You, meanwhile, barely stayed long enough to get dinner and catch a couple hours of sleep, and after that you were up to 'escort' a pair of transports up to Elmendorf, and from there you'd continued on to Adak for a refueling stop. The brief time there barely let you take a look at the island- infamous primarily for it's weather. The base hasn't been used much since the war, you know, and it showed- several buildings showed signs of having been long disused, and the only aircraft on the flight line were civilian birds out of anchorage and a coast guard air/sea rescue HC-144. Still, the base shows signs of being available for immediate surge use- the aircraft handling facilities all looked well-maintained, the runway looked to have been recently repaved, and all of the protective revetments looked to have been recently rebuilt to modern standard. Also telling was the presence of a small, but entirely modern AEGIS ashore emplacement- Muninn noted at least two 16 cell sites, plus the primary command and control building.

From there, you traveled straight for the Kaga, now a little over three hundred miles north-west of the home islands. The ship didn't look significantly different, of course- you've got to remind yourself you've only been gone a couple of days. Seems like it was longer, for some reason.

You're still the only wyvern team aboard, and Merlin's waiting for you as you disembark from Muninn, nodding to herself as you do. "How was the flight?" she asks.

[] Too long.
[] Not too bad.

>>4116965
>[x] Not too bad.

>>4116965
>[x] Not too bad.

>>4116965
>[] Not too bad.

"Desperate to stretch my legs."

>>4116965
>[X] Not too bad.

>>4116965
[] Not too bad.

Best time of the week!

>>4116965
>[X] Not too bad

No one shot at us, so let's call it even.

>>4116965
>[X] Not too bad.

>>4116965
[X] Not too bad.

ok, votes called!

wanted to link this real fast because scribs accidentally posted in the old thread.

>>4116987

>>4116965
>[x] Not too bad.

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[x] Not too bad.

"Not too bad." You say, stretching a little. "They told you where all we were?"

Merlin nods, motioning for you to follow her as Wendy and Kyou join you on the deck. "Of course." She says. "I'm still your controlling officer, everything has to go through me."

"Has the situation changed at all?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods. "The lines have more or less stabilized. We're still relying on air power to hold them, but the Army and remaining loyalist KDF have a defensive line established that runs from Suncheon in the south, through Sancheon and Changnyeong to Ulsan in the northeast. The KDF has also secured Jejudo island entirely, and they're trying to expand the airport there to handle more aircraft."

"What's the status of the KDF and twelfth wing?" Kyou asks.

"The KDF has lost at least half their equipment and most of their aircraft, what they have left is about four composite squadrons, operating out of Gimhae and Sacheon, mostly. The twelfth wing has withdrawn from Korea, and what's left of their combat aircraft have been folded in with the fifth wing and are operating out of Japan."

Kyou nods, her face hardening. "And army losses?"

"Significant." Is all Merlin says in response.

There's a brief period of quiet as you follow her through the corridors of the Kaga. "Are we free to begin combat operations?" Kyou asks.

"Not yet." Merlin asks, opening the door to the ready room and motioning for you to take seats inside. "We- that is to say, I- have had a proposal, but I wanted to let them pitch it to you directly." She says. "Lovelace?"

The AI tank flashes on, and the androgyne- complete again with it's rainbow ears and now wearing a skirt with rainbow socks covering it's leg to just past the knee- appears. "Hewwo!" It says, smiling and doing a small dance. "I missed yew! is Birby alright? He's been avwding me."

You frown. "Merlin said you had a plan."

The AI nods, excitedly. "I do!" It says. "We know the chinese aw attempting to desigwn an AI systwm wike me to operate cwambat dwones."

"Stop." Kyou orders, and it ceases. "Speak normally or not at all."

1/2

"Sorry." The AI says, blinking. "Anyway, we know they're working on an AI system to operate combat drones. We've been analyzing their communications traffic and we think they're confused by your withdrawal, but they're just as able to use other wyverns to gather data on."

"And?" Kyou asks.

"What I'm proposing is installing enough equipment to allow me to ride along." Lovelace says. "At least two more computer cores, plus communications equipment. By allowing me to operate more closely to the front, I can interdict and disrupt their networks more effectively, and I might be able to either feed them falsified data or even destroy what they've already got."

"And you can't do that from where you are?" Kyou asks, looking over at you- Muninn would not be happy about sharing the aircraft, you're sure, and you're concerned about sharing an MIU with... that.

The AI shakes it head. "Not as effectively." It says. "I can get some information via the military datasharing program we have, but first hand, realtime is much more effective."

Kyou frowns. "And what is being asked of us?"

"The necessary hardware would occupy some of the space devoted to your Electronic warfare equipment." Merlin says. "And one of the two tailboom spaces."

That causes you to frown. "Losing some ECM gear seems like a pretty big trade-off. How much could you help in combat? And I want to know if this is another intelligence that's going to be linked into the MIU."

2/3

The AI looks hesitant. "I'm not sure." It says, after a minute. "I think I could help some by attacking their data networks, but without a full suite of cores to run on, I don't think I can operate at full power."

"And we are not downgrading Muninn to allow for you to occupy the aircraft." Kyou states. "Nor will we do so with Tessa."

Merlin nods. "Two cores is our minimum for functionality, but with that Lovelace would be restricted to a network infiltrator." She says. "We think with four or six he could supply additional services, and with eight he may be able to entirely replace your ECM gear entirely. And, no. I don't think linking him into the MIU is necessary."

Kyou frowns. "I am not eager to surrender any electronic defensive equipment." She says, then turns to you. "But it is your decision, of course."

"Working as a network infiltrator, I might not be able to affect any weapons in the air that aren't using a datalink, but I can prevent longer ranged systems from being able to engage." Lovelace supplies. "And I think I can keep integrated radars from communicating to a defensive net or fighters."

You frown. "So stealth, but not quite?"

Lovelace nods.

[] I think we need the ECM gear more- we'll pass.
[] I think a minimum installation wouldn't be a bad idea.
[] I think we can work with a medium install, it'd be nice to be able to disrupt their defensive nets.
[] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

>>4117192
>[] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.


If we go maximum install Lovelace will be able to do the work our ECM gear was doing right? So it's the same thing as having our ECM gear+fucking up the Chinese data collection.

>>4117192
>[X] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

>>4117192
>[x] I think we need the ECM gear more- we'll pass.

Yeah, no.

>>4117192
>[×] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

>>4117192
>[x] I think we can work with a medium install, it'd be nice to be able to disrupt their defensive nets.

>>4117192
>[X] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

>>4117192
>[] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

Just *think* of the favors the Spooks will owe us

>>4117192
[X] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

Basically it's like having Danielle, just without the stamina issues.

Also, we're going to be trolling our baby birb so hard by putting him in the same playpen as his best friend.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I think a maximum install would be a good idea. Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit.

You think about it for a second, weighing your options. "I think a maximum install would be a good idea." You say, after about a minute. "Being able to shut down all their integrated weapons and radars would be a huge benefit."

"Keep in mind it's not going to block anything that's got onboard or hardwired sensor systems." Merlin says. "Anything actively guided is going to be outside his ability."

"But it does force our opponents to rely on their own active radars." Kyou muses.

"We'll go for the full install." You say, nodding as you settle it in your head- you're not excited about giving up all your ECM, but at the same time, it's not like it's going to effectively change much, as near as you can tell.

"Alright." Merlin says with a nod. "I'll have the equipment forwarded here, you'll be down at least eighteen hours after it arrives for fit and testing. One other thing is while Lovelace isn't forward projected, Muninn will have access to those cores. He'll be about twice as powerful as any other wyvern AI in fleet,."

"A fact which will go some way to mollifying him." Kyou remarks. "I doubt he'll be pleased with the decision otherwise."

Merlin smiles. "He's getting a reputation among the other Wyvern intelligence anyway." She says. "One other thing is the Imperial military is sending their first two witch candidates for Valkyrie forward. They're expected to be on board today."

"Do you have any information on them?" Kyou asks.

1/2

Merlin shakes her head. "No, other than that any candidate has already agreed to whatever is necessary for the program, and once they're selected the Imperial military expects them to fly with you for at least a short period to gain experience."

"How long?" Kyou asks.

Merlin shakes her head again. "I'm not sure yet." She says. "The first two Imperial Wyverns are going through final fitting now, so they'll be available sometime early next month. I expect that they'll want her to join one of those teams as soon as they're flying."

"Is there anything special we need to do to accommodate for these witches?" You ask.

Merlin shakes her head. "They're attached to, not part of, the wyvern-Muninn combat team." She says. "So they're not like Wendy, where they're expected to quarter with you or anything like that."

Kyou nods. "Good." She says. "I do not wish to give the impression Wendy's position is up for debate simply because we're agreeing to help. It is not."

"I understand, and I've made that clear as well." Merlin responds. "The only thing I've been told is they may offer to detach her to your combat team if she turns out to be a good fit, but I've got concerns about extending an MIU network that far. Three people is acceptable, but the projections are less clear on four."

You and Kyou both nod, while Wendy looks thoughtful.

"Regardless, that's it for now." Merlin says. "I'll have you notified when they're on the way in, they're aboard a COD ship right now with their equipment, but last I heard they hadn't left the home islands yet."

Kyou stands up. "We'll be in our quarters then." She says. "Will you be joining us?"

Merlin shakes her head. "I'm going to head down to the hangar deck and make sure the deck officer knows what's going on and start preparing Muninn for work."

"Very well." She looks over at you. "Morgan, will you be returning to our quarters, or joining your aunt on the hangar deck?"

[] I'll stay with Merlin for now.
[] I'm going to head back with you.

That's going to be it for the night! Short run tonight, I know, but I have to be up in the morning so I don't have to be up in the morning anymore after that- we're apparently hanging blackout curtains. Haha!

Anyway gents, I'll be on a bit to handle questions or comments if there are any, and if not, till tomorrow, cheers!

>>4117375
>[] I'll stay with Merlin for now.
We haven't spent time with best aunt in a while.

>>4117375
>[] I'll stay with Merlin for now.

thanks for running Ghost

>>4117375
>[x] I'll stay with Merlin for now.

>>4117379
Thanks for the run Ghost!

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>>4117375
>[X] I'll stay with Merlin for now.
Curious to know if she's got any news on how the rest of the Bishops in service right now are faring...

>>4117379
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4117379
Dunno if this has been asked before, but is the Navy either developing or prepping to develop a next-gen airframe to replace the Wyvern?

>>4117375
>[x] I'm going to head back with you.
Deliver the news to Muninn using our quarter's AI tank so we can fully savor the reaction.

>>4117375
>[] I'll stay with Merlin for now.
A chat with Auntie Merlin sounds nice, see if she has anything interesting to say about things

>>4117375
>[x] I'll stay with Merlin for now.
We might need to mollify Munnin in person.

Also, spend some time with auntie. See if we can turn her into a blush bomb again.

>>4117394

It's reported that the next-gen superfighter is in the works... at groom lake. The cost is so astronomical that the funding required it be jointly adopted by the USN and USAF.

The USMC, being the USMC, has said they do not plan to replace the wyvern for at least another forty years, and are quite happy with the platform.

>>4117379
Question today is this: What's the call sign tradition/doctrine for Wyvern crews? For both new crews and crews transferring over from other airframes? Are there any double witch Wyverns?

>>4117410
So advanced and powerful that pilot and witch need to be "plugged" directly into each other in a sealed holographic cockpit pod?

>>4117410
>>4117415
My guess is less lewd. The bag of holding gimmick is getting cranked up to 11. F16 on the outside, B52 on the inside. Enough power to weight ratio to get into orbit.

>>4117415

Maybe the pilot will be the one getting to wear the super advanced space age suit this time?

>>4117375
>[X] I'll stay with Merlin for now.

>>4117412
There's no set tradition- it's closer to getting a nickname, really. Some transfer crews will retain callsigns they already had (Like Merlin), while others (Wendy, for example) will get different ones as part of the change of platform. For the second question, not since the Styles twins- who were the last unplugged crew of a Wyvern. After VDNI and later MIU, there's been no witch/witch crews.

>>4117415
far too lewd.

>>4117466
Has the community decided on one for Morgan yet? Surely there's been discussion.

>>4117470
Well, for a while he was the phantom prince.

They haven't settled on a new one since they have confirmation outside Merlin he exists.

>>4117471
"Well fuck, he actually exists. Alright guys and girls, back to the drawing board."

>>4117437
So Space Witches qst when ?

>>4117478
Strike Witches Galactica or Witches of Babylon 5?

>>4117410
>The cost is so astronomical that the funding required it be jointly adopted by the USN and USAF.

I feel like a lot of the systems that we've been offered to test will be standard on this new superfighter. Now the question is...delta wing or not?

>>4117473
"Harem Lord Mk. II"

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>>4117486
It was our ride at the end of 89, anon.

>>4117478
From me? Eh, IDK.

I kinda want to do something with a titan princeps. Or some sort of self-aware weapons platform from the Dark age of technology waking up in the current Imperium.

But, one thing at a time, I think! haha!

>>4117375
>>[] I'll stay with Merlin for now.
You go tell Wendy it’s you boosting her ability so she stops freaking out about it

>>4117484
Galactica only had boring robotic enemies. But a very hot woman playing Starbucks. And I cried during the scene when they made contact with the second remaining Battlestar.

alright gents. Feeling kinda shite, so I've got a cup of coffee and some asprin here, but we may be cutting off early tonight. Either way, votes called!

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[x] I'll stay with Merlin for now.

"I'll stay with Merlin for now." You say, getting a nod from Kyou.

"Very well." She says, and turns to leave with Wendy following behind. Merlin stays quiet as they leave, then smiles.

"It's good to see Wendy adjusting so well." She says, turning to you.

"You were worried?" You ask.

She shrugs. "A little." She admits. "It was never going to be easy for her to make the jump back to active duty, especially not with her connection to VF-3."

"Loyalty issues?" You ask.

Merlin nods. "Among other things." She says. "For someone like her, adjusting to a MIU net is difficult as well. The three of them covered a lot of new ground with this program."

"Glad to hear you approve of it." You say, meaning it- Merlin doesn't often express much doubt, especially in technology or things related to it- the fact that she had worries about Wendy here means that, for anyone else, there would have been a lot of second-guessing and review done before the go ahead was given.

She nods. "It's part of why I'm not so sure on letting the Japanese fold one of their witches in with the team." She says. "In theory, an MIU net can be expanded as much as you want. You need AIs to help manage it of course, the backend is far too complicated to do any other way, but in theory it doesn't matter how many people you want to put in a network."

"And in practice?" You ask, following as she leaves the room.

"In practice there's a lot of concerns." She responds. "I mean, we've already seen as many studies as they can do on long term MIU linked individuals, and other than how they become emotionally and mentally dependant on each other, we haven't seen any major flaws in the system."

"But a third person could change that?"

She nods. "And adding a fourth is adding to the risk. Projections indicate it won't matter but-"

You look down at her. "Who are you and what did you do with Samantha Wells?" You ask.

"I know." She says, nodding. She usually puts a lot of faith in projections- at least where this sort of thing is concerned- and tends to trust data as far as she can. "But I'm worried about this, it has a lot of possible health implications down the road."

[] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?
[] If the projections say it won't matter, we both know it probably won't.

>>4118658
>[x] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

Does Auntie need a hug?

>>4118658
>[] If the projections say it won't matter, we both know it probably won't.

>>4118658
>[x] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

>>4118658
>[] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

>>4118658
>[X] If the projections say it won't matter, we both know it probably won't.

>>4118658
>[x] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

>>4118658
>[] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

>>4118658
>[x] If the projections say it won't matter, we both know it probably won't.

>>4118658
>[x] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

ok, votes called!

gonna be another little bit here guys, I just looked at the time and I've got to get something to eat. I am planning for at least three updates tonight- like I said earlier, kinda just running on coffee right now though!

>>4117484
Super Dimensional Fortress Witches.

>>4118974
That actually sounds like it could be fun. Are they witches? Are they idols? Are they pilots?
Yes.

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[x] That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?

"That doesn't have anything to do with me specifically, does it?" You ask.

Merlin quickly shakes her head. "If I was worried about you specifically, I'd have never allowed you to be partnered with a valkyrie testbed." She says. "And I wouldn't have gotten my own implants updated."

You quirk an eyebrow. "You were planning to hook into the MIU network?" You ask.

"I've already been doing that." She points out. "Just separate from when anyone else is in it."

"But you'd planned to do it while we were also linked in." You say.

"I'd considered it. As a troubleshooting and technical measure." She admits. "But the systems I have for live combat aren't even tested enough to attempt field testing right now."

"I'd figured as much. How long?" You ask.

"At least another year, barring a breakthrough." She says. "If not longer. there's too many issues with that sort of thing and latency. It works well enough in an immediate area, but anything outside of single transmitter ranges it's just not feasible."

"And you can't aboard ship because of power issues?" You ask.

She shakes her head. "The kaga's got power enough to spare. I'm more concerned about complications."

"Kyou?" You ask.

She nods. "Not her specifically, but-" She pauses. "It feels like cheating." She admits, blushing a little. "For me, I mean."

"So it's not Kyou." You state.

"It's a lot of things. I probably shouldn't have been so eager to jump back in uniform." She says. "But I'm here now, and I'll make the best of it."

You shrug. "You can always hand in papers." you point out- she's a flag rank officer, one that's got enough connections- and enough good will- that she can always simply resign her comission and go back to Vought. Or, you think, retire completely- she's got more than enough in the bank, and even if she didn't, she'd be well taken care of by everyone, you're sure.

She shakes her head. "Not going to happen." She says, then smiles. "I'm starting to like it here anyway, and Kyou's not so bad."

You laugh. "You know I can't disagree."

She nods. "Exactly." She says. "Exactly what every girl wants, a man who can cook and can't ever disagree with her."

[] Would that be you or her, auntie?
[] Maman taught me right.

>>4119007
>[X] Maman taught me right.

>>4119007
>[] Maman taught me right.

>>4119007
>[] Maman taught me right.

>>4119007
>[] Would that be you or her, auntie?

[TEASE]

>>4119007
>[x] Maman taught me right.

>>4119007
>[X] Would that be you or her, auntie?

>>4119007
[] Maman taught me right.

Ok, votes called!

>>4119007
>[x] Would that be you or her, auntie?

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[x] Maman taught me right.

"Maman taught me right." You state- and catch her nodding out the corner of your eye. She stops suddenly and blushes.

"Uh- well." She says. "I can't say anything." She coughs, covering her mouth with her hand and very pointedly not looking at you as she does so.

"Uh huh." You say, looking up at Muninn as the two of you approach. The fighter's been tied down to the deck, heavyweight chains hooked to the tiedown points on the landing gear and near the tail. "So you've got to remove our ECM gear?"

She nods, looking up at the fighter. "That and refit one of the tailbooms." She says. "Even with all the ECM gear gone, I think Lovelace should just as effective. And when he's not onboard, Muninn will have about twice the computing power."

You smile. "So he's going to be insufferable."

Merlin laughs, but nods. "He does have a high opinion of himself." She says. "But Wyvern AIs tend to be like that. They take after their crews."

"You're saying I'm a troublemaker?"

"I'm saying you're trouble." Merlin responds, then blinks and flushes red. "I mean, uh- "

You laugh and shake your head. "Clearly." You say. "Anything else you're thinking of?"

She has to take a breath before shaking her head- you're pretty sure her first response to that question may have triggered a fire warning aboard ship. "There's, uh.. "She trails off for a second. "There's some avionics work I can do, tighten up things for you, that kind of thing, but I'm going to be too busy with Lovelace's install to work on anything else major for now."

You nod. "So we're losing all our defensive ECM?"

1/2

"Most of it." She says. "You're not going to be totally naked- uh-" She blushes again. "You're not going to be totally defenseless up there, but you're going to have to rely a lot more on staying out of gunsights than preventing locks. Kyou may have to lean more on her shield too, but from what I'm seeing that's not much of a concern."

You nod. "Speaking of, will this draw significantly more energy from her?"

Merlin shakes her head. "I don't think so." She says. "Honestly, the AIs don't draw much anyway on an absolute scale, less than anything else in the aircraft. Running two shouldn't be a problem at all."

You nod. "Now we just have to figure out how to fold in these Japanese witches. Flying three is going to be tricky."

She nods. Aircraft- with the exception of the wyvern- work, at the most basic unit, in pairs, and pairs of pairs. A third element is trouble, just because it means either someone doesn't have another aircraft around to watch their back and keep them out of trouble, or the element starts to become unwieldy in combat. While witches are somewhat excluded from this, even they operate in pairs.

"It may be a chance to go back to the older composite squadron tactics." She says. "Use the wyvern to tackle anything the witches can't and keep them from getting overwhelmed in a dogfight."

[] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.
[] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

And that's going to be it for the night from me, gents! I know it was a slow run tonight, we may end up running a bit friday to make up for it.

I'll be around a bit to field questions or comments, if you have any, but otherwise, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4119229
>[X] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

>>4119234
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4119229
>[X] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

>>4119229
>[] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

>>4119229
>[] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

I think it'd be the reverse frankly. Running 2 Wyvern's and 2 witches with the witches being there to deal with anything that the Wyverns can't handle.

>>4119229
Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

>>4119229
>>4119253
>[] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie

I actually think I'm gonna change my vote. If anything conventional non-valkyrie witches in that kind of formation would drag down a modern Wyvern.

>>4119229
>[x] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.
I feel like all the effort we've gone to to get the chinese from getting a read on our tactics would go to waste if we use old, outdated tactics.

>>4119229
>[] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.

>>4119229
>[×] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.

>>4119234
Question for the night: What was Morgan's life at the Bishop residence like when he was there?

>>4119229

>[X] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.

>>4119229
>[x] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.
"Especially not when these tactics seem to result in sleeping with half the squadron"

>>4119229
>[x] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

>>4119234
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4119284
A lot more hectic than it was at Mamans!

Morgan was something of an oddity in the Bishop household, but that just made him popular among his siblings. Early on, Katya and Slider were trying to get a read on him (Tabitha remained a bit standoffish overall, if friendly). Later on, as he grew up, it was far more interesting- his sisters all made demands on his time there, and Frank tried to make sure that they had time to do father-son things.

>>4119304
See, now I wanna have a one shot run of Morgan In The Bishop household cause that sounds hilarious.

>>4119316
An accidental good boi

surrounded by hordes of psychotic half-sisters

three new moms who don't know what to make of him

and a Dad who has no idea what he's doing


...you could probably make a TV series out of this

>>4119326
Honestly, NatalyaQuest with Morgan first meeting his siblings would be hilarious.

>>4119334
oh right, the traumatised adopted older siblings

that'll be an interesting encounter too

>>4119334
yes, this needs to happen

>>4119229
>[x] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.

>>4119234
Thanks for the run

>>4119229
>[x] Old tricks may be the best way to do things, yeah.
But let's have this talk again with any witches assigned to our flight element.

>>4118998
I was thinking more SDF than later stuff.
So, there's a Witch, and there's an idol, but they're separate characters.

>>4119553
Fair enough, I'm backtracking through the the series as a whole right now but I was introduced to it by Frontier. Which can apparently be somewhat sacriligious or something? Idk, some Macross people are weird sometimes.

>>4119229
>[x] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.
Didn't we run into a problem similar to this when we were trying out our backseaters? A witch pair went up against us and we trashed them because they were using Ice's tactics, which everyone knows?

>>4119229
>[] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.
Going back to "composite squadrons" with Wyverns and Valkyries isn't the worst idea, but the old tactics won't work. Wyverns outperform 99% of Witches, so the point of any composite squadron with Wyverns would be for the Witches to support the Wyvern, not the other way around.

>>4119229
>[] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.

TIME FOR GUEST APPEARANCES BY OTHER DRAKES

>>4120483
AND JOSH

Alright guys, votes called!

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[x] I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie.

You frown, thinking. While the tactics used prior to the rise of superfighters, like the Wyvern, worked for the era, and they've shaped modern tactics to a degree, they fell out of use for a reason- enough to the point that the navy never adopted the 'downgraded' versions of the wyvern as their fighter of choice for composite squadrons, keeping the F-14 in the role and only adopting the current incarnation of the wyvern.

Still, the tactics have evolved- and even composite squadrons have changed their playbook in response, with Fighters typically involved more than they were in your dad's era. Especially in cases where joint exercises have been held, and a drake was involved- Wyverns shift the balance of power dramatically in their own favor.

"I'm not sure about going back to wartime tactics, auntie." You say. "I mean, Lotus and I were able to beat those girls in Alaska pretty easily because they were playing right out of Tabitha's book."

Merlin frowns, but nods. "Yeah, that's a good point. Well, you'll have to figure it out, especially if we inherit another witch from the Japanese."

"What's the deal with that, anyway?" You ask. "They know we're not parting with Wendy, and she's not going to be replaced."

Merlin shrugs. "Politics, probably." She says- though, in this case, meaning it as a catch-all for this sort of thing, and less as a direct indication that coven politics are involved. "The imperial princess is surrounded by and working exclusively with foreigners."

"So they want to replace Wendy with another Japanese witch?" You ask.

"I'm not sure. Kyou might be able to tell you more about their line of thought." She says. "Honestly, I wouldn't have any problem with it except for my concerns about the MIU network. But it's something that I'll have to relay to them. What do you think about it?"

[] Honestly, I don't think it would work out well. Wendy is more than enough.
[] I'm not sure, but I could see advantages to a bigger element.
[] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
[] I think multiple valkyries is too much potential to turn down.

>>4120826
>[x] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
>[x] BUT I think multiple valkyries is too much potential to easily turn down without good reason.

>>4120826
>[] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
>[] I'm not sure, but I could see advantages to a bigger element, but 3 is already plenty for the MIU, I wouldn't want more linked in that way.

>>4120826
I'll back >>4120838

We're gonna tangentially be involved in Japanese politics after the war and likely their Wyvern/Valkyrie program once Kyou's apprenticeship to Merlin really kicks off. I'd suspect this is kind of the equivalent of their matrons offering witches to the Imperial household which is kind of a HONORABU duty thing for them. Still, politics are to be expected and Kyou's got a better grasp of her local coven than we do.

>>4120826

>[x] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
>[x] I'm not sure, but I could see advantages to a bigger element.
I'm not sold on wiring extra girls into the MIU right now, but non-linked Valks flying alongside us shouldn't be a problem.

An element of two Wyvern + Valk Pairs, each on their own internal network, would be pretty baller.

And yeah, Politics is a concern with this that we're not equipped to handle without our Wolfu.

>>4120826
>>[x] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
>>[x] BUT I think multiple valkyries is too much potential to easily turn down without good reason.

>>4120826
>[x] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
>[x] I'm not sure, but I could see advantages to a bigger element, but 3 is already plenty for the MIU, I wouldn't want more linked in that way.

>>4120826
> [X] Honestly, I don't think it would work out well. Wendy is more than enough.

I'm not into the ideaof jamming more witch brains into ours

>>4120826
>[x] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.
>[x] BUT I think multiple valkyries is too much potential to easily turn down without good reason.

Ok, sorry about the delay, votes called!

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>>4120946
Nyan Nyan~!

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>>4121101
Nyan Nyan!

>>4121109
Nihao Nyan!

>>4121111

Gorgeous

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[x] I'm not sure, but I could see advantages to a bigger element.
[x] If it's politics, I think I'd rather follow Kyou's lead on it.

"If it's politics, I think I'll follow Kyou's lead on it, but I could see advantages to a bigger element." You say.

Merlin nods. "I mean, I'm sure it's not entirely politics, but that plays a part. All of the Japanese witches they've put forward for valkyrie are related to powerful, old families." She pauses. "I'm sure that's just a coincidence."

You frown. "I'm sure." You respond, sarcastically.

"Then again, it might be." She points out. "All of them have excellent service records. Top one percent."

"And it just so happens that all of these top one percent witches are daughters of powerful, old families?" You ask.

"It may be that that's what decided matters for them." Merlin notes. "A witch from a lower class family might not put so much weight on being close to the imperial family. VDNI is still scary for a lot of people, most of them don't have so much trust in technology, they don't feel comfortable with it."

You nod, having heard some variation of this complaint more than a few times down over the years. Of course, the opposite has been said more than once- Maman has remarked more than once what she needs is someone to keep her 'honest'. What maman means by honest is, of course, entirely variable- sometimes she means Merlin needs someone to make sure that while she's got her mind fixated on some supertech thing or other, someone's making sure she's eating reasonably well and taking care of herself. Sometimes it means other things- like acting as a voice of common sense and reason for her.

Of course, Maman also holds that 'if it's fun, do it', so sometimes you have to take her advice with a grain of salt.

You stand there for a minute while the crew filters in- mixed IJN and USN, though the chief is still in charge, for the most part, the IJN crew far outranks their counterparts- they're mostly senior enlisted or the imperial equivalent to warrant officers, learning the Wyvern through direct experience. "Do you want to stay here and help, or do you want to head on back to quarters?" Merlin asks. "I'll have a runner come get you when the Japanese witches arrive."

[] Yeah, I'll stay out of the way
[] No, what can I do here to help?

>>4121116
>[X] No, what can I do here to help?

>>4121116
>[x] Yeah, I'll stay out of the way

>>4121116
>[] No, what can I do here to help?

>>4121116
[] No, what can I do here to help?

>>4121116
>[X] No, what can I do here to help?

>>4121116
>[x] No, what can I do here to help?


>Merlin needs someone to keep her honest
Oh myyyyyyyyyy~

>>4121116
>[x] No, what can I do here to help?

ok, votes called!

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[x] No, what can I do here to help?

"No, what can I do here to help?" You ask.

Merlin frowns briefly. "Well, I guess help the crews get the access panels open, then we'll start detaching the external booms and pods, and you can help with that."

You nod. "They're all in the same places?" You ask.

"Yes." Merlin says. "Do you want to go get some gloves or something? We won't be doing any heavy work yet, but you might want them."

You nod, and she heads off, getting a pair of thin leather gloves from the chief, who grins. "Decided to come on down and work with the rest of us, sir?" She asks.

"Just tell me what you need me to do." You say, and she laughs.

"You alright." She says. "Get the access hatches on the underside in front of the bay opened up, and then see if the crew wants help on top. We're gonna check them jets while we've got you on the ground."

You nod, worming your way under the Wyvern- designed with landing gear that allows for greater ground clearance on land, on carriers there's just enough clearance between the bottom of the fighter and the deck to get an ordinance trolley in. The hatches down here allow access to part of the fighter's electrical system- you won't be doing anything with it, since the entire system is still energized- but with the hatches open the aviation electricians can get in to do their thing.

It doesn't take too long to get the access panels opened up- while the crew won't be removing anything yet, on the possibility you're needed over Korea, they'll also be taking this time to do preventative maintenance and the majority of the airframe work required for the doubled up computer core installation.

"So, lemme ask ya, is Muninn as much of a pain in the ass with you as he is for us?" the chief asks as you crawl out from under the fighter. "I mean, we don't get the full scene, though mizz Wells keeps saying she's gonna bring one of those portable AI tanks out to let him get out here."

[] He takes after his mother.
[] He's not too bad.

>>4121262
>[X] He's not too bad.

>>4121262
>[x] He's not too bad.

>>4121262
>[x] He takes after his mother.
I can't resist the shitpost

>>4121262
>[x] He takes after his mother.

>>4121262
>[x] He takes after his mother.

>>4121262
>[X] He takes after his mother.

Alright, votes called!

Looking at how late it is, this'll be our last update this evening, but we're going to run an additional day Friday, I think, to help make up for the slow speed and bad start times this week.

>>4121262
>[] He takes after his mother.

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[x] He takes after his mother.

You smile lightly. "He takes after his mother." You respond- of course Muninn and Kyou aren't much alike at all, though you know the AI tends to draw it's personality more from the 'real' part of your psyche- what you think and say internally, instead of how you act.

The chief laughs. "Yeah, she looks like the type." She says, then shakes her head. "She also look crazy. Don't tell her I said that."

You echo her short laugh. "I won't." You promise.

"This is a hell of a work order." She remarks, motioning for you to step out of the way so one of her crew can get into the area you're at. " I mean, they said I'd be doin this kind of thing, working with mama wells over there, but damn."

"Keeps it interesting." You remark.

She laughs. "Now how did I know you were gonna say that?" She responds, but nods. "I figured as much though. They told me when I got the assignment it was gonna be like this."

You nod, staying out of the way for a minute, before she nods. "I think we'll go ahead and get the inspection done on the jets." She says, pointing at the top of Muninn, where a few of the crew are walking along the fighter's back. "If you want, you can go up and give them a hand with the panels up there. Don't walk outside the marked area though."

You head up on to Muninn's back, following the lead of the three ground crew men already up here- one USN, two IJN both intently watching the junior enlisted man unlock the panels on the top of the aircraft to get into the armored engine bays. You end up lending a hand only in removing the panels- they can't be set on the skin of the fighter, and have to be lifted off using the overhead crane to set on pallets on the deck. The process is kind of tedious, taking almost an hour to pull the six access panels.

By the time you're done, you're called down by Merlin. You pull off your gloves, stuffing them in a back pocket. "Ops just called, our girls are on final." She says. "You want to go get Kyou and Wendy?"

[] I think I'd rather meet them first, before they get a chance to meet Kyou
[] Yeah, lets go do that first.

And that's it for the night! haha. Morning, more like.

Normally I'd say I'll be around to field questions or comments, but given as late as it is, that's probably not going to happen! So till, Friday gents, cheers!

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>>4121453
>[X] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121457
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4121453
>[x] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121457
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4121453
>[x] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121453
>[X] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121453
You know I bet muninn overheard that conversation and is going to tattle to mommy at some point

>>4121453
>[] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121538
he does that and we're tearing up his previously shiny upholstery and getting the sear and straps done in flat black.

>>4121613
precious*

>>4121453
>[x] Yeah, lets go do that first.
I'm almost curious to see what would happen if we went and got the witch before Kyou showed up but I also feel like that could be a really bad idea. So I won't.

>>4121453 #
>[X] Yeah, lets go do that first.

There's Politics in these waters. Kyou being an Imperial Princess, we ought to make sure she has enough time to put on her State Face if she so chooses.

>>4121453
>[X] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121453
>[x] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121453
>[] Yeah, lets go do that first.

>>4121457
Weird specific question: Did The Hunt for Red October get made in SWQ?

>>4124424
I have a question to add to that. Did the other accurate submarine movie, Down Periscope get made?

Ok gents, gonna be kind of short today, but votes called!

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[x] Yeah, lets go do that first.

You nod- it sounds like this whole deal may involve internal Japanese politics, and you'd rather not get too involved- or, at least, be seen getting too involved- in them. Even though part of you feels like you should be acting as a bit of a filter for Kyou, in this case it's also pointless, you realize- you have neither the ability nor the authority to send either witch away.

You find Kyou and Wendy in the royal cabins- both are drinking tea and seem to be chatting away like old friends. Kyou looks up as you walk in, and nods. "Are things well with Muninn?" She asks.

You nod. "Our candidates are on final." You say. Kyou looks at Wendy, then stands- the older witch starts to, but stops herself.

"Shall I remain here, then, mum?" Wendy asks, and Kyou nods.

"Yes." She says. "That would be preferable, for now."

Wendy nods, and she only starts to stand as the three of you leave the quarters. "I wanted her to remain in our quarters to reinforce her position." Kyou says as you walk down the corridors. "Her remaining in them, without either us or the imperial guard will drive home her position as a trusted member of my direct household, and will in turn perhaps help forestall any attempts by overeager nobles daughters to replace her."

"You expect that?" You ask.

Kyou laughs. "No, but it pays to be prepared." She says. "I've been informed that my choice of companions is, of course, very unpopular with certain factions of the diet. Akemi's former friends, for example. While grandfather's response to their statements will keep them quiet, at least for now, it's no great leap of logic to assume that some nobles may believe that I would be looking for at least some Japanese influence."

You nod- it makes sense, for what you know of the empire's internal politics. While ultranationalists aren't common, they can gather at least enough votes for a few seats on the diet- and while Akemi's semi-exile may damage their reputation, they do- or did- have enough voice, they thought, to express such thoughts. An old noble house providing a direct retainer into Kyou's household- odd to think of it that way, you realize, but you can see the logic- might do just such a thing, reducing avenues of political attack on her.

Of course, you're not sure- and not sure you want to ask. You realize you'll have to, at some point, but right now you're willing to follow Kyou's lead without having to.

1/2

The IJN COD aircraft is just touching the wire as you reach the observation platform. Used mostly for the ship's air lookouts, it's constantly manned during wartime conditions- in this case, by a pair of junior enlisted. They salute as they notice you, but standing orders preclude them from doing anything else- they do form part of the ship's early warning network, afterall. Archaic and kind of silly it may be- even the men's high power binoculars don't give them more than a few more miles of vision, and they're not going to spot anything that isn't spotted long before on radar or other sensors by the Kaga's AI.

It's also a popular place for pilots to watch each other's landings and critique them- it's up off the flight deck and out of the way enough that no one's going to mind if you're here- other than the watchmen, there's no other reason to come up here.

The COD pilot makes a tolerable two wire, his big, ungainly turboprop aircraft yanking to a stop quickly. The deck crew hooks a tug to the plane and pulls it out of the way quickly, parking it aft of the island, as the pilot starts folding his aircraft's wings up above the fuselage as he's towed.

"Is there anything else onboard?" Kyou asks Merlin, who nods.

"Mostly ammunition for you." Merlin says. "We hadn't gotten critically low, but we were eating into stocks pretty badly. We'll have another before the end of the week, unless we have to step up combat sorties, in which case we'll have one sooner."

"What of ammunition independent systems, such as the EML?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods. "We're having two flown out." She confirms. "Our projections of ammunition use were close, your VLS does mean you're using more than other wyverns even, but the difference isn't so bad that we were caught out."

Kyou looks over at you. "Is it something we'll need to be aware of?" She asks.

Merlin frowns. "Possibly." She says. "I've had requests from three other teams to install similar VLS systems on their aircraft. If it catches on fleet-wide, we'll have a logistics problem, that's a lot of ammunition to be moving around."

Kyou nods again, then glances at the deck where people- including two witches, obvious by their clothing, are exiting the aircraft. "Shall we go down to meet them?" She asks. "It may be preferable to have them come to us."

[] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.
[] Let them come up to us- drive home that they'll be answering to our calls.

>>4124851
>[X] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.

>>4124851
[] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.

>>4124851
>[X] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.

>>4124851
>[x] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.

>>4124851
>[X] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Let's go down to meet them- we don't know how long we'll be working with either of them, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least be professional.

"We'll go down to meet them." You say, getting a nod from Kyou.

The two witches have cleared the flight deck by the time the three of you get to the flight level of the ship's island. Both of them salute, then bow when they see Kyou.

They look less sure of you as they straighten up- you're used to the appraising glances, of course, but both seem reluctant to openly stare. That's probably got to do with Kyou, of course- you imagine it's rude to fantasize about an imperial princess' partner. Or rude to get caught doing it, at any rate.

Both salute at about the same time, and the one on the left- a taller witch, with dyed purple hair cut about shoulder length, introduces herself first. "Sho-sa Tosa Yuki." She says. "12th wing." She's got what maman would call 'crazy' rolling off her in waves- nothing overt, but you can detect it anyway. You're not so sure she's going to be well suited for this sort of thing- but it's far, far too early to make that kind of assessment, you think. Still, there's something in her eye and the way she holds herself that makes you think of her as dangerous.

Kyou cocks an eyebrow. "Air force?"

The witch nods. "Yes, highness." She says, pulling your attention back to her right now- if she is a threat, you imagine the guard would have stepped in before now. And, you think, if they failed, you're not too worried anyway. "I was detached for service with the navy for this assessment."

Kyou nods. "Very well." She turns to look at the other witch.

1/2

The witch bows again. Dai-i Kurita Hoshiko." She says. "Shinaino air wing." She's a bit harder to get a read on- she looks pleased to be here, excited even, but it's hard to read her for sure. She holds herself differently from the other witch- and, you note, she wears glasses, unusual for most witches. Come to think of it, Merlin's one of the few you know that does- most of the rest preferring to use magic instead to repair and maintain their eyesight.

Kyou nods.

"Welcome aboard the Kaga." Kyou says. "I see you are both combat veterans. From one veteran to another, I will keep this simple and brief. This is Lieutenant Morgan Laroux-Bishop of the United States Navy, my pilot. This is rear Admiral Samantha Wells, also of the United States Navy. While you are aboard this ship for assessment, you will obey their orders as you would my own. Is that understood?"

To their credit, neither of the witches misses a beat- both nod, and neither seem particularly disturbed by the demand- in fact, you think, both probably expected it.

Kyou nods. "Excellent." She says, looking at you. "In the air, Lieutenant Laroux-Bishop is the element lead. Thus far, our record should prove that his judgment is not to be questioned. I trust this was explained to you?"

Both witches nod.

"Very good." Kyou says, then smiles. "We look forward to flying with you. Until such time, see to your equipment and we will arrange allowing you to examine valkyrie."

Both witches nod, saluting again as they're dismissed. Kyou watches them both leave, waiting till they're both gone before commenting. "Interesting." She says. "I hadn't expected them both to be of noble families." She glances over at you with a smile. "Fortunately, I think both were distracted by you. How lucky I am that my pilot is who he is."

It's hard not to be a little flattered by that- you're just glad you don't show embarrassment nearly as easily as Merlin.

And that's it for me!

Sorry about the speed this week, it's kinda been one thing after another over here. I don't think it will be this bad next week, but I probably just jinxed it.

We'll be taking a break after next week- probably just a week off for me to get some stuff sorted out over here, get my notes updated and reorganized. I use a paper notebook- I'm kinda old school like that- and it can get a bit out of hand sometimes, haha!

Anyway, gents. I'll be around on and off over the weekend to field comments or questions, but otherwise, till then, cheers gents!

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>>4125143
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4125143
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4125143
Thanks for the run, boss!

>>4125143
Thanks for the run, Ghost~

>>4125143
thanks for running

>>4125138
>Dai-i
Captain or lt. ? I forgot the Japanese rank system.

>>4125301
Lieutenant.

>>4125143
We gonna have another side run at any point? I vote NatalyaQuest if we do!

>>4125506
not sure!

It seems like a lot of people have been calling for tinyMorgan's first meeting with the Bishop side of his family, so we might see that in the future, perhaps after the break!

>>4126237
Oooh yes, please!

>>4126237
Yay!

Hey guys, fast update. I think I'm gonna call that break a week early, haha. Last night really jacked up my sleep patterns, and while I can function on coffee and rum, I can't write while running on it. Sorry about this, but I figure you gents would rather I don't try to put something together with my thinkymajig barely firing, haha!

Since this would be two days out of three for the run I'd have to postpone, I think we'll just take the week off and pick up next week, so this is our break!

So till next week gents, cheers!

>>4131149
Cheers, Ghost.

>>4131149
no worries ghost

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Alright gents! Saw we hadn't fallen off the board yet, and there's still some room in thread for us to run this week, so instead of a new thread I think we can just continue this one, haha! No sense in not being space efficient.

How's everyone's quarantine going? gonna be a long couple months around here, haha! at least I've got some models to work on, so there's that. No alcohol to strip paint though, sadly. All bought out.

And I want to apologize for the wonky ass timing here. I'm not sure if something's wrong or I've just got my sleep pattern all jacked up, but seems like I'm tired after just a couple hours awake anymore. Tonight won't be a super long run, but my school went online only anyway, so it's not that big a deal.

Anyway gents, sorry about last week and the late start this week. Thanks for being patient!

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

Train rides, you've decided, are pretty fun.

You'd boarded with maman and auntie Henrika back in New Orleans, bound for Seattle. You're going to meet your papa for the first time- something Maman seems... almost nervous about. You've never seen her nervous, so it's a little unsettling- at first, you stay quiet and close to her, just watching the country glide by.

The train is interesting though- even if auntie Henrika doesn't seem to appreciate it. You sat in her lap a little while- you'd needed the boost to see out of the window properly- and she seemed less unhappy about the whole thing. It's not until lunchtime you have to get up, and by then you've almost lost interest, the world gliding by outside the window not much different than the one you know already.

Once you're up, holding auntie Henrika's hand, she shakes her head. "Nyx, you're too tense." She says- sometimes people call maman that, and you're not sure why. It's really only your aunties that do it causally like that though- the only other people you've heard call her that are the people she says work for the government. She never tells you more than that, though.

Maman doesn't look back. "I be worried, oui." She admits. "I be havin some history dere, an I don't be thinkin de baron's girls be too happy ta be finding out about him now."

1/2

"They'd be idiots to not at least have suspected." Auntie Henrika says, sweeping you up to carry you as she picks up her pace a little. You like it when she does that- you can touch the ceiling easily from on top of her shoulders.

"Don't mean nothin." Maman responds to her. "An I do no be plannin ta let dem make him feel out o place or unwanted."

"You know well that's not going to happen." Auntie Henrika says. "Is that why you invited me? To be a legbreaker?"

You hear maman's laugh in response, and she shakes her head. "Ya know I do no be needin dat, non." she says. "I just ask ya along cos I be knowin ya be headed dis way, an some company be nice."

"Maybe I'll just take Morgan with me to Coronado." She looks up at you, her face inverted. "What do you think, Morgan? You want to go to California with your auntie instead?"

[] Nod
[] Shake your head.

>>4143463
>[x] Shake your head.

>>4143460
>How's everyone's quarantine going?
It's not "real" Quarantine unless it's in the Quarantine region of Italy. Otherwise, it's just sparkling isolation.

>>4143463
oh, right

>[x] Shake your head.

>>4143463
>[X] Shake your head.

>>4143463
>[] Shake your head.

>>4143463
>[x] Shake your head
Young Morgan being glued to mom? Sounds like a plan to me.

>>4143463
>[x] Shake your head.

>>4143463
>[] Shake your head.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Shake your head.

You shake your head, and auntie Henrika smiles. "Want to stay with maman, then?"

You nod and she laughs, patting your leg. "You're ready to meet your da, aren't you?"

You nod again.

"And all dem sistas he got." Maman comments. "Dey sayin dey have eight in de house now."

"That's not so bad." Henrika says. "I mean, what, there's four of them? and three of the kids are adopted."

Maman nods, looking back up at you for a second. "It don't sound too bad, dem adoptees probably all be eager to meet dem little brudda, an de white witch's daughters be about his age. Ya be eager ta meet dem sisters, Boy o mine?"

[] Nod
[] Shake your head.

>>4143631
>[] Nod

>>4143631
>[x] Nod

>>4143631
>[x] Nod

>>4143631
>[X] Nod

>>4143631
>[] Nod

ok, votes called!

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[x] Nod

You nod again. Maman smiles, then turns back to the hallway. "Bon." She says, pausing at a door and nodding. "Heah." She says, opening it up.

Auntie Henrika puts you down, and you walk in the small room- it's little more than a couple of bunks and a table. "You really went all out, huh Nyx?" She asks. "a sleeper?"

Maman nods. "Foah bunks, so we do no have ta be doublin up, non." She says, picking you up easily and depositing you in the top bunk.

"So how long are you going to let him stay there?" Henrika asks, dropping one of her bags on the bunk on the other side of the small compartment. "You're not supposed to be at Lewis that long, are you? Just a couple weeks to assist with the SERE element going through?"

Maman nods. "An de PJ class, oui." She says. "But I be visitin some wid Nicole, an I have some work at Miramar mysel. He be stayin wid his papa about six week."

"Six weeks?" your aunt asks your mother, who nods. "That's a long time."

"He be alright, oui morgan?"

[] Oui, Maman.
[] Shake your head.

>>4143717
>[X] Oui, Maman.

>>4143717
>[X] Oui, Maman.

>>4143717
>[x] Oui, Maman.

>>4143717
>[x] Oui, Maman.

>>4143717
>[] Oui, Maman.

>>4143717
>[] Oui, Maman

waifu our adopted sisters

>>4143717
>[x] Oui, Maman

ok, votes called!

>>4143717
>[X] Oui, Maman.
Even as a kid, Morgan is a man of few words, huh?

>>4143817
But the real question is how cute are we right now?

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>>4143825
This is my mental image of smol Morgan.

>>4143841
Delicious brown shota

>>4143841
>>4143872
If we're aware of how cute we were, and how to use it, we'd be unstoppable.

All we have to do is shyly hide behind our Maman at just the right time to win everyone's hearts.

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[x] Oui, Maman.

"Oui, maman." You say, and she smiles.

"Dat's a good boy." She says. "I knew ya be doin fine." She turns around in the small space and gets in her bag, digging out your game boy, your woobie, and your stuffed...

[] Snoopy
[] Hobbes

>>4143934
>[X] Hobbes

Gonna call it for the night there, gents. Like I said, I'm pretty tired- I don't even think I'll be hanging out tonight to field questions, though I may try to before the run tomorrow.

So till tomorrow gents, cheers!

>>4143934
>[] Snoopy
We must protect the woobie from theft. If I remember anything from '89 it's that the witches crave them.

>>4143934
>[] Hobbes

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>>4143934
>[X] Hobbes

>>4143936
Thanks for the run boss.

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>>4143934

>[] Hobbes

Too bad Blahaj isn't out yet.

>>4143934
>[X] Hobbes

>>4143934
>[x] Hobbes

>>4143936
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4143934
>[x] Snoopy

>>4143934

>[x] Snoopy

>>4143934
>[] Hobbes

>>4143841
>Jonah, Morgan, and Will from 2030 all walk into a bar
>nobody says anything, but they all understand each other perfectly

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>>4143934
>[X] Hobbes
I'm imagining that adult Morgan has a framed print of the final strip in his room.

>>4143934
>[X] Hobbes

>>4143934
>[x] Hobbes
I miss Calvin and Hobbes

>>4144296
As do I. I more or less stopped reading comics after it ended.

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>>4143947
We can hope that our sisters have one.

Ok gents, votes called!

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[x] Hobbes

Hobbes, handing the game boy and woobie up to you first and letting you get yourself settled on top of the bunk before handing Hobbes up to you. You put him in the corner next to your pillow before getting yourself comfortable, turning on the game boy and dialing the volume way down so it doesn't bother maman or auntie Henrika. Maman got you a new game for the trip- she occasionally will let you pick out a couple new games, either for this or for your nintendo back home. In this case, she let you pick two- so you got one with a helicopter that looked fun and another with a jet called turn and burn. You've always liked jets- you've told maman you want to be a pilot when you grow up.

She always nods very seriously when you say that, and you think she agrees that that's what you should do, but you don't think about it too much.

"So are you worried about this causing problems with school?" you hear auntie Henrika ask maman. They're seated almost directly below you, and in the tiny room you can't really look down over the corner of the bed without getting seen, so you just listen, only half paying attention to your game.

"Non." Maman responds. "De deal is he be goin to stay wid his papa durin de summer, or wheneva I have ta go downrange. Dis be a test run."

"Have you given any thought to having one of his sisters come down to New Orleans to watch him? Or even one of the three witches?"

"Some." Maman admits. "De adoptees be almost old enough, oui, an I be sure dat Katya be more den happy to mind de house foah me if I be needin it, oui. But it be just as easy to ax you or Kim or Mel."

"One of these days he's gonna be out on his own, you know."

"Not foah a long time yet, non." Maman says. "An till den no reason he shouldn't have de best people watchin him, oui?"

You try to keep listening, but you're super comfortable and warm- you shut off your game boy so you don't fall asleep with it on and drain the battery, and lay there with your eyes closed.

There's a pause in the conversation below you- you can almost hear auntie Henrika's smile. "Wasn't your greek namesake protective of her sons?"

"Don be startin dat." Maman responds. "Why don't you go get us some lunch, oui. I be sure we all hungry. Morgan, you want auntie Henrika to bring you back someting from de lunch car, or do you wan to go eat dere? Make no difference, non."

[] I'm sleepy. Can I just take a nap?
[] Let's go eat in the other car. I want to see more of the train.

>>4144919
>[X] Let's go eat in the other car. I want to see more of the train.

>>4144919
>[x] Let's go eat in the other car. I want to see more of the train.

>>4144919
>[] I'm sleepy. Can I just take a nap?

>>4144919
>[] Let's go eat in the other car. I want to see more of the train.

>>4144919
>[] Let's go eat in the other car. I want to see more of the train.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] Let's go eat in the other car. I want to see more of the train.

You pop back to full wakefulness with ease, scooching yourself to the edge of the bunk and peering over the side. "Let's go eat in the other car." You say. "I want to see more of the train."

"Two sentences at once?" Maman asks, smiling as she raises her arms to get you off the bunk. You nod, letting her pull you down. You leave Hobbes up there to guard your gameboy- you're sure it'll be fine.

Maman smiles. "Must be excited, oui." She says. "Lead de way, Henrika."

The tall witch nods, and you walk through three or four cars before arriving at one with lots of tables- and a lot of people at them, not all of them looking like they were traveling together. Auntie Henrika gets you a table of your own though- just the three of you- after a few quiet words with one of the train people. You're able to look out the window here too- and it's starting to look different than you're used to, the bayou having given way to farmland. You know about where you are, still- this looks like Layfayette, you think, but you're not sure.

Lunch is alright, by your standard- you get macaroni and cheese, while maman and auntie Henrika get salads. You're not sure why- you're not a big fan of salads, really. They don't talk much at lunch, and you're happy just to watch the scenery now- it's more interesting than it was near home. You finish your food after Maman and auntie Henrika, and then they just stand up and start to leave- you follow them out. Once you're back in your room, Maman helps you back up to your bunk, where you find Hobbes and your game boy just where you left them.

1/2

You don't turn the game boy back on though, instead deciding to pick up where you left off with your nap. By the time you wake up, the sun is setting- not that that matters much to you, you'll be able to go back to sleep without a problem. Maman's still up, but auntie Henrika isn't anywhere in the room.

"She goan step out for a minute to use de bathroom." Maman says when she sees you look over the edge of the bunk. "You want down?"

You shake your head, and she smiles. "Bein cozy up dere, oui?"

You nod.

The landscape outside looks different- drier, somehow. Maman looks back out of the window for a minute as a small town rolls past. "We be outside of Houston." She says. "In Texas. Your papa, sometimes he work in Dallas, north of here, oui."

You don't say anything. You've been to Texas only once or twice, whenever maman had to go there to see someone important. Sometimes you'd get to meet them too, sometimes not. You got to meet the president once that way- but he wasn't president anymore when you met him, maman said. His wife was nice, though- she gave you candy.

Auntie Henrika comes back in the room after a few minutes, dressed in what she calls her sleeping clothes. You're not sure how they can be comfortable- the shorts she wears are too short and tight, and the shirt doesn't even cover her tummy. "Shower's free, B." She says to maman, who nods.

"Ya keep an eye on Morgan?" She asks, and auntie Henrika nods.

"Bon. Be out soon." She says, and heads out of the room, around the corner to the little bathroom there.

Henrika sits down at her spot by the window, looking out of it. "Been a long time since I went somewhere by train." She says, then smiles. "I was probably as old as you are last time I was on a train."

[] Really?
[] That must have been a long time ago!

>>4145191
>[X] Really?

>>4145191
>[x] Really?

>>4145191
>[] Really?

>>4145191
>[X] Really?

Ok, votes called! This'll probably be our last update for the night, gents- I think either we'll run an extra day this week or run next week as tiny Morgan as well. Not sure yet!

>>4145266
Chibi Morgan is cute. Cute!

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[x] Really?

"Really?" you ask, interested. You know a lot about most of your aunts- and Auntie Henrika is no exception. She's been around as much as maman, almost- along with Auntie Kim and Auntie Melody, who are all practically your other mamans.

She nods. "It was about thirty years ago." She says, smiling. "Before I knew your maman."

"Oh." You say. "What were you doing?"

"Going to say goodbye to my papa." She says, the smile fading. "My mama and I took the train, she was scared of flying."

"Oh." You say again, frowning. Your auntie looks kind of sad for a minute or three- but then it fades.

"But that was a long time ago." She says. "and this is a much happier trip. I wonder if all the other people your papa flew with will be there? I'm sure they'll be eager to meet you, too."

"Like Merlim?" You ask, mispronouncing the name you've heard a few times before.

Auntie Henrika nods. "Like her, yes, or Wendy. The three of them saved the world you know."

You nod- Maman's told you the story, but you never get tired of hearing how your papa saved the world from the bad guys in the last war.

"Did your maman ever tell you about the time he worked with us?" Auntie Henrika asks.

You shake your head- you never knew about that.

She smiles. "Would you like to hear about it? Or do you have something else you'd rather hear about?"

[] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.
[] Shake your head- ask her to tell one of her stories about the gods again. You like those.
[] Shake your head- you're pretty sleepy. Maybe she could just tuck you in?

Ok, that's it for me for the night! Same kinda deal as yesterday gents- I'm pretty well beat, so I'm going to sack out pretty quickly here- gonna go catch a fast shower and get a drink of water, and that's it for me, haha! So I won't be fielding any questions or comments this evening, but I'll get to them tomorrow before the thread if there are any!

So till tomorrow, gents, cheers!

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>>4145377
>[X] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145380
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4145377
>[x] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

"So, you rmommy and daddy went to steal a plane from the russians, AND THEN THEY FUCKED.

Incidentally, that's also how you were born."

>>4145377
>[] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145380
thanks for running Ghost

>>4145377
>[] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145377
>[X] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145377
>[x] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145380
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4145377
>[x] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.
I’ll be curious to see how she tells this story.

>>4145377
>[X] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145377
>[X] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

>>4145377
>[] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

I should be able to follow this quest more realtime soon as covid is fucking up jobs at the workshop

Ok gents, votes called!

I'm also thinking of running another week of tinymorgan- we're just not gonna get to where I'd like to have. My fault, honestly, but there it is. Let me know what you guys think- do you want to get back to the main storyline or see more of the adventures of Morgan and Hobbes?

>>4146301

more chibi morgan sounds fine by me, adds to the character

>>4146301
Chibi Morgan is great; though I think that the way it's running at the moment feels really kinda slow.

Like, the last couple of updates were fine, but everything before >>4144919 was kind of painfully slow with not really much happening per update.

I think if we continue with Chibi Morgan maybe try and keep updates to the size of the last few, or if they're small ones like the early ones increase the votes counted/update speed.

Waiting an hour for a two lines update like >>4143934
doesn't feel like a good pace.

>>4146301
Smol Morgan seems good

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[x] Nod- you'd like to hear about that.

You nod- you'd like to hear about that. You know, since it involves maman, that there's a lot about it they can't tell you, but that doesn't really bother you anymore. Maman always just tells you that she'll tell you when you're older- but she says it in a way that you usually hear her use when she doesn't want to talk about something.

Auntie Henrika smiles. "Why don't you get yourself ready for bed, and I'll tell you about it, ok?"

You nod, retreating back from the edge of the bunk so you can crawl under your poncho liner again.

"In the sheets, Morgan." She says with a smile. "You don't have to make the bed."

You pause, but crawl under the sheets, taking off your socks as you do so.

"This was years ago," Auntie Henrika starts. "Your maman had been working in Europe, in the big witch castle off the coast, Barin island. She'd been sent there to make sure that Merlin didn't end up getting sent back to Russia in a bag."

"In a bag?" You ask.

"Kidnapped." your auntie says. "She's always been a target, and she's only ever made it worse. She's a genius, and back then she was coming up with a lot of new things that were impacting the war. Someone had to take care of her."

"Oh." You say, then frown. "And Maman did that?"

"Your maman helped." Your auntie says. "But then we learned about some new jets the Russians were building, waaaay up high on a mountain. We wanted to bring one back, so we could learn about it and what it could do, but none of us could fly a jet."

You nod, even though she can't see it. Your maman says that she hates flying, and avoids it when she can- which is why you're on a train right now, instead of a jet. That's ok, you think- your maman knows a lot of things, and if she doesn't like flying there must be a reason. You kind of wish you could, though.

"So your maman used a favor she had with Frank Bishop." She says. "And asked him to come fly the jet for us. So we took him and his teammate with us to Alaska."

[] Alaska? Maman hates cold.
[] Why did he owe her a favor?

>>4146523
>[X] Why did he owe her a favor?

>>4146523
>[x] Why did he owe her a favor?

>>4146523
>[x] Why did he owe her a favor?