Pravda was methodically making its way into the town through the harassing fire from Transcendence. Street by street advancing with each house and street corner, providing what little cover for their lead to advance. A moment of silent pause would emerge to be erased by a furious exchange with tracks tearing into concrete as they made an advance only to regress or hold newfound positions.
It was at the third phase line designated by Kaiser, in which he and Virtanen reconvened with the main force. As the fire spread south and the Senshado federation sent specialists to contain it Kaiser sat on the outside of the Panzer IV leaning inside of the gunner's hatch.
Pravda was advancing on the second phase line, of which Natalya was regressing. Kaiser had designated five-phase lines throughout the city, each of which holding the best fields of fire, defense, and avenues of approach he could hastily assemble. Large open main streets, parks, empty lots, all made use in their defense in depth.
The first of which being the opening ambush. The elder Frost sibling had been disabled transitioning to the second phase line and as Natalya held the second Knight had proceeded to the third to help her follow his tail. Sokolov meanwhile had been displacing and supporting them always further back if not at the next phase line. Virtanen's Panther, however, lay in hiding around the fourth phase line in the city's Southeastern quarter for the moment.
Katyusha had been no fool, however. She was aware of elastic defenses and the possibility of being pincered and encircled. Even if she barely held the numbers advantage she made use of it. Each vehicle covered the advance of the next against the single defenders she "undoubtedly" knew were merely buying time.
Not wanting to give fate the chance her team advanced quickly with little to no error. Their Progress was moving smoothly, unnerving her as much as it did transcendence's cadets. Thankfully for the crews who had no idea what their leaders were thinking they made use of the average error here and there. Such as when The enemy's KV-8 appeared before the Panzer IV's sights.
"Now you already know how to measure the distance in bars and your commander has given you the distance however if an enemy appears and you do not have time to set a distance you can either fire with an estimation and adjust the sight as so or your commander can have designated locations that you have distance's preset for" Explained Kaiser over the shoulder of Knights gunner.
The girl sat tense and awkwardly trying to slip a word in only to be interrupted. Kaiser felt Knight staring daggers into the back of his head while his crew glanced back and forth at him and the KV-8 slowly turning toward them. "Now that KV is at the bakery, exactly 200 meters from here, aim two bars higher in your sight and offset left a half meter," he instructed. The girl did so with trembling hands. "Now slowly" Kaiser whispered into her ear in an attempt to assist her focus. "Fire"
The 75mm shell sent an all too familiar shockwave and impacted the KV-8s turret. Knight's driver immediately attempted to step into full reverse however Kaiser stopped him. Now standing outside and atop the Panzers chassis, he looked through his binoculars and saw the KV-8 fire. The round flying far to his left, impacting a building twenty meters ahead before reversing to hide.
"Good hit Corporal, I believe you just took out their ability to aim." complimented Kaiser as he looked down. The girl, now awestruck in her hatch, sat frozen as the sounds of reloading finished up and the chassis adjusted once more, Knight arose out his hatch cueing Kaiser to close the gunners sparing the girl their bickering.
A shell from their rear sent from Sokolov's hidden position began their conversation. "Why," said Knight, the annoyance tinting his voice apparent. "Why did you come?" He demanded.
Kaiser checked his pocket watch and looked around. 'No sight of Virtanen. He must not be finished' lamented Kaiser. "I had no great epiphany. I merely realized, in the end, our goals aligned. Your rescue of Frost and my defeat of Pravda." The Panzer IV's gun fired once more, disturbing them for a moment before they resumed. "Besides Knight, my irrevocably hapless junior, you seem like you need the help."
Kaiser didn't need the moon's red light to know his mocking had left its effect. The fact that he could not retort, even more so. It was the arrival of Natalya's IS and Virtanen trotting over in a wheeze that broke their stare.
Turning from Knight who descended into his vehicle Kaiser, faced Virtanen. "Preparations complete?" he asked. Rather than stand straight Virtanen simply gave a weak thumbs up and gasped about needing more exercise. Kaiser hopped off the Panzer IV's chassis resisting the urge to criticize Virtanen on how he had neglected physical fitness. Instead, once more the familiar feeling of excitement had begun to rise within Kaiser. "Let's get into position, this is where we'll pay Pravda back."
Virtanen hobbled along after Kaiser catching his breath and worried over the sinister grin glossing his face. Virtanen's thoughts raced 'He hasn't acted like this since middle school. The closest was when he faced Naomi...' the similarities to the past and their prior arguments left him with worry over what would occur within the next hour.
-Transition-
The exchanging fire soon died down with the IS-1's retreat. Transcendence was settling into their new defensive positions as Pravda slowly encroached. The point of the Pravdan advance was their last T-34-75. Slowly advanced towards an intersection that unbeknownst to them had been labeled the third phase line by their enemy. The buildings slowly growing taller and larger the deeper they advanced into the city's heart.
A column behind the lead vehicle showed the rest of Pravda. Barrels forwards or offset slightly to either side as they proceeded, if in need of fire to the flanks. Once the Pravdan column had set in behind, the T-34-75 then advanced to the next street with caution. No sooner did it's barrel pass the building in front, a shape raced past its sights.
The Panzer IV had emerged and raced past its barrel having hidden behind the street corner and waiting for a chance to escape. Seeking to claim its prey, the T-34-75's turret followed in pursuit only for the Panzer IV to escape behind the street's corner. The Pravdan vehicle lurched forward as it immediately attempted to gain sight of the Panzer once more, not noticing what trailed behind its 'prey'.
As it advanced onto the next street, a shell from a concealed position was fired striking high at the building to its right. Two cables attached inside to furniture and the panzer IV's chassis snapped taut dragging them to the now weakened wall. The second floor weakened and now being pulled came down. Half of the second floor and the third's entirety collapsed, falling into the narrow street blocking it with debris. More importantly, however, cutting off the lead vehicle from the main body.
The commander inside of the T-34 snapped her head back observing the explosion. Immediately upon realizing her dilemma, she made to disable the panzer IV ahead of her. Before her command could be given she saw an IS-1 behind the Panzer and Aiming at her. Ever defiant their vehicle fired. The shot missed the Panzer IV's rear turret by a slim margin and bounced off the IS-1 who returned her sentiment in a strike to her right track. The treads shattered like glass.
Despite the armor amassed in front of her, it was a blow from her right flank that sent her vehicle's flag rocketing up. Shaking off the disorientation that the last shell had brought with its strike she would see a KV-85 emerge and displace in the distance. She hadn't even gotten a glimpse at who had collapsed the building and cut her off from her team, however.
-Transition-
Kaiser Nodded towards Virtanen who stood at the far end of the street unhooking the cables they had attached to the Panzer IV. The plan proceeded smoothly. Bringing down the building and separating their lead vehicle had forced Pravda to take another detour. Buying them slightly more time as well, causing further distress, and leading them into the final operation. It was a convenience that they were now even in terms of vehicles as well, even if Pravdas were a bit bulkier.
Upon Kaiser hearing the Pravdan column as it began moving away he crouched somewhat and swiftly ran past the debris that clogged the street, meeting Virtanen halfway.
"You're insane, know that?" chuckled Virtanen. "See you're even starting to enjoy this" grinned Kaiser as he slapped Virtanen's arm. "Small miscalculation, however. The T-34 commander must have been a senior. I expected small vehicles to be manned by less experienced crews, either Pravda adapted over the years or simply has too many members. Thankfully I had the IS-1 in reserve" Kaiser lamented.
Virtanen nodded in agreement. "Scared the hell out of me, she immediately understood her position and made to ensure damage to us rather than prioritize her own safety, a true soldier-" Virtanen expelled in a hurry before Kaiser interrupted.
"Yes, yes you can be sure to get her number later after we finish this fight." Not waiting for a rebuttal Kaiser began to sprint. Virtanen followed suit with furrowed brows. Glancing over his shoulder Kaiser snickered to himself. 'He still gets all excited in the middle of urban operations like a kid, shocking that hasn't changed' Kaiser laughed inwardly.
-Transition-
Katyusha had begun to grind her teeth. Saying she had improved her attitude was easier when she didn't have to suppress her instinctual urge to throw a tantrum at the current course of events. 'These worthless children resisting at every turn!' she screamed internally not wanting to betray the image of maturity she believed she set.
"What now Katyusha?" asked Nonna calm as ever. Shaking her head clear Katyusha emerged from her hatch. Nonna and Clara emulated her in turn. "We keep our momentum!" she declared. "Show them the fear of Pravda!" at this demand the remaining vehicle commanders emerged as well. " These ingrates will no longer receive pity! Now we crush them under our steel!"
A resounding "URA!" came from each member of her team. Katyusha turned facing forward and briefly pondered on her situation. They had advanced down a road adjacent to the city's center and slowly were pushing into the southern quarter once more. The burning barricade at the city's southernmost edge signified its presence with the blackening sky.
"The KV-2 and T-34-85 shall seek the nearest high ground and deliver my wrath to any who stand in our way! Nonna! You will hunt down that pesky tank destroyer that has been harassing us all-day. Finally, Clara and the KV-8 shall assist me in weeding out the enemy! Forward!"
At her word, the vehicles split into three groups and began to spread through the streets. Nonna split off early and proceeded in a tangent from Katyushas squad which was self-designated to dislodge any enemies with its armor and armament.
Meanwhile, the two vehicles assigned overwatch headed towards the only place they could think of. Within an urban area that offered them sight and was visible from all angles. Only one real option remained apparent for a quick choice. A large parking garage that stood heads above the other buildings in the small town. The logic made sense to all as it left their leader's mouth, everyone knowing the purpose behind their assignments.
Nonna was an adept hunter and would easily disable the lesser experienced enemy hiding amongst the city streets while Katyushas detachment held heavy armor and ample maneuverability to assault. Their intel provided however would be invaluable and needed. Hence why the KV-2 and T-34-85 were detached.
The KV-2 with its size and loading time would be bogged down easily in the streets as well as ripe for an ambush. Its armament provided exceptional deterrence in enemy movement, even capable of reconstructing the transcendence strategy of bringing down buildings. The T-34-85's purpose would serve as a cohort to deter enemy aggression on their position as well.
One aspect of her plans was practicality overlooked, however. It was the most logical step to divide forces to ensure overwatch and efficient maneuvering through the city. Yet this was exactly what Kaiser would have done as well.
-Transition-
Kaiser looked through his binoculars as the KV-2's barrel leveled out after ascending the parking garages ramp onto the fourth floor. The highest floor beside the roof access. As the lumbering vehicle began to make its way to the top floor passing a support pillar, he gave his signal. Softly he tapped his gunner's seat. The 88mm fired.
The round impacted the support pillar next to the KV-2 and erupted into an explosion of concrete chips and rubble. The initial explosion however tripled in size, shattering the pillar. The entire parking garage floor filled with dust and smoke rushing outwards as the force of the blast sought to escape the confines of the building.
A metallic clang resonated within the Tiger as the empty shell casing hit the deck and the blasts shockwave reached them despite their distance. Kaiser's loader, Laura, trained to prioritize loading no matter the situation, did so whilst her crewmates sat back in awe at the blast. A deafening silence seemed to take the town. Within the fraction of a second it had occurred.
His gunner Isabelle looked back to see a soft grin across Kaiser's face still peering through his binoculars. It was Westhoff who asked, however. "What in the hell was that." He asked, astounded.
The sound of tracks scraping against concrete and steel began to fill the air as Kaiser saw the dust begin to settle and the moons red light glint of the white-painted vehicle's steel. "A surprise I left for Pravda in the form of every High explosive piece of ordnance I could scrape from our team rigged to blow the support structure within that garage once agitated." Kaiser stored his binoculars away and began prepping himself as he continued talking.
"That girl would seek to gain favorable intel over the city and our movement. Hence the Parking garage was an obvious position to take up." The screeching became louder as Kaiser could now see the KV-2 trying to climb out of a hole that had been opened next to it as the T-34-85 watched it struggle in vain.
"Not to mention she's obsessed with height. I had hoped she would have gone for the high ground herself but this is just as favorable." The KV-2's battle ended in failure as it tilted backward another degree shifting its weight to topple back and into the newfound sinkhole. The floor beneath could not withstand the tonnage after being weakened by the blast as well and caved in. The final floor below it followed suit, caving from the impact of the vehicle falling two floors above.
Though he could not see it Kaiser knew the vehicle was inoperable. Injured crew, damaged beyond repair, toppled, no matter, he had gained the initiative.
-Transition-
The crowd no longer had it within them to be left in awe at the turn of events. Instead, Rage and jeers of proudful boasts were hurled about as several scraps broke within crowds and out of the public eyes as well. Order had to be reinstated by senshado officials and volunteers alike.
"I-I don't know what to make of this, folks" began the announcer. "What seemed to be odd maneuvering and random acts by the Vice commander of Transcendence have been an extremely deceptive and inordinate ploy!"
The large rail-mounted screen then replayed footage of Kaiser and Virtanen running about, igniting the blockade and placing the pile of shells. It then switched to four screens, two for both teams.
A camera focused on Virtanen replayed the moment as he stood outside his panther directing his crew at the time of the explosion. A slight tension in his shoulders was soon replaced by him simply shrugging them instead as he winced at the sound slowly turning to face the source.
The screen focusing on Pravda's leaders of Katyusha and Nonna showed the Former in shock and the latter with furrowed brows quickly turning away and decisively pushing onwards. Both individual's actions were interrupted as ambushes were launched on both. The IS-1 and Panzer IV began to take selective-fire detering Katyusha's advance while the KV-85 had engaged Nonna's IS-3.
The final frame naturally showed the perpetrator, Kaiser, who's slight grin only set the two raging crowds fervor alight once more.
-Transition-
Kaiser's poker face settled in once again as the T-34-85 had descended two floors and after searching for a brief pause began to fire on their position. A small click of his tongue escaped before he gave the order to fall back.
"Time for an addition to the plan" he announced. Not allowing time for worry to ease into his team's mind's, rather he immediately radioed Virtanen. "Virtanen pull north, enter the parking garage through the basement access and rise to the first floor, I'll meet you there." A response of static and Virtanen's Voice saying "Not again..." came through before Kaiser tossed his headset and exited his vehicle. His parting order being "Hold till I return, Laura load the last HE shell when you see me, and Belle watch your fire."
Amidst the fire from both his vehicle and the T-34-85 engaging them, before breaking into a building and disappearing from sight. He proceeded parallel to the street the two vehicles were firing on as the occasional stray shell and burst of machine-gun rounds tore up the walls and floors above him.
It was when he emerged at the end of the street facing the parking garage and saw Virtanen flashing a light briefly from the first floor that Kaiser crossed to the building. Slowly he proceeded towards the Panther as it lurched into place. It's drivers head poking out of his hatch time his short advances to the firing of the T-34-85's fire so as to not be noticed.
Kaiser waved his arms signaling the driver to stop as he hopped onto the chassis front. Grabbing onto the barrel and lifting himself up Kaiser came face to face with Virtanen again. "Long time no see," remarked Virtanen receiving a roll of eyes in response. "What happened to the plan?"
"I'm fine-tuning it" Kaiser responded. "I suppose it was too optimistic to think we had enough HE leftover to take out more than one vehicle here," Kaiser remarked jerking a thumb over at the capsized KV-2 as he knelt and instructed Virtanen's driver. "I really hope those girls are okay," remarked Virtanen.
"Pft" mocked Kaiser standing up. "Have you seen the girls they assign to that thing? practically children. They'll be fine, still growing and whatnot." Virtanen leaned back into the cupola as his Panthers turret slowly turned 180 degrees rear and slightly up. The chassis meanwhile pulled to the exit of the garage not yet exposing itself. "Now that's Optimistic thinking" Snarked Virtanen.
Kaiser leaned on the rotating turret sighing. "And you say I'm the mean one. At least I don't insult others within earshot." Virtanen's pale skin already visible in the night turned a shade brighter as he glanced over his shoulder thankfully not seeing any angry Pravdan girls from their vehicle but instead hearing a snickering Kaiser. "Ha-Ha. Funny" deadpanned Virtanen. "Oh, I know it is. After all, it's your only weakness. Women."
"Um, Sir's" interrupted Virtanen's loader breaking the idle chatter amidst the cannon fire. "We are in position what now?" Virtanen glanced at Kaiser. Kaiser in turn slapped a hand onto Virtanen's shoulder. "I'll be borrowing your boy here." Virtanen slowly squinted his eyes and glared.
His distaste proved valid as not a few moments later the two were sneaking behind the T-34-85 at a crouch with the Panthers heavy towing cables slung around their torso's. "Are you sure we should even be doing this?!" hissed Virtanen following behind Kaiser at a crouch.
"What I thought you wanted to get into that obnoxious school gossip paper?" A round from the Tiger impacted above the T-34-85 and sent debris falling down and back. "Don't worry. If we were disqualified they would have canceled the match after we started the fire." Kaiser breathed over his shoulder choosing not to respond to Virtanen's muffled shout of shock.
"Wait you weren't sure about whether or not that was allowed?!" Virtanen chastised. As if in response Kaiser suddenly stopped in place, surprising Virtanen who froze. Slowly Kaiser looked back, the moonlight silhouetting his face and gleaming red off his visage. He could see one eye and that same grin showing he was enjoying every second. "We haven't lost so there's no room to complain." Kaiser then proceeded once more. Virtanen opted to not take the bait and instead followed.
Now behind The T-34 with its engine idling and the fire of rounds and shells frantically about the two no longer spoke. Kaiser pointed at Virtanen followed by a thumbs up. 'Ready?' He was asking. Virtanen nodded. Kaiser pointed twice at Virtanen then at himself slowly. 'Do as I do' He signed. Another nod.
The Tiger fired once more it's round scraping past the T-34's turret and embedding itself in the concrete roof. At that moment Kaiser rushed with Virtanen only a step behind. The two slipped to either side of the tanks chassis, Kaiser to it's left and Virtanen to it's right. The two latched their cables onto the front of the T-34 and threw the rest of the line over the damaged railing in front of it.
Without noticing their presence the T-34 fired its cannon causing Virtanen to wince and hesitate. Kaiser grit his teeth through the ringing of his ears and took the moment to ascend their chassis and look into the cupola directly at their commander. He could hardly see her eyes in the darkness of the vehicle but knew she could see him. Tauntingly he waved his cap at them before descending the cable as if he were rappelling. Below was the Panther, it's RO and Loader having attached the cables other ends onto the panther's rear.
Kaiser landed with a thud onto the chassis followed by Virtanen slipping on the vehicle's built-up condensation and landing on his hip with a groan of pain. "In the tank now!" Kaiser ordered. Everyone scrambled into the vehicle with an extra member and braced themselves. Once the last hatch shut the Panther accelerated. Speeding from the first floor and quickly tightening the slack between the two vehicles.
The T-34 commander had emerged from her hatch and ordered her vehicle to reverse albeit too late. Fighting a losing battle in the tug of war. Slowly both canons faced each other. The Panthers ascended the T-34's descending. Both barely out of the other's line of sight. Kaiser grabbed the radio and shouted into it. "Belle fire!"
The Tiger's 88 impacted just below the T-34 dislodging the last bit of railing and concrete in front of the T-34's tracks. This exposed the soft underbelly of the T-34. The Panther's 75 fired striking true and disabling the transmission. With its sudden resistance gone the Panther jerked forward once more and brought down the T-34-85 in a cacophony of steel and concrete.
The T-34's commander thankfully had the foresight to duck into her vehicle before it fell standing vertically before propping itself up against the garage's wall at a slight tilt. It's barrel, needless to say, was destroyed beyond recognition.
Virtanen splayed out his limbs releasing his pent up tension. "I hate it when you do that." Kaiser squeezed past him to exit the cupola and sat on the turret as the Panther and Tiger moved to meet one another in the street between them. "And what is that?" asked Kaiser, breathing in the crisp night air waiting for the ringing in his ears to stop. Virtanen, annoyed, clicked his tongue. "Do something ridiculous such as using an enemy tank as an anchor to rappel."
"That wasn't the crazy part, listen to this" teased Kaiser. The Panther and Tiger stopped parallel to each other. Belle was standing out of the cupola as Kaiser hopped onto the Tigers chassis. "Ah, belle how did you know it was me." Avoiding eye contact she answered quickly.
"I didn't sir... could barely see you. In fact, Laura had already loaded AP by the time I saw you two descending." Kaiser looked smugly at Virtanen who was paler than the moon on an average night.
"Y-You, You mean she didn't even know?!" Exclaimed Virtanen. "She did, just not the timing," Kaiser responded matter of factly. "By the Way good job on the ammunition exchange Laura!" Kaiser shouted over his shoulder. "Ah-uhm y-yes. Thank you, Sir." came an awkward response from inside his vehicle.
Virtanen took a deep breath before throwing his hands up in resignation. "I'm so glad the plan now has us not working together."
Kaiser reached over, snagging Virtanen's arm and forcing him to look his way. Kaiser saw the exasperation and adrenaline prevalent in Virtanen's eyes, widened by alertness. Virtanen saw the opposite spectrum. No longer was the glee of adrenaline-pumping events nor the satisfaction of gambling in his eyes. His default stare and serious tone had returned once more.
"Virtanen" spoke Kaiser. "I will buy you all the time you need. However, this final gambit will rely on your capability to see it through to the end." Said Kaiser unblinking.
Virtanen swallowed, his throat feeling dry suddenly. "Why the pressure?" he Chuckled before suddenly going quiet. "If it's so important why don't you take the lead," he said averting his eyes.
Kaiser shook his arm once more grabbing his attention. "Because" he hissed. "I'm not the only one in the spotlight. You wanted to complain about trust so here it is, don't screw it." Kaiser released Virtanen before grasping his hand and giving it a shake. Virtanen reluctantly reciprocated the gesture. Both turned and descended into their vehicles departing without another word.
"So what's the real reason," asked Westhoffen sarcastically upon Kiaser sealing his hatch. Without hesitation, Kaiser answered. "Pravda has probably deduced that I'm the one who has concocted these traps and therefore will send their best after our Tiger as soon as they see it."
"Figured as much," remarked Laura leaning back with a sigh. "And how so?" asked Kaiser. Katya was the one to answer now "As we've said, sir, we may not be seen outside of this vehicle together often but we spend more time with you in here than anyone else does outside" She grinned.
Kaiser smirked at her comment and neglected to point out Westhoffen didn't seem to be a part of the statement judging by his confusion of their understanding. "Very well, and may I ask why you weren't as vocal with Virtanen as you are with me?" he opted instead.
"T-That's because you don't know how awkward it is for the rest of the crew whenever the commanders are having such conversations! You seem to have them more so than anyone else! and to mock your own commander no less!" Stammered Laura. Kaiser made a show of raising a fist to cover his mouth and repressing a "Snrk" at her response.
"Laura proceeded to grow redder till realizing it was best to avoid him when he clearly enjoyed mocking her. "Now, now you're usually so uptight, even with me this was too interesting not to pursue." Kaiser amended. "As if you're one to talk" Laura pouted refusing to face him.
Kaiser cleared his throat returning to a serious atmosphere. "Now then. Panzer Vorwärts" The command rolled naturally and the reply just as well. "JAWOHL!"
-Transition-
Nonna took a deep breath steadying herself as she relaxed, leaning back from the sights in front of her. Before her vehicle laid the smoldering wreckage of the KV-85. The large explosion south had caught her attention but the KV-85 had engaged soon after forcing her to retaliate. Nonna feared the worst despite knowing that Katyusha was still safe due to the match still ongoing.
Nonna stood up and emerged from her cupola to observe her immediate surroundings and grasped at her radio headset. "Lady Katyusha are you there?" she asked with a light tinge of urgency. "NONNA!" came a shout in return. Nonna let a small breath of relief out at the sound of her leader's excited voice.
"Where are you, Nonna!?" Glancing at the KV-85 and its crew emerging for fresh air she answered. "Pursuit of the enemy sniper has been fruitless lady Katyusha. However, I have disabled the enemy KV-85. What is your status?"
Clara was the one to answer in Russian naturally. "Lady Katyusha has been pinned in the same position since the large explosion and we have lost the KV-2 and T-34-85," she reported sternly. "Clara! No Russian!" Katyusha ordered in no mood for argument. "What did she say?" demanded Katyusha.
Closing her eye's Nonna quickly reworded the report she had received. "Clara has simply wished to save your focus and told me that the enemy has used several underhanded tricks to stave off our advance." Nonna cleverly answered. "Hmph is that so," Katyusha said, seemingly accepting the reply before increased combat interrupted her. "Anywho! Return to Katyusha's side at once!" she demanded desperately, hiding her wish for the relief.
"It was as Nonna opened her mouth to reply she locked eyes with the KV-85's commander. Naturally they were unacquainted, but she somehow seemed familiar. In the dim pinkish glow of moonlight, she could make out her figure. Her torso outside the cupola and bent over the hatch ring.
A small frame and cute face with equally attractive features adorned her face and platinum blonde hair, though she was nowhere approaching Katyusha's brilliance. Through disheveled hair dirtied from smoke and sweat, she could see eyes of defiance. It was her grin, however, that seemed familiar.
She had never seen the boy smile himself but it reminded her nonetheless. Her grin pronounced her victory just as his attitude had each time they had met. She was undoubtedly a subordinate of that Kaiser individual. The girl began comically chuckling to herself, her shoulders exaggeratedly raising. The girl then gestured, nudging her head to the left.
Nonna's eyes widened a fraction. The enemy Tiger had passed by not acknowledging its defeated ally nor her presence. Nonna did a double-take at the chuckling girl, Her chin now upturned as if mocking. Nonna gave no more than a squint in her direction before replying to Katyusha's order.
"I apologize Lady Katyusha but I must engage another priority." Immediate confusion came as a reply from Katyusha. "Wha- Nonna What do you mean!" before Nonna switched frequencies
Clara radioed in a separate channel speaking Russian once more. "What is it Nonna?" she asked. Nonna replied in kind. "You seemed to have been right about the Tiger's commander. I have reached the enemy's rear and he is the only vehicle I've seen make a move from the KV-2's position south. I intend to pursue and if not eliminate then obstruct his movements." Nonna declared.
Clara gave a brief hesitation before responding. "What of protecting Lady Katyusha?" Nonna in turn answered regularly. "I will have to trust her safety with you comrade, the outlying threat is far more severe," Nonna stated somberly. "Very well, I shall do my best" Clara answered unsure of her chances of success.
"Nonna smiled gently into the radio. "This is not like you Clara be more confident, our love of Lady Katyusha will deliver us unto tomorrow."
"Da Nonna" Came Clara's reinvigorated reply. Shutting off her comms Nonna crouched into her vehicle and nodded at her driver. Her vehicle then began to turn and push north pursuing the Tiger in what they deemed to be a far ambush maneuver.
-Transition-
Valerya sat on her vehicle awaiting the retrieval teams to come for her vehicle and crew. She sprawled out across the turret stretching and staring into the sky. The night's clouds had disappeared and a starry sky dimmed red presented itself to her. Kaiser's Last orders resonated within her mind.
"Prevent any maneuvers from the north and our rear until I can reconnoiter" he had said. Then upon hearing her report amidst combat with Nonna he changed his tune. "Stall her till I come no matter what, and bait her into pursuing me."
Naturally, her response of 'How could I possibly do that?' didn't deter him. "Knowing you, you'd find a way. Even in defeat Val, I wouldn't be surprised unless you didn't do it."
The memory of his words caused a full smile to sprawl across her lips. "His first compliment to me and he even used my name" she muttered. 'Though it was backhanded' she griped mentally.
As she lay staring upwards and giggling she noticed the moons red grip on the sky had slowly been receding. Slowly it's original white glow began to return in strength.
-End Chapter-