You awaken to the sound of something outside of your tent. The blue light of the pre-dawn sky shines weakly through the canvas walls around you. It has been nearly two days since you left Hofu, and your forces are out of the foothills. Hagi will be in your view by the end of today’s marching, you estimate. Sitting up, you don your jacket and pistol belt. “Colonel?” Lieutenant Sato’s voice can be heard through the tent.

You grimace, poking your head out through the entrance. “Yes, Lieutenant?”

He stands there along with two soldiers. The enlisted men struggle to keep someone restrained. “We found this vagrant attempting to sneak into camp a few minutes ago.” The Lieutenant frowns, holding up a katana. “He was armed, sir. Possibly an enemy assassin.”

“I already told you idiots,” a muffled voice speaks in Japanese from inside the bag. “I’m here to see the guy in charge!”

You rub the bridge of your nose. “I think I know who it is. Take that bag off of his head.”

Sato raises an eyebrow. “Of course, sir.” He removes the bag, and you see a familiar, scruffy face.

“Hey, Boss.” The samurai, Jiryu, smirks at you. He has a black eye, likely from being roughed up by your men. “I’m real glad this is your camp instead of somebody else’s, probably have my head on a pike if I had guessed wrong.”

You nod. “I take it you’ve completed the job?”

He nods. “Yeah. Now tell your guard dogs to let me go.”

Sato clenches a fist, cocking back to hit Jiryu. “Hold your tongue.” He then looks at you. “Is this man really an ally, sir?”

You nod. “Release him.”

File: Samurai in Red.jpg (243 KB, 1200x661)

243 KB JPG

Perhaps five minutes later, you sit in your tent across from Jiryu. He’s already helped himself to a bottle of scotch that you had been saving. You grimace, leaning forward. “So what did you find in Hagi?”

The samurai frowns deeply, setting the bottle down and pushing it aside. “The place is locked up tight. A real fortress.”

You grab the bottle and put the cork back on, setting it out of reach. “What more can you tell me?”

He rubs his chin. “Well, there aren’t a lot of soldiers there, maybe three thousand at the most. They’re dug in real well though. Supplied for a siege too.”

Sighing, you rub your eyes tiredly. “Well that’s not too bad. I had been banking on a siege taking place.”

Jiryu continues. “That’s not all. I did some intel gathering in-town. There’s a combined force of Choshu and Satsuma forces headed toward Hagi, easily ten thousand men.” He leans forward. “From what I’ve heard, they’re a fully-modern force like yours, trained by Europeans.”

You grimace. “How long will it take them to arrive?”

“Three days? Four maybe?” Jiryu rubs his chin thoughtfully.

“I see,” you finally say. “Thank you for the information.”

Jiryu stands up. “No problem. I’ll be in-touch.” He exits your tent without another word.

You lean back, sighing. This isn’t good. Not only do you have to besiege an enemy fortress, but you have a time limit to do it without enemy interference. Such a large enemy army could crush your forces if they were already preoccupied with the castle. Even the news of an approaching enemy force of that scale will affect morale, you imagine. Standing up, you consider your next actions.

>Call a meeting with your lieutenants and brief them about this development.
>Rework your strategy around taking the castle as quickly as possible. If it falls before the enemy arrive, they might break off their advance.
>You can’t have your morale take a hit like this right now. Proceed as planned until you get to Hagi.
>Matsudaira and Hijikata are a few miles away with Keiki’s force. Go and tell them what you’ve heard. They will surely have some advice for you.
>Write-in.

>>3521158
>Call a meeting with your lieutenants and brief them about this development.
>Send possible scouts of the horses to double check this

>>3521158

>Call a meeting with your lieutenants and brief them about this development.

>>3521158

>Call a meeting with your lieutenants and brief them about this development.

>>3521158

>Call a meeting with your lieutenants and brief them about this development.

Well, we will have to keep most of the fortifications up since we will probably have to defend Hagi as soon as we take it

File: Nakajima.jpg (69 KB, 564x799)

69 KB JPG

You immediately find Lieutenant Sato, seeing as he was already awake, and order him to gather the rest of the lieutenants. Once he does, you decide to have the meeting place away from the camp, to avoid any regular soldiers overhearing you. A hilltop nearby that allows you a good view of camp will suffice, you think. As the other three lieutenants arrive, the sun begins to break over the horizon.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” You cross your arms as the officers get within speaking range. “My apologies for calling a meeting so early.”

“Does it have something to do with that man we captured earlier?” Sato raises an eyebrow.

You nod. “Yes. He was a scout that I sent ahead to gather intelligence on Hagi.” Frowning, you continue. “He brought some bad news. Hagi Castle is heavily fortified, with around three thousand men as a garrison. They’re well-supplied and ready for a long siege.”

“Well a siege is no terrible issue for us,” Nakajima speaks up. She, like the other lieutenants, looks very tired this morning. You imagine they were all sleeping when news of the meeting reached them. “We are more than capable of keeping ourselves supplied for as long as it takes.”

“That’s true, but here’s where the really bad news comes in.” You frown, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. “The enemy have a reinforcing army on the way. Ten thousand men from Choshu and Satsuma, possibly more.” You scratch your chin. “They are reported to be a modern force like ours. They’ll likely be in Hagi within the next three days.” Putting a hand in your pocket, you look amongst the officers. “I’m open to any input or suggestions you may have.”

Subaru grimaces. “Our army might not be able to fight the enemy reinforcements while also laying siege to Hagi.” He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps we should wait until their reinforcements get there. Then we can shell the castle into oblivion with the entire enemy force unawares.”

Nakajima frowns. “Such a large force would be able to weather that kind of barrage long enough to organize.” She then looks at you. “We should make for Hagi as soon as possible and destroy the castle. Then we can prepare a defensive line and shell the enemy as they march toward our rifle formations. They will already be weary from marching, and the barrage alone might be enough to break them, especially once they realize the castle they were sent to relieve has fallen.”

File: Lt. Sato.jpg (41 KB, 564x798)

41 KB JPG

Sato speaks up next. “That could work… However, we might not have to destroy the castle. We might not have to shell it at all.” He crosses his arms, grinning. “The Izumi forces could assault the castle and take the brunt of the enemy’s defensive fire. After all, their commander is eager to prove himself. We would be able to come in and finish the last of the defenders off, then use the castle as our defensive position when the enemy arrives.”

Kojima frowns. “I believe we should avoid Hagi altogether, sir.” Everyone looks at him with incredulous expressions. “Allow me to explain. We should intercept the enemy army while they are marching, harass them to the point of sending them back the way they came, and then return to attack Hagi.” He leans forward. “News of their reinforcements being defeated would reach Hagi before we did, and likely damage their morale.”

>”We’ll go with Subaru’s plan. Shell the entire enemy army at once.”
>”I like what you’re saying, Nakajima. We’ll destroy the castle and its defenders, then defend against the incoming army.”
>”It sounds cold, but I think we should follow Sato’s plan and let the Izumi forces assault the castle. We’d do well to have a proper defensive structure to fight from, and it’s the best way to do that without taking too many casualties of our own.”
>”That’s brilliant, Kojima. We’ll force Hagi’s reinforcements to retreat, then attack them while their morale is low.”
>Write-in.

>>3521249
>>”That’s brilliant, Kojima. We’ll force Hagi’s reinforcements to retreat, then attack them while their morale is low.”

I'm always up for harassment

>>3521249
>”That’s brilliant, Kojima. We’ll force Hagi’s reinforcements to retreat, then attack them while their morale is low.”

>>3521249
>>”That’s brilliant, Kojima. We’ll force Hagi’s reinforcements to retreat, then attack them while their morale is low.”

>>3521249
>”That’s brilliant, Kojima. We’ll force Hagi’s reinforcements to retreat, then attack them while their morale is low.”

>>3521254
It also helps that I doubt their ‘modern force’ is as experienced and well trained as ours.

Not to mention it goes along with our specialties as skirmishers

Also quick question?

You think Custards newly trained calvalry will do well in raiding their supply train?

>>3521276
Also, Hagi knows the reinforcements are coming, they'll fight like abimals since they know they have to hold only for 3 days, they'll unleash everything they have

>>3521292
Also true, if those three days were to be longer, it will sap the morale and their rations

You grin, crossing your arms. “That’s brilliant, Kojima.”

“Sir?” He raises his eyebrows.

You step toward the lieutenant. “The primary fighting contingent of our force is made up of light infantry and sharpshooters. This is the perfect opportunity to make use of their talents.” You turn to the rest of the lieutenants. “Get all of the light infantry together. We’re going to intercept the enemy before they get the chance to arrive in Hagi.”

Your lieutenants salute you. “Yes sir!” All of then except Sato go off toward their respective companies to raise their men.

“Sir,” Sato walks alongside you. “Do you really think we’ll be able to break a force of ten thousand men?”

You nod. “With a rapid and forceful enough attack.”

“I see,” Sato nods. “We will need to move quickly then. What sort of force do you intend to bring?”

>”Just our light infantry. Any more than that would slow us down and leave us under-manned here.”
>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”
>”In addition to our light infantry, I want to bring Custer’s cavalry and a couple breech-loading artillery guns to improve our odds.”
>”We’ll bring some line infantry as well, that way we have a good volume of fire.”
>Write-in.

>>3521312
>>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”

>>3521312
>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”

Also some carriers.

The main thing we can do to break their formations is try and disrupt their supply train.

Custer Calvary can do hit and run raids those trains and if we are lucky enough carriers can grab the wagons and increase our supplies.

>>3521312
>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”

>>3521312
>>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”
>>Write-in.
Detail runners to provide information to Matsudaira and Hijikata along with what we plan to do. They would do well to either send some light cav support or move with all haste to siege positions.

>>3521312
>>3521344
Adding my support to this. Aim for the supply trains, either take them or burn then

>>3521344
+1

>>3521344
Supporting.

Got sidetracked with some chores around the house. Going to resume the session at 6PM tomorrow.

>>3521312
>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”
The rest should be ready to attack too though if the need arises. Prepare positions to defend against both Hagi and the relief force.

>>3521312
>”In addition to our light infantry, I want to bring Custer’s cavalry and a couple breech-loading artillery guns to improve our odds.”
Are they marching through a forest? If so, dab some of that Greek fire and light up some rolling logs downhill. Teutoburg forest, here we come.

>>3521312
>”In addition to our light infantry, I want to bring Custer’s cavalry and a couple breech-loading artillery guns to improve our odds.”
If and only if we're bringing horse artillery and not foot. Don't want to get stuck because we bring something slow to a fight that needs to be fast. If we're talking about foot artillery, then just:
>”Our light infantry and Custer’s cavalry. Their support will be a serious force-multiplier.”

“Our light infantry will be backed up by Custer’s Cavalry,” you say. “Their presence will be a major force multiplier.” The two of you continue walking until you reach your couriers’ tent. “Men, I need a message sent.” You call into the tent.

One of the couriers steps out, hastily donning his messenger bag. “Understood, sir.” He salutes you.

Returning the salute, you begin writing your plan of attack on a piece of paper, as well as giving him command of your remaining forces while you and your men are gone, folding it and handing it to the man. “Get this to Hijikata Toshizo. He should be in the other Aizu encampment.” You then turn to Sato. “Grab your company, and get the cavalry while you’re at it.”

He nods. “Yes, sir.”

Perhaps a half hour later, your entire light infantry contingent is standing in front of you, with the cavalry standing in the back. Altogether, it is a force numbering six hundred and thirty men. Of that number, five hundred eighty are light infantry, and fifty are cavalry. It is a far cry from the thousand light infantry that you arrived ashore with. “Good morning, men. I hope you slept well.”

“Yes sir.” Several of the men at the front bark a spirited reply at you.

“Good.” Looking amongst the men, you fold your arms behind your back. “We’ve just received news that the enemy in Hagi are expecting reinforcements. A force of about ten thousand enemy soldiers is marching toward Hagi as we speak. If they make it to the castle, we will be hard-pressed to take it at all.” Pausing, you let the implications sink in. “However, large armies move slowly, and light infantry battalions are pretty quick.” You grin. “So we’re going to intercept the enemy and do what light infantry do best: harass the enemy and force them to turn back.” Then you gesture to the cavalrymen in the back. “The newly-trained cavalry will be acting as a force multiplier, hitting the enemy where it will hurt the most.” You don your cap, then take a step forward. “I hope you’re all ready to earn your pay. Move out!”

Your force readies themselves quickly, and it is not long before you are all on your way toward where the enemy is planning to march through. You walk near the front of the formation, along with Sato and some of his men. You are surprised how easily your men make their way through the wilderness, as you move straight through the woods toward your destination. You’ve ordered some of the cavalry ahead as scouts, searching for the enemy army, or signs of them.

“So what is our plan of attack, sir?” Sato looks over at you. “Should we find a place where the enemy will march through and wait to ambush them, or try to find the enemy formation itself and engage on-sight?” You frown, though an ambush would be ideal, there’s always the chance that the enemy army will change their course and never encounter your force in the first place.

>”We’ll march until we see the enemy, then engage. I don’t want to let them pass us by.”
>”Laying an ambush will cause the most trouble for the enemy. That’s what we’ll do.”
>Write-in.

>>3523023
>”We’ll march until we see the enemy, then engage. I don’t want to let them pass us by.”

>>3523023
>>”We’ll march until we see the enemy, then engage. I don’t want to let them pass us by.”

send scouts to kepp an eye, after we see them we can think about an ambush

Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3523079

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3523079

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3523020
We’ll march until we see the enemy, then engage. I don’t want to let them pass us by.”

File: Iron Frame Henry.jpg (31 KB, 1024x291)

31 KB JPG

“We’ll keep marching until we encounter the enemy,” you say. “I’d rather not risk passing them by.”

Sato nods. “Understood.”

You all continue marching for quite some time, stopping occasionally when your scouts return to tell you of conditions ahead. As the enemy are quite far away, you imagine it will take a while to come across them. Your troops march all through the day, continuing in the direction of the enemy’s army. Your force marches alongside a dirt road, within the concealment of thick woods on both sides.

The sun is about to set when one of your scouts gallops up to your infantry formation, clearly exhausted. “Colonel!” He shouts at you. “We’ve found the enemy!”

You walk up to the man as he dismounts his horse. “How far, trooper?”

He gestures toward the road that runs north-south beside you. “A ten minutes’ ride at a gallop. Possibly a half-hour’s march.”

You nod. “Alright. Thank you.” Turning to your men, you speak up. “Divide the infantry in half. I want one group on each side.” You then turn to the commander of the cavalry. “Ride ahead, through the woods if you’re able. Flank the enemy as soon as we begin shooting.”

The men begin doing as you order, and within ten or so minutes, your men are advancing toward the enemy on both sides. Even though the road is likely wide enough for forty men to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, you imagine it will be the perfect choke-point to harass the enemy in. Sato commands the half of your men on the other side of the road, who are also concealed quite well in the underbrush.

As you walk with your men, you see a mass of infantry up the road a good distance. Raising an eyebrow, you note that they wear gray uniforms. Strange. Shrugging, you turn to Lieutenant Nakajima. “There they are.”

She nods. “All troops,” she orders the infantry. “Disperse and move up .Prepare to fire on the enemy.” She readies her Spencer rifle. “Prioritize officers and sergeants.”

You all move up alongside the enemy as they march. All of them look exhausted, likely having been marched ragged to get to Hagi as quickly as possible. Officers in resplendent uniforms reminiscent of Confederate cavalry bark orders at their men. The formation is massive, and stretches back as far as you can see. You think you can see the glint of brass artillery in the light of the setting sun. Cocking your Henry, you take aim at a senior officer on horseback. These are the perfect conditions to initiate contact. “All troops, fire at will!” You pull the trigger, and all Hell breaks loose.

>Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3523122

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3523122

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3523122

Your first shot hits the enemy officer in the side, causing him to fall off of his horse. The horse in question rears up and begins panicking amongst the infantry surrounding it. You immediately change targets and begin firing into the infantry themselves. Your men also fire in rapid succession, and countless enemies fall in the initial barrage.

It is nearly twenty seconds before the first enemy shots begin to whiz over your heads. The enemy soldiers, mostly armed with rifle-muskets, panic and shoot erratically. The men at the front of the army attempt to group up into formations, but the sustained fire from repeaters at close range causes many of them to rout as their comrades fall.

“Alright, move back!” You gesture toward the rest of the enemy column. Looking further down the line, you see the cavalry charge into a section of enemy troops. Your soldiers on the other side are also peppering the enemy with fire.

As you and your men jog southbound along the wooded edge of the road, you keep the fire up. The enemy troops further down the column have prepared for you though, having seen their comrades be shattered by the surprise attack. Several dozen enemy infantrymen line up in a near-flawless formation and lay volley fire in your general direction. Of the hundred or so light infantry in your immediate vicinity, several fall from the fire. The rest of your company, however, returns fire immediately. The rest of your unit begins to spread out along the whole length of the enemy column, subjecting almost the entire force to rapid, sustained fire.

Your attention is drawn to the line infantry directly ahead of you again. The remaining enemies, perhaps a hundred men, all clump into a tight formation and begin advancing quickly on your position. As one row of men fires, another reloads, allowing them to sustain fire against your formation. “Shit,” you shout. Looking over at Nakajima, you call out to her. “They’re advancing on us!”

She grimaces, putting three or four rounds downrange at them. “What should we do?”

>”Hold position and focus all of our fire on them.”
>”Scatter and fall back deeper into the woods.”
>Write-in.

>>3523180
>>”Scatter and fall back deeper into the woods.”

I'm terrible at strategy but I think this is what harassing troops would do

>>3523180

>”Hold position and focus all of our fire on them.”

If we break these the others follow

>>3523180
>”Scatter and fall back deeper into the woods.”
We're light infantry. They're line infantry in close formation. We lure them into the woods and force them to fight in our element.

>>3523180
>fall back too the woods

We didnt bring line, we brought skirmishes and calavary

>>3523180
>”Scatter and fall back deeper into the woods.”

>Fall back and scatter.
Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>3523218

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3523218
Fuck them up!

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3523218

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3523218

File: Colt Dragoons.jpg (225 KB, 1539x1059)

225 KB JPG

“Scatter and fall back into the woods,” you reply. “Remember your training!” Your men immediately do as you instruct. You fall back as well, firing as you move. The woods get thicker as you go deeper, and the infantry continue advancing towards your men.

As the fighting becomes close-quarters, things begin to get confusing. Before you realize what’s happened, you end up separated from the rest of your men. You fire at gray shapes as they approach you. A musket ball grazes your thigh, causing you to scream more out of surprise than anything. You look back up to see three or four enemy soldiers advancing on you, bayonets affixed. You raise your Henry and fire, only to have the hammer land on an empty chamber.

“Shit,” you mutter as two soldiers get into melee range. You throw your Henry at one, and the butt of the rifle hits the man in the face. That provides you with enough of a distraction for you to draw your Dragoon and put two rounds into the chest of the other enemy soldier. He falls over, blood spurting from his mouth and chest. You look around momentarily, seeing that your troops have clustered into small groups of five or six, and are holding their own even in these close quarters. A groan redirects your attention to the enemy soldiers you still have to deal with. The other soldier spits out several broken teeth, grunting in pain as he readies his rifle and runs toward you. Without hesitating, you raise your dragoon and fire a round into the man’s torso. To your horror, it doesn’t even slow him down. You cock the hammer and fire again, and a third time. That finally makes the man fall, but you have to dodge his bayonet as he collapses.

Two more enemy soldiers now advance on you. You reach clumsily into your powder box, grabbing a percussion cap and putting it on the back of the sixth chamber before cocking the hammer. You send a .44 caliber ball into the skull of one soldier, and he falls over unceremoniously. The other, however, swings his bayonet at you. The tip of it catches your revolver, knocking it from your hand.

File: Blucher Saber.jpg (66 KB, 1200x1200)

66 KB JPG

You shout in pain as you realize he’s cut your hand open too. Stepping back, you unsheathe your saber and move in. Grabbing the man’s rifle with your free hand, you hack in his general direction with your saber. The world becomes a blur as you both get to within inches of each other. Flashes of gray, red, and black fill your vision. Blood spatters onto your face, you can’t tell whose it is. There is shouting, more like the barking of animals, as you both grapple for survival. You see flashes of a familiar battlefield, of gray uniforms from another time. The laughing faces of your Confederate captors fill your vision, and you let out a sound even you didn’t know you could make. The entire world seems to turn red before you. Stepping back, really leaping back, you begin hacking as rapidly as you can. You don’t stop until you feel something threaten to tear in your shoulder. As your vision returns to normal, you look at the enemy soldier. He stands there, a shocked expression on his face, as his bowels spill onto the ground. He drops his rifle and falls over, face-down. Looking at your surroundings, you see that your men have begun to drive the enemy into a rout. You’ve defeated the enemy again, the air itself feels like it might make you drunk if you breathe too deeply. You look to the side, seeing Lieutenant Nakajima and several soldiers staring at you.

“Sir?” Nakajima takes a step toward you tentatively. “Are you… Alright?”

You nod slowly. “I am. Let’s return to our positions.” Walking over to where you fought the enemy soldiers, you pick up your revolver and Henry. As you advance, you reload the Henry and grab another cylinder for the Dragoon. You pop the cylinder in and affix the percussion caps as you arrive at your original fighting position. “Alright,” you say to Nakajima. “I’m reloaded. Let’s keep going.” You then look down the line to see how the rest of your troops have fared.

>Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3523310
damn flashbacks

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3523310

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3523310
f

At least I think we chose the right strategy

While your men are making a serious impact on the enemy formations, and likely their morale, you grimace at what you see. The sheer volume of enemy soldiers is overwhelming. Far back in the column, you see smoke from a fire, as well as an explosion. Their ammunition wagons have likely caught fire.

Nakajima is the first to say anything. “Sir, we are nearly out of ammunition.” She takes a step toward you, wiping her forehead. “I think there are too many enemies for us to defeat this whole force.”

You sigh. “That’s a distinct possibility, Lieutenant.” Looking down the line, you estimate that you’ve made three or four thousand men rout, and probably killed a thousand. The remaining enemy infantry are keeping themselves in steadfast defensive formations though. You walk along the road, taking shots at enemies as you move. Nakajima is right about one thing at least, your men will run out of ammunition altogether soon.

“Sir.” Nakajima speaks again. “We could shoot at them until we ran out of ammunition. I do not think the remaining enemies will break and run.”

You look over at the Lieutenant. “What would you suggest we do, then?”

She frowns deeply, checking her cartridge box before speaking. “I suggest we move back through the woods and attack their supply wagons directly. Destroy everything.” She begins reloading her Spencer. “Even if their morale does not break, they will be unable to advance without supplies. If they know they are going into a siege with nothing to sustain their own numbers, they will likely turn back.”

>”We can still win the day, Lieutenant. We’re going to throw everything we have at the last remaining enemies. They’ll rout if we overwhelm them.”
>”It’s too risky. We should fall back now while we’ve still got ammunition to spare in case of an emergency.”
>”You’re right. We’ll destroy their supplies and fall back.”
>Write-in.

>>3523355

>”You’re right. We’ll destroy their supplies and fall back.”

No supplies, no men

>>3523355
>”You’re right. We’ll destroy their supplies and fall back.”

>>3523355
>”You’re right. We’ll destroy their supplies and fall back

This is what I have been advocating for

>>3523382
Good thinking Nakajima, didn't think a girl like you would use 4chan

>>3523355
>”You’re right. We’ll destroy their supplies and fall back.”

File: fc813f2a1eb22f1fd126db3b3(...).jpg (87 KB, 718x561)

87 KB JPG

You pull out a cigarillo, lighting it and puffing on it a few times. “Well, I think you’re right.” Frowning, you look down the column of enemies. “Let’s destroy their supply wagons and fall back.”

You all move back into the woods, heading south parallel to the road. As your unit moves, the sounds of battle intensify. Enemy rounds occasionally whistle between the trees over your heads, causing you to duck instinctively. After a solid ten minutes of walking, you come upon the section where the army’s wagon train resides.

The supply wagons are mostly unguarded, to your surprise. A quick firefight with a dozen or so enemy guards is all that it takes to secure the majority of the wagons. There are probably forty in total, all heavily-laden with military supplies. “These aren’t just for the army,” you say as you look at the wagons. “These supplies are meant to keep the castle in the fight longer.”

“So it would seem,” Nakajima nods. “There are enough rations and ammunition here to keep a force supplied for months.”

You grimace, using your cigarillo to light several torches made by your men during the walk. “Looks like we’ll be putting the enemy in more dire straits than we initially thought.” Walking up to a wagon full of foodstuffs, you use your torch to ignite the bottom of the wagon, as well as the canvas cover. “Burn everything. I don’t want a single wagon left usable.” As the wagon begins to burn, you cut the draught horses loose and scare them. Both run off into the woods in different directions.

Lighting the wagons on fire doesn’t take long, maybe twenty minutes to get each one going. Not long after, a couple hundred enemy soldiers can be seen rushing toward the burning wagons. “Alright, that’s everything.” You look back at your men. “Fall back!” You all begin running for the woods as the wagons burn behind you.

As the sun finally disappears over the horizon, leaving the countryside in darkness, you look out toward the burning supply wagons. One laden with ammunition begins to cook off as you finish your cigarillo. All of your men have since fallen back to a safe distance, regrouping in the woods. “Good work out there,” you say to your Lieutenants. Though you suffered sixty-two casualties overall, of whom half were merely injured, you would be willing to assume that you’ve broken the enemy force. Looking at the column through your field glasses, you estimate that maybe a third of the original force remains, and they looks exhausted from today’s engagement. A force of 3,000 exhausted, under-supplied, and frightened men will not be viable for reinforcing a besieged castle, let alone breaking the siege. Lowering the binoculars, you grin. “Let’s head home.”

File: 1522261998452.png (376 KB, 427x427)

376 KB PNG

And that's all for tonight! Thanks for playing! We'll have another session tomorrow at 6PM, which will hopefully cover the upcoming BATTLE OF HAGI. As always, the floor is open for any questions, comments, concerns, critiques, shitposts, or anything else.

>>3523469
thanks for running

>>3523465
That went really well, we possibly even got a bit of a glimpse into the current state of Hagi.

Thanks for running

Going live in two hours or so.

File: Hijikata Toshizo.jpg (78 KB, 600x600)

78 KB JPG

When you return, you see that your army’s encampment has not moved since you left. Strange, considering you were gone for nearly sixteen hours. As you enter camp, several line infantry look over at you and immediately rush off to a tent within the camp itself. “Strange,” you remark. The air of the camp is tense, and you note that every soldier you encounter regards you with a kind of standoffishness. Your attack force of cavalry and light infantry begin to disperse, heading to their own tents as you and the officers make for the command tent.

When you arrive, you are greeted with a surprise. Hijikata Toshizo and about fifteen Shogunal guards stand outside of your tent. “Colonel,” he strides toward you. Some of the guards cock their rifles as you step forward.

All of your lieutenants reach for their holstered pistols, sensing the threatening aura of the guards. In response, a couple of the guards raise their repeaters into a near-ready position. “Easy, men.” You look back at your lieutenants, making them move their hands away from their holsters. The guards, in turn, lower their rifles. “Why the odd greeting, Hijikata? Has something gone wrong?”

The Shinsengumi veteran grimaces. Leaning in so that only you can hear him, he speaks. “Most of Matsudaira’s generals want you in front of a firing squad for abandoning your post.” He sighs. “And so do half of the friendly daimyos.”

You frown, taken aback. “Abandoning my post? I was out fighting the enemy, keeping them from reinforcing Hagi.”

Hijikata motions for you to follow him. “Which you were never given orders to do. Our mission is to take Hagi, not go off into the forest and fight a whole Choshu army.”

You sigh, then look back at your lieutenants. “All of you, tell the men to stay in their tents. They are not to speak to anyone until I give the all-clear. Understood?” They all nod. “Good. Leave us.” Your men look reluctantly at you, then slowly disperse back towards the other tents.

You and Hijikata enter your command tent, and the Shinsengumi vice-commander sighs tiredly. He rubs the bridge of his nose, then looks over at you. “For what it’s worth, Colonel, I’m on your side.” He sits down in a chair, and you sit at your desk and face him. He lights a cigarillo before continuing. “Matsudaira is on your side too. He’s trying to appeal to his generals as we speak.”

>”So if Matsudaira is on my side, why is this even happening at all?”
>”Your troops out there didn’t seem to exactly be on my side.”
>”What happens now? We can’t let the advance on Hagi stall.”
>”I was under the impression that because of my experience, I had some freedom in regards to the use of my troops.”
>Write-in.

>>3524841
>”I was under the impression that because of my experience, I had some freedom in regards to the use of my troops.”

>>3524841

>”I was under the impression that because of my experience, I had some freedom in regards to the use of my troops.”
And I just prevented 10000 troops of reinforsing Haji

>>3524841

>”I was under the impression that because of my experience, I had some freedom in regards to the use of my troops.”

>”So if Matsudaira is on my side, why is this even happening at all?”

>>3524841
>”I was under the impression that because of my experience, I had some freedom in regards to the use of my troops.”
>”What happens now? We can’t let the advance on Hagi stall.”
If they want to do a trial or some such, it would likely be better and easier to do it inside of Hagi.

You cross your arms. “I was under the impression that I had more liberty in how I utilized my troops.” Reaching into your jacket pocket, you produce a cigarillo and light it.

Hijikata frowns. “Colonel, I hope you are not being intentionally obtuse. You took the most elite force in the Aizu military, nearly seven hundred strong, and marched them a day’s trek south to engage an enemy force that was not part of the army's objective. Without clearing it with anyone in charge of the campaign's larger strategy. It stalled the whole army’s advance on Hagi.”

You shrug. “And that day’s march prevented ten thousand modern troops from reinforcing the enemy.”

The vice-commander nods slowly, puffing on his cigarillo. “So they’ve been sent back the way they came, then?” You nod. “Regardless,” he continues. “Did it never cross your mind to meet with Matsudaira to discuss it beforehand?”

You shake your head. “Like I said, I was under the impression that it wasn’t necessary.”

Hijikata rubs his temples. “You know, Matsudaira probably would have authorized the attack if you had just met and discussed it with him. He probably would have even sent additional forces to support you.”

“I sent a courier.” You frown as you puff on your cigarillo.”

“When it comes to such a dramatic military action, I believe I understand why Matsudaira’s generals might have deemed a courier insufficient.” He leans forward. “Among samurai, it is better to ask permission before taking action, than to beg for forgiveness after.”

>”So what happens now? We can’t just let the advance on Hagi stall.”
>”Your troops seemed quite ready to have a shootout with my lieutenants. Will they be a problem for my troops here?”
>”If you and Matsudaira are on my side in this matter, why is any of this even happening?”
>Write-in.

>>3524887
>”So what happens now? We can’t just let the advance on Hagi stall.”
I am concerned that they might try and take command of our troops, even if only briefly, could prove to be a big mistake.

>>3524887

>”So what happens now? We can’t just let the advance on Hagi stall.”

>>3524887
>”So what happens now? We can’t just let the advance on Hagi stall.”

I love how they keep expecting us to act like Samurai or this culture they have but yet want results our way.

>>3524887

>”If you and Matsudaira are on my side in this matter, why is any of this even happening?

>>3524887
>>”If you and Matsudaira are on my side in this matter, why is any of this even happening?”

>>3524887

>”So what happens now? We can’t just let the advance on Hagi stall.”

I'm somewhat almost down copying all the possible english ships of 1830 written down.


THERE ARE SO MANY!

File: Vice-Commander.jpg (80 KB, 515x760)

80 KB JPG

“So what happens now?” You lean back. “We can’t just let the advance on Hagi stall.”

Hijikata rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Unfortunately, that is exactly what will happen.” He stands up. “You and your officers will be stripped of your command, temporarily, and be considered detained until Matsudaira can convince your detractors to forgive you.”

“Detained?” You raise an eyebrow. “So what, you’re going to have me and my men locked up?”

“No, of course not.” Hijikata puts his hands up to stop you. “Consider it the same as being under house-arrest. You and your lieutenants will be unable to leave this encampment, and unable to lead or give orders to troops, that is all.”

The deep frown never leaves your face. “This still seems like an extreme reaction to me.”

“Well…” Hijikata trails off. “This was not the only thing I wanted to discuss with you. A successor to the Shogun has been named.”

“And?” You lean forward.

“It is Keiki. Or rather, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.” Hijikata pauses for a moment. “He is not officially crowned as the Shogun, as that will have to wait until we return to Edo, but he has a great deal of sway over the actions of the daimyos already.” He puffs on his cigarillo, his face getting noticeably pale. “The soon-to-be Shogun also believes that you deserted your post. He wants you to be punished for it.”

“I see.” You take a deep drag of your cigarillo. “So Yoshinobu doesn’t like me. What about his ability to see the campaign through to the end?”

Hijikata grimaces. “That is the main reason he wants you punished, Colonel. The Shogun wishes to end the campaign here and now, before hostilities widen into a civil war.” He rests his chin on the top of his hand. “But Matsudaira believes that ending the campaign on a white peace will show weakness. He wants to shell the castle into oblivion to make an example of the Mori Clan’s treachery.”

You nod slowly. “So there’s more to it than just me going off to fight the enemy.” Looking up at Hijikata, you see a hint of agreement from the man. “This is a bad situation.”

He nods. “But there is little to be done about it now.” He steps toward the exit of your tent, then turns to face you. He gestures to your pistol belt. “Your weapons, please, Colonel.”

>”I’d like to keep enough to defend myself in an emergency.” (ask to keep your pistol)
>”Here you go.” (hand over your weapons)
>”I’m keeping my weapons, Vice-Commander.” (refuse)
>Write-in.

>>3524945
>”I’d like to keep enough to defend myself in an emergency.” (ask to keep your pistol)
Or the saber to be perfectly honest, it's more than a weapon, it's a symbol of our status as an officer.

>>3524945
>>”I’d like to keep enough to defend myself in an emergency.” (ask to keep your pistol)

>>3524945

>”I’d like to keep enough to defend myself in an emergency.” (ask to keep your pistol)

Can we speak with the next shogun?

>>3524945

>”I’d like to keep enough to defend myself in an emergency.” (ask to keep your pistol)

>So if the plan fails do I end up taking the blame or will they?

>>3524955
this

or any other sword, like for them, our sword is a symbol, they wouldn't strip one of their from their katana

>>3524945
>>”I’d like to keep enough to defend myself in an emergency.” (ask to keep your pistol)
>>3524955
Or the sword.

File: (you).jpg (29 KB, 564x670)

29 KB JPG

“I’d like to keep enough to defend myself with,” you say. “My pistol, at least.”

Hijikata frowns, looking down at your holstered Dragoon. “I will allow it, but all of your other weapons will be in my custody until further notice.”

You bow lightly. “I understand, Vice-Commander.” With that, you unsling your Henry and hand it to him, followed by your saber. You don’t hand him your knife, seeing as it’s more a tool than a weapon. You are a bit upset that he's decided to take your sword, but you aren't going to ask for any more good will than he's given you.

He slings your rifle over his shoulder and puts the saber between his arm and torso to carry it tightly. “Thank you, Colonel.” He steps out through the entry flaps to your tent. “And good luck.” With that, he leaves.

You stand along in your command tent, sighing after thirty or so seconds. You can certainly see the logic behind those who wish to accuse you of leaving your post; there are certain military regulations you hadn’t even considered, let alone asked about. Still, if that enemy force were to reinforce Hagi, a siege would be impossible. You go back over to your desk, sitting down for a moment to collect yourself. Glancing down at your pocket watch, you see that it is late, close to midnight. You are still covered in soot, grime, and blood from the battle. Your hand is bandaged, as well as your leg, and your uniform is dirty.

You head over to your washbasin and clean yourself up, getting a good look at your face in the mirror. Thinking back to the battle, you can’t help but remember when you were cornered by those enemy troops. Remembering how you seemed to let go and attack them in some sort of animal rage frightens you. As you comb your hair, you notice that your hand is shaking.

You finish cleaning up and sit down again, closing your eyes and sighing. Another headache is coming on, you can feel it already. You pull your revolver from its holster and begin taking it apart. You remove the cylinder and barrel, giving both a thorough cleaning before doing the same with the weapon’s frame. You then put it back together, reloading the cylinder as you do. You don’t put any percussion caps on, however. Instead, you aim the inert revolver at the canvas wall of your tent, cocking the hammer back and pulling the trigger. You do it again, and several more times. Eventually, you lose count of the number of times you let the hammer fall on inert steel. “Dammit,” you mutter to yourself for no particular reason. Putting caps on five of the six chambers, you holster your revolver and stand up.

>Go and speak with your lieutenants. You want to see how they’re handling things.
>Address the men. They deserve to know what’s happening.
>Visit the princess. You’ve not spoken to her since beginning your march.
>Go to bed. You’ve had a long day.
>Find the surgeon. There’s got to be a reason for these damn headaches.
>Write-in.

>>3525016
>>Go and speak with your lieutenants. You want to see how they’re handling things.

emergency meeting

>>3525016
>Go and speak with your lieutenants. You want to see how they’re handling things.

>>3525016

>>Go and speak with your lieutenants. You want to see how they’re handling things.

>>3525016

>>Go and speak with your lieutenants. You want to see how they’re handling things

We should speak to the men and go to the doctor later

>>3525016
>Visit the princess. You’ve not spoken to her since beginning your march.

File: Lieutenant Subaru.jpg (36 KB, 350x411)

36 KB JPG

You immediately walk out into the camp proper, getting a courier and ordering him to bring all of your lieutenants to you. Perhaps ten minutes later, all four of them stand in your tent. As the last of them, Kojima, arrives, you clear your throat.

“If any of you want to take a seat, feel free.” After a few seconds of nobody sitting down, you sit at your desk. “I take it from the lack of swords that you’ve all been made aware of the situation currently?”

They nod. “Sir, I apologize,” Kojima speaks up first. “It was my idea to go and attack the enemy. I never should have suggested it.”

You shake your head. “Nonsense, Lieutenant. Your strategy prevented the enemy from receiving reinforcements. You did well.”

He bows deeply. “Thank you, sir.”

You look at the rest of the officers. “Now, I imagine that Hijikata and his men only gave you a very basic idea of what is going on, so I’ll get you up to speed.” Crossing your arms, you continue. “Part of the reason that the reaction was so serious has to do with politics. A successor to the Shogun has been named, and that man wants to end the campaign on a white peace.”

“A white peace?” Sato steps forward, outraged. “After everything we’ve done, the men we’ve lost?”

You nod. “I know, Lieutenant.” Frowning, you return to the subject at hand. “Matsudaira, however, wants to shell Hagi Castle, destroying it to make an example of the Mori Clan. He thinks a white peace will be seen as a sign of weakness, and I’m inclined to agree.” Scratching your cheek, you frown slightly. “Regardless, that disagreement seems to be the basis for me being accused like this. Matsudaira is on our side, if rumors are to be believed. He’s trying to convince my detractors to let the charges go.”

Subaru, who has been rather quiet since entering the tent, speaks up. “So what do we do, sir? Are we supposed to just wait until a verdict is handed down?”

>”First off, were any of you able to keep some of your weapons?”
>”Waiting is pretty much the only course of action we can take.”
>”I was planning on requesting an audience with Matsudaira and the Shogun tomorrow. You all are invited, if such an audience is granted.”
>”Are you suggesting we take some sort of action in the meantime, Lieutenant?”
>”What sort of reactions have the men had so far?”
>Write-in.

>>3525053
>”Are you suggesting we take some sort of action in the meantime, Lieutenant?”
>”What sort of reactions have the men had so far?”

>>3525053

>”I was planning on requesting an audience with Matsudaira and the Shogun tomorrow. You all are invited, if such an audience is granted.”

>”What sort of reactions have the men had so far?”
Gotta keep the men calm

>>3525053
>>”Are you suggesting we take some sort of action in the meantime, Lieutenant?”
>”I was planning on requesting an audience with Matsudaira and the Shogun tomorrow. You all are invited, if such an audience is granted.”
>”What sort of reactions have the men had so far?”

>>3525053
>”First off, were any of you able to keep some of your weapons?”

>>3525053
>>”I was planning on requesting an audience with Matsudaira and the Shogun tomorrow. You all are invited, if such an audience is granted.” ”
>>”What sort of reactions have the men had so far?”

File: Lieutenant Nakajima.jpg (20 KB, 327x500)

20 KB JPG

“Were you suggesting we take some sort of action in the meantime, Lieutenant?” You raise an eyebrow.

He shakes his head. “No, sir. I was just seeing if a plan was already in place.”

You frown. “Well, I’m planning on requesting an audience with the Shogun in the morning. You are all welcome to come with me if it is granted.” Scratching your chin thoughtfully, you continue. “Moving on, what sorts of reactions have the men had so far?”

Sato speaks first. “Mostly they seem confused, sir.” He folds his arms behind his back. “They have not been told the circumstances of our detention yet.”

“Good. Let’s keep it that way for now.” You sigh. “Still, rumors travel fast in military encampments.” You look amongst the lieutenants again. “What sort of affect do you imagine this will have on our morale?”

“After all of the battles you’ve led us through,” Nakajima begins. “I doubt the men would be broken by rumors of their commander standing trial.” She crosses her arms. “That being said, I worry that they might cause trouble for the army as a whole if you were actually taken before a military tribunal.”

“Not likely,” Sato replies. “They may be loyal to the Colonel, but those men aren’t the sort to break military regulations in the event that things don’t go their way.”

You nod. “I agree with Sato. Our men are well-disciplined, we can trust them to keep their noses clean through this.” Shrugging, you add to your statement. “Besides, I don’t imagine this will take more than a couple days I just wish I hadn’t gotten all of you dragged into this as well. Do the four of you have any questions?”

“No sir,” the lieutenants all say.

“Good,” you reply. “Go get some rest. It’s been a long day.” They salute you, and once you return the gesture they all begin to file out of the tent. You walk over to your desk, yawning as you remove your pistol belt. You sit there and read combat reports for quite some time, likely half an hour or more. After a while, you hear the sound of canvas rustling. Turning, you see that Nakajima has returned to your tent. “Lieutenant,” you greet her again. “Something wrong?”

She takes a step toward you, and you notice that she’s carrying two bowls of food. “I noticed that you hadn’t eaten today, sir.” She holds out a bowl toward you. “I thought you could use a warm meal… And perhaps some company while you eat?” Glancing down at your pocket watch, you see that it is well past midnight now.

>”Thank you very much, Nakajima.” (eat with her)
>”I think I’m going to get to bed, actually. I appreciate the offer though.” (call it a night)
>Write-in.

"Thank you very much, Nakajima. (Eat with her)

>>3525138

>”Thank you very much, Nakajima.” (eat with her)

No need to be rude

>>3525138
>>”Thank you very much, Nakajima.” (eat with her)

Naka taking care of Daniel

>>3525138
>”Thank you very much, Nakajima.” (eat with her)

File: d7095e1f6ee328c2674d46327(...).jpg (143 KB, 486x681)

143 KB JPG

You smile, taking the bowl. “Thank you very much, Nakajima.”

She sits down across from you. “Of course, sir.” As soon as you begin to eat, she does as well.

The meal is simple, rice with a rich sauce on it, but it is quite filling. You eat greedily, as Nakajima had observed, you haven’t eaten since yesterday. “This is good,” you say as you eat.

She takes a couple more bites, then speaks again. “You seem nervous.”

Grimacing, you sigh. “Nervous isn’t really the right word. I feel like I’ll probably come out of this alright, but there’s always that little chance that I won’t.” You look up at her as you finish your food and set the bowl aside. “More than anything, I feel guilty for heaping this onto all of you.”

“Nonsense, sir.” She finishes her meal as well. “We would gladly defend you in this matter. Even if it meant our careers being damaged.”

You shake your head. “You shouldn’t have to.” Leaning forward, you continue. “I should’ve known better than to go off like that. I should’ve met with Matsudaira first, or even gone with your or Sato’s plan. It was stupid of me to jeopardize everyone like that.”

Nakajima stands up, walking over to your desk and sitting her bowl next to yours. At first, you think she’s merely going to collect both and take them back to the camp canteen, but that isn’t what happens. The young woman turns toward you, wrapping her arms around you and hugging you close to herself before you can make any attempt to stop her. “Sir…” She speaks quietly. “Please don’t talk down about yourself.” She pulls tighter, drawing you against herself in such a way that places your head dangerously close to her chest. You can’t help but feel comforted by it though, having gone so long without the touch of another. “You are a hero. Everything you have done was for the betterment of this land, of its people, of us. The generals are foolish for accusing you of such things.” She lets her grip on you loosen, allowing you to pull back enough to look at her face. She’s got a serious expression, and you see the glistening of tears around the corners of her eyes. “If they send you to the firing squad, they will have to send me too. I… I will not follow another commander.”

Your eyes widen at her statement. “Nakajima… I-“

She leans in before you can say anything else, kissing you on the lips. You can feel her shaking slightly as you both stay like that for several seconds. After what feels like far longer than it likely was, she pulls back. You look at her as she opens her eyes.

>”This is improper, Lieutenant.” (put a stop to this)
>”I should probably close up the tent properly. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in unannounced.” (continue)
>Write-in.

>>3525226
>>Write-in.
"Good grief. What am I going to tell your father and is going to come after me with his sword."

>>3525226
>>”This is improper, Lieutenant.” (put a stop to this)


No time for lewds.

>>3525226
>”I should probably close up the tent properly. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in unannounced.” (continue)
YES

>>3525228
kek, this is awesome

>>3525226
>”I should probably close up the tent properly. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in unannounced.” (continue)

Adding too this >>3525228
TEASE THE LT.

>>3525226
>”This is improper, Lieutenant.” (put a stop to this

I’m not against this except we are in a campaign.

>>3525232
>>3525235
Don’t think with your dicks right now please! I rather do this once we court her properly not in a tent in a middle of a war zone.

>>3525226
>>”I should probably close up the tent properly. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in unannounced.” (continue)

say nothing and kiss the girl already

>>3525240
It's not with our dicks tho, rejection would shatter her, imagine the strength she had to muster to do this

>>3525226
>”This is improper, Lieutenant.” (put a stop to this)
I am so torn on this matter, like I like Nakajima but man you don't fraternize for a good reason.

>>3525226
>”I should probably close up the tent properly. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in unannounced.” (continue)

>>3525243
....so the response is to lewd her in a tent in middle of a active war zone in a relatively small cramp tent.

Not against her, hell I want to lewd her too but it feels like something to do with a camp follower for some change, then treating her as a waifu.

>>3525243
Not to mention we will have to discipline her later like we told her too after this campaign due to her lying about her identity. I rather not have this compromise is more when we have to do this!

>>3525245
Also this!

>>3525250
the place could not be better man, Daniel is the most vulnerable he has ever been, she's here to support, plus

If they send you to the firing squad, they will have to send me too. I… I will not follow another commander.”

that's heavy shit, the closer she can get to a confession

>>3525240
The issue here is that I'm not thinking with my dick, She might very think we are gonna die from this. If so, doing this will secure our loyalty with her AND not fucking break her spirit.

>>3525254
Relax, it will work out.

>>3525259
I doubt they’ll send us to the firing squad, that might lead to a international incident especially with American surveyors.

This leaves a very bad taste in the mouth.

>>3525226
>”I should probably close up the tent properly. Wouldn’t want anyone walking in unannounced.” (continue)

>>3525260
Why not explain to her this is not a good idea ?

Huh, we're route locking then?

Well its not like anons wanted the ex-fiancee or the princess.

but damn they want this hard.

>>3525265
as rejection would leave in mine, I just don't know how we could do this

maybe a write in option?

close the tent, kiss her and recieve affection, but do not go all the way, explain that we can do this after we leave Hagi (that is a massive death flag but oh well)

>>3525272
Sure why not. I rather not go all the way at least since we still have to punish her later.

Among other reasons

>>3525276
I'm just trying to work with everyone here, I'm nothing if not someone that likes to search for a compromise, but in the battlefield of waifus someone is always bound to get hurt

>>3525276
I would like to add that we didn't say that we would punish her, but that we would decide if we would denounce her after the battle.
If we do punish her, it will have to be in secret since whatever public punishment we deal would expose her identity as well.

>>3525277
I can accept a compromise. I just rather not fuck her in a dirty tent in war especially if someone can hear or come in.

>>3525284
That is obvious but this shit is a serious offense and while not public there should be something that must be done.

It even could be minor I just don’t want to let it go because she is a waifu,

>>3525226
>Write-in.
Seal up the tent and hug this adorable flower. Don't get into a state of undress however just in case someone barges in or anything.

>Not using the christian cop-out of "no sexy-times outside of marriage" to avoid the entire issue.
It's like you guys forget that we can just pull that shit

>>3525331
I mean did we fuck our Fiancee?

>>3525332
yeah I think we are not that good of a christian

"Wait," you say quietly.

You pull away a little bit, causing her eyes to widen. “A-ah… I am sorry. This was-“

You point to the tent’s entry flaps. “I should probably fasten those closed.” Grinning, you continue. “So that nobody comes in unannounced.”

Nakajima scowls a bit, her face turning red as you go over and fasten the tent’s flaps closed. "That is mean, sir." It takes maybe a minute to get everything secured, then you turn around.

Walking up to Nakajima, you return the kiss, staying like that for a little longer than before. You look at her as the two of you move closer to your cot. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

She nods. “I am.” As you pass your desk, you snuff out the oil lamp there, leaving a single candle lighting the tent.

You grimace as you begin to remove your jacket. Soreness from today’s fighting, combined with your injuries, makes it difficult at first.

“Here,” Nakajima takes a hold of your jacket. “Let me help.” She begins removing it for you, allowing your arms to fall to your sides.

“Thank you,” you say. “Sometimes I miss the baggy shell coats we had back home.” You chuckle.

Nakajima, her face growing redder, begins fiddling with the buttons of her own jacket. “T-this is what comes next, right?”

You nod, getting close again. “If you’re ready, it is.” You kiss her on the cheek.

The two of you reach the cot just as you say that, and she pulls you onto it somewhat unceremoniously. “I am. Ready, I mean.” She leans close as you blow out the solitary candle illuminating the tent.

>>3525341
>DEATH FLAG ACHIEVED

>>3525343
damn anon
I do hope they leave us out of the fighting now kek

File: 1532889423457.jpg (235 KB, 768x1024)

235 KB JPG

And that's all for tonight. Thanks for playing! We'll have our next session on Saturday afternoon at the same time of day as usual. Until then, feel free to ask any questions, as well as post any comments, concerns, or anything else really. I like answering questions, so don't hesitate if you have them. Thanks again, folks!

>>3525350
Does.. does japan have protection for sex?

Is this as big a death flag as we are making it out to be?

Also, uh.. we now have time to get our head checked after this right?

AND THANKS FOR THE RUN

>>3525350
simple one, would we break poor naka's hear by saing no?

>>3525350
I voted no, but I'm still liking that it happened. Thanks for running.

File: 1458187171706.jpg (100 KB, 525x749)

100 KB JPG

>>3525352
>Does.. does japan have protection for sex?
Lmao no
>Spoiler
I'm not that cruel. Maybe
>Also, uh.. we now have time to get our head checked after this right?
You probably should. Chronic headaches and blurry vision are pretty odd symptoms.

>>3525353
>simple one, would we break poor naka's hear by saing no?
Into a million little pieces, Anon.

>>3525367
OH GOD, HER DAD IS GONNA KILL US.

Strange, I've had it for awhile and am fine.

>>3525371
shotgu....katana wedding?

>>3525341
So we deflowered her?

>>3525350
Also do we route lock?

>>3525388
unless we want to break her heart in 13 million pieces...

>>3525383
Yes.

>>3525388
Big spoiler here
Essentially yes. Though Japanese society did allow for concubines and the like, so Stockton could become a polygamistic degenerate, but that doesn't really seem in-character for him. Also, see: >>3525389

>>3525392
Goddamit. That was what I wanted to avoid

Well it’s not like there were many options anyway beside maybe the ex fiancée and the better thing about her was she was more endowed.

Btw one thing I learned as I was writing the list of ships to buy ( still working on it)

Is that most of the ship up to the 1830 deadline use carronades

>>3525392
Fuck, I wanted the princess but atleast we got something halfway decent out of it.

>>3525392
I'm quite and trully happy with Naka, thanks for running

>>3525396
we got the good one anon

>>3525396
I wanted to lewd the Ex-fiancee myself but the princess would have been fun. >>3525392

Yeah i don't see him becoming a harem man since he is focused on his job.

though how well did we perform considering in a tent and keeping the noise down.

>>3525392
so how well did we perform in the tent

>>3525392
pastebin with Naka's POV and internal dialogue about this thing when?

File: 1498444397015.jpg (97 KB, 720x960)

97 KB JPG

>>3525413
I'm not answering that question.

>>3525467
Likely never.

>>3525481
So once i'm done with the list where do you want me to put it?

>>3525486
You can make a pastebin and link it if you want. Really whatever method works for you is best.

Speaking of pastebins, the info paste up in the header is now up to date.

>>3525581
When did she realize she had compleately fallen for Stockton, was that an option that we picked? The same for her boldness here, what choice triggered it? Will we have the chance to bulli regarding that dime novel we found?

Thanks for running, Naka a cute.

>>3525737
I blame that dime novel for Naka's absolutely un-Japanese behavior in this scene.

>>3525758
She's acting un-jap for a while now, with the pretending to be a guy and joining the army thing, she's quite the westernboo

>>3525764
Didn't she join the army to uphold her family's honor?

>>3525764
Nah, that was just acting like a Japanese man, far cry from a westaboo.

File: 1543944834486.jpg (535 KB, 2048x1536)

535 KB JPG

>>3525737
>When did she realize she had compleately fallen for Stockton, was that an option that we picked?
It was more a culmination of different options picked over time, combined with Stockton's general demeanor. The choices you guys made that began to influence her view of Stockton began all the way back in like thread 5 or 6.

>The same for her boldness here, what choice triggered it?
She's genuinely worried that Stockton might not be in command for much longer.

>Will we have the chance to bulli regarding that dime novel we found?
Obviously.

File: 1551520411987.png (20 KB, 174x162)

20 KB PNG

>>3526146
Based QM

Quick heads-up guys: tomorrow's session might be a little later than 6PM. I'm putting the finishing touches on my old Fiero to make it drivable again.

File: 407089AD-DA72-4ED1-A372-F(...).jpg (108 KB, 349x1160)

108 KB JPG

This brake job is turning out to be more troublesome than expected. I’m going to have to delay the session until Monday or Tuesday.

File: 93C8FDD8-6C05-4AED-8E58-8(...).jpg (2.77 MB, 4032x2867)

2.77 MB JPG

[loud Boomer music]
Nearly done with this thing. Next session will be on Monday at 6PM.

>>3531335
>>3532009
That's weird. It changed my trip when I was phoneposting.

>>3532009
Naicu
See you monday and breakfast with Naka, kek

>>3532009
Looking forward to the sesh

How hard is it to get into car repair/restoration?

File: Cutlass 442.jpg (67 KB, 1000x422)

67 KB JPG

>>3535208
>How hard is it to get into car repair/restoration?
Not terribly difficult as long as you have an idea of what you're doing. Having the right tools is important as well, but a nice set of ratchets and drivers can do almost anything in a pinch. My advice would be to find someone who knows a lot about working on cars that is willing to teach you, and learn from them. Also Haynes manuals are a good resource.

Anyway, session in two hours.

File: Bill Harp.jpg (79 KB, 806x604)

79 KB JPG

You snap awake, nearly sitting up in your cot. Someone is outside of your tent. Looking over, you see that Nakajima is still snuggled up next to you, really on top of you given the small size of the cot. It is just after dawn by the looks of it, with the pinkish hue of a morning sky shining through your tent’s walls.

“Daniel!” A voice comes from outside the tent again. You realize immediately that it is Harp. “Stockton, are you in there?”

You shake Nakajima awake, putting a finger up to your lips as she looks at you. “Hide under the covers,” you whisper. “Sneak out at least ten minutes after I leave. If anyone sees you leave, you were here trying to find me.”

Your lieutenant looks beneath the covers, immediately turning beet-red as she likely thinks over last night’s events. “Yes, sir.” She speaks in a whisper. You immediately exit the cot, grabbing a clean uniform and shirt from a hanger nearby. Looking back over, you see that Nakajima has entirely hidden beneath the blanket.

“I’ll be out in a moment, Major.” You grimace as you put your shirt and trousers on. “Not quite decent yet.”

“Don’t take too long, Colonel.” He speaks in a serious tone. Odd, considering he would normally make some quip about your previous statement.

You un-fasten the closures on your tent’s flaps, exiting as you button your jacket all the way up. “Harp,” you nod at the older man as you exit.

He looks haggard, as though he hasn’t slept in a while, and he’s not wearing the Aizu uniform you’ve seen him in since the campaign began. Of course, you’ve not seen much of him since he arrived down in this part of the country. He’s been all over, mostly attempting to manage logistics. “Colonel,” he replies. Nodding toward a nearby patch of woods, he continues. “Shall we go for a little walk?”

You gesture at him. “Of course. Lead the way.”

He begins walking rather hastily, looking over his shoulder more than once. As the two of you get out of earshot, and into the woods themselves, he looks around. “I’ve heard what happened. The Shogun and his ministers really want you in front of a firing squad…”

You grimace. “That’s what I’ve heard. They’re claiming I abandoned my post.”

Harp sighs, rubbing his mustache. You note that he’s carrying two Remington revolvers now, as well as a rather heavy-looking ammunition belt. “It’s good that you’re not being guarded heavily. We’re going to need to act fast.”

You raise an eyebrow. “What exactly do you mean, Major?”

He crosses his arms, shooting a glance at your camp. “It’s time to form an exit strategy and put it into action.”

>”An exit strategy? Are you suggesting we become deserters?” (question)
>”I intend to defend my honor in front of the Shogun and his people. We’re not leaving.” (chastise)
>”Agreed. Do you have any ideas of how to proceed?” (agree)
>Write-in.

>>3536232
>>”Agreed. Do you have any ideas of how to proceed?” (agree)

>>3536232

>”I intend to defend my honor in front of the Shogun and his people. We’re not leaving.” (chastise)

She should stop that yes sir after bed.

>>3536232
>>”An exit strategy? Are you suggesting we become deserters?” (question)

is this guy insane? abandoning our men here?

>>3536232

>”An exit strategy? Are you suggesting we become deserters?” (question)

But ultimately deny his plan, we are not doing anything rash before talking with Matsudaira, we have a meeting this morning

>>3536232

>”An exit strategy? Are you suggesting we become deserters?” (question)

>>3536232
>”I intend to defend my honor in front of the Shogun and his people. We’re not leaving.” (chastise)

>>3536240
you can add the

>I intend to defend....

on mine too

“An exit strategy?” You frown. “Are you suggesting we become deserters, Major?”

Harp shoots an exasperated expression at you. “We’re mercenaries, private contractors.” Leaning forward, he points at you. “And it is blisteringly clear that the Shogun is no longer a viable employer.”

You cross your arms. “I’d be inclined to disagree with that.”

Harp continues, undeterred. “To them, you’re just some foreigner. If the Shogun gave the word, your own men would have our heads on pikes before we could even blink.”

“Harp…” Your frown deepens. “At least wait until I go to meet with Matsudaira and the Shogun.”

Harp’s eyes widen. “Meet with them?” He grimaces. “What makes you think they won’t just kill you when you get there?”

“Because I’ve been loyal, and gotten results.” You shrug. “Besides, why would they kill me over this?”

Harp leans forward. “Because that’s what these people do.” His expression hardens. “Do you really think you’ll be able to defend your case in front of the Shogun of Japan? I’m no student of history, but I’ve done my share of reading about this country’s past.” He shakes his head. “Japanese lords have killed more important people over far less.”

“I think these guys are a bit more reasonable than their ancestors.” You scratch your chin thoughtfully. “If I can explain my reasoning and defend my case, I’m sure things will work themselves out.”

Harp shakes his head. “That’s not how this situation works. Our ability to trust them is already damaged now. Even if you come out of this alive, we’ll never have things as good as we used to.” He puts a hand on your shoulder. “Stockton, we will have to look over our shoulders for the rest of our lives if you decide to stay with the Aizu.”

>”I’m not running. That’s final.” (firm)
>”What makes you think we would have it any better if we left?” (debate)
>”You make a good point. How would you suggest we proceed?” (agree)
>Walk away. You’re not entertaining this conversation any further.
>Write-in.

>>3536332
>>”What makes you think we would have it any better if we left?” (debate)

Let him state his case.

>>3536332
>”What makes you think we would have it any better if we left?” (debate)

the guys on the other side are the confederates, we got the united states report, AND press and a united states observer here, they WON'T do anything with us unless they attract the ire of the U.S.'s people

>>3536332

>”What makes you think we would have it any better if we left?” (debate)

He did not made his homework that well, if we desert we will be worse than scum and not even our position and past gratitude would help save our lives

I'm compleately firm on not leaving, I'm only debating with him to see if we can talk some sense into him and he doesn't do anything stupid. If he runs he puts us and our men at risk so he better not try to or else we will have to stop him

>>3536350
this is a good point, if he runs he puts everyone at risk, those of us who stay will probably be considered traitors, as his escape proves that we were wrong.

>>3536332
>”What makes you think we would have it any better if we left?” (debate)
also this >>3536350

>>3536356
I'm all for trying to argue our case, but we should at least plan some kind of contingency in case shit hits the fan.

Figure out a common rally point, maybe prep some kind of signal to let our officers know it's going down, stuff like that.

“What makes you think we would have it any better if we left?”

Harp adjusts his hat. “This country is pretty fragmented,” he begins. “There are some domains that barely even communicate with the Shogun.” He crosses his arms. “The lords up in Ezo would take us, I’m sure. They’re looking to build a fighting force of their own.”

“Ezo?” You raise an eyebrow.

Harp nods. “It’s the northernmost Japanese isle. Most of it is a frontier. Not only that, but there have been rumors of gold deep in the wilderness there. I’ve even heard rumors of an Ezo independence movement taking place behind closed doors.” He leans against a tree, frowning. “Then there is the Satsuma Domain. They’re allied with the Choshu, but they’ve been clamoring to modernize their forces, hiring anyone and everyone that can bring them into the Nineteenth Century.” He shrugs. “Plus the Satsuma are in diplomatic talks with the British Empire as we speak. Nothing’s come of it yet, but it looks like they might be getting some serious support.”

“So our options are to either run to the edges of civilization, or defect to the enemy…” You frown at Harp. “Those don’t exactly sound promising.”

“Better than making powerful enemies within the Aizu and Shogunal administrations.” Harp walks toward you. “I’m telling you, if you decide to stay, we’ll be walking targets, political or otherwise.”

>”I’m not deserting. Even if it makes me a political target.” (refuse)
>”You’ve got a point, I suppose. How would we get out undetected, though?” (agree)
>Write-in.

>>3536391

>”I’m not deserting. Even if it makes me a political target.” (refuse)

>>3536391
"Look harps, If I run now then they'll paint a target on our back anyway. You head north too the independence movement while I stay here and try to smooth things over. If things go wrong then I'll meet you up there and if things work out fine. We can always regroup later when I can get a runner too you... Besides they would't dare touch us with the US reporter on the ground and marines."

>>3536391

>”I’m not deserting. Even if it makes me a political target.” (refuse)

>>3536391

>”I’m not deserting. Even if it makes me a political target.” (refuse)

We are changing history and keeping the shogun to power instead of the emperor even if we have to drag him there

>>3536391
>>”I’m not deserting. Even if it makes me a political target.” (refuse)

We should definitely prepare for the worst though. Their trial is going to be an absolute kangaroo court.

>>3536405
Makes sense, we could discuss with the Lts. They would probably be as liable as us

>>3536407
I've thought of something that they're probably going to hammer us with.

Jiryu

They are absolutely going to ask us why we went on that raid. Which will lead to us explaining that we had intel on their reinforcements. Then they'll ask who our source was. And then we're fucked.

>>3536419
We can explain the intel with a number other things, Kojima's scouts for example

>>3536427
That could work

Unless one of the enlisted men who brought him to us squeals. Then we're in really big trouble.

>>3536431
you americans and your silly swirly wind thingys

>>3536431
What the fuck did you do this time to provoke god?

File: 1460252985622.jpg (169 KB, 730x564)

169 KB JPG

>>3536448
The Midwest just has fucked up clown-world weather I think. Every winter is arctic blasts and ice rain, every spring is tornadoes, and every summer the whole place turns into the Rub' al Khali. Fall is the only good season here.

You shake your head. “I’m not deserting, Harp. Even if it makes me a political target, I’ll stay and face it.”

Harp smiles sadly, putting a hand on your shoulder. “Well, I suppose that should’ve been expected. You never were one to shy away from danger, on or off the battlefield.”

You raise an eyebrow. “So what will you do?”

He shrugs. “If I run, it’ll just make you look worse.” Sighing, he looks toward the camp. “But if I hear they’re planning on dragging you in front of any firing squads, you can bet they’ll lose a few men to my Remingtons before they get you.” He chuckles.

You frown. “Now don’t go doing anything too rash, Major.”

“It all depends on what they do first.” Harp chuckles again. “Anyway, let’s return to camp before any of them get suspicious.”

Several minutes later, you find yourself back in camp. The first thing you do is get some breakfast, noting that even the mess personnel regard you with a bit of apprehension. Word travels fast in army encampments, and rumors travel even faster. On your way back from the mess area, you get a runner and give him a message to set up the meeting with Matsudaira and the Shogun sometime this afternoon.

As you return to your tent, you sit down atop a barrel outside and eat your breakfast in the morning sunlight. Today the Marines must have been helping with the cooking, because you were able to get a plate of bacon and pancakes, with a small side of eggs. You begin to eat, looking around as you consider what to do with your time before the meeting.

>Go speak with Sarah. See if she can’t write up a sympathetic story about your predicament.
>Call a meeting with all of your officers. You want to go over the meeting plan with them.
>See where Nakajima is. You didn’t get much of a chance to talk with her this morning.
>Visit General Custer. You want his input on this situation.
>Find Sato and see if he can offer any help of a clandestine nature. He’s gotten good at that sort of thing lately.
>Check in on Commander Lee and his Marines. You’re curious what they’re up to.
>Write-in.

>>3536477
>>Call a meeting with all of your officers. You want to go over the meeting plan with them.

>>3536477
>>See where Nakajima is. You didn’t get much of a chance to talk with her this morning.

we should talk to her and then ask her to call the meeting, Harps awakening interrupted us

>>3536477
>Call a meeting with all of your officers. You want to go over the meeting plan with them.

>>3536477

>See where Nakajima is. You didn’t get much of a chance to talk with her this morning.

>>3536477
I'm torn here, we should talk with our Lts. I'm just not sure if we should talk with Nakajima before or after it...
I say we speak with her first since after the meeting everyone will know we are talking with each other
>See where Nakajima is. You didn’t get much of a chance to talk with her this morning.

>>3536507
>>3536491
>>3536489
guys would't Nakajima be at the meeting WITH us so we can talk too her right after?

>>3536509
I thought about it, but I wanted to clear things up before the meeting, she may be a little shaken during it if we don't address it, and then do the meeting after
but either works for me, before or after

>>3536477
>>Call a meeting with all of your officers. You want to go over the meeting plan with them.

>>3536509
We just spent the night together, we can spare a few minutes to talk since we didn't have the chance before going into business mode, that was my reasoning, some care and courtesy before we get into the serious stuff.
That and Sato is pretty sharp and might notice something is off...

>>3536477
>See where Nakajima is. You didn’t get much of a chance to talk with her this morning

>>3536477
>get our headache checked

>>3536477
Ya okay QM?

>>3536636
oh shit
we have to do that too
my next vote is to that

File: Sakura Nakajima.jpg (83 KB, 564x799)

83 KB JPG

You finish your breakfast, stopping by the mess area to return your plate before heading towards the tents belonging to your four lieutenants. You walk past the first three, going up to the one closest to your own.

“Nakajima?” You call out as you approach the entrance to her tent.

“Sir?” She speaks from inside. “Please, come in.”

You let yourself it, looking around as you do. The tent is sparsely furnished, containing only a couple of chests, a desk and chair, and a cot in the corner. Lieutenant Nakajima stands over by her desk. You note that she has a partially-disassembled revolver laid out in front of her, the LeMat, specifically. “How are you doing?”

She brushes a little bit of hair over her ear. “I am well, Colonel.” Gesturing to the revolver, she continues. “I hid this one so that I could remain armed in an emergency.”

You nod. “Good thinking. Any indication that the other officers did the same?”

She shrugs. “I have no idea.”

Grimacing, you nod again. After a solid twenty seconds of silence, you speak. “Did you get back here without any trouble?”

“It was so early that I did not run into anyone.” Raising an eyebrow, she continues. “What did you need to leave for?”

“Harp wanted to discuss something with me.” You cross your arms. “So I take it everything has been pretty normal since then?”

“Yes, sir.” Nakajima looks away slightly, blushing a bit.

>”Do you think you could gather the other lieutenants for me? I want to go over some things with them.”
>”You can drop the formalities when we’re alone, Sakura.”
>”Harp tried to get me to leave this morning…”
>Write-in.

Going to pause the session here for tonight. We'll have our next one tomorrow at the same time. Thanks for playing!

>>3536677

>”You can drop the formalities when we’re alone, Sakura.”
>”Harp tried to get me to leave this morning…”

>>3536678
Thanks for running

>>3536677
>”You can drop the formalities when we’re alone, Sakura.”
>”Harp tried to get me to leave this morning…”
poor thing

and after we finish this business we tell her to call up the meeting

>>3536677
>”You can drop the formalities when we’re alone, Sakura.”
>”Harp tried to get me to leave this morning…He thought that no matter what me and him would be hounded and wanted dead no matter what we did. ”

>>3536677
>”Do you think you could gather the other lieutenants for me? I want to go over some things with them.”

>>3536677

>”You can drop the formalities when we’re alone, Sakura.”
>”Harp tried to get me to leave this morning…”

Session in two hours

>>3538185
Will we survive? Will we be a father? Can we fight off an angry Samurai dad?

FIND OUT IN TODAY'S EPISODE OF AMERICAN IN WEEB TOWN

>>3538202
Daily reminder to check our headache

>>3538335
first thing after the meeting with the lts anon

You chuckle, moving closer and reaching out to her. “It’s alright to drop the formalities when we’re alone, Sakura.”

She takes your hand gently. “Thank you…” She trails off, looking down as she moves closer. “But, I do not think I feel comfortable just calling you ‘Daniel’ yet.”

“That’s fair,” you reply. You are about to say something else when you hear several soldiers walk past the tent outside, talking loudly amongst themselves. You and Nakajima practically jump apart, looking over at the entry flap of the tent.

“Perhaps,” Nakajima sighs. “We should be more careful. Particularly during the middle of the day, sir.”

You nod. “That’s a good idea.” You then trail off, crossing your arms as you think of whether to mention this morning’s events to her. “The reason Harp wanted to speak with me…” Sighing, you think of the right words. “He wanted me to leave before anything could happen with the Shogun and Matsudaira.” You look over at Nakajima. “He seemed to think that regardless of what I do, there will be a target on my back after this.”

Nakajima rubs her chin thoughtfully. “Well, making enemies is a possibility, especially if you take an equally aggressive approach to politics as you do to combat.”

You laugh. “I’ll take that into consideration.”

Nakajima continues, a serious expression on her face. “But Harp may have the right idea. If things get bad, and if it seems like the Shogun and his people still intend to charge you with abandoning your post, running may be the only way to preserve your life.”

You shake your head. “Me running would just put a target on you and the other lieutenants.” Grimacing, you remember the few times near the beginning of the war when you saw men summarily executed for attempting to dessert. It wasn’t common, but it did happen. And whenever it was an officer who ran, they’d try and get his subordinates on something too.

“Well I cannot speak for the others,” Nakajima’s voice lowers slightly. “But if I knew you had to escape, I would follow you.” She shrugs. “And I am sure Sato would not take much convincing, either. He seems to not be fond of this new Shogun.”

You shake your head. “Regardless, I don’t intend to run.”

Nakajima nods. “I know. I figured I would give my perspective anyway.”

>”Could you gather the other lieutenants for me? I want to go over some things with them.”
>”If I were to run, do you think any of the enlisted men would follow as well?”
>”Have you seen the surgeon around lately? I need to speak with him.”
>Write-in.

>>3538584
>”If I were to run, do you think any of the enlisted men would follow as well?”
>”Have you seen the surgeon around lately? I need to speak with him.”

WHO NEEDS THE SHOGUN OR THE OTHER LADS, JAPAN IS NOW AMERICAN. GLORY TO THE USA.

>>3538584
>>”If I were to run, do you think any of the enlisted men would follow as well?”

then

>”Have you seen the surgeon around lately? I need to speak with him.”
while she
>”Could you gather the other lieutenants for me? I want to go over some things with them.”


we go see the doctor while she sets up the meeting

>>3538584
>>3538584

>”Have you seen the surgeon around lately? I need to speak with him.”

And twll her to set the meeting while we go

>>3538598
Support

You frown, folding your arms behind your back. “If I were to run…” Clearing your throat, you continue. “If I had to run, do you think any of the enlisted men would follow me?”

Nakajima raises an eyebrow. “Well, it would mostly fall to whether the sergeants were more loyal to you or the Shogun.” She takes a step toward you. “Many of the sergeants are from the merchant and peasant classes, so they feel little loyalty to the noble lords.” Looking away, she continues. “And even the samurai among our troops are mostly from the Shinsengumi, whose ranks were made up largely of ronin and landless samurai families. After going through this campaign under your command, I am sure that the majority of them would sympathize if you were wrongly punished.”

You nod slowly. “I see.” As you are about to say something else, your vision goes blurry. As your ears begin to ring, your head begins to hurt again. This time it is particularly bad, nearly enough to force you onto the floor. “Damn…” You grab your head, closing your eyes tight.

“Are you alright, sir?” Nakajima approaches you, putting a hand on your shoulder.

You grimace. “More of what’s been happening since Hofu. Where is the surgeon?”

“In his tent, I think.” She opens the entry flaps to the tent, guiding you toward the surgeon’s tent.

“Once I’m done getting looked at,” you begin. “Gather the officers for a meeting.”

“Understood.” She continues guiding you to where the surgeon is.

Once you arrive, the worst of the headache is nearly gone. One of your eyes is still a bit blurry, and the ringing in your ears has only begun to subside. As you open the entry flaps, you see the Surgeon standing by a shelf of tools, cleaning a saw with a rag. “Ah, Colonel.” As he turns and sees Nakajima helping you walk, his expression becomes grave. “Have a seat here.” As you sit, he turns to Nakajima. “What happened to him?”

“He has been having headaches since the battle at Hofu.” She grimaces.

You wave her away. “Go and get the officers.” She salutes you, leaving as the Surgeon looks intently at your eyes.

“You’ve been having headaches… What other symptoms?”

You sigh. “Blurry vision, ringing ears…” Grimacing, you feel more pain behind your eyes. “Nausea sometimes.”

"I see." The Surgeon frowns deeply, crossing his arms. “And why did you not come and see me before now?”

>”Just fix me, Doctor.” (impatient)
>”I was hoping it would go away on its own.”
>”It looks bad when a senior officer goes to the surgeon for headaches while his men need treatment for bullet wounds.”
>Write-in.

>>3538750
>”It looks bad when a senior officer goes to the surgeon for headaches while his men need treatment for bullet wounds.”

>>3538750
>>”It looks bad when a senior officer goes to the surgeon for headaches while his men need treatment for bullet wounds.”

>>3538750
>”I was hoping it would go away on its own.”

>>3538750

>”Just fix me, Doctor.” (impatient)

>>3538750

>>”It looks bad when a senior officer goes to the surgeon for headaches while his men need treatment for bullet wounds.”

>>3538750

>It looks bad

We've got lead poisoning lads, I'm sure of it.

That being the case we are right fucked.

>>3538854
how would we have that? shrapnel inside or something?

>>3538856

Fun fact about historical wartime medicine is that when you got hit with a lead ball they didn't always manage to dig all of it out. It wasn't uncommon for fragments to end up left behind and latter cause health complications and even death.

Now this is just something half remembered from an old college history course mind you, and I could be wrong, but our symptoms do bear a passing resemblance to the effects of lead poisoning. For a long time I thought it was some form of PTSD, but I'm beginning to think otherwise.

>>3538860

For your perusal I submit the following.

https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/09/health/lead-poisoning-can-strike-years-after-bullets-lodge.html

and this

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717

>>3538863
Thanks for the source material

File: The Surgeon.jpg (60 KB, 979x550)

60 KB JPG

You frown at the young surgeon. “It looks bad when a senior officer is going to the company doctor for headaches while his men are getting treated for bullet wounds.”

The Surgeon lights up a hand-rolled cigarette, inhaling deeply as he rolls his eyes. “Melodramatic bravery like that is terribly cliché, Colonel.” He kneels before you and looks intently at you again, grabbing your lip and pulling it down to look at your gums. “When did these symptoms start again? Your lieutenant mentioned something about the battle at Hofu?”

You nod. “Hofu, yes…” You think back to the battle itself. “I think the symptoms began right after the battle. It’s difficult to recall.”

“After or during, Colonel? This could be an important distinction.” The Surgeon pokes your gums in several places, then looks at his finger. “No blood, no discoloration either…”

“What do you think it could be, Doctor?” You raise an eyebrow.

The Surgeon frowns. “You didn’t answer my question, Colonel.” After a sigh, he continues. “Though, I can narrow it down to a few different possibilities.”

“Ah, right…” You frown, thinking back to the battle itself. You recall how it started, with a promising level of easiness. You remember how quickly things deteriorated when those damned cannons opened up on your formation. You were nearly hit with enemy shells. Suddenly, it becomes clear to you. “During the artillery barrage,” you mutter.

“What was that?” The Surgeon raises an eyebrow.

“I was knocked to the ground by an artillery blast. This all seemed to start after that.”

The Surgeon leans forward, a serious expression on his face. “Tell me, Colonel. How far did the blast throw you?”

“Perhaps six or seven feet.” You frown, trying to remember the details. Things get a little fuzzy after the barrage itself. You remember fighting a samurai in the City of Hofu, but then the next thing you remember is being in the castle, getting shot at by the enemy’s cannons.

The Surgeon’s eyes close, and he mutters something to himself in Russian. Finally, he stands up and walks over to his medicine cabinet. “That was all you had to say, Colonel. I think I know exactly what the problem is.” He reaches into the cabinet and grabs a glass bottle, handing it to you. “Avoid any major jostles or impacts to the head for the next six months, and take a sip of this before bed each night, as well as whenever symptoms present themselves. Come back to me whenever you need a refill.”

You look down at the label as you grab the bottle. “Laudanum?”

The Surgeon nods. “In fact, feel free to take a sip now, for good measure.”

>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”
>”I’d like to not take any opium tinctures, if possible.”
>”Thank you, Doctor.” (leave)
>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms entirely?”
>Write-in.

>>3539080
>>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”
>>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms entirely?”

This shit is super addictive anons. It's basically like old timey morphine.

>>3539080
>>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”

>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms entirely?”

if it's only for the pain and not to cure the thing I'd rather face the pain

>>3539080
>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”
>Sip

>>3539080
>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”
>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms entirely?”

>>3539080

>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”

>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms

Is this the kind of incapacitating shit? Crack zombie Daniel doesn't sound nice

>>3539080
>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”
>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms entirely?”

>>3539080
>>”So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?”
>>”Laudanum is for pain management. Isn’t there any medicine that can relieve the symptoms entirely?”

“So what exactly is wrong with me, Doctor?” You raise an eyebrow.

The man turns to you with an exasperated expression. “Do you really want a medical lecture?”

You shrug. “Well since it’s my health involved, I think I would.”

The man sighs. “Alright, so you know what your brain is, right?”

You nod. “The thing that controls my whole body, right?”

He nods slightly. “It does more than just control your body, it’s everything that you are. That being said, you understand the concept, so I’ll continue.” He crosses his arms. “Your brain does not actually directly touch any part of your skull. Do you know how that is?”

You frown, rubbing your chin thoughtfully. “There would have to be some sort of buffer.”

The Surgeon smiles, nodding vigorously. “Indeed. It’s not a solid piece of flesh, though. Your brain sits in a reservoir of fluid that separates it from the skull.” He points up to his own head for emphasis. “That means that under certain circumstances, it can move around.” He then points to you. “Colonel, your head was jostled around so hard that it caused your brain to impact the inside of your skull. Essentially, you’ve bruised it.”

You grimace, almost sick at the thought of it. “I’ve… Bruised my brain?” Raising an eyebrow, you continue. “And that’s what’s causing all of these symptoms?”

The Surgeon crosses his arms. “I’ve seen symptoms far worse than yours. Some people become unpredictable and violent after injuring their brains.”

You look down at the bottle of laudanum again. “So this is more for the sake of pain management… Don’t you have anything that will get rid of these symptoms for good?”

The Surgeon looks at you, then rolls his eyes again. “Were you listening, Colonel? Like we’ve covered, you essentially bruised your brain.” He points at you. “How do you cure a bruise, Colonel?”

You raise an eyebrow. “I don’t know. You’re the surgeon, not me.”

He continues. “There is no way to cure it outright. The symptoms should go away entirely within the next six months. They’ll likely get less intense over time, of course.” He gestures to the tent’s entry flaps. “Now, if there’s nothing else you need…”

>”I think I’ll avoid taking this laudanum for now, Doctor.”
>”Understood. Thank you for the help.”
>Write-in.

>>3539170
>>”Understood. Thank you for the help.”

No reason not to take it with us, we can keep it in reserve if things get too dicey. I wouldn't use it unless we absolutely have to though.

>>3539170
>”I think I’ll avoid taking this laudanum for now, Doctor. Thank you”

>>3539170
>>”I think I’ll avoid taking this laudanum for now, Doctor.”

avoid using but still take it with us, maybe it could be useful for other injuries

>>3539170
>”Understood. Thank you for the help.”

>>3539195
This

Gonna pause the session here for tonight. My apologies for the long delay between posts, but my eve troughs were overflowing from all the crap the last storm blew into them, so I had to clean them out. Next session will be Thursday at our usual time. Floor's open for questions and the like until them. Thanks for playing!

>>3539289
This fucking edgeing!

Why are you trying to get us addicted to pain killers?