Always Advancing
A Girls und Panzer fanfic
Part XXIX: The Circus Comes to Town
by Civilis
"Nonna, nice to finally meet you," said Kay warmly, exchanging greetings with her counterpart in advance of the official opening ceremony.
The Saunders command team had joined the Anzio Food Truck brigade and their own Concessions Unit in heading to the viewing area for the match well in advance of the official start time.
"Nice to meet you," replied Nonna, though her tone lacked any warmth.
"We thank you in advance for your hospitality for us and our guests," said Kay, continuing on as if with a friend.
"Was it necessary to bring this… circus?" Nonna gestured to the massive pile of concessions trucks in the visitor parking area, where locals were already lining up.
"I know this isn't your normal Sensha-Do field, and there are a lot of spectators, so we figured you could use the help. Thanks for finding a spot for Anzio's extra truck."
Kay gestured to a bright red Anzio food truck, parked near the main home concession area. It was not one that had been deployed at any of the convoy stops. In fact, it had spent the trip up to Hokkaido on one of the tank transporters under a tarp with a Sherman and some packing material set up by Anzio's prop department to disguise the shape. It had been unloaded and parked with the other food trucks in the dead of night, once the team weather expert had confirmed that the wind direction would be acceptable, and the visitor concession area would be upwind of the main concession area. Unlike the other food trucks, there was no sign indicating what it was selling, just the roman characters SPQR in big gold letters.
"There certainly are a lot of spectators," Nonna admitted.
The stands were full, including those added by a local event company that had just finished adding some extra seating less than an hour before. Many were tank fans, certainly more than had been at the St. Gloriana match earlier in the week. The home section was filled with Pravda students. The arrival of the Saunders school carrier that morning had meant that Saunders students could fill the visitor section. A nearby rise was covered in blue, as it had been turned into a camp by St. Gloriana's observers, who had flown in that morning by flying boat.
On the ground, the Sensha-do Federation camera crew which officially covered the match with the help of the aerial observer planes had been joined by a national sports network camera crew and crews from a couple of the local Sapporo TV stations.
"Was it necessary to cause all this?" Klara asked, from next to her commander. "Sorry, my Japanese is not good," she lied. "[Her shoelace is untied, and her breath smells funny.]"
"She says that Saunders should have spent more time practicing and less time with food," Nonna 'translated'.
"Your Japanese is fine, Klara," Kay replied. "And Yukari wanted me to thank you both for your hospitality when she visited Pravda."
"[Kay is up to something. And where is that girl? Wherever she is, it must be to cause trouble,]" Klara said.
"[We're here, there's no time for her to do anything else, or for us to worry about it. We know where the big American prototype is, the University team has it, so they're messing with us.]" Nonna turned back to Kay, and continued, "She wants to know where Yukari is. With all those videos around, she is becoming popular, but she has a bad reputation."
"Russian must be a compact language," said Kay. "Yukari is over by our barber truck, keeping an eye on her father."
"[This must be some inside joke. Why do they have a barber truck?]" Klara asked, puzzled.
"[Actually, that's real,]" Nonna said. "[I didn't believe it either.]"
It was true. Since finding out about the barber truck, Akiyama Jungouro, professional barber and hairstylist, had insisted that if Saunders was going to do it, they should do it right. The barber truck now had a 'sponsored by Akiyama Barbers' sign, and both of the Akiyamas now insisted on helping run the truck to benefit the team that had taken in their daughter.
Yukari was on her way to join the commanders before the ceremony when she caught sight of a familiar face in the stands among the tank fans and curious locals, and stopped.
"You're Mako's grandmother," she said to the woman. "How is she doing?"
"Are you a friend of hers? If so, you're at the wrong school," said Reizei Hisako.
"A lot of us ended up going to different schools. We're still friends," said Yukari. "We know how much your granddaughter cares for you."
"What's she doing riding around in a tank?" Hisako griped. "Trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Nonna and the rest are good people. They'll look after her," said Yukari, understanding how concerned she was about her only family.
"It must be important to her if she's willing to get up early to practice," the older woman said, "at least that's something."
"It looks like they're about to start, so take care!" said Yukari.
"So, did we learn anything from the handshake ceremony?" asked Kay, as the Saunders team drove out to their start point.
Yukari went over the list of commanders that had been at the ceremony. "Katyusha is commanding something, but she's always a better tactician than field commander. Still, if Nonna can keep her focused, she could be a danger," said Yukari. "Sodoko is also commanding something. She had a Char at Ōarai, but wasn't one of the heavy hitters. She's small, and on the Char she was commander, radio operator, and both gunner and loader for the 47mm cannon, so she's a good fit for one of the small turreted T-34/76s. She probably has her two fellow Discipline Committee members with her."
"And your other friend?" asked Arisa.
"Mako's here, since her grandmother is in the stands, and she's been training," related Yukari. "She was one of the best drivers at Ōarai, easily on par with Yuzu and Tsuchiya, although I can't think of anything Pravda would likely field that she could use to duplicate what those two did for St. Gloriana, especially considering the conditions."
They looked out of the back of the truck that was taking them to the start point. While the road was fine, and the spectator area had been cleaned up, the rest of the field was a muddy mess. The wooded areas were less muddy due to the tree cover, but the sky was overcast and visibility was poor.
"Arisa, go over again what we think the Pravda plan will be," said Kay.
"They will likely attempt to trap us at Ring One or Ring Two, possibly using their flag tank, likely a common T-34/76, codename Elephant, as bait," Arisa said, pointing to the spots marked on the map. "Most of their tanks are T-34/76s, codenamed Dogs, and T-34/85s, codenamed Ponies. They may have a KV-2, codenamed Bear. It's not as dangerous as it looks, powerful but slow, low rate of fire, and low accuracy. The real threat is the Lion, the IS-2, likely commanded by Nonna herself. All reports indicate that Nonna is an excellent gunner, on par with Naomi. Taming the Lion is the top priority from a tactical standpoint, given the likelihood of bait. Don't go chasing the flag until we're sure it's safe."
"Naomi, give us a review of our plan," continued Kay.
"We have two possible sites for the meeting engagement. Ring One, on the main road, at a village and Ring Two on the back road at a campground. Ring One is the most likely point of contact. Kay, your tank, Ringmaster, a M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo, along with our other Jumbo, Strongman, and the five regular Shermans, Clowns One through Five, will head up the main road to Ring One. One of our M4A1(76)W Shermans, Daredevil, along with four M4A3(75)W wide-track Shermans designated Acrobat One through Four will advance to Ring Two in parallel. There's a road, marked on the map as Point Sideshow, connecting the main and back roads. Our third M4A1(76)W, Juggler, and my Firefly, Tamer, will wait there as rearguard. The idea is to spot their bait. If, as we anticipate, the bait is at Ring One, Daredevil's team heading to Ring Two will cross over from there and engage from the flank. If the bait's at Ring Two, Strongman Team will head through Ring One to another connecting road at Point Egress, then head across and engage from the rear."
"And I'll be in the rear with my M4A1(76)W, Barker, our flag tank, safely away from stray gunfire," added Arisa. "Whose idea was the circus theme, anyway?"
"Your comment yesterday gave me the idea," said Kay, "and Nonna used the same term to describe our food trucks. I wonder if they've caught wind of our little stunt back at the staging area yet."
"What is that smell?" said one of the Pravda students in the stands, just after the official match start was announced, as the red and blue blocks moved across the screen.
"It looks like it's coming from that food truck," said another, holding her nose.
"Get an Anzio History Club Special Lunch!" the girl at the truck called.
"I thought Anzio was supposed to have good food," the first Pravda girl said, trying not to gag.
"Natsumi said that their other trucks smell much better. She's down there eating lunch at the visitor side," her friend said, getting up. "I think I'm going to join her."
At the stall, Caesar pouted, watching the Pravda students headed for the other concession area. "Come on, we're not that bad as cooks."
"Admit it, we are," said Oryou. "Who would actually eat one of our lunches?"
"Hello? I'd like to order a lunch!" said a familiar voice from outside the truck.
"See?" said Caesar turning to the truck's window. "We'd be happy to ma…" She stopped in mid sentence.
"In fact, seeing the lines down there, can I order a bunch for my friends?" said the girl at the window. "What is the Anzio History Club Special Lunch?"
"It's Sashimi and Spätzle over Yakisoba on top of a bed of croutons, parmesan cheese, egg, anchovies, and romaine lettuce," said Caesar. "Actually, the other trucks have much better food…"
"Oh that sounds good! Everyone was worried it would take forever to get lunch. I'll take six!" said Darjeeling, looking pleased.
"This is Acrobat One," came the voice over the radio in Ringmaster. "We are at the edge of Ring Two. Two Dogs just entered the ring, and there's a Pony behind them. Looks to be a blocking force."
"Hold position for now, Daredevil Team," came Arisa's reply. "Strongman Team is almost at Ring One."
From the top of Ringmaster tank, Kay and Yukari scanned the small village that was Ring One.
"Looks empty," said Kay. "Do you think they're at Ring Three?"
"I see a Dog," said Yukari.
"Where?" said Kay, looking over in Yukari's sector.
"The small house in the back, on the left side."
"I see it as well. And there's another, just popping up two houses to the right. Looks like it… it's a Pony." Kay grabbed the microphone. "Ringmaster here. Animal elements are arriving at the back of Ring One. So far, looks like one Dog, one Pony."
"Roger, Ringmaster. Strongman Team, advance cautiously, engage if you have a shot. We want Ring One, but be careful. Barker out."
The six Saunders tanks began advancing into the village, using the buildings for cover.
"Clown Three! A Pony on the right edge of the village! Engaging!"
The sound of tank fire reached Yukari's ears, first one or two shots, then more and more. Reports filtered in as the Saunders team began a fight with about five T-34s.
The radio crackled to life. "Barker here. Daredevil, clear Ring Two, leave someone to cover the road to Point Egress, then move to flank Animal elements at Ring One."
"Rodger, Barker. Daredevil Team advancing. Daredevil out."
Yukari watched the battle advance. Both sides moved cautiously, covering each other as they moved from position to position, trying to outflank each other.
Yukari watched as a T-34/85 peeking around one of the houses managed to get a knock-out blow on Clown 2. It started forward, only to be caught by Clown 1 as soon as it moved out of the protection of the house. A round from the Sherman's cannon slammed into the Pravda tank's side hull, sending forth a cloud of smoke and causing a white flag to pop out.
"Ringmaster here," said Kay on the radio. "Remember that they carry external fuel tanks. If they go up in flames, make sure it wasn't a fuel tank hit, as they can survive that."
In the middle of the village, Strongman advanced toward the Pravda forces. Two T-34/76s opened up, only to have their shells bounce harmlessly off of the Sherman Jumbo's reinforced front armor.
Stongman took aim and sent a shot from its 76mm cannon into one of the Pravda tanks, knocking it out.
"Clown One here. Watch yourself, Strongman, they might be trying to flank you," came a voice on the radio.
"Roger, Clown One." The tank fired at the other T-34, but the Pravda tank was already withdrawing.
"Clown Four here, looks like they're regrouping behind the village."
Yukari caught some movement in the trees. "Kay, check the woods behind the town," she pointed out to her commander.
Kay, after scanning over the area with her binoculars, grabbed the radio. "All units in Ring One, Lion and Bear are in the woods behind the village. Ringmaster out."
Arisa came on the radio. "Tamer, Juggler, advance to Ring One to support Clown Team."
"Tamer here, we're moving," came Naomi's voice.
"This is Acrobat Two. Acrobat One is out, and Acrobat Three threw a track. I'm leaving Three behind to watch our back. We're following Daredevil to Ring Two. Two Dogs, One Pony eliminated."
"Nice work, Acrob…" anything further Arisa had to say was lost in a sudden massive blast from the village.
"What was that?" came another voice.
"This is Clown One. I… the tank, I mean, is pinned under the rubble of one of the houses," came a frantic, scared voice. "If I had ducked any later…"
"It's the KV-2! They're shelling the village!" came another voice.
"Ringmaster here," came Kay's calm voice. "Lion is advancing, and has Animals with her. Watch for Bear, and don't bunch up. I am heading around the edge to catch the Lion. All tanks, button up."
Yukari dropped into the tank alongside Kay, as Ringmaster started forward.
Another massive blast could be heard through the tank's hull.
"Strongman here… looks like they're trying to get us with the Bear."
"Clown Four. We got a Dog, but the 85 behind it knocked us out."
"Clown One, the IS… the Lion is in the village. I don't think they know I'm operational. I think I have a…" there was a bang, "ok, that didn't work. Crap, they see…" there was a massive thump on the radio. "Clown One knocked out."
There was another massive explosion in the town, and moments later, the side of Ringmaster shook with a rain of debris.
"This is Strongman, I see the Lion. I'm about two streets up… and it sees me." There was a bang on the radio, and the sound of a shell casing clattering through the turret. "A 76 round from the front only made it angry. Backing off!"
"Roger, Strongman, I'm headed that way," said Kay.
"This is Daredevil. I see the Bear. Attempting to tame," came a welcome voice on the radio.
"Nice work, Daredevil," said Arisa. "Juggler, Tamer, status?"
"Approaching the town," said Naomi, "but the whole place is a cloud of smoke."
"This is Strongman, I'm pinned by rubble behind me, and the IS is lining… it missed! Firing…" another bang and clatter on the radio, "still haven't stopped it!"
"Roger, Strongman, almost there," said Kay.
Ringmaster's gunner fired, and yelled "scratch one Pony!" Yukari slammed another shell home in the breech.
"Strongman, knocked out!" came the call.
"Lion, targeted!" called Kay's gunner.
"Fire!" yelled Kay. Ringmaster rocked from the shot, and the shell ejected into the turret.
"Woo!" yelled the gunner. "Got em!"
Kay, grinning, grabbed the radio. "Ringmaster here, the Lion is…"
There was a massive impact from the rear of the tank, shutting down Ringmaster's systems. Yukari, in the process of picking up a shell, lost her balance and slammed into the front of the turret.
"Ringmaster knocked out!" yelled Kay into the radio. "What the hell was that? Is everyone okay?"
She turned to her crew, and caught sight of Yukari, slumped against the side of the turret. "Yukari, you okay? Yukari?"
"Yukari? Yukari?" came a familiar voice.
Yukari slowly opened her eyes, and found herself staring at the floor of the turret. "What… what happened?" she moaned, as she picked herself up.
Around her, the Sherman was empty and silent. Light poured in from the open hatches above.
"Yukari!" came the strangely familiar voice, again, from outside the tank.
Strangely, there was no noise from outside the tank. She climbed out the loaders hatch and looked around. The village was peaceful, as if the battle hadn't occurred.
"Yukari!" came the voice again, a girl's voice, cheerful and confident.
Yukari looked over the edge of the turret. Standing next to the Sherman was a familiar girl in an Ōarai tanker's uniform, smiling up at her.
"Miho!?"
Next: Part XXX: Dreams of Past Futures
Authors Notes: I hope you like cliffhangers... next chapter should be up in a couple of days.
