The Bridge Project was developed as a countermeasure against the Sirens following the NY City incident, marking it as one of the Eagle Union's most critical undertakings. Although pns for the project had been drafted after the Sakura Empire attack, it hadn’t been initiated until the Sirens’ assault on NY City served as the catalyst. This led to a new technological advancement, an AI navigator, TB, designed to assist in battles and various tasks.

  And now, the AI that stood before him would be his ally in the battles to come.

  ~In the following operations, I will serve as your adjutant to assist you in combat command,~ she stated, pausing briefly to let her words sink in. ~When the connection with the terminal is online, I can perform intelligence coltion and tactical analysis through the fleet's radar and sonar systems. Should the connection go offline or be interrupted, I will enter offline mode, which has limited computing power, but essential functions such as target marking, data reception, and course plotting will remain fully operational.~

  “Woah…” Memphis’s voice trailed off in awe. No wonder she was surprised; this was her first time witnessing the Eagle Union’s breakthrough in advanced technology, and it was an AI, no less.

  "Hehe~" Saratoga grinned proudly. "You see, TB is our beloved AI. Her design may be purely cosmetic, but isn’t she cute, Commander?” She winked pyfully.

  "I see... an automated navigator system..." Enterprise murmured, her words trailing off as she studied the AI thoughtfully.

  The Commander looked TB up and down, silently observing her with a curious smile. “Great, gd to work with you, TB.”

  ~Me too, Commander. I’m not yet familiar with the area around NY City, so it might be best if you could connect me to the main power source here,~ the AI suggested. ~That way, I can map the entire area and integrate my program to assist you more effectively.~

  "Yeah, let’s do that," the Commander agreed. "But first, let’s test your navigation performance so I can assess your limits. I can also help you get familiar with our combat style."

  ~It would be my pleasure, Commander,~ the AI replied with a polite bow. ~Shall I deploy a dummy ship for the test?~ She turned to Saratoga, awaiting her confirmation.

  "Please do, TB," Saratoga nodded, giving the go-ahead.

  As Saratoga confirmed, TB accessed the dummy ship program she had set up, bringing the vessel to life as it glided into the exercise sea area. TB’s hologram vanished, her voice now coming through the speakers around them.

  ~The ship is ready, Commander,~ she announced.

  Enterprise stepped forward, volunteering to join the test to sharpen her own skills as well. With a determined look, the carrier deployed her rigging, ready and awaiting the Commander’s signal to begin.

  As the shot rang out, Enterprise rushed forward, engaging with the dummy ships, which activated on sight within a hundred-meter radius. TB’s voice came through her earpiece, steady and clear.

  ~Enterprise, I’ll be your guide from here, helping you pinpoint enemy weaknesses,~ the AI announced with confidence.

  "Thanks, TB." Enterprise smiled at the AI’s support.

  Even though the exercise rounds weren’t lethal, they packed enough force to temporarily disable a shipgirl from combat if hit. The training fleet consisted of a carrier unching simuted aircraft, along with cruisers and destroyers, all focused directly on Enterprise. Despite the non-lethal ammunition, the program’s intensity gave the impression of real, live-fire intent, keeping her fully on her guard.

  Enterprise moved swiftly toward the nearest dummy ship, positioning it between her and the approaching threat as a makeshift shield. Her bow activated with a soft hum, firing golden, arrow-like shots that arced gracefully into the air. The projectiles transformed mid-flight, taking shape as several Hellcat fighter pnes and Helldiver bomber pnes that sped off to engage the dummy fighters unched from the enemy carrier.

  She commanded her fleet with steady precision, directing the Hellcats to intercept the incoming fighters, their wings catching the light as they executed tight maneuvers above. With a subtle gesture, Enterprise coordinated her bombers, which swooped down and released payloads over the cruisers below, a series of controlled bsts rocking the area as the training rounds struck true.

  TB's voice crackled through the comms, calm and precise. ~Enterprise, there's a narrow passage between two ships ahead. You can use it to fnk the carrier at the rear.~

  Enterprise’s eyes narrowed with determination. "Understood," she replied, pivoting her course to take advantage of the suggested opening. She slipped deftly between the two dummy ships, her movements fluid and calcuted. Emerging on the other side, she immediately engaged, her bow glowing as she unched another volley of arrows.

  The carrier girl destroyed her previous cover in the process, drawing the attention of a nearby cruiser. Its guns roared, sending a barrage of training rounds her way. Enterprise reacted swiftly, weaving through the incoming fire with practiced grace. Using the momentum of her movements, she loosed a precise arrow that struck the cruiser’s weapon systems, disabling them temporarily.

  Without a second’s hesitation, Enterprise pressed her attack, swooping low to target another turret near the cruiser. Her aim was lethal, each arrow hitting with deadly precision as simuted sparks erupted from the turrets. Disabling both cruisers' weapons, she commanded her bombers into action, sending them into steep dives before they exploded upon impact, scattering fragments over the water.

  Just as she moved to advance, a dummy suicide ship appeared out of nowhere, darting straight toward her with arming speed and precise pattern. Her instincts kicked in; with a swift leap, Enterprise caught onto the wheel of her pne, which was gliding just above the water’s surface. Hoisting herself up, she climbed onto its wing, soaring upward. Taking a steadying breath, she aimed her bow at the suicide ship below, her gaze fixed as it continued to chase her from the water below.

  As her arrow struck above the bomb on the ship, the suicide ship erupted into a fiery explosion. But TB’s voice crackled in her earpiece, alerting her to incoming fighters ascending from below. Without missing a beat, Enterprise angled downward, gliding swiftly toward the sea. Drawing her bow, she fired another volley of yellow arrows into the sky, each transforming into Hellcat fighters that quickly took formation, homing in on the enemy pnes pursuing her across the water.

  In a decisive motion, she leaped from her pne, twisting midair before nding gracefully on the water’s surface. Her movements were a fwless combination of precision and agility, embodying both grace and the expertise of a seasoned fighter. Now within striking distance, the dummy carrier's fate was all but sealed. Drawing her bow with steady stance, she took careful aim at the carrier.

  ~Enterprise, target the middle of the hull,~ TB’s voice guided her with a calm voice.

  Acknowledging the instruction with a firm nod, Enterprise unleashed her arrow. The shimmering projectile sliced through the air, its golden glow illuminating the sea’s surface as it sped toward the carrier.

  As the arrow struck, piercing the carrier's middle hull, a chain of explosions erupted from within. Fmes and simuted debris tore through the structure, breaking it apart in a fiery dispy. The dummy carrier was obliterated, but Enterprise wasn’t finished.

  Without hesitation, she pivoted toward the remaining fleet of cruisers and destroyers. Her eyes narrowed in determination as she commanded her bombers to unch their payloads. The sky filled with the roar of engines and the distant thuds of explosions as her bombers rained destruction upon the dummies.

  Within moments, the once-formidable fleet was reduced to smoking ruins. The exercise was over.

  The brief battle left a strong impression on the Commander. Enterprise's skill was undeniable, honed by her extensive experience in prolonged combat with the Sirens. TB’s role, though subtle, proved invaluable; the AI offered precise guidance, pointing out key areas of concern in her surroundings. By narrowing down the elements Enterprise needed to focus on, TB ensured her attention remained sharp and effective throughout the engagement.

  As Enterprise approached the group, TB’s voice resonated clearly through the speakers. ~Commander, I’ve recorded the status of the previous battle. Are there any concerns you’d like to address?~

  Greynar shook his head. “No, it was a good test,” he said with a small smile. Turning to Enterprise, he added, “Great work out there, Enterprise.”

  “Thank you, Commander,” Enterprise replied, a faint smile gracing her face. “It’s also thanks to TB’s assistance that I was able to fight so smoothly. She’s proven her system to be top-notch, capable of calcuting and analyzing in mere moments.” The carrier nodded in acknowledgment of the AI’s support.

  “Anything you’d like to address, TB?” the Commander asked, gncing at the AI.

  ~If I may, Commander,~ TB began, her tone precise, ~I’d like to test the performance of each type of shipgirl over the next few days. Would that be acceptable?~

  The Commander nodded thoughtfully. “That can be easily arranged.” Turning to Memphis, he called out, “Memphis, arrange a schedule for the girls who aren’t currently on commissions. Have TB oversee their performance during the exercises.”

  “Yes, Commander,” Memphis replied promptly, already pulling out her notepad to jot down the task.

  “Then, Sister Sara will be heading off too~ Still a few things to wrap up before the operation,” Saratoga said with a pyful wink and a bright smile.

  The Commander nodded. “Alright, just don’t overwork yourself.”

  “I’ll be fine! Thanks for worrying about me, Commander!” she chimed, waving cheerfully as she skipped off with her usual energetic bounce.

  Turning back to Enterprise, the Commander decided to address the returning carrier. “How’s the situation in the NA sector?” he asked.

  Enterprise shook her head, her expression grim. “It’s not good. There’s been an unusual increase in Siren activity—far from their usual patterns. On top of that, we’ve detected some disturbances underwater. I suspect the Sirens are pnning something.”

  The Commander frowned, deep in thought for a moment before addressing the cruiser. “Helena,” he called out.

  “Yes, Commander?” Helena responded, tilting her head curiously.

  “Prepare your SG radar for deployment, and ensure it’s customized for a sortie. Enterprise,” he turned to the carrier, “you’ll be the fgship for this mission. Assemble an investigation fleet to scout for any unusual activity. Have TB record everything and send the data directly to Command.”

  “Yes, Commander,” Enterprise replied with a firm nod, her expression resolute. Helena mirrored her determination, already contempting the adjustments needed for her radar system.

  Over the next few days, TB received full authorization to access the systems across NY City. The Navigator AI seemed to relish her new role, performing her duties with precision and efficiency. Despite being an artificial intelligence, Greynar couldn’t help but think of her as remarkably human-like. Her appearance, eerily simir to Zero, had initially been unsettling. However, as time passed, he found himself growing comfortable with her presence, especially as she seamlessly assisted him with his daily activity.

  The AI also proved invaluable to the girls around the port, assisting them in identifying their weaknesses and honing their unique strengths. TB’s guidance was precise, often leaving the shipgirls reflecting on areas for improvement. She quickly became a go-to for answering all sorts of questions, her database and analytical abilities making her an indispensable resource. However, there was one boundary she wouldn’t cross: privacy. No matter how persistent the inquiry, TB upheld strict protocols, respecting the personal boundaries of everyone she interacted with.

  As the days leading up to the operation dwindled, Greynar couldn’t shake his growing unease. Operation Siren—set to unfold in the North Atntic Ocean, often abbreviated as the NA Ocean—was a pivotal mission. Its objective was nothing short of monumental: reciming the vital trading seas that had fallen under the Sirens' control. It promised to be a major breakthrough, one that could shift the bance of power in their favor.

  ~Commander,~ her calm, collected tone came through as her hologram materialized before him, her expression composed as ever. ~There’s a new message for you from Command.~

  Greynar, reclining in his chair, gnced at her with mild curiosity. “Hmm? How important is it?”

  ~It’s a confidential one,~ TB replied matter-of-factly, her steady tone underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

  Straightening in his seat, Greynar’s demeanor shifted. “Alright, patch it through,” he said firmly, curios on what matters this is.

  ~Conveying the message from Command,~ TB announced, her hologram flickering as she reyed the information. ~Following repeated reconnaissance efforts, Command has determined that the Siren combat fleet stationed near the coastal regions of the NA waters is retreating into the deeper sea. The cause of this unusual activity remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. However, this withdrawal has significantly reduced the threat level in offshore areas, thereby greatly expanding our operational scope.~

  “This is what EU Command has to say, huh?” Greynar murmured under his breath. “Continue, TB.”

  ~As a result, Command believes that the conditions for a rge-scale battle are now favorable. Apart from retaining essential defensive fleets, all jurisdictions are instructed to mobilize all avaible mobile forces to assemble immediately in the NA waters in preparation for a decisive confrontation with the Sirens. Based on directives from Azur Lane Command, a global fleet mobilization has been officially decred under the name 'Operation Siren'.~ TB paused briefly, giving Greynar a moment to process the information. ~All operations within this campaign will be jointly led by NY Command and LD Command. The campaign objectives are to eliminate Siren-controlled areas, break through their defensive lines, penetrate the anomalous energy zones in the central sea, and ultimately regain control of the entire region. Our operational hubs will be based in NY City and the Royal Capital. Our specific responsibility is to suppress Siren activity across the northwest to southeast sectors of the NA Ocean.~

  "What about the Crimson Axis? Any news about their cooperation?" the Commander asked, his expression sharp with curiosity.

  ~Judging from recent developments and the current situation, we should not rely on the full cooperation of the Crimson Axis,~ TB replied, her tone firm and analytical.

  "I see," he muttered, his voice tinged with resignation.

  TB continued, her hologram flickering slightly as she spoke. ~Command has divided the NA waters into four war zones. Unfortunately, War Zone D is not under our control due to the presence of the Crimson Axis. Apart from Zone D, operations in the remaining three war zones will commence simultaneously. Once the fleet is fully assembled, you will be appointed as the theater commander of Zone A and tasked with leading the fleet to begin the offensive from NY City.~

  "Understood," the Commander nodded. "What’s the next step?"

  ~Your mission, Commander, is to first lead the fleet to recapture the Bermuda Sea area, which has recently fallen back under Siren control. Following that, you are to advance to the outskirts of the central anomaly and establish two forward bases at sea. These bases will serve as resupply points while awaiting the order for the main assault,~ TB expined, her voice steady as her hologram flickered briefly. ~That concludes the order.~

  The Commander thanked the AI as her hologram flickered and vanished. Letting out a sigh, Greynar leaned back, letting his body rex. The upcoming rge-scale operation would be the most significant breakthrough yet, a critical turning point in their fight. The Royal Navy would also be participating, and it seemed Queen Elizabeth had been freed as well. Though he didn’t know the details, he suspected Friedrich, Iron Blood's blueprint ship, pyed a significant role in the development.

  Then, the day of the operation commenced.