot... by my own captain. He shot me and 32 of my most loyal crew, dumping us to the sea, attempting to erase the evidence of the massacre." I answered as I removed my eyepatch.

All mental models and the male commanders were shocked on what they've heard. Alex asked me –

"If I may ask, can you tell us who shot you?" Alex asked.

"His name is Rear Admiral Rodrigo Dela Cruz, commander of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar." I answered.

"Him? I know he shouldn't have been there in the Navy. He's not even part of the Philippine Navy and even any part of the AFP in the first place!" Alex said.

"Are you sure? How can you be so sure?" I asked.

"Remember Delfin Dela Cruz?" Alex said.

"Yes, that's the convicted politician... Oh god, you mean Rodrigo is..." I said.

"Yes, he's the son of that bastard politician." Alex answered.

"Goddamn it! Those bastards will pay for this!" I said while I clenched my fist.