Hello everyone this is the new version of "Teens Und Panzer". Though it is only one chapter at the moment the rest will be uploaded here over time as I continue rewriting old chapters and catching back up to where I left off in arc 3. I hope you enjoy it.
The beginning of integration.
The male introduction into Senshado was achieved after years of pushing from those who sought a change to the sport in order to revitalize the fanbase and reinvigorate viewers from the status quo, even if recent historical upsets such as Orai had occurred. With the recent success of the female-only rule being done away with, naturally led to the necessity of easing doubts and fears of loyal fans, Veteran players, and families with long historical ties to the sport. This being especially true among the young females of the sport. Many worried that male participation would lead towards a diluted sport with a weakened emphasis on the female focus to find their own form of Senshado.
Similarly, there was also a push for females to also be forcibly integrated into the male variant sport of mock infantry battles, known as 'InfanterieKampf'. The same woes would arise. Many naturally fought against both sides and the beginning of co-ed tournaments seeking to wish for no change. Infanteriekampf in contrast to Senshado however, held its ground in the push for reform as the intensity of its matches raked in profit while deterring female participation leading to a dwindling push that would snuff itself out as fast as it would demand change. Therefore staying a male-only sport.
Senshado on the other end of the spectrum had been seen as too tame for modern audiences and despite the riveting success of Participating schools and a loyal fanbase, had been dropping in views and donations in favor of other curriculums. Unfortunately despite the adamant protest of hardliners such as the Shimada and Nishizumi families, the lure of profit had won out.
Male integration would start small a few years ago before approval was officially gained with only practicing units being left in the shadows out of the public eye. Their purpose was to see and record how male students would interact and participate with females and female leadership at their age. The numbers surprisingly showed little to no difference from the average teenage female's responses to management and discipline. The surprising factor being the male students who participated in Infanterie Kampf performing close to the ability of seasoned Senshado members and well above the average student. These findings along with the passing of reform did away with the Senshado of old.
The commissioning of a new school carrier in the United States, christened "Transcendence Academy" had begun. Hopes that its creation would elevate Senshado to a further height had started years back and only recently been completed. Originally intended as a female-only carrier it would instead be the first to become fully co-ed. The ship's dimensions stood at 7800 m long, 800 m wide (1200m at its widest), and 100 m high, a small ship in comparison to those of Kuromoromine and Pravda but no less impressive especially in its training grounds which took a third of the surface of the ship and simulated a multitude of different terrains within reason.
Resembling a ship of war with its tactical appeal and looks, the schooling intended to focus on military colleges or more elite, higher learning. All students who attended were by no means required to enter the professions rather all students were encouraged to find a path of their choosing and to utilize what they were taught to assist in life. This meant success could be guaranteed from its curriculum, especially due to its strict vetting process. Though at a glance all the students were just children, many had high aspirations, the exception to the rule only being those given scholarships for sporting clubs, the irony being even the Senshado club the school was based upon.
Each major position for the school from Student body President down to the average council member and the Senshado team leadership were chosen by the Senshado federation and the commissioned school faculty. The student council was seen as the 'Civilian side' of the school while the Senshado team was already being referred to as the "Combat unit" and "Cadets" before the opening weeks of the school year.
Needless to say, thousands if not tens of applications were sent in by parents and students at the announcement of the ship's launch. Just as the positions of leadership for the faculty had been ordained so too had the student body before the school year would begin. Only special cases and transfers would be allowed into the main student body. The other exception for the selection of students however was that only the team leadership within the school's extracurricular activities could select their team members out of a list of recommendations presented to them. This meant that whoever was to represent Transcendence in their Senshado team was to be determined by the Commanding students.
Thus begins the story of two former Infanteriekampf students. Having chosen Cadets of their own, having obtained gear of their own, and now cadets starting their junior year, this being their third year of high school at the New Transcendence academy. Seeking to make a mark in Senshado history.
-Transition-
Slowly the sound of a gentle alarm vibrating within a coat pocket came into focus. The noise began stirring its owner awake. Through drowsy half-lidded eyes, its owner shut off the alarm and stretched. Cracking his neck, waking to his surroundings, the cadet glanced about the area he had been resting.
The Panther turret he had propped himself against and the gun barrel he had laid his head on, was quiet with its hatch open. Peering into it one could see a figure slumped over unceremoniously snoring away. 'Ah yes, our glorious leader' He snided internally.
Transcendence's First Senshado commander, Cadet Colonel Austin Virtanen. Now in his third year of high school, he was transferred in as a senior cadet to give a foundation for the school's leadership. Allegedly the school staff's second choice for commander after the first had refused, he had eagerly sought after the position with encouragement from his peers.
Virtanen stood tall at six foot two, with pale skin, blue eyes framed by silver rectangular glasses, and dirty blonde hair. His past boasted of his high devotion to whatever extracurriculars he partook in from swimming in childhood up to the year prior in Infanterie Kampf as a high school sophomore. His personality would lead many astray from believing he was a commander as he tended to be extremely relaxed if not outright neglectful of duties.
"Virtanen," said the cadet firmly. There was no response nor reaction. "Virtanen!" he said, raising his voice. Still no response. Still groggy himself the cadet felt none too obliging. A short glance over revealed a toolbox on the turret's rear. 'Accidents occur all the time' he reasoned internally.
Not a moment later a wrench was placed precariously on the turret cupola and would 'happen' to fall onto the Cadet Colonel's head. A short "thump" followed by metallic clattering and spastic movement inside the tank led to a brief shout of "What the Hell!" Now awake Virtanen looked at the offending object before turning to see out of the turret, the perpetrator still peering down at him.
"Was that you Adam?!" Virtanen shouted upwards.
A blank stare was his response as the subject was avoided. "Good to see you're awake Virtanen" Kaiser replied, turning away. "And what did I say about last names?" he called back hopping down from the vehicle's chassis.
Virtanen starred through the cupola dumbfounded after Transcendence's vice commander, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Adam Kaiser. Kaiser had been Virtanen's peer in Infanterie Kampf and was transferred in along the same lines as Virtanen. Due to their familiarity with InfanterieKampf, the two had become used to referring to each other with their last names. As Transcendence encouraged the use of last names for a more professional environment, most students followed along, without a care except, of course, for their close friends. Kaiser's stern demeanor easily deterred any approach, dissuading any attempts for a first name basis.
The main difference between the two leaders was Kaiser's reluctance to transfer to Senshado. His only answer as to why he accepted was it helped in familial matters and personal interest. In terms of appearance Kaiser held a caucasian pigment at five foot ten with brown hair and eyes. He preached fitness and knowledge pushing himself to extremes in training for InfanterieKampf but due to his transfer has become harder to spot around school premises stating that he "needed to expand past personal training". Where Virtanen was lax Kaiser showed his prior experience as an Infanteriekampf leader through his strict sense of Training and harsh speech.
Virtanen began to clamber out and after Kaiser, not satisfied with his response. "What was that for?" he demanded, following after Kaiser. Ignoring the shout, Kaiser proceeded to straighten his uniform and adjust his tie as he walked.
The two were dressed in the Transcendence's first draft of their Senshado team's uniforms, full black M-32 SS dress uniforms with minor alterations. Naturally these minor alterations were to the awards that adorned their chests and unit insignia with the school's crest emblazoned upon it. The logo consisted of a white eagle with a red shield and black cross adorned on its chest. In the eagle's talons a blue-trimmed white ribbon adorning the school's name, "Transcendence Academy" fluttered.
The two were currently the only ones aboard the ship wearing the garments until their team was officially recruited and could receive fitted measurements for their oncoming cadets. Lastly placing his cap on his head, Kaiser turned towards a still rather upset Virtanen. Looking him up and down before nodding. "Good you're not bleeding," he affirmed, much to Virtanen's indignation.
Virtanen began checking his uniform in turn as Kaiser assisted, ensuring his decorations were appropriately aligned. "There wouldn't be any chance of me bleeding if someone hadn't assaulted me with a wrench." hissed Virtanen.
"Oh come now," remarked Kaiser, wiping some dust off Virtanen. "No one can control gravity, accidents happen all the time".
"Oh I'm sure," Virtanen mockingly agreed, rolling his eyes at the excuse. Kaiser gave a small nod and pulled his pocket watch from his coat pocket.
"It is currently 1205. The new joins will be coming in ten minutes for 'indoc' so wake up and ready your speech". As Kaiser proceeded to advise him, Virtanen froze. Stiffening at the mention of speech. Sighing Kaiser turned to address him. "Still haven't overcome that fear after all?" he hummed.
"Shut it." snapped Virtanen defensively. "A summer isn't enough time to overcome one's fears and rise into the limelight from the shadows," he reasoned.
"No" agreed Kaiser. "But here you are, in the limelight. Besides I've told you to get over it for three years now. How sad would it be if they saw you cry on your first day? That'd be dreadful, wouldn't it, Leader?" he chastised mockingly.
"A-anyway," said Virtanen trying to escape. "Why do I have to give the indoctrination speech? You're more suited to tasks like this" he reasoned as Kaiser rubbed his temples due to the attempted delegation. The display more to simply show his annoyance at Virtanen's question.
"Because Virtanen, right now they are a herd without a shepherd. Disorganized and in need of leadership lest the wolves of other schools prey on them. You are the newest and first face of that leadership here. They need you." Kaiser answered, his voice stern yet a familiar encouraging only Virtanen could identify at their new school.
"Besides you even volunteered after the Senshado board had made their minds on who would be the leader here anyways. so now you're stuck here and I'm not letting you quit." The declaration quickly made Virtanen deflate. "I know, I know." A heavy sigh escaped him as he emptied his breath. "You didn't need to lay the pressure on the end there. Acting like we're back in Infanterie Kampf makes me wonder why you don't just take the reins". Virtanen meekly answered.
Kaiser shrugged. "They saw potential in you as I do. Don't take this opportunity for granted. I'm just here to help you along Austin" said Kaiser placing a hand on Virtanen's shoulder as he received a somber look from his slouching compatriot.
"What happened to no first names?" Asked Virtanen.
"Just like old times, nothing's changed" answered Kaiser. "You pout and only pay attention when I call your first name. Just don't try it with me".
"Pfft" snickered Virtanen. "As if I'll ever need to encourage you of all people. Besides calling you by your first name just seems so.. 'Foreighn' anymore" he joked.
Clasping his hands together, Kaiser snapped Virtanens attention upwards. "Now then, Your first opportunity to show your mettle" he announced pointing behind themselves at an open garage door with the cadets beginning to drift in.
Time slowly ticked towards 1230 and the best Virtanen could do was keep his back turned and pretend to hold a conversation with Kaiser as the cadets slowly fell into a crowd behind them. From the cadet's view, all they could see were two students dressed in black at their front. The shorter with an unreadable, stern face, and the taller's back turned to them.
If they had Kaiser's view they would see the near surfacing panic on Virtanen's face and the weak smile he mustered. Eventually, the time arose and Kaiser tapped Virtanen on the shoulder signaling him to begin. Virtanen turned about on his heels and the two looked over the crowd before them. Kaiser scrutinized every detail of the students while Virtanen sought to emulate a look of calm demeanor while he steadied his nerves.
Before them, the majority of students stood in the transcendence uniform of grey trousers with a black stripe on each leg and a grey jacket with black highlights that included a high "leatherneck" collar. The female's uniforms were similar with few differences as they wore grey jackets with an open neck, white undershirt, black neck tab, and grey pleated skirts with black stripes on either side.
The final touch was a dress cover in grey and black trimming with differing styles for both males and females which had the school's symbol in front. These student covers were only utilized in the most formal of events, however. Black, white, and to an extent red clothing could be swapped with the regular articles to an extent as accessories were also authorized as long as it did not clash with the uniform.
Naturally, students only wore their covers when necessary and hair regulations were rather lenient for most students allowing somewhat long and "excessive" hair. The uniform was meant to be similar to the U.S. Marine Corps dress blues in style and reflect a more military-styled rendition of Saunders, their sister ship. The outcome was a remarkably uniform audience before the two commanders.
Yet the uniformity in appearance went past that as a good majority of the future cadets were still female. Despite the school's initial attempts at a 50/50 male to female enrollment, the attempt was quickly scrapped as advertising the Senshado team had led to an influx of female applications and male transfers to stagnate. Impressions of a female sport still lay deeply buried and would take time to amend in the public's eye. The result was before them, an adequate reflection of the school's populace stood, approximately two or three females to a lone male.
Mixed within the standard school uniforms and female dense crowd was a variety of colors from transfer students. These naturally caught the interest of those around them and the two commanders at the front.
A handful of students, mainly males, were wearing red dress uniforms. 'St. Gloriana' Kaiser realized. Another batch sprinkled throughout wore white-legged and black bloused uniforms. 'Anzio' Most notable were a pair of two sisters wearing full black uniforms similar to their own. 'Kuromorimine' he thought surprised. Though they had selected the students and knew of their records, it was surprising to see that students of such renowned schools went through with their transfers.
Though Kaiser continued to observe while Virtanen gave the preamble to his address, it was no new information. The students standing before him were all hand-selected from the school's rosters and formally invited, This presentation merely being a formality. Unfortunately, after getting a decent look at the new Cadet's faces, it seemed certain prospects had refused afterall and less favorable picks had shown instead.
The transfers were of natural interest. Students from other schools could possess some training albeit minimal as they were probably replacements. 'Either we've struck gold or we've inherited lepers' Kaiser contemplated internally. Either way, they ensured to reach out regardless of whatever their reasons for transfer were. He could only hope They hadn't drawn the short straw and gained rejects.
Realizing he had been deep in thought Kaiser glanced at the side of Virtanen's head and the crowd once more. They seemed fooled enough into thinking he was calm as he addressed them. Virtanen had been speaking loudly, quickly, and directly to the point. To anyone else, he seemed focused. To Kaiser, however, he could see the sweat glistening on his neck and his hands shake slightly as his voice began to waver.
Kaiser deigned to intervene before Virtanen's voice inevitably cracked. Stepping next to Virtanen, Kaiser took the reins. "Now then everyone, we have the rest of the day to ourselves but I don't believe anyone here is ready for night training nor would like to stay here overnight. So let us press on '' A glance over the formation showed a myriad of responses to the sudden shift in tone and focus, from welcoming and introductory to stoic and dismissive.
Most seemed unaffected and agreed to his proposal yet some seemed confused and a minority seemed annoyed or irritated at him. "I am sure everyone is as interested in the school as they are Senshado so for today you will gather into predesignated groups and discuss strategy for your first official mock battle tomorrow at 4 pm. You will arrive early to prepare your vehicles."
Pressing on, Kaiser continued. "We see potential in all of you so do not disappoint and plan thoroughly, communicate in and out of class with each other. From today till the end of the Senshado season we will all eat, breathe, and sleep while training and sharpening our skills. Upon dismissal, your response will be 'Yes Sir' and you are free to do as you wish. Dismissed." A short pause took the formation before, all at once, they snapped to attention and responded "Yes Sir!"
The cadets fell into smaller groups speaking loudly and horsing about as Kaiser turned to speak to Virtanen who grew slack as he stepped away from the crowd and off his soapbox. Still, in eyesight of the cadets, he quickly rebounded and snapped back to a more dignified appearance with a sigh. Kaiser signaled a cadet to come forward and informed him to pass out some papers he had on hand. Each page containing details to each cadet. Who they would team with and to what designated vehicle for the mock battle the next day.
A rather rambunctious cadet shouted across the garage to Virtanen. "Sir! when do we get our own snazzy outfits?" With a light chuckle, Virtanen turned to respond. " Soon after the first mock battle! We have to decide official teams afterward and they'll be on the way." After replying, Virtanen turned to see a raised brow from Kaiser.
"What? I don't do well in crowds, but one on one is bearable." Virtanen defended as Kaiser rolled his eyes. Seeking to detract from the disapproval Virtanen changed subjects. "So what was with those bitter faces when you spoke up?" he asked, curious at the recollection of a few frowns. Kaiser's lips tilted slightly upwards at the question.
"Most came from the transfers who are used to a certain hierarchy at their schools. Saunders, Pravda, Maginot, etc. They all have student celebrities and orders of seniors to freshmen. I assume they didn't like someone as new as them in this school speaking over their new commander. They probably see it as undisciplined and disrespectful on top of why we were chosen. After all, we just look like two more teenagers below them and their own achievements. After all, that's how the prideful think. They'll learn quickly enough, however. I'll ensure it" He declared turning his back to the cadets to hide the cruel grin that took to his lips.
Growing worried at the familiar look, Virtanen tried to derail Kaiser's train of thought. "Let's keep it at least reasonably defendable in front of school authorities ok?" He tried to reason while preemptively grieving for their cadets' future. 'Those poor souls. They're going to experience worse than I did.' he grieved.
-Transition-
Transcendence AcademyTraining Grounds the next day
The Training grounds for mechanized vehicles made use of limited space among the surface of their ship. It's thinnest being 100 meters and expanding to 750 meters by a length of 3200 meters. Near the center of the ship overlooking the entire field of varying terrain was a watchtower utilized by school officials and the Senshado team's staff officers.
Nothing more than a rectangular box on stilts with camo netting on the outside the interior was a stark contrast. A large transitional glass plated map of the ship's training areas sat in the center of the room while blueprints and statistics of all sorts of military weaponry adorned the walls. Next to the balcony was a radio and a smaller 2ft by 2ft glass plated map with seats around it.
Here Virtanen sat with Kaiser standing behind him. The current evaluation battle was simplified as far as possible to assess the combat ability and capability of the new cadets within their redesignated teams. A rough assessment would be received built off the baseline from this practice. This was necessary in order to begin training in earnest.
Perhaps going above his necessary duty Kaiser had personally weeded information of potential new joins from the school staff members, who favor he had received. Then spending his own time trying to match their personalities and skillsets to capable vehicles in order to reduce friction within the teams from the get-go.
Naturally, some complaints arose in the previous twenty-four hours but were quickly diffused and left with no other choice options. Virtanen and Kaiser made it clear to all who resisted early on. "We do not need individuals who cannot comply with the team and act within order" reprimanded Kaiser.
Only for Virtanen to finish with "It's for the best interests of the team. What you may want may not be for the best".
Though a lie that they had a plethora of volunteers may have been passed to quell dissent, it wasn't necessarily a complete lie as they could "draft" other student's through a generous mix of Virtanen's persistence and Kaiser's persuasion. The mix of stern and comforting words convinced the most obstinate of cadets.
As the start of the practice match loomed, Virtanen took a deep breath, taking in the sea air from their height. Kaiser began listing off the organization of the vehicles despite Virtanen's distraction. "First squad consists of the Panther, a 44M Tas or the '44M' for short, and an ARL 44. Second squad contains a Tiger, IS-1, and KV-85. Third maintains the Panzer IV, Firefly, and T-34-85. Then Fourth, a Hellcat, Chaffee, and Achilles. Finally, the fifth squad has a Stug IV, SU-100, and Pz sfl IVc'' Listed Kaiser off.
"Modifications were completed in time as well" continued Kaiser. The open-top Pz sfl IVc has had improvised fittings placed to cover the exposed hatches and though limiting the crew's movement to an extent I believe it was a viable alternative considering how funds began to dry up towards the end of our vehicle purchases" Kaiser informed as Virtanen listened aptly. The choice of modifying open-top vehicles was controversial at the least but after previous years with varying lax rules, such as the Karl gerat, Kaiser had gained approval from the school to push for its allowance within the Senshado federation, so long as it met safety standards.
Ironically and as expected by the two young commanders, one of the most important aspects, the actual tanks, was the last to be purchased by the school. This led to such financial purchases as the 44 M Tas and 'Pz sfl IVc'. Virtanen and Kaiser thanked god almighty they were not stuck with Panzer II's for the school year after the school's negligence.
As Virtanen nodded his head in acknowledgment he could barely contain his excitement to witness his cadet's. Seeing the anxious jittering of Virtanen's leg, Kaiser pressed a small button inside the watchtower signaling an alarm across the practice fields. The match had begun. The first squad began to move in a standard column, Panther at point, 44m center with its turret facing right, with the ARL 44 rear-facing the left. Watching through a large pair of binoculars and glancing at a small screen next to him that displayed close imagery from the hidden cameras in the terrain.
"What are the northern terrain features and conditions?" asked Virtanen, becoming steadily invested in the match.
Stepping forward Kaiser tapped on the glass map next to Virtanen drawing his attention. "Seventy degrees Fahrenheit, low humidity, and the first squad is progressing into grid G6," Kaiser answered.
"They are advancing towards fifth squads position" stated Virtanen pressing a button and changing the small screen before them. The camera high in position caught an angle of the First squad's column pushing straight into a sloppily concealed ambush.
The first squad most likely had been advancing towards the fifth after seeing the more flagrant attitudes and bravado of the students assigned upon mounting their vehicles and deploying earlier. Their assumption however had given their opponents an advantage. The ambush was a simple L shape and quickly improvised to decent effect.
The fifth squad Stug IV hid in the low brush to the left of the trail that the first squad was on. Whilst the Pz sfl IVc hid behind a thick tree line at the trails bend in an attempt to conceal its easily spotted silhouette. The final vehicle of the fifth squad was the SU-100 waiting further along to initiate the ambush.
After giving a brief glance at the monitor Kaiser sat next to Virtanen, arms crossed, and opened a book. "A textbook ambush" he commented as he began reading. Virtanen spared an unsurprised look at Kaiser.
'Once again burying his attention in a book rather than something much more interesting.' Virtanen thought, sparing no more than a roll of his eyes before he focused once more to the screen to see the exchange of fire.
The Stug IV shot directly into the side of the ARL 44's turret, knocking it out instantly, followed by its comrade's fire. The Pz sfl IVc firing its 88 into the side of the 44M heavily crippling it, and the SU-100 wondrously missing the opening shot, bouncing off of the Panther and hopefully not into one of the local grocer's houses.
The chase began. The 44M however was incapable of moving as its track had become dislodged. The Pz sfl IVc and SU-100 advanced towards the immobilized vehicle at full speed, serpentining to disrupt its aim and get too close for its gun.
The commander of the Stug appeared out his hatch and raised his hand to his chin as if contemplating a dire decision before receding into his vehicle. The Stug then moved in the opposite direction of its two teammates engaging the 44M. For three minutes the battle continued as the Stug followed the Panthers tracks. Meanwhile, the SU-100 defeated the 44M as it launched its own counterattack disabling the Pz sfl IVc.
"Great gun, but Paper Mache armor." sighed Virtanen under his breath. The SU-100 was now turning around and backtracking to its prior position only to find the Panther having circled around and returning the favor by firing into the vulnerable SU-100's flank, circling further and firing into the opposite side for good measure.
The move may have been made as an insult but their gloating was short-lived as the Stug IV had found its prey and fired from the distance. The 75mm round landed on the panthers rear directly in the center of the engine leaving the Stug as the only survivor in the vicinity.
"Impressive!" Virtanen burst out excited by the course of events. "I think I would enjoy being a part of the First squad and guiding them, in the Panther preferably" he requested of his peer.
Kaiser nodded in acknowledgment and momentarily ceased his reading to write down the memo. "The fifth squad seems capable of honing their skills with their current leadership" Kaiser informed as an exchange of fire on the other side of the training grounds caused Virtanen to snap his head up and immediately change the viewing of the screen.
The second squad had been advancing in a file side by side. The Tiger in the center with its friendly vehicles at its flanks. Their procession was firm and ordered, a good show of discipline and experience, the exact opposite of its assailants. "Who's the lad in charge of the fourth squad?" asked Virtanen, staring in amazement.
"No designated leader as of yet, but whoever he is. I'll have his head" gritted Kaiser.
The squad in question was composed of a Hellcat, Achilles, and Chaffee, the former of which had a hastily assembled stereo system blasting taunting patriotic music from its turret. At the beginning of the lyrics blaring through the system, the three vehicles mounted a surprise charge.
Virtanen's shock was soon replaced with laughter at the next theatric of the assaulting vehicles circling their designated targets and firing whilst doing so, missing nearly every shot along the way. At their performance of destroying more landscape than enemies, Kaiser's anger faltered into mere disapproval as he averted his attention once more to his book.
The supposed perpetrator of the stunt emerged from his hatch and began jeering at his foe's. "Come on now boy-o's! Let's give 'em a show!" he would shout, raptly receiving their ire. Almost in response The KV-85 caught the hint and fired at the hellcat circling the IS rather than chase the vehicle circling their own vehicle endlessly.
Thankfully the round caught the series of stereos stopping the music. The fifth squad stopped in its tracks from the silence and a pregnant pause ensued.
The silence ensued for a second too long as the idling engines filled the air. Then instantly, the Hellcat shifted and fired at the Tiger hitting its machine gun port. The fifth squad immediately proceeded to "bug out" as its elected leader shouted before retreating. The three vehicles sped at full speed in miscellaneous directions before heading in somewhat of the same direction.
The IS and KV-85 pursued the Achilles relentlessly, destroying it with a penetrating shot to the turret's side, and a shot to the engine. The Hellcat and Chaffee circled back by peeling left and right then slamming into the IS and firing into its turret simultaneously in retribution.
After knocking the IS out of commission without hesitation they reversed and proceeded to attack the KV-85. This time circling and landing more precise, timely hits.
"Unfortunate" muttered Kaiser over the tank destroyers sudden precise attacks against the heavy tanks. "The Tiger holds such accuracy yet keeps missing its mark".
Virtanen chuckled at the criticism. "Hell it's only providing suppressive fire at the rate it's going but the tank destroyers don't seem to mind".
As the disappointing display proceeded Kaiser thumbed through a stack of portfolios. " I had hoped these cadets could prove valuable on their own, shall we check in on their radio frequency?" Inquired Kaiser.
"I forgot you locked the squad's comms on separate channels to prevent espionage" Virtanen recalled. "Sure, I'm curious how they're coping."
Kaiser stood and walked to the nearby radio turning it on and adjusting the frequency as Virtanen looked over his shoulder to watch, leaning back into his chair tilting it on its hind legs. "Let's see, they should be on 35.5..." With a final click, a lone voice came through.
Immediately shouts from a firm female voice were heard spouting orders with little to no leeway for argument nor response. After a few moments of shouting Kaiser flicked the radio off while taking a glance at Virtanen who had almost fallen out of his chair at the surprising volume.
"We'll need to rearrange some students," Virtanen commented. Kaiser gave a lone solemn nod as he returned to his seat at Virtranen's side. "It seems they're finished after all" Virtanen commented as their view returned to the screen once more in time to watch the KV-85 be disabled.
The two tank destroyers now set upon the Tiger, its barrel swinging back and forth, unable to decide which target to prioritize and follow. "They have little more than ten seconds," Kaiser muttered. "They have a small opportunity to make it out if they shift their chassis and take the initiative to engage".
Virtanen hummed dismissively, focusing on the rising tension on the screen. Kaiser closed his book, standing, and began to walk away. The action garnering Virtanen's attention. "If it is acceptable I will be taking the second squad." Kaiser requested.
"I see no reason as to why not," Virtanen responded with a raised eyebrow and a look of confusion. "However I thought you would seek a better performing team since you hated training new joins, even back in Infanterie Kampf you hated it".
"True" Kaiser responded simply. "However better to work with a blank slate, more predictable and easier to correct. After all, that's how I whipped you into shape back then" Kaiser smirked. Virtanen caught the jab and narrowed his eyes disapprovingly. Ignoring his glare Kaiser proceeded to speak. "For example, they missed their window of opportunity and now they will fire at the Chaffee and then be disabled by an engine hit from the Hellcat".
Virtanen hummed to himself before correcting his posture and speaking again. "I'll take that bet, ten dollars sound right?"
As his words left his mouth the sound of piercing steel ripped through the air drawing his eyes back to the screen in time to see the outcome of the Chaffee attempting to drive past the Tiger's line of fire. The result was it skidding to a halt with a small flag signaling its defeat.
The minor victory meant little as the Hellcat took the opportunity to circle the Tiger and take its time lining up a shot directly into its engine trading an eye for an eye.
"Called it" Kaiser chimed as he began making his way to the stairs to descend. "Shut it, you had a lucky guess," Virtanen shouted, slinking into his chair. "Like I said" Kaiser called over his shoulder. "Predictable" Virtanen leaned over the armrest of his chair watching Kaiser leave, from his seat. "You're not going to watch the rest?" he called after.
"I have a pretty good idea of what is going to happen," Kaiser responded as he opened the staircase door and turned around to speak. "Let's make another bet. I'll message you who I think won when the match is over, if I'm correct you pay me another ten. If I'm wrong I'll return your losings from the first bet". With that, Kaiser shut the door and departed.
"Pffft" mocked Virtanen feeling the comment of "Predictable" was aimed more at him than their cadet's. "Always smug, I'd call him downright cocky if I didn't know him" he chuckled. Leaning forward in his seat again, he began watching interested once more in the match before him.
The event was reaching its apex. The Stug IV had made its way over to the commotion of battle and sat observing the entire event from a distance. It took its aim meanwhile at the Hellcat, firing only to miss by a hair. In return, the Hellcat sought to flank and fire yet once the two were in close quarters another ambush began.
Covered in light brush and hastily improvised positions, the third squad had gone undetected all match. The third squad's Firefly and T-34-85 swept their prey's flanks forcing the Stug to retreat downhill. It was an attempt to lure the T-34-85 nearest it to expose its soft stomach, however, as the T-34-85 seemed more than happy to oblige, the Firefly sped over the crest of the hill catching air and firing wildly clipping the Stug's track.
Now trapped, the Stug fired a glancing shell off of the t-34-85's turret viewport. The firefly immediately sped behind the Stug planting a shell point-blank into the engine and disabling it. On the opposite side of the skirmish, the Hellcat retreated uphill firing down onto the two vehicles.
With its turret reversed trying in vain to retaliate, its driver hurriedly attempting to escape and the commander focused on the enemies below, it came as a shock when the vehicle went still with a forceful jerk.
The Hellcat's commander looked through his rear viewport seeing the third and final vehicle of the third squad and its barrel pointed at the back of his turret. The Panzer IV had fired and disabled the Hellcat ending all opposition. "Impressed, Virtanen whistled slightly stunned at the shocking turn of events.
Feeling his phone vibrate Virtanen looked down at the new message he had received. "From Kaiser" it read. "I predict the victor to be the third squad btw".
Virtanen dropped his phone into his lap and rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance. Begrudgingly he made a call.
"I hate this part of you-" Virtanen began.
"I deduce you now owe me twenty dollars" Kaiser interrupted. Virtanen inquired about the results demanding answers. "So who's the little prodigy? I had completely forgotten about a fifth of our vehicles in the excitement".
"That's a flaw you ought to fix yourself" Kaiser reprimanded before answering. A small "tsk" came across as he continued. "The boy's name is Knight, Alexander Knight, goes by Alex, currently a lance corporal and immediate transfer from the St. Gloriana ship."
"You'll have to fill me in on details later," said Virtanen.
"Will do, now, don't forget to help those cadets clean up," Kaiser responded, hanging up.
"Wait, you!-" Virtanen was unable to get his message across before the call cut and Kaiser felt no pity. He now had even more work to do himself.
Having heard the last sounds of combat in the distance not too long ago he knew the scrimmage was over. Now walking to the school's main building he held not his book in his hand but a few files he had pulled from his bag. "Great now I need to file paperwork for the promotions and explain to the school's staff why".
He doubted any teachers would refuse but the idea of even more work before the season began annoyed him, hence why he returned the favor by pawning some onto Virtanen for once.
'Knight, Sokolov, O'Diveley...' Kaiser ran the names through his mind and pondered on what to assign them.
End chapter.