By the next day's afternoon, the sun had already begun to dry the mud into hardened clay and the cadets were allowed some rest in the form of sleeping in an extra half hour past their previous wake-up calls then eating and forming up. Virtanen was with the cadets throughout the morning's schedule while Kaiser once again could be found nowhere, having not been seen since his departure last night.
Kaiser had left a message for Virtanen, however, demanding him to "Bring the cadets to 'hill 308' at noon." The location, designated on an image of a map attached to the message. So with little to no information, the cadets under Virtanen and his peers, Sokolov, O'Diveley, and Knight led the formation on a hike to the rendezvous.
The sun was an unrelenting factor upon the heads of the cadets shuffling ahead in columns. Unlike the rainy days prior, thankfully the hike was a short one without much gear brought along. Being in the lead Virtanen was the first to crest the low lying, squat hill to see what lay atop it. Shaking his head unsurprised He continued over the hilltop, cadets in tow.
Signaling for the columns to fall into formation and drop their gear Virtanen broke away as the team leaders took charge. He then approached Kaiser who was sitting atop his BMW R75 eating a small portion of packed food. Clearly tired from the night prior, he seemed as rather miffed and unapproachable as ever, a familiar sight for Virtanen.
Dropping his gear at the foot of the motorcycle, Virtanen took a moment to stretch to the sky before swinging his arm wide. "So what's all this now? Virtanen asked, turning towards the rows of artillery pieces and ammunition lined up neatly next to two tanks.
"The next event" Kaiser answered as he looked over his shoulder. Following Virtanen's eyes, Kaiser explained the group of men sitting in a small group. They were adult soldiers, each of NCO rank and sitting on or next to a piece of artillery. "Those gentlemen are going to instruct the cadets and watch over them as they become acquainted with these older, outdated artillery pieces. Once they've been given minimal instruction they will begin firing at targets downrange within and out of their sight where a drone can confirm the hits. It'll be easier to observe their teamwork without a thick steel shell obstructing our view and instruction."
"And the tanks?" Virtanen pressed.
"I snagged them from the ship last night with some assistance. I wanted the cadets to get some rest last night and I couldn't pull each of those artillery pieces from where I hid them in the woods up a hill now could I?" Kaiser asked rhetorically. "Although I did tow them individually up the hill, I did need another driver for the second tank."
"And who was that?" Virtanen asked, aware that no one had been absent from roll last night or this morning.
Kaiser smirked at the memory. "It was difficult teaching them but that group of student volunteers learned the basics fast enough. It was sloppy and slow but they drove through the streets without breaking anything" he began.
Virtanen was baffled. "They accepted that? You accepted that?!" he exclaimed.
"I need to get some sleep, even if it was in a vehicle and only half of what you all got. And do you really think anyone would turn down a free tank ride?" explained Kaiser.
"True.. wait. We're talking about the students who brought the food last night?" Virtanen asked, recalling the girl who had spoken to them before bashfully boarding her vehicle to depart.
Kaiser nodded. "They jumped at the opportunity. The girl leading their little group was extremely nervous when I showed her the controls" he recalled. Virtanen rolled his eyes as he imagined the girl squeamishly nodding along to Kaiser's instructions. "Perhaps they'll look into joining us later on." Kaiser lamented thinking of the potential new blood.
"Afterword of this training camp of ours gets out? Fat chance" Virtanen mocked. "Although I have to admit I may have forgotten about the howitzers you mentioned and even more so at the fact you trusted a group of random students to drive our vehicles."
"I gave them partial guidance and a tow" Kaiser conceded. "Now I'll leave the briefing of the cadets to you as I inform our instructors of our preparations." Kaiser then stood up, wiping off his fatigues as Virtanen nodded.
-Transition-
One artillery system for each tank crew and up to a hundred shells of 'training' grade ammunition per gun was provided for the training. Three hours were then given to become acquainted with the pieces, far shorter than any reasonable person would give but luckily there were few rules in the leeway of fanatical sports such as Senshado.
Over the fourth hour, an endless echo of firing began and stopped only at the hour's end as barrels smoked hot and the cadet's, sluggish from the constant movement and firing of the guns, got a moment to relax at the sudden break.
As the cadets sat in circles around each of their artillery pieces drinking water and having a light meal they discussed their comforts with the systems, exciting stories they had, their fun in the training, and even ridiculous gossip, some fueled by the online news page.
Unnoticed by the fervent chatting, Kaiser walked around and through the groups, hearing snippets of their conversations as he checked on their fatigue. "Remember when LtCol Kaiser caught Gage trying to steal extra rations and gave him watch the entire night?" one cadet mentioned followed by an embarrassed shout and a row of laughter.
A few steps past and another asked her friend "How did you do on the obstacle course yesterday?" before being answered with "Not so hot, I missed an answer and had to run another lap" The girl pouted while being cheered up by those around her. Kaiser cast a sympathetic glance to the cadets who froze upon noticing him. His glare was misinterpreted as the males rushed to change subjects and the girls became silent.
Unsure why they hastily changed their tune Kaiser proceeded walking about until another conversation caught his ears as he went to join the other commanders in their circle.
One cadet had begun to boast how he thought they could hit anything after their short training. "Why I bet with Alex here leading us we couldn't possibly lose. Ain't that right? Cadet Major Knight?" The boy joyfully shouted, raising his canteen towards Knight, who awkwardly raised a limp hand and faltering smile in response.
Kaiser hummed to himself in thought, mulling over the words he had heard before leaving his cadets to themselves.
-Transition-
"Um, sir. What is going on?" Knight asked meekly, looking up to Kaiser who was now protruding out of one tank's commander's hatch. Standing outside the hatch of the Panzer IV, Kaiser and Virtanen looked out at the cadets surrounding the vehicle, while the M4 Sherman next to it was crewed by O'Diveley and Sokolov.
"Consider this a culmination event," Kaiser replied, looking down at Knight and leaning against the hatch. All these days of teamwork, studying, and training, are now to show some measure of results" He explained. Looking up and raising his voice he addressed the rest of the cadets. "Here is my proposition to you all. A bet of sorts, if we, your commanders taking charge of these vehicles assault your position and 'overrun' said position, we win. In such a case you'll simply be training the rest of the day rather than returning home as scheduled."
Kaiser continued explaining the carrot at the end of their stick. "Now if you all, under the guidance of cadet Major Knight, can disable one of our vehicles, then victory is yours and everyone will get to go home fully fed, back on the trucks tonight earlier than planned."
Knight hesitated with his response, eyes filtering back and forth as he weighed his options before glancing up. "May I have a moment sir?" he requested. Kaiser nodded his head.
Knight turned, quickly huddling the cadets around him. Hushed whispers quickly passed around for a few moments before the majority nodded in unison. Knight then was squeezed out of the formation with a few encouraging shoves providing momentum as he approached the Panzer IV. Now with his posture straightened and chest out as if signifying his newfound confidence at having his peers come to a majority decision.
"First off sir, you said that we need to only disable one vehicle, correct?" asked Knight.
Kaiser gave a single nod. "Any large-scale force cannot operate efficiently with approximately more than 30% casualties."
Knight licked his lips slightly, nervous at his next sentence forming in his mouth. "Then, if I may say so sir, the cadets believe your bargain isn't necessarily fair."
Kaiser spoke up, tired of Knight's overbearing tact. "Spare me your attempts of beating around the bush Knight. You wouldn't be trying to soften me up if everyone behind you wasn't inherently interested in the offer. Everyone here knows I could make this an order and unless they wish to be kicked out, they would comply. Now tell me what greedy request have they gotten you to ask?"
Knight attempted in vain to restrain himself from gulping down the intimidation sent his way as Kaiser propped his head against an arm staring disinterested and quickly losing patience. Having been stripped of his bargaining position and stuck between Kaiser and his peers relying on him, Knight pushed on. "W-well sir then I'll be frank. The cadets want more."
Kaiser's eyes narrowed at the implication of 'more' as he leaned slightly forward and repeated the word. "More? Major? Very well then they may make one unanimous request should they win, however, should they lose the punishment should be equal to that of their desired reward, no?" At this Knight broke eye contact looking back at his peers who themselves looked away. Few had the resolve to nod their heads at him and fewer still to look in the same direction of Kaiser despite a seemingly relaxed Virtanen leaning back in the driver's seat.
Having seen enough heads nod in acceptance of the offer, Knight steeled himself before responding. "One final question sir. Why am I designated as the commander for this exercise?"
Kaiser cast a small grin. "Didn't you hear? It seems that your subordinates have quite the faith in you. Some even say with you at the helm they couldn't possibly lose." Disbelieving of the reason, Knight looked astounded at the statement while Kaiser caught a glimpse of the few students responsible for the claim now guiltily looking at their feet in shock.
Knight seemed to shrink in on himself as the Frost siblings stepped forward, standing to either side of him, both with a hand on one of his shoulders. Looking to his left and right Knight straightened himself once again. "Your terms are acceptable sir. I- we'll see you after our show you our strength, regardless of the outcome" Knight answered, resolving himself.
"Good" replied Kaiser with a malicious half-grin.
"Match will begin in thirty minutes sharp. Once the time is up we'll be approaching you and you shall use whatever is at your immediate disposal to eliminate us." finished Kaiser. The Panzer IV's engine came to life as his explanation ended and Virtanen gave a short wave from his hatch before departing.
"Gonna need a lot more than whatever skill ya got here to get us, boys" taunted O"Diveley from his hatch as the Sherman followed suit.
-Transition-
As the Panzer IV and Sherman approached their designated starting area O'Diveley called out to Kaiser who stood out his hatch. "OI!" he called out. Looking to his right, Kaiser saw O'Diveley waving frantically for his attention. "You pulled this one out yer arse didn't ya?" O'Diveley shouted from his vehicle.
Kaiser found no need to respond and instead focused on the map in his hands planning their actions, this, however, did not stop O'Diveley pestering him from afar.
"You Know that's one of the reasons people are afraid to get along with you" Virtanen called from below.
"It's not as if I aim to make friends with any I treat this way" Kaiser replied.
Focusing on the terrain before him Virtanen shrugged. "Does that imply there are some you don't treat that way?"
"Perhaps" was the only word Kaiser gave as silence fell in their vehicle.
Time quickly passed as the four leaders reached their destination and congregated a plan. "Once more then" Kaiser clarified for the three standing around him.
Virtanen nodded. "At first we'll use radios so they can get a feel for their indirect fire but once we get within a reasonable line of sight maintain radio silence" he repeated.
"Once we've closed that distance, make a sharp split in a ninety-degree angle and make to envelop their position," Sokolov added, annoyed at being stuck with O'Diveley in a vehicle rather than being dragged along.
"And then BAM, make 'em regret ever crossing us!" O"Diveley finished excited at the prospect of one-upping his crew back at the artillery pieces. The other three gave deadpanned expressions at his excitement but continued on with far less enthusiasm.
"Alright then mount up," instructed Kaiser.
The final minute began to countdown when Virtanen began some idle chat to calm his nerves over his inadequate tank driving experience as his grip strained the Sherman's controls. "I have to say, that was quite the impression you made back there, almost makes me wish I could do the same" he chuckled lowly.
Kaiser stared at his pocket watch counting down the seconds. "I think it's more impressive the number of students that showed defiance," Kaiser commented.
"I only counted a few," recounted Virtanen.
"More than what's acceptable" Kaiser corrected solemnly. "And the ones I did see, most of them seem to be under my command. Hell, two of the meanest looks I got were from the loader for my Tiger and the commander of the IS under me."
Virtanen chuckled at the statement, his grip relaxing at the change of focus. "That is just your luck huh?"
Kaiser nodded in resignment as the last seconds passed. '3, 2, 1' The time had come and Kaiser shouted. "Forward!" The Sherman and Panzer IV churned the hardened clay beneath their tracks and took off as the sound of fifteen echoes resounded in the distance. No sooner were they barely out of the 'kill' radius of a single shell, their starting area was obliterated.
"I See they wasted no time while we were away" Virtanen shouted over his shoulder, keeping his eyes affixed ahead.
"I didn't expect them to, after all, it was their best window of opportunity. Just be glad we were all inside our vehicles" commented Kaiser as he watched the terrain ahead of them, referencing it to his topographical map.
The Sherman drove parallel to them with a hundred-meter gap between while they pushed for the artillery's left flank. The match's beginning was slow as the artillery only fired whenever course correction was given over comm. It was when they had covered a third of the distance, that the barrage abruptly began intensifying. Rather than a unanimous sounding of guns to pound their approximate location the firing was offset and continuous shells impacted near and following their advance in the form of a crawling barrage.
"Directions?!" Virtanen repeated for the umpteenth time focused solely on avoiding the sounds of impacts on dirt.
Kaiser kept glancing at the Sherman through his viewport and his map looking for an escape. "There's a small set of elevated hills with vegetation atop a few hundred meters ahead and further right. Advance there and make a stop on the backside, we should be out of their fire" Kaiser instructed.
Once the Panzer IV altered its course the Sherman followed and surprisingly enough the Crawling barrage did as well. The grueling seconds under fire stretched longer than imaginable until both vehicles were behind the high rise hills and the artillery fire seemed to have no effect.
Virtanen slumped into his seat taking deep breaths. "Hell, they're better than I thought for a half days worth of class." Virtanen painted.
Kaiser opened his hatch and peered through the slit with a pair of binoculars observing their surroundings. "They have spotters nearby. No other way they could be so precise and direct with that fire while we maneuvered, they may even be using the soldiers for further instruction" Kaiser stated intently looking at the horizon.
Virtanen seemed surprised at the revelation. "Well, I guess we never said it wasn't allowed. Rather I'm proud of them for being so resourceful. Did they follow us?" He asked.
"Doubt it, too risky of revealing their hand. Must have taken off in our direction after we left. Got somewhere high and concealed, fast." Kaiser continued.
Virtanen brought a hand to his chin in thought. "How would they move so fast though?"
"I have an idea," Kaiser replied as lowering his binoculars, seemingly annoyed. Turning around and opening a wooden crate in the vehicle's rear Kaiser hurriedly left the vehicle.
Leaning back in his seat, Virtanen opened his mouth to object but instead asked himself 'Why did he feel compelled to bring that?'
-Transition-
At the precipice of a hill overlooking a great stretch of terrain that the targeted tanks had been approaching from, lay two spotters designated by Knight. They were chosen due to their capability with radio equipment and competency, thus setting off after 'appropriating' Kaiser's BMW R75. They had quickly found a spot filled with low lying brush to hide and rather than an obvious setting such as the highest hill around, chose the second-highest, laying on its slope further down but still controlling an exemplary view of their commander's avenue of approach.
Even going as far as to take the extra precaution of covering the bike and any reflective surfaces with foliage and tarps. The training they received in the past weeks had indeed come in handy.
"Hey," said the taller of the two boys. "You wonder why the artillery's codename on comm is longarm and we're catnip?" he asked as they waited.
"I don't know man, I just try to do my job and not slow everyone down" his cohort replied.
It had been five minutes since the tanks had hidden behind the range of hills a couple hundred meters away and the worry that they had somehow missed their enemy was growing. Would they need to relocate? Suddenly the Sherman broke across the open terrain and was beelining across their field of view, probably to outflank the artillery positions right. The two scrambled to radio in the news as they heard a set of metallic clicks behind them.
The two slowly turned, knowing it wasn't nature standing behind them. With a look to drive fear in the boys, was Kaiser standing above them with an MP40 and a malicious grin. He was squatting between them for who knew how long, They had not heard his approach and his appearance caused both to flinch.
Knight's voice came into hearing from the radio the two spotters had brought. Too awestruck to reply, they watched as Kaiser leaned over and switched it off. "When did you..." one of the boys began. Kaiser simply raised a finger to his lips signaling them to be quiet. "I presume your codename is catnip because you were bait" Kaiser informed condescendingly. He had been there for quite some time.
Standing up Kaiser gestured to the tarp-covered bike behind them. "Now onto the next matter at hand," he said, firing a shot into the other boys' leg. "Stealing from me is unforgivable" showing no signs of remorse as the cadet clutched his leg in pain. "For fu- dammit!? really?!" The boy shouted as the other was stunned by sudden fear.
Kaiser leaned to his side observing the sprawling boy. "Aren't you the one from the fight?" he asked, receiving no answer but a pained nod. "Don't worry, keep doing what you're doing and you'll get used to it in no time" he quipped as he tossed a rope at them.
-Transition-
Kaiser radioed Virtanen signaling him to approach the hill and retrieve him. Stopping just outside the thicket atop the hill Virtanen hopped out of the vehicle and called out Kaiser's name. "Over here" came the reply.
Jogging towards the source of the voice Virtanen came to a slow stop in disbelief before muffling his laughter. Before him, were two cadets tied to a tree and Kaiser ensuring his bike was fine. "What's uh, what's going on here," Virtanen asked between stifled laughs.
"Ensuring they aren't a nuisance to us again until the match is over." Came the nonchalant reply.
"This is so~ not right! even in the slightest!" answered the smaller tied-up boy.
"Didn't see the need to gag them?" Virtanen jested. "Not yet," Kaiser said, glancing over at the two boys who caught the hint. Once done wrapping up, Kaiser promised the two boys they would be retrieved after the match and walked away with Virtanen who had little to no protest in the action.
"Alright, so now what?" Virtanen asked as Kaiser slung the MP40.
"Next, you're going to have to pull a little magic, we're tight on time here so we got no option other than to head straight at them," Kaiser answered as he climbed the Panzer IV.
"Genius, they'll never expect it" Virtanen sarcastically replied as he hopped into his hatch. "Radio silence and no clue whether the Sherman is still active, this will be fun! Speaking of which, how do you think the other two are?" Virtanen asked starting the vehicle once more.
"I'm sure they're coping just fine after all they seemed close friends," Kaiser replied
-Transition-
"O'Diveley left! Into that embankment!" shouted Sokolov kicking O'Diveley's seat. O"Diveley however ignored the blows and defiantly shouted back "Shut it I know what I'm doin!"
"For the love of! Just listen to my directions!" Sokolov pleaded.
"Don't make me turn this seventy-ton slaughter machine around!" Came the retort.
"That's not even the right weight!" Sokolov shouted angrily.
The artillery fire intensified on them as they bickered causing more panic. "Turn, turn, turn!" Sokolov cried.
"What do you think I'm doing?!"O'Diveley retorted
-Transition-
"Yeah just fine so long as there aren't any more spotters" Kaiser affirmed. Virtanen nodded along and accepted the reasoning as they prepared to push within the artillery posts line of sight.
-Transition-
Diana Frost ran towards Knight who was sitting within a tent and tending to the radio. "Sir the guns are awaiting orders," she informed.
Knight took off his headset and ruffled his hair, distressed. "We lost contact with the radio operators spotting on the Panzer IV" he replied quietly.
Diana was surprised and unsure of what to say as Knight continued speaking. "I don't know-how but... I think Kaiser got to them. However, reports on the Sherman are coming in from the second team and they're being pushed away from us with sustained fire. Resorting to sticking to the other side of the steep cliffs north of us."
Diana Waited patiently as Knight bent over in his seat playing with his hands in thought. She wondered if she could provide any advice to her worried friend any encouragement she could provide, but her worry was for naught. Knight stood up with newfound determination in his eyes as he stepped toward her.
Taken aback Diana froze as he swept past her. "Order them to lower the guns, down to their lowest elevation," he ordered.
The sudden command snapped Diana out of her surprise. "Do you intend to use them as anti-tank guns Alex?"
With a vigorous nod and nervous smile, Knight made his way out the tent calling for her to join. "The Sherman is far from the Panzer IV and knowing the commanders they're closing in on us as we speak. We have to prepare for their charge" He explained as Diana trotted next to him. But wouldn't that be too reckless? And what of the dangers to them?" She asked, keeping with his fervent pace.
Knight shook his head "Look around us Diana, there's nothing but lowlands cleared of brush. They knew they would have to charge the last bit and the ammunition they supplied us with isn't military grade. Even if it was I'm certain Kaiser was so confident in his victory he wouldn't care."
The explanation made more sense as Knight spoke leaving Diana surprised at his sudden enthusiasm. "Yes sir! I'll pass your order immediately!" she shouted running to the artillery teams who for now remained silent. Thinking to himself what other precautions he could take Knight stood still in thought.
Suddenly a cadet on watch shouted through his binoculars. "Enemy to the west! It's the Panzer!"
'What?!' Knight panicked looking out to the distance. The hardened ground meant there was no trail of smoke or dust but he could just make out a small object in the distance moving. "Drop the guns! All of them! Fire on that Panzer!" he ordered running up and down the line of artillery pieces.
-Transition-
"Oh boy" Kaiser announced breaking the silence between him and his driver.
"What is it?" Virtanen asked, attempting to reduce the rattling effect of their bumpy terrain.
"Just prepare to serpentine" Kaiser advised as he watched the fifteen artillery pieces slowly lower and shift their aim down towards their direction.
"Now!" Kaiser shouted as Virtanen swung the vehicle into a hard turn drifting it to the side as it tore the ground beneath. No sooner had their erratic movement began did the flash and eruption of the guns sound off at once. Their immediate area was heavily impacted by the blasts.
The two boys felt nearly concussed by the repetitive blasts and felt as if the panzer itself had been temporarily lifted from the ground, skirting on a single track for a few moments. Their short moment of respite ended as the guns began to stagger their fire after reloading.
Every impact could be felt within the vehicle as Virtanen gripped onto the controls violently and Kaiser braced himself while holding onto his cap. "Keep advancing!" shouted Kaiser amidst the roar of guns. "Once we reach the base of the hill we'll be out of their gun depression!"
With a grunt at fighting the controls to steer a shout of "I'm trying!" came from Virtanen in a panic.
-Transition-
"Keep staggering fire! Lead the sights ahead of them!" Knight ordered. The situation was not looking good. Already a third of his guns could not fire because the layout of their positions meant that there was no line of sight. 'The further that Panzer swings to our flank the fewer guns I have to fire at them' He realized.
A few more seconds and rounds passed before he issued another order. "Aim low and ahead! Disable those tracks!" The cadets repeated the order down the line whilst the gun crews that could not fire shared their remaining ammunition or watched on in distress.
Now down to five guns and only a few hundred meters of distance the fire erupted once more with a short period of quiet for the reloading. As the smoke from the gun bores cleared and new rounds entered, the chunks of dry mud and clay stopped raining around the Panzer. The vehicle rattling before stopping with its track sliding off of its gears.
-Transition-
"Come on, Come on! We were almost there!" Virtanen shouted, trying to force the vehicle to move on before finally giving in and slamming his hand onto the console before him. Kaiser understood his distress. Virtanen was more concerned with the matter of losing rather than the actual match itself and the aftermath. They simply knew to seek victory, all losses no matter how small stung.
"Come on," urged Kaiser, opening his hatch. "Time to face our fate," he said standing up. Kaiser stood tall and obstinate out his hatch while Virtanen leaned forward and out of his with a crooked smile, a begrudging one of pride. They made eye contact with Knight who had come out to the front of the guns with a radio.
"I take it, this is your loss" Came the voice dripping with newfound excitement and relief.
Virtanen looked back at Kaiser. "That boy's mood fluctuates as much as the weather here doesn't it?" He asked before reaching in to grab the tank's radio. "What knight? Going to gloat?" he asked as Kaiser shrugged.
"I know it's not my nature to sir, but you have to admit the cadet's performance warrants some pride" Knight responded. There was hesitation in response. As Knight and some other cadets next to him peered out at the vehicle from afar, it seemed that the two were looking at each other discussing something.
Belatedly Virtanen responded over the radio. "Over our dead body's they do!"
Taken aback Knight didn't know what to say. Then a single-arm reached over his shoulder and wrapped him into a headlock while speaking into the radio. "Stubborn to the end, eh boys?!" shouted O"Diveley laughing before taking a swig from his canteen.
Knight was shocked and wriggled away from O'Diveley's embrace. Looking past the loud peer he saw the artillery crews that had not been firing prostrating themselves before the Sherman with Sokolov looking disinterestedly over them. Almost mockingly he waved at Knight. The Sherman had flanked their silent guns while he was caught up with the Panzer.
Knight's confidence immediately left his body as Diana and Gabe accompanied his walk back to the guns. "It's okay Alex, no one blames you" Diana reassured.
"To be honest most of the cadets expected to lose to the commanders" continued Gabe. "They seem practically untouchable to some, especially Virtanen and Kaiser."
Looking at the cadets who seemed distraught with the turn of events Knight slumped slightly but gave a relieved chuckle nonetheless. "I expected to fail you guys, but at least, it seems our team's leadership is in good hands and maybe we can learn a lot from them."
Gabe and Diana, mouths opened in shock, quickly sprung onto Knight, praising him. "About time you start thinking positive!" Diana shouted, hugging him while Gabe nodded along ruffling his hair.
The day would end with the cadets suffering for their defeat. No dinner and extra physical training well into the night to top off the end of the camp, while the spotters who were tied up were left to sweat out their situation a bit longer than they were comfortable. Meanwhile, when asked about how they closed the distance so fast with no report from the spotters O'Diveley and Sokolov would spin different tales.
Both amounting to "A secret tool left for us from the ol' vice commander" before flashing a Thompson submachine gun that had been left in the Sherman and "the Coercion of your little spotters." O'Diveley would then ensue with a raucous of laughter while Sokolov gave off an almost lethargic Ha-Ha-Ha.
While punishments were handed up the soldiers who had lent their knowledge departed. Congratulating Kaiser and thanking him for the show before leaving in a Humvee. The group would talk nonstop on their way back and to their platoon of "Those insane kids" and retelling the day's events. The senior NCO among them even going as far as advising them "Looks like we found our ticket to some quick cash, better start placing bets boys, if this is how they're going to perform then it seems it's about time to start betting on senshado matches this year".
-Transition-
The next day signaled the end of the training camp with cadets packing and preparing to depart, some bitter at their lack of downtime on the island and others at their loss yesterday. As the cadets were finishing their packing they were called to formation outside.
O'Diveley being the most senior ranked enlisted cadet began pacing before the formation. Worry began to dawn among the cadets. 'Perhaps another punishment tacked on to their loss?' many worried.
"Today, at the behest of our commanders" He began letting the cadet's stress over his next words. "Today you will be assigned" His hesitation made the cadets stiffen, expecting the next verbal blow.
"A fun day" he finished with a light chuckle. Those three words hit the formation like a truck. Confusion struck all but the most disciplined of the cadets. "Well, what are ya waiting for?! Get your shite and load up! You're going to the beach!" ordered O'Diveley.
The day's scenery quickly changed to one of relaxation consisting of a large cookout, group sports, and free time within the beach's vicinity up until evening. The only downside for both the boys and the girls was that the females only had their dull PT gear to lounge around in, albeit both pouted for different reasons.
Kaiser went on spending most of his time watching over them and reading. Another cadet who hadn't seemed to mind and vehemently requested the modest attire for all was the elder of the sisters who had performed splendidly during training. Kaiser noted the girls' attitudes and their placement under his command, having memorized their last name.
'Prokov' was their family name. The younger sister however seemingly abhorred the clothing at the beach as "Uncute" in contrast to her sister.
The fun for the cadets seemingly ended almost too quickly as they prepared to load their vehicles and board the ship once more as the darkness crept upon the horizon. "As recompense, there will be no practice for the next three days however do not grow dull," Kaiser would warn. "Virtanen, Knight, and I have tasks to complete over the next few days so we will be absent." Kaiser would say before dismissing them.
"We do?" Knight asked once all cadets were gone. "We do," Kaiser answered.
-Transition-
A few days later early morning. Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight were dressed in their best uniforms and awards, the latter having been given one not ten minutes prior. After a bitter series of complaints from Virtanen directed to Kaiser over "How he always does this!" and Knight meekly sitting in the back of their vehicle, they arrived at their destination.
While Virtanen and Knight were nervous over the unfamiliar scenery Kaiser walked on undeterred. He then led the duo into an exemplary large building where they began walking down a gray hallway adorned with pictures and awards of past battles.
As they walked, Kaiser let loose a yawn. "Are you that tired?" Virtanen asked him.
"I'm fine. I just happened to be up till four last night finalizing this and don't even ask about half the favors I had to call in. Besides, it'll be worth it. If it's a success that is" Kaiser answered despondently.
"Must be something big if you had to go through all that effort," Virtanen snickered.
"S-sir please keep your composure here This is important!" Knight pleaded.
"It's not that big of a deal," Kaiser reassured Knight. The trio stopped at a set of two large wooden doors. Kaiser took a slow breath while Knight audibly gulped and Virtanen nearly began hyperventilating. Kaiser and Knight opened the set of doors simultaneously allowing Virtanen to enter first.
"H-Hello there, I am Transcendence's Commander, Cadet Colonel Virtanen and these are my assistants, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser, and Cadet Major Knight, representatives of Transcendence." introduced Virtanen, his stutter barely noticeable.
"Hey there. Welcome to Saunders!" Beamed a smile from a head of dazzling blonde hair leaning back in her seat.
-Chapter end-