The man laughs, shaking his head. "This bar's pretty popular anyway, but everyone kinda has 'their' day, ya know?" He says. "It's all drake teams on the wall, but everyone comes here. We'd be doin the same thing if it was a tomcat night or whatever, ya know?"

Kyou frowns, but nods. "I imagine so." She says, looking over her shoulder to Wendy and Mori, both of whom are talking with a small number of other witches, some from drake crews, some not.

"That's the new shit." He says, indicating the group. "I've never seen so many witches here that ain't with a crew, ya know?"

It's something you've heard remarked on most of the night, by both pilots and crew witches. That you're outnumbered is a given, of course- most crews are going to three people, with a few even having gone to four- but there's still plenty of open slots in the program.

"Chasers." His witch says, shaking her head. "No damn sense."

Kyou frowns. "I was unaware that competition for positions with teams was so intense." She says, getting a laugh.

"Most teams are going with their usual wingmates anyway." the other pilot- who's real name you've yet to get, but most everyone else just calls Flex. "But that don't mean that they're not willin to gun for two and three spots, ya know?" He takes a drink. "Plenty of space open, according to the usual suspects they even saying there's still a slot with your team."

Kyou glances over at you. "I was unaware of that." She says, and Flex laughs again.

"Just rumor shit right now anyway." He says. "I mean, that's supposedly why they're trying to get you back out to the front and cycle everyone else home. It's all three point teams goin out to Japan and the SEA, and everyone comin home is a solo. But they sayin that Merlin wants three valks and a drake for her prototype work, and she's already making noise."

Kyou looks over at you again, before looking back to Flex. "That comes as news to us." She says, and he laughs.

"Just rumor net shit anyway, ya know?" He says, then nods over towards Mori and Wendy. "But I wouldn't bet against it. She usually get what she wants, ya know?"

[] She's told us it's a navy wide push.
[] Probably. She thinks she's sneakier than she is.

>>4697707
>[X] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

>>4697707
>[] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

>>4697707
>[x] Probably. She thinks she's sneakier than she is.

>>4697707
>[] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

{Smug Catte Intelligence Network]

>>4697707
>[x] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

>>4697707
>[X] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

>>4697707
>[x] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

ok, votes called!

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[x] She's told us it's a navy wide push.

"She told us it's a navy wide push." You state, and Flex nods.

"Yeah," He says. "But she's already askin for another valk, and some crews don't even have their first, ya know?" He laughs and shakes his head. "But the Secdef will do anything to keep her happy and turning out star trek shit, so who the hell knows, ya know?"

"But it's just rumors anyway." The witch- Monica- says. "If it was for real for real, you'd best beleive there'd be every chaser on the west coast in here right now trying to talk at you."

"Chaser?" Kyou asks- it's not the first time tonight you've heard the term, either.

She nods. "Witches lookin to get around the whole thing by getting in good with crews on a personal level." She says. "Everyone and they damn cousin knows the navy's letting crews ask for their teammates by name, and there's plenty of them that want their hands on a valk and don't mind sharing to get it."

"Or they never grew out of the academy." Flex laughs. He shrugs. "And the hottest property left is the slot mizz Merlin herself is saying is open, ya know?" He says.

There's a moment of quiet, then Kyou laughs. "We will have to deal with problems as they arise, then."

Flex laughs. "That's the only way to do it." He agrees. "So we hear you got a new piece that damn near split the old Tico in half."

Kyou nods. "It is rather impressive." She says, and Flex laughs.

"You damn right it is!" He says. "Guess that means you gonna be the navy's go to for killin flying battleships and shit, huh?"

[] looks that way, for sure.
[] They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now.

>>4697828
>[X] looks that way, for sure.

>>4697828
>[] They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now.

"But I prefer the ones that shoot back."

>>4697828
>[x] looks that way, for sure.

>>4697828
>[X] They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now.

looks like a tie vote, so I'm going to let it run another fifteen or so minutes and go grab a drink! Remember on tiebreakers if it'd be another tie I drop the last vote!

>>4697828
>[x] They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now.

>>4697828
>[x] They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now.

It makes *my* target hard, that's for sure

Ok gents votes called, thanks for the tiebreakers!

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[x] They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now.

You shrug. "They'll probably use us against all kinds of hard targets now." You say, and Kyou nods.

"There is very little that can withstand a single shot." She says. "And we have several."

Flex nods. "Yeah. Rumors say you guys were up flying around forty eight oh eight yesterday." He says, then grins. "They don't do that for shit they've really got figured out, ya know?"

Kyou nods as Monica responds. "We all figured your team was headed there to stay after that." She says. "Kinda surprising they didn't snatch you up."

"Admiral Wells wouldn't have allowed that." Kyou says.

She blinks when Monica laughs. "Shit, who you think cooks up half the shit they're playing with, sister?" She says, shaking her head. "They take the stuff she has to drop because they don't want it out in the open. Jus' about every crew's gotten grabbed to test out something there, but when they said the ghost prince was out there, we all figured that was it, ain't nobody gonna ever see you and they'd be telling ghost stories about you to all the new crews for the next hundred years."

"Not like they're not gonna already." Flex points out, laughing. "Son of Nyx herself, and you maybe see him once a year, ya know? Otherwise it's just second and thirdhand shit you get from your AI and whatever rumor net they runnin. You shoulda heard some of the shit they claimed about you, ya know?" He laughs again and shakes his head.

1/2

"So rumors say it's Atsugi." Monica says. "And they're lookin to forward base four teams there."

"All we can say for certain is that's where we've been directed to." Kyou says, nodding. That information, at least, isn't any big secret- nor, you suppose, is the route you'll be following. Not that the route is one that's easily hidden- or easily attacked, given that the bases in the pacific, especially Wake, are fortresses in their own right.

"It's gonna be the young bloods like you that end up there." Flex says. "I mean, you, of course, but they ain't gonna send maybe but one ten year team out that way, ya know?"

"If any of em even wanna go." Monica points out. "You wanna move the kids to a whole other country where they don't know nobody and gotta learn a new language?"

"A great many people in the empire speak English." Kyou points out. "And the posting will no doubt be prestigious."

Monica smiles. "Hon, you ain't got kids to worry about yet. You'll change the way you look at things when you do, though."

Kyou nods. "We have no plans for any in the foreseeable future." She says.

"You lookin at getting married yet?" Flex asks. It's not as personal a question as it may sound, you know- it's a known fact, complicated only slightly by Wendy and Mori.

"We haven't discussed the possibility." Kyou says, shaking her head. "Of course, things are somewhat complicated by my family and their expectations of what my wedding will be."

Monica blinks- then laughs. "Shit, I almost forgot." She says, then nods. "They still give princesses away for political alliances?"

Kyou smiles, but shakes her head. "No, but were they to do so I can't imagine a better deal to make."

"True that." Flex says. "At least for you guys it's easy, you're not already married tryina bring another person in, ya know?"

"That's why a buncha the old teams are gettin out." Monica says, then shakes her head. "And we talked about it a good long while before agreeing to it."

"That's why they're already gonna let Merlin have her pick and get a full team first." Flex says. "Lot of us aren't real sure about that whole setup, we got kids and shit, ya know?"

Kyou nods. "It does make a great deal of sense more for us to test the expanded team sizes." She says. "We have no other obligations to consider."

"Right?" Monica says, then laughs. "Shit, if we were ten years back I'd be sayin the same shit."

"So you looking forward to gettin back at it?" Flex asks. "Must be goin crazy sitting here."

[] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.
[] Don't know. Kinda getting attached to this place.

>>4698094
>[X] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

>>4698094
>[x] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

>>4698094
>[X] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

>>4698094
>[] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

RIP AND TEAR

>>4698094
>[X] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

>>4698094
>[x] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

>"Lot of us aren't real sure about that whole setup, we got kids and shit, ya know?"

"Hey kids, come in and meet your new mom. You've got two now!"

>>4698094
>[] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

Ok gents, votes called! this'll be our last update for the evening, I think!

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[x] Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good.

You nod. "Yeah, we're anxious to get back to the front and do some good." You say, with Kyou nodding in agreement.

Flex laughs. "Kinda figured you'd say that. Long ass flight though, what, six, eight hours?"

"Took us seven on the way back." Monica says. "And we didn't have to stay anywhere, just land to refuel and keep going. Course, if they're in a hurry to get you somewhere, they'll just have you refuel inflight."

Kyou nods. "To be honest, that is what I'm hoping for." She says. "I'd like to return to the islands as soon as possible."

"Missin home, huh?" the other witch asks. "I get that. I'm from Georgia, we don't get back that way ever."

"Shit." Flex says, scoffing. "I get where you're at. They's about six-seven of you from different countries all in the program, not counting your team, I mean." He frowns, thinking. "Are any of the witches with you from the states?"

You shake your head. Wendy would be the closest- and she's still from England originally, though she's long since naturalized as an American citizen.

He laughs. "Bet the navy's gonna start making sure you get to meet all kinds of high speed ones then." He says.

"Is it a great concern for the navy?" Kyou asks.

"Probably not, but they'll turn the shit political, watch." Monica says. "It always turns into something they talk about around election time, the program and all the witches in it and how only like three quarters are American or some shit."

Kyou nods, but smiles. "I should warn you that I cannot discuss American politics." She says. "It may be seen as improper."

Monica laughs. "Don't worry, we can't either." She says. "Always turns into an argument."

1/2

You smile- Frank's household is a lot like that, with politics, in particular, being entirely forbidden. Maman, of course, simply doesn't bring them up, always having something else to talk about.

There's a moment of silence, and you look back over at Wendy and Mori to find Wendy looking at you. She smiles and motions that you should come over.

You're not the only one that sees it, and Flex laughs. "Was just gonna say." He says, standing up as you and Kyou do. "Good talkin with ya. We'll catch up with ya in Japan, if we end up out that way."

"And we'll be certain to make sure to communicate when we are here better." Kyou responds, smiling.

The two of you walk over to join Wendy and Mori, both of whom are talking with a small group of other witches. None of them are part of wyvern teams, you think- though there's no way to be really sure.

"We were just discussing you." Wendy says, smiling. "And your cooking."

The witches laugh. "She was telling us that you're basically god of dinner." She says, indicating Wendy. "And can do no wrong with a fry pan or dutch oven."

Kyou scoffs. "That is a great understatement." She says. "Morgan's cooking is indescribable, even for one such as myself."

"So, level with us." The witch says, still smiling. "You're some kind of designer husband for witches, aren't you?"

[] Not that I'm aware of.
[] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

And that's going to be it for the night! Update pace was a little slow, I know- I blame daylight savings time still, haha!

No real news for here, so till tomorrow gents, cheers!

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>>4698269
>[X] Not that I'm aware of.

>>4698271
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4698269
>[x] Not that I'm aware of.

>>4698271
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4698269
>[X] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

Maximum smug engage!

>>4698271
Thanks for the run!

>>4698269
>[] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

>>4698269
>>[X] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

>>4698269
>[] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

>>4698269
>[] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

"It *would* explain the...everything."

>>4698269
>[x] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

Time for smug. You will bow before the Allfather of the kitchen!

ok gents, votes called!

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[x] Ya know, that does make a lot of sense.

You think about it for a minute, then frown and nod. "Ya know, that does make a lot of sense." You respond.

"The question would then become to who's specification was he designed?" Kyou says. "Or is he simply the prototype for a man with very broad appeal?" She smiles. "It does seem as if he were custom tailored for my own desires, though."

They laugh, and you do too- the idea isn't entirely impossible, but it's so unlikely that you don't take it seriously. If anything, it'd have been maman that would have been responsible for that kind of thing, and even then, she was decidedly hands off and encouraged you to do the things you enjoyed. It just so happens, you think, that your great passions also happened to make you extremely marketable.

"We were wondering what it's like?" One of the witches asks. "The whole network... thing."

"In what manner do you mean?" Kyou responds.

"Well, like..." She says, then shrugs. "No one outside a crew really knows, and the stories are always different."

"I see." Kyou says, then shakes her head. "It is difficult to describe, but it is a great comfort to me, personally. I know that I can trust anyone who is in the same link as I completely, and I find that it is hard to imagine life without their presence."

"It's a rather strong sense of belonging." Wendy adds. "Similar to how a tightly knit squadron would be, only more so."

"So you're not worried about any... uh. Relationship issues?" The witch presses. Kyou shakes her head, as does Wendy.

"Of course not." Kyou responds. "Such concerns are unnecessary. It would be functionally impossible for such complications to arise, as secrets are incredibly difficult to keep from each other."

"Doesn't that bother you a little?" One of the other ones asks.

1/2

Kyou shakes her head. "Of course not." She repeats. "Indeed, it is a comfort, as I said, to know that I can trust my teammates completely."

"So what about all this talk about going to four witches?" A third witch asks.

"What do you mean?" Kyou asks. "Are we concerned as to what that may entail for our group?"

The witch nods. "Yeah. I mean, I know all the arguments for it that we hear and all, but that's a lot, especially these days."

Kyou smiles. "Perhaps for you." She says. "But the imperial coven has long held a witch must be free to pursue the household she feels is proper and fitting for herself. I can see few problems with the arrangement, other than proper quartering aboard ship."

The other witch frowns- but nods. "I guess." She says. "I mean, I guess you already figured out all of us are interested in valkyrie or the drakes, just because we're here."

Kyou nods. "I had so surmised, yes." She responds, smiling. "Though I am ashamed to admit I don't know much at all about the navy's valkyrie program as of yet, despite Wendy having been one of the first three to operate a unit. And as we're slated to return to Japan soon, I cannot offer much in the way of future assistance, either."

The witches nod, and the one that had asked about the MIU turns to you. "So what about you?" She asks. "What's your take on the navy wanting to add another witch to teams?"

[] Given the evolving threat picture out there, I can't say I disagree. Teams are too small anymore for what we'll be seeing.
[] Not sure I like it, but I see the necessity.
[] I'm not sold on it. Smaller teams are easier to support and manage.

>>4699293
>[x] I'm not sold on it. Smaller teams are easier to support and manage.

>>4699293
>[X] Given the evolving threat picture out there, I can't say I disagree. Teams are too small anymore for what we'll be seeing.

>>4699293
>[X] Given the evolving threat picture out there, I can't say I disagree. Teams are too small anymore for what we'll be seeing.

>>4699293
>[x] Given the evolving threat picture out there, I can't say I disagree. Teams are too small anymore for what we'll be seeing.

>>4699293
>[X] Tactically I think it's a good idea, but the logistical problems of getting enough really compatible into the arrangement is going to limit the implementation.

>>4699293
>[x] Not sure I like it, but I see the necessity.

Pilots are going to go through so much hydration in the early weeks.

>>4699293
>>4699305

+1

>>4699293
>[X] Tactically I think it's a good idea, but the logistical problems of getting enough really compatible into the arrangement is going to limit the implementation.

I like this write in.

ok, votes called!

>>4699293
>>4699305

"Finally, some good fucking write-in"

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[x] Write in!

You frown. "Tactically, I think it's a good idea." You say, getting nods of agreement from Wendy, Kyou and Mori, along with two or three of the other witches. "But the logistical issues in getting enough really compatible people into the arrangement is going to limit implementation."

"So you don't think it'll be navy-wide?" She asks, and you shake your head.

"I don't think so, no." You say. "There's not enough witches in the military for that."

"Consider that anyone added to a team must be someone that would have already been able to find a place within it." Kyou adds. "It is not as if anyone can simply be joined to an existing team at will. And the process only gets more difficult as a team grows larger, it is probably accurate to say that four is the absolute limit of what a team could realistically support."

"But you expect yours will be one of the larger teams?" The witch asks.

Kyou nods. "We are equipped to handle the most difficult challenges available." She says. "It only follows that we should similarly have the necessary numbers to deal with them as well. Of course, we're unsure as to when we should expect our fourth, as many other teams have yet to receive their valkyrie teammate."

"They're recruiting pretty hard, though." One of the witches says. "and it's open to any witch in the DoD or federal service, or any witch from a couple allied nations or protectorates."

"But that does not change that any potential teammate must be compatible with the team she wishes to join." Kyou responds. "And while a larger potential pool of candidates will help, it will in no way remove the logistical challenges my pilot mentioned."

"So how are you going to handle anyone who asks to join your team?" A different witch asks you. "I mean, I'm curious. You guys have a lot of freedom, are you just going to say no or whatever?"

[] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.
[] Probably not, but they filter a lot of that sort of thing before it gets to us anyway.

>>4699384
>[X] Probably not, but they filter a lot of that sort of thing before it gets to us anyway.

>>4699384
>[] Probably not, but they filter a lot of that sort of thing before it gets to us anyway.

>>4699384
>[] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

Good communication within the team is essential

>>4699384
>[x] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

>>4699384
>[] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

>>4699384
>[x] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

>>4699384
>[X] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

>>4699384
>[x] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

>>4699384
>[] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

ok gents, votes called! this'll probably be our last for the evening- I have class in the morning (I think) and cut my sleep short on Monday night, and am still feeling it now, haha!

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[x] I can't say. So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first.

You shrug. "I can't say." You tell her. "So far we've always discussed it between ourselves first."

"So if I was to ask to join your team right now?" She says, and you shrug.

"We'll get your name and get back with you." You say.

"You must understand, it is not a decision we can make simply or lightly." Kyou says. "Especially now, with as many of us as there are, and our team's specialty. There is a strict set of criteria that must be met, largely for the benefit of any potential teammate."

"For their benefit?" The witch asks, and Kyou nods.

"Very much so." She says. "We are equipped to engage in heavy combat against very difficult targets, above and beyond what another team may be asked to engage. Any potential teammate of ours must not only be able to handle herself excellently in combat, but she must also be extremely compatible with each of us as well. This makes the criteria very specific and strict, and unfortunately we cannot modify it to be less so."

"I see." the witch says. "But not all teams are going to be like that?"

Kyou frowns, looking over at you.

"Not as strict." You supply. "A WCT with just a drake only has two people you'd have to get on with. We have four. And we've got a limited number of talents we can really work with, since we're already pretty well set up overall."

"And we're also dealing with a great number of hardware changes on a regular basis." Wendy adds. "So if you've a hard time with acclimatization sickness, it would be rather difficult for you to operate as a member of the team, at least currently."

1/2

Kyou nods. "As well, we expect the imperial navy to put forth their own candidates for the position, in conjunction with the US navy." She says. "And while the same criteria apply to them as well, it does raise the number of potential candidates, when the time comes that we will have to decide."

The witch nods- she was just asking, it seems, and wasn't actually interested in the position. Or, if she was, she's hiding it fairly well. "So have you been approached yet?" She asks.

Kyou shakes her head. "Not that I am aware of." She says. "However, we only recently expanded to include our third aircraft, thus it is that the navy may prefer to expand the rest of the fleet to include at least two, first."

The witches nod, and you notice a few have drifted away, and are talking with other crews. It makes you wonder, briefly, about why- though it's probably that they were waiting to hear what you'd say about direct requests to join WCT Muninn. They're the kind Maman warned you about- eager to do anything to forward themselves, and, you're sure, a posting with the imperial princess of Japan is exactly the kind of thing they'd be looking for. It makes you wonder how much worse that'd be if had gotten out that Merlin was functionally a member of your 'team' now.

You take a step back from the conversation, with Mori sliding over to join you behind Kyou and Wendy, both of whom are happily chatting with the other witches- the subject having shifted away from business. "How much longer do you plan to stay?" Mori asks you, her voice just low enough to not carry to Wendy or Kyou.

[] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.
[] Not much longer, I think.

ANd that's going to be it for the night, gents!

So, as far as it goes, I am planning to run tomorrow. However! The Storm prediction center- is saying it could get... fairly ugly here tomorrow. Tornadoes, Hail, severe thunderstorms, that sort of deal. Obviously, if there's severe weather here it'll impact the run- I'll try to communicate any issues beforehand, but that's not always a given thing, especially if internet or power is knocked out. And they are calling for damaging winds, at least, so that's a possibility. IF there's no run tomorrow, we'll make it up as soon as practical.

Other than that, though, that's it for the evening gents! So till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4699592
>[X] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

>>4699596
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4699592
>[] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

>>4699592
>[x] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

>>4699596
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4699592
>[x] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

Princess's call

>>4699592
>[X] Not much longer, I think.

>>4699596
Thanks for the run!

>>4699592
>[] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

>>4699592
>[] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

Walk the awoo~

>>4699592
>[] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

>>4699592
>[] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

Well, looks like the weather is gonna pass off to the north of us, so votes called! haha!

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[x] As long as Kyou wants, we'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight.

"As long as Kyou wants." You say, getting a nod out of the bodyguard. "We'll be fine on crew rest so long as we leave by midnight."

"Alright." She says, then grins. "You know she's going to have a wish list of potentials after this."

"I'm well aware." You respond, and Mori laughs.

"We'd always guessed she'd be like this." She says. "I mean, her mother and father are notorious among the guard for needing privacy."

You give a half-smile at that. "I can see it." You say with a slight nod. "She blames a flaw in her powers."

"Not impossible." Mori admits. "Though that'd be about the best possible flaw to have with this sort of setup. Not like an imperial household having several witches in it is even that big a thing."

"It's not?" You ask.

She shakes her head. "Nah. Usually you'll have one or two official ones, advisors to the throne or whatever they feel like being called. It changes. But as official as they are, they're parts of the inner household too. And then most emperors have had concubines or courtesans beyond that, and that goes back to well before the shogunate."

"But that's not official?" You ask

"Yes and no." She responds. "Everyone knows they exist and they've got a privileged place, but it's not like there's any official protections or power or anything." She shrugs. "In any case, she's already agreed to stop after one more, so it's not that big a concern for us."

"From a security standpoint." You clarify, and she nods.

"Yeah." She agrees. "From a personal one, I get the feeling you're less enthusiastic than Wendy or the princess."

[] Just more concerned about someone wanting to join for the wrong reasons, is all.
[] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

>>4700682
>[X] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

>>4700682
>[] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

[Frank Catte Discourse]

>>4700682
>[x] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

>>4700682
>[x] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

>>4700682
>[x] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing, is all. If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it.

"I'm just more paranoid about that sort of thing is all." You explain. "If we can find the right person, I'm fine with it."

Mori grins. "I'm guessing that's because of the whole son of Frank Bishop thing."

"Among other things." You admit. "But that's a lot of it. Maman had me convinced for years the only reason a witch would approach me was because of that."

Mori almost chokes on her drink- a bottled water. "Just that?" She asks. "Not the, ya know, good looks or kitchen skills or the whole quiet intensity thing? Just because you're Frank Bishop's son?"
You shrug. "Mostly."

Mori shakes her head. "And I thought the imperial family was paranoid." She says. "I mean, I'm not stupid enough to insult the mother of night to her son, but you know that there's a lot more that's attractive about you than just who your dad is, right?"

You nod again, though she continues.

"It's understandable that she taught you that, it's not like it's a huge secret the American coven is more than a little interested in the idea of getting you up with a few of the old favorite names, but still. Any witch ever? Did you think that about the princess when you first met her?"

[] Not at all. She was too focused on just getting a Wyvern posting.
[] A little, but I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned.

>>4700792
>[X] A little, but I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned.

>>4700792
>[] A little, but I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned.

MORE FRANK CATTE

>>4700792
>[X] A little, but I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned.

>>4700792
>[x] Not at all. She was too focused on just getting a Wyvern posting. It was actually kinda scary.

>>4700792
>[x] Not at all. She was too focused on just getting a Wyvern posting.

>>4700792
>[x] A little, but I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned.

Perfect house husband is more of a sign-on bonus when placed next to the sexiest thing in existance.

ok, votes called!

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[x] A little, but I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned.

You frown. "A little." You say, thinking back to what feels almost like a different lifetime. "But I could tell I was just a bonus, as far as she was concerned."

Mori nods. "She's admitted to feeling slightly guilty about that." She says. "At least, as much as she can. But she says that she was wrong in considering the Wyvern the greater achievement."

"So I'm an achievement now?" You ask, smiling.

"Not what I meant." She responds, a little flatly- like you should know better by now. To be fair, you do. "And you know what I mean."

You nod. "Yeah, I guess I do." You say.

"Though I can't help but wonder how much of that is the MIU." Mori says. "I mean, I know a lot more about it now than I did." She frowns, then shakes her head. "Doesn't matter."

The two of you watch Kyou and Wendy talking with the other witches- you can't help but think of them as free witches- for a minute. "You know the imperial military is going to want to get another witch in the team." Mori says.

You nod. "I'd expected as much."

"Competition is going to be incredible for that last spot." She says. "I've already heard that there's a few well-known American witches looking for the job as well. I'm not surprised to hear the names, though."

"Such as?" You prompt.

"Rumors say that Commander Jennifer Rockafeller is making noise about it." Mori responds, then frowns. "There's a lot of rumors about her. Not all of them great."

[] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?
[] I take it you're not impressed?

>>4700875
>[X] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?

>>4700875
>[X] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?

>>4700875
>[x] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?

>>4700875
>[] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?

compare sekrit squirrel notes

>>4700875
>[] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?

ok, votes called!

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[x] I've heard the same rumors. What do you know about her?

"I've heard the same rumors." You say, frowning a little. That it's getting around is no surprise- it's impossible to keep any sort of secret long without it actually being classified somewhere- but that it's gotten around so quickly indicates, at least to you, that she's not being at all quiet about her wants. "What do you know about her?"

Mori frowns. "She's like Carnegie." She says. "One of those daughters a lot of the ultra wealthy seemed to have in the mid or late part of the nineteen nineties. Physically stunning, amazing health, fitness standards I'd struggle to meet, fairly gifted and powerful."

"So perfect." You say.

Mori nods. "At least as much as it's possible for them to be." She says. "Designer daughter, for sure. Her service record is.. poor, however."

"I'd heard she's incredibly aggressive." You say, and Mori frowns.

"I'm not sure." She says. "She's been demoted twice, both times to lieutenant senior grade. However, she's also very decorated, and all of them are earned. She's got three bronze stars, all for combat actions, and a silver star. She's also got a purple heart, which I understand is very rare for a witch."

You frown and nod. After the soviet war, there was a lot of attention paid to witches being awarded medals, especially for valor- and a lot of argument on the point of what constituted an action worthy of award for a witch- if the criteria were different. In one of the rare cases of the military going against the arguments of the coven, it was decided they were- actions that would be suicidal for an infantryman or vehicle crew were, to a witch, normal- and thus, not worthy of significant recognition. For a witch to be awarded even Bronze stars would take actions that would rate a navy cross, at least- and her silver star would probably be a CMH for any non-witch. The purple heart is an exception, but it's also an unspoken rule that a witch won't accept one for anything other than a critical injury- one that requires extensive healing or hospital time.

1/2

"Her records don't indicate it's aggressiveness so much as she doesn't seem to care about what happens to her in completion of the mission." She says, still frowning. "Everyone who's worked with her has left glowing reports, save for a few cases where there's been clear disobedience or misconduct. And other than her demotions, there's been no punishments on her record for anything she's done."

You frown. "That's... confusing." You admit- by the sounds of it, she's one of those witches who'll throw herself into combat without a thought- which normally would indicate she's far too aggressive. But witches like that aren't generally well-liked, either- at least, they're not highly spoken of by anyone working with them.

Mori nods. "I'm sure she's using family connections, but even they can't get medals awarded or have every single report come back as good as these are." She says. "I've got to admit, I'd be interested in meeting her."

"Anyone else?" You ask.

Mori smiles. "Sho-sa Yuki Tosa."

You frown, remembering the witch. "What is it with the bloodthirsty ones?" You ask.

Mori laughs. "Give the wolf princess' reputation, are you surprised it's those types?" She asks.

You've got to admit, she's got a point- your only hope is you can at least put it off till after you've got Mori integrated and Merlin... figured out.

And that's going to be it for the week! Kinda glad we didn't get interrupted by the weather, as much as I'd have liked a good looking storm to gawk at for a while, haha. I'm hoping this summer has a few.

Other than that, no news! School is kinda winding down, so there's that, and I'm looking at a few places to get a job again- not sure how that'll affect us, but I'm hoping I can keep it from being a repeat of the OG run. We'll see how things go.

Anyway gents, that's it for the week, but as usual, I'll be around, both here and in the discord, to chat or answer any questions or comments you may have. Otherwise, till next week, cheers!

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>>4700991
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4700991
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4700991
thanks for running

>>4700991
Thanks for running!

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Well, not much news this week! I guess that's good or bad, depending on how you look at it, haha! I've finally started figuring out blender, so there's that, though I really kind of wish I could just use mastercam to build models for skyrim and fallout. Ah well.

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

It's a little odd, you think, to be handing in your access cards at the front desk and watching them erase your names from the whiteboard. Wendy, Kyou and Mori have all already gone to ops, leaving you to finalize things here and meet them there, where you'll get any final instructions. Of course, with you leaving, you're sure another crew will be in soon- there's been a pretty constant population of crews here, always about ten or twelve, and that's not counting the one that was unloaded just yesterday from the vought plant. "Stay safe, sir." One of the marines at the desk offers as you head out the door.

From there it's a short ride over to ops, where you change into your flight gear and clear out your locker, leaving the door slightly ajar as you stuff the few remaining things into your bag- you'll have to carry it out to the flight line, but the crew will load it in one of the two baggage pods you're going to be flying out with. Stepping out of the locker room, you think about how the place always seems empty, other than the occasional sailor or marine assigned here. You've never seen other pilots in the locker room, though you know they use it- most of the lockers are claimed and secured, and yours is far from the only set of gear hanging in the support shop's racks.

Kyou's waiting for you out in the hall, though Wendy and Mori aren't in sight. "I sent them ahead to the briefing room." Kyou explains, as if reading your thoughts. "Wendy protested, but it's good to occasionally remind her that she doesn't have to do everything, nor does she have to mother us."

You nod. "She's all ready to go?"

"Of course." Kyou says. "Truth be told, I think she's eager to take up residence in the palace. She's spoken of it frequently with me." She smiles. "It is rather gratifying to hear her speak of it with such wonder."

You nod again as she continues.

"Though I will admit, even with all we know, it's still a little strange." She says. "She acts as if this is the first time she will have held a residence like this, while it's common knowledge she was spent some months in residence in London as Tabitha Kazinski's retainer, postwar. I understand there are differences, but certainly not that great of ones."

1/2

You shrug. "The rooms weren't hers." You point out.

"Nor will be the palace, legally." She says. "And I'm sure that she was afforded all the same freedoms in London and the rooms there as she will be now."

"Right, but there's permanence." You respond. "Frank and Tabitha's rooms were never a home. This is."

Kyou frowns, but nods. "I see." She says, then nods again. "It was rather foolish to have overlooked that detail." She says.

There's a moment of silence before she changes the subject. "Mori seems entirely at ease with things." You says, sounding pleased. "Though I'm less certain if that's because of her own thoughts or because of a lack of information on what she's about to do."

[] It did sound like the guard didn't tell her everything.
[] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

>>4708063
>[X] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

>>4708063
>[x] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her

>>4708063
>[x] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

>>4708063
>[X] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

>>4708063
>[X] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

>>4708063
>[X] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

>>4708063
>[x] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

Almost scarily so. She accepted the whole deal *really* easily.

>>4708063
>[] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

Of course, she could just be faking well

ok, votes called!

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[x] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

You shrug. "She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her." You say, and Kyou smiles.

"She is imperial guard." She says. "Even if she were to have private concerns, to them there is no price to high to ensure the safety of the imperial family. She would willingly and gladly join us for that end alone."

Seeing your frown, she smiles again. "Though I do agree with your assessment as well. She does seem entirely glad to have made the decision thus far, and has no apparent intent to withdraw now."

"Not that she could." You point out. Kyou shrugs.

"I was given every opportunity to do so all the way up until our first MIU link." She says. "After which point, of course, it was both impossible and quite unwanted. Regardless, I doubt she would ever back out, if for no other reason that loss of face if she were to."

"That's not grounds to keep her with us." You point out, and Kyou smiles.

"Of course not." She says. "But I don't think that's the only reason. While I doubt we'll ever know the full selection process, She very much wants both to be here, and be a part of the household we are creating. Regardless of other concerns, eventually we must accept that she isn't attempting to cover up anything, and really has accepted this as part of what she must do to that end."

You nod. "You're right."

Kyou smiles. "I am told that American men are conditioned to accept that their other is always correct." She says. "I am glad to see that is at least somewhat true, even in exceptional cases."

She timed her statement to land as you opened the door to the briefing room, where Wendy and Mori are both sitting, while the officer on duty for the job- a Navy Commander- stands at the projector board. He nods to the two of you as you enter, gesturing for you to sit. "You're not the only crew I've got to brief, lieutenant." He says- not unkindly, just stating a fact. "So let's go over everything. They tell me you've flown the route out once before already?"

1/2

You nod. "Yes, sir." You say. "We flew forward from a carrier to Japan when the war started."

"That's right, I'd forgotten that was you." He says. "Well, there won't be much to go over then. There's a couple big squall lines brewing south of Wake, but we don't expect them to impact the island. If they do become an issue for your flight, you'll be directed by the nearest center, probably Wake or Guam."

You nod, taking a note on your pad- while you hardly, if ever, use your thigh board, you still have one, like every other naval aviator. It's only marginally useful at best- the simple fact is, Muninn both knows more, remembers better, and can access information far faster than any note-taking gear or scheme ever. Still, they expect you to take notes, so you do.

"There's also high-altitude communications interference going on." He says, frowning. "That's a little bit more troublesome, though you'll be able to get satcom or data from the long range radio arrays at Wake or the Midway relay station, if necessary. You should be fine below forty thousand feet, but keep it in mind."

You nod again.

"Everything else should have been uploaded to your jet's AI by the time you go wheels up." He says. "I'm told they already went over it with you, but all three aircraft are loaded self defensively. Two Sidewinders, two AMRAAMS. You'll also have a full gun load and a full weapons load for that thor's cannon of yours. But, there's been no hostile activity outside of Korea and limited action in the SCS and Taiwan, so we don't expect you'll have a problem."

You nod again, glad to hear you'll have a full Yellowstone load.

"Any questions for me, now?" He asks. "Keep in mind your AI should have everything I've told you and anything else you need."

[] We're good to go, sir.
[] (Write in question!)

>>4708185
>[X] We're good to go, sir.

>>4708185
>[x] We're good to go, sir.

MORI LINK LET'S GOOOOOO

>>4708185
>[X] We're good to go, sir.

I can't think of any questions at the moment.

>>4708185
>[x] We're good to go, sir.

>>4708185
>[] We're good to go, sir.

Hi ho silver, awaaaaaaay

>>4708185
>[x] We're good to go, sir.

>>4708185
>[X] She's sounded entirely at peace with things every time I've talked to her.

ok, votes called!

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[x] We're good to go, sir.

You look over at the witches, none of whom seem to have any questions of their own, and then shake your head. "We're good to go, sir."

"Good." He says. "There's a crew cart outside that'll take you and your bags over to the flight line, hand 'em off to the crew there so they can stow them and then you're out of here." He says. "Have a good flight, Lieutenant. Dismissed."

The four of you stand and leave the briefing room, all carrying your own personal effects bags. "Long flight." Mori muses as you walk. "Gonna be stiff when we land."

Kyou nods. "And most likely tired." She says.

"We should be in supercruise most of the distance." Wendy notes. "No more than five or six hours, I should think. And I rather expect miss Wells will makes sure we're quite well taken care of upon our arrival."

"If my family doesn't see to it first." Kyou says, smiling. "I am still an Imperial princess."

"Quite so." Wendy says, nodding. "The great tragedy is that Morgan will be unable to prepare dinner this evening."

"He will have to make it up to us as soon as he can, then." Kyou says, smiling enough to let you know it's more a joke than an actual expectation of hers.

You don't respond, instead heading out of ops and out onto the pad, where, as the briefing officer said, you find one of the electric carts used to move crews around waiting for you. It's a little crowded with all of you plus the driver who you don't recognize- your own crew having already left. Muninn and the two valkyrie units have been pulled away from the rest of the Wyverns- you can see two, here, now, in factory-standard paint schemes, their insignia noting that they're both brand new and undergoing initial start work. In addition to the IJN wyvern- notable for the dark green and light gray scheme it now wears, along with the red disc insignia of the IJN on it's tails, that makes three undergoing startup- and without Merlin to help. You wonder about that, and think, briefly, of doctor Hayashi, who's going to be remaining here, at least for the time being.

1/2

You hand off your bags to the ground crew, two of whom start loading them in the starboard baggage pod, the port one having already been closed and latched, already full. Not all of the cargo is yours, of course- the navy doesn't like wasting space, and so you're carrying a mix of light cargo that has to be shipped fast. You've probably also got beer aboard- that being one of the favorite 'small items' for crews to send to each other. Your walkaround inspection doesn't find anything, of course- the missiles are loaded in the nacelle bays, so using them means you'll have to jettison the external tanks. The maw of Yellowstone- deceptively small, this close, stands closed, the aerodynamic cover in place. They could only cover it up so much- it's still a bit of asymmetrical drag on the jet, but not enough to really matter, at least not in the supersonic speeds you're able to reach.

Satisfied that everything's in place, you climb up the ladder and situate yourself in the ejection seat, pulling the straps through their rings on your vest and snugging them down. It's another couple of minutes before you light your MIU connection, finding Kyou there, but not Wendy.

"We're processing Mori and Wendy now." Muninn says. "It's going very well, but we were instructed to make it as seamless and painless as possible, so it may take slightly longer than normal as we gradually remove blocks and form the impulse link."

"Of course." Kyou says. "I assume you did the same for Morgan and myself?"

"Hardly." Muninn responds. "I hadn't ever done a link before, and I didn't have a sister AI to help. We'll have them done momentarily, till then they're still on standard interplane radio and datalink. Also, we're tracking those storm patterns in the south pacific, and weather doesn't know what they're talking about. They're going to turn north and strengthen. We can chance it, even if we get caught we shouldn't have trouble, but if we follow a more northerly route we should be able to avoid it entirely."

[] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.
[] We'll stay on the briefed route.

And that's actually going to be it for the night here gents. I got up pretty early this morning after a poor night's sleep, and am on mostly coffee and a reign from earlier in the day still, haha!

I'll be around a little bit to answer questions or chat, but otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

>>4708365
>[] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.

Trust the bird-child

>>4708365
>"It's going very well, but we were instructed to make it as seamless and painless as possible, so it may take slightly longer than normal as we gradually remove blocks and form the impulse link."

So, Muninn and Tessa are being...gentle...for Mori's first time~?

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>>4708365
>[X] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.

>>4708367
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4708362
>>[] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.

>>4708365
>[x] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.

>>4708367
Thanks for the run!

>>4708365
>[x] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.

>>4708367
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4708365
>[x] We'll follow the more northerly route, then. Make sure that the folks dealing with our flight plan know about the detour.

ok, votes called!

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[x] We'll follow the more northerly route, then.

"We'll follow the more northerly route, then." You say, frowning- it's unusual for weather to get things wrong, though not impossible. It can be easy to forget that Muninn and Tessa can pull data from virtually any source in the US as fast as their connections will allow- and they can process that data far faster and more accurately than almost any human could.

"I'll update operations." Muninn says. "We'll still be within about a hundred miles of Wake, but we should have passed within ten miles with the original flight plan. It's one of the only emergency fields on the route."

"If we have an emergency." Kyou says, a little dismissively. "Which is extremely unlikely, considering both the skill of our crew and Merlin's personal touch."

"Merlin Wells has blown more turbines and critical systems than any witch alive." Muninn points out. "and because of the highly modified experimental nature of most of our critical subsystems, a failure in one of them isn't impossible, especially given the magical power being forced through many of them."

You can feel Kyou's annoyance at the correction, but neither of you respond, the marshal on the ground indicating for you to start engines and begin rolling. It feels good to be moving again, you think, as you follow his instructions, rolling onto the taxiway and switching over to tower, who direct you to the runway. You hold there only for a second before they clear you to take off, and your takeoff roll is almost scandalously short, leaving most of the runway unused as you pull up, Kyou retracting the landing gear and doing a functionality check, reporting everything back as green.

Wendy and Mori are up right behind you, sliding into a standard three plane chevron formation, Mori below and to your left, Wendy above and to your right, and both trailing you. It's kind of melancholy, flying out over the north end of San Diego and watching the city slide past and behind you as you head out to sea. Kyou, of course, is excited- she's finally returning home, and, more than just that, returning to combat.

"We're done." Muninn intones, about ten minutes into your flight, with the city still just visible in your rear-facing camera mounts. "Wendy and Mori are linked, we're going to start merging the pairs now."

1/2

You brace yourself, but it's not at all bad- it's not the chaotic mess you seem to vaguely remember with Kyou, but more a sudden awareness of a fourth persona in the mix, one full of confidence, wonder, and an iron core of a sworn duty. You also get snippets of her talent- an awareness of the airspace around you that, coupled with the combat experience of Wendy, is going to make you a nightmarish foe. By the time you're crossing through Hawaii's airspace, it's like you've known Mori for years- and you're profoundly glad for her presence.

A few hours later, Muninn pings your attention off to your south. "There's those storms." He says. Towering, ugly clouds flash with lightning, visible from here though only just- you're about eighty miles north of Wake.

"That looks incredibly severe." Kyou says. "Is Wake island being damaged?"

"Not yet." Muninn says. "They're weather hardened and had plenty of warning, so everything's under cover. But they're reporting torrential rain and significant lightning activity, along with forty knot winds at sea level."

"Just as well we elected to stay to the north." Wendy says. "I'd rather not have to fly through a storm like that anytime soon."

You can't help but to agree, and you're glad as the squall line- it must be easily a few hundred miles long, passes out of sight as you head for Tokyo. Crossing the international date line, The clouds over the home islands creep into view first- puffy, scattered, white things that are a far cry from the ugly squall in the pacific. The Imperial ADIZ's automatic systems already know you're coming, so it's a simple handshake before you're back in 'controlled' flight, tying in with Atsugi center as you head for the base.

"Ah," Kyou breathes as you cross the beach a few minutes out from the base. "It is wonderful to return home, no?"

"I will admit it is rather nice to be back." Wendy says. "And I'm quite looking forward to more permanent lodgings. I'll admit I'm quite eager to see what Morgan can do with a proper kitchen."

There's a bit of laughter from the witches, and then Kyou speaks up again. "Is it the same for you, Morgan?"

[] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.
[] Glad to be back in theater, for sure.

>>4709587
>[X] Glad to be back in theater, for sure.

>>4709587
>[x] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

>>4709587
>[] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

Cat is Cat.

>>4709587
>[x] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

Lazy catte is lazy.

>>4709583
>[X] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

>>4709587
>[x] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

>>4709587
>[X] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

ok, votes called!

>>4709587
>[x] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

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[x] I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to be able to settle down a little.

"I agree with Wendy, it'll be nice to settle down a little." You say, noting the strong feeling of approval from Kyou.

"Not to be a drag, but you all still know that even if we're home based here, we'll be going back to Miramar at least once a year?" Muninn points out. "And we'll still have to be able to deploy on notice."

"No one likes a spoilsport." Mori responds lightly.

"Just reminding everyone." Muninn says. "Expect to meet Admiral Wells on the ground."

"Of course." Kyou says. "We had expected that regardless."

Muninn just gets quiet- you get the impression the AI is at least slightly embarrassed by the arrangement there. It does make a rough sort of sense, you guess- though you're also sure that Muninn is also wasting no time in mentioning it to other AIs for clout.

Atsugi doesn't look much different from last time you were here, though the Tomcats on the pad all have seen action, as indicated by the kill markers painted below the canopy rails on most of them. Most are just one or two, though you mark a few aces- hardly surprising, given the way the PLAAF have fought so far. There's also a few missing- not as many as you'd have thought, but still too many for comfort.

The follow-me vehicle guides you to a new part of the pad, with a pair of large, hardened shelters sits. Taxiing inside, you note that they're perfectly set up for a four element wyvern team, with power and network umbilicals rolled on the walls and an overhead gantry crane along tracks. a flat elevator pad indicates significant below ground works as well.

1/2

Merlin, in uniform, stands back away from the marked lines on the pavement as you roll onto the spots marked on the pavement and begin shutting down. The crew's already blocking the wheels and attaching the cables from the ground, as well as unlatching the cargo pods and pulling out the contents.

She walks over to greet you as you climb out of Muninn, smiling broadly. "Welcome to Atsugi!" She says, smiling. "I know you've been here before, but this building was build specifically for the wyvern teams that are going to be based here." She gestures at the building. "To my specification!"

"It is quite impressive." Kyou says. "So this is our hangar for the future?"

Merlin nods. "There's three others like it, and the IJN is building six on their side of the base right now, and another twenty four at Shimofusa base."

"I noticed there are four aircraft spots." Kyou says. "Is this an indication of future team size?"

Merlin hesitates. "I think so." She says, after a second. "The ministry of defense has also indicated they intend to assign a liaison officer to us."

"A liaison officer?" Kyou asks, frowning. "That seems unusual."

"Probably their idea of a subtle way to introduce us to a Japanese witch." Mori says, flatly.

Merlin nods. "I haven't been told anything else, but I'm sure they'll want to introduce her soon." She says. "Now, for the bad news. The navy has said that, for the duration, they want us to stay here."

Kyou smiles. "I had assumed they would." She says. "Our response time would not be ideal, were we to stay at the palace."

Merlin nods. "That was their stance as well." She says. "But the buildings we'll be in are new as well, and should be large enough for all of us. Is there anything you want to know before we go there?"

[] No, let's go get a look at our housing.
[] (Write in questions!)

And that's going to be it for the night- Class in the morning! Sorry about the slow pace there, I got called away to do something here and kinda got shanghaied into far more than I'd thought it was going to be. My folks, bless them, think they know how to technology. Alas, they do not. Haha!

Anyways gents, we may end up running a make up day because of the pace tonight, but otherwise, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4709865
>[X] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

>>4709867
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4709865
>[x] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

>>4709867
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4709865
>[x] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

>>4709865
>[] No, let's go get a look at our housing.
thanks for running

>>4709865
>[x] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

>>4709865
>[X] No, let's go get a look at our housing
>>4709867
Thanks for running!

>>4709865
>[] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

>>4709865
>[] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

>>4709865
>[X] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

alright gents, votes called!

>>4711183
Aww yeah! Awooo intensifies!

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[x] No, let's go get a look at our housing.

You shake your head, looking over at the van that the crew here are loading your bags into. You don't recognize any of them, but they're all USN. Merlin, catching your look, smiles. "Chief Brown had to oversee the offloading of some equipment for me, but she should be back by tomorrow." She explains.

The five of you all climb into the van, driven by a too-young looking junior enlisted rating, who pulls out carefully, navigating the base roads a little bit too slowly for you. Looking around, of course, there's hints there's a war on- some buildings are reinforced with sandbags, and most of the windows show signs of blackout curtains- while light like that isn't as much an issue anymore, in an era of satellite navigation and pervasive radar, there's still no point in giving anyone trying to bomb the place any help. You wonder, though, how strict the blackout is around the base, let alone in the city center down by the bay.

The building you pull up to is large and square, and looks fairly regular for the area, with a simple looking brown steel door and beige painted exterior. Like many others, there's a sand bag wall stacked around it's lower half, with the sandbags themselves reaching up to just below the bottom floor windows. The concrete path up to the door is short, and you have to park in the street, though there's painted spaces for it- including one housing another van. "Each building will house two teams." Merlin explains as you get out. "There's a central entryway, we're in the quarters on the left. The front hatch should be unlocked there."

You nod, though it takes you all a few minutes to get out of the van and gather up the bags- you end up carrying yours and Kyou's, while Mori gets her own and Wendy's. Wendy looks a little confused by that- and not exactly comfortable at having nothing to do but follow you up to the door.

The door proves to be the first surprise- it's much heavier than you expected, and opens only after some effort. "Armored." Merlin explains as you open it, revealing that the door itself is nearly three inches thick- and cased, at least, in solid-sounding steel. Behind it there's an entryway about the size of a small garage that's mostly empty, with a few fake-looking potted plants sitting on a faux wood floor. "They're planning to assign security personnel soon, so they'll have a desk in here, along with some space for themselves back there behind that door." She points, indicating a door on the center of the back wall. "Arms locker and a crew room, but there's nothing in there yet. We're the one on the left." Merlin directs, stepping into the building behind the rest of you, and letting the front door swing closed behind you.

1/2

The door into the quarters isn't as heavy, though it's still fairly solid, with a nameplate that reads simply "WCT MUNINN" in a basic block font.

"Was security a great concern?" Kyou asks.

Merlin frowns. "Not overly so, but this is the first time we've had a Wyvern team based long-term outside of the united states." She says. "And had one based in striking range of a hostile power. The building here is reinforced enough that near misses shouldn't be able to injure anyone inside, but it's not bomb proof like the hangars are. Those are armored against anything short of direct hit from a two thousand pound class penetrator or similar."

You nod as the lights come on, revealing a large, relatively open space in front of you, with the kitchen partitioned off behind a short wall topped off with a bar. "I see they kept to the shared space plan." Wendy remarks, looking around- the living room is significantly larger than the one you had in Miramar, with another door along the far wall, next to the kitchen.

Merlin nods. "And they made the kitchen larger. Six burner stove, and a lot of other things I don't really know how to use but I'm sure Morgan will."

"I'm sure he's pleased to hear that." Kyou says, smiling. "Would you prefer to finish the tour with us now, or do you wish to examine the new sovereign domain of the kitchen?"

[] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.
[] Yeah, I'll catch up with you. I want to go see what I'm working with.

>>4711272
>[X] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.

>>4711272
>[x] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.

>>4711272
>[x] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.

Good reconnaissance is important

>>4711272
>[X] Yeah, I'll catch up with you. I want to go see what I'm working with.

>>4711272
>[X] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.

ok, sorry about that delay guys. Votes called!

>>4711270
>We're the one on the left." Merlin directs,

oh right Merlin's moving in, isn't she

>>4711272
>[] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.

How big is the bed

can it handle this much MILF

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[x] Let's get a look at the rest of this place, first.

You shake your head, looking at the empty living room. It's easily two or three times the size of the one in the quarters at Miramar- clearly intended for both a larger group and much longer occupation. The floors here are carpeted, though it looks like it's the usual contractor stuff the government usually gets- not exactly super high quality. The ceiling above you is interrupted- the second story looks to be an L-shape, with a railing along one side letting you look up at the doors to rooms, all standing open.

Two doors stand on the back wall with the stairs. "Those are the downstairs bedrooms." Merlin says, pointing. "They're about half again as big as the rooms in Miramar, so they should be pretty comfortable. I've got my things in the one over there-" She points. "But the other one is empty for whoever wants it, or if you want to set up an office or something. There's a utility space over by the kitchen with the washing machine and a dryer, plus another pair of washers and driers in the shared utility room back behind the entry."

You nod, looking around- so far, it feels, and smells- almost brand new- and fairly modern, considering who it was built for.

Heading upstairs you're greeted with two doors in front of you, and two on the wall to your right. Over to your left, you can look out over the kitchen- you're not sure how much you like that- and part of the living room, along with the door out to the entryway. "The far two doors there are both bedrooms." Merlin says, stepping up behind you and the rest of the witches. "They're both much larger than the rooms in Miramar, the navy realized that four ship WCTs are probably going to need at least one oversized bedroom. The other two rooms over there are both bathrooms."

"Three bathrooms?" Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

"I guess someone realized that there might be a lot of demand for them." She says, smiling. "And there's a third, smaller bedroom back over there. It juts out over the rooms behind the common area and the back pad. There's a small dumpster for trash on the back pad, but there's also a garbage collection point at the end of the street here."

"And we will be sharing this building with another Wyvern team?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods again. "I don't think anyone has been decided on yet, though." She says. "But yes, it's going to be shared. The reason there's so many bedrooms is the navy realized that family space may become an issue in the future. Of course, they also realized that team dynamics are all different, and there may be a need for the additional space even without children."

"I see." Kyou says, thoughtfully. "Of course, Morgan and myself will be taking the bedroom there, ad the end of the walkway." She points to the last door on the second floor, the one that opens to overlook the living room and front. "Wendy, I expect you'll prefer to join us?"

1/2

"If it's not too much bother." Wendy says, nodding. "Of course, I can keep my things in a separate room for appearances, should that be necessary."

Kyou laughs. "Entirely unnecessary." She responds. "Mori?"

"I'll take the room down there." The bodyguard says, indicating the one across the way, near the stairs. "At least for now."

"It's a five minute drive from the pad." Merlin says, finishing up. "Less if you're on alert."

Kyou nods, then looks over at Wendy. "Wendy, will you handle acquiring the household goods?"

Wendy nods. "Of course, mum." She says, smiling. "Though I rather expect a bed large enough may be an issue."

Kyou shrugs. "You have access to my purse, should you need to have one made to your order." She says, clearly unconcerned with the specifics. "Mori, if you wish to have anything, Wendy will be handling it, I do not wish to be bothered."

The bodyguard nods.

"Now." Kyou says, turning. "We have all taken rooms, leaving us with two extra. I am open to suggestions as to their use."

"A gym would be nice." Mori says. "In the other downstairs bedroom?"

"I'm quite taken with the idea of a lounge." Wendy says, a little wistfully. "Though I'll readily admit I'm rather not sure what we'd do with one."

"And you might want to consider an office." Merlin says. "Unless you want to do all your paperwork in ops all the time."

"Such as it is." Kyou points out. "Morgan, it seems it is your duty again to make the decision."

You frown- you'd kind of wanted a recreation room, a place to keep the video game consoles and bookshelves and maybe a pool table- and ideally, a place with a nice spot under a window to catch a nap occasionally.

(pick 2)
[] Lounge
[] Office
[] Gym
[] Rec room

>>4711470
>[X] Office
>[X] Rec room

>>4711470
>[X] Gym
>[X] Rec room

>>4711470
>[X] Office
>[X] Rec room

>>4711470
>[x] Lounge
>[x] Gym

A Lounge can easily be used as a rec room to Morgan's specs with a little creative cabinetry and arrangement.

>>4711486

*To both Morgan and Wendy's specs

Gotta think fast and typing too slow, damnit

>>4711470
>[x] Gym
>[x] Lounge

>>4711486
>>4711470

+1

I've fitted out lounges before; Getting both Morgan and Wendy's indicated wants in the same space is totally doable.

alright, votes called! looks like gym and lounge/rec room by top two votes, taking the combo lounge and rec room as one room.

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[x] Gym
[x] Lounge / Rec room

"There's no gym, so we'll need one of those." You say, getting an appreciative nod from Mori, as well as a more thoughtful one from Kyou.

"There's a fitness center here on base." Merlin says. "But it's a little ways away. And we probably won't have the ability to bring personal vehicles here for a while still."

You nod. "So we'll need a gym."

"Anything in particular?" Wendy asks.

"Free weights and a bench." Mori responds instantly. "Good weights, too. And maybe a bike?"

Wendy nods, pulling out a notepad from her bag and writing that down.

"And the other?" Kyou prompts.

"I think a lounge or rec room." You say. "Or both, I think we could do that in that other big bedroom upstairs."

Wendy smiles, and Kyou nods. "It would be rather nice to have that sort of private area to relax and enjoy ourselves." She says.

"So shall I fit it as a lounge or a rec room?" Wendy asks.

You shrug. "We should easily be able to get one room to do both, especially if you don't want a smoking lounge."

"Oh, goodness no." Wendy says, then laughs. "I can't stand the smell of tobacco. Alright, I'll see to it as soon as I can. Tomorrow, perhaps?"

"You'll have inprocessing to do." Merlin says. "And we'll have our imperial liaison officer to meet.

"It is odd they intend to assign a liaison officer." Kyou says, frowning. "Was there any indication of if the Ministry intended to assign a similar liaison to every united states navy wyvern team based here, or if it was something soley intended for us?"

Merlin shakes her head. "They haven't said, they've just indicated they want an officer from the imperial military on hand with us."

Kyou frowns. "I hope they don't intend to play at politics so soon." She says. "That would be greatly disappointing."

"There's also several requests from witches interested in the fourth team slot." Merlin says. "And we'll be expected to be flying combat sorties in theater by the end of the week."

That, at least, gets Kyou to perk up- and, thankfully, changes the topic away from her acquiring any more household members, for the time being.

And that's going to be it for the week! We hit a pretty good stopping point there, I think, despite me being slow and crap this week, haha!

So, on the subject of the future, school has... IDK. Probably 4-5 weeks left, if that. After that I'll be heading back into the work world, and we'll see how that shakes out for us in terms of running. I suspect it'll probably slow us down pretty significantly, but we'll see.

Anyway, gents, otherwise that's it for the week! I'll be around here over the weekend and I'm in the discord, of course, for questions or comments if there are any. Otherwise, gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4711697
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4711697
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4711679
>That, at least, gets Kyou to perk up

EARS

>>4711697
Thanks for the run!

>>4711697
thanks for running