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 pressure from those who sought to change the sport, an effort to revitalize the fanbase and reinvigorate viewers.
Even with recent upsets such as Oorai occurring, a change to the status quo was sought. With the female-only rule being done away with, naturally, the necessity of easing doubts and fears of loyal fans, Veteran players, and families with long historical ties to the sport arose. This being especially prominent 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 of finding their own form of Senshado.
Similarly, there was a push for females to also be forcibly integrated into the male sport of mock infantry battles, known as 'InfanterieKampf'. Many naturally fought against both pushes with the same woes. 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 dwindling support that would snuff out as fast as it began, thus 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, it 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 prior before approval was officially gained. Only experimental units left in the shadows out of prying eyes. Their purpose? To see and record how male students would interact and participate with females and female leadership of their age.
The numbers surprisingly showed little to no difference from the average teenage female's responses to management and discipline. A surprising factor showed the male students who participated in Infanterie Kampf performed 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 stage now set, 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 at the first whispers of change, only recently completed. Originally intended as a female-only carrier, it now would be the first intended co-ed ship. Its dimensions stood 7800 m long, 800 m wide (1200m at its widest), and 100 m high, a smaller ship in comparison to those of Kuromoromine and Pravda but no less impressive, especially in its training grounds. Those of which took a third of the surface of the ship and simulated a multitude of reasonably different terrains.
Resembling a ship of war with its tactical appeal and looks, the education intended to replicate military colleges or those of higher learning. All students who attended were encouraged to find a path of their choosing and to utilize what they were taught to assist in life. The curriculum meant guaranteed success for dedicated students, especially with its strict vetting process. Though at a glance all the students were just children, many held high aspirations, the exception to the rule only being those given scholarships for sporting clubs or other extracurriculars. This included even the Senshado team the school was based upon.
Each major position for the school from the Student body President and Senshado team leaders 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" in the opening weeks of the school year.
Needless to say, thousands of applications were sent in at the announcement of the ship's launch. Just as the positions of leadership for the faculty had been ordained, the student body began being chosen before the school summer's end. Only special cases and transfers were chosen outside the main student body.
To further process only the best, each school team was hand-picked by the commanders. This meant that whoever was to represent Transcendence in their Senshado team was to be scouted by the team's current commanding students.
With fate having brought the resources together for them, thus begins the story of Transcendence's Senshado team, Two former Infanteriekampf students, and a team of skilled regular teens. Here they sought 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 stretched, popping joints, and waking to his surroundings.
The Panther turret he had propped himself against and the gun barrel he had laid his head on, was still, its hatch open. Peering into it he saw a figure slumped over, unceremoniously snoring away. 'Our glorious leader' He snided internally.
Transcendence's First Senshado commander, Cadet Colonel Austin Virtanen. In his third year of high school, he was transferred in as a senior cadet to give a foundation for the school's leadership.
Virtanen stood tall at six foot two, with pale skin, blue eyes framed by silver rectangular glasses, and dirty blonde hair. His past boasted high devotion to his extracurriculars. From swimming in childhood to Infanterie Kampf up to a year prior as a high school sophomore. His personality would lead many to not believing of his status of commander as he tended to be extremely relaxed if not sometimes neglectful of duty.
"Virtanen," called the cadet firmly. No response or reaction. "Virtanen!" he said, raising his voice. Still no response. 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 mischievously reasoned.
Not a moment later a wrench was placed precariously on the turret cupola and 'happened' to fall onto the Cadet Colonel's head. A short "thump" was followed by metallic clattering and spastic movement inside.
"What the Hell!" Came the brief shout from Virtanen looking at the offending object before turning to see out the turret, at the perpetrator peering down at him. "Was that you Adam?!" he shouted.
A blank stare was his answer. "Good to see you're awake Virtanen" Kaiser replied, moving out of view. "And what did I say about first names?" he called back hopping down from the vehicle's chassis.
Virtanen starred through the cupola dumbfounded at Transcendence's vice commander and his actions. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Adam Kaiser. Kaiser had been Virtanen's peer in Infanterie Kampf and was transferred in along with Virtanen. The difference lay in Kaiser's reluctance to transfer to Senshado. His acceptance being due to personal interest after much thought. Because of their familiarity with InfanterieKampf, the use of last names was common between them.
Transcendence encouraged the use of last names for a more professional environment, most students followed along, without a care, except of course for close friends. Kaiser took the rule to extraordinary lengths, however, his stern demeanor easily deterring any approach, dissuading any attempts for a first name basis.
Kaiser's appearance was caucasian at five foot ten inches with brown hair and eyes. He preached fitness and knowledge, pushing himself to extremes in training for InfanterieKampf. Since his transfer, however, he has been seen training in public less and more so privately. Where Virtanen was lax, Kaiser showed his prior experience as an Infanteriekampf leader through his strict attitude and harsh speech.
Being cadets in their junior year and having prepared a team of their own, these two stood as the bedrock of Transcendence's leadership.
Virtanen clambered out and after Kaiser, unsatisfied with his response. "What was that for?" he demanded, chasing Kaiser.
Ignoring the shout, Kaiser straightened his uniform, adjusting his tie as they walked.
The two were dressed in the Transcendence's first Senshado team uniform, full black M-32 SS dress uniforms with minor alterations. Naturally these minor alterations were to the awards that adorned their chests and the unit insignia of the school's crest emblazoned upon it.
The logo consisted of a white eagle behind a shield with a black cross adorning 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, wearing the uniform until they received the shipments for their team. Placing his cap on his head, Kaiser turned towards a rather upset Virtanen and looked him up and down before nodding. "Good you're not bleeding," he confirmed, much to Virtanen's indignation.
Virtanen began checking his uniform as Kaiser assisted, ensuring no errors were present. "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 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 ready your speech" As Kaiser proceeded to advise him, Virtanen stiffened at the mention of speaking. Kaiser sighed in disappointment. "Still haven't overcome that fear?" he hummed.
"Shut it." snapped Virtanen defensively. "A summer isn't enough time to overcome one's fears, let alone become a commander," he muttered.
"No" agreed Kaiser. "But here you are, in the limelight and I've told you to get over it for three years now. How sad would it be if your cadets saw a pathetic commander? It would be dreadful, wouldn't it, Sir?" 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 complained.
Kaiser rubbed his temples at the attempted deflection. His display to show Virtanen his annoyance at the 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." he answered, his voice stern yet a familiar encouraging tone only Virtanen could identify at their new school.
"Besides you even volunteered after the Senshado board had rejected your first application to be the leader here anyways. You applied again and 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. I know we're not in InfanterieKampf, but sometimes I wonder why you don't just take the reins". He meekly responded.
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". Kaiser placed a hand on Virtanen's shoulder, receiving 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. I'm not the same".
"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. 'Foreign" he joked.
Clasping his hands together, Kaiser snapped Virtanens attention upwards. "Now then, Your first opportunity to show your mettle" he announced pointing back at an open garage door with the cadets beginning to drift in.
Time 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. Their presumable commander's, the shorter with an unreadable, stern face, and the taller's back turned to them.
From Kaiser's view, they would have seen the near panic on Virtanen's face and the weak smile he mustered. Eventually, Kaiser tapped Virtanen on the shoulder signaling him to begin. Virtanen turned about on his heels and looked over the crowd. Kaiser analyzed every detail of the students while Virtanen sought to emulate a look of calm demeanor while he steadied his nerves.
Before them stood students in the transcendence school uniform of grey trousers with a black stripe on each leg, a grey jacket with black seams including 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, which had the school's symbol in front and differing styles for males and females. These student covers were utilized in the only formal events, however. Black, white, and to an extent red clothing could be swapped with regular articles as accessories were also authorized as long as they did not clash with the uniform.
Students only wore covers when necessary and hair regulations were rather lenient for most, allowing somewhat long and "excessive" hair. The school uniform was stylized after the U.S. Marine Corps dress blues in style and reflect a more military-styled rendition of their sister ship, Saunder's.
The uniformity in appearance went past clothing as a good majority of the Senshado cadets were still female. Despite the initial attempts at a 50/50 male-to-female enrollment, it quickly faltered as the advertisement of the Senshado team had led to an influx of female applications and male transfers to stagnate. Impressions of a female sport still lay deeply rooted and would take time to amend the public's impression. The resulting team in front was an adequate reflection of the school's populace, approximately two or three females to the lone male.
Mixed within the standard school uniforms and female dense crowd, a variety of colors peered through the grey in the appearance of transfer students. These naturally caught the interest of the commanders before 'indoc' had even begun.
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 students of such renowned schools transfer to an unreputable ship.
Kaiser continued to observe as Virtanen gave the preamble to his address. This presentation was merely a formality, unfortunately, after looking at the new Cadets, it seemed certain prospects had refused their invitation, though thankfully this was of only a few.
The transfers drew the curiosity of possible talent. Students from other schools could possess any level of training, even minimal skill could help them improve as a whole as the season would begin. ''Hopefully, we haven't inherited lepers' Kaiser cynically contemplated.
Deep in thought, Kaiser glanced at Virtanen. The crowd seemed fooled enough into thinking he was calm. Virtanen had been speaking loudly, quickly, and directly to the point. To anyone else, he seemed focused. To Kaiser, who knew better, he could see the sweat glistening on his neck and his hands shake slightly as his voice occasionally wavered.
Kaiser decided to intervene before Virtanen's voice cracked. Stepping ahead, Kaiser took the reins. "Now then everyone, we have the rest of the day to ourselves but I don't believe anyone here would like to stay overnight. So let us press on '' A glance over the formation showed a myriad of responses at the sudden shift in focus, from welcoming and introductory to stoic and dismissive.
Most seemed unaffected and agreeing yet some seemed confused and fewer annoyed or irritated at him. Unphased he pressed on. "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 after school. You will arrive before classes to prepare your vehicles," he instructed
Pausing to gauge their understanding, he continued. "We see potential in 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 leave. 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 excitedly and horsing about as Kaiser addressed Virtanen, who grew slack as he stepped off his soapbox and away from the crowd off. Still, in eyesight of the cadets, he quickly rebounded and maintained a dignified appearance posture 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 of cadets. 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 after receiving a copy. "Sir! when do we get our own snazzy outfits?"
With a light chuckle, Virtanen raised a hand to respond. " Soon after the first mock battle! We have to decide official teams afterward and they'll be on the way," he replied, turning to see Kaiser with a raised brow. "What? I don't do well in crowds, but being friendly is bearable." he 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. They're used to a certain hierarchy at their schools. Saunders, Pravda, Maginot, etc. They all have student celebrities and order of seniors to freshmen. I assume they didn't like someone as 'new' as them in this school speaking over their commander. They probably see me as undisciplined and disrespectful on top of questioning why we were chosen. After all, we just look like two more teenagers below them and their own achievements. It's how the prideful think. They'll learn quickly enough, though. I'll ensure it" He declared turning his back to the cadets, hiding the sadistic grin that parted 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 begged, preemptively grieving for their cadet's future. 'Those poor souls. They're going to experience worse than I did.' he fretted.
-Transition-
AcademyTraining Grounds, next day
The Training grounds for mechanized vehicles made use of limited space among the surface of the ship. Its thinnest point 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, a watchtower utilized by school officials and the Senshado team's staff officers stood.
A glorified, rectangular box on stilts with camo netting on the outside, its interior was vastly different. 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 vehicles adorned the walls. Next to the balcony, a radio and a smaller 2ft by 2ft glass plated map with seats around it lay for observing training.
Here, Virtanen sat with Kaiser, who stood behind. The current evaluation battle was simplified to assess the combat ability and capability of the new cadets within their predesignated teams. A rough assessment would be received to build a baseline. This was a necessary first step to begin training in earnest.
Perhaps going further than necessary, Kaiser had sought information on potential new joins from any viable source. He then spent his own time matching their personalities and skillsets to vehicles in order to reduce friction within the teams from the get-go.
Naturally, some complaints arose in the previous twenty-four hours from 'Indoc' but all were defused and left with no room for complaint. Virtanen and Kaiser made it clear to all, "We do not need individuals who cannot comply with orders and act in tandem" reprimanded Kaiser.
Virtanen would then 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 had been passed to quell dissent, it wasn't necessarily a complete false either, thus the mix of stern and comforting words would convince the most obstinate of cadets.
As the start of the practice loomed, Virtanen took a deep breath, taking in the sea air from their elevation. Kaiser listed 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 attainment" he informed as Virtanen listened halfheartedly.
The choice of modifying open-top vehicles was controversial, to say the least, but after previous years with varying 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, were 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 such negligence.
Virtanen nodded his head in acknowledgment, barely containing 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 began. The first squad began to move in a standard column, Panther on 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 that displayed close imagery from the hidden cameras in the terrain next to him Virtanen was attentive watching. "What are the northern terrain features and conditions?" he asked, fully 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," answered Kaiser promptly.
"They are advancing towards the fifth squad's position" realized 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 Fifth's ambush was a simple L shape and quickly improvised to decent effect. The Stug IV hid in the low brush to the left of the trail that the first squad proceeded on, whilst the Pz sfl IVc hid behind a thick tree line at the trail's bend in an attempt to conceal its easily spotted silhouette. The final vehicle of the fifth squad, the SU-100 waited further along to initiate the ambush.
Giving a brief look at the monitor, Kaiser sat next to Virtanen, arms crossed, and opened a book. "A textbook ambush" he commented.
Sparing a glance at Kaiser, Virtanen wasn't surprised. 'Once again burying his attention in a book rather than something much more interesting.' he thought, giving a roll of his eyes before focusing once more to see the exchange of fire.
The Stug IV shot directly into the side of the ARL 44's turret, knocking it out instantly, Following by its fire, the Pz sfl IVc fired its eighty-eight into the side of the 44M crippling it, and the SU-100 scarcely 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 was incapable of moving as its track had become dislodged, leaving 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 it to fire.
The commander of the Stug appeared out of his hatch and raised a hand to his chin, 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 Fifth's Stug followed the First's Panther tracks. The SU-100 would defeat the 44M as it launched its counterattack disabling the Pz sfl IVc.
"Great gun, but Paper Mache armor." Virtanen sighed under his breath. The SU-100 began turning around, backtracking to its prior position only to find the Panther had circled and returned the favor. Having outmaneuvered its foe, the Panther fired into the vulnerable SU-100's flank, circling further and firing into the opposite side for good measure.
The move may have been an act of revenge but any gloating was short-lived as the Stug IV had found its prey and fired at distance. The 75mm round landed on the Panthers rear directly in the engine's center, leaving the Stug as the only survivor of the fray.
"Impressive!" burst out Virtanen, excited by the skirmish. "I think I'd 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 request. "The fifth squad seems capable of honing their skills with their current leadership" Kaiser reasoned as an exchange of fire on the other side of the training grounds caused Virtanen to snap his head up and immediately change the screen.
The second squad had been advancing side by side. The Tiger in the center with its friendly vehicles on 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. The lyrics of which, vulgar and obnoxious, blared through the system as the three vehicles mounted their charge.
Virtanen's shock was replaced with laughter at the theatrics of their vehicles assaulting and circling their targets, firing whilst doing so, and missing nearly every shot along the way. At their performance of destroying more landscape than enemies, Kaiser's anger faltered into disapproval as he dismissed the shenanigan.
The lead perpetrator of the stunt emerged from his hatch and began jeering at his foes. "Come on now boy-o's! Let's give 'em a show!" he shouted. In response, The KV-85 steadied their sights and fired at the hellcat circling the IS rather than spin their turret chasing the vehicle circling them endlessly.
The round impacted the jerry-rigged stereos, immediately stopping the noise. As if shocked, the Fifth squad's vehicles stopped in their tracks, a pregnant pause ensuing.
The silence continued for a second too long as the idling engines were the only noise that filled the air. Then the Hellcat shifted and fired at the Tiger, hitting its machine gun port. The fifth squad immediately proceeded to "bug out" as its leader would shout over comms before retreating. The three vehicles sped in miscellaneous directions before reconverging in the same direction.
The IS and KV-85 pursued the Achilles relentlessly, defeating it with a powerful blow to the turret's side, and a shot in the engine. The Hellcat and Chaffee circled back, peeling left and right, slamming into the IS and in retribution, firing into its turret simultaneously.
Upon knocking the IS out of commission, the two reversed and proceeded to attack the KV-85. Circling once more but landing more precise, timely hits.
"Unfortunate" muttered Kaiser over the tank destroyer's sudden, precise attacks against the heavy tanks.
Virtanen chuckled at the light criticism. "Hell, it's only providing suppressive fire at the rate it's going. The tank destroyers certainly don't seem to mind".
As the display continued Kaiser thumbed through a stack of papers. "I had hoped these cadets could prove valuable on their own, shall we check in on their radio frequency?" he Inquired.
"I forgot you locked the squad's comms on separate channels to prevent cheating" Virtanen recalled. "Let's, I'm curious how they're coping."
Kaiser walked to the nearby radio, adjusting the frequency as Virtanen watched over his shoulder, leaning into his chair and tilting it on its hind legs. With a final click, a single voice came through.
Immediately shouts from a stern female voice came spouting orders with little to no leeway for argument or response. After a few moments, Kaiser flicked the radio off, taking a glance at Virtanen who had almost fallen out of his chair at the sudden volume.
"We'll need to rearrange some students," Virtanen suggested.
Kaiser gave a nod as he returned to his seat. "It seems they're finished anyway he commented as the Tv screen showed the KV-85 be disabled. The two tank destroyers finally 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. "There is a small opportunity to make it out if they shift their chassis and take the initiative to engage". Virtanen hummed at the observation, contemplating the possibility.
Suddenly, Kaiser closed his book, stood, and began to leave. "If it is acceptable I will be taking the second squad." he requested.
"I see no reason as to why not," Virtanen responded, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "However, I thought you would seek a better performing team since you hated training 'new joins', even back in InfanterieKampf you hated newbies".
"True" Kaiser responded. "However better to work with a blank slate, more predictable and easy to correct. After all, it's how I whipped them into shape" he smirked. Virtanen grimaced, at the memory as Kaiser returned to speaking of the match. "They missed their window of opportunity. They'll fire at the Chaffee and in turn have their engine hit by the Hellcat".
Humming to himself, Virtanen adjusted his posture. "I'll take that bet, ten dollars sound right?"
As the words left his mouth the sound of piercing steel ripped through the audio drew their eyes back to the screen in time to see the outcome. The Chaffee attempted to drive past the Tiger's line of fire, causing it to skid to a halt with a small flag signaling its defeat.
The victory meant little as the Hellcat took the opportunity to circle the Tiger and take its time lining up a shot directly into the engine, trading an eye for an eye.
"Called it" Kaiser chimed, making his way to descend the watchtower.
"Shut it, just a lucky guess," Virtanen snipped back, sulking into his chair.
"Like I said" Kaiser called over his shoulder. "Predictable".
Leaning over the armrest of his chair, Virtanen watched Kaiser leave. "Not going to watch the rest?" he asked.
"I have a pretty good idea of what's going to happen," Kaiser responded opening the door and speaking over his shoulder. "Let's make another bet. I'll message you who I think won before the match is over, the bet amount is another ten. If I'm wrong I'll return your losings". With his offer given, Kaiser shut the door and departed.
"Pffft" mocked Virtanen feeling the comment of "Predictable" was aimed more at him than the cadets. "Always smug" he muttered. 'I'd call him downright cocky if I didn't know him' he snorted. Leaning forward in his seat, he observed the match again.
The event was reaching its apex. The Stug IV had made its way over to the commotion of battle and sat observing from a distance. It took its aim at the Hellcat, firing only to miss by a hair. In return, the Hellcat sought to find its foe and return fire, unexpectedly 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's Firefly and T-34-85 swept their targets flank, forcing the Stug to retreat downhill.
In an attempt to lure the T-34-85 to expose its underbelly the Stug maneuvered into a minor depression, its gun up. The T-34-85 seemed happy to oblige as the Firefly sped over the crest of the hill catching air and firing wildly, clipping the Stug's track.
Trapped, the Stug fired a glancing shell off of the t-34-85's turret viewport as it peered over the depression. The firefly then 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 vehicles. With its turret reversed trying in vain to retaliate, its driver hurriedly attempted to escape as the commander focused on the enemies below, it came as a shock when the vehicle stalled with a forceful jerk.
The Hellcat's commander looked through his rear viewport seeing the final vehicle of the Third squad and its barrel pointed at the back of his turret. The Panzer IV fired and disabled the Hellcat, ending all opposition.
Impressed, Virtanen whistled at the shocking turn of events. Feeling his phone vibrate he looked down at the message he had received. "From Kaiser" it read. "I predict the victor to be the Third squad". Virtanen dropped his phone into his lap, rubbing the bridge of his nose in annoyance. Begrudgingly he made a call. "I hate this part of you" he began.
"And I suspect you owe me twenty dollars" Kaiser replied.
"So who's the little prodigy? I had completely forgotten about a fifth of our vehicles in the excitement". Asked Virtanen, curious as to who had led the Third squad.
"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 transfer from the St. Gloriana ship."
"You'll have to fill me in on details later," insisted 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. Kaiser felt no pity, he had more work to do as well.
Having heard the last sounds of combat in the distance, he knew the scrimmage was over. Walking to the school's main building he pulled a few files from his bag. "Now I need to file paperwork for the promotions and explain to the school's staff," He thought aloud.
It was doubtful any teachers would refuse but the idea of even more work before the season began was dreary, hence why he returned the favor by giving Virtanen his fair share for once.
'Knight, Sokolov, O'Diveley...' Kaiser ran the names through his mind, pondering on what and where to assign them.
End chapter.