The Call to war.

You found yourself rushing outside along with the confused faces of your fellow maids towards the plaza, with a large crowd had begun to form. Once there, there was a surprisingly grim announcement. Apparently, High Command had raised the risk level of the region where Ward was going to be based in from "Minor" to "Severe" bordering on "****" risk as more powerful Siren variants had been spotted in that particular region. This came as a shock to everyone on base as just hours ago, the current brief showed that the Siren threat in the area was still minor. For this very reason the Commander in charge of your base had to create a fleet to supplement Ward and the other officers of their fleet.

The Commander himself gathered all the ship girls on base and recalled every other ship girl from their scheduled patrols. Of course, you were there as well, looking rather nervous, as did many of those who were confused by the sudden announcement.

"Thank you all for showing up." The Commander spoke stoically as he stood on a podium. "As many of you now know, the Siren Threat in the region we are now calling "Abaddon" had risen tremendously over the last few hours...from "Minor" to what very well may be "****"..." He stopped briefly as the worry and concern rose throughout the crowd of ship girls, murmurs and whispers began to grow before the Commander got their attention once again. "I know...I'm just as worried and frightened by this as you all are. BUT! We cannot let this rend our hearts faint! Whatever the purpose...Whatever the reason, we must eliminate this threat before it can grow too large to control! As we speak, more reports of advanced Sirens are coming in, so I'll make this quick. I have been granted authorization to fully mobilize the base! With this power, I have decided to split our forces in two! I will assemble one **** fleet using half of our forces while the other half stays behind as a defensive fleet, in case the Sirens dare to attack our base!"

"Won't this be risky, however?" One of the other ship girls raised her hand to ask. "Splitting our forces, I mean! If such a large threat is building up, wouldn't it be better to strike with everything we have by committing everyone?"

"And risk losing the base? There's no guarantee we'll succeed! If we lose everything over there, then there's nothing from stopping the Sirens from using this base as a staging ground to move into the other regions!" Another ship girl went to argue. "We should instead commit all our forces in ensuring the defense of the base! If the Sirens come here, they'll have to fight through not only us, but the base's automated defense systems as well!!"

"And abandon our allies to take the Sirens all alone?!" Yet another girl raised her voice. "You've gone mad like a rabid dog if you think abandoning your allies is a fantastic option! What next, we leave the fate of humanity in the Siren's hands?! We need to take them head on!"

Soon the whole crowd seemed to be swept up in a wave of madness and panic, you yourself trying to get away from all the in-fighting that was sure to develop soon.

"ENOUGH!" The Commander roared through the speakers, quieting everyone down. "I understand your concerns and your fears! But we shouldn't let this divide us! All opinions have some useful points! However, we must do what we can to assist our allies! We will be dividing our forces in two! That much is final! IS THAT CLEAR?!"

"YES COMMANDER!" Everyone replied in unison.

"Good! Now that we've all had a chance to calm down, I will be leading both fleets from here on-base. However, I will be assisted by some very capable individuals. Step up and introduce yourselves." The Commander stepped back as five ship girls rose from their seats behind the Commander and walked in front of the podium.

"Serving as it's leader and hailing from the faction known as Iron Blood, I, Bismarck will assist the Commander in leading the **** Fleet. I guarantee that you will have the highest chances of survival under our leadership and skills." The ship girl spoke in a powerful, confident tone, her eyes blazing with steely resolve.

"I am Nagato, Flagship of the Sakura Empire, as well as temporary assistant in leading the Defense Fleet alongside the Commander, a pleasure to make your acquaintances. Let us commit our fullest strengths and repel those foul Sirens." A young-looking girl took an elegant bow, her fluid and practiced motion alongside her dignified manner radiated "god" to those gazing upon her, especially those within the same faction as her.

"Greetings everyone, I'm Enterprise of the Eagle Union, and much like Miss Bismarck, I will be assisting in leading the **** Fleet against the Sirens. I hope we can all work together." Enterprise curtly nodded towards the crowd, a mature look and feeling to her actions and words, despite her short introduction.

"My fellow subjects and kinsmen! I am Queen Elizabeth, flagship of the Royal Navy~! Let us get along well so that we may crush those pathetic Sirens to oblivion! I will be assisting the Commander in the **** Fleet as well!" You had to crack a smile at the usual smug and overall brash attitude that your faction's leader carried with her at all times.

"And I am Richelieu...Leader of the faction known as Iris Libre, I am here to assist the esteemed Commander here with leading the Defense Fleet. I hope we may return here safely so that we can enjoy each other's company. God bless you all..." Richelieu curtsied in a refined and smooth manner, befitting that of a noble leader.

"Thank you, you five." The Commander nodded to them as they all returned to their seats behind him. "As you heard, each one of these girls will be assisting me in leading either fleet. That being said, the **** Fleet will be split into three task forces, lead by each of the three aforementioned leaders. The Defense fleet will be kept as one solid fleet. The roster has been prepared and all ships have already been chosen. Be warned, you may find yourself working alongside ships you have not worked with before...but do not panic, do your best to get along, and adapt to the situation. We need everyone at full capacity. UNDERSTOOD?!"

"YES COMMANDER!!" Everyone responded in understanding.

"EXCELLENT!!" The commander shouted out. "You are dismissed for the day! Prepare any and everything you will need, this is especially true for the **** fleet as you will be sortieing tomorrow noon! Time may be of the essence but if we come unprepared, we may very well be sitting ducks! And one more thing, the Manjuus and Meowfficers should have, at this point, delivered the letter which tells which leader you're going to be working under!" And with that, everyone was dismissed.

"This is...pretty bad..." You talked with Sirius as you both headed back to your dorm rooms.

"Mmm...even Master was very stressed out..." Sirius commented as you reached her room first, "OH! There's my letter! Let's see...ah!" Sirius then smiled widely. "I got her Majesty! Thank goodness! I was thinking I was going to be working under the other factions..." She sighed loudly as you both got to your room next.

"Oh, there's mine...~!" You spoke as you took the letter taped to your door. "Mmm...I got..."