Destiny's Trials' Wake

D0 H0 M0

"Every story has to start somehow, doesn’t it?” ???

A female voice echoed across the empty streets of the town.

All the lights were out, all the cars parked on the side, not humans or animals were on the streets. The echo of the footsteps was being carried around as she walked towards crossroads, just like a tourist through the ghost town.

“That’s right, but what is the start of a story when the scribe writing it down doesn’t know when it really started?” ???

Another female voice called out to her as they met at the crossroads in front of a park. No one was visible in sight, only their footsteps and the gentle wind blowing and the rustling of leaves from the park onto the street.

“Saphina, what do you think of this place?” Katia looked at her sister while asking the question.

“Well, my dear sister, it’s strange...” She paused, looked down at her necklace before she continued

“Entire nations of humans here can live here, yet this live in places that don’t appear to be meant for them,” Saphina sighed, appearing to be confused, while being in a rather average city, the only thing that was standing out, outside of lack of anything alive, was the state of buildings, it’s not that it’s empty, it’s like all humans have just disappeared from here...

“Wouldn’t you say they can adapt?” Katia asked, quickly followed by her sister’s reply.

“One way to see... one way to see, my dear sister...” Saphina replied, their dresses beginning to swing loosely in the wind, which was getting stronger over time.

After a while, the two maids giggled to each other as the sun was getting covered by the moon, and Saphina’s necklace began to slowly glow as the streets fell into complete darkness. The maids were still wandering around the empty streets, remaining silent until Katia called out to her sister.

“It’s time for us to go, sister. I doubt anyone will see us here again, but we’ll see them for sure.” Katia then softly giggled as they disappeared into the shadows of the moon, casting a veil over the city.

D1 H1 M0

USS Forrestal

USS Forrestral, known in paperwork as CV-59 is motionless steel hunk, with people on bridge looking at each other in confusion as Captain has finally gathered up his mind and decided to ask simplest question...

Although, it is able to carry quite a lot of aircraft, armament and supplies, by now, it’s somewhat obsolete design being pushed away out of port just for combat readiness exercise...

“So, you’re telling me, that, with no clear explanation, we’re separated from our escort fleet, we don’t have any contact, and we’re unable to even get GPS location at all? What kind of bullshit is this?” The Captain rather “calmly” questioned the men who were trying to gather any form of information about the current situation... although it doesn’t take much to tell all he’s thinking about is in summary put into well known question “What the fuck is going on?”

“Yes, sir. GPS contact is down, radio contact is down, visual contact is lost with friendly units, and currently, nothing is noticed on radar. There’s also no contact with anyone else.” confirmed one of the men in front of him.

“Gather up groups for sortie. E-2 Hawkeye, prepare to have F-14 on standby with mixed armament. Continue attempts to contact, even the seagulls, if possible, I do not care what’s possible anymore... ugh...” the Captain replied without much thinking. It’s not that anyone would question him now, as they had lost contact with everyone and Chain of Command due to his role as Captain of the CV-59 gives him authority to command the fleet... or rather only this vessel here...

The bridge was filled with people scrambling and trying to figure out a single thing. It is one thing to lose a single aircraft, but to lose an aircraft’s carrier escort fleet is a rather impossible task.

Along side it, captain trying not to blow up by nerves and confusion by smoking...

No way to tell what’s right and what’s wrong, when you’re a sitting duck out of nowhere and can’t even get proper radar contact...

D1 H1 M30

USS Forrestal and ‘Observer’

The confusion continued until they finally launched the E-2 Hawkeye, twin engine aircraft with the most recognizable feature being a literal plate above the fuselage, or rather radar dish, depends who you ask, also known as the ‘Hummer’ due to the noises the turboprops made.

“Observer, set altitude to 3000 feet, circle the carrier 1 mike away, provide any form of situational report. After completing the first orbit, change the distance to 10 miles and continue loops, over,” ATC.

“Roger, loop at 1 mike, 3000 feet. After that, increase distance to 10 mikes and continue until told otherwise, over and out,” ‘Observer.’

The first part of the ‘Observer’s’ flight didn’t reveal much, as one would expect when trying to rely on the naked eye. After going for the larger orbit, the first contact was made with an Arleigh Burke destroyer from the escort fleet. However, the happiness did not last long. Radio contact turned out to be impossible to achieve, no one was visible on the deck, and the destroyer remained motionless.

Preparing for the worst, the Captain of the USS Forrestal sent out an SH-3 Sea King with a small group to perform search and rescue operation, or at least known what the hell is going on...

D1 H3 M15

DDG-152

The flight itself had taken 20 minutes in one direction, only to be greeted by the absence of anything. The entire destroyer, which typically required tens of people to operate, floated calmly without a single soul seen on board.

The “Greeting squad” consisted of 3 medics and 2 armed guards. Without much issue, they boarded the destroyer. There was no red carpet to greet them, nor was there anyone to speak to.

“Alright, this is a 150-meter-long vessel, enough for a child to get lost. We’re going straight for the bridge and CIC. After that, we’ll give a Status Report on the radio. Is everything clear?” ‘Leader’ of the squad repeated, ensuring that the plan’s mantra was engraved in the minds of the squad. He stepped onto the empty flight deck of the destroyer, the sounds muffled by the ‘Sea King’ engine. Upon boarding, the helicopter took off to observe the area around the destroyer while maintaining constant communication with the ‘Leader.’

‘Leader,’ for obvious reasons, took charge, constantly holding his pistol in front of him as he led the way from the helipad on the back of the destroyer to the bridge. It was a rather long walk, and silent as outside of calls from SH-3 checking if there was anyone left to pick up from the destroyer the only thing they could hear was echo of their steps. The USS Forrestal crew appeared to be more focused on the ‘Observer’ than them, a fact ‘Leader’ shrugged off as it was somewhat obvious reasoning for him.

D1 H3 M25

DDG-152 and W/O

The bridge itself was empty, with some dust visible in the air, every single monitor was turned off, but the lights were on, as the last member of the party got into the bridge, they were “Greeted” with male voice on radio calling out;

“Target, designated Romeo-1, identified, friendly helicopter, SH-3, boarded without permission, entering bridge. Over.” ??? The monotone voice was bouncing around the ears of the “Greeting squad”

‘Leader’, quickly motioned to the rest of the group to remain silent and in a hurry spoke up trying to get response;

“Identify yourself /break/ we were sent here to establish any form of contact between this destroyer and USS Forrestal /break/ we are currently in squad of 5, mostly medical personnel. We are currently in the Bridge, Over.”

“Weapons Officer of DDG-152 ‘Hercules’, if your intentions are as you claim, await for security personnel to meet with you, Over and out.” ???

The ‘Boarding party’ has looked at each other in confusion and tried to get plan of action, as this isn’t what was expected...

Quick glance around the bridge reveals that the electronics are shut down, keeping there only the lights, no trace of human activity before they entered.

Before they could decide what they should do, or even question the several minutes of delay of radio message since they boarded, they were greeted with salute by four security guards, with M16s hanging on their chests, who had neutral expression, after the “Boarding party” has returned the salute, one of the guards speaks up while having hand near his rifle;

“Provide the reason for which you’re here, armed and without authorization of either CO or Captain” Guard said in a collected emotionless voice

‘Leader’ Maintaining the head on his shoulders quickly responded.

“Currently USS Forrestal is out of communication with outside world, after dispatching ‘Observer’ we spotted this vessel and attempted communication for over 20 minutes to no avail, which in turn, made the Captain send us here to investigate.”

The guards nod, the same one from earlier step forward and issued instructions

“Follow me towards CIC, keep weapons to yourself.”

while two of the guards stayed behind, to ensure that the ‘Boarding party’ would follow the order and for safety reasons...

D1 H4 M0

USS Hercules (DDG-152)

Upon being escorted to CIC, the ‘Boarding party’ could hear much more life inside the destroyer than outside, the hallways were well lit, and there were constant status reports on the radio.

“You know...” - ‘Leader’ “The thing that doesn’t make sense, is how we’re able to clearly hear them now on the common frequency, yet there’s no contact between the vessels, the further away we are from the outside, the more alive this vessel feels like” ‘Leader’ spoke to his team, as they walked through the hallway between the bridge and CIC, clearly confused about the situation.

“We have spent over 24 hours trying to establish communication with rest of the fleet to no avail, as such as we don’t want to waste time, it’s not exactly good idea to allow you to roam arou-” Man that appeared to be commander of guards started to explain just to be cut off by ‘Leader’

“Yeah, I get it, procedures, trying to keep discipline and what not, we’re from same navy, you don’t have to explain why you’re pointing the rifles at us after we got onto your ship with no permission, just tell me...” ‘Leader’ paused

“Have you managed to contact even the ‘Observer’?”

The guards stop in tracks

“Observer?”

“‘Observer’ is identification for E-2 Hawkeye USS Forrestal has launched couple of hours ago as attempt to regain contact” ‘Leader’ Explained and continued;

“Currently it should still remain airborne and perform orbits around the Carrier.”

The confusion on faces of this group only grew as more information was being shared.

“No, the only aircraft spotted was friendly SH-3.”

Before the guard’s response could sink in, they have arrived at the end of corridor.

“This way, go first.”

The commander of guards opened doors swiftly and instructed the “Boarding party” to enter CIC.

CIC, or rather Combat Information Center was filled with activity of roughly 30 officers, along side them, the room wasn’t well lit by the lights, but the monitors compensated.

Everyone appeared to be busy with contact on radar that was not identified, after the “boarding party” four guards entered the room, and saluted, quickly briefing the commanding officer about the situation.

D1 H4 M15

USS Hercules and the Crew

CIC itself is full of life, despite the destroyer staying motionless, Commanding Officer is running his hand through his face trying to understand what’s going on, while the “Boarding party” is standing without much of emotions outside of confusion shown as they observe the crew of USS Hercules as it’s just another day of work for them in CIC.

“So, if we would follow the logic given here, a carrier strike group, with one of biggest carriers, and at least 4 destroyers is fully scattered on this sea, and somehow, while this destroyer’s sonar and radar are working properly, and are tracking friendly helicopter radar contact for last 15 minutes, we’re unable to spot Aircraft Carrier 5 miles away, and a turboprop flying above our heads?” The CO of DD-152 asked, as if trying to get grasp on the situation, then added;

“That leaves more questions than answers, when the equipment clearly works, as you could communicate with us as soon as you have entered the bridge...”

“About the bridge....” ‘Leader’ started question, just to be cut off by radio transmission from USS Forrestal. A young man’s voice is heard that catches attention of everyone in CIC

“USS Forrestal to all vessels within the proximity of the broadcast, report your position /break/ respond with your vessel identification /break/ provide status report /break/ be wary of E-2 Hawkeye callsign ‘Observer’ and other friendly aircrafts up in case of IFF failure

I repeat

USS Forrestal to all vessels within the proximity of the broadcast, report your position /break/ respond with your vessel identification /break/ provide status report /break/ be wary of E-2 Hawkeye callsign ‘Observer’ and other friendly aircrafts up in case of IFF failure. Over.”

Everyone in CIC looked at each other in confusion as the CO replied;

“USS Hercules /break/ Position unknown /break/ lack of GPS and Radar signal, radio communication returned, No visuals /break/ Friendly contact on Radar, heading 153, Distance 1 mike, closing in slowly /break/ we have on board your ‘guests’. Over.”

The CO’s voice was calm, but his face was clearly showing his confusion as why any of the events in last few hours have happened.

“Hercules, currently all friendly units should not be further than 15 miles away from you /break/ the E-2 is sending proper IFF signals /break/ unknown contact confirmed /break/ follow SH-3′s instructions to meet up within visual range. Over.” - USS Forrestal

“Roger, follow guide of SH-3 /break/ maintaining the observation of unknown contact. Over” - CO/USS Hercules

D1 H7 M0

Hercules, Forrestal, ‘Observer’ and rest of ’Demigods

The general launch of E-2 Hawkeye was useful, but due to general time it took for it to operate, it was forced to come back to the carrier for maintenance check up, and for the crew to rest after searching for area. The ’Observer″ mission was over.

It took over 4 hours to locate and coordinate efforts of regrouping the fleet, which left everyone tired.

Captains and Commanding Officers of the fleet have met on USS Farrestral to figure out the specifics of the situation, while the rest of the crew were allowed to rest, outside of essential personnel maintaining most important posts in CIC manned.

The sudden return of the communication during the situation assesment on USS Hercules allowed for much easier coordination of efforts.

“So, this is it, huh? Only several helicopters, over streached work hours and lack of explanation for anything, sounds amazing, doesn’t it?” - ‘Leader’ asked one of the man from the „Boarding party” as they had finally a chance to properly rest in the mess hall of USS Forrestal.

“And don’t forget the tax payers money burned on all of this.” - ‘Spotter’ replied, trying to lighten up mood as everyone was tired.

‘Leader’ chuckled before he replied “Oh don’t worry, we’re both paying for it.”

Escort Fleet itself was forming a “Kite” formation, USS Hercules leading the group, USS Phoenix and USS Asgard were on sides of USS Forrestal, that was in “middle” of formation, while at the tail there was USS Cyclone, which on it’s own, is already great achievement, as the naval formation is back to “operational” state.

Now, it is worth noting, that while USS Forrestal is rather old carrier, it is still able to perform it’s job as aircraft carrier, the task itself for the crew was routine mission to keep the ship out of port, as form of maintaining combat readiness by the crews.

It has escort of 4 Arleigh Burke destroyers, which are rather new at current time class of destroyers.

_________________________

Quite long chapter, and I’m fully aware that it doesn’t have much of progression or anything happening.

But hey, let’s look at the positives, first major part of the story is here.

Obviously, open for thoughts about this.