>>2594156
>> May as well go to Lecture now.

>>2594156
>> “Winona, bad girl. Stop that.”

Can't be that bad, can it?

> May as well go to Lecture now.

You grab your bag and pull it on, then start walking out of the lockerroom. “Well, I’ll see you girls.”

“Nooooo!” Winona grabs Stack from behind in a bear hug. “Get your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape! Noooo!”

Honestly, you feel kind of bad. But you don’t feel bad enough to go back and help/ It’s just makeup. What’s Winona going to do, turn her into Jar Jar?

…

…

You don’t visit the General Studies campus all that much, but boy was it filled to the brim with General Studies students. You saw girls hurrying to do their homework on the way to class, girls gossiping around the statue of the Marquis de La Fayette, more girls rushing to class, it was a madhouse! Just disorganization everywhere! You kind of have to be glad you’re in Naval Studies despite all the work they gave you during the summer. You step on into the room and look around. Several dozen Officers have already made it in and found their seats. You sit up front.

“Elodie Zumwalt!” Lyra Caldwell. She sits down next to you, smirking. “Taking a seat up front I see. Trying to butter up to the teachers?” You roll your eyes. “Seriously, how are you doing?”

“I’m fine,” you say. “Are you ready for practice today, Lyra? We got people to impress you know.”

“I know,” says Lyra. “Trust me, I’ve been doing ghosting practice with the crew. Basically we take a bunch of chairs and sort of visualize what we’re doing and act it like we’re actually in the tank!”

“… but you have the actual tank-“

“Ah ah ah, my methods are perfect,” says Lyra. “Trust me. We’re ready.”

… okay.

> Talk with Lyra some more, been a while since you’ve had a nice chat.
> Get ready for the lecture. You got your notebook, you have index cards, you have pen and pencils, you borrowed a stand for your phone so you can record the lecture just in case, you also have a pen recorder just in case that fails. Did you remember to pack your questions-to-ask list? Probably.
> Other

>>2594280
>Get ready for the lecture. You got your notebook, you have index cards, you have pen and pencils, you borrowed a stand for your phone so you can record the lecture just in case, you also have a pen recorder just in case that fails. Did you remember to pack your questions-to-ask list? Probably.

>>2594280
>> Get ready for the lecture. You got your notebook, you have index cards, you have pen and pencils, you borrowed a stand for your phone so you can record the lecture just in case, you also have a pen recorder just in case that fails. Did you remember to pack your questions-to-ask list? Probably.

> Get ready for the lecture. You got your notebook, you have index cards, you have pen and pencils, you borrowed a stand for your phone so you can record the lecture just in case, you also have a pen recorder just in case that fails. Did you remember to pack your questions-to-ask list? Probably.

You got your notebook, index cards, pen and pencils, recorder, oh you do have your questions-to-ask list! History and Moral Philosophy is kind of a weird course to ask questions in as it’s more about actual moral philosophy with the history aspect used to apply it. So it’s not like history is used as part of the curriculum’s testing, it’s more of a way to apply your morals in situations. In a way, History and Moral Philosophy happens to be a relatively easy course to get through because it’s not even mandatory to pass it. It’s only required that you take it. Though if you do fail, that impacts negatively on your GPA.

And you are NOT getting anything below a 3.8 GPA.

The lecturer steps in, textbook underarm. “Alright, class,” she says. She places the textbook on the podium. “Settle down.” Everyone sits down in their seats, attentive. “Welcome to History and Moral Philosophy I, I’m Miss Rico. I’m told already that you are all Officers in the Naval Studies program. So make sure you pay attention, the lessons you learn here could affect how you command in practice.” You raise your hand. “Miss Zumwalt?”

You ask, “Is any of this going to be on the test?”

“…” Miss Rico stares at you, then says, “Let’s begin.” Oh. “Let’s examine the fall of Imperial Rome and why it fell.”

…

…

“Miss Zumwalt?”

You lower your hand, smiling. “I can conclusively say that the Roman Empire’s fall was less due to the external threats surrounding it and more due to the internal conflict within itself. Rome can always fight Barbarians but civil conflict is far more difficult to conquer.”

“Exactly.” Miss Rico snaps her fingers, looking around at the class. You look around too.

Everyone is fucking asleep.

Well. That’s H&M class for you.

[1/2]

>>2594442
[2/2]

Miss Rico sighs, pinching her nose. “Regardless. Imperial Rome is an example of how even the mightiest of Empires topple from within. And more or less can never be reborn again because of that internal strife. And unfortunately for Rome, no matter how many claim to be its successor, none could ever match the influence it had on Europe and the world at large, save for a few exceptions. It dies, so to speak. And unlike Jason Todd it’s not coming back because of its own strife, not because of external force.”

The bell rings, shocking everyone out of their slumber. Miss Rico says, “Alright, assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Next lecture will be on Thursday. Don’t be late.” Everyone starts filing out. Miss Rico looks to you. “Miss Zumwalt. I’m surprised you kept yourself awake. H&M class is usually designated nap time for most people.”

“I don’t half-ass studying, Miss Rico,” you say. “Pardon my language.” Miss Rico smiles a bit, nodding.

“Shame you have other responsibilities,” she says. “I could use a TA like you. Someone’s already poached Serina unfortunately.”

> “Oh, I can be your TA. Don’t worry.”
> “Yeah, it is. You have a nice day, Miss Rico.”
> Other

>>2594447
>> “Yeah, it is. You have a nice day, Miss Rico.”

>>2594447
>Yeah, it is. You have a nice day, Miss Rico.”

> “Yeah, it is. You have a nice day, Miss Rico.”

“Yeah it is.” You fold your arms. “I know there’s a couple of good students out there though, Miss Rico. You just gotta keep looking.” Miss Rico shrugs, admitting defeat at that. “You have a nice day, alright?”

“You too.”

With that, you’re done with lecture. You check your watch. It’s about 11 o’clock now. Good time for lunch actually. You’ll grab something in the cafeteria then you head to the hangar probably. You head on down to the cafeteria. People look back and immediately recognize you. However, nobody goes up to say anything. You can hear the whispering as you walk through and wait in line for a meal.

Honestly, that’s a little disconcerting. Whispers all around you? It’s like being in a horror movie or something and the monster is about to get you.

You receive a text just then. You check your phone.

> WinWin: Ellie! I got StackStack all dressed up, how does she look?

You receive a picture.

You gasp.

Stack is wearing her usual uniform, but it’s actually done up correctly. Complete with the blazer, the neckerchief, the hat, everything. But her face! She’s got lipstick! She’s got eyeliner! She has blush! And it even looks Winona even did her nails too!

But man, Stack looks ready to kill her.

> WinWin: What do you think? Good or best?

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>2594639
>> Boast

>>2594639
>Boast
Bueno

>>2594639
>> Polite

>Boast

> Boast

> EZ: Best.
> WinWin: Awesome! She’ll be ready for practice today! Don’t you worry!

You get a text from Stack.

> Stack: Kill me
> EZ: Later

With that, you get your lunch and start moving on. You’ve got it packed in a paper bag to go. You take a look inside, fish and chips with an apple and a juice box. Not so bad. Little greasy if you’re honest. Though as you walk through the cafeteria, you see Griselda sitting with Yuno and Luisa. “Ellie!” Griselda waves to you. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I was just grabbing lunch. I had lecture this morning today,” you say. “What’s up with you?”

“Oh, classes,” she says. “You want to sit and eat with us?”

> “No thanks. I got to get to the hangar and see if the tanks are ready.”
> “Sure, why not?”
> Other

>>2594861
>> “Sure, why not?”

>>2594861
>> “No thanks. I got to get to the hangar and see if the tanks are ready.”

>>2594861
>> “No thanks. I got to get to the hangar and see if the tanks are ready.”

> “No thanks. I got to get to the hangar and see if the tanks are ready.”

“No thanks. I got to get to the hangar and see if the tanks are ready.” You step up to her and say, “Remember, we gotta impress Josephina’s mom today.”

Griselda nods, frowning. “Mm, alright. We’ll be with you then once classes are out, Ellie.”

Luisa says, “It was great to see you regardless.” Yuno nods silently, munching on fried fish. “We’ll do our best.”

Hope so.

…

…

You chow down on a fry as you take stock of all the tanks. Seems they’re all in good order and in good shape. “Checking the tanks?” You yelp and find Miss McPherson standing behind you. Oh, it’s just her. You nod. “I hear practice is a special occasion today.”

“Yeah, we have people visiting,” you say. “We gotta impress them or Josephina might have to leave Tankery.”

“Josephina?” Miss McPherson blinks, tilting her head. “Were you not talking about Oryola?” O- Oryola? What!? “I was checking Twitter today I saw she was making a surprise visit to LGA.” WHAT. WHAT!? You look down at yourself. You’re not ready! You’re not ready at all for that! “Did I surprise you?”

“A little! Is she really here!?” you ask. Miss McPherson nods. Oh shit. Okay. No, don’t panic. You’re still going to impress her all the same. After all, it’s just Oryola Kuznetsov. She-

You take a sniff. What’s that smell? Oh. OH SHIT.

She arrives in on the street next to the hangar on a Minsk motorbike. “Zdravstvuj!” AAAAHHHH

She steps off her motorbike, dusting herself off with visible clouds coming down her uniform. “Forgiveness my intrusions! I am just wanting to come and say my personal congratulations!” She grabs your hands, staining them with dirt and dust and shaking it vigorously. “The school of the Marquis has entered the playoffs on its first year too! I am so excited!”

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>2595106
>Polite

>>2595106
>> Polite

>>2595106
>> Polite

> Polite

“W-… Well, thank you.” You nod, smiling at her.

“Have you been keeping my gloves?” she asks. Her gloves? Of course you have! You nod. “Lovely! I won’t ask that you show them to me now. But I know they have been doing good luck for you, yes?” You nod again, smiling. “Excellent, solnyshka!”

Miss McPherson says, “We were going to hold our training today pretty soon, Miss Kuznetsov. Did you want to stay and watch?” Miss McPherson, please. PLEASE.

“Da!” PLEASE. She grins at you. “I will be honored! What is this training you will be doing?”

“Oh, we’re doing formation stuff today,” you say. “Plus, we have some other people coming by that we need to impress as well.”

“Ooooh, is that why you were wearing so nice clothing,” says Oryola. “I thought it was because you have boyfriend visiting.” Uh. You shake your head.

“No, no. He’s visiting on the weekend,” you say.

“Lovely, tell him he is lucky man to have girl with such…” Oryola motions her hands towards your breasts, then at your hips. “Proportions.” … eh? “Oooh! Can I see your tanks!?” She immediately runs off to go look at your tanks. She doesn’t need your permission honestly but…

Ugh, this is not something you wanted right now. You look to Miss McPherson. “What? It’d be impolite to assume that one of the greatest high school Tankery aces isn’t here to see our tanks.” You roll your eyes.

This is going to suck.

File: 1522636285262.png (245 KB, 545x945)

245 KB PNG

>>2595406
She's right you know now, Elodie's got proportions.

That's it for tonight. We'll be back tomorrow for more. Hope you all enjoyed regardless and hope you're having a good Memorial Day weekend. Thank God for Federal Holidays.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
And if you ever feel like shooting the shit with me, you can hit me up in my discord: https://discord.gg/9e9yvfv

See you next time.

>>2595414
Thanks for running Schteel, catchya tomorrow.

Iris had arrived just ahead of everyone else. “I hear we have a guest,” she says. You nod, then point to Oryola doing pull ups on straps attached to the gun barrel of the Jagdtiger. She’s stripped off her jacket down to her tanktop, revealing her very buff and muscular arms. Having to man the ISU-152 all the time? It probably builds those muscles right up. “Ah. That is a very important guest to have.”

“I wasn’t expecting her to be here,” you say. “She just dropped in like she owns the place!”

“Have you been entertaining her?” asks Iris.

“How can I? She entertains herself. Look at her!”

Oryola grins, putting up a decent sweat. “No one is lazy in the Lazy town!” She lifts herself up again for her twentieth rep.

Iris checks her watch. “Well, the rest of the crews won’t be arriving for another half hour then,” she says. “Is there anything you wanted to get done before Josephina’s mother arrives?”

> “Let’s give the tanks a good hosing down and scrub as best we can.”
> Talk tanks with Oryola. Maybe she can give you some advice for the playoffs?
> “Nah, I think we’re good. Anything you wanted to do?”
> Other

>>2597306
>Other
Review the plan for today's exercise. See if Orly has any suggestions

>>2597306
Supporting >>2597341

> Other

You call Miss McPherson and Oryola together with Iris to discuss things. You place down an itinerary for the entire training. “Right. Here’s the itinerary. We’re going to give Josephina’s mom the best day out with these tanks. Now, first and foremost, we-“

Oryola raises a hand. “Excuse me. I cannot help but notice that this infirmarary of yours is thirty pages long,” she says. Of course it’s thirty pages long. You have so much to do, so much to explain about tanks! Their history, the culture built up behind it, the specs of each individual tank in the team, the crew, the team itself, then you have the formation practice, the gunnery practice, everything!

Miss McPherson frowns. “It’s a detailed plan so I won’t protest. How long do you think this will take?”

“Six hours,” you say. They all stare at you. “Look. It’s clear that Josephina’s mom is a bit of a newb to Tankery so I figure, why not give her the whole nine yards?”

Iris takes a sip of tea, then says, “I will go with whatever you feel is most appropriate.”

Oryola says, “Not to be offensive, but I feel that introducing someone to Tankery should be more natural, more… exciting! This is not being very fun in my opinion.” She flips through the itinerary. “This is paper. On paper, looks good. In practice, not so good. I am feeling you should instead just let the introduction be happening on its own.”

“How do you mean?” you ask.

“I do not know.” Oryola smiles as if that was her best answer.

Well. You look down at the itinerary.

> Nah, stick to the script.
> Maybe you could shave things down a little.
> Toss out the script. You’ll just practice as you usually do and let things develop on their own.
> Other

>>2597637
>Maybe you could shave things down a little.

Can Miss McPhearson act as a liason to Josephine's mom?

does EZ shave?

>>2597637
>Maybe you could shave things down a little.

>>2597637
>Maybe you could shave things down a little.

> Maybe you could shave things down a little.

“Hm. Well.” You frown a little. “I guess I could shave things down a little. Maybe I could get rid of the history introductions and everything and maybe get rid of this stuff too. “And maybe get rid of the dinner too. Hm. I dunno, there’s a lot to go through. Can you help me?” Oryola responds by taking the itinerary from you, then tearing the first ten pages off and the last ten pages out. Okay. That’s helpful.

That just leaves practice and the formation showoff. For that, you’ll have to do some big time coordination with the girls. You’ve already texted them the details of what you want to show off, but hopefully Misses deGrasse will be suitably impressed. As you look through the itinerary, people start arriving. The crews hurry to get their tanking uniforms on and get to their tanks. They know what’s up today.

Griselda walks up to you. “Hey, Ellie. Oryola?” She looks at Oryola, surprised. Oryola waves happily, grinning. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to visit!” she says. “And to give congratulations for entering the playoffs! Very good of you, littlest Pool!” Griselda can only blush and smile as she shakes Oryola’s hand. “I am also here to observe. I think your team has a chance to go far. I want to see them in action!”

“Well, we just picked up a new crew, and we’re still ironing out some kinks but you’re not wrong,” says Griselda. “Plus, we gotta impress-“ She gasps. “Would you be willing to introduce yourself to Misses deGrasse?” Whoa whoa whoa You immediately pull Griselda away, leaving a confused Oryola in the literal dust. “Hey, what’s the big idea?” You shush her.

“As much as it pains me to say it, maybe having Oryola around is going to hurt our chances a bit.” Ugh, you’re cringing when you say that. Griselda looks at you, surprised. “Josephina’s mom is a really tough customer and just… just look at Oryola!” You two look at Oryola. She’s dirty from top to bottom. She’s got dirt and muck on her cheeks and hands. Her hair is frazzled and mottled. Her uniform is brown but not because it’s naturally brown. Still, Oryola waves happily at you two, unaware of what you’re talking about.

Griselda smirks. “I think you might be overreacting a little, Ellie.”

> “Just keep Oryola busy. Please. Misses deGrasse is not used to how dirty she is.”
> “Maybe you’re right. I guess the two saying hello isn’t too bad.”
> Other

>>2597935
>> “Just keep Oryola busy. Please. Misses deGrasse is not used to how dirty she is.”

> “Maybe you’re right. I guess the two saying hello isn’t too bad.”

>>2597935
>“Maybe you’re right. I guess the two saying hello isn’t too bad.”

Have Miss McPhearson handle introductions and 'please excuse the mess'.

Or maybe we can hose Orly off and have WinWin do her up for one afternoon.

>>2597935
>> “Just keep Oryola busy. Please. Misses deGrasse is not used to how dirty she is.”
She looks, and smells, like a hobo.

> “Maybe you’re right. I guess the two saying hello isn’t too bad.”

You sigh. What are you doing? You’re being rude. “Maybe you’re right. I mean, Oryola is one of the best aces in all of Tankery. I guess the two saying hello to each other wouldn’t be too baaa- IT’S HER MOM!” you shout. Griselda looks over to see Josephina escorting her Mom and Dad into the hangar. Everyone immediately runs for their tanks, taking their places. Griselda gives a thumbs up, then stands at attention with you. She quickly motions Miss McPherson and Oryola over.

Josephina smiles incredibly nervously. “Mom. You already know Ellie and Griselda. This is Miss McPherson, our coach!”

Misses deGrasse shakes hands with Miss McPherson. “Enchante,” says Misses deGrasse. “Pleasure to meet you. You coach these girls?”

“I do,” she says. “But they’re pretty autonomous. I oversee most of the stuff that requires encouragement in their exercising and training. And being a former Tanker myself, I also have incredible expertise-“

“Hey, hey, hey!” You all look back to see Miss Sandusky, Miss Emerson, and Miss Dillon stepping. “We came in to see the practice today!”

Miss McPherson hesitates for a second, then says, “That’s my former crew there.” They walk on up, smiling happily. Oh come on. Of all the days…

Misses DeGrasse says, “You all used to practice Tankery?” The four of them nod happily. “That’s great! Did you ever win any championships or anything?”

…

Miss McPherson immediately pulls Oryola over. “This is Oryola Kuznetsov. She happens to be the head of the Kursk Girls Boarding School Armourcraft program. As the senior, it happens to be her last year in Tankery in fact.” Oryola grins happily, offering her very dusty and dirty hand to Misses deGrasse. Misses deGrasse looks down, visibly disgusted. Josephina and Mister deGrasse look like they’re about to die of second-hand embarrassment. “Oryola, say hello.”

“Hello!” Oryola happily flashes her dirty her teeth at Misses deGrasse as well.

> “OKAY. HOW ABOUT WE GET RIGHT INTO THE ACTION, HUH?”
> “Uh, Misses deGrasse! Oryola happens to be one of the premier tank aces in all of Tankery! She can explain so much! Right?”
> “Well. I’m just going to go and observe our practice today!” As far away as possible.
> Other

>>2598232
>“OKAY. HOW ABOUT WE GET RIGHT INTO THE ACTION, HUH?”

That went as expected, but we still did the right thing.

>>2598232
>> Other
"The lack of personal hygiene isn't a trend in the sport."

>>2598232
>> “OKAY. HOW ABOUT WE GET RIGHT INTO THE ACTION, HUH?”

> “OKAY. HOW ABOUT WE GET RIGHT INTO THE ACTION, HUH?”

“OKAY, OKAY!” You quickly shove Oryola and Miss McPherson out of the picture. “How about we get right into the action, huh? We have lots of formation training to do! And you get front row seats, Misses deGrasse!” Misses deGrasse looks quite skeptical at you. But she relents and steps pas. Josephina hurries to lead her on to a place where she can observe the training. You look over at Oryola. “Oryola! Why don’t you ever clean yourself up!?”

Oryola says, “I do. I just end up dirty within an hour though.” Augh! “What? Armourcraft is a very intense sport. People get dirty in it.” Not as dirty as her!

Miss McPherson says, “To be frank, I think it would’ve been a lot worse if we had to explain our backstories.” That’s actually incredibly true.

“Who’s she?” asks Miss Sandusky.

“We’re trying to impress her,” says Miss McPherson. “Otherwise one of the students might not get to do Tankery.” The old maids all gasp, immediately understanding of Josephina’s plight.

“Right, right, let me get the Commanders together. Commanders!” You quickly whistle to everybody. The commanders of all the tanks dismount and hurry on over to you. “Alright, briefing time. We got Josephina’s Mom and she is a really tough customer. So I want everyone on their best behaviors. You all know the choreography, right?”

Suvorov raises a hand. “Question.” Go on. “I noticed that you included Dalia and Lyra doing a Bermuda triangle attack.” Yes. “But you said that myself and Hadley were going to do Shimada Death Blossoms alongside too in one big sweep.”

Duchess says, “What do us tank destroyers have to do with formations anyway? I thought we were supposed to just hang back and shoot things.”

Jane Fogerty says, “I tried to pirate the soundtrack you wanted but I thought it sucked so I replaced it with Rubberband man by the Detroit Spinners and I’m having it followed by other hit 70s classics like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Disco Inferno.”

“What does this have to do with advancing the cause of the proletariat?” You don’t even have to acknowledge who said that.

“I mean, we’re ready,” says Hadley. “But I was hoping I could have some time to warm up my girls and get them to settle down and behave for once?”

Serina says, “We’re ready too. But I’m actually down my driver. She’s home mourning because a car ran over her motorcycle. I probably should’ve mentioned that earlier.”

“Does Misses deGrasse ride?” asks Benny. “I bet we can introduce her to some souped up Unlimited designs too for her helicopters!”

Elyse grins happily. “Ellie, I used a new conditioner today, and I think I got my hair just like yours!”

…

The only way you could be fucked harder right now is if Jeep Jockey were here.

> “Okay. We’re all good, thank you.”
> “Maybe we should go over the plan once more.”
> “Um. Maybe we should rehearse first. I’m going to stall while you girls practice.”
> Other

>>2598469
> Other
"Listen to yourselves, you're seriously going on about this kind of selfish crap when a teammate's continued membership on the side is on the line? Do think Jose would be so flippant about you if your positions were reversed? No, she'd be focused 100% on giving her all to help keep you on the team, so why aren't you able to do the same?"

Basically tell them to stop being so damn self absorbed and quit their bitching. We're supposed to be one of the best tankery teams in the league, and the best teams look out for each other, regardless of whether it's easy or not, so now's the time to suck it up and start acting like one.

>The only way you could be fucked harder right now is if Jeep Jockey were here.

Elewdie confirmed canon

>>2598469
>> “Maybe we should go over the plan once more.”

>>2598469
Support >>2598514

>>2598469
>“Maybe we should go over the plan once more.”
-BECAUSE-
>>2598514 is a far better thing to say than the rant I thought of.

> OTher
> “Maybe we should go over the plan once more.”

“Girls, listen to yourselves. You’re going on about a lot of really selfish stuff right now when Josie’s continued membership here is on the line! Josephina would never be so flippant right now! She’d give her all for any of you!” Everyone is quiet, listening. “Now listen, we’re one of the best teams in the league. We look out for one another. I hope you girls have been practicing because we’re going to give our all out there or die trying, you hear?”

“We’re going to die?” asks Hadley.

“Not-“ You sigh. “Not literally die! But-“

“I get what you mean!” Regina pumps her fist. “Elodie is right! We’ve trained for this! We know what we’re going to do now!”

“But have you actually rehearsed it?” you asked.

“We did last night,” says Serina. “And we mostly ended up crashing into each other.” Oh for fucks sake. “But, we’ll get it right today.”

“Okay. Maybe we should go over the plan once more.” You point to yourself. “I’ll introduce the team. We go a few laps around the track. Then we start formations. I lead out the Bermuda triangle. Hadley and Suvorov come around us in Shimada death blossoms. Serina, Duchess, Jane, and Iris circle around. Everyone else will follow behind them. We’re not going to make this too complicated. Alright?” They all nod. “Great.” Oh God, if this doesn’t work, Josephina is so screwed. “Alright, places everyone!”

Everyone hurries to their tanks. You hurry to your own then mount up. You settle down in the commander’s chair and look down. Josephina takes a breath, gripping the controls. “You okay?” asks Ingrid.

“Oui, it’s nothing,” Josephina remarks. She looks up at you. “Please tell me you’re ready.”

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>2598730
>> Polite

>>2598730
> Polite

We're going to do fine.

>>2598730
>Polite

> Polite

“We’re all ready to go,” you say. “Just waiting on you to drive us out, Josephina.”

Josephina blinks, then nods slowly. Alright, time to get going. The tank rumbles awake, then starts rolling out of the hangar under Josephina’s command. Alright. You take a look at the charts. This is a relatively simple but hopefully entertaining formation demonstration to go through.

Then you all go flying forward from an impact behind you. The metal around you rattles as you shake your head. “The fuck was that!?” yells Ingrid.

You poke your head up out of the turret and see Claudia’s Panther. “Sorry! We’re still getting used to this!” Oh goddamn it! You forgot, this is probably the first time they’ve actually had to work with formations!

“Just stay calm, Claudia,” you say. At least they didn’t wreck the tank or hurt themselves. That’s what important. Josephina getting removed from Tankery is one thing but if someone got hurt, that’s not going to fly. The Panther starts at a slow creep behind your Comet as you all head out of the hangar to your positions. You look over to see all the adults on the bleachers looking out into the field. Oryola is sitting next to them, happily waving at you. You wave back, smiling. Alright, just stay calm. Just one of your big heroes watching you along with the parents of the person you have to impress not to mention a former ace crew who will likely be judging you too quietly. No pressure. “Alright, let’s take a couple of laps to warm up, girls.” You all start driving out onto the track.

Stack pokes her head out of the hatch, immediately shaking out her well-done hair and wiping her makeup onto her now exposed bicep. “Finally, some fresh air! I was dying in there!”

“Hey, I spent like an hour doing that makeup, Stack!” shouts Winona.

“Way to waste your time!” Stack snaps back.

“Quiet, quiet,” you say. Alright, a couple of laps in and… “Alright, Lyra, Dalia, go.” The two of them form on your left and right respectively. You take a sharp left inwards to the center of the training ground. “Josephina, on my go, you’ll-“ You hear a loud pop behind you. What the hell? You look back to see the Panther again, this time black smoke fuming out of the engine block.

Claudia coughs loudly over the radio. “Agh! The engine! What the hell happened!?” You look back and see Serina about to crash INTO HER BACK OH MY GOD

“SERINA! EYES UP!” you scream. Serina’s King Tiger immediately swerves, clipping its back against the Panther.

“Whoa! Sorry! Sorry!” shouts Serina. Oh mother of God! No, no! Don’t get distracted, just go with the plan! Go with the plan!

>>2598932
[2/2]

“Now!” you shout. Dalia, the fastest leads the pack. She powerslides around the inside corner, followed by you and Lyra performing the same stunt. Then as you make for the opposite end of the track, you perform the same loop before going sharply inwards. “Alright, now!” Lyra and Dalia on your left and right start their slides, pointing towards an imaginary tank in front of you. Around you, Hadley and Suvorov pull their Shimada Death Blossoms as the heavier tanks continue their laps around. Okay, you can still salvage this.

“Ellie, look out!” Stack ducks down. Huh?

Mud splatters your face with the force of a freight train. You immediately take off your glasses and squint ahead. Can barely see now as you wipe your frames off. Okay, just relax, stay calm and-

Claudia calls out, “Our engine is on fire!” You look back at Claudia’s tank.

Oh. Shit. Their engine block actually is on fire! They’ve evacuated the tank. And for good reason. That inferno is just plain out of control! What the hell happened!? You look back at the bleachers. All the adults are worriedly looking at the Panther, except for Misses deGrasse. She looks to you with some amount of concern, as if expecting to see what you do next.

> “Everyone, drop what you’re doing and get that fire put out!”
> “Continue with the formation, nothing to see here.”
> Other

>>2598936
>> “Continue with the formation, nothing to see here.”

>>2598936
> Other

Have Iris lead the fire control, for she is an oasis of calm in a sea of chaos.

Get Winona to call Miss McPhearson and get her to explain that a new crew had acquired a Tiger, but is still not used to its overheating problems. Perhaps offer up the suggestion that tanks have a higher safe-use operation tolerance compared to helicopters because a mechanical failure in a tank doesn't result in a crash from dangerous heights. Different sports, different risks

>>2598936
This seems good >>2598977 With the correction that it's a Panther, not a Tiger. We probably shouldn't have brought them out for the demonstration anyway.

>>2599052
Why the fuck did I think it was the King Tiger. It only says Panther 3 times.

> Other

“Iris. Can you get on fire control for me?”

“Understood.” Iris’ Churchill breaks off from the group and rolls towards the Panther. “Regina, I need firehoses please.”

“Got it!” Regina acknowledges, and the IS-2 immediately goes speeding off elsewhere.

You point to Winona. “Winona, you’re not doing anything. Call Miss McPherson and have her explain to Misses deGrasse that the crew is new and they’re not used to a Panther and it’s problems with overheating. Let her know that the fire doesn’t occur that often.”

Winona immediately dials up Miss McPherson and starts explaining the situation. “Yeah, Miss McPherson? Can you tell Josephina’s Mom that fires don’t happen that often and that the crew is just new? … yes, I know that fires do happen. … yes, I know that you used to fight flamethrower tanks. Okay.”

Up to a point, you complete the formation trials with you being splattered in mud and the Panther bursting into flames being the sole hiccups. Everyone lines up in a line in front of the bleachers and dismounts. You all line up and take a bow to the small applause of the crowd before you. You wipe down some more mud off of your face and walk up to everybody. “So, how was that?”

“Splendid!” says Mister deGrasse. “Absolutely splendid!” He walks on over to Josephina. “You did great out there!” Josephina beams happily, bouncing on her feet. “Didn’t she, dear?”

Misses deGrasse points to Regina’s crew and Iris’ crew still putting out the fires. “I’m told that doesn’t happen often.”

“It really doesn’t,” you say. Oh boy. Josephina’s smile immediately drops.

Misses deGrasse rubs her chin a bit, then asks, “You ever fall out of your tank?” You blink. “Judging by the mud on your face, you’re exposed to a lot of stuff. I hear students once in a while get hit by tank shells too.” That… all of that is actually true.

“Well.” You nod. “Yes. But Tankery all in all is still a pretty safe sport. No more dangerous than say baseball or football. And here, at least if we have a mechanical failure, we don’t fall out of the sky.”

“Hm.” Misses deGrasse nods, folding her arms, thinking.

“So… what did you think, Mom?” asks Josephina. Everyone looks at her with some amounts of curiosity. Even you have to admit there’s some tension in the air. Like if she were about to grant mercy to a defeated Gladiator or sentence him to death.

Misses deGrasse says, “Well. I’ve seen all I need to see. I’m going back to the hotel to think.” She picks up her purse and starts leaving. “See you back at the room, dear?” Mister deGrasse nods, confused. Once she’s gone, a bit of silence hangs in the air.

>>2599187
[2/2]

…

“So does that mean Josephina can stay?” asks Serina.

“I don’t know,” says Josephina. “She didn’t say no.”

“That wasn’t a yes either,” says Mister deGrasse. “Let me go talk to her.” He starts jogging after Misses deGrasse.

…

“It’s not a no!” shouts Serafina. “Therefore we succeeded! Woohoo!” She jumps for joy, bouncing all over the place along with her crew. That gets everyone else cheering too as they seemingly have saved Josephina’s career in Tankery. You look to Josephina. She doesn’t seem particularly aware of what’s going on.

Well, one thing’s for sure. Misses deGrasse has got a decision to make. Hopefully it’s the right one.

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>>2599189
That's it for this weekend. I am actually probably sick right now but thankfully I finally get a federal holiday off on Monday. Hooraaaaaay. Hope you all enjoyed. We'll be back for more hopefully soon.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
And if you ever feel like shooting the shit with me, you can hit me up in my discord: https://discord.gg/9e9yvfv

See you next time.

>>2599191
That's for the fun, boss.

Please rest up, get well and not die.

>>2599191
Thanks for the run. We should have mentioned that the shells thing doesn't happen anymore with the new NATO self-destroying rounds.