You'll also have to arrange for cooking implements for Morgan and yourself- he's indicated he intends to have his cast iron shipped over, but that will take at least a week, you're sure, and you can hardly go without on the mean time. And even then, there's things that cast iron isn't particularly well suited for, so you'll need a good set of cookwear.

Finishing your tea, you blink. "Tessa?" You say, and the AI chimes the house speakers- one of the things Merlin was quite explicit about was that the AIs both have access to everywhere but the bedrooms, and that the base server farm meant that Tessa and Muninn could function around the house, as well.

"Yes, mum?" The AI asks. She can't project an avatar into the building anywhere, there's no display equipment for her to do so yet, though Merlin has indicated that she intends to have a pair of full-scale tanks brought in for them within the next few days.

"Would you kindly summon a vehicle and driver?" You ask. "I've quite a lot to do today."

"Admiral Wells indicated that she left a tablet in her room, and that if you preferred, it may be easier to order things and have them brought here from local stores, instead of leaving yourself." The AI responds. "I should notify you that the provost marshal will be establishing their guard post in the entryway today. They'll be moving in their furniture and equipment as well."

"Do you know when?" You ask.

"Not currently. They've said they intend to move things in before noon, so I imagine rather soon. They're aware that the team will be handling inprocessing tasks today, however it may mean that it's rather cluttered in the front if we're to be bringing in furniture as well."

You frown. "I rather doubt anyone wishes to spend another night on the air mattresses." You say. You, certainly, don't mind them, but they are rather... limiting.

You can picture Tessa's shrug. "Merely informing you, mum." She says. "Admiral Wells indicated that should you prefer to shop from here, that many stores offered local delivery services on the same day, and that it may be preferable to manage things that way, instead of attempting to do things in person, especially with the security element moving their equipment in as well."

[] It does sound as if that would make things easier.
[] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.

>>4729786
[x] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.

I think this matches up rather well with her work focused attitude.

>>4729786
>[X] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.

>>4729786

>[] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.

Based maid

>>4729786
>[x] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.
We'll still need the furniture store to truck the bigger stuff over either way.

>>4729786
>[X] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I think I still prefer to do it in person. Summon a vehicle, please.

"I think I still prefer to do it in person." You respond. "Summon a vehicle, please."

"Of course, mum." She says. "They'll be along presently."

"Thank you, Tessa." You say, and you can picture the AI's nod.

"Will there be anything else?" She asks.

"Not for now, thank you." You say, dismissing her- in as much as she's ever really dismissed. With the AIs wired into the house, now, you can't help but wonder about the privacy issues- Merlin, of course, was quick to reassure everyone that they had nothing wired into the bedrooms or any of the baths, but you know as well as anyone else in the team that they're still entirely capable of hearing what's going on, if nothing else- you may think about picking up some soundproofing or, failing that, some rather nice wall hangings to help deaden the noise.

The idea grows on you as your vehicle arrives, complete with a driver. The young sailor that comes to pick you up seems entirely too young to be in the military, but he's still an E-5- which means he's been in at least long enough to prove he knows what he's doing. He's also under arms, with a pistol buckled on- which is unusual, but entirely acceptable in the empire, which expects officers and even some enlisted to go about their daily business in uniform while armed.

"Where to first, Ma'am?" He asks.

You frown, thinking. You fully expect you'll need a delivery truck- or two- to manage the majority of the furniture, and it may be best to get that moving first, however you're also anxious to make sure that at least the bare minimum is in place for Morgan to be able to cook this evening. It would hardly do, you think, to have to eat your first supper in your new home at the mess hall.

[] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.
[] Home goods store first- You want to have the Kitchen squared away as soon as you can.

>>4729956
>[X] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

>>4729956
>[X] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

If we get the ingredients later they will be fresher and spend less time outside of appropriate storage.

>>4729956
>[x] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

>>4729956
>[x] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

Time for the biggest bed

>>4729956
>[x] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

>>4729956
>[] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

Wolfo wants BEEG BED, a BEEG BED she shall have.

>>4729956
>[X] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

ok, votes called! sorry about that, got caught up in blender. Finally starting to grok that fuckin program!

>>4729956
>[x] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

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[x] Furniture stores first. Delivery there will take the longest, you want it started as soon as possible.

"The nearest furniture stores, please." You say. You want to get started on that- especially since you know you're going to have to get a very large mattress and bed set- Kyou having specifically stated that she'd rather not echo the arrangement the Bishop household uses. That's fine with you, you think- their system works for them, but it's also clearly not what Kyou intends for her own household. That said, it also means you'll have to get a little more creative- You know there's mattresses large enough for what she's got in mind- an Alaskan king should do quite nicely- but getting it moved in and out will be tricky, at best.

Close to the base, most of the stores wouldn't look too out of place in the US, you think- smaller than they would be, but otherwise not out of place. It doesn't really come as a surprise, given that this, along with the joint base at Yokosuka, are both large and have sizable permanent populations of Americans.

"I'll wait out here with the vee, ma'am." Your driver says as he pulls in to park in a slightly undersized lot- you guess the store isn't usually very busy, though you can see a pair of delivery trucks parked around to it's side- a good sign, as you'll probably need the services of both.

Stepping inside, you note that it's cool in here- certainly moreso than you'd like, given that you're bareleg. You know how to pull down a thermal covering, of course, but you'd rather not- you've always been much more conservative about using your abilities than, say, Kyou is.

You're greeted by a young man who's clearly a dependent of someone on the base- which makes him more than a little unusual, though you imagine keeping at least one American on staff is common around here at businesses that see a lot of servicemembers. "Hello!" He greets you. "Can I help you today?"

"I've need of a rather lot of things." You say, smiling. "I've to furnish a large house rather quickly."

He nods. "I'll help as much as I can. You'll need delivery?" He asks, and you nod. "Ok, well. Where do you want to start? I've got living room sets over there, Dining is that way, and I've got bedroom furniture and mattresses there in the back."

[] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.
[] Let's do the living room first. I'll need to get things for the lounge there, as well.
[] Let's get the dining furniture done. We'll want that set up before supper.

>>4730076
>[X] Let's get the dining furniture done. We'll want that set up before supper.

>>4730076
>[] Let's get the dining furniture done. We'll want that set up before supper.

>>4730076
>[X] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

As far as I'm concerned, this is priority numero uno when moving into a new place, assuming stuff like a microwave and a kitchen sink is present - having a proper place to sleep, and sleep restfully, is wonderfully helpful in reducing stress.

>>4730076
>[X] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

>>4730076
>[x] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

>>4730076
>[] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

>>4730076
>[] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

>>4730076
>[] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

Ok gents, votes called! This'll probably be our last update for the evening!

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[x] Let's get bedrooms out of the way.

"Bedrooms, if you please." You say, and he nods.

"Follow me." He says, weaving through the displays of furniture. Most of them are quite nice, you note- and all are very western, looking like they'd be entirely in place in any given home you'd have seen in California, or anywhere else in the US, really. You make some notes- you see a few you like, and you're certain Kyou would as well. She seems to enjoy large, comfortable furniture that's still reasonably indicative of her place in the imperial family- how you plan to do that, you're not sure. Maybe leather? You've never been much of a fan of it, but it would fit the requirements, so long as you can find a reasonable set.

"The biggest mattresses we've got here are King." He says. "We can get up to Alaskan King, but we've got to order those, and they'll drive them in. Usually we can get them in same day, but sometimes it takes a couple days."

You nod. "I will be needing an Alaska King." You say. "And at least two queen sized beds, as well."

He blinks, but that's the only sign he gives of his surprise. "I see." He says, a little diplomatically. "Well, we don't have them here, but we've got a few sets that include the frames for them, so you can look at the style, at least. "

You nod, and he shows you the sets- Several are gloss black modern sets, ones that you're never quite sure on- though one with a mirrored, shelved headboard does catch your eye- for all the wrong reasons, you amend- and the other with the decorative overhead frame does look like it would work as well, and you quite like the brushed look of the metal there.

"See anything you like so far?" The young man asks. "We've got more we can order, and partners back in the US who'll ship things over, even with the war, but that's a lot more expensive because of freight rates right now.

[] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.
[] The set there, with the false canopy bed, I like that.

And that's going to be it for the evening, gents! Got hung up there on that last update looking for pictures- haha..... ha. Anyway.

That's going to be it for the night, but because it's spring break I'll be around a little while yet to answer questions or chat if anyone wants over on the discord. Otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4730206
>[X] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

>>4730208
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4730206
>[x] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

>>4730206
>[] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

>>4730206
>[x] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

Kyou's lewdness is spreading.

>>4730206
>[] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

*Best. Maid.*

>>4730206
>[X] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

>>4730206
>[x] The set there, with the false canopy bed, I like that.

>>4730208
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4730206
>[X] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

>>4730208
Thanks for running!

>>4730206
>[x] The set there, with the false canopy bed, I like that.

>>4730206
>[X] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

alright gents, votes called!

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[x] I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard.

"I rather like that black set with the mirrored headboard." You say, trying your best to not blush at the images playing in your head.

He nods. "I've got that set in for what you said you'd need, with a matching dresser and two nightstands as well."

"That would be excellent." You respond. "I'll need three sets." You're not exactly sure if you should get the same furniture for all three bedrooms- but you suspect it won't matter very long anyway.

"Three?" He asks, then frowns. "I think I've got that in the back, but I'm not sure. I'll have someone go look."

"I'll also need them delivered on post." You remind him, and he nods again.

"I'll have them start loading the truck as soon as we're done here." he says, then blinks. "Well, both trucks, I guess."

You nod. "I've also a living room, games room, and dining area to furnish."

"Well, I've got my living room sets over that way, and the dining room furniture over there." He responds.

You head off towards the dining area, browsing the sets here. Most of the furniture, clearly, is meant to cater to the officers on the post- there's a few of what you'd consider more normal, reasonably priced things, but most of the room sets are what you think of as upper end. Of course you prefer the more modern sets- Lady Kyou had stated she preferred the cleaner, more modern look of metal and glass, and you think that as it's her bank account that you've been instructed to use, it's only proper to select from her preferences. There are other reasons, of course, but you don't give them much thought.

Eventually you find one that catches your eye- a glass and steel affiar, one that the salesman is only too happy to demonstrate can easily expand- which, you feel, is bound to be a necessity, both given Morgan's cooking and Kyou's propensity for guests or more permanent additions to the dinner table.

"If you like, I can have them start loading this set in the truck?" the salesman says as you walk around the table again.

[] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.
[] I'll need to think on it some.

>>4731565
>[X] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.

>>4731565
>[x] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.

EXPAND D-
er, table

>>4731565
>[X] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.

>>4731565
>[] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.

Ah yes, the IJN Drake barracks, aka "Second Palace"

>>4731565
>[x] I'll need to think on it some.

ok, votes called!

>>4731565
>[] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.

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[x] Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.

You frown, thinking on it for another few seconds before nodding. "Yes." You say, nodding again. "I think this will do quite nicely."

"I'll have them start loading it up." The salesman responds, pulling a tag off the table. "It's an eight piece set, table, six chairs and a cabinet." He says, and you nod- the cabinet itself will be useful for keeping dishes in, leaving more room free in the kitchen for food. "So that just leaves our living room sets?"

You nod, walking in towards the center of the store.

"I'm looking for something that will match with what I've already purchased." You say, looking across the furniture there. You know Kyou prefers leather, for some reason, and of course it'll have to be black and glass, to match what you've already got. Additionally, you think, you've got your own requirements- like nothing with flimsy legs, for example.

"I've got a few contemporary sets here." He says. "That one over there, though, I think would go best." He indicates a set with a very large couch and a small coffee table. The couch itself looks like it'll meet your needs- and the coffee table, you think, is hardly important, since Merlin is likely to have more of her smart tables brought in anyway. The couch is all smooth, black leather- and after sitting in it, you have to admit it's quite comfortable, if a touch softer than you'd like. Still, you can easily see Morgan napping on it happily- and you know the lady Kyou will approve of it's size. You'll have to find something for visitors, of course, but for now this may well work.

"What do you think?" the young man asks.

[] I think this is what I needed, yes.
[] I'd prefer to keep looking.

Gents I wanna apologize about the delay there, I was trying to troubleshoot something that ended up being a 45 minute process, and I got tied up in it. Sorry!

>>4731811
>[X] I think this is what I needed, yes.

>>4731811
>[x] I think this is what I needed, yes.

>>4731811
>[] I think this is what I needed, yes.

>>4731811
>[x] I think this is what I needed, yes.

>>4731811
>[X] I think this is what I needed, yes.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I think this is what I needed, yes.

You nod. "I think this is what I needed, yes."

"Alright," He says, nodding and pulling the tag off the couch. "I think we'll probably need both trucks."

You smile. "Will that be a problem?"

"Oh not at all." He says, quickly. "We can always get others, and we're close enough to base that it's not a big deal for us if we've got to get a truck back here. Is there anything else I can help you find?"

You pause for a second and then nod. "I've a lounge I need to furnish." You say.

"A lounge?" He asks, then frowns a little. "Like a den?"

"Yes, quite." You say, nodding. "A place for games and that manner of thing."

"Oh, right." He says. "I gotchya. We've got some things over this way that should work out."

You nod, following him to a different section of the living room furniture, with exactly the kind of furniture you'd thought of- deep, comfortable looking recliner chairs, wooden tables, and things that you can perfectly imagine in the lounge. "We don't have anything for a bar or anything like that." He admits, "and that's really the kind of thing you'd have to order."

You nod. "I'd expected as much, it's no trouble" you say, nodding. You'll also have to arrange for a billiards table, and an entertainment center. While you're not certain about how much either lady Kyou or Morgan play video games, you expect that they'll expect to have the option, regardless.

Your goal is to find some warmer, more comfortable furniture- as much as you respect the lady Kyou's tastes, you find modern furniture much more cold and sterile than you prefer. You're aware, of course, that it's not your room, exactly, and you are taking a liberty- but it's one that she insists you're more than entitled to take, among many others that you've yet to try. "I quite like these." You say, gesturing to a table and chair combination you could see playing host to many card games, among other things. "And the recliners over there."

He nods, looking in the direction of the dark leather chairs. "I've got four of them in back." He says.

"I'll take all of them." You say, and he nods again.

You mentally review things- you'll have to order a few things, though perhaps not as much as you might have otherwise thought, since you've also yet to fit out the gym, and a sports store may have a billiards table. "I think that's all." You say after a moment, and he nods.

1/2

"We'll head up front and we can get this all sorted out for you," He says with a smile. You're not sure if he's on commission or not, but if he is, he's made quite a packet today- the lady Kyou insisted that money was no problem, but you're still never entirely comfortable spending quite as much as you're sure you have already- and you know that there's still more to be bought.

It's not quite as bad as you thought- though still quite expensive- and you're sure that, had she not had access to her imperial accounts, the cost would have been more than even Kyou could have managed. Of course, with them, it's hardly a concern, with only her sense of decorum preventing displays of extreme wealth- but that seems to be more than enough.

Arranging delivery, and bidding the salesman goodbye, you step back out into the parking lot, where your driver notices you and turns the car on before you step in. "Faster than I thought, ma'am." he says. "Where to next?"

[] Home goods, if you please.
[] An electronics store, please.

ANd that's going to be it for the night! SOrry about the slow pace this evening gents, technical difficulties kinda occupied way to much of my attention- I gotta get better about tuning out distractions, haha! We may end up running a make up day to cover it, though.

Otherwise, that's going to be it for the evening! I'll be around a little to chat or field questions or comments, either here or on the discord, but otherwise, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4732098
>[X] Home goods, if you please.

>>4732104
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4732098
>[x] Home goods, if you please.

>>4732104
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4732098
>[X] An electronics store, please.

>>4732098
>[X] Home goods, if you please.

>>4732098
>[] Homo goods, if you please.

>>4732098
>[] Home goods, if you please.

>>4732098
>[x] Home goods, if you please.

>>4732098
>[X] Home goods, if you please.

ok gents, votes called!

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[x] Home goods, if you please.

"Home goods, if you please." You say, and he nods, putting the car into gear and pulling out of the parking lot.

You take the drive time to review a mental list of things you'll need- and how much you'll no doubt be spending on this trip alone. Everything from bedding to cookwear- almost everything that goes into a house, honestly. It doesn't bother you at all though, to have the whole workload fall on you- you kind of enjoy it, really.

The home goods store, like the furniture store, wouldn't look too out of place in the US, if a little smaller here than it might be there. Your driver again indicates he'll wait with the vehicle while you head inside. You're a little concerned about if you're going to be able to get everything in the vehicle- something you should have thought of earlier, you realize, but in the worst case you can always make another trip. You suspect you'll have to anyway- while you can get plenty of basics from the navy exchange on post, far more will have to come from places like this.

Once inside, you make you way around the store slowly, trying to keep the limits of space in the car in the back of your mind as you shop. Still, you're only partially successful as you pick out a set of pots and pans that should work- copper, of course- and then add a few, larger pots and a flat iron griddle, as well as a cheap set of kitchen knives. Morgan had indicated he had his own knives on the way- a graduation gift from Rachel, if you recall correctly- but for now you'll be able to make due with these. A collection of small kitchen tools follow, along with four cutting boards- which should prove to be enough for both you and Morgan to work without issue. A mixer, blender, and food processor all also enter the cart, as well as three packages of kitchen towels.

1/2

You pick up three sets of dinnerwear from the shelf, relatively simple- and remarkably cheap- red and black plates and bowls, with matching coffee cups. You rather like them, though- the red being a nice splash of color, you think, against the furniture you've purchased. You have to double back for a coffee pot- you get two, both rather nice, and an espresso machine- you occasionally enjoy an espresso, and you're sure Morgan will appreciate being able to give Merlin options that aren't the horrendously sweet options she prefers currently.

Bedsheets is the next decision point, you think. Kyou has- perhaps predictably- stated a preference for silk. They offer Alaskan king silk sheets here to order- they don't keep them on hand, which makes perfect sense, of course. They do however have sheets of the correct size on hand of Egyptian cotton in a fairly high thread count. You frown, thinking- you'll have to probably get a set for now if you order the sheets, since you'd prefer to have them when the bed comes in- and while you are a proponent of having more than one set of sheets, you usually prefer to divide them into winter and summer sets.

You think about it some while throwing several pillows and covers into the cart, noting that it's fairly well piled already.

[] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.
[] Only get the silk set- you don't mind waiting and Kyou is paying for all this, afterall.
[] Get the cotton set only- silk is nice but too cold and care intensive to work.

>>4733396
>[X] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.

>>4733396
>[x] Get the cotton set only- silk is nice but too cold and care intensive to work.

>>4733396
>[X] Get the cotton set only- silk is nice but too cold and care intensive to work.

>>4733396
>[x] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.

Having a spare set of sheets immediately on hand will be... *highly practical* given the volume and quantity of nightly activities this lot engages in.

>>4733396
>[] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.

>>4733396
>[X] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.

>>4733396
>[X] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Get both sets- you can use what you get for now, and then the other set when they arrive.

You decide to get both sets as you load the cart with a set of sheets for both Mori and Merlin's beds. From there it's actually not quite as bad as you'd been afraid it would be- you buy plenty of towels, of course- almost 20- and enough of everything else that you shouldn't have any shortages, even with six people in the house.

The final bill is about as bad as you were afraid- worse, actually, after you get the sheets ordered. Still, you're more than sure Kyou will barely notice the difference in her accounts- if she notices at all.

Your driver, on the other hand, notices for sure as you pull the two carts you've got out to the car- both are piled high enough that you're not sure it'll all fit anyway- though there's more space in the boot than you'd thought and, while the back seat is reasonably full, you do manage to get everything in.

"Back to quarters?" Your driver asks, and you laugh lightly.

"I think we've rather little option." You say, and he nods.

"Yeah. Unless you want to start trying to lash things to the roof." He responds, pulling back out onto the roads and heading towards the base.

You laugh, but otherwise don't respond as you watch the city pass by around you. It's less open than in the US- buildings are closer together, and you see more people on the sidewalks, but it's clear that there's far more to the city than the military base here- which is a little unusual. Even in Miramar, the military presence dominates everything else in the city.

There's a pair of delivery trucks outside the building when you pull up, but there's no civilians around, and everyone moving things is in uniform. You step out of the car as one of them walks over. "You're with team Muninn, ma'am?" the man asks, and you nod.

"Commander Maloney." You say, introducing yourself, and he nods.

"Sorry about the mess, we're getting the security stations set up in all the buildings today. We wanted to get it done before anyone got assigned here, but admiral Wells moved a little faster than we thought she was going to. Anyway, it's going to be busy out here for the rest of the afternoon at least."

"I've got quite a lot of furniture coming in." You say, and he frowns. "Will that be a problem?"

"It's going to be a little crowded out here, but it is what it is." He says, shrugging. "Anyway, just wanted to let you know."

1/2

You nod, starting to pull bags out of the car. Moving them into the building takes almost thirty minutes, both for how many there are and how many times you have to wait as the security personnel take up the door with something they're moving in- It gives you pause, trying to figure out how you intend to move an Alaskan king sized mattress- nine feet by nine feet- into the building.

You're about to head back out to get groceries when lady Kyou returns- alone, surprisingly. "Ah, Wendy." She says, smiling. "I had hoped to find you here."

"Just got back in, mum." You say. "I've yet to get groceries." You're not sure about the timing, though- and leaving lady Kyou here alone to manage the furniture delivery isn't going to happen, she's got other things to do and it's your job to make sure that sort of thing is taken care of.

"I see." She says. "How has your morning gone?"

"Our furniture should be delivered presently." You say- they said about two hours, and you know that here in the empire, punctuality is considered politeness.

"Ah, excellent." She says, nodding. "I'm not sure I'm happy with the minimalistic look we've got right now."

You laugh. "I've full sets for the living room, bedrooms, dining area and lounge on the way." You state. "Though I'd assumed that miss Wells was planning to have her display tables brought in?"

"Yes." Kyou nods. "She's with Morgan and Mori at the moment, meeting a prospective witch."

You blink. "So soon?" You ask.

"It seems the posting has quite a bit of competition already." Kyou says, preening a little. Secretly you enjoy it when she does that- though Morgan has made it quite clear you're not to tell her. "I doubt we'll have to deal with one quite as soon as this, though."

"I see." you say, as a trio of delivery trucks pulls up outside. "I imagine that's our furniture."

Kyou nods. "Did you get a large enough bed for the master bedroom?" She asks.

"Alaskan king. The biggest they make." You respond and she smiles.

"Excellent." She says, smiling. "Excellent."

You get the distinct impression, given her tone of voice, that she fully intends to employ every foot of the mattress, as soon as she can.

And that's actually a really good stopping point I think, for the week!

No real end of week news here, I think, for once, haha!

So, on that uncharacteristically short note, that's it for the week! I'll be around, as usual, here and in the discord, to chat or answer any questions or comments, but otherwise gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4733674
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4733674
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4733674
thanks for running

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"That went well." Mori says as the two of you leave your new office- the four of you share one large open office in the wyvern ops building, and while there's no personal touches there yet, they're already equipped with the usual navy furniture- and a pair of display tanks for your AIs.

"Hopefully she's not what we can expect of all of them." You respond, grimacing. The witch the two of you just met- a hopeful for the last spot on your team- did a poor job of disguising her motivations to use the posting as a political springboard. While you can kind of understand the sentiment- it is a hell of an opportunity to do so for anyone with an eye for it- it's also entirely incompatible with what the team needs to be.

Mori laughs. "I doubt she'll be the last." She says. "Must have been well connected to get a day one meeting like that, though."

"Probably." You respond. "Wonder if she'll go for another team?"

"She made it sound like it was us or nothing for her." Mori says, then shrugs. "But valkyrie is a powerful draw."

"Sounded like she also knew about how many designer daughters are entering the program all of a sudden." You say, frowning. You don't necessarily have a problem with them- there's really no concrete proof they are all like Kyou, but at the same time, there's a lot of 'interesting' coincidences about them, especially the ones that were all born around the same early-mid 90s timeframe, like Remilia, for example. All of them tip the power scale at the top end, all of them tend to be stunningly gorgeous- and all of them are from old, old money.

Mori frowns. "They're my biggest concern." She admits. You knew that, of course- like most things, of course, Mori's concerns are rooted in the safety and appearance of the imperial family. A designer daughter appearing in the household could cause problems for Kyou, or even Hohiro, later on down the line, especially if the family is ambitious enough. While out and out assassination from within is impossible- at least, for your house- that hardly means the ever-paranoid imperial guard sees things quite the same way as you do. Last you'd heard, you were still considered a threat and there was a push to station another high-tier IG witch with you. The request never even made it to you before it was shot down- the USN unwilling to dedicate yet another slot on the team to a Japanese national.

1/2

"I'm more worried about politics." You say, and she nods.

"I know." She says. "I am too. I'm surprised it's mostly American families we've seen."

"So far." You respond.

"So far." She agrees. "Though Admiral Wells made it sound like the Navy is saying our last position must be held by an American witch."

You shrug. "I got the impression they just refused to ensure it went to an imperial pick." You say.

"Probably." Mori says. "I'm sure the ministry is still concerned with you and Wendy being too much of an influence on the eldest imperial daughter. And, of course, you're still the son of night."

"They're still worried about that?" You ask.

"Not really." She admits. "They figured I've got a decent chance against you, should that be necessary." She shrugs. "They don't understand it's not necessary, but I'm not complaining."

You nod. "So what do you think about the fourth?" You ask.

She frowns. "It's probably better to get it done sooner, before we go back to combat operations, but I don't know if that's possible." She says. "Between our need to screen anyone and everything else." She shrugs. "It's possible, but we'd have to devote a lot of time to it if we're not lucky with the first few. And that would mean that we'd have to rely on Muninn and Tessa to get us an updated picture of Korea. They're more than capable of that, I know, but it still doesn't feel right to have them handle that by themselves."

"They're designed for that, though." You remind her.

"Sure." She nods. "And they can sift through potentials and only approve the good ones while they're at it, but it still feels like something we should be doing ourselves. Either way, want to get lunch? We've got that Rockafeller girl who's apparently coming in today."

You sigh- you hadn't quite forgotten about her, but you're not exactly looking forward to it, either.

[] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.
[] Let's grab lunch in the mess and come back for that.

>>4743704
>[X] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

>>4743704
>[X] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

>>4743704
>[] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

At least this allows more time to compare notes

>>4743704
>[x] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

>>4743704
>[x] Let's grab lunch in the mess and come back for that.

>>4743704
>[] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

>>4743704
>[] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

>>4743704
>[x] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

>>4743704
>>4743703
>just kyou and mori

waitwaitwait

Is Kyou running around unsupervised right now

>>4743727

"THE WOLF IS OFF HER LEASH, I REPEAT, THE WOLF IS OFF HER LEASH."

ok, votes called!

>>4743727
She went back home to hang out with Wendy and smugly preen over her gigantic new bed

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>>4743744
Oh no.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIos0ya-yss

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[x] Yeah, let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her.

You shrug. "Yeah." You say. "Let's head home and get lunch, then we can talk with her."

Mori grins. "Speaking my language." She says. "I'm starved."

"Maybe if you'd eat something other than rabbit food." you say.

"Was that a familiar joke?" She asks.

"Vegetarian joke." You correct as she laughs.

"How else do you expect me to maintain this shape?" She asks. "Not all of us are blessed with the princess' metabolism, and not all of us are getting an extra late night workout."

You laugh. "You just wait." You say. "If you think Kyou's not going to invite you in sooner rather than later."

She laughs again. "I'm sure. I've caught her staring more than once when we go to the gym." She says. "Never bothered me in the army, doesn't bother me now."

You nod, walking around the corner and onto the road with your building. There's a delivery truck out front, along with a parked military police cruiser- that'd be your security element, you think. Heading up the short walkway and into the front door, you nod when you see the two uniformed navy police at the freshly-installed desk.

"Afternoon sir, ma'am." One of them says, and you see his eyes flick down to your name tape, nodding when he recognizes it. "They already told you about us?"

You nod. "Glad to see you're settled in." You say.

"Mostly. The microwave back in the back doesn't work and there's no coffee pot." He responds, grinning. "That's a priority to sort out. You managed to miss all the fun of them getting your bed in here."

"We did?" Mori asks, and the officer's partner nods.

"I didn't even know they made mattresses that big." She says. "But they've been bringing in furniture all morning."

You nod, and you and Mori head into your quarters.

Inside it looks significantly more filled out- the floor down here is pretty well filled out with a seating area, a dining table and chairs, and some other furniture that's about- it's still pretty cavernous, but it doesn't feel nearly as empty, now. Kyou and Wendy are nowhere to be seen, though you can hear movement upstairs- Mori heads up while you make your way back to the kitchen.

1/2

The kitchen has been fully arranged already- obviously by someone who both knows you and how you like everything set up, and fully intends to make sure that the kitchen is arranged and equipped to your tastes. That'd be Wendy's doing, clearly- she's the only person you know that would make the effort to make the room perfect. The pantry is another matter though- it's got bread and a few other basics, clearly bought recently, but not much else, and the fridges are both a similar story- there's lunchmeat, some packaged, sliced cheese, and a small handful of other things, but not much in the way of anything to cook. It's all been used already, of course- Wendy and Kyou already probably ate- but you still throw together two plates, using the fresh vegetables to fill out the plate for Mori.

"They're upstairs." She says, smiling. "Arranging the princess' bedroom."

"It's taking both of them, or is that a euphemism?" You ask as she sits at the table.

"It's taking both of them." She says. "Wendy bought a bed about the size of my old apartment."

You blink, and she laughs. "I'm joking, my apartment was a little bigger." She says. "But I can't imagine how they got it in here and up the stairs into the bedroom. And I hope you're a fan of mirrors."

"Mirrors?" You ask.

She nods. "One in the headboard and then both nightstands and the dressers are mirrored." She says. "Going to be able to see everything from every angle."

You frown, and she laughs. "Did the princess corrupt Wendy faster than you planned?"

[] Clearly.
[] I misjudged how completely she'd corrupted her, is all.

>>4743895
>[X] Clearly.

>>4743895
>[] Clearly.

>>4743895
>[X] More like she "awakened" her.

Kyou merely unlocked the lewd witch within Wendy.

>>4743895
>[X] Clearly.

>>4743895
>[] Clearly.

>>4743895
>[x] I misjudged how completely she'd corrupted her, is all.

>>4743895
>Clearly

>>4743895
This >>4743902

ok, votes called!

>>4743895
>[X] Clearly. Not sure if it was corrupted or awakened, though.

I sort of like this, although I'm fine with just going "Clearly."

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[x] Clearly.

"Clearly." You say, and Mori laughs.

"I didn't know her that well before, so I can't say." She says. "But she does seem like the type that had a lot of that kind of thing bottled up."

You nod. "Without a doubt." You respond. "I think I underestimated just how much."

She blinks, then shakes her head. "You underestimated how much she'd be bottled up after how many years with nothing suddenly getting in a group like this?" She says. "It's good to know even you can occasionally miss things."

You laugh. "Still human?"

"You haven't heard the IG briefings on you." She points out. "They make you sound like you're just this side of some kind of shadow creature, custom made to be a complete security nightmare. Perfect, unstoppable, undetectable." She laughs. "And yet he missed how lewd a middle-aged witch would get with younger lovers."

You nod. "Happens."

"Oh well. The princess seems happy anyway." She smiles.

You elect to let the comment go without saying anything, instead finishing your lunch. Mori finishes hers about the same time, and you carry your plates back to the kitchen, meeting her by the door. The two of you head back out, nodding to the MPs as you step back out onto the walkway. The walk to drake ops is actually shorter than you'd expected- about ten minutes, since you can use a more direct path to the building than the drive.

Wyvern operations is mostly empty still, since you're the only crew on base. You head up to your office after clearing yourselves in at the duty desk. Your own office is empty still- you don't expect your next meeting for about an hour yet. It's a chance to get situated a little more- and get the last of your paperwork sorted out. There's not much- a couple E-mails from Merlin, both business, and one from Cass that's personal, though she's just asking when you'll be able to accept visitors. You respond to all of them quickly- Merlin's are both simple yes or no answers, and Cass's only takes a couple sentences- you've never tried to write too much if you can avoid it.

1/2

You're looking at something else- a report by one of the other drake crews that's been in theater for a while when Muninn pops up in 'his' tank, appearing as the bird avatar. "Rockafeller is here."

You sigh, but Mori answers. "On her way up?"

"Yeah." Muninn responds. "I've forwarded her service jacket to your inboxes."

"Thanks." Mori says.

There's a knock at the door two or so minutes later. Mori opens it.

"WCT Muninn?" A dark-haired witch asks, and Mori nods.

"Major Serenity Rockafeller." She says.

"Come in, Major." Mori responds. "Tai-i Mori Kyoko. Go ahead and sit there by Lieutenant Laroux-Bishop."

She's got short dark hair, a pair of glasses, and, oddly enough, a scar across her right cheek- faint, but clear enough to notice.

Mori pulls her chair over next to yours. "We're informed you're interested in the last flight position with the combat team?" Mori says.

The major nods. "I had to pull a lot of strings to get this far." She says. "Called in a lot of favors. But I hear you're the best there is and that's where I want to be."

[] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?
[] Where'd you hear we were the best there is?

>>4744069
>[] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

Ok, couple of things. I'm going to start posting news here at the end of the day- I think that works out a little better overall, lets us get into things sooner. Second, sorry about the lag on that last post- got hung up looking for art, ended up cruising around the boorus for like an hour, haha!

But that's going to be it for the night otherwise guys. I'm pretty beat, bad day at school today and now I'm legit worried about the status of my degree. I'll be around a little bit more this evening, but otherwise, till tomorrow, cheers!

>>4744069
>[x] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

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>>4744069
>[X] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

>>4744076
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4744069
>[x] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

Can wendy be considered middle aged?

Hard to tell with witches

>>4744069
>[x] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

>>4744076
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4744069
>[] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

>>4744069
>[] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

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I'm so far behind. Havings random chibi tiddie kitty shitscribble.

>>4744069
>[] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

"Sounds Mild But Is Actually Dead Serious Catte GO"

>>4744097
Wendy is in her mid forties so just barely.

>>4744178
Nice to see you're still around

>>4744268
She's got the Housewife skills of a 40-year-old, the looks of a 30-year,-old, and the sex drive of a 20-year-old.

>>4744069
>She's got short dark hair, a pair of glasses, and, oddly enough, a scar across her right cheek

Glasses brawler? Oh my~

>>4744069
>[X] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

You're here to do a job. Glory hounds need not apply.

>>4744069
>[x] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

>>4744076
Thanks for the run!

ok gents, votes called!

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[x] You realize what joining a WCT means, right?

"You realize what joining a WCT means, right?" You ask.

She hesitates a little before nodding. "Yeah, I think so." She says. "I mean, all of us are getting the same packets and things now when we ask about it. You're making a lifetime commitment to the other members of the team, and once you're in, there's no way out. You don't really keep a home, and you can spend years in combat zones if the navy needs you there."

"And you'd be fine with that?" Mori asks.

There's no hesitation in her nod. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." She says. "I mean, look, I had to call my parents to call in favors just to get here." She pauses. "I know how that sounds, but that's not exactly something someone would do if they weren't already committed, right?"

Mori frowns. "That's a lot of effort to spend for just a face to face meeting." She points out. "Why this team, specifically?"

The other witch smiles. "The marble goddess herself suggested it to me." She says. "She knew I was looking, and she said she'd met you all and thought it would be a good fit."

"The Marble goddess?" Mori asks.

"Remilia Carnegie." the Major answers. Her rank, you note, is distinctly not navy- making her either marine corps or air force. Marine corps would be more likely, but for her name- old money tends to shy away from the corps in general, and witches particularly. But, at the same time, if she's USAF- and you think she is, despite her not being in uniform- that'd be major for her to be here. So far as you know, no USAF witch has ever crossed the isle to fly in the wyvern program- and the air force is struggling to keep their own superfighter platform viable in the face of increasing pressure to adopt an air force variant of the wyvern.

"I see." Mori says. "And you thought highly enough of her opinion to be here?"

The major nods. "Yeah." She says. "well, her saying that and then news getting out that she'd gone drake as well." She clarifies. "I've known her for a long time, if she's gone into the program, that says more than anything else about it."

"And she recommended this team?" You prompt.

She nods. "Yes." She says. "I mean, I'm sure you've seen my record and my OERs, right?"

[] Let's say I haven't looked yet. Why here?
[] I have, but I want it in your words.

>>4746088
>[X] I have, but I want it in your words.

>>4746088
>[x] I have, but I want it in your words.

>>4746088
>[] I have, but I want it in your words.

>>4746088
>[x] I have, but I want it in your words.

>>4746088
>[X] I have, but I want it in your words.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I have, but I want it in your words.

"I have." You say. "But I want it in your words."

"Oh." She seems... a little surprised, for a second. "Well, couple of reasons. First, like I said, I heard you were the best, and you get thrown the hardest combat roles they can find. I want in on that." She says. "Second, everyone knows you guys are Merlin Wells' pet team, and get the hottest toys. Third, I feel like I could help your team do some real good out there. I've been flying strikers for about ten years now, since I turned sixteen. I mean, I've got a lot to learn, but you've seen my scores at red flag and air combat weapons school."

"And those are your only reasons?" Mori asks.

"What's that supposed to mean?" The other witch responds, frowning. "You think I'm here because the spot's going to be prestigious and visible and means you'd be attached to the last imperial nobility on the planet?" She sneers. "You think I'm here cos it'll get me money or power or something? Cos I'm trying to get my family places they shouldn't be?"

Mori blinks at the outburst, but her tone doesn't change. "You understand why we're concerned about that kind of thing." She says.

"Sure." The major says. "But if you think I'm just doing this cos it would give my father a chance to rub elbows with the emperor of Japan at a dinner or something, forget it." She says. "I'm closer to my family than some of us are, but that doesn't mean I'm about to chase something like this cos they want it."

"I see." Mori says.

"Look, I'm sorry, but it's what everyone thinks, you know?" Serenity says. "Just because we're from old money they think we're just gonna be used as tools to get influence or something, and that we're all totally OK with that and are happy just to be little dolls in the control of our folks. Especially with all the rumors about how all of us started showing up around the same time." She shakes her head. "I work my ass off out there, and, yeah, I call in favors from the family and have a trust fund and all that, but it's all there regardless of what I think and I'd be stupid not to use it. I'm not here because this team has the Imperial princess and the only son of Frank Bishop in it. I'm here because this team is supposed to be the one that's on the bleeding edge and I want in on that."

"I see." Mori repeats. "Lieutenant, you have anything you want to ask?"

[] Write in!
[] No, I think I'm good.

>>4746261
>[] No, I think I'm good.

>>4746261
>[x] No, I think I'm good.
Went back to check the last thread to double check what came up about Rockafeller and realized it was the other sister that was being discuss or Ghost decided to change her name.

>>4746261
>[] No, I think I'm good.

>>4746261
>[X] It's no secret that our team is at the cutting edge and most likely to face the heaviest of combat duties. However, after the war we're very likely to be based here in Japan and assisting in their own Wyvern program. Would that be a problem?

>>4746261
[X] You have a record of disobeying orders, and if you join us you will be following the direction of someone lower ranked than yourself. Is this going to be a problem, Major?

>>4746261
>>4746320
+1

Hey gents, I'm going to actually call it here for the night. I kinda want to give everyone a chance to think out questions and all, and I need to sack out earlier than I have been, haha!

That's it for the evening, then, but I'll be around another hour or so to answer questions or comments. Otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

>>4746261
>[x] Scuttlebutt is you're not the only Rockefeller witch trying to get in on the program. Any thoughts on that?

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>>4746361
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4746361
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4746261
>[] Write in!
Do you truly know how to dog fight and not just any old dog fight but where you have limitations on you weapons, parts not working properly or going in with only your guns and myriad of other problems that might happen at once

>>4746361
Will there be unprotected handholding

>>4746261
>[] Write in!

"You understand that based on what they've given us so far, there's no place in this team for *not listening*? Being a Big Damn Hero is great and all, but only if you live to get the medal."

>>4746261
"You seem a little upset about the questions being asked. Understandable. But you are aware that if you join this or any other WCT, your teammates will know more about you than you'll let on publicly, correct?"

Alright gents, votes called! I'll be using a few of the write ins, looks like.

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[x] Write in!

"A couple." You say. "You know that it's entirely impossible to keep secrets in the MIU?" You ask. It's not that you don't think she's telling the truth- either she had an expert acting coach and a hell of a lot of talent, or she really is bothered by the implication that she's only here to help improve her parent's positions- but you can't run even the slightest chance.

She narrows her eyes- but nods. "It's been stressed." She says. "Look, I'm not sure what else I can say-"

You shake your head. "It's nothing on you, Major." you say, interrupting her before she can get going. "But so far we've found that information that witches get before they come this way isn't exactly up to speed. Because of the nature of the MIU, there are and can be no secrets about anything between teammates. At all."

She blinks. "I see." She says, looking... not quite shaken, but certainly less than happy with that information. "None?"

"At all." You repeat. "Family, coven, military, doesn't matter. There are no secrets."

She nods. "I see." She repeats.

You're less than thrilled with that response, but you understand. As seems to be usual, she's working with an incomplete picture of what she'd be getting into- given what she's told you, it sounds like she pulled strings to get to talk with you before she was cleared, which is a red flag. It's one your sure wouldn't really matter, especially if you insisted, but it's one that, right now, inclines you to wait on anything at the very least.

"You're also aware that there's zero room for noncompliance in the air in a team?" You ask. "We're tasked with mission sets that require seamless teamwork and coordination, there's no room for heroics or bloodlust."

She frowns, but nods. "I'm aware my record indicates that people think I have a problem with that."

You shrug. "Your record is all we have to go off of, other than your word." You point out. "And it indicates you're willing to break orders to engage an enemy, or remain in a fight after you've been ordered to withdraw."

"With good reasons." She responds. "If you pull up other reports, you'll see I've only ever done that to support friendly elements and make sure they didn't get left hanging." She frowns. "Are you saying you wouldn't do the same thing?"

1/2

"That's not what we're talking about right now." Mori responds. "The Lieutenant is right. In the air he makes the calls, and the team cannot afford to not have them followed without hesitation." She pauses. "The MIU makes things easier, you'll know what he's thinking and what he intends when he makes the calls, but there's no room for argument."

The major nods, frowning. "I think I understand."

"We're likely to be permanently based here in Japan after the war, and involved with their wyvern program." You say. "Would that be an issue for you?"

She shakes her head. "Not at all." She says, seemingly happy to change the subject. "I'm based at Misawa anyway, so it's not that big a move for me."

You nod. "I think my last question is that we were expecting your sister." You say.

She smiles. "I beat her to the punch, for once." She says. "We're both interested in the spot, but we know only one of us can get it. Don't worry, she's moving heaven and earth to get in here and get grilled by you too."

You give a thin smile. "I see." You say.

Mori smiles. "Ah, sibling rivalry." She says.

"You could call it that." Serenity responds, then falls silent.

"Well, Major, I think that's it." Mori says, standing. You and the Major follow suit. "We'll have our contacts get with you after our decision."

"Thanks for the time." She says, stepping back out of the office.

You and Mori wait till Muninn's chimed, notifying you she's downstairs and on her way out.

"Well, she's a piece of work." Mori says. "I'd have expected that from one of the samurai clans, not an American old money family."

[] Yeah, I think we can safely take her off the potential list.
[] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

>>4748689
>[X] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

>>4748689
>[x] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

>>4748689
>[X] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

Why do I get the feeling her sister will be worse?

>>4748689
>[X] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

>>4748689
>[x] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

>>4748689
>[x] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

>>4748689
>[x] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

ok, votes called!

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[x] She's just the first one. Who knows what all will come through that hatch.

"She's just the first one." You point out. "Who knows what all will come through that hatch."

Mori smiles. "Considering our status, I'd expect a few more like her."

"Probably."

"Certainly." She says. "There's a Sho-sa Tosa they'd like us to interview."

"Tosa?" You ask, vaguely remembering the name.

Mori nods. "She was tapped for the imperial wyvern corps, but it sounds like neither she nor the other one that flew with you took positions."

You blink. "Really?"

Mori nods again. "Kurita got picked up by the guard." She says. "I met her a few times when we were both going through retraining. She's not direct personal guard, but is with the palace grounds detachment. Tosa.." She trails off, then shrugs. "I'm not sure. I think she declined in order to return to the front, stating she could best serve the empire by doing the emperor's bidding by fighting his enemies."

"That tracks with what I remember of her." You say. "So why's she on the list?"

Mori smiles. "I requested her."

[] Why?
[] You think that highly of her?

>>4748838
>[X] Why?

>>4748838
>[x] You think that highly of her?

>>4748838
>[x] Why?

I'm betting she brought her in since if we can reject her again, there probably aren't many more applicants as highly qualified so the IJA/IJN won't be able to keep pestering us with a constant stream of candidates.

>>4748838
>[] Why?

>>4748838
>[] Why? Was she your girlfriend?

ok, votes called!

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[x] Why?

You frown, slightly confused. "Why?" You ask.

"Well, she's from a highly respected, old clan." Mori says. "It's good for appearances if we ask to talk with her, even if she doesn't end up flying with us. It costs us nothing and the people will appreciate it if Kyou respects the old clans like that." She says. "Second, she's IG qualified, and the ministry likes her. It plays to their image as well and means they'll leave us alone."

"And?" You prompt.

"And, despite her quirks, she's good." Mori finishes. "Not the best, she'd be an interesting fit in the team, but she can hold her own well enough and prefers to fight outnumbered."

"So's Rockafeller." You point out.

Mori nods. "As will be anyone we talk with, I'm sure." She responds. "She'll have to come back from the front, though, and I'm not sure how quickly that will happen. She likes what she's doing."

"We've got enough issues with Kyou's aggressiveness." You point out. "We hardly need another berserker."

Mori smiles. "Rockafeller might be one." She counters. "Tosa is more a samurai. She'll follow orders if she's given them. She's guard trained, remember?"

"She's also at least as aggressive as Kyou." You say.

Mori nods. "Like attracts like." She answers. "I mean, look at the two we know are interested. Similar records, mostly looking like they're trying to outdo each other. And the princess having someone like that around may help keep her more aggressive behavior in check."

"How do you figure?" You ask.

"Because she's going to want to set the example." Mori responds. "She's born to lead people. And Tosa is a noble, so she's going to have to behave a certain way."

"And her behavior in the bedroom?"

Mori shrugs with a slight smile. "That is not my concern."

You want to correct her- because you know it very much is- but you figure an actual demonstration of how wrong she is isn't long in coming to her- and Kyou is nothing if not a very effective presenter of that particular argument.

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

Talked to my instructor today, and we apparently won't be returning to full class schedule next week. That's unfortunate, but it does mean our schedule here won't be changing.

But otherwise, that's it for the week! As usual, I'll be around over the weekend to chat or answer any questions, either here or in the discord.

Otherwise gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4748934
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4748934
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4748934
thanks for running

>>4744297
and the curiosity of a teenager.

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It's a little odd actually having to fill out paperwork, you think. Most of what you're finishing up now is simple things- change of basing forms, stuff that's going to go on file here at Atsugi or back at fleet headquarters at Pearl. Truth be told, most of it is just stupid military redundancy and old regs that should have been updated, but haven't been- Muninn or Tessa will have handled the electronic versions as soon as you'd landed, most likely.

Mori headed back to quarters about half an hour ago, having finished up here- and not wanting to leave Kyou and Wendy alone too long. She's less worried about it now, of course, but she's still a bodyguard, and still thinks like one- Kyou is never really safe without her or you around. You'd stayed to finish out the rest of the in processing papers- you can have them done and sitting in the appropriate boxes in the morning, which should make life easier. You don't really expect the quiet of the otherwise empty office to last, of course- you fully expect someone to show up sooner or later, but before you can get done here.

Your suspicions are proven right when Merlin walks in, making a small show of looking around and smiling before taking the empty seat across your desk from you. "Nice office." She says. "I didn't have much of a chance to look around before you got here. How do you like it?" She's been working out on the flightline- there's a couple of dead giveaways, most tellingly that she's bareleg. That's less rare than it used to be- and you get the feeling it'll be the norm going forward.

You shrug. "Still a little empty." You point out. Even Maman's office- which was, by far, more spartan than Franks or Merlin's have ever been- had more things in it than just your desks and chairs.

She nods. "You'll have to decorate some." She says, then shrugs. "Or leave it to Wendy, I'm sure she'll do an amazing job."

"Probably." You agree. "She's busy with our quarters right now, though."

Merlin smiles at that. "That's good. So you'll be making dinner tonight?"

You nod again. "Probably." You say. "The kitchen was pretty empty though when we went home for afternoon chow, so I don't know what it's going to be."

"I haven't eaten since breakfast." She responds. "So I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever it is."

1/2

You frown at her. "Am I going to have to have Mori follow you around to make sure you're taking care of yourself?" You ask. "You can't live on those monsters, you know."

She laughs. "Well, if anyone can fix me, it's going to be you, right?" She says.

You shake your head- she's not gotten any better about things, and has gotten a lot more blatant about what, exactly, she's after in a relationship. You're not as bothered by it, though, as you think you ought to be- and you don't know if that's Kyou's influence or Maman's.

"But I did come in here because I needed to talk." She says. "Nothing big, just a few things. We've got everything we put in in California fully up and running now, so you're one hundred percent good to go. No known faults on any system, according to Muninn's diagnostics."

You nod. "Powerplants included?" You ask.

"Yes." She says. "You'll both have a toggle to switch them between air breathing and closed modes, and it's set off by itself to make sure you don't accidentally hit it. You'll see it next time you're in the air, but you and I and Kyou will be going over all of the tomorrow anyway. We've installed some more gear in the cockpit we'll need to go over."

You nod.

"Second is we've got a good stockpile of Yellowstone rounds here, ready to go." She says. "Including enough Saturnite rounds for one complete loading. You won't have to be shy about using it though."

You nod again.

"And I hear you got a chance to talk to one of the Rockafeller girls?" She asks. "How did that go?"

[] She's... interesting. Not sure what to think, yet.
[] I hope there aren't many more like her, I don't think she's going to fit well.
[] If that's what we can expect from any potentials, it's going to be a hard choice.

>>4761461
>[X] She's... interesting. Not sure what to think, yet.
Good record, but wasn't cleared by the psych teams yet.

>>4761461
>[x] If that's what we can expect from any potentials, it's going to be a hard choice.

>>4761461
>[x] She's... interesting. Not sure what to think, yet.
Capable, but *issues*.

>>4761461
>[X] If that's what we can expect from any potentials, it's going to be a hard choice.

>>4761461
[x] She's... interesting. Not sure what to think, yet.

She's like Kyou...but American.

>>4761461
>[X] She's... interesting. Not sure what to think, yet.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] She's... interesting. Not sure what to think, yet.

"She's..." you frown. "Interesting. Not sure what to think, yet."

Merlin nods, crossing her legs and bobbing her now elevated foot some. "You'll probably see that a lot." She responds. "I'm not sure I agree with how the Navy just opened the positions to anyone the board clears for a team, but they're not consulting with me as much as they were." She shrugs. "It's ok, I'm busy with you now anyway."

"I'm surprised the board cleared her." You say. "She didn't seem to have a lot of information on what she was getting into."

"She probably didn't." Merlin responds. "They're not releasing the information on a broad scale, and the decision is that there's no need for witches to undergo additional training for a valkyrie, that they can convert directly from the fleet if the board clears them for team service."

You frown. "So how long do the boards have to make a decision?"

"Less than a week, sometimes, I'm told." Merlin responds. "We'll have to be careful about who we bring in."

"Does the navy expect us to make a decision soon?" You ask. She shakes her head.

"The navy's willing to let crews move at their own pace on this, for now." She says. "So we'll have plenty of time to get everyone comfortable with everything first, then we can bring in our last member, if that's how you'd prefer to do it."

"I'm not sure." you state. One the one hand, she's right, and that may be the best idea- get things settled now with the household, and only then add to it. On the other hand, the longer you wait, the worse it's going to be with bringing them in as a functional member of the team and household, especially considering who all is already involved.

"I'm sure with Kyou and everyone you'll be fine. And you can always use me to help." She says, smiling.

You nod. "So long as you're not trying to starve yourself." You say, frowning at her. "How many monsters have you had today?"

"I-" She pauses, thinking. "I'm not sure. Five? Six?"

"That's more than enough." You say. "Last thing any of us want is you getting kidney stones."

She shakes her head. "You know that can't happen." She responds. "I burn everything off when I use my familiar or anything like that, and I'm always using it on the flight line or in the office."

"Uh huh." You state. You, like a lot of people, don't know a lot about magic or how it works, but you know enough to know that, even in a case like hers, that's not entirely true. It doesn't just burn off- and while the truly gargantuan amount of sugars in there doesn't translate straight to fat like it does in normal people- as evidenced by legs you're still not quite sure you should be noticing quite that well- it's still not healthy at all.

"Well, I guess I have to do everything you tell me." She says, smiling. "I mean, afterall, I am part of the household now, right?"

[] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.
[] You're not planning to give up monster at all, are you?

>>4761628
>[] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

lewd. LEWD.

>>4761628
>[x] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

>>4761628
>[X] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

>>4761628
>[X] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

>>4761628
>[x] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

>>4761628
>[x] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.
"Yes, absolutely everything I tell you."

>>4761628
>[] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Exactly. Let's go see about supper.

You nod. "Exactly." You respond, noting both her smile and the very slight blush. "Let's go see about supper."

She nods, standing up as you do. "I've got other news, but we should have everyone around for that." She says. "Kyou will be happy."

"Combat?" You ask.

"Yeah." She responds. "Things are quieting down, but there's still work for WCTs."

You frown. "This whole war has been stupid." You say. "They push into Korea, nearly kick the empire out, then take massive losses and withdraw?" you shake your head, frowning. "It doesn't add up. Their air force has to almost be gutted."

"Well, based on prewar strength estimates, they've lost between ten and twenty percent of their existing fighter force." Merlin says. "But the majority of the losses were from units operating outdated types, not their top of the line frontline units. We've barely seen any of those." She frowns. "The loses to the PLA are more murky, but most of what I've seen says it's barely in the five to eight percent range, if that. Either way, they've hardly been damaged the way the soviet army was back in the nineties."

You shake your head. The war itself doesn't make a lot of sense- the CCP isn't exactly super expansionist, certainly not enough to tangle with the empire of Japan over Korea. They're pushing claims in the south china sea, of course- and there's the longstanding tension over Taiwan- but as far as a major land grab, this doesn't track with anything they've done... well, ever. And while the losses don't sound like they're particularly bad- at least, not yet- with the war confined to Korea and the south china sea, there's always the risk of expansion, even now.

1/2

You set the thoughts aside as you head back to your quarters with Merlin, who seems entirely happy to be walking along next to you. "This is nice." She says, as you turn the corner back onto your street. The building across the street from yours is also wyvern housing. You're not sure what was here before- the ground is discolored, and it's clear a couple buildings came down before yours went up- but your nearest neighbors are the base's MP unit and a sandbagged AA Emplacement with a pair of towed guns mated to a radar set. The AA position is IJA- the troops there barely spare you a glance before going back to lounging around. They're more for appearances than anything else, you know- their engagement range is absurdly short and against high speed attackers their ability to track is almost nil. Of course, they're dangerous to witches and helicopters- neither of which you expect to see this far into Japan's air defense zone. After the soviet war, the empire has made the prospect of an air attack on the home islands into a suicidal one- and that's before factoring in both the IJN and any aircraft.

You step inside the building, nodding to the provost marshal officers on duty at the small desk before opening the door to your quarters and ushering Merlin inside, stepping in behind her and letting the door close behind you.

There's been more furniture delivered- not much, just a few things, enough to fill out the living room and dining area. It looks like no one's home right now- a quick glance shows the upstairs doors all open and no lights are on.

"Huh." Merlin says, frowning as you head into the kitchen and turn on a light. "Muninn, were is everyone?"

"Grocery shopping." Muninn responds. He can't project his avatar yet, but he's still otherwise able to interact with you. "They left about twenty minutes ago, Kyou left instructions to tell you that they intended to order dinner when they got back, but if you returned before them, you should order instead."

You frown. "So there's nothing in the fridge?" You ask.

"Not yet." Muninn responds. "There's several places that will deliver on base nearby, if you'd rather not wait."

Merlin looks at you, then smiles. "I'll go change." She says. "But whatever you decide is fine for me."

[] Been a while since we had pizza, let's get that.
[] How about Chinese?
[] Isn't there that really good Mexican place near here?

>>4761800
>[] Isn't there that really good Mexican place near here?

>>4761800
>[X] Isn't there that really good Mexican place near here?

>>4761800
>[] Isn't there that really good Mexican place near here?

>>4761800
>[x] How about Chinese?

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

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[x] Isn't there that really good Mexican place near here?

You frown as Merlin disappears into her room. The door swings partway shut- enough just so that you can't see her changing, but there's nothing to prevent you from walking in while she is. That's probably on purpose, you think- not that you're about to do that. "Muninn, isn't there a good Mexican place near here?"

"The Swordfish." Muninn responds. "Opened in ninteen nintey six, owner is a former master chief petty officer, served on the USS Chicago during- "

"Thank you, Muninn." you respond, a little sourly. He's being difficult again for whatever reason he has. His own amusement, probably.

"I'll forward a menu to the Admiral's tablet." He says. "As soon as she's done changing."

"Thanks." You respond, heading into the living room and turning a few of the floor lamps on before taking a seat on the couch, putting your arms up on it's back and leaning back for a minute. It's pretty comfortable, you think, even if you're not the biggest fan of leather.

Merlin emerges from her room a minute or so later, 'dressed' for the house in a slightly oversized Tshirt and her skivvies- and not much else. "I thought about showering." She says. "But you'll want to order dinner first, right?"

You shrug. "I could have waited." You point out.

"Well, it's no trouble." She says, smiling."This shirt was already dirty anyway." She walks across the room to join you, flopping down about as close as possible and tapping her lock code in on the pad, bringing up the menu. "oh wow." She says. "It all looks really good."

"You're just hungry." You respond, taking the offered tablet and letting her lean over to look at the menu as you browse through. The food looks plentiful- but it's also not exactly cheap. Still, there's enough here that you think you'll be able to get everyone happy enough- there's even a few really good looking vegetarian options. You tap everything up- with Merlin cheerfully ordering about eighty dollars of food herself- and send the order, silently apologizing to whatever poor delivery driver has to haul all that food in.

"I think maybe I am kinda hungry." She admits after the order is in, craning her neck around to smile up at you. "You're not really going to make me stop drinking monster, are you?"

[] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.
[] I'm not going to make you do anything. I'm going to ask you to stop, though.
[] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.

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

No real news this week, either, haha. Mod project stalled out since I can't figure out how to apply skins and textures and stuff to do what I want, and the scripting/coding is beyond me. Looking for guides is like pulling teeth, though.

Anyway, enough whining, haha! I'll be around a little more this evening, but otherwise, that's it for the night! so till tomorrow gents, cheers!

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>>4761885
>[X] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.

>>4761887
Thanks for the run boss.

>[X] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.

If nothing freakin' else, the stuff just starts loosing effectiveness at higher amounts consumed, because you start building up a tolerance to it. Ask me how I fucking know.

>>4761885
>[] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.
like coffee

>>4761885
>[] I'm not going to make you do anything. I'm going to ask you to cut back to two a day, though.

Compromise is the basis of a good relationship

>>4761885
>[] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.
>[] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.

>>4761885
>[x] I'm not going to make you do anything. I'm going to ask you to stop, though.
>[x] That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.

I don't thing forcing Merlin to do anything would be productive (unless she's into that, IDK), but providing an enticing alternative too is the best idea.

>>4761885
>[X] I'm not going to make you do anything. I'm going to ask you to stop, though.

>>4761887
Thanks for the run!

>>4761885
>[] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.

>>4761885
>[x] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.
>[x] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.

>>4761885

>[] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.

>>4761885
>[X] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.

>>4761885
>[] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.

Sorry, not sorry Merlin. You're just going to have to learn to bribe Morgan...or love whatever replacement he offers.

(Be honest, it's probably pretty good.)

>>4761885
This >>4761919

Guess when I changed my vote last night CAPTCHA ate my new one.

ok gents, votes called!

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[x] You absolutely have to cut back. No more than two a day.
[x] I am. That stuff's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things for a caffeine fix.

"You're going to cut back to no more than two a day, starting now." You say. "And then we're going to work on getting you to quit drinking that stuff entirely. It's terrible for you, and I can make you much better things if you need a caffeine fix."

She frowns. "Only two?" She asks, and you nod.

"Only two." You confirm. "And no more today."

"But-" She frowns, but doesn't say anything. "Well, as long as you promise to make me other things."

You nod.

The two of you sit in silence for a minute, then she scoots herself off the couch. "I guess I'll go shower." She says, and you nod. "We won't be leaving to go anywhere anymore tonight, right?"

"Not if I can avoid it." You respond. You've got a powerful urge to sprawl out on the fairly sizable couch and take a nap- Which you may do after you shower and change.

She smiles. "Good." She says. "I didn't want to have to put on pants." And with that she heads back into her room for a minute, while you sit on the couch for another couple seconds before standing up and heading up the stairs.

Your own room, you note, is already fully furnished, and, as Mori warned, very well covered with mirrors. It's large enough, though, that the utterly gargantuan bed in the center of the back wall doesn't feel like it takes up too much space- the room, even with the bed, two dressers and two nightstands feels large. It takes a minute to find your clothes, most of which seem to have been moved to one of the closets, sharing space with Kyou's own wardrobe. Fortunately you've never kept more than you needed, and She doesn't appear to have much space devoted to clothing either- at least, not as much as you'd have expected.

Gathering your clothes, you head into one of the two upstairs bathrooms to shower, mindful that your food is on the way. There's a fresh bar of soap and a towel hung over the bar in here, but not much else to indicate who's using it- if anyone. You shower quickly, changing into a pair of shorts and an undershirt- like you told Merlin, you've no plans to leave the building anymore this evening if it can be helped.

1/2

You're out of the shower before she is- just in time to meet the other three returning from their grocery trip. Kyou smiles when she sees you coming down the stairs. "Ah, Morgan." She says. "Have you ordered our evening meal? I left instructions with Muninn."

You nod. "It's on the way." You say, watching as Mori steps past the princess, several bags of groceries in hand. "Stocking the pantry?"

Kyou nods. "I wished Wendy to show me her method, though it seems she relies on being psychic more than anything that can be taught." She says with a smile. "I don't disagree with any of her choices, but her ability to determine what you want and need is not a skill I feel I'll ever fully develop with regards to the kitchen."

"That's because I can be trusted to work in the kitchen, mum." Wendy remarks, walking past as she follows Mori into the kitchen with a load of groceries. "And to not sample the food before it's done."

Kyou looks at the older witch for a minute, then sighs. "To be so disrespected by one's own household." She says. "Truly, the most shameful of fates."

You laugh, along with Mori. "Let me help with the groceries." You say, and she nods- she doesn't intend to help, but that's really no trouble- if anything, it helps more for her to stay out of the way.

With the three of you working, it goes quickly- even with the massive amount of groceries Wendy bought. It's easily enough to fill the pantry and all the cold storage you've got, which should mean she won't have to go again for at least a couple of weeks. You're just finishing when your delivery driver shows up, with the driver taking the borrowed van back to whatever motor pool it originated from.

You end up having to help the delivery driver too- it takes two trips to get everything in and on the table, and it's a hell of a spread once it's out. Far more Mexican food than you'd ever make- you ordered enough for the witches to pick out what they want, while leaving plenty of options if they all start wanting the same things.

"Mexican?" Wendy asks, looking at the table.

You shrug. "Sounded good when we got home."

Kyou looks at it for a minute before starting to pick out what she wants, taking one of the monstrous burritos. "Mori spoke of your meetings today." She says, looking at the thing on her plate- it's at least as big around as your thigh, and probably about as long. "She told us that you were uncertain about the witches you spoke to?"

[] I'd rather avoid someone as aggressive as we've seen so far.
[] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

>>4763505
>[X] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

>>4763505
>[x] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

>>4763505
>[] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

"Gotta get a feel of them-FOR them."

>>4763505
>[x] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

We got one rich girl with daddy issues and a whole bunch of blatant gold diggers. Not much to go on yet.

>>4763505
>[X] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

>>4763505
>[X] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

ok, votes called!

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[x] It's too early to really have any idea yet.

You shake your head. "It's too early to really have any idea yet."

"The list we were informed of was... surprisingly large." Kyou responds. "Quite a few recognizable names."

"Gold diggers." Mori responds, dismissively, loading a fajita with grilled vegetables. "A lot of those recognizable names are from families that are more than a little interested in getting close to the imperial family."

Kyou frowns, but nods. "I had considered suggesting some possible members, but I prefer to leave the initial meetings to you and Morgan."

"I wish I could help." Wendy says, then shakes her head. "Sadly, most of my contacts are people who are entirely incapable and unsuitable to the role. I rather doubt either of the Styles twins would be interested, for example."

"Probably not." You agree- you don't know them very well, having only met them a few times, but you wouldn't put it past them. Of course, at the same time, they both seem entirely happy enough with their marriage now.

"That's more than alright, Wendy." Kyou says. She looks over her shoulder as Merlin emerges from the bathroom, nodding.

"Sorry for making you wait." Merlin says as she crosses the living room, sitting in the open seat next to you.

"There was hardly any wait." Kyou responds. "We were discussing the witches interested in the last position on our combat team."

Merlin nods. "There's a lot of competition for the slot." She responds. "But there's a lot of misunderstanding among the witches that have already been cleared into the program."

"How so?" Kyou asks, and Merlin frowns, putting the other two monster burritos on her plate. They don't quite fit- even with as large as the plates are, the burritos are just that damn big. You're impressed, really- though at about 20$ apiece, they should be pretty large.

Merlin frowns. "Some of them seem to think it's a good way to advance a career." She says, peeling the thin foil away from the burrito. "It's not impossible, but most WCT crews don't go up into command positions."

"And incredibly unlikely for us." Wendy notes, and Merlin nods.

"There's been a lot of misinformation." Merlin agrees. "Some of them don't quite understand that it's a permanent commitment."

"Is there any way to not waste our time with them?" Kyou asks. "I'd prefer to not have to waste Mori or Morgan's time having to explain this to every witch interested."

"Not really." Merlin responds. "The navy's expanding the program incredibly quickly, vought's spun up production to six units a month already,

Kyou frowns. "Is there any way to perhaps screen potential candidates?" She asks. "If we are to return to combat, I'd prefer to not have our attention pulled in too many directions."

Merlin nods. "It's possible," she says. "If you want, I can start narrowing down some of the potentials."

[] Can you filter out the overaggressive ones?
[] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?
[] I think we're ok for now, so long as the rate remains about how it is.

>>4763673
>[X] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

>>4763673
>[] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

>>4763673
>[X] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

>>4763673
>[x] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

>>4763673
>[] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

ok, votes called!

>>4763673
>[x] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

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[x] Can you filter out the blatant Gold diggers?

"Can you filter out the blatant gold diggers?" You ask. "We don't need to be dealing with witches that don't have the right reasons for being interested."

"Surprised there's not more of them." Mori remarks. "I mean, Imperial Princess, only son of Frank Bishop and Nyx Laroux..."

"Well, the navy is already going to block anyone that makes it too obvious." Merlin says. "And that's going to shut down a lot of them. I'll go through and block anyone else though, at least the ones I can tell."

"Are the selection boards not as involved?" Wendy asks.

Merlin hesitates. "They're supposed to be." She says. "But they're getting swamped, and the timeframe is contracted. The expectation was that each team was going to have a chance to talk to their own choices, and that the expansion process would be much slower, but that was changed and now the emphasis is on getting teams to the new establishment strength as quickly as possible."

"Are they not concerned about bad pairings?" Kyou asks, frowning. "I was led to believe those could be catastrophic."

Merlin nods. "They are, but they're also leaning on that it's expanding existing teams, so a bad pairing shouldn't be as destructive, and that the existing three or four should be able to cope with a bad fit fifth."

You frown, looking over at Kyou. "So we're expected to just deal if whoever we end up with doesn't really work?"

"Not really." Merlin responds. "The navy won't risk teams, but-"

"But they'll risk psychological trauma to ambitious witches." Kyou states, bluntly. Merlin looks a little uncomfortable, but nods. "I assume your recommendations were ignored?"

"They were.." Merlin trails off, then shakes her head. "The navy listened as much as they could with regards to the demands of the situation. It's also possible the MIU won't allow a bad fit to remain bad for very long, especially in a multi person setup like an existing team."

"Were it left to you, out of the existing pool, who would you allow to continue forward?" Kyou asks.

1/2

"From the pool interested in the last position here?" Merlin asks, and Kyou nods.

"Yes." She says. "From the ones that have expressed interest in joining this team."

"I'm-" Merlin blinks, frowning. "I'm not really sure. The Rockafeller twins remind me of Frank, kind of. That's not a bad thing, but I'm not sure how they'd fit in here. Mori seems to think Tosa would be a good match, but..."

Kyou looks over at the bodyguard, who shrugs. "She's worth talking to, at least." She says.

Kyou nods. "If you feel so." She responds. "What of the others?"

Merlin shakes her head. "I'm not sure." She admits. "So far there's lots of interest, but only the Rockafellers have made concrete steps, really. Well, and Tosa, but that's being driven by the IG and the MoD, more than her."

"What of the interview this morning?" Mori asks.

"Her?" Merlin asks, blinking. "I don't think she was serious. She's a career type, and was just looking to add that to her jacket, that she was considered for a wyvern team."

"Waste of time." Mori notes, sourly.

Merlin nods. "I'm not sure, but that's what I think." She says. "But since we're all here, I've had some deployment requests."

"Combat?" Kyou asks, instantly interested.

Merlin nods. "Not critical like the landings, yet." She says. "The IJA has requested at least one wyvern team to assist in the Seoul region, there's two missions they've sent up, and the Marines want a sweep of the airspace over Pyongyang."

Kyou looks over at you.

[] What does the IJA want done?
[] Tell us about Pyongyang.

And that's going to be it for the night! Sorry about the pacing- Didn't sleep real well last night, and it kinda bit me tonight, haha! Getting old is hell, and not having a monster handy is even worse.

Anyway, we'll be running the Tuesday make up tomorrow, but remember no thread next week, per our new schedule! Otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4763877
>[X] Tell us about Pyongyang.

>>4763879
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4763877
>[] Tell us about Pyongyang.
thanks for running

>>4763877
>[X] Tell us about Pyongyang.

>>4763879
Thanks for the run!

>>4763877
>[X] What does the IJA want done?

>>4763877
>[x] What does the IJA want done?

>>4763879
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4763877
>[] Tell us about Pyongyang.

>>4763877
>[] Tell us about Pyongyang.

ok gents, votes called!

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[x] Tell us about Pyongyang.

"Tell us about Pyongyang." You say.

Merlin nods. "Well, the marine corps, along with elements from the IJA and US army, have been pushing west since the landing, with the PLA falling back. They've established a defensive line running from Songnim up through Chunghwa the eastern outskirts of Pyongyang, then north through the hills up to their main lines across the peninsula." She says. "The marines are looking to retake the city soon, but they want a Wyvern team in the airspace above it before they commit strike assets. It's a basic mission profile, just go in, take the airspace and hold it so a strike package can hit it's targets, then leave."

"Is there any information on what the Chinese are operating in the region?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods. "Satellite and reconnaissance flights have shown they've got aircraft based at Onchon, Sunan, and the civilian Mirim airport." She says. "Mixed types, mostly FC thirty ones though."

"Seems they've been able to deploy a lot of those." Mori comments.

Merlin nods. "We've noticed that a lot of the ones we're encountering now, however, aren't as stealthy as prior ones. We think that's because they've not been able to keep up on the stealth coatings they've used in the past. There's also speculation that's because these were meant to go to a Korean air force, and so they're less advanced export models. There's also a significant number of J sevens there, and those are capable of carrying modern weapons."

"Is that the extent of the air power?" Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

1/2

"There's attack and utility helicopters flying out of Mirim airport, but as far as fast moving assets go, we think so." Merlin says, frowning. "There's been no indication of witches, and no further sightings of any airborne battleships."

Kyou shakes her head, frowning. "I cannot understand the purpose of this war." She says. "Why start a war you have no intention of fighting?"

No one answers- no one can- but at the same time you know Kyou is absolutely right. Why start a war like this if you don't intend to fight it- the Chinese efforts here have been... minimal, at best, you think.

"And I am sure the Imperial army is asking for the same?" Kyou asks.

Merlin shakes her head. "They want support while they destroy the remaining PLA and turncoat KDF units trapped in the Incheon pocket, which is mostly centered around the docks and the former airport." She says. "There's still heavy fighting there, and the remaining hostile forces are being evacuated from the docks. The IJA hasn't been able to get any strikes in because the PLAN has a task force off the coast that's got the entire area under antiaircraft coverage and PLAAF fighters flying out of Shandong in China. The PLAAF is also flying a lot of strike packages out of the area, which is why the pocket hasn't been destroyed yet."

"It sounds as if that is going to be our best employment." Kyou says. "You indicated they had two missions?"

Merlin nods. "They want a strike at the PLAN assets, either to destroy or disable them, and a second attack on the docks themselves. Either one, they feel, is going to require a wyvern, since it's bound to summon a major PLAAF response."

Kyou nods, looking over at you. "Morgan, what do you feel?" She says.

[] We'll take the Pyongyang mission.
[] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.
[] We'll hit the Incheon docks.

>>4765609
>[X] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.

>>4765609
>[x] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.
Perfect work for Yellowstone

>>4765609
>[x] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.

We have a giant anti everything rail cannon, why not use it?

>>4765609
>[X] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.

>>4765609
>[X] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.

ok, votes called!

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[x] We'll hit the ships off Incheon.

"We'll hit the ships off Incheon." You say, getting a nod out of Kyou.

"Destroying their ability to cover their withdrawal will force them to abandon much more equipment, at least." She says. "How large is the task force?"

"I'm not sure, yet." Merlin responds. "The mission request packet didn't say, but they'll task recon elements to get a better picture before we'll plan the flight." She says. "I'll send them a request for information and include our decision to take the mission."

Kyou nods.

"When will we be flying?" Mori asks.

"They'll give us when they want us to launch our strike, but it will have to be within the next 48 hours." She says.

"I can send the packet now, if you'd like." Tessa cuts in, clearly having been listening in. "I expect they'll have a response within the hour."

"Please do." Kyou says- clearly eager to get back into the fight. It's good, you think, that's she's that eager- but it also probably means you won't be sleeping much tonight. She's going to be far, far too keyed up for that.

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

Keep in mind that there's no thread next week, but I think the new three week blocks are going to work out really well- it makes planning a little easier for me going forward.

Otherwise, though, that's pretty much it, haha! I'll be around, both here and in the discord, over the weekend, if anyone has any questions or wants to chat or anything along those lines. But, other than that gents, that's it for the week, so till next week gents, Cheers!

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>>4765777
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4765777
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4765777
thanks for running!