A Combat Information Center strangely cramped for a vessel of her size, twelve chaired positions available within the bridge. Navigation and Tactical stations independently placed at the front, unavailable officers seated directly at the panoramic armored windows. At the back was a single station surrounded by unpowered monitors; Operations and Communications folded into one officer and their many auxiliaries.

Anchoring it all was the central command center; a long gridded table placed within the middle of battlefield chaos. Black shape hiding mechanisms within, a reflective surface awaiting commands from unpresent command officers. A few panels across it loose in the midst of construction, exposed wiring running across the floor alongside unsecured furniture.

A nerve center extending beyond the body of steel, an entire battlespace commanded by just a single flagship.

Illuminated by sunlight streaming through windows, the first step of the tour is finished as Vice Admiral Fujisaki cracks open the huge weighted blast doors with a herculean effort. “Welcome to the Bridge everyone, try not to touch anything if you can.”

A deep breath, the entire Cadet Class carefully stepping into the place.

Both Jraad cadets collapse hands together in reverence, the entrance to a holy site demanding purification from imperfect souls. Prayers to gods above, a thanksgiving of an opportunity to witness the edge of technology.

“Wooah…” Cadet Chloe Aian vocalizes aloud.

“I don’t recognize the design of these items.” Cadet Natlan begins quietly. “The consoles are Galidan in format but…”

“Silence please.” The Vice Admiral clears his throat. “Archipelago, illuminate the bridge.”

Responding to the voice the vessel does as ordered, the entire space igniting beneath diode lights.

“Gods below…” Yamada begins. “How did you…”

“The novelty of the voice activated light switch never fails to amaze.” Fujisaki chuckles.

“What sort of computerized processor does this vessel have?” Cadet Iska Lambert asks with concern. “The first commandment says…”

“Just because a dolphin can understand words and do fancy tricks does not make it a man.” The Vice Admiral assures. “And that’s classified. Archipelago, authorize access to primary bridge control system authorization Vice Admiral Haru Fujisaki identification zoko-one-one-four. Privacy mode active, unauthorized personnel on deck.”

Screens come to life, the table at the center of the bridge activating as ordered. A sigil birthed into the world, the broadcasted a three dimensional image of the Coalition rotating ever so slowly above the group of cadets who stare on in wonder.

“Ever since the Amari Civil War everyone’s been wanting a display that can represent aircraft in three dimensional space. This is the first iteration of it based off an old arcane display, complements of Benuli and us Okiani.”

“Not Jraad?” Cadet Natlan asks with a bit of surprise.

“The Kagaku has been pushing for some more technological independence in accordance with the Buzoku’s decrees. The Benuli of course have been giving us a hand, but this is all home harvested Okiani technology.”

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“Gods below…” Yamada makes the connection, kith politics forging a question asked to the ranking officer. “Is it actually happening? The split I mean…”

A grim expression placed from the Vice Admiral’s face. “Politicians will say all they want. Reality is that if the Navy doesn’t agree with you, you can’t do much about it.”

A silence left to the Cadets, the Officer moving towards the central holographic table. “Alright let’s see if this works. Archipelago, activate bridge simulation one. Combat test sequence, five minutes to approach.”

Software spooling up, Fujisaki turning to the rest of the cadets. “We’re going to show this off during the launching ceremony next month with all the papers present, sort of a demonstration of combat potential without killing anyone. So for now, just don’t tell anyone you kids experienced this.”

Two beeps from bridge speakers, activation of a system internalized within software bodies.

“What’s happening?!” Cadet Yamada asks as screens begin to shift, false data flowing through them.

“When I said she was complete, I meant it.” The Vice Admiral chuckles. “We could basically commit a bit of piracy and sail her out of here if we wanted too. But alas, we’ll just settle for the next best thing.”

Vessels in the midst of the Stygian Expanse, an entire world away from their current position. Pillars of ancient metal sticking up from the seas, the bones of dead gods now the location of a final showdown.

On the central table the projection of a friendly green battleship appears, centered within the battlespace. From its periphery several red warships sail on approach, a vessel surrounded from all sides.

“Operation North Star, Battle of Boneyard Yelon.” Cadet Jeong notes as she recognizes the placement of the vessels. “Where Coalition Task Force Seventeen was sunk by Kith Naro.”

“Correct.” The Flag Officer smiles. “But the Archipelago can take them. Cadets, combat stations.”

All of the students turn to their teacher, the Flag Officer’s grin turning sour as he barks out repeated orders. “I said combat stations!”

Cadets panic, staring at one another in confusion. A suddenness of combat, souls thrust into simulations without prior briefing.

Cadet Yamada takes the stand. “Just like in the classroom simulator! Iska and Isiah, tactical and ops. Chloe, get to the helm. Natlan you're in engineering and Akane on intel.”

The Cadets break, moving to assumed positions with panicking speed.

“Engineering deck’s sealed for now.” The Vice Admiral calmly informs the Gaelsin cadet. “Just take the seat over there, it's an engineer’s station for all intents and purposes.”

Console interfaces recognized, a pause as the cadet class begins to familiarize themselves with the actual items.

“And don’t worry about breaking anything.” The Vice Admiral assures as he steps next to the helm. “The only reason we have simulator software installed here is to actually train a crew. Captain Yamada, please give your orders.”

A battleship sailing against hostile contacts, the preparation for simulated combat reaching an apex as warships begin to reach terminal ranges.

Cruisers screening destroyer formations covered by frigate escorts, two battleships anchoring the group from a distance. Guns elevated, preparation for conflict coming to fruition in the heat of battle.

A calming breath from the Cadet Captain, words spoken in order. “Helm full flank speed bearing one-six-four.”

Three beeps of caution from the bridge speakers, a warning sounded as a simulation is paused. Words written in textual Kalish Trade, read by eyes.

///CAUTION: AUTHORIZATION INSUFFICIENT, IDENTIFICATION CARD SCAN REQUIRED

“And that’s the problem with Okani security systems.” Vice Admiral Fujisaki sighs as he reaches into his pocket. “Gotta keep these authorization chips with you every day.”

An empty void in response, a joyful expression immediately turning to panic at the realization. “Gods below…”

“Is there something wrong sir?” Cadet Yamada asks calmly.

A memory flashing before him, remembering the final moments before leaving the command bunker. “I forgot my key chips.”

Absolute silence from the cadet class.

“They’re still in Miura’s office.” The man continues. “Gods she’s going to kill me.”

“You forgot your authorization cards?” Jeong narrows her gaze. “How irresponsible.”

“Give me twenty minutes.” Fujisaki snaps as he sprints out towards the bridge’s blast doors. “Don’t touch anything too sensitive. Familiarize yourself with the controls, the Acubens’s control scheme is very similar so treat this as a familiarization initiation. I’ll be right back!”