Chapter 9: Bunker Bust

"No plan of operations extends with certainty beyond the first encounter with the enemy's main strength."

Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke, Chief of Staff of the Prussian Army

The day dawned bright and cool for the first match, the stands outside the city packed with spectators. Police had secured all the major roads, and all ships were asked to stay at port until the match ended. The American team had taken their tanks out earlier in the morning, before the Japanese team could even wake up. The city's population was gathered at the docks and outlets, massive signs advising the people not to leave the safe zones. A large broadcast truck had been parked near the stands, "ESPN" emblazoned on the side. A large desk and a set of cameras were set up next to it, two women seated at the desk as the intro rolled. One wore her black hair long, a wide smile only adding to her bright brown eyes. Her co-anchor wore her hair up in a high ponytail, her own brown eyes sharply watching the small TV screen just across from the desk. A series of famous tankery matches flashed on the screen, from Philadelphia's win against the Soviet team in '76, to the line of tanks rumbling down Wall Street after the 1996 Olympics to a massive parade. A deep-voiced narrator came on over the images.

"Tankery: Sport of women worldwide. Now, for the first time, American college tankery meets head to head against Japan's traditional style. This is the First Annual Tankery Exhibition Tournament, sponsored by Taylor, Incorporated. Now, your broadcasters, Kagome Higurashi and Sango Taijiya."

"Hello, and welcome to the first match of what promises to be an exciting exhibition tournament. I'm Kagome Higurashi, and with me is my co-anchor, Sango Taijiya."

Sango nodded, a smaller smile on her face. "Today, the first of nine matches between two all-star teams of tankers. From Japan, the champion Ōarai Girls Academy Team and the best tankers from their fellow schools, against America's top ROTC tankery competitors." Smiling, Sango turned to Kagome to begin the traditional banter of sportscasting. "I have to say, this is going to be a fascinating match to watch."

Kagome nodded. "From what I've seen of the Japanese team, this is an extremely diverse group of girls with a wide array of skills in tankery. Just one example, in the match of Ōarai vs. Saunders College High, Ōarai floored all the experts when they used cell phones to circumvent Saunder's listening in on their radio broadcasts."

"Or their most famous moment," Sango said, the desk cutting to the footage from last year's finals. "When Ōarai took out a Maus in a way no one could ever have seen coming, Kagome I think the American team definitely has their work cut out for them."

The screen went back to the desk, Miho watching on a small TV as the casters went on. Kagome nodded to Sango. Quickly looking over, Miho saw Anchovy standing with the reporter from the network, a small blond woman who just barely stood above the girls in Team Rabbit. Smiling at the knowledge Anchovy would be able to handle the media, Miho went back to watching.

The camera focused on Sango. "And now, we go to our Japanese team reporter, May Hopkins."

The camera cut to the reporter, her blonde hair cut short as her blue eyes sparkled. "Yes, Sango, and I'm standing here with Chiyomi 'Anchovy' Anzai, commander of the Japanese Carro Armato P 40, and the team's media representative. Anchovy, is your team worried at all about the upcoming match?"

Anchovy laughed, waving her riding crop in the air. "What's there to fear? It's an exhibition, and we know that our team will play as hard as it can to win for our own pride!"

May nodded, pushing on with the interview. "So you don't fear the American team's heavier late war tanks? Many analysts are saying that the Japanese early to mid-war designs will be a major detriment to the overall exhibition."

"Not at all," Anchovy said, waving the comment away. "We have our own heavy models after all, the American team's T30 is frankly their only real threat to the Tiger and Tiger P. Plus, against their few early model tanks, our Char B1 and Panzer IV definitely have the advantage in firepower and armor."

May puller her mic back. "So I guess the real question is, do you think your own team can come together so easily? Other analysts have said that your team has so many varying styles of tankery, your ability to come together may not come together as easily as the American team."

Anchovy laughed a little. "Another misconception, one that will surprise everyone. If anything, our team's diverse styles and abilities with their own equipment will force the American team to deal with as many strategies as we have tanks."

May smiled. "Thank you Anzai, back to you, Sango and Kagome."

The camera cut back to the desk, the two anchors smiling pleasantly. "Thank you May, we'll check back with you later." Quickly shuffling a few papers, Kagome looked over to Sango. "Well, the American team isn't here yet, but there's still plenty of time before the match properly starts, so let's fill the viewers in on what the match will be."

"Mihosha?" Turning, Miho saw Katyusha waiting beside Maho next to the Panzer IV. "We just wanted to go over the plan one last time."

"Of course," Miho said. "Everyone, come here!" Quickly, the team hurried to gather around the Ausf. H, Miho standing on the front armor. "The match uses the bunker assault rules; the object is to destroy the enemy's bunker, or their entire team. The bunker is made of concrete, but the firing slits allow a tank to close in, and fire a shell inside to instantly destroy it."

The girls looked up at Miho expectantly. They all smiled, and it was clear they were excited to see what the American team would be capable of. Even Erika had a small grin, looking up at Miho with some small measure of confidence. "Now, we'll split into two teams. The guard team will be led by Maho, and consist of the Tiger, Tiger P, Type 3, Hetzer, StuG III, Lee, and Char. I'll lead the Assault team, and will take the Panzer IV, Churchill, Sherman, Type 89, T-34, and P 40. The Assault team will move right up the center of town, and eliminate any enemies they come across."

"Hey, look, the American team's coming!" Karina shouted. Looking over, Miho turned and felt her blood stop in her veins.

Armstrong rode at the side of the tanks astride a massive brown draft horse, wearing a cavalry Stetson and two spurs with his Army Combat Uniform. The tanks all had speakers on them, loudly blasting a march as they closed on the staging point. Armstrong rode tall in the saddle, the horse practically trotting along beside the tanks.

"That's Garryowen," Yukari said, watching wide eyed as the tanks closed in. "It's the march of the 1st Cavalry, it's incredible they're allowed to do this!"

Miho just watched as the tanks turned to face the Japanese team. Before, when they had roared off the ship, they were painted in their traditional colors. Now it was clear the Americans had done some work. Each tank was decorated with writing and a piece of art on the turret, as large or small as they could make it. The Japanese girls were awestruck, watching as the West Point tank rolled up. On the side of the turret, a woman in black plate armor holding a sword in her right hand, a tank shell in the left, roaring a fierce battle cry. "Strong-Arm" was written on the gun, "Army Strong" written on the sides in massive letters. Written on the front armor, "Untutored Courage Is Useless In The Face Of Educated Bullets".

"Well, they're certainly confident," Darjeeling said calmly, Orange Peeko staring at the tanks in awe. "Will you need us to come with you commander?"

Miho shook her head, nodding to Momo to come with her. The American team practically leapt out of their tanks, wearing ACUs and modern helmets. Each crew member had a comm headset on their helmet, and each tank that could had a machine gun on the turret as well as in the hull. Katherine and Pavlovena started walking over, Armstrong holding his horse by the tanks.

"Good morning," Katherine said, shaking Miho's hand as they four met. "What do you think of the art? Pretty cool right?"

"The Army lets you do things like that in official matches?" Momo asked, looking over the Easy Eight. "But isn't that risky?"

Pavlovena laughed. "As long as it doesn't affect the battle or offend the people watching, the Army lets us put whatever we want on the tanks."

Miho nodded as the referees walked over. Smiling, she bowed to the two Americans, Momo quickly following. "Good luck to both of you."

Katherine and Pavlovena returned the bows, then made an about face and went back to their tanks. A woman was there waiting for them, dark short hair accenting her French Vanilla skin. Even from a distance, Miho could tell that the reporter had sharp blue eyes that scanned the cadets. Quickly, Miho went to the TV. "Yes, Rally Vincent, here with Cadet Katherine Armstrong. Cadet Armstrong, what are your thoughts on the Japanese team?"

"They're definitely going to keep us on our toes," Katherine said, smiling politely at the camera. Cadet Pavlovena stood behind Armstrong, standing quietly with a neutral face. "We already found them trying pre-match recon, so they definitely have the energy and creativity to make the necessary plays to last as far as I can see."

Vincent pulled the mic back. "What about their tanks? Their three heaviest will be nothing compared to the sheer power of the T30's main cannon, and there's already analysts comparing their command tank to the Sherman in terms of protection."

"Maybe, but they also have a T-34 and StuG III, that's more than enough in capable hands." Nodding, Armstrong looked over to the Japanese team as the girls clambered into their tanks for the drive to the starting points. "I'd say this match is going to be nothing more than a warmup for them."

Miho blinked, staring at the screen. No bluster, no haughty pre-game trash talk like how she had expected the Americans to be. "Maybe this really won't be so bad," she thought, turning off the TV.

"Playing it up a bit, aren't we?" Turning the horse around, Armstrong saw Ami in her own camo and cap, hands on her hips and scowling. "And is that a sword at your side? Are you going to order a charge on the heights next?"

"And good morning to you," Armstrong said, expertly dismounting. Ami had to admit, for such a big man he was pretty limber. "You feel the rest of the rules are fair then?"

Ami nodded. "Nine matches, no ties, as many rounds as the tanks have room for. Have to say, the TV channels will eat it up. So where is he?"

"Still at the offices, straightening out some things with the family." Armstrong quickly looked around. "What about her? I know better than to think she would ignore an event like this."

"She isn't my instructor anymore," Ami said. "Wherever she is, I can be sure she's paying very close attention."

Armstrong nodded. "Then let's clear the way then." Saddling up again, Armstrong tipped his hat to Ami, and rode off to the sidelines as the tanks moved to their starting positions. Ami shook her head. "He's always so dramatic." Turning back, she jogged to her Type 10 and hopped into the driver's compartment.

Miho looked the bunker over. It was eight sided with eight firing slits, a cache of tannerite inside. If the tannerite went off, the bunker was instantly destroyed and the match was over.

"So, what are their names?" Blinking, Miho saw Anzu sitting atop the Hetzer. "The other teams need names Nishizumi, otherwise they won't know who you're talking to."

Miho nodded, and turned to the other schools, starting with St. Gloriana. "The Churchill is team Bulldog." Darjeeling nodded. "The M4 will be team Eagle." Kei threw a thumbs up at Miho. "The P 40 will be team Wolf." Anchovy smacked her whip against the turret. "The T-34 is team Cub." Katyusha grinned and crossed her arms. "And the Tiger will be team Boar."

"Team Boar?" Erika said, sticking her head out from the gunner's hatch. "Are you saying we're supposed to be some kind of pig?"

"Understood commander," Maho said, quickly cutting Erika off. "We wait for your orders."

Miho nodded. Quickly, she opened her map of the city onto the grass. The Japanese bunker was to the west of the Suwa Shrine and the southwest of the Tsumakoiinari Shrine, a few meters away from Highway 51. The American bunker was to the north, in Isomichi, a few meters away from the river. "We'll move through Onukicho first, and regroup at the town office. We'll head northeast from there, and attack the bunker from the south." Miho looked over to Maho. "I'll let you handle the defense. Assault team, our primary objective is protecting the Type 89 until we reach the bunker."

Maho nodded, taking the map closer. "Defensive team, I want the two Tigers posted at the highway," she said. "The StuG III and Hetzer will take positions to guard the intersection between the Suwa and Kabasan shrines. The Lee, Char, and Type 3 I want in the trees nearby, keep yourselves hidden until I give the order to fire or move." Finished, Maho handed the map back to her sister. "Ready when you are commander."

Miho nodded. "All teams, man your tanks!"

The commanders rushed to their tanks, shutting themselves in for the coming match. Miho counted as the seconds hurried by, waiting for the official start to come over the radio. She watched as Yukari and Hana sat on the edges of their seats, practically hopping as they waited.

"Match start!"

The Assault team roared forward, moving east to the Suwa and Kabasan shrines. Treads clacked as they hit asphalt, the tanks turning left at the intersection between the two shrines. It was rolling thunder, oncoming mayhem with cute animals on the side armor. As the tanks rolled by the Suwa shrine, Miho and the others respectfully nodded. Settling in, Miho looked the map over. "Saori, tell Bulldog and Duck teams to head to the north then west via 106, keep Duck team behind the Churchill all the way until they reach the convenience store, then turn right. Cub and Eagle teams will take the south through the parking lots, Cub team will take the lead. Finally, Anglerfish and Wolf will move through the center and meet up with Bulldog and Duck at the bank, and we'll all convene on the town offices."

The tanks split as Miho ordered, rumbling through the streets in a three-pronged assault. The Churchill roared along dramatically, almost turning the Type 89 into an afterthought as it trundled along behind the British tank. The M4 looked almost refined and professional, compared to the unshapely beast that rode ahead of it. The Panzer IV rode ahead as a final evolution of the second generation of tanks, while the P 40 rode behind as a sad looking imitator, rivets standing out like a teenager's acne compared to the smooth, up-armored profile the Panzer IV presented.

"Finally, our tank can prove itself," Noriko said, head halfway out of the turret. "This tank was built to destroy bunkers and pillboxes, those Americans are gonna see exactly what they're up against!"

"Duck team, hold to the rear as we approach the crossroads," Darjeeling said, as the tanks neared the Sakuramichi clinic. "We'll make sure the area is clear of any enemy tanks, that way you'll know whether or not you can proceed safely."

"Roger that," Noriko said, taking out her field glasses. "Shinobu, stop here while they scout around."

The Churchill slowed, the turret traversing left and right at the first intersection to make sure it was clear.

"Assault the 89 as soon as the Churchill is at the second intersection," Rosarita whispered into her radio, watching from the upper floors of the Marine Tower through her binoculars as the Churchill moved past the convenience store, the Type 89 stopping at the first intersection. "Try retreating to the north, the Japanese tanks should link up in the south when you do."

As Noriko watched the Churchill move to the second intersection, she heard a new roar over the quiet. "I hear a tank, Bulldog, get your turret around now!"

Almost instantly, the Churchill started to spin around to the left, backing up as it did. "Shinobu, it's coming from our right, get us facing now!" Shinobu nodded, shifting the levers to turn the tank to face the new threat. On the right, the American's Chaffe coming out from behind a side street. "Fire!" The 89's main gun fired, the reverberating blast echoing through the barren streets.

"This is Bulldog, American tanks have engaged the Type 89, moving to support."

Miho grabbed her throat mic. "Duck team, what tank is firing at you?"

"It's the Chaffee, looks like they didn't take off their speakers," Noriko barked. "We're moving to the Churchill, take it out Akebi!" The small American tank deftly started swerving through the street, only to fall back when the Churchill started to line up a shot.

"They're not running away," Darjeeling said, watching as the Chaffee took position behind a shop. "Duck team, watch your rear for any enemy tanks."

"Roger," Noriko barked, Akebi cranking the turret around to the rear. The Chaffee fired another round, the shell bouncing off the Churchill's massive armor.

"Nilgiri, see if we can't scare them away," Darjeeling said. "HE round, I want a second ready ASAP Orange Pekoe." The Churchill crew worked efficiently, Pekoe slamming a round in as Nilgiri sighted in the Chaffee. Assam closed in on the smaller tank, the massive British tank the Goliath to the Chaffee's David. "Fire!"

The Churchill roared again, the blast throwing rubble everywhere as the Chaffee tried to hide behind the fence that hid a parking lot. "Duck team, stay behind us until we give the all clear, they would never send a tank out alone like this."

"You're right," Noriko radioed back, sounding panicked. "The Te-Ke is right behind us!"

Looking out the commander's hatch, Darjeeling watched the Type 89 spinning around to face the threat from the smaller tankette. "One shot and they're already out," Darjeeling whispered. "Duck team, break for the rendezvous point now!"

The 89 roared to life, sprinting into the intersection and breaking south, the Te-Ke following just behind.

"Nishizumi, Duck team is being pursued down the road by the Type 97." Darjeeling had to steady herself as a round from the Chaffee shook the hull but did little else. "If you make speed, you should be able to intercept at the bank."

"Roger Bulldog, are you alright?" Miho asked, Darjeeling able to hear the Panzer IV start to spin around over the radio.

"We're engaging the Chaffee now," Darjeeling said, watching from her seat as Nilgiri leveled the turret at the now fleeing American tank. "Will report back." Holding the radio away, Darjeeling spun around, watching for any of the other American tanks. "Assam, proceed to the rendezvous point. Nilgiri, keep the gun trained on the Chaffee's position. If you see them move, fire at will."

"They're right behind us," Noriko shouted. The Te-Ke was practically on the back armor of the Type 89, almost toying with them. "Akebi, get the turret around, I want to try scaring them away!"

"Mako, stop here," Miho said, the tank slowing as it came to the intersection the bank sat on. "Anchovy, watch our rear and make sure the enemy can't hit our rear armor."

"Understood," Anchovy said, the P 40 turning so the two tanks were back to back. "Who takes over if the Type 89 is taken out though?"

"We can worry about that later. Yukari, load HE round." Miho looked out her small cupola. "Hana, rotate turret eleven degrees right. Fire only when you have a clear shot." In the distance, Miho could hear the Type 89's main gun firing, quickly followed by the roar of its engine even over the Panzer IV's. "Everyone get ready."

It happened as fast as a person could blink. The Type 89 broke from the right of the Panzer IV into the intersection, the Te-Ke right on its left. Hana took the shot, the shell flew out of the tank, but the Te-Ke broke left down the same street the Panzer IV and P 40 were on, the Type 89 bearing the brunt of the blast. The older medium tank lost most of its left track, careening to a stop into the small slot right next to the Panzer IV.

"How dare you use us like that," Anchovy barked. "Fire now, before they escape!"

The P 40's blast shook Miho out of her shock, and quickly refocused. "All assault tanks hold position! Bulldog, Eagle, and Cub teams, new rendezvous point is at the Joyo Bank, proceed with all haste."

"Roger commander," Kei said, leaning her head into the Sherman's hull. "Alright, we're meeting up with Miho at new coordinates, listen up!"

Katyusha huffed as her T-34 changed course. "Just foolish," she grumbled. "It was a tankette, and they couldn't even take it out?"

Hana hunched herself over. "Sorry Miho," she said, her voice weak. "I didn't expect them to pull away like that."

"It's alright Hana, I didn't either." Looking out the commander's cupola, Miho grabbed her radio. "Duck team, are you alright?"

"We're fine," Noriko said, pushing herself off Akebi as Shinobu and Taeko groaned. "We're still functional, but we'll need to fix our track."

Miho nodded, seeing Bulldog team finally, slowly, rolling up to Duck team's rear. "Understood. Saori, contact my sister, tell her we need the Type 3 to break away from the bunker and take position to protect the Type 89."

After a few minutes waiting and Duck team starting to work on their tank, Anteater team rolled into view. The commanders were all out next to the Panzer IV, trying to figure out what their next move was. Grabbing her map, Miho checked the situation. "They haven't attacked our position yet, but why?"

"Maybe they're waiting for us to attack first," Darjeeling said. "They know the Type 89 was the best tank for this rule set, without it destroying the bunker will be that much harder."

"Then we roll in with everything we have," Anchovy barked. "They probably think they've thrown a wrench into our plans. In reality, all they've done is simply force us to move in and fire through the slits in the bunker's roof."

"It's still asking a lot," Kei mused, pointing to the enemy position. "They probably have their T30 waiting for us, and the Chaffee and Type 97 are still running loose somewhere."

"All that matters is the bunker," Miho said, tapping the map. "Alright, we're modifying the plan. Katyusha, I want the T-34 at the front, we're heading for their bunker."

Watching from her position, Rosarita watched as the crews jumped back into their tanks, the Type 3 guarding the smaller 89 as the girls repaired the track. "The assault force is still on the move, they're in one solid platoon. Be ready, they're done scouting."

The tanks sped through Wado, treads ruining the road as the turrets scanned the surrounding area for any more surprises. "Mihosha, should we surround the bunker and bombard it?" Katyusha asked.

"Not when the T30 is still in the area," Miho answered. "We need to locate all the enemy tanks first, then figure out how to eliminate them."

"But Miho, that'll take too long," Kei argued. "We should strike the bunker with one of our tanks, detonate the tannerite before they can eliminate us."

"I know that sounds like the best plan right now, but we shouldn't get reckless," Miho said, having a quick flashback to the match with Pravda. "We need to take things slow, and make sure the enemy can't find a weakness."

Anchovy leaned back in her seat, scowling. Nishizumi was a smart commander, but Anchovy disagreed. It was clear the other commanders did too to some degree. "Pepperoni, when I give the word, we're going to break for the bunker. Carpaccio, I want an HE shell ready."

"Are you sure about this Duce?" Carpaccio asked, grabbing the shell. "Nishizumi wouldn't make a decision unless she was sure of it."

"Sometimes one must follow, other times one must make the path." Looking out from her tank, Anchovy watched the column moving closer to the enemy position on the outskirts of town. "We'll finish this match and get our first victory for our team."

"All tanks, when we get within visual range, I want everyone to form a rough semi-circle around the enemy's position." Miho checked the map again, seeing the bunker surrounded by a rough half-circle of trees.

The tanks rolled into a skirmish line about 500 yards away from the bunker, the utter stillness of it all giving an utterly unnatural feel to the situation. The sun shone down, the tanks rumbled patiently, but instead of being greeted with shellfire, there was only the calm of the field. The path to the bunker was clear and open.

"It's definitely a killzone," Katyusha said. "They're just waiting for us to move in."

"There's no way we can get around it, they're know exactly what we're trying to do." Miho let out a sigh, sliding into her seat in the turret of the Ausf. H. "Saori, are the other teams in position?"

"Eagle team is still moving, but they'll be ready in two minutes," Saori said, adjusting her equipment. "Cub and Bulldog are in position though, Boar reports the enemy hasn't moved on the objective yet."

Miho nodded, taking another look at the enemy bunker. A breeze blew softly around them, waves of grass playing about like ocean waves of green that broke in the nearby patches of trees. Even without any enemy tanks nearby in view, Miho knew they were waiting just out of sight, ready to pounce on any assault. "Okay, we're going to try bombarding them from a distance, try to draw them out. I want Hippo team to move to our rear and cover us-"

"This is Eagle team, Wolf is breaking position, they're heading straight into the trap!" Kei shouted, Miho turning to see the P 40 breaking from cover and charging hard for the concrete bunker.

"Wolf team, what are you doing?" Miho said, watching as Anchovy's tank sped headlong into the killzone. "Fall back now, before they open fire!"

"We can't afford to wait or they'll break through our defenses," Anchovy barked back. "A strike before they can will stop us from being defeated!"

"Nishizumi, if they go in alone they'll leave a gap in our lines," Katyusha radioed. "We either have to go in all at once or let them take us apart."

"What was she thinking?" Hana whispered, watching as the Italian heavy tank roared right at the bunker. Everyone could tell what the Anzio team was thinking, and it might have worked with more time in the battle. Now, so early in the game, it was their death sentence.

"All tanks on the assault squad, move forward to support Wolf team, but pull back immediately if they're taken out." Checking her surroundings, Miho knew their opponents were just waiting to spring the trap. "If you sight a muzzle flash, relay it immediately to the tank closest to it."

Wolf team's tank positioned itself right at one of the "firing slits" to the bunker, Miho practically able to feel Anchovy's grin inside her turret. "The first match is ours, and the rest will be too!"

"Why aren't they firing, they should be raining hell on us by now Ms. Nishizumi." Yukari tapped her foot nervously, hands wrapped around a shell.

"I don't know Yukari, maybe they're-"

"Enemy rear, it's Mother Superior!" At Darjeeling's words, Miho looked out the back of her turret to see the tanks from the opposing team rolling up through the buildings, the M6 Heavy Tank "Mother Superior" at the center behind Ōarai's Ausf. H. On the side of the gun, the team had written, "The Yardstick". A nun had been painted onto the turret, wearing an eyepatch, holding a shell in one hand and a ruler in the other. On the side, "God Forgives, Marines Don't". Slowly, the turret levelled at the rear armor, as a mighty blast from just ahead reverberated through the field.

"It's Ohio State, they're hiding in the treeline," Katyusha said, her voice shaking. "Nishizumi, what are you orders?"

Before Miho could answer, the main gun on the Mother Superior fired. The shell landed hard next to the Panzer IV, covering the turret in dirt. "Mako, move us out of the line of fire!" Mako didn't answer, and Miho definitely didn't feel the tank moving by the time the second shell hit home on the rear of the Panzer IV, shaking the hull and killing the engine. Yukari let out a groan as she put her shell back. "Take out in the first battle. I guess it had to happen eventually."

Miho put on a smile for her friends' sake. "It's okay, our bunker is still up." Looking out the turret, Miho saw that the P 40 was also smoking and out of the match. "Wolf team, is anyone hurt?"

"No, we're fine," Anchovy said, sounding dejected. "We just wanted to end the match quickly is all."

"What's important is that you're all not hurt," Miho said, watching the other tanks start to fall back. The T30 fired again from the trees, the shell throwing up a plume of dirt next to the T-34. "Darjeeling, you take command of the assault squad."

"Understood Miho," Darjeeling said. "All tanks, fall back to the Type 89 immediately."

"The assault force was just pushed back commander," Akaboshi said, putting down her headset. "The T-34, Sherman, and Churchill are pulling back to the Type 89. It looks like Anzio tried to make for a quick win."

"Figures they'd do something so foolish," Erika said, scowling. "Commander, should we take new positions?"

Maho shook her head. "Negative. The enemy will likely be coming after us with the majority of their forces. Order all tanks to hold their positions and wait for my orders to move only. If they feel they have a good shot on an enemy tank's side or rear, they have permission to fire." Despite her calm tone, Erika saw that Maho was slowly wringing her hands on her skirt.

"Nishizumi was taken out?" Yuuki whimpered, the whole tank suddenly feeling a cold shiver run down their spines. "But how?"

"The enemy must have known she was the vital link to our operations," Caesar said. "They decapitated our head, and we are left to carry on without her."

"I never thought I'd see Nishizumi taken out," Momo whispered. "The Americans really know what they're doing, don't they?"

"They just got lucky," Anzu said, idly tearing into another helping of sweet potatoes. "We still have Nishizumi's sister with us after all."

Opening her hatch, Maho grabbed her own binoculars and started scanning the area. North on the highway, there was no activity. On the right flank, nothing moving through the town or down Highway 2. "Bulldog team, did you spot any other tanks during your initial assault?"

"Only the T30 and M6," Darjeeling said. "Duck team is almost back into operation, we're going to try and make a second assault from a distance."

"Negative, find a new position and hold there until further orders can be relayed." Checking the map, Maho leaned over to Erika. "Their own assault squad can't be far behind. They undoubtedly have their lightest tanks making observations as we speak. We're the most obvious targets, we should prepare for the Cromwell and Comet to assault from the front as they move another to our rear."

"Moving the gun around now commander," Erika said, shifting the gun of the Tiger to the rear. "What's our new plan?"

"The assault squad knows where the enemy is, and now they're wary of ambushes. What we need is to buy them enough time to get the Type 89 moving against and give it sufficient cover against the T30. Akaboshi, radio to all tanks their orders; hold back the American team until the enemy bunker is destroyed. Order Leopon team to angle their 35 degrees right, we'll do the same."

The two giants shifted on the highway, covering each other's flanks from the enemy. "Nothing I could have imagined last tournament," Erika thought, keeping her eye down range. "Commander, out of curiosity, did they still have their speakers on their tanks when the match started?"

Maho nodded. "Akaboshi, ask the assault squad whether they saw any tanks with the speakers still attached."

Akaboshi nodded. "Duck teams says the Chaffee definitely had the speakers on the chassis when they made contact, why?"

Erika chuckled. "They're in for a rude surprise is all," she muttered, listening as best she could over the Tiger's engine.

"Do you think they're moving their big guns into position?" Karina asked, trying to listen out onto the field.

"No, they still have to protect their own bunker," Azusa whispered, turning the Lee's third turret to the left towards the city. Since the tournament, they'd finally gotten the proper turrets for the M3, finally correcting the fact that it was actually a Grant they were calling a Lee. For her part, Azusa felt like she could at least contribute a little more towards harassing the enemy with the new machine gun she could fire. "Hippo team, how are you holding up?"

"Fine," Erwin answered, peeking out slightly from her hatch. "Haven't spotted the enemy yet, but we're sure they're moving just outside our range, probably right on the beach even. What about you?"

"Well, I was just thinking," Azusa said, bringing her turret back to center. "Why leave the speakers on their tanks?"

"This is Mallard team, I hear some kind of music," Sodoko radioed. "Rabbit team, can you hear it?"

Ripping off her headphones, Azusa's eyes went wide. Another wailing guitar riff, clearly from the same band that the Americans used during their introduction. "Affirmative, unknown enemy tanks approaching from the north."

"Rabbit and Mallard, stay calm and try to sight the targets," Maho ordered, her voice monotone to the point of being robotic. "Remember, they're already giving away their position. Hippo and Turtle team, be on guard."

Following the music, Azusa focused her turret a few klicks to the left of the railroad tracks nearby. "Aya, put the turret there," she ordered. "Mallard team, enemy is coming out of the trees to the north, be ready to fire."

The two twin-barreled tanks zeroed in on the trees. Their heavy guns elevated to the proper height, their secondary turrets loaded and ready.

"We might have been defeated last time, but we won't go down so easy here," Sodoko said, putting her turret on target.

The music kept closing, and now words were clearly audible. "All you women who want a man off the street/Don't know which way you wanna turn." The two tanks closest to the bunker waited, crews gripping at whatever they could. The music roared louder, the trees closest to the open ground starting to shake.

"Remember that the enemy is counting on our tanks being ill-trained and fearful," Maho said over the radio. "Show them the price for underestimating their opponents."

"She really is a different style of leader from Miho," Yuzu said, Anzu crumpling up a bag of dried potatoes. "No wonder the Nishizumi style has such a reputation."

"What she really needs to learn is to relax," Anzu said, leaning back in her seat.

"Shouldn't you be watching for enemy tanks?" Momo asked.

"Mallard team, fire on my word," Azusa said, practically whispering into the mic. The trees rattled harder as the enemy closed, the music clearly audible now. "I'm gonna take you down/Aw down down down/So don't you fool around/I'm gonna pull it pull it/Pull the trigger!"

Azusa nodded. "Fire!"

The second the Comet and Cromwell came out from the trees, rounds rained down on them. Yuuki kept loading shells as Gomoyo repositioned for another salvo. The two American tanks froze their assault, rapidly backing into the trees again before the next blast. The music did get softer though, Aya clapping a little.

"We took out one of their speakers," Aya laughed, the Rabbits jumping around a little at scoring such a lucky hit. "Mallard team, did you see that?"

"That was a great shot," Sodoko said, moving the turret on her tank. "We'll scan the right side, you watch the left."

"Roger that," Azusa said, spinning her turret around. "We might just win!"

"Didn't see that coming," Kora said, Asami popping the hatch to check the speakers once they were in the trees again. "So, what now?"

"Considering they weren't intimidated like we'd hoped, we think of something else," Asami said, holding a blank expression as she came back in with the shattered remains of the speakers. Grabbing her radio, Asami dialed in the frequency for the Dark Dame. "Queen to Dame, Queen to Dame, initial assault has failed, opponents are better trained than anticipated. We're undamaged, should we go again, over?"

"Hold Queen, did you see which tanks were defending the treeline?" Katherine asked.

"Four shells at once, has to be the Char and Lee," Asami said, Kora taking the speaker in hand by the frayed wiring. Asami brought out her map and marked the trees around the bunker. "That leaves the tank killers unaccounted for."

"They're probably on the enemy's right," Katherine said, an engine roaring in the background. "Keep the enemy distracted, but don't put yourselves in their line of fire, over."

"Understood," Asami said, changing frequencies. "Rose, this is Queen. New orders, we're to keep the enemy under suppressive fire, over."

"Roger that," Suki answered, the Cromwell inching forward. "They're at least a half-a-yard in the trees, maybe we can bring some down to blind them."

"Read my mind," Asami said, Jane gently inching the Comet out. "Okay, let's make it rain. Kora, target the trees with HE shells, take away their cover."

The two pairs of tanks started lobbing shells at each other, the thunder of the Char's howitzer almost overtaking the thump-crack of the Lee's 37mm and 75mm guns. Yuuki was loading like a machine, the second a casing fell she instantly put another round in play.

"Commander, the Cromwell and Comet are still firing, we can't get a clear shot on them," Azusa said, watching as another blast from the Char nearly leveled the trees ahead. "If at least one tank breaks from the assault force, we might be able to catch them off guard."

"Negative, we hold here and let the assault squad finish their objective." Scanning the highway, Maho thought she saw something to the south, near the hospital. "Like she said," Maho whispered. "Americans sighted to the south, near the hospital. Turtle team, Hippo team, hold unless you sight enemies on your position. Assault squad, status report?"

"We're almost finished repairing the Type 89," Darjeeling said, sitting atop her turret. Kei and Katyusha were kneeling over a map (Well, Kei was kneeling over a map) pointing with their fingers on the best path to attack from. "We think we have a plan, but it will take time. How long can you hold?"

"Tell them we only have less than half our rounds left," Azusa barked, Yuuki and Saki having to actually stop themselves from moving too quickly.

"Do what you can, we'll buy as much time as possible." Checking the south again, Maho had a better look; the Easy Eight was coming towards them, covered to the rear by the Chi-He. "Easy Eight and Type 1 sighted, you're only dealing with four tanks Darjeeling. Erika, turret left, fifty degrees."

The Tiger made an electric whine as the turret shifted, the massive 88mm nothing short of God's judgment on the coming medium tanks. "Only fire on my word," Maho said. "We can't risk a shell hitting the hospital or missing the enemy."

Erika gripped the trigger, watching as the two tanks closed on their position. The Sherman, for all its flaws, still was a better tank than the Type 1. "They have to be distracting us," Erika thought, as the Sherman grew larger the closer it got. "But with what? Their heaviest tank is still at their bunker, and their light tanks wouldn't be able to do anything against our heavy tanks."

"Commander, movement on our left," Nakajima shouted. "It's the Type 97 and Chaffee, they're moving fast on us!"

"They can't penetrate your armor, calm down," Maho ordered, holding her mic as she scanned around again. "Where's the Pershing?"

"Sounds like things are finally heating up," Yuzu whispered, the Hetzer parked nearly across from the Kabasan shrine. The gun was angled on the intersection to their left, the StuG III placed similarly across the way. "Maybe we should go help them?"

"Commander Nishizumi said to hold our position," Anzu said, happily opening some more dried potatoes. "We don't want to disobey our commander."

"I'm worried though," Momo said. "No one's seen the Pershing, and it's got one of the heaviest guns on the American team."

"We'll be fine," Anzu said, mouth full of dried potato. "Both our best tank killers are here after all."

The blast shook the Hetzer, sending dried potatoes and Momo flying onto Anzu. Two houses behind the shrine, the Pershing's gun was smoking from the shot.

"Commander, we've located the Pershing," Erwin radioed. "We'll take it out now!"

The StuG broke from its position, charging across the intersection as Caesar loaded a shell. The Pershing obliged, moving from the position towards the shrine. A woman in Marine dress blues was on the side of the tank, wings spread out behind her as she held a saber aloft. The turret was named "The Door-Knocker", "Any firefight with us is a big one!" scrawled on the frontal armor.

"The Pershing has a weak engine," Erwin said, grinning fiercely. "We'll take a shot, then run to their rear."

At first, it looked like the Pershing wouldn't be able to move into position in time. Then Saemonza watched as the medium tank suddenly jumped from around the alley, placing the thickest armor straight in the path of the StuG.

"How could they do that?!" Oryou shouted, slamming the brakes. Quickly, Saemonza fired a shot, but again watched as another round went flying away. Oryou tried to reverse, but the Pershing fired again. The deep blast of the 90mm cannon was only matched by the blast when the round slammed head on into the StuG's front armor. The German assault gun shuddered, then the white flag popped up.

"Commander, we were just taken out," Erwin grumbled, Maho's eyes going wide. "Sorry, but our Eastern Front just collapsed."

Erika grinned. "Targets are well within range commander, permission to fire?"

Maho nodded, still staring at the enemy's oncoming attack. "Fire at will, all tanks, fire at will!"

The blasts echoed around the bunker, the two 88mm cannons on the Tigers scoring almost instant hits on the highway. Rubble and smoke poured out ahead of the oncoming American tanks, but the light tanks to the north split, as the medium tanks to the south simply kept charging.

The Cromwell broke from cover, still firing as it went to the left of the M3. "You're not getting away," Aya shouted, her 37mm turret just barely tracking the fast English cruiser. "Firing!" The round took a decent chunk out of the dirt, but the Cromwell just doubled back, making a massive zig-zag around the open field.

"I can't track them," Ayumi shouted. "If we turn the tank then the Comet will definitely get one of us."

"This is the assault team, we're moving again," Darjeeling said, the tanks moving from the intersection near the bank. "We should arrive soon, just- Look out, the Mother Superior's just ahead!" A blast echoed in Akaboshi's radio, Maho staring as the American tanks kept charging.

"Firing!" Erika barked, another shell landing just to the left of the Type 1. "Commander, your orders?"

"Mallard team, move to- " Maho started to give the order, but Sodoko suddenly let out a shout.

"We just got hit from behind," Sodoko cried. "The Pershing's right at the bunker!"

"That fast?!" Erika shouted.

"We can't track them, they're moving too fast!" Nakajima yelled, the light tanks running around like rabbits.

"We're caught in a bottleneck commander, the T30's right behind us!" Katyusha screamed.

The Pershing fired dead into the bunker's firing slits, detonating the tannerite payload. Maho watched as the American tanks finally started to slow down, their crews already jumping out of the hatches.

"Ah man, we lost out of the gate?" Nakajima said, climbing out of the turret. "That's some modifications to the Pershing if it was able to move that fast."

"Hey, you guys okay?" Looking to the left, Nakajima saw the Chaffee driving over, Cadet Fan out of the turret. A massive mountain lion was painted across the length of the turret, "Fullmetal" written on the cannon. Across the front, "My other weapon is the engine!" "That wasn't a bad first match. You positioned yourself pretty well when you realized what you thought we were trying to do."

"Thanks," Nakajima said, smiling as the rest of Leopon team climbed out. "Say, is that Pershing modified? It moved so fast, it was almost unreal."

"Yeah, Winona and Cadet Weber worked on it," Fan said. "What'd you both do with that engine again Winona?"

"A Porsche Tiger," Winona Rockbell said, staring at the Tiger P with great sparkling round eyes, smiling like she'd just seen an angelic vision. "One that actually works, I can't believe you were able to work past the belts to where you have it now."

Leopon team chuckled among themselves. "Actually, it wasn't that hard when you consider that we had better materials to work with than the original designers," Suzuki said. "I mean, when you remember that they had to use pipe fittings at some points?"

"I know, it's a crime," Winona said, smiling as the recovery trucks finally started rolling in to collect the disabled tanks. "Well, we should be getting back to the hangars right?"

"Yeah," Nakajima said, sliding back into the Tiger P. Closing the hatch, she let out a breath. "Man, they didn't seem so cheery a second ago," she said, watching as the two light tanks drove towards the hangars. "It was like they'd lived in Ōarai their whole lives with how the other squad said they were driving around the city.

"Yeah, it was freaky," Tsuchiya whispered. "You think they had some kind of intelligence?"

"They only had the same maps we did," Hoshina said. "There's no way they could have known every street and alley that quickly."

Nakajima leaned back in her chair, watching as the Tiger slowly started to pull away from the highway. "Wonder how the sisters are taking this," she whispered.