>>676908
>> “Yep.”

>>676908
> “Yep.”

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>>676908
>> “Yep.”

“I always liked the Jagdpanther. But I think given the circumstances, it might be cheaper to convert it to a Panther. We'll have to see later when I calculate the costs.”

Converting a casemate to a turret basket would be way more expensive.

>>676908
>“Yep.”

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>>676908
> “Yep.”

Gotta get back to the grind after being sick.

>>676908

> “Yep.”

Wait, How it it cheaper to convert a casemate to a turreted tank? Isn't that the opposite?

> “Yep.”

“Yeah.” You look over to Griselda. “You sure about converting the Jagdpanther into a Panther though? That seems a bit more expensive.”

“Well, this isn't ITL. The ITL doesn't foot a portion of repair costs or give us any insurance on damages, especially on unregistered tanks like these,” she says. “Hm...” She rubs her chin. “Honestly, I just want a Panther and this'd be a good excuse.” She shrugs. “But we'll have to see I guess. Do you want me to drive you to work?”

“I'll be fine,” you say as you pull on your rain poncho. The rain has slightly let up anyway. It's not like you'll be soaked when you get there.

-

-

You're soaked when you arrive at your Office. Okay, you might have underestimated how much rain there is. How can it rain for so long anyway!? You shake your head as you open the door, and immediately gaze upon your new office.

The first thing you notice is that it's huge. Say goodbye to metal walls, say hello to cream white wallpaper, refreshing paintings on the walls, a window to the outside sea, and a nice hardwood floor. Your desk at one end of the Office, adorned with a more modern Windows computer (but not by much), and on the walls, dark green filing cabinets. And even more desks for your retinue who have already arrived and are busy at work, Athena Kotsiopoulos, Tessa Massey, Hilda Slutsky, and...

Caldwell. She smirks, looking at you as you hang up your rain poncho on the coat hangar. “Well, look who's here.” The second thing you notice is that the Office is divided in half by red tape, running across the floor, the wall, and the ceiling. “Since you weren't here, I took the liberty of dividing the office in half so that we don't have to run into each other.” Hmph, fine by you. “Equal, 50/50.”

You walk up to the coffee machine however. “Oh. So the coffee machine just happens to be on your side despite the fact that it's on my side.” The red tape makes a bolting beeline from its straightness to encircle the coffee machine and then goes back to dividing the room evenly.

Caldwell sighs. “Please. I gave you the litter box.” Litter box? You turn to her side of the room and see a litter box, with a nameplate above it for “Admiral Nimitz.” Caldwell folds her arms. “Admiral Nimitz is currently on patrol so he's your responsibility.”

> “Gee. Thanks.”
> Take the red tape and start rezoning the Office.
> Take the red tape and start rezoning Caldwell's face.
> Other

>>677065
> “Gee. Thanks.”
Take the high road. Take the high road. Besides, if we want coffee, our jrs. can take care of it.

>>677065
>> “Gee. Thanks.”

>>677065
>> “Gee. Thanks.”

“Well, this isn't ITL. The ITL doesn't foot a portion of repair costs or give us any insurance on damages, especially on unregistered tanks like these,” she says. “Hm...” She rubs her chin. “Honestly, I just want a Panther and this'd be a good excuse.” She shrugs. “But we'll have to see I guess. Do you want me to drive you to work?”

Don't we have a Panther chassis to find? so wouldn't turning that to a Panther rather then converting it a casemate, be easier?

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>>677065
> Take the red tape and start rezoning the Office.

Get rid of that. Glare at her. Say "Professionalism" and get to work.

>>677065
>> Take the red tape and start rezoning the Office.

HA HA! PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR!

> “Gee. Thanks.”

You sigh. “Gee. Thanks.” You slap your bag on your desk, then sit down in your- holy shit this chair is comfortable whooooaaa.... You lean back, taking a deep breath. Oh, you could just melt in this leather and cushioning. Holy Christ.

Tessa Massey walks over, placing a report on your desk. “Me and Athena have already made up the work you missed out on.” You nod, then see her sunglasses, with her glossy eyes behind the darkened lenses. Hm, is she blind or something? She smiles at you. “It's good to see at work regardless, Commander.”

“Thanks,” you say. “Glad to see someone likes me in this office.” Caldwell snorts at you, then goes back to work. “What work is there to do?”

“For now, we're just going over the logistics reports for the Block. Naval Studies Agriculture reports that they're actually building up a suitable surplus of food. The Captain is planning on using that surplus for holiday dinners.” Oooh, that'll be nice. “Other than that, the rest of the week should be relatively easy, ma'am.”

“So how is the Block doing then?” you ask.

Massey slides the report over to you. “Take a look!”

> THE BLOCK'S STATUS
> Naval Studies Agriculture – Surplus Food in stock
> Naval Studies Engineering/Electronics – Power generation at optimal levels. Expansion projects going as planned, few delays.
> Naval Studies Medical – We have gone 20 days without an accident
> Naval Studies Rescue – We have gone 0 days without someone yelling something
> Naval Studies Logistics – Cargo import/export continuing along at regular pace

“I see.” You lean back, pursing your lips a bit. “Alright then. So what do I do then?”

Tessa smiles at you. “Nothing!”

“... Nothing?” you ask.

“Nothing!” Tessa rubs her hands a bit.

Oh.

Um.

Well, okay. You lean back in your sight, smiling a bit.

…

Tessa stares at you. “You really want something to do, don't you.”

> “Yes, please.”
> “No, no. Let's just uh... talk!”
> Other

>>677230
>> “No, no. Let's just uh... talk!”

>>677230
>> “Yes, please.”

>>677230
> “No, no. Let's just uh... talk!”
Guess it's time to learn about our subordinates!

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>>677230
>“Yes, please.”

Curse me and my work ethic. Just gimme something to do, even if its drone work

>>677230
> “No, no. Let's just uh... talk!”

>>677230
> “No, no. Let's just uh... talk!”
I feel like I'm halfway dead but let's go!

> “No, no. Let's just uh... talk!”

“No, no, let's just uh... talk!” Athena and Hilda glance at each other, apparently weirded out by your inability to do anything except work it seems. Tessa leans on your desk, smiling at you. “So uh... Tessa. What's with the sunglasses, are you...?”

“I'm blind, yes,” she says. Oh, well, that's interesting actually. “But, thanks to me keeping my ears clean and Athena being a bit like my keeper.” Athena rolls her eyes, going back to her work. “I do pretty well all things considered.”

“I see.” You nod at that. “I can't imagine what it's like being blind.”

“You ever put on a blindfold?” she asks.

“Yeah.”

“Then you've been blind,” she says. “Honestly, it's not too big of a deal for me, Commander.”

Caldwell grunts. “Besides, I'm sure you know how to write and read in Braille, Zumzum.” You roll your eyes. What self-respecting Naval Studies Officer doesn't know how to write in three different languages? Braille doesn't count, that's mandatory. Nor does Spanish, Spanish is a de facto second language in America.

> “So what was it like being part of Griselda's crew?”
> “So, we have a cat in the office?”
> “That's all for now.”
> Other

>>677367
> “So, we have a cat in the office?”
Let's not got straight for the topic that will make things awkward.

>>677367
> “So, we have a cat in the office?”
I desperately want to ask the first question, but there is a time an a place, and it's not yet now. Maybe when off duty.

>>677367
>> “So, we have a cat in the office?”

Time to talk about the eleph-er...cat in the room.

>>677367
> “So, we have a cat in the office?”

>>677367
>“So, we have a cat in the office?”
> Other

What is the cat like?

>>677367
> “So, we have a cat in the office?”

>>677446
Does it have a name?

Unsinkable Sam?

>>677464
Yeah, Admiral Nimitz.

> “So, we have a cat in the office?”

Tessa nods. “Yep, Admiral Nimitz! He's our little black cat, picked him up from a shelter a year ago,” she explains. “He keeps the rats and mice out of the kitchens here in the Officer's deck.” Oh, that's reasonable. “And he's the cuddliest little thing.”

“What's he like?” you ask.

As if on cue, the door opens, and in walks in a very small cat with a dead mouse clutched in his teeth. He walks on over to Caldwell, who is inattentive to him. He hops up onto the desk, surprising her, then drops the dead mouse on her desk. “Agh! Admiral Nimitz! No! No! Stop dumping your corpses on my desk! Ew, ew, ew!” She picks up the tail of the dead rat, which has its guts hanging out of it by tendons. “Ew, ew, ew, I can't believe you've done this!” She hurries over to the garbage can to dump the corpse.

“Like that,” says Tessa. “He doesn't really like us.” Admiral Nimitz scurries away from Caldwell's desk, then hops onto your yours as well. He immediately sits down on your keyboard, making the computer spaz out from the many keystrokes being entered in at once.

“Uh...” You hold out your hand to him. “Hi, Ni-” Admiral Nimitz hisses at you, making you flinch. He quickly goes back to curling up and sleeping.

“He prefers to be called Admiral Nimitz,” says Tessa.

“It's a cat, he doesn't understand...” You glare at him a little.

> Put him back in the litter box.
> Forget about it. It's not like you have any work to do today.
> Put Nimitz on Caldwell's desk. Her problem.
> Other

>>677501
> Other
Scruff of the neck, set him on the floor.
Find work to do. We want to get ahead.

>>677501
> Put him back in the litter box.
Establish dominance.

>>677501
> Put him on your lap
>Try to work on our laptop...somehow.
I mean, I would rather not put him in the litterbox since thats a little mean. And if the cat is sleeping, may as well let him sleep on our lap while we work.

>>677501
>> Forget about it. It's not like you have any work to do today.

>>677501
I agree with this Anon >>677549
Make nice with the Admiral. Cats do not make good enemies. They will wait and have their revenge. Usually in your shoes.

>>677501
>>677549
supporting this.

>>677501
>> Put Nimitz on Caldwell's desk. Her problem.

> Other

“Well...” You gently grab him by the scruff of his neck. He hisses loudly, glaring at you as you hold him. Then you set him down gently on your lap. He quickly paces around on your legs, tickling you a little, before he settles down back to sleep. “Hmph. Just a cat.”

Tessa stares at Admirla Nimitz, smirking. “Oh, I'd love to be Admiral Nimitz right now. I bet you have the softest thighs, Commander.”

“What was that?”

“I bet you have the softest heart, Commander,” she says.

“No, what-”

Tessa immediately sits back down at her desk. “Oooh, there's more work to do!” She goes back to work.

…

You sigh. Suddenly, your phone rings. You pick it up. “Lieutenant Commander Zumwalt.”

“Lieutenant Commander, it's Mina down in Accounting. I wanted to know what our numbers were for this month regarding our export of surplus food.”

You sigh even more loudly. “Mina, this is common knowledge.”

“I know, I'm sorry,” she says. You pull your keyboard over and pull up the Accounting Databases. Utilizing SQL and a set of keyphrases, you were able to pull up the numbers fairly quickly.

And pretty much for the rest of the work day, that was how things went.

> WORK DAY COMPLETE
> + 5 CP

-

-

You, Hilda, Athena, Tessa, and Caldwell look out the window to see the rain worsening. “Wow. Are we flying in the middle of a Hurricane or something?” asks Hilda. “I'd expect the Captain would take us through calmer waters at the very least you know.”

“Oh, stop complaining,” says Athena. “It's just rain, you pussy.” Athena pulls on her thick rain coat, as well as a rain poncho, and an umbrella, and some goggles. “Now if you excuse me, I got to go home.” She's the first one to leave the Office. Just rain, huh?

Tessa smiles. “I should leave as well. It's good getting to know you, Commander.” You shake her hand, nodding to her. And with that, Tessa waves goodbye and leaves through the door. Which left you, Hilda, and Caldwell.

“What are you still doing here?” you ask to Caldwell.

She kicks her legs up on the desk, shrugging. “I'm not going out in that rain and catching my death, unlike you.” You huff. You were just having fun that day, as if. She must be one of those people that hates fun, unlike you. You like fun! Fun things are fun! Yeah, yeah... eh.

Hilda says, “I'm calling a taxi. Did you want to come with, Commander?”

> Stay in the office.
> Embark on a Subquest (Which?)
> Hang out with someone (Who?)
> Call Someone (Who?)
> Other

>>677701
> Embark on a Subquest: The Destroyer Escort that Fought like a Battleship
Loyalty ho! Let's go see if we can't help Stack be less ashamed of herself around her sisters.

>>677701
>>677732
This.

>>677701
Supporting; >>677732

>>677701
>>677732
Sure!

>>677701
I concur with >>677732

She needs less smothering.

> Embark on a Subquest (The Destroyer Escort that Fought Like a Battleship)

-

-

You and Hilda pull up outside of a restaurant, where you agree to meet Stack for an early dinner. The two of you thank the taxi driver, and move on into the restaurant, a nice little diner serving hot dogs, burgers, all kinds of soul food for days. There, you see Stack digging into a hot dog with mustard, relish, and onions on it, with fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders as well on the side. You sit down across from her in the booth. “Hey, Ellie!” Stack smiles, relish and mustard all over her face as she chows down. “Oh, you're... Hilda, right?” Hilda nods. “Nice to meet ya! So, whaddya wanna talk about?”

“Your sisters,” you say. She stops eating, looking at you in surprise. “Listen, Stack. I want to help you. I think you're in a good position to prove yourself to them.”

Stack slowly lowers the hot dog down on her plate. “I mean uh... I've been in that position a long while, still haven't proved myself yet.” She shrugs. “Yeah. It's a load of schiesse I suppose.”

“I understand,” you say. “But um, well, just tell me what you think we should do. And we'll do it, with my full support.” You plant your hand on your heart. “Got it?”

“Right, um...” She points to the meal. “First you can help me finish this food!” You take a sniff. It is very good smelling food.

> “Let's not get distracted.”
> “Fine, but we need to talk more about this.”
> “Order me and Hilda something then we'll talk.”
> Other

>>677828
>> “Order me and Hilda something then we'll talk.”

>>677828
Eat fast then back to the subject.

>>677828
>> “Fine, but we need to talk more about this.”

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>>677828
> Other

Nibble and inquire of her plans and ideas.

>>677828
>“Fine, but we need to talk more about this.”

>“Fine, but we need to talk more about this.”

> “Fine, but we need to talk more about this.”

“Fine, but we need to talk a bit more about this though, Stack.” You pull the basket of fries over to you and Hilda. And Hilda immediately and graciously starts digging in before you do. “Stack. Your sisters smother you, that's a given.” Stack nods, eating up her hot dog and now starting on one of the huge chicken tenders. “But Stack, how do you think you should prove yourself?”

Stack shrugs. “I mean, I don't really want to prove yourself. I just want them to stop smothering me and thinking I'm a baby that doesn't know what I'm doing.”

“Okay then.” You lean back, thinking on it. “Well, let's see. They're all three of them, Commanders. They're very skilled in Tankery. They're much older and much more uh...” Stack looks up at you, then you look at Stack's flat chest, her toned arms, and her little body. “... developed.”

Stack sighs. “This is useless.” Yeah, it is. She blinks. “Wait.” She snaps her fingers, thinking on it. “I think I got an idea.”

“What's that?” you ask. Oh boy.

Stack twiddles her fingers a bit. “... say I were to command the tank.” Oh. Oh. Um. Your disapproving stare startles her a bit. “Come on, Ellie! Think about it, just for one match. I show them I can be just as good at commanding tanks, and I can-”

“Stack,” you stop her. “You're the best loader I've ever known. But have you ever commanded a tank?”

She slowly comprehends the idea of it. “Well, no.” She droops down in her seat. “... yeah, no, fuck that idea.”

“It has to be on your terms, Stack.” You lean forward. “That means if you want to show them you're your own person, win their approval, and all that jazz. You have to do it as you, the loader everyone loves.” Stack looks up at you, then nods slowly.

Stack blinks. “What if we were to spar with them?” she asks.

“Spar?” you say.

“Spar! Just a quick no-holds-barred match between our tank and them!” says Stack.

“... you want me to fight against three much more advanced and elite tanks with just us,” you say.

“We don't have to win.” Stack leans forward. “We just have to put up a good fight.”

Well...

> “Sure, if your sisters want to, I guess.”
> “Surely there must be a better way.”
> Other

>>677968
>> “Surely there must be a better way.”

>>677968
>> “Sure, if your sisters want to, I guess.”
>> Other
"thats plan B. Lets find other one"

>>677968
> “Sure, if your sisters want to, I guess.”
Let's do it!

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>>677968
>“Sure, if your sisters want to, I guess.”

they will learn to fear our mighty fire rate, possible only by masterful loading

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>>678000
That gif always makes me want to set up an improv loading station and just start throwing roughly shell sized weights through it to get swole. Nice trips.

>>677968
> “Surely there must be a better way.”
I fear that this would be another Griselda situation on our hands. Its really tempting though. Lets do what >>677975 days and Plan B it.

I wonder if her sisters have ever really worked as a loader to know how hard Stack works.

>>677968
>Other.

It has to be our terms, Three vs Three.

They can only learn how to crew a tank, we can crew a team.

>>678024
Steel tube, capped and filled with sand?

Do IT!

>>677968
Why not one tank on one tank each crewed with 3 people? We will need a third of course.

> “Sure, if your sisters want to, I guess.”

“Sure, if your sisters want to. But, I think it should be more of a Plan B kind of thing. Surely there's something else we can do?”

“My sisters understand the force of Tankery more than anything else!” says Stack. That-... that would actually explain a lot. She pulls out her phone. “I'll call them now!” Oh, for fucks sake. She dials them up, and puts the phone on speaker.

“Go for Hoel!” says Hoel over the phone. “Sammy, what can we do for you!”

“Hoel, listen. Me and Ellie are challenging you to a Tankery duel! The three of you versus our tank! Do you accept!?”

“Ahaha! Ohohoo! Sammy, you're such a kidder!”

Stack puffs her cheeks out. “Hoel, I'm not kidding! I am actually challenging you!”

“Well, we'll have to decline!” Wait. What!? You stare at the phone. “I mean, even if you were to field a full team against us, we wouldn't want to waste your time. We'd have you beat before the sun comes up the rooster calls, you know? Like Mom says?”

“Oh, don't bring up Mom!” says Stack. “Look, you can't just-”

“Sorry, Sammy. But you're doing great as a loader, we're sure of it! We just don't think a challenge like that is worth your or our time.” Where do they get off? You could totally take them!

Then again...

> “Stack, they're not interested. Sorry to waste your time.”
> “We could totally beat you!”
> “Maybe a different challenge is in order.”
> Other

>>677968
I supported doing it, but suggest this >>678087
to Stack as a variant idea. That'll teach them the power of the loader

>>678104
>> “Maybe a different challenge is in order.”

>>678104
My vote is right here >>678108

Do like >>678087 says

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>>678104
> “Maybe a different challenge is in order.”
What vehicles would we use for this 3 person crew challenge anyway? We don't have any on the roster. Surprise Tetrarchs?

>>678104
>“Maybe a different challenge is in order.”

>>678104
>Put your money where your mouth is.

She says an entire team won't beat the three of them. Prove it!

She's offering us something.

>>678108
>>678112
>>678114
>>678135
>>678153
Why not just throw the entire tankery team at them?

It will be good experience for the crews and maybe get Griselda out of her slump.

>>678162
Because this is about Stack, not the team. After we do 1 tank on 1 tank sisters vs us, we can bring up the "full team" remark

>>678104
> “Maybe a different challenge is in order.”
Loading compatition inside a tank in an active combat. Prove how tough it is and how hard Stack works. They undervalue the loader role.

> “Maybe a different challenge is in order.”

“Maybe a different challenge is in order,” you declare. “There's three of you, me, Stack, and one other person can take a tank. Three man crew versus three man crew.”

“Oh?”

“That's right. It'll be a bit more fair that way. Three commanders in one tank, versus three crewmen in one tank,” you say. “How about that?

“Hm...” Hoel appears to quietly discuss this amongst her sisters for a few minutes.

Stack leans over, whispering to you. “Are you sure?”

“I'm sure,” you say. They're heavily undervaluing the important role of a loader. And you guess that if they stuff three commanders in one tank, authority over who does what it is going to break down. And there in lies the game.

Hoel says, “We accept.” Oh? Nice! “On one condition. We get to pick the tanks. Same tanks for each team.”

Oh.

> “Deal.”
> “No, we get to pick the tanks.”
> Other

>>678261
> “Deal.”
We don't have any two tanks we could offer anyway. Or any three manners for that matter.

>>678261
>“Deal.”

>>678261
>> “Deal.”

>>678261
>> “No, we get to pick the tanks.

>>678261
Deal.

OK what's the worst possible tank they could pick?

>>678286
One that will be just as bad for them as for us.

>>678261

You cut we choose. They can select some matched pairs of 3 person tanks. We choose which pair we duel with.

>>678286
Bob Semple tanks for everyone!

>>678295
Think creatively. What if they pick an autoloader? Assuming any are legal anyway. M4 variants anyone?

> “Deal.”

“Deal,” you say.

“Alright! We'll order the tanks from a good friend of ours. You and Stack just decide when you want to have our little fun match together later, alright? Alright! We'll be seeing you guys soon!”

And with that, they hang up. You and Stack high five each other, with Hilda continuing to gobble up all the food in the background as well.

…

Stack immediately realizes what she's done. “Have we done!? We just challenged my sisters to a duel!”

“I though this was your idea-”

“Yeah, but- WE CHALLENGED MY SISTERS!” She grabs you from across the table, shaking you. “TO A FUCKING TANKERY DUEL!”

“Hey!” The diner waitress points to a sign. NO SHAKING PEOPLE ACROSS THE TABLE.

“Sorry.” Stack leans back, letting go of you. “You realize that we can't even bring the full crew to bear. Not to mention the tank, they're probably going to choose a really crappy tank like the Valiant!” She leans in closer to you. “Hoel once blew out a bridge with her on it just to take out five other tanks all in one go! This is- this is fucked, we're going to be beaten, slaughtered, and fed to my cows!” She starts hyperventilating.

You grab her. “Stack!” You almost shake her, then look to the waitress. She shakes her head. “Stack!” Stack looks at you.

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>678386
>Boast
>go to her side, then shake her. Rules don't say anything about shaking people as long as it's not across the table
>"Cows?"

>>678386
> Boast
Because boasting never comes back to bite us.

>>678386
> Boast

>>678386
>> Boast

>>678386
> Boast
Alright!

>>678386
>> Boast
You think we can keep the tanks if we win?

>>678386
> Polite
"I am going to tell you what I told your sisters."

Then we tell her every single thing we told them when we said when they asked about how she was doing.

I also subscribe to the idea that we go to the other end of the table and stare at her, and llace hands on her shoulders.

>>678427
Hmm, well boasting won out but I hope that we still give her the peppist of talks using the words we used to defend our loader against her sisters.

Shaking people across the table is so common this place has a sign against it.

>>678424
We could always try for it, especially if they're fast light tanks which we could use for recce and flanking, something our team currently lacks in our lineup.

> Boast

You quickly switch around to her side of the table, then grab her arms. “Stack, listen to me.” Stack looks at you, a light blush on her face as you gently calm her down. “You are the best damn loader I know ever. You're not just the best damn loader, but you're a really good person too. And for me, that's enough. We can win this if you keep focused!”

Stack blinks, then nods quickly. “Alright. Alright.” She takes your hips, sighing and smiling. “Okay. Thank you, Ellie. I feel so much better now.”

You smile. “There. That better?”

Suddenly, a student journalist walks past, and sees you two holding each other. “NEAT!” She immediately snaps a picture, then runs away. OH FOR FUCKS SAKE-

“Ellie.” Stack pumps her fist. “We can do this, together. But we need a third person to help crew our tank.”

“Right, right.” You stand up, thinking on it. You look down however to see Hilda having completely gorged herself on the food. “Hilda, are you going to pay for that?” Hilda immediately slaps down a twenty for the waitress, groaning from a slightly bloated stomach. “Right then.”

Stack asks you, “Who do we want to get?”

> Someone from our crew.
> Someone from another crew. (Who?)
> “Let's think about this later.”
> Other

>>678434
I hope it's up gradable.

>>678502
>> Someone from our crew.

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>>678502
>Someone from our crew.

>Someone from another crew
Iris

so we going with this
>Driver/Radio: Ellie
>Loader: Stack
>Commander/gunner: Iris

if not switch her to winona

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>>678502
> “Let's think about this later.”

We need to figure out who's doing what and what can others do.

We need Driver, Gunner and Commander positions filled out. Are we a good shot? Or will Stack load and shoot?

>>678502
>>678528
Iris.

>>678502

> Someone from our crew.
But
> “Let's think about this later.”
We need to know the tank first and we should talk to Gris-Gris about how to operate a three man team.

>>678502
> Someone from our crew: Jose
Let's not overthink this. We command, Stack guns and loads, Jose drives.

>>678528
>>678565
Iris is an excellent commander, but she's a heavy tank commander. She has no experience outside of the Churchill. We will most likely not be in a slow heavy tank.

>>678583
Thus is the likely outcome, yes. It makes the most sense. But we need to make sure we get some tips from our Commander about operations with 3 people. Given her experience.

>>678598
Yeah, Gris does have the most experience with crew multitasking.

Main question is whether Stack should load and shoot, I'd probably prefer her to just be loading, it's her strong point after all. We can take the gun and get someone else to drive.

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Can we all agree to go absolutely nuclear if The Evil Sisters pick a tank with an autoloader like Anon >>678339 fears?

>>678646
As that anon, having switched from mobile to PC, I think it'd be pretty funny. Although yes, I think Stack would blow a fuse.

> Someone from our crew.

“Let's not overthink it,” you say. “Let's just get somebody from our crew like Josie. She'll drive like she always does.”

Stack nods. “Right. Alright!” She pumps her fist again, grinning. “I get you now!” She grabs your arm, pointing out the window. “We should start training!”

“Training? What?”

Stack says, “Training! Look.” She steps out of the booth, then drops a bit more money for the waitress as well. Hilda pulls herself from the booth, then follows you. “We're going to train our butts off. I'll load, you gun! And whoever, probably Josie, she'll drive! We need to start working without a full crew! And I think we may need to ask a certain someone what it's like to work with just a three man crew! Got that?”

“Right. Yeah.” Griselda might be someone to ask you suppose. You fold your arms, slowly nodding as you exit the diner and pull out umbrellas for the rainy weather.

“Plus, we need to do actual physical practice,” says Stack. “Up to you though, this is your show.”

> “Let's save it for another day.”
> “Let's ask Griselda.”
> “Let's start practicing in the tank.”
> Other

>>678654
> “Let's ask Griselda.”

Lets have a chat.

>>678654
> “Let's ask Griselda.”
The problem I'm seeing is you can't gun and command. The Gunner's seat is usually too far forward, and you obviously have to stay looking down the sight so you can't turn out and look around. From what I've read of 3 man tanks or tanks operating on a three man crew, it was more common for the gunner to just load themselves while the commander focused on doing that. Only really the Russians made a practice of having their Commanders multitasking, and it didn't work out for them.

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>>678654
>“Let's ask Griselda.”

Griselda? Can you help us get ready for a match?

>>678654
>> “Let's ask Griselda.”

>>678654
>> “Let's start practicing in the tank.”

>>678671
Shouldn't be too much of a problem here. Just turn out to spot the single enemy tank then keep your gun trained on them.

Usually you'd need to be on the lookout for threats in every direction even as you engaged the enemy but here it's not a problem at all.

>>678686
The problem then is the 3 to 5 seconds it takes between spotting the enemy and being in the gunner's seat ready to start training the weapon on them. Additionally, once we're in that position we only have the gunsight and maybe a peephole or periscope with which to track the target. Especially if the target is small, moving, partially concealed or as is often the case in combat, all of those things, it's very possible to lose them and be unable to reacquire. If there's a commander turned out though you can talk the gunner onto target from your vantage point so they can then acquire it despite their limited field of view.

>>678696
So it comes down to what tank we're going to be handed.

Lets shelve the discussion then.

> “Let's ask Griselda.”

-

-

You and Stack end up in Griselda's office, where she's busy filing away on financial reports. “You want to know what its like in a three-man crew?” You both nod. “Well...” Griselda leans back, twiddling her fingers a little. “It's like this, you get more jobs than you're used to, really.”

“What do you do?” you ask.

“I load,” says Griselda. REALLY? “And Command at the same time, that way Yuno doesn't have to get up from her seat. I also man the radio to help Luisa.” Jesus. That's a lot to do in a match. “If you're wondering, yes that's a lot to do in a match. It's why I try not to force myself into engagements if I can help it.”

“Right,” says Stack. “So... me and Ellie here, we just got called in to duel my sisters who are also going into a three-man tank.” Griselda nods at that. “And we are also going into a three-man tank ourselves.” Griselda again nods. “We were hoping for some advice.”

“Yeah. Here's some advice.” The two of you smile. “Go back and tell your sisters that you want to bow out, because working in a three man crew is an absolute nightmare.” … oh. That's encouraging. She sighs, waving her hand at you. “I'm joking. Genuinely, the only advice I can give you is that you need to learn to balance things.” She pushes her hands together to emphasize it. “Balance.”

“Balance?” you say.

“Balance,” says Griselda. “Sort of like say... the Shimada-ryuu. Though the Shimada-ryuu emphasizes brawling and close combat, it does this by emphasizing the balance between the crew members. A crew in a Shimada-ryuu tank is like a well-oiled machine. Every part works to make the whole greater, and that ticks up from the crew of a single tank, to the platoon, to the team itself at large. But if a single thing is misplaced, the balance is lost, and in turn the team is lost.”

“Is that why the Shimadas lost that battle?” you ask.

“Who knows,” says Griselda. “Do you get what I mean though?”

“I guess. So one of us has to pick up the slack then?” you ask.

“Yes,” says Griselda. “Unfortunately, I could tell you more but we don't know what your tank is going to be just yet. Was there anything else?”

> “Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”
> “How are the finances for the team doing?”
> “No, we're fine.”
> Other

>>678785
>“Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”
Also, the Shimadas lost because the Nishizumi sisters kept pulling insane amounts of bullshit.

>>678785
>> “Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”

>>678785
> “Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”
Then when we send Stack ahead to get things set up:
> “How are the finances for the team doing?”
Anything we can help with?

>>678785
>“Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?

Just to start getting our heads around it and whether or not its better to have Stack load and shoot or have us command and shoot.

Radio will be a non issue, since there's no one to talk to.

>>678785
>> “Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”

>>678785
> “Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”
>Other
>"You asked me to help you out regarding sponsorship opportunities, advertising and the like. What will yhat entail, and is there any lined up that I should know about?

Time to see what marketing power Ellie will have after we learn the basics.

> “Could you teach us at least how it works in practice?”

-

-

With the three of you in her Sherman, she demonstrates the amount of responsibility she has to manage from the Commander's chair. “Alright. Stack, you sit in the loader's chair. I'll be here in the driver's seat. Ellie, you take gunner.” You nod, then sit down in the gunner's seat. “Right, here's the situation for you. I've set up some red spots around the hangar on some of the tanks. Ellie, Stack, it'll be your job to coordinate.” Griselda holds up a stop watch. “Longer you take, worse score you'll get. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“And remember, mime the actions, we can't afford to waste blank shells,” says Griselda. “Alright, go!” You peer through the gun sights, then turn the turret around. Stack meanwhile to peek out through the loader's hatch.

“Target right! 12:30!” says Stack. She squeezes back down and mimes grabbing a shell from the loading rack. She shoves it in. “Up!”

“Firing!” Through the gun sight, you see several of the crews watching as you two practice. Stack has to peer through out the loader's hatch again, looking out.

“Target, 9 o'clock!” says Stack. You turn the turret the other way as Stack again forces herself down back down and mimes loading a shell.

“Hurry it up,” says Griselda.

“Up!” yells Stack.

“Firing!” you yell. You make a mocking bang sound, which alerts Stack again to start peering through the periscope to look around.

“Shit, I can't see, how many targets were there?” asks Stack.

“Why are you asking!?” yells Griselda. Stack flinches at Griselda's suddenly viciousness, then immediately pokes her head out again to look around. “360 degrees, Stack! Come on!”

“Oh, target behind us!” yells Stack. Suddenly, you see Iris hold up a red spot. “Oh, target at 11:30!” Winona as well lifts her shirt up to reveal a red shirt beneath it, grinning at you. WINONA. “A- Another target!”

“Load!” yells Griselda. Stack forces herself down again. “You're wasting time!” She mimes loading a shell.

“Up!”

“Firing!” You fire another mock shell, which knocks out Iris as she gently pulls down the red spot. Stack again begins to load.

“What are you doing, poke up again!” says Griselda.

“But-” Stack blinks, then pokes her head up. Another red spot has shown up. “Alright, alright. Forget it, forget it.” You two sigh, slouching and immediately relaxing. “You get what I mean though now, right? Stack is overworked as the one who has to poke out, observe, then load. In a team environment, she'd also have to do the radio work as well. And if your sisters are smart, you won't get the benefit of a loader's hatch to help you.”

“Right,” says Stack.

Griselda smiles at you two. “I do wish you two good luck though. Should be interesting to watch.”

> Boast
> Neutral
> Polite

>>678994
>> Neutral

>>678994
>Polite
We're gonna get rekt.

>>678994
> Polite
At least we'll probably get a smaller tank where it'll be easier for the gunner to load themselves or the commander to load from the commander's position.

>>678994
> Polite

Thank Griselda. Then consider Stack loading and firing while we spot and command.

This won't be like a regular match. Its one on one in identical tanks.

> Polite

“Thank you, Griselda. I just hope that we at least put up a good fight and that we show Stack's siters who's the boss around these parts. Right, Stack?”

Stack nods. “Yeah, yeah!” Stack sighs deeply. “... we are so fucked.” You knock your head against the gunsights, and Griselda as well rubs her face into her hand. Oh boy. The three of you exit the Sherman.

Griselda says to you, “I'll be back in my office if you need me.” And with that, she leaves. It has gotten quite late for now.

As for Stack. “I'm gonna train up and get loading. It could be anything! Anything from 45mm to 128mm! I wouldn't put it past my sisters to get Valiants even just to make me work!” Valiants? As if, they only ever built one of those things if history is correct.

“Want me to follow you?” you ask.

“If you want,” she says. “But personally, I like to work with just music.” Stack pulls up her phone, then hits up her Spotify playlist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LArGlfEVYqM

She plugs some earphones into her ears, then starts marching off to the weight room. And she does so, she sings along to it. “She's the sweetest little rosebud, that Texas ever knew! Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew. You may talk about your Clementine, you may sing of Rosalee, but the Yellow Rose of Texas is the only gal for me!”

You fold your arms, looking around the hangar.

> Prepare yourself for an early sleep.
> All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.
> Visit Griselda in her Office.
> Talk to Oleg.
> Other

>>679174
>> All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.

>>679174
>> All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.

>>679174
>All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.

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>>679174
>All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.

Oh God, what are they up to?

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>>679210
That series sure changed tracks halfway through.

>>679174
> All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.
Probably Gunner's Association stuff, remember they formed like a week and a bit ago.

>>679210
Best ED ever.

>>679174
>> All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.

Also, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5kTrG-kfAo

> All the Gunners are gathered together to discuss something it seems, see what that's about.

“Here ye, here ye!” says Winona as she pats her hand against the top of the Churchill's turret to get everyone's attention. All of the gunners from the various crews of the LGA NATO team have gathered around to listen to her. “We are called here on the urgent bsuiness that our match with Hugo Gernsback is fast approaching! Which means we need to kick our training up a notch!”

“How?” asks Giap. “We already know most of the basics. What else is there to learn?”

“That is a simple question to ask. And I say we ask it to VIOLET AINSWORTH!” yells Winona. All the Gunners turn to Violet, the gunner for the Churchill IV and the Etiquette Club.

Violet sighs frustratedly. “It is it not enough that all of you follow me to the clubhouse and I have to indulge you?”

“Come on, Violet!” says Kyoko. “You're the gunner of the best team on the team! We need you now!”

Violet blushes a little as the other gunners poke and prod at her. “Yeah!” says Winona. “Especially since you're so well-versed on small arms as well.”

Violet swallows deeply. “I am very well-versed on the firearm. They are the perfect invention of man. The smooth contours of their design, their metallic construction, the pop in your hands as you squeeze the trigger and fire the weapon, and the bucking in your arms as it recoils.” She starts breathing heavily, grabbing her cheeks and blushing deeply. “My, my, what an amazing feeling.” She immediately returns to her prim and proper appearance. “And I will not have you spread the word of my feelings on firearms beyond this team, yes?”

“We swear!” says the Gunner's Committee.

“What's this about?” you ask.

Winona smiles at you. “The Gunner's Committee is discussing practice methods in order to get ourselves ready for the Hugo Gernsback match! Pray tell, Ellie. What do you suppose we should do?”

Pam Townshend of the Light Music Club proposes, “I say we shoot at targets out at sea, to get our sniping skills in!”

Violet clears her throat. “Perhaps a trip to the rifle range is in order, despite it raining, yes.”

Winona says, “Well, I think we should we should go to the vids and watch how other gunners take their shots.”

> “Go to the tapes.”
> “Take Sniping practice.”
> “Go to the Rifle ranges.”
> Other

>>679353
> “Go to the Rifle ranges.”
Or five stand range, rather. See if we can get girls hitting moving targets.

>>679353
>“Take Sniping practice.”

Unless those tapes have something that is truly enlightening (which I doubt, because it would be more commonly known or they've already watched it), actual tank shooting practice is most useful

>>679353
> Other
"Gernsback use large, heavy tanks, most of your shots this weekend will have to be made at short range or from the flanks, usually from the short stop. Gather up whatever drivers you can and work on acquiring and hitting targets on the move or at the short stop. I'll come give a hand too."

>>679353
>> “Go to the Rifle ranges.”

>>679353
http://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/2328177

>>679353
>> “Take Sniping practice.”

>>679353
>>679385
> “Go to the Rifle ranges.”

Whoops, forgot the sensible option.

>>679353
>“Go to the Rifle ranges.”

> “Go to the Rifle ranges.”

“I'd say go to the rifle ranges.” Violet pricks her ears up, suddenly attentive. “I mean, if anything, it'll be a nice bonding experience for all of you gunners. Part of being a team is understanding what everyone goes through and having a good time all as one. It may not necessarily be relevant to your time as gunners of much bigger guns, but maybe it'll give you a better idea on ballistics and what not. Yeah?”

Winona nods, smiling at that. “Agreed. RIGHT THEN, GUNNER'S COMMITTEE!” All the girls turn to Winona. “EVERYONE! TO THE RIFLE RANGES!”

“YEAH!” They raise their fists, and immediately charge out into the pouring rain without getting their rain ponchos or jackets or umbrellas. Uh. Guys.

You and Iris poke your heads out and see they are continuing on heedless of the rain, cheering and shouting as if they were going to war.

…

Iris sighs. “I daresay, Violet is starting to go native.”

“At least they're enthusiastic,” you say.

“Hm.” Iris takes a sip of tea, then walks back to her Chruchill. “Good night to you, Ellie.”

You fold your arms, watching as Winona turns the corner and leads the Gunner's Committee on to the Rifle Ranges. You know, for about five minutes of your life, you'd love to be able to be Winona. A bit more open with your feelings, much more spicy you suppose, a little bit of carefree attitude to your day. That would be nice.

For about five minutes.

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>>679614
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl-ZqQ_InX8

That's it for tonight. Hope you all enjoyed. Tomorrow we should be running as usual.

Though, special treat. I want to be able to do sidestories for things we can't get to in the Quest. I'll let you vote here on what you want to see, and I'll try and get it by the end of next thread.

Here are your three options:

> The Semi-Finals: The last moments of last year's ITL Finals through Griselda's eyes.
> The Gunner's Commitee and Violet: The Gunner's Committee attempting to recruit Violet for advice and finding something very special out about her.
> All's Fair: The many attempts of some unfortunate pilots to court Griselda.

Follow at: https://twitter.com/GermanSchteel
Ask at: http://germanschteel.tumblr.com/
Book Tumbles: http://germanschteelbookblog.tumblr.com/

See you next time.

>>679638
>The Gunner's Commitee and Violet: The Gunner's Committee attempting to recruit Violet for advice and finding something very special out about her.
The top and bottom ones seem too foregone conclusion.

Also thanks for running!

>>679638
Thanks for the fun, boss. Sorry I kept namefagging.

>The Gunner's Commitee and Violet: The Gunner's Committee attempting to recruit Violet for advice and finding something very special out about her.

its a trap?

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>>679638
Thanks for running as always Schteel, catch you for tomorrow's session.

> The Gunner's Commitee and Violet: The Gunner's Committee attempting to recruit Violet for advice and finding something very special out about her.

>>679638
Awww man, Ellie seems a little lonely on the hill of command. Sunday evening was probably some of the most pure fun she's had in a while. I kind of want her to go wild from time to time more often. It'd be good for her.

Good thread GS. Look forward to tomorrow for training.

Wonder when Ellie will have to step up to the plate for sponsorships. Could be fun.

And to contribute to the poll:

> The Gunner's Commitee and Violet: The Gunner's Committee attempting to recruit Violet for advice and finding something very special out about

>>679638
or better
>The misadventures of trude and kitty in their junior years

it will be fun i tell you!

>>679742
I actually intended to put up:

> Haven't you heard? I'm Gertrude Pool - A freshman delinquent attempts to take over the school by humiliating Gertrude Pool. She fails.

Maybe next week.

>>679753
DO IT

>>679753
Or the bizzare adventures of trude, kitty, the mormon, a jew and ramirez who does everything

but we run that quest 2 years ago

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>>679210
>>679227
Which is why Sabagebu is the better Airshit series.

>>679753
YESSSSSSSSS.

I just realize when we talking 3-man tank, Somua S35 is also has 3-man crews.

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>>680036

It really is.