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So, news!

Not much here, actually. We may be seeing more homework soon, but I don't expect it's going to really impact the schedule here at all. Not sure yet, of course, but I don't see why it would.

Archive here: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Strike%20Witches%202016
Discord server here: https://discord.gg/H9z3pd

And of course, I'm also usually lurking in the old #SWQ IRC channel on the rizon network.

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

For her part, Kyou seemed almost... disappointed that nothing was happening when she returned to your quarters. Of course, she had no way to know that was entirely by agreement- both you and Wendy deciding it'd be a bit improper to not wait for the third member of your group. Wendy seemed a little reluctant to admit it, though that didn't last long, especially once you both had some tea and a chance to collect your thoughts a little. You've managed to shove the existential horror at the concept of a hostile AI having been in your mind aside for now- you'll have to take that particular wad of emotions and thoughts out at some point, examine them and come to terms, but now is neither the place nor the time.

You'd ended up flying off the Kaga, bound for Alaska, a few hours later- most of which you spent packing the personal effects you couldn't live without- which, in your case, wasn't much, just your hygiene kit. Similarly, neither Wendy nor Kyou had much to pack, with almost all of their civilian belongings ashore as well. Wendy's situation being the most difficult there, with Styles air racing being based in Wilmington, North Carolina, keeping their private hangar and company offices there. You've only met the Styles twins a few times- they're a strange pair, the twins are, and you've never quite been sure what to make of them. Honestly, you're kind of surprised, give what you know of them, that they never made an attempt on Wendy themselves- not that you can say you mind. Their loss, and all that.

You'd arrived in Miramar shortly before the sun set locally, though that was still hours before the flight carrying your crew and support equipment landed- you were already in your rooms at the wyvern team quarters again by the time they were on the ground, enjoying both the larger bed and the late summer air.

1/2
>>
You were woken up by Merlin and Dr. Hayashi knocking at the door- and Wendy answering. Apparently she and Kyou had let you sleep in- you're not on leave, not exactly, but you're not required to be up doing anything, either. Still, it's bad enough form for you to not already be awake, let alone to ignore Merlin and the doctor.

They were sitting in the main room, chatting with Kyou and Wendy when you came out, with Merlin looking over at you and smiling. "Feeling alright?" She asked you, and you nodded.

"It's difficult to imagine that we could be attacked in such a manner." Kyou says as you take a seat next to her. "Is there any information on what happened other than our report?"

Merlin shakes her head. "Not yet, though the marines and the follow-on forces did secure the crash site, and there's a lot of questions being asked in very high places." She says. "That's all we know right now though."

"What happened to the witches onboard?" Wendy asks. "I remember there being some over Megalith that we had to free from that awful machine."

"So far, there's no indication there were witches aboard at all." Merlin responds. "The area where the others were was empty, without any signs of what it was going to be used for." She shrugs. "It's evident that the aircraft was heavily modified by the Chinese before it was deployed."

"It's good there weren't any witches aboard." Kyou says. "We had enough difficulty downing it without their presence."

Merlin nods. "I noticed." She says. "Mitsuko and I were doing some brainstorming on the way over, if you're interested?"

"It's quite early." Kyou says, looking over at you. "And I fear Morgan will take some time to finish waking up."

You shrug- she's not entirely wrong, but you're fine enough as is, you figure. Or will be, with coffee. Of course, you had kind of vaguely hoped to not be talking shop quite so soon after landing, and maybe just having the day off. You feel a little fatigued, to be honest- that fight must have taken more out of you than you want to admit. That it could be anything else never crosses your mind, of course.

[] Let me get some coffee, then let's.
[] I'd hoped to take it easy today, if that's possible.
>>
>>4422114
>[X] Let me get some coffee, then let's.
>>
>>4422114
>[] Let me get some coffee, then let's.

Local cat lazes in sun, thinks deep thoughts.
>>
>>4422114
>[x] Let me get some coffee, then let's.
>>
>>4422114
>[x] Let me get some coffee, then let's.
>>
>>4422114
>[] Let me get some coffee, then let's.

>That it could be anything else never crosses your mind, of course.

DEATH BY SNU-SNU
>>
>>4422114
>[] Let me get some coffee, then let's.
>>
Ok gents, I have to go get dinner, so bit of a delay here. Sorry!
>>
[x] Let me get some coffee, then let's.

"Let me get some coffee, then let's." You say, standing.

"There's a pot in the coffee maker." Wendy says. "I prepared some for miss Kyou earlier. If you need more- "

"I can make it." You say, emptying the carafe and looking at the three-quarters of a cup it ends up being. It's enough for you, though you might end up having to get another drink later on. You hate them, but one of Merlin's monsters or something like that, you think. Though that really depends on how you spend the day, too. If you're able to take it easy the way you'd like, you'll be fine.

"We reviewed the combat data on the flight over." Merlin says, while Dr. Hayashi pulls a tablet computer out from her pack next to the sofa and taps it a few times, waking it up. "We confirmed a lot of theories about the aircraft, but there's a lot of unknowns too."

You nod. "It was as heavily armored as we'd always assumed." You respond. "And the components were as durable as we'd always thought."

"As durable as you'd always thought." Merlin corrects. "You were the only one that published anything to that effect."

You shrug. "I wrote what, one of three papers on them?" You ask.

She nods. "Four, actually, but yes." She says. "Public papers, at least."

"What of the drones we encountered?" Kyou asks. "They seemed rather weak, and it's unusual the escorts declined to engage."

"We haven't recovered any wreckage, but given what we've seen and what Muninn and Tessa were able to tell, those aren't the end product." Merlin responds. "We think they were a flying weapons and system integration test, more than actually an attempt to destroy you."

1/2
>>
"Think that's true of corpsebird, too?" You ask.

Merlin hesitates, then nods again. "Most likely." She responds. "We're still lucky it was you out front, that intrusion AI would probably have been able to overwhelm a single wyvern AI, and without a valkyrie unit, a single wyvern would have struggled against the drones and the intrusion AI, let alone the escorts. We think they broke off when they saw it was you. "

"So what can we do to combat these?" Kyou asks. "Clearly our method of handling them isn't going to work for any further encounters, it leaves us vulnerable to any escort craft, and we cannot count on the presence of the air force's lancers."

Merlin nods. "There's a few systems." She says. "We're already digging the old dreadnaught killer harpoon rockets out of storage and priority shipping them to the front, but there's not many of them and they're not the best solution."

"Given the point-defense weapons it mounted, I doubt a rocket is much of a solution at all." Kyou says.

"I agree." Merlin says. "I have a couple of ideas, but I'm not sure about them. All of these are program classified, of course. There's project Yellowstone, a molten metal linear cannon, project Newton a compact, high power railgun, and project Maiman, an improved, witch enhanced chemical laser. Which one do you want to hear about first?"

[] Project Yellowstone
[] Project Newton
[] Project Maiman
>>
>>4422264
>[X] Project Maiman
>>
>>4422264
>[] Project Yellowstone
>>
>>4422264
>[x] Project Yellowstone
Molten Metal sounds, well... pretty fucking metal
>>
>>4422264
>[x] Project Yellowstone

>molten metal linear cannon
Yes please
>>
>>4422264
>[] Project Newton

SMALLER IS BETTER, SMALLER IS BETTER, MAKE THE EML SO SMALL THAT WE FIRE THEM OUT OUR SWEATERS

(Also the ammo pool gets big)
>>
>>4422264
>[] Project Yellowstone
Concentrate your prayers on the magma chamber!
>>
>>4422264
>[X] Project Yellowstone
Thanix Cannon get~!
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
[x] Project Yellowstone

"A molten metal linear cannon?" You ask, blinking. "That sounds... impressive."

Merlin smiles and nods. "It's a version of something we had over Megalith." She says. "That one was built into the aircraft, but this one is a more modular version that we've optimized for mounting in a wyvern. It fires a molten tungsten-cobalt-iron alloy at muzzle velocities similar to a B-1W's railcannon slug. We've done firing tests and VX-4 has done airborne tests aboard their testbed aircraft, but it needs a combat test aboard the wyvern."

You nod. "So what's the downside?" You ask.

"It's a major install that can't be modified in the field." Merlin responds. "It'll take up both centerline bays, and because of space and power issues, it's only going to have twelve shots."

"How many did it take you over Megalith?" Kyou asks.

"Two." Merlin says. "Really, just one was fatal. That system was larger, but less powerful than this one."

"Still, only twelve rounds isn't much considering that it would occupy both of our centerline bays." Kyou says.

Merlin nods. "You'd still have your wing pylons for air-to-ground weaponry, of course." She says. "And given your reputation that's probably more than enough."

[] I think I'd still like to hear about Project Maiman
[] I'm not sure. How about project Newton?
[] I'm sold, how long on the install?
>>
>>4422362
>[x] I'm not sure. How about project Newton?
Minicannon
>>
>>4422362
>[X] I'm not sure. How about project Newton?
>>
>>4422362
>[] I'm not sure. How about project Newton?
>>
>>4422362
>[x] I'm not sure. How about project Newton?
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] I'm not sure. How about project Newton?

You frown- you like the sounds of it, but the drawbacks seem pretty major to you. "I'm not sure. How about project Newton?" You ask.

Merlin nods. "That started as a broad improvement program for the B-1W fleet." She says. "We wanted to replace their existing railcannons with something more compact without sacrificing lethality or range. The prototypes are being fielded by USAF test and evaluation squadrons now. The redesign retains all the existing unit's range and striking power, but it's much more compact and lightweight. VX-4 has tested them aboard their wyvern, but we don't have airborne firing tests from a fighter platform yet."

"Is that going to be a problem?" Kyou asks. Merlin shakes her head.

"Not for us." She says. "We're technically a combat trials team, so we can fly unproven, or even entirely untested systems if we want."

"I see." Kyou responds.

"So what's this one's problems?" You ask.

"Well, it's more compact than the B-1W's weapon, but that doesn't mean it's small, either. It has the same issue as project Yellowstone, but it's a little smaller than that, since it doesn't have the heating coils or power converters for them. It would install in your front centerline bay, and we'd need a major post to dismount it. We're projecting we can put capacitor banks in enough for eighteen rounds, which is more than the current EML you can mount, but we don't have the modular capacitor packs either. Compared to project Yellowstone, it's more accurate and has more shots, but Yellowstone has longer range and is much more destructive."

[] And Project Maiman?
[] It was between those two, really. And Yellowstone sounds better.
[] I'm not too worried about the laser and that sounds like a better weapon for us.
>>
>>4422445
>[] And Project Maiman?
see what the lazor offers
>>
>>4422445
>[X] And Project Maiman?
>>
>>4422445
>[] And Project Maiman?
>>
>>4422445
>[] And Project Maiman?
>>
>>4422445
>[x] And Project Maiman?
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] And Project Maiman?

"And Project Maiman?" You ask, and Merlin smiles.

"How did I know you were going to do that?" She asks.

You shrug. "Never make a decision without all the information."

She shakes her head with a laugh. "Maiman is a very high power chemical laser." She says. "Of the three, it's the least well developed, though we've done ground firing tests. It'll burn through six inches of composite armor in a half second pulse, but it's not quite as destructive as the other two. There's a lot of thermal damage, of course, but it doesn't affect as wide an area. To a fighter aircraft or a drone or a witch, that doesn't matter, but to- what did you call it? Corpsebird?"
You nod.

"Well, to that it's probably less effective unless you hit a fuel tank or ammunition magazine or something similar." She says. "The biggest advantage is that we can mount it with a hemispherical engagement area via a turret assembly designed for it. Since there's no barrel and it can fire from a blister fairing, it can engage a target in a much larger area than either of the cannons."

"So it's a dogfighting weapon?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods. "It was designed as one, and the beam starts to degrade fairly quickly. It still has a longer lethal range than Yellowstone, and of course it's pinpoint accurate at any range. The downsides are that ammunition handling is pretty difficult, and it's only got room for ten rounds, after that it's expended it's lasing chemical cartridges. It's also a difficult install, since we have to route the weapon reflectors through the fighter. It's about the same size as the cannon, though, so we can mount it in the forward bay and leave the after bay alone."

You nod.

"So now you've heard about all three, what do you think?" Kyou says. "I much prefer the sounds of the first one, what was it? Yellowstone?"

Merlin nods. "It'll receive a different designation in service, of course, but since it's still experimental, yes." She says.

"It does sound as if it would have been rather nice to have." Wendy admits.

[] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
[] I actually prefer the railgun. I'd rather have the accuracy and ammo.
[] Honestly the laser sounds more useful. Not having to keep the nose on target is a big advantage.
>>
>>4422552
>[X] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
>>4422552
>[x] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
And that's going to be it for the night!

As usual, I'll be around a little after class tomorrow to answer any questions or concerns, but till then gents, cheers!
>>
>>4422552
[] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
>>4422552
[] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
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>>4422552
>[X] I actually prefer the railgun. I'd rather have the accuracy and ammo.

>>4422565
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>4422552
>[x] I actually prefer the railgun. I'd rather have the accuracy and ammo.
>>
>>4422552
>[] I actually prefer the railgun. I'd rather have the accuracy and ammo.
>>
>>4422552
>[] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
>>4422552
>[] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
>>4422552
>[] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] I agree. How long will installation of Yellowstone take?

You nod. "I agree." you say. "How long will installation take?"

"Probably at least week." Merlin responds. "There's a lot of work we'd have to do, mostly since we have to pretty heavily reinforce the airframe and route lines around the barrel. This won't be replacing either of your revolver cannons, either, but we can't mount it firing from your centerline axis because of the placement of Muninn's nosewheel, and we'll have to do something about making sure it won't badly affect your radar."

"And that's soley for our cannon?" Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

"Yes." She says. "The next point is your AI situation. With eight cores, we can't run very significant onboard ECM."

Kyou nods. "It has been discussed, but I feel somewhat less confident about downgrading Muninn's capabilities after encountering that Chinese weapon." She says.

Merlin nods. "Muninn mentioned that." She says. "Whatever information they were using, it was fairly accurate for a single wyvern, but they weren't expecting a very tight network between two AIs, let alone one as powerful as Muninn."

"Of course, that means every other Wyvern without a Valkyrie is at risk." Wendy points out. "And we may be, if they adjust their abilities."

"Pardon the intrusion, but I don't believe that will create an issue." Dr. Hayashi says. "The addition of another guardian airframe will add another six computing cores to your AI's abilities, at which point their combined computing power will surpass the abilities of any other AI currently extant."

"Not Lovelace." Merlin corrects. "But they'd be operating on a fairly close baseline at that point."

"Would ECM have had a noticeable effect?" Kyou asks.

Merlin hesitates. "We haven't had much of a chance to review everything." She says, and Dr. Hayashi nods.

1/2
>>
"If I may, I think not." The younger witch says, getting a glance from Merlin. "Her highness' AI didn't mark or detect significant open communications links with the drone aircraft, and the Chinese air battleship was operated independently of the attacking AI. At most, perhaps it could have helped delay or deny some of the turret's from engaging."

Kyou nods. "And, with our additional firepower, we can expect to be the unit called to destroy these aircraft?"

"Most likely." Merlin confirms. "You'd already started getting a reputation as a heavy combat team, so that's not as much a change as you'd think. Regardless, we can revert some of those changes if you want, or just remove the communications equipment Lovelace was using and leave the additional cores onboard for Muninn's use."

"How much did Muninn use those communications systems?" Kyou asks.

Merlin shakes her head. "Not much. He used them to launch his counterintrusion on the Chinese AI, but it's unlikely that did much, if anything at all. Judging by the reports, it withdrew when it became apparent it wasn't going to be able to do much of anything after it's initial attack."

Kyou frowns, looking over at you, then back at Merlin. "I'd like our ECM back, but I feel as if at this point we cannot afford to take it over leaving Muninn with the expanded capabilities to counter future attacks."

[] I agree. We'd like to leave the AI setup alone.
[] What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?
[] I honestly think I'd rather have the ECM gear back. We're gaining another AI anyway.
>>
>>4423805
>[X] I agree. We'd like to leave the AI setup alone.
>>
>>4423805
>[] I agree. We'd like to leave the AI setup alone.

Big Brane Birb. Besides, I'm sure with a little work, Muninn or their boyfriend will come up with something we can use.
>>
>>4423805
>[x] What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?
>>
>>4423805
>[] What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?

Limited additional ECM?
>>
>>4423805
>What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?
>>
>>4423805
>[X] What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?
>>
>>4423805
>[x] I agree. We'd like to leave the AI setup alone.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>4423805
>[] What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?
Just looking through our options
>>
[x] What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?

"What would we be able to do if we removed Lovelace's hardware?" You ask. While the odd intelligence doesn't really bother you- he's kind of comforting to have around really, like a quirky friend- his place in your fighter was always just a trial, and in this case, doesn't really fit with the role you seem to be falling into.

"Not much." Merlin admits. "Really, all he had was some additional communications links that were keyed to him. We can remove those, which would remove a couple hundred pounds of weight from the fighter. As far as replacing them, we could add some additional hardened or more secure MIU communications antennas there, which should mean that we can make the MIU more resistant to damage or intrusion attempts."

"Are those seperate systems?" Kyou asks.

Merlin nods. "One of them is really just a few armored antennas." She says. "They're more damage resistant, the army and marines use them on their tank strikers and that sort of thing. Making them more intrusion resistant means we'd add some more tightbeam transmitters and receivers, units that really only two linked AIs can use to communicate."

Kyou frowns. "And saving a few hundred pounds of weight isn't that important for us." She says.

Merlin nods. "It's really not." She agrees. "I can look for something else, but given where the antennas were placed and their size, there's not much we can really do with the spaces available there. We could install bigger components, but that'd require us to fabricate fairings to cover anything up, and we'd have to be careful to not adversely affect your aerodynamics or stealth properties."

[] Maybe better to just remove them, then.
[] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.
[] I'd like having the extra armored antennas, just in case.
>>
>>4423953
>[X] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.
>>
>>4423953
>[] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.
>>
>>4423953
>[] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.
>>
>>4423953
>[x] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.
>>
>>4423953
>[x] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.

>units that really only two linked AIs can use to communicate.
Would that effect the second Valkyrie or am I misunderstanding something?
>>
>>4423953
>[] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.

I assume this would also be installed in the upcoming japanese waif- er, Imperial Bodyguard?
>>
ok, votes called! This'll probably be our last for the night, I need to sack out a little earlier today than I have been.
>>
>>4423989
>Would that effect the second Valkyrie or am I misunderstanding something?

My understanding is that it'd only really be useful for aircraft linked by an MIU net and pretty much nothing else.
>>
>>4424034
Given that the big handwring about having IG wing witches is the brain-chain, i'd say getting the improved MIU installed is going to be a yes
>>
[x] I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea.

You shrug. "I feel like more secure MIU communications is a good idea." You say, getting noises of agreement out of both Kyou and Wendy.

"It was rather traumatic to have the link cut the way it was." Wendy says, a touch quietly.

Merlin nods. "We had worried about that in design, but your AIs were able to prevent the intruder from being able to cut the MIU link completely. We're working on hardening the MIU link beyond what it is now, we'd always considered the possibility of a eletronic attack but never really worried about it much."

"Something of an oversight." Kyou remarks. Merlin shakes her head.

"We can't prepare for everything." She responds. "And you handled it incredibly well. Enough so that the navy and marines are interested in accelerating the Valkyrie program. No projection based on the attack data you have shows a conventional Wyvern surviving that engagement."

"So if it wasn't us?" You ask, and Merlin frowns.

"I don't think it would have been stopped." She says. "Wyvern Team Dawn Raider are SEAD specialists. They're excellent at it, but I don't think they could have handled a threat like that. And Marine Wyvern Invincible- " She pauses. "That isn't really their kind of thing, either."

"When you say it will allow two AIs to communicate, how will that affect our third wingmate?" Wendy asks. "We can't ask her to fly with us without an MIU link."

Merlin nods. "Oh, right. No, it should allow for her integration too." She says. "We're not sure if she'll have a full AI onboard or not yet, but even if she doesn't, Tessa and Muninn should be able to operate onboard without any problems."

"We're not risking multiple body psychosis by demanding that?" Kyou asks.

Merlin shakes her head. "Not really." She says. "Not with a human operator onboard every craft in the network, anyway. If you're actually controlling the aircraft, an AI can accept dozens of datasets from multiple sources. That's why they typically build the sensor picture for you."

"but it may have an AI onboard?" You ask, and Merlin nods.

"It may. We're not sure yet, since you're going to have to decide who you'll be flying with before she's mated to the valkyrie's systems." She says. "I have a list of candidates they'd like you to look over, if you want, but that's not critical."

Kyou frowns. "Perhaps after we've had a chance to eat?" She say, looking over at you. "I'd hoped, with our return to the United States, we could look forward to more of Morgan's cooking."

[] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.
[] Let's see that list, and then we'll discuss dinner.
>>
And that's it for the night!

I'm probably not going to be on very much longer this evening, but I may be in the discord for a bit. Otherwise, gents, till tomorrow, cheers!
>>
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>>4424145
>[X] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.

>>4424147
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>4424145
>[] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.
>>
>>4424145
>[] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.

Time to make dr. mitsubishi our slave too, I see
>>
>>4424145
>[] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.
>>
>>4424145
>[x] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.

>>4424147
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
>>4424145
>[x] Let's see that list, and then we'll discuss dinner.

Morgan will be able to make a much more mind-blowing meal if he has prep time.
>>
>>4424174
>Not making all the meals
We have been eating ship food for almost 3-4 months. IT'S COOKING TIME. THIS IS A COOKING QUEST.
>>
>>4424195
*cucking quest

Gonna feel a little bad for Merlin's husband when Kyou steals her away for her harem.

But only a little bit.
>>
>>4424145
>[X] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] I can make breakfast, I think we've got some food here.

"I can make breakfast." You say, standing up. You needed to stretch a little anyway- while you've clearly missed your morning run already, you don't plan to anymore. "I think we've got some food here."

Wendy nods. "We do." She says. "I had some brought up this morning by the building staff. It's not much, I'd thought to cook but there's no meats and only a few eggs."

You nod. "I'll see what I can do." You say, heading into the kitchen.

The stuff Wendy had brought in are the basics that the building's crew keeps on hand for the mess hall downstairs- most of the time, this building acts as Wyvern crew's 'home' while they're stateside on the west coast, and so they keep a stock of things to at least get a crew through a couple days when they first get back. It's not much- like Wendy said, there's no meat, and only a dozen eggs and a half gallon of milk, among other basics like flour, sugar, salt and pepper, but it's enough for pancakes, you figure.

Real, honest-to-god pancakes, too. Not the poor excuses for them that the IJN inflicts on it's crews.

You let your mind wander a bit as you cook- pancakes are easy, and practically muscle memory at this point.

You also get a chance to listen in on the witches in the living area- they're not that far away, really, with the kitchen only separated by a partial wall and a bar from the larger space. Kyou wastes no time in inviting both Merlin and the doctor to eat with you- both of them accept, though you get the impression the doctor only agreed to do so because Merlin did first. You figure she'll do the same for your evening meal- you'll have to run into town before then and fill up the pantry here.

It takes a few minutes- especially since you have to serve the food on paper plates and divide up the 'orange juice', such as it is- another thing to fix- before you bring breakfast out to the table and set the pancakes, piled high on the plates, out.

"Ooh, Pancakes." Merlin says, taking a seat. "I'd wondered what you could do with the things they keep downstairs. I never thought of pancakes."

You shrug. "About all I really could do." You say.

"I bet they're good anyway." Merlin responds. "Are you going to make dinner, too?"

"Probably." You admit- you're just as anxious to get cooking again as anything else.

"What are you planning on making?" She asks. "Or is it a surprise?"

[] It's a surprise.
[] I haven't thought about it.
[] Why, is there something you'd like?
>>
>>4425071
>[x] Why, is there something you'd like?

Something delicious, sculpted and brown?
>>
>>4425071
>[X] Why, is there something you'd like?
>>
>>4425071
>Why, is there something you'd like?

>>4425076
You forgot covered in syrup.
>>
>>4425071
>[] Why, is there something you'd like?
>>
>>4425097
You don't normally put syrup on chocolate cake, bro
>>
>>4425071
>[x] It's a surprise.
>>
>>4425071
>[] Why, is there something you'd like?
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] Why, is there something you'd like?

"Why that be, auntie?" You ask, your accent getting a very slight frown from the doctor as she attempts to decipher it- her English, as it turns out, is pretty bad, if it can even be called that. "There be sometin ya like?"

She smiles, thinking. "I can think of a few things I wouldn't mind having." She says, then shakes her head. "But I can't decide."

"Any requests?" You ask Kyou and Wendy, both of whom shake their heads.

"I have utter faith in my partner's judgment in this." Kyou says, pausing in the act of slicing off another forkful of pancakes.

"And you know me." Wendy adds. "I'm not the kind to argue about anything."

You nod, the options going through your head- there's the chili, but they'll be expecting that, of course. You're not up enough on Japanese cuisine to make a reasonable stab at it yet, either, and fusion bothers you in deep and unsettling ways, like a vast, unfathomable evil presence at the edges of your sanity.

"What about you, doctor?" Kyou asks. "My pilot is an amazing cook, is there anything you wish to try?"

The doctor looks a little surprised at being asked at all- though you know exactly what Kyou is up to- And appears to consider the question for a while. "I-I am unsure, highness." She says.

Kyou smiles. "It's entirely unnecessary to use such honorifics in quarters, doctor." She says- you shoot a glance at Wendy, who also clearly knows what's going on- and what worries you is you can't read her reaction. You decide to focus on dinner- it's far less worrisome.
>>
And that's going to be it for the week! I know it was a short run today, but this is a good stopping point for now, honestly. That and I've got to do a couple Haas certifications. haha!

Anyway, that's it for the week, but as usual, I'll be around all weekend and on through monday to chat or answer questions if anyone has any! Otherwise gents, till next week, cheers!
>>
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>>4425246
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>4425246
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
>>4425243
>"I can think of a few things I wouldn't mind having."

Lewd
>>
Strikers 2016 spinoff where it's just Morgan travelling around the world for ingredients.
>>
>>4425246
Thanks for the run!
>>
Quick question, what's Ghost's Twitter?
>>
>>4425388
Warhound89
>>
>>4425243
>fusion bothers you in deep and unsettling ways, like a vast, unfathomable evil presence at the edges of your sanity.
BBQ sushi is not something I wish inflicted on anyone else.
>>
>>4425318
That might be kinda fun, though IDK how long I could have run that, haha!

>>4425469
Yeah.. I'd had a few run-ins with 'Asian fusion' food and... eugh
>>
Ok gents, sorry for the opening delay today- had to get my book for mastercam ordered (finally) and I've been futzing around some in solidworks a bit. Long story short our instructor said we're free to write and run any program we want- so long as whatever we're making isn't illegal or controlled. Which is really cool, so I'm probably going to mill an AR upper for like 6.5jap or something, haha!

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

The one thing you can say you really appreciate in this area of California is the abundance of little food co-ops and farmer's markets. You've got your favorite places back home, of course, and places in both Dallas near the Vought plant and up in Washington state that you frequent when you're there, but none of them can really compare with the variety here. Of course, that leads to another issue for you- one of choice.

You'd been 'exiled' from quarters with Wendy while Kyou, Merlin, and the doctor 'talk shop'- nothing requiring your input, you're assured. What, exactly, that is, you're not sure- though you have your suspicions, none of them exactly good. To be fair, the discussion in there will probably be technical enough to give you a headache, your own degree and decade plus around Merlin notwithstanding. Besides, you do have dinner to worry about.

The market you find yourself in is housed in a repurposed warehouse, which makes it a welcome break from the south California sun, at least. The air conditioning here struggles to keep up, though- it's almost uncomfortably warm, if, at least, dry.

You turn back to your quandry. You'd picked up the essentials, of course- eggs, some vegetables, and some meat, though not much yet, just because you'd rather stock up on the basics at any given supermarket. But for dinner, especially this one, your first back, you really want to do well. The one thing you don't intend to make is the chili- not with the doctor present, anyway. Not yet.

You've more or less narrowed it down to three choices, all of which you'll be able to get the things for here. The first would be a roast, one from an old recipe, probably. Beef, most likely- there seems to be a good selection of that here, along with the potatoes, carrots, and peppers you'd need. There's also your old nemesis- pasta and red sauce. You've never quite gotten it right, and it's something that's always bothered you.

1/2
>>
Lastly, inspired, perhaps, by your time in Korea, you're considering something entirely experimental. You've tried your hand at 'Chinese' food before, and you'd kind of like to take another stab at it. You're thinking General Tso's chicken- it's got the heat you'd like and you know Kyou should like it just as well, assuming you can pull it off.

Wendy's clad in an outfit that more or less screams 'military witch'- being a gruntlife T-shirt she picked up god only knows where and a pair of sneakers, with a pair of USMC-issue OD green PT shorts on under that. They're more than short enough to qualify her as being 'bareleg'- almost not extending past her hip anyway. She, at least, doesn't seem the least bit bothered by the building being a little overwarm, and seems perfectly happy to be there- even if she is standing a little close. You suppose you can't complain though- she definitely attracts more than a little attention, so it's just as well she advertises she's not available.

"Have you decided on supper?" She asks. "I won't question her, but I suspect we mightn't want to leave lady Kyou unsupervised too long with the Doctor and miss Wells."

You nod. She's right- though you also doubt she cares all that much about getting a handle on Kyou, and is far more interested in what she's looking forward to for dinner.

[] A roast, I think. They're simple enough we won't have to mind it all afternoon.
[] Pasta and red sauce. I'll get it right if it kills me.
[] General Tso's chicken. I want to try my hand at making some Asian food.
>>
>>4432552
>[X] General Tso's chicken. I want to try my hand at making some Asian food.
>>
>>4432552
>[x] A roast, I think. They're simple enough we won't have to mind it all afternoon.
>>
>>4432552
>[] Pasta and red sauce. I'll get it right if it kills me.
>>
>>4432552
>[] General Tso's chicken. I want to try my hand at making some Asian food.

get dat chikan
>>
>>4432552
[] A roast, I think. They're simple enough we won't have to mind it all afternoon.
>>
>>4432552
>[] General Tso's chicken. I want to try my hand at making some Asian food.

Morgan's been experimenting with a lot of things recently
>>
Ok, calling the votes here!
>>
>>4432552
>[x] A roast, I think. They're simple enough we won't have to mind it all afternoon.
>>
>>4432609
Weapons, Sexuality, Cuisine.

The Trifecta of manly experimentation.
>>
[x] General Tso's chicken. I want to try my hand at making some Asian food.

"I think we'll be having General Tso's chicken." You say, pivoting on your heel to head back towards the section where most of the stalls with meat were. "I want to try my hand at making some Asian food."

"Sounds delightful." Wendy says, smiling. Of course she'd say that, you think.

"You'd have said that no matter what I decided to make." You say, and she nods.

"Quite right." She responds, still smiling. "I find it to be much as lady Kyou says."

"And that is?" You prompt.

"How was I so fortunate?" She says, laughing lightly.

You shake your head- that's got to be the MIU's imprinting talking. Of course, simply knowing about it doesn't help any- you, more than once, have wondered where, exactly, Kyou was all your life, and you're starting to feel the same about Wendy, too. Of course, with her it's less a case of wondering where she was and more a case of wondering why you didn't notice earlier.

"Regardless of our personal feelings, your talent at cooking is quite remarkable." Wendy continues. That's another fairly recent change you've noticed- she's much more open and talkative now. "Especially after shipboard food."

You laugh a little. "The IJN really doesn't like cooking, do they?"

Wendy shakes her head. "Not compared to the American navy." She responds. "It's far from the worst I've had, but it's certainly not the best, either. Though I do rather find myself looking forward to seeing what you can do upon our return to Japan. Lady Kyou has already informed me she intends to have the palace kitchen remodeled to better suit your requirements."

"She did?" You ask.

Wendy blinks. "Oh. I'm not quite certain you were supposed to find out yet." She says, kind of quietly.

You laugh again.

"I'll be sure to act surprised anyway." You say.

She smiles. "Hopefully that will be enough. I'd rather she not think I intended to spoil her fun. Though I do believe that's why she was as insistent as she was that I accompany you to gather groceries."

[] Probably. I prefer the company, though.
[] We may need to talk with her about this though. Especially with the Guard we're getting.
>>
>>4432695
>[X] Probably. I prefer the company, though.
>>
>>4432695
>[] Probably. I prefer the company, though.
>>
>>4432695
>[] We may need to talk with her about this though. Especially with the Guard we're getting.
>>
>>4432695
>[] We may need to talk with her about this though. Especially with the Guard we're getting.
>>
>>4432695
[] Probably. I prefer the company, though.
[] We may need to talk with her about this though. Especially with the Guard we're getting.

POR QUE NO LOS DOS!
>>
>>4432695
>[X] Probably. I prefer the company, though
>>
>>4432695
This >>4432740
>>
>>4432695
>[] Probably. I prefer the company, though.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>4432695
>[] We may need to talk with her about this though. Especially with the Guard we're getting.
>>
[x] Probably. I prefer the company, though.

You shrug. "Probably. I prefer the company, though."

Wendy blinks. "Me, or...?" She asks, looking a little confused.

"You." You respond, then shake your head. "But if what Kyou's up to bothers you, we can talk about it with her."

Wendy frowns, thinking. "I'm not certain it does, but I'm also not certain it doesn't." She says. "I've no complaints about the current arrangement, however, and that was mostly her idea if I'm correct?"

You shrug. "Mostly." You agree. Kyou certainly brought it up and was the most invested in it, but you don't remember arguing very hard. "All I think I did was delay things."

Wendy nods. "And I'm rather glad you did." She says, causing you to look over at her. She smiles. "It was something of a shock, and had the request come sooner, I'm still not sure I'd have been quite as able to handle it. Though, I must admit, I'm still not quite sure someone's not coming to wake me up."

You laugh. "As I recall, you forced me to decide for you."

Wendy laughs at that. "I attempted to." She admits. "Though I don't believe I had much choice regardless. When one wants something for long enough, when it's offered, they can scarcely turn it down."

You nod, stopping in front of the stall with the chicken you'd been looking at. The woman behind it looks like what you'd expect a farmer's wife to- kind of stocky and plain, but with an aura about her that says she's able to work just as long- and just as hard- as anyone else, and tough to boot. You chat about the chicken with her- 100% organic, of course, all raised on their farm near Ramona, about a 45 minute drive away. You end up buying three whole chickens- then a fourth, accounting for Kyou. Everything else is easy, mostly originating from the stall right next door, where you get the majority of the vegetables. The rest, you think, you can grab on the way back from the commissary.

1/2
>>
NAS Miramar is actually kind of quiet- with four carriers deployed into the conflict area, most of the navy's assigned aircraft are at sea, with just a few F-14s and F-35s rattling around the base. They're either 'orphan' aircraft that weren't in good enough shape to send to the front, or ones belonging to squadrons assigned elsewhere. There's no other Wyverns here, yet, either- but you fully expect that to change.

You take a short trip to the commissary, picking up the last of the things you'll need for dinner, and then head back to quarters. It's kind of nice having one of the four govs here for personal use- even if they are getting a bit long in the tooth, you think. You'd like to have your own car, of course, but that's still back home. The loaners do have one advantage, though- the gas is free.

You and Wendy head back upstairs and step in your quarters to find Kyou, Merlin, and the Doctor pouring over paperwork spread all over the dining table. They barely look up as you step in behind Wendy, who removes her shoes as soon as she clears the door. Wendy looks over at the three witches- all of whom are speaking about Muninn and Tessa's magical webs in Japanese, and then back at you. "It sounds as if I'd be quite useless there." She states. "I realize it's rather unusual for you, but if you'd let me, I'd like to assist you in the kitchen again."

[] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?
[] Sounds like you're selling yourself short. Don't you have a royal academy education in magical theory?
>>
>>4432819
>[X] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?
>>
>>4432819
>[x] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?
>>
>>4432819
>[] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?
>>
>>4432819
>[] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?
>>
>>4432819
>[X] Sounds like you're selling yourself short. Don't you have a royal academy education in magical theory?
>>
>>4432819
>[X] Sounds like you're selling yourself short. Don't you have a royal academy education in magical theory?
>>
>>4432819
>[] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?

I'm guessing Wendy no speeki japaneesi
>>
>>4432819
>[] Sounds like you're selling yourself short. Don't you have a royal academy education in magical theory?
>>
>>4432819
[] Sounds like you're selling yourself short. Don't you have a royal academy education in magical theory?
>>
>>4432819
>[x] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?
Now is not quite yet the time for Naked Apron. But it will be soon.
>>
>>4432819
>[] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?

Assistant Doggo
>>
ok, votes called! This'll be our last update for the night.
>>
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>>4432864
Nyan Nyan~!
>>
>>4432864
>>4432939
Nyan Nyan~!
>>
>>4432864
Nihao Nyan~!
>>
>>4432864
Gorgeous~!
>>
>>4432864

Delicious~!
>>
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>>4432864
Deculture~!
>>
[x] I could use the help, sure. You know how to break a chicken down?

You look over at the witches, who don't seem to really notice you, engrossed as they are. You catch a few snippets of conversation- something about synthetic sapphire or diamond, and using some kind of silver alloy in places. It's an area that, while maman did her best, you never really were able to grasp beyond a very basic understanding of things.

You nod. "I could use the help, sure." You say, leaving your own shoes on- Wendy seems to prefer to go about in slippers or barefoot now, as does Kyou, but you never felt right in the kitchen without shoes- probably a legacy of a time when, in your pre-teen days, you stepped on a dropped knife and skewered your foot. "You know how to break a chicken down?"

Wendy smiles. "I have quite a bit of experience in that sort of thing, yes." She says. "I spent many hours in the kitchens in my time in the RAF."

"This should be more fun than that." You say, and she nods.

"Oh, I imagine so. The cooks were always kind enough, but never friendly." She responds, then smiles. "I can't say the same of my present company."

You look at her blankly for a second, then favor her with a grin. "Two nights and you're already being lewd." You say, getting a blink- then a blush.

"I rather imagine I've been blessed with excellent teachers." She fires back, getting a laugh out of you as you pull the chickens out of their bags, handing her two and a pair of kitchen shears.

The two of you work in silence for a few minutes, breaking apart the chickens and pulling the bones out of the parts you'll need- which ends up being the whole chicken. You throw the bones of a couple in a pot with some water, setting them to simmer for a time to make chicken stock- you'll have to send Wendy for containers to keep it in, of course, but for now you're looking forward to having it available- high quality stock really makes a difference.

"Trying to follow their conversation is rather difficult." Wendy says, quietly. "Not helped by you."

You shrug. "pardon, cher." You respond, and she smiles.

1/2
>>
"You do that on purpose."

"Oui." You say, smiling back. "good ta see ya smile, oui."

She favors you with one of those warm, genuine smiles she's been a lot more willing to show the last few days. "It's not as if I've never done so before." She points out. "I recall being rather happy during the war, during my time with spellcaster."

"So, what?" You ask. "Twenty years ago?"

She pauses, thinking- then nods. "Or about that, yes." She responds, quietly. "Though, if you don't mind, I'd rather not dwell on that. I'm entirely happy here and now, and I've been entirely assured that I won't be left out again." She smiles, shooting a glance your way. "Quite convincingly reassured, if I may say so."

You nod, though you remain silent- Wendy, you learning, is very, very easy to get going- and while she's an enthusiastic, if unskilled partner, you consider it to be the height of poor manners to do that sort of thing with guests over.

Even if you suspect Merlin, at least, would happily join in if invited.

You shove the thoughts aside and finish getting the chickens cut apart, putting them in containers and putting the containers in the fridge.

"It's rather early to start cooking, isn't it?" Wendy asks, and you nod.

"Yeah." You agree. "probably shouldn't start for a couple hours."

Wendy walks over to the sink and washes her hands, then looks over at the three witches at the table. "Should we join them?" She asks. "I'm not sure I'm well equipped to add anything to the conversation. Perhaps we could go to the pool instead?"

[] I think we should at least listen in, even if it's above our heads.
[] I think that's a great idea.
>>
sorry about the delay on that last post gents. Been doing some class work on the side and trying to figure out why mastercam isn't talking with solidworks. I'll have to suss it out in the morning, I expect, haha!

Anyway gents, I'm off for the night, so till tomorrow, cheers!
>>
>>4433014
[] I think we should at least listen in, even if it's above our heads.
>>
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>>4433014
>[X] I think that's a great idea.

>>4433021
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>4433014
>[X] I think that's a great idea.
>>
>>4433014
[x] I think we should at least listen in, even if it's above our heads.
>>
>>4433021
Thanks for the run!
>>
>>4433014
>[x] I think that's a great idea.

>>4433021
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
>>4433014
>[x] I think that's a great idea.

Cougar Wendy wants to show off her speedo-clad boy toy at the pool, it seems.

*But*, best to put out some fresh drinks and snacks for the nerd squad before we go out.
>>
>>4433014
>[] I think we should at least listen in, even if it's above our heads.
>>
>>4433014
>[X] I think we should at least listen in, even if it's above our heads.
>>
>>4433014
>[] I think that's a great idea.
thanks for running ghost
>>
>>4433014
>>4433062
+1

If morgan's going to be the housewife of this arrangement, might as well start acting like it
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] I think that's a great idea.

You pause for a second, looking into the dining nook, then nod. "I think that's a great idea."

Wendy smiles again. "Oh, splendid!" She says. "Shall I go change? I imagine that perhaps both of us changing at the same time may not be the best idea."

You shake your head. "Can barely control yourself?" You ask- mostly joking.

"It is rather difficult." she admits, brushing close past you on her way to change.

You take the time to set out some drinks- A monster for Merlin, which, despite your disapproval of her habit of drinking a half dozen a day, you're happy to compromise with her on. As long as she drinks the sugar free ones, you won't say anything about it. You grab a bottle of water for both the doctor and Kyou- you know Kyou doesn't need any of that monster shit, and the doctor you don't know at all, and especially not well enough to assume she'd even drink it.

You don't have any food for them, but, knowing Merlin and Kyou, they're too engrossed to care much- and you do plan to have dinner out in a few hours.

Still, the three witches look up as you walk in and hand them the drinks. Merlin smiles. "Thank you, Morgan." She says. "I didn't see you come back in."

"I did." Kyou declares. "And it looked as if you had chicken. Are we to be treated to that again?"

You shake your head. "Not this time." You say. "Maybe later this week."

She smiles as the doctor hesitantly accepts the water bottle from you. "I shall look forward to it."

"Wendy and I are headed down to the pool." You tell her, and she nods.

"We were discussing the magical web in the fighter. It's been rather challenging." Kyou says. "I'm afraid in order to be able to harness all my ability, it will require a full rebuild of the existing systems."

[] How much longer would that take?
[] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[X] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?

Supportive Cat-Husband
>>
>>4434025
>[x] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[x] How much longer would that take?
>>
>>4434025
[] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[X] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
>>4434025
>[] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
[x] That's your decision, I think. Would Wendy need anything similar?

"That's your decision, I think." You say, looking, briefly, at the papers- most of which are a mess of formulae and partial prints of subsystems in the wyvern, all related to the magical systems. "Would Wendy need anything similar?"

Kyou nods. "She and any other wingmates we acquire would require identical work." She says. "Though we're not sure yet, we'll have to have Wendy do some tests for us before we're sure."

You shrug. "Not now?"

Kyou shakes her head. "No, not now." She says, looking over your shoulder as Wendy steps out of the bedroom, wearing her new swimwear- a simple white bikini, one of the ones with ties on the sides and in the center of the top. It's simple and understated- and does very little to leave much to the imagination.

Not that you need to imagine anymore, you think- then suppress that line of thought. Too soon in the day, you tell yourself- though you wouldn't mind it if Merlin and the doctor had to leave for about an hour or two.

Clearing your head, you step into the bedroom and change into your swim shorts, leaving your clothes folded on the bed, carrying your shoes out to the front door. Wendy hands you a towel and a bottle of water, and you follow her out of your quarters. The elevator ride down to first deck is quiet, and you find the pool empty except for you, the lifeguard being only on duty when the building is more occupied.

Wendy lays a towel on one of the patio lounge chairs. "I think I'd have been just as happy without the pool here." She says, smiling as she lays back in the sun. "Though I rather imagine this would work significantly poorer in the parking lot."

"Most likely." You agree. "Pretty quiet here though."

"Lady Kyou indicated she didn't expect it to remain so," Wendy says. "We've been cycled back first, but all of the wyverns in theater should be cycled soon, and other aircraft in the fleet cycled forward. Still, I can't imagine we'll be returning for weeks with the work being suggested."

1/2
>>
You nod. She's probably right- Yellowstone, which you still think needs a new name- will take weeks to install, by the sounds of it, and any other work is just going to add to that. For an instant, you're worried the war will be over before you get back- though the thought is gone quickly. Just as well it is, and you can go to a peacetime routine. Of course, even then, it's not entirely peaceful with the middle east and ISIS still being a threat.

"It's rather nice to have some time just for ourselves and the privacy to enjoy it, though." She continues. "The imperial cabins are wonderful, but sharing them as we are makes it rather difficult to imagine doing much there."

You look over at her with a raised eyebrow, and she laughs. "Aside, of course, from what we've already done." She amends.

"You know there's a household staff in the palace." You point out.

She nods. "Of course, but that's somewhat different." She says. "Besides, it's a simple matter of making sure they're dismissed at night and don't come in untill they're required in the morning. When I was in the RAF, many of the witches I served allowed me to leave at ninteen, and I wasn't required to be in until five. I imagine we can allow somewhat better hours though."

You blink. "Six hours you weren't on duty?" You ask, and she laughs.

"Oh no, six hours I wasn't serving someone." She says. "I was on duty all hours of the day. Before the war I was always the one designated to be woken up to fly for any intercept that needed to be done, or that sort of thing."

"I see." You respond, and she laughs again.

"It's well in the past." She says. "And if one believes in the concept of karma, perhaps it was a way of balancing all my good fortunes."

[] Still bothers me that happened.
[] I guess. You do seem much happier.
>>
>>4434156
>[] Still bothers me that happened. But I'm glad you're happier.
>>
>>4434156
>[X] I guess. You do seem much happier.
>>
>>4434156
>>4434160
This.
>>
>>4434156
>[x] I guess. You do seem much happier.
>>
>>4434156
>>4434160

+ 1
>>
>>4434156
>[] Still bothers me that happened.
>>
ok, votes called. I'm gonna call it for the night after this update- haven't been sleeping well and I took a fifteen minute nap there on the keyboard, haha.
>>
[x] Still bothers me that happened, but I'm glad you're happier.

You shake your head. "Still bothers me that it happened, but I'm glad you're happier."

She laughs. "I'm more than happier." She responds. "As I said, I keep expecting to wake up. Though I do fully intend to enjoy the dream while I'm still asleep." She pauses. "And I rather imagine I'll have to change the sheets once I do wake up."

You laugh at that. "Probably."

"I suppose that's not so terrible." She says. There's a pause, then she shakes her head. "Though I must admit I am bothered by some things."

"Such as?" You ask.

"Lady Kyou has indicated she intends to have a western, king size bed brought in." She says. "To the palace, rather. However, if we end up with any other.. ah... " She pauses, looking for the right word. "Attachments, shall we say, I fear the bed perhaps won't be quite big enough."

"Let's worry about that when we get there." You say, slightly worried about the possibility, now that she's mentioned it.

"Yes, that's probably for the best." She responds. "The current arrangement is quite satisfactory, though."

You laugh. "Sure, cos you're the one in the middle." You say- the beds here aren't quite big enough as is, and you spend most of the night precariously balanced into about a foot on one side.

"Oh." She says, then laughs. "Well, yes, though I didn't quite mean that, either."

You shake your head. "And here I was afraid you were going to regret accepting our request to fly our wing."

She laughs. "Had I known it would lead to this, I'd have been far less hesitant to agree." She says. "Though, had I known then what I do now, I'd have fretted far less about packing my clothing, too. Lady Kyou seems rather insistent on making sure my wardrobe is entirely full. For example, my bathing suit. I'd have never selected something like this without her insistence."

"I'd wondered." You say.

She shakes her head. "Oh, I'm perfectly fine with that sort of thing. Still, it's somewhat odd, if I may say. I'd be just as happy in some old uniform undergarments while we're able to relax like this."

"You'd be lucky to get that, if Kyou had her way." you point out.

She laughs again. "As would you, I rather suspect." She responds. "Not that that would be so terrible, either, though I imagine we'd have quite the time getting anything done in the day."

[] No doubt.
[] Sounds like we need to test that theory.
>>
And that's it for me for the night! Only a little early, though the updates were slower than I'd like, still. I'll keep working on that one!

Anyway, I probably won't be on much more this evening, so if there's any questions or anything I'll answer them after class tomorrow. But till tomorrow gents, cheers!
>>
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>>4434335
>[X] No doubt.

>>4434339
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>4434335
>[X] Sounds like we need to test that theory.
>>
>>4434335
>[] Sounds like we need to test that theory.
>>
>>4434335
[] Sounds like we need to test that theory.
>>
>>4434335
>[x] Sounds like we need to test that theory.

Lewwwwwwwd
>>
>>4434335
>[] No doubt.
>>
>>4434335
>[X] Sounds like we need to test that theory.
>>
>>4434335
[X] Sounds like we need to test that theory.
>>
>>4434335
>[x] No doubt.

>>4434339
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
Question, is there a master doc of this and SW89? I'd like to catch up without going through the whole threads.
>>
>>4434631
There's one in the discord.
>>
>>4434638
>https://discord.gg/H9z3pd
Neat, thanks!
>>
>>4434335
>[] Sounds like we need to test that theory.

[Eyebrow Waggling, Cajun Accent]
>>
Ok gents, votes called!
>>
[x] Sounds like we need to test that theory.

You shrug. "Souns like we be needin to test dat theory, oui." You say with a smile.

She laughs. "Incorrigible." She responds, shaking her head. "Though I can't say much, I suspect I'm rather as bad."

"At least you recognize it." You laugh.

"I can hardly be blamed." She protests. "I am entirely a prisoner of circumstances."

"Is that so?" You ask, and she nods.

"Oh, quite. Afterall, how can a woman in my position possibly be expected to be surrounded by such lewdness and not be at least somewhat affected by it?" She asks, dramatically. "I think I've done rather well, everything considered."

You just laugh, unable to argue against her purely rhetorical statement- it's not like she's complaining, you know, and you're more than willing to admit that you find yourself really enjoying this side of Wendy's personality. Vaguely, you wonder how much of it they saw back in the late 80s- not, you suspect, they really noticed. If they had, how could they have ignored it?

You doze off shortly after that, more than happy to just lay there in the sun. Maman's often accused you of being able to waste a weekend quite happily sleeping the day out on the lounge in the sunroom back home, or in the hammock out back. She's entirely correct, too- you can do just that.

Wendy, of course, wakes you up what feels like a few seconds later. "We should go back in and get started on supper." She says. "It's almost eighteen."

"Already?" You ask, going to check your watch before remembering you left it up in the room. She nods.

"I'm afraid I'll be quite burnt, too." She laments. "I should have known better than to fall asleep here, but I do find myself getting somewhat less sleep at night that I'm accustomed to."

"Can't you just heal a sunburn?" You ask. She nods.

"Oh, most assuredly. though perhaps it would be better to preserve my energies, and simply have someone assist me in applying aloe?"

She laughs at the look on your face.

[] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.
[] I'm sure you'll not have much trouble finding someone to help.
>>
>>4435496
>[X] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.
>>
>>4435496
>[x] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.
>>
>>4435496
[] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.
>>
>>4435496
[] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.
>>
>>4435496
>[] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.
>>
Ok, votes called!
>>
>>4435496
>[] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.

We've thoroughly corrupted Wendy

Old spellcaster is going to have a cow if they see her like this
>>
>>4435548
>Implying they're not going to see her like this when we go home for a home visit.
>>
[x] I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings.

"I'm starting to think you're more than a little affected by your surroundings." You observe.

She laughs, but nods. "Perhaps." She says with a smile. "I shudder to think of what I would agree to now- though I suspect you've a fairly good estimate now."

You shrug. "You did more or less agree to go nude around quarters."

She blinks- then laughs as she blushes very faintly. "That's true. I feel I'd be obligated to follow the instructions of my flight leader or my liege lady, were either to tell me that's what they'd want of me."

"Your liege lady?" You ask. "Bit unusual behavior for that kind of thing, I'd think."

She laughs again. "Perhaps." She says again. "But it's easiest to think of her that way. I know you both consider me an equal partner, of course, but I can't imagine demanding the same sort of thing of either of you."
You shake your head. "Lyin don't suit you, non."

"Oh, I can easily imagine it." She says- then blinks and laughs. "And, if I'm honest, find myself distracted by that sort of daydreaming far more than I'm comfortable with right now. I must ask, is that normal?"

You nod as you step back into the building, noting how cold it is in here- the building is kept at about seventy, though the rooms are all individually controlled, too. "More or less."

"I see." She says. "Well, that's something of a relief." She frowns. "Though, now that I consider it, it's not the daydreaming that bothers me as much as being so distracted all the time. I also find it a shame that we're not able to spend all day together."

You just shake your head with a smile as you step into the elevator. "You're sounding less like a victim of circumstance and more like an entirely willing participant."

"I'm sure it's just that the corruption I'm being exposed to is that fast acting." She responds, still smiling. "and it's nature is such that I have little desire to complain."

"So is it really corruption?" You ask.

She laughs. "perhaps not." She admits, pausing long enough in the hall for you to open the door to your quarters to let her step through. "But I intend to maintain it is."

Kyou, Merlin, and the Doctor haven't appeared to move- though you note there's another three cans of monster on the table and several empty bottles of water now, too. Kyou looks up at the two of you and nods once in greeting, then back down to the table.

"I think you should change first." Wendy says. "I rather imagine they're quite ready for supper, and you'll need to get started. What should I do after I change?"

You, of course, can think of a few things you wouldn't mind saying- but, again, you have company over and that would be the height of rudeness.

[] I was going to make some rice to go with this, but I wasn't sure about what else. any ideas?
[] I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that.
>>
>>4435636
>[X] I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that.
>>
>>4435636
>[] I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that.
>>
>>4435636
>[x] I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that.
>>
>>4435636
[] I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that.
>>
>>4435636
>[x] I was going to make some rice to go with this, but I wasn't sure about what else. Any ideas?

Just as long as it's not Jamie Oliver rice
>>
ok, votes called!
>>
[x] I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that.

"I'll need some bell peppers cut up and made, if you want to get going on that." You say, and she nods.

"I'll admit I'd hoped for a somewhat different response." She says with a smile. You shake your head.

"After dinner." You tell her, mock-sternly.

"I'll expect you to hold to your word." She says, turning away to go stand near the table as you close the bedroom door.

You change quickly- you don't plan on heading back out at all, and you doubt your company will care much how you dress. You can't go too comfortable though- even in front of close company, like Merlin, you do know that your closeness to Kyou demands you maintain a certain level of appearance. You step into a pair of jeans and pull on a plain tshirt, throwing on socks as well.

Surprisingly, neither Kyou nor Merlin starts lurking around the kitchen as you pull the chicken back out of the fridge, and neither do they look terribly interested as Wendy emerges from the bedroom. She's dressed broadly similarly to you- bareleg, of course, but not in anything that wouldn't be presentable to company. The Doctor shoots a couple tentative glances over her shoulder as the two of your work- Wendy, like Kyou when she helps, seeming to flow around you without any effort, the two of you sharing the space without any problems at all.

The witches around the table start to take notice, though, as the smell of the chicken, cooking in the sauce, reaches them. You're glad you bought all the chicken, just for the looks Kyou and Merlin are already sending your way, and nod to Wendy as she starts moving the rice from it's pot into a bowl. There's a couple pounds of that, too- for her apparent dislike of vegetables, Kyou will eat rice quite happily. They've cleared the table by the time you bring out the tray with the chicken on it, and look more than a little eager to dig in.

"I-I'm honored you would do this for me." The doctor says. Kyou laughs.

"All things in the community are very westernized." She tells the doctor. "And very tight knit. You can expect this sort of thing in our company all the time."

Merlin nods. "I expect the imperial military will follow suit." She says, then looks over at you. "Which reminds me, Morgan, they've forwarded the first of the packets for you to review."

1/2
>>
You nod. "When will they want a return?"

She frowns, thinking, but Kyou responds. "With the work that will be required, even Admiral Wells' support team won't be able to have us ready for flight for weeks." She says. "I doubt general headquarters could want us to make a selection before then."

Merlin shakes her head. "Not a final one, no." She says. "But they'd like you to at least have a list of possibilities. We're going to be starting on the Yellowstone install soon, but we've still got to find a manufacturer that can keep up with expected ammunition demand once the system gets into the fleet."

"And a mill capable of handling the correct alloys for Muninn's web." Kyou adds, and Merlin nods.

"And Display tables for here." Those should be here tomorrow at the latest. They're the same thing you had aboard the kaga, but these are the commercial version. They've got a much better plasma display than the ones you had aboard ship, but they're 2d only, so we're installing a pair of tanks as well. I don't plan to be up before noon tomorrow though, so you can sleep in before we get that going."

Given the looks Kyou is giving you- and Wendy- as she eats, you suspect you're going to be very glad for that.
>>
And that's gonna be it for the week! I think we all know where the after-dinner scenes are heading... haha!

Nothing here to add, really, other than why is solidworks and mastercam so expensive? good lord. Anyway, as usual, I'll be around all weekend and Monday if there's any questions or comments anyone has! I'll also be in the discord and the IRC room if I can remember to log in.

haha!

anyway gents, that's it for the week, so till next time, cheers!
>>
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>>4435881
Thanks for the run boss.
>>
>>4435881
Thanks for the run Ghost!
>>
>>4435881
Thanks for the run.

Are we going to see VF-7, in the future?
>>
>>4435891
we might!
>>
>>4435881
thanks for running ghost
>>
Has anyone archived the Thread yet?



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