"Phoenix Rage, Part II" (Flock'⁴⁵: Operation Pacifica)

## Plot

The episode begins with a striking shot of American flags fluttering vigorously in the wind, hinting at the impending chaos. Inside a dimly lit waiting room, an atmosphere of deep darkness prevails. The silence is punctuated by the occasional sound of bombs and gunshots, causing Commander Christopher to shut his eyes tightly, attempting to shield himself from the harrowing noises and the fear they evoke. The room is filled with a mix of emotions as the crew members grapple with their shaken nerves. Some are seen fervently praying for their safety and mourning the loss of their fellow comrades. Amidst this turmoil, Zenk, holding a Buddhist necklace, silently recites mantra lines. His lips move in a whisper as he seeks solace and inner strength. Yano, inspired by Zenk's calm demeanor, follows suit and clasps his hands together, emulating Zenk's actions and finding solace in his words. This shared spiritual practice serves as an anchor for the crew members in the midst of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Christopher, determined to protect his ship and his crewmates, tightly grasps a Bible, holding it as a symbol of hope and safety. He envisions a swift end to the threat posed by those attempting to take over the ship and endanger the lives of his team. In a reassuring tone, he addresses the room, expressing his belief that God is watching over them all.

In the somber silence of the control room, Christopher and the other crewmates huddled together, enveloped by darkness and fear. Their hearts skipped a beat as they heard urgent knocking coming from the hatch. It was the voice of Christopher's nephew, James. The crewmates instinctively moved toward the hatch, desperate to help him, but Christopher's whispered warnings cut through the air like a chilling breeze. He urged them, with a sense of urgency, not to come any closer, to remain quiet, and to ignore the knocks. Their lives depended on it.

Outside the hatch, James's voice trembled with pain and desperation. He revealed himself, his body covered in blood, his left arm tragically lost. Despite his dire circumstances, James remained remarkably patient, pleading with his uncle to open the hatch and let him in. With bated breath, James stood there, waiting for the hatch to open.

Christopher and the others, their faces etched with concern, understood the gravity of the situation. James smiled, a brave acknowledgement of the danger they all faced. He reassured his uncle that he wasn't going anywhere, that he would stay by his side. Some crewmates couldn't help but sob quietly, overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the moment.

In the midst of the darkness, James began to reminisce about the special bond he shared with his uncle. He spoke of the Christmas when his uncle had gifted him a bike, a project they had worked on together, which had led to the nickname "Bubby." Through their teenage years, Christopher had taken James on sailing trips in Georgia, helping him overcome his fear of water and encouraging him to become the best sailor he could be. James expressed his gratitude for the love and support his uncle had shown him.

As Christopher listened, his heart swelled with a mix of emotions. James emphasized the importance of honesty, particularly for sailors who should never lie to their captain. James promised to be there for Christopher, to share stories with his two younger sisters and four brothers about Christopher's experiences during World War I. He fondly recalled playing hide and seek with his siblings, often hiding in cramped spaces due to his small size. Christopher would search for him, their special bond evident even in those simple childhood games.

James yearned to fulfill his promise to his uncle, to stay alive and make him proud. He found solace in the promises his mother had made, assuring him that God would be there for him even if his uncle was not. Unbeknownst to James, a Phoenix Riser spotted him, drawn to the sound of his voice. James continued to smile and talk to the door, unaware of the imminent danger that approached.

As Christopher relayed the situation to James, he expressed his belief that James would become the finest sailor in the USS George Mary Pacifica Fleet, making his uncle immensely proud. James had always been his best "Bubby," never giving in to tears or anger. He thanked his uncle for giving him a happy childhood, filled with love and support. In a chilling turn of events, the Phoenix Riser approached James and aimed his gun at him. As James hummed a tune reminiscent of his mother's lullabies, three gunshots echoed through the room. The Phoenix Riser coldly walked past James' lifeless body, leaving behind a scene of devastation.

As the Phoenix Riser fled, some crewmates in the control room sobbed softly, trying to maintain the silence that now felt heavier than ever. Christopher, consumed by grief, no longer felt any emotions. James' promises and the memory of his vibrant spirit hung in the air, a haunting reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded in their midst.