File: the simple pleasures in life.gif (686 KB, 500x281)

686 KB GIF

>>1077485
>Head to work.

We need to know if Admiral Nimitz is safe.

>>1077485
>> Head to work.

>>1077485
>> Head to work.

>>1077485
>> Head to work.

> Head to work.

-

-

You arrive at work and find Caldwell, Tessa, Hilda, and Athena gathered around Caldwell's desk. “Something the matter?” You give your coat and bag off to Denise and walk over to them. They seem intent on something right now.

…

It's Nimitz, covered in dust and feathers. Caldwell holds him up to you. “We found Nimitz playing around in the vents. He chased some birds in there.” How do birds even get into the vents!? “He's absolutely covered in dust, ugh!” Nimitz sneezes, spraying snot and dust onto Caldwell's thigh. “Ah! Nimitz! Here, you take him, eugh!” She disgustedly hands off Nimitz to you.

“So that's where Nimitz was yesterday?” you ask.

“Yeah,” says Athena. “He was just sleeping around next to a pigeon carcass.” Yuck.

“And he's absolutely filthy, I swear!” says Caldwell. Hmph. He's not that dirty.

> “Clean him, Caldwell. It'll only take like five minutes.”
> “Denise, clean him.”
> “I'll clean him. Babies.”
> Other

>>1077622
>> “I'll clean him. Babies.”

>>1077622
> “I'll clean him. Babies.”
How hard could it be? I mean it's not like cats hate water or anything, right?

>>1077622
>> “I'll clean him. Babies.”

>>1077622
> “I'll clean him. Babies.”
Nothing a little brush work can't handle.

That said, we may want to take off the uniform to clean him. Don't wsnt it to get wet or dusty, right?

>>1077622
>“I'll clean him. Babies.”

And then clean ourselves. That's some nasty on the kitty.

>>1077622
>> “I'll clean him. Babies.”

>>1077622
>“I'll clean him. Babies.”
Been there, done that.

>>1077622
>> “I'll clean him. Babies.”

> “I'll clean him. Babies.”

You sigh, taking him into your arms and cradling him. “Fine. I'll clean him, you babies.” You turn around, heading to the bathroom. “Jeez. It's like you all get a bit...” You squint at Nimitz. He purrs quietly, curled up in your arms, but Jesus Christ all that dust. It's surprising he's not dead. “Whatever. I'll be right back.”

-

-

You splash some soap and water into Nimitz's fur. The water he soaks around in is soaked completely brown. Eugh. Your hands are going to be brown for hours. You weren't about to get your uniform dirty either, so you were going topless for now, only your bra on. Nimitz though is surprisingly receptive, maybe even he realizes things are a bit unclean.

You shudder, ugh. Reminds you too much of home.

You get a phonecall on your cell. Oh jeez. You pull it out and put it on speakerphone. “Zumwalt.”

“Hey, Ellie! It's Mom!” Oh jeez. “Dad talked to me yesterday, sorry we couldn't get to you, we were working so late. But, my God! Is there really a place for us on the ship?”

“Yeah, I have the forms ready if you want to move in,” you say.

“Well, do you want us to move in?”

“... of course I do.” Why would she ask that? “Why would you-”

“It's just... we don't want to look like we're imposing or anything. I know parents can be embarrassing but-”

> “You're moving in.”
> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”
> “Alright then, you can stay in Trenton.”
> Other

>>1077827
> “You're moving in.”
> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”

>>1077827
>> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”

>>1077827
> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.

We gonna do right by Mom and Dad.

We'll even endure their enthusiasm at matches

>>1077827
>“Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”

>>1077827
>> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”

>>1077827
>> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”

> “Mom, please. Just move in. It's a good opportunity.”

You sigh. “Mom, please. Just move in, okay? We have an opportunity, a good one. Lots of people fight to get a chance to move into an Academyship. You pass this up, we might not get another.”

“Hm.” Mom still sounds pretty contemplative. “Well, if we're moving in, we'll try not to get into your way, Ellie, okay?”

“Alright, Mom.”

“We'll start packing our things.”

“Yeah, I'll get this form filled out. Ideally you should move in before September, that's the big rush month.”

“Alright. We'll see you soon then, Ellie!”

You admit, you will miss the old house back home. But at the same time, you won't miss the crowded space, the lazy landlord who wouldn't fix the leak in the ceiling above your bed, the dogs outside that ate your bandaged bear, all that stuff. But still, Trenton is your home. You'll be likely to visit. Maybe even after LGA, you'll move back. It's not THAT bad of a neighborhood, but you're not going to pay cheap for a house, just put it that way.

Still, Mom and Dad coming to live with you now. Now that will be something. The houses here on LGA are always kept in good condition thanks to Naval Studies Engineering, they'll get job training for things to do on the ship...

This is probably the best thing to happen to your family for quite a while.

-

-

“Good as new.” You put Nimitz on your desk. His fur is still poofy and billowy from the recent wash, but he is clean as a whistle. You sit down at your desk, looking around at everybody working. “Anything to work on today?”

Caldwell looks over from her computer. “Captain wants a report on the agriculture situation and how much food they'll have by September.” Alright. You pull up your email lists and start inquiring to all the agriculture bosses. This should be relatively simple work, so you'll have a bit of time to yourself before you gotta go for the day.

> Talk with Caldwell a little bit.
> See what Athena and Tessa are up to.
> Meh, occupy yourself with more work.
> Other

>>1077949
>See what Athena and Tessa are up to.

>>1077949
>> Meh, occupy yourself with more work.
>> Other
Put Nimitz at out lap and stroke him occasionally while we work.

>>1077949
> See what Athena and Tessa are up to.

>>1077949
>> Talk with Caldwell a little bit.
>Ask if she is joining practice to test out the AA Mounts.

>>1077949
> Talk with Caldwell a little bit.
>Put Nimitz on lap and give gently pets

>>1077949
> See what Athena and Tessa are up to.

>>1077949
>See what Athena and Tessa are up to
Maybe we'll be able to finish GrisQuest soonish

>>1077949
>> Talk with Caldwell a little bit.

>>1077949
> See what Athena and Tessa are up to.

Try for that GrisGris quest

>>1077949
>Meh, occupy yourself with more work.

> See what Athena and Tessa are up to.

“Hey, girls.” You see Tessa and Athena bantering around Tessa's desk, Athena leaning on it idly. “How are the two of you doing?”

“Doing good,” says Tessa. “We probably didn't say it yesterday unfortunately but you did good in the last few matches. Really impressive.”

Athena smiles as well, nodding. “Yeah. For what its worth, I think you do have a decent shot at Christie provided you get a new crew or two together, and maybe try and study them a bit extensively. Christie in the tournament is not known for playing fair. They will fuck your mind trying to beat you.” As expected of a veteran, you won't argue.

Tessa logs off of her computer, then leans back in her seat. “How's Griselda doing?”

“Feeling a lot better,” you say. “The team really appreciates her. Plus, we came into some more money which is relieving a lot of stress.”

“A thank you is not necessary,” says Hilda as she plays on her PSP. Thank you, Hilda. You roll your eyes, smirking.

“We were thinking of coming to today's practice too,” says Athena. “See what's what.”

“Oh, you should!” With a grin, you lean on the desk, looking to them. “We're going to be practicing a lot today. We'll try and prepare ourselves for J. Walter Christie. And after that, hopefully Joan D'Orleans and ZES. Were you thinking of rejoining the crew?”

They quietly glance at each other, then back at you. Ah.

> “Well, you should. She could use the help.”
> “I get it, all in good time.”
> Other

>>1078072
>> “I get it, all in good time.”

>>1078072
> “I get it, all in good time.”
No rush, but they're always welcome.

>>1078072
>> “I get it, all in good time.”

>>1078072
>> “I get it, all in good time.”
>Got over eager, Sorry.

>>1078072
>“I get it, all in good time.”
Thing is, the 'good time' is nigh. Better hurry or you'll miss all the tanking.

>>1078072
>“I get it, all in good time.”

>>1078072
>> “Well, you should. She could use the help.”
>> Other
"I would appreciate the help."

> “I get it, all in good time.”

“I get it, I get it.” You hold up a hand, smiling to them. “All in good time.”

“Right, yeah,” says Athena. “In good time.”

“Yeah, sorry for jumping the gun.” You bite your lip. Oh goodness. That was rude of you. But alas, you won't dwell on it. For today was indeed a practice day. And that meant once work was done, you would head to the Tank Hangar right after work.

-

-

> JOB COMPLETE
> + 5 CP

You arrive at the hangar with your entire retinue. There you find the Survivalist Club speaking with Griselda. “Yeah, we do have a couple of tanks being restored for now. Right now, what I want you two girls to do is to just sit back, relax, and try and absorb as much as you can from the others. Our instructors, Hoel, Fanny, and Lo will be here. Miss McPherson is very helpful, and Stack as well are very expert people on the inner workings of tanks.”

“Thanks!” Their leader, “Duchess” Schaefer shakes hands with Griselda. “We'll be ready to go, just pick a tank out for us and we'll use it to the best of our ability.”

Griselda smiles. “Alright! Ellie!” She walks up to you. “Ellie. Guess what, I was able to afford some modifications to Iris' tank.”

“Really?” you say.

“Yeah, and uh...” She notices Athena and Tessa standing by the hangar door, and for a second hesitates. But then she goes back to addressing you. “And that means Iris is now officially our first elite tank.”

“Nice.”

Griselda pats you on the shoulder. “I'm gonna go talk with Athena and Tessa. You get ready for practice.” Alright then. Griselda steps past you and goes talking with them. The Survivalist Club introduces themselves to the Etiquette Club.

“Is that tea?” asks Duchess. Iris nods, and to that Iris pours Duchess her own cup of tea. Duchess immediately swallows it up in one go, thoughtlessly. Iris stares at her, stoically. “Ha! That tasted great! Loved it!”

> Go select a mentor for the week.
> Go find your crew.
> Talk to a crew (Which?)
> Other

>>1078168
Can we get a summary on mentor styles again? I like going Shimada but having some worldly knowledge would be wise.

>>1078168
>Go find your crew.
Keep an eye out for Alice.

>>1078168
> Go select a mentor for the week
Time to find a ninja loli.

>>1078168
> Go select a mentor for the week.
Stick with Shimada, keep getting our crew towards that Elite status.

>>1078181
The Roberts sisters are very generalist. They're good at basically everything but are not the best at everything. They can do slugging, brawling, mid-range combat, etc.

Shimada-ryuu emphasizes close quarters brawling, using every part of the tank offensive, from the frontal armor to ram, to the tracks to spray mud onto visors and cupolas, and then the machine guns and main gun to actually fight.

Miss McPherson's method is based on slugging, back from the era where flamethrower tanks were a thing, thusly you wanted to put as much distance as possible between you and the opponent. As such, this also emphasizes highly defensive plays.

>>1078193
Ghost loli seems like our best bet here, then.

>>1078193
> Go select a mentor for the week
Okay, with that in mind I think the Roberts Sisters is the best.

It meshes well with Shimada, or at least means we have a bit more rabbits in our hat.

>>1078168
>> Go select a mentor for the week.

>>1078168
> Go select a mentor for the week.

Miss McPhearson. We should keep a good range of disciplines.

>>1078193
I think the Roberts would be a better way to go. Lots of folks on our team with standoff firepower. Being able to play both games, longer and closer, could let us exploit openings presented.

> Go select a mentor for the week.

You find Arisu Shimada watching TV in the break room. Of course the break room is empty. “What are you watching?” you ask.

“Boko,” she says. It just seems like a lot of the bandaged bear yelling at people like a ghetto freak and getting his ass handed to him. Strange how this is a kid's show over in Japan. She sits on the couch, hugging the bandaged bear. “What do you need?”

“Guidance,” you say. “ I mean- you do come around to help me a lot after all. I-...” You bite your lip a bit. “I don't suppose I can ask why?” She remains silent, continuing to watch the TV. “... well, okay. But. I don't suppose I can-”

“Do you not wish to use the other teachers at your disposal?” she asks.

Well. It would- wait. What is she-... ugh, so confusing! “What do they have to offer me that you don't have.”

“That is up to you to decide,” she says simply, sucking a straw in a juice box. “So you wish to learn more of the Shimada Way, or perhaps you would like to learn more from the others? I believe your most important thing to work will be physical strength. Your crew seems to lack it. I am surprised that they aren't stunned in the tank more.”

> Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)
> Learn some slugging from Miss McPherson. (-10 CP)
> Learn more from the Shimada-ryuu. (-10 CP)
> Other

>>1078309
> Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)
I want some more skills and versatility. I do want more Shimada stuff too. But lets go with some variety.

>>1078309
>Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)

>>1078309
> Learn some slugging from Miss McPherson. (-10 CP)

Learn us some shooty

>>1078309
>> Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)

>>1078309
> Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)

>>1078309
> Other
Enigmatic loli aside, let's take her at face value and go work out.

File: YotsubaPistol.png (150 KB, 396x415)

150 KB PNG

>>1078309
> Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)

Using metaphors for their strategies: McPherson is a rifle, The Roberts are a pistol and Spooky Ghost Girl is a knife or maybe a punching dagger. We already have the death blossom so let's get more utilitarian flare

> Learn a generalist tactic from the Roberts sisters. (-10 CP)

-

-

Hoel, Fanny, and Lo show you a diagram of a plan on a chalkboard. You have a white empty square against three red empty squares representing a tank and three enemy tanks. For now, you've decided to teach yourself something with the Roberts' sisters. The other tank commanders as well lean back in their seats, paying close attention. “One of the best things about keeping an open mindset towards tanks is that you have a solution for almost everything. For example, here you have three tanks versus your own. Assuming equivalent calibers, armor, and engines, you can likely take out one before the other two kill you. So the question remains, how do you kill the other two?”

“How do we?” asks Serafina eagerly.

“The best range to engage tanks is at midrange, where the short range guns will start to suffer and long range will start to come on its own without the need for an elite gunner,” says Hoel. “At this range, let's say...” Hoel draws two more white squares on one corner. “There's some friendlies who can help you but the enemy is closing in fast. How do we stop this? Suppression fire.”

“How do you expect suppressive fire from a tank?” asks Serina skeptically.

“Well, we're not expecting a barrage like a lockdown that our dear little sister loves. A three round suppressive burst at a tank to knock it out of its senses. Firing shells to the right places can knock any crew insensible, even the most experienced like ourselves occasionally get shocked by a shot to a vision port or to the machine guns. The point is not to wreck the tank, the point is to stun it so that it stops pursuing you, or to allow other tanks to follow up. However most experienced crews will try to find cover. That is where you can let your team do the work for you. ”

> TACTICAL MANEUVER LEARNED
> Suppressive Burst – 10 CP
> Fire a fast burst of three rounds from your main gun to pin a tank into cover, where hopefully you can quickly maneuver into position to flank, or other tanks can.

> NOTE: Your Instructor for this week will be Arisu Shimada. But for the rest of the week, more Roberts sisters tactical maneuvers will be available to learn. Learning from the Roberts sisters will also confer a bonus of +5 Strength every day until the start of the match.

-

-

>>1078483
[2/2]

You and your crews drill in the field, dragging logs and tires mostly. The loaders have it the worst for now, drilling in loading at their respective stations. Fastest to load ten shells gets to go and shower first. But for the rest of you, it was a nightmare. Dragging behind you was a giant tire made for 18 wheeler trucks.

And inside of it was Miss McPherson. “Come on! Put your back into it!”

The Survivalist team rush past, carrying tires filled with shells, ammo, and anything heavy. They're now the direct competitors to the Naval Studies Rescue team who carry the Poles inside of their tires. For those two crews, it's a race.

Winona pulls alongside you, panting heavily. You both look back to see Ingrid fallen over, collapsed in exhaustion. “At least the boys aren't shooting at us.”

> “Don't jinx it.”
> “Yeah, I guess.”
> “Maybe they're being lazy.”
> Other

>>1078486
>> “Don't jinx it.”
>Get On the .50 Cal and scan the skies!

>>1078486
> “Don't jinx it.”
She just had to say it didn't she?

>>1078486
> “Yeah, I guess.”
> “Maybe they're being lazy.”
I must do it this way...I must...

>Caldwell secretly showed up to watch
>Watches the bombing run
>Gets buzzed anyways

>>1078486
>>1078497
This.

>>1078497
>>1078503
Not for nothing, but aren't we kiiiiinda dragging tires? I mean, maybe we'll make it but I doubt it. We may just be unlucky this time.

>>1078486
> “Don't jinx it.”

to speak the name of the devil is to summon him!

>>1078507
I'm just promoting situational awareness.

>>1078486
>“Don't jinx it.”
They may still show up, in planes or not.

Also pick Ingrid up. Nobody gets left behind.

>>1078486
> "Don't Jinx it"
>Other
Make sure we know how to untie the tire in a hurry if we here ominous buzzing.

> “Don't jinx it.”

You sigh. “Don't jinx it.” You'd love to get on the .50 caliber right now but of course, you don't have it. So right now you were just busy looking to see how easy it'd be to get these ropes off.

Suddenly, speak of the devil. And the devil shall appear. Everyone freezes when they hear props in the distance. “INSIDE NOW!” screams Miss McPherson. “Go! Go! Go!” Everyone drops what they're doing and starts running for the hangar doors. You stop, then see Ingrid struggling to get up. Augh! Ingrid!

You dump your ropes and run over to her. Stack as well hurries to pick her up with you. And pretty soon the three of you are running for your lives. “Run! Go! Go! GO!” screams Stack.

And as if to make things slightly less worse, Caldwell is here. “Ah, Elodie Zumwalt! I came to see your practice and-” She turns her head to the sky, confused. “Are those propellers-”

“RUN!” you shout. Caldwell takes the message to heart and starts running with you. The four of you have lagged behind the main group, who have already found shelter in the main hangar. You look back and see the menacing sight of a B-17, two Hudsons, and a squadron of P-40s coming in at low altitude. The B-17 rushes over first, shaking the trees and kicking up dust beneath you. Then the Hudsons drop paint bombs everywhere, splattering the field. And finally, you hear the staccato of paint rounds splattering all across your sides. YOU'RE NOT EVEN WEARING PROTECTION, COME ON!

Finally, you make it inside. You drop Ingrid down, and take note. “Anyone hit?” You all look to Caldwell.

Caldwell was hit. Extensively. She holds up her arms, letting the rainbow colors drip down onto the floor.

> “You can use our showers, don't worry.”
> “I guess those boys really colored your opinion. Ha!”
> “Sorry, Caldwell.”
> Other

>>1078592
> “I guess those boys really colored your opinion. "
...
> “Sorry, Caldwell.”
...
> “You can use our showers, don't worry.”
...
>"This happens...a lot..."

>>1078592
>“You can use our showers, don't worry.”
>"Sorry, Caldwell."
Next time, tackle her and cover her with our body.
Also she has to have a name. We should start calling her that.

>>1078592
>Other
Stand and salute "Cadwell,"your actions will never be forgotten" *cue the sad whatever trumpet song that is used when someone died*

>>1078592
>> “Sorry, Caldwell.”
>Do you want revenge?

>>1078592
This: >>1078599

>>1078599
>>1078613
No re position it and market this to her.

Do you want to use the AA mount. Get her angry.

>>1078592
> “Sorry, Caldwell.”
> “You can use our showers, don't worry.”

>>1078592
>>1078611
This. Have her learn to use a .50 cal. Hell we can buy her one we have some money left over

>>1078602
If she joins and continually gets painted, I have a few nicknames in mind.

>Canvas
>Crayon
>Rembrant
>Rainbow
>Pollock

We should fuel her for revenge. If this happens to her a bit she must want payback.

>>1078599
Gotta lend her some clothes when shes done with the shower.

Could lend her a spare uniform.

>>1078652
That is fair. I am sure we would do that regardless.

>>1078652
Even better, we'll split ours with her.

> “Sorry, Caldwell.”
> “You can use our showers, don't worry.”

“Sorry, Caldwell.” She glares at you. Hey, this wasn't your fucking fault. “Come on, you can use our showers.” She huffs, stepping past you, still dripping paint from her hands and legs. “Make sure to wash properly.”

-

-

All of you bathe and soak into the bathes in the showerroom. Your crew sit around you, basking in the hot-tub. You see Caldwell standing underneath a shower, wringing paint out of her hair with the help of Denise. Denise graciously offered to help Caldwell after such shenanigans occurred. And gratefully Caldwell accepted the help. “I'm sick of this,” says Ingrid. “Why the fuck do we let those boys shoot us up like that?”

“We have a deal, remember?” says Stack. “We get an engine from them, they get to use as target practice.”

Griselda nods as she wraps a towel around herself, stepping out towards you and your crew. “Yeah, and I-” She squints, looking around. “Where are the Survivalists?”

“They're bathing outside,” says Iris disdainfully.

Griselda is silent for a moment, then looks back to you. “Sorry, Ingrid. But that's just the way it is. It'll stop when they leave the Academyship.”

“Nuts to that!” Ingrid splashes the water. “I'm sick and tired of this!” She stands up, getting the attention of the other girls. “We can't take this lying down! I say we fight back! We should raid their airfield and see how they like getting sprayed with paint!”

“YEAH”! The Poles jump out of their bath. “Let's do it! Warm up the tanks-”

“Girls!” Griselda stops the Poles from going. “Please. Look. Here is what's going to happen. We'll take the beatings and wait for it to stop.”

“We sound like domestic abuse victims,” says Giap.

“We-...” Griselda sighs, rubbing her nose.

> “Well, we should raid their airfield, see how they like it!”
> “Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”
> “Griselda is right, let's just take it until they leave.”
> Other

>>1078695
> “Well, we should raid their airfield, see how they like it!”
Because this is clearly the sensible solution. 80s comedy style.

>>1078695
> “Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”
We've done them a couple solids, they might be more amicable to a some less extreme terms now.

>>1078695
> “Griselda is right, let's just take it until they leave.”
Considering their coaches will take any excuse to get money out of us, gonna have to take it on the chin.

>>1078695
> “Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”
They have been mostly fair. Hell they gave us an extra tank. Lets see what we can do.

>>1078695
>> Other
We should do something else instead.

Issue a challenge for a paintball match on foot.

Relieve the stress on our side, make nice for both with some competitive sports where both shoot back.

>>1078695
>> “Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”
Honestly after the extortion from the coaches we have leverage.

>>1078708
they did salt the well a little after the thing with the Hudson.

>>1078695
>“Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”
Set it to that they leave at the end of the week instead of the month. And a long week it'll be.

>>1078695
>“Well, we should raid their airfield, see how they like it!”

Desert Rat time!

We need Jeeps, pink paint, and beards.
We already got the .50s

>>1078695
Change >>1078765 to >>1078707
And remember to bring in live ammo.

>>1078802
A bit murdery for GuP

>>1078845
Extreme measures for extreme problems.

>>1078802
Anon that is one way to have Eloidie having a demerit, a demotion or worse being kick out the academyship.

>>1078878
Or off the acadamy ship. Off the side. The high side.

I wonder if BASE jumping is a thing on acadamyships?

>>1078878
Not to mention we would owe a lot of money for repairs. And we just got out of that last one.

>>1078891
It should be. Won't get those surfaces anywhere else on the world.

>>1078892
We're not going to run over any planes, just get in, paint them up, get out.

>>1078900
Live ammo was what was suggested, anon. Live. Anmo.

Paint ain't live.

>>1078900
Accidents do happen.

>>1078695

> “Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”

“Hold it guys.” You stand up as well, getting everyone's attention. “We can't just go into their airfield and shoot up their planes.”

“Why not? It's our Academyship!” says Serina.

“Because OUR Skycraft team practices on that strip too,” you say. “We might hit our own planes by mistake and then we cause an outright hullabaloo!” To be quite frank, you haven't seen eye or ear of the LGA Skycraft team in quite a while anyway but you're trying to get this team to be calm. Nobody likes to have their ego busted down like this, especially after having it built up from the sweep. “And besides, even though the boys do bomb us, we did agree to it. Besides the issue of their coaches trying to use Jack to extort money out of LGA and Jack somehow agreeing to it, we haven't had many other problems besides that.” You plant your fist into your palm. “We have to go about this like civilized people.”

…

“Fuck that!” yells Regina. “Let's paint them like a Bob Ross video!” Everyone starts cheering, whooping, and hollering for a war.

“STOP!” yells Griselda. “For fucks sake! We can't just go around painting people willy-nilly!” She rubs her forehead a bit. “I'll call Jack. He'll come over, we discuss this like civilized people! And then-”

“Why do you have Jack's phone number?” asks Jane.

“Reasons.” She turns around, heading out of the shower.

-

-

“Sorry.” You button up Caldwell's blouse as she fumes angrily. “I mean, you're kind of my size, Caldwell. I'll have Denise bring you a fresh uniform in the morning, okay?” She glares at you, then looks down at your chest then back up to your eyes. “What's the matter?”

“It's kind of loose around the bust,” she mutters. Oh. “Whatever. I'll try to be more careful next time I come to practice.” She huffs, dusting her sleeves off. “Take care, Elodie.” You wave goodbye to her. And for now, you join the negotiation table set out in the hangar. Jack, Jeep Jockey, and one of the Skycraft coaches Coach Wright sit in as representatives of the Skycraft team, with you, Iris, and Griselda representing the Tankery team. Griselda glares at Jack a bit. “Nice of you to bring your coach into this considering this was a matter between me and you, Jack.”

Jack sighs, just as frustrated as Griselda. “He insisted. So.” Jack holds out a glass, which Denise instantly fills with cool iced water. “You want to back out of the deal.”

“My girls are getting fed up with it,” she says.

Coach Wright says, “I mean, you and the boys agreed to it. We gave you an engine for free too for it.”

“That's right,” says Jack. “I mean, I see the engine in that Cromwell, and I see it paying off for y'all very smoothly. But the fact of the matter is you did agree to the deal, Griselda.” Griselda grumbles a little, her arms folded a bit. “If you get covered in paint by it, I'm sorry.”

“What can we do in order to... stop this?” she asks.

[1/2]

>>1078695
> “Maybe we should renegotiate the deal.”

>>1078960
[2/2]


Coach Wright shrugs, leaning forward. “Well. Let's see...” He rubs his chin a little. “If you want to back out, I suppose we need something in exchange for that engine. Unless-”

“We do not have money to pay you,” says Iris.

Coach Wright snickers a little. “I don't believe that. You're Gertrude's sister after all. Surely this team is way more loaded than you're making it out to be. You compensate us out of pocket for the engine, we'll call it even, alright?”

“We don't have money,” Griselda says firmly. “Now. I am going to ask politely, please stop bombing us.”

Coach Wright laughs a bit. “Or what, you'll get your sister to kick us off this ship?”

“Coach, come on.” Jack pushes him a bit, obviously not happy with the remark. “That's not-”

Griselda's eye twitches a bit. “Griselda?” you ask.

…

Griselda looks over to Yuno and Luisa loading up her Sherman. “Luisa.” Luisa looks over. “Is the tank filled with paint rounds?”

Luisa nods. “Si. Wh- why do-” Griselda stands up off the table, then walks over to the Sherman. What is she doing? Coach Wright, Jack, and Jeep Jockey stand up, looking to her as she walks. She climbs up, then gets into the driver's hatch. You hear the M4A3E8 Sherman power up, then immediately start rolling. Luisa and Yuno jump off.

…

oh shit.

> GET AFTER HER!
> GET YOUR TANK, YOU HAVE TO GET AFTER HER NOW!
> “GRISELDA, STOP, STOP PLEASE!”
> Other

>>1078967
> GET AFTER HER!
> GET YOUR TANK, YOU HAVE TO GET AFTER HER NOW!
> “GRISELDA, STOP, STOP PLEASE!”

Nonononooooo Griselda! Stop before this goes tits up!

>>1078967
>GET AFTER HER!
Climb in with her.

>>1078967
> Other

Send Iris after Griselda, then go nuclear on the coach.

>>1078967
> “GRISELDA, STOP, STOP PLEASE!”
"This is not being adult!" Even if they're paint rounds, discharging rounds on an active airstrip is not a good idea.

My god the boys' coaches are dicks.

>>1078967
> Join her for a paint run.

>>1078967
Drive after her and climb in the gunner's seat.

>>1078967
> GET AFTER HER!
> “GRISELDA, STOP, STOP PLEASE!”

Chris, that coach is an idiot.

>>1078989
Changing to this.

Seriously guys. This won't solve anything. In fact it will make it worse! This is not worth it.

>>1078967
Adding to >>1078983
>"Get Josephine to get into Oliver and block Griselda."

>>1079006
I will also toss in a
> GET AFTER HER!
Yeah we better hold onto her or she will fire on us even if we're there. She is seeing red mist.

>>1078967
>JACK, JJ, GET DOWN!

Couch Wright is an enormous douchebag and deserves everything about to happen to him. I don't even care about the consequences.

>>1078967
>> GET AFTER HER!
Mad Max style chase sequence with cars and motorcycles?

File: WITNESSED!.gif (2.01 MB, 500x281)

2.01 MB GIF

>>1079078

>>1078967
Man, the Coach just had to keep pushing that Gertrude button that everybody knows GrisGris hates, didn't he?

>>1079119
This must be what Griselda has been dealing with in all negotiations. I at least understand her plight.

>>1079119
Probably didn't know, but still a dick move from him. He pay's the price.

>>1079119
He didn't know. Nobody that isn't close to her (her crew, Elodie) knows.

>>1078967
> GET AFTER HER!

> GET AFTER HER!
> “GRISELDA, STOP, STOP PLEASE!”

“Oh fuck! GRISELDA!” You scream, running after her. But it's too late, the tank is gone. Shit, shit. “Jeep Jockey! The Jeep!” He bursts out of his seat, hurrying to the jeep that the boys took over here. He allows you into the back, and quickly he starts it up and barrels it out of the lot. Griselda is taking that Sherman flat out!

…

At about 30 miles an hour. That's actually a bit of a dawdle for the Jeep. “Griselda!” you shout. Jeep Jockey drives up close next to it, keeping you two together. “Griselda!” She pops the hatch, looking to you. “Griselda you need to stop!” She looks forward, then she hits the brakes. Your vehicles go skidding to a halt.

“Oh thank God, she stopped!” she says Jeep Jockey.

“Only because there's an old lady crossing the street!” Griselda says. The old woman hobbles her way across the pavement slowly but surely, tapping her cane along for support.

The old lady smiles at Griselda. “Hello, Griselda!”

Griselda waves hello to her, not smiling at all. “Hi, Mrs. Garrison.” She looks over at you two. “You've got until Mrs. Garrison crosses the street to convince me not to do this!”

> “I'm not going to, go ahead.”
> “You're going to cost us a lot of time and money!”
> “This is going to make you look bad!”
> Other

>>1079153
>Climb in with her.
>"I'm not going to, go ahead. But you don't have to be alone in this."

>>1079153
>> Other
Griselda, the coaches are a bag of dicks, don't let that asshole get to you

>>1079153

> “I'm not going to, go ahead

Just, you know, don't do any permanent damage or anything. Release your stress, don't compound it.

>>1079153
> “You're going to cost us a lot of time and money!”
> “This is going to make you look bad!”
> Other
"This isn't the right thing to do!"

>>1079153
>Other
This is going to make the whole team look bad and ruin our prestige in NATO! Plus you could get sued by the Devil Hills!

>>1079153
I support >>1079167

That coach needs to be smacked down hard, but a raid on the boys is a club activity of fun, not rage

Guys do you think we should ask Gris-gris to step down from leading for a couple of days?

I think she's pretty much reached her breaking point here. She really need to get some R&R.

>>1079190
It's our fault, She was doing fine until we decided to get involved with boys.
We really should have gotten that engine from elsewhere.

>>1079167
>>1079170
>>1079172
Yeah a whole heaping helping of this. This is just going to end terribly and she is going to regret this later.

>>1079190
It may yet come down to that. But I don't know for sure. We'll have to talk about this.

May yet start her quest with this incident.

>>1079153
>> “You're going to cost us a lot of time and money!”
>> “This is going to make us look bad!”

Not you, us!

For fuck sakes we are not doing this again

>>1079153
>> “You're going to cost us a lot of time and money!”
>> “This is going to make you look bad!”

> “You're going to cost us a lot of time and money!”
> “This is going to make you look bad!”

“This is going to cost us a lot of time and money!” you say. “KDH is not going to like you randomly stumbling into their airfield at night and shooting up their planes! They'll sue us! Jack won't, but their coaches will! And most of all, it's going to make us look bad, it's going to make you look bad! Just look at Kit Blumenthal!”

Griselda looks to her right and sees Kit Blumenthal standing at the street corner. She holds a donut and a cup of coffee, staring at you two. “Hey, don't look at me, I was just walking around.”

“The point I'm making is that this is not the right thing to do!” you say. Griselda grips the edge of her hatch, almost as if she were bending it beneath her fingers. “Please. Just, turn the engine off. And just calm down, okay?”

Griselda takes a deep breath, then looks down at Mrs. Garrison. “Nice night, Mrs. Garrison.”

“Oh, very lovely night.” Mrs. Garrison reaches the other end of the street, walking past a confused Kit Blumenthal. And with that Griselda sighs, thumping her head against the hull.

…

“Fine.” Griselda huffs. “Let's go back to the hangar.” You and Jeep Jockey sigh in relief. Oh God that was close.

-

-

The Sherman rolls back into the Tank Hangar, where Jack, Coach Wright, and the surprised crews all stand. Griselda parks the Sherman outside, then steps out and starts storming inside. “Griselda.” Jack hold up a hand, trying to stop her. “Listen, I'm sorry, Coach Wright-”

“Your Coach can tear off his nose and shove it up his mouth to smell the bullshit that comes out of it,” she says simply. Coach Wright does not look very happy, but he remains quiet for now. “I'm going to sleep.” She steps past all the crewmembers, who all glare angrily at the boys.

Jack looks to you, then nods to the Jeep. “We better go. Coach.” Coach Wright nods, stepping past Jack. “We're so sorry. I hope we can make this up to you somehow.”

> “You better.”
> “Just get out of here.”
> “I'm sorry too.”
> Other

>>1079309
>“Just get out of here.”
>Other
Go with Griselda. She does need help.

>>1079309
>No, You are staying here. We are finishing the negotiations.

Not Only you have provoked my captain and host that is housing your planes, you tried to extort her. The Tankery team and the NATO team are separate entities in which our account books can prove that.

Unless you start offering terms. We will be unpleasant. Mr.Wright.

>>1079309
>> “Just get out of here.”

>>1079309
> “I'm sorry too.”
As always, poor Griselda. That and I do feel for Jack, he likes Griselda and is trying.

>>1079309

This! >>1079342

All my this!

>>1079309
>Sit the fuck back down. We are finishing this now!

>>1079309
>Not your fault, Jack. I get the feeling you didn't want him here for this exact reason.
>No, we are finishing negotiations.
>*Barely restrained hostility toward Coach Dumbass*

Finishing this up and *then* talking to Gris will probably help her calm down.

>>1079342
Last time we negotiated with boys we ended up agreeing to getting paint bombed. Do we want to go there again?
At this point the only terms we'll agree to is for them to keep to themselves, both in the air and on the ground. Refuse and we go Bane on them.

>>1079342
this

>>1079309
> “I'm sorry too.”
> Other
Supporting >>1079342

>>1079342
In support of this.

>>1079368
This time, the coach tried to extort a all girls team.

That is different. He seems like a man of pride so we can ruin his reputation by trying to screw a poor NATO girls team off to profit for himself.

I want this done now and not waste a day doing this again. We have girls to recruit and tanks to fix and shit.

>>1079309
> Other
"I'm sure you will, but I'm not the one who needs to hear that. Go talk to her, see if you can't sort something out, Jock and I can keep the coach busy for a few more minutes." Delay Coach with bureaucrat powers and/or food, make some empty promises or dangle the prospect of financial compensation in front of him long enough for Jack and Gris to figure something out under the table, they'll leave a little while later none the wiser thinking negotiations reached an impasse, but hopefully a more amicable solution can be reached privately.

>>1079368
We don't want another fail negotiation like the nuke again.

>>1079391
I will back this.

This is probably the better course, I think.

I will back it.

I weep for GS for basically having to write negotiations when this was probably his call to wrap things up

>>1079405
Honestly I don't feel bad. I want this done today. We don't have much time against Walter Christie and in not willing to waste another day on this.

>>1079391
>Go talk to her
I think Griselda has had enough of blackmailing bastards to last her a lifetime. Let's not send another to her.

>>1079425
It's not going to stop today, unfortunately. They go in 20 days. Unless the negotiation terms reduce that to 20 hours, it won't end today.

>>1079437
Oh, I don't mind the bombing rubs. We have a german flak gun now. What I mean is for them to not start this bullshit and make this up to us.

We got a third party mixed in and the planes are alharresing the girls.

If they want simulated bombing runs then they need defenses instead of easy targets.

>>1079474
A few 88s in exchange for the bombing runs continuing? I dig.

>>1079488
well or a few 20mm AAA, if their strafing its not going to help since they will fly too low

>>1079437
Jack is trying really hard here. He's a victim in all this too. Not as much as us, obviously, but still.

>>1079309
>>1079391
I'll support letting the captains sort it out.

>>1079514
Not entirely a victim. He and the boys have buzzed Caldwell. She's not part of the team.

They need to be reigned in. Coach needs some unpleasantness in his life.

Either way, no more one-on-one negotiations. Whatever agreement is reached really needs to have ourselves and Iris present besides Griselda.
After this fiasco we shouldn't trust these people as far as we can throw them.

Yes, I know, the coach is bad, but as >>1079530 says they really have been buzzing someone they shouldn't have. More than once now.

>>1079592
I don't mind he bombing runs continuing but we can mess with his ego. "Are your boys so weak they can't take a little fire back." We need defenses because clearly they have too much free time and not enough time patching up their planes from flak.

> AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

“You can make it up now by sitting down and finishing the negotiations,” you say simply. “You try to extort us, and you end up provoking Griselda too. We're separate entities, NATO and Tankery, and our accounts can prove that. Even if you want compensation for the engine, I am telling you right now that we do not have money. So sit down.” Jack shrugs, sitting down at the table.

“Coach Wright!” he calls. “Come on.” Coach Wright sighs in frustration, moving on over to the table. “Rest of you, clear out! Go on! “Right. What do we got to talk about?” Coach Wright sits down as well.

“The deal. We want you to stop bombing us, and we want you to stop buzzing people like Caldwell at random,” you say.

“And what will you give us?” asks Coach Wright. Jack rubs his face in exhaustion. Oh for goodness sake. Iris sits down as well, not happy at all. “Look. We've already been compensated for the Hudson for sure. But for the engine, NATO isn't going to compensate us for that, that's entirely on you. And we would like it if you'd pay the full price for it.”

“Coach.” Jack leans back in his seat. “The deal was made between me and Griselda. In fact it should be and Griselda sitting down to talk about this.”

“And I was the one that let you lend off the engine to the girls,” says Coach Wright. “I have say in this, Jack. And as for you, Elodie-”

“Can we just- is there any kind of agreement we can come to?” you ask.

Jack raises his hand. “I can agree to one thing.”

Iris looks over at Jack. “What's that?”

“That LGA help sponsor the KDH Skycraft team,” he says. Coach Wright leans back in his seat, skeptically squinting at the proposal. “We're not asking that your team compensate us. We're asking that you ask the Academy, Gertrude, Captain Spruance, whoever's responsible for it sponsor us in our tournaments in the fall. The reason we were let into the school into the first place was to foster cooperation, right? Cash, parts, whatever. Like I said before, we're not loaded with money. If we could have a little help, we'll stop the bombing, we'll stop the buzzing.”

“You promise?” you ask.

Jack gives you a stern expression, placing his hand on his chest. “Hand over heart, I promise.”

> “I'll see what I can do.”
> “No deal.”
> Other

>>1079618
>“No deal.”
It'll mean seeing even more of them.

>>1079618
Do we have a Skycraft team?

>>1079618
> “I'll see what I can do.”
This works guys. And we can handle that sidequest.

>>1079618
> “I'll see what I can do.”

>>1079636
Yeah, they're pretty small/inexperienced though.

>>1079618
>No Deal, We can let you bomb us but we want simulated defenses. Bombing us is one thing but it seems you boys buzzing third party members means you have too much spare time on your hands.

Remember you are LGA's guests and bothering her students is something we won't tolerate/

>>1079618
> “I'll see what I can do.”
At least we can try with this one, though>>1079654 this could work as well.

>>1079618
Supporting >>1079654

>>1079654
Can't this just be tacked on for negotiation?

>>1079618

> “No deal.”
We can't sponsor a team in competition with our own.
The bombing isn't even an exercise, its just a sad harassment. You want bombing practice, ok. But it will be actual target practice, not just sad-ass carpet bombings. You get specific targets, you get shot at. You get a challenge.

The buzzing stops. The end. Not negotiable. Naval Studies Officers are having their work disrupted by KDH. Those officers are not in a sport, that is how they can attend this school. KDH is endangering their education.
Do you want any angry parents coming at you for that?

(old votes deleted as I rethought the whole thing into this one vote)

>>1079618
>“No deal
>>1079654
>>1079657
>>1079677
This actual defenses and targets. You guys want actual sky craft bombing raids it won't just be a empty field.

>>1079618
>> “I'll see what I can do.”

>>1079693
No this is a counter deal. He's asking for sponsors which as NATO can't afford.

>>1079726
He's asking for sponsorship from the school, not the NATO team, they explicitly stated that.

>>1079748
Fair enough, but sponsorship means what does LGA get in return? Not Nato.

LGA is on a budget too having to deal with a broken supply ship, upgrading the navigation.

Where do we get the money to sponsor a boys team/

>>1079618
>>1079699
Adding this to my vote.

> “No deal.”
> Other
> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

You sigh. “No deal. We can let you bomb us but we want simulated defenses. Bombing is one thing but it seems you boys buzzing people who aren't relevant means you have too much time on your hands.” Jack groans, rubbing his face in hands. “You guys not get enough practice out of it? Come on.”

“So wait.” Coach Wright holds up a hand. “You're refusing the deal on the basis that you want to keep the bombings going? I thought this was about stopping it.” Iris looks at you, confused. “Listen, this was nice and all, but we should get going. It's late.” Coach Wright stands up. “Come on, Jack. We can negotiate this stuff another time.”

“You're just going to walk away?” you ask. “Jack, come on! You can do better than this!”

Jack stands up, sighing. “Look. It's not my team, it's Coach Wright's. Okay? If he wants to stop talking, it's his prerogative. I'll talk to Griselda in the morning.” He turns around, walking off. They get into the back of the jeep, and away they go into the night.

…

Iris says, “I think we could've handled that better.”

“You think?” you say to her.

Iris sighs, standing up. “In the end, Elodie. This is Griselda's team. Try as we might to contain things, it is her decision of what to do with the boys, and all other things in the future.” She pats your shoulder. “You should get some sleep.” With that, she walks away too.

…

Good grief.

>>1079994
i'm tired and i want to go bed

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

See you next time.

>>1079998
Approximately check 'em, boss

Right lets hash out some negotiations for the next thread.

What are we willing to put on the table?

>>1079998
Heroic effort tonight. Thanks for running, boss.

>>1079994
Maaaan, I appreciate the effort GS.

I am not happy that things went this way, but that is the vote. I won't be able to add anything today. But we're going to have to comprimise and give a little. Much as we don't want to.

>>1079998
Thanks for the run.

>>1079998
Thanks for the run Schteel, think I might try to track down all the various sidequests so we can see which ones are missing from the pastebins.

>>1079998
Danke Schteel