>>4764605
*Boucher's cronys

Lol

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4764605
Rollan

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4764605

Rolled 7 (1d10)

I don't follow this quest but that skeleton guy is fucking cool! Rolling for nat 10!

File: d5de735d09c7b73bef059fd4d(...).jpg (68 KB, 1400x1400)

68 KB JPG

Rolled 3, 5, 4, 10, 8, 4, 3, 9, 6, 8, 1, 10 = 71 (12d10)

File: 783177062949d4cc602999af7(...).jpg (29 KB, 296x350)

29 KB JPG

Rolled 9, 8, 10, 8, 9, 10, 4, 3, 3, 6, 7, 5 = 82 (12d10)

>>4764906
Honhon

File: 626a3341cf76b9899d116840f(...).jpg (258 KB, 1061x900)

258 KB JPG

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4764906
>6 success!

As you close distance, it becomes clear that The Phantom's escorts are not Foudre Flight. They lack the edgy paintjobs for one. But they are also older model Foncks, not the newer machines piloted by Foudre. Maybe he was there to stiffen them? In any case, the time is now!

Your eyes shoot to Luigi and Wolf 4 as they execute Immelmans with sudden sharpness, rocketing towards their pursuers. Guns blazing, their charge apparently catches the Merovians off guard for the most part. You see one Fonck veer away as Wolf 4 connects, and Luigi drags off another into a private turning duel as both fail to score.

Then comes Braun, his damaged craft popping in despite the danger of it all. His Udet actually manages to score on the Phantom, as the Merovian is forced to choose a single focus.

And he chooses you.

]Come at me, beastie![

So you do. As the Phantom comes in, you manage to dodge his attacks, his usual prescience not availing him. Instead, you find yourself dipping under him, coming back up and around, as he bobs and weaves before you. A few bursts slice into his tail, but nothing of great note.

]You are better each time...not enough![

Below, you vaguely take note of Alpha being peppered by a Fonck, but knowing him, it's unlikely serious.

You're in the thick of it now!
----
>Do everything you can to keep the fight up and away from the landing zone. You need to buy time!

>Just focus on the kill. If he's down he can't be a threat right?

>Try and tap into his head. If that's how it works. You've no experience in it....but...

>write in

>>4765023
>>Do everything you can to keep the fight up and away from the landing zone. You need to buy time!

>>4765088
>>>Do everything you can to keep the fight up and away from the landing zone. You need to buy time!

The main priority has to be protecting the landing craft. If it goes down, then this whole damn mission goes sideways! Mission over glory and whatnot. Keeping the Phantom off your rescue team comes first. Still...how to go about it....

Hmm...

Well, you don't know how much the Merovians know about your tactics or overall plan here, but once they get an eye on that lander, it will probably click fairly quick. They had known enough to plan this damn ambush. In that case, no reason not to keep up the pain.

Just tactically, like herding a cow back home. Yeh. It can't be that different. Just guide him where you want him to go. And do your best to hurt him meanwhile! This would probably be way easier if you weren't a mute at the moment and could coordinate with your allies. Still...

Time to get some breathing room.
---
>1d10

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4765273

Two more?

Rolled 2, 5 = 7 (2d10)

>>4765427
Always happy to help a fellow QM

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4765273

File: chimera (1).png (10 KB, 400x300)

10 KB PNG

Rolled 9, 4, 8, 4, 9, 2, 5, 5, 10, 6, 4, 3 = 69 (12d10)

File: il_340x270.2587952135_qe4e.jpg (12 KB, 340x270)

12 KB JPG

Rolled 5, 3, 7, 4, 2, 6, 2, 3, 4, 10, 8, 6 = 60 (12d10)

>>4765484

File: art-nebo-vozdushnyy-boy-2235.jpg (240 KB, 1332x850)

240 KB JPG

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4765311
>>4765429
>>4765433
>2 success!

'Vroooooooooom!'

Your Udet screams out a battle cry as you do yout best to both hurt and rein in the Phantom. So far, so good. At least in terms of pushing him off.

As expected, the Phantom's tactics are filled with tricky moves and uncanny mirrors. That you expected. However, you restrain yourself from any drastic movements, instead choosing to cut him off and hem him in whenever able. It makes for an odd match, but one that apparently are doing fine In.

'Tatatatatatatata!'

Bravely, Braun comes chugging in from the corner flank, guns blazing. Unfortunately, the Phantom sends his Fonck into a sharp twisting loop, easily evading your Captain's fire. His Udet goes flying by, thrown out of arc.

]The others failed. Left me to clean up[

You do you best to not focus on the voice in your head. Instead, you watch and wait. No pilot is perfect, and--THERE!


'tatatatata!'

It's only a quick burst, but you hit him. His plane, having been in the process of veering away from you, instead snaps back on course. He turns again-just the way you want him, away from the rescue-and you miss the second time.

Around you, the battle is a tug of war. Below, Alpha is still struggling, his plane being shot up by his Fonck enemy. However everywhere else it seems like Chimera/Werewolf has the advantage. You see Luigi glance his bogey as the turning match breaks near even.

Above you, Wolf 4 chases his Fonck relentlessly, scoring along the way. The Merovian pilot panics and dips hard down, in a diving match he can't win.

You can't tell exactly what is happening down in the landing zone, but in any case you are very busy. You've gotten the better of The Phantom. For now....

Quick as a bolt, he rolls down and out, spinning like a tornado. It's a mad maneuver, at that speed and angle, one that stresses the plane....
---
>Let him go and bail out Alpha...again.

>Pursue The Phantom! This ends here!

>Break way and help Luigi

>write in

>>4765537
>>Pursue The Phantom! This ends here!

>>4765537
>>Pursue The Phantom! This ends here!

File: 32047172304_dcc4b2e3eb_b.jpg (212 KB, 1024x660)

212 KB JPG

>>4765554
>>4765588
>>Pursue The Phantom! This ends here!

The idea of breaking off to assist one of your Comrades briefly enters your mind, but you put it down. They were good at their jobs. Besides, if you just let the Phantom go, he would possibly just break straight for the LZ. Now THAT would be a catastrophe you wouldn't want to entertain. So instead...

'Vroooooooooom!'

As the Fonck twists away, you hit the lever and turn to follow it, falling into your own rapid spins....
--
>1d10!

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4765615

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4765615

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4765615

Rolled 9, 7, 2, 9, 2, 4, 4, 1, 4, 10, 9, 5 = 66 (12d10)

Honhonhon

File: UAJm6xvP_400x400.jpg (10 KB, 312x312)

10 KB JPG

Rolled 3, 7, 10, 9, 10, 10, 6, 5, 5, 1, 7, 3 = 76 (12d10)

>>4765708

archive link?

File: 628a5c509886ca42f241f70c7(...).jpg (109 KB, 936x900)

109 KB JPG

>>4765616
>>4765623
>>4765624
>2 success!
>Luigi Critical Fail!
>Luigi at Heavy Damage
>Alpha at Moderate Damage
>Bogey down!

You roll with The Phantom, keeping track of his sudden movements. Soon enough, awkward as it is, you obtain a shot as the two of you spiral away to the side. Your thumb finds the trigger instantly.

'Tatatatatatata!'

The Fonck bleeds a line of smoke as he pulls out of his spin, dashing away. So far so good! It seems you have this kek on the ropes. At last!

]Your friends aren't as lucky as you, Angel[

You blink, before catching sight of the flash of flame>>4765616
>>4765623
>>4765624
>2 success!
>Luigi Critical Fail!
>Luigi Stalls out!
>Alpha at Moderate Damage
>Bogey down!

You roll with The Phantom, keeping track of his sudden movements. Soon enough, awkward as it is, you obtain a shot as the two of you spiral away to the side. Your thumb finds the trigger instantly.

'Tatatatatatata!'

The Fonck bleeds a line of smoke as he pulls out of his spin, dashing away. So far so good! It seems you have this kek on the ropes. At last!

]Your friends aren't as lucky as you, Angel[

You blink, before catching off to the side. Wide eyed, you see that the enemy Fonck has somehow managed to land a decisive blow vs Luigi. His engine belches cinders and smoke as it begins to lose altitude, bested in its duel. Yet the Aldanian flies on, doing his best to avoid what is clearly a stall out! Oh no!

Elsewhere, Alpha is also bleeding, still unable to break from his foe. Yet just as quick, you notice a dead Fonck falling through the sky. Wolf 4 has downed the bird he was up against.

Now then...how about you?
----
>Stay on The Phantom. You need to see this through!

>Ahhh, Luigi! You gotta save the big guy!

>Fly to Alpha's aid!

>write in

>>4765757
I will be honest with you as this is my first quest. I have no idea how the archive system works, but I browsed it a minute ago and idt I saw anything under One Man Among Many(the og name), and Wings over Atlesia.

I did find this tho under some kind of alternative site.

https://archive.wakarimasen.moe/qst/thread/4599297/

That's thread one apparently and you can bounce through that way. Hope that helps.

>>4765778
Also wow weird double post on my part wot

>>4765778
>Ahhh, Luigi! You gotta save the big guy!

File: Main01.jpg049fc1b3-418e-4(...).jpg (111 KB, 800x800)

111 KB JPG

>>4765865
>Ahhh, Luigi! You gotta save the big guy!

Oh no, Luigi! Seeing your buddy stalling out and smoking, your decision is made in an instant. Rolling away, you allow The Phantom to break away from you. He dashes off at speed, and you can swear you feel him mocking you. It's like a little rasping in your head.

]Softie...[

And let us not forget literally hear him.

In any case, all you know is that Luigi is in real bad trouble, and you are gonna save him! Let's see here. The enemy Fonck seemed to be only half heartedly pursuing. Maybe he thought Luigi was already down for the count. His mistake then. You knew the big guy would keep going until he had nothing left..

Hopefully on your watch it won't come to that! You mark your target and make way. You need to focus. Focus.....

You have your shot.
---
>1d10!
>That's all for tonight! See you guys tommorow and stay excellent! Get those rolls in!

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4765778
>I have no idea how the archive system works,
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html
suptg is your best choice for archiving, as it allows threads to be named, described, and tagged. However, threads must be added using the "Add Thread" button. When creating threads this way, the most important thing is to use consistent names and tags between threads of the same quest.

>https://archived.moe/qst/
moe automatically archives every thread, which makes it handy if a thread isn't manually archived elsewhere. However, this means threads can't be manually given extra info for easy reference.

There are also a couple of other auto-archive sites, but I can't remember them off the top of my head.

>>4765894
rolling

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4765894

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4765894

File: 67773720-angry-wolf-symbol.jpg (128 KB, 1013x1300)

128 KB JPG

Rolled 6, 6, 5, 6, 9, 6, 10, 2, 9, 6, 1, 3 = 69 (12d10)

Chimera and friends rollin


>>4765990
Oh well thanks. Ok. So I assume Archiving it on suptg would be something I would probably do once we are done with it? Like when we are ready to move on to the next one? Or would I put in the request now.

File: d709ba0e7b096930c9a91fb4e(...).jpg (12 KB, 298x300)

12 KB JPG

Rolled 8, 2, 1, 2, 9, 2, 8, 2, 1 = 35 (9d10)

>>4766795
Honhon

File: df50b50774ede8d8158348209(...).jpg (156 KB, 1153x900)

156 KB JPG

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4766127
>>4766202
>>4765894
>2 success!
>Alpha Heavy Damage!
>Luigi Heavy Damage!

Your concern for your teammate is well placed it seems. While Luigi's Garibaldi manages to claw it's way out of the stall, the Fonck chasing him still gets a burst in before you can reach them. You finger the trigger, and your guns open fire.

'Tatatatatatata!'

It's a solid impact, and the Bogey is driven off of Luigi's tale before he can finish him off. Just in time. Now then, if only you could--Ahhh!

'Tatatatatata!'

]...He made a mistake...[

The Phantom's dark craft comes up on you, ripping you a new one. Bullets bite into your craft, and one very nearly takes you in the arm. Still, you manage to avoid the very worst of it because of your own rescuer-Wolf 4.

Coming in from his victory, your wingman blasts at the Merovian, and smoke begins to eminate from his own plane. Forced away once more, the Phantom floats away, pursued by Wolf 4. All around you, the expert dogfight has become a bloody, nasty free for all. You don't think a single plane is in a good state.

And below, Alpha continues to be outflown. You don't know how, given the discrepancies in your planes, but the Merovian keeps laying it on. Captain Braun is doing his best, but in his own state all he can do is try to harrass it, and the wounds on his own craft prevent him from doing too much. One step forward two steps back you suppose...

You grit your teeth. What a fucking day.
---
>The Phantom's demise is before you. Work with Wolf 4 and end him!

>go after the Merovian you just drove off!

>Alpha won't last much longer! Help him!

>write in

>>4766834
>>The Phantom's demise is before you. Work with Wolf 4 and end him!

>>4766834
>>The Phantom's demise is before you. Work with Wolf 4 and end him!

>>4766845
>>4766850
>>The Phantom's demise is before you. Work with Wolf 4 and end him!

You force yourself away from Alpha's struggle. It was a bitter draught, but you had The Phantom in your grasp. There was no way you couped just let him escape! You had to make sure this ended!

With a conflicted mind, you roll off, pursuing the dueling pair of Wolf 4 and The Phantom. The 4th member of Werewolf Flight is doing well. However, The Phantom is wily, and is forcing him to work for every shot.

]Doesn't end here...[


Alright Stanislaw. Get it done.
---
>1d10

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4766885

Two more?

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4766885

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4766885

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4766795
>So I assume Archiving it on suptg would be something I would probably do once we are done with it? Like when we are ready to move on to the next one? Or would I put in the request now.
It's usually done when you're finished with the thread so you can make the description more, err, descriptive. But it doesn't really matter when, as suptg will grab the most recent version of the thread when the thread dies.

>>4767023
one more for good measure.

File: red-rosette-with-france-f(...).jpg (67 KB, 626x626)

67 KB JPG

Rolled 2, 10, 4, 5, 6, 10, 5, 1, 3 = 46 (9d10)

Honhon

File: DUl0A6uVQAAVWKU.jpg (102 KB, 1200x1200)

102 KB JPG

Rolled 10, 7, 6, 5, 8, 8, 2, 7, 10, 7, 3, 3 = 76 (12d10)

>>4767201

File: 7d0b5da03909aeb2a062b6a1c(...).jpg (173 KB, 900x1300)

173 KB JPG

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4766907
>>4767113
>>4767133
>10 autofail
>ALPHA IS AT CRITICAL DAMAGE!
>The Phantom is at CRITICAL DAMAGE!

As you make your assault, the lack of radio coordination becomes a problem rather quickly. As you begin to open fire, Wolf 4 dashes past your front looking for an angle. You are force to veer up, barely missing him. Damnit!

]Heh..[

However, your tag team effort does accomplish one thing of note. Forced to choose who to remain more defensive against, the Phantom chooses you. He pays for underestimating Wolf 4. Your wingman unleashes upon him.

Bullets fly out, and you see chunks of wood fly. A gout of fire burns out from the front of the Fonck, a deathly black smoke that can only mean one thing. A second burst and you see another hit. The Phantom is crippled badly.

However, a sting of anger takes your brain as you witness another disaster unfolding. Alpha's Voss seems to be at last on the edge of falling. Pitted, bleeding smoke, and barely able to turn, his end won't be long...

His pursuer poises triumphantly above and behind him, as Braun desperately tries and fails to drive him off. Luigi, somewhat steadied, is of no use. His battered craft slowly climbs but you know he won't arrive in time.....

And the plane you saved Luigi from is coming back around, howling for blood...

]Not..long now[

Your eyes flick around the sky. Damnit...
---
>You have no choice, fly to Alpha's aid. Wolf 4 will have to finish this....

>Stay. On. The. Phantom.

>Help stop Luigi's attacker?

>write in

>>4767269
>You have no choice, fly to Alpha's aid. Wolf 4 will have to finish this....
>Not one loss.

>>4767269
>>Stay. On. The. Phantom.
so fucking close

I will give it a few minutes for a third vote. Then we leave it to fate.

>>4767269
>>You have no choice, fly to Alpha's aid. Wolf 4 will have to finish this....

>>4767278
>>4767510
>>4767626
>>>You have no choice, fly to Alpha's aid. Wolf 4 will have to finish this....

Every instinct in your body and mind is pulling you inexorably to finish The Phantom. To put and end to this bizarre and uncanny rivalry. It wouldn't be so hard...but....

A single glance down decides things for you. Alpha won't be able to take another good pass. Not in his current state. With that in mind, you make a hard decision. With a growl of anger, you pull away and down, determined to rescue Wolf 1. It will have to be left to Wolf 4 to take down The Phantom. Now then....

To focus on your new goal.
--
>1d10!

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4767655

Two more?

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4767655

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4767655

Rolled 10, 3, 1, 10, 1, 9, 7, 9, 2 = 52 (9d10)

Honhon

File: IMGP7715_1.jpg (485 KB, 1080x1080)

485 KB JPG

Rolled 1, 8, 1, 7, 7, 3, 2, 1, 3, 8, 9, 6 = 56 (12d10)

>>4767979

File: remi-andrieu-nieuport-17.jpg (687 KB, 1920x1080)

687 KB JPG

>>4767722
>>4767882
>>4767911
>1, 1 BRAUN CRITICAL HIT!
>BOGEY DESTROYED!
>Success!

Dread fills your heart as you the Merovian bogey open fire just before you enter range. His guns flash...bullets headed directly at the crippled Alpha. However, Werewolf Lead digs deep, somehow forcing his plane into a roll that sees flakes slough off his plane. The shots fly wide, giving him a few seconds of life.

All the time you need.

In range, you open fire, your bullets slamming directly into the cockpit. A target you'd normally avoid, but desperate times call for desperate action. Panicking at the assault, the Merovian cuts wide, hoping to escape....

....and flying right into Braun's jaws. His badly wounded Udet finds its mark, opening fire just as the Fonck pulls off, exposing its pilot by the angle.

'Tatatatattata!'

Bullets slam into the cockpit, sending the front of the plane up in flames. He must have gotten lucky and found the fuel. Images of a burning man are quickly scraped away as the pilot, clearly dead, simply falls out of the cockpit when his craft floats upside down. It's a long way down. Alright. Crisis averted. Now...

'Vroooooooooom!'

The last of The Phantom's wingmen zooms by, letting loose with a volley as he passes Luigi. His shots score along the flank and your friend is forced to veer away. However, the Merovian simply keeps going, headed for the Valley.

But why? Unless...

]Friends come first? I'll remember[


The voice in your head alerts you to the unbelievable sight before you. Somehow, someway, The Phantom had managed to turn the tables on Wolf 4. Your fellow Sturmwing pilot was dropping back, fresh wounds on his right wings.

Fired upon by the encroaching normal Fonck as he approaches, Wolf 4 folds back, needing to regroup. The two surviving Merovians chug along, clearly in retreat at this point.

You could pursue. But the Lander has to be almost done by now. For all you know, the Merovians could be sending another wave. Anyone might have picked up the Fight....and by the way Luigi and Braun were pairing up, it seemed they would prefer the defensive.

And Alpha....his Voss clearly can't take another prolonged engagement. Already he is clearly struggling to keep the thing in the air.

But The Phantom...you were so close...
----
>Fall back to the Landing Zone with the others. You literally have three planes on the brink of going down, and you have no idea how many Merovians may be coming....

>Nonononono! NO! You were shooting The Phantom down. TODAY!

>write in

>>4768012
>>Nonononono! NO! You were shooting The Phantom down. TODAY!

File: 300px-Rumpler_Taube_monoplane.jpg (18 KB, 300x300)

18 KB JPG

>>4768018
>>Nonononono! NO! You were shooting The Phantom down. TODAY!

Seeing the Merovians try and flee, something inside you growls. And it growls LOUDLY. You aren't just gonna let this guy go ! No! You are gonna shoot him down! You'd done what you could for Chimera, but you needed to do this.

You remember Sergei, close to death.

The Phantom could not be allowed to escape. Besides...maybe...it wasn't like your wingmen couldn't make it back on their own. This is your fight.

]...there He is...[

With a sudden jolt, your Udet rockets forwards, towards the enemy. Behind you, Chimera and the Wolves lingers, unable to contact you by radio. So be it.

As you approach, The Phantom keeps up his flight, but his Wingman, in a better state, goes into a kind of active defense posture. He breaks wide in what can only be a set up for a run as you approach. They can't outrun you...

Was he trying to buy time for The Phantom?

You shake your head. He wouldn't stop you. Not now. Not today.
---
>1d10!

>that's all for tonight! See you guys tommorow and stay excellent! Get those rolls in!

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4768182
How about a crit for a change, dice?

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4768182

One more?

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4768182

File: 44833388e31f7c17ddbe20404(...).jpg (92 KB, 1024x757)

92 KB JPG

Rolled 10, 8, 7 = 25 (3d10)

Hon

File: 1612743472814.jpg (44 KB, 220x266)

44 KB JPG

>>4769244
>6 success
>10 Bogey Auto Fail

As you suspected, The Phantom's wingman comes back around, determined to see you off. However, his approach is to dramatic. Too predictable.

When he enters range, and his guns light up, you take the plane into a steep dip. At his Fonck's speed, he cannot adjust in time. You tilt up sharply as you rise again, peppering his tail. However, your true target is ahead of you. Pushing your Udet as much you can, you soon catch up.

The Phantom's plane is badly hurt, clear to see. A trail of dark smoke leaks from the front, and bullet holes are visible. Seeing him as vulnerable as he is like this is actually kind of surreal. He's in range.

]So...that's how it is? Is it?[

His friend is again coming back around, but it seems likely you can get enough shots off to finish this. The Phantom's Udet gently mirrors some of your moves, but the plane is clearly limited by the severe damage it has taken.

A thought pushes itself to the front of your mind.

It would be oh so easy to simply float over him, and riddle his cockpit. Ridding the world of a member of Foudre Flight was no small matter. However, your principles, and the informal pilot code generally are NOT to intentionally aim for enemy pilots.

An exception, maybe? Your brow furrows as you consider your options.
---
>Go for the Kill. He's like you. That means he's too dangerous to leave alive....

>Your orders call for Boucher's head, not anyone elses... just try and shoot him down?

>write in

>>4769277
>>Go for the Kill. He's like you. That means he's too dangerous to leave alive....

>>4769277
>Communicate to him that he jumps out.
>Your orders call for Boucher's head, not anyone elses... just try and shoot him down?
We are not like le boucher. We are no butcher.

I'll give it like 10 minutes for a third vote. Then we let Le Fate decide.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4769449
So be it.

1 is Kill
2 is >>4769446

File: 13178576_1537114569930730(...).jpg (618 KB, 742x958)

618 KB JPG

>>4769533
>>4769296
>>4769446
>>Communicate to him that he jumps out.
>Your orders call for Boucher's head, not anyone elses... just try and shoot him down?

You struggle with the dilemma. However, if only for a moment, the memory of your original visions flashes in your mind. The faces of your first kills. Chimera's first kills. And you lose the stomach for it. Sergei had lived. Everyone here was just found their job, right? .....

No. You weren't some butcher like Boucher was. You were a pilot. A soldier. You would settle this the proper way. A shootdown would suffice for that. But...maybe you could deal with him?

A chance at least.

With your radio beyond busted, there was no easy way to communicate. Till now, all of your interactions, except for the time he had full access to your thoughts, were one way streets. You've never really put much effort into real communication using the Itch...but why not?

Bracing yourself, you try and focus in your target. Grabbing a hold of the connection you've established isn't easy, but maybe if you just...
---
>1d10 Itch check

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4769557

Two mor?

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4769557

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4769557

Rolled 4 (1d20)

File: maxresdefault.jpg (68 KB, 1280x720)

68 KB JPG

>>4769720
>>4769752
>>4769780
>3 Success!
>The Phantom down!

It takes a whole lot of cconcentration, and for a moment you feel your tenuous link fray and nearly slip away. However, your mind then suddenly gets that delicious, jelly cloud feeling. And with a final pinch, you feel The Phantom.

[G-get...O-out...plane...or...]

It's a babble of baby tier talking you know. And even maintaining it is a challenge. The words echo in your head, and you realize they are not so much words as feelings. It's surreal. Like a telegram line sending bursts of tattered Morse.

But it's enough.

]Heh...a softie. Enjoy this...brother[

His Fonck suddenly veers, and you see the pilot practically cartwheel out of the craft, falling down into the empty sky. A mop of brown hair catches your eye, and a parachute in suitably edgy colors greets you as it opens up like a purple flower. The wind carries him away quickly enough. However....

'Tatatatatatatata!'

With a grunt, you jerk the Udet away as his still active Wingman comes blasting at you in a fly by. Like last time, he doesn't stop to engage properly, but instead carries on in his retreat.

You feel a pang of annoyance. This was the last Merovian in the area. And you were riding high right now....
---
>Bah. Just let him go. The others are likely ready for you. And you are almost out of ammo as is.

>Pursue and finish him. The total destruction of three enemy squadrons without a loss of your own? Worth the risk.

>>4769835
>Pursue and finish him. The total destruction of three enemy squadrons without a loss of your own? Worth the risk.

>>4769835
>>Pursue and finish him. The total destruction of three enemy squadrons without a loss of your own? Worth the risk.

>>4769837
>>4769907
>>Pursue and finish him. The total destruction of three enemy squadrons without a loss of your own? Worth the risk.

Well, you might as well spend your bullets on something. Right? With a grin, you pick up speed and charge after the Fonck.

The bogey bobs and dodges, but you do your best to stay on him...
---
>1d10!

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Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4769912
WW1 newtype action! Banzai!

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4769912

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Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4769912
Should I roll again? I am rolling again.

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Rolled 8, 1, 4 = 13 (3d10)

>>4770068
>1
Oof

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>>4769922
>>4769981
>>4770035
>1, Enemy Auto Success!
>Stanislaw is out of ammo!

'Tatatatata!'

You send several burst of rounds towards the enemy plane, but the Merovian manages to pull some smoothe moves. He twists and turns and dives, his ingenuity making up for the inferiority of his plane. It doesn't help that your high from the Itch is dying down, leaving you with a headache. Forcing through your baby babble message had been rough.

'Vroooooooooom!'

He rolls over your shots again, and breaks away. For a moment you have a shot! And-click! 'Click'

Damnit! Out of rounds! Now of all times!

The Frog doesn't seem to realize it, as rather than turn the tables and attack you, he simply speeds up and continues his hasty withdrawal. Well, you suppose that would have to do. Chimera had survived a whole mess of shit today. And now it was all down to the rescue plane. Assuming no more bogeys arrived!

With that happy thought in your head, you veer away from the chase, allowing the Fonck to flee. A job unfinished perhaps. Or maybe not, assuming that the stray Wolves came out ok.
---
By the time you make your way back to the LZ, you happily take note of the fact that the rescue craft was again in the air, with Captain Braun and Wolf 4 alongside. Luigi and Alpha were limping low, their own damage harsh to see. But as you approach, Wolf 4 gives you a little twirl in greeting, and you respond in kind.

It's honestly kind of hard to believe he had come out of this the least scarred, but maybe you'd been wrong to underestimate him. Being the newest Werewolf didn't mean as much after all perhaps. Or maybe it was fighting for his friends down under? Food for thought.

Ahead of you all, Echo 1 flies, his LRR craft likely doing good work. You imagine his enthusiasm was pretty high. Not every day you got to tag along on a mission like this you suppose.

But with no radio, it seemed you were doomed to a return trip in silence. Oh well. You could deal with that.
---

As you finally approach Baldir, the sun is starting to dip, and the sky bears an increasingly orange hue. Lovely, really. But you are more worried about the landing. Your fuel was abysmally low, and your Udet was running on fumes.

With that in mind, you'd had to simply suck it up and glide every now and then. As the other members of Chimera Flight and Werewolf made their way down, you'd chosen to go last. No sense mucking up things with your muteness.

Now, you just had to set her down easy...

Unless, of course, you didn't. You saw a lot of people down there...
---
>Be flashy with it. You've earned a fun entrance by the Creator!

>Eh, just land.

>>4770110
>>Be flashy with it. You've earned a fun entrance by the Creator!

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>>4770345
>>Be flashy with it. You've earned a fun entrance by the Creator!

Well, sure your fuel wasn't in the best shape, but by the Creator, you'd earned a bit of showing off! You were gonna land sure...but in style!

Hmmm...but how best to do it?

So many possibilities.
---
>Buzz as low as you dare above the runway. That outta give em a thrill.

>Do some flips and tricks!

>Hmm..maybe a circuit upside down?

>>4770392
>Do some flips and tricks!
Cuban 8!

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>>4770493
>Do some flips and tricks!


Well, why hold back? If you are gonna go, you might as well go all out! With a grin, you pull the lever and begin your maneuver. Now this was a little something you read about in a paper...

And below you, the crowd bears witness.
---
>1d10!

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4770505

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>4770505
Do a barrel roll haha

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4770505

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4770505

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>>4770552
>>4770554
>>4770595
>>4770634
>1 auto success!
---

As you float above the base, you twist your Udet in a series of spins. Jacking up, rather than fully follow through, you instead take a half turn at the top of the loop, before mirroring the maneuver back the other way. It's a strange variation on the figure 8, but a fun one.

Rocketing back up, you then give the folks below a fall, as you cut the engine and let the Udet glide. Once fairly low, you then charge away at an angle, roaring. You see waves on the ground below.

Finally, on your return, you go into a veritable series of tornado rolls, as you'd been forced to perform in the battle. It's fairly nauseating, but you've gone through a lot worsen. In any case they love it. Now then, to land at last....

With your fuel now thoroughly spent, you bring the Udet into a gentle glide as you approach the runway. Soon enough, you touch down, and your plane comes to a rolling stop. As you stop moving, and cut the engine, you take it in.

Crewmen are cheering from the sidelines, loudly. Well, and Sergei. But his cool guy demeanor shifts a little as he shoots a small wave. Dmitri, from his own position, waves a bottle of what is surely not Vodka about like a baton...and...

A sharp laugh catches your ear, and you to your surpise, you see that Werewolf Flight is having something of a reunion. 2 and 3 look worse for wear, their uniforms dirty and battered, but Alpha, the damn hothead, is embracing them both. By the way his shoulders are shaking, he's either laughing or crying. Wolf 4 catches your eye and smiles.

You feel a tug on your sleeve after examining the scene for a minute. With a glance, you accept a metal cup from some grunt. Parched, you drink deep expecting water, and-gaak!

You nearly spit it up, before manning up and draining the cup. It was alcohol. Strong damn alcohol. Red cheeked, you give the grunt another look, before recognizing the small Aldanian from the footbal game. Dmitri bellows from the sidelines, having witnessed it. You shrug.

"Grazie", you cough. That was one word Luigi had taught you. 'Thanks.'

The little man gives an impish grin.

"Prego!"

Well, as you climb down from the plane, steadied by the little guy, a mix of feelings washes over you. The Phantom shot down...the Wolves saved...and that thrice damned ambush! What a day!

It was all so crazy, when you thought of it!
---
>"Give me the rest. I need a damn drink"

>Well, you'd done good. But this wasn't over. Alzen was still in enemy hands...and Boucher still flew..

>You really are just kind of a badass you guess!

>No use dwelling on things. Enjoy the moment. You need these.
---


>Sorry for falling asleep! That's all for this session. Get those votes in and see you on Friday! Stay excellent!

>>4770805
>"Give me the rest. I need a damn drink"
That shit was way to fucking close.
>Stay excellent!

>>4770805
>>"Give me the rest. I need a damn drink"

>>4770805
>"Give me the rest. I need a damn drink"

that was possibly the closest we have come to getting shot down

>>4770805
>You really are just kind of a badass you guess!

>>4770805
>Well, you'd done good. But this wasn't over. Alzen was still in enemy hands...and Boucher still flew..

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>>4770819
>>4770833
>>4771237
>>4771284
>>4771985
>"Give me the rest. I need a damn drink"

It was in such a state, head hammering from a mix of the Itch's side effects and a bottle of what you later learned was a home brew of Dimitri, that you had hit the sack. That whole last bit was almost like a blur to you. Exhaustion from nearly dying a few times would do that you suppose...

..And it was in such a state that you also appeared before Ernst the next morning. Chimera Flight was there, minus Sergei, who you understood was busy with something of his own. You were curious about that to be honest, but oh well.

Wolf 3 was in the care of Doctor Geldman, who wanted to run some tests. 2 and 4 were here representing Werewolf with Alpha. There was practically a glow around your resident warhound.

"--and I'm to understand, that the Merovians, and a member of Foudre Flight specifically, took the time to set up an ambush for the rescue team?", Ernst asks, puffing a cig. He raises a brow Captain Braun nods, adjusting his glasses.

"Based on what we heard, and on what the Wolves have to say, it's exactly right. The Frogs left out bait. And by bait..."

"He means us", Wolf 2 inserts. "They knew we were there. They had to. Granted, it was a good tactic, but I suppose every plan has flaws", he says, nodding at your group. Luigi thumps his chest.

"Si! The Merovians, they did not know what him! By the word of Luigi Pesani, we destroyed three flights! Hah! You should have been there!", the big man yells.

"Err, well, one did get away, apparently", Wolf 4 adds quietly. Luigi's smile turns into a slight frown, and his eyes crinkle behind his thick shades.

"Hmpf. There is no glory in the retreat. He shamed himself by turning tail", Luigi mutters in response.

Ernst sits, eyes alight with something. After a few moments he puts out his smoke and leans back, a vague smirk on his face. He looks Chimera over.

"I have to say, this little rivalry might have its uses. Foudre does seem to have it out for you. We can use that. Well, more specifically 'I' can use that", he says.

"...Use it, sir?", you ask. "How's that?"

Ernst smiles.

"Boucher is unstable. We've had...more reports since your last encounter. Everyone whose lived after a dustup has more than confirmed that. The man has lost the plot. That makes him vulnerable."

Alpha takes the moment to step in.

"We already knew that asshole was batshit. Er, pardon the language, but I'm not sure how that makes him any more vulnerable than before. He's still out there, still-"

Ernst raises a hand.

"Peace, Paul. I was getting to that. I did a little digging, using...resources. You are all aware that Foudre Flight was destroyed earlier in the war by Griffon Flight and Baron Von Hel?", Ernst asks. You all nod. Boucher apparently coming back from the dead was part of his dread reputation.

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>>4779796
Ernst reaches behind him, and drops a folder onto the desk. With a flick of the wrist, he opens it. The words inside are copied in both his tongue and the Frog's. It also has a few photographs.

"This", Ernst states, tapping the folder, "Is the original Foudre Flight. Officially all were shot down that day over Alzen, when Boucher had his last dance with Von Hel."

You look over them. They looked happy enough. And young. Except for the man with a bushy beard, whose hunter eyes can only mean one thing. Ernst smirks.

"Boucher, yes. Back when he was largely sane, though....", he veers off, as another folder drops. This one holds some babbling in Merovian that you don't understand.

Before he can go on, Braun interjects.

"Death reports?", he asks. You blink.

"The very same. Foudre Flight, the original at least, is dead, apparently. And...", leafing through them, Ernst points out a thin little dispatch sheet. It's no more legible to you than the other ones, so Ernst helps.

"This says that Boucher, as we know now, did not die. But he DID undergo...extensive 'medical treatment' after the incident. Very hush hush apparently. Can't have us finding out I suppose. Some very odd gaps in his treatment...."

"Gaps?", Braun asks.

"Well it says here he was transferred, to, and I do quote, "destination redacted." I've referred this to our Blackhat friends of course, but as of now, no more. Now, as for how this helps us--"

"Fakers!", Alpha growls. "Boucher is the only survivor of the originals, right? Well that means--"

"It MEANS", Ernst starts sharply..."That his wingmen aren't the same people who made our pilots piss themselves yellow back then. I have no idea about the identity of the replacements, but it would appear that they found good ones...."

Well that was putting it lightly.

"In any case", Ernst states, "I'm extremely impressed. With Werewolf whole again, we're much better off. Now, I'm sure you'd all could use some freedom. Dismissed. Ingrid will inform you when I need you again. I have...plans to make."

"SIR!", you all say. But as you turn to go, Ernst clears his throat.

"Stanislaw, stay if you would. Alpha gives you a curious glance as the others funnel out, but you shrug. Soon enough, it's just you and the Flight Controller. With a click, he lights up another cigarette.

He looks you over for a second, before tapping the table. His blue eyes scan.

"I heard you took care of our Phantom problem. Couldn't have been easy, Dmitri says your radio got gutted. Tell me, did he die?", he asks. You blink.

"Uhhhh...."
----
>Claim that he is dead.

>Say he lived, but leave out that you showed mercy.

>Tell the truth. Leaving out the mind fuckery of course.

>>4779864
>>Say he lived, but leave out that you showed mercy.

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>>4780058
>>Say he lived, but leave out that you showed mercy.

"Yes? I don't bite."

Ok, be sensible about this Stanislaw. Claiming you killed him would be awkward when he inevitably climbed back into a plane. And you can hardly spill that you had the chance and let the guy go! So...maybe a half truth?


You go for it.
---
>1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4780065

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4780065

Rolled 13 (1d20)

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>>4780070
>>4780104
>>4780237
>14 pass!

"Well sir, unfortunately I can confirm that The Phantom isn't dead", you say evenly. "I managed to shoot him down, but he bailed out just in time."

The half lie comes easily, and you bet on your silver tongue. Thankfully, after a few moments of smoking in thought, Ernst lets out a sigh of disappointment, followed by a lazy shrug.

"Well, unfortunate I suppose. But that's just the way the cookie crumbles. In any case, I wanted to let you know...a little secret..", he says leaning over.

"Uhh, yes?", you ask. Ernst smiles toothy, withdrawing the cigarette. A thin stream of smoke trails from it.

"I've been in correspondence with Von Feldmann. By extension, our dear leader has been in talks with the War Department. They are very pleased with the Chimera Initiative. And, I will add, you have proven yourself more than capable of holding your own. Be proud of that", the flight controller says.

You feel a swell of pride. The Iron Falcon was pleased with your record? Hell, VERY impressed even! Why, you could--

"...don't let it go to your head, Stanislaw. I've buried too many hotshots to care for doing it again. If nothing else Ingrid would be sad to see you go."

Aaaand moment lost. Ernst lets out a little scoff as he sees you practically deflate. Tapping some ash into a tray, he stands up. You do the same.

"Well, I've inflated your ego enough today. By all means, go forth and...do whatever it is you do. Drink, I guess. Dismissed."

"Yes sir!"
--
When you exit the HQ, you find Luigi in clear and vivid debate with the other pilots. The argument is, shocking you know, related to celebration. Luigi had briefly brought up the idea last night. You think. That homebrew was hard stuff.

"--si?! I hold it a sacred thing! I say to you pliot friends, let us celebrate in style!"

However, the others seem less certain.

"I mean, idk. I'd feel bad just going into town while one of our own is in the med house....", Wolf 4 says, thoughtfully. Braun for his part, looks fairly neutral. Pushing up his glasses, your leader shrugs.

"Well, the car pool got damn well annihilated back in the night raid. So that means no more Donner for us. A tragedy", he says with a deep and dramatic sigh. "Such a shame the Field Marshal's gift got totaled like that..."

Alpha scoffs, but steps up.

"Well, like I said, I'd normally be in favor of a night on the town, but we'll have to take a rain check I think. Just don't tear up too much of the town, ok?", he says. "I heard about your little escapade. Save some for the rest of us this time!"

Defeated, Luigi nods.

"Si...another time, I suppose.."

Coming up, you slap the big fellow on tje back. While surprised, his huge frame barely registers the blow. Instead he turns to you with a winning grin.

"Aha! Friend Stanislaw! You are just in time! I, with help from our great Captain, am planning a victory party! This rescue, it surely is worth a drink!", he yells.

>>4780383
"I'm inclined to agree", Braun says. "Unfortunately, the Wolves won't be joining us."

You frown a bit as a though enters your head.

"Wolf 3 isn't..he IS ok, right?", you ask, concerned. "I know the Doc wanted to run some tests..."

Braun waves it off.

"Honestly he'll be fine. I don't think anyone could be TOTALLY unaffected after being stranded a decent while in no man's land like that. But Werewolf is a tight nit bunch. Especially now..."

You nod. Reasonable enough you suppose. Losing a wingman for good, and a relative at that..you couldn't imagine. Still, good news.

"Alright then!", Luigi declares, slapping his big hands together. "Let us be about this!"

Braun nods and turns to you.

"Well, we need a ride. Cars are still short after the Merovians made the Carpool go boom, so unless we want to walk, or carpool, we need to find a ride...unconventionally", he states.

"Meaning swindle", you say drily. Your captain holds up his hands in innocence.

"And Sergei is deep in work with Dmitri. Some shipment from Strelkaya itself, if I've been told correctly. Someone will need to drag him out of that. No way I'm letting his noble ass miss out."

"Ha! And what of me, my Captain?", Luigi asks, eagerly. Braun nods at him.

"Well OBVIOUSLY you are the muscle. Gonna be harder to turn us down for a car when a big scary fellow like you is there.."

Hmmm
---
>You'll go fetch Sergei! Maybe you can get a peak at this delivery...

>You are on car duty!

>>4780417
>You'll go fetch Sergei! Maybe you can get a peak at this delivery...

>>4780417
>You'll go fetch Sergei! Maybe you can get a peak at this delivery...
Detective Stanisalw reporting for duty!

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>>4780449
>>4780450
>You'll go fetch Sergei! Maybe you can get a peak at this delivery...

Well, there were a whole lot of ways trying to work that car deal could blow up in your face. So with that in mind why not go fetch Sergei? Maybe you can snatch a sneak peak at whatever that delivery is...

"I'll handle Sergei sir! You two can work your charms on the carpool! Or uh, what's left of it, I suppose..."

Braun nods.

"Alright. We'll try not to grab something too rusty. Luigi, come on, let's do this", Braun says, turning to go.

"Ah, Captain! Can I do the act! The one where I stand behind you, frowning?", Luigi questions, grinning. Wait...

The Captain rolls his eyes but nods.

"Your mafia 'act'? Well sure, what else would you do? Give them a look at your pretty face? Let's head out."

And with that, the two of them start the Trek over to the ad hoc carpool. Now then, you suppose it's time for your own job. Time to see what Dmitri and Sergei have going on...
--
When you reach the hangar, you immediately notice the covered vehicle over in the corner. At least you assume it's a vehicle, being in the hangar and all. It's not long before you are spotted too.

"Ah, young Huzaran! Dmitri saw your airshow yesterday! Most impressive!"

The fat Strelkayan is beaming today. Whatever new toy he has to work with is clearly making him happy....now--

"Da. Impressive. A good thing you did not crash on top of us all. That would have been unfortunate. Losing me and such", Sergei drawls. His noble accent is at peak smarmy, although upon approach he gives you a firm enough shake.

"Good to see you up, Sergei!"

He nods.

"It is good to be up. Doctor Geldman, he is better than I assumed. But the boredom, I was near death. It will be good to fly and fight again", he responds.

"...speaking of fighting..", you veer off, eyes clearly drawn towards the concealed craft. Dmitri laughs loudly at you.

"Ah what do you say, countryman? Shall we show our young friend what the Motherland has sent you?", he asks with a nudge. Sergei frowns at the new grease stain but shrugs.

"If he wishes. Honestly my Ushka was plane enough though. I do not need the better plane to kill", he mutters, humble as ever. You nod. You wanna see this.

Dmitri runs his hands together and grabs hold of the tarp. With a great heave, he reveals the plane....and..
---

>.....Is that a Fonck? That looks like a Fonck.

>Well, it's certainly no Ushka. What do you call this thing?

>Hah. Mine is better still! :v

>>4780672

>...Is that a Fonck? That looks like a Fonck.

>>4780672
>Well, it's certainly no Ushka. What do you call this thing?

5 minutes then tiebreaker roll

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4780830

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>>4780817
>>4780821
>Well, it's certainly no Ushka. What do you call this thing?

Looking over it, the thing bears some rather disturbing parallels. For one, the inspiration from the Fonck is clear. Granted, the plane is bigger than a Udet, slightly, with a wider engine than its inspiration. An odd choice, but it's also clearly a step above the converted scout craft Sergei was flying before.

This was a plane of war.

"So...what do you call this thing? I admit, I'm drawing a blank on the design, Sergei", you say, scratching your chin.

The Count steps forwards, giving a small wave towards his new ride.

"I wouldn't expect you to know it. This is the Chenko Mk.1. My homeland is superior in many ways, but aircraft production came late for us...."

"Da. And you will notice the design oddities, yes? The craft is based on a mix of a Fonck and several of our local designs. A superior craft to the original, and not very expensive to boot!", Dmitri says, proudly. Sergei nods.

"Performance wise, I understand your Udet VII still has it beat. Yet with your industrial assistance, my homeland will fill the skies with these...in time", Sergei adds. You nod. "In any event, my kill count has become unacceptable. This will help me rectify that."

Ah, well on that happy note...

"Huh. Well, good too see you get a new ride. Anyways, Luigi and Braun sent me!"

"For?"

"A party! In town! To celebrate the big win, Sergei. We got the Wolves back, and I put the Phantom down! Well, temporarily at least..."

"Hmpf. I suppose I could use some off base time...", he mutters, turning to Dmitri. "Do you have everything covered?"

The fat man nods.

"I do. Dmitri will have your plane ready for the next mission! See if I do not!"

Sergei nods, satisfied. He turns back to you and crosses his arms.

"Alright then. Lead on, I suppose. Although considering our stock of cars got turned to slag, I'm not entirely sure what Braun is planning on driving"

You shrug.

"I'm sure he'll think of something."
---

"Eh, so what do you think!", Luigi asks. He looks over your ill gotten ride with pride, but Braun just looks vaguely amused. Sergei for his part frowns sourly.

"This is used to haul the heavy guns. Do you not think we will look moronic taking it on a pleasure cruise?", he asks. It was fairly true. The ride was certainly no Donner! It was a rough and tumble hauling truck. The type that was being used more and more to displace horses for the aforementioned purpose.

"Hey, cut me some slack, ok?", Braun says with a frown. "The old guard took a bullet through the face in the raid, and the new guy is some Bohmond with a major stick up his ass. Luigi had to use his scary face even to get this!"

"Si!", Luigi states, flexing an arm. "I gave him the look of fear!"

"Terrifying, no doubt", Sergei responds.

"So, whose driving?", Braun asks. "Rook?"
---
>well you managed the staff car easily enough. And it's..vaguely tractoresque. What could go wrong?

>nah, Someone else drive

>>4780927
>>well you managed the staff car easily enough. And it's..vaguely tractoresque. What could go wrong?

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>>4781013
>>well you managed the staff car easily enough. And it's..vaguely tractoresque. What could go wrong?

"Hell sir, I'll drive!", you say cheerfully. "The Donner was easy enough."

Braun gives you a knowing smile.

"You try driving this like a speedster and we'll end up upside down Rook. Just get us to town, ok?", he asks.

You nod.

"Can do!"

And with that you hop into the seat.

Now then...this stick was..go? You think.
---
>1d10!

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4781016

Also it occurs to me I mixed up our reindeer themed cars. The Blitzen was the fancy ride you had before. The Doner is a truck. Santa spits on me I guess. My bad. Happens.

>that's all for tonight folks! Get those rolls in and stay excellent! See you tommorow!

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4781016

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4781016

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>>4781019
>>4781123
>>4781129
>4 success!

Well, it turned out that it wasn't actually that hard for you after all. Granted, all these cranks and levers were... troubling, but applying you knowledge you managed to get through it. Thus it was that your hauler was making good time down the rode to town. Without a thought, you flicked on the radio.

*--and in other news, the Labor Party has forwarded, with backing from the Syndicated Federation of Unions, a codified protection of what they call the right to strike. The forwarded bill comes at a troubled time. As my listeners will recall, the last Reichstag session collapsed in chaos after Count Von Gorn of the UP struck Senator Waldersee of Labor....*

You turn it up, brow arched.

*Of course, the United Party, with support from Borman Enterprises and other influencers, has put forward their own initiative. Following the large, recently defeated strike, conservative members of the UP argue factory stoppages can no longer be tolerated, least of all in the midst of a large scale enemy offensive...here is Senator Sarkwurst...*

The man who now speaks has a notable Silander accent.

*..The lack of patriotism and foresight expressed by Labor leadership recently has been striking. Perhaps the opposition would prefer to rename themselves to what they truly are...COMMUNISTS!(angry shouting noises)*

*The proposed counter bill*, the radio man starts, *would effectively ban labor strikes in any industry deemed 'important to the war effort' and awaits debate....in other news..*

You hear Sergei snort behind you.

"You see, this is what I'm talking about. Mob rule. I mean, I don't know what you expect when you let --"

Braun raises a hand.

"Now hold on a second. Labor has...issues. But it's the UP in the wrong here. I get you do things different in Strelkaya, fine, but-"

"Now your defending a bunch of factory workers trying to cripple the arm industry? In a time of war? For a few extra pennies? They're lucky they didn't get shot", Sergei responds, rolling his eyes.

Braun shakes his head.

"I'm not saying that they didn't go a bit far. I'm saying there was an arbitration process in place, and more time should have been given to settle it!", Braun fires back testily.

Luigi coughs awkwardly.

"In Aldani we have issues with such things, but we used Priests for-"

"Now there's a scandal. Church Unions", Sergei laughs. Braun is equally unhappy.

"How would they ever get anything done?"

As the political argument rages around you, the awkwardness sets in. Your Father, being of the views he was, had despised all Konerlander politics.
--
>Just stay out of this. Your job is to take orders, not debate politics.

>Side with Sergei. It's absurd how much these people can get away with. The war effort has to be solidified.

>Captain Braun has it right. The GrossRepublik stands for certain values. Telling people they can't protest for better wages is spitting on them.

>write in

>>4782006
>Just stay out of this. Your job is to take orders, not debate politics.
Can't decide yet when we don't know enough about the situation.

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>>4782059
>Just stay out of this. Your job is to take orders, not debate politics.

The situation is a murky mess as far as your concerned. Huzara was largely not involved in wider Republic politics, and what little you knew was mixed. It did disturb you on some level that people's rights might be stomped. But then again, as a soldier you knew the war effort was top priority. And your nasty episode in the Rozenberg factory district hadn't exactly enamored you of them.

With that in mind, you just keep your head down as much as possible. No use getting yourself involved in things that don't concern you. Yeh, sure.

"...and also", Sergei says, "This paranoiac level of dislike of the Bormans is absurd! I don't like the Noveu Riche anymore than you, but you don't see me spouting conspiracies!"

Braun almost snaps back, but with an angry mutter he just rolls his eyes. Sergei taking it for either surrender or truce, leans back in his own seat, unhappy. With that, the crisis seems averted, but the aura of awkwardness lingers.

At least now you can drive in peace.
---
Kondorf is much the same, for what it's worth. You've had the fortune to show up before the plethora of armed troops turn out into the streets. As is, only a scant few lounge about, in various states. A handful of said soldiers give you strange looks, cruising about in an artillery hauler and you are. You just wave.

"Now then, my good friends!", Luigi bellows. "I ask you, where shall we go!"

Well there were a few options that you could probably lobby for. Some bar that specifically served the military could be an option. Or you could stick to your floorplan from last time and dive into a local place.

The Blue Cat maybe, once again. Or the Red Rooster, it's clear rival that you had turned down last time. There was the ethnic divide to consider in that case.
---

>Hurrah for the generic soldier bar!

>Back to the Cat! What could possibly go wrong!

>The Red Rooster, you think

>>4782151
>Back to the Cat! What could possibly go wrong!
They are honest folk.

>>4782178
>>4782178
>Back to the Cat! What could possibly go wrong!

Well, Charlotte wasn't exactly a tender loving maid, but she hadn't cut your throat. And she hadn't robbed you. Combined with the actually good stuff they sold, and your mind was made up. Awfully Froggy bar or no!

You voice you idea.

"How do you guys feel about heading back to the Cat again?", you ask. Sergei opens his eyes, having apparently not been napping after all.

"I agree", he answers quickly. Braun gives him an odd look before cleaning his glasses with a cloth. He shrugs.

"Ok. I mean sure, but there is a certain irony in it you know", he says, placing his spectacles back on. Luigi laughs.

"Hah! We will make them love us, si?!"

With that decided, you take the hauler further into town, headed for the local bar district. You're actually looking forward to it. Assuming this time you didn't end up on some kind of vision quest!
--

When you pull up, you notice that something is off. Granted, it's still early, so the normal drunks and whatnot are probably out but....

A glance over to the Red Rooster shows you that it's still busy somewhat. Yet the Cat looks dead as a doornail. You stop the car and hop down, followed by the others. With a shrug, you head for the door.

Yet you feel off...not the Itch. No. More like just a goosprickle on your neck.
---
>1d10

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4782309

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4782309

One more?

Rolled 5 (1d10)

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1.76 MB PNG

>>4782332
>>4782345
>>4782441
>5 passes!

As you approach, you chance to glance over in a dark corner near the entrance of an alleyway. There, nearly hidden, a man leans up against the side of the building, in uniform no less. However you cant get a good look at his face. For a moment you think it's a drunk out for business early, but then you remember where you are at. He peaks over the cigarette in his mouth before flicking it in your direction. He slinks off right away. Ok...odd.

"Wonder what his problem was", you wonder. Braun shrugs beside you, before shaking bus head.

"Not like there aren't plenty of people with reason to dislike us here", he says with a sigh, befre sidling past you. With a shurg of your own, you head inside with him...

And you see two men, Konerlanders clearly, questioning a rather nervous Charlotte. They both are wearing nondescript but clearly sturdy clothes. And both, you notice, have pistols on their hips. The blonde woman looks nervous. And angry.

"..old you already, I just run a bar! I don't want any trouble. Why do you insis-"

One of the men, a real nasty looking case with a scar along his jaw, slams a hand angrily onto the counter. He growls in anger.

"Don't lie to me! We have tips! Sources! We know for a fact that this little hole in the wall is a hub for treason...you are lucky we haven't already dragged you off to the clink!"

Charlotte's eyes harden.

"This is outrageous! I don't give a damn what your 'sources' are! And it's no business of yours who drinks here, damnit! I'm not a traitor!"

"Your son is"

His companion, an older, spectacled fellow, simply taps his fingers on a table, having finally spoken up. He looks at the woman and stares.

"One might wonder about the maternal influence on that choice.."

She pales.

"You leave my Ferdi out of this. It's not my fault what he did. You know how boys-"

"Boss"

A third voice comes from the back, as another man steps out from the backroom. His gun is actually in hand, and he gives you all a nasty look. The others turn to you.

"This is official military bus--"

The older man pauses as he notices your Sturmwing uniforms, and cuts a little smile at you. He spreads his hands out.

"Ah, my countrymen. It seems you've entered the wrong bar. There's treasonous one is across the street", he says, as the scarred one places a hand on his own sidearm-blatantly.

"Easy now", Braun says, softly. Your eyed flick around the room.
---
>Vouch for Charlotte. Calmly.

>You've about had it up to here with assholes lately. Tell them off.

>"We're Sturmwing Chimera. Who the fuck are you?"

>write in

>>4782611
*the less treasonous one

>>4782611
>Vouch for Charlotte. Calmly.
>Be prepared to throw a table down for cover or throw a chair if shit goes south.

>>4782611
>>Vouch for Charlotte. Calmly.

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>>4782701
>>4782936
>Vouch for Charlotte. Calmly.

Ok. Think. You're not sure who these guys are, but they did say official business right? That means they probably could be reasoned with...you hope.

You nod at Charlotte.

"Let me tell you how it is"
--
>1d20

>Seems like a lul. I guess that's all for tonight! See you guys tommorow and stay excellent! Get those rolls in!

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4783081

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4783081

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4783081

Rolled 12 (1d20)

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>>4783743
>>4783947
>>4783993
>>4784231
>12 Pass!

"--and on top of that, she damn well could have opened us up and dumped our corpses in a gutter. She didn't. Hell if anything she gave us help. So again, I'm not entirely sure what-"

The older man, presumably the leader, raises a hand with a thin smile. He puts the other on the shoulder of his nasty friend, patting softly.

"That's enough of that, I think", he says, before clearing his throat. "You would be Chimera Flight, I presume?"

You nod. Although him knowing that narrowed down his point of origin quite significantly. None of the options were what you would call good.

"We are" , you say simply. The man suddenly turns friendly on you. Slowly opening his jacket, he removes a shiny yellow gold badge. It's a hawk skull.

"Blackhats", Braun announces simply. "You'd be with the investigator that has been sniffing around HQ then." Your eyes flick over to the Captain, and you notice Luigi looking quite surprised at the revelation. The man's smile turns to a frown.

"Now that you've loudly announced it to the suspect, I see no reason to hide it. Yes, we are with him, as it happens.", he says.

"...as if it wasn't obvious who you were", Charlotte mutters angrily. The man just gives her an annoyed look.

"And YOU", his angry companion growls, "Are interfering with an important investigation!"

Sergei scoffs.

"Investigation? I'm only seeing a bunch of morons yelling in a bar. In case you haven't been told, you normally order drinks in that case", he says, leaning against the wall.

The Blackhat in the back glares.

"Watch your mouth Easterner", he says, making his way over to his companions. Sergei keeps his eyes on him the whole time.

The leader clears his throat again.

"In any case, having searched this place top to bottom, and with your vouching, I suppose--"

The seething one slams a fist on the counter again, making everyone jolt.

"Her SON is in the MEROVIAN ARMY!", he shouts. "Do you honestly think she hasn't been corresponding with that traitor of hers?"

Charlotte draws herself up.

"I haven't, thanks to you. We aren't even allowed the kind of radio I would need too! He was old enough to make his own decis-"

"That's the thing though, ain't it?", the angry one says, smiling. "Awful lot of missing young men around here. You ask me, I'd not be surprised if they are all holed up in Lothren these days..."

Charlotte glances away.

"Some. I imagine you drug a couple off yourself..."

The man narrows his eyes.

---

>You know, if you didn't want us here, post better guards. I saw your spy outside right away.

>Can you cut the Good Cop Bad Cop act already? This isn't a movie.

>If anyone was gonna commit treason, why would they do it in the most openly suspicious place in the whole town? You don't think that's a little TOO obvious?

>write in

>>4784283
>Can you cut the Good Cop Bad Cop act already? This isn't a movie.

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>>4784298
>Can you cut the Good Cop Bad Cop act already? This isn't a movie.

After a few moments, you think you grasp the game at play here. Rolling your eyes, you point first at the angry man, and then back at the supposed leader.

"Look...can you cut the Good Cop Bad Cop act already? This isn't a movie", you say, as nonchalantly as possible. For a moment, the room just collapses into dead quiet. Blinking at you, the angry fellow turns to his boss, who proceeds to shrug. The third man, having holstered his pistol, just laughs. Loud.

"He's got a pair on him, this Huzaran. That much is for sure", he states. "I'm bored anyways. Long day. Boss?"

The older man stretches, before pulling the angry one by the collar. Begrudgingly, he accepts the cue, straightening up.

"Enough, I said. Captain Pappen will be wanting our report", he says, before tuning back to your group. "We heard about your little rescue. Congratulations."

"For my trouble", the third one says, grabbing a bottle of whiskey as they leave. Charotte stares. He doesn't look back, just waving bye.

"...s'étrangler dessus...", she mutters.

With that, the three of them slink past you, and head outside the door. As they pass by, the leader stops beside you.

"Good heart, pilot. Use your head more", he says, before sliding by. The doors close behind them with a thud.

Behind the counter, Charlotte deflates, sitting back into a chair. A sigh of relief sounds out from her as she looks up.

"Thank you", she says, after a moment. "Really. Those pricks came in a few hours ago, and no matter what I said they weren't happy. I don't know who tipped them off like that, but....", she gets an angry look on her face and spits.

Braun sidles up and slips into a stool at the bar. He shrugs and removes his glasses, dabbing at them. He sighs.

"Implying they weren't just bullshitting you. I mean, someone blabbing to them isn't impossible, but they don't work like cops. Might be that magical call never happened", he says. "Might be it did."

Before Charlotte can respond, you hear a cough from the back hall. The teenage girl and the woman who had been all over Sergei before. Hanna? No...uh...

"Are they gone Hilde?", the one girl asks, looking around. Her accent is thicker than Charlotte's, her local origins more plain. The other, more confident, sniffs and strides out. She dusts herself off.

"Clearly. And a good riddance too....", she lights up as she sees Sergei, saying something in her own, mushy bastard dialect. Sergei coughs into his hand.

You blink. No fucking way.

Was the Count embarrassed...by a girl?! The absurdity of it is nearly beyond you, but as you all settle in, you decide that you have more pressing matters...

Such as....
---
>Sergei, I challenge you to a rematch!

>...is your son actually with the Merovians??

>just kick back and relax. Creator knows you deserve this.

>>4784396
>>just kick back and relax. Creator knows you deserve this.

>>4784396
>just kick back and relax. Creator knows you deserve this.
>"Good heart, pilot. Use your head more"
And harrasing the local populace is going to get us an advantage? Fuck that moron.

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>>4784416
>>4784452
>>just kick back and relax. Creator knows you deserve this

As it happens, it actually IS nice to simply kick back and relax. You know, who knew that just enjoying yourself without fighting flying psychos. Or trying to open up your mind...power...thing. Oh and the esoteric dream vision shit.

"---and Luigi says to him, 'That is my mother!' And then I Punched him! Hah!", Luigi roars, as he nurses a drink. Charlotte has been generous, granting you a cheap(though never free), day.

You, you are for one enjoying what seems to be some kind of local take on schnapps. However perhaps because there isn't an actual contest, you are keeping it at a moderate pace. No use in going full blind drunk without reason. And there were certain...amusements.

(Thud)

"Hah!", Sergei says, sharply. "You see this, Braun? It comes naturally to me. Like much, I might say.."

"I'll say too", Hilde remarks. Sergei has apparently discovered a liking for the dartboard, much to Braun's chagrin. The Strelkayan consistently seems to land right on the money.

The Captain on the other hand....

(Thud)

"Well shit...", he sighs. Wide again. He turns over to you, lazily waving a dart.

"Rook, help me out, huh?", he asks. "This noble prick is gonna make me look bad. You want in?"

Well, why not? At the very least this was a way to give it to Sergei without needing to reduce yourself to a drunken heap. Putting the drink down, you walk over.

"Good luck I guess", Braun says, handing you a few darts. Sergei smiles smugly.

"He will need it."

You narrow your eyes as you examine the target. A standard board. You can do this.

"Hah! You can do this, friend Stanislaw!", Luigi calls out. Well alright then. Sergei snorts.

You take aim.
---
>1d10

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4784571

Two mor?

Rolled 3, 4 = 7 (2d10)

Alright, I'll work my magic

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Rolled 8, 5, 4 = 17 (3d10)

>>4784765

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>>4784594
>>4784637
>>4784765
>>4784768
>3 success!

>Score 1-0

(Thud)

Well, it's no bullseye, but it certainly is nit bad either. Sergei steps up to take his own toss at the mark. With a slight grunt, he sends his dart flying. Wide. He frowns.

"Hmpf", is all he says.

The next throw is better for him, with him getting edge. Your initial toss must have made you overconfident, because you land fairly far out. Sergei, however, places it about as close as you can get without a bullseye.

"Alright then", Braun says. "Looks like next toss wins round 1."

You raise a brow.

"Round one?", you ask.

"You did not think", Sergei begins. "That I would leave this up to a lucky flick of the wrist, Da? Best two of three rounds for us. That way there can be no...Dispute!"

His throw is good. Not as good as his last but comfortable enough. Concentrating, you aim. Breathe in...aaaaand...

Throw!

(Thud!)

"Hah! Alright!", you say, with a grin. "Round 1 to me!"

Sergei rolls his eyes.

"Beginners luck, simple. I'll win the other two", he says, already collecting his darts. You scoff.

"Beginner's luck? Do nobles even play Darts in Strelkaya?", you ask. Somehow it did not strike you as the most upper class of games.

"Nyet. Not particularly. I will admit, I had never really been to a 'bar' either before meeting you all. An interesting experience. Now, throw?"

You nod and take your place.

Alright...aim Stanislaw. Aim.
---
>1d10!

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4784790

Two more?

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4784790

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4784790

Rolled 6, 4, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>4785180
>>4785364
>>4785365
Sergei goes brrrr

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>>4785382
>10 fail!
>Score 1-1

(Thud)

"Shit", is all you say. Your third throw of the set settles itself in a thoroughly bad spot. Smiling in anticipation, Sergei flicks his own dart forward, ready for the kill. You moan as you see the spot.

(Thud)

"And that, my friend, is my round", Sergei states, examining the dart board. It had been ugly. On the bright side, you at the very least had your safety net of the first round win. Ok, it was ok.

As you are collecting the darts, you hear a slight giggle, and notice Hilde whispering something into Sergei's ear. With a predatory grin, the Count waves a hand at you. You blink.

"Yeh?'

"You know...Stanislaw. It is often said that there is nothing like proper stakes to make a man really focus....", he starts.

"Meaning?"

"Oh come on-", Braun starts, but Sergei waves him away. Placing some cash on the table, Sergei stares you down. There is a competitive glint in his eye. Ah, this can only mean one thing.

"Let's make this a little more interesting. Surely you are itching to regain your losses from our poker match? Or your escapade on the football field maybe?", he asks.

Hmmmm
---
>Bets always go south for you lately. Just play the third round.

>Hah! Your on! Don't regret it, Sergei!

>DoUbLe oR NoThInG

>write in.
---


>That's all for tonight! Stay Excellent! Small chance we may start on Thursday this week! I'll let you guys know. Until then get those votes in!

>>4785408
>Bets always go south for you lately. Just play the third round.
Nah don't want to lose all our money yet.

>>4785408
>>Bets always go south for you lately. Just play the third round.

>>4785408
>Bets always go south for you lately. Just play the third round.

>>4785408
>DoUbLe oR NoThInG

>>4764605
Thursday confirmed

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>>4785441
>>4785950
>>4786302
>>4788262
>Bets always go south for you lately. Just play the third round

You resist the impulse to jump on the bet that Sergei is putting forth. Looking back, it strikes you that you always seem to lose anything you bet on lately. Some kind of run of bad luck surely, but you'd rather not find yourself short again. So you shrug.

"I mean, if it's all the same to you bud, I'd rather just play the round for fun. Have pity on a pleb in poverty eh?", you ask. Sergei snorts, but accepts it.

"So be it. Maybe you are wising up. But alright, keep your money. The pride of the victory will be enough!", he declares. With a nod, you take your places.

"Alright", Braun states. "This is the final round. Next victor wins the whole thing. Stanislaw? If you would?"

Focusing on the board, you take aim!

And toss!
-
>1d10

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4792795

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4792795

Two more?

Rolled 1 (1d10)

I'll pick it up then. Come on 1!

Rolled 8, 1, 3 = 12 (3d10)

>>4792921
Sergei

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>>4792805
>>4792867
>>4792921
>>4792926
>1 auto success
>Sergei 1 autosucces
>Sergei gets higher score by a point
>Sergei wins!
>2-1!

(Thud)

As it happens, your very first throw is as good as you can get. A dead bullseye that's right on the money. You hear Luigi give a shout of encouragement behind you as you admire your work. Now then, let's see Sergei top th-

(Thud!)

Blinking, you turn back to the board to see a quivering dart tucked right beside your own on the bullseye. No way! What the actual hell man! Seeing your reaction, Sergei thumbs the tip of his dart.

"A good thing you did not bet, Da?", he asks. "As I have said. One throw does not make a game."

"But the next two do!", Hilde chirps. Nodding, you take up your position again, trying to eye the target. At the last moment however, your shoe catches on a loose board, and your shot lands near the edge of the center. Not a good throw by any means. Shaking your head, Sergei steps up to the mark.

To your surprise, he does even worse than you. His shot actually DOES land in the outer ring. But he clearly isn't too upset, shrugging it off.

"Your last throw, Stanislaw", he says. "Try and make it count."

So you try.

It's not your best toss of the game, but it is certainly a solid one. The dart misses the bullseye but isn't far off. Satsified, you turn to watch Sergei try and win this thing. After a few moment of scratching his chin, the Count takes aim....

And throws!

(Thud!)

"Ah shit", Braun mutters. Ah shit indeed. Sergei had placed his Dart with precision. Just inside your own, a tiny but noticeable deal closer to the center. It was all over...

"And that, my friend", Sergei says, placing a hand on his hip. "Is my victory. That's what, Stanislaw. The third time?"

"Yeh. Yeh I think", you mumble. It kind of sucked, since you thought you finally had the guy. Then again, it was just a friendly game and you hadn't lost money.

After you collect and replace the darts, you are on the brink of ordering a self pity drink when you hear curses in Merovian. Proper Merovian, you think, not the mushy mixed tongue of this region. To your surpise, a bearded old man rolls himself into the bar. In a wheelchair.

You recognize him as the fellow with no legs from your last trip here. As he enters, you notice Charlotte set a place for him, pouring a smoothe shot with practiced finesse. The man grunts in approval, but not before giving you all the stink eye.

"Ah, Sacre Bleu! The Konerlanders are back again! I swear Charlotte, if I had my legs, why I'd, I'd--"

"You would sit here and drink. They have guns you'll notice", she responds, drily. "Drinking is what you do."

The old man frowns and downs his drink. He wipes his mouth with a ragged sleeve.

"Hmph. I have a gun too. And I'll be damned if I say otherwise! The Boche know better than to try and take it!"

Sergei laughs.

"Ah yes. They are terribly frightened of the town drunk, I'm sure", he says, eyes rolling. The old man squints.

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>>4792982
"Town drunk?", the old man repeats angrily. "Try town HERO! Do you know you I am you little noble shit?"

Sergei looks taken aback, but he soon regains his edge. Waving the 'town hero' away, Sergei returns to his drink-and Hilde.

"I don't particularly care", is all he says. "I've better things than to cater to the senile and the drunken."

The old man's nostrils flare. Then he chuckles sourly.

"Oh don't you give me that. You nobles take shits like the rest of us. That's a funny accent you got there, boy. Not a Konerlander proper I don't think. A Bohmomd maybe?", he asks. Sergei wrinkles his lip at the idea.

"Strelkayan, born and raised"

"Ah, the snowmen. Big scary bears and all that oh yeah. Well, Your Royal Snowy Nobilityness of Strelkaya, don't give me that pompous act. You made a fool out of yourself like everyone else last time you were here! Hah blood noble. Bah!"

"Don't be jealous old man. It's bad for the wrinkles I hear. Of which you have plenty"

The old man nods and raises a brow.

"And would you have noticed that before or after you inspected some tavern wench's tits?", he laughs. "Very noble of you. Oh yes."

The man returns to his drink, as Sergei seethes in his booth. Braun shrugs.
---
>You said Town Hero? How's that?

>Guess you woke up on the wrong side of the minefield old man. Or fell on it, as the case may be.

>Say something angrily complex and confusing in Huzaran.

>write in

>>4793004
>You said Town Hero? How's that?

>>4793004
>You said Town Hero? How's that?

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>>4793054
>You said Town Hero? How's that?
>>4793131


The idea of this old kook being a war hero of some kind is bizarre to day the least. However, he has something of old Laszlo from the farm about him. And now that you look for it, you see it. The way he carries himself, despite missing his legs and stinking of booze.

"You said town hero?", you ask. "How's that?"

The question has barely left your mouth when Charlotte groans in complaint. You give her a curious look, but she just answers with a sigh. The old man on the other hand practically beams.

"Eh? Hah! You see Charlotte? There may be hope for the youth of today! Now, listen here youngster. You are looking at Captain Pascal Claudel in the flesh!", he barks. "And was I here before Konerland took us over!"

"So were all the old folks", Charlotte grumbles. But the old man spits and shakes his head.

"Eh, fair. But I was HERE. THEN. When the Boche came charging over the border! Those years ago. Why, I remember it like it was yesterday!", Pascal exclaims.

"Wait a second", Braun states, raising a hand. "Are you trying to tell us you were in the Alzen Liberation? Creator old man, how did you lose your legs when all we did was walk in?"

"HAH!", Pascal laughs. " 'Walk in!' Shit! Is that what you say? Well I reckon you did walk in I guess. Not very brave of you, waiting for a Revolution before fighting us. Half the army was in mutiny, the other half was in the interior, and that left us poor fucking frontier guards all by our lonesome I suppose."

You search your knowledge for anything about a real battle for Alzen province and come up blank. Everything you'd read stated it had been a simple annexation. Some skirmishes, brief ones, but nothing too serious. Well, not in the opening stages at least. Seeing your confusion, Pascal waves his finger at you.

"So there I was, in my shiny uniform. Things were tense already. I'd just had two men nearly kill each other over politics. Vive Le Roi vs Vive Le Republique. OUR Republic mind you. Not yours. Anyways, all of a sudden comes this actual, real, unironic ARMY across the border. Some of the towns they get a standing ovation. Others they get stares. Well, my job was protecting my place. So I fucking well did!", Pascal says, with a devilish smile.

"You tried to fight", you supply. The idea was suicidal, but you honestly were a bit shocked that the old man had been willing to face those odds.

"Hell yes. Well, it was a few hundred men coming our way down the road. An advance formation that eventually reached our barracks. They asked me to surrender. Hah! I told them to fuck themselves and then brought out our old heavy piece. An old, rusty bitch. But hell did she send them pissing. Well, until your lot brought their own and blew us to hell. I lost 20 men and my legs", Pascal finishes, proudly.

>>4793150
"And how does that qualify you for hero status?", Sergei drawls. "You lost. You are standing in Konerland now, yes?"

The old man draws himself up.

"Nobody else damn well put up the fight I did damnit. No sir. We kept them off long enough so the people who needed to get the hell out did. You won't read THAT in one of your books, Easterner", he says, draining his glass again. Charlotte fills it back up smoothly enough. Then the old bat gets a grouchy look in his eyes.

"When I finally did surrender, the Boche officer put me in a stretcher and brought me back into town. For medical care, like I needed his charity. Bah! But damnit...that was the worse part. Not the losing, shit. The cheering. Half the place was hiding with their doors locked...the rest...", he veers off, staring into his glass.

You'd seen the pictures. Cheering villagers leaning from windows. Flowers raining down from above. Konerland flags draped on every wall and alley.

"...Hmph. Way I see it, the damn town owes me a few drinks for my service. And I'll be damned if I go to the fucking Rooster for them. Charlotte, do your papa a favor and bring me another, eh?"

You blink, but the resemblance is vaguely there once you look for it. The old kook had passes off some of his crotchiness to his daughter it would seem. Thankfully not his tangle of hair.

"Are you some kind of beggar then?", Sergei asks, finally. Pascal snorts.

"Beggar. Creator, heh. Nono. I was born here, see. In its infinite wisdom, your country decided to make us all citizens of the Grand Republic. All of us. I get a fucking pension."

"Now there's an irony.", Braun murmurs.

"Don't fucking remind me, Boche. But yeah. I'm the fucking town hero. Drink it in the lot of you.", Pascal finishes.
---
>The guy is delusional. Just ignore him.

>you have to admit, the audacity of his last stand was kind of cool.

>"How have you not been arrested? You don't just go around yelling at soldiers, right?"
---

>>4793177
>you have to admit, the audacity of his last stand was kind of cool.

maybe mention hes not all that different from our own father

>>4793177
>"How have you not been arrested? You don't just go around yelling at soldiers, right?"
>you have to admit, the audacity of his last stand was kind of cool.
Both good.

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>>4793506
>>4793716

>you have to admit, the audacity of his last stand was kind of cool.

Thinking on it, this old man's stand, even if it were rather pointless and against your own side, was actually kind of cool in a way. Not everyone would have had the balls to face the odds the way he had. You could respect that. You find yourself looking over the veteran with fresh eyes.

Noticing your interest, Pascal gives you(or perhaps himself) a smile.

"See Charlotte? THIS one appreciates a good story, and he's a damn Konerlander! Why can't you ever pay such attention?", he asks, causing Charlotte to sigh.

"Because I've heard it a million times. And they don't have to worry about running dry each time you walk by", she mutters.

Pascal waves her off.

"Bah"

"Well, I'm not actually from Konerland proper", You pitch in. Pascal nods at the information before sipping.

"Ah..Bohmond or Huzaran?", he asks.

"The latter", you say. The legless vet twirls the air with a finger before placing his hands on his lap with a loud thump.

"Well, your in their uniform, speaking their language, fighting in their war. Lad, that makes a proper Konerlander for me!", he says. You don't think it's a complement, but there isn't much spite in it.

A thought hits you, and a tiny smile appears on your face. Pascal raises a brow in response.

"Something funny?", he asks, heatedly.

"Well it's just you actually remind me, I guess, of my own father. Sort of. He's an old soldier too. ", you elaborate. Granted, your father's way of hating Konerland wasn't to get wasted at a bar. It was something cold. He had stewed in it for years and years. Still was. You could hear the passion in your father's voice even if he never raised it. This man had never tried to hide it. Flashy. In many ways they were also opposites, you suppose.

"Ah...and other then that?"

The little smile comes back.

"You certainly have the same views on Konerland, for certain. Creator, I thought we'd never speak again when I told him I was volunteering. We did, but....", you veer off. You'd left things fairly good with dad, but you knew he simply couldn't approve. It went bone deep with him.

"Ohohoho", Pascal says, eyeing you. "Smart man. A toast to Papa Huzaran. Salut!", he says, slamming another one back with ease. "He's got all his legs though, I hope?"

You nod. Your father had come out of it surprisingly well physically. It always always shocked you how few scars a lifelong soldier like him had.

"How have you not been arrested? Don't our guys care about you yelling obscenities about us?", you ask, baffled.

"Cause they know an old drunk when see one, and they probably think its funny", Charlotte interjects.

"It's the legs I tell you, they scare the knickers off them!"

Pascal waves you off and returns to his brooding. You feel a thump on the shoulder and turn to see Luigi smiling at you.

"The old man tells a good tale, Si. But I think not so good as mine. Why, Luigi recalls when--"
--

>>4793730
--
After a while of properly amusing yourself inside the bar, you finally notice the building start to fill up. The time is nigh you suppose. Still, thanks to a surprising level of self control, youd managed to stay uh...relatively sober. Yeh.

And with Pascal snoring loudly at the bar, not like you were in danger of passing out. A few of the incomes give you nasty looks as they seat themselves. The two serving girls hop to it. Sergei mumbles into a cup of wine as he is alone once more.

In the back, a particularly nasty looking pair is giving you eyes. They appear vaguely familiar, although you can't quite place them. One is clutching that bottle rather firmly. Hmm...

Luigi, tackling a chicken, is apparently unaware of the tension. Instead he is massacring the bird at a ravenous pace. Big man big appetite. And Braun is taking a piss. So you are basically stuck staring this weirdos down.

Local roughs? Spies? Assassins?

Did you really wanna find out?
---
>It's uh...about time you took your leave. Grab the others and head back to base. You should avoid getting wasted any more.

>Flip bars to the Rooster. Fuck these guys.

>Stay and stare em down! More drinks!

>>4793734
>Stay and stare em down! More drinks!

>>4793734
>Stay and stare em down! More drinks!

WW1 Newtype action!

>All for tonight. Stay excellent and see you later today.

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>>4793880
>>4794003
>Stay and stare em down! More drinks!

Huh. Well, as it stands, you are gonna try and enjoy your time off. No sense letting these asshats try and intimidate you. Instead you rap the table, and Hilde places a drink before you. Sipping it, you lock eyes with the scarier looking of the two.

He glares right back, taking a chug at his own drink. You can tell what this is. It's a matter of who backs down first!
-
>1d10
-

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4794579

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4794579

One more?

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4794652

Rolled 4, 9, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>4794671

>>4794585
>>4794633
>>4794671
>>4794672
>2 pass

You don't waver from your staring contest. No way are you gonna back down from this creeper! Soon enough, your stand is successful, and the man just turns away, muttering angrily.

Nodding in satisfaction, you look up and notice Braun eyeing you.

"What was that all about?", he asks, taking a seat across from you. Shrugging, you wave a hand.

"Hell if I know sir. They've been glaring at us the whole time. Guess they aren't so brave when we have the numbers", you say. Captain Braun gives you a sly look over his glasses.

" ' Have the numbers?' ", he asks with some mirth. "You looked around?"

Ah...you do get your point. It was easy ti forget, you guess, that most of the people in here probably hated your guts. Or at least would have not interfered if some local thug had a go at you. Hmpf.

"Still", Braun continues. "I reckon they are harmless enough. More bark than bite I imagine. And besides, they see that uniform Stanislaw. Killing one of us wouldn't be worth the response."

"Kill us?!", Luigi booms, rising up from his chair with an unsteady gait. The day kong fun is having an impact. People look up from their activities wide eyed. "WHO? THEY SHALL FACE LUIGI PESANI!!"

Cursing, Braun yanks the big man down, and it's a testament to Luigi's respect that he slowly takes his seat again.

"Creator you lug, you trying to start a fight?", Braun asks. Luigi shrugs his board shoulders with a laugh.

"My captain. What I start I finish! You do not need to fear. In all of Aldani, none have such solid arms and expansive chest!", the big man proclaims, thudding said chest with a meaty hand.

You hear a chair sliding against the ground, and notice Sergei rising. Before him stands a skinny youth, twiddling a dart between his fingers. You listen.

"--our funeral, Count", the teenager says with a greasy smile. Sergei just scoffs and places money on the table. Ah, so that's the way of it.

Well, it couldn't hurt to watch...
----

"Now you see...that...", Braun says, leaning against the truck. That was what I call some relaxation. Right?"

You nod, a buzz going through your scalp. Trying to actually keep your wits, and perhaps thanks to your tolerance, you had largely avoided becoming incoherent. Sergei also had succeeded. He was if anything in better shape than you.

Luigi and Braun....

"I...Luigi needs rest...", you hear, before a big slab of Aldanian muscle man collapses into the back of the artillery hauler. As you approach the driver's door, you feel a hand on your shoulder.

"You aren't going to kill us?", Sergei asks. "I enjoy living, as it happens."

"Hey you've had as much as him", Braun replies, before leaning back and closing his eyes. Sergei nods patiently.

"I have. I'm also less drunk. My liver is the result of superior breeding, as it happens", Sergei responds. You honestly cannot tell if he is making a joke or being serious.

Raising a brow, you scratch your chin.

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>>4794738
"Sergei, you dont even know how to drive, right?", you ask. In fact, you honestly dont think Sergei had ever been in a car that wasn't driven by some inferior or a chaffuer. That didn't exactly instill confidence...

"I'm a quick study."

Hmmm
----.
>pft, Your fine. You are driving still.

>fine fine. Take it then.

>>4794743
>fine fine. Take it then.

Rolled 10, 4, 8 = 22 (3d10)

>>4794804
>fine fine. Take it then.

For a second you almost protest, then become aware of the fuzziness. Grumbling, you accept his offer.

"Alright fine. Take it. I'll be sitting shotgun so if you need any advice..."

Sergei raises a hand.

"Advice? Hah!", he laughs, climbing into the truck with you.

"It cannot possibly be difficult...."

You hold on.

And he goes!

>>4794911
>Auto-fail first roll
lel

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>>4794911
>10 Sergei auto fails! Oh no!

Creator why did you agree to this.

"--hit! Oh shit!", Braun calls out, as the heavy truck takes another sharp turn under Sergei's hands. The car vibrates in complaint as Sergei barely keeps the damn thing from flipping.

He is also traveling far faster than the damn thing has any right to be. First he'd nearly run over that cabbage stand in town. Now this. . ..

"Oh..Luigi is gonna be, be-siBLAAAAGH!"

"Fuck! What the fuck man!, Braun screams out.

Ignoring the sudden stench, you reject your attention to Sergei, whose face shows a mixture of confusion and frustration. You know the next part of the road is rather difficult....

And has a hill.

"Sergei, you really should-"

"Nono. I have it. I simply need to...use this?", he asks himself as you peak a hill. Doing so, the car suddenly jolts towards, having changed gears..the wrong one.

Bolting ahead, the truck goes flying as it crests, headed for what you hope is a solid landing down below....

"Hold on!"
---
>1d10

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4794929

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4794929
Sergei!
Your liver may be of superior breed but your driving is utter shit!

One mor?

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4795106
Inb4 10

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>>4794942
>>4794942
>>4795148
>7 success!

The vehicle slams down into the earth, wheels spinning. You manage to brace just in time, and while you are rattled it's not too bad. Luigi just moans in the back while Braun keeps cursing.

"..ot on my glasses. What the actual--"

"Hah! Did you see that? It was like something from a horse race. Except the horsepower was under the Hood!", Sergei exclaims. A sheen of sweat is on his brow. He quickly recovers.

"And you said I couldn't drive."

You smirk.

"Driving is one thing. Driving well...", you veer off as he frowns.

"Hmpf", he grunts. "Work on your darts."

And like that you carry on your way.
--
Back at base, after a long, good shower, you decide to turn in. While your excursion into town had been plenty enjoyable, you'd be lying if you said it also hadn't been tense at times. You could do with a neat rest.

There was after all no telling what operation you'd be plunging into next! Still you figure that you may as well check out what's on the airwaves. As you flick it on, static greeted you.

*-uly a tragic affair. However, in news not related to the War, we can confirm now that the USC, that is, the Unified States of Columbia, has seen nativist protests against Konerlander and Terish immigrant communities located in major cities. The cause? Anger at the idea of these "foreign elements" lobbying for peace with our nation! Consul David Wright has expressed sympathy with their plight. No word on the opinion of Consul Jose Oberon. But one imagines-*

You wrinkle your nose a bit. That's twice now you've heard Radio Rozenberg comment on the affairs of the behemoth nation across the sea. Hmpf. Well, it wasn't like the Columbians were going to step outside their own continent. They had too many issues as is.

Of course.

In any case, that little tidbit of info was only part of the program.

*And, back to the war, we can report something reassuring. The exploits of the Sturmwings are well known. Most famously our beloved White Lion, Count August Van Hel....*

You brighten up, tuning in.

*...and in his latest series of victories, the Baron and his Griffons have done it again. We can now confirm the destruction of Tourbillon Flight, an elite Merovian unit....the Baron, as always was informative in victory. His words now.*

*Well it is quite simply a matter of skill. One has the gift or does not. Tourbillon were worthy foes, but it was not enough. One cannot simply fly a plane to be a pilot. They must unite with their craft...*

The voice is aristocratic to a T, rich in the flavors of the southern mountains and hills. As the program fades to generic music, you think on it. You wonder what it's like to be so famous.
---
>Fame is kind of overrated. It's results that matter, not recognition.

>To be honest it's unfortunate nobody is picking up your own exploits. You've been on a fucking roll man.

>Well, it cant hurt to have your moments in the papers right?

>write in

>>4795335
>Fame is kind of overrated. It's results that matter, not recognition.
And if the results are satisfying enough you get fame.
Also it draw a target on your back. Why lose the advantage of being unknown?

>>4795335
>>Well, it cant hurt to have your moments in the papers right?

>>4795335
I'll give it a few minutes for a third vote. Imma make a coffee.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4795397
>>4795473
So be it. Fate ahoy

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>>4795501

>Well, it cant hurt to have your moments in the papers right?

Thinking on it, you come to the conclusion that there isn't anything wrong with a bit of spotlighting now and then. It was only truly a problem when people let it go to their heads. Letting it get in the way of the mission, etc. That kind of thing. At the same time tho...

....it would be really neat to see a headline with you on the front page. If only just once. But you shrug. Secondary concerns you guess. It wasn't like you had a bunch of time to be flashy these days. Way too much crazy shit happening in the air.

But right now...you had a date with your pillow. And it was looking awful pretty...
--

Not that your break from danger lasted long. No sir. Duty called.

The next time you found yourself called before Ernst, a few days had passed of standard, relatively simple patrols. Boring really but a change of pace. From the Flight Controller's face, however, it was clear that easy treatment was at an end.

"You seem agitated", Sergei observes, bemused. Ernst puffs on his cigarette before blowing a sharp stream of smoke. The Flight controller shrugs his shrug.

"Not so much agitated as filled with anticipation", he says. Behind him, Ingrid's eyes have dark circles, a sure sign that she has been about one of her signature work blitzes yet again. Oh boy.

"Something big sir?", you ask. You knew Ernst had been talking about accelerating your time table. It was a simple necessity if you were to avoid massive bloodshed when that oaf of a field Marshal got the go ahead. Was this the result?

He nods.

"Just so. And call it the prelude to something even bigger. Ingrid, the map of the Huffendor, if you would. Thank you."

With a nod, Ingrid flips open a large map of said valley. Smoothing it out, you glance over it. Instantly your eyes catch on the red circles in a few places. Catching your eye, Ernst smiles.

"Those would be the targets, yes", he says, taking another pull. "What you are looking at are the locations of shiny new radio and telegraph stations. We will be blowing them up."

He looks thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, perhaps I miss-speak. Crow Flight will be blowing them up. Not that you aren't vaguely capable...but your skills are needed another way. You do Remember those birds I trust? Yes? Alright then", he says, as Braun raises a hand.

"You want us to escort them I take it?", the Captain suggests. Ernst nods..Slowly.

"After a fashion...Ingrid?"

Perking up, Ingrid clears her throat.

"Oh! Well! Like the Flight Controller said, you'd surely be capable of blowing up these stations! But, well given the circumstances..."

"Ahem"

"R-right. You WILL be escorting a single member of Crow each. In pairs that is.", she says, as Sergei looks irritated.

"Pairs?", he wonders.

"Uh, one of you and one of-"

"We know what pairs are!", Sergei snaps. "But why? We'd be safer in a group. Our firepower would be more concentrated-"

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>>4795593
"-And so would we", you state. The thought just sort of hit you. "This is to help with stealth right?"

Ernst nods in approval.

"Exactly. The Frogs are less likely to notice or care about a few pairs of us wandering around the valley. One flying assault force though? With purpose? Now that would get their attention", he says. Luigi looks thoughtful.

"My commander", he starts. "With respect, surely Werewolf or Vampire could-"

Ernst taps the table.

"Handle this? No, actually. Vampire is napping. Yeh, they do that. And Werewolf will be elsewhere. They will be your distraction.", he states. Luigi looks crestfallen, but Ernst shrugs.

"Oh don't be a baby", he smirks. "This is important work. Those valleys play hell with ground radio once you get over a certain distance. The Merovians need this network completed to accommodate that. We'll be crippling it....and then...", he veers off ominously.

"On to their airbase!", Ingrid inserts, in high spirits. It seems Sergei's rudeness hadn't phased her. Ernst smiles.

"Exactly. We've entered what is the final stages of our plan. Everything so far has been a set up and test run....", he looks you all over, pale blues shining.

"Upon the collapse of their network efforts, the Huffendor garrison will have serious issues communing with their forces inside Lothren. They'll need luck. Or do things the old fashioned way."

"And they'll be vulnerable", Braun adds.

"Just so. And WHEN we destroy their valley airbase, we will have achieved local superiority. Over their only remaining supply line. They cannot afford not to respond. And in force at that. Which means--"

"Boucher", you state with certainty. Foudre Flight would have to fly out on that day. And the decisive battle to obliterate the enemy air force around Lothren would occur.

"Boucher", Ernst agrees. "And Foudre Flight with him. But first we need to decide on our opening dispositions."

You nod, looking over the map, and the scribbled assignments. And you choose your target.

>Location A. Located nearest the valley edges. The shortest flight, but they will likely be aware of their vulnerability.

>Location B. Situated on the lowest part of the valley floor, whoever attacks it will be exposed from above. Could be hot.

>Location C. Relatively Close to the enemy airbase. That was dangerous. But could it's very closeness make the Merovians overconfident?

>Location D. Farthest into the valley and along the supply route. You'd be exposed the Longest, with the least room for error and hang time. A proper challenge?

>well I guess that's it for tonight. See you lads tommorow. Stay excellent!

>>4795629
>>Location B. Situated on the lowest part of the valley floor, whoever attacks it will be exposed from above. Could be hot.

>>4795629
>Location D. Farthest into the valley and along the supply route. You'd be exposed the Longest, with the least room for error and hang time. A proper challenge?

>>4795629
>Location B. Situated on the lowest part of the valley floor, whoever attacks it will be exposed from above. Could be hot.

>>4795629
>Location D. Farthest into the valley and along the supply route. You'd be exposed the Longest, with the least room for error and hang time. A proper challenge?

Anyone wanna cast the tie breaker vote?