"Anyway, that's from the private stock." Cass says, taking a seat as Wendy does too- you notice a brief flash of something cross your sister's face as Wendy sits next to you, jealousy or smug satisfaction, you're not sure which. Could be both, honestly. "They said there's more where that came from, but it's traditional, I guess?"

"In what manner?" Wendy asks.

Cass shakes her head. "Well, Hohiro said that it's only supposed to be opened before a big battle, and even then just for a single shot."

Wendy frowns. "That seems decidedly western." She says, and Cass shrugs.

"A lot of traditions, I'm finding out, are." Your sister responds. "They've kept some things, but the fascination with the US has really changed them. It's almost a shame, really, I guess they were way different pre martian war."

"I see." Wendy says, looking over at you for a second. "I'm surprised they were able to get it aboard so readily."

"I'm not." Cass says. "Not like it's very big, and both of them operate pretty extensive personal contact networks. Hohiro probably just asked someone headed out to put it with the mail bound for the ship. It came in with a stack of letters."

"Letters?" Wendy asks, smiling. "That seems rather old fashioned."

Cass laughs. "And Skype calls and Email." She says. "He'd be here himself if I hadn't threatened to drag him back to the palace myself if he showed up."

"You sure that's going to keep him away?" You ask, grinning. "Seemed to me that's exactly where he wanted to get you."

"Ha-ha," Cass replies, sticking her tongue out at you. "Let's not get started about that, unless you want me to start relaying messages from your future mother in law as well."

You blink at the threat.

[] Ok, you win. So what brings you up this way?
[] Please. It's not like we don't all know exactly what she wants from us anyway.

>>4346668
>[X] Ok, you win. So what brings you up this way?

>>4346668
>[] Please. It's not like we don't all know exactly what she wants from us anyway.

>>4346668
>Please. It's not like we don't all know exactly what she wants from us anyway.

>>4346668
>[x] Please. It's not like we don't all know exactly what she wants from us anyway.

Ok, votes called!

>>4346668
>[x] Ok, you win. So what brings you up this way?

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[x] Please. It's not like we don't all know exactly what she wants from us anyway.

"Please." You say after a short second. "It's not like we don't all know exactly what she wants from us anyway."

Cass smiles. "She hasn't mentioned it to me at all."

"I'm sure she's brought it up to Hohiro more than once." You say. "Why do you think he's so eager to get you back to the palace?"

"Joke's on you, bro." Cass says, smugly. "He's already said it's because he misses me and doesn't want me to get hurt out here."

"Forgive my saying it, but that doesn't necessarily mean those are his only reasons." Wendy points out. "It sounds as if he may simply be filtering her demands for grandchildren from you."

Cass blinks- then frowns. "I hadn't thought of that." She admits. "He made it sound like she was really just concerned about you and Kyou."

"I got the impression she was more interested in having grandchildren than their potential source." You say, then shrug. "Could be wrong though."

"Well, if she's looking at me, she can forget it." Cass says. "I don't plan on having kids ever, I saw what mom went through."

"To be quite fair, your mother's household arrangement was somewhat unusual." Wendy offers. "I rather imagine the imperial palace won't be nearly so full nor quite as chaotic."

Cass laughs. "If Mizuki has it her way, it will be." She says. "That's part of the reason I'm here, too. He wanted me to see if there was any truth to the rumors Kyou was trying to seduce those two imperial witches that were assigned here."

"S-Seduce them?" Wendy asks.

"Gotta admit, not sure I understand how those rumors got started." You say.

"Well, they really only stick to each other and you." Cass says. "They don't really talk with any of us at all, and there's rumors Kyou's already trying to get them assigned to you like aunt Wendy is."

You look at Wendy, who looks just as confused as you feel. "News to me." You admit.

"Well, they're just rumors anyway." She says. "But enough that Hohiro was worried."

"In what way?" Wendy asks.

"I mean, all he said was he was worried about it." She repeats. "I guess I can ask, if you want."

[] Please do.
[] Don't worry about it.

>>4346769
>[] Please do.

Hohiro, holding out on your brother in law is bad form

>>4346769
>[x] Please do.

>>4346769
>[X] Please do.

>>4346769
>[] Please do.

ok, votes called! getting pretty tired here, so we may not run much past 21-22 tonight- starting to think maybe we should extend to a four day run with shorter run times, what do you guys think?

>>4346860
I'm fine with that.

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[x] Please do.

"Please do." You say.

Wendy nods. "It would be rather interesting to know why he's worried." She admits. "Though it does seem as if she intends to follow the route of your father, aided by the computers in the fighters."

Cass shakes her head. "I knew I didn't trust those things for a reason." She says.

"They're not quite so bad as people seem to fear." Wendy responds, before you can. "I'd had some concerns when I agreed, but they've been quite alleviated."

Cass shakes her head. "I don't know, aunt Wendy. It's bad enough they have that whole drake marriage thing going on, but with everything else in there-"

"Such as what?" Wendy asks.

"Well, those AIs of theirs." Cass says. "I mean, I deal with Kaga occasionally, all of us do, but it's still weird knowing there's a thinking computer with access to your brain and it knows its way around in there so well it just makes you... know things." She shakes her head again.

"The situational awareness is a huge relief." Wendy responds. "It leaves you much more free to fly and fight as you need to."

"It's still creepy." Cass insists. "I mean, what if there's a bug or a glitch? what if it gets hacked or something?"

"I rather doubt that's entirely possible." Wendy says.

"Nothing's impossible." Cass says. "What about if something like Poland happens again, and you're hit with EMP?"

"The control cores are hardened against that possibility." You answer. "And we don't actually control the fighter via the link. All it does is let us access and process information in a fraction of the time."

"Have you ever met an AI?" Wendy asks Cass.

"Well, there's Kaga." Cass responds. "But talking with her isn't really any different than a chatroom or discord or something. I mean, you know she's an AI, but you never see her or anything. And she doesn't have a brain link straight into your spinal cord."

Wendy smiles. "Shall we call them?" She asks. "They're quite capable of joining us here."

Cass hesitates. "I don't know." She says. "I mean, I guess, but you know I don't know how to talk to them or anything."

[] Same as talking to anyone else, really.
[] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

>>4347065
>[X] Same as talking to anyone else, really.

>>4347065
>[] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

SASS THE CASS

Ok gents, I'm going to call it there. I know it's a lot shorter than we normally go, but with my sleep pattern all jacked up, I'm kinda already dozing off here, haha. Like I said, we may go to a four day week for a while here.

Anyway, I won't be on much longer tonight, but I'll answer any questions or concerns in the morning! Otherwise, till tomorrow, gents, cheers!

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>>4347071
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4347065
>[] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

>>4347065
>[x] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

>>4347071
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4347065


[] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways

>>4347065
>[] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

>>4347065
>[X] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

>>4347065
>[] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

BIRD-CHILD! COME TALK TO YOUR AUNT!

>>4347065
>[X] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

>>4347065
>[x] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

This totally isn't revenge for all the times she teased us. Really.

>>4347065
>[x] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

Wengance!

alright, votes called!

Been fighting a low grade migraine most of the day, so we'll probably cut early again, but it's tolerable right now at least.

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[x] Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways.

"Oh, I think you'll figure it out." You say with a light smile. "Muninn reminds me of you in a lot of ways."

"Muninn? Is that your jet?" Cass asks, and you nod.

"Yeah. Muninn, Tessa? You mind joining us?" You say- both flicker to life in their tanks nearby, Tessa patting down the front of her maid's uniform while Muninn appears to have adopted his bird avatar again.

"You called?" Tessa asks, and you nod, while Muninn just cocks his head to the side and 'hops' onto a tree branch that appears in the tank.

"I did. Tessa, Muninn, I'm sure you both already know about Cass."

"Of course." Tessa says, nodding. "The only Bishop siblings we don't know in exhaustive detail are the three eldest."

"Natalya, especially." Muninn says.

"I'm sure, were you to ask, Lovelace could find more about her." Tessa says, glancing over at the other tank- Muninn seems to frown- an impressive feat for a bird.

"I'm not that interested." He responds.

"Are they always like that?" Cass asks you as the two AIs trade verbal jabs.

Wendy smiles. "Typically when Kyou isn't nearby to control them." She says. "Your brother is far too permissive."

"Is that a hint you'd prefer he keep a firm hand on affairs?" Tessa asks- causing Wendy to instantly flush crimson in embarrassment.

"Tessa." You warn- the AI regards you coolly for a second before nodding.

"My apologies." She says.

Cass shakes her head. "Yeah, she does really seem like Ana. That was kinda cruel."

"Our personalities are formed largely via information gleaned from our link's subconsciousness." Tessa responds. "Thus, I and my sister AIs have had three different primary influences, as opposed to Muninn and his counterparts, who draw from only two."

"Which means I'm more stable." Muninn says. "Fewer influences means fewer quirks."

"And less capable." Tessa shoots back.

[] Don't you two feel like talking to your aunt Cass, or are you just going to bicker?
[] Told you they were like you.

>>4348768
>[X] Told you they were like you.

>>4348768
>[] Told you they were like you.

>>4348768
>[x] Don't you two feel like talking to your aunt Cass, or are you just going to bicker?

>>4348768
>[] Told you they were like you.

BIRD-CHILD, I AM PROUD

>>4348768
>[x] Told you they were like you.

gents I'm sorry, my head is throbbing bad enough I'm kinda dizzy here. I'm going to have to call it for the night and go lay down.

We'll be back tomorrow and remember we're running friday. till tomorrow though, Cheers!

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>>4348833
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4348768
>[X] Told you they were like you.

>>4348768
>[X] Don't you two feel like talking to your aunt Cass, or are you just going to bicker?

>>4348833
Hi Ghost, would you mind posting another Discord invite? The other one has expired

>>4349446
https://discord.gg/t7g8r2

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>>4349572
Thank you!

ok, votes called! sorry for the late start.

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[x] Told you they were like you.

You look over at your sister with a grin. "Told you there were like you." You say.

She laughs. "We don't sound that bad!" she protests, though given her laughter she knows that she and her sisters very much do sound about the same as the bickering AIs.

"I can recall some rather spirited discussions in your home." Wendy says, shaking her head. "Although it has been quite some time since then."

"Regardless, they're being rude." You say.

"Apologies." Tessa says, blinking out of her tank and shifting herself to the flat display on the tabletop, where she projects herself sitting at a table, sipping tea. Muninn, not to be outdone, also shifts his display to the table, putting them both in the center of the room. "How can we assist?"

You shrug. "Anything you want to ask them, Cass?"

"Uh.." Your sister hesitates. "So are the rumors true? is it Wonsan?"

"Our ability to discuss future operational areas is limited to our crew." Muninn says. "But rumors and activity do point to it being there, yes."

"You were just up that way, right?" Cass asks, and you nod. "Poking the hornet's nest?"

"You could call it that." You say, as Tessa smiles.

"That would be quite accurate." She says. "Fleet tasking has already handed follow-up missions to a SEAD specialist team.

"Danielle?" You ask, and she nods.

"Commander Peterson's team is the one going, yes." She confirms. "They're estimating up to three sorties."

"That seems quite a long time for us to sit." Wendy says, frowning. "Has there been any discussion about our future missions?"

"Not as yet, mum." Tessa says. "Most of the Kaga's wing is being held back from operations to assist in the landing, however."

Cass nods. "We haven't flown anything other than combat air patrols in almost two days." She says. "Rumors say we're being held back like you were to throw the Chinese off." She pauses. "Any word on if they're done with that? Other drakes have been all over the AO."

[] Not yet.
[] No, but they can't let us keep sitting.

>>4350492
>[X] Not yet.

>>4350492
>[] Not yet.

>>4350492
>[] No, but they can't let us keep sitting.

THESE MURDER BEANS DEMAND BLOOOOOOD!

>>4350492
>[x] Not yet.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Not yet.

You shake your head. "Not yet." you admit- though if other teams have been operational 'all over' Korea, then there's no way the excuse you were given holds true- unless you're being held back as a counter to any Chinese anti-Wyvern system.

"You don't think they're trying to keep you back because of Kyou, do you?" Cass asks. "I mean, Hohiro's been pretty clear about not wanting me in combat."

"I doubt it." You reply. "Kyou's not the kind to take sitting out easily."

"Well, whatever." Cass says, shrugging. "So Hohiro says his youngest sister is now a ward of your mom. How'd that happen?"

"She had a rather unfortunate outburst in front of the emperor." Wendy says, and you nod. "And exile was apparently considered the most suitable response."

"Seems harsh." Cass says.

You shrug. "It's maman." You respond. "It's not like she's gonna be mistreated."

Cass frowns. "Not everyone thinks world-class survivalist training is a fun weekend." She says.

"Wasn't it you that used to try to get me on naked and afraid with you?" You ask.

Cass shakes her head. "Not the point." She says.

"If it's any consolation, currently Brigitte Laroux and her charges are in Nice, France." Tessa says. "Checked into the Negresco hotel, staying as guests of the French coven and the DGSE."

"Contracting work again?" You ask, and the AI frowns.

"I don't know." She says. "All the information beyond what I just said is classified."

You nod. "Contracting again, then." You say, vaguely jealous- Liz and Akemi are probably spending their days doing nothing on the beach, taking it easy. Maman's probably doing some work with the French coven again- the DGSE connection is only because the French intelligence community does occasionally employ witches in their work. The last time Maman worked with them that you know of was back in 2013, after their failed attempt to rescue a kidnapped operative.

1/2

"That sounds rather pleasant." Wendy says. "I know your father stayed in the south of France more than once, but I hadn't the good fortune to be able to join him."

Cass smiles. "I'm sure if you ask Morgan, he'll see to it you'd get there, aunt Wendy." She says.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly." Wendy responds. "Not now, anyway. Perhaps after this is over and we're no longer needed, but by then I suspect I shall be quite happy to holiday on any beach."

"There's always wellness leave." Cass says- the well-known two week leaves granted once every eight months in theater to personnel in units that have been cycled back for rest and refit.

"Wellness leave typically isn't granted to wyvern teams." Muninn says.

Cass blinks. "Really?" She asks, and you shake your head.

"Really." You say. "We can put in for them if there's another team in the AO, but usually it's something like this where you're aboard or at a base, but not flying."

"Wow. That's kinda shitty." Cass says, frowning. "So you don't get leave?"

"It's not so bad as all that." Wendy points out. "We're always together, so there's no separation from what becomes your family, and in our case our accommodations are quite wonderful."

"That reminds me." Cass says. "You're using all three bedrooms, right?"

"If you'd like I can easily move my things into an available cabin." Wendy offers- Cass shakes her head.

"No, I don't wanna make you move, aunt Wendy. You belong here with Morg and Kyou, you're flying with them. It's just that Hohiro said I ought to take up a room here, since we're kinda a thing and I guess they expect me to now?"

[] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out.
[] I think you might just be out of luck.

>>4350646
>[X] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out.

>>4350646
>[] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out.

>>4350646
>[] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out.

HILARITY ENSUES

>>4350646
>[] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out.

>>4350646
>[x] I think you might just be out of luck.

>>4350646
>[] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out

ok, votes called!

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[x] We'll talk to Kyou about it, we can work something out.

You pause, not entirely sure you want to tip your hand to your sister- and Wendy. Eventually, though, you shrug. "We'll talk to Kyou, we can work something out." You say.

Cass grins and quirks an eyebrow. "Too late for you to finally take my offer." She says. "So that just leaves Aunt Wendy or Aunt Merlin."

"I believe there's a cabin available a few decks down." Wendy says, nodding. "I shall be more than happy to take it to allow you to move in, Cassiopeia."

"It's rather unlikely the lady Kyou will allow that, you realize." Tessa says, cutting in.

"We'll work something out." You repeat, noting that the shower in the other room is off- Kyou's probably taking her time, listening in on the conversation as she drys off and makes herself presentable. While Cass is family- both literally and figuratively- she's not inner circle like you and Wendy, and so Kyou is pretty unlikely to come out in just a T-shirt.

Cass frowns, looking down at Tessa. "Aunt Wendy, how come all your equipment is named Tessa?" She asks, suddenly.

Wendy smiles, but her eyes focus out somewhere far away. "She was a dear friend of mine." She says. "My only friend until I met your father and the rest of spellcaster, truth be told."

You shoot Cass a glance- not that either of you really knew why Wendy had that particular habit, but you'd had suspicions since you'd linked via the MIU. "If it's a painful story, Wendy, we're fine without it." You say.

She sighs. "It's been almost thirty years and I still find myself thinking about her." She says, then smiles. "We were quite close, you see. I'm sure, were she still here, she'd think the world of you and your father as I do."

You nod. "It's ok Wendy." You say, looking down at the AIs, both of whom seem interested- but neither of whom will push the point.

She shakes her head. "No, it's quite fine. It is unusual of someone to name their aircraft and weapons after one person, I know, but I felt as if by doing that, at least I was able to let her fly with me in spirit." She smiles, looking at Tessa on screen. "Of course, had I known I'd have an Artificial intelligence that was so remarkably like her, I perhaps would have waited."

"I should think you'd be happy that it wasn't your rifle that developed a sympathetic personality." Tessa remarks. "As prone to strange behavior as the L85A1 was."

Wendy laughs a little at that. "That's quite true." She says. "Though I do miss that rifle as well."

1/2

"It's still in inventory." Tessa says. "Transferred postwar to the US as part of the immigration of witches deal that allowed witches changing their home nation to maintain their equipment. It's currently assigned to an armory at Fort Bliss."

"Fort Bliss?" You ask. "Texas?"

"Yes." Tessa says. "Held on orders of-" She pauses. "Well, that's rather interesting. It's held on orders of the witch small arms laboratory at the Aberdeen proving ground, and has been for the last two decades. Since it's arrival it's traveled to several US military bases, including Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Fort Bragg, Fort Stewart, Fort Lewis, Fort Benning, Fort Knox, Camp Lejune, Camp Pendelton, Nellis Air Force Base-"

"Tessa, enough." Kyou says, emerging from the bathroom. "Is there any indication of why the rifle has remained out of Wendy's hands this long?"

Tessa frowns, and shakes her head. "No." She says. "The only notes are that it's held over for study, which is supposed to only be a three month hold, but every time it's come close to expiration, they've extended it."

Kyou crosses the room and takes a seat next to you, making sure she's managed to wedge herself up against you about as closely as possible. "It seems you've created quite an interesting weapon, Wendy."

Wendy frowns, shaking her head. "I can't imagine how." She responds. "I didn't have access to many tools or much in the way of materials, there's little in there that's unique or unusual."

"Sounds like something we should ask dad to look into." Cass says. "I mean, that's kinda his thing, and he's got spare time now that Aunt Merlin followed you back in."

"It seems premature to ask your father to handle it." Kyou says. "It would be rather poor form for us to not try ourselves, first."

Cass shrugs. "I mean, if you want." She says. "I'm just thinking dad has the time to do it, and he's right there in the world."

"There's also Morgan's mother." Muninn points out. "who may be more effective when dealing with the witch armaments lab."

[] We'll try to handle it ourselves.
[] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.
[] Yeah, let's hand it off to dad.
[] Maybe we shouldn't worry about it right now.

and that's going to be it for the night! Getting pretty tired here and there's a gnarly storm blowing through, haha. Didn't plan on running into Saturday, but yesterday was pretty bad, so we'll have some make-up time tomorrow. Probably be pretty short though, just a few posts.

Anyway gents, that's all for tonight. I'll be in the discord if you need me, and I'll be around a little here in thread to answer questions or comments if anyone has any. Otherwise, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4350909
>[X] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.

>>4350911
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4350909
>[] We'll try to handle it ourselves.

>>4350909
>[] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.

>>4350909
>[] Yeah, let's hand it off to dad

>>4350909
>[] Yeah, let's hand it off to dad.

Make Frank Feel Useful Again

>>4350909
>[X] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.

>>4350905
[] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.

I'll be fascinated to know why somebody renewed the hold on that thing over 80 times.

Maman probably will be too, if only to see what all the fuss could possibly be about.

I'd be tempted to hand it off to Frank, but I doubt he has much direct leverage with the witch side of the Naval bureaucracy.

>>4350909
>[] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.

I bet the Coven did this.

>>4350909
>[x] We'll try to handle it ourselves.

>>4350911
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4351045

>Inb4 Wendy got the Spooky Radio Waves

Ok, votes called! Short run tonight, probably no more than 2-3 posts to finish out the thread.

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[x] I'll ask Maman next time I talk to her.

You frown. Something about this screams "SOCOM" to you- and the secretive special operations command is very much still your mother's haunt. What they'd want with Wendy's old service rifle isn't quite clear- SOCOM has access to some of the best gunsmiths in the entire nation, to include the Smith family of Wichita- but they're clearly interested in something. Renewing a hold that many times is unheard of- even Tabitha's one off Garand was only held six months for study, then released back to her. Mamans private armory is the exception to the rule, of course- none of her guns have ever been studied, so far as you know- and you're reasonably sure they couldn't be replicated.

"I'll ask Maman, next time I talk to her." You say.

Kyou nods. "That would be satisfactory. I'm sure if anyone can discover the cause of this, it would be your mother."

"Brigitte frequently gets things done such as that." Wendy says with a smile. "I assume she still occasionally works for the government?"

You nod. "Not a lot she talks about though." You admit.

"It would be wonderful to have her back." Wendy says. "Even if I imagine she'd be quite useless in our current circumstances."

Kyou nods. "Speaking of, has Merlin spoken to you further about improving the firepower available to you currently?" She asks.

"Improving?" Cass queries, and you nod.

"Valkyrie only has two thirty cals and two fifties." You say. "It's a little underarmed, so we're discussing ways to fix that with Merlin."

"Oh." Cass says. "What's she thinking?"

1/2

"That's what we need to discuss." Kyou responds. "I'm sure she's thought up a half dozen options, of which one or two may even be merely proven technology and not something from gundam."

Cass laughs. "You're a gundam nerd too? You and Anna would get along great."

Kyou smiles. "Wait until my dearest brother begins talking of his great love of it." She says. "I am not nearly as involved with it as he."

"He hasn't said anything to me about it." Cass responds, then frowns, looking at you. "Then again, if Morg's anything to go by, he won't, will he?"

"Men can be difficult in that regard." Kyou says with a smile. "And I have the great advantage of an MIU link with which to understand Morgan."

Cass laughs again- you're glad she gets along with Kyou pretty well, it seems like. While you're sure you could have managed if they didn't, not having to test that theory is a relief. Part of you wonders how much of it is Kyou trying to 'play nice' with her brother's girlfriend- a future in-law, most likely. "Well, maybe you can help." She says. "Hohiro wanted me to see if there was a room I could move into here in the imperial cabins. I won't kick anyone out, though, so if there's not it's really no trouble."

Kyou smiles, looking over at Wendy- who looks torn between being nervous and excited. "We'll discuss it shortly, though I'd prefer if we do so in private."

Cass blinks, than looks at you, smiling slyly.

"Not one word." You say, pointing at her- she just laughs that damn laugh of theirs that says she knows she's got you.

"I'll be back later." She says, standing. "Thank you for the hospitality."

"Thank you." Kyou says, standing as well. "I'll send someone for you as soon as we've worked out our plans."

I'm actually gonna call it there gents- I'm getting pretty dog tired over here again, which seems to be the pattern going right now- normal hours one night, early the next. I think it's getting a bit more better though, so that's good, haha!

I'll be in the discord if there's any questions or anything, if the invite link needs updated let me know and I'll get it- unless someone beats me to it, haha!

I'll be around here on and off of course, so if there's any questions or comments here I'll try to answer them as soon as I see them. Otherwise gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4352212
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4352212
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4352212
thanks for running

>>4352212
Thanks for the run!

Hey gents, gonna have to delay a day again to knock out some online coursework. Kinda got dropped on us last second and I can't afford to blow it off unfortunately. We'll be running tomorrow through Friday again!

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Ok! Sorry for the really late start here, the OP got a bit away from me! There's a lot I kinda want to get into this week, but we probably won't get it all, what with my update pace and all. haha!

We have a discord here: https://discord.gg/fjeGkB so you can come poke at me if you want, haha! There's a bunch of good folks in here though, fun to chat with everyone in the downtime.

Three weeks left of school after this week, but fall semester starts back up in August. I don't anticipate a schedule change then, but we'll see what happens!

Anyway, that's enough of that!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It's been almost a day and a half since your 'raid' on Wonsan- you've heard through the Wyvern rumor network via Tessa that Wyvern Combat Team Dawn Raider flew a strike in the early hours of the morning, virtually wiping out the air defense network in the area of the city. While some things will have survived almost all of the major SAM sites- and, reportedly, a battery of four of the new "Griffon" railguns- are little more than craters and wreckage. Kyou, of course, seemed less than impressed with the news, simply noting that, for all the ground targets they destroyed, there were very few aircraft they engaged.

Somehow that makes you a little nervous- there's no way that the Chinese and their Korean allies don't know where the landings are going to happen now, and even if the whole thing is a strategic deception, there's not that many suitable sites along the east coast to begin with. Either they're reinforcing Wonsan or- as your more paranoid side thinks- they're leaving it open as bait for a trap. Of course, you're also sure SPECWAR is active here as well, and while you don't expect to see any of them, you're also not entirely sure you won't. There's a great many USSOCOM witches that you've called auntie over the years- and most of them do seem to look at you as a favored nephew.

Most of the older ones, at least. Many of the younger ones seemed to see you as the ultimate conquest. Not entirely comfortable feeling, honestly.

You push the musing aside as you step into the squadron ready room you share with the IJN unit- none of them are present, as usual, but there's a few more people in here than normal, too. First, most notably, is a civilian contractor- a tall, leggy witch with long black hair and glasses, standing near Merlin. Her dress gives her away- instead of the Service uniform of the IJN personnel, she's in a very western-contractor getup with tan Merill shoes and coyote brown 'tactical' pants, topped with a black polo, the Mitsubishi logo prominent on the left sleeve cuff and right breast. Frankly, it looks a little ridiculous to you- trying too hard, in your opinion, but you doubt she had much say in the matter. She looks a little overwhelmed and has to visibly stop herself from bowing as Kyou enters the room.

1/3 (?)

Also present are your Imperial witch counterparts- both of whom look a little professionally bored by the whole thing, as well as an older witch you instantly peg as a matron, especially judging by the way she looks at you and Kyou as you enter. They've all got that peculiar way of looking at you, you've noticed.

Merlin nods as you step in. "Take a seat." She says, her voice entirely a commanders- there's no hint of aunt Merlin right now. Company, you know, can do that. "First, this is Doctor Mitsuko Hayashi. She'll be working with us for the time being as Mitsubishi's primary company representative with the Imperial Wyvern program."

The witch bows as she's introduced, looking more than a little nervous. "G-good day." She says- her slight hesitation giving more than enough proof to the state of her nerves. "It's an honor to meet you all."

"This is Matron Noguchi, of the Kanto regional house of the Imperial coven of witches." Merlin continues, and the Matron gives a very slight bow. She, you note, is dressed in an IJN officer's duty uniform- and her rank pins indicate she'd normally rank everyone in the room, to include Merlin.

"It is an honor to meet you." She echos the younger witch's statement.

"The matron won't be staying very long." Merlin continues, frowning very, very slightly- you doubt anyone else would even be able to tell. "And is just here to speak with the Sho-sa and Dai-i about their futures with the imperial military."

Kyou frowns. "Has there been a change we were not informed of?" She asks.

"Of a sort." The Matron says with a nod. "Our teams have been able to assemble the first of our Wyverns and Valkyrie units already, and the search has begun for a suitable crew."

"Already?" Wendy asks- then blinks. "S-sorry, mum." She says for her momentary lapse.

Kyou shakes her head. "I was going to ask the same question. We were told months, if not years."

"The dedication of Mistubishi's craftsmen cannot be understated." The matron responds.

"F-forgive my interruption, but the team assembled for the task refused to leave the factory grounds until both aircraft were certified for flight and accepted by the imperial military. The emperor himself accepted them yesterday morning." Dr. Hayashi says.

"Is that so? That's quite a feat." Kyou states, sounding a little surprised. "Certainly a challenge to the American team responsible for their wyverns."

Merlin smiles thinly. "The vought team has been notified." She says. "Regardless, the matron is also here to speak with you about a request from the imperial military. And the coven."

2/3

The matron nods. "Thank you." She says to Merlin, though she stays facing you. "The imperial high command, along with the imperial household, has indicated to us that they would very much prefer that you take at least two guard witches on as part of your unit. This is possible through Mitsubishi completing the first Japanese-built Valkyrie unit, as well as our purchase of the last currently available American unit."

Kyou frowns. "That's far too large a unit, is it not, Admiral? How can we be allowed so many high-value assets given our junior status?"

Merlin shrugs. "Technically they're imperial assets, so they can be assigned out however imperial high command wants. They've been notified that once they're slotted in with a combat team, that's it- they're not getting those assets back."

The matron nods. "We are fully prepared to return the valkyries- and their operators- to united states naval control if it means they will be able to protect you."

"You are aware I dismissed my protective detail?" Kyou asks, sounding more than a little irritated at this line of conversation. "And that there is little the guard could offer that surpasses the ability of my current household?"

That gets a surprised blink out of the matron- not for the statement itself, but for the slight upon the guard it represents. It's a very un-Japanese thing to say, you think- though it's something that's probably entirely true. "You are no doubt also aware of the nature of our MIU network?" Kyou continues. "We cannot simply accept further squadronmates without having met them."

"Of course." The matron responds, smoothly- probably, you think, used to dealing with Westerners. "This was not a decision made quickly. However it is one that we agree on- the imperial house, the imperial coven, and imperial high command all are in agreement that it is desirable that you accept at least two imperial guard witches to fly with you and protect you."

"It is a decision I cannot make." Kyou states. "I will not subject my crewmates to any such decision alone."

"We'll step out, but this isn't something we can wait on." Merlin responds. "Both the Sho-sa and Dai-i have offered to fly with you, though. Keep it in mind."

She steps out of the breifing room, followed by the other four witches- leaving the three of you alone. Kyou waits for a couple seconds after the hatch closes before speaking- she's very clearly more than a little angry. "I will save my outrage for later." She states. "But I would hear both of your opinions on the matter."

"Morgan first, please." Wendy says. "I'm not quite sure what I think, just yet."

[] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.
[] I don't know yet. What do you think?
[] I think it's not a bad idea. A drake and three valks is a hell of a lot of airpower.

>>4358377
[] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.

>>4358377
>A drake and three valks is a hell of a lot of airpower. However the political aspect of this annoys me. They're strong arming us.

>>4358377
>[x] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.
beyond my reflexive reaction of Begone Thot, i feel that this is a wasteful and inflexible misallocation of fighting power.

>>4358377
I'll back >>4358389

Politics are a concern, but I'd also like to stack the deck in our favor when we inevitably fly against the Z.O.E. knockoff and whatever superwitch(es) they managed to cook up...

>>4358377
>[x] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.

I have serious concerns about inserting two more witches into the MIU net.

There's waaaaay too many brainymeats effects going on to be comfortable with it.

>>4358377
>[] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.

Politics, technical worries, and the fact that this is an absolutely silly allocation of high value assets.

There is literally no upside to this on our end of things at all.

ok, votes called!

>>4358377
>[] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.

Too many witches in this potion

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[x] No. We don't need them, and that's far too many of us to manage.

You shake your head. "No." You state, flatly. "We don't need them, and that's far too many aircraft for us to manage."

"It's not that managing them would be difficult." Kyou responds. "I was trained to do so quite ably, and aided by the likes of Muninn and Tessa it wouldn't be a challenge in the least. I am, however, extremely angry at the attempt to force this upon us. I've no doubt Admiral Wells explained the nature of the MIU to them- and they insisted regardless."

"They're worried about your safety mum." Wendy says. "I rather agree, as well. I'm not nearly enough to make sure you're defended properly, regardless of Morgan's skill or Muninn's abilities."

Kyou frowns, looking at the older witch. ""And the fact that they'd no doubt be fully political pawns in service to one or other of the factions in the empire?"

"Would it matter?" Wendy asks. "Eventually I'm sure they'd answer to only you, or perhaps you and Morgan."

"And the implications of the rest of the MIU link?" Kyou asks- Wendy blushes slightly. "What then?"

"Sir Frank appears to do quite well." Wendy responds, after a moment. "And he's not got the benefit of an MIU."

Kyou's frown deepens. "I'm touched by your concern, but I agree entirely with Morgan on this point." She says. "I find you and he to be quite enough for me, regardless of anything the rest of the empire may prefer."

"If I may, it may also make your future goals somewhat easier." Wendy points out. "Morgan and I are both westerners. A traditional influence would no doubt look good for you in the future."

"Politics already, Wendy?" Kyou says, then smiles. "Again, I am touched by your concern, but feel it's unnecessary."

"I should like at least one more wingmate." Wendy says, aiming for a compromise. "Either one we could detach and allow myself to fly purely on your wing, or one who could do so and allow myself to attack targets as we've been doing."

1/2

Kyou frowns, looking over at you. "Morgan?" She asks.

You shrug. "Wendy has a point, but you're right. They're going to be political." You say. "No matter how many we agree to."

"But they've already said either of the witches we've been flying with would take the position, if offered." Wendy points out.

"And both of them are most assuredly political in nature as well." Kyou points out. "While I've no argument against their personalities, they're both no doubt being used, at the very least, if not party to whatever schemes they're involved in."

Wendy nods. "Of course. But with your and Morgan's positions, are politics that much of a concern?" She asks.

Kyou frowns. "Not particularly." She admits. "The imperial family is above most of the machinations of the noble families." She pauses. "I'd accept one, perhaps, were it the right one. I prefer the Sho-sa, were we to take anyone else."

You smile- of course Kyou favors the aggressive one. To your surprise, Wendy nods. "I believe I do as well. Not least because the Dai-i has spoken so highly of her boyfriend, and to ruin that relationship, I think, would be a very poor decision."

"I've a feeling she wasn't informed, fully, of the MIU's effects." Kyou says- both you and Wendy nod. "However, we've not agreed to accept even one guard flying with us, and morgan makes the final decision."

[] No. Not even one. We're fine as is- adding a fourth is inviting drama.
[] Just one, maybe. It's a compromise solution that sends a message and still meets part of their requests.

>>4358472
>[X] Just one, maybe. It's a compromise solution that sends a message and still meets part of their requests.

>>4358472
>[X] No. Not even one. We're fine as is- adding a fourth is inviting drama.

>>4358472
>[x] Just one, maybe. It's a compromise solution that sends a message and still meets part of their requests.

Wendy does raise a good point and Frank did end up having to deal with more political bullshit than he needed to later in WWIII.

If Kyou can keep a leash on the Sho-sa while in the air, there's no real reason to turn away a potent air asset.

>[x] No. Not even one. We're fine as is- adding a fourth is inviting drama.

>>4358472
>[] No. Not even one. We're fine as is- adding a fourth is inviting drama.

FUCK OFF, THIS AWOO IS FULL

>>4358472
I'm honestly not entirely happy with either response.

While I don't like the idea of adding more to the MIU, i'm not 100% opposed to it *if* there's someone who clicks well with us.

On the same foot I'm not comfortable with either of the two candidates; if only because on the reader's end of things we still know bugger-all about this Sho-sa beyond that she's aggressive and has ghost's botewaifu for a profile pic.

I'd be ok with accepting another Japanese witch, but only if we have waaaaaay more say in the candidates and selection process.

tl;dr write-in:
>[x] A fourth is acceptable in theory but we'd want a selection of our own if we did take one, not one dictated by outside political interests.

>>4358472
This >>4358492
Sums up me feelings about this quite well

>>4358472
Scratch my previous response; This >>4358492
is a better writein. Though i'm still ok with even a fifth if we can find a good one.

>[x] Just one, maybe. It's a compromise solution that sends a message and still meets part of their requests.
This seems fine to me, even if being pushed onto this is annoying

ok gents, we've got a three way tie, here. I'm going to go shower, but before I do I'll do something I try not to and clarify: the second option doesn't mean you're going to be saddled with any existing witch- only that Morgan is open to the possibility of a fourth.

If we're still tied up or it's really close, I may just rack out- getting pretty tired here already. Trying to get used to not having shitloads of caffeine in my system kinda sucks, haha.

>>4358522
I'll swap to >>4358492

>>4358472
I'll back this >>4358492 as well.

>>4358472
>>4358492
Backing this.

>>4358472
Supporting write in
>>[x] A fourth is acceptable in theory but we'd want a selection of our own if we did take one, not one dictated by outside political interests.

every time you add another seat to the united nations sexytimes council, you're choosing anime tiddies over plot progression.
we will lose weeks of real-time to voting on bedroom games when we could've been deleting communism.

>>4358550
I don't think we've been particularly crippled by anime tiddies. 99% of the kyou sexual interaction has been fades to black at the end of threads, and a little bit of downtime discussing the right time to show Wendy a good time.

*Maybe* a bit of offtopic lusting over MILF Merlin.

Ghost's done a pretty good job of keeping us on to the pilot shit so far. If anything, it's the constant handwringing over Imperial/Coven politics that's been more of a timesink than anything.

Ok gents, I was planning on putting out one more update this evening but I'm dog tired and still have an alarm in the morning, haha. SO in the interest of not racking out at like 1900 tomorrow, I'm going to do so now.

So, till tomorrow gents, cheers!

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>>4358574
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4358574
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4358565
you're right, i'm jumping at shadows and i can't remember how to express myself without memes and hyperbole.

Ok gents, votes called!

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[] Write in!

You frown. "I'm ok with a fourth, but I'm not comfortable taking one on because of political concerns."

"The trouble becomes, even should we say that, they'll only take it as an opening to introduce us to a nonstop parade of political choices." Kyou points out. "More than a few witches would be willing to undergo surgery for a chance to operate a Valkyrie unit alongside us."

"So either we say yes and take on one of the Imperial candidates we were flying with or we deal with constantly having attached witches like them?" You ask- a prospect that makes you dread the answer.

"Potentially." Kyou responds. "However, I think we may have an advantage. The Matron was careful to indicate all three of the major pillars of the military were in agreement on this. That means that they may be willing to negotiate- should we make it known we'd accept one additional witch on the basis that we were allowed to select, I think they would agree."

"Provided we did so quickly." Wendy says, and Kyou nods.

"Yes." She agrees. "I expect there would still be favorites forwarded to us, but with it being our decision, we could perhaps avoid the worst of it."

"Or we could just say no." You point out.

Kyou nods again. "Yes." She says. "Though doing so would perhaps be less desirable now. It would mean we may have to agree to something worse later, to avoid being seen as difficult or unwilling to cooperate."

"Something we should perhaps avoid." Wendy says, and you nod, agreeing. While your father is famous- or infamous, depending on who you ask- for his behavior when dealing with coven politics, Maman always taught you that playing the game had it's own set of rewards- and as nice as being able to run roughshod over the plans of people who thought themselves your betters is, being able to call in favors typically works out better. At least, according to maman- who, you suspect, never really dealt with quite the same level of meddling that Frank did.

"Assuming we agreed to an additional member, how would we get them?" You ask. "We can't do another selection period."

1/2

Kyou shakes her head. "I expect we'd have to accept something similar to your initial selection." She says. "The matroncy and imperial general headquarters would arrive at a suitable list, and then forward that list to us. We'd then be expected to fly with any witches for a period of time and relay our final pick to them."

You shake your head. "It works in training. Over Korea I'd rather not."

Wendy frowns, but nods. "I agree." She says. "Even with our AIs, that's rather too much to be doing in a combat area. Perhaps on our return to Japan? I'm of the impression that's to be soon."

"After the landings." Kyou says, nodding. "Especially if Mitsubishi already finished a wyvern."

"Probably fitted out one of the existing spare hulls." You say, thinking- there's simply no way to have built one from even parts this quickly. But fitting out a spare hull- which has all of the common components already installed- would cut 'production' time down to mere days, at most, and vought keeps a small number of them on standby in case of a hull-loss accident.

"Regardless, this leaves us with the problem of how we intend to respond now." Kyou says.

[] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is.
[] We'll tell them we'll consider it, but we won't make any commitment yet.
[] We'll just tell them that we're not comfortable taking on any more wingmates.

>>4359745
>[X] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is.

>>4359745
>[] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is. And we want the Wyvern Psych board involved if possible.

>>4359745
>[x] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is.

>>4359745
>[x] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is.

Dictate the terms of the engagement clearly and early.

>>4359745
>[] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is.

"We'll tell them we'll take on one more imperial witch, but we'll decide who it is." You state. It's not quite a perfect compromise- you're not allowing them to pick, and you're only taking on half the witches they wanted you to- but it's the best you're willing to give them. Honestly, you're only doing so because both Wendy and Kyou are arguing for it- as reluctantly as she is, in Kyou's case.

Kyou nods, then looks over at Wendy, who stands up and heads over to the hatch, opening it and speaking, briefly, to the IJN ensign outside the room. "Admiral Wells and the Matron Noguchi will be in shortly." She announces, taking her seat again as Kyou nods.

"I'll relay our message." Kyou say, and you nod. "I suspect it will be met with great excitement by my mother, at the least."

You sit for only about a minute before Merlin, accomppanied by the matron and the Mitsubishi rep step back in. Notably, though, neither of the imperial witches you've been flying with rejoin you.

"We have discussed the matter, and we are willing to accept one witch from the imperial military or imperial guard as a wingmate." Kyou says. "But we reserve the right to select who it will be, and will not tolerate more outside interference than is strictly necessary."

The matron nods- but her face remains impassive and pretty carefully neutral. "I will notify the others." She says. "Do you wish to utilize the services of either Sho-sa Tosa or Dai-i Kuriata?"

"Not at this time." Kyou responds. "We wish to evaluate our options before deciding on a new wingmate. It's a very important decision to get correct with the MIU involved as it is."

The Matron nods again, then bows. "That was all I wished to discuss, thank you." She says, leaving the room.

Kyou shakes her head. "We'd appreciate your help as well, admiral." She says to Merlin.

Merlin nods. "I've already made a call up to the psych team." She responds. "We'll sort the potential candidates, but it's probably going to be every witch they've cleared for duty with the guard."

"I've little doubt." Kyou agrees. "However, we trust their ability. Thus far we've had no reason not to."

"Any preferences?" Merlin asks. "We can at least start cutting them down by ability types."

[] An offensive talent- let Wendy stick close to us.
[] Defensive talent- Wendy's too skilled to let just stick on our wing
[] A generalist talent- someone who's equally comfortable sticking with us or attacking independently.

>>4359964
>[] A generalist talent- someone who's equally comfortable sticking with us or attacking independently.

>>4359964
>Defensive talent- Wendy's too skilled to let just stick on our wing

>>4359964
>[] A generalist talent- someone who's equally comfortable sticking with us or attacking independently.

>>4359964
>[X] A generalist talent- someone who's equally comfortable sticking with us or attacking independently.

ok, votes called! this'll be the last one for the evening.

>>4359964
>[x] An offensive talent- let Wendy stick close to us.

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[x] A generalist talent- someone who's equally comfortable sticking with us or attacking independently.

"We're pretty multirole. A generalist talent would be nice." You say.

Merlin nods. "I'll start looking." She says, then smiles. "Starting to think I should just set up an office here in Japan. It'd be nice to have AI support of my own instead of having to borrow Muninn or Tessa all the time."

"I'm sure they enjoy being able to help." Kyou says.

"They're quite aware of what they're asking of these witches, yes?" Wendy asks, and Merlin nods again.

"I explained it at length." She says. "the matron insists that it will be kept entirely to volunteer witches who are made completely aware of what they're getting involved in."

Kyou frowns. "It's entirely possible they intend to do so." She says. "It's also entirely possible they intend to sell it as a great honor, and that one should accept any oddness that comes of it as a price of the privilege of flying with me."

"Probably." Merlin agrees. "We'll worry about it when we get there. With that out of the way, we've got a proposed landing date from the MEF. They want to go ashore in approximately twenty four hours. They're hoping to limit the time the Chinese and Koreans have to move reinforcements and replacements to the Wonsan area."

"Will they be prepared by then?" Kyou asks, sounding surprised.

"They've been prepared." Merlin responds, then smiles. "They've been planning this landing since they arrived in the sea of Japan. There's multiple Wyvern combat teams in the region, counting you, but-" She smiles again. "The united states marine corps has requested that, based on performance, Wyvern team Muninn be assigned the forward airspace for the landing."

Kyou frowns. "Directly over the beaches?"

1/2

"Over the landing craft, initially, and once they're ashore you'd push forward into hostile airspace to set up a one-aircraft BARCAP." Merlin responds. "They're basing this request on combat data from your last sorties. Your job would be to assist with the initial landing, then establish a denied zone for hostile aircraft forward of the landing area."

Kyou smiles. "This sounds as if it were a mission made for us." She says, looking over at you.

"It is." Merlin responds. "This is one of several Wyvern only missions. You'll be responsible for that airspace until the marine SHORAD and medium range air defense batteries are ashore and online, but they can't go ashore in the first landing, so it's going to be at least half an hour before they're available. The initial landing forces will have MANPADS and there will be witches with them, but for all intents and purposes, you'd be it."

"And they requested us?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods again. "By name." She confirms. "But if you're not comfortable with that mission, they're willing to give it to another team and give you one of the other taskings that day."

[] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP
[] We're not ready for that kind of thing yet. What are the other taskings?

And that's going to be it from me for the night!

We'll be finishing the thread out tomorrow, but if you want to catch me before then, there's the discord and of course I'll try to get any questions or comments asked here in thread answered!

Otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4360153
>[X] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

>>4360156
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4360153
>[x] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

>>4360156
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4360153
>We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

>>4360153
>[] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

>>4360153
[] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

Is there really another valid answer? Kyou would skin us if we turned this one down.

>>4360153
>[] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

>>4360153
>[] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP
There is no other option.

>>4360153
>[x] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

Kind of our exact thing

>>4360153
>[] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP
thanks for running ghost

I think we're alive again...

Ok, votes called!

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[x] We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP

You can only imagine Kyou's response if you were to turn down that sortie, which, you have to admit, sounds almost like it was tailor made for her. You nod. "We can handle it. We'll take the forward BARCAP."

You can practically feel Kyou's satisfaction radiating off of her- you suspect her usual self-control is going to be somewhat strained for the next several hours.

Merlin nods. "I thought you might." She says. "You'll have limited support from the other wyverns in the area, as well as Marine F-35s that are going to be operating in that airspace as well. There's also going to be a pair of B-1Ws flying out of Misawa and four B-1Rs out of Okinawa in the area. the B-1Rs are mostly for the lightnings, but you'll be able to access their weapons as well. Expect primarily AMRAAM- Ds, but they'll probably have a number of AIM-152s onboard as well."

"Will there be any Imperial Navy assets assisting?" Kyou asks.

Merlin shakes her head. "Not directly, no." She says. "The imperial navy intends to launch a series of interdiction strikes to the south, to prevent Chinese elements there from being able to react to the landing, but it's unlikely they'll have any assets in the Wonsan battlespace."

You nod. That's still a lot of firepower- four B-1Rs packs close to two hundred air-to-air missiles, and can deliver them almost as quickly as you can deliver yours. And, of course, two B-1Ws means the presence of a pair of railguns that can- probably- almost match Kyou.

Almost.

"That's it. We'll have a full mission packet uploaded to Muninn and Tessa in about an hour." Merlin says. "Any questions?"

[] None.
[] Yes. (Write in!)

>>4361408
>[x] None.

>>4361408
>[] None.

>>4361408
>[X] None.

>>4361408
>[] Yes. (Write in!)

"Any sign of dedicated Anti-Wyvern assets?"

ok, votes called! sorry about that delay, had 2 assignments due tonight I'd forgotten about earlier. Done now though!

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[x] None.

You shake your head, and Kyou and Wendy both follow suit.

"Good. We'll be up shortly, but doctor Hayashi and I are going to go do a quick walkaround of Muninn and Tessa so she can get a good look at them."

"If you'd prefer, we can accompany you." Kyou offers.

Merlin looks over at the younger, taller witch- who looks incredibly nervous at the prospect of being in close proximity to the princess at all, let alone on a carrier like this. "If you want." She says, answering Kyou. "We won't be doing any work, just a fast walk around the fighters to get a look at them."

"I could use the walk." Kyou says, with a slight smile- the turn of phrase getting a slightly confused expression out of the Mitsubishi rep. "Morgan, Wendy, would you prefer to accompany us, or do you wish to return to our quarters?"

"I'd rather head back to quarters, mum." Wendy responds. "I rather think I could do with a nap."

Kyou nods. "Morgan?"

[] I'll head down to the hangar deck with you.
[] I'll head back to quarters with Wendy.

>>4361486
>[X] I'll head down to the hangar deck with you.

>>4361486
>[x] I'll head back to quarters with Wendy.

>>4361486
>[] I'll head down to the hangar deck with you.

Let Wendy Nap.

She'll probably be getting a lot les sleep if she moves into the master bedroom anyway.

>>4361486
>[] I'll head down to the hangar deck with you.

Cat must inspect this new item

ok, votes called! This'll probably be the last update for the week!

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[x] I'll head down to the hangar deck with you.

"I'll head down to the hangar deck with you." You state, and Kyou nods again.

"Let's head down, then." Merlin says, dispensing, you note, with her command voice- she's auntie Merlin again, not Admiral Wells. You wonder at that- the Mitsubishi rep is still with the three of you, of course, following just behind Merlin as you walk through the ship and head to the ladderwell nearest you.

The hangar deck is a little more empty than you're used to- the Kaga, as usual, is conducting operations, and some of her fighters have been lost, with another handful of them sent back to Japan for various reasons. One of the advantages of operating this close to home, for them, is the relative ease of replacement and replenishment- if necessary, aircraft can simply be flown to the carrier from land bases on the home islands. Of course, that doesn't mean replacements are available. Even though the Imperial Air Force had kept the majority of it's forces back on the islands, the effective loss of the 12th air wing as a fighting element represented a loss of about a fifth of their overall inventory and forces. It's also meant that they've been largely taking up the majority of the replacement flow of both pilots and equipment as they reorganize and rebuild- while the 12th has been effectively destroyed as a combat force, it's component squadrons have been farmed out to the other wings, and are being rebuilt.

The walk down to Muninn gives you a chance to take a better look at the Mitsubishi rep- and you've little doubt Kyou is doing the same. She's fairly tall, and a good part of that seems to be in her long legs- you'd peg her for an easy marathon runner, except her build doesn't seem to back that. She's well-proportioned, but fairly thin. With as young as she looks, too, and her advanced degree, you can't imagine she's done much outside living in school- something that would have driven you crazy, and more than one of your instructors wanted you to continue on for a masters or doctorates.

1/2

She doesn't have any sort of confidence, either- her posture and her stride both give her away as incredibly nervous at being here. You don't think it's a lack of confidence, but more awe at her sudden surroundings. It's not every day, afterall, you're told you'll be understudying a living legend and working in close contact with an imperial princess. At least, that's your best guess- it's possible she's simply a nervous personality in general, and this is how she always acts. Her attire is, no doubt, a company choice- probably the unofficial uniform for company reps out on the front, you think.

You reach your parked fighters a minute later, the rep stutter-stepping as she finally sees them. You pull up short behind Merlin, with Kyou stepping forward to stand next to the other two witches. "Impressive, are they not?" She asks the rep.

The doctor nods. "Y-yes, very much so, highness." She says.

You hear Kyou chuckle. "No need for that aboard ship. Please, call me Kyou. If you find you cannot do that, use my rank."

The other witch nods, still looking up at Muninn.

It's at that moment you realize exactly what Mitsubishi's execs were up to- this woman is just as enraptured by tech as Merlin is.

You're going to have to watch Kyou like a hawk around her.

And that's going to be it for the week!

Not really anything new to post, so I'll just re-link the discord here: https://discord.gg/8gdWpP and remind anyone interested that I'm usually there or in the old SWQ IRC channel.

Of course, if there's any questions or comments here, I'll be happy to answer them. Otherwise, gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4361709
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4361709
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4361702
>>4361705
We give the players shit fie being nonstop horny on main, but goddamn kyou is some kind of hypersexual omnivore

>>4361709
thanks for running

>>4361790

SUCH A LEWD AWOO.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>4361705
>You're going to have to watch Kyou like a hawk around her.

The Wolf princess smells prey.