But through it all, she wasn't able to get rid of you, the wyvern more than capable of holding on to it's position right behind her.

Switching to guns, you curse as she slides away again, though she's not able to do so for long enough to get below the mountain tops. She's really throwing it on now, jerking herself right and left, cutting her jets and doing a pitch roll to bring her gun to bear- you roll under part of the burst and Merlin's shield, huge and angry, shot through with black- eats the rest, the 7.62mm bullets, even augmented, unable to pierce it.

Your computer-assisted gunsights agonizingly slide up and over her, finally giving you a partial solution- you fire without hesitation, a few shells slamming into her shields, the last breaking it, but failing to hit the witch beneath it. She jukes away again, a bit of return fire spattering against Merlin's shield ineffectually.

She dives again, headed for the mountains- and this time, you stay on her, countering her rolls with simple, but brutal applications of the airbrakes, and slamming the fighter's nose up when she attempts to pop back up. Unable to get away, she elects to stay horizontal, trying to get away by simply out turning you- she's slowing down though, her magic clearly pushed to it's limits.

2/3

You finally slide your gunsights over her again- only just barely, finally electing to fire on the imperfect, spaced target of her strikers. Still, the range computers aboard the AWACS, linked into your fighter's powerful avionics and her striker's far more limited ones, registers it, declaring you the winner.

“All participants, good show. Cease any air combat maneuvering and RTB. A pleasure watching you work as always, Lieutenant Commander. I'm sure the Fleet Air Arm is jealous.” The range commander intones from his ride. “Take the southern corridor outbound. We look forward to working with you again.”

“Revenant copies.” You respond, hearing Katya echo with her own callsign- Angel.

You pull your mask away from your face and wipe your face with the back of a gloved hand- frowning when it comes back wet. “Damnit.” You say to yourself. Ice will not be happy.

“Frank?” She calls, less than a second later over the squadron net. “Frank, how do you feel?”

[] Fine, a bit tired.
[] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.
[] I may have turned it up a bit much.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.

>>32560917
>[x] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.

>>32560917
>[x] "Fine, a bit tired, How are you?"

>>32560917
>[x] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels

Raycharles.jog

>>32560917
[other] "I feel like I need a cigarette. Must be something about these mountains."

>>32560917
>[X] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.

We've had worse.

>>32560917
[x] Fine, a bit tired.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.
>[] I may have turned it up a bit much.
Mix these. We'll survive, she has no need to worry

>>32560917
[X] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.
Frank is drooling. Clearly he is happy, or hungry. I forget how it works.

>>32560917
>[] "Fine, a bit tired."
About like Young.

>>32560928 here
switching to this>>32560932

>>32560917
[] Fine, a bit tired.

damn it... we need to get that shrapel out of Fronk ASAP. I bet it's digging into his lungs now.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.

>>32560917

Katya's callsign is Angel? Since when?

>>32560917
[] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels

>>32560917
>Other
>"Angel. That's a good callsign."

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>>32560917

[X] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.

>>32560941
>>32560966
Mix these.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.

Eh, tired. Not the worst we've felt.

>>32560954
I thought it was the gnome fucking us up

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired. Ask Katya how she feels

>>32560917
>[] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.

Less bullshitting, please.

>>32560982
Ignore him. He apparently thinks shrapnel and bleeding in the lungs causes nosebleeds.

>>32560954
I don't think it's that. That would be coughing up blood.

>>32560982
The Shrapel lodged itself into his rib cage, i bet it's either poking into his lungs or work it's way out of the bone.

>>32560941
Seconding this. We are going to need a nap, but damn was that a good fight.

>>32560917
>[x] Damn good. Ask Katya how she feels.
>perhaps mention a hankering for a cigarette

On a more concerning note:
>Merlin's shield, huge and angry, shot through with black-

What's happening to Merlin? Being shot through with black does not seem like a good sign.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.
We don't quite need to turn down, but we're not completely unphased here.
Considering what we're fighting here, it's a fair baseline I think

>>32560917
[]Other
Pure Silence.
Then start snoring.

>>32561017
we would be gasping for air you mook!

>>32561024
Oh wow, didn't notice that. That's...concerning

>>32561035
I'm conflicted now because this is good.

>>32560917
>[] Fine, a bit tired.

I just wonder how long it will take matrons to change who they're looking at in all of this.

>>32561039

Maybe Merlin is tapping into Dark magic?

>>32561050
You mean our magic?

>>32561050
she better not or she gets a paddling!

>>32561024
>What's happening to Merlin? Being shot through with black does not seem like a good sign.

That's odd to say the least. Question is it something she's doing or is something we're having affect on with her.

>>32561055

I don't think so. I honestly doubt any kind of magic Frank would manifest would turn out black.

I sure hope this doesn't mean Merlin is tapping into the Dark Side of the force of something like that.

>>32561037
That would depend on how big the cut would be. IF it had made a cut. There are a number of ways that shrapnel is messing Fronk up, up to and including disrupting the flow of GNOME energy inside Fronk.

>>32561102
Maybe it's one of those things that manifests our or her emotions? I dunno, but black shield is not good

>>32561050
The plane is fueling its tendencies through Merlin.

>>32561127
Blood for the blood plane.

>>32561127
Merlin being lewd?

Gentlemen, a theory. Black can result from no light reaching past something, correct? Perhaps it's just that Merlin's shield has grown strong enough (because we feed her Gnomies, Breakfast of Champions when we fly) that it's blocking light itself.

>>32561116

Well that's more questions we have. Some threads it feels like we're getting more questions than answers at times.

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>>32561113
Please. Stop.

>>32561152
I believe black is the absence of light, but you are essentially correct, yes.

Obviously we need to increase Merlin's intake of Gnomies.

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>>32561156
The namefags are speculating way too hard tonight.

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>>32561172
l-lewd

>>32561174
Its not just a namefag.

Its the resident idiot

>>32561156
What? And other people kicking around the Idea that Merlin is channeling black magic is just fine by you then? Calm down anon.

>>32561211
No, your suggestions are just completely idiotic.

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>>32561193
What if we held Merlin's hand while she ate the Gnomies? We want her to grow up to be the stronkest witch around, after all.

>>32561127
Merlin is going to start being lewd?

>>32561211
>And other people kicking around the Idea that Merlin is channeling black magic is just fine by you then

Different anon here. We've already established that part of our gnomery is being a magic battery - Merlin on her own is piss weak, merlin with us is STRONK.

If Merlin is drawing from our magic pool or something like that, AND we're getting nosebleeds every time we turn on the juice, AND the shield is suddenly black this time...

Y'see the bad mojo here, right?

>>32561243
And you are spastic shit poster.

>>32561278
I don't think shit posting means what you think it does.

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>>32561243
hush hush, let's be civil as possible
>>32561244
>e want her to grow up to be the stronkest witch around, after all.
The way you're going you're gonna turn her into the lewdest witch around! Cupcake 2.0!

>>32561278
You sure you're not fluff

>>32561278
That was my first post in response to him. Not particularly spastic.

>>32561295
...she does like cake...

>>32561262
>Merlin on her own is piss weak, merlin with us is STRONK.
Didn't the latest magic tests on Merlin show that her magic reserves and magic bandwidth had increased exponentially after flying with us?
Not just while we're in the same jet, but now on her own?

Or am I misremembering Captain Black's report?

>>32561295
Kenji will keep her in line. I see much brotential there, bro.

>>32561319
Kenji can't even keep filthy gaijin off of our equipment.

Note to self; When we inevitably trounce Slider, remember to feel like we need a smoke, remember to ask her if it was good for her too. Also, say something about shaking those hips across the (our?) sky.

>>32561327
>no Fronk, you are the gaijin
>and then Fronk was a witch

>>32561318
If you are then so am I. Because recall reading something akin to that but I just don't recall how had said it.

>>32561327
Kenji didn't know he was supposed to be keeping filthy gaijin off Wendy's strikers. Obviously we need to have a man-to-man talk with him about the duties expected of him, now that he's a member of Spellcaster.

>>32561262
I see your point. However there are still some loose ends hanging out there.

I noticed that after he crashed his plane and got that shrapnel in him, his gnome powers grew greatly, but at the expense of his health. Can we discount that?

I just have a sinking feeling they will all be tied together in a rather bad way for Fronk.

>>32561332
agreed

>>32561332
You. I like you.

>>32561335
Rule 63? Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

>>32560886
They don't, actually. Just look at the first episode; Yoshika's mom is still doing healing magic even though she's obviously in her 40s.

They don't have as MUCH magic production when they're older (which takes them off the front lines), but they still have their magic. The problem comes about when they burn out. Then they lose it for good.

>>32561335
Frank needs to take some scissors with him next time and before getting out of the plane upon landing he cuts the pants off of his flightsuit. When everyone is staring at him walking around in pantless flightsuit with his pantsu showing he can say he wanted to try the uniform regs for magic users out.

>>32561340
I dunno - Past that bit in Russia, the shrapnel hasn't really come up at all. I'd think if Goast wanted to make a thing of it, he'd give us some indications. Pain in chest, coughing fits/blood, all the kinda stuff you'd associate with having metal fucking with your chest. Instead, we get nosebleeds and only when we start gnoming.

>>32561332
we need to do that.

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>>32561360
Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week.

>>32561376
Nixon said way back when that the shrapnel won't start bothering Frank until he's Nixon's age. I trust Nixon more than I trust namefags.

>>32561374
No anon, that is the final step. Pants are the final thing Barin takes from you. They may take our sanity, our purity, our pride...but they will never take our trousers!

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>>32561332
hrmm, yes. hips, and all that

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>>32561427
>Dress Blues
>they're actually blue

>>32561419
this!

>>32561419
Thanks.

>>32561419

I am not a crook

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>>32561454
Don't let baseless namefags affect you with their fearmongering. The last domino falls here!

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>>32561481
NIXON IS NOT A CROOK

>>32561427
Thank god the USN Witch regs for Service Dress also apparently mandate skin-tight black pants

>>32561419

>Trusting Nixon
>In any universe, in any iteration of him possible

Nixon doesn't trust Nixon.

>>32561481
>>32561488
>>32561492
Why do I imagine every scene with Nixon as just a head in a jar making crazy sounds between every sentence

>>32561494
God bless the USN for having taste.

>>32561494

They look like stockings

>>32561508
Futurama?

>>32561513
Then it's even better?

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We don't always get along, but we can all agree on our love for Nixon and his jowls you just want to grab and shake.

>>32561516

No, it was another show that had Nixon in a head in a jar making crazy sounds

Every show should have a Nixon

>>32561513
Hey, I'm certainly not complaining

>>32561427
Dress Uniform Slider is best Slider. Too bad she's always wearing that camo.

>>32561516
Yes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2TL0GHSue0

Never amazes me that the internet has the sounds of nixon

>>32561530
I know this is a silly question to ask on 4chan, but why pray tell do you have so many pictures of Nixon saved?

>>32561540

Im not, either.

Just wondering if the no.1 really does just have stockings.

>>32561555
Google. Save. Upload here.

That would be my guess.

>>32561550
All Slider is best Slider

>>32561555
>>32561569
Based on the filenames my guess is he's just pasting image urls into the upload window

NIXON WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?!
http://www.scp-wiki.net/scp-1981

>>32561611
>last one
nope...NOOOOPE!

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>>32561574
Muh tovarishch

>>32561574
Indeed. Slider is love.

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[x] Fine, a bit tired.

You toggle open the mic, but don't say anything, holding it open for a second, then closing it and grinning.

“Frank?” Ice prompts again, worry starting to creep into her voice.

You toggle the mic open again and start snoring, getting a couple laughs over the squadron net. You let it die down before responding. “I'm fine, a bit tired. How's Katya?”

“I am fine.” Katya responds, quietly.

You're probably going to need to ask her about that, but decide that over an open net probably isn't the place.

Barin crawls into view- you have Katya set down first, alongside Wendy and Slider, then you land, followed in by Ice, Mav, and Goose. You're still parking the fighter as they're mounting their strikers back into their stands, Wendy getting out and exhaling heavily, sitting down on the side of her striker stand and letting her legs swing free off the sides.

Parked, you shut down the jet's big turbines and wait for the crew to put down the wheel chocks before popping the canopy and letting your helmeted head rest back against the ejection seat, a sudden wave of dizziness shooting through you, but passing quickly. Nothing to worry about, so long as Ice doesn't see it.

1/2

You climb down first, having by now done your best to wipe off your face- you think it was marginally successful- then wait for Merlin to come down, where she accepts Kenji's help off the ladder, and hugs him.

“You Ok, Frank?” Slider asks- Ice is standing back a short way, you notice. “You look kind of rough.”

“I'm fine.” You respond, almost automatically.

“You're lying, but I won't say anything. Go get cleaned up before Tabby pops a gasket, ok?” She says. “Debriefing in an hour or two, grab some chow, take it easy.”

“That an order?” You ask, warily.

“I wouldn't dream of it, loverboy.” Slider responds. “Besides, what if I liked it like Tabby does, all helpless and submissive and ooh, I'm just a little girl-”

Your laugh cuts her off, and she grins. “I think I get the idea, Slider.”

“I'm sure you do, just don't do too much with it. We'll probably never live up to your imagination anyway. Now go get some chow and get cleaned up.”

You don't have to wait for Merlin, who's busily talking with Kenji from her seat on a camp stool- he's kind of a thoughtful guy, and you can't say you don't approve of that.

2/3

You gear down, leaving on your flight suit on the way up to your room. You'll wear it down to the showers, too, though you take a peek inside the changing room for the bath and curse when you see a few piles of clothes- in use. Just your luck. Still, the shower itself is rather nice, and you're able to enjoy the water long enough to satisfy yourself, though you'd have still preferred a good soak in the hot spring bath below.

The kitchen's already been raided- though you're able to get what you're after anyway, finding enough leftovers to piece together a pretty substantial meal, though you avoid the questionable-looking sushi on the plate on the top shelf. You're not even entirely sure that's fish in there. Looking at the time, Georgette will be showing up soon to start on evening chow, and you'd kind of be in the way, though you're sure she wouldn't mind. Alternatley, you could head up the main tower and eat on the roof- you've done it before, and it's kind of nice and peaceful, or head out to the lounge, though that risks your food being sniped by witches.

[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.
[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.
[] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.

>>32561712
>[x] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

>>32561712
>[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>>32561712
>[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

Food. Now.

>>32561712
>[x] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.

SPEEEEECH

>>32561712
>[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.
We take it easy now.

Let's see who shows upIt's the twins, isn't it

>>32561712
>[] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.
Could be Mav or Goose time!

>>32561712
>[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

Lets chat it up with Georgette.

Maybe she can tell us this lewd witch thing is all about. Haha!

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.
Need some Fronk time. Someone's gonna pop up anyway.

>>32561712
[x] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.

>>32561712
>[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>chillax with best grandma

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

>>32561712
>[x] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.
BUT I SHALL GUARD MY FOOD WITH MY LIFE

>>32561712
>[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>>32561712
>[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.
Eh. We should also replenish liquids and electrolytes while we're here.

>>32561712
>[] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.
PLOT!

Also, yay my silence + snoring tiny write-in got included! Best QM ever!

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>>32561712

[X] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

>>32561712
>other
Find another witch who's eating.

Snipe her food for fun.

If we're going to talk to someone, might as well choose ourselves.

I vote Katya, just to see how she's like

>>32561712
>[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>>32561712
>[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

We're already tired; we should get some energy in our system before we pass out. Up our blood sugar.

>>32561712
[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof

Fronk needs some alone time.

>>32561712

[] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.

>>32561748
Stay delusional, my friend.

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.
Head for peace and quiet
Independent of Frank, there's probably gonna be someone there

>>32561792
Some time to think about Slider in her dress blues.

unf.

>>32561712
>[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

sustenance

>>32561712
You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.
let's chill and enjoy

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.


Sounds nice

>>32561712
>[x] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

>>32561712
>[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

Hmm... Food being sniped or someone coming up to the tower. You know what I rather stick around a witch we know wont cause us trouble.

>>32561712
[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>>32561824
This.

>>32561712
[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

>>32561712
[] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

Might be nice to get her thoughts on our talent and its cost. Plus being near heal witch after a random spell of diziness makes me feel better.

>>32561712
>[x] To hell with it, I'm sure someone will want to chat. I'll head to the lounge.

Stop being boring dudes

>>32561712
>[x] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

Let it be another witch entirely who ambushes us.

Not a waifu.

>>32561712
>[] You know, it'd be nice to get some quiet time, I'll head up to the roof.

This kind of feels like a mystery box. I wonder who's gonna interrupt.

>>32561712
>[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.
>not spending time with the one witch who won't try to mess with us

>>32562212
I think Georgette would just try to mess with us because it'd be funny

>>32562232
but she'd be so nice about it

>>32562212
Beyond just no messing with us. She could answer some questions for us also, magic stuff, how she knows about male talent or whatever, or even for shits and giggles ask about what Ice talked about doing or having Slider doing to us~

Frank didn't get 100% of the picture just something lewd~

>>32562252
what not how

Typing is very hard.

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[x] Eat here, Georgette won't care.

You set your plate down at the table, figuring that Georgette won't care if you eat in here or not, and she might not be such a bad person to ask about that magical recharge thing Ice had been talking about.

You're only a couple bites into your sandwich when you hear someone walk in the kitchen, though they stop in the door. You look up to see Katya, eyeing you somewhat cautiously.

You indicate the fridge and the table, though around a mouthfull of food your invitation to get some chow and keep you company comes out totally garbled. Still, she smiles, even if just barely, and opens the fridge, making her own plate of food.

“So, you like mountains?” You ask, breaking the silence.

She shrugs. “I am familiar with them.” She says, simply.

“Afghanistan?” You ask, and she nods.

“I won't dig if you'd rather not talk. I've heard it was rough over there.” You offer.

She shakes her head. “It is not that.”

“Then what is it?” You ask, setting down your fork.

“I-” She pauses. “What do you know about Ahfgtanistan?”

[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.
[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS
>Katya

Goddammit all to hell.

>>32562272
[x] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

>>32562272
[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.
ease on into it. let her talk.

>>32562272
>[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS.
Welp.

>>32562272
>[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

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>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS
This is not going to a good place...

>>32562272
>[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

>>32562272
>[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

>Expect Best Healing Witch
>Get Katya instead

Welp

>>32562331
She's probably still coming.

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

Oh this is going to be a fun talk... Where's Georgette, she, I wanted to talk to.

>>32562272
>[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

>>32562272
>[] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

No pointing in beating around the bush? I mean Trashistan isn't something you just overlook when a world superpower is beating on it.

>>32562272
>[x] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

>>32562272
>[] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

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>>32562272

[X] Only what I've heard, the Mujaheddin weren't a problem until they started getting MANPADS

>>32562272
>"Two letters. Ay-Ay"

Ghost pls ;_;

>>32562729

Ghost ded.

like mouse

>>32562756
I just want to sleep...

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[x] Not much, news over here didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.

“Not much.” You admit, getting the feeling you're about to be in way, way over your head. You really hope Georgette has a big meal planned for tonight, so she'll start cooking earlier. “The news didn't cover it much, just little bits here and there.”

She nods. “I had assumed this.” She pauses again. “I was fourteen when I was deployed to Bagram.” She says, still looking at her plate. “That was in nineteen eighty two.”

You nod, unwilling to interrupt.

“I served with first division of witches, mostly in the north.” She continues. “We performed many roles, scout, support, strike, this manner of thing. We became known as many things to the troops. Eventually they began calling me the white rose of Bagram.” She smiles. “They would ask for me by this title, like they do for you now.”

She looks up at you and smiles, somewhat weakly. “I enjoyed this. I do not know if you do, but I did. I felt important, wanted. This is good thing, even with family name and my mother an officer of witches, I felt as if I am making a name for myself.”

“Then in nineteen eighty six, my friends began dying to antiair missiles. We had become careless.” She says. “I was not... I did not take it well.”

Inwardly, you wince- those missiles were probably stingers, supplied by the US to even the odds a bit.

1/2

She looks up at you, shaking her head again. “I became a monster. The Mujaheddin, they call me the Angel of Death. Had Balalika not found me and taught me, I am sure I would have died there, I am sure. But this is war, yes? It is what happens. But I am another thing, too. I am a witch killer.”

You lean back under that- it's a big, big red line to cross, even for conventional troops. Usually witches don't out and out kill each other, unless there's some seriously bad blood between them or their nations- they'll aim to wound or disable, not kill. For Katya to be admitting this to you, here and now- either she's shook up about the fight over the highlands for some reason, or this is something else.

“I do not even remember the first.” She says, somewhat sadly. “She was nothing to me but a thermal outline on a rifle scope. Her shield was ineffective- she had no focus to use.”

“I cried for days after this. This was a girl like me, and I had killed her. VDV and Spetsnaz, they helped me, told me if not for this, she would have killed many of our comrades. I did not feel so bad after that. The next was easier, until it became simple.” She pauses.

“After we talked yesterday, Slider and I, we discussed what you had said Tabitha told you, and which of us should attempt to help if you asked.” She pauses again, and you're not sure if she's tearing up or not. “Before California, I would have happily tried. I was sure you were my perfect knight, and would accept my past without any issues. Now... “ She pauses, “Now I am not so sure. The magic involved requires a connection I am not sure exists.”

[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.
[] I don't know quite what to think.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562767
I just wonder if there's feelz after this as well...

>>32562793
>[] I don't know quite what to think.

That's a big bag of hell

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

Sweet Jesus that's rough.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562793
[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.
also you know hugs and shit

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.
Frank's got sparkly blood on his hands too, doesn't he? Probably not as much as Katya, but...damn

>>32562793
>[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

Shit, son...

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>>32562793
[X] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.
Katya ;_;
We need to cheer her up.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562793
>[] I don't know quite what to think.
She's our friend, but SHIT that's gonna take some time to work through.

Of course, this is a moot vote, isn't it?

>>32562823

This.

Well crap, that's a shitton of baggage.

>>32562843
You think?

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562828
Unverified. He's fired BVR shots at witches before, but there're no confirmed witch kills. And since Frank knows how witches can outmaneuver most missile shots...

>>32562793
"So what is this thing everybody but me apparently knows about?"
It's totally something lewd.

>>32562793
>[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.
And here we see the shining grace of the SW quests, though also the most depressing one- that magical child soldiers are really fucked up when it comes down to it

>>32562793
>[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

Well, shit.
>thataim 43,060

>>32562793
[X] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

TBH Frank has easily as much blood on his hands after the Poltava, Tanana Berlin.

Let he without sin cast the first stone Etc.

>>32562843
Sometimes the best move you can make is to comfort/reaffirm and deal with the heavy shit later.
>>32562858
I thought he had sawed a witch's leg off over the Bering sea

>>32562865
>And here we see the shining grace of the SW quests, though also the most depressing one- that magical child soldiers are really fucked up when it comes down to it
Agreed that it's one of the shining graces of SW quests

>>32562893
That was Katya. Frank maneuvered to give her the shot, but she shot the girl's leg off.

>>32562893
>I thought he had sawed a witch's leg off over the Bering sea
That was katya, and she lived.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

"Just a girl who likes to sing, read, and shop to the point where the suspension of my motorcycle was tested to the limit."

>>32562793
>[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

Damn. Witch killer and one hell of a name. Wonder how the other Russian witches took to the rumours.

Tell her that if it had meant saving one of our own wingmen we would of killed a witch as well. War is shit, I also find it odd that she doesn't mind the dozens of male fighter pilots she has shot down.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562793
[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

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>>32562793
>[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.
Oh darlin'

>>32562915
Probably like Tarin got in PJ.

>>32562793

"Don't think too hard on it. I'd still think you're the second craziest Russian I've met. Shit Katya, I've shot down a Witch over the Pacific when the Kitty Hawk went kabloom. Does that make me an Evil person? Probably. Do I let it bother me? Nope. Because if I didn't do my job, more people would have been killed or injured. We do what we do for our comrades.

>>32562793
>[] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

>>32562793
>“After we talked yesterday, Slider and I, we discussed what you had said Tabitha told you, and which of us should attempt to help if you asked.” She pauses again, and you're not sure if she's tearing up or not. “Before California, I would have happily tried. I was sure you were my perfect knight, and would accept my past without any issues. Now... “ She pauses, “Now I am not so sure. The magic involved requires a connection I am not sure exists.”


Th-The FEELZ! I can't take it.

>>32562917
The witches have the whole sisterhood of the traveling nopants thing. And also, it might be hard to see because Frank's ALWAYS around witches, but they're almost definitely a tiny minority compared to overall combatants, or even just overall pilots

>>32562793
>"I'm grateful that you trust me enough to share this. I won't disappoint."

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>>32562893
>>32562903
>>32562909
She's also living it up pretty well as a POW. She was at the pool in California way way back.

Georgette had better come in quick. She's an Eastern Front veteran. We could use her experience here to help Katya.

>>32562793
>>32562970
>"Your past is your past Katya. I'm grateful that you trust me enough to share this. *Hugs* "

>>32562917
>I also find it odd that she doesn't mind the dozens of male fighter pilots she has shot down.
For the most part all they see is the aircraft and that's how they learn to think - "I shot down an aircraft". Bit harder to deal with when you look at a target and can clearly see a person I imagine.

You think we'll get to the actual ritual?

>>32562970
>>32563005
Kinda digging the
>I'm grateful that you trust me enough to share this
add-on

>>32563017
Not to mention pilots and soldiers are generally a lot older than witches. Remember in tonkwitches when we reduced a teenager to paste with HE?

>>32563032
Hopefully, and maybe even third thread if it's really as long as we've been led to believe.

>>32563049
I'm pretty sure we hit her with a sabot round and she went bouncing around the trees for a bit.

>>32563049
>Remember in tonkwitches when we reduced a teenager to paste with HE?
Not until now. BECAUSE IT'S BEEN FOREVER. ;_; IIRC her friend that was nearby had an 'oh shit' moment and surrendered immediately after.

>>32562793
>>32563005
>[x]"Your past is your past Katya. I'm grateful that you trust me enough to share this. *Hugs* "

>>32562793
>[x]"Your past is your past Katya. I'm grateful that you trust me enough to share this. *Hugs* "

>>32563070
That was one of her friends, the explosive killshot was the opening gambit in that fight
>>32563082
And then yeah after sabot-ragdolling the last one surrendered.

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>>32563066
>maybe even third thread
really unsure how to feel about this possibility

>>32563117
Well, at writing this is post 234 of this thread.

>>32563094
>>32563101
Not even trying to hide it?

>>32563131
Uuuuuuh, you realise that those posts are only 30 seconds apart right?

>>32563131
This is >>32563094 here, I was surprised as you were to see someone use my exact text

>>32563143
Guess what the post-timer length is.

30 seconds

>>32563106
>Parroting the green beret's fire mission to your other three tanks, Nicky starts to set the sights perfectly on target. Mere seconds later, your cannon roars, sending Booze Hound's finest regards to what you hope are Stalin's kids. The three vehicles behind you respond in kind, not to be outdone by Booze Hound's challenge. The forest is rocked with the four explosions, not a single strobe blinking out or moving.

Says nothing about a witch mate. Unless we had that talk over glass of scotch and he said it there, I don't see it in this thread.

This however;

>Booze Hound roars a challenge, firing a 120mm APFSDS round crafted with nothing but pure hate and loathing and loaded with only the purest malice directly into the soviet witches side. Her shield soaks the round itself, but the kinetic energy rips her off of Meyer and flying through the forest at an incredible rate of speed.

>The witch with her hands around Carius's throat whips her head up to see what happened, sees herself staring down three Abrams barrels, and decides better of everything. She drops Carius, and throws her hands to the sky.

>>32563147
Well we all know that there is only one person in this thread right.
There is only one person that posts on this board.
It isn't you. It isn't any of us.

>>32563163
Really? It's 60 seconds for me, unless I've been blind for the last few months.

>>32563179
It's 60.

>>32563166
Coulda sworn there was the implication of the fire drawing their shield. Mind linking the archived thread? Been a while, was a good read

>>32563032
No? We don't exactly need it at the moment.

>>32563179
It's 60 for everybody. Unless you buy 4chan pass premium.

>>32563194
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/21952184/

>>32563196
>inb4 Frank conks out as soon as Katya leaves the room

>>32563032
You do realize that Ghost never said anything about the ritual happening based on that vote, right? Moreover, neither Katya, Slider, nor Ice thinks they can do it right now.

>>32563214
Then we have Georgette to do it.

Who I really hope we get to pester with questions either this thread or next.

>>32563214
>Fronk gives Katya comforting hug
>goes on for a while
>Katya starts to get uncomfortable
>discovers Fronk has passed out in her arms

>>32563240
Fuckin d'aaaaw

>>32563230
I don't think Georgette's got the right...qualifications
>>32563240
At least if we pass out in her kitchen though, we're save from the scheming hands of the other witches

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>>32563240

Muh poor heart.

>>32563225
I know that vote won't lead to the ritual.

I'm just wondering by this session we can see what the ritual is.

I don't really care who does it

>>32563206
danke

>>32563240
I'd rather us pass out on Slider's lap pillow, but this will do in a pinch

>>32563276

All 3 at once.

We see what happens when we overcharge fronk

>>32563266
She literally saved our life. I think that might count for it.

>>32563298
His dick explodes in a shower of flesh and blood

>>32563206
Something to pull out of that thread I loved also;
>“Aw, he wants to play with us boys! It's fourth quarter, we're in the red zone with ten seconds on the clock, and we're down by five! He thinks he can hang!” you laugh to yourself. “Let's fuckin' show him how we play some ball! Nicky, running shot, lead vehicle! Hans, get us in the end zone! Mega man, make sure we're up to speed!” You swiftly order.

TW89 can't come back soon enough.

>>32563311
/d/ pls

>>32563353
How about the girls having to relieve fronk of that excess energy?

>>32563298
The Wyvern becomes a fucking VTOL.

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[x] Katya, your past is your past. You're still our squadronmate and friend.

“Your past is your past. I'm grateful you trust me enough to share this.” You say, carefully. “And for whatever it's worth, you're still our squadronmate and our friend.”

She nods. “You do not think I am a monster?”

You shrug. “If you are, I am just as much. I can't imagine they started calling me the butcher of the Bering sea for no reason.”

She pauses. “I had not thought about that.” She admits.

“So, after that, I have a question.” You say, and she looks up. “Why did Ice and Slider act the way they did about the ritual or whatever.”

Katya cracks a smile at that, though it's still pretty weak. “It is- Well, it is not lewd.”

You frown. “Ice said-”

She shakes her head. “The act itself is not lewd. It is not even intimate. A witch must just be able to put her hands on your temples.”

“Sounds easy enough. So why-” You say

“Because it is giving part of yourself to another.” She says. “You use magic to..” she pauses. “To replenish someone's energy. Energy to energy, yes? But you are weaker for a time, while your ability regenerates. It is only something one does for a person they care much about.”

“Like a brother?” You ask. “She said-”

Katya shakes her head. “Family connection is good, but it does not always work. Deeper connection is better, like lovers, yes?”

“Oh. Well then it makes sense why she reacted like she did when I suggested Merlin.” You say.

1/2

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Katya suppresses a laugh. “You- Little Merlin? That would be very strange. “

“I didn't know!” You protest, laughing yourself.

“I am sure that Tabitha or Rachel is your best choice.” she says.

“I think I've heard that before.” You respond drily.

“They are your best choice.” She says again. “But I am unsure how you should ask. It would be like asking for lewd things directly.”

“Lewd things?” You ask.

She nods. “Yes, such as please take off all your clothes. It is not something one asks.”

“Ah. Yeah, I can see where that might be an issue.”

She laughs. “They are in the briefing room, I believe, but you could approach them after that, yes? I am sure they will offer.”

You nod. “Yeah, probably.”

She shrugs. “They are probably just worried for you. I was too, but I am thinking I am beginning to understand better.”

You'd ask for clarification, but That's when Jess comes careening into the room. “HI FRANK!” She practically screams, tackling you off your chair and onto the floor.

This day just keeps getting better, you think.

NEXT TIME ON STRIKERS '89...

>>32563615
Dammit. I was enjoying myself

Did ghost just shut down Katya route?

alright, and that's it for the night. Sorry I really slowed down there on the last few posts, Started getting pretty tired. Plus, let the puppies out and they managed to eat one of the potted rose vines, had to try and repair that. Frikkin puppies.

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed the run, and it kinda felt good to get another long run done. We probably won't do them on the regular, but they're kinda fun to do sometimes, I guess.

That's it for now guys, we'll be back next week again at the regular time. Till then, gents, cheers!

>>32563615

Maybe we should just do the ritual with Jess first, she could certainly use less energy and family connection might work with less lewd implications

>>32563645
I doubt it, their basically pushing the frank on the other believing that they are the one best suited for the situation

>>32563645
As happy as that would make me, Ice and Slider keep pointing at each other, so...

>>32563659
Clearly the solution is to just take them all.

>>32563651
Hey Ghost? Can we please talk to Georgette next thread to ask her about some of this stuff? I was hoping that's what that vote was for.

>>32563670
Same...

>>32563645
If anything I think we just built it up again, she just joined the "I-don't-think-I'm-good-enough-I'll-point-you-at-someone-else" club

[Why do I get the feeling that Nixon is going to pull a Lady Seto? Now we just need several more witches to molest their way in at the last moment]

>>32563645

Nope, but he just shot down the Shirley route according to his captions

>>32563651
GLORIOUS SLEEP
Thanks for the run as always. Twas a good thread...and I'm glad we finally got Katya to get some of what's been eating her off of her chest
>>32563659
Pretty much this. Ice, Slider, and Katya are all convinced that someone else is a better option, so >>32563668 clearly has the right idea

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Thanks for the run, Ghost.

Well folks, I mentioned this awhile back, but I've finally got around to it.

I present to you: Napoleonic Witches.

===

JUNE 20, 1808
WOOLWICH, ENGLAND

“Remember the vows that you made to your Mary,” Lieutenant Audie White hummed, oblivious of the world save the six-pounder cannon she knelt behind. Deliberately, she wound the elevation screw with her hands, her mind mulling over the turn-to-elevation ratio the whole while. Feeling that the time was ripe, she let go and inched her face towards the cannon’s base ring, squinting through the quarter sight scale etched on its unmarred brass surface. The scale almost lined up where she wanted it: just a hair below the three degrees mark.

She continued winding.

“Remember the bow'r where you vowed to be true.” Another fine adjustment made, Audie squinted through the sight once more: now just a hair over. She clicked her tongue and began undoing her work. “Oh, don't deceive me. Oh, never leave me. How could you use a poor maiden so?”

At last, she was satisfied: a perfect three degrees elevation. Pleased with herself, Audie stood and smacked the gun’s breach for good measure.

“You know, that song is a bit appalling if you think about it,” she mused while trudging away from the gun, patting the dirt off her pant legs. “Is the portfire ready, Sergeant Hull?”

“Yes ma’am,” he replied dryly, his arms cradling a stack of loose papers and a dog-eared book. Hull nodded to a glum corporal who took his place beside the cannon, the blazing portfire raised high in his hand. Hull fell in beside Audie and stood stiffly at attention, casting one last appraising glance at the rest of the crew before declaring, “The gun is ready to fire, ma’am. On your order.”

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>>32563615
W-we could stick ask...

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>>32563691
This... Does not have mugs in it.

>>32563652
Uh, am i the only one who'd hesitate to see a hyperactive Fronk? Assuming Jess loses steam but we gain it?

>>32563686
Who is Shirley?

Also no Feelz?

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>>32563691
“Let’s get to it, then.” Audie plugged her ears with her hands, glaring at a tall stake driven at 850 yards’ distance as if willing her aim to be true. Her voice pregnant with enthusiasm, she shouted, “Make ready! And FIRE!”

The corporal dipped the burning match towards the cannon’s vent, his head turned away from the impending blast. Audie leaned forward with bated breath, gripped by an anticipant silence which loomed briefly before shattering into a bone-jarring roar. A billow of white smoke enveloped her, forcing her to blink away tears from her stinging eyes. She focused on her mark still, her eyes unwavering as the smoke slowly started to dissipate. Her vision clearing, Audie’s heart pounded excitedly as she inhaled in anticipation—

A disappointed sigh escape her lips.

“Too short, ma’am,” Hull noted, rubbing salt into the wound.

“I see that,” Audie replied, putting her hands on her hips with a surly huff. “How far do you reckon was the first graze? Four, five hundred yards?”

“I’d hazard a four forty, ma’am. Looked to be between shots two and four—can’t be far off.”

Another disappointed sigh escaped Audie’s lips. Clicking her tongue in frustration, she thrust a hand towards the sergeant’s general direction. “Give me my ballistic table and the Pocket Gunner.”

It was a meaningless exchange. Audie practically knew both by heart—especially the ballistic table, which she had painstakingly derived last week. She flipped through it now, her eyes glazing over sloppy handwriting whose conclusion was already burned into her memory: one pound charge, three degree elevation, 848.427 yards first graze. The five shots she had fired that afternoon, however, had all consistently fallen in the vicinity of 500 yards.

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>>32563651
Oh right, I should mention that PJ Witches is going off hiatus starting this Sunday. GET HYPE.

>>32563722
WHELP

>>32563722
>off hiatus
archive binge wohoo

>>32563722
I've been hyped forever Merc.

Best witches coming back!

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>>32563716
The fact that her table turned out to be wrong didn’t irritate Audie too much. The fact that she had no clear idea of *where* her math went astray, however, did. There were too many unknown variables involved in deriving a ballistic table—even something as basic as her gun’s muzzle velocity was a mystery. As far as she was aware, there wasn’t a ballistic pendulum in all of Britain heavy enough to gauge a six-pounder’s muzzle velocity. With few alternatives available, Audie had had to make due by adapting Robin’s solution for that of a musket to arrive at a figure. With something as fundamental as muzzle velocity being an educated guess at best, the inclusion of complicated variables such as gravity and air resistance only served to multiply the strands in the Gordian Knot of Gunnery. Mathematic ballistics had eluded greater minds than hers in the past for a reason.

“Well, the results might end up being useful for figuring out what went wrong. The day’s not a complete loss… probably,” She muttered quietly, trying to put her frustrations behind her. At any rate, it was best not to dwell on it while there was still work to be done. “Sergeant, get Atkinson out there to take the measure. And fetch the…”

She paused midsentence, puzzled by what she saw from the corner of her eye. She leaned past her sergeant to get a better look at the still-smoking gun, whose crew stood about instead of at work as they should. “Why hasn’t the gun been wheeled back into position yet?”

The men jumped like frightened rabbits at her words, two gunners and a corporal rushing to grab hold of the cannon’s carriage wheels and block trail. With a collective heave, the trio laboriously wheeled the gun forward Inch by inch, their eyes scrutinizing the ground lest they failed to place the gun *exactly* where it had been moments before.

Hull watched them work, his expression sour. “I take it you aren’t going to call it a day, ma’am?”

>>32563722
JANIZ BUTT

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>>32563710

The best American witch

Check what's drawn on the SR-71

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>>32563736
“The day’s still young; I reckon at least four more shots.” Audie began to pace with Sergeant Hull in tow, her mannerism akin to that of a schoolteacher admonishing an inattentive student than that of an officer. “Honestly, I expected the men to know what I want done by now. But from the looks of it, it seems I need to remind you. Insure the gun is lying horizontal, then take the ball’s circumference, recalibrate the powder scale… actually, where is Atkinson? I—oh, he’s on his way. Good. Let’s see, where was I—”

“Ma’am,” Hull interjected tepidly, stopping Audie in her tracks. Gathering his hands before him, Hull leaned closer and whispered, “A word with you?”

Audie turned and looked at him with a quizzical expression, really seeing him for the first time that afternoon. She noted the pensive look on Hull’s rugged face, its gravity magnified by three long jagged sabre scars running down the right side of his scalp. He stood with a nervous air: interrupting an officer was an excellent way to get any sergeant’s name noted for lashings. He blinked twice before cautiously clearing his throat, raising his brows as if silently repeating his request.

“Of course you may, sergeant. What is it?” Audie said gently, somewhat put off by the thought of having the man stand there so uneasily. Her permission given, she expected her sergeant to relax.

Hull’s face settled into the very visage of solemnity.

“With all due respect, ma’am,” he said evenly, “we’ve been out here for the better part of the afternoon. We’ve fired only five rounds in the meantime.”

>>32563694
AIRLIFT GO HOME

>>32563651
Thanks for an awesome run, Ghost. I've been busy with stuff for like, a year and a half, saw this on the catalog tonight and checked it out, and it's as good as I remember it being.

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>>32563752
Although he left much of his complaints unsaid, Audie knew what the sergeant was driving at—and promptly dismissed it.

“The men were fine going through the drills two days ago; I don’t think taking a break from all that will be too big of a problem.” She swept her hand across the field, which was dotted with pickets and various gunnery and surveying instruments. “Besides, I think something like this is a nice change of pace for them—and educational. So you’re going to have to bear with me for a bit today.”

“Doing their job is all the education they need, ma’am. How to lay a gun, for instance.”

“That’s certainly out of the question,” Audie immediately replied. “I’ve seen them lay the gun before—no precision at all. That might pass for muster, but not for running an experiment. Doing it haphazardly would be contrary to the scientific method.”

Hull shrugged with indifference. “In all honesty, ma’am, a couple minute arcs won’t make that much of a difference. It’s only that I would be far less concerned with all this…” he paused, grasping for a suitable word to substitute for what he really thought, “with all this… science, if it didn’t interfere so much with training. Atkinson hasn’t even been near the gun since the beginning of the day.”

“Again, that can’t be helped.” Audie’s voice remained patient in the face of Hull’s repeated badgering. “How am I supposed to take measurements of the first graze if someone doesn’t go out there with a perambulator and pickets?”

“Well, ma’am,” Hull answered with finality, “perhaps you could just eyeball it.”

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>>32563773
Audie blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Ma’am, I said—”

“I heard you,” she snapped, massaging her temple with her left hand. Audie had never expected her sergeant to be thrilled about her little experiment—but eyeball it? An urchin could do that. “I heard you, and no, we are not going to ‘eyeball it.’ You are going to have to accept that fact. And besides,” she added in a conciliatory tone, “I let the men handle the powder. It’s compromise.”

“I keep telling you, ma’am, that’s no compromise. I just don’t want you to accidently blow yourself up.” Hull sighed wearily. “I know you want a one-pound powder load, but charging the gun with a ladle is an extremely dangerous business. It could blow while it’s being put in, not to mention loose powder from the cartridge is just sitting there in the open—”

“The powder? The powder!” Audie gasped in sudden epiphany, cutting her sergeant off with a sharp raise of her hand.

Wordlessly, she strode briskly towards the limber, her steps falling faster the closer she came. A gunner who had been detailed to powder work backed away hastily as she approached, dropping an open cartridge bag in his hurried retreat. Audie reached for it and brought a small sample closer to her eyes. The individual grains were caked together into irregular lumps: a sign of moisture or age—or both. Audie’s fingers stained black as she rolled the powder calks between them.

“Sergeant, this powder...” She slowly turned towards him and opened her mouth as if to say more, only to sigh instead. She shook her head, nestling her right hand on her throbbing temple. “I’ve never seen service grade powder this badly stored. What are the quartermasters doing?”

>>32563788
Audie limply tossed the recorded results over her shoulder. Her distress was clearly evident—and Hull was poorly equipped to deal with it. He chose to stand in uneasy silence as Audie continued to mope.

“Here I am, trying to conduct an experiment and they supply with damaged service powder. The whole day, wasted just like that. Worst powder I’ve seen.” An iron edge entered her voice. “Why, I ought to take the quartermasters to task and lodge a formal protest. Maybe then they’ll better appreciate proper powder storage!”

“It’s my fault, ma’am,” Hull said in response, the tiniest hint of nervousness tinged in his voice.

“But—”

“I should have checked before bringing them out here.” He exhaled. “It’s my responsibility. I’ll take care of it.”

“I… alright, I’ll leave that in your hands, then.” Audie acquiesced, nodding slowly with a puzzled look on her face. “It’s just… well, you said you’ll deal with it. For now, just send someone down to the armoury and fetch some proper powder. I don’t care who. I would like to get just one—one—good shot in before the day’s out.”

“Ma’am, I—” Hull paused, hesitating. “Perhaps it might be best to call it a day, try again later?”

“Sergeant, just *one* good shot. Is that really too much to ask?”

Hull cleared his throat, his uneasiness building as Audie’s sky-blue eyes bored into him. He dared not fidget, save for his emerald eyes which darted about furtively. “No, ma’am, it’s just… I—”

“Good afternoon, Miss White.” A voice cut through the air, delivering Hull from his bed of nails.

>>32563797
Audie blinked in a start, and after a moment’s hesitation, turned graciously to flash a courteous smile to Captain James Spencer Rothe, who was mounted on a fine chestnut hackney. She snapped off a crisp salute. “And a good afternoon to you, captain. How are you on this fine day?”

“Fine, miss lieutenant.” He replied with a curt bow. “I see you and your sergeant are a bit distant from your gun. I hope there aren’t any problems.”

“No problems, captain.” She reported, casting a brief sideway glance at her sergeant. “None at all.”

“Uh huh,” Captain Rothe replied after a moment’s silence, his expression knowing.

“Captain, while this is a pleasant surprise,” Audie continued in an attempt to change the topic. “I believe my gun is the only one supposed to be out for exercise. Is there something you need of me?”

“Yes, Miss White. Yes indeed,” Rothe replied, suddenly recalling his purpose. He seemed to briefly consider the words he had just spoken. “A slight correction. Not me—it’s your mother.”

Audie heart skipped a beat. “Oh no...”

“Her valet delivered her letter to the colonel scant an hour ago. She is kindly requesting that you return home immediately in order to prepare for the night’s soiree.”

“Captain, I am out on exercise.”

“Miss, the issue is out of your hands,” Rothe said with a curt nod. “The colonel strongly advises you that it would be in your—and the regiment’s—best interest to fly home now, and not incur the wrath of so fearsome an opponent.”

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>>32563082
>>32563194
>>32563338

Mid to late July, lads.

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>>32563812

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>>32563812

>>32563808
Audie suppressed a quiet groan as her last refuge crumbled to the ground. A superior officer’s ‘advice’ to a witch was but an order dressed in social decorum. Like it or not, Audie had no excuse to do anything but what her mother wanted of her.

“Has the colonel’s message been delivered?” Rothe prompted.

“It has, captain.” She replied, snapping off a disheartened salute.

“Then the best of luck to you, miss.” Rothe returned the salute as he wheeled his horse around, a slight grin on his lips. “I hope you remember your French. Hiyaaaah!”

Audie closed her eyes as Rothe galloped away, in a foul enough mood to want to shoot the messenger. A letter to the colonel? She would have come home in time regardless—a letter, really! Audie needed to have a word with mother one of these days: she had a reputation to keep in front of her brother officers and the enlisted, after all.

But it seemed that day was definitely not going to be today.

“Sergeant, fetch my broom. This exercise is over.”


===

That's all I've got for tonight. Hope you enjoyed it.

No Feelz today?

>>32563838

I like, it seems evident that you've put care and research in this, I'll be waiting for more.

>>32563838

I read it, enjoyed it. Will keep a lookout for the next installment.

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>>32563825
>>32563821

>>32563881

Any new terribleawesome EOD stories?

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>>32563881
Rick Ross ain't nothin' but a sell-out busta with weakass rhymes.

>>32563838

I liked it.

>>32563898
oh, probably.

>>32563914
Maybe. But you niggas can't hold him back.
also his demeanor in that gif is much like mine approaching a squat rack.

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Lurker here. Thanks for running, Ghost. Am also looking forward to seeing more Pararescue Witches and Tonk Witches.

Also, I mentioned I was a newcomer in previous threads--is there a chance I could get a link to the Twitter? Also, also, where might I find the background information dockets relevant to planefag's quest and the current crop of 1989 Strike Witches quests?

>>32564061

Well, the twitter is @Warhound89, should be a drawing of Merlin as the picture, haha. Can't miss is.

As for data concerning the links between SWQ and SW89... it's all pretty much contained in the quest proper in the form of minor snippets here and there, there's no single big document handling it currently. A single big document's been on the to do list for some time, but never seems to get done, go figure. Sorry about that.

>>32564167
Many thanks, Ghost. I was just wondering about the general historical and cultural aspects of the setting. For instance, did the Martian War erupt some time after the Battle of Britain? I recall someone saying that the Holocaust didn't quite get under way before the xenos attacked.

Perhaps I could attempt to collate some of the information you mentioned and consolidate it into a single docket...

>>32564362
There already is one.

>>32564362
There already is one of those. Aliens invaded at 0200 local time on December 7, 1941. Most of their attacks were terror raids on civilian population centers. Only exceptions to this were their attempts to destroy the two largest consolidations of military power on the planet at the time: the raging Battle of Moscow and the vicinity around Pearl Harbor.

Those they hit in strength. Unsuccessfully, but still.

>>32564421
>>32564383
Oh, OK. Hurrrr. I must have missed the link somewhere...

>>32564469
Not him, but here you go: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vtzcsxmf72h77qx/SWP05-02-13.zip
It's a bit out of date, but there's a historical rundown inside.

Ghost really should consider posting some info links every thread, like this, although the char pastebin is a good start.

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Where the christ is Hornet?

>>32564798
Not posting this week.

>>32564827
I will post next week though, even if it kills me.

>>32564885
>Anonymous
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