Author's Note

Heads up: for people who do know things about sailing and ships... I sadly do not know much about those things. Just thought I'd let you know, since the chapter has something to do with that.

Anyway, enjoy and feel free to tell me what I did right and what I did wrong in the comments!

Prologue: The Calm Before The Storm

"This will allow us to get weapons into Equestrian hooves. As many as possible, as soon as possible and as cheaply as possible."- Cloud Breeze, head of the War Production Board to Queen Nova regarding the Lend-Lease Act.
—
Seaweed Swift looked longingly over the side of the merchant freighter, into the water which the ship cut through swiftly. The water of the Celestial Sea was nothing like the waters of Aris and Sequestria. Back home, the water was warm and clear as crystal and it felt like soaring through air to swim in it. Out here, the water was cold, murky and felt heavy like the ocean was trying to pull you down deeper and deeper into it. This season especially, near the end of the year, was truly awful. Hard rain, storms and choppy waters plagued every day. Though this close to the coast, things were much more calm and the good ole SS Waterset made good speed.

Until 6 months ago, Seaweed had never plied these waters. After all, the cruise ship he worked on only went over Seaquestria and to the outlying islands of Aris, maybe the odd trip to Tobuck or Colthage. Even when he was pressed into the merchant marine, his time was spent ferrying troops and supplies from Squarkwood to Askalion or Ain Trotgourait which took all of a day, maybe two under worse conditions. And back then, the only concern was the odd Wingbardian submarine or squadron of Chiropterran aircraft that slipped through. That was no longer the case.

The trip from Northpoint to Manebourne took just under two weeks alone and took them through the rough seas where the Middle and Celestial Oceans met. But the route was far from the Changelings, and well patrolled by the New Mareland Navy. This voyage, only a small part of their cargo was offloaded in New Mareland. That left their hull still stuffed to the gunwales with freight, mostly just preserved food, medical supplies and the like. Though stuffed down there somewhere were containers of 'war time freight.' That was the polite way to say guns and the ammo to use them. Every trip the Waterset had done the past six months had packed some firepower in it, though it wasn't even the tip of the iceberg of what rumors said was being sent to Equestria.

The real danger of the trip came with the second leg of the journey, the trip from Manebourne to Fillydelphia. It was shorter, at only a week, but was much more dangerous. The Changelings had warned Mount Aris that neutrality did not guarantee the safety of civilian crews when carrying weapons and ammunition. Reports abounded of ships sighting Changeling U-Boats but so far, the bugs hadn't made good on their promise. Didn't mean they couldn't though.

"Seagriff Swift, you're not slacking on watch, are you?"

The sharp voice of the ship officer roused Seaweed from his thoughts and caused his head to snap to attention

"No sir, just, eyes got a bit heavy. Been on watch for over ten hours now."

The officer looked at him with some sympathy. In order to pack as much cargo as possible, the Waterset was down to bare minimum crew. Just enough to operate it in acceptable order. That left long shifts of watch and work for everyone. The officer looked at their wristwatch before patting Seaweed on the shoulder.

"Go get some food sailor, I'll find someone to relieve you."

Seaweed gave a salute followed by an appreciative nod, before he swiftly walked past the Watch Officer. Crossing the deck was hectic as deckclaws ran around, preparing the ship to make port which it was expected to do either in a few hours or early the next day if the current weather continued. After making it through the flurry of work, he managed to make it down to the lower deck and into the galley, where the smell of food was irresistible. With such a hard schedule, the ship cooks had taken to just leaving food out to warm for the crew to eat whenever they had the time. Seaweed wasted no time grabbing his supper. He hadn't eaten since breakfast after all.

With a bowl of what seemed to be kelp and beef stew, he took a seat close to some fellow seagriffs who also seemed to have found time to eat. Conversation was scarce, with just a 'hello' from one of them. Seaweed didn't blame them a bit. If they were anything like him, they were tired, sore, homesick and more than a little scared. That was no combination to be talking about anything. Once they were out of dangerous waters, maybe the crew would be a bit more talkative.

He got a few bites into his stew, thinking of how it tasted far worse than the kelp stew his mom made back in Seaquestria, before he was thrown out of his seat but a sudden shudder of the ship followed by a rumble. The galley was thrown into chaos, as the other sailors and the cooks were thrown around, squawking and cursing. The half-warm food sitting in burners was tossed around, making a huge mess. Had they hit a large wave? Crashed into rocks? Collided with another ship?

"What the Hell just happened?" someone cried out as Seaweed struggled to get up, the ship continuing to shudder and creak loudly

Before anyone could reply, there was a tremendous BOOM that seemed to lift the entire floor along with everyone in the galley. Seaweed felt like gravity no longer applied to him, lifting off into the air as time seemed to slow. The ship's alarm began to blare now, a measure that mattered little to anyway suspended in air. Eventually, gravity returned and Seaweed hit the floor with a hard 'hmph' and a groan. He got off lucky however, as the sailor currently screaming while holding their very clearly broken army showed. Another one lay on the ground, completely still with blood pouring from their head. The hot taste of vomit reached the back of Seaweed's throat when he saw that, but it quickly subsided when he noticed the sailor was still breathing. The General Alarm bells rang, as the ships communication system crackled to life

"General Alarm!" the ship's Captain called, with a panic in her voice that didn't bode well "Crew, report to all stations for fire protection duties! Chief Engineer to Engine, now!"

Despite the shock, Seaweed's training kicked in and he slowly picked himself up, finding an unsteady balance as the ship continued to rock front to back. He saw that another dazed sailor lay on the floor near him.

"Come on!" he said, picking the sailor up, the two of them balancing on each other on the way towards the exit, others struggling behind them

The lower deck was in complete chaos, with some fighting to get up the stairs to the top deck, while others pushed past them to move deeper in the bowels of the ship. The floor was unsteady, and water seemed to have leaked in making it even harder to move. Once out of the galley, the sailor Seaweed had assisted, pushed away from him and began to make their way down to the lower decks, likely an engineer. Meanwhile, he had to make his way back to the top deck and join whatever damage control efforts were underway. He grabbed the rails of the stairs leading to the main deck just as another, smaller boom went off. Only now did he realize that those were explosions! This one almost caused him to fall again, but he clung on tight and hurried his way up behind a few others.

As he stepped out onto the top deck, he was horrified. The deck was scattered with pieces of twisted metal, some burning red. He couldn't ignore the few bodies either, taken out by the raining shrapnel. Despite the calm seas, the ship was rocking back and forth, as the front bowed into the water one moment and lifted into the air the next. Sailors were rushing around, confused and terrified but moving to organize damage control crews . Seaweed couldn't see what the damage was as it probably affected the lower decks more, but he stumbled out and made his way to the closest officer at a muster point, just like he was supposed to.

"Sir, what the Hell happened!" he questioned, catching the officers attention

"I don't know! But there's been multiple explosions on the cargo deck and Engine is fighting desperately to keep us going!"

"How far are we from the Equestrian coast! I don't think we're in good shape!" Seaweed said, gesturing to the rocking of the ship, which only seemed to get worse. The very metal under them seemed to groan louder and louder

"The Captain has ordered abandon ship yet! If you have your pearl shard, then get ready to go down to cargo deck and start closing off bulkheads before-"

The officer was cut off by another explosion, even louder than the one that had thrown the entire galley into the air. Seaweed watched as the entire bow of the ship seemed to just disappear in an instant, a massive chunk of steel just gone and replaced with open water and twisted wreckage. Anyone standing near it was also gone, and the heat reached all the way to amidship, where Seaweed stood, singeing his hair and burning his feathers. His ears popped and he became all but deaf minus the ringing in his ears, something he was grateful for as he watched bits of metal fly across the quickly tipping front deck and just completely destroy anyone in the way. He got lucky when the officer slumped forward onto him, having taken a piece of metal in the back the size of someone's head. As the ship finally made up its mind and lurched forward, Seaweed was propelled forward by gravity towards the gaping maw of the ocean, which roiled with greasy fire. He screamed as he scrambled away, managing to quickly grasp onto the railing. The ship stopped tipping, leaned forward at a 70 degree angle. But it was clear to him, it was sinking and fast.

His knuckles were white, gripping the railing and just trying to slide down. It was more an instinct than a real danger. Seawood was a Seapony first and foremost, but right now his brain just couldn't bring himself to let go. Looking both ways, or rather up and down as it were, he could see some just like him clinging to the railing or desperately holding onto something. The aft of the ship was completely in the air, the turbines still gently spinning in the open air. He could see a large hole blown in the side of the ship, right below the water line. Right in the aft cargo deck, not far from where a lot of the military gear was kept. In a strange moment of clarity, he realized there had been a chain reaction of ammunition explosions right until it reached the front fuel tanks.

He was brought back by the shrill alarm of 'abandon ship', which was the obvious conclusion for anyone still alive. He looked back at the sinking bow of the ship, the heat of the ignited fuel already hitting him. He couldn't cling here any longer, it was time to leave. With all of his strength, he hoisted himself over the railing and tried to throw himself as far from the ship as possible. Drowning wasn't a possibility, but getting dragged down with the ship certainly was. For the second time, time seemed to slow and he felt weightless, tumbling in the air as the water got closer and closer. He took a deep breath and reached a claw to the necklace around his neck that held his Shard. When his talon touched the little white pearl piece, it slowly transformed into a flipper and the rest of him transformed. By the time he hit the water, the sudden replacement of air by the ocean felt like a refreshing breath. Being in his preferred form was always a refreshing change of pace. If only it could have been under different circumstances.

He swam away from the ship quickly, quicker than he'd ever swam in his life. Away from the heat and away from the pull of the sinking ship. Once he was far away enough to feel safe, he turned back to see the ship in its full horrific glory. The fuel fire illuminated it against the backdrop of the night sky. Even from here, he could see a few figures still clinging desperately for life or throwing themselves overboard. If they hesitated this long, they either weren't comfortable with their Seapony form or had lost their shards. Either way, hesitating much longer could cost them their lives. He couldn't bear to watch and instead set about locating other survivors, praying that the bridge crew had sent out an SOS signal before abandoning ship. Otherwise, they'd have to swim for it and who knew how far off the coast they were.

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It didn't take long for the survivors to find each other, less than half of the forty strong crew, not including the Captain or First Mate in the end. Most of the Engineers and Machinists were also missing, probably below decks when the final explosion nailed the coffin shut for the Waterset. The group huddled together like a school of scared foals. Some of the more Hippogriffs orientated of the group refused to keep their heads below water for long, constantly popping up and down. Seaweed was more than content to stay in the water, feeling safe and protected in its grasp. His fellow Seaponies felt much the same, and much gripping was done about 'staying back in Seaquestria where it was safe' and 'not being worried about all the topside stuff', something that he couldn't help but agree with right now.

Eventually, one of the 'bobbers' stuck their head below water and called for everyone to look. A few decided to follow him, and Seaweed followed out of morbid curiosity. As expected, he witnessed the final end of the SS Waterset, the turbines finally dipping back into the water. Someone commented how quick it had gone down, placing a guess at only twenty minutes.

With the ship gone, the conversation turned to what to do now. Some suggested they go and try and save anyone still in the ship, though this idea was pretty quickly shot down as they lacked any tools or training that would help with that. Another suggestion came to try and swim for shore, but with a number of wounded and with so many tired and sore, that didn't seem like a good idea either. Finally, it was decided to just wait and see if help arrived.

Just as this terrible night had started, Seaweed ended up as part of the watch, while the others tried to get some rest. Despite the fact he hadn't slept in over half a day at this point, he was fully alert and kept a sharp eye out. He couldn't help but notice one of the others was even more alert than he was and very jumpy. Seemed to be muttering to themselves too. Concerned, Seaweed gently brushed them aside.

"Hey, what's gotten over you? You're jumping at every little tremble in the water and tail swish."

"Huh? J-just… I'm looking out for them."

"Them? Who is 'them'?"

The seapony got a nervous look on his face, and looked around like someone was listening in and might not like what he had to say.

"T-The… The Changelings. I saw them. I mean, I saw their ship. I was on watch, on the starboard rear a-and… I swear I saw it. This big submarine, long as the ship and black as the ocean depths…"

Seaweed didn't really know how to react to that. It made all too much sense. This hadn't been some careless accident or some mistake of providence. They had been attacked! Torpedoed by a Changeling U-Boat

"By Tiamat.." Seaweed swore upon the realization "Look, I doubt they're still around or gonna do anything. Just… Just keep a look out for whoever can help us, ok?"

The jumpy sailor didn't look convinced but nodded all the same. The two of them resumed a silent watch of the night's rolling waves. Eventually the fuel burned itself all up and the spot where the Waterset went down was indistinguishable from the ocean at large. Eventually, Seaweed and the other Griff on watch were relieved, just as the sun began to peak over the eastern horizon. Seaweed dove beneath the waters and was asleep within seconds, his body and mind needing a rest after what had gone down

He was eventually awoken by commotion, with the other survivors hurriedly swimming around. In his half-asleep state, he almost forgot where he was and was confused to see his flippers flapping through the water. Then the memories of last came back and he bolted to the service to see what was happening. That's when he saw it, a distant shadow in the west. The unmistakable silhouette of a distant ship. It was miles away, but it was clearly there. And although he couldn't be suire, it seemed to be heading towards them. Along with the others, he whooped and cheered, throwing his flippers into the air and even gave a happy little swim! The excitement toned down when they all realized the ship was likely hours away, assuming it was even coming near them. Another discussion was held on whether to stay put or swim towards it. This time, Seaweed was all in favor of swimming for it and most agreed. Almost as one, the group of Seaponies began to swim desperately for the distant vessel.

Even with the ability to swim, well, like fish, it took a lot out of Seaponies to swim hard for long distances. They were just civilian merchant mariners, not Arisian Marines! Progress eventually had to come to an end when the group grew tired. Seaweed wanted to just keep pushing, but stayed with the group. Splitting up was the best way to get lost and die in the ocean, even if you could breath water. A few suggested flying instead of swimming, but that posed a similar problem. Not to mention, they had lost the exact bearing of the ship during their rushed swim.

Not all was lost however, as by the grade of the Gods themselves, the distant whine of an aircraft became audible. They all turned their eyes to the skies, trying to spot the plane. Seaweed was the first to notice it. A bi-plane flew close to the ground, bearing the unmistakable sun roundel of an Equestrian plane!

"There! There! It's an Equestrian Plane!" He shouted, gesturing into the air in the direction of the craft, which was getting closer to them

The group went wild again, splashing around and calling out towards the sky. Someone announced they'd been able to snatch a water-proof signal flare before the ship went down. Some urged them to use it now, but others said to wait until the plane was closer. Seaweed and the rest waited with baited breath as the plane got ever closer. Once it was so close, it seemed like they could reach out and touch it, someone yelled 'fire!' and a blue signal flare shot off into the sky. The plane didn't react for a moment, flying right past them. Some let out cries of defeat and anguish, until the plane circled and flew back over them. It did this two more times, before giving a little wing wave on its last pass and flying back west, full throttle ahead.

This time there were no cheers. Just grateful sighs. As long as they stayed here, they'd be safe. Eventually.

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After several more hours spent trying not to move with the waves and getting some well needed rest, Seaweed was starting to get anxious. Worried that maybe they weren't as saved as they thought. He wasn't the only one, especially as a light fog formed over the water. They heard the sound of another plane somewhere in the distance but couldn't spot a thing with the fog on the water. And without a second flare to reassure themselves. After the plane's engine died off in the distance, some began to panic. If they were stuck out here this long already, how much longer would it take.

That panic sparked an argument, bigger and worse than any other time. This time, those who wanted out of the water now, especially those unused to their Seapony form, demanded that they swim for it while the most experienced and comfortable said wait. It might have honestly come to blows, if someone hadn't offered to lead a prayer to the Gods, in order to give everyone strength in these trying times. Though a bit of a strange offer, it brought everyone back to order and let them think it through. And Seaweed was just glad it stopped a fight he really didn't wanna be a part of. Like everyone, he just wanted to go home before this continued any longer.

Joining flipper to flipper, the group formed a circle and bowed their heads. The one who offered this took right to it, speaking about thanks to the Gods for allowing them to live, thanks to An God of the Sky for giving their flight and their grace, thanks to Tiamat Goddess of the Sea for their Gills and their unparalleled swimming. And thanks to both for giving them the land of Aris and Sequestria, where they all hoped to return. With a final Amen from all, the group fell silent. Almost resigned to whatever came next.

To his own surprise, Seaweed opened his mouth and broke the somber silence by belting out the first verse of the national anthem of the United Kingdoms.

"Gods save our gracious Queen!"

There was a pause, before some continued with the next two verses

"Long live our noble Queen! Gods save the Queen!"

After that, the whole group broke out into the impromptu performance

"Happy and Glorious!
Long To Reign Over Us!
Gods Save the Queen!
O please our Gods arise!
Scatter her enemies!
And make them fall!
Confound their politics!
And stop their dirty tricks!
On her, our hopes are fixed!
Gods save us all!"

They would have continued, had a fog horn not interrupted them, scaring the daylights out of them with how close it was. Looking up from their singing, a ship was quickly approaching them through the fog! It sounded its horn again, breaking the group from their stupor. Rescue was here!

They practically swam over each trying to reach the ship, which appeared to be an Equestrian coastal cutter, with some springing out of the water in their Hippogriff forms when they saw the flag of the Two Sisters flying from the mast. For their part, the Equestrian sailors were more than happy to pull the Arisians out of the water. Seaweed looked up at one, who held her hoof down with a sad smile. Just that look made it clear this wasn't the first time she'd done something like this. And whoever she'd pulled out last time, probably wasn't a Seapony.

As the mare pulled him up, he touched his pearl shard and transformed into a sopping wet Hippogriff instead, wrapping himself around the Equestrian, as did many of his comrades to their saviors. And to the credit of both the mare and her shipmates, they attempted to comfort the Hippogriffs best they could while still pulling more from the water.

"Hey hey, it's ok big guy relax you're alright." the sailor mare said, giving him a reassuring pat on the back

"How did you… find us in the fog?" he asked, getting a little choked up as everything that happened finally started to set in

"We weren't really sure where you were. Not until we heard you all singing. Now just relax, you're safe. You all are."

Seaweed couldn't help but smile and laugh. It felt good to hear those woods. To hear they'd be safe. At that moment, all he cared about was getting home. He'd never leave Sequestria again, not in a million years.