Arpeggio of Blue Steel: The Ghosts of Pacific

Episode 9: Pearl Harbor, the Naval Fortress of Hawaii

February 16, 2047- 5:02 A.M.

After guiding Vincent and Tirpitz around the ship, we headed towards the mess hall to eat and have some conversations. In my plate, I have omelet rice and beef steak while Vincent has beef steak and mashed potatoes with gravy in his plate. After drinking my cup of coffee, I said –

"I'm amazed that you've met Tirpitz in Indonesia. I wonder... What was Tirpitz doing in Indonesia?" I asked.

"I was there to find a worthy commander for the fleet back then, to lead us on our operations at sea. I've asked so many persons about the guy called "the Hero of Indonesia." When I reached his house, I told him about my situation. He replied that he's prepared for another journey. He packed up his stuff, his firearms, his uniforms, and his meals, and told me on where to go. And that's how our journey began." Tirpitz said.

"Of all the men in this world, why did you choose him?" Enterprise asked.

"There's a village near the coast. In their surroundings, there were tanks and ships littered. When I asked on what happened, they said there was a fierce battle happened in that place during the Third World War. Enemy ships and tanks were making a last stand before being driven out to the sea. The enemies were heavily fortified and armed to the teeth, almost impregnable, until an Indonesian commander spotted a weakspot on the enemy positions, taking them all out in a massive surprise attack by sea, air, and land. It just took 30 minutes of firefight until all enemies were neutralized. Around Indonesia, stories of Vincent's battles were legendary. He accomplishes his missions excellently and bravely alongside with his comrades from his newly created Hellfire Joint Special Operations Unit." Tirpitz said.

"Wow, that one was very detailed." I said as I'm impressed on how Tirpitz said the story in full detail.

"She's quite informative on my military background." Vincent said.

"At least she knows your capabilities as a commander." I said as I sip my cup of coffee.

"Yeah, she's my flagship, after all." Vincent said as he ate some mashed potatoes from his plate.

"By the way, we will go at Pearl Harbor by air to scout the area." I said.

"Are you sure?" Vincent said.

"Yes. We must go there for now to look on the situation of that base. We will signal the US forces there that we're friendly forces that will provide relief to them." I said.

"Okay, we will do that. For now, we must eat before we go in the air." Vincent said.

"Roger that." I said.

5:18 A.M.

After eating our meals, we headed to our planes. When we get inside of our planes, Philippe called me.

"Going in the air, commander?" Philippe asked.

"Yup, Vincent and I will go to scout Pearl Harbor." I said.

"I'll join you in the air, Zero. My F4U Corsair is now at the flight deck, ready to be launched on your signal." Philippe said.

"Roger that. You'll be my wingman, Philippe. Your callsign is now Angel 2. My callsign is Angel 1 while Vincent is Angel 3." I said.

"Roger that, Angel 1." Philippe replied.

"Angel 1, you're ready for takeoff." Enterprise said to me.

"Angel 1, launching." I said as I flew my F6F Hellcat in the air.

From Enterprise's flight deck, my F6F Hellcat flew high.