ALISA FOWLER
It was a rather pleasant experience not having to deal with a thousand radio messages a second. Alisa's troop had split apart into independent tanks and were scurrying about the battlefield trying to find the enemy. The battle had become more interesting since both sides had drawn blood. On her map she marked the last known locations of the enemy.
They don't normally move, but this might be different.
Alisa's Stuart drove a long ways from the starting zone, scurrying like a racoon from building to building to building. They found several signs of activity from tracks and bullet holes and disturbed piles of rubble, but had yet to find any tanks. After Éclair's emergency Alisa ordered the tank to the top of a parkade where she overlooked a large section of the city.
Inside the tank Alisa's crew was attentively working their stations. Ju had her own map and was taking her own notes, relaying only the important information. Ai was raring to go and made the tank ready to roll down the ramps at a moment's notice. Xun, lastly, kept one hand on the trigger and another on her little red book.
"Anything in Mao's Little Red Book that can help us here?" asked Alisa.
"There is always something useful from the Chairman's wisdom," said Ju, "But that's not his Little Red Book."
Alisa glanced at the characters, "Then what is it?"
"Sun Tzu, The Art of War."
Alisa smiled, "Even better. Éclair, how far from us are you?"
"Look behind you."
Éclair's SOMUA finished its ascent and stopped to cover the exit. Nina and Éclair waved and Alisa returned the gesture.
"See anything on your way here?" asked Alisa as she scanned with her binoculars.
"Nothing, but your tanks are doing very well."
"Thanks. Hey, listen, I want to check and see if Galette's moved at all."
Éclair shook her head, "She wouldn't have. Her stubborn adherence to tradition will keep her from moving."
"But is her dislike of you greater than her love of tradition? I think if she wanted to crush you she'd move."
"Perhaps, but a barrage should dislodge her just as easily."
"Laura," said Ju, "Barrage the town square. No coordinates, just saturate the area."
Excellent, she didn't even wait for an order.
"No can do," replied Laura, "Bonple's crawling across my position right now and if I shoot I'm done."
"Hmm… anything useful in that book Xun?"
Xun was a little surprised by the question. Alisa wasn't usually interested in the subtleties of Xun little red book. Even when they went to see The Romance of Three Kingdoms, Alisa was more interested in the flash and smoke than the lessons of the play.
"Let me see," Xun flipped through the pages, "One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it. If he abandons the camp to contend for advantage the stores will be lost."
Alisa drew a blank, "Anything that's easier to understand?"
"If I may," said Ju, "We have eliminated Lin from the match. Our enemy must be looking to quickly even the odds. And we are two flag tanks. We may be able to bait them away from Laura and into an ambush."
"We might be able to separate them from each other too," said Ai.
"We'll need a plan," said Xun, "And the other tanks."
"How's everybody doing?" asked Alisa to the company.
"Becky here, your friends really saved our skin."
"Sodoko here, looks like we wiped out Wu Wei Shu. The three of us were going to search for the Koala flag tank."
"Change of plans," said Éclair, "We're going for Bonple."
The plan was relatively simple but had a high risk. Three flag tanks would be exposed to enemy fire with the fourth immobile. Éclair and Alisa would pull Bonple down two different parallel streets. Éclair would take her group toward Becky and Wu Wei Shu while Alisa would keep her group busy. Assuming Éclair's mission succeeded all tanks would regroup on Laura and finish off the platoon.
Bonple was advancing down the road toward the city hall. Alisa was hidden behind the building with Éclair across the avenue. Ai was reminding herself what roads to take what turns to make. A single bad step may land them in Galette's little fortress with nowhere to run. Ju was carefully monitoring the radio for any changes in the battlespace. Everyone reported they were ready.
"Let's go," ordered Alisa.
Ai stepped on the pedal and the Stuart rolled into the square. Xun fired a little round and bounced it off the sloped armour of an SU-85. Bonple turned to face the juicy opportunity and was greeted by a shot into their rear. Éclair was moving around the back firing harmless shots at the tanks and quickly darting down the street. Ai shouted the road she was taking and ran just as Bonple fired a round.
"Okay, okay, left turn ahead then straight two blocks," Ai recalled aloud.
"Did they split to chase us?" asked Ju.
Alisa checked behind them. Intimidatingly four tanks gave chase, two SU-85s, Bianca's T-50, and one SU-122. The group could only manage a two-by-two formation and luckily the SU-122 was in the front blocking one of the SU-85s from firing. Alisa could only imagine that Bianca was close behind shouting at her troop to quickly give chase and take down the pesky light tank.
"We got the lion's share of them," reported Alisa, "You guys better make it quick or we're not going to last long. Xun return fire and don't stop. I don't care if you penetrate or not."
"Targeting optics and tracks," said Xun.
"Ai, keep us moving but don't lose them. Ju keep me updated on anything important."
"Understood."
"You got it."
Ai took their Stuart around and around the main streets and avenues. Heavy shells flew all around blowing giant holes into walls and buildings. Stone and debris rained down on the little tank and clattering off the metal hull like rain drops.
"Shit!" shouted Ai.
She jerked the Stuart into another turn nearly tossing Alisa out of the turret. Bonple struggled to match the maneuver.
"What?! What happened?"
"There was a Koala tank in front of us," said Ai, "I – I had to dodge it. I'll circle back."
When they return to the intersection the Australian tank was driving down the road seemingly unaware or unconcerned about the Stuart tank that nearly rammed it. The exchange of fire however quickly drew its attention and its turret turned to investigate.
"That's Koala's flag tank!" exclaimed Alisa, "And it's showing its rear. Xun, turn the turret and engage. Ai chase it down."
"Is that wise?" asked Ju.
"What do you mean?"
The phrase from the Art of War echoed in her head: One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.
"The stake that sticks up must be hammered down," muttered Alisa.
"Pardon?"
"We shouldn't rise above our station," said Alisa, "Our jobs to distract Bonple and that's what we'll do. Still shoot at her Xun, give her a little scare. Ai keep us alive alright."
"You got it!"
Ai took the turn as Xun fired a round at Sheila's tank. It flew high and fell in front of the tank. In the distance they could hear cannons firing and the radio became a flurry of explosions and reports in different languages. Smoke was rising from the streets. The smell of cordite and powder wafted tough the thick smell of gasoline and diesel fumes. Alisa's eyes were burning slightly.
"How are things going over – whoa!"
Ai swerved the tank again to avoid another collision.
"A little warning next time," complained Alisa as she looked back, "Ha! She decided to get us after all!"
Sheila had darted out of the side street and fired a shell hoping to get a lucky hit on their side. Thankfully Ai was on the ball and the round narrowly missed their engine. In trying to get the shot Sheila had cut off Bonple stalling their chase for few seconds.
"How are you guys doing over there?" asked Alisa to the other group.
"Just need another minute or two," said Laura, "We've knocked out a couple but the last are shelling the hell out of the buildings. Jadzia get us out of here before it falls on us."
"Well hurry up. I've got a special present I want to deliver to you."
"It's Sheila isn't it," said Becky as a blast tried to drown her voice.
"You spoiled the surprise."
"Pull them here now," said Éclair, "Fondue move us there. We shall take their rear and end this before the American arrives."
Alisa smiled, "Ai take us to Éclair and the others. We're ending this here and now. Xun shoot to kill, if you can."
The silly chase of tanks ran through the streets like rats in a maze. Ai taunted the troop by slowing and speeding as necessary. Xun's shots bounced off the sloped hulls and bruised Sheila's Crusader.
Ai rounded the corner and rushed down the street into the square. Bonple's tanks were beaten into submission across the square, suffering damage to its front and flanks. Laura had redeployed to another building. The one she took shelter in had collapsed almost completely creating piles of rubble and metal and debris. She was now hidden in the two buildings on the west and east of the square. It was a well-planned crossfire between the tanks, Éclair, Becky, and scurrying Stuarts.
Éclair had her tracks taken off the suspension and was vulnerable in the middle of the square. It seems she had tried to take the flank of an SU-85 but suffered a blow. Becky had taken terrible damage but not enough to knock her out of the fight. It seemed that her turret was jammed and the transmission was battered. The danger of the situation kept them from making the necessary repairs and jumping out and pushing the tank.
"Charge Sheila and knock her out," said Alisa.
Alisa's Stuart rushed into the square and turned around as quickly as it could. As fast as it could it closed the distance with Sheila. The two turrets turned to square a shot into the hulls. Xun squinted as she lined up the shot. The barrels nearly kisses as they passed.
"Got her," said Xun.
Sheila's Crusader missed narrowly, the shell glancing of the top of the turret. Xun landed a perfect shot into the driver's port. The white flag popped. Without missing a beat Ai swung around the tank and out toward the street.
Bonple scrambled to engage any tank in sight. As one turned to face Éclair, Laura's SU-122 loosed a round. The explosion threatened to rip apart the hull. The SU-85 wanted to retaliate but the second large cannon snuffed out its dreams with strike dead centre. Everyone else fired striking true from all sides. With her company annihilated Bianca charged at the nearest tank. Xun fired a round into her tracks and the T-50 became still. Becky and Laura circled to the sides and simultaneously fired ending the little battle. An astounding success with no losses and minimal damage.
"It's just Galette and her group now," said Anasazja, "Let us be like Kuromorimine and overwhelm them with our firepower."
"Are you sure that's the best course of action?" asked Laura.
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Think about it," said Alisa.
"Maginot is experienced, no an expert, in fortified positions and combat," said Anasazja, "To engage them would put us in the same position as Bianca here."
"Let's consolidate our forces and come up with a new plan," said Becky, "All tanks are to return to the park. Wu Wei Shu tanks, please stay with Éclair until she finishes repairs."
"What about us?" asked Sodoko.
"We're in the same area, I trust they'll protect us too."
Alisa cleared her throat, "Just in case… confirm your orders."
"Yes ma'am, we will remain here to protect Becky and Éclair until repairs are complete. After which we will return to the park."
"I would prefer to scout the Maginot position," said the second commander, "With your permission."
"Just don't get shot."
"Understood."
Everyone had gathered in the park and prepared a strong defensive position and camouflaged their armour. Éclair however insisted that Galette would not move, but the others believed it wasn't worth the risk. Sodoko spread out the map on the ground and all the commanders had gathered around.
"Okay, so we think Galette is still in the same place," said Alisa, "But our scout hasn't reported yet so we don't know for sure."
"What if they went to make a new fort somewhere else?" suggested Nina.
"Just what I was thinking," said Becky, "But where would they go? This is a big town with many places to hide."
"Any ideas Éclair?"
"Several," Éclair circled a few places on the map, "These are the places I would prepare a new position. They either have excellent crossfire positions or limited entry and exit points."
"It's all entrapping ground," said Ju.
"Pardon?" asked Éclair.
"It's the type of terrain. While it is a fortress position it is also easy to attack from. I suspect that if she has the advantage she will move to try and finish us, but if we put up stiff resistance when she does, she won't be able to retreat easily."
"Art of War?" asked Alisa.
"Yes, chapter ten is on terrain."
"Hey Xun, can I borrow that book of yours?"
"Hmm, a slight change to our traditional strategy," said Éclair, "Perhaps we should bait her out then. Bonple's armour should be able to withstand our guns."
"It is difficult to provoke battle and unprofitable to engage him in his chosen position," said Laura.
"You've read the Art of War," said Ju with a little surprise.
"And On War. It was part of our compulsory reading when we joined the club," said Laura, "Maho's idea in freshman year if I remember right."
"So we shouldn't attack them. But how do we get them to move?" asked Sodoko, "If we just encircle them this match will go on for the rest of the day."
"What does this say?" asked Alisa pointing to a random verse.
Ju peered at the text, "When senior officers are angry and insubordinate and on encountering the enemy rush into battle with no understanding of the feasibility of engaging and without awaiting orders from the commander, the army is in a state of collapse. I'm not sure how that is useful."
"No that is very useful. Despite my own failings, Galette is not popular with the rest of the team either," said Ecalir, "After the last match the team was unhappy with their performance, and the losses they've suffered here must be frustrating. I believe we can make them collapse."
"How are we going to do that?"
"I think I know where she's going," said Laura, "But if we pull them out I want to make sure they can't go back."
"Hey!" called Annie, "The scout just reported, Galette hasn't moved at all."
"A Heavenly Prison," said Ju pointing to the map, "This right here is a Heavenly Prison from which there is no escape."
"Okay, let's do this."
The company had rolled up to Maginot's fortified position and stopped short of their firing zones. Éclair stood at the head of the formation of French, Chinese, and Australian tanks. Laura's T-50 was also with them, but her self-propelled guns had hidden themselves further away.
"Do you think they can see us?" asked Ai.
"If they do, why aren't they shooting?" said Xun.
"Artillery group, are you in position?" asked Ju, "Éclair, are we prepared to move?"
"Ready and waiting."
"Oui, begin bombardment."
The SU-122s blared behind them and before the rounds went over head the second volley was released. Alisa looked at her watch and counted the seconds to impact.
"I hope they don't fall short," she joked with hint of trepidation.
Ai, hearing those words, eased backward slowly only to be stopped by Ju's stern look.
"When the forth volley falls Alisa and I will go forward and begin attacking," said Éclair.
"And we'll go to our positions," said Sodoko, "We all know our parts."
They waited patiently and the barrage crashed from the heavens. Shells slammed into the buildings exploding within and hurling large chunks around the square. Floors fell on top of each other and started hollowing out the building. Maginot's tanks would survive being crushed but it would be impossible to escape without help. Bright flashes amid the smoke and dust and sometimes sparks from where shrapnel hit metal hulls. Bursts of flame licked the walls. The heat washed over them and the smell of powder and thick dust filled their nostrils.
Alisa ducked into her tank and kicked Ai's shoulder, "Let's go!"
Alisa and Éclair pushed into the trap. Galette's Maginot was out of position, trying to escape the collapsing buildings before they were entombed. Xun and Nina picked the softest targets and fired a round into their sides. A pair of white flags popped. The turrets turned and forced another pair of Renaults to surrender. Galette must have been shouting in the radio because all the tanks seemed to be scrambling into a new fortress rather than going after their attackers.
Another barrage fell and shook Maginot to its core. Xun and Nina's started bouncing rounds off of the thicker armour. Ai and Fondue took the tanks in circles in front of Galette.
"Come on, come on," grumbled Alisa, "Break apart! Break apart dammit! Ju, can you broadcast on all frequencies?"
"Yes, but why?" asked Ju as she tuned the radio.
"Hey Maginot! Are you going to shoot back? Come on, it's just two tanks here. Oh, is the smoke and dust too thick? That's a shame because we're hitting you just fine," taunted Alisa, "How's it feel to be down four tanks without even letting off a shot."
"You can't penetrate our armour," responded a French woman.
"That's fine, we'll just let the bombardment finish you off then. We'll just blow your little fort apart while we have some tea. See you! Thanks for making this easy Galette!"
That seemed to do the trick as Ai turned the tank around to escape, one of Maginot's tanks moved to engage. Ai and Fondue kicked it into high gear and made a break for it while the next barrage fell. When Alisa looked back the entire Maginot group was going after them, with Galette bringing up the rear.
She must be furious that the company broke.
Maginot was firing recklessly as they chased a pair of tanks. Alisa and Éclair ran down a narrow street with barely enough room to run side by side. Ai and Fondue were experts and managed to keep speed without bumping into each other. Maginot had to slow slightly to avoid forcing each other into the buildings but wasn't a large issue. All they had to do was keep shooting straight ahead.
A shell flew past Alisa's head.
Almost there, almost there.
The group was rapidly closing on a three way fork where the road widened. This would be the decisive moment. Alisa and Éclair cleared through the fork and turned around as quickly as they could. When they finished turning Maginot had fully entered the wider road and the cannonade was unleashed. Alisa's alliance hid their tanks within the buildings, hidden alleys, and every nook and cranny they could manage.
Every shot struck true and white flags popped. The survivors started to reverse from the intersection shooting blindly into the alleys. A shot or two glanced of armour inviting retaliation. The French panicked. As they tried to escape back down the road the tanks bumped and grinded against each other, wedging themselves into the tight space. Galette, who was at the rear, found herself sandwiched between two tanks and unable escape. The SU-122s finished off the tanks pinning Galette while Becky and Wu Wei Shu mopped up those still struggling in the intersection.
Éclair swung her tank around the area and came up behind Galette. Nina fired her round into the back of the turret and the match was over.
"Outnumbered three to one and we barely got scratched," said Alisa.
"It was a bit touch and go though," said Ai.
"Nah, not even close."
"If they had massed their forces and came at us head on they would have won for certain," said Ju, "We won because…"
"Because?"
"I believe our methods were better," said Ju, "We were able to work independently while part of the larger company strategy. I believe this allowed us to seize opportunities right away."
"Planning was more coordinated," said Xun.
Alisa relaxed a little bit, "So do you think Lin will finally listen to me?"
Ju nodded, "Yes, so long as it is not outrageous."
The stake that sticks up…
"Don't worry, I don't need to be hammered down."