"So where do we want to go?" You ask, mentally reviewing things. UP or BSNF is going to west, almost certainly- they tend to transfer cargo here at the yard onto CSX trains for the east. CN trains from here are going to be northbound empties- low priority, especially this time of year, but they'll go to Chicago almost for sure- KCX should be northbound as well, but they won't go as far, which means you'd have to figure out what to do at some point. With CN you can probably stay with the train all the way, but you're not sure.

UP or BSNF intermodal westbound will almost certainly end up out in california- while there's not a lot of intermodal traffic in that direction out of the city, there's enough that you're reasonably confident you can get a train before maman comes looking for you. You won't be able to adventure quite as much- you're almost contractually obliged to go bother Morgan, which will instantly summon maman, but that's not always so bad- especially if you get stranded in west Egypt, nowhere. That always has a way of killing the vibe of a trip- and though you've got lots of places you can crash all over the heartland in little small towns, that doesn't mean they're much fun to get stranded in, all the same.

"I am not the one with experience as a ragamuffin." Akemi responds a little bitchily. She's like that- you just kinda ignore it. "And I cannot see the point in traveling this way. Why we do not simply do as your mother asks and remain home is beyond me."

"Because you don't learn anything that way." You respond, stepping back into the cover of the brush you're in as a train approaches. "Besides, home is boring. Isn't this so much more interesting?"

"And far less comfortable and significantly more dangerous and illegal." She responds. "Remind me why we devoted space and weight to canned pasta?"

"Because chef boyardee is the best." You respond, watching the train passing by. It's led by UP units and it's an intermodal- a beefy sized one, too, with three head units pulling it. Most intermodal traffic from here heads to Houston or- more often- Dallas, where it'll switch out. The containers here don't tell you much- normally you'd look for Japanese ones, since those would be headed out to the pacific ports on their way back to the empire. These are mostly from US shipping companies, meaning they're probably incoming and headed do a distribution hub- meaning Dallas. Still, it's slow enough, you can catch it on the fly easily.

"Call it!" You tell Akemi, and she shrugs.

"I care not." She says- though, to your relief, she grabs her pack and shoulders it. Not expertly, but well enough- she packed light and you're going to have to get real cozy if it gets too cold or wet out there- which is a possibility- but she should have enough food and water, and you're both carrying more than enough cash to resupply if you need to.

[] Fine. Westward ho!
[] We'll wait. Chicago's pretty this time of year!

>>4657412
>[X] Fine. Westward ho!

>>4657412
>[x] Fine. Westward ho!

>>4657412
>[] Fine. Westward ho!

The call of sibling trolling is too potent to ignore

>>4657412
>[] Fine. Westward ho!

>>4657412
>[X] Fine. Westward ho!

Well, let's see where Liz winds up. Maman is probably going to be equal parts disappointed and amused.

>>4657412
>[x] Fine. Westward ho!

Adventure awaits!

ok, votes called! I'm going to grab a shower as soon as the next post goes up, so the voting period may run a little long.

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[x] Fine. Westward ho!

You nod- you'd expected as much, to be honest. And while spending the week up north with your friend is attractive- especially since she knows more than a few cute boys- you're effectively obligated to go bother your brother, especially since Akemi's sister is also gonna be there, and you do kinda want to meet her. Akemi doesn't describe her in the best light, of course, but Akemi never describes anyone in the best light- though you're reasonably sure that's just how she is, and she really likes a lot of the people she talks about.

"Westward it is!" You say, grabbing your own pack. You'll have to wait a while for some rides- you don't want to be anywhere near this close to the head units- but the train's speed limit is pretty low in city limits, so it's not like you're running a big risk of missing it by waiting a few more minutes. Eventually, a decent ride shows up- a stack with an overhang, so you'll have a little protection from rain and some shade. "That one." You say, pointing. Akemi nods, and you can see her tense up slightly as it comes closer. "C'mon!"

She proves to be able to run just as fast as you can- and both of you climb onboard without trouble. "Get you pack under there!" You say in a fierce whisper, pulling yours off and jamming it under the metal step at the back of the car. You caught on the rear side- the front having held the brake gear- so you'll have a lot more protection from weather, thankfully, but you need to get down and out of sight as you pass through the city. It's still not that dark, and foamers would love to call in a couple freight hoppers like yourselves, you know. It's like some sort of weird badge of honor for them to rat a rider out- and you figure what you're doing isn't hurting anyone, so what's the problem?

Philosophy aside, you get down low against the side of the car, wishing it was a 48 with a deep well- those are some of the most comfortable rides you've ever had, outside boxcars and those nice grainers you see out west sometimes.

The train rolls through the city and clear of the west side, where it starts to pick up speed, and you relax some. It's not very likley anyone saw you get on, but you're never sure- and till you're out in the country and moving quick, you tend to not want to let your guard down. You're quick, you know, and with your familiar out, you're more than good enough to dodge a bull and stay out of a trespassing charge and jail, especially since none of the railroads employ witches in their police forces- they're banned from doing so, in fact. Still, that doesn't mean you want to have to- and you've lost all your stuff a couple times and had to call a trip short as a result. Something you don't wish to repeat on Akemi's first trip out.

She's quiet as the night deepens and the train thunders west. "Remind me why I agreed to this?" She asks again over the din of the train.

1/2

You smile. "Adventure!" You respond, digging in your pocket and handing her a pair of earplugs. She accepts them and shows she knows how to use them, rolling the foam between her fingers and jamming them in her ears to help deaden the noise. You mirror her, nodding when she shows she's learning by signing to you- she picked up sign language quickly and ably, and it's part of why you decided you two could be friends. She's not just a stupid, stuck up royal- she just doesn't know how to have fun, you'd decided. And it became your mission to show her.

"How long will we endure this?" She signs, frowning. "Do you intend we travel the entire distance this way?"

You nod. "Probably not to the base directly, and we can stop to sightsee." You respond. "I have friends in Dallas."

"I am not surprised." She responds with a deepening frown. "Do you not fear your mother will learn of these friends?"

"Maman?" You question, then laugh. "I'd be surprised if she didn't know everything about them already!"

"So how is it you feel safe in staying with them?!" Akemi demands. "Surely she will have ways of knowing if you are there?"

You nod, then smile again.

[] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.
[] The trick is to keep moving and don't stay in the same place twice in a row. Easy!

>>4657473
>[X] The trick is to keep moving and don't stay in the same place twice in a row. Easy!

>>4657473
>[X] The trick is to keep moving and don't stay in the same place twice in a row. Easy!

>>4657473
>[] The trick is to keep moving and don't stay in the same place twice in a row. Easy!

>>4657473
>[x] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.

>>4657473
>[x] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.

>>4657473
>[] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.

>>4657473
>[] The trick is to keep moving and don't stay in the same place twice in a row. Easy!

>>4657473
>[x] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.

Maman is probably mildly inclined to regret teaching Liz nearly as much of her playbook as she has.

>>4657473
>[] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.

Also
>especially since none of the railroads employ witches in their police forces- they're banned from doing so, in fact

Why no witch police?

>>4657507
Odds are, a mix of Posse Comitatus Act (most witches are members of the US Armed Forces, and thus are not legally allowed to do the job of law enforcement personnel) and also most witches just not having talents or abilities suited to use by law enforcement.

That, and it's possible that it isn't a law against US Government police witches - it's a law against witch private investigators/private security. Consider that mall security personnel are often referred to as mall cops.

Votes called! This'll probably be our last for the evening- it is a school night for me and I'm getting pretty tired, haha!

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[x] She can't be everywhere at once! Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her.

"She can't be everywhere at once!" You point out- despite the miraculous occurrences often attributed to her, Maman is still, at the end of the day, human- you've seen her hit her head on things and stub her toes and all the other little human mistakes- and you know that, despite her reputation, it is possible to evade her, at least for a time. "Trust me, I know how to keep ahead of her."

"That seems unlikley." Akemi responds. "The mother of night is known to those in those circles as the most fearsome creature. And yet you say you know how to beat her?"

You shake your head. "Not beat her, just keep ahead of her." You say, then smile again. "Besides, if we get busted by the bull or picked up at a coven house or something we'll be stuck. Maman has a long reach."

"I cannot believe I allowed you to convince me this would be enjoyable." Akemi pouts, and you grin, reaching in your pack and pulling out a bottle of tea. You hand it to her- she frowns, but accepts it, as you pull out another. You'd packed about a dozen, but you don't expect them to last. There's more in your pack, of course, to include a bottle of very good rum that you're keeping as a bribe, should you need one- you've got a source back home that can get you a bottle every now and then, and you find it tends to grease the wheels better than money sometimes. Maybe if it manages to make it all the way west with you, you'll give it to Morgan. He doesn't drink heavily- or much at all, really- but you know he appreciates a good drink occasionally.

She sighs, taking a drink- you can see her exhale heavily enough that it has to be a sigh, and she says something that you can't hear over the train and through your earplugs. Doubtless you weren't meant to hear it.

You ride along for another several minutes before Akemi crushes her empty bottle, replacing the cap and stowing it in one of the outer pockets on her pack. "When do we sleep?" She asks.

You shrug. "Whenever." You respond. "We're through the worst part already, the avondale yard is pretty hard to get into and out of, but we're west of it already."

"I cannot understand why you would want to travel like this." Akemi says. "Are there not better methods?"

You shake your head. "Not if you want to stay low key." You respond. "Maman knows if I try to buy a ticket for anything, and anyone who can drive out of state knows better than to try if I ask." You smile. "She makes me work for my adventures, but that just makes them more fun!"

"You find this fun?" Akemi asks, looking confused.

[] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!
[] Yeah! Can you think of anything better than outwitting maman and getting to travel?

And that's going to be it from me for the evening! Getting my schedule more or less fixed is great, but I'm still up at like 0630, haha, and with me cutting way back on the caffeine, it's getting harder to make due with less than a full 8, haha! Could just be that I need to adjust to that, too, and I'll be back to the usual 6 a night, but ah well.

Anyway, that's it for the evening! I'll be back in the morning if theres any questions or concerns, but till then gents, cheers!

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>>4657599
>[X] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

>>4657605
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4657599
>[x] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

>>4657599
>[x] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

>>4657605
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4657599
>[X] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

Honestly, this seems like an answer that would go a long way to explaining why Maman isn't completely shutting down Liz's ability to pull stuff like this - Liz is just living by the same sort of advice Maman tends to give to everyone.

And besides, odds are that Liz got/is getting the same sort of training as Morgan, so it's not like she's going out on these expeditions unprepared.

>>4657599
[] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people

>>4657599
>[] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

WANDERLUST QUEEN

>>4657599
>[] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!
Wandering catte!

>>4657599
>[X] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

Ok gents, votes called!

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[x] Of course! You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!

"Of course!" You respond, nodding enthusiastically. "You get to see the most amazing parts of the country and meet all kinds of people!"

Akemi scowls, looking around at the swampy countryside. "If this is amazing American countryside, I miss my home even more." She says.

"Not this, doofus!" You respond. "But the cascade mountains are gorgeous, and the west is great, these great big wide open spaces that will blow your mind. We'll take another trip after we get back from this one and Maman calms down."

"Calms down?" Akemi asks, her head whipping around to glare at you. "You told me she wouldn't be angry at us!"

"Not at US." You say, shaking your head. "At me. It was my idea, right?"

She frowns, but nods. "Yes." She says, agreeing. "Yes, it was. I still cannot understand why I let you talk me into this foolish nonsense."

"You needed to get out!" You say, for what feels like the tenth time. "How else are you gonna be in charge of people if you don't know what they're like!"

"Americans are hardly the same as the people of my nation." Akemi responds. "Ignorant farmers and frumpy housewives have no bearing on the behavior of nobles and samurai."

"Like there's no farmers or housewives in Japan." You retort. She's a little shortsighted, your new bestie is- and certainly full of nationalistic pride, almost to a fault. You love America and all it stands for, you think, but you'd be silly to not pretend it doesn't have faults or it's own bad people. You've met a few of them- people to whom your name means nothing and your status as a witch almost less- and had a few close shaves and tight scrapes as a result. Nothing you couldn't- and didn't- handle, but nothing you care to think too much about regardless. Still, that's part of the experience, you think- and it's not as if Maman didn't more than adequately prepare you to deal with unfriendly, or even downright hostile, strangers.

1/2

She scowls, but doesn't respond, knowing you're right. "I am tired." She says, and bends forward to grab her pack- really Morgan's, but he'll probably never use it again, so it's as good as hers anyway, you figure- to pull out her sleeping bag and the rolled up military surplus ground pad you both brought. You don't really like the dense foam mats- they're hard to stow correctly, since you can only really roll them up and lash them to your pack, but they're cheap and easily available, which makes them your usual go-to.

Akemi lays out her mat and takes off her shoes before climbing into her bag without another word to you. You stay up a little while to stargaze- the trains can get pretty far out into the boonies, and there's not a lot of light on board. It's a little hard with the overhanging container, but you don't really find yourself caring all that much. Eventually, though, you pull your own bag out and stretch out, rocked to sleep by the motion of the train.

You wake up just as the earliest bits of dawn start to crack over the horizion. You're pretty far west of where you started out, though the train is still blitzing across the land- it must have hammered through the darkest hours of the night without many slowdowns, and you make your location as somewhere in east Texas. You're probably a couple hours out of Dallas yet, where there's an absolutely monstrous Union Pacific yard that handles what seems like half the traffic on this side of the country- and is probably where you'll find your next ride.

Akemi is up a few minutes later. "Are we close to our destination?" She asks.

[] We're a few hours from Dallas. You want to do some sightseeing there? I know a great place to eat and we could crash a day in town, I have a friend that won't mind putting us up.
[] We're close to Dallas, but still a few days from California, at least. If we want to spend any time on the coast we'll have to catch our next ride right away though.

>>4658723
>[X] We're close to Dallas, but still a few days from California, at least. If we want to spend any time on the coast we'll have to catch our next ride right away though.

>>4658723
>[x] We're a few hours from Dallas. You want to do some sightseeing there? I know a great place to eat and we could crash a day in town, I have a friend that won't mind putting us up.

>>4658723
>[x] We're close to Dallas, but still a few days from California, at least. If we want to spend any time on the coast we'll have to catch our next ride right away though.

>>4658723
>[x] We're a few hours from Dallas. You want to do some sightseeing there? I know a great place to eat and we could crash a day in town, I have a friend that won't mind putting us up.
The faster we go, we are slightly less likely to get caught.

Looks like it's a tie vote, so I'm going to go grab some dinner real quick and let things run another ten or so minutes!

>>4658723
>[X] We're a few hours from Dallas. You want to do some sightseeing there? I know a great place to eat and we could crash a day in town, I have a friend that won't mind putting us up.

>>4658723
>[X] We're close to Dallas, but still a few days from California, at least. If we want to spend any time on the coast we'll have to catch our next ride right away though.

Ok, votes called! Thanks >>4658772 >>4658777 and >>4658778 for breaking the tie!

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[x] We're close to Dallas, but still a few days from California, at least. If we want to spend any time on the coast we'll have to catch our next ride right away though.

"We're close to Dallas, but still a few days from California, at least." You say, frowning. You wish you could stop, there's some great places to eat here, but you don't think you can, at least not if you want to spend any time on the Pacific beaches. "If we want to spend any time on the coast we'll have to catch our next ride right away though."

Akemi frowns, but doesn't respond. Her exile from the empire hurt her pretty badly, you think- shook her, at least. She'll complain and often push back- but she rarely, if ever, disagrees enough to not follow along. She hasn't spoken too much about it to anyone, though you're sure Maman has all the details. All you really know is that she managed to make her grandfather- the emperor- so ripshit mad that he banished her at the dinner table, in front of effectively the whole family and your brother. Somehow, it doesn't come as any surprise that Morgan was at least present- despite what often seems like his best efforts, he often gets tied up in that sort of thing.

The ride the rest of the way into Dallas is fairly quiet, though you can see Akemi perk up a little as you enter the city proper, the rails more or less following I-30 as it heads west into the city. You both watch Hensley field pass by with a little interest, the base home to F-14s and C-9s, mostly, with a small contingent of witches- one of the old wartime squadrons, is based here. Charybdis, you think, but you're not sure, and don't pay a lot of attention anyway. You know that it's not a glamour posting like Spellcaster, but that's about the extent of your knowledge of the unit. Either way, there's not a lot of activity at the base, though you can see the flight line as you pass by, F-14s in rows sitting on the pavement.

From there it's another hour or so before you approach the utterly gigantic Union Pacific Miller yard- a former Southern pacific yard, you think, but that's long before your time and outside your interest, anyway. You don't care a lot about the history, just what you need to know to get around.

A yard this big has more than one bull, of course- railroad employed police. The worst part is, there's another base nearby- Joint Reserve Base Ft. Worth. That means if you get picked up here, there's almost no way out of it- you'll get handed over to the military police there, who will check your records and call Maman. You've had it happen before, out near Ft. Bragg on the east coast, though it seemed to you like Maman was far more angry you got caught than the time and effort required on her part to come get you. It wasn't too bad there, you thought- the witches on that base were alright enough, and a few knew maman, so it wasn't like being in a lockup or anything. Still, you'd rather avoid a repeat.

1/2

"Get ready." You tell Akemi as your train slows down. You've already eyeballed your next ride- the Japanese and Indian marked containers on it's cars give away it's destination at one of the coastal ports- and this far to the south, that probably means San Diego or Los Angeles. Either is fine with you- worst case, if you end up in LA, you can get a bus to take you down to San Diego. The tricky part there will be gaining access to the base to see Morgan, if you can even manage that- Miramar, like it's west coast counterpart, is usually locked down pretty tight, enough so that even you can have some trouble getting in. Some being the key word- you've gotten on post before.

Akemi nods and starts packing back up her bag, as you do the same. By the time the train has slowed down, deep in the yard, you're both already ready to get off, and it's a relatively simple matter of a dismount on the fly and a fast, low sprint to your next ride. Unusually for an intermodal, there's a few grainers tacked onto the train. Normally that'd be strictly for general manifest, but you're not about to complain- there's one of the really great ones here, with high sides and a deep lip on the porch to hide behind. You and Akemi scramble on and tuck into the openings.

"This is almost worse." Akemi says as you wait- it's a little warm in the railcar, and you suspect it's not going to get any cooler until you hit the mountains, at least. "Are we equipped for this?"

You nod- you've got more than enough water, you think, and food to last as long as there's no crew change in the middle of nowhere. That's a possibility, but not a huge one- even out in the deserts of the southwest, the crew changes tend to be in towns, though it depends on if this train is headed along the southern route, which will give you a stop in El Paso, or headed more north through New Mexico and Arizona.

"What do you intend we do, once we reach California?" Akemi asks. "I cannot imagine your mother will allow us much time there before coming to collect us from this foolishness."

You shrug. "Well, I'd figured we could crash in on Morgan and your sister." You say.

"Are they not at a highly controlled military base?" Akemi asks. "That seems more foolish than most of your plans."

You shrug.

[] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.
[] We can always play beach bum for a few days, I guess, if you're worried.

>>4658910
>[] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.

>>4658910
>[X] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.

>>4658910
>>[] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.

>>4658910
>[x] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.

YESpionage

>>4658910
>[x] We can always play beach bum for a few days, I guess, if you're worried.

>>4658910
>[X] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.

Liz strikes me as the member of the Laroux family's youngsters most likely to follow in Maman's footsteps once she gets older.

ok gents, votes called, this'll probably be our last update for the evening- gettin pretty tired over here, haha!

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[x] I've gotten in to those kinds of places before, it should be fine.

"I've gotten in to those kinds of places before." You say, pulling out another bottle of tea. You're getting a little hungry, and you'll probably eat a can of ravioli and some of the crackers you packed out in a little bit- you don't like eating too heavily- like a lot of witches, you prefer to eat light and often, to try and flatten out any weird metabolic spikes, not that that's always successful. You're lucky in that, like Maman, you don't have to put away a ton of food to stay full, unlike a lot of witches. It's one of those weird flaws that seems to come and go generationally- it used to be rare, but it's more common these days for a witch to need a lot more food than someone else.

Akemi's eyes narrow. "You've infiltrated heavily guarded and access controlled military posts before?" She asks, clearly not entirely believing you.

You nod, fishing out one of the cans of ravioli and pulling your spork from it's pocket. "Yeah, it's not too hard, most of them have sections of fence you can get over or through, and they're usually too big to have pressure sensors all over everything, so as long as you look like you belong you're ok." You explain.

"And how do you intend we do that, dressed as we are, with these packs?" Akemi asks. Neither of you is bareleg- it's stupid to be while riding, and just a really good way to ruin underwear honestly- and neither of you packed any uniforms or anything like that, either.

You shrug- you hadn't thought quite that far ahead, assuming that you'd be able to tell whoever you ran into that you were Elizabeth Laroux, and wanted to see your brother, and that would be enough to at least get Morgan to come see you. He pretty much has to, you know- and he's not the kind to just ignore you when you show up. At least, you're pretty sure he's not.

"You don't have a plan?" Akemi asks.

1/2

You shake your head. "We've got a few days to come up with something anyway." You respond. "I mean, we could always just go by an army-navy store somewhere and get some uniform tops and stuff, and just try to bluff our way past any trouble, but I don't like getting caught doing that, it makes it a lot more trouble."

"You've tried this before and failed?" Akemi sounds more than a little... irritated by the revelation. She's not, you think, just surprised. Failure is a part of life, but not one you really enjoy- you try to walk away from any such failures armed to never make the same mistakes.

"Kinda." You admit. "I chickened out while getting into Homestead one time and so they took me in and called maman after running my name." That had been your first trip east- you'd planned to get out to the keys, but getting caught on Homestead AFB had kind of ended those plans- you were grounded for four months. You still plan to do that trip again, some day- maybe as your last trip, before you graduate.

"And now you intend to put me at risk of being similarly caught?" Akemi demands.

[] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?
[] You're supposed to be worrying less! We got this, it's easy!

And that's going to be it from me for the night! Haha. Getting almost back to midnight, just about an hour or so to go! My goal is to get normal back on a midnight-06 or 07 kinda sleep schedule, but it's more of a challenge than I remember, haha.

Anyway, that's it for the evening, so till tomorrow gents, cheers!

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>>4659069
>[X] You're supposed to be worrying less! We got this, it's easy!

>>4659074
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4659069
>[] You're supposed to be worrying less! We got this, it's easy!
thanks for running Ghost

>>4659069
>[x] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?

>>4659074
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4659069
>[x] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?

>>4659069
[] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?

>>4659069
>[X] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?
>>4659074
Thanks for the run Ghost.

>>4659069
>[X] You're supposed to be worrying less! We got this, it's easy!

>>4659074
Thanks for the run!

>>4659069
>[] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?

Liz invites Doom casually, and with little caution.

ok gents, votes called! I'm going to have to run and get dinner, so either this update or the voting period right after it may run long.

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[x] It's not that bad, I mean worst case maman gets called a little early, so what?

You smile. "It's not that bad!" You insist, handing her a can of peaches in heavy syrup. She packed her own, of course, but she also hasn't entirely figured out American food, either. "I mean, worst case, maman gets called a little early, so what?"

"And what do you imagine our punishment will be for this little adventure of yours?" Akemi asks. "Why did I allow you to talk me into this foolishness?"

You grin. "Lighten up!" You say, pulling another can of peaches out of your pack and opening it up. "She won't be mad at you anyway, I'll take the fall."

"Hmph." Akemi says. "It is as much my fault as yours. I agreed to come along. I should have not."

"Yeah, but then you'd miss all this scenery!" you say, gesturing at the disappearing skyline behind you and the thinning suburbs as the train picks up speed as it heads into the country. It slows down a little to pass through the much smaller town of Weatherford, but then picks up speed again as the terrain changes, drying out as you head west. By the time you've blown through the small town of Baird, Texas, things are much different from when you started out- both drier and much more... orange.

Akemi seems to chillax some as you pass through Abilene, more or less paralleling I-20 as you pass through the center of the city. This is home to another air force base- one you've never visited, and kind of want to. Maman says she hasn't visited it in the past either- a rarity- but it seems much smaller than you'd have expected. You and Akemi both see more big Lancers on the pavement there, but you're not enough of a plane nerd to tell what kind they are- they all kind of look the same to you. Oh, you know what to look for to tell them apart if asked, but casually, like this? Eh.

It's several more hours before the train starts to head into El Paso. There's a crew change here, you're pretty sure- you've got to be getting close to twelve, though you're not sure- it's late evening, but you're not sure if UP likes to push it close with their crews or not. Still, you'll have to get off here or in Phoenix to resupply- you don't trust the desert, and being stranded out there without supply is one of your secret fears. It's not critical you know- you can always go up to the engine and ask for water from the crew if you really need to, but that guarantees that bull will be summoned and be waiting for you at the next stop- or, worse, maman.

Your luck is in, though, as the train begins to slow down significantly on entering the city of El Paso.

"Are we to get off here?" Akemi asks as the train pulls to a stop.

[] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.
[] We can get off here for a little while, but we should stick around the yard. Westbounds from Bliss would make this trip a lot quicker.

>>4660485
>[X] We can get off here for a little while, but we should stick around the yard. Westbounds from Bliss would make this trip a lot quicker.

>>4660485
>[] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.

>>4660485
>[x] We can get off here for a little while, but we should stick around the yard. Westbounds from Bliss would make this trip a lot quicker.

>>4660485
>[x] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.
El Paso fucking sucks but would rather resupply now then later

>>4660485
>[X] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.

>>4660485
>[] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.

>>4660485
>[] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] We'll resupply, they're tying down the train so we have a little time.

You frown- it's getting late enough that you'd like to be looking for a place to sleep- or be tucked away somewhere on the train and able to get to sleep as soon as it started rolling again- but you also planned at least one resupply, if not two, on the trip. You're at least a day in now, and you've made good time, but you didn't plan for more than a day without a chance to stock back up on food and water, too. Maman, you know, would scold you for that- you should pack at least three days supplies, she'd say, if not more- but, so far as you know, Maman never traveled by freight, either, so she doesn't know the specifics of how to do it. Three days rations is all well and good till your pack weighs too much to catch out.

"We'll resupply." You say, and Akemi looks a little relieved. "They're tying down anyway, so we have a little time."

You're still cautious to exit the yard without being seen- it's late enough that the light isn't the best, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything, especially this close to the border. You're kind of surprised you manage to get out of the yard without anything pinging you- you're usually aware as soon as anything or anyone glances in your direction, let alone takes an active interest in you. In this case? Nothing- you and Akemi clear the yard easily and are walking along the streets. You stand out, you know, even in this city- though this close to a major post, even younger witches are a common enough sight- and both you and Akemi are close enough that you might just be a pair of tank witches from Ft. Bliss out on leave. It's enough- usually- to get people to leave you to your own business.

"There's a Mcdonalds that way, if you want to grab some hot food." You say, consulting your phone. "And then a couple gas stations that way where we can get stuff for the ride."

1/2

"McDonalds isn't food." Akemi announces, scowling. "And I cannot understand why your country allows it to continue to blight both your meals and your public health."

"Isn't there one in Tokyo?" You ask, and her frown, if anything, deepens.

"American foolishness we've allowed into the nation." She announces. "When my brother is emperor, I doubt such things will be allowed to remain in place."

You shrug- that's politics, which is a realm you avoid like a cat avoids water. You cannot stand even the concept of it all and firmly believe a lot of those types of people would be far more agreeable if they got out on adventures more in life. It's a stance maman finds amusing, at best.

"Well, what do you think, then?" You ask, pocketing your phone after another second. "There's probably more than just Mcdonalds up there, or we could just make our supply run and head back to the train."

"I care not." Akemi says. "But I will not eat Mcdonalds."

[] We could do with hot food, let's head up that way.
[] I don't want to risk losing this train, let's just top off supplies and get back.

>>4660603
>[X] I don't want to risk losing this train, let's just top off supplies and get back.

>>4660603
>[x] I don't want to risk losing this train, let's just top off supplies and get back.

>>4660603
>[x] We could do with hot food, let's head up that way.

>>4660603
>[X] I don't want to risk losing this train, let's just top off supplies and get back.

While hot food would be nice, it's not really a 100% necessity - and losing this train could very well mean losing any lead we might have on Maman.

Also, if Akemi doesn't like McDonalds in Japan, she'd probably hate the US version even more. That said, once Liz does get out towards Miramar, it'd be neat if they swung by Santa's for food - because I'd love to see Akemi's reaction to a proper American burger.

ok, votes called!

>>4660603
>"When my brother is emperor, I doubt such things will be allowed to remain in place."

Given that he's dating Cass, this seems *highly* unlikely

actually

Does Akemi even know that Hohiro's dating Cass yet?

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[x] I don't want to risk losing this train, let's just top off supplies and get back.

You frown, looking at your watch, and then back over your shoulder towards the yard. "I don't want to risk losing this train." You decide, getting a nod- a nod!- out of Akemi. "Let''s just top off supplies and get back."

"Being stranded here would be unpleasant." Akemi agrees, looking around the town. You've never been a fan of the place, either, not that you've been here much.

"Well, we wouldn't be stranded stranded." You say, heading down the road towards where the gas stations should be. "I mean, there's a fort right there and we've got enough money to get a hotel room and wait for maman. But it we had to call her we'd never get to California, so we don't want to do that."

"You do not want that." Akemi corrects you. "I would not mind returning to your home and sleeping in my bed again."

"So why don't you?" You ask. "You've got money and it's not like Maman wouldn't come get you the same as she would me."

Akemi scowls at you, then looks away. "I said I would accompany you on this foolish trip, and I keep my word." She responds.

You at least do her the favor of not grinning at her as you walk- but you let that be the last words said for a while. The two of you hit a gas station, stocking up mostly on drinks- water, Gatorade, and bottled iced coffee, mostly. You also grab about a dozen more cans of ravoili, along with a solid armload of snacks. Akemi is a little less profligate with her money, and favors water more than the other stuff, though she's got a couple cans of arizona tea, you note. The two of you pack the supplies outside on a table set along one side of the building before heading back to the yard. You manage to get back on your grainer, even- jumping aboard just as the train starts rolling again.

You both have just enough space in your cubbyholes under the grain hopper to roll out your bags and catch some sleep, neither of you trying to communicate much. There's not much to see out here, either, honestly- just desert.

The train must be really high priority, you find yourself thinking as you wake up- Pulling out your phone, you're shocked to find you're already west of Yuma, Arizona, having blitzed through New Mexico and almost all of Arizona overnight. From Yuma, though, the line- kind of frustratingly, heads north, past the Salton sea and through places like Mecca and Thermal. You're glad for the grainer as you head into the mountains- it's a little chilly up here still, and there's good cover from the wind, at least, tucked into the car. Akemi looks grateful too as you pass through the San Bernardino mountains. You tense up a little as you hit the junction in Colton, but your train heads in the right direction, taking the left and turning south for San Diego.

1/2

Still, it's another few hours before you're approaching the city, and another two from when you enter the outskirts to when the train finally pulls to a stop at the port yard, near the Midway musuem. You and Akemi have to get off in a hurry- the yard is plenty busy, and you're barely off the property before someone sees you- but, since you're off the property, regardless of what they know, they can't do anything- you're not doing anything wrong.

"So now what?" Akemi asks. "We are filthy and I've little desire to have to see my elder sister in such a state."

You frown. As much fun as it would be to crash whatever pad Morgan's managed to get himself into like this, and demand access to his shower and his laundry machine, Akemi is probably right- this is no way to meet any future sister in law of yours. Really, as you see it, you've got three choices. One is spring for a hotel- if you pay cash, there shouldn't be too much trouble, and you'll probably be low key enough to escape any net maman has out for you- as she most assuredly does by now. Two would be to use the house in town- Maman keeps more than a few places around the US, and there's a reasonably comfortable two story house here in the city that you stay in occasionally when she's on a long job here for whatever reason. It's a little ways away- you'll have to take a cab or the bus- but it's free, and almost certainly safe to use- there's no security system or anything. Three is, of course, just heading to NAS Miramar and crashing Morgan's pad as is- you know he'll complain, but he'll have to let you clean up and everything anyway, and while it may not be the best first impression, it does set a good enough one, you think- you like to adventure and see no reason to hide it.

[] You're right, let's get a hotel room to clean up and unwind for a day.
[] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.
[] We're going to just head up to Miramar- we're on borrowed time anyway.

>>4660803
>[X] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.

>>4660803
>[] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.

>>4660803
>[x] You're right, let's get a hotel room to clean up and unwind for a day.

>>4660803
>[X] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.

From experience, if you feel like you need a shower, not taking one for an extended period is honestly rather unpleasant. Lets get Liz and Akemi a shower and get their clothes washed (shouldn't take more than most of a day), then they can go visit Morgan and Kyou the following morning or something.

>>4660803
>[x] You're right, let's get a hotel room to clean up and unwind for a day.

>>4660803
>[X] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.

>>4660803
>[] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.

OK gents, votes called! This'll probably be the last for the week!

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[x] We'll use the house in the city- it's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so.

"We'll use the house in the city." You say, pulling out your phone and pulling up uber. There's plenty of rides in the city of course, and there's one nearby. "It's free and should be safe enough to use for a day or so."

"Should be?" Akemi asks.

You nod. "Maman doesn't have a security system or anything like that there, since we don't really live there and just stay there occasionally. It's not like the house back in New Orleans or anything. There's beds and TVs and the water is on and all, but there's no, like... stuff."

"And your brother doesn't use it why?" Akemi asks.

You shrug. "Because he's Morgan and probably doesn't think about it." You respond. "There's no good place to nap there and the kitchen is too small."

"That seems an odd set of requirements for him." Akemi says, and your shrug.

"Ask him, I guess." You say, nodding as your ride pulls up. You give her the directions and you're off, headed through the city towards the north end. It's about a forty five minute ride, and on the other end you pay your driver and you and Akemi head up the driveway of the nondescript two story home in an upper-middle class neighborhood.

"It is somewhat surprising your mother keeps additional houses." Akemi says as you unlock the door and step inside, frowning at the musty smell of the place- it's been shut up for a little over a year, so far as you know- at least, that's the last time you were here.

You nod. "Yeah, she gets them from companies she does consulting work for a lot." You say. "I can't remember who got her this one, but we've had it years now. We don't really do anything with them, but maman can't sell them or anything either, so here we are."

"I see." Akemi says, frowning. "I imagine it makes your little adventures easier?"

You nod again, walking deeper into the house and turning on a few lights. "Yeah, especially coming here or up to Seattle. There's another one in Washington DC and then one down in Florida, too." You say. "The bedrooms are all upstairs, take whichever one you want."

"It will be nice to sleep in a real bed again." Akemi says, following you up the staris and throwing her bag into the master bedroom- no shock there, you think.

"And we've got a chance to wash clothes." You point out. "We can crash here a day and then head to Miramar."

Akemi nods, and you think you see a slight smile. "Perhaps this will not be as bad as I feared." She says, then the seriousness returns. "However, I intend to shower now. I do not know when I will be out."

"I'll order some pizza." You respond with a smile. "Ham and Pineapple?"

Akemi nods. "That is acceptable." She responds. "Preferable to you attempting to cook."

You laugh. It wasn't that bad, you think- sure, the fire did seem particularly aware and malicious, but it's not like you burnt the house down- you didn't even trip the halon system built into the stove hood!

ANd that's going to be it for the week! This was kind of a fun run, I think- I'm finding myself really enjoying some of these sidequests as time goes on, haha!

I'm gettin pretty beat, so I won't be up much more this evening, but I'll be on over the weekend to answer questions or comments, either here or in the discord. Otherwise gents, till next time, cheers!

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>>4660905
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4660905
thanks for running

>>4660905
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4660905
Thanks for the run boss!

>>4660902
>you didn't even trip the halon system built into the stove hood!

Lmao what

>>4661236
A good indication of how bad Liz's cooking skills are.

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Alright gents, bit of news!

So my brother has the commie coof. This is not that big a deal, except he was down this past weekend- so I was exposed (again). It's far too early here- I was exposed Saturday and Sunday, so it's only been a couple days- so we can't yet tell if anything'll come of it, especially as given last time I was exposed, I didn't get anything, but who knows? Long story short, assuming I do end up going positive here, we may have some off time, depending on the severity. Given my unique health issues involved, I'll make some notes in case it gets ugly, but no reason to carry on about any of that.

That's pretty much it for news right now, though!

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

Merlin's office is more than a little full as you head in to finally talk with her after landing- both Wendy and Mori are present, as well as two other people you don't recognize- both of whom look a lot less comfortable to be there as you and Kyou step in. You were directed there as soon as you'd shut down Muninn and deplaned- you're both still in flight gear and carrying your flight bags.

"You were explaining." Merlin says to the two outsiders- both of whom wear Air force uniforms, though with their backs turned to you you can't tell what rank they hold- "Why you thought it was a good idea to take my crew and my aircraft off a briefed flight, hijack their target, and then have them fly around and fire on targets in highly restricted airspace they weren't cleared into prior to all of this."

"Well, ma'am, it was the most expedient way to complete the tests we needed done, and-" One of them starts. Merlin's frown causes him to clamp his jaw shut.

"You have almost a dozen B-1Ws stationed within a few hours of flight time from dreamland and forty eight oh eight. Three of them are assigned to a unit that has conducted test flights multiple times in dreamland's airspace. One of them is at dreamland as of a week ago" Merlin says, her eyes narrowing. "Don't try to lie to me. I got very tired of political games in the nineties, gentlemen."

You can detect their uneasiness from the way they shuffle their feet. Merlin's never raised her voice- well, ever, that you know of- and somehow her calm tone now is almost worse. A lot of people- self included sometimes, you think- tend to underestimate her as just a mad scientist or quirky, awkward little sister type. You're not sure if that's the case here or not, but if it is, it's bit them hard, you think.

1/2

"Ma'am, the projects are classified." The other one tries. "We can't tell you anything more than we already have."

"Do you want to find out how quickly I can be cleared into them?" Merlin asks. "I will have every ounce of data on every project you just had my crew participate in sent to my computer in the next ten minutes with full knowledge and authority of the secretary of defense, if not higher." She frowns.

"We wanted to test the systems against the output of a superwitch." The first finally says. "Natalya Bishop is untouchable, and this was the next best option."

"I see. You're dismissed." Merlin says, and you can see both men relax a little- at least before she adds "Next time, clear it with me beforehand or I will have you and anyone else involved thrown into the brig and you won't see the outside for the rest of your natural life. Dreamland can have any toy it wants, but if you try and play with my WCT be prepared to play nice."

Both men nod, salute, and leave. Merlin watches them go, then shakes her head, sighs, leans back in her chair and runs her hand back through her hair. "I'm sorry you all had to see that." She says. "And I guess it's my fault, I should have guessed they'd do something like that."

"I cannot see how you could have foreseen such a thing." Kyou responds. "It came as quite as a surprise to us as well."

Merlin nods. "They've been working on some things I keep hearing rumors about, it's pretty clear they've moved onto the active testing phase." She says, then smiles. "But it sounds like they weren't quite as prepared for you as they thought they were. How did it go?"

[] Test data's here, but I thought it went well, other than their unusual targets.
[] I don't think Mars is going to be a problem for us anymore.

>>4667030
>[X] Test data's here, but I thought it went well, other than their unusual targets.

>>4667030
>[x] Test data's here, but I thought it went well, other than their unusual targets.

>>4667029
>[] I don't think Mars is going to be a problem for us anymore.

Smugge.

>>4667029
Remember to update twitter Ghost

>>4667030
>[X] Test data's here, but I thought it went well, other than their unusual targets. That said, I don't think Mars will be a problem anymore.

I hate to be the guy going "why not both", but honestly, it makes sense - we know we went through the Mars target with fucking OODLES of extra energy, and that was the one we were most concerned about at the moment. Considering that we also popped a shielded target, I'm thinking that Yellowstone has enough firepower that something like Stalin's Shield - ie., a Mars that actually has witches onboard providing shields - wouldn't be much more of a problem than an unshielded Mars is.

Regardless, yeah, I think we'll let Merlin handle the spooks - because she clearly has the ability to make them deeply fucking concerned on a level that I think only Maman can surpass.

>>4667030
>test data is here, but i highly dislike that one of our targets was manned.

>>4667030
>[X] I don't think Mars is going to be a problem for us anymore.

>>4667030
>[x] I don't think Mars is going to be a problem for us anymore.

If anything we might have issues just punching clean through.

>>4667068
....... having said everything I did in my post, I think it's a damn good idea to make sure that Merlin also knows that one of the targets was manned - that way, if the spooks didn't pass that along to her, it's guaranteed to fall entirely on their heads.

>[X] Test data is here, but I'm not entirely comfortable that they decided to go ahead with having a witch shield one of the targets.

Just to be on the safe side.

>>4667030
>[] I don't think Mars is going to be a problem for us anymore.

ok, votes called!

>>4667030
>>4667073
This.

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[x] Test data's here, but I thought it went well, other than their unusual targets.

"The test data is here, but I thought it went well." You say, pulling the thumb drive out of your leg pocket and handing it to Merlin, who regards it for a second before plugging it into her computer. "Other than their unusual targets."

"I will admit I'm entirely uncomfortable with them having us fire on a shielded target, regardless of how they achieved the shielding." Kyou adds.

Merlin nods, frowning and leaning forward as she looks at the forwarded data. "And this has been so heavily redacted it's almost useless." She responds. "They barely gave me the data I'd hoped for out of our firing test, and I'm not so sure it's any value to us to know the cannon's performance against homogeneous steel plate of that thickness."

Kyou looks over at you, then mirrors Merlin's frown. "They wasted our time?"

"Sort of." Merlin responds, then smiles and leans back in her chair again. "Not that it matters. My threat to them was very real, and since they're witholding the data I need, so either I'll have to go through the secretary's office or something like that."

You nod. "How long?"

Merlin shakes her head. "Doesn't matter for now. We're going to have to get out of the US unless we want to be playing their games." She says. "Which might result in access to some really crazy equipment, but it's also a security nightmare, especially with an AI involved."

"Would work have to be done to Muninn and Tessa?" Kyou asks.

Merlin frowns. "Not exactly, both are military AIs and have the ability to handle SCI data like that, but Dreamland usually only works with their base AI and their base AI alone, and he's limited to the base itself and it's outlying annexes. Having network capable AIs like Tessa and Muninn would be new to them, and that's always a mess as they figure things out."

"I can see no benefit to such a move." Kyou announces. "Given their target list, I doubt they would have much to interest us anyway."

[] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?
[] Maybe we should consider it. That EDF signal could be trouble.

>>4667171
>[X] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?

>>4667171
>[] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?

Silly Spooks can go play Spooky Games somewhere else.

>>4667171
>[X] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?

If spooks want to play stupid games, they can win stupid prizes. In this case, a mildly upset Merlin who wants fuck-all to do with their shenanigans, and is entirely willing to say "I'm heading back to the front with my Wyvern Team, fuck you" to them.

>>4667171
>[] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?

as suspicious as the EDF thing is, the war is a more pressing matter

>>4667199
>as suspicious as the EDF thing is, the war is a more pressing matter

[Morgan pointedly ignoring Shenanigans]

>>4667171
>[x] Maybe we should consider it. That EDF signal could be trouble.

>>4667171
>[X] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?

Ok, votes called!

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[x] I agree with Kyou. So will we be going back to the front?

"I agree with Kyou." You say, nodding. "Will we be going back to the front?"

"Not quite, but close enough." Merlin responds. "We'll be flying primarily out of Atsugi, since all WCTs in the region have been moved off carriers and on to land bases." She says. "Navy policy, the Chinese have deployed long-range antiship missiles to bases along their eastern coast. We'll still use carriers for forward basing if we need for specific missions, but we'll be primarily based out of joint base Atsugi. They've been upgraded to handle the larger composite teams, so we won't have any problems there."

"Will we be expected to maintain residence there as well?" Kyou asks.

Merlin hesitates. "I'm not sure yet." She admits. "Normally yes, there's good housing there and no reason for us to not use it, but..." She shrugs. "it's somewhat different in your case. We're working on it, for now the answer is we'll find out when we land."

"It seems rather a shame to have to leave so suddenly." Wendy says, frowning slightly. "Will our effects be moved for us?"

"Anything in quarters, yes." Merlin responds. "Anything still at your private residence, not until the war is over, anyway. They're not going to let me devote any shipping space to household goods."

"How soon will we be leaving Miramar?" Kyou asks.

"The next day or two." Merlin responds. "We were already going to be headed back soon, this... surprise just makes me want to move a little faster on it. I'll coordinate but expect to be leaving within the next forty eight hours."

Kyou nods. "Will we be flying everyone again, or will you join us separately?"

"You'll be following the Hawaii-Wake-Tokyo route." Merlin says. "All three aircraft should have plenty of range, we can fit tanks so there's a little room for error, but we shouldn't need them. I'll be flying civilian, direct nonstop." She smiles. "I'll probably be there before you, I leave tomorrow night."

"It's possible." Kyou admits, then looks over at Wendy and Mori. "It will be somewhat easier for us all to fit in the palace."

Merlin nods. "I'll try and arrange for us to be able to stay there, but I'm not sure the navy will be entirely happy with it." She says.

[] Try to work it out if you can, we really do need the space.
[] As long as the quarters at Atsugi are bigger than this, we'll be fine there.
[] Whatever we end up with is fine, honestly. We just want back in it.

>>4667318
>[X] Whatever we end up with is fine, honestly. We just want back in it.

>>4667318
>[] Whatever we end up with is fine, honestly. We just want back in it.

>>4667318
>[x] As long as the quarters at Atsugi are bigger than this, we'll be fine there.

>>4667318
>[] Whatever we end up with is fine, honestly. We just want back in it.

>>4667318
>[x] Try to work it out if you can, we really do need the space.

Especially if Merlin's moving in

>>4667318
>[x] Try to work it out if you can, we really do need the space.

ok, votes called! this'll probably be it for the night!

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[x] Whatever we end up with is fine, honestly. We just want back in it.

"Whatever we end up with is fine, honestly." You say, getting a nod from Kyou. "We just want back in it."

"Exactly so." Kyou agrees. "In the mean time, should we prepare our things for transit?"

Merlin nods. "I'll have the ground crew upload baggage pods to Muninn, though keep in mind you'll have to pack out for four, plus some things I can't have on a civilian aircraft." She says. "That's all going to be small things though, so it should fit in Morgan's sea bag."

You frown as she smiles- that you'll probably pack the lightest is a given, but at the same time, how would she know? Still, give the smiles present on everyone else's face, you're trapped anyway. "So nothing else until then?"

Merlin shakes her head. "Not unless we move your flight sooner." She says, shrugging. "I can't leave any earlier than I am, but if there's a transfer window, we can move you up."

"Transfer window?" Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

"The navy doesn't like moving too many Wyverns all at once." She explains. "Especially not across the same corridor. Right now they're trying to limit it to one team every day and a half or so returning to the Northeast Asian theater or leaving the theater via the Tokyo Wake Hawaii route. I mean, three quarters of the fleet right now is committed to the war, and now the navy is trying to keep at least two in the middle east or med. Plus the home guard, the entire fleet is committed to one place or another."

You nod- it has seemed like the numbers of wyverns has stayed relatively constant here, even with teams apparently coming and going daily.

"Does this mean we'll miss the meet?" Wendy asks. "Miss Lotus seemed rather excited for us to go."

Merlin smiles. "That's why I'd planned for you to leave day after tomorrow." She says. "That way you'll have time to go to that, and then leave after a crew rest. But keep in mind that if you want to leave sooner, I'll have to try and arrange a transfer window, and there may not be a lot of time to do anything."

Kyou frowns, then looks over at you. "Perhaps we should go to this meeting." She says. "It seems to me we've already kept ourselves far too isolated from the other teams. Meeting others could prove beneficial later."

[] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.
[] I think I'd rather get back to the front as soon as possible.

And that's going to be it for the night! Getting pretty tired, but right on time, haha, looks like we're sorted back out and good in that regard, at least!

Anyways gents, I won't be on anymore this evneing, but I'll be up fairly early and can answer any questions or comments in the morning! Otherwise gents, till tomorrow,, cheers!

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>>4667446
>[X] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

>>4667451
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4667446
>[X] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

Thanks for the run boss.

>>4667446
>[x] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

>>4667451
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4667446
>[X] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

>>4667451
Thanks for the run!

>>4667446
>[] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

>>4667446
>[] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

>>4667446
>[x] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

Morgan probably wants to cattenap, but his wolfu wants to network

>>4667446
>[] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

>>4667446
>[] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

GOOSE PARTY

Ok gents, votes called!

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[x] I think so too, yeah. Sounds like fun.

You nod. "I think so too, yeah." You say. "Sounds like fun."

You'd have had a different tune if it had been described as any kind of formal- but from what you remember, Lotus described it as much more informal thing at a bar off post. That you can see- the wyvern community as it is is somewhat odd so far as things go. You don't have a lot of connection with the rest of the squadron- you really don't have a lot of connection outside your own WCT, honestly. You're not an isolated entity, of course, but there's a lot of parallels you can draw between your situation now and how Maman used to be. Honestly, you're not sure if you much care for that or not.

Merlin nods. "Well, that's tomorrow evening, so I won't be able to go." She says. "I'll be flying out of the aiport in San Diego about an hour before, so you can drive me down and I'll meet you in Japan."

"It is a pity you can't simply travel with us." Kyou says. "Has our ground crew been notified?"

Merlin nods. "The navy is talking about making this a permanent posting for you, kind of like a home guard role." She says. "What that means is instead of coming back here after deployment, you'd only come here for anything we can't do there. You'd be one of four WCTs based outside the US if that happened, though, and the first based in Asia."

Kyou blinks. "That would be incredible." She says. "Is there any indication of how the navy is looking to proceed?"

Merlin shakes her head. "Not yet." She responds. "It's just talks, so far. The imperial Japanese government wants at least one USN WCT based in Japan at a joint base going forward, and no one's under any illusions as to who they want that to be. There's discussion and preliminary movement on it, but nothing concrete yet. Your ground crews won't be moving their families yet or anything like that, and this is still being treated as a forward deployment, not a rebasing."

You nod, as does Wendy. "But we're expecting to remain there for the duration?" Wendy asks.

"Most likely. Not counting complex overhaul and upgrade cycle time, which will still be conducted here, probably. The Imperial military is rapidly getting Shimofusa set up as their primary Wyvern base, but it's still not capable of handling a full overhaul cycle yet. They may have it set up by the time we come due for our next, but they may not, and it won't be fully rebuilt for at least a year at any rate."

1/2

There's a pause as she looks at something on her computer screen, and shakes her head a little. "That's all for now, you can head back to quarters after you get geared down." Merlin says. "I'm going to keep Mori here a little longer with me, but I think Wendy can go with you. Unless you had anything else?"

Wendy shakes her head. "No, I'm quite satisfied with what we were able to work out." she says. "I imagine we'll make arrangements to perform the work in Japan?"

Merlin nods. "Mori and I will head back later." She says to you and Kyou. "We're still working on a gun fit she likes."

The three of you leave the office and close the door behind you, noting that the outer office hasn't been packed or anything- not that there's much here. Merlin doesn't have much of a staff anyway, like most team handlers- just a couple junior enlisted to help with paperwork as necessary.

You meet the two witches out in the hall after depositing your flight gear in the support shop, having changed back into your khaki duty uniform for the time being- you'll be changing again almost as soon as you get back to your quarters, of course.

"Well, that's all rather sudden." Wendy says, smiling. "She seems rather possessive of you."

"Was she angered by our actions?" Kyou asks, and Wendy shakes her head.

"Not at all, she was far more bothered by whomever it was that had you deviate from the planned flight. I'm not certain who the two gentlemen from the air force were, but they were rather high rank to be threatened as she did. Reminds me in some ways of your father when he dealt with Matron Longstreet." She laughs.

You're only vaguely familiar with the story- but you know it was part of the reason why the American coven made every effort to not have to deal with your father where it could be avoided, instead preferring to act through the DoD. Maman also claims its why, to this day, what he and Merlin did is such a question still.

[] Hopefully not that bad. Maman still talks about how badly that hurt the covens.
[] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

>>4668660
>[X] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

>>4668660
>[x] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

>>4668660
>[x] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

>>4668660
>[X] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

ok, votes called!

>>4668660
>[] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

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[x] Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing. They should have known better.

"Merlin's never liked that strongarm type thing." You point out. "They should have known better."

"I suspect they didn't quite think about it in that manner." Wendy responds. "They seemed rather surprised that she took it so poorly, considering that you weren't redirected to dreamland yourself once your flight tests were done, and they provided at least some information on what you'd done. Of course, they'd no way of knowing what she and Frank went through during the war with Matron Longstreet."

"I've only heard stories." Kyou admits as you walk. "She was the matron in charge of the naval academy?"

Wendy nods. "And apparently quite harsh on miss Wells when she attempted to enter the academy." She explains. "As you know, Miss Wells has significant difficulty powering a striker set by herself, to the point of being largely incapable of it. At the time, the academy standard was that if a witch couldn't sustain a striker set for at least an hour on intake, then there was little point or purpose in allowing her into the military."

Kyou frowns. "That's foolish, at best." She says. "Such a focus on strikers ignores other potential abilities."

Wendy nods again. "Back then, the navy would allow witches to commission directly, and send them through conventional schooling as an aviator or sailor. That's how Merlin got in, and ended up flying as a radar intercept officer despite her inability to power a striker set. Then, of course, once she was teamed up with Frank... "

"The rest becomes history?" Kyou provides.

1/2

"Quite." Wendy says. "The trouble is, once Miss Wells and Frank began to make themselves known, especially after Berlin, the matron was hardly subtle in her efforts to have them brought back to America in order to study their abilities. Miss Wells, of course, reacted somewhat poorly to the idea, as Matron Longstreet had been quite... brusque with her initially. And by then, as miss Wells, so too Frank."

"I see." Kyou says, frowning as she thinks. "And the Matron continued her efforts?"

Wendy nods. "Very much so, yes. After being rebuffed by Frank and miss Wells, she began attempting to go through the navy and department of defense. However there were quite a few roadblocks to her doing so, and despite her reputation owing to her performance in the southeast asian conflict, she wasn't able to quite muster the pull necessary to get them reassigned. Her efforts, though, I'm quite sure are why miss Wells reacted so poorly to the events today."

Kyou nods. "She sounds like she was foolish." She supplies. "Had she been content to accept their refusal early, and then simply supported them as necessary, it's far more likley they'd have been willing to work with her after the war. Instead she all but ensured they'd never work with her or her successors."

That's more or less the size of it, you think- neither Frank nor Merlin has ever been willing to do more than the most basic of tests, and even then only for a very select group of witches. It's why Maman's paper on them is still considered the most accurate, despite being as old as it is now- she's one of the only ones they'd work with for any length of time and with any serious effort.

"Of course, it's not going to be an issue anymore." Kyou declares. "if her wish is to not be bothered anymore, we can certainly arrange for that."

[] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.
[] I'm not sure it's a great idea to let her just be a pet mad scientist, though, no matter how fun the idea sounds.

>>4668767
>[X] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

>>4668767
>[x] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

>>4668767
>[X] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

>>4668767
>[] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

>>4668767
>[X] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

>>4668767
>[] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

>>4668767
>[x] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

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

>MFW I completely forget that thread is running tonight

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[x] She's already effectively arranged it anyway. She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call.

"She's already effectively arranged it anyway." You point out. "She wasn't lying when she said she could get access to anything she wanted with a phone call."

Kyou nods. "Of course, but she lacks the ability to make herself entirely unreachable, as she would be on the palace grounds. I am sure that even her private shops at chance-vought or her office here are subject to the surprise intrusion of those more highly placed than her. Once on palace grounds, the only people with the authority to intrude are the guard or the emperor himself and the guard will never do so without a clear, specific reason."

"Besides, she can't get everything she wants." Wendy points out, smiling lightly. "Some people have remained beyond her reach until very recently. I suspect another reason she'll be interested in remaining at the palace is to simply be able to enjoy herself somewhat without the impositions of the world."

You scowl at the older witch as she laughs.

"Regardless, it is clear that our test exercises may result in her gaining access to additional programs. I am entirely curious as to how they were able to generate shields on the target drone. A pre-charged focus may have been used, but if so how?"

Wendy frowns. "Well, they use pre-charged foci for striker maintenance." She points out.

1/2

Kyou nods. "Yes, but only in conjunction with testing equipment, and even then it is impossible to spin up the engines or activate any defensive measures." She responds. "A witch must be present to direct the energy, if nothing else."

"So there had to have been a witch onboard the target drone." You state, flatly.

"That is my assumption, yes." Kyou says. "Though I cannot imagine anyone being willing to take part in a test of that nature, especially considering the data available on our strength." She shakes her head. "There are certainly more questions than answers to this matter."

"Maybe miss Wells will be able to help?" Wendy offers. "Especially if she intends to look into these programs herself, now."

"Perhaps." Kyou responds. "Though unless it has application to us, I doubt she will be able to. The information was classified and they were incredibly hesitant to discuss it with us."

Wendy nods. "Perhaps not." She says, and there's a short period of quiet as the three of you exit the ops building and catch a ride back to the wyvern quarters.

"If you wish, I can begin packing our effects." Wendy offers as you step back into the rooms. "I'll have to leave out some clothes for tomorrow, of course, but I see little reason to leave it till the last minute."

"I suspect Morgan will require your assistance in preparing dinner." Kyou points out, looking at the clock. "It's getting later than usual, and he'll need to hurry."

"Ah, quite right." Wendy says, nodding. "Shall I begin packing, or will you be needing me?"

[] Go ahead and start packing, I can handle it.
[] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

And that's going to be it for the evening! Not much news for the evening either, just kinda the usual. Though I guess we may not need a make up day on Friday this week, that's kinda nice! Now watch, I'll come down with some sort of twitching awfuls tomorrow and we'll have to postpone a day.

But that's going to be it for the evening gents, so, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4668899
>[X] Go ahead and start packing, I can handle it.

>>4668903
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4668899
>[x] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

>>4668903
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4668899
>[X] Go ahead and start packing, I can handle it.

>>4668899
>[x] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

Thanks for the run boss.

>>4668899
>[] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

>>4668899
>[] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.
Wendy is good help in the kitchen, when she isn't trying to be distracting

>>4668899
>[X] Go ahead and start packing, I can handle it.

> I am entirely curious as to how they were able to generate shields on the target drone.
>"So there had to have been a witch onboard the target drone."
Uh, Ghost, this part of the conversation doesn't make sense. The debrief in the previous thread confirmed there was a witch in the ejection pod:
>"We can't discuss certain aspects of the program with you, but yes, there was a live witch aboard."

>>4668899
>[X] Go ahead and start packing, I can handle it.

>>4668899
>[x] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

Cooking time with Wendy

>>4668899
>[] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

Tease the Wolf, Spoil the Dog

Ok gents, votes called!

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[x] I'll want the help, yeah. There's not that much to pack anyway.

You nod. "I'll want the help, yeah." You say, and she smiles very faintly- while she's much more comfortable in her place in everything now, and not worried at all that she's going to be made to leave or anything of that nature, she still enjoys being reminded how much she's a critical part of the household effort. "There's not that much to pack, anyway."

She nods. "Of course. Allow me a moment to change, and I'll be right out." She says. Kyou watches her for a minute before shaking her head.

"I'd hoped to have her to myself for a bit." She says. "I wanted to get her opinion on what we engaged today."

"You still can, when we eat." You remind her. "And why were you confused by how the target generated a shield? They told us, remember?"

She nods. "Of course, but their explanation leaves many gaps." She says. "The shield, for example."

"What about it?" You ask. To your mind it did exactly everything a shield should do- or tried, anyway. Anything trying to stop something powered by Kyou is going to be in for an incredibly difficult- if not outright impossible- task.

"Their witch's reaction time was better than my own. It would have had to have been to form a shield that quickly while under attack." She points out. "I can only barely do so, and then only with Muninn's assistance. And even then, Muninn initiates formation independently of me, I merely power it and take over as soon as Muninn has dedicated that portion of the energy I make available to the craft for the purpose."

You shrug. "So maybe it was a single witch pilot with an AI?"

"In so small an ejection capsule?" Kyou responds. "Not impossible, but the component we saw escape from the drone would have been a tight fit for one person, let alone a person and an AI's critical core hardware. Similarly, remember that Muninn can not eject us without our input. The reaction time between the failure of the shield and the ejection was impossible without an AI controlling it, no one can move that quickly, even a witch."

"And that's why you're confused?" You ask.

She nods. "It is not impossible that they were telling the truth, and perhaps have developed a superior system for allowing a witch to assist a conventional fighter. But I suspect that is not the case at all."

[] So what do you think it was?
[] Let's not worry about it. If we need to know, we'll get told.

>>4670017
>[x] So what do you think it was?

>>4670017
>[X] So what do you think it was?

>>4670017
>[] So what do you think it was?

[Catte Interest]

>>4670017
>[X] So what do you think it was?

I have a feeling Merlin may wind up wanting to hear about this.

>>4670017
>[X] So what do you think it was?

>>4670017
>[X] So what do you think it was?

Spooks sus

ok, votes called!

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[x] So what do you think it was?

"So what do you think it was?" You ask.

She shakes her head. "I'm completely unsure." She responds, after a minute. "And that makes it somewhat worse, as there are plenty of terrible things I could imagine it being."

"Keeping in mind the coven wouldn't allow anything awful." You point out.

"Perhaps not." She admits. "Regardless, I've no idea as to what it could be."

You nod as Wendy steps out of the bedroom, having changed into something comfortable looking- actually comfortable looking, too, not her usual choice of a T-shirt slightly too small to work to cover everything and a pair of stockings and little else. In this case, it's a T-shirt and a pair of light gray sweatpants. You suspect it's little more than that, of course- she's skipped socks, for example- but you're not going to ask, either.

Kyou retreats to the bedroom as you move to the kitchen. The f ridge is stocked well enough that there's only a few things you know you won't be able to make, but you've got a powerful hunger, suddenly, for Reuben sandwiches, and you're not sure why. All the things are here, of course- Wendy has always preferred rye bread for her sandwiches, and swiss cheese and corned beef were picked up somewhere along the line, along with a can of sauerkraut that's been in the cabinet since the first time you went to the commissary here.

"Sandwiches?" Wendy asks as you start pulling things out, and you shake your head.

"Corned beef reubens." You correct her, and she smiles.

"Ah, wonderful!" She says, nodding. "It's been quite some time since I had them, the Styles twins would occasionally prepare them when I lived there. I'm quite a fan."

"Including the sauerkraut?" You ask. The sandwiches aren't exactly what you'd consider your usual territory, being more of a northern thing, but Frank made them once or twice while you were staying there with them, and you got a taste for them then. They're also reasonably simple- and fast- to make, though you're not sure, as usual, about how you plan to feed Mori. Sauerkraut and cheese hardly sounds attractive by itself.

She nods. "Though perhaps more the beef and cheese." She admits. "I should warn you that Miss Wells is rather a fan as well. We should have more than enough, of course, I purchased a few pounds of corned beef, but I'm sure we'd need more, were we staying. There's an extra loaf of rye in the freezer as well, I'll fetch it."

You nod, frowning briefly- Wendy seems to posses almost a precognition about your needs in terms of keeping the kitchen stocked. You're glad for it, of course- things have never gone quite as smoothly as they have with her around- but at the same time it's a little strange.

[] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still
[] Ask her about it- how does she know what to get like she does?

>>4670149
>[X] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

>>4670149
>[] Ask her about it- how does she know what to get like she does?

[Curiosity~]

>>4670149
>[x] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

>>4670149
>[] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

>>4670149
>[] Ask her about it- how does she know what to get like she does?

>>4670149
>[x] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

Honestly, I don't think this is quite a question that needs answering - even thinking about it for a second, I realized that it's probably the MIU doing MIU things.

Remember how it's been said that Wyvern crews tend to have a degree of automatic awareness of the other member(s) of the crew? If Wendy has something like that, she might have just gotten the corned beef and rye without entirely thinking about it, because Morgan had idly considered making Ruebens in the back of his head while in flight at one point or another. Or, alternatively, he picked up on Wendy wanting a Reuben through the MIU.

Either way, this seems like a functional non-issue that doesn't really need to be brought up.

>>4670149
>[] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

>>4670149
>[X] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

ok, votes called!

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[x] Let's not poke at this- Wendy's a little sensitive about that sort of thing, still

As curious as you are about it- you're not sure if it's just the MIU or something else entirely- you decide it's better not to ask. Wendy, for all the improvement she's made in the past few months, is still sensitive when you ask about things like that- typically because she's unable to provide any sort of concrete answer.

And, you think, as you mix the sauerkraut with thousand island dressing, what does it really matter? Having a kitchen that always seems to have exactly what you need, when you need it, is hardly a reason to complain- not even Rachel could claim such a thing, and she had a lot more help. It's not worth potentially upsetting things for a partial answer or anything else, you think- better to just let it be.

Wendy's heating up a skillet as you start to assemble the sandwiches, careful to give each enough filling to make them worthwhile, but not so much as to cause you to run out too quickly. You end up with about two dozen, plus a simple rice noodle salad for Mori- hardly difficult, but it actually looks fairly good, you think- diced red bell pepper, cucumber, and some chopped onion all in a bowl with a light drizzle of a mixed sauce. You set it aside just as she and Merlin step in, catching her eye and nodding.

"That smells like dinner!" Merlin says, and Wendy smiles.

"Morgan suggested Reubens." She says, taking another few off the skillet and putting the last couple on. "We prepared a rice noodle salad for you, Mori."

"Rice noodle salad, eh?" The bodyguard witch says, walking over and taking a look in the bowl. "Looks interesting."

"Did you decide on a weapons fit?" Wendy asks, and the other witch nods.

"Yeah, I think we got something worked out." She responds. "It's not the same caseless guns you'll be using, but it's close. Twenty mil telescoped, using a shortened barrel. I'll have more ammo, but not quite the same performance, I'll have to get in closer."

Wendy nods. "I thought you might prefer that idea." She says. "There's also the option of the non-euclidean space magazines."

"Not really for me." Mori responds. "Too much passive draw, I don't want that much pulling from me all the time. What we've got is fine, I think." She pauses, looking around. "Is the princess back in her room?"

Wendy nods. "She wanted to take a longer shower and change." She explains. "I expect she'll be out shortly."

"Alright." Mori says, looking at the salad again. "I'm going to go change then."

Merlin looks around, then takes a seat at the counter. "I guess I can't change till one of them comes out." She says, smiling. "Not in the living room, anyway."

Wendy laughs. "I suspect should you wish to, neither of us would complain." She says.

For her part, Merlin blushes. At least that's still normal, you think, thankful for small favors.

And that's going to be it for the week! A little slower still than I'd have liked, sorry about that- I'll keep working on that, doing that whole constant improvement thing, haha!

So I don't expect any kind of issues next week or anything like that, but I'll put out any necessary updates on the discord or on twitter if I really need to- like I said, not too terribly worried, but I do have a damaged windbag that shit like this loves to get into and turn into actually dangerous stuff like pneumonia, so... yeah. haha!

Anyway gents, that's going to be it for the week. I'll be around both here and in the discord over the weekend to answer any questions or comments, but otherwise, till next week, cheers!

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>>4670313
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4670313
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4670313
Thanks for the run!

>>4670313
thanks for running

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Well gents, time for some news!

No coof symptoms here, so that's good. Of course, not totally in the clear till.. what? two weeks after being exposed? Not sure, but eh. We should be good this week to run a more or less normal schedule, which is nice. Remember when these threads used to start at 1700 EST? Yeah, me too. haha!

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

Merlin left for the airport, driven by one of her temporary staff- there's others in Japan, but you expect she'll have a mixed staff there, of both IJN and USN. You'd have liked to have done it, but, with less than 36 hours before you're due to leave, there's security controls on your movement again- nothing particularly onerous, but enough to prevent you from driving to the San Diego international airport. Instead, after an almost abnormally restrained- and frankly, kind of tense- farewell, you've been idly flipping through TV channels. It's mostly election trash- both sides have picked their candidates, and so far as you're concerned, both are awful. While you can count on the influence of the covens to moderate any of their worst tendencies, you know, you're still reminded of the comedian who asked if the country could maybe date a president for a while, see how that worked out, considering it had just gotten out of a jacked up relationship.

Turning the TV off in disgust, you look up as the three other witches step into the room, having gone down to the gym about an hour ago. Wendy looks more than a little exhausted, though she'll perk back up after a shower and a chance to sit for a minute, while neither Kyou nor Mori looks even slightly mussed. That's not surprising, either- Kyou, of course, isn't ashamed in the least to use her abilities to push herself through demanding work out sets, and for Mori it's just a normal set. It would be too, though the weights she throws are about the same as some of your old offensive line, back in high school.

Kyou takes a seat near you while Wendy and Mori retreat to the rooms- all three will have to shower, of course, but Wendy will probably do so first. It's one of the oddities of the dorms that there's not more than one head in any of them- something they'll have to change, you suspect, as WCTs get bigger. The last bit of business you'd talked with Merlin before she left, she said the first two four element teams had started flying together already. One on the East coast and one here at Miramar. You wonder if that means you've got much longer before you see a new teammate or not.

1/2

"It will be good to return to the empire." Kyou says, nodding. "As nice as Miramar is, I miss my homeland."

You nod- you know the feeling sometimes, wishing you were back home in Louisiana. You wonder if you'll ever call the state home again- and get a slightly unsettling feeling as you realize you probably won't. Not this lifetime, at least.

"I assume you have packed your things?" Kyou prompts. "Wendy insisted she be allowed to make sure my own personal effects were seen to, and Mori has indicated to me she's scarcely had time to unpack."

You nod again. "I'm packed except for some clothes I left out for the meet and greet." you say.

Kyou smiles. "I'll admit, I'm looking forward to it. It will be nice to finally meet more of our peers." She says. "Though I can't but wonder if the Imperial Navy crew will be present. While it would be nice to have a chance to speak to others from the home islands, I doubt they will find themselves quite ready to be so informal, especially as they know I'll be there."

[] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.
[] You're probably right, there's too much attention on them for them to risk it.

>>4678018
>[X] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

>>4678018
>[X] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT after all.

>>4678018
>[x] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

>>4678018
>[x] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

>>4678018
>[] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

>>4678018
>[X] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

>>4678018
>[] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

ok, votes called! Also gents, as a heads up, my internet this evening is really garbage. Everyone trying to be online and stream and shit, I guess. I don't think it'll be a big issue, one of the nice things about this format of things, but you never know.

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[x] I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall.

You shake your head. "I can't see why they wouldn't be, they're a WCT afterall." You point out.

Kyou nods, looking up as Wendy steps out of the bedroom, still dressed in her PT gear, and steps across to the bathroom, the door closing behind her. "Perhaps." She admits. "One of the things that did surprise me was finding out how... close the wyvern crews are. For such a group of people to be as insulated as we can be, and then to also actively look to forge interpersonal bonds between groups may be seen as dangerous to some."

You nod. It's not exactly a popular subject of discussion- most WCTs are considered entirely reliable and the few voices that do speak up about the subject are usually ignored, if not suppressed entirely. That said, it's a poorly kept secret that, were things to turn ugly, the extant Wyvern fleet would cause untold damage internally before anything could really be brought to stop it- if anything could. Of course, even something like a WCT is limited in what it can do without support- even drakes have to refuel and rearm somewhere. You're sure there's contingency plans in place, though you don't know what they are, which makes perfect sense.

You sit there in silence for a few minutes, both you and Kyou content to just enjoy the quiet. Mori steps out of her room a few minutes later and nods to both of you, heading into the kitchen for something to eat. She snacks pretty frequently, you've noticed, and goes after fresh fruit more than anything else to snack on. This time she emerges from the kitchen with a small bowl of blueberries. You're not entirely sure when or where they turned up- Wendy knows, no doubt- and you're just as happy to see them go. She hasn't changed either, you note, though her PT gear is still IJN issue- Kyou having made the switch to USN PT gear pretty quickly after you were teamed up.

1/2

She flops down on the couch and nods. "I'm all packed up." She says to you. "So you'll have all our baggage aboard your aircraft?"

You nod. You're actually going to be fairly heavily loaded- two baggage pods and two external fuel tanks. Plus self-defense loads- while the Chinese lack long range interceptors, one of the reasons why civilian flights can still come and go from Tokyo- Self-defense loads are a wartime standard practice, so you'll also have two AMRAAMs and a pair of Sidewinders, as well as full gun loads. Standard slugs only for the yellowstone, though- while Merlin has secured a run of Saturnite rounds, they're reserved for operational missions right now.

"So all we have to do is follow along, huh?" She says, then nods. "Shouldn't be so bad."

"The flight is long, but it is at least peaceful." Kyou says, agreeing. "As well, it will be our first opportunity to all be in an MIU link."

Mori nods, looking utterly unconcerned. "It's too bad it's taken this long. I was under the impression they wanted that done as soon as possible."

[] Usually they do, but we're the exception to a lot of rules.
[] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this.

>>4678171
>[X] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this.

>>4678171
>[] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this, this whole program is breaking new ground.

>>4678171
>[] Usually they do, but we're the exception to a lot of rules.

>>4678171
>[x] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this.

>>4678171
>[] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this.

>>4678171
>[x] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this.

"At any rate, I am looking forward to our brainy meats all being squashed together in a digital four-way"

>>4678171
>[X] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this, this whole program is breaking new ground.

>>4678175
I like your write-in - and based on everything we've seen, yeah, we're part of the leading edge of a pretty major change in the way the Wyvern Program works. So it makes sense for there to not be a standard practice for this sort of thing.

ok, votes called!

>>4678171
>You nod. You're actually going to be fairly heavily loaded- two baggage pods and two external fuel tanks. Plus self-defense loads- while the Chinese lack long range interceptors, one of the reasons why civilian flights can still come and go from Tokyo- Self-defense loads are a wartime standard practice, so you'll also have two AMRAAMs and a pair of Sidewinders, as well as full gun loads. Standard slugs only for the yellowstone, though- while Merlin has secured a run of Saturnite rounds, they're reserved for operational missions right now.

So, I'm guessing that the Chinese lacking interceptors with sufficient range to go around the airspace directly over the Japanese home islands is the reason the Chinese haven't been intercepting civilian flights? Because, based on what's known of the capabilities of the J-11A, never mind the J-11B or any upgrades made in this timeline, they theoretically have the range to make intercepts 100+ km off the western coast of Japan, after overflying Tokyo, on just the combat range of the J-11A, while launching from airbases north of the Korean border. Granted, it would need to be an airbase not terribly far from the Korean border, but it's theoretically possible.

Of course, in practice, there's no way in hell a PLAAF J-11 is ever getting even remotely near being over the home islands without getting every IJA SAM and IJAF plane (IJAAF? Not sure if the Imperial Japanese armed forces have a separate air force in this timeline) sent in its direction.

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[x] I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this.

"I don't think there is a usual practice for any of this." You say, Kyou nodding in agreement.

"We are on the leading edge of the squadron's evolution." Kyou says. "Practice is being created by us."

"Not sure how I feel about a member of the imperial family being involved in an experimental process like that." Mori notes.

Kyou looks at the bodyguard witch blankly for a second, then smiles. "It is fortunate, then, that the decision rested on myself alone." She says.

Mori nods. "If it were up to the guard commanders, none of you would go anywhere outside Japan without at least six witches and a full battalion of the household guard going with you." She says, agreeing. "And forget a combat posting."

Kyou laughs. "It has been that way since the war." She says, meaning the martian war, back in the 40s. The martian invasion of the home islands had forced practically everyone to fight- and all emperors since then have not only done their term of service in the imperial military, but they've always been combat arms. "Though I am curious as to their opinion of my brother's girlfriend."

"Cassiopeia Bishop?" Mori asks, and Kyou nods. "Eh. She's an outsider and a westerner, but she's not the same security nightmare her brother is." She says.

"I suspected as much." Kyou says, looking over at you. "Our pilot is a rather unique threat in their eyes."

Mori nods and looks up as Wendy emerges from the bathroom- not quite dressed, but she's got more than just a towel on, too, which is a little unusual for her. Wendy, you've noted, has gotten very comfortable in her skin- at least around the household. You're not sure if that's something entirely on her part, part of the MIU bleeding over, Kyou actively promoting the behavior, or a combination of those elements. Regardless of the reasoning, you have little reason to complain- and you suspect if you did complain, Kyou would take issue with it.

1/2

"That was quite refreshing!" Wendy says, smiling widely and taking a seat next to you. "Though I must remember that the two of you can quite easily wear me out should I attempt to match you." She says. "I think I'll start following Morgan's lead, and remaining in quarters."

Mori laughs. "You didn't do to bad." She says as Kyou stands up, headed for the bathroom. "I didn't expect you to try to match either of us anyway. Give it a couple of months."

Wendy laughs. "Perhaps, though I may look rather harder for excuses to not go than I otherwise might." She says. "Besides, it seems rather rude to leave Morgan to go to the fitness center alone."

"Not that we'll be here any more." Mori points out. "and in the palace it won't matter as much that someone is with the princess."

Wendy nods. "I'll admit I'm quite looking forward to living in a castle." She says, smiling. "I didn't spend any time at the castle Barin during the war, I joined the squadron rather late for all of that, and as wonderful as they are, Lady Tabitha and Sir Frank's rooms at the holdings in London aren't quite the same."

She smiles, continuing. "I Suspect it won't be much of a change for miss Wells, however." She says. "Though I imagine she's quite looking forward to the arrangement as well."

[] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.
[] I've got no idea what she's thinking, but you're probably right.

>>4678331
>[x] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.

>>4678331
>[X] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.

>>4678331
>[] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.

[Dry Cat Humor]

>>4678331
>[X] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.

>>4678331
>[] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.

>>4678331
>[x] I've got no idea what she's thinking, but you're probably right.

Ok, votes called! This'll probably be our last for the night

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[x] I'm sure she is. Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants.

"I'm sure she is." You say, maybe a bit more dryly than you feel. "Kyou's basically giving her everything she wants."

Wendy nods, agreeing. "Oh, quite so." She says. "Imagine how happy she must feel right now, knowing that? I rather imagine she's over the moon. Though her nerves appear to have gotten the better of her this morning, if my own experience is anything to judge with, it's all quite overwhelming."

"I take it she's been interested for a long time?" Mori says.

Wendy nods, looking over at you. Taking your lack of reaction as approval to answer, she turns back to Mori. "Yes, though she's made a rather impressive effort at hiding it."

You barely suppress a snort at that- it's hardly impressive by any stretch of the imagination. It's pretty blatant, or has been, anyway.

"I see." Mori says, looking thoughtful. She looks over at the bathroom as Kyou steps out. "Ah, good." She says, standing up.

Kyou's hair is still damp as she sits down, but, unlike Wendy, she's already dressed. "Once Mori is showered, we should be ready to leave." She says. "The gathering starts soon, but Lotus was quite clear that crews arrive as they're able or prefer to, and that it goes most of the evening."

"We'll have to be careful not to break crew rest." you point out.

"Of course." Kyou says. "I expect neither Mori nor Wendy would allow us to forget. It is a long flight between here and Tokyo, and I don't intend for any of us to attempt to make it without adequate sleep and food."

"I'll have your things packed as soon as we're back, mum." Wendy says. "Shouldn't take me but a few minutes. We're flying out in the late morning. Plenty of time to make sure we're not leaving anything we should take."

Kyou looks thoughtful for a minute. "Have you seen to the contents of the kitchen?"

Wendy nods. "Yes mum." She says. "We're not taking hardly anything there, and Morgan has already packed away his tea set and personal items." She says, looking over at you. You nod, and she continues. "Any other crew staying can take what they need, though I rather imagine most of them have quite full pantries as well. Anything they don't take is going to the kitchens downstairs, and anything they have no need of will go to the local homeless shelter. As well, the cooking supplies themselves, pots, pans, knives, will go to the shelter."

"An excellent choice." Kyou says, and Wendy smiles.

"I thought you'd rather approve." Wendy says. "I've told the other crews they've a few hours to come over after we've left and get what they'd like, but anything here when the volunteer staff from the shelter get here is theirs."

1/2

While you think it's a shame to have to leave everything, there's also no way any of it could really be brought along- you simply don't have the space for a full kitchen set like you've got, and the all-important things, the recipe books and your tea set, are already packed away in your bag, along with most of your clothes and the few things Merlin couldn't take, which amounted to little more than a secure laptop and a couple pieces of clothing she couldn't fit in her own bags. Besides that, you're fairly sure Merlin's going to do her best to get the navy to approve you quartering in the palace- which means, of course, there's a fully stocked kitchen waiting for you. At least most of what's here will go to a good cause.

Mori steps out of the bathroom a minute or so later, one of her familiar's ears drooped over her face as she dries it off. You head into your shared bedroom long enough to grab your wallet and the prepaid cell phone you've got- you're not quite sure what you plan to do with that just yet, but you'll figure out something. It's only good in the continental US, so taking it with you is a little pointless- you might see about posting it home and giving it to Liz. A prepaid phone might be useful for her, you think.

The Desk guards seem to know exactly where you're headed- about half the other crews are listed as being out there already. You drive, following Kyou's directions, ending up at a kind out of the way 'rustic treehouse' bar- one of those outdoor affairs that's less a building and more a collection of things in a walled in yard.

There's a few crews here already, and otherwise the place seems empty. You're glad to see Lotus, though- she notices the four of you and heads over, a glass of beer already in her hand. "You made it!" She says, smiling. "Not too many of us here yet, you want to wander around or should I start introducing you to everyone?"

[] We'll figure things out, thanks though.
[] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

And that's going to be it for the night! that last one got a little away from me, haha!

No news as we close out this evening, but that's it for the night, so not much to say but till tomorrow gents, cheers!

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>>4678523
>[X] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

>>4678529
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4678523
>[] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

>>4678523
>[] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

[Cheerful Hronk]

>>4678523
>[X] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

>>4678523
>[x] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

>>4678529
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4678523
>[] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

>>4678523
>[X] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us
>>4678529
Thanks for the run!

Alright gents, votes called! Internet seems better today too, much faster than it has been the past week or so.

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[x] Sure, might be easier if you introduce us.

You nod. "Sure, might be easier if you introduce us." You say, and Lotus breaks into one of those megawatt smiles of hers.

"Great! Uly and Summer are already at the bar, but you're flying in the next twenty four, right?" She asks.

"Yeah." You respond- which means no alcohol. While, technically, you're sure one or two beers wouldn't be a problem, regs are regs, and that one is more or less universal to all navy pilots and aircrews.

"Shame, they've got a great orange kolsch on tap here." Lotus says, indicating her drink and leading you more into the yard. "I think they've got coffee and tea and stuff too, though. The place is pretty tied in with drakes." She indicates the wall of pictures behind the bar- you recognize several 'glamour' shots of WCTs in front of their aircraft. It's one of those things a crew does at the end of their first active year- by then they'll have their unique paint on and usually more than a few missions under their belt. "I guess some of the really early crews started coming here when it was new, and so since then it's kinda been the unofficial squadron hang out here on the west coast."

You nod- you've heard of the place, one of the first pictures up there will be of your dad and Merlin, back when they were still flying for the navy.

"How many others are here?" Kyou asks Lotus, who shrugs.

"I don't know, three or four crews." She says, nodding to the group of people nearby. "Not everyone is going to be able to make it, but it's kinda one of those come as you please deals. There's no rank here, nothing like that."

Kyou nods. "So you had indicated. Are any other expanded teams here yet?"

Lotus nods with a laugh. "The older teams tend to show up later." She says. "Bad backs or something, I'm not sure."

"Have to find their walkers!" One of the pilots from the group says, overhearing. "So is this the ghost crew, Earhart?"

Lotus laughs. "I keep telling you they're real!" She says. "Morgan, Kyou, this is-"

1/2

"Nathan Shaw, WCT Revenge." He says, standing up and smiling. He walks over and shakes your hand. "You guys were out in front of us over Korea when the Marines went ashore."

You nod. "Off the Roosevelt?"

"Yeah." He responds as his SIO walks over to join him. "Let me introduce my other half, Dominique Shaw."

"'Allo." The dark skinned witch says, her French accent almost getting a blink out of you. Algerian, probably, you think. A lot of Algerian witches stayed in- or moved to- France when the country gained it's independence, and the two covens remain close. "We all wondered if the fabled crew was real or just a story they were telling us."

Kyou laughs. "We are very real." She says. "These are our teammates, Wendy Maloney and Kyoko Mori."

"Ah, the wondrous Wendy!" Dominique says, smiling. "We had hoped to meet you. We were great fans when you flew race planes! Our partner, alas, is ill. She only just joined us, and is still adjusting to the valkyrie system."

"Did I hear Wendy Maloney?" Someone else asks- another team stands up, bringing their beers over. "Wow, not everyday you meet a real celebrity." The man says, laughing a little. "Chris Laplatte, combat team Nightmare. Our partner is in the head, she'll be out in a minute."

Wendy laughs. "It's been a few years since I was quite so popular." She says. "But it's wonderful to meet fans."

The man laughs as his teammate walks over. "We were both fans, your flight at the Milwaukee race was incredible. Stacy Laplatte." She says, introducing herself. A petite blonde, you nevertheless detect more than a little energy from her- like a spring under tension. It's something you remember from a lot of your aunties, as a kid- even at rest and relaxed, most of them didn't quite seem to be entirely at ease.

You take a step back as the five start chatting- you don't have a problem with anyone, of course, but it's pretty clear it's Wendy that they want to talk to right now.

[] Good time to go grab something to drink- you can't have alcohol, but you wouldn't mind a coke or something.
[] Go sit with Uly and Summer, stay out of the way- everyone else can come chat if they want to.

>>4679647
>[X] Good time to go grab something to drink- you can't have alcohol, but you wouldn't mind a coke or something.

>>4679647
>[x] Good time to go grab something to drink- you can't have alcohol, but you wouldn't mind a coke or something.

HAIL HYDRATE

>>4679647
>[x] Good time to go grab something to drink- you can't have alcohol, but you wouldn't mind a coke or something.

>>4679647
>[] Good time to go grab something to drink- you can't have alcohol, but you wouldn't mind a coke or something.

I spend three spoons and cast Socialize!

ok, votes called!

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[x] Good time to go grab something to drink- you can't have alcohol, but you wouldn't mind a coke or something.

With them chatting- and Kyou joining in now, you make the short trip to the bar. The staff appears to be a little oversize for everyone here now- but, you suspect, they know what's coming, and have prepared. Either that or drake crews give good tips- possibly both.

"Howzit?" The man behind the bar says, smiling. "Haven't seen you before. You new?"

"More or less." You say. "Morgan Laroux-Bishop."

"Laroux-Bishop?" The man asks. "Like, Frank Bishop?"

"My dad." You say, nodding, and he breaks into a smile.

"Hah!" He says. "We'd heard you'd gone through and were with the fleet, but they were keeping you too busy for any of the gatherings here. What can I get ya?"

"Coke is fine." You say, and he frowns a little. "We're flying out tomorrow."

"Ah, ok." He says, smile returning as he digs a can of coke out from under the bar. "I'd wondered."

You nod as Summer meanders over, leaving Ulysses with his drink for a minute. "Sup killer." She says, nodding. "Glad to see you could stop by."

You shrug. "Kyou wanted to."

"Yeah, she seems the kind." the small witch says with a grin. "So you're back to the front tomorrow?"

You nod. "We fly out at eleven, assuming there's no screwups."

"So closer to thirteen." Summer says, and you nod. "Lookin forward to it?"

[] It'll be good to get back to Japan, Kyou and Mori are both eager to go home.
[] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

>>4679793
>[x] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

>>4679793
>[X] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

>>4679793
>[x] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

>>4679793
>[] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

>>4679793
>[X] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

ok, votes called!

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[x] As long as we actually get to fly this time.

You look over your shoulder, noting that a third witch- the Laplatte's teammate- has joined the group. "As long as we actually get to fly this time." you say, a little sourly.

Spears laughs. "Yeah, ain't that peak fuckin navy. Spend fifteen trazillion dollars on the most advanced ASF in existence... ground it because there's vague worries the other side is cooking up 'something' to deal with it. Like, no shit, sherlock." She scoffs. "And then they throw it at us and what is it? Some soviet trash from the fifties that didn't work the first time we saw it twenty years ago."

You laugh a little at her short rant- she's not at all wrong, which is the funny part. Given the unit cost of each wyvern, you'd have thought that the navy wouldn't withdraw them for anything short of an actual hard counter- not the vague threats you actually heard.

"So has your bosslady left out already?" She asks. You nod.

"Yeah, flew out this morning." You confirm.

"Ain't that a bitch." She says, shaking her head. "Well, whatever. The shit she's cooking up is crazy. The hippie won't shut up about that cannon you had installed on your drake, And god only knows what's gonna happen when we get back."

"You're headed back to the front too?" You ask.

She nods. "Yeah, we're supposed to pick up our fourth tomorrow, then it's back to Japan the day after. This transfer window shit is stupid, if they're still flyin jumbos into Tokyo international why the fuck are they limiting us to one drake through midway every thirty six hours give or take." She takes a drink and shakes her head. "Fuckin navy."

[] You're getting your fourth already? Who is it?
[] Sounds like we'll have to adopt a bar on that end, too.

>>4679912
>[X] You're getting your fourth already? Who is it?

>>4679912
>[x] You're getting your fourth already? Who is it?

>>4679912
>[X] You're getting your fourth already? Who is it?

>>4679912
>[] Sounds like we'll have to adopt a bar on that end, too.

and gents, I'm actually going to call it there for the evening- getting pretty tired, I didn't sleep so well last night and got up pretty early this morning. I'd planned for at least one more update, but I think we'll be ok- worst case, we just extend into Friday to finish out the thread.

Anyway, that's going to be it for the night! So till tomorrow gents, cheers!

>>4679926
Thanks for the run Ghost!

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>>4679926
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4679912
>[x] Sounds like we'll have to adopt a bar on that end, too.

Can't be one of those all-you-can-drink bars, though; it'd go out of business.

>>4679912

[] Sounds like we'll have to adopt a bar on that end, too.

>>4679912
>[] You're getting your fourth already? Who is it?