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/qst/ - Quests


So the break is over, haha! I'm moved in at the folk's house for now, we'll see how long it lasts- I'm grateful they took me back in for now, but I don't intend to stay that long, if i can avoid it, haha! For now, though, we'll be running regular wed-fri threads again, though the timing may be off a bit from our old usual times, owing to me sharing a house again.

Archive here http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Strike%20Witches%202016 for anyone interested. This is the reboot- the original run was... bad. Just that, bad. It can be ignored entirely if you're looking to get into this run.

And I think that's it! Like I said above, our hours may be a bit wacky compared to earlier, but I'll try to run as close to them as possible as much as I can, and I'm sorry in advance for any issues there.

===========================================================================================

The weekend has started fairly interestingly. You're reasonably sure Kyou hasn't slept at all- instead, she looks to be buried in a half-dozen tech manuals for the Wyvern's back seat systems, and is absently taking notes for herself in another notebook as she reads from her nest of manuals on the sofa. You catch a glimpse of them, but you don't see much- just minor notes on the use of the manual systems in the fighter.

She barely looked up when you walked past- though you could feel the double-take when she actually looked at you in your PT shirt and shorts. You're used to it enough that you barely register it- even your sisters do it, from time to time. Cass, of course, will openly stare.

Breakfast looks more difficult than you'd anticipated. You'd moved most of the food in your fridge, which, you reflect, isn't that much, considering your partner's demonstrated appetite. Still, it was enough for a simple offering of ham, bacon, and eggs, with about a half loaf of bread toasted up. You could see her sniffing the air as you cooked- while it's nothing that really shows off, and is something you consider so basic that you look down on anyone that can't at least make it, as breakfasts go, ham, eggs, and toast is a celebrated standby for a reason.

It proved enough, anyway, to tempt the witch off the couch and up to the bar separating the small kitchen from the living area, where she took a seat on one of the chairs there, nodding without expression when you set a plate in front of her. “Thank you.” She says, nodding at you before digging in. She's already helping herself to another piece of ham before you're done with your first plate.

1/2
>>
For her part, she doesn't look like she's been up all night- other than that she hasn't changed, you wouldn't be able to tell. “Did you sleep well?” She asks, after a moment. “I am sorry for being rude. I didn't realize how hungry I had become.”

You shrug- the mattresses here are a bit harder than you prefer. While the navy is perfectly willing to spend more than a little money on the crews of wyverns, certain things will forever remain true- like terrible military mattresses.

She accepts it as an answer well enough. “I haven't slept yet, but I was under the impression I didn't need to.” She says, then smiles. “I do still believe I should make a phone call to my parents and inform them unofficially. I noticed the bedrooms have phones in them, perhaps you should do the same?”

While you're reasonably sure Maman knew of your decision before you moved into these quarters, the Bishop household isn't quite as well informed as a rule. Rachel- Slider- is almost certainly there, though you're not sure if anyone else will be. Still, she can at least get the word back out if you can get hold of her if your father isn't there.

[] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
[] I'm sure Maman knows, but I'll call her anyway.
[] It can wait, I'm sure aunt Merlin already let them know.
>>
>>3509833
>[X] I'm sure Maman knows, but I'll call her anyway.
>>
>>3509833
>[] It can wait, I'm sure aunt Merlin already let them know.
>>
>>3509833
>[] I'm sure Maman knows, but I'll call her anyway.
It's not like we have anything better to do.
>>
>>3509833
>[x] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
I suspect Maman knows but we ought to let Frank know.
>>
>>3509833
>[x] I'm sure Maman knows, but I'll call her anyway.
Because I like her.

SO HOW IS GHOST LIKING DEEP DIVE
>>
>>3509833
[X] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
>>
>>3509833
>[x] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
I'd be surprised if Maman didn't already know
>>
>>3509831
>[] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
[] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.

Call mom next if we can.
>>
>>3509833
>[] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.

AWKWARD BONDING MOMENT!
>>
>>3509833
>>3509861
>>[] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
>[] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.
>Call mom next if we can.
This
>>
>>3509833
>[x] I'm sure Maman knows, but I'll call her anyway.
We'll probably hear her phone ringing in some nearby shadow. But still...
>>
>>3509833
>[X] I'm sure Maman knows, but I'll call her anyway.
Gotta call mom
>>
>>3509833
>[X] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.

I wonder how Frank has changed.
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
>>3509888

Bruh, turn off the trip
>>
>>3509910
He's running a sidequest to this one, its legit.
>>
>>3509977
It's not a post relating to his story, nor is it in his stories' thread, so it only seems to serve as attention-whoring to me.

But that's just my take.
>>
>>3509989
He's used it for weeks. If you're just noticing now it's obviously not obtrusive in any way.
>>
[x] Yeah, you're right, I should call my father.

You nod, finishing off your plate and turning to put it in the sink behind you. “You're right, I should call my father.” you say, nodding. “And I still need to get in my morning run.”

“Don't bother, they won't let us out yet.” Kyou says. “I was planning to go for my own run but they stopped me at the desk. We can't go anywhere without an escort, and they won't be in until oh-eight. They suggested I use the fitness center, but treadmills are terrible.” She shrugs. “I would have argued, but I felt it would do us no favors. They also suggested the pool. Perhaps we should enjoy it while we can?”

You nod- she makes a good point, and you've always enjoyed swimming when you could- it's pretty good exercise and a lot easier on your joints than a lot of other options.

She smiles. “Excellent! Perhaps after we make our respective phone calls?”

“Maybe. Remember auntie M wants to talk with us.”

“Ah, yes.” She says, nodding. “I hadn't forgotten, but I was unaware she wanted to talk so soon. We won't be making her wait, will we?”

You shake your head. You're fairly sure that, if anyone was able to gain access to the secure decks of the building like the one you're on, Merlin would be them. And even then, there's better than even odds that she's not even awake yet- she tends to crash out hard when she doesn't have an immediate project to do, and with the Marine Wyvern spun up and your own down for another three or four days, your aunt is probably taking it easy- for her, that means curled up on the couch playing old game systems and drinking wine.

Kyou nods. “Good. I will go call my parents, though I am sure they were informed of the decision already.” She says, visibly slipping back into what you already think of as her 'public' persona. You wonder about the nature of her family relationship for a second before deciding you'll deal with it when and if you have to- and until then, it's not an issue you want to worry about.

1/2
>>
She doesn't close the door to her bedroom, and neither do you as you sit at the desk near the bed, picking up the phone- corded, you note- and dial the familiar line to the Bishop house north of here. Despite working for Chance-Vought, the family's 'main' home is near to Bremerton, Washington, on Wildcat lake. You're not sure who paid for it, though, given it's size and location, you suspect it was Tabitha tapping into her inherited riches.

The phone rings twice before it's picked up- Rachel's voice greets you from the other end of the line. “Bishops.” She says, simply, sounding kind of distracted. You'd have caught her during her own morning workout, you suspect- she doesn't have the same dislike of treadmills you do, and she does work hard, she claims, to keep the figure she's got.

“Hi, Rachel.” You say- you've gotten along with her well enough. “Is dad around?”

“Morgan!” She responds, sounding a bit surprised. “He's home, just got in last night. He's still asleep, you want me to get him up?”

[] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
[] Yeah, if you don't mind.
>>
>>3510028
>[x] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>>
>>3510028
>[x] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
Best to let sleeping wardogs lie.
>>
>>3510028
>[X] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>>
>>3510028
>[] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>>
>>3510028
>[x] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>[X] So how are things with you (make small talk and be polite)
We might as well let him sleep. In the meantime we can see how things are with best snek.
>>
>>3510028
>[x] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>>
>>3510028
>[x] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>>
>>3510002
I've noticed it since he started using it, I've only now mentioned it because I was assuming he would naturalize more quickly.
>>
>>3510044
People aren't obligated to act how you want them too.
>>
>>3510028
>[] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.

HA, SUCK IT VADIM, WHO IS OF FLYING SHINY BEST TOY NOW?!
>>
>>3510028
>[] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
>>
>>3510045
And I'm not obligated to ignore calling out someone that seems like an attentionwhore because you got uppity. Works both ways!
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
>>3510028
>[] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.
4koma for Bishop family shenanigans when?
>>
[x] No, just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week.


You smirk, even though she can't see it- it figures. “That's alright. Just let him know I'm crewed up now, we'll be starting final training and our deck tour next week. But it can wait till he gets up.”

“Oh! Yeah, he'll want to hear that.” She says. “The asshat should have known you were going for selection and not stayed up so late. So who is it? Do we know her?”

“Maybe.” You say. “She's the imperial princess Kyou. Katsumi's neice.”

“Oh!” Rachel exclaims. “I think we have met her, years ago. There was a big deal about the imperial family coming to an airshow we were at, right around the end of the ninteys.” There's a short pause, then she speaks up again. “Well, listen, I've got to finish this before your father gets up, I want to get breakfast cooking. But your sister wants to talk to you, so I'll hand you over. Good luck, stay safe!”

You don't get a chance to respond before Natalya picks up the line. “Morgan.” She says- he voice is always soft, given just enough breath to make it to it's intended recipient and not anything else. “Rachel-mother says you have finalized your crew selection. Who is she?”

“The imperial princess Kyou, Nat.” You tell her- not like your sister wouldn't find out anyway. In her own way she's about as scary as your mom can be. Sometimes more- the things she can do aren't natural, and there's not really another witch on the globe- other than maybe your new crewmate- that can match her.

“Kyou.” She says, sounding contemplative. “Very well. Be well, little brother. Stay safe. We will talk again.” And with that, she hangs up.

1/2
>>
“You too Nat.” You say into the dead line, hanging up the phone. You look up to see Kyou walk up to your bedroom doorway. She's got a towel over one arm and a simple hygene bag in her hand.

“I will be taking a shower.” She announces. “Then we should sit down and decide how we intend to spend the day. It may be an overstep, but I hope your aunt will agree to escort us for the day.”

Knowing Merlin she probably will- if Kyou really as into the wyvern as you think she is, Merlin's going to about be in heaven, nerding out about her jet with the princess. “Perhaps, while I am in the shower, you could call her.” She asks- though her tone indicates that she sees no reason to not.

“It's still early.” You point out. “Auntie M probably won't even be awake until noon.”

Kyou blinks, looking surprised. “Noon? She sleeps so late?”

You shrug. “She'll go for days, then crash. It's how she's always been.”

Something runs across Kyou's face, but she squelches it far faster than you get a chance to identify it. “I see.” She says. “Regardless, if you need me, I will be in the shower.” She pauses, and smiles very lightly. “I will leave the door unlocked, but I ask that if an emergency develops, you at least knock before entering.”

You'd joke about it- it seems like a good opening for one- but you don't know Kyou that well yet, so you just nod. She waits for a second near the door, then turns and goes into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click. You hear the shower start a second later.

Merlin isn't likely to be awake yet- if she slept last night. Of course, there's every possibility she's out on the line fussing over the marine wyvern, too- or still up, beating some ancient super nintendo game for the thousandth time. Of course, even if she is asleep, she's never going to mind if you wake her up by calling- though you may have to pay her back by making breakfast for her.

On the other hand, you do know your mother will be expecting a call- even if she already knows- and if she's expecting something from you, you're far better served by delivering. Honestly, you're almost surprised she hasn't turned up at the door already.

[] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
[] Call Merlin- Kyou's right, there really isn't any reason to not call- and her kitchen is far better stocked than yours.
>>
>>3510187
>[x] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
>>3510187
>[x] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
So, what's the bet that nat's already texted maman that we've selected Kyou?
>>
>>3510183
>“Oh!” Rachel exclaims. “I think we have met her, years ago.

Osananajimi confirmed
>>
>>3510187
>[] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
>>3510187
>[X] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
>>3510187
>[x] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
Now it's time for the mother.
>>
>>3510187
>[x] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
>>3510187
>[X] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
>>3510187
[] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
Even if she is our mother who would burn every square inch of the Earth if she felt it would do us good, we need not disappoint the scary cat lady.
>>
>>3510187
Call maman,


Anger not the scary cat witchie
>>
>>3510187
>[x] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
>>3510187
>[] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
ok, votes called!

Sorry it's been slower than usual- still kinda readjusting to life here, haha!
>>
>>3510187
>[X] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.
>>
[x] Call maman- putting it off isn't going to do you any favors.

You dial maman's number from memory- and are only slightly surprised that when it starts ringing on your end, you don't also hear it from outside your window or out of the front door.

“Brigitte.” Your mother says, her voice professional, when she picks up.

“Hi maman.” You say, smiling. “I made de decision.”

“I know.” She says. “Foun out befoah you even lef de building.” She pauses. “So you pick dat Kyou, eh?”

“Oui, maman.” You say, expecting a lecture.

“You be careful wid her, boy.” She says. “I do no be mindin becomin a gran maman some day, but you don't be in no rush, non. An you be real cautious bout her in dat jet. She do no be normal an your maman intend to get to de bottom of dat.”

“Oui maman.” You respond, kind of surprised it wasn't a longer lecture.

“But you do no be worryin bout dat. Far as anyone else concern, she jus strong. I tink dere be moah to it dan dat, but I do no be too concern. I be jus as happy to call her a daughter in law an introducin her to de ladies o de coven de same regardless, you undastand boy?”

“Oui, maman.”

“Good. You know you be expected ta bring her by at de first chance you get.” She warns. “An don't tink we won't know. I run interference when I can, an I undastand maybe her family come first dis time, but don't ya be forgettin.”

“I won't, maman.”

“Good.” She says. “Now don you do nothin silly while ya be unda close supervision. Go spen de weekend wid ya auntie, take it easy, ya be busy as soon as dat Kyou be cleared back fo flight.” She says. “you be good, boy. Your maman love you.”

“Love you too, maman.” You say, and she hangs up shortly after.

From the sounds of it, the shower is still on when she hangs up. Checking your watch, you're surprised to see it's still just before 08- though, by the time she's out of the shower and you've had a chance to clean up, you suspect your required PMO escort downstairs will be available. While you do need to hygene, you'll also need to clean the kitchen before you do anything- and that's going to take a few minuites, regardless. You can still always call Merlin, of course- Kyou, at least, seems very interested in finally really getting to talk with your aunt.

[] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.
[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
and I'm going to call it for the night there, guys! I know, it was shorter and slower than usual, and I'm sorry for that. I'm going to work on getting stuff back to our regular speed as much as possible, though hopefully we'll have another off week soon when I move back out.

I'll be around a little bit to field questions or comments as necessary, but otherwise gents, I'll catch you tomorrow!
>>
>>3510381
>[x] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
Multitasking!
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.
>>
>>3510381
>[x] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.

>>3510383
Thanks for the run Ghost
>>
>>3510381
>[X] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.

>>3510383
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
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>>3510383
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.
>>
>>3510381
[X] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[x] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[X] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower
>>
>>3510381
>[X] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.

THE KING AND THE LAND ARE ONE
>>
>>3510381
[X] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.

>All this talk about us marrying Kyou

I mean, I know it's not exactly unlikely but it's still a bit early to be making that assumption, surely?
>>
>>3510381
>[X] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
Let the Wyvern Nerds nerd out together.
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.
>>
>>3510582
By everything Ghost has posted it's half assumed by pretty much everyone that a Wyvern crew will hook up.

So they're just getting in early shots. Plus it's his mother and she's been shown to be a bit protective.
>>
>>3510381
[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[x] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.
>>
>>3510381
>[x] I'd rather get the kitchen sorted out- Can't leave Morganlandia a disaster in my absence.

Let Auntie M sleep a bit longer, I think.

>“Oui maman.” You respond, kind of surprised it wasn't a longer lecture.

Picking a witch with a monogamous familiar probably helped mamans mood.
>>
>>3510381
[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
>>3510381
>[] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] I'll see if auntie M is awake, and if she is, invite her over while I clean. It'll mean she and Kyou can talk while I shower.

You pause for a second before shooting your aunt a text, figuring that if she's asleep, that stands the least chance of waking her. She responds almost instantly- a good sign she's either gotten up for something specific or she hasn't slept yet. You call a second after she responds- she picks up on the first ring. “M-morgan?” She asks.

“Oui auntie.” You respond. “You busy today? Kyou is really looking forward to talking to you.”

She laughs a little. “I-I bet. I'm not b-busy, but I had p-planned to go look over Ulysses' Wyvern later t-today. He starts his s-selection flights Monday.”

“If you be busy-” You start, but she rushes to interrupt you.

“N-no, no, n-not at all!” she says. “A-all I'm doing is checking it over, a-and I can do that anytime before h-he flies. B-but I'm going to be b-busy with yours all week a-anyway, a-and I do want to talk with K-kyou. I-if she feels up t-to it, I want to i-install some more d-demanding equipment. I-I also want to t-talk with her personally.”

“Feeling out my witch, auntie?” You ask, grinning. “Sizing up competition?”

There's a bit of a pause, and you can practically feel the blush through the phone. “I-I'm more w-worried about h-her f-for her sake. S-she might not k-know what she's getting into w-with us.”

“Oho?” You say. “Very adventurous auntie. But I'm not dad, don't forget.”

“N-not like t-that!” She responds. “I-i don't think s-she'd go for it a-anyway. B-but I don't mean l-like that. Frank's t-talent is well known, b-but poorly documented. A-and we have no idea if you g-got it or not, b-but if you did, and s-she's as strong as we t-think a-and she flies with y-you-” She trails off, letting you connect the dots.

1/2
>>
Merlin is fantastically strong- though her power is flawed, her ability with technology is legendary. Still, she's a fantastically strong conventional witch- like most people, she has to follow the laws of physics, more or less. She can do incredible things with her ability, push jets to their absolute limits, allow them to exceed them in many ways. But she's still nowhere near as strong as Kyou looks to be- her shields can be defeated, she can't ignore inertia. Based on what you saw, Kyou's under no such restrictions. The only other witch you know of like that is Natalya.

“I see. So dis isn't worrying about me doing like dad, den.” You say, smiling.

“D-Do you t-think he h-had m-much choice?” Your aunt responds, clearly summoning all her reserves to get even that little bit of snark back at you. “I-I'll be over soon. I-I have to get dressed.” And she hangs up.

Kyou's gotten out of the shower by then, and again stands in the doorway to your bedroom. “Do we have a plan for the day now?”

You nod. “Merlin's on her way over shortly, just got off the phone with her.”

Kyou smiles- a genuine one. “Oh, excellent!” She says. “I had hoped to be able to talk with her before we began flying.” She hesitates for a minute “Did she mention talking to me? I know it is an overstep, but-” she asks, trailing off.

[] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
[] “Only to mention a setup like my father has. I'm not sure.”
>>
>>3512254
>[x] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
>>3512254
>[X] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
>>3512254
>[] “Only to mention a setup like my father has. I'm not sure.”

INNUENDO AHOY
>>
>>3512254
>[x] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
Let's see our royal nerd smile more.
>>
>>3512254
>[X] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
>>3512254
[]“She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
>>3512254
[] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
>>3512254
>[] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
>>3512254
>[X] “Only to mention a setup like my father has. I'm not sure.”

Just a liiiittle bit of bulli
>>
>>3512254
>[X] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”
>>
Ok, votes called!

Sorry again for the slow pace. It's probably going to be a thing for a bit, I'll do my best to limit it, but we all know how that goes!
>>
[x] “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah”

You nod. “She said she wanted to talk to you specifically, yeah.” You say, noting how her face lights up for a second.

“I see.” She says, still smiling. “I am pleased to hear it. Perhaps you should shower, then?”

“That was my plan.” You respond, standing up from the entirely too stiff chair at the desk and grabbing a change of clothes- a simple T-shirt and a pair of jeans- from your sea bag. You'll have to unpack them later, you know, as this building is effectively your home until you enter fleet service.

Kyou's busied herself picking up her manuals from around the sofa in the living room when you step out of your room. The bathroom is still humid and hot from Kyou's shower, though there's still plenty of hot water. Kyou, you note, left her hygiene bag hanging off of the curtain rail, and there's not much in it- body wash, shampoo, and a razor. Almost the same as yours, you note. You shower quickly, pausing to dry off and pull on your pants before opening the door.

Merlin and Kyou are both out in the living room- and judging by the way they both do almost simultaneous double-takes as you walk out of the bathroom shirtless, you can bet you just interrupted their conversation. You nod towards them, pulling on the T-shirt before walking out and taking a seat on one of the chairs at the bartop, where you pull on a pair of socks. “Hi, Auntie.”

“H-hi M-morgan.” She says, sounding distracted. Kyou recovers first.

“Miss Wells only just arrived,” Kyou says. “I had not yet had a chance to offer her food or a drink.”

You nod. “Auntie, you hungry?” You ask. I'll have to run and go get tings, but I can make you something quick.”

Merlin thinks for a second, chewing on her lip. “I-if you do, will y-you cook dinner tonight t-too?” She asks.

“I do not think that would be a problem.” Kyou says, hurriedly. “If Morgan agrees, of course.”

[] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
[] I don't know... I'd kind of hoped to be able to get to Santa's.
>>
>>3512415
>[x] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
>>
>>3512415
>[x] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
>>
>>3512415
>[X] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
>>
>>3512415
>[] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
>>
>>3512415
>[x] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
Never pass up a chance at cooking
>>
>>3512415
>[X] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.

Make the Chili
>>
>>3512415
>[x] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.

Not only a monster in the air, but a monster in the kitchen!
>>
>>3512415
[] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
>>
>>3512415
>[] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
Chili time.
>>
>>3512415
>[X] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.

Food!
>>
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>>3512415
>[x] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
One again, still applicable.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>3512460
>>3512415

[] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.
>>
[x] It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post, and I'll cook up something nice.

You nod. “It's no problem. I'll go see if the PMOs will let me off post.” You say. “Get the things to cook up something nice.”

“The chili?” Merlin asks, kind of hopefully.

“We'll see.” you say, pulling on a pair of battered sneakers that have been with you since your last year in high school- almost seven years gone, now. You grab your wallet and a pair of sunglasses and head out of the door into the hallway, noting that the two witches in the living room are watching you go.

You head downstairs, pausing by the desk, noting that the marine PMOs there only seem interested as you walk up- and even then, it's only passingly. “Morning, sir.” one of them, a lance corporal, says.

You nod. “Morning. So if I need to get off post, how does that work?”

“You got an escort?” He asks, and you shake your head. He sighs.

“Aight. What happens is myself of one of the other marines here will pull a gov out of the lot, you'll sign out at the desk here, go do your shit, and come back. There's no hard time limit, but you have to return here by sixteen hundred unless otherwise arranged. There's a hard twenty mile limit from the gate, unless you're under orders to go to another post.”

You nod- it's pretty harsh, but it makes sense- not everyone is going to adjust to the realities of being a wyvern crew the same. You imagine some people try to run, to get away from what they've signed up for. You can't imagine doing that, of course, for a number of reasons, but rules tend to apply for a reason, so here you are.

“So you need to head out, sir?” The young marine asks, and you nod again.

“Grocery shopping.” You supply.

He shrugs. “All the same to me, sir. I'll get the car, go ahead and sign out.”

1/2
>>
You nod, taking a minute to look at the desk. You saw it last night of course, but it's different now. The marines- all Provost Marshal Officers- sit behind a high desk with a brushed steel front. Behind them is a whiteboard- you note that your name and room number are on it, along with Kyou's name. Next to the names is a small note block- one of the marines stands to change it to “Out, esc. Lcpl. Rico.” There's also a note next to Kyou's name, indicating that she's got a visitor- though the visitor is noted as “Adml. Wells” on the board. You wonder why she identified herself by rank, then decide it was probably to get around the visiting time restrictions you'd been told about last night.

What really makes you take notice, though, is the rifle rack behind the desk. While the locking bar is in place, there's no lock on it- and each of the rifles there has a mag locked in. One of the other marines, noticing your gaze, turns to look at it, then turns back to look at you with a lopsided grin. “Guard mount isn't much good if you can't get to your rifle, sir.” He says.

You nod again, though you're rescued by the lance corporal walking in. “You ready, sir?” He asks.

“Yeah.” You say, turning and heading out of the doors to the front, following the marine to a waiting burgandy-colored car with tinted windows. You sit in the passenger seat and buckle in as the marine takes the driver seat. “Where to?” He asks.

[] Just go to one of the bigger organic chains around here- easier and faster.
[] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
>>
>>3512709
>[x] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
>>
>>3512709
>[X] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.

Japanese girl never tasted our handiwork before. Let's ruin her for other food.
>>
>>3512709
>[X] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
>>
>>3512709
>[X] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
>>
>>3512709

[] Just go to one of the bigger organic chains around here- easier and faster.
>>
>>3512709
>[] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
Not so much about impressing as it is about quality! and if we aren't going for quality, are we really going at all? Cooking is an art, and we can't just skimp out on it!
>>
>>3512709
>[X] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
>>
>>3512709
>[x] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.
>>
Ok, votes called! This will probably be the last one tonight!
>>
[x] Hit up that farmer's market and the butcher Anastasia showed you- may as well work to impress.

“There's a farmer's market in town I need to sing by, and a butcher shop not far from there.” You say, giving him directions as best you remember them. He nods, pulling them up on the dash-mounted GPS of the car and backing out of the parking space.

“So you a cook or something, sir??” He asks, pulling into traffic- not light, right now, with people headed out for the weekend.

You shake your head. “Not really.” you say

“Oh. Huh. Most guys just hit up the commissary, I just figured since you were heading out for that fancy shit, ya know.” He shrugs. “None of my business anyway. Damn! Look at this traffic. What the fuck, man? Fuck I wish I lived a life where I had fuckin nowhere to go, ya know? You mind if I turn on some music?”

You shake your head, and before too long, he's hooked up his phone and Tupac's 'me against the world' is playing. “Damn I love this fucker.” The marine says. “Rap died the day he did, straight up. Shit was a fucking setup. Suge had mans killed cos he was worth more dead. And now look at the crap we got. Mumble rap bullshit.” He shakes his head.

He raps along for a couple minutes, keeping up pretty well, you figure. Eventually he stops as you get into the city, following the GPS. It takes a few minutes before he finds the parking lot across from the market- which looks to be packed. He looks over at you dubiously. “Looks full as shit, sir.” He says.

“Yeah.” You say, getting out of the car- he follows suit a second later. “Well, lead on, sir.” He says.

You think as you walk among the stalls- You could make the chili again, for sure, but you're not sure you want to. You've had a long held belief that no one but family can have it twice for free- you'll marry the first girl that has it three times and isn't related by blood. Part of you wants to do something with seafood- there should be a halfway decent fish market around here, you figure, and fish, you figure, is fairly safe, especially considering where Kyou's from. You could also keep it simple- steak and potatoes, maybe. You briefly consider something more involved- something you've seen on youtube, maybe even. There's all the old standbys too- jambalaya, gumbo, steaks- Kyou did seem to enjoy her steak afterall. Thinking about it there's no reason to not go nuts- you have all day.

[] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
[] May as well see what Kyou thinks of your steaks.
[] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
[] Make those crazy BLTs you saw- they're faster than the rest, but they look REALLY good.
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.

Not even going to bother with grilling up steaks for a girl who's probably had easy access to Kobe Beef. American Steaks are so dry in comparison to A5 Kobe.
>>
And that's it for the night! again, I'm sorry about the slow update pace, I'm going to work on it. Part of the problem is I don't have a computer desk anymore- there's no good way for me to organize my notes around myself and not a lot of room to really type (and it's not real comfortable, either- my computer chair didn't survive the move!) I'm hoping some of that will get sorted as I adjust and settle, though I'm also hoping I won't be here long enough to really worry about settling, haha. I love my folks but would rather not live with them again very long.

Anyway, that's enough grousing. I'll be around a little to field questions if anyone has any, but otherwise I'll catch you guys tomorrow!
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
Where is the fun if we don't live dangerously.
>>
>>3512879
>[] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
None of the others really call out to me.
>>
>>3512879

[] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
>>
>>3512879
>[] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.


Too much of a good thing can make you lose appreciation of it. Best to vary it up.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
Mmmmm, chicken
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway

>>3512888
Thanks for the run Ghost
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
Mmm, southern fried chicken... now I'm hungry
>>
>>3512879
>[] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
>>and isn't related by blood.
What's the problem if the best possible wife is a little bit blood related ?
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.

>>3512888
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.

>>3512948
Merlin isn't related to us.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
We're going to need a lot of chicken...
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
I like chicken. And I seem to remember Maman making that in 89. It was a crowd pleaser.
>>
>>3512879
[X] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken
>>
>>3512879
>SHIKEN current winning the vote
I'm okay with this, as much as I want to treat Best Aunt and AWOO we already made it a couple days ago. Lets make the chili later after Kyou gets her plugs and before we ship out to a carrier and lose all access to cooking ingredients.

Chicken won't take all day, lets make some seafood too. Maybe shrimp jambalaya or gumbo? Kyou would almost certainly never have had those before. Also:

>you'll marry the first girl that has it three times and isn't related by blood.
Didn't we give Merlin all the leftovers, we're basically her crack dealer at this point.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] May as well see what Kyou thinks of your steaks.
>>
>>3512879
>[] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
This is our break period. Might as well take advantage of it.
>>
>>3512948
>>3512989
Cass is.
>>
>>3512879
>[] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway

Merlin counts as family anyway ... and having the hots for Morgan isn’t disqualifying from that category either *cough* Cass *cough* ...
>>
>>3513228
Actually you know what? Fuck it lets go for broke. Merlin is family and we're already married to Kyou for all intents and purposes (or we will be once she has plugs) so the girlfriend clause no longer applies.

>>3512879
>[] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
>>
>>3513303
As I understand it Morgan doesn't consider Merlin family when it comes to the chili. Otherwise the mention of the triple rule makes no sense to me.
>>
>>3512879
>[] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
Merlin asked afterall, and she's going to be so deeply involved in getting our jet up and running so we kind of owe it to her.
>>
>>3512879
>[] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.

SHIKEN. CAJUN SHIKEN.
>>
>>3512879
>[x] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>3512879
>[X] Spend all day on the chili. You'll make an exception to the rule for Merlin. For now, anyway
>>
So, fair warning. My folks are having a shop put up, and I'm getting shanghaied to help (With my couple years of drafting... yeah) with the prints. Slow updates again tonight, sorry guys.
>>
[x] Go for a tried and true recipe- Mom's fried chicken.

You think for a few minutes before you nod to yourself- fried chicken, like maman made, long ago. You haven't had to change the recipe much since you learned it, though- it, like a lot of things you learned from maman, has easily stood the test of time.

Still, there are a few things you do differently- your breading is a touch spicier, though in this case probably not that much, since you don't have access to either of your favorite kitchens, nor to your own extensive spice rack. Store bought is fine, of course, but it's just not the same- you tend to mix your seasoning with peppers out of your own garden, and prefer it that way.

But it's not without regret that you pass by a basket of gorgeous apocalypse scorpion peppers. You're almost surprised to see them- they're still pretty rare, having only been bred as a true strain last year, so far as you know. The guy in the stall did have some good looking tomatoes though- you grabbed a four of the best-looking and happily paid out the nose for them. Fifteen dollars is a lot of money, even for big heirlooms like this.

You put together dinner as you walk the stalls- Chicken, you think, tomatoes, potatoes. Maybe some salad on the side- a hot peach pepper salad, maybe? You'd cook some corn- Rachel usually does, when she makes chicken- but her chicken isn't anywhere near as good as yours, you think, and corn seems painfully... midwestern. Rice, maybe? You're not sure.

You manage to leave without spending too much money- though you imagine for most people, the money you did spend would be too much. Still, you've always felt it was worth it for local food- that's one of those things that, when you can source local, you should. It tastes better, in your opinion, and, since you're the one cooking more often than not, yours is the one that counts.

Lance Corporal Rico follows you, a dubious expression on his face, back to the car, opening it up so you can put the bags in the back. “You sure you're not a chef or anything, sir?”

“Not at all.” You say.

1/2
>>
“If you say so, sir.” He says, putting the car into drive and pulling back onto the street. “Butcher shop next?”

You nod. “Yeah.”

The butcher shop, thankfully, is far less packed- though the cashier girl behind the register blinks when she gets the order- 20 lbs of chicken. “Having a party?” She asks, trying to make small talk as she rings it up.

“Just dinner for a couple friends.” You respond.

“Oh.” She says- though she's already done. The total isn't too bad, you think- again, more than most people would have gone for, but in any other circumstances, you'd have just gotten whole chickens anyway. “Well, have a nice day.” She says, and you nod, taking the straining plastic bags, full of paper wrapped bird, back to the car, your uniformed shadow helping by opening the door.

“That it, sir?” He asks, and you nod. “Aight.” Is all he says as a response.

Traffic hasn't thinned out any- and you end up having to detour to the commissary for a few staples that you're pretty sure you don't have in your quarters. “Go ahead and go sign back in, sir.” The lance corporal says, “And I'll get this stuff carried in for you.”

You nod, stepping inside the building and noting that the air must be on- it's fairly cold in here. You end up having to borrow the lance corporal to help you carry things up- he lurks outside your door once you get upstairs, handing the bags over to you and leaving once the last one is in your hands.

“D-did you get everything?” Merlin asks, already edging toward the kitchen. “I-is it chili again?” She asks, hopefully.

[] You goan have to wait an see, auntie.
[] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[x] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[X] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
Does anyone else know about the rule?
>>
>>3514132
>[x] Not de chili, auntie. I make de chiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
Morgan not gonna be a tease
>>
>>3514132
>[] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[X] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[X] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
>>3514132
>[X] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
>>3514130
>You're pretty sure you've seen Cassie swallow a drumstick whole
Morgan's shiken brings all the sneks to the yard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orPbJJah1Ow

>>3514136
Possibly that football friend Morgan plans to pass The Chili recipe too in the event that he doesn't have any male children. It doesn't seem like something he would discuss with family.
>>
>>3514130
>You're pretty sure you've seen Cassie swallow a drumstick whole
Oh lawd
>>
[x] Not de chili, auntie. I make de shiken.

You shake your head, looking around for an apron and washing your hands in the sink. “Not de chili, non.” You say as she stakes a seat at the high bar stools. Kyou, looking interested, walks over to join her a second later. “I make de shiken.”

Merlin nods, turning to Kyou as you open the 5 lb bag of flour, pulling down a massive mixing bowl. “H-has he cooked f-for you yet?” She asks, and the princess shakes her head, watching you the entire time.

“Not yet.” She says, and Merlin smiles.

“O-oh, you're g-going to be r-ruined for anyone else n-now.” She says. “N-no one cooks like M-Morgan.”

“Is that so?” Kyou asks, getting more interested. “I look forward to it.”

“Be a bit early.” You say, not looking back as you measure out the spices- for this much chicken, a couple tablespoons should do. “Early dinner, maybe bout two-tree. Dat ok wid you?”

Merlin nods and Kyou follows suit. “I can wait.” The princess says.

“T-this isn't a secret, r-right? W-we can sit here?” Merlin asks.

You laugh. “Non, dis not be a secret auntie.” You respond. “But don't be more distractin, no.”

She laughs at that. “S-so we were t-talking about the defensive countermeasures suite on the w-wyvern?” She says.

“Oh, yes.” Kyou responds- they seem perfectly happy to chat with you there in the kitchen, and, like you said to them, the recipe itself isn't a secret. It's too early to start frying up the chicken just yet, but you can get working on the sides easily enough- the rice is going to take a solid four hours on the stove, and the bread is going to take time to do right.

“I was thinking we could trim it down some.” Kyou says. “I would rather have additional shield and weapon foci in the plane to channel my powers better. Even a basic defensive electronics suite would be more than sufficient, and would allow additional power to be used elsewhere in the aircraft. Perhaps in the offensive countermeasures systems?”

“I-I'm not sure that's a good idea.” Merlin says. “N-not that I doubt your a-ability t-to defend the aircraft, but i-if you have to devote more e-energy to the shield, you'll have less f-for the engines and w-weapons.”

1/2
>>
“That is not a concern.” Kyou says. “I barely tapped into my abilities during our selection flight.”

“B-barely?” Merlin asks.

“Barely.” Kyou affirms. “Though I do understand your point. If I do not have to devote as much energy to shields, I can use that much more enhancing our weapons. Do you think we can fit additional foci on the cannons? I believe I would be able to enhance them much better.”

Merlin hesitates. “I-I think it's possible, b-but I was c-considering an offensive s-system overhaul a-anyway.”

“Offensive system overhaul?” Kyou asks.

“I-I'm still not happy w-with the carrying ability of the jet.” Merlin says. “Y-you'll volume out long b-before you weight out. I-I want to r-rebuild the ordinance b-bays in the down time, a-and install e-experimental guns.”

“New guns?” Kyou asks, sounding.. interested. “Do go on, please.”

“F-forty millimeter. W-we can only mount t-two, a-and they're r-revolver cannons, b-but-”

“Revolver cannons?” Kyou asks. “Their rate of fire would be greatly restricted, would it not?”

“I-it is.” Merlin affirms. “B-but they're based o-on the same g-general principle S-Stonehenge or Chandelier uses. C-combined propulsion. T-they're not pure EMLs, b-but they'll fire m-much faster a-and their muzzle v-velocity is almost the s-same.”

“Hmm.” Kyou says. “I am not sure. Morgan, what do you think?”

[] I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations.
[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
Element of surprise alone is worth it to me.
>>
>>3514341
>[x] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
>>
>>3514341
>[X] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
as long as the Logistics is handled properly it should be ok.
>>
>>3514341
>[X] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
>>
>>3514341
[]I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations.
>>
>>3514369
The logistics will NEVER be handled properly.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
big guns, tons of fun.
>>
>>3514341
[] I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations

Even for us logistics is a thing, much better not to have to rely on special snowflake parts.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations.

MORE GUNS, MORE DAKKA, MORE PEOPLE DYING, MORE HARDCORE
>>
>>3514341
>[x] I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations.
>>
>>3514341
>[X] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
>>
>>3514341
>[] I prefer the four cannons. They're fleet standard, so it'll be much easier to maintain them during operations.
Is not the point of our cannons to be reliable?
>>
>>3514341
>[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.

A regular 40mm cannon hits like a truck, this thing sounds like it will hit like an out of control train!
>>
>>3514341
>[X] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
I'm up for upgrading to Gauss Cannons. Roughly the same output of the EMLs with higher fire rate and lower power cost (I'm guessing) would be handy...
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
>>3514341
>[] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.
Holy shit, we can get 40mm EMAGs ? HELL YES.

Bigger projectiles and higher velocity = effective range. It's not a replacement for a missile but with railgun/coilgun partial boosting we could potentially engage targets beyond visual range. They will literally never see it coming.

>>3514374
We fly a wyvern dude, we already have a logistics train pulled by unicorns. One more specialized system isn't going to break anything, and we can always go back to the 25mm gatlings if we need too.
>>
>>3514132
>I-is it chili again?” She asks, hopefully.
If she wants more girlfriend chili she actually has to become Morgan's girlfriend. Whether that's worth it Is up to her.
>>
>>3514341
>[x] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns
>>
[x] I'm liking the sound of the forties. They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.

“I'm liking the sound of the forties.” You say as you knead the bread dough. It feels almost strange, you think- you're here cooking dinner and discussing installing some of the most advanced hardware in the world on one of the- if not the- most advanced jet fighters in existence like it's a discussion of what to watch on TV. “They'll be more accurate and hit harder at longer ranges than our guns.”

“This is true.” Kyou says. “And the time installing them can be spent fitting additional foci for my use.”

“P-probably.” Merlin cautions. “They're first-run designs out of my shop. I'd planned to p-put them in pods, but t-thinking about it, this is a b-better use. I-I'll call Emily a-and see if they can install a-an additional focus o-on the guns, but I-I'm not sure they'll be a-able to.”

“So this will make our cannons more effective?” Kyou asks.

“W-well, m-mostly. T-there is a trade off in t-that these won't s-shoot as fast or a-as much, s-so they won't work a-as well for s-strafing runs, but t-they'll be better for tank p-plinking and that s-sort of thing.” Merlin says.

“You had mentioned an ordinance bay rebuild, as well.” Kyou says.

“O-oh, yes.” Merlin responds. “I-I've never b-been happy with the changes to t-the postwar wyvern d-design. I-I was thinking of restoring the wartime configuration, which would b-be easy to do for my team. T-the other option w-would be t-to delete the dorsal weapons stations f-for VLS tubes.” She pause. “H-highly expiremental V-VLS tubes.”

“VLS?” Kyou asks. “How? That seems impossible.”

“O-Only mostly.” Merlin explains. “I-it's an out g-growth of my w-wartime work. T-the trouble i-is it requires a c-charged foci to work.” You turn back to the sink in time to see her frown. “W-well, that's not t-true. I-if we can't keep a charged f-focus in t-there, it'll explode and d-destroy the mount.” She pauses. “A-and the aircraft.”

“That seems like a bit of a risk.” You point out. “More than the navy would be comfortable with.”

“T-they already o-ordered a testbed f-fighter with one i-installed.” Merlin says. “F-for china lake.” She pauses. “L-lotus Earhart was g-going to be borrowed to f-fly it, but t-they're going to have to find another p-pilot if s-she ends up flying w-with Ulysses.”

1/2
>>
“So this VLS, I assume it must be heavily modified.” Kyou asks. “The ship based system's missiles aren't compatible with air-to-air or air-to-surface applications, unless we intend to use the type 5 or type 9 standard missiles from my country.”

“I-It is. K-kind of.” Merlin says. “I-it's not a mark f-forty one, i-it's still a specialized d-design f-for the wyvern. It w-was designed to fire a-anything i-in inventory. W-we can pack s-some of the shorter surface t-to air missiles i-in there too, ESSMs a-and SM-2 block t-threes, but n-nothing with a b-booster.”

“How many cells?” Kyou asks.

“S-six.” Merlin responds. “I-It's a s-significant improvement o-on the wyvern's c-capability to c-carry weapons, but i-it won't work w-with g-gun pods or special w-weapons, really. B-but it'll quad pack any a-air to air missile w-we have in inventory, a-and it w-works much b-better for off bore launches.”

“Hmm.” Kyou says. “I do not think I like the additional risk to the aircraft. How often does the focus need to be charged for the Dirac field to maintain integrity around the launcher?”

“S-seventy two hours.” Merlin says. “M-maybe a little l-longer, but t-that's the limit w-we've been able to get o-out of the system we u-use. It can draw f-from striker t-testing foci, but the drain i-is significant enough to e-empty one of those in f-four hours. T-the design right now u-uses three foci f-for the field, s-so they can be changed out i-in an emergency t-to maintain the f-field.”

Kyou frowns, and thinks for a moment. “Morgan,” She says after a minute. “I do not think the additional risk is acceptable. We should only have the payload bays restored to their wartime configuration, do you agree?”

[] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
[] Not really. That VLS sounds like it would a real asset in combat.
>>
>>3514564
>[] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.

As awesome as slinging SM-2s sound, I want to keep with what works.
>>
>>3514564
>[x] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
>>
>>3514564
>[X] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
Nope nope nope we are explodey enough
>>
>>3514564
>[X] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
>>
>>3514564
>[X] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.

If we need to start filling our battlespace with SM-2's we can just data-link with a Tico or Burke.

I'd rather not explode if/when Kyou runs out of juice at the end of an extended fight.
>>
>>3514564
>[X] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
>>
>>3514564
>[x] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
>>
>>3514564
>[] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
as much fun as launching a Macross Missile Massacre would be, being alive is more fun.
>>
>>3514564
>[x] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.

I mean, we are strapped into a machine that is essentially a fuel tank ripping throught he sky on a plume of burning fuel, but additional explodium is a little concerning.
Is this hammerspace that we are turning down?
>>
>>3514564
>[x] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.

Sounds like something you would want to put on a more dedicated platform.
>>
>>3514605
>Sounds like something you would want to put on a more dedicated platform.

Yeah, like a B-1 or maybe B-52 just so you can fill the sky with missiles.
>>
>>3514564
>[X] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.
Missile bays of Holding sounds like something that should be it's own platform so you can deploy a flying pocket Burke inland. It doesn't really mesh well with the wyvern unless the plan is to use stealth to infiltrate a location before emptying the entire bay in one alpha strike like a submarine using TLAMs.

>“W-well, m-mostly. T-there is a trade off in t-that these won't s-shoot as fast or a-as much, s-so they won't work a-as well for s-strafing runs, but t-they'll be better for tank p-plinking and that s-sort of thing.” Merlin says.
If we ever need to strafe area ground targets as a primary mission we can just we can just bring gun pods.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] Yeah. I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need careful care and feeding at sea.

You frown, but nod. “Yeah.” You say. “I trust you auntie, but that's a lot to put on the fighter that's going to need attention at sea.”

Merlin nods. “I-I understand. T-that covers two of t-the three big things.”

“What is the third thing, if I may ask?” Kyou asks.

“E-engines. W-we've been developing a suite of s-specialised focii for t-them. Right n-now we have three sets. T-they're built into the e-engine so we c-can't change them out without c-changing out the engines themselves.” She says, pushing her glasses up. “M-morgan, c-can you make me some o-of your tea? I-I didn't sleep w-well and I-I have a headache.”

You nod. “Of course auntie.” You say, stepping out of the kitchen and rummaging in your seabag for a small wooden box. You walk back into the kitchen, noting Kyou's curious gaze as you set it down next to the sink and pull out a small, battered steel tea infuser and a sealed jar of blended leaves. You fill the infuser with a generous pinch of them, then fill a mug from the cupboard with water and stick it in the mircowave over the stove. The tea blend is one you learned from- where else- maman, and it's one of the best general pain cures you know of. It'll knock back a headache better than aspirin and helps a little when you're tired and sore.

“Old secret.” You say, closing the box up and pushing it out of the way. Kyou looks interested, but doesn't comment. Instead she turns back to Merlin as you turn back to your rising bread dough- it's about right, but not quite. “You had mentioned foci?”

“O-oh, yes. Sorry.” Merlin says. “W-we've developed t-three sets w-with improved engines. T-the first set w-will reduce the draw f-for WEP use. I-it should make it easier to maintain power t-to the engines without w-wearing you out so fast.”

Kyou scoffs. “I hardly felt any draw during our training flight.” She says.

1/2
>>
“I-it can sneak up o-on you.” Merlin responds. “T-the second w-works the other way. I-it acts as a r-reinforcing focus, a-and allows the engines to draw m-much more power for more s-speed in WEP. N-not many witches can r-run it for more than a f-few seconds. I c-can run it for about a m-minute sustained.” She says. “W-we were testing it when I g-got our fighter to mach t-three.”

You nod as the microwave finishes heating the water. You pull it out and drop the infuser in, watching as the tea blend releases a muddy red color- almost like blood- swirling into the water. You set the mug infront of Merlin, who nods gratefully and takes the mug in both hands, pulling towards her. “Let that sit for a minute, auntie.” You say as the earthy smell of the tea rises out on the steam.

“T-the third,” She says, blowing on the tea to cool it, “W-will help mask the IR signature o-of the jet. It won't m-make you invisible, b-but it will reduce the r-range IRST and similar s-systems will work a-against you. I-it could a-also make defeating IR missiles e-easier.”

Kyou frowns, then nods to herself. “I can handle increased draw, and I believe the additional speed will be a great boon to us.” She says, looking at you. You can see her sniffing the air gently, though, a puzzled expression on her face.

[] I disagree- I'd rather you were able to devote more energy to other things if I use WEP more often.
[] I agree, it sounds like it's worth the increased draw.
[] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.
>>
>>3514674

[] I agree, it sounds like it's worth the increased draw.

This seems tailor made for her
>>
>>3514674
>[x] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.
>>
>>3514674
>[] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.
With how much we like sneakin' this seems like a good choice.
>>
>>3514674
>[X] I agree, it sounds like it's worth the increased draw.
>>
>>3514674
>[] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.
Kyou may have a ridiculous limit to her shield, but there's no point in finding out in the middle of actual combat.
>>
>>3514674
>[X] I agree, it sounds like it's worth the increased draw.
>>
>>3514674
>[X] I agree, it sounds like it's worth the increased draw.

This opens up options wewouldn't normally have, in a dogfight, power is very helpful. We just have to be more sparing with it.

>You can see her sniffing the air gently, though, a puzzled expression on her face.
Awoo is intrigued
>>
>>3514674
>[x] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
>>3514674
>[x] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers
Kyou is powerful enough to push our jet to mach 3 already, and probably keep us going on sustained WEP for a while. We'll probably get better milage out of the IR bafflers
>>
>>3514732

Going to count you as the tiebreaker vote.
>>
[x] I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.

“I think I'd rather have the IR bafflers.” You say. “Means we can close in more easily, and being able to beat heaters more easily is going to work to our advantage in a furball.”

Kyou thinks for a moment, but nods. “You may be correct.” She says.

“That j-just leaves the conventional t-things.” Merlin says. “Y-your conformal p-packs and booms a-and pods.”

“These are the modular systems?” Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

“S-semi modular. T-they can be changed out, b-but it's time consuming a-and we try to avoid it w-whenever we can. T-the conformal systems have t-three variants. T-the first is half-fuel tank, a-and extends your range b-by about f-four hundred miles at cruise. T-the other half i-is a missile bay, i-it can handle t-three AMRAAMS o-or four Sidewinders, b-but nothing else. T-the other is half f-fuel, and the other part i-is ECM equipment a-and TALD bays. T-the last w-we have right now i-is double weapon bays. T-they can carry six AMRAAMS o-or eight sidewinders each.” She shrugs, taking a sip of her tea and sighing happily. “I-I don't do much work with the FAST packs, b-but I do have a few designs I'm w-working on.”

“How's the tea?” You ask. One of the issues with it, you've found, is it can be bitter, especially with older ingredients- and you mixed this batch before you left for here. It doesn't seem to work when you sweeten it with sugar, but honey and lemon are both ok.

“A little b-bitter.” She says. You nod, pulling out a squeeze bottle of honey you'd gotten for morning biscuits and handing it to her.

“And the pods?” Kyou prompts.

“T-the two we use t-the most are either a laser a-antimissile system o-or a sensor cluster.” Merlin says. “T-the antimissile system i-is automatic, it's c-controlled by the AI, b-but will draw from you to power itself. T-the sensors a-are mostly designed to h-help with close r-range data gathering, a-and can counter some s-stealth talents.”

Kyou thinks for a moment. “I believe we should mount the additional missiles and the sensors.” She says. “That would increase our lethality, and provide us deeper magazines to pull from in heavy combat, which may be necessary.”

[] I agree, that's the best setup for us, I think. (Weapon FAST and Sensor pods)
[] I think we'd be better served with (pick one each)

{} Mixed Fuel and weapon FAST
{} Mixed Fuel and Sensor FAST
{} Weapon FAST

{} Antimissile system
{} Sensor pods
>>
>>3514763
>[x] I agree, that's the best setup for us, I think. (Weapon FAST and Sensor pods)

>can counter some s-stealth talents
Yes please
>>
>>3514763
>[X] I agree, that's the best setup for us, I think. (Weapon FAST and Sensor pods)
>>
>>3514763
] I agree, that's the best setup for us, I think. (Weapon FAST and Sensor pods)

The missile defense is redundant with kyou around, and 400mi isn't that much of a gain compared to the extra ordinance.
>>
>>3514763
>[X] I agree, that's the best setup for us, I think. (Weapon FAST and Sensor pods)
>>
>>3514763
>{} Mixed Fuel and Sensor FAST
FUEL
>>
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>>3514763
>[x] I think we'd be better served with
>{x} Mixed Fuel and Sensor FAST
>{x} Sensor pods
Never underestimate these little fucks, and with later upgrades we can probably get MALD-Js, which are basically just flying jammers of "fuck you"
>>
>>3514763
>[] I think we'd be better served with (pick one each)
>{} Weapon FAST
>{} Antimissile system
touch all the enemies, but let none of them touch us! between Kyou's shields, the IR Bafflers, and the AMS, we'd be ALMOST unstoppable.
>>
>>3514777
Forgot to add, but the TALD and MALD can mimic the signatures of combat aircraft, so we can make it look like we're backed up by a flight of hornets or tomcats. The MALD-J upgrade would probably allow them to mimic drakes as well, making it even more horrifying.
>>
ok, votes called! this should be the last one for the night, guys, sorry for running late. and slow. and starting late. Haha!
>>
[x] I agree, that's the best setup for us, I think. (Weapon FAST and Sensor pods)

You nod. “I think I agree. The additional sensors will help, and so will the missiles.”

“Especially with a bay reconfiguration.” Kyou supplies. “It will mean we can carry almost as many as if we had the VLS.”

“G-give or take.” Merlin says. “O-of course, the VLS s-system can a-also pair with the weapon FAST pack, a-and that's forty plus sidewinders, e-exclusive of what you've g-got loaded in the nacelle o-or centerline bays.”

Kyou nods. “If it should become more stable at a later date, will we be able to add the VLS to our fighter?” She asks.

Merlin frowns, looking into her tea. “I-I don't think so. W-we use this chance to d-do most of this work because i-it's the best time period we h-have. Once you h-have your plugs installed, t-there won't be the s-sustained down time necessary, unless w-we get clearance from the n-navy to do the work.”

“So it's now or never.” You ask.

“F-for the major changes, y-yes.” Merlin responds. “FAST packs are e-easier to change and w-we can do that aboard ship if w-we have to. T-the same goes for the pod mounted e-equipment. W-we can change the engine enhancements out h-here or at any o-other major NAS w-without much trouble, j-just a day or two of downtime. B-but the guns and VLS r-require fabrication and f-fitting, a-and I want my team here for t-that.” She says.

You and Kyou both nod at that. “So if we want to make any changes, what's our deadline?” You ask.

“S-sunday night.” Merlin responds. “M-my team will be h-here Monday morning and we'll s-start work then. We probably won't have t-time to change any thing else this w-week, and you'll be flying n-next week very heavily. I-I won't mind if you change your mind before then though.” She says. “A-and you'll be w-working as my combat t-testbed, so there will be t-time to install other things l-later.”

Kyou looks pleased at that. “I look forward to it.” She says. “And I will learn everything I can to help you develop these systems. I have already begun studying mechanical engineering, though my academy degree was in magical studies. Still, I will not disappoint.”

Merlin looks happy to hear Kyou say it. “Y-you did say y-you were going to be as good a-as me, one day.” She says. “A-and maybe it's t-time I took an apprentice.”

Kyou looks about like she could faint with excitement.- that she doesn't is probably testament to her strength of will. You'd be impressed more if not for the sudden gurgles and squeals that emanate from her stomach.

You blink- you totally forgot breakfast.
>>
And that's it for the week!

So I know the update pace was glacial and I started late, and I'm sorry for that and will work on it. It's been pretty busy here, of course- and my folks have wasted no time in shanghaiing me into doing everything possible around here, haha. Apparently they've got a 'few' fabrication projects for me now, too.

As always, I'll be around to answer questions or generally chat till next week, but otherwise, till then gents, cheers!
>>
>>3514860
>You'd be impressed more if not for the sudden gurgles and squeals that emanate from her stomach.
Sure we're going to have enough shiken?

>>3514862
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
>>3514862
No worries boss, life always finds a way to intrude, thanks for the run.
>>
>>3514862
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>3514862
Reading Merlin's stutter all the time is a little bit..annoying. But if you want to keep it in that's your choice.
>>
So how many rounds will we be able to carry for the 40mm Combination guns that are replacing our four GAU-22s?
>>
>>3514601
Yes this is hammerspace we turned down. Congratulations!
>>
>>3515346
>>3514613
>>3514605
>>3514611
And another thing. Do y'all really comprehend exactly how much better at killing stuff in the air an SM-2 is over an AMRAAM or Sidewinder? It's like comparing a butter knife to a SCAR. More range, better warhead, better tracking, and that's just the SM-2. That's not including the verstility that it gives being able to bring the LRASM or literally anything else without a booster that can fit in the damn VLS. The only issue is a VERY minor risk that we'll explode into a puff of sparkles and JP5.
>>
>>3515346
Sounds more like the hammerspace bays on steroids, just with far more risk then the originals. Also Ghost did say they made a few sets of the originals but they are only installed when necessary, so it's less us saying no to hammerspace bays and more us saying no to ones that might explode us.
>>
>>3515408
>Hammerspace bays that can carry more missiles than the originals and can also store SM-2s and LRASMs and only have a minor chance of exploding on us, and having better off-bore targetting meaning Kyou can go apeshit with them and it'll be fine.

vs

>Not shooting off SM-2s with silly levels of off bore targeting while performing a Kulbit at Mach 3.

All kinds of no-fun allowed.
>>
Regardless, 40mm Combination Guns, that's crazy, who cares if we won't have as much dakka as before, our strafing capability will be as good if not better than the A-10 in terms of fear that we can put into our enemies.
>>
>>3515424
Did Ghost actually say it could fire SM-2s or are you just assuming? Merlin's lines imply that it just fires AIM-9s.
>>
>>3516831
>“I-It is. K-kind of.” Merlin says. “I-it's not a mark f-forty one, i-it's still a specialized d-design f-for the wyvern. It w-was designed to fire a-anything i-in inventory. W-we can pack s-some of the shorter surface t-to air missiles i-in there too, ESSMs a-and SM-2 block t-threes, but n-nothing with a b-booster.”
>>
>>3516838
Hmm, interesting, but its notable that it requires a three-day charging period, so while it would've been neat to have, remember that the enemy gets a vote too and worst case scenario the Wyvern can't use its most powerful weapons as a result of the enemy attacking during this down period, especially if we burn through the foci too quickly.

That said, in the likely inevitable mid-series upgrade, we can always opt to pick a VLS for that if we get the option.
>>
>>3516905
>but its notable that it requires a three-day charging period
It needs to be charged every three days, not charged for three days.
>>
>>3516908
I misread that then, either way I don't believe that number accounts for combat use, and while I don't know about how reliable the foci are, very high end and experimental tech tends to be the most testy, we still don't know what brought down that B-1W but it could very well be related to the foci rather than the engines as we previously thought now that I think about it.
>>
>>3515378
I initially voted against the VLS but in light of the later options presented to us I think we should reconsider. Also the end of the thread felt really rushed, I missed the other votes and they only had 10 and 6 voters out of 58 posters. But Merlin said the decisions aren't final yet, I think we should take the time to ask her for more details and more importantly talk with Kyou about her abilities before we make a final decision on anything.

I'm going to do some research on our weapon options, starting with the cannons.
>>
>>3517028
>Also the end of the thread felt really rushed
Felt more like Ghost was back at a decent rhythm of writing updates and calling votes closer to the 20 min mark he tries to shoot for.

>they only had 10 and 6 voters out of 58 posters
10-12 votes per update has been about the average for this thread not including the votes left up overnight.
>>
>>3517028
>and they only had 10 and 6 voters out of 58 posters
This thread goes on over different timezones. Only a fraction of those 58 will vote unless its a important vote like Kyou's. And I'm ok with that.
>>
>>3515378
My problem with the VLS cells are the mission profile, Chicom strategy revolves around swarm tactics, and six missiles just aren't enough to deal.
>>
So, while we're in the interim between the bi-weekly run I just thought I'd drop in and say that I wrote another thing. Once again it's on the Gdoc because muh formatting. Hope you folks enjoy!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LWF8A4QgKFAaBAveFq9X-LDL3xnvT-l-KMHMDpea6es/edit?usp=sharing
>>
>>3517028
We just spent an entire day voting on load outs. That doesn’t feel rushed to me. Not everyone is going to get what they want. I didn’t get the extra fuel that I’ve been ranting about because the majority wanted more toys. I think it’s stupid, but I don’t want to waste time with revotes. If it swings back the other way on something then someone else may want yet another revote.
>>
>>3517106
If we don't put any VLS required missiles in there we can fit the same amount of missiles as the entire old Wyvern in there. Plus the FAST Packs. Plus the centerline bay. That's A LOT of boom.

>>3514563
>delete the dorsal weapons stations f-for VLS tubes.”

>>3514860
>“G-give or take.” Merlin says. “O-of course, the VLS s-system can a-also pair with the weapon FAST pack, a-and that's forty plus sidewinders, e-exclusive of what you've g-got loaded in the nacelle o-or centerline bays.”

>>3514564
>“S-six.” Merlin responds. “I-It's a s-significant improvement o-on the wyvern's c-capability to c-carry weapons, but i-it won't work w-with g-gun pods or special w-weapons, really. B-but it'll quad pack any a-air to air missile w-we have in inventory, a-and it w-works much b-better for off bore launches.”
>>
File: Bofors 3P Shell.pdf (3.61 MB, PDF)
3.61 MB
3.61 MB PDF
>“F-forty millimeter. W-we can only mount t-two, a-and they're r-revolver cannons, b-but-”
So the choices given are sticking with the quad GAU-22s or using dual 40mm revolver cannons. GAU-22s are the same 25mm gatlings the F-35 uses, it's an improvement over the earlier GAU-12 used by the Harrier in that it has 4 barrels instead of 5, which makes the gun lighter and more accurate. Compared to the earlier 20mm M61A2 used by Hornets and F-22s it shoots half as fast, but fires shells of twice the weight.

The 40mm is a bit of an unknown but we can estimate several things from the description. 40mm means BIG shells, and technology has marched on since WW2. Merlin's gun might use entirely new ammo but the closest thing IRL is modern 3P Bofors shells (see PDF) that incorporate a layer of preformed pellets for more reliable fragmentation and a programmable proximity fuse. Each shell weighs almost one whole kilogram, which is 10x the weight of a 20mm shell and about 4.5x the weight of a 25mm. Revolver cannons operate differently from gatlings in that they have a rotating cylinder with multiple chambers firing down a single barrel. This gives them a lower rate of fire in the 1000-2500rpm range but they have several advantages, they are lighter than a gatling of the same calibre, more accurate because of the single fixed barrel and in short bursts they actually fire faster than a gatling because they don't need to accelerate to a maximum rotation speed. As described by Merlin the system is partially electromagnetic with velocities similar to a railgun, but I'm guessing they would be coilguns instead because of the revolver component. IRL experimental railguns can fire at 2.5km/s or higher, so a conservative estimate would be 40mm shells flying at 2km/s, twice the speed of 20 or 25mm shells with better accuracy and effective range. TLDR = Awesome.

-cont
>>
File: 40mmCTASinfographi.jpg (1.48 MB, 2000x1414)
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>>3517774
or you could mount something like this.
https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/cased-telescoped-ammunition
and
https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/cased-telescoped-cannon
>>
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>>3517774
GAU-22s have a designed effective range of about 1.2km against air targets. By comparison modern naval 40mm mounts have an anti-aircraft range of 3-4km or a range of 10km against surface targets, and those figures are for a non-electromagnetic surface platforms with a muzzle velocity of just 1km/s. Direct hits on air targets will be absolutely devastating and the addition of proximity fuses would increase lethality, we would no longer have to hit a target directly to destroy it. By firing in an arc we could hit targets at very long range unless they actively try to dodge our shots, and slow targets like helicopters won't stand a chance either. We could even theoretically use our guns to shoot down enemy missiles as these shells are already used in a CIWS role.

We do lose a bit in the ground strafing department, the slower rate of fire doesn't have the same target saturation that the gatlings do even if the shells hit harder individually. I don't think that's a huge issue because we could always take standard gun pods if we ever have a specific need for that sort of thing. The bigger guns are also better against point targets like emplacements and vehicles. 40mm shells are more destructive in terms of payload and accuracy and can airburst to destroy infantry and equipment behind cover. A 40mm HE shell has enough mass to penetrate most vehicles short of an actual tank, APFSDS rounds for anti tank use also exist but they can't be used by aircraft because the sabots would fly back and possibly get sucked into the engine. We would have to use API shot like the warthog with a tungsten core fixed inside a shell of lighter metal, or maybe even solid metal shot like a ww2 tank shell. Even with magical and gauss booting that probably won't be enough to threaten a modern MBT but it will sure make a mess out of anything else.

Since these are magic guns we will need to tap power from Kyou to fire them at full power, or possibly fire them at all depending on how the gun works and how much propellant there is behind each shell. I'm not sure how sparkles factor into damage calculations but if witches can put enough magic into a rifle bullet to make it lethal to aircraft then Kyou is going to do unholy things with a 40mm shell. Needless to say these cannons are going to turn enemy witches into chunky salsa.
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>>3517821
Neat, it's like a fuckhuge G11 action only sideways. The rate of fire is only 200rpm though, that's rather on the low side for air combat even with such big shells. Might be able to combine elements of the two designs. Telescopic ammo would work great in a traditional revolver cannon, the cylinder could be made much shorter and the rounds would be easier to store. Caseless ammo would be even better but even with magitech they might not have that by 2016.

Here's a picture of the old style of 40mm shell. The amount of powder in the case increases dramatically with shell weight. The 25mm on the far right is what the GAU-22 shoots, the 30mm beside it is what A-10s shoot. Not sure where the 35mm is from but the 40mm is for a bofors and the tube beside it is a dummy CTAS round.

>>3515266
The amount of ammo depends on how the gun works, it's described as a combination gas-coilgun, or possibly railgun. Modern aircraft cannons typically fire shells at 1000m/s. In order to accelerate the projectile to that speed you need enough powder, in the case of 40mm that's a LOT of powder as you can see in the pic. So if we had to use traditional brass cased ammo in our gun our capacity would be very limited, maybe as low as a few dozen rounds per gun. However if the gas system is only there to provide an initial boost and the coilgun does most of the work the cartridges could be made much smaller. You would only need a minimal amount of powder to give the shell that initial kick to 250-500m/s and then the coilgun takes over and catapults the shell out at 2km/s or even higher.

Merlin said that our weapons will cap out on volume long before we cap out on weight, that's why she's interested in mounting a pocket dimension VLS and using a big 40mm cannon instead of twin gatlings. It makes sense because one big gun will take up less room than two GAU-22s mounted side by side and you reclaim further space by using a single ammo feed instead of two. If she can implement telescopic or caseless ammo each individual 40mm round will have a lower powder to volume ratio compared to a 25mm round. So our overall firepower will increase even if the number of individual shots we carry is reduced.
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>>3518032
>you reclaim further space by using a single ammo feed instead of two
Any chance a single feed can jam ?
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>>3519952
Always, but allocating more space for a single feed means you're going to have a more reliable beefier feed system than 2 smaller ones taking up more small combined but are more fragile individually.
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>>3519956
more space combined*

Basically in modern aircraft cannons the delinker/feed tray are the most important and vulnerable parts, feed systems have been worked out for a long time now.
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>>3519952
It could jam, but the chance would be reduced because all of the mechanical parts are going to be stronger to deal with the increased weight of the rounds. There's a lot of fascinating mechanical engineering that goes into ammunition feed systems. Here's a pic of the GAU-8 system that the A-10 uses, a ww2 cannon firing at 800rpm instead of 3900 rpm would just have "a box" and be a small fraction of the size.
>>
This is the M61 vulcan gun used on the F-16. The bit that sticks out on the left side is the loading gate. The F-15 has a similar setup with the drum mounted vertically instead of horizontally.
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This is the version of the M61 the hornet uses, it's shaped differently because it fits in the nose of the plane between the cockpit and radar.
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Not all gatlings use a drum magazine, another common design is to use a "box" magazine with a zig zagging belt. Depending on the plane this can be easier to fit into the airframe, it can fit neatly into the space between two bulkheads and orienting all of the shells parallel to the gun removes the need for a curving belt section. The F-35A uses a magazine of this type, the F-22 also has one that is long and thin to fit along the bottom of the plane.
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This cannon/magazine combo is a BK-27 cannon, specifically the one mounted on the Eurofighter. You'll notice how tiny the feed mechanism is compared to the gatlings, a lot of that reduction comes from the fact that it's a revolver cannon.

Gatling guns require an additional de-link mechanism that strips rounds off of the moving belt and feeds them into the gun, this is necessary because rotating the barrel assembly cocks and releases the firing pins. If you shoot a gatling gun and then take your finger off the trigger it will continue to spin for a short period, if it's connected directly to the ammo feed it will continue to shoot too. So the delinker pulls rounds off of the belt, feeds them into the gun and returns the empty cases back onto the belt in the same action, a very quick and complicated operation at 3000-6000 rpm.

Revolver guns don't need any of this because they are gas operated, firing off a round is what rotates the cylinder and loads the next shot. When using a linkless system you can simply feed the entire belt into the gun, out the other side and back into the magazine.
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Think I know what the first piece of art for Kyou needs to be.
>>
I wouldn't mind having our Drake (if we are allowed), receiving a custom paint job. For some reason having a Wyvern be painted in a Martin War throwback sounds tempting.
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>>3521458
AFAIK since WW2 the navy has always been no fun allowed in regards to plane livery (unlike the army). That was later amended to allow for squadron markings on the tailfins but recently things are back to no fun allowed for both the navy and the army because half of the stealth in a stealth plane comes from the surface coating and you can't paint over it. That's why F-22s and F-35s are mostly grey with low visibility markings denoted in lighter shades.

But if you want a classic martian war paint scheme I would pick USAAF night fighter/bomber camo. Flat black with selective red trim and id markings.
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>>3522487

That sounds suitably scary and would be a pain to spot in a Visual-Range furball at night.
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>>3521458
>>3522487
We'll probably be able to take something reasonable. If the Marines are using a camo scheme on their Wyverns inspired by the F-4 it probably means they've made it so the paint doesn't interfere as much with the stealth coating as it could, or at the very least with those colors. Maybe something in the mix itself? Anyways, pic related is similar to how our Wyvern is painted up right now. There'll probably be a vote on how to paint it later after we get famous. All I really want is the AC2 Phoenix on our tails since it seems appropriate...

Also, friendly reminder Merlin's possibly strengthening the airframe and giving it a new experimental coating on top of the upgrades we're getting, she said so earlier.
>I’m g-going to want to talk t-to the board a-about some planned w-work we were doing with our t-test jets in strengthening their skeletons a-and skin against unusual stresses

Other then the strengthening for EUROBEAT INTENSIFIES inertialess drifting, they're probably both necessary with Kyou's WEP speed, mach 3.31. About 208 MPH faster than the stated speed for the Blackbird.
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>>3522618

So wait, thanks to Kyou, we could do a flip-and-burn?
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>>3522916
While the plane could probably take it I remind anon that our internal organs are still squishy.
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>>3522925

Good point, the g-forces would likely turn our organs into something resembling soup.
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>>3522925
>>3522938
Kyou's talent(s) turned off G-forces on us and the Wyvern while active, a flip-and-burn should be within the realm of possibility among other things.

Still curious about her talent though. We don't know exactly how it works, but Kyou does. While she was hinting at it before, she's kind of obligated to explain it to us now, and probably Merlin too. At the very least I'm assuming the "flaming shield" thing is from her somehow shunting the energy out of her bubble.
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>>3523127

Oh damn, I would love to see the face of a witch the first time we pull a stunt like that. Because to be frank, it would be absolutely hilarious and would probably give Ice flashbacks to the stunts that Frank and Samantha pulled off.
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>>3523127
She’s going to have to balance between pushing the engines and keeping us alive though. So the theoretical top end may be higher than what she can actually maintain.
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>>3523301

A quick sprint at that speed though would be handy for getting out of hairy situations if we need too though.
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>>3522925
>While the plane could probably take it I remind anon that our internal organs are still squishy.
Hmm well. Cyborg Morgan when ?
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>>3523932

Not sure when it would occur, that said I wonder who our rival will be this time.
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>>3524886
Probably a Chinese super witch or two. IRL China really does not give a shit about international laws on human rights and other things, so I could see them experimenting with creating super witches of their own. And given the sheer strength we'll have from Kyou, a sufficiently powerful witch may be the only thing capable of going one-on-one with us.
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>>3524892

Good point, that might be the case. Then again for all we know China likely has Fandances and J-20s which have the NATO Reporting Name: Fire Fang. Those might be the only fighters that if they appear in numbers might be able to give us a run for our money.
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>>3524959
I see the Fandances making up the bulk of their current stealth fighter fleet, with the J-20 maybe coming in later as an advanced replacement. Assuming that they actually develop it, they might just upgrade the fandances and use them instead.

Part of me wonders if the Chinese might be doing something similar to the wyvern program, just with the fandance as the base aircraft. Back during the war, the Soviets paired witches and pilots in fandances, and almost killed Frank through over-exertion. That was before he got a neural jack though, and things changed after that. But it can be reasonably assumed that the Chinese might try and put a similar neural-jack system into the fandance in order to improve the model set out by the Soviets.
>>
>>3524959
>J-20
>a threat
>>
Ok gents, sorry about the late start here. Probably only be a couple of posts today, but I'll make it up if I can with a short Saturday run or something. Not sure yet, but if you guys have any preferences, let me know! I'm mostly done moving in, though that doesn't necessarily mean anything in terms of the quest here- just that I'm more or less settled, and less likely to lose my notes! haha. Anyway, let's get going, yeah?

=======================================================================================================

You solved breakfast in a way that, given the people it was for, was probably entirely overkill. Merlin, of course, loved it- though even she had to take her time, while Kyou, for her part, looked uncertain at the creamed spinach component of the eggs woodhouse, but cleaned her plate anyway. You're not sure if she liked it, to be honest- of course she complimented you on them, but you suspect she'd have done that anyway. Merlin, for her part, didn't stick around very long after finishing hers, instead going to take a nap on your bed.

Kyou, on the other hand, hasn't moved from her perch on the counter, replacing her empty plate with a tech binder Merlin had brought over as soon as you'd taken it away. She'd brought it over specifically to go over it with you both- it's got general sales outlines of proposed systems she has in the works, though you imagine it's not going to tell you anything she already hasn't.

Still, Kyou looks engrossed- though she's not taking notes, you can tell she's doing her dead level best to figure out the best overall configuration for the jet, especially given Merlin's warning about the permanence of the changes. She only pauses to look up when you take off your cooking apron and stretch. “Is it done?” She asks.

You shake your head. “Not yet.” You say. “But some of that can sit for a bit and I need a break.”

She nods. “I had wondered.” She says, closing the binder. “I had also been considering a break. Perhaps we could go down to the pool?” She looks out the window. “The weather here seems too nice to avoid in a building all day, and I haven't been able to go swimming since I arrived in the US.”

1/2
>>
You shrug. You're largely ambivalent to swimming- even in pools- after more than one childhood run-in with swamp moccasins, back home. You can, of course, but it's not something you typically do on your own when you don't have to. That said, though, it does seem like a good way to pass the few hours you need to in order for everything to settle the way it should in the kitchen- the chicken won't go anywhere, of course, and the rice, on low, still needs to cook for at least another two hours, maybe three. By then, hopefully, Merlin will be awake again and you can eat.

Still, there's other options. While you can't travel off post, there's the MWR facilities here- including a rifle range on the far side of the flight line and a paintball field that's very close nearby- you're pretty sure you could see it from the rooms on the other side of the hall. There's also the flight line- one of the perks of being a wyvern crew is unrestricted access to your aircraft. While there's nothing to do there- yet- it's as good a time as any to discuss things like a name with Kyou, and maybe she'd prefer to do so while actually near the jet.

[] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.
[] What about hitting the range? There's a nice one here.
[] let's go down the flight line instead, take a look at our fighter.
>>
>>3525164
>[] What about hitting the range? There's a nice one here.

Might as well put some rounds through our survival rifle.
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>>3525164
>[x] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.
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>>3525164
>[X] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.
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>>3525164
>[] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.
>>
>>3525164
>[x] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.
An excuse to get a witch in a swimsuit? Yes please.
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>>3525163
> [x] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.

If that's what she puts forward lets humor her, it likely wasn't an idle suggestion on her part in any case.
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>>3525164
>[] What about hitting the range? There's a nice one here.

The answer is always guns
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>>3525164
>[X] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
We'll have plenty of time to ogle Wyvern-chan later, but we should definitely try to hit the range at least once before we leave on tour. It might give us some insight on Kyou's powerlevel.
>>
[x] I guess it is a nice day to go to the pool, sure.

You think for a moment, then nod. “I guess it's a nice day to go down to the pool, sure.” you say, and Kyou smiles- one of the genuine ones.

“Wonderful!” She says. “I will go change.” She stands up off her seat and stretches, arching her back before rolling her neck and walking into her room, closing the door behind her.


You pause for a second before gently opening the door, noting that your aunt is out cold- eggs woodhouse can do that to a person, you note. You don't actually like them much, but you also don't make them but extremely rarely, and this seemed like a good enough time. You frown though when you notice she's managed to put her glasses on the pillow next to her- all she has to do is roll over and they'll be bent beyond repair. You move them to the table next to your watch and wallet silently, then collect your swim trunks out of your sea bag and walk into the bathroom. That you do so without her stirring once doesn't really register- you're naturally quiet, you know, and even a little bit of effort goes a long way. According to Maman, you'd have been terrifying as a witch. The only witches she knew who could pull off invisibility were a pair of twins in Europe during the war, and, according to her, you come too damn close as is.

It's a complement coming from her, though usually one she's reluctant to give. Still, being entirely too hard to find is a useful skill, in your book.

Walking back into the living room, you find Kyou's changed before you, a two-piece, to your surprise, with a white and blue top over a red bottom. She's got a towel draped over her arm. She blinks when you step out of the bathroom- it's a bit cold in here for no shirt, but you figure you can manage. “Ah-” She says, then pauses for a second.

“Shall we?” You ask, smiling lightly. It's not the first time you've had that effect on a girl, you know- and probably won't be the last. She blinks, then smiles and nods.

“Apologies.” She says, somewhat sheepishly. “I had intended to mention something, but I seem to have forgotten.” She pauses. “Oh! Will Samantha be alright here without us?”

You shoot a glance back towards your room. “She'll be fine.” You say. “She knows we can't go anywhere without an escort anyway, and she'll be out for a couple hours at least.”

1/2
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“Ah. Should we wake her and see if she wishes to join us?” She asks.

You shake your head. “She'll come down if she wants, but I don't think we'll see her before evening chow.”

Kyou nods. “Let us go, then.” She says, starting out of the door and towards the elevator.

The walk to the pool gives you a chance to look at the rest of the building. It seems like there's far too many rooms here for just the wyvern program, and there's no one else in it, other than the Marines and the civilian staff. You pass several other closed up suites, and once you reach the ground floor, you note there's plenty more to the building. A small dining hall occupies part of it, while there's a fitness center with it's large windows looking out at the pool. There's even a rec room on the other side of the hall- one equipped, perhaps predictably, with 20 year old arcade cabinets that look like they've been on post since they were new, and are long since forgotten about by the larger world outside.

The lifeguard on duty looks like she's about 16- and other than a minor bit of staring, doesn't pay much attention to you. You take a seat on one of the chairs, while Kyou slips into the pool.

You're only there for a few minutes before a pair of hands cover your eyes. “Guess who!” Anastasia says, in a very poor impersonation of Cass' voice.

[] Ana, please.
[] Satan, please.
>>
>>3525334
>[] Satan, please.
>>
>>3525334
>[x] Ana, please.
>>
>>3525334
>] Satan, please
>>
>>3525334
>[X] Satan, please.
>>
>>3525334
>[] Satan, please.
>>
>>3525334
>[] Satan, please.

Maximum trolling
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>>3525334
>[X] Ana, please.
Big bro says no fun!
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>>3525334
>[] Satan, please.
>>
>>3525334
>[] Satan, please

BEGIN SISTER TROLLING
>>
>>3525334
>[X] Satan, please.
As if there's any other choice.
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>>3525334
>[] Satan, please.
>>
Ok, votes called!

This will probably our last update tonight, but I think we'll run a short thread Saturday too, 3-4 hours probably. I do kinda have a point in mind I'd like us to get to by the end of the week, haha!
>>
>Satan
>Anast
>Anastasia
what does it mean?
>>
[x] Satan, please.

“Satan, please.” You sigh, and Ana laughs from behind you, walking around to stand fully in your line of sight.

“One of the Moms sent me a text.” She says. “So I came over to meet the girl. It's not Danielle, is it?”

You shake your head. “The Imperial Princess Kyou.” You say, noting that Kyou's climbing out of the pool even now, shaking the water out of her eyes and looking at you curiously. Ana, you note, is in uniform- minus pants, of course, but still. “You on duty?” You ask her, and she nods.

“Yeah. There's a class from Annapolis that's coming out. Since there's two drakes on the line, they want to let them oogle the Drakes and the crews a bit, see if any of them are interested in signing up.” She shrugs. “I'm not the most senior witch in the area, but I'm a Bishop, so they want me to go with.”

“That sounds like an interesting duty.” Kyou supplies, walking past your sister to stand, perhaps a little too closely, next to you.

“Not really.” Ana says. “Honestly, I'd rather spend the day in my underwear on the couch eating ice cream and playing DOOM, but here I am.”

You nod. “Well, since I know why you're here, Ana, this is my crewmate, the Imperial Princess, Sho-sa Kyou.”

“Kyou is acceptable. It is an honor to meet you.” Kyou says, bowing to Anastasia.

“Kyou, this is my sister, Commander Anastasia Bishop.” You say, noting that Ana mirrors Kyou's bow expertly.

“The honor is mine, highness” Ana responds before straightening up unbidden- normally you're pretty sure you'd hold the bow till Kyou said something, at least in social situations, but with Ana, you remember, technically she can claim equal social rank, descended, as she is, from the Russian Imperial family. Most of it flies well past your ability to care- according to your mother, your line is descended from French nobility, but the proof is nebulous at best, and the specific line seems to change from time to time. Last you asked, it was the Merovingian line. Somehow, you doubt that.

1/2
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“Anyway, I've got about an hour before we take a couple vans down to the airport to pick up the kids and bring them by.” Anastasia says. “So I figured I'd come down and meet my future sister-in-law. And ask a favor from my big brother. Do you two mind getting all dressed up in a flight suit and everything and meeting us down on the line?”

“Wouldn't we have been notified if they wanted us present?” Kyou asks.

Ana shrugs. “The whole thing runs through the coven side of the house.” She says. “It's entirely possible they didn't even think about asking a drake pilot to be over there, and they're still not sure about the protocol for asking things from an imperial coven witch just yet. I mean, look, it's just a favor to me, but you kinda owe me for fronting off Cass.”

Kyou looks over at you. “I would not mind going, but I would not mind staying here, either.” She says. “But you are also cooking dinner, and- “

“Dinner? Already?” Ana asks, sounding surprised, but with a grin creeping across her face. “Is it the chili?”

“Chicken.” You say. “And don't interrupt.”

“Sorry.” She says. “I'm sorry, highness.”

“Kyou, please.” Kyou says. “I only wished to make sure that this wouldn't impact dinner. I am not adverse to ordering out again, but after watching you prepare the food, I am anxious to try it.”

“I'll make you a deal.” Ana says. “I'll call it square if you let me come to dinner too after I'm done. You don't have to come talk to the kids, that way.”

[] Deal. I'll call you when you should head over, ok?
[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
[] We'll go. I didn't get enough to feed three witches and myself anyway.
>>
And that's it for the night! I know it was a short run, and I'm sorry for that. Couple things to do around the house I wanted to get knocked out for the folks, since they're putting me up right now, you know? Hahaha. As usual, I'll be around a while to handle any questions or anything, but other than that guys, I'll catch you tomorrow. TIll then gents!
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[X] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.

>“That sounds like an interesting duty.” Kyou supplies, walking past your sister to stand, perhaps a little too closely, next to you.
IT BEGINS

>>3525452
Thanks for the run boss.
So have the matrons started flipping shit behind closed doors yet?
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>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[x] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[x] Deal. I'll call you when you should head over, ok?
>>
>>3525463
I also sort of wonder is the American Matrons are pissed we picked Kyou.
>>
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>>3525463
Well Morgan and Kyou's genetics are going to combine together like antimatter if we have children, so I'm guessing matrons worldwide are going to have a face that looks something like this.

Meanwhile a constellation of admirals are all drinking champagne in the CNO's office.

"Ladies and gentlemen... WE GOT HER!"
>>
>>3525450
[X] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>3525533
I will laugh my ass off if the USN also has a Bishop-based eugenics program running in the background
>>
>>3525533
Just have Morgan donate to the Air Force sperm bank so we have this behind us. And than the witches that want it can have it.
>>
>>3525450
>[x] Deal. I'll call you when you should head over, ok?

>>3525452
Thanks for the run Ghost
>>
>>3525450
>[x] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
We probably were making enough for leftovers anyway
>>
>>3525450
>[x] We'll go. I didn't get enough to feed three witches and myself anyway.
>>
>>3525450
>[x] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
>[] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525450
Since my vote here counts more than in the European elections....
>[x] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.
>>
>>3525164
>There's also the flight line- one of the perks of being a wyvern crew is unrestricted access to your aircraft. While there's nothing to do there- yet- it's as good a time as any to discuss things like a name with Kyou, and maybe she'd prefer to do so while actually near the jet.

Ghostpost we already decided on a name, remember? It was like the first thing we did, after making our selections.
>>
Ok, votes called! Had to restart chrome, I guess they decided to do something to jack with the way the captcha worked with my adblockers, so I may have a new id, haha!
>>
[x] It's fine. We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.

You think for a minute- you're not sure you have enough, but ultimately you can always get something else for yourself if you have to. It wouldn't be the first time- and honestly, it wouldn't even bother you that much. You've got plenty enough to fix yourself a reasonable meal.

“It's fine.” You say eventually. “We'll go. And you can come to dinner if you want.”

“If I want, he says.” Anastasia scoffs. “Of course I do. Who wouldn't? Even my mom doesn't say no to your cooking.”

You shrug. “That's fine. When do we need to go?”

She looks at her watch. “Well, I should be getting a call any minute here from the matron that's arranging all this, then I'll probably have them stop by here to pick me up. If you want to meet us on the flight line in about an hour, that'd be great. I can call if the time changes.”

“An hour?” Kyou asks, then nods. “We will be there.”

Anastasia nods, and opens her mouth to say something else when her phone rings. Pulling it out of her shoulder pocket, she looks at it, then nods. “Speak of the devil.” She says, answering it. A quick conversation later- held while Kyou collects her towel, you note- ends with your sister directing them to pick her up from here. “About five minutes.” She says to you, hanging up.

Kyou touches your arm to get your attention. “I'm going to go clean up and change.” She says. “You can stay and visit with your sister if you like.” And she continues inside, her towel wrapped around her waist.

Ana watches her go, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth, and, when the door closes, looks over at you. “Controlling, isn't she?” She says. “Reminds me of a certain ex-”

“Can you not?” You ask. “This is different.”

“Sure, sure.” Ana says. “Has she already called her parents to talk about wedding plans? How many babies does she want?” Your sister laughs. “Admit it, you have a thing for control freaks.”

“She's an imperial princess, Ana.” you point out. “Of course she's going to be a little controlling. She's used to it.”

1/2
>>
>>3526737
>“Controlling, isn't she?” She says. “Reminds me of a certain ex-”

Uh oh ... the backstory awakens.
>>
>>3526737

Listen, we just need to break her of bad habits by giving her american pop culture.

First up, Tokyo Drift. You're not in control unless you're out of control.
>>
“Mhmm.” Anastasia says. “I'm not judging, I'm just saying. Though you're cooking the chicken for her? I'd have figured you were going to make the chili again. Well, whatever. Has she met any of the rest of us?”

You shake your head. “Not that I'm aware of. Cass, maybe, but that would have been before she got here.”

“Oh man, Cass. Cass is gonna hate her.” Anastasia laughs. “You know, for stealing you.”

You shrug. “Cass can deal.” You point out. “And probably will. Plus she's aboard the Kaga for at least four months.”

“Time to come to terms with her loss.” Ana says, agreeing. “What's aunt Samantha think?”

You shrug. “She commented about taking Kyou as her apprentice.”

“She what? Oh man.” Ana blinks. “Oh man oh man. Everyone's going to lose their minds if she does. They've been pressuring her to take apprentices forever, and then she goes and does that? Man, if she makes it official... “ She laughs. “That'd be even better than the time dad shat all over Annapolis academy for trying to play dirty with mom.”

You shake your head. “I don't get it. Why's it a big deal? You'd think I'd have heard about it before if it was.”

“Because you have the bayou and then the rest of creation.” Ana says. “Think about it. Aunt Sam is basically saying she's going to teach everything she knows about magic to a witch that not only isn't in the coven of the US, but she's also almost completely beyond the control of her own home coven. If she publishes it, that's big.” She laughs. “I mean, she's offered to take any of us on as apprentices, and I'm sure she'll teach her daughters when they're old enough for it, but that isn't much better, and if her skills and talent become family secrets... “

“I see.” You say, looking over the low wall out to the parking lot, where two passenger vans have pulled up.

“That's my ride.” Ana says. “Remember, flight line, in about an hour. Wear a flight suit.”

She turns to leave, going through the building, though she turns right to exit through the front desk while you turn left for the elevators.

In your room, you find Kyou sitting on the couch. She looks up when you enter and nods. “Ah, Morgan. Good.” She says. “I had a dilemma. I am unsure what uniform to wear. I still have my Imperial navy witch's uniform, of course, and had considered wearing it to emphasize that any witch can enter the program with hope for success, but I also have a United States Navy flight suit that may emphasize that we are a team. Which do you think I should wear?”

[] Emphasize the open nature of the program- anyone who qualifies and clears the school can make it.
[] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.
>>
>>3526754
>[] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment-
>>
>>3526754
>[x] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.
>>
>>3526754
>[] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.
>>
>>3526754
>[X] Emphasize the open nature of the program- anyone who qualifies and clears the school can make it.

>>3526746
She's already a Westaboo, anon...
>>
>>3526754
> Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
>>
>>3526754
>[x] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.
>>
>>3526754
>[] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.
>>
>>3526754
>[x] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.
Yeah, and the whole teamwork part of it is essential as they will probably end up with their pilot.
>>
Hey guys, I'm going to extend the voting period a bit to take a shower- I want some hot water before it's all gone!
>>
>>3526754
>[] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore
>>
ok, votes called.
>>
>>3526746
>You're not in control unless you're out of control.
That line was always retarded. A proper drift is a precisely controlled maneuver. If you're out of control during one, you spin out and look like a cunt.
>>
[x] Emphasize the team nature of the assignment- You're not flying alone anymore.

“The flight suit.” You say. “Emphasize we're a team to them.”

She nods, a small smile creeping at the ends of her mouth. “We are, yes.” She says. “I still find myself wondering when I'll wake up. Perhaps when my family visits.”

She shakes her head, standing up and heading back into her room, closing the door behind her.

Merlin is still asleep when you go into your own room, and hasn't moved from her spot- you make sure she's still breathing before you grab your change of clothes out of the closet- one of the few things you bothered to hang up correctly was your flight suit- and head into the bathroom to change. It takes about a minute, and you step out to find Kyou adjusting her own flight suit's sleeves. You've got yours rolled to the regulation limit- just above your elbow- but she wears hers pulled all the way down, covering her arm to the wrist.

“Do you wear yours like that all the time?” She asks, indicating the rolled up part of the sleeve. “I noticed during our flight, but I didn't think to ask.”

You shrug- you usually do, regs don't specify one way or another and you find it more comfortable. The minimal loss of protection from the fire-retardant material seems pretty negligible to you- odds are, if there's a fire in the cockpit, you've got much bigger issues than burnt arms, you figure.

This time you lead the way out of the door, leaving a note for your aunt in case she wakes up. The marines on duty downstairs look up at you both as you walk to the desk- they're indoors, uncovered, so they don't have to salute, but they still refer to you by rank.

“Headed back out, Sir?” One asks, and you nod.

“Flight line.” You say.

He nods, and one of the other marines stands up, grabbing a set of keys off the hangar behind the desk. “You flying today?” He asks, looking at his computer. “This says you're not scheduled for flight all week.”

1/2
>>
You shake your head, and explain. “Oh, got it.” he says, swiveling his chair around and marking the whiteboard behind the desk. “Since it's on post, we'll give you a lift over there, but we won't send a shadow with you. You still gotta sign out and then back in when you come back, and you've still gotta be back by twenty one, unless you get orders from someone higher up, in which case we need a copy here.” He says.

You nod, and he points out the window to the waiting MP. “Car's ready sir.”

Kyou stays quiet through the whole thing, and the short drive over to the flight line. You still have to enter the line through admin, though the security desk there is almost perfunctory- they just check your ID against the computer, and once it spits back that you're a wyvern pilot, the woman on duty waves you through.

Your fighter is parked where you last saw it, almost curiously alone on the ramp- other than the Marine wyvern next to it, there's nothing else there. You're used to seeing it surrounded by support equipment and the ground crew. Of course, with the weekend, none of them are here, and the equipment is all stored in the hangar behind it.

Kyou, instead of pausing, smiles widely, and walks up to the fighter, putting a hand on it's side, almost like it's alive. She blinks and shakes her head, still smiling. “I still cannot believe this is ours, now.” She says, looking up towards the front of the fighter. “It is almost too good to be real. I have dreamed of this, you know.”

You nod- to tell the truth, you'd always pushed for the wyvern, but part of you always felt like you were destined for it too. Probably conceit, you admit, but still.

“I am told that they are intelligent enough that we will need to name it.” She says. “Have you given any thought to this?”

[] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”
[] “I haven't given it much thought. What about you?”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I haven't given it much thought. What about you?”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I haven't given it much thought. What about you?”
I don't want to monopolize the name.
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”
>>
>>3527050
>[x] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I haven't given it much thought. What about you?”
DESU I think that a norse name is a bit out of place. Something else may be more appropriate.
>>
>>3527050
>[X] “I haven't given it much thought. What about you?”
>>
>>3527050
>[x] “I haven't given it much thought. What about you?”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”
>>
>>3527050
>[] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”

Norse mythology yes.
>>
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>>3526737
>“Has she already called her parents to talk about wedding plans? How many babies does she want?”
>>
I am all for a Norse name, because it sounds foreboding and intimidating.
>>
Ok, votes called!

Sorry for the delay there, had to answer an email about work!
>>
[x] “I'd wanted to call it Hraesvlegr.”

“I'd wanted to name it Hraesvelgr.” You say, looking up at the fighter. You can already see it's paint scheme too- the tail and nose art on wyverns being both regulation protected and virtually required.

“Hraesvelgr?” Kyou asks, frowning and butchering the pronunciation. “I am unfamiliar with that.”

“Norse myth.” You explain. “It's a giant eagle at the end of the world who's wingbeats make the wind. His name means Corpse Eater.”

“Corpse eater?” Kyou frowns. “I am not sure such an image will be befitting us.” She says, then shakes her head. “we can discuss this later. I won't complain if the name is one you are set on, but if you are not perhaps we can come up with something more... fitting.” She says.

You shrug. “Perhaps.” You allow with a nod, trying to imagine the fighter with aunt Merlin's changes- the gun ports at the wings, you imagine, will get smaller, and the fighter's profile will get slightly wider when the FAST packs are installed. Besides that, there's the tail booms and the tailfin pods to be installed as well. You almost wonder what it'd look like with the VLS- while you can't see the top of the fighter from here, you can't imagine there wouldn't be some minor structural changes to accomidate them, magic field or not.

Kyou, for her part, looks up at the open canopy and the cockpit of the fighter, then over at you. “I think I would like to see the front office, as it were.” She says. “Would you explain it to me if I were to climb up?”

[] Sure, head up.
[] Why?
>>
>>3527154
>[x] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[X] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[] Why?

Gotta be the voice of reason.
>>
>>3527154
>[x] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[] Why?
>>
>>3527154
>[] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[] Sure, head up.
Is... is she about to play with our joystick?
>>
>>3527154
>[x] Sure, head up.
She probably wants to know as much about it as possible. So no harm in giving her the basics.
>>
>>3527154
>[] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[X] Sure, head up.
>>
>>3527154
>[X] Sure, head up.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>3527232
Bueller?
>>
[x] Sure, head up.

You nod. “Sure, head up.” You say, and she gives you a huge smile.

“Oh, thank you!” She says, clearly pleased.

The nose ladder is unlocked and she climbs up easily, almost taking the hand and foot holds two at a time on the way up. Once at the top, she swings over the edge of the cockpit easily, dropping into your seat. You climb up more slowly, stopping on the last rung of the ladder that lets you look over the canopy rail and down into the cockpit.

Kyou's familiar is out, the massive, triangular black ears of her familiar turned forward, interested and curious in her surroundings. She looks up at you after a second, her smile revealing a rather unnerving pair of fangs- also her familiar's.

“This is a much better view.” She says, laughing. “If only I could fly from up here as well!”

You nod. “It's even better with the link active.” You say. “The computer generates an outside view of everything through the cockpit. It turns everything except the instrument panels transparent, basically.”

She nods. “It is the same in the back, but the view forward is so much better here.” She settles back into the ejection seat and smiles contentedly. “And the seat is more comfortable.”

She leans forward again, her hands gravitating towards the HOTAS. “It seems odd that they have reinstalled these.” She says. She doesn't move them at all, and seems happy to just rest her hands on the controls.

“VDNI was too demanding.” You say. “There weren't that many pilots or witches that could handle it, and the side effects were too severe for most of them.”

She nods. “I am aware of the reasoning.” She says. “But it still seems odd. A step back, almost.” She looks over that the MIU toggle, but makes no move towards it. “That is odd as well.” She says, indicating it. “Our toggles are independent of each other. I cannot control yours, you cannot control mine.”

“Except in case of ejecting.” You point out. You tend to agree that the restriction is odd, but you suppose you can see the reasoning. Still, it seems a strange thing, knowing your aunt- she designed the system, and normally that kind of thing would be something your dad would have been perfectly happy letting her handle.

Kyou nods- then whips her head around to focus in on an approaching group of people. You follow the movement by instinct- even as she relaxes a little. “It appears our guests are here.”

You nod. “You want to talk to them? I can stay up here, out of the way.”

She smiles at you. “We are a team, are we not?” She asks. “I think you should accompany me down.”

1/2
>>
You nod again, climbing down the ladder and looking up as Kyou jumps down, absorbing the energy of her landing without a hint of effort- she doesn't even have to bend her knees more than fractionally. As she steps past you you get a glimpse of the utterly huge, slightly curved black tail jutting from the base of her spine. You know better than to stare, of course, but still- it's huge. You start to get the distinct impression that her wolf familiar, like her, isn't exactly normal.

There's a handful of academy witches, you notice- the class must be fairly small, all told. Maybe eleven or twelve teenagers- you make them to be sixteen, maybe seventeen at the oldest, all of them dressed in NWUs without rank insignia. None of them, you note, are bareleg- by tradition and regulation, that's not something witches can do until they reach the fleet, other than for flight training. It's a mark of status among witches- has been for years. No one's real sure who started the tradition, but all signs point to it having originated in the 40s.

Your sister and another, older woman, are walking with the cadets, though she, too, is wearing pants- only Ana is bareleg. The older witch recognizes Kyou- you can see it flash across her face as you approach.

The group stops, the cadets saluting- they're in uniform, as are you- and you and Kyou both return it. Clearly, you note, this isn't entirely informal. “Lieutenant, Sho-sa.” Ana says. “I'm glad you could make it down.”

You nod, but Kyou speaks. “It was our pleasure, Lieutenant commander. I assume these are the cadets you had mentioned?”

Anastasia nods, looking over at them. “They're coming up on their last year, so someone's going to be asking them about the program pretty soon. Anything about it you want to tell them?”

Kyou looks over at you. “What do I say?” She asks in Japanese. “I am unsure of what to tell them. Do I advise them to go for the program? Do I warn them of the trials involved? Do I say nothing in specific?”

[] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
[] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.
[] Just give them a general statement about it. It's not our job to sell the program to anyone.
>>
>>3527447
>[x] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
>[x] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.
Mix of these two. Follow your dreams, but commit to it 100%.
>>
>>3527447
>[] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
>[] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.

POR QUE NO LOS DOS!!!
>>
That's it for the night! Sorry about the big delay there, gents, I had to grab some tea and aspirin- sudden onset migraine or something, I don't know. Just a sudden ear-splitting headache, haha. Aspirin knocked it back, but I had to sit here a good twenty minutes with my eyes closed. Sorry again about that- unusual shit, but eh.

Anyway, don't forget we're running a make-up day on Saturday, too, to get to a good stopping point for the week.

Also, on the subject of real shit, the job I got the Email about is a second shift production position- 1530-0000 EST. Clearly, that means either we'll have to go to a Saturday run or do something in the early hours, which I don't think is going to work. So the question I have is, would we prefer Saturday runs, maybe starting at 14-1600 ish and running till about midnight, or something during the week mornings? I know neither is perfect, but I always figured the three day run we've got would never survive me getting work again. As much as I'd love to make it on patreon and twitch, I'm not that likable, haha!

Anyway, guys, let me know what you'd prefer, and we'll sort it out tomorrow. I'll be around a little to field questions or comments if you want, but otherwise, till tomorrow gents!
>>
>>3527447
>[X] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.
>>
>>3527461
Honestly whatever's easier for you man.
>>
>>3527461
Definitely weekends, weekday mornings is a recipe for nobody having time.
>>
>>3527445
>"There weren't that many pilots or witches that could handle it, and the side effects were too severe for most of them.”
Well that better explains why VDNI was dumped.
>>
>>3527447
>[] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
>[] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.

Either one individually is an incomplete answer.
>>
>>3527447
>[x] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
>[x] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.

>>3527461
Thanks for the run Ghost! As for when to run I'd say Saturdays, weekday mornings seem like all around a bad idea.
>>
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>>3527447
>[X] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
>[X] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.

>>3527461
Thanks for the run boss. Saturday runs are probably the best bet for everyone.
>>
>>3527447
>[] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
>[] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.
Both. Both is good.
>>
>>3527447
>[x] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.
>>
>>3527461
Whatever's easier for you. If you have a twitch link tell me and I'll start with a follow and onre more viewer right away-hope you got ads.
>>
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>As she steps past you you get a glimpse of the utterly huge, slightly curved black tail jutting from the base of her spine. You know better than to stare, of course, but still- it's huge. You start to get the distinct impression that her wolf familiar, like her, isn't exactly normal.

>>3527447
Should we also mention that they will almost certainly end up in a relationship with their pilot husbando or is that too much for their virgin ears?
>>
>>3527447
>you get a glimpse of the utterly huge, slightly curved black tail
Huge fluffy tail. I trust you know what has to be done anon.
>>
>>3528735
>>3528736
Guys. I think her Familiar might be Fenrisúlfr.
>>
>>3528876
Then she can’t very well bitch at our choice of name for the plane now can she?!
>>
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>>3528932
Unless she doesn't know her familiar is Fenrisulfr and just thinks her familiar is a really big wolf.
>>
Ok, votes called! Sorry, was eating dinner.
>>
[] Encourage them- most of them won't go for it anyway, but maybe it'll make a difference for one or two of them
[] Warn them it's not easy. Let them know it's not something they should go for if their heart's not in it.

“Encourage them, but warn them.” You advise. “I don't think it will change many minds, but it may help a few of them.”

Kyou nods, and you have to stifle a smile at Anastasia's evident jealousy. She spent the majority of her time visiting your aunts off seeing the sights and shopping in every collectible and anime store she could get to- her grasp of Japanese is barely enough to introduce herself, let alone hold a conversation. It's not that she can't learn, of course- even Cass has, and is probably more fluent than you, honestly, at least so far, but she always had other things she wanted to do- and of course, your aunt always made sure you had a translator accompanying you. Meanwhile, your mother insisted you learn the language Alongside French, Chinese, and Russian. It didn't end up being that bad, all in all, you feel- and you've had offers from civilian companies, looking to scoop you up. A polyglot aerospace engineer is a rare beast, and even though you've only got a bachelor degree, they're more than willing to try and grab you up.

Not that that was ever really an option.

“Hello, cadets.” Kyou says from next to you. “I am Sho-sa Kyou, of the Imperial Japanese Navy, on permanent detached duty to the United States Navy. I am told you are here to be introduced to the wyvern?”

There's a smattering of responses- none real strong. Kyou's approach is less military and more witch, of course- as you expected- but her rank, both military and social, is pretty impressive for a woman her age.

“I would encourage any of you harboring thoughts of applying to do so. The schooling and selection process is very demanding, but you will learn a great deal that will help you in your military career and beyond. However, I will caution you that it is not for any of you who do not intend to devote yourself entirely to it. The process is not for quitters.”

1/2
>>
Apparently satisfied, she looks at the older woman escorting the cadets, who nods. “Do any of you have questions for the Sho-sa?” She asks, her accent solidly from the upper Midwest- northern Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, somewhere in that area.

“Do you have any concerns about the program meaning you're in what amounts to an arranged marriage?” One of them asks, earning a scowl from Anastasia.

Kyou looks over at you, making an effort to be seen to look you up and down- then back at the cadets. “Not at all.” She says, earning a bit of laughter. “I understand it is a concern among some, but it is something that is easy to accept. Existing information indicates that the pilot-witch team becomes incredibly close, and they enjoy more stable relationships than most others, and the navy and coven put an incredible amount of effort into making sure that every pilot and witch are compatible in their personalities.”

“Anyone else?” Anastasia asks.

“I've got the same question, but for the Lieutenant. What do you think about being in a wyvern wedding?” Another cadet- a short redhead near the back- asks.

[] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
[] It is what it is. Duty with the fleet is like that sometimes.
>>
>>3529569
>[] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
>>3529569
>[x] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
>>3529569
>[] It is what it is. Duty with the fleet is like that sometimes.
>>
>>3529569
>[] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
>>3529569
>[] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
>>3529569
>[] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
>>3529569
>[X] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.

Duty's well and good, but if you don't have it in you, you shouldn't sign up.
>>
>>3529569
>[] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
>>3529569
>[x] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
"The navy does everything they can to match pilots and their witches as closely as possible. So chances are that if you are selected by a pilot, there is a good chance that the two of you would hit it off anyway."
>>
>>3529569
>[X] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] The same thing the Sho-sa said. If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.

“The same thing the Sho-sa said.” You respond, fixing your gaze on the young witch. To her credit, you think she asked the question more out of genuine curiousness than any maliciousness. It's no big secret that the relationship between the rest of the military and the witches isn't always one based on mutual respect and trust- there's guys out there that feel like the witches are just little girls playing at war, and there's witches that don't bother hiding their opinion that conventional forces are largely just cannon fodder for them.

“If it bothers you, you don't sign the paperwork.” You say. “But the Navy makes it clear that they put a lot of work into making sure that the match is as seamless as possible, even before the MIU link. Odds are, any pilot you match with, you'd have hit it off with anyway.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” The older woman says. “Ladies, you're free to walk around the aircraft. Do not climb on or attempt to enter it. Lieutenant, Sho-sa, thank you again.”

You nod, looking over at Kyou, who stands aside to let the cadets pass- for the most part, they seem pretty disinterested, other than the one who'd asked you her question. “She's going to sign, for sure.” Kyou says, again in Japanese. You nod, agreeing. “It almost makes me ashamed for Japan, when we finally acquire wyverns. I doubt many of our witches will be as willing to enter the program, even with me as an example.”

[] Why's that?
[] Yeah, I can't imagine Aunt Katsumi in a wyvern.
>>
>>3529703
>[] Why's that?

No reason not to ask.
>>
>>3529703
>[x] Why's that?
>>
>>3529703
>[X] Why's that?
>>
>>3529703
>[x] Why's that?
Also, once we're done chatting we should show the interested witch around the jet. If we think that she's gonna sign up then there is no reason not to try and nurture her interest.
>>
>>3529703
>[] Why's that?
I SMELL DETAILS
>>
>>3529703
>[] Why's that?
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
Honestly seeing how the teams work makes me glad this iteration of SWQ '16 doesn't have Morgan teamed up with Merlin's daughter this time around.
>>
[x] Why's that?

“Why's that?” You ask, keeping an eye on the redheaded cadet as she walks around the aircraft. She seems pretty interested in it, taking her time to really look, as opposed to the abbreviated looking-over most of the others give it.

“The coven has long advanced the stance that witches are like the samurai of the modern world.” She frowns. “Too many influential families were bound too tightly to the shogunate, when it ruled, and witch memories are very long. It is part of the reason the Tomcat program is closed to witches in the country. Honorable, close-range combat isn't possible in a fighter jet or as a ship's witch, so many do not volunteer for the programs, and the matrons work to keep it that way. Witches bound to the military more than the coven are a source of terror for them.”

“They think they're losing control?” You ask, and she nods.

“It's sold as many things, but a witch in Japan often owes her loyalty first to the coven, then to the empire. This is often not a problem, the emperor often grants them many concessions to keep them happy and compliant, but there are some things they will not budge on, and unlike in America, witches do not often go against the directions of the coven.”

“I see.” You say.

“What is worse is that there is no good solution.” She says. “We could offer asylum to the last of Putin's Icelanders, but there are few of them left in the soviet union. We could offer asylum to soviet witches, but many of them that were going to leave already have, as part of the UN brokered peace treaty. We could allow for greater immigration, but that carries many other problems.” She shakes her head. “I am thankful it is not my problem, yet.”

“It does sound like a problem.” You agree. “Of course, you do have others, now.”

“Such as?” Kyou asks. “Do not tell me I have agreed to become part of an American dynasty.”

You shrug. “You already knew that. But the sewing circle is going to want to meet you. And Mother.”

1/2
>>
“The sewing circle?”

“The matrons of the bayou.” You explain. “Maman is one of them, but she's the third youngest, so she's not that powerful politically. They all get along well though.”

“Ah.” Kyou looks a little relieved, though only just- and even then, you imagine that it would be hard for anyone else to tell. “I was worried there was more to it than that. I imagine it is formal?”

You shrug. “It can be.” You respond- and indeed, it can be, with antebellum-style formal parties, grand gatherings, and every ounce of stuffy old-world formality you've encountered with your Bishop family as well. Of course, it can also be intensely informal- a parish-wide gathering, with all the air of a fair and a shrimp boil paid for and provided by the coven. You wonder what Kyou would think of having her food served straight off the table.

Kyou nods. “I see. I hope to not disappoint or dishonor you.”

You almost laugh at that- it's almost impossible for that to happen, barring the most egregious of insults- and even then, the old ladies may not like Kyou, but you're everyone's grandson, more or less. “I don't think that will be a concern.” You respond.

Kyou hums a little, then looks over at your sister and the older witch, standing nearby. “It appears only one of them is at all interested.” She says to you. You look over and nod- the redhead is still looking over the wyvern, the rest of the cadets have already returned to a rough approximation of a formation, next to your sister.

“I would offer to take her temporarily.” Kyou says, “And show her the fighter in more detail. But I am unsure of protocol here.”

“You rank me.” You say, shrugging again. “and I don't know enough about it to say.”

“It would be wrong to not encourage her, if she is interested.” Kyou says. “But I doubt they have the time to spend to allow one girl her time to spend with the aircraft.”

[] Ask Anastasia, then.
[] I don't think we'll have time, honestly.
>>
>>3529870
>[x] Ask Anastasia, then.
>>
>>3529870
>[X] Ask Anastasia, then.
>>
>>3529870
>[X] Ask Anastasia, then.

We don't have anything else to do, so it depends on them.
>>
>>3529870
>[X] Ask Anastasia, then.

Couldn't hurt to encourage a person's interests.
>>
>>3529870
>[] Ask Anastasia, then.
>>
>>3529870
>[] Ask Anastasia, then.
>>
>>3529870
>[] Ask Anastasia, then.

PACK INSTINCTS GO
>>
>>3529870
>[x] Ask Anastasia, then.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] Ask Anastasia, then.

“Ask Anastasia, then.” You say. “But she doesn't speak Japanese.”

“She doesn't?” Kyou asks, sounding a little surprised.

You shake your head. “Not very well. She spent most of the time with our aunts out in Tokyo and Akihabara.”

Kyou blinks, then smiles a little. “Is that so? Perhaps we will have some things to discuss, then.” She says, then turns to your sister. “Lieutenant commander, I notice one of your cadets seems very interested in our aircraft. If it is acceptable, my pilot and I would be happy to show her it more in depth, and return her to you shortly.”

Anastasia looks at the older witch. “I suppose that would be alright.” The older woman says. “We're going to the striker hangar, have her over there in about fifteen minutes.”

“Understood.” Kyou says, and the rest of them head off, leaving you, temporarily, in charge of a cadet who looks interested, if not exactly as excited as Kyou was. Still, you guess, anything is a good sign.

“Are you interested in the program, cadet?” Kyou asks the girl as the rest leave.

“Yes, Ma'am.” she responds, falling into parade rest as soon as she's addressed.

“At ease.” Kyou orders, then smiles. “There's little need for that here. What interests you about it?”

The girl shoots a glance over at the fighter, hesitating for a second. “I wouldn't exist without it, ma'am.” She says, after a moment. “My mother and father were both at Berlin during the war.”

“Ah,” Kyou nods. “I understand, then. A personal connection.”

The girl nods. “Yes, ma'am. And I've always loved jets and technology. Samantha Wells is a huge inspiration to me.”

“I see. Is there anything you'd like to see, while you're here?” Kyou asks.

The girl hesitates, but looks up at the cockpit. “C-Can I see inside the cockpit, ma'am?” She asks.

Kyou smiles. “If my pilot agrees, of course.” She says, then looks over at you. “Morgan?”

[] Yeah, let's take her on up.
[] Probably shouldn't, at least not now. Maybe later, Cadet.
>>
>>3529963
>[] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[] Yeah, let's take her on up.
Come on, how do you say no to that? As long as nothing up there is classified I'd say go for it
>>
>>3529963
>[X] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[x] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[x] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[X] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[X] Yeah, let's take her on up.
>>
>>3529963
>[x] Yeah, let's take her on up.
Let’s get this kid in front of a joystick!
>>
Ok, votes called
>>
[x] Yeah, let's take her on up.

“Yeah,” You say, “Let's take her on up.”

The cadet looks uncertain, though Kyou smiles. “Very well. Follow me, cadet, and watch your step.”

You stand at the bottom of the ladder, letting Kyou and the cadet head up first. Kyou takes a spot on the cockpit edge, and guides the cadet up into her seat in back, making sure that the interface units are set in their stowed positions, rolled up and out, leaving a very narrow gap between the two of them just wide enough for the cadet to squeeze her legs. She does so as you climb up and squeeze past Kyou to take a spot on the leading edge extension, looking in.

“This is the witches position in the fighter.” Kyou explains. “From here, I control all flight systems, sensors, and defensive systems. I am also linked to the mind impulse unit via the uplink jacks located in the ejection seat and my helmet. My pilot sits in front of me, and controls the aircraft and the weapon systems except with certain air to ground systems such as antiship or cruise missiles.”

The cadet nods, keeping her hands on her legs.

“The large multifunction displays in front of you can be used to display any information available to the fighter, though because of the MIU, that's largely unnecessary.” Kyou says.

“What's it like Ma'am?” The cadet says. “Being plugged, I mean.”

“Perhaps my teammate can answer that, cadet.” Kyou says smoothly, and the cadet turns to look up at you.

[] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.
[] It's hard to say. I've never been plugged to a fully functional MIU and AI yet.
>>
And it's 0030 here guys, so I'm going to call it for the night. Remember, we'll be running for a little while tomorrow too, to help make up for the slow run this week. Most of the work around the house is done, other than having to split logs and move some firewood tomorrow, but that shouldn't take too long.

As usual, I'll be around to field any questions or comments for a couple hours yet tonight gents, but otherwise I'll see you tomorrow! till then guys!
>>
>>3530068
>[x] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.
>>
>>3530068
>[] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.
>>
>>3530068
>[] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.
>>
>>3530068
>[X] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.
>>
>>3530068
>[] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.
>>
>>3530068
>[x] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.

>>3530071
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
>>3530068
>[] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them
>>
>>3530068
>[X] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.

>>3530071
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
Ok, guys, votes called!

We'll only be doing a short run today, couple hours to finish the thread up at a good spot. I'd make estimates, but you all know how those go!
>>
Also, I had to reset my internet, again, so I may have a different ID. Hope not, but you know how it goes!
>>
[x] It takes getting used to. Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.

“It takes getting used to.” You say, struggling for how to describe it- up there, the sensor suite doesn't function as a direct extension of your own senses, but it's not far off, either. That's about the best description you can come up with though, so you go with it. “Imagine having six other senses and the ability to use them.” You say

The cadet looks a little intimidated by that, turning back to the MFDs. “The witch has that, too?” She asks.

Kyou nods. “Yes, but it is not nearly as scary as it sounds. Part of the reason the pilot is made to fly with an MIU link from the start, while we have an extra week without is to allow them to build up the experience we can then draw on via the MIU.”

“So you rely on your pilot?”

“And he relies on me.” Kyou says with a nod. “It is the nature of the team. We are far more dangerous together than an aircraft and a witch separate.”

“How hard is the pipeline?” The cadet asks her. “I've heard it's really hard.”

“It is... challenging.” Kyou admits. “But far from impossible. You must learn to think less like a witch and more like a pilot, and that isn't easy. But it is also incredibly instructive and will benefit you even if you aren't ever selected for a crew.”

“How often does that happen?” the girl asks. “It seems like a lot of work to just get denied.”

“I was only in the candidate pool three months before I was selected for a flight, and it was only a few days after the flight that I was selected to form the other half of the aircrew for this fighter.” Kyou says. “Others have been in the pool longer, I am sure, but you are never informed of when openings are available in upcoming crews, nor are you informed if you're passed over for selection.”

“So you don't know.” The cadet supplies.

“You do not.” Kyou confirms. “But it isn't that bad. You continue a normal career as a witch, even while you're within the candidate pool, and are only ever informed if a pilot wishes to fly with you.” She smiles.”I forgot I was in the pool, until Morgan selected my name from the list of candidate witches provided to him.”

The cadet looks over at you, then back at Kyou. “So he gets to pick?” She asks.

Kyou nods. “Morgan, perhaps you can explain it?”

[] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
[] Explain it less specifically- there's a lot of checks and balances that go into the process, the pilot doesn't have final say.
>>
>>3531673
>[x] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
>>
>>3531673
>[X] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
>>
>>3531673
>[] Explain it less specifically- there's a lot of checks and balances that go into the process, the pilot doesn't have final say.
>>
>>3531673
>[] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
>>
>>3531673
>[] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
>>
>>3531673
>[] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>3531673
>[X] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.
>>
[x] Explain it as you understand it- you select from a pool of witches selected by the board, then fly with them to determine if you'd make a good team.

“There's a select pool of witches that are picked by the board, first.” You say. “That's the matrons working with the commanding officer of the program, along with the lead mental health specialist and either the CO or XO of the school here. As a pilot, I got to make three selections, along with two alternates. After our final selection flight, I was given a chance to sit down with the CO to talk it over, and make my final choice. From there he made a call which went to Kyou.”

Kyou nods, taking it from there. “I was told that I had been selected, and was given a chance to think it over. They said I had the weekend to decide, but-” She looks over at you and grins. “I had made the decision long before that was necessary. Had I decided against it, however, I would have been recycled back into the candidate pool and he would have been told to select another witch.”

“So you had the final say.” The cadet says, and Kyou nods.

“Yes. The final decision on if I would or wouldn't fly with Lieutenant Laroux-Bishop was made by myself. No one else will make it for you, but once it is made, you cannot change your mind.” She says, shooting a glance your way. “You are partnered with your pilot for the rest of your career.”

“That's... “ The cadet pauses, looking back over at you. “What about you, sir? Do you have another chance to back out?”

You shake your head. “The pilot gets to make the decision, but we don't get to change our mind later either.”

“And our time is up, cadet.” Kyou says. “Can you exit the cockpit yourself, or do you need assistance?”

“I'm fine, ma'am.” She says, summoning her familiar and jumping down. Kyou follows suit, though both of them pause at the bottom for you as you climb down the ladder normally.

1/2
>>
The Striker hangar is a smaller building set next to the engine test building, on the east end of the pad. It's a short walk over, and you find Anastasia and the older witch standing near the gaggle of Cadets, who are clustered around a pair of service units- both tomcat models, in this case. “Lieutenant commander Bishop.” Kyou calls, and Anastasia turns to look at her. “Your cadet.”

“Well. Welcome back, cadet. Go join your class.” Anastasia says, and the cadet nods, walking over to join her class around the strikers. They're looking them over fairly intently, certainly with more interest than they showed the Wyvern. “How did it go? You got a convert?” Ana asks.

“She appeared interested.” Kyou says. “But it is not our job to promote the program.”

“Not yet anyway.” The older witch says. “Usually there's a fleet or marine wyvern crew here for these tours, and they do try and sell it. Given that there's two crews in training here already, I'm surprised there isn't one of them. They like to keep tabs on anyone coming up.”

“Meh. Doesn't matter to us, Annie.” Anastasia says, dismissively. “There's one in every class anyway. I'm honestly more interested in dinner.”

“Speaking of which, when should you start cooking?” Kyou asks. “As long as we're not required here any longer, should we leave?”

You look at your watch- it is getting pretty late to start, and the bread needs to cool a bit before you serve it. If you start now you'll still have time for an early dinner or very late lunch, depending on how you look at it.

[] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.
[] We're fine to stay, if they want you around.
>>
>>3531950
>[x] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.
>>
>>3531950
>[x] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.
The chef needs to make sure that the food is done properly.
>>
>>3531950
>[X] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.
>>
>>3531950
>[] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.
>>
>>3531950
>[X] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.
>>
>>3531950
>[X] We're fine to stay, if they want you around.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] Yeah, we should go. Ana, be back at the dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.

You nod. “Yeah, we should go. Ana, if you want dinner-”

“If I want dinner, he says. Do I look crazy enough to turn down Morgan's cooking?”

“If you want dinner, be back at our dorm in about an hour, hour and a half.” You say.

She nods. “We're going to finish up here, then take the kids back to their floor over at the BOQ, then I'll change and be over.” She says. “Aunt Merlin's eating with us?”

You nod. “Of course.”

“Right. Dur, I should have known.” She says. “Alright, then I'll see you in a bit.”

You nod, and you and Kyou turn to leave, walking back across the pad to the operations building. The marine MP that drove you over is sitting in the duty lounge, watching the TV there. He looks up as you enter, and stands. “Ready to go back, sir?” He asks, and you nod.

The drive back is short and quiet, and you and Kyou sign back in while the MP on duty erases the note next to your name and replaces it with “in”

Once you're back upstairs, you're greeted by Merlin, who's sitting on the couch, watching the TV. You don't recognize the program, and she quickly mutes it as you walk in. “M-Morgan, K-kyou!” She says, standing. “I-I saw the note, how d-did it go?”

“It went well.” Kyou answers. “One of them showed great interest in the fighter.”

“O-oh really? That's good.” Merlin says. “T-that's about n-normal, I hope she m-makes it.”

“As do I.” Kyou agrees. “I will be right back, I intend to change before dinner.” She says, turning to head into her bedroom.

“Yeah, me too. I'll be back in a second auntie M.” You say, heading into your own bedroom.

You change back into jeans and your T-shirt from earlier- no sense in worrying about it too much, before stepping back out into the living room. “I-is dinner soon?” Merlin asks, and you smile as you head into the kitchen.

“Oui, auntie.” You say. “Hope ya hungry.”

1/2
>>
“F-for you? O-of course.” Merlin says, then turns beet read. “Y-your c-cooking! I m-meant your c-cooking!”

You quirk an eyebrow at her just as Kyou walks out. She, perhaps wisely, doesn't comment on your aunt, who is blushing furiously, and instead takes her seat at the bar again as you put on your apron. She shakes her head a little, then blinks. “Is there any tea?” She asks.

You shake your head. “Other than my herbal mix, no.” You say. “That's not really that good for drinking, just for headaches and that kind of thing. We've got some coke.”

She nods. “I'll have that, then, thank you.”

It takes a few minutes before Merlin calms down enough to join Kyou at the bar, but when she does, the two start talking immediately about the jet, though both of them look up as you put the first of the chicken into the skillet. Ana arrives just as you finish the last of it, and she shoves a case of beer into your chest. “Best I could do on short notice.” She announces. “Hi auntie Merlin, Hello Kyou.”

You look down as she steps in the dorm and the door closes behind her, finding to your eternal disappointment, she brought Budweiser.
>>
And that's going to be it for the thread!

So, keeping in mind that I do have that job that... might? be following up with me (I hope) this week, the run may be affected. Again, keep in mind that if I do get the job, it'll mean that we're going to Saturday runs, at least for a while, but we'll see what happens- keep an eye on my twitter if you don't hear anything in the thread.

I think that's all I really have as news, so I'll stop there haha, and go back to bashing my head against Deep Dive 2-4. Whoever designed that level, if you see this: congrats, you killed any and all enjoyment in the game I had! Haha.

Anyway gents, that's quite enough out of me. Unless you hear otherwise, we'll be running at the normal time this coming week. I'll be around a little till then to field questions and comments, and fill in if there's anything you want to know about the setting. Otherwise, till next time, gents, cheers!
>>
>>3532148
2-4 is basically RNG. Illumination Fairy Helps.
It's never that bad again.
>>
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>>3532135
>“Oui, auntie.” You say. “Hope ya hungry.”
>“F-for you? O-of course.” Merlin says, then turns beet read. “Y-your c-cooking! I m-meant your c-cooking!”

>>3532148
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
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>>3532139
>“F-for you? O-of course.” Merlin says, then turns beet read. “Y-your c-cooking! I m-meant your c-cooking!”
lewd...
>>
>>3532139
>she brought Budweiser
All of this effort, and she brings Budweiser? Did we offend her back some-when?
>>3532148
Thanks for the thread ghost! Nice to know that I'm not the only guy struggling on 2-4.
>>
>>3532148
I missed most of the run, but it was great reading, Ghost.
>>
>>3532154
Challenge I'd be fine with, but RNG is total garbage. Being handed a situation where the dice say "You lose" isn't fun.
>>
Archive up.
>>
>>3532148
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>T-the other option w-would be t-to delete the dorsal weapons stations f-for VLS tubes.” She pause. “H-highly expiremental V-VLS tubes.”
I covered the cannons already but I think we should discuss the VLS a bit more too because it's the other change to our loadout that would require permanent modifications. Conformal packs and engine can be swapped out on a carrier as part of regular maintenance, but installing a VLS or new guns would be a depot level refit because it requires the manufacture of new parts. We may be able to do such a refit later in our career but that would require the navy to authorize a lot of expensive downtime. The other option is to revert the bays to their "wartime configuration" and I don't remember what that is because it's been so long since I read the previous quest.

So first off, Merlin's magic VLS comes with a big downside. From the description it appears to work like a bag of holding, it uses magical power to fit a VLS system inside a pocket dimension, if the system ever loses power the pocket dimension will collapse and explode, which would destroy the wyvern. The magical focus that keeps the VLS powered must be recharged every 72 hours, and the system has three of them. So the most you can stretch things is 9 days before you have to recharge the system or else it explodes.

Considering that Merlin and Kyou are possibly the two strongest witches on the planet I don't see this being much of an issue, if foci work like other batteries either of them could top up the charge on a daily basis. So yes, there IS a risk involved but I think the chances of something going wrong to the point that we lose all access to friendly witches are on par with a Tanana-tier clusterfuck where we would lose the wyvern entirely anyway. Possibly leading to a land war in asia with nothing but Kyou, a SERE kit and our tomahawk to back us up, but I digress.
>>
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The reason Merlin wanted to implement a VLS is that the wyvern is limited by volume more than weight. We have a screaming power-to-weight ratio but only so much internal space to work with, any external stores compromise our stealth so you can't just slap hardpoints onto every available surface the same way you can with a strike eagle. Refer to the attached pic for our wyvern loadout, we have four dorsal and side bays with a capacity of 4 small missiles, two medium missiles or one large missle. We also have a main ventral bay with 4 times the capacity of any other bay.

Small missiles are things like Sidewinders and Agiles, both infrared missiles with relatively short range. IRL Agile missiles had better off-bore capability compared to sidewinders, but the program to develop them was eventually cancelled so I'm not sure how they stack up side by side. The latest version of the sidewinder is the AIM-9X and it adds off-bore targeting up to 90 degrees and beyond that with post-launch target acquisition which evens up the score a bit. Both types are guided by infrared emissions. Medium sized missiles are Sparrows and AMRAAMs. IRL no one uses the sparrow anymore as it was superceded by the AMRAAM as the primary medium range BVR missile. AMRAAMs are radar guided instead of infrared and have a much longer range compared to a sidewinder. Large missiles are the Phoenix and AIM-152. IRL the Phoenix was only used by the Tomcat and the 152 was the planned replacement for the phoenix but later cancelled. It's hard to convey just how big a Phoenix is, the wingspan alone is 3 feet. More advanced versions of the AMRAAM can reach out to comparable ranges and I'm not sure if anyone still uses these in SWQ, but they are listed on the loading table so there you have it.

When loaded exclusively with sidewinders our capacity is 32 missiles. The VLS replaces our dorsal weapon bays with 6 VLS cells capable of quad-packing any a2a missile in inventory, so we lose 8 potential sidewinders but gain 24 VLS missiles in return. So with the VLS we could potentially carry 24 ARMAAMs + 24 sidewinders as a default loadout without needing external hardpoints. Needless to say that is a SHITTON of missiles and well worth the potential risks, being able to carry such a large missile load combined with Kyou's capabilities would make us extremely dangerous in air combat. For ground strike missions it would also allow us to retask our entire ventral bay without impacting our air to air capability much if at all.

Overall I think it's definitely worth considering mounting a VLS, even with the stated drawbacks. There are challenges involved in using the system, but IMO it's nothing that we can't overcome and the increase in our combat capability is huge. With such an expanded missile capacity we could offload weapons from our FAST packs and use them exclusively for fuel, or fuel + sensor systems and other special equipment to expand our capabilities beyond a "standard" wyvern.
>>
Lastly, Merlin's system is similar to the Mk41 VLS system used by US Navy ships, but the cells are not as tall. Sadly that means we can't do silly things like mount tomahawk cruise missiles or ASROC anti-sub torpedoes, but we can mount most missiles in navy inventory. If you ignore the older marks, in practice that means SM-2 antiair/antiship missiles and ESSMs or Enhanced Sea Sparrows. Naval missiles are notable in that they have better capabilities in general compared to air to air missiles. They have more fuel and stronger motors which allows them to take bigger guidance sensors and much bigger warheads. On paper they have lesser range but surface launched missiles have to first climb to altitude before they can engage air targets which uses up most of their fuel, if you mount one on a plane and carry it up to altitude before you launch it the effective range is increased.

The ESSM is comparable in size to an AMRAAM but thicker and weights twice as much, with a corresponding increase in warhead and sensor size. Despite this it is still capable of quad-packing into a standard VLS cell. Carrying ESSMs instead of AMRAAMs would offer us an increase in fighting power but would complicate logistics. You don't normally load VLS cells into ships at sea, let alone a carrier, and no other aircraft can use them. So if we wanted to do this we would need to launch missions from a land base.

The SM-2 on the other hand is a totally different ball game. AMRAAMs are big, but SM-2s are BIG. Firing one is like launching the better part of a telephone pole at the enemy. SM-2s are roughly comparable to Phoenix missiles but more advanced, they have a much bigger warhead than anything else we could carry that isn't meant for ground attack and in addition to using them against enemy aircraft they could also threaten warships making us something of a pocket missile destroyer.

Another amusing benefit of carrying naval missiles in our VLS is that we could potentially defend ourselves while parked on the airfield, the deck of a carrier, or while taking off. Most air to air missiles don't work as well when launched from the ground but ESSMs and SM-2s are specifically designed for this and it could catch enemies by surprise, to say the least.
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>>3532332
>The magical focus that keeps the VLS powered must be recharged every 72 hours, and the system has three of them. So the most you can stretch things is 9 days before you have to recharge the system or else it explodes.

Merlin said 72 hours was the limit they were able to push the system before it required recharge and presumably each focus needs to be charged in order for the field to work.
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>>3532356
I forget, did they mention how long it takes to recharge?
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>>3532356
> presumably each focus needs to be charged in order for the field to work.
I should have said that each needs to be charged in order for the field to work as well as it does.

>>3532369
Merlin did not, she did say since there is 3 foci they can change them out in emergencies however.
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>>3532148
They probably made the mistake of hiring someone who worked on Touhou.
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>>3532397
I completed it. I really wish I hadn't, but I did. I won't be getting UMP40 or any of the limited drop dolls, but I really, really can't bring myself to care enough to look at another one of those maps. Besides. I'm sure they'll be back around eventually.
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>>3532356
Oh oops, I think I read that wrong.

>“Hmm.” Kyou says. “I do not think I like the additional risk to the aircraft. How often does the focus need to be charged for the Dirac field to maintain integrity around the launcher?”
>“S-seventy two hours.” Merlin says. “M-maybe a little l-longer, but t-that's the limit w-we've been able to get o-out of the system we u-use. It can draw f-from striker t-testing foci, but the drain i-is significant enough to e-empty one of those in f-four hours. T-the design right now u-uses three foci f-for the field, s-so they can be changed out i-in an emergency t-to maintain the f-field.”
So the Focus is composed of three Foci with a combined capacity of 72 hours. That's still not insurmountable in terms of maintenance burden, but we still don't know the specifics. How much magical power it takes to fully charge a foci and how/when the foci can be charged. The navy is planning to put the same system into a testbed aircraft that Lotus was slated to fly so it sounds like any witch should be able to keep it charged and you don't need monsters like Kyou. But we won't have spare witches lying around who can keep it charged, odds are Kyou would have to handle all of the daily upkeep, or possibly Merlin. Kyou has power in spades but any she uses to charge the VLS on a daily basis is power she can't use in a fight. Lots of things to consider but that increase in firepower is very tempting.
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>>3532476
Considering all this info about the VLS system I'm all for sitting down with Merlin and chatting about it in detail and reconsidering whether to go with what we picked or the VLS option.

I'm real curious about how interchangeable the foci are, if they can act as quick swappable batteries then that alleviates the sparkly logistics and eases the maintenance tempo a lot, makes it a much more viable system for deployed usage.

Also a question for Ghost because I'm a dumbs, do we still have hammerspace internal bays on the Wyvern or did those go out of favor and this is the modern iteration of that tech?
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>>3534797
>do we still have hammerspace internal bays on the Wyvern
Ghost said that a few sets exist but they're only installed when needed.
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>>3534802
Imagine if we had the VLS AND hammerspace bays, throw a bunch of SM's in the VLS and Sidewinder's in the hammerspace bays and just shit missiles for days.

Can we throw SM-3's and SM-6's in the VLS cells (do they exist in this setting)? Cause if so whoooo boy. Someone pisses off Uncle Sam and back to the dark ages of communication for you.
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>>3534811
Quad-packing AMRAAMs or ESSMs into the VLS bays would offer us the most bang per buck in terms of individual shots and SM-2s if we need to take down a very big plane, or a warship. That being said I think we should take at least a few sidewinders in the VLS specifically because it is better for off-bore launches at things behind us.

SM-3s and SM-6s wouldn't fit into this particular VLS, it's not tall enough to fit a missile with a booster. We don't have much need for anti-satellite operations and SM-6s are essentially extended range SM-2s.

>>3534797
The real question is the logistics of charging the system. If you can keep charged foci around and swap them in like batteries then running the VLS isn't nearly as dangerous as it sounds. But it appears to be more difficult than that if taking one foci out is considered an emergency option.

From an engineering perspective there are ways to make the system safer. For instance you could have a separate pocket dimension for each VLS tube. Once the tube is expended it can be shut down (since there is nothing inside it) and save power for the other tubes. Or you could "spring load" the tubes so that in an emergency we could roll the wyvern inverted and just dump the missiles overboard before shutting down the now empty VLS. It would be face meltingly expensive to do so but still cheaper than losing a whole wyvern.
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>>3532148
Ghost! Ghost! Are the VLS launchers and the Hammerspace bays mutually exclusive?
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>>3538045
no. VLS replaces your dorsal bays, that's it.
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>>3538058
What's the capacity of a hammerspace bay measured in AMRAAMs or Sidewinders?

Also does the military still use large a2a missiles like the Phoenix or did they get phased out with the Tomcat?
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>>3538529
The AIM-152 replaced the Phoenix and the Tomcat is still around in presumably its Echocat form.
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>>3538589
Doesn't seem to offer much of a benefit over late-model AMRAAMs, other than warhead size. Especially since we can carry twice as many AMRAAMs.
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Are the 40mms enough to C-kill a tank from the side/top?
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New thread is up
>>3540632



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