Iowa: This cube...

She was back in the Abyss, studying the cube with Wo at her side. She took notes on it while Iowa kept watch of any strange movements or pulses incase of a trap.

From what they found, this cube was truly authentic, High Priestess wasn't lying to her when she said that her plans could bear fruit, and her goal was only a short distance away.

...

Iowa: However, when has fate ever been kind to me? I'll use this cube, but not in the way she would expect me too

Iow: Wo, what have you found on it?

Wo: Well, the main thing is that it truly is a marvel of power. In such a tiny frame it contains an unbelievable amount of energy that could be released and controlled to power practically anything!

Iowa: Hmm...and what if it's damaged?

Wo: Oh the results would be catastrophic! We're talking about a nuclear warhead explosion if this is fractured. I'm sure the Sirens have a countermeasure so that doesn't happen since these things get destroyed alongside the production models...but how would they do it? Is it...

She went on mumbling to herself as Iowa observed the cube again. She reached out to it with the abyss and felt a shiver run through her body, clearly showing that Wo was correct with how much power was inside this thing.

...

Iowa: Wo...Wo!

Wo: Oh! Uhh yes?

Iow: This cube is volatile, and we can't mess around with it...which is why I know just how to use it against the Sirens

Wo: Really? Are we making production models?

Iowa: No

She turned to her scientist and close friend, her eyes glowing a bright yet mischievous gold.

Iowa: We're making a bomb that'll knock the Sirens right out of the war
—————

After the whole cube situation, Iowa left the room and left Wo to study the cube more.

Iowa: That girl and her notes...

She arrived to the throne room and sat down on her own one, as Seer floated down in front of her.

Iowa: Seer, do you remember the code I inputted all those months ago?

The floating ball glowed green.

Iowa: Good, that code is important, and make sure it is broadcasted to all Abyssals

...

She stood up and looked to the window that overlooked to city. She saw the girls she captured mingling with the Abyssals, smiles on both sides faces as one came to her own.

Iowa: They really can co-exist, they just needed to see past their differences...well, more morals than appearance

She stayed there and watched everything go by, silently dreading what she knows is too come. She knows that this war must end soon, but the way it must end will not come from the Abyss.

Iowa: Humans are so strange...they created us to fight a battle they couldn't, yet even then they fought alongside us for who knows how long...

...

Iowa: I...I envy them. To live like life isn't going to tear you down is something I wish every shipgirl could experience, something new to the plate and something fresh.

She held her hand out as Seer floated there and showed her a projection of humans in the park she visited with Wo, each one had smiles and each one was happy.

...

Iowa: But what of the shipgirls?

Set changed and showed her another park, obviously the one on the naval base...yet they were still smiling, just like the previous projection.

Iowa: We were built and created for war, yet we smile and love just the same...

She smiled as she looked out to the Abbysals down below.

Smiles...everyone is smiling.

...

She took a deep breath and dropped her smile. She knew what has to happen soon, but before then, she had to congratulate someone close to her.

Iowa: After all, who doesn't want wedding cake?
—————

Kiana was writing the latest report on the base, mostly about the conditions of the base as well as the supplies required for the next convoy.

Standard issue stuff, if it wasn't for the other person in the room with her.

Not that she minded, but...

Kiana: Cleveland, get off of me

Cleveland: No!

The cruiser was latched to her back, not letting go in anyway, shape, or form.

Kiana:*sigh* Cleveland, I need to work, we can cuddle later okay?

Cleveland: B-but-

Kiana: No buts. Get off or you get nothing tonight

Begrudgingly, she let go of Kiana, walking out of the office with a noticeable sulk.

...

Kiana: Her condition got worse, and she's still hit hard by the loss of her sisters

She put the pen down and looked over to a picture that held a beaming Cleveland and softly smiling Kiana.

Kiana: Even is this relationship is fake...I'm happy you're still okay...

?: It doesn't need to be fake you know?

She sprung up at the voice, quickly realizing who it was.

Kiana: My Queen! I didn't expect to be speaking with you so soon

Iowa: Neither did I, but I decided to do something that should have been done when this started

...

Kiana: T-that is?

Iowa: K-423, clone of me and my most important asset in Azur lane

...

Iowa: I approve

...

Kiana: Huh?

Iowa: Keep in mind, I want my grandkids to know my good side, not the bad one

Kiana: That's what you're talking about?!

Kiana started blushing a storm, all the while she heard Iowa's laughter in her head.

Iowa: I wanted to congratulate you on getting a lover, even if it was a choice meant to manipulate her

Kiana: W-well that's true...but-

Iowa: No buts, I know what's been happening. Despite originally being a ploy to get another ally, you truly grew attached to her...

...

Kiana: My Queen...

Iowa: Because of that, as well as your genuine care for everyone on that base, I came to a crucial decision regarding your future

Kiana grew worried, knowing that she might be replaced or killed when this war is over.

Kiana: My Queen, I can still be of use after this! I can still spy on them or eve-

Iowa: You got my intentions wrong K-423. I'm not telling you your usefulness is coming to an end...I want you to live out what I couldn't

...

Iowa: This war is ending soon, Tester has informed me that the Sirens are attempting another large scale attack, and Wo is creating a weapon that'll knock them out of the game permanently

Kiana: But...what about the Abyssals?

...

Iowa: They'll be free too, to live and love how they wish in this world

Kiana: And...what of you?

...

...

Iowa: I've condemned myself to this role, and I have no choice now but to see it to its end. Humanity needs heros that can stop this carnage...yet those heros failed to finish it

Kiana looked over to the picture again, brief flashed changed it to Enterprise and Iowa before everything went to shit.

Iowa: This time, Humanity needs a target too bare their fangs at. The Sirens are one thing, but they never attacked outside the ocean...the Abyss did

Kiana: My Queen...what are you planning to do when everything's over?

Iowa: Nothing...

Kiana: Nothing?

Iowa: No, that's why I want you to take up my title as Hero. Take care of New Jersey...make sure Enterprise is happy...hell, maybe name a kid after me

Kiana:*horrified* Are...are you saying what I think you are?...

Iowa: I am...Kiana Kaslana...

I've rigged this game from the start...to end in my death.