>>47201939

"Political prisoners?" Tobias asks.

"Veterans, monarchists, naysayers. Anyone against those in power unlucky enough to get caught, but fortunate enough to survive the experience," Elias answers.

"This isn't some far-flung outpost," Tobias murmurs. "That's over a hundred armed men in that camp, at least."

"Do they have Valkyries?" Elias asks, looking from him to you. "Our goal isn't to destroy it. Colonel Julius and his men, if they're still alive, are in there. We rescue them them, and our resistance lives to see another day."

"We're just meant to leave the others?" Emma asks, staring off at the camp. "They'll be worked to death if we leave them. Maybe worse, if they're still here after we're gone."

"We can't just leave them there," Anna adds hesitantly. "Sarah?"

"The longer we remain, the better the chance of enemy reinforcements arriving. Two to one odds I'll accept. Anymore, though..." Elias shakes his head. "Moving this many people into hiding would be a challenge, to say the least. Though, I admit, we could do well for the recruits. Whatever your choice, my men are at your disposal, Valkyrie. "

All of them look to you for an answer. Your stomach sinks.

>"We save them. All of them."
>"The Colonel and his men are our priority."

>>47201949
>WE SAVE THEM ALL. RISE IN REVOLUTION COMRA...I MEAN WARRIORS!

[Spoiler] as for the faggots who go 'muh board, muh quest, go. We are not forced to do anywhere. Its an optional board.

>>47201949
>>"We save them. All of them."
Welcome back op

>>47202359
Glad to be back.

>>47201949

"We're not leaving anyone behind," You say. "We're saving them. All of them."

Many, including most of the Finns, are pleased to hear your answer. Elias appears exasperated, but offers no comment of objection. Instead, he and Tobias begin to discuss a plan of attack.

"There's two hundred yards between the treeline and the perimeter fence," Tobias says. "I don't fancy a daylight assault over open ground. A night attack would get us close before they spotted us, and let us catch them in their beds."

"If we're intent on rescuing them all, we'll need proper transport," Elias explains. "There are likely vehicles in the camp itself, but it may not be enough. At sunset, more often that not, a convoy arrives with fresh supplies for the garrison. We could use the transport, as well as the supplies."

You admit, you're not sure how well the militia could support so many people as they presently stood. Commandeering the supply convoy as they arrive would ensure the Finnish Resistance is sustained with both men and materials. Though you're not fond of the idea of adding that many more defenders to the fight.

"Be warned, Valkyrie," Elias continued. "If we take them, rather than using the woods, we may need a distraction. You and your sisters may need to intercept whatever we find on the road, to allow us time to disappear into the back roads and countrysides."

"It's only a full company we're assaulting," Tobias murmurs. "What's a few more guards on top of that?"

>"We'll wait until nightfall. Maximize our surprise."
>"We'll attack when the convoy arrives. We need everything we can get."

>>47202578
>>"We'll wait until nightfall. Maximize our surprise."

>>47202578
>"We'll wait until nightfall. Maximize our surprise."
Long time no see.

>>47202578
>"We'll wait until nightfall. Maximize our surprise."

I am the captain Elias, not you.

>>47202608
Hoping to change that, start getting back into the groove again.

>>47202578

"It won't do us any good if we're cut down before we can get to them," You shake your head. "No, we wait until nightfall. Use the darkness to our advantage."

"As you command, Valkyrie," Elias nods.

The plan is simple: Tobias and his men will divide into three teams, each assisted by a Valkyrie and a pair of Finns. You'll each advance from a different direction towards the camp, boxing it in with the only open side facing the mountain. You'll get as close as you can and then, once spotted or at the perimeter fence, each team would fire a flare to signal the attack and illuminate the area.

Tobias stands with his men, explaining the situation to them. As you do, you consider having him help lead one of the other teams. You're able to hold your own, but your sisters could likely use the help.

As you consider that, you also ponder which side of the camp you and your team will attack. None seem particularly appealing.

>Keep Tobias with you.
>Order him to assist Emma.
>Order him to assist Anna.

>Attack from the north, where the prisoner barracks rest.
>Attack from the east, where the main entrance and guard barracks are.
>Attack from the south, where the manufacturing and storage buildings sit.

>>47202857
>Keep Tobias with you.
>Attack from the east, where the main entrance and guard barracks are.

>>47202857
>Order him to assist Emma.
>Attack from the east

>>47202857
>Keep Tobias with you.
>Attack from the east, where the main entrance and guard barracks are.

>>47202857

You decide it's best to keep him with you. Each team possesses a radioman, so if something happens, you'll both know.

With that you all move into position and settle in for the night. True to Elias' word a convoy of half a dozen transport trucks arrive at sunset. And as sunset turns to night, they depart, bumping and rolling down the road before vanishing from sight.

A tap on the shoulder causes you to turn, finding Tobias standing in the moonlight. He taps his wrist and the watch that rests on it.

"It's time," He says.

You nod, pulling your heavy gun from its sling on your shoulder. A handful of Tobias' men were considering attempting to wield a weapon like yours, but as of yet no one had braved a field test.

You lead the way out of the treeline, crouched low and gun held ready. The others follow behind you at a similar pace. Ahead, every other tower sported a spotlight, swinging to and fro at a lazy pace. Alongside them rests the main gate, and most likely, the hardest point of entry.

Swallowing your anxiety, you press forward.

>Roll a 1d100, the lower the better.

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>47203228

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>47203228
OOORAH

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>47203228
I'm here if late

Well these are certainly rolls.

>>47203228

It's obvious the guards are near asleep. You grow close enough to see the nearest guard in his tower, less aiming the spotlight and more leaning against it.

You make three quarters of the way before a spotlight crosses over you, only to snap back a moment later.

"Alarm!" The guard shouts, followed by others second later.

You answer with a burst of gunfire that shreds the tower and causes the spotlight to erupt into a shower of sparks. The others move past you, Tobias pausing to fire a flare into the air. Two more join it as the sound of fighting sound across the camp.

>Advance with the others, fire on the move.
>Plant your feet and cover Tobias and his men.

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>47203630
>>Plant your feet and cover Tobias and his men.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>47203630
>Plant your feet and cover Tobias and his men.

we dead son

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>47203630
>Plant your feet and cover Tobias and his men.

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>47203630
>Advance with the others, fire on the move.

>>47203630

You might be able to handle the kickback of this gun, but that doesn't meant you're anything resembling a marksman. With that in mind you halt, brace yourself, and begin to fire short, controlled bursts at each tower. Made of nothing more than simple wood, each one is quickly torn to pieces by you.

By the time your gun runs dry Tobias and his men have the gate open. Tobias turns back to you and signals you forward. You pause to reload, allowing the spent magazine to fall into the snow.

You move forward to find the others having moved on without you, minus Tobias and a Finn. An explosion rocks the camp and you see a plume of fire and smoke erupt on the northern half of the camp. You guess Anna is putting her magic to work.

"We're advancing on the armory," Tobias explains. "You can either help us secure it or clear the enemy barracks, perhaps draw away attention from the others."

>Help them with the armory.
>Clear the barracks.

>>47204239
>Clear the barracks.

>>47204239
>>Clear the barracks.

>>47204239
>>Clear the barracks.

>>47204239
>Clear the barracks.

>>47204239

"I'll take the barracks," You say. "Stay safe."

"You too," Tobias says, offering a small smile before turning.

The entire camp is in chaos, an alarm now blaring atop the sound of gunfire. There a number of guard barracks, but you start with the largest one; a two-story building wearing Finnish Army colors.

You kick the door, sending it falling off its hinges with a loud clatter. You step inside to find half a dozen men haphazardly dressed in a dining hall, all armed with either a sidearm or a rifle. Four of the men are Finnish Army troops, while the fifth is a beige officer you saw before.

Turning to face you, wide-eyed, they hesitate.

>"Drop your weapons!"
>Kill them.

>>47204431
>>Kill them.

>>47204431
>>Kill them.
No prisoners

>>47204431
>"Drop your weapons!"

>>47204431
>Kill them.

Is Himmler time.

>>47204431
>Drop your weapons!
>Kill them
Maximum Edge

>>47204431

You don't have time for this.

You sweep your gun once across the room, killing them in a burst of gunfire. A pair of guards rush into the room, rifles prepared, and you shoot them too. Voices sound farther from the open door they emerged from.

You step into the hallway, finding similar men from before. Upon seeing you, some of them raise their weapons. Others simply look on in horror. The smart ones turn to run.

You steady your gun and get to work.

>Roll 1d100.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>47204552

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>47204552

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>47204552
welp

>>47204552

You fire down the hallway, tearing apart anyone unlucky enough to get caught in the way. You walk down the hallway, methodically inspecting each room.

You find several men finishing the act of dressing in their room, having taken the time to fully gather their equipment. You kill each one. You clear the first floor within minutes, the guards within dying either firing at you or trying to surrender.

You traverse up the stairs to the second floor where a number of them had retreated.

"Come on out," You call, a sadistic smile creeping onto your face. "I won't hurt you."

"Crazy bitch!" Is the answer from down the hall.

You fire down the hallway, seeing a man vanish around the corner. Something collides against the floor in front of you. Looking down, you see a hand grenade rolling towards you.

Well shi-

>Roll a 1d100.

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>47204761

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>47204761

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>47204761

>>47204761
WE'RE DEAD SON

>>47204761

You take a step back, bringing up an arm to shield your face as you turn away. The explosion sends you stumbling backwards but you keep your footing.

You look back at the hole in the floor where the grenade had been in wonder. How were you still alive, let alone still standing?

You look up and see the guard from before, a pistol leveled at you. He fires and you flinch, only to see a flash of light as the bullet impact the air a few inches away from you. Your expression of surprise is the same as the guard.

He fires again and the bullet sinks into your arm, causing you to cry out in surprise. Gritting your teeth, you fire at the man but once again he vanishes from view.

You take another way around to find the remainder of the garrison gone, having made a hasty retreat out a window. Looking out the broken windowsill, you see more prepared guards hurrying towards you.

>Let them come to you, keep them occupied.
>Why wait? Go out to greet them.

>Roll a 1d100.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>47205178
>Let them come to you, keep them occupied.

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>47205178
>>Let them come to you, keep them occupied.

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>47205178
>Let them come to you, keep them occupied.
What else is a machinegun for but shooting out a window at people trying to reach you?

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>47205178
>Let them come to you, keep them occupied.

>>47205178

You set up in the window and brace, firing into the approaching soldiers. You catch them by surprise, cutting down several and sending the survivors scrambling for cover.

You keep this going for some time until your gun runs dry once more. You step away from the window to reload as bullets punch their way through the space you previously occupied. To your worry you've gone through three of your five magazines. Some of Tobias' men were kind enough to carry extra, but right now they're not doing you any good.

You slap a full magazine in place and find a new window, shattering it and aiming down at the men below. However, as you do, your finger leaves the trigger as you recognize the uniforms of your comrades.

Tobias' men advance up the side of the building, accompanied by a handful of ragged looking men with Finnish weaponry. They begin to engage the men still shooting at the previous window, scattering the guards. Leading them is a bear of a man in the tattered, dirty remains of a Finnish Army uniform. Beside him is Elias, remaining close to his side as he advances.

Colonel Julius, you assume.

He pauses to look up at you in the windowsill, flashing you a grin that shines in the firelight.

"You must be Miss Sarah," He calls. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance!"

Not one to forget your manners, you vault through the window and fall two stories. The force of the landing rattles your teeth and causes your stomach to flop into your throat, but you do your best to appear no worse for wear.

>"Nice to meet you, Colonel. Need a hand?"
>"No time to talk, Colonel. We need to move."

>>47205721
>>"Nice to meet you, Colonel. Need a hand?"

>>47205721
>"Nice to meet you, Colonel. Need a hand?"

>>47205721
>"No time to talk, Colonel. We need to move."

COLONEL!

>>47205721
Glad to see you Argyle
>"Nice to meet you, Colonel. Need a hand?"

>>47205721

"Nice to meet you, Colonel," You say, extending your hand. "Need a hand?"

"By Odin's Eye, we could use whatever you can spare," He grinned. "I'll be happy to have you, Lady Sarah."

Lady? You don't know about that, but you decide to simply take the compliment. Another explosion, louder this time, gains your attention.

"Anna," You say.

You take off, leaving Elias and Julius to catch up as you sprint towards the sound. It's obvious that, while the number of friendly fighters has increased, the camp is far from pacified.

You round the corner to find Anna kneeling on the ground, breathing raggedly and on the verge of collapse.

Standing above her is a giant of mass and steel. Though unlike the knight from before, Cherebus, this man was simply that. Or, so you thought. As you stare on, a familiar sense of fatigue and nausea washes over you as you look at the man, who turns to face you.

"Sarah, run!" Anna calls, voice pained.

Bile rises in your throat as he approaches, carrying a similar weapon to your own. He pulls back the bolt, expending the casing inside. You can hear the others coming, but they sound a world away.

>Roll a 1d100.

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>47206521

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>47206521

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>47206521

>>47206642
Slow down there, buddy.

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>47206521
jesus plz take the wheel

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>47206756
He has abandoned you,have you ever considered Satan worship?

>>47206768
Low is good bb.

RIP Argyle.

>>47206756
Jesus has no place in this quest.

>>47206521

You can't move.

You can't breath.

You can't do anything but watch on in horror as he approaches. Your knees shake and buckle. You fall to your knees, weapon falling limply from your hands. Tears well up in your eyes, a chocked sob escaping your lips as he stops before you.

The figure looks down at you, face hidden behind his helmet. Despite his imposing figure, his tone is soft, almost remorseful.

"Requiesce in pace," He says, pulling a pistol from his hip and levels it at you.

He fires, and your world explodes into blinding red pain. And then, darkness and silence.

---------

The man approaches you and kneels, his head bowed nearly to the point of touching the floor.

"Speak the words," You command, though your tone is gentle and measured.

"You are my Lady, and I your charge," The man intoned, voice deep and rumbling. "Until my call to Valhalla, I will defend you with my life. For your life, I offer my own."

"Then rise, son of Odin," You say, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Rise, as one of my Einherjar."

---------

You awake with a start, gasping for air that refuses to come. Your chest heaves, each breath sending a shockwave of pain through your body. A pained, pitiful whimper escapes you.

"Sarah?"

Emma stands over you, obvious worries etched into her features.

"Sarah, can you hear me? Blink if you can hear me," She says.

"Blinking hurts," You groan, closing your eyes. "Everything hurts."

"Lie still," Emma says, gently but firmly keeping you flat as you try to move. "Just breath, let your senses come back."

She looked behind her.

"Gothi Maris, she's awake!" She calls.

You hear footsteps approach and you open your eyes see an elderly woman next to Emma. She places a hand against your forehead, and after a moment your pain begins to ebb away.

"How do you feel, child?" She asks.

>"Like something unlady-like."
>"What happened? Are you alright, Emma?"
>"Better, thank you."

>>47207561
>>"What happened? Are you alright, Emma?"

>>47207561
>"Like something unlady-like."

>>47207561
>"Like something unlady-like."

No but a child of the dice does.

>>47207561
>"What happened? Are you alright, Emma?"
>"WHERE'S ANNA!?!"

(That was a mistake on my part, third option was meant to be 'Where's/How's Anna?')
>>47207561

"Like something unlady-like," You murmur, then tense. "What happened? Where's Anna?"

You raise up and instantly regret it, but worry trumps pain.

"Where is she?" You ask again, more pressing this time.

"She's alright," Emma assures you. "See? She's fine."

On another bed beside you lays Anna, sleeping contentedly. The gentle rise and fall of her chest allows your nerves to calm, but you refuse to be laid flat again.

"Where are we?" You ask.

"In a temple, deep within the countryside," Gothi Maris says. "You and your friends are safe here."

"What...what happened?" You ask again, slower and more calmly.

"The man in the armor shot you in the chest," Emma says. "Tobias and his men killed him, but Anna was unconscious and you were bleeding out. With Anna being our healer, our options were limited. Julius told us to come here, and here...he saved you."

"He did?" You ask. "Where is he? Have you thanked him?"

At that Emma frowns, eyes casting downward. The Gothi's expression grows sullen.

"The Allfather has blessed me with his gift, but the connection I once held is long dead. To save you from death's door, drastic measures had to be taken. For one life to be saved, another had to be offered in its place."

At first you're uncertain of her meaning. Then the dream stirs in your mind, and your heart sinks.

"He's dead?" You ask. "But why-"

"He volunteered for the duty, before your lieutenant could. There was no time for argument," Maris says. "He said it was the highest honor he could hope for, to die for a Valkyrie."

(Cont.)

>>47208214

You're at a loss for words. You bring a hand up to your chest, where you're certain you felt death take you. Yet now, beneath the bandages, you feel nothing. Your sense of relief is only equal to your horror because of it. After everything that happened...

A hand takes your shoulder and squeezes.

"Stop overthinking things," Emma tells you. "We saved more people than we could have hoped for. The Resistance now has the chance to do more than just survive."

It's little consolation. Still, knowing Anna is alive is enough to keep back whatever self-doubts you have.

"Right now you need rest, to give time for your body to recover," Maris says. "Return to bed, child."

>"I'm no child, and I'm not staying in this bed anymore."
>"I...I understand..."
>"Can Emma stay and keep me company?"

>>47208219
>"Can Emma stay and keep me company?"

>>47208219
>"I'm no child, and I'm not staying in this bed anymore."
Kinda salty that we bad shit happened by QM fiat even with our roll of 99.

>>47208339
>What is roll under?

>>47208219
>>"I...I understand..."

>>47208398
>What is best of three?

>>47208219
>"I'm no child, and I'm not staying in this bed anymore."

>>47208423
Our best roll was 50. That isn't very good.

>>47208437
It is in the middle, And yet we had absolutely no option to fight? Just sit there like a retard and get shot for no reason when we've fought a knight like him before?

>>47208219
>"I'm no child, and I'm not staying in this bed anymore."

>>47208219

You know the woman only means well, but the comment makes you angry. You swing your legs over the side.

"I'm no child," You say, scowling. "And I'm not staying in this bed anymore."

Not wanting an argument, the Gothi raises her hands in submission and steps aside. Emma clearly objects to this, but decides to refrain from comment. With that you place a hesitant foot on the floor, wincing at the effort but voicing no complaint.

You stand straight, breathing steadily. You hesitantly let go of the table and steady yourself. Emma offers her arm, and you gratefully take it.

"You've got a bit of a crowd waiting for you," Emma warns as you start towards the exit. "I hope you're ready."

"Let's get on with it," You nod.

You walk through the door to find a large common room. There, dozens of people mingle about, some talking while others sleep or eat. Upon your appearance, however, a hush falls over the crowd. You spot Tobias with a pair of men, but the majority of the crowd are freed prisoners and Finnish Resistance.

The freed prisoners look on at you with broad smiles, but the Resistance fighters are more reserved. You don't blame them.

"Elias will want to speak with you," Emma whispers.

You move through the room, the crowd departing to allow you through. As you do, some of the prisoners bow or kneel.

"Thank you, Valkyrie," A man says.

"Gratitude, Lady Valkyrie!" A woman calls out.

A similar theme occurs throughout much of the crowd, even a handful of Resistance fighters wishing you well and thanking you. You find Elias with Tobias, discussing something between the two of them. Elias turn to you, offering a small, sad smile.

(Cont.)

>>47209008

"It does my heart good to see you well," He says. "My father would be proud of this. All of this."

He looks at the crowd around them.

"Julius was...?" Emma asks.

"Indeed," Elias nods. "He will be mourned, and he will be missed. But with his veterans officers saved, we will survive his passing. And thanks to you, our numbers have swelled to near bursting. You need not worry of word spreading of your involvement. After you and Lady Anna fell, we were all taken with rage. We put the entire garrison to the sword. The only remains the government will find are cinders and ash. The daring of the Resistance, and the fear of the Independents, will grow from this."

"I'm pleased to hear that," You say. "Though, I admit, we had intentions of our own."

"Your Lieutenant tells me as much," Elias nods. "Were I not now in command I'd depart with you with a pick of my men. Sadly, my place is now firmly here. If you wish, I can still see what support I can lend the Empire's last Valkyrie's."

You admit it's a difficult decision. You could use all the seasoned, loyal fighting men you can get your hands on. But at the same time, men left here are men fighting to return Finland to the Empire.

>"We'll take whatever support Finland offers."
>"Keep your strength, Colonel. Return Finland home, and your debt is paid."

>>47209019
>"We'll take whatever support Finland offers."

>>47209019
>"Keep your strength, Colonel. Return Finland home, and your debt is paid."

>>47209019
>"Keep your strength, Colonel. Return Finland home, and your debt is paid."

>>47209019

"Keep your strength, Colonel," You tell him. "Return Finland home, and your debt is paid."

Elias straightens at that, nodding stiffly.

"By the Allfather, I swear it done," He says. "We will be whole again, Lady Sarah."

With that you, Tobias, and Emma make towards the quarters meant for you. Though you want to get moving, you're not going anywhere until Anna heals.

"Where's my armor? You didn't leave Freyja did you?" You ask, turning to face Tobias.

"Who?" He asks, oblivious.

"My gun!" You say, as if there were any other answer.

"Calm yourself," Tobias chuckles. "All your things were returned to the ship, alongside most of the men. Only a few of us remained behind to look after you."

Satisfied, you follow Emma towards the living quarters. To your disdain they sit above you, two dozen stony steps between you and your room. The thought alone makes you weep as you rest a hand on your stomach.

"Do you need help?" Tobias asks, offering his arm.

>Accept the arm.
>"I'll manage, thank you."
>"Of course, Lieutenant. Carry me."

>>47209463
>>Accept the arm.

>>47209463
>Accept the arm.

>>47209463
>>"Of course, Lieutenant. Carry me."
Lose your trip?

>>47209463
>carry me LT.

Fucking hell. you forgot your trip

>>47209463
>Accept the arm.

>>47209463
>Accept the arm.

>>47209497
Oh, hell. How did THAT happen? Either 4chan is drunk or I am. Probably both.

>>47209463

Smiling appreciatively, you take the arm and make the treacherous journey up the stairs. It's a trying experience, but you manage with help. You reach the top without exhausting yourself, though you're slightly winded. You hope they don't notice.

"Does the Major know what's happened?" You ask.

"He's aware," Tobias nods. "Not exactly the planned outcome, but a victory all the same."

"We may not want to rush out just yet, Sarah," Emma says. "The Gothi here knows more about Valkyries than Orek, I think. We might learn a thing or two from her."

"We're not going anywhere until Anna's better," You nod. "I guess I'll have to waste time doing -something-."

Emma rolls her eyes.

"How considerate of you," She murmurs.

"A saint," Tobias adds solemnly.

You laugh, and it hurts, but you don't care.

___________________________

So I kinda dropped off the radar for a bit. That's my bad. I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things. Starting by trying to get in two threads a week. I kinda realized shortly after starting that weekday's aren't the best for questing. At the same time, two threads in rapid succession on the weekends will probably kill me. Maybe.

So, what's a good day of the week to run a quest, if any? What's the preferred weekend day?

I've been gone a while, so I don't blame you if you've forgotten some of the story. I probably have too. If you have any questions, critiques, or anything else, I'm happy to hear them.

>>47209651
>>47209651
>So, what's a good day of the week to run a quest, if any? What's the preferred weekend day?
I feel like most quests run on Wednesday-Sunday, based on me trying to remember what quests I've participated in the last week or two. It doesn't really matter what day too much though.

>>47209651
Any day of the week I guess. It all depends if people notice your running again I think.

>>47201939
Oh, valk quest is back. Cool.

Thought OP got arrested for thoughtcrime or something.

>>47212188
Nah, his just a lazy faggot with limited internet. he'll be trying to get his arse moving more though, no promises.

>>47208456
Someone's salty.

You do realise that our enemies have magic powers, special abilities and Win Buttons, right?

For all you know, our enemy rolled a 1 for his incapacitate and slay move.

Now get the damn QQ out and keep questing. This isn't one of those "Waaah something bad happened to a fictional character, DM fix it" quests.

>>47209019
>The only remains the government will find are cinders and ash.
And a spent magazine from a German machine gun, because we dropped it in the snow on the approach.