“It don’t matter anymore. Just don’t do it again. Miss Earhart, we’re really going to have to see about uniform issue for you.” He says, looking at her attire- which, while plenty presentable enough, certainly isn’t regulation, even for witches. “We’ll get it handled later. Let’s go over your flight. What made you decide for an inland route up to your refuelling anchor?” He asks. “The Air force has more access to radar coverage over the country than they do out over the open ocean.”

[] We were trying to outguess them, sir. We knew they’d have better land-based radar, but we figured they’d be focusing their air search efforts over the coastal waters.
[] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460583
>[X] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460583
>[] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460580
>[x] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460583
>[x] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>[X] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460583
>[x] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460583
>[x] We were trying to outguess them, sir. We knew they’d have better land-based radar, but we figured they’d be focusing their air search efforts over the coastal waters.
"The more land-based radars they had, the lower the chances of them having something like an AWACS in the area as well."

>>3460583
>[] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460580
>[] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

>>3460583
>[] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

STEALTH GOOSE

>>3460583
>[x] We were trying to outguess them, sir. We knew they’d have better land-based radar, but we figured they’d be focusing their air search efforts over the coastal waters.

Ok, votes closed!

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[x] We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir. If they’d have found us over the ocean we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.

“We wanted to be able to hide in the terrain as much as possible, sir.” You say. “If they’d have found us over the ocean, we could have had a welcoming committee waiting when we hit the range.”

He nods. “That was their game plan, too. The first hard fix the air force got on you was off the Canadian coast when you were tanking, and because of peacetime ROF, they weren’t able to maintain it when you went out to sea.” He says. “The RCAF is saying they had a radar fix on you over their territory southwest of Calgary, but they weren’t able to maintain the track for more than about ten minutes.”

You nod, noting that your plan worked out about as you’d hoped, though you are a bit disappointed to learn the Canadians were able to track you that far. You’d figured they were doing so, of course, but you’d still hoped you were able to disappear sooner than that. Even ten minutes is more than enough time to vector an intercept.

“There was no further air force contact until you were in the range.” the colonel says, finally bringing up the projector to show the terrain map of the Alaskan test range with the radar picture from the controlling AWACS aircraft overlaid. “None of the Alaskan early warning network was able to detect you, which means you were able to slot through some very small gaps in the coverage window, probably no more than five minutes before they got raptors in place to cover them. If you’d have continued overland, they’d have probably made you with this pair up here, near chicken. Fortunately for you, the defensive commander didn’t listen to the post commander of Elmendorf.”

You nod again- there’s more than one pair of raptors along the Canada-Alaska border, though most of them are in the southern part of the state. There’s markedly fewer along the sea coast- though the radar stations at Fire Island and Unalaska cover a large part of the southern coast.

“That leaves us to your range entrance. You decided to leave your active suite off, and rely on passive sensors. Why?”

[] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.
[] Passive was going to be more than enough, sir. We knew where their radiating sets were and after they were engaged it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, because of the battlenet.

>>3460671
>[X] Passive was going to be more than enough, sir. We knew where their radiating sets were and after they were engaged it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, because of the battlenet.

>>3460671
>[] Passive was going to be more than enough, sir. We knew where their radiating sets were and after they were engaged it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, because of the battlenet.

>>3460671
>[] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

>>3460671
>[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

>>3460671
>[] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

>>3460671
>[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

>>3460671
>[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

>>3460671
>[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

Pretty sure this was our actual reasoning at the time.

>>3460671
>[x] Passive was going to be more than enough, sir. We knew where their radiating sets were and after they were engaged it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, because of the battlenet.

>>3460671
>[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

>>3460671
>[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

Ok, votes closed!

Man, we're getting pretty good at doing things by the numbers aren't we?

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>>3460744

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[x] We only had fixes on four radiating sets, sir, and were worried about possible backup.

“We only had fixes on four radars, sir, and we were worried about possible backup.” You say.

He nods. “As it happens, they were supposed to have a pair of B-1Rs up there with them, but both of them were grounded before they left mountain home, and they were using the better part of the raptor fleet they had available as their picket force.”

“At this point you engaged the only conventional assets they had in the range, the four lightnings. You got one of them clean with a sidewinder, range control saw the whole exchange there. Of course, they broke away when their backup showed up.” He narrates, as you watch the little arrowhead shapes move across the projection- you don’t recall it being nearly that fast paced, but the screen is a faithful rebuild of the events, built off the range sensors and data network. One of the lightning markers winks out as the computer declares it ‘dead’- and four more markers arrow into the twisting fight.

“That witch element was lead by Air Force Captain Erica Young, one of their best witches in Alaska. Her partner, the one you got the kill on, here, filed her AAR from FOB Nome, and has indicated her disbelief that you’re a rookie Wyvern jock.” He gives a tight little smile there, pleased enough. “They’ve got a reputation that you broke- they’re accusing us of lying and sending in a veteran wyvern crew.”

He moves the display to the next segment, where you reengage the lightnings. “So what happened here?” He asks. “Range records two clean kills on the remaining lightnings, but the third escaped the range complex. Any reason for that?”

[] I felt it was better to remain defensive, sir. The witches had caught up and going for a kill seemed unnecessary if we chased him out of the range.
[] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460779

Harhar, very funny. Just noting that we haven't pulled a Frank and decided to kill everything. We've been doing this more like Special Forces, getting in then getting out with destruction applied in just the right location so that it decimates enemy positions yet leaves us with ordnance in our bays.

>>3460791
>[] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[x] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[x] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[] I felt it was better to remain defensive, sir. The witches had caught up and going for a kill seemed unnecessary if we chased him out of the range.

>>3460791
>[] I felt it was better to remain defensive, sir. The witches had caught up and going for a kill seemed unnecessary if we chased him out of the range.

>>3460791
>[X] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[x] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[x] I felt it was better to remain defensive, sir. The witches had caught up and going for a kill seemed unnecessary if we chased him out of the range.

>Her partner, the one you got the kill on, here, filed her AAR from FOB Nome, and has indicated her disbelief that you’re a rookie Wyvern jock
Smalltime

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>>3460791
>Wingmate to youngspawn
>Can't believe that she got whacked by a rookie and a civilian

>>3460791
>[x] I felt it was better to remain defensive, sir. The witches had caught up and going for a kill seemed unnecessary if we chased him out of the range.

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>>3460792

>>3460833
I'd watch that.

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>>3460791
>[x] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.
Also
>Youngspawn was the Wyvern Slayer
>Dunked their record and didn't even know it nor care.
TOP FUCKING KEK.

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>>3460825
>>Can't believe that she got whacked by a rookie and a civilian

To be fair, I would be shocked as well.

>>3460791
>[] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
>[x] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

>>3460791
[] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

Ok, votes called!

>>3460791
>[x] I felt it was better to remain defensive, sir. The witches had caught up and going for a kill seemed unnecessary if we chased him out of the range.

We do what Maman tells us. Remain defensive. Hold back. When war comes. When our allies are in danger, that is when every piece of intel the enemies have on our flying becomes irrelevant.

>>3460860
Thirty seconds late. Nailed it.

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Aw, missed my chance.

>>3460791
>Her partner, the one you got the kill on, here, filed her AAR from FOB Nome, and has indicated her disbelief that you’re a rookie Wyvern jock.”
see pic

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[x] We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.

“We didn’t have time to kill him with the witches there, sir, not if we still wanted to hit the airfield target.” You say, seeing Lotus nod out of the corner of your eye.

The colonel nods too. “Not a bad call.” He admits. “You were able to drive him out of the range, and the rules of engagement meant that he was unable to reenter. Of course, he also landed at Nome with less than a thousand pounds of fuel left, well below the air force’s peacetime ROF limit for that training range.”

He turns to the display, pointing at it. “Your bomb run on the airfield was less than stellar, however. Under normal scoring, that would be fifty out of a hundred at least. There’s some runway cratering, but the soviets during the war proved they were more than happy to use steel planking to repair damage like that, so had this been the real deal, odds are you wouldn’t have knocked it out for more than a few hours, at best. There were clean hits on some of the aircraft targets there, damage estimates you’d have knocked out three for good and taken at least five more offline for the short term. No damage to major base facilities, so the air control tower and the hangars would have remained intact.”

You nod- you’d known when you made the run it wasn’t going to be worth full points.

“The commando team got out of their aircraft without a problem, and their dropship was able to exit the range without incident, so full points there.” He turns back to you and the display shuts off. “All in all, Lieutenant, not a bad showing. Do either of you have any questions for me?”

Lotus nods. “Yes, uh... sir.” She says, hesitating for a second. “What am I supposed to do now? I don’t have anyplace to stay or anything like that, no one’s told me much of anything besides our meeting this morning.”

He nods. “I was going to get to that after we get done with your flight debrief.” He says. “Do you have any questions about what you just did?”

She shakes her head. “Oh, uh. No?” The last word comes out as a question more than anything, as if she’s not quite sure.

“What about you, Lieutenant?” He asks. “Any questions?”

[] No sir.
[] Yes, sir. (Write in)

>>3460884
>[x] No sir.

>>3460884
>[x] No sir.

>>3460884
>[] Yes, sir. (Write in)

"Are we going to do simulated fleet defense missions against long-range Anti-ship missile attacks launched by bombers? The Soviets were fond of that during the War."

>>3460884
>[x] No sir.
Eh, we've proven that we're decent at air to ground in previous hops. Not the best, but still a whole lot better than Frank.

>>3460884
>>3460897
While I suspect his answer will be "I can't say" I'd still like to ask this.

>>3460884
>[x] Yes, sir. Are we being marked down for not finishing the remaining three witches, despite out-flying them?

>>3460884
>[x] Yes, sir. (Write in)
Why were the B-1Rs grounded? Did they find something in the previous crash that made them make that call or was it just to be safe?

>>3460905
Switching to this
>>3460906

>>3460884
>[x] No sir.

>>3460897
>>3460902
It's not related to what we just did, which is what the Colonel is asking about.

>>3460884
>[] Yes, sir. (Write in)
"Were we marked down for not knocking out or at least driving off the other three witches?"

>>3460884
>[] No sir.

>>3460884
>[X] No sir.

>>3460884
>[] No sir.

>>3460911

Then I completely misinteperted that. Regardless, the point does stand, the fleet will want to know how we fair against strikes like that.

We know for sure that at least one missile attack dealt major damage to the Saratoga, plus since Iceland got invaded by the Reds just like in Red Storm Rising, if the series of events that follows is accurate to the book, then that means a joint American-French battlegroup got its teeth smashed in.

>>3460884
>[x] Yes, sir. (Write in)
Why were the B-1Rs grounded, if you don't mind me asking?

Ok, votes called!

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[x] No sir.

“No, sir.” You say.

“Good. Now, You’re slated for a reflight with Commander Peterson tomorrow.” He says. “That will take place in the NTTR again, and will be an afternoon flight. After that, you’ll have final crew selection and the beginning of your workup phase.”

You nod.

“Until then, You’re free. Lieutenant Commander Earhart, you’re expected to remain here until after selection, at which point we’ll get you sorted out. Clear?”

She nods. “If I’m not selected, what happens?”

He smiles. “Well, right now there’s another Wyvern pilot about to start selection, and he’s due to hand in his wish list on Thursday, day after tomorrow. How do you feel about the Marine corps?”

She laughs. “I’m fine with them.” She says. “So I may be doing this again?”

He nods. “That reminds me, Lieutenant. We can’t release any witches on your list for flight before your final crew selection. If you no longer feel it’s necessary, we’ll cancel the reflight with the commander and you can make your final crew selection. However, because of the workup, it’s either a reflight or a flight with an alternate, we can’t allow both without a damned good reason.”

[] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”
[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)

I'd say Young just for the hell of it, because well, the MC and Young both come from pretty badass Lineages.

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

We do. We botched the intended mission.

>>3460988
>[X] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Young)
We already know what Danielle can do and discussed this at length.

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)
>Wendy
Why not?

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)
Wendy would be fun just to see how it would go, but I'm not against Young either.
She got her run. Pains of being the first.

>>3460988
[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)

>>3460988
>[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”
It's the right thing to do.

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Young)
DESU, we can extrapolate what Danielle can do from our botched flight with her. Now it's time to see if we have a shot at mixing two great pilot families together.

>>3461010
Young, sorry, forgot choice

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with Young“

We did get a feel for Daniel's ability, it was on us that failed, not her

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Wendy)
I don't really expect her to be a proper pick, but I want to see how we perform.

>>3460988
>[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)
I really want to fly with Wendy because she's one of the few returning characters from 69.

I know we voted to give Danielle the reflight last time but we absolutely must choose one or the other I would rather see Ghost writing something new.

>>3460988
>[] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

>>3460988
>[x] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Young)

>>3460988
>[x] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “
>[x]Young

>>3460995
Na, they botched telling us what they wanted us to do

>>3461047
Either way, it was admittedly botched.

>>3461049
You're not wrong, though specifically I would say the mission itself was not botched - just didn't give the people watching the show they wanted but didn't tell us about. I think what we did might have been a better test of her magic anyway.

I think that going with Young might be the better option just so we can get an idea of what she has to offer. Who knows it might even be fun.

Ok, votes called!

Coming to think of it guys, this is a pretty major decision, would you prefer if I left this one up overnight to discuss, or do you want another post this evening? I'm game for either, though I do need to make some food here, haha!

Let it run overnight

>>3461077
No one's going to change their mind on this, so discussion is worthless.

Prolonging the voting phase would only allow others that couldn't make it yet to vote or samefagging to start.

>>3461077
I'm happy with either. I'm just sitting here working on my own things.

>>3461083

I'd beg to differ, its about dead even actually.

>>3461077
Either's fine.

>>3461085
It only looks dead even. There's a pretty split vote on who specifically to take as an alternate. Also, I do want ghost to have more time for questions rather than trying to belt out another post.

>>3461085
Perfect ground for samefagging. This vote should've never come up.

It was already hard enough to get it down to three and now that "fight" is essentially moot.

>>3461069
Ehhh, I dunno. Young's stated talents on paper was sensors and detection, sounds like more of the same thing we got from Danielle and Lotus with a slightly different flavour.

Wendy has racing and test pilot experience and has the ability to push equipment beyond it's normal operating limits. Which I assume to mean performing higher than spec without destroying itself or operating while damaged. That sounds way more interesting and game changing like Kyou to me because you're starting to edge into things that should be impossible. That ability is *exactly* what would have saved us from a lot of trouble in the previous quest.

>>3461094
I don't disagree. That's why I want to see Wendy. I don't consider her a serious contender, but it wold be interesting to see. Plus we don't need the extra flight with Danielle. The mission didn't go how the brass wanted, but she did her job well.

>>3461077
I'd say another post

>>3461077
Nah, ultimately I kind of want to just get to final crew selection at this point.

>>3461077
Post more, we need to keep moving.

Ok, cool. votes called, post going up. >>3461113
>>3461117
>>3461118
>>3461094
>>3461089
>>3461084
>>3461083

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[x] “I’d rather keep the reflight, sir- I owe the commander another shot.”

“I’d rather keep the reflight, sir.” You say, after a moment’s consideration- Wendy, you know, is a champion air racer, and the things she’s gotten her, admittedly heavily modified Spitfire to do is unreal, and Young- well, it’s hard to be in aviation without at least a little recognition of the family name. “I owe the commander another shot.”

He nods. “If that’s how you feel about it, that’s fine Lieutenant. Your reflight is tomorrow, wheels-up at fourteen hundred. With that figured out, you two are dismissed. Lieutenant, why don’t you and the commander go grab chow somewhere and then you can take her by admin and get her her keys to her quarters. Commander Earhart, you’ll be staying on post at least until the weekend, a little longer if Lieutenant Baker also wants to fly with you.”

She nods.

“That’s all. Dismissed.” He says, and you close up your own notes, standing and walking out behind Lotus.

She pauses in the hallway, turning to look back at you. “So, dinner?” She laughs. “I’ve never been ordered on a date before.”

You shrug. “It’s kinda a thing.” You admit.

She nods. “Oh, no, I get it. Get to know each other and all. Makes sense. So if you don’t mind, there’s this place down by the aircraft carrier they turned into that museum, they make the most amazing burgers, oh my god.”

“Santas?” You ask, and she nods excitedly.

“You know the place!” She says. “Oh my god their burgers are so good. Even their veggie burger is amazing, and they’re one of the only places that can make a good veggie burger that doesn’t make me hate my diet. Do you want to go there?”

[] Sure, sounds like a plan.
[] I was thinking someplace else- maybe some place closer?

>>3461144
>[x] I was thinking someplace else- maybe some place closer?

Santa's feels sacred for some reason. We can cook The Chili for a potential backseater, but Santa's just feels too much.

>>3461144
>[x] Sure, sounds like a plan.
Wonder if the old man is still running the place himself.

>>3461144
>[X] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144
>[x] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144
>[X] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144
>[] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144
>[x] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>[X] Sure, sounds like a plan.

You never know, we might run into some familiar faces.

>>3461144
>[x] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144
>[x] Sure, sounds like a plan.

We've had a special dinner with each. Family, Intimate dining via the military, let's take the casual homestyle girl to a restaurant our family considers home.

>>3461144
>[X] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144
>[] Sure, sounds like a plan.
>>3461148
no, it was stated he passed, IIRC

>>3461144
>[] Sure, sounds like a plan.

>>3461144

[] Sure, sounds like a plan.

BORGAR

Ok, votes called! This will be the last one of the night, guys.

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[x] Sure, sounds like a plan.

You nod. “Sure, sounds like a plan.”

Lotus unleashes the brightest of smiles- you can imagine it’s won her more than a few admirers. “Oh, great! Let’s go though, I’m really hungry!”

You nod again, leading her through the admin building to the front doors, where you’re stopped by the sailor on duty. “Excuse me, lieutenant?”

You turn, and he holds up a set of keys. “Colonel Jackson called down, sir, said you were going to need to use one of the cars for a couple hours to head into town.” He very carefully doesn’t stare at Lotus, though you can clearly tell what he’s thinking. “You’ve signed one out before?”

You nod, waiting for him to pass you the clipboard, where you quickly sign your name and rank, and destination. Since you’re just going to dinner in town, you don’t bother filling out the return date box- you’re not going to be gone overnight. The seaman accepts it back with a nod and hands you the keys. “The gray one, sir, second from last off to the right out of the doors.”

“Thanks.” You say, turning to walk out of the building, pausing when you exit to put your cover on your head.

“Oh man, it’s nice out.” Lotus says, stretching, arching her back and sucking in a lungful of air. “I could get used to this place! Palmdale is always so hot.”

You do have to admit the climate here is pretty nice- it’s far less humid than home, at least. The pair of you walk over to the gray sedan- a four door dodge that’s probably about ten years old- and climb in, noting that it’s got about three quarters of a tank of gas. More than enough.

“Man, I can’t imagine how busy they’re going to be with another wyvern startup.” She says as you pull off base. “I wonder what would happen if they didn’t lock out witches from selection. Like, if two pilots both picked the same witch.” She laughs. “I guess that’s why they do that though. Seems like a recipe for trouble if they didn’t. Kinda stinks for us though, I mean, if you’re picked for two trials. Paid leave only lasts so long!”

You frown at that. “They don’t count it as getting activated?” you ask.

She shakes her head. “Nah. Well, not normally. You go on a leave of absence if you’re reserve or whatever and get called up. I just took some paid vacation time to come down here, but I’d have to extend it if the other guy wants to fly with me too.” She shrugs. “I guess it’s ok, I’m getting a paycheck from the navy for the time I’m here too, so it’s not too bad.”

You nod. “That’s good.”

1/2

“The worst part is that I guess they kinda arrest you if you’re selected as a crew.” She laughs. “The colonel said they take away all your privileges to leave the base for a little while, and you get shuttled around by some marines or something.”

You nod- the same rule applies to you. For the first month or so after your witch is plugged, you’re both pretty closely monitored by a mental health team and the security personnel. It’s not unheard of for people to react poorly to the MIU link and attempt to desert and run in panic before they’ve gotten used to it. You’re better trained than that, but you can see where they’re worried about Lotus- she is, effectively, a civilian afterall.

“Oh well.” She says. “I guess it makes sense, with how much money they’re putting into you if you do get selected and don’t back out. MIU jacks can’t be cheap!” She laughs again, then looks at the skyline of the city.

“Oh man, San Diego is always so pretty at sunset.” She says. “I get down here a couple of times a year, and I always try to eat at this place when I do. Their burgers are amazing, Morgan.”

You nod, with a slight smile. “I know.” you say. “I’ve been there a few times.”

“Oh you have? Awesome!” She says, laughing again. “So you know how good it is! No wonder you were so easy to convince. They’ve got so many good burgers there, it really makes me regret being on a diet.” She laughs again, patting a thigh. “After this morning I’m really going to have to watch it, too! man, watching all that flub go racing for the bottom in high-G is the worst.”

That earns a slight grin.

“So how often do you get to eat here?” She asks. “I mean, this is the first time you’ve been in Sandy Eggo, right?”

[] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.
[] Just a couple times, when I’d come visit family in the area.

Ok guys, that's it for the night! Just as a heads up again, we'll be carrying on into Saturday this week to make up for the late start. I'll be around a little to field questions if you guys have any, though I'm going to be packing a couple boxes and getting a couple things sorted, so I may be slow to respond or not be on at all again till tomorrow!

>>3461222
>[x] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[x] Just a couple times, when I’d come visit family in the area.

>>3461222
>[] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[x] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[X] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.
>>3461226
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3461226
Thanks for the run, Chief. Can't wait for that re-flight.

>>3461222
>[x] Just a couple times, when I’d come visit family in the area.

>>3461226
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>3461222
>[X] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>“I’ve been there a few times.”
>“I mean, this is the first time you’ve been in Sandy Eggo, right?”
OK, now she's a little too airheaded.

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Sessions over, post waifus.

>>3461110
>That's why I want to see Wendy. I don't consider her a serious contender, but it wold be interesting to see.
Agreed. I'll admit I did have an additional motive for voting that way. Beyond being a returning character who didn't have much time to shine and the whole waifu thing, I think Wendy deserves a chance because this might be her one and only opportunity to fly in a wyvern. She is by far the oldest witch on the current SIO candidate list and it's doubtful that any other pilot would pick her without the familiarity we already share. On the other hand if she gets to fly with us she'll be proven to be one of the witches good enough to fly with a Bishop, just maybe not the *best*.

Oh well, maybe she can still be a test pilot for Merlin or something.

>>3461077
>>3461226
The vote is already over but I think you could have handled that better. By my count Danielle reflight won with 9 votes, but Young had 6, Wendy had 3 and there was one vote for a new flight that didn't state a preference. If you add up all of the non-Danielle votes it would have resulted in 10 vs 9. But since you're apparently counting each subchoice separately it was doomed to fail from the start. It's also awkward to begin with because it's a reversal of a previous vote where the majority chose to do a reflight and it was already confirmed in character.

Not begrudging the result or anything (I DID vote for a Danielle reflight several threads ago) but it just seemed awkward to me.

>>3461222

>[x] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

so after I've watched the new strike witches episodes...I have to wonder, how large of a lady boner would Young get when she realizes that our dude is a cook?

>>3461313

I agree. The whole way it was handled was just awkward.

>>3461222
>[] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

>>3461222
>[x] Just a couple times, when I’d come visit family in the area.

>>3461313
I have no preference for Danielle, but the majority only chose to consider a reflight, not to lock one in, and that vote was without the “either or” caveat. I’m just pleased that the selection isn’t being dragged out for an extra week.

That said, I could see the vote being a little more representative if it eliminated the lowest option in a first round and just showed the top 2 for a second round of votes... not that I care enough about this to want to spend this much time voting. Is this what moderates feel like? They must be such hollow creatures.

>>3461690

I agree, honestly I was hoping to see Young and going by the votes, Danielle technically lost. Doesn't feel right if you know what I mean.

>>3461866
Honestly the whole selection process has gone on long enough already. We need to actually move forward with the plot now, which means re-flight with Danielle and then crew selection.

>>3461949

Oh for the love of God, I am saying that based on a technicality we should not have our reflight with Danielle because as >>3461313 pointed out, in terms of votes for Danielle and non-Danielle votes, Danielle lost by one vote.

Yet due to the way that >>3461127 tallied the votes, it was effectively rigged.

Is that a harsh thing to say? Perhaps and maybe, its overly harsh, but its just, ugh, I hate it when results get skewed like that because they got counted a certain way however when you counted them a different way you get totally different results.

>>3462185

Hi, welcome to voting systems. The are all inherently flawed, you just have to pick which flaws you're okay with.

>>3462185
Really, I just looked at it as rather than a two option vote, a three option vote, which is very common, and not rigged. Danielle’s reflight won the three option vote.

>>3462198
>>3462217

Yes all voting systems are flawed, but the way I saw this one was as a two option vote in setup, not a three option vote had there been three options specifically listed instead of two options with the second one being open-ended, I wouldn't be having a problem, hell if this wasn't as major of a decision then I wouldn't be having a problem. But since it was setup in the way I see it as a two-option vote and a major decision, I got a problem with the result.

>>3462260

The way I am going on about this might have something to do with where I live which is Florida and let me tell you, vote recounts happen during almost every election year and they have sometimes caused the result of political races to flip.

I guess I am also not happy about the way it was executed since it was such a big decision.

>>3462260
Well, as a teacher, I always tell my students that Every question is a reading question. You won’t believe how many questions students get wrong because they didn’t properly read the instructions. Even on math tests. Read the instructions, and make sure you know exactly what the question is.

>>3462260
I'm with this. I won't lose sleep over the result, though. I just feel like if Ghost was counting it as a three option vote, then doing the flight with Wendy or Young should have been separate options.

>>3462286

I am in complete agreement, had a flight with Wendy or Young been separate options, I would concede the point, even if I am not happy about the result. But with the setup of the vote, I am not happy about the result because of how it was setup and executed.

>>3462301
>>3462286
It was perfectly fair. It actually says in the vote option:
[] “I want an alternate flight, sir- I have a pretty good grasp on what the commander can do, and I want to fly with... “ (Select either Young or Wendy)

>(Select either Young or Wendy)

Ghost made it perfectly clear that it was a three option vote.

>>3462286
>I just feel like if Ghost was counting it as a three option vote, then doing the flight with Wendy or Young should have been separate options.
The alternate flight option specifically said to select either Young or Wendy

>>3462360

Well shit, I actually didn't notice that part. Not surprised actually. Its the lead-up for Finals Week at College, between studying working on final projects and such, it turns your brains to jello. So what I thought was a two option vote was actually a three option, god I feel like I made an ass out of myself.

However, I also feel that at the very least we should give Young or Wendy a shot. It doesn't feel right otherwise if you get my meaning.

>>3462417

Stop bitching because you can't read.

>>3462439
He got the point. You didn’t have to try to drive it home so rudely.

>>3462440

Yeah I got the point, just, I should've seen it better. Ugh, but that's college finals for ya I guess.

Ok guys, votes called!

>named after the vain queen Cassiopeia in Greek mythology, who boasted about her unrivaled beauty.

Threadly reminder.

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[x] I’ve had it a few times, when we came to see Dad’s wife come home on cruise or one of my sisters went out.

“I’ve had it a few times, when we came to town to see Dad’s wife come home from a cruise or one of my sisters going out.”

“Your Dad’s wife?” Lotus asks. “That’s- “ She pauses. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot.”

You shrug. “No big.”

“So I guess you don’t get along with them?”

You have to think about that one. While there’s never really been any mistake you’re not any of their kids, they’ve never been cold or distant, either. You’re more like a stepson to most of them, and all of them dealt with it differently. Rachel was never afraid to yell at you when you deserved it, or include you in family activities when they happened, Katya was just as willing to include you in her schemes as she was your sisters. Ice was perhaps the most standoffish of them, but even she was happy to talk, at least when you got a little older, and your conversations turned to the navy. You’d always gotten the opinion she would have preferred it if the navy was a more professional body, but it’s hard to argue with tradition at this point.

You’re also not too sure how much you want to tell her- you did just meet her, afterall. Still, you can’t imagine she wouldn’t get friction with parents, even if yours is probably of a different sort.

[] We get along well enough, I guess.
[] Dad’s side of the family never was real comfortable with me.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.

There's never been any indication as of yet that they don't get along with us. In fact, given the circumstances, we get along rather well.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462892
>[] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.
>>3462905
While I'm with you on that we haven't seen any of the old 89 waifus yet. They may not be as enamored with us as the siblings are. I'm sure we'll learn in due time.

>>3462892

[X] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462922
In this post Ghost literally described our usual interactions with all 3 said waifus. Take that as you will.

>>3462929
... Huh, so he did. I missed, that entire post somehow basically. I need more sleep I guess.

>>3462892
>[] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.

>>3462892
>[x] We get along well enough, I guess.

Ok, votes called!

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[] We get along well enough, I guess.

“We get along well enough, I guess.” You say. “I grew up mostly with mom, I only really lived with them as a young kid before she got out.”

Lotus nods. “Yeah, I know how that goes. I never really spent much time with my dad either.” She shrugs. “No sense in worrying about it, though, right?”

You nod. “Yeah, probably not.”

“Oh man, I’m so hungry!” she says, changing the subject away from family. “I think I may cheat on my diet just a teensy bit here, I don’t get to eat here much. Just when we’ve got something we’re flying into or out of Halsey field or Miramar. It’d be pretty exiciting to be based here, if it works out that way.”

She laughs, suddenly. “But I guess wyverns aren’t really based anywhere, are they? What did you think of the flight this morning? It seems strange they sent us out so far, especially if they knew I could do that. The wyvern’s alright as a multirole airplane, but it seems kind of wasted doing that.”

You blink- you’d been thinking along the same lines. Of course, you kept coming back to one end user that may want that kind of thing- SOCOM. Long range, incredibly precise flying over hostile terrain to hit a specific target or raise hell in a particular block of airspace... you can see where they’d apply it. Of course, you have no proof of that, and given the focus on limiting collateral damage, the fleet would probably be just as happy to use it- you could whack an airbase in Syria or a terrorist leader’s compound in Pakistan just as easily and deniably as anything else, and shoot down anything trying to stop you to boot.

[] I think it’s SOCOM.
[] Not really, not for targets in hard to hit spots.

>>3463082
>[x] I think it’s SOCOM.

>[x] I think it’s SOCOM.

Those guys are probably foaming at the mouth at the idea of a dedicated Super-plane support asset for all their Spec Ops needs.

>>3463082
>[] I think it’s SOCOM.

>>3463082
>[x] I think it’s SOCOM.

Ghost subtly letting us choose our future mission profiles. I see what you're doing there...

>>3463082
>[x] I think it’s SOCOM.
If this is subtly, or not, letting us choose our future mission profiles I am all for doing some SOCOM work. They're good people.

>>3463082
>[] I think it’s SOCOM

I KNEW IT! COMMANDO WYVERNS!

>>3463082
>[x] I think it’s SOCOM.
The idea of the son of the mother of night flying the world's deadliest fighter for air support must have the SOCOM community harder than terminator armour.

>>3463082
>[x] I think it’s SOCOM.

>>3463082
>[x] Not really, not for targets in hard to hit spots.

>>3463082
>[] I think it’s SOCOM.

>>3463082
>[] I think it’s SOCOM.

More power to the SF Boys

>>3463082
>[] I think it’s SOCOM.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I think it’s SOCOM.

“I think it’s SOCOM.” You say, realizing, of course what that means- SOCOM was very much your mother’s haunt. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense- who else would ask for that kind of mission profile? You’re sure of it, and, as you park the car, you realize that it means you’d be very firmly in her sphere of influence. She may have been out for almost twenty years, but she, like your father, is very much a thing of legend- and unlike your father, still throws her weight around some.

“Really?” Lotus asks, then nods. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. But do you really think I could fly with them? I’m a civilian, right?”

You shrug. “You’re cleared into the wyvern program.” You point out- there’s enough top secret data about the fighter that you can’t imagine she wouldn’t qualify for whatever SOCOM wanted, either.”

She nods. “Yeah, and I guess I do enough flying for skunkworks too.” She says- which, of course, is a good point as well. She’s probably cleared into more programs than you are, all told.

“Oh man, I’m starved.” She says, starting towards the front doors of Santa’s, where the hostess is standing by her station just outside on the front deck.

“Hiya!” She greets. “Two?”

You nod.

“Is there a spot on the top deck?” Lotus asks, and the girl looks down at the screen embedded in her podium before nodding.

“Mhmm!” She says. “Follow me.”

“Oh good!” Lotus says to you. “I love it up there, you get the sea breeze and it’s not as loud.”

The top deck is pretty quiet already. It’s fairly late on a weekend night, afterall- all that’s up here is tourists, for the most part. You make out a couple of military families, and you can feel the eyes lingering on you, though you’re the only one in uniform. With Lotus in civilian clothes, it’s a lot harder for them to make you out, you think- you look like any other Lieutenant Junior Grade.

You take a seat near the exterior wall of the building, one that’s got a few pictures- including a few you recognize. One, taken just postwar, with all of VF-3 together- a squadron picture, taken in front of the paired wyverns of the unit. Lotus catches your gaze and blinks. “Hey!” She says, perhaps a bit more loudly than you’d like. “That’s spellcaster, right? Your dad’s unit.”

It’s only poor timing that your waitress was walking up at the same time. She looks down at you and smiles. “I was wondering if Stacy was right.” She says, smiling. “You ready to order, Morgan?”

“Wait... They know you here? Like you’re a regular?” Lotus asks, looking back and forth between you and your waitress.

[] Yeah.
[] Not really a regular, no.

>>3463293
>[X] Yeah.

Let's be honest about it.

>>3463293
>[X] Yeah.

>>3463293
>[x] Not really a regular, no.

>>3463293
>[x] Not really a regular, no.

Can't really honestly say we come here enough to be a regular, but they do know us. Put it politely like that.

>>3463293
>[] Yeah.

>>3463293
[] Yeah

>>3463293
>[x] Yeah.

>>3463293
>[X] Yeah.

>>3463293
>[] Yeah.

>>3463293
>[x] Yeah.
Frank probably takes any excuse to come here when possible, and chances are that we get roped in with him.

>>3463293
>[x] Not really a regular, no.
Morgan isn't, but Frank certainly was.

>>3463293
>[] Yeah.

>>3463293
>[x] Yeah.

>>3463293
>[x] Not really a regular, no.

>>3463293
>[] Yeah.

YOU HAVE A REGULAR, DON'T LIE

ok, votes called!

>>3463293
>[X] Yeah.

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[x] Yeah.

You sigh, then nod. “Yeah.” You say. It’s not the whole truth of the story- you’re not really a regular in that they see you very often, maybe once or twice a year, at best- but there’s a very strong military connection here, especially to the wartime members of a few squadrons, including VF-3. There was really no way around it- they knew who you were when your dad brought you here for the first time back in the 90s, and they’ve known ever since.

“He’s not going to tell you the whole story.” The waitress says with a smile. “We watched him grow up.”

You sigh again, ordering your usual, while Lotus orders what is, perhaps, one of the most unhealthy things on the menu- a Sloppy Jessica. While you don’t blame her, you’re also pretty sure it constitutes cheating on her diet more than a little bit.

“They watched you grow up, huh?” She asks with a smile. “So you’ve been here more than a few times.”

You shake your head. “Not really. Dad used to bring us here when we were seeing Ice or Stasya or Lilya off on a cruise, or welcoming them home from one. Never more than a couple times a year.”

“But it’s been spread out for a long time.” Lotus says, nodding. “I get it.” She laughs. “See, this is the kind of thing I wish I had, instead of what mom’s name gets me. Hollywood house parties are alright, but mom was never much better than B-list at best, and she’s nowhere near that now.” She hakes her head. “Kinda wonder what it would have been like if she hadn’t sided with Jane against the rest of the US.”

She laughs again. “Of course, it doesn’t help that I didn’t follow her, either, and took my commission. Never could quite bring myself to sign on the dotted line to really join up though.” She smiles. “And now look where I am!”

“World works in strange ways like that.” You say, and she laughs again.

1/2

“Who are you telling!” She says. “Oh man, if I’d have told the guys at the plant I was gonna see Merlin Wells and fly with Morgan Bishop they’d have flipped. Wells is still a legend at the plant, they miss her.” She laughs. “But I guess I understand, from how they made it sound, she’s a real sweetheart. Hard not to love her, right?”

You nod. “Yeah, that does sound like her.” You say.

Lotus laughs again. “I wonder if I’ll get a chance to meet her?” She says. “I mean, it sounded like we just missed her this morning.”

“I’m sure you will.” You say. “She’s heavily involved with every Wyvern startup.”

“Oh, so even if we don’t mesh, if the other guy wants to fly with me I might meet her then?” She asks. “Cool! Yeah, according to them she’s like everyone’s crush and kid sister rolled into one package.” She laughs, smiling. “Of course, that plant’s full of a bunch of engineers and fab guys, so anything with nice curves is gonna get a lot of attention. They all bitch every time I go on vacation!” She laugh again. “What about you, what do you do for fun?”

[] I like to travel, mostly.
[] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.
[] You know. Little bit of this, little bit of that. I like trying new things.

>>3463464
>[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

>>3463464
>[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

>>3463464
>[X] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

>>3463464
>[] I like to travel, mostly.

>>3463464
>[] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

ALL AMERICAN HOUSE HUSBAND

>>3463464
>[X] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

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>>3463464
>[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.
pic related

>>3463464
>[] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

>>3463464
>[] Mostly cooking and the occasional bit of hunting, used to do sports but haven't had the time lately.

>>3463464
[] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess

>>3463464
>[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

>>3463464
>>[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

>>3463464
>[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

Ok, votes called!

>>3463464
>I like to post on imageboards

>>3463635
>Morgan the oldfag

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[x] Cook, play guitar, play some sports. the usual stuff, I guess.

“Cook, play guitar, some sports.” You shrug. “The usual stuff, I guess.”

“Really?” She sounds surprised. “I’d have figured you were out doing all kinds of things with your parents being who they are and all, no offense.”

You shrug. “None taken.”

“I guess you probably did, now that I think about it.” She says. “Travel a lot, that kind of thing. Right?”

You nod- being fair, you did- you saw plenty of your aunts in Japan, for example, spent some time in France while your mother was working with the DGSE, that kind of thing.

She nods, knowingly. “Yeah, so it’s not as fun cos it’s always family. I get that. It’s like being in Hollywood for me. It gets old after a while. You said you play guitar?”

You nod.

“Oh cool! what kind? Electric?”

“Either.” You say. “I learned to play blues guitar early, but I’ve picked up other styles. I still play mostly blues though.”

She nods. “I can see it.” She says with a smile. “So do you have it with you?”

You shake your head. “No, they’re at my mom’s house in Louisiana still.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.” She says. “Too easy to get damaged moving around all the time. I guess I’m lucky like that, I haven’t moved around much. Just to Palmdale when I got hired, and I’ve lived there ever sense. I guess that’s not much of a move for you, is it?” She laughs.

“I mostly lived with my mom full time.” You say. “I’d spend a couple months in the summer up with dad’s family, and there were a couple summers I spent with my Aunt Jessica in Japan with my sisters.”

“Your aunt Jessica- Oh right, the princess consort?” She nods. “I met her once, we were doing a demonstration for the imperial military with the F/B-22. She’s pretty high energy, I liked her a lot. The rest of them were pretty quiet though. At least when we do a demonstration here, the generals are pretty talkative.” She laughs. “And flirty! Well, kinda. They always seem like they’re willing to make a pass, but when you flirt back they lock up!”

She pauses. “Well, I imagine if YOU flirted back they wouldn’t know what to do, but you know what I mean!”

You nod.

“Man, I’m going to be glad to get back to the plant after this!” She says, laughing. “They’re never gonna believe I got to replay the party trick! Ah, and getting to fly in the Wyvern, man.”She shakes her head. “Better than sex! Well, almost. Depends on who with, I guess.” She looks about ready to say something else, but the waitress comes back with the food and drinks- ice water for you, a coke for her.

[] What makes you think you’re going back to the plant?
[] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>[] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>[X] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>[] What makes you think you’re going back to the plant?

NO, SUNSHINE GOOSE, DON'T LEAVE

>>3463670
>[X] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>[x] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>[] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>[x] What makes you think you’re going back to the plant?
Merlin might snap her up, she could use an actual test pilot for her navy-funded wonderland.

>>3463670
>[x] What makes you think you’re going back to the plant?

>>3463670
>[x] What makes you think you’re going back to the plant?

>>3463670
>[] What makes you think you’re going back to the plant?

>>3463670
>[] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

>>3463670
>>[x] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

She seemed pretty stoked about possibly being chosen to backseat a Wyvern, seems odd that she's already talking about going back to lockmart.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?

“So you don’t want to fly for the Navy?” You ask- though your timing is off, she’s already digging into her sandwich. Her eyes get wide and she makes a choking noise before shaking her head- though it still takes a minute for her to finish chewing and take a drink.

“Oh, no, no! That came out wrong.” She says, laughing. “I mean, if I go back to the plant. I mean, I knew what I was getting into when I signed up for the program, at least, I think I did.” She laughs. “Being in the navy will be a change, though, that’s for sure. I’m not used to all this saluting and sir and ma’am and stuff.” She shakes her head again. “I don’t mean I don’t want to fly as part of a wyvern crew, just that, ya know. I’m still not sure about the whole military thing to do it, ya know?”

You nod, kind of understanding- it would be a hell of a culture shock for her, it sounds like. You grew up too surrounded by it to ever really have a problem with the culture- plus, as much as you hate to say it, who your parents were meant you were afforded a bit of leeway in certain areas. Of course, they pushed you harder at Annapolis for it- and you were never cut an ounce of slack on the field or in training, up till now- but at the same time, a lot of people were probably a lot more friendly than they would have been if your name wasn’t Morgan Laroux-Bishop. A lot of people with a lot of rank.

For her, you imagine it’d be the flip side of that coin. Probably nowhere near as bad as you heard Wendy had it- especially not if she was crewing a wyvern- but still.

“I mean, I don’t plan to back out if you or that other guy want to fly with me till the end of days or whatever.” She says. “Just- ya know. I’m not going to be literally destroyed if I don’t end up in a crew, too.” She shrugs. “A little disappointed, maybe, but I’m still flying cutting edge jets weekly, so it’s not that big a difference. I just don’t, ya know. Have to worry about killing people.”

[] So you have doubts?
[] Yeah, I think I get it.

And that's gonna be it for the night from me, guys! I know I'm calling it a bit early here, but I'm going to dip off to play warframe with a friend of mine- his aunt ain't doing so hot, and he needs some cheering up- and what's more fun that blasting some grineer to pieces? Haha. I'll be around later, probably, but we have some writeups on the way in, so there's something to make up for me taking off early! Till tomorrow guys!

>>3463823
>[x] So you have doubts?

>>3463823
>>[x] So you have doubts?

>>3463823
>[] Yeah, I think I get it.

>>3463823
>[x] So you have doubts?

>>3463823
>[] So you have doubts?

>>3463823
>[x] Yeah, I think I get it.

Jokes aside, it's normal to not want to actually kill your fellow man.

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>>3463823
>[X] Yeah, I think I get it.
>>3463832
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3463823
[] So you have doubts?

>>3463823
>[x] Yeah, I think I get it.
>>3463832
Thanks for the run Ghost

>>3463823
>[x] Yeah, I think I get it.

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I think I've finally finished the second chapter of Watcher's Wings. I'm not sure the first chapter got much viewership, so I'll post a link to it so that people can catch up. I'm going to try to do this the old fashioned way, posting the story directly into the thread. As always, comments and criticisms are welcome.

With that said, here's Chapter 1, and let's get to it.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CNqlSi5iQtU671O9Lp9fXIFZzqDJ0ugHEeJRHu7NyMM/edit?usp=sharing

==============================================

Diana strapped herself into her seat, making sure her seatbelts were tight as they prepared for their landing approach. They’d been told to loiter for a short time while they waited for an AC-130 to land. According to the information Thompson had gotten, the 130 was just stopping off before continuing to some airbase on the West Coast, although which one they were going to he hadn’t been told. His voice came on over the ship comms.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen, the spectre has landed, and we’re cleared. Put your tray tables up, and make sure your seatbelts are buckled. The stewardesses will be doing a final check to make sure all safety precautions are taken care of before we make our approach.” The entire crew simultaneously turned their heads to look at Captain Harel, strapped tightly into her own chair. She only gave a nod.

>>3463881
Most of the crew took it to mean that Thompson would get a stern talking to after they landed, and Diana was certain he would. Despite their grins at Thompson’s fate, they also knew that Harel was nodding to confirm her safety check. She could see every crew member, and as the de facto stewardess of the crew, she took it upon herself to make certain of their well-being.

The now familiar feeling of her stomach rising against the almost negligent G-forces which accompanied their casual descent to the Airfield. It subsided as her body got used to the downward movement. When they touched down on the airstrip Diana felt the dull bump, followed by immediate pulling as the aircraft put on breaks and reversed thrust. The reversed exhaust roared outside the fuselage next to her ears, shutting out any other sounds as her body pressed against the straps.

As the aircraft finally slowed to a casual roll, Thompson easily guided it off the runway and to the north apron. They parked in the open, abreast of the other four Sentrys currently stationed at the reserve airbase. Diana unstrapped herself and stood up, stretching her arms and legs as she always did after each flight. She didn’t much like sitting down that long, and was eager to be out of the aircraft.

Unfortunately, per protocol, she and Captain Harel had to stay in the plane even after everyone else was out. Well, she didn’t, but Harel wouldn’t let her leave until the rest of the crew had, save for Thompson and Marckel in the cockpit, who had to run through the pilot’s post-flight checklist. Still, despite her eagerness to leave, she walked to the hatch with Harel, standing at ease next to her and giving each crewman a “Good job!” or “Well done!”, just so she had something to do while Harel gave them each a pat on the back and a quick snap about their performance that mission. Once they were all through the exit, and laughing and joking at the bottom of the stairway, Harel turned to Diana. “You’re free to go. Meet up in the main briefing room at fifteen hundred for the debrief.”

Diana saluted, “Yes ma’am.” Then walked out the door and down the stairs to the tarmac, ready to take her free time. She didn’t look back, knowing Thompson was probably in for it. As amusing to watch as that would have been, her watch told her it was only thirteen hundred, giving her about two hours. That was enough time to grab lunch. It was just as good, because magic operations always made her hungry. It was a little far, but still technically walking distance. With a wave to the guards, she left the base from the north exit on Arnold st. crossing the bridge over highway forty. She turned left, and with only a few blocks of walking she made it to Cheddars.

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>>3463898
She walked inside to the familiar stone walls and friendly booths of the restaurant. She was sat at one of the booths by the window and a waitress gave her a glass of water. She loved the menu here. She didn’t have to look long, as she already knew what her favorite item was. She was about to signal the waitress that she was ready to order, when she heard a rather loud voice from the doorway.

“Yeah! She’s a friend!” Diana looked in the direction of the cheery voice, and saw two bareleged girls in uniform, obviously witches. One was tall and lanky, with black hair and bright amber eyes. She looked a little hesitant compared to her friend, who was obviously the speaker. Said witch was short, had ear-length reddish blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and an impossibly friendly smile. She was also waving at Diana.

Diana checked around just to make sure, but there was nobody in the booths near her, and furthermore, a waitress began guiding the two witches to her table. They sat down across from her at the booth. The waitress ran off to grab them both glasses of water. Before Diana could ask if they knew each other, the loud one answered her.

“We’re friends. You don’t know us yet, but you look like a friend.” Diana couldn’t really think of a response.

“I, uh, I don’t underst-”

She was cut off again. “It’s fine. You’re wearing a uniform, we’re wearing uniforms we gotta be friends one way or another, so why wait?”

Diana couldn’t get a word in through this girl’s vocal attack. As the waitress came back with the waters, she continued. “Ah, of course! We can’t be friends if we don’t know each other’s names. You’ll have to forgive me for that, I always forget to do it first.” She reached her hand across the table, and Diana shook it with apprehension. The handshake was firm, vigorous, and for some reason Diana felt it relevant to note that there was absolutely no feeling of malice in it whatsoever.

“I’m Tabby! Pleasure to meet you…” She said, pausing so the befuddled brunette could say her own name.

“Diana.” She reciprocated simply, then looked to Tabby’s so-far silent companion. The girl gave her a polite, but not quite warm smile. She extended her hand, and gave a rather light, formal handshake.

“My name is Piper. I’m sorry about my companion here. Apparently she grew up in a soundproof house.”

“Actually, I didn’t.” Tabby said with a chuckle, seemingly feeling the need to correct her partner. “You wouldn’t believe how many complaints we got from the nei-” She stopped at a glare from Piper. “I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” She asked Piper, clearly aware of herself to some degree.

>>3463823
>[] Yeah, I think I get it.

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>>3463909
Nodding, Piper finally responded, “Yes, you are. Diana, I’m terribly sorry we interrupted you. We won’t bother you anymore. Thanks for bearing with Banshee. Not many people can manage.”

Tabby looked almost hurt for a second at Piper’s comment, but seemed to brush it off just as quickly, returning to her constant grin. “Yeah, sorry about that. Family didn’t have a talking spoon or whatever people use. It was really just whoever was loudest got heard.” She explained. Diana noticed her voice increase in volume ever so slightly with each word in the sentence.

Right as the two got up to leave the waitress returned. “Ah, are you two leaving? Did you tell your friend what you want to order?” The confused waitress asked. Diana knew it was probably more trouble than it was worth, but out curiosity she interjected. “Actually, they’re not leaving yet. So, uh, what did you two say you were having?”

Piper immediately shot Diana a look of intense apology, knowing that she couldn’t prevent what was about to happen. Tabby’s eyes lit up, and she immediately sat back down, looking through the menu. With a sigh, Piper joined her, and Tabby practically shouted, “I’m still looking! You go first, Diana.” Diana knew already what she wanted. She ordered the country fried steak and gravy, and gave a grin and a nod to the pair across the table. Taking the hint, Tabby immediately ordered the same thing without letting the waitress finish writing down Diana’s order. Piper waited for the poor girl to get their two orders down before she simply asked for a salad.

The three made surprisingly polite conversation. It was clear it took a lot of conscious effort on Tabby’s part. Even knowing how hard it was for her, she actually did a very good job of keeping her voice -for the most part- civil. Whenever it got a little or a lot too loud, she’d get a glare or a subtle warning from piper to keep her in check. The one thing Diana was sure of was that Tabby never had a single problem keeping her volume up for the drill sergeants in boot.

“I haven’t seen you around base before.” Diana stated. “Are you a new Sentry Crew?”

Piper shook her head. She was about to respond, but Tabby got there first. “Nope! We crew the AC-130J. Piper here is-”

“Classified.” Piper cut her off. “For OPSEC, you probably shouldn’t know exactly what we do.”

“Ah, right. Yeah. Sorry Puffin.” Tabby said, clearly mentally scolding herself. It only lasted for a few seconds though, as that’s when the food arrived, and Tabby took a great big whiff of the aroma of country fried steak.

>>3463925
Diana thought she was a pretty fast eater, but Tabby had cleaned her plate before the AWACS witch was halfway done. The conversation had died away when they started eating, and the three of them sat in relative silence. Diana had grown up on the east coast in a family that loved seafood, so she was well versed in the best of it. There wasn’t a question in her mind however, that even the best seafood couldn’t hold a candle to country comfort.

She didn’t know if it was something about the spices they used, the overwhelming smell of mouth-watering fried meat, or the wonderfully savory gravy, but she really loved the kind of food in the middle of the country more than what she had at home. Too soon it was all gone. If she didn’t have company, she’d probably have licked the plate clean.
Still, her plate was empty. She looked up hoping to continue the conversation, and noticed that Tabby had disappeared. She turned to Piper, who was just finishing up her salad. “Where’s, uh…”

“Banshee?” Piper input when Diana blanked on a name. Diana gave her a thankful smile, but before she could continue asking the question she just about jumped into the restaurant’s ceiling.

Tabby had materialized out of nowhere, right where she’d been sitting previously. There was no sound, no warning, and no explanation.

Diana tried to figure out where she’d come from when the grinning girl happily explained.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been here the whole time! That just happens when I calm down.” Piper nodded to reaffirm her companion’s statement.

“We’re all used to it.” She supplied, referring to the AC-130’s crew. “It’s one of the reasons we let her keep talking.” Diana thought about it and came to the conclusion that it made… actually a lot of sense. If that happened when she calmed down, at least if she kept up the tirade of conversation, they’d always know where she was.

Noting that they’d all finished, the waitress showed up once more and collected their plates. She put down the check for them before she left with their dirty dishes. As Diana started fishing for her wallet, Tabby slapped a decent wad of cash onto the receipt. Upon counting, it covered the whole meal, as well as a sizable tip. Before Diana could protest, Tabby interjected with her exceptional volume. “Thanks a lot for bearing with me! Don’t let me bother you again!” She and Piper then stood up, and as they started to walk away, Piper gave Diana the first genuinely friendly smile she’d seen from the raven haired witch.

“She’s really excited to meet you again. Give her a call if you’re ever on the west coast and you’ve not been completely repulsed.” Piper then slipped a napkin in front of Diana with a phone number on it, presumably Tabby’s. Diana nodded with an honest smile. If she ever got the chance, this was the kind of excitement she could do with every once in a while.

>>3463936
Diana watched the two witches leave, Tabby practically skipping out the door. Diana briefly wondered whether that was something she did all the time, or if she was particularly happy.
She waited until the waitress had picked up the check, and told the girl to keep the change as well as the tip, drawing a delighted smile from the young lady.

The walk back to Tinker AFB felt shorter than the walk to Cheddar’s, and checking her watch, Diana realized she had spent nearly an hour at the restaurant with the odd pair. With the walk there and back, she had only about twenty minutes before she had to be at briefing once she showed the base security her card.
She sped up her pace as she walked through the base’s various administrative offices to make it to the primary briefing room. By the time she got there, most of the crew was already inside, save for Harel. She noted that Thompson didn’t seem to have any lingering effects from his post-flight reprimand, already laughing and joking with Marckel.

Diana walked up to the pair. “So, puddin’, what did mother Harel tell you?”

Without missing a beat Thompson responded. “Eat my vegetables, don’t leave the tray table up, the usual spiel.”

“And don’t talk with your foot in your mouth.” Harel continued for him as she stepped into the room, followed by the ground commander overseeing the OP. Everyone immediately snapped to attention. With a short pause, everyone finally took their seats, Diana making her way to the front as usual. Harel had requested early in their time together that she stay up front, but more than that she really liked to see how the battle had played out from a more outside view, as she tended to get very focused on smaller details.

>>3463943
Harel began the debrief. “This hop was a victory, but not without its problems, the same as usual. We only train once a month, but we have to keep our skills at the top. If they need us, we have to be able to help at a moment’s warning, and I don’t want this crew going into battle with months’ worth of mistakes ready to be made again.”

She made a particular glance at Diana. “Lieutenant Rafke, your performance was good enough keeping contact with the key points of the operation and guiding in the strike package. You nearly lost Amur flight two clean kills, and in a real fight, that could get a lot of people killed on the wrong side.” Diana wanted to protest, but she knew her superior was right. She’d called shots early again. Even if she could see it, it confused the hell out of the pilots, and she’d very nearly lost both fighters of Amur’s second element.

“However,” Captain Harel continued, putting on emphasis to draw her attention back. “We got a message from Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado. A pilot called ‘Jumper’, in this hop Amur’s flight lead, sends his thanks. He says without you Amur would be down at least one aircraft in that simulation, if not more.”

Diana’s tense nerves were put a little more at ease, and she felt a mote of pride rise in her heart. At the very least she had be able to use her capabilities to help someone, even if it was just a training mission.

“Thank you, Ma’am!” Diana responded. The ground commander then began his own debrief, explaining that the forces on the ground had been incredibly successful in their defense, in no small part due to the well guided strike package of Harpy flight.

After the briefing was over, Captain Harel approached her. “You’ve got a good eye, and a better heart, Rafke, but you have to keep them in the right places in this job. Don’t lose focus.”

Diana nodded as the rest of the pilots began to shuffle out of the room. Thompson muttered something about having to see an angry engineer, but she wasn’t really paying attention. “Yes Ma’am!” She eagerly replied.

“Good.” The Captain stated with a lighter tone, letting her face lose its sternness. “Now all of you had better wash up before going home. And don’t forget to wash behind your ears!”

========================================

And that's it for this chapter. As I said at the beginning, comments and criticism are welcome! Thanks a bunch guys! (And Double thanks to ghost for letting me post in his thread)

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Found more art for Lotus and Kyou. Still haven't located a good Danielle pic but I haven't given up yet.

>>3462217
>Really, I just looked at it as rather than a two option vote, a three option vote, which is very common, and not rigged. Danielle’s reflight won the three option vote.
>>3462285
>Read the instructions, and make sure you know exactly what the question is.
>>3462355
>It was perfectly fair... Ghost made it perfectly clear that it was a three option vote.
>>3462439
>Stop bitching because you can't read.

You guys are missing the point. The vote was rigged BECAUSE it had three options, not because players are stupid and incapable of reading. The vote in favour of a new flight partner was very close and had to be broken out of a tie, so we already knew that slightly more than 50% of the readers are in favour of an alternate flight. The vote we just did accurately reflects this because 52% of the players voted for a new flight with either Young or Wendy. And yet Danielle still won despite not having the majority, you understand the problem here right?

Whether or not he intended to Ghost rigged the vote because it was structured like this. The 49% of people who already voted for Danielle twice in a row aren't going to change their minds. If you then force the other 51% in favour of a new flight to pick one of two choices they instantly lose the majority that started this vote in the first place, it's a complete waste of time for everyone. The proper way to handle this would have been to vote between Danielle and "a" alternate when it became apparent that the two story paths would be mutually exclusive. That would pit the 51% vs the 49% in a fair vote that could still go either way. Only afterwards if alternate wins the vote then everyone gets to decide between Young and Wendy.

In Ghost's own words "this is a pretty major decision" and I just think he could have handled it better.

>>3463956
>slightly more than 50% of the readers are in favour of an alternate flight

That's just not true as it needed three votes to even get here.
This is literally like Remainers want Brexit to be. Just revote until you get the result you want.

>>3463956
Would you shut the cunting fuck up already.

We voted for a reflight with Danielle way back, you tried to force it again, and lost, deal with it or fuck off already and stop shitting the threads up.

>>3463823
>[] So you have doubts?

>>3463823
>[] Yeah, I think I get it.

Not sure if it’s really worth complaining for days over who appears on screen before the Kyou vote.

I actually want to see the fucking story progress instead of staying in waifu selection tutorial

>>3463823
>[X] So you have doubts?

>>3463968
>This is literally like Remainers want Brexit to be. Just revote until you get the result you want.
>forgets that Leavers said they would push for additional referendums if the first one failed

>>3463823
>[X] So you have doubts?

>>3464324
Did they? I didn't know. Good to know that both sides are literally the same.

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>>3463823
>[] So you have doubts?

>>3463968
The previous vote was the first time we had the option to vote for an alternate witch: 9 vs 8.or 52.9% in favour. This is demonstrated again by the vote we just did that resulted in almost exactly the same ratio: 10 vs 9 or 52.6% in favour. Sure looks like "slightly more than 50% of the readers" to me.

>Just revote until you get the result you want.
I didn't ask for a revote. I'm only pointing all this out because I know Ghost is human and makes mistakes sometimes. Splitting a vote that you already know is neck and neck by making one side pick between two subchoices definitely counts as a mistake. The only possible way Danielle could have lost that vote is if every single alternate voter formed a psychic hive mind and voted for Young unanimously, so why have the vote in the first place if it's so set up to fail? Anyway I don't care about the result we got, I just thought I'd mention it so that he doesn't do something like that again with a more important choice than prologue waifus.

Also have some more Lotus art. There's no shortage of nice Atagos but a rather large portion of it can't be used because it's too lewd.