The Betrayed And Forgotten. (Azur lane x USS Montana) [SLOW UPDATES]

Chapter 2: Surrender. (Rewrite)

As Montana sailed away from the Azur Lane base, the wind and the waves seemed to echo the turmoil within him. The blank expression on his face mirrored the emptiness that had taken root, his actions having forever altered the course of his life. The weight of his decisions was palpable, yet amidst the lack of regret, a pain lingered - the pain of knowing that those he had once considered friends and family now harbored disdain for him. The question of why gnawed at him, but for now, survival was his sole focus.

His gaze remained fixed on the open sea, thoughts of his destination and the plans he had formulated filling his mind. But even as his determination burned, he was acutely aware of the dangers that lurked. This region was notorious for its siren activity, and vigilance was paramount.

Amidst his contemplation, the radio's insistent beeping cut through the air, pulling his attention away from the expanse before him. He knew who was likely on the other end, and the conflict within him raged as he deliberated whether to answer. Ultimately, his curiosity outweighed his hesitation, and he reached for the radio, his voice a stoic reflection of his emotional detachment. "This is Montana," he responded, bracing himself for the voice that would follow, a voice that had once held familiarity but now seemed to resonate with a sense of betrayal.

The admiral's voice crackled back, charged with anger and surprise, a reflection of the urgency in his message. "<MONTANA! WE NEED YOU BACK AT BASE IMMEDIATELY! I JUST GOT WORD THAT OUR MAIN AMMO STORAGE HAS EXPLODED!>"

Montana's demeanor remained unaffected by the news, his detachment evident in his reply. "<I am aware that your main ammo storage had exploded,>" he stated, his words cold and distant.

The admiral's frustration boiled over, and his voice resounded through the radio with intensity. "<THEN WHY THE HELL ARE YOU NOT BACK AT BASE?!>" he demanded, his anger a sharp contrast to Montana's apparent detachment.

<"Because it was the distraction I needed so that I could leave the base without anyone interfering,"> Montana's voice echoed over the radio, his tone remaining devoid of emotion as he revealed the calculated nature of his actions.

The admiral's response was a cacophony of shock and anger, his voice carrying the weight of his disbelief. "<YOU WHAT?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!>" he yelled, the exclamation a testament to his astonishment at Montana's audacity and the audacious nature of his actions.

<"Are you familiar with Operation Forgotten?"> Montana's words carried a heavy blend of anger and sorrow, the weight of his emotions palpable even over the radio waves. A silence hung in the air, the admiral's response conspicuous in its absence. Yet, Montana pressed on, his determination to reveal the truth unyielding. <"..."> The void of response didn't deter Montana, his voice resonating with the weight of his revelation. <"I had found the folder in a secret drawer with a hidden button to open it... I read it, Admiral. I know what you were planning... and I don't plan on dying today. Goodbye, Admiral, and burn in hell."> The finality in his words hung like a resolute promise, one he intended to keep.

Montana stepped onto the deck, holding the radio that had been a conduit for his declaration. The admiral's attempted intervention went unheard as Montana cast the radio into the vast embrace of the sea, a symbolic severance from his past. A nod of satisfaction accompanied his act before he returned to the command deck, his focus directed forward. The engines roared to life as he pushed the vessel to its maximum speed, leaving behind the turmoil of his former life.

Approaching Sakura Empire territory, Montana's demeanor shifted from turmoil to a calm resolve. His vessel drew nearer to the empire's home port, a realm where he hoped to find refuge from the storm that had engulfed his previous existence. As he approached, he orchestrated a deliberate deceleration, a careful unloading of his cannons emphasizing his intentions. Transitioning into his rigging, he cautiously advanced toward the empire's base, the barrels of his cannons pointed away as a gesture of goodwill.