ALISA FOWLER
The members of the mechanical group started to back away from Alisa. Whenever they tried to return to their work Alisa would jump right between them and try to start up a conversation. Each time the mechanical team would say something in Mandarin and try to get back to work.
"Come on now," said Alisa in English, "I'm just trying to be friendly. Surely you can spare just a moment. I mean if you're going to be taking care of our tanks I want to make sure we also take care of you. Know what I'm saying?"
The mechanical group leader stepped past Alisa and started talking with Jun. The mechanic accented her words with wild gestures and big expressions. Jun nodded and tried to calm the girl down.
"Alisa we really should not bother them," said Jun, "They have to complete all the repairs before next period and if you keep at it they won't make it."
"Before next period eh? Then let me help out."
Alisa clambered up an M3 Stuart and took a look at the inner workings. Like with the other school ships with tankery teams, maintenance and repairs were conducted by a different club. But the tankery team also had to know at least the basics about their armour. Breakdowns, knocked out tracks, and other small nuisances occurred on the battlefield and it was up to the crew to bring their tank up to working order on short notice.
"So we're just doing basic maintenance right?" Alisa grabbed a wench, "Should be easy enough. You haven't started on this one right?"
Alisa quickly took to task. The mechanical team stared slightly surprised and slightly annoyed but pleased nonetheless. Their group leader ordered them back to work before continuing to chat with Jun. The two were constantly looking over their shoulders.
"Alisa, since you're so adamant in helping, they would like you only to do the bare minimum for the tank and for only this tank," said Jun.
Alisa popped out of the cupola, "Why just this tank? What's the problem?"
A girl dressed in a grey utilitarian suit and a white armband with red characters. She waved a clipboard and began shouting at Alisa and Jun. She stomped her feet and fumed. The mechanical team shrank behind their work trying to avoid the gaze of the raging woman.
"Get out of the tank. Get out of the tank!" said Jun.
"What's her problem?" asked Alisa.
"She's part of the public order committee. I'll try to explain what happened and we might get off with a warning."
"A warning? What for? We were just helping out."
The public order officer started yelling at Alisa, even though they couldn't understand each other. Alisa crossed her arms and stood her ground. If she knew what was going on she may as well have started yelling back. But other than some loud noise there was really nothing that could hurt her.
Jun started translating, "She's saying that we shouldn't be interfering with other club's activities."
"We weren't, we were just lending a hand."
"I explained that to her, but she reminds me about the rule about keeping clubs separate at all times unless we properly arrange joint work," said Jun, "She's also saying that since we stayed here so long that our itinerary is now off schedule."
"How does that matter?"
"Now she says that your uniform, hair, and other matters are not according to school code."
"What's wrong with my hair?"
"It violates school dress code!" shouted the officer, "Hair is to be worn down or in a ponytail without accessories. The hem of your skirt is too short and your student ID must be visible on the shoulder or the chest."
After a couple more sentences Jun stopped translating. Alisa just nodded and rolled her eyes as the lecture continued. She soon began berating the mechanical group leader for allowing the tankery team to participate in their activities. The mechanic quickly shot back, yelling just as loudly and furiously as the officer. Alisa got in the way and pushed the two apart as Jun quickly tried to defuse the situation. After some very heated exchanges Jun was able to get everyone off with just a warning.
"Alisa we must really continue on our activities."
Alisa watched the officer storm off.
"Yeah, sure."
Jun continued to show every part of the facilities and campus. Not a stone was unturned. Alisa's escort was extra diligent in after the fiasco with the mechanical group. Jun made certain that Alisa would not touch anything the other clubs were doing and keeping her eyes peeled for the public order committee. When all was done the summer classes had been dismissed and the horde of student flooded the campus. Jun led Alisa through the flood and back toward the garages.
The team snapped into orderly lines before their tanks as soon as Alisa stepped into the garage. Lin beckoned Alisa to her. A large map was pinned to a board with pins pressed into strategic locations.
"So, what's the plan for practice?" asked Alisa.
"One moment please," said Lin as she turned to her team, "Salutation, bow, be seated."
The team greeted their commander professionally and followed the other instructions with precision.
"If you recall we were supposed to have a practice match between you and me. This is the area we will be skirmishing in."
"I see," said Alisa examining the map.
The area was to the west of the campus. It was a mix of hilly terrain, dense forests, bamboo fields, and several small streams. A few bridges allowed for quick crossing though the marked streams could be forded without much hindrance.
"Alright," Alisa faced the team and put her hands on her hips, "Let's pick teams. Do you want to go first or should I?"
"I've already made the teams," said Lin, "You will be in command of the M3 Stuarts and the T-28s. I will take the BT-7s. I apologize but our team composition makes it difficult to split symmetrically."
"Eh, don't worry about it," said Alisa, "Let's get this skirmish started! Yeah!"
Alisa cheered and pumped her fist in the air. Lin smiled uncomfortably while the team started whispering amongst themselves. Alisa felt like she stood out like a sore thumb with her big grin, boisterous shout and strong pose.
"Okay let's try that again," she laughed nervously, "One two three, yeah!"
"YEAH!" jumped Ai, who was quickly pulled down by Ju.
"We'll have to work on that, I guess. So, Lin, shall we get started?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes," said Lin, snapping out of her little trance, "Stand, bow, good luck everyone. Everyone, to your tanks. Move to starting positions!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Wu Wei Shu put on their helmets and rushed to their tanks. With rehearsed precision they took to their stations and started the engines. In good order the tanks left the hangar two by two without any incident. Lin's group was the first to depart with their commander in the lead. Alisa's team waited for their commander to lead the way.
Ju Jing, Ai Huan, and Xun Shui gathered around their Stuart and revved the engine. Alisa climbed onto the tank and was about to step in.
"Aren't you going to change, Yankee?" asked Ai.
Ju chopped the back of her head, "She is your commander. Show the proper respect."
Alisa was still dressed in the red Chinese shirt and black bottoms and shoes. The rest of the crew was in their thick practical tankery uniforms.
"Eh, it'll be fine," said Alisa, "I'll just wash it after practice. You doing alright, Xun?"
"I am just fine," said Xun gripping the gun controls.
"Alright, let's get going," Alisa popped out of the turret and waved, "Roll 'em out!"
The group rolled out at marching pace in parade fashion. Commanders stood out of their turrets perfectly straight like tin soldiers. Alisa's tank led them across a stream and into a dense wood. They were several kilometers away from Lin's group and several terrain obstacles were in the way. Alisa scanned the map trying to guess where the enemy would be.
"Ms. Fowler are you prepared?" asked Lin.
Alisa tapped the map, "Whenever you are."
Lin launched a red flare into high into the air. It burst in a brilliant red star marking the start of combat.
"Ai, take us to Point Able as fast as you can. Boot it!"
Ai smiled widely, "You got it!"
Ai threw the Stuart into gear and gave it everything she could. The tank lurched forward and sprinted out of the woods. Alisa nearly fell down from the sudden surge. She glanced over her shoulder to check the formation.
"What the?"
Her group remained perfectly still in the trees. Not a single tank had bothered to even move an inch from their starting positions.
"Hold up," ordered Alisa, "Why aren't they moving?"
"They haven't received any orders," said Ju, "What would you have them do?"
"Follow us," said Alisa slightly baffled, "Quickly."
The troop sprung forward and formed into a wedge formation. Turrets turned to cover the flanks as they wheeled and turned with the commander. Alisa tapped on the map with her pencil.
"Okay, here's what we're going to do," said Alisa spitting out her pencil, "T28s hold position at grid Dog 5-2. My tank will hold position at Able 1-0. The other two Stuarts split up and search for the enemy."
"The Stuarts wish to know what the patrol pattern will be."
"Sweep across the rivers and the woods. Move at your own pace and pick your own pattern," Alisa peeked out of the cupola, "Alright, move it out!"
The tanks peeled off from the formation and sped to their positions. Ai took the tank deep into a bamboo wood. A small cottage and garden served as their headquarters. The T28s reported that they reached their point shortly after Alisa. The Stuart tanks regularly reported their positions much to Alisa's annoyance.
"Hey girls, I don't need a status report every time you pass into a new grid area. Just let me know when you spot the enemy alright?"
"Understood commander."
The minutes passed slowly with Alisa drawing lines across the map. The heat was starting to make them sweat and the tank started to become unbearable. They opened the hatches and let the air in. Alisa listened to the world around her. The idling engine didn't seems to scare the birds from their nests nor to frighten the little critters up the bamboo shafts or trees. A cool breeze made the grass wave peacefully and kissed the sweat on her face.
"Hey, Yankee!"
Alisa jumped from Ai's sudden call. Little Ai took a small chop to the back of her head from Ju before climbing onto the deck.
"What's up, Ai?"
"Any places like this back in the United States?"
"Not exactly. We've got a few big forests and botanical gardens, but nothing quite like this. It's nice. Really serene. Hey, you ever been to the States?"
Ai shook her head, "Nope, but I've read a bit. It seems really exciting."
I think Kei would love you.
"Tell you what, if you ever come State side look me up. I'll show you a good time."
Ai's eyes lit up, "Really? Really, really?"
"Yeah, defeinitely."
"You hear that, Xun, Ju? We can head to the States and we'll even have a guide!"
"Sounds great," said Xun in a monotone, "Just a matter of getting the money to travel then."
"Don't forget the visas and permits," reminded Ju, "There is a lot of work required to travel, Ai."
Ai stuck out her tongue, "You always have to bring me down."
"So what do you girls do when you're not in practice or classes?" asked Alisa to Ju and Xun, "I already know Ai's hobby is learning about the U.S.A."
"I do more than that!"
"I read," said Xun, "Chinese classics, mostly."
"How about you, Ju?"
"I think we should stay focused on the match," she said, "We can discuss our hobbies later."
"Oh come on," said Alisa, "We're just making small talk. Nothing major is happening yet."
"Commander, commander! This is Tank 03. All five enemy tanks are crossing our field of fire. Request permission to fire."
"Of course you have permission to fire," ordered Alisa, "Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Ai, get us to them right away."
"You got it, Yankee!"
"Xun do I have to order you to shoot?"
"No, I get your meaning. Please help me load when you can."
"Got it."
"What are the orders for the other tanks?" asked Ju.
"They should've got the same message," said Alisa buttoning up, "Hurry, hurry! We should be able to surround them."
Alisa's Stuart took position behind the T28s, out of line of sight. She popped out of the turret and examined the area with her binoculars. The T28s had formed a rudimentary defense along the river on both sides of the bridge. Lin's tanks were on the other end taking cover in the bamboo field. Shells flew back and forth, red tracers arcing over the stream. Puffs of smoke revealed the enemy positions but mixed with bursts of dust from the impact.
"Five hundred meters, give or take," said Xun, "Open fire?"
"Don't have to ask," said Alisa, "Ai, take us west of here to the other bridge. We'll swing around and hit them in the butt."
"Roger."
"Ju, tell the T28s to hold their position and keep firing. And tell them to use their machine guns to keep them buttoned up. I don't want them to see us moving."
"Understood."
"Xun –"
"I am firing."
Xun pulled the trigger. The pop gun 37mm shot into the bamboo field through a puff of smoke. Sparks flew as it glanced off and soared up into the air.
Xun frowned, "I thought I had it."
"Don't worry about it. You'll get the next one."
Alisa popped out of the turret once more to take in the situation. Her tanks were holding surprisingly well considering they hadn't budged and inch. Scratches and blemishes and filth marred the paint. They followed orders to the letter spraying an overwhelming volume of fire into the tall concealing grass.
"Something is off," muttered Alisa.
She focused more intently on the blasts originating from Lin's line. She listened for the sound of the cannon blast.
"Only two are shooting."
"What was that?"
"Only two tanks are shooting!"
The shots rained around Alisa's little Stuart from across the stream. Lin led two others in a wide flanking maneuver along the same lines as Alisa. Xun returned fire, smashing the tracks of one of the BT-7s. Ai started taking evasive maneuvers.
"Dammit! Where are the other Stuarts?"
"They are still on patrol," said Ju calmly.
"What?! Are you serious? What are they doing way out there?!"
"They were carrying out your orders to patrol the area," said Ju, "I shall recall them to our position. Where is the rendezvous?"
"Back with the T28s. Ai, turn us around. Xun try and hit them."
"Tank 04 and Tank 05, return to the T28s. Fire at will. Targets in bamboo."
"Understood! ETA ten minutes!"
Ten minutes? We might not last that long.
CLANG!
A round glanced off the side of the turret. Xun turned around and returned the favour. The little shell bounced off the top. Three shells responded for each Xun returned. Ai turned and weaved the tank as best she could without sacrificing speed. The formation of tanks rumbled across the plain defacing it with craters and tracks.
When they arrived at the T28s the situation hadn't changed. Two sides were still blasting away at each other from across the stream. Lin dropped back into her turret and within moments her other two tanks spurred into action. The BT-7s drove out of the bamboo and attempted to ford the river. The T28s turned their turrets and fired. Seventy-six millimetre rounds crashed into the front of one BT-7. A white flag popped out of the turret signalling its final breath.
As Alisa's tanks turned to attack the second tank, their target fired. A white flag popped out of a T28 as the round hit its turret.
"Xun, hit the one in the stream," ordered Alisa, "Ju, get that T28 to get the ones behind us."
"Roger!"
Xun rapidly turned the turret and pulled the trigger as it spun. The shot seemed to skid across the air and hang. The shot slammed into the armour beside the barrel shattering the optics. A white flag popped out just as the gunner fixed her sights in the retreating T28.
"Ai spin us around as soon as we pass the T28."
"Alisa, the other Stuarts have arrived."
The pair of light tanks rumbled in from Lin's rear much to her dread. The T28 roared and landed a shot beside Lin. Lin ordered her tanks to reform and shield her from the fire.
"All tanks, focus fire on the flag tank! Fire at will!"
Alisa's troop fired simultaneously. Four red hot tracers soared through the air. Three crashed into Lin's escort and blew their engines. Black smoke spewed out of the hatches nearly concealing the white flags. Lin cursed as Xun's shot landed dead centre.
Alisa let out a relieved sigh and dropped down into the tank. She let a smile beam across her face and she began to giggle. Her hands were shaking and she felt a little bit chilled.
"Good work everyone. That was close."
"All teams commence field repairs," Lin's voice cracked over the radio calmly, "Mechanical group begin recovery operations. Commanders please come to my tank for field debriefing."
The commanders were dirtied and sweaty. Their hair was matted down from the helmets. Alisa took her spot beside Lin who had taken out a piece of chalk from her pocket. Lin created a rudimentary map of the area on the side of her tank rather than having the commanders reference the piece of paper and guess what she meant.
"As usual both sides executed orders to the letter and maintained discipline in every circumstance," began Lin, "Use of the terrain was acceptable. And if I may say, Alisa did very well considering this area is completely new to her. I would like to go over the strategies of the two teams. Alisa, would you like to go first?"
"No thank you. By all means after you."
"Soviet tank group's primary strategy was to set an ambush on the most likely spot of crossing. Using the bamboo wood the smaller BT-7s could conceal themselves while keeping the bridge in range," Lin drew on the tank, "Fields of fire were as such. Unfortunately the enemy force we encountered was much smaller than we had anticipated. Without knowing where the enemy was I led a flanking mission to eliminated the T28s and allow the group to reform. Alisa, would you please?"
"Huh? Oh, right," Alisa cleared her throat, "Our strategy was pretty simple. Like you, I determined that a particular crossing would be strategic. However, a team can't rely only on one assumption. So I sent our heaviest tanks to protect the bridge. The flag tank, i.e. me, hid ourselves safely to the rear while the other Stuarts searched for you. And well the rest is tactics and history."
One of the commanders raised their hand, "I would like to know how you managed radio contact and coordinated all the movements while you own tank was engaged."
"Yes, I noticed that as well. Unit cohesion is very difficult to coordinate when tanks are so spread out," said Lin, "How did you manage?"
Alisa rubbed the back of her neck, "Well it was much harder than I thought. Back at Saunders you'd have a set of orders but the tanks commanders can make their own decisions. I expected the Stuarts to quickly come back around as soon as they heard we found you."
"You two," Lin pointed to the commanders, "Why didn't you engage us immediately?"
The commanders stood at attention and saluted.
"We did not receive orders, ma'am. Our orders were to patrol the area for enemy movement. After Commander Alisa engaged we continued on our patrol routes."
"I see," said Lin neutrally, "Very good."
"And there was another incident where the T28s didn't open fire as soon as they saw you."
A T28 commander stood up, "Ma'am, we did not have orders to open fire at will. Upon sighting the enemy we radioed for permission."
"That's true," said Alisa, "But still strange."
"Strange? How so?"
"Well, I don't think you need permission to decide if it's okay to shoot," said Alisa with a shrug.
"But what if you're setting an ambush?"
"The tank commander should be able to make that decision on the spot. If you have a good shot they'll tell you to take it, if not they'll say to hold. You don't need a company commander to say 'yes' or 'no'."
"That goes against company doctrine," said the T28 commander.
"How did the crew perform, Alisa?" asked Lin changing the topic.
"Pretty good," Alisa smiled, "They know what their jobs are and they do them very well. Xun's a good shot and Ai moved the tank like she'd been driving it for years. And I couldn't ask for a better radio op and advisor than Ju."
Several recovery vehicles rolled into the area and put the tanks on to flat beds. The mechanical group started taking inventory of the damages.
"We will continue with a full debriefing back on the campus," Lin issued new orders, "Those with functional tanks are to return them to the mechanical hangars for maintenance and repairs. Those whose tanks were knocked out are to join the mechanics in their vehicles. Reconvene after supper. Alisa, if you don't mind I'd like to speak with you privately."
"Yeah, no problem."
After rolling the tanks into the hangar, and steering clear of the mechanics' work, Alisa followed Lin to a small office. A pair of Chinese lions guarded her office door. Inside a large redwood desk with a red velvet seat awaited. A pair of large scrolls with beautifully drawn characters flanked the desk. To the left was a small circular tea table with a pair of wooden chairs. The room was illuminated by a bloom of lamps enclosed by decorated paper. The same designs were along the floor and headboards.
Alisa plopped herself into the seat, "So, what's up?"
Lin took her seat and shot a hard glare at Alisa. She opened a drawer and pulled out several sheets of paper. A large stamped seal covered the corner bearing similarity to the armband of the public order officer.
"It appears you had a little incident with the Public Order Department," said Lin coldly, "Care to explain?"
Alisa raised an eyebrow, "Was it really a big deal? I just went to help the mechanical team with maintenance."
"The problem is that you interfered with the daily activities of another club. In accordance with school rules, clubs are to remain segregated unless they have approval to conduct joint exercises," said Lin, "In addition the Public Order Deparment lists several other infractions from the state of your uniform, to conduct, to your hair."
"What infractions? What's wrong with my hair?"
"Didn't you read the student handbook?"
"I glossed over it."
Lin sighed, "You need to read that, Alisa. I realize that in America things are done differently but this is China. The sun may set where you come from, but this is where it rises."
I thought that was Japan.
"You are lucky Ju was with you. She was able to convince them that since you are a foreigner you were still adapting to time here. If it weren't for her, your punishment would be much worse. Please, read the student handbook. It is very important."
"I'll read it tonight. So, was that it? Just to go over the school rules and how I broke them?"
"No," Lin tucked the papers away, "I'd also like to discuss any suggestions you have to improving our team. After seeing us in action I'm sure you have a few points."
Far more than a few.
"Well first off you've got far too much riding on the commander," said Alisa, "I shouldn't have to approve every order to fire or tell you how to move or how to react to the enemy."
"Centralized command is critical to our tactical doctrine," said Lin, "How about our formations? Are there any issues with those?"
"From what I saw you're pretty much using standard formations just like the other schools but they're tighter than usual."
"It is easier to issue commands when tanks are closer and if we're in ambush I can communicate with hand signals rather than speaking. We've heard rumours of a team using radio interception equipment to break apart their opponent's plans."
"Yeah… I've heard about that too. Heh, heh, heh…"
"But I suppose that such a tight formation would inhibit movement," conceded Lin, "I'll take steps to loosen it. Can you make a suggestion?"
"Yeah. Here's one we use at Saunders," Alisa picked up a pencil and paper, "Something like this would work better. Since all your tanks are light it would be better to spread out like this to make it easier to surround the other team."
Lin examined the picture, "This is very spread out. I'll have a hard time managing the sections. Instead of three sections could it be reduced to two sections of five?"
"That kind of defeats the purpose. Odds are one of your forces would be engaged and the other would only be able to take one flank. You want to take three sides at once. Front, left, and right."
"I don't see this being particularly effective with a centralized command structure," said Lin.
"I'll tell you what, I'll prove that is a better formation. Do you have a training ground with dummies?"
"We can set one up to the west. I'll need to send the request for use to the Student Council Grounds Committee. It can be done in… two days."
"Two days, huh?"
BING! BONG! BING! BONG!
"All club activities are dismissed for the day," reported Lin, "I guess this concludes our meeting for the day."
"Awesome," Alisa stretched out, "So, I guess I can spend the rest of the day relaxing. I'll be in my room catching up with Saunders. Where is my room by the way?"
"Hold on," said Lin, "You still have to do your punishment for violating school rules?"
"Punishment? Are you serious?"
"Quite. This way."
Lin took Alisa across the campus through an ocean of students. She thought she caught glances of her temporary team mates but she couldn't tell for certain. They walked through a back door where steam and smoke wafted out of a chimney. The air was filled with smells and a strange humidity. A familiar face was inside.
"Ju!"
Ju turned around slightly surprised. A long white apron wrapped around her standard red and black school uniform. She tied back her hair into a pony tail. Fire licked at the bottom of her wok as she stir fried the meat and vegetables inside. Around her were many, many more students frying, roasting, and undertaking the thousand other tasks related to cooking. The kitchen was a boisterous affair with everyone seemingly yelling at each other to get things done.
Lin passed Alisa an apron, "Please tie your hair back as well."
"Oh, what are you doing here?" asked Ju flipping the contents of her work perfectly.
"The Public Order Committee has seen fit to punish Alisa by making her work the kitchens tonight," said Lin, "Please take care of her."
"Yes ma'am!" Ju handed Alisa the wok, "Have you ever cooked before?"
"Does toast count?"
"Oh boy."
Alisa stirred the contents. Beef mixed with soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, ginger and other savoury ingredients. The sweet and salty smell made her mouth water. Lin started chopping vegetables at an amazing rate. The knife and cutting board sounded like a typewriter of an inspired novelist. When Alisa looked away to plate by the time she looked back a new pile of vegetables were ready for her and the next batch was halfway done.
"Sorry," said Alisa.
"What for?" asked Ju.
"Looks like I got you into a bit of hot water too," Alisa plated another dish, "Sorry. Guess we shouldn't have bothered the mechanics."
"Oh no, I didn't get into any trouble."
"Then why are you here?"
Ju smiled, "Because I love to cook. Remember you asked what my hobbies where? This is it."
"Wow, so you cooked our lunch?"
"No, but I always try to make it to dinner when I can."
"Hey! You two stop chatting! We need another order up, quick!"
"Right! Right!" Ju handed Alisa the knife, "Here, can you cut those up? I'll take over from here."
"Okay."
The next hour was an exhilarating affair as more and more food was demanded. The kitchen was a madhouse with people scurrying about every open space carrying dishes and pots. Servers popped in and out with empty dishes for washing which was immediately undertaken by the washing crew. Though it was chaos everything was well ordered and organized. Each section had a particular job and the head chef issued orders and moved her staff wherever it was needed.
Alisa was sweating profusely in the kitchen heat. Her arms got tired from the unending chopping and her legs were exhausted as she moved from station to station delivering ingredients. By the end of dinner she was completely exhausted.
"Ahhh… it's finally over," said Alisa dropping into a dining room chair.
"Not quite," said Ju.
Alisa's eyes widened, "There's more?"
The kitchen staff walked out of the doors with plates and bowls filled with food. They laid it down on the tables and removed their aprons.
"Now it's our turn," said Ju.
Alisa's stomach rumbled having forgotten to remind her during the part time job.
"Awesome!" she cheered as she grabbed a plate, "Hey, pass me that one there! What's that one? Oh, that looks good. Anyone got a fork?"