>>1304908
> “Thanks. I’m going to work.”
We got to try and put the best foot forward.

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>>1304908
>“Thanks. I’m going to work.”

We're a hard working emotionally repressed girl.

>>1304908
>> “Thanks. I’m going to work.”

>>1304908
>“Thanks. I’m going to work.”

>>1304908
> “Thanks. My parents are used to hard work, we'll have a home someday."

> “Thanks. I’m going to work.”

You sigh, taking the box. “This is nice of you, Griselda. Thanks.” You suppose gorging yourself on treats won’t be too bad a way to get this stress out. “I’m going to work so I’ll share this with my co-workers.” Griselda smiles, nodding.

Stack pats your back. “It’s highway robbery they committed not hiring you!” Oooh, Stack, please.

Right then, you leave the hangar and find Denise waiting on her Kettenkrad. “Ellie! I made you-“ She holds a box of donuts for you. Oh, come on. She looks at the box. “Who made you those?”

“Griselda.”

“Oh.” Denise looks down at her donuts, moping.

You sigh, then say, “I’ll eat those too.” Denise beams brightly at that.

-

-

“Ellie.” Athena places down a plate of chocolate tarts for you. OH FOR FUCKS SAKE! You sit down in the office as everyone and their mothers (literally their mothers too) places down consolation prize gifts for you on your desk. First it was Griselda’s cupcakes. Now it was Denise’ donuts, then Tessa’s croissants, then Hilda’s smoked salmon, and Mulcahy’s pie, and now Athena is… making chocolate tarts? “Yes. I cook.”

“Well, any girl can cook, Athena,” says Hilda. “But it’s still surprising.”

“Oh shut up, Hilda. I could cook circles around you!” Athena fumes. Hilda responds with the finger as she works.

Tessa says, “It is a sad day that you missed out on the promotion, Ellie. We’re sorry if all these gifts were overbearing. We didn’t exactly coordinate.”

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

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>>1305035
>Polite
Its fine. I appreciate your concern.

We best not eat everything or we'll get really fat and sick.

>>1305035
> Polite
It's okay. It's just nice being appreciated.


Seriously though, Ellie going to get a complex about whether she should have been more aggressive in the interview at this rate.

>>1305035
>Polite

It's fine, it's fine.

Now, about that salmon...

>>1305035
> Boast
Aren't these gifts wonderful? They're the best gifts. I'm not even sad anymore. Food totally makes up for failing my family.

>>1305035
>> Polite

> Polite

“I appreciate your concern.” You munch down on the smoked salmon as you say this. “But really, it’s fine. I can always get promoted another time. And Lyra happens to be a very competent person who can do the job well enough.”

And as if on cue, Lyra arrives. She steps inside, now wearing the uniform reserved for Rank One officers. She holds a box underneath her arm. “Oh. Caldwell.” Athena turns to her, saluting. You all stand up, saluting her.

“At ease, at ease!” Lyra smirks, marching up to her former desk to clean out her things. “From this day forward, you will no longer refer to me as just Caldwell or even Lyra. I am now Commander Caldwell, Chief of Logistics!” She thumps her chest, grinning. “And I have all of you to thank for getting me this far, so thank you!” She salutes you all in return.

“Moving your stuff to your new office?” you ask.

“Yep!” Lyra smiles happily as she gathers the last of her things. “Hm, my pillow, now where is it…? Oh.” She finds her pillow in the corner, appropriated by Nimitz who is now using it as a bed. “I’ll just take that-“ Nimitz growls, glaring at Lyra. “… eh.” She reaches out again. Nimitz growls even louder. “… um. That’s-“

> “I’ll get it.”
> “He doesn’t want you to go I think.”
> “Just leave it.”
> Other

>>1305147
> “I’ll get it.”
> “He doesn’t want you to go I think.”

>>1305147
> “I’ll get it.”

>>1305147
>> “I’ll get it.”
>> “He doesn’t want you to go I think.”

>>1305147
>> “I’ll get it.”
Pick up the cat so the pillow can be retrieved. Scritches under the chin normally distract them from things being moved.

>>1305147
>“He doesn’t want you to go I think.”

>>1305147
> Other

Leave it for him. A gift in celebration of your promotion.

And offer her something fattening.
Then regret being petty.

> “I’ll get it.”
> “He doesn’t want you to go I think.”

“I’ll get it.” You walk on over to the pillow, then pick up Nimitz. His claws sink into the pillow, still growling at you. You walk on over to Lyra. “He doesn’t want you to go I think, Lyra.”

“Hmph.” She takes the pillow by the sides and wrests it from Nimitz. Nimitz meows angrily as he holds himself limp in your hands. “We never did get along but I suppose maybe he will miss me.” She pets Nimitz on the head. Nimitz stops his angry meowing, purring a little at Lyra’s touch. “And I suppose you will miss me too.”

“We’ll see each other,” you say.

“I suppose we will.” Lyra huffs, putting the pillow in her box. “Until next time then, Elodie Zumwalt.” You and her shake hands amicably. “Alas, I must go and unpack my personal stuff in my office. Ta-ta.” She turns around, waving goodbye at everybody. “Oh, Elodie. Before I go, I’m having a consolation gift sent to you by courier to the Tank Hangar.”

“What is it?” you ask.

“It’s King Crab, straight from the frozen wastes of the Bering Sea. You’ll love it.” She smiles at you. “Toodles!” She exits out of the room.

You sigh, holding Nimitz in your arms. He immediately decides to use your chest as your new pillow. Fine, fair game.

> Quietly work until the day is over.
> Get started on eating your gifts. Don’t let it go to waste.
> Talk with one of your retinue members (Who?)
> Other

>>1305312
> Get started on eating your gifts. Don’t let it go to waste.
> Talk with one of your retinue members (All of them)
Honestly, it's just good to catch up with them. That and I'm an indecisive person.

>>1305312
> Quietly work until the day is over.

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>>1305312
> Quietly work until the day is over.
> Get started on eating your gifts. Don’t let it go to waste.

Must crush feelings

>>1305312
>> Quietly work until the day is over.
>> Get started on eating your gifts. Don’t let it go to waste.

>>1305312
>> Get started on eating your gifts. Don’t let it go to waste.

> Quietly work until the day is over.
> Get started on eating your gifts. Don’t let it go to waste.

You decide to get started on your work. While you do though, you open up the box of donuts Denise made you. “If you guys want, you can share some of this stuff with me.” Hilda immediately slides over, taking a donut for herself and going back to her desk. The others hesitate a little. “Guys, come on. I can’t eat all of this myself. It’s going to go to waste.”

“Yeah, it’s gonna go to waste,” says Hilda. “I’ll get more later.”

Athena sighs, then takes one of the cupcakes Griselda made. “Alright.” The girls start taking little treats for themselves here and there. And as they do, you get started on your work.

-

-

> JOB COMPLETE
> + 5 CP

With all that done, you take what’s left of your treats in a box under your arm and get moving. Denise and Mulcahy follow behind you, with Athena and Tessa deciding to go home for the day. Denise says, “You know, Elodie. There could be more jobs in the Rank One position.”

“I know, I’ve been told that thousands of times at this point,” you say. “Listen, don’t worry about it. I’m not that chuffed at losing it to Lyra. She’s a good girl. Sort of.” You sigh, biting down on the last of Denise’s donuts.

Mulcahy asks, “So what now then?”

> Embark on a Subquest (Which?)
> Go to the Tank Hangar
> Visit your parents
> Call Someone (Who?)
> Other

>>1305428
> Go to the Tank Hangar
I know we are on cruise control for quests. But I wouldn't mind a break. Especially with other tankers showing up.

>>1305428
>> Go to the Tank Hangar
I was thinking for a quick visit to our pa and ma just to give them the treat...
But who know they making something for us right now.

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>>1305428
>Embark on a Subquest (Which?)
If Adventure Has a Name

We need a distraction. A proper one that doesn't involve people having difficulties.

Also, in the bowels of the ship, no one can hear you cry.

>>1305428
>>1305462
this.

> Go to the Tank Hangar

-

-

You find yourselves in the Tank Hangar. There you see Griselda, Iris, Meryl, and Mei walking around. “… and the thing we’ve had trouble with in regards to our team was money. At least we’ve gotten a decent supply of cash from our new sponsors now though. I was planning on hiring a new mechanical staff to help supplement Oleg in his work too.”

“I see, I see.” Meryl smiles a bit, nodding as she listens closely.

Iris says, “Meryl, I never did get to ask. What was that ace match of yours like? How did that feel?”

“Oh it was heavenly,” says Meryl. Meryl looks over at you. “And speaking of heavenly, here’s Elodie. Good to see you. Sorry about the job.” OH COME ON.

Mei folds her arms. “I also give my condolences to the loss of the opportunity.” HER TOO?

Meryl says, “Griselda was just briefing me on how things were on the team.”

“Yeah,” says Griselda. “Meryl I guess doesn’t know how good she has it.”

“We do have it pretty good since Camp Gagetown loves Tankery. But the new blood isn’t exactly experienced. That’s never been the case honestly. We just can’t get good people doing Tankery at our school,” says Meryl. “Hope that changes when I’m gone.” Mei remains quiet on the subject.

Iris says, “I’m sure it will. They will look to your example, Meryl.”

“Ha, I’m nobody to follow. Tankery’s team sport,” says Meryl. “It’s one that values individuals, but it’s still a team sport in the end. I’m pretty lone wolf most of the time. What Camp Gagetown needs is a leader, team players, not aces.”

> “Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team.”
> “A leader can really bring a team together better than an Ace.”
> “Maybe you can follow Mei’s example and just import all the good players.”
> Other

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>>1305567
>“Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team.”

Team game, but individual heroes. People look up to Aces. Makes them want to try to be like them.

>>1305567
>> “Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team.”
>> “A leader can really bring a team together better than an Ace.”

You can be both, its a matter of using the traits of your team to the best advantage.

>>1305567
> “Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team.”
> “A leader can really bring a team together better than an Ace.”

>>1305567
>> Other
"Having a good leader and giving her right person-that is, an ace, to execute the job is the best possible situation i can think"
"But i will settle for a good leader first-there are saying 'I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion'.

>>1305567
>> “A leader can really bring a team together better than an Ace.”

>>1305567
> “Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team.”

> “Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team.”
> “A leader can really bring a team together better than an Ace.”

“Don’t be so sure. An Ace player can really change a team. But a leader too can bring it all together. If I could I could have both and I’d make some kind of super team out of it.”

Meryl snorts. “Ha. In a perfect world, maybe. But this isn’t a perfect world. We’re not exactly the New York Yankees I suppose. Way I see it, Elodie, High School Tankery dynasties last only as long as the families do. Just look at how the Nishizumis dominated the JSF for almost ten years running before what happened with Miho. And now look at them.”

“Barely scraping the bottom of the barrel,” says Griselda. “But, they’re still a good team. They’re still led by Shiho Nishizumi and her school.”

Meryl nods. “And even then, that doesn’t last forever,” she states.

Iris says, “Nothing does. A lady must know when how time is and when it will come knocking.”

“Precisely.” Meryl smiles happily. “By the way, Iris. Do you gun or do you command?”

“I command,” she states. “My gunner is Violet. Very nice girl.”

“You two must have a good report if you can get all those kills then,” says Meryl. “Can I meet her?” Iris nods, leading Meryl out. Griselda follows them, smiling at you.

However, Mei remains. “I hear rumors about you being the weakest of the Big Three, Elodie Zumwalt.” Oh? So have you. “How does someone who has training of the Shimada-ryuu gain such a reputation?” You-…

Wait.

> “I’m only the weakest because the others are better.”
> “You know Arisu is training me?”
> “Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?”
> Other

>>1305709
>> “I’m only the weakest because the others are better.”
>> “Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?”

fuck you bitch

>>1305709
>“You two must have a good report if you can get all those kills then,”

I think you mean "rapport", not report?

Also, Mei is kind of a bitch, huh.

>>1305709
> “Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?”

>>1305709
> “I’m only the weakest because the others are better.”
> “You know Arisu is training me?”
Seriously someone finally sees we aren't crazy

>>1305709
> “Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?”

>>1305737
We should quote that one italian philosopher Machiveli about using mercenaries.

>>1305709
> “You know Arisu is training me?”

HA! She is real!

Followed by..

> “Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?”

Because we're having a bad day and can be a bitch too.

>>1305742
I can't picture Elodie reading The Prince.

>>1305709
>“You know Arisu is training me?”

Focus on the important bits. How do we catch a loli?

>>1305746
she's smart so i imagine she will

>>1305709
>> “You know Arisu is training me?”
"since you know, at this point i afraid she is just a figment of my delusion or somewhat".

> “You know Arisu is training me?”
> “Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?”

“Why does someone whose trained in the Shimada arts have to rely on foreign players?” you ask. Mei stares at you, folding her arms. “Hey, it’s just an honest question.”

“It is the way things are. It is Zhou Enlai’s way of winning the tournament. I never thought people would be so mad at the idea of giving a free education to someone in exchange for their services,” she states. You roll your eyes at that. “I do not expect you to understand it. But that is the future of Senshadou. You already see it in professional sports, what makes High School so different?”

You huff. Trying to justify poaching players, as if. “So you know Arisu is training me then?” She nods. “How did you guess?”

“I study your matches. You move your tank and engage as if Arisu herself taught you. And I assume she is,” Mei states simply. “Many of those moves you use on the field are moves of my own that I learned when I was in the Shimada-ryuu. They always emphasize that honorable combat is close combat. Though, statistics would beg to differ. The actual fights are won through slugging and long range firepower according to the latest statsheet I studied last night. Sherbrooke would be winning this tournament handily if they had access to better tanks that geared themselves towards that while maintaining the mobility of a medium tank.”

“This isn’t baseball, Mei. It’s a sport,” you say.

“Yes. It is,” says Mei. “And in sports, you are supposed to win. It is a competition, not something you can win at just by participating like you Americans believe so highly in.” She walks up to you, glaring at you. “The Shimada-ryuu values strength, passion for the sport, and most of all the drive to win. I fail to see what Arisu sees in you.”

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>1305888
>> Polite

>>1305888
>> Polite

>>1305888
> Polite
I have no idea either.
That says a lot about me, Arisu and you.

>>1305888
> Polite

>>1305888
> Polite
I mean if we're being honest. Ellie is also kind of confused by it all. Arisu taking an interest in us is kind of a mystery too.

I kind of am okay with the philisophical arguments. I don't really hate Mei at this point. Just ideological clashes.

>>1305888
>> Neutral

>>1305888
> Polite

> Polite

“I don’t know what Arisu sees in me either. Or what she saw in you.” Mei’s glare intensifies for a few seconds.

“I look forward to testing you on the field, Elodie Zumwalt. And to see if you’re worthy of that training.” Mei steps past you, then moves out of the hangar, probably to catch up with the others.

Denise huffs, stomping her foot. “That bitch! I’ll break her legs!”

“I’ll pull her over and give her a ticket!” Mulcahy adds.

“Guys, relax.” You sigh, rubbing your forehead. To be quite blunt, you can’t fault Mei’s desire to win. You can’t really call it a sport if no one is playing to win. You suppose Zhou Enlai’s method of Senshadou isn’t exactly illegal but it’s not exactly something you’re comfortable with. Those foreign players could be making their own teams better rather than shoving off to find a team that will win.

Ugh. You’re not good at these philosophical debates. You just want to do tanks with other girls. You hear a dog barking. There you find a Viszla pointer dog. He barks at you, a collar around his neck. “Ooooh, a doggy!” Denise walks up to him, kneeling down to him and petting him on the head. “Hehe! Hey.” She pulls out an envelope from his collar. “It’s a letter.”

A letter? You walk up to it. You take it then rip up the envelope to find a letter inside.


ELODIE.

MEET ME OUTSIDE CAMPUS TOMORROW AT SIX PM

COME ALONE

- KATHY


“Kathy?” Denise blinks, looking at the envelope. “What could she want with you?

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>1306105
> Polite
Oh I have a few ideas...

>>1306105
> Polite

>>1306105
> Polite

>>1306105
> Neutral

Whatever it is, I'm gonna need gear. Like a hard hat, flashlight, crowbar, glowsticks, safety boots, etc.

>>1306105
>> Polite

> Polite

“There are a few ideas,” you explain. “But I guess Kathy’s been busy since I last saw her. Maybe she wants to keep this a real secret.” To be honest, it has been a while since you’ve seen Kathy. What has she been doing? It’s actually making you quite curious now.

But oh well. Coming in now with some pots and pans is Serafina and the Polish crew. “Serafina, what are you doing with that?”

“Helping Giap with dinner!” she explains. “Meryl and Mei are going to be eating with us. Plus, our friends from St. Gloriana are coming too!” Really? Rosehip and Orange Pekoe? “Rosehip and Orange Pekoe!” Well, yeah of course. “They’re going to be having dinner with us, and they’re going to be sharing some of their tea too. I’m not a fan of tea to be frank but the tea they have is pretty neat!”

“Excellent, do you need any help?” you ask.

“Nah.” Serafina places the pot down next to a pre-prepared table next to the Panzer III. “We should be fine. Not unless you want to go pick up those two at the airport. They should be here in half an hour.”

> Go somewhere (Where?)
> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls
> Call Someone (Who?)
> Hang out at the hangar
> Other

>>1306263
> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls

>>1306263
> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls
Time to watch as we inevitably get complimented...and maybe regret our food choices.

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17 KB JPG

>>1306263
>> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls

>>1306263
> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls

Let Rosehip drive

>>1306284
This is implying that she doesn't just take the wheel on instinct.

>>1306288
Just reinforces how absolutely insane her driver must be if she can't get behind the stick of the Crusader.

>>1306263
> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls

> Pick up the St. Gloriana Girls

-

-

Leaving Mulcahy behind, you arrive at the airport with the Kettenkrad and find Rosehip and Orange Pekoe at the terminal wearing their St. Gloriana uniforms. Rosehip appears to be carrying something big on her back, while also handling her own luggage while Orange Pekoe has a few dutiful freshmen from their school handle hers. When they see you, Orange Pekoe waves while Rosehip shouts out, “Hey, it’s Zumwalt-san! Oi, oi! We’re here!”

“Yes, yes.” You smile, walking up to them. “It’s nice to see you two again.”

“Likewise!” Rosehip shakes your hand. “Right, I’m ready! I am prepared for dinner tonight! Do not worry about my transportation though! I also have that covered!” She throws down the giant bag on her back, then pulls out a…

Folding bicycle? She unfolds it, then immediately gets on it. “Darjeeling-sama sent it to me last week! It’s so fun! I should get everyone one, haha!” Rosehip starts riding around the airport terminal to the confused glances of many.

You hear a whistle. “Oi! No bicycles in the airport terminal!” yells a Hall Monitor.

“Gah! The Fuzz!” Rosehip immediately speeds out of the terminal as several Hall Monitors chase after her.

You, Orange Pekoe, and Denise start walking. “So, Orange Pekoe, was the flight good?”

“Oh yes, we traveled in our personal plane,” says Denise. “It was delightful. We are looking forward to FleetFest very much.” Once you’re outside, you help Orange Pekoe and Rosehip’s luggage into the trailer for the Kettenkrad. “Forgive Rosehip, she’s been very hyperactive as of late. This is what happens when we’re in the running for a championship.”

“I can understand,” you say.

Rosehip immediately pulls up as Denise gets on the Kettenkrad. “Hey, Spunkmeyer-san! Let’s you and me race!” She looks back to see the Hall Monitors regrouping. “Quickly, before the Filth claims me!”

“You’re on!” yells Denise.

> “No, Denise! No racing!”
> Brace.
> Other

>>1306424
>> Brace.

>>1306424
> Brace.
#PrayforEllie

>>1306424
> “No, Denise! No racing!”

>>1306424
>> Brace.
Let it happen

>>1306424
>Brace.
Oh boy, here we go.

>>1306424
> Brace.

>>1306424
> Other

Jump off before she starts. Wait 2 minutes and phone her.

> Brace.

You grab onto the back. “You might want to brace yourself, Orange Pekoe.” OP grabs onto your arms tight, knowing what’s about to happen.

“Ready, set, go!” Rosehip charges forth, her powerful legs giving the bicycle almost V8 power. Meanwhile, Denise revs up the engine and starts forward. The two of you scream in fear as the street race goes on. With Rosehip SOMEHOW managing to keep pace with the Kettenkrad. That girl is a fucking bundle of energy, you swear! The two of you charge down the streets, hoping and praying it’ll come to an end.

And it does. At a red light.

Gotta obey traffic laws after all.

Rosehip and Denise glare at each other as a familiar Jeep pulls up next to you all. “Hey, Ellie, hey, Denise!” says Jeep Jockey, a bag of groceries in the back. Rosehip and Denise glare at Jeep Jockey, to which he says, “Oh whoops, must’ve gotten the wrong Ellie and Denise, I’ll just look over there.” He looks to the other side.

The red light turns green, and immediate you’re back into the chaos.

-

-

It finally ends in an apparent tie. Denise and Rosehip shake hands amicably. “Good race, Spunkmeyer-san.”

“You too,” says Denise. They grin at each other, having found some common ground. You and OP rest yourselves on a bench as the tables start getting put out for tonight’s dinner. “That was a lot of fun, we should do that again sometime!”

OP sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I should’ve stopped her.” Your hair is ruined, your heart is racing. Ugh. The two of you dust yourselves off. “You know, you two are quite the odd couple. How did you guys end up commanding the team together?”

Orange Pekoe smiles. “We inherited the positions from Darjeeling-sama and Assam-sama. Assam especially was quite close to Rosehip-san.” She sighs, her smile fading a bit though. “We have our differences though, Rosehip-san and I. But I suppose differing opinions is healthy.”

“How so?” you ask.

“She wants to use our material wealth to buy better tanks like Comets, even a Centurion as well. But I want to try and uphold what we have always used and what our seniors used, as Darjeeling-sama did,” says OP. “It’s tough, we argue…” Rosehip and Denise laugh over a story about Denise’s paperroute and how she almost ran over several kindergarteners. “But she’s a good person. I don’t know.”

> “You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”
> “Tradition should trump practicality. It gives your team an identity.”
> “I know how you feel.”
> Other

>>1306578
>“You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”
You'll be doing your girls a disservice if you force them to go into battle with deliberately inferior equipment.

>>1306578
> “I know how you feel.”
After all, Mei basically called us out for being traditionalist, albeit in a different way.

>>1306578
> Other

Better tanks are nice, but a solid crew and leadership is better.

>>1306578
I can't do spoilers on the phone. What follows is something translated from a jap bit on GuP and STGGC in particular.

It appears the club itself has little to no control over tanks used. Instead, alumni pick the tanks and doctrines used and they bicker endlessly over it (why the students don't do their own thing is unclear/I forgot). Thus why STGGC should have access to various tanks but fail to use them. Most conspicuous is the lack of Cromwells.

>>1306578
>> “You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”
>> “I know how you feel.”
"I understand how you feel. I have the luxury, after a sense, of coming into a program without an established history to it. "

>>1306578
> “You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”

>>1306578
> “You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”
> “I know how you feel.”
Moderation is important, having both tradition and being open to newer vehicles and tactics is the ideal balance.

>>1306578
>> “You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”
Tortoise phalanx when?

> “You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever.”

“You should listen to her. You can’t use the same tanks forever,” you state. OP nods slowly. She takes a sip of tea from her cup and saucer. “I’ve been grilled on this type of topic before, Orange Pekoe, I know how you feel.”

“You have the luxury of being on a team that has had its history refreshed,” says Orange Pekoe. “We don’t. It is sad that there is this conflict but I suppose it is healthier out than in, earlier than later. Darjeeling-sama used to have sayings for situations like these.” Orange Pekoe looks down at her tea. “There is a saying by a great American hero, he said ‘It’s unbelievable how much you don’t know about the game you’ve been playing all your life.’ I suppose the same applies to Senshadou, seeing the sport grow and evolve.”

“What American hero said that?” you ask.

“Mickey Mantle.” Oh.

Griselda walks up to everyone, flanked by Meryl, Iris, and Mei. “Hey, Orange Pekoe!” OP stands and greets Griselda. And with that, you scoot aside and bow out politely. Hm, maybe…

“Elodie!” Giap comes over to you with a cooler. “Glad I caught you. This came for you.” What? She opens it up AND HOLY SHIT IT’S A LIVE KING CRAB WHAT THE FUCK. She closes it again. “It’s a live King Crab, courtesy of your friend Caldwell. Did you want this served during dinner?”

> “Sure. Share it everyone.”
> “No. It’s mine.”
> Other

>>1306713
>“No. It’s mine.”
MIIIIIINE

>>1306713
>"I...I...uh..."
>Try not to drool
>"S-Sure. Share it everyone.”

>>1306713
>“No. It’s mine.”

Share with parents.

>>1306713
> “Sure. Share it everyone.”

>>1306713
>“No. It’s mine.”
I'm for the parents idea.

> “No. It’s mine.”

“No, it’s mine,” you say. You really want to share it with everybody. But goddamn it, you can afford to be greedy just this once. “And some for my parents.” Not that greedy anyway. Giap nods, taking the cooler with her to the kitchen. “Do you need help cooking it?”

“Sure!”

-

-

The team is gathered around on the tables. Griselda eats with Meryl, Orange Pekoe, Mei, and Rosehip on her own table. A spread of rice curry, quiche, lasagna, ravioli, and meats like chicken or pork or beef is set out for everyone to pick and mix. You take up some of the rice and chicken and spread some of the sauce down on your plate, then move onto your crew at their table.

“Mmm! It’s so good!” Winona holds her cheek as she chews, smiling happily. “Giap is such a good cook!” Stack and Ingrid munch on their food mercilessly. “Guys!” Winona pouts at them. “Savor it, chew your food, don’t inhale it!”

“What? We’re hungry!” yells Stack. She looks over at you. “Hey, Ellie. Did you hear the news?” Hm? “All-Star Voting just started. I think you’ve got a good chance to get in this year!”

“Are the polls public?” you ask.

“Well. No,” says Stack. “But I’m confident!”

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>1306783
> Neutral

Rumors are just hot air, but thanks for the confidence in me.

>>1306783
> Polite

>>1306783
> Polite
I mean, I hope I get in but, well...here's hoping...

>>1306783
>Neutral
I appreciate your vote of confidence, but we'll have to wait and see.

>>1306783
>> Boast

>>1306783
> Polite

> Polite

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Stack.” You lean back, biting into your meal. “So, how does voting work anyway?”

Ingrid says, “20 are selected by popular vote, 9 are selected by populate vote from participating NATO League members, 1 is the NATO Commissioner’s Pick. The Commissioner’s pick is supposed to represent who will best represent the next generation of Tankery. Usually it goes to really good rookies and the like.” You nod at that, understanding. “That goes for both leagues, for a 30v30 match, 60 commanders total. So there ought to be a place for Elodie there somewhere.”

“I hope so,” you say. “But it won’t matter too much if I don’t.”

“Are you kidding?” Winona frowns. “It’d be great if you got in! You’re a great Commander!”

“Yeah,” says Josephina. “Everyone loves you.”

“Love isn’t a replacement for skill. And if you’ve seen what everyone at the table does…” You point to Griselda’s table. “Then you can understand if I don’t get in.”

“Ah, I guess.” Stack huffs. “Bunch of bullshit anyway.”

> Sit with a crew (Who?)
> Finish off dinner with your crew.
> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”
> Other

>>1306931
> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”

Its not the most interesting vote, but Elodie probably needs to blow off some steam and decompress

>>1306931
> Finish off dinner with your crew.
> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”
If you are going to toss the suspicipous option with something fun, I have to take it.

>>1306931
>> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”

>>1306931>Sit with your crew.
Stacks is a good girl.

>>1306931
> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”

>>1306931
> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”

> “I’m gonna go take a walk.”

After a few minutes discussing things with your crew… “You know, I’ve always wondered if we could ever merge a tank with an airplane.”

“We do,” says Stack. “They used to build those duck planes with the 75mm guns for the Luftwaffe during World War II, I forget their name. I think our Skycraft team actually has one.”

“Whatever happened to our Skycraft team?” asks Ingrid. “It’s almost like they don’t even exist.”

“Yeah, shouldn’t they be practicing with the KDH Skycraft team?” asks Josephina.

Winona explains it as, “Actually, I think they’re busy studying for their classes now. I mean, school starts after labor day. It’s practical next week.” Everyone nods at that, understanding.

You stand up and push your empty plate in. “I’m gonna go take a walk.” They look at you, a little concerned. But you wave it off. You really just need to take a minute to decompress. Today has been slightly stressful on your mind. First all the consolation gifts, having to say goodbye to Lyra, then Mei’s chat with you. Ugh.

You walk out of the hangar alone, shoving your hands in your pockets. It’s actually not as warm these night as it used to be. Come September, it’ll start getting chilly, really chilly. You sigh, adjusting your jacket a little. Where did the summer go? This tournament started with the warm comforts of summer. Now it’s ending with the hard facts of autumn. To think you’ve gotten so far.

You walk along the street a bit, wandering around a little with no real direction.

Then you run into her. “Arisu.” She stands there on the street corner, lit up from above by the street lamp. She wears a thick fur-lined grey trenchcoat along with another one of those dark frilly dresses of hers. In her deep trenchcoat pocket is her Boko bear. “What are you doing here?”

“I should ask the same question,” she says. “I saw you talking with Mei.” You blink. Oh. Right. “She thinks you’re not worthy of my teachings. Do you agree with her?”

“What?” You blink.

“Are you worthy or are you not, Elodie Zumwalt?” she asks firmly. “Do you believe you are?”

> “Yes. I am.”
> “No. I’m not.”
> Other

>>1307119
>“Yes. I am.”

And let no one say otherwise.

>>1307119
> “Yes. I am.”

>>1307119
>“Yes. I am.”
Hesitation is death on the battlefield.

>>1307119
>“Yes. I am.”

Not quite what I want to answer. As I would much rather focus on why she thinks us worthy. But saying anything else is probably asking for things.

>>1307119
> “Yes. I am.”

> “Yes. I am.”

“I am.” You step up to her. “I am worthy.” Arisu nods, staring at you blankly. “Arisu. C-… can you tell me something?”

“What?”

“Why me? Why train me in the way of the Shimada-ryuu? Why not Mei or anybody else, somebody better at Tankery than me.” You stand close, looking down at her. “I’m not as good as a commander as people say I am. I’m just in the right place in the right time most of the time.”

Arisu says, “You’re contradicting yourself. If you didn’t think yourself a good commander, you wouldn’t be worthy of my teachings.” That-… huh. “Mei is a different case. She knows the way things are in Senshadou won’t last forever. Martials arts like ours grow, change, sometimes in ways we don’t like. You and I have had this discussion before. But Mei believes there is no place left for tradition.”

“So you chose me because I believe in tradition?” you ask.

“No.” She cocks her head, looking to the side. “In due time, Elodie Zumwalt. I will tell you why you were being taught the ways of the Shimada-ryuu, the ways of honorable Senshadou. But right now, you need more time to learn. You must prepare yourself for this All-Star Game, and prepare yourself for the match with Joan D’Orleans school and Zhou Enlai.”

“Okay.” You nod. Fine. If she doesn’t have answers now then…

“As for Mei.” Arisu frowns slightly. “Mei and I do not have the best relationship. Your match with her will be cruel.”

“Hey, Ellie!” Denise comes up behind you with a warm glass of milk for you and a plate of cookies. You turn around. Oh. “Who are you talking to?”

“I was-“ You turn back around. Arisu is gone.

…

Damn it.

File: grisgris it's time to whazz.jpg (244 KB, 500x1000)

244 KB JPG

>>1307303
That's it for this weekend's LGA2. Hope you all enjoyed. We should be back next week (with the exception of April Fools. Don't know about Sunday because IT'S OPENING DAY). Thanks for reading.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
Ask at: http://germanschteel.tumblr.com/
Book Tumbles: http://germanschteelbookblog.tumblr.com/

See you next time.

>>1307307
Thanks for running Schteel, catchya next time.

>>1307303
>You must prepare yourself for this All-Star Game

I mean, foregone conclusions aside, Arisu! What are you doing?!

>>1307307
Good show GS, I continue to be intrigued by why Shimada likes Elodie.

Also, the one time Elodie doesn't try to sandbag the idea that she may in fact make the all-star game with her is adorable.

Tomorrow should probably be a vacation day to get more training in, by the way. Because us having the meeting at 6 means studying Senshado is going to be tricky.

>>1307334
Arisu confirmed rigging Eloidie votes in

>>1307307
Thanks for running.

>>1307307
Thanks for the fun, boss.