The Kaga Saga

Part 5: The Pykrete Menace

Kaga was conflicted once again. Should she fight Habakkuk or run away for safety? If she fought, she would have to take on a beast who is believed to be unkillable. She could be a saviour to the papers but it could end tragically for her. On the other hand, if she ran, she could get out of it alive but only disappoint the paper ships. And even if she ran, would she be able to escape? What could she possibly do?

"Alright, I made my decision. We are going to hunt down Habakkuk." Kaga decided. Nicholas, Budyonny and Haida were glad that she decided to fight for them although Tosa and Enterprise were sort of worried about her choice. "That's great and all but don't you think you're being a bit overconfident?" Enterprise asked.

"Trust me. I got this all planned out. Nicholas, what is the best way to take out Habakkuk?" Kaga assured Enterprise.

"Well, she is made of pykrete so regular shells won't kill her. She is equipped with Mosquitos and Lancasters. The Lancasters are armed with Tallboys so watch out for them. She displaces 2.2 million tons but is generally slow. She is also armed with 40 4.5 inch DP guns and several smaller AA guns. Did I mention the aircraft? She has about 150 planes." Nicholas described.

"You didn't answer my question."

"Oh right. I have a lot of details to give. While big, she also has powers too. She can create blizzards and summon wild U-boats to protect her. Only the canal splitter shells can destroy her and I believe only a non-paper ship can destroy her. That's what the prophecy states."

"But how do I use these shells? I'm not a gun heavy warship?"

"You have 8 inch secondaries. The shells can fit any size gun because of magic and stuff. You also have superpowers which will help you along the way. Oh and get within 2 km of her if you want those shells to work."

"So I have to shoot her with these Golden Shells of Justice at 2km range?"

"Yes. Good luck. The paper ships will look up to you in battle."

A Lancaster flew past and dropped a Tallboy right next to Nicholas. He was lucky to escape a direct hit. He also warned her of some of the planes being modified to drop torpedoes. Kaga gathered everyone together to come up with their strategy.

"Alright everyone, I got a plan."

"Let's hear it." Haida said.

"OK, Haida, Budyonny and I will go on the offensive. I will launch all my planes of the Sakura Squadron to find her. I will also bring I-168 to protect me from U-boat attacks. Enterprise, you will act as the diversion force along with Udaloi, and Kii. Launch your fighters to intercept enemy aircraft."

"You got it captain!" Enterprise agreed.

"And Hakuryu, I almost forgot you. You stay here with Nicholas and Tosa. Protect them at all costs from Habakkuk's bombers."

"You got it Kaga. Yellow Squadron is prepared to launch."

"Stay safe Kaga." Tosa said with concern.

"Don't worry. I'll make it back alive. Now let's get moving people. Operation Polaris is a go!"

The teams split up and aircraft were launched. Kaga's Sakura Squadron searched the Arctic trying to find the mobile air base. Mosquitos and Lancasters were buzzing all across the skies. Hakuryu has unleashed her prized Yellow Squadron and Enterprise sent out her Eagle Squadron. Together, all these fighters combined had shot down several Lancasters. The Mosquitos were an issue though as they were the superior fighter. They were fast and annoying and they managed to get through the AA defenses of Enterprise's division. A bomb was dropped onto Enterprise's deck and blew up, creating a smoke plume that Kaga could see. She radioed in, "Are you okay?" To which she replied, "I'm fine. Nothing like a little duct tape can't fix. There, good as new." She fixed her damaged deck with duct tape and continued on like nothing had happened.