Chapter XVII: Tanking in The Snow
The Shinano
Off shore of Khabarovsk Krai
Sea of Okhotsk, Russia
"IS-4? Are you sure?" asked Miho.
"Yes, Nishizumi-dono. I believe that Klara-san will be using IS-4 as her command tank," said Yukari, "it has pike shaped in its bow, but using 100mm gun instead of 122mm like all other IS-3,"
"IS-4 is a thing to be reckoned with," said Erika, "its armors are thick in all places, unless..."
"In the top cover of her engine, yes, I'm aware of that," said Miho.
"I'm more fear about the overall line-up of the Russian tanks. IS-3, T-44A and BT-7 are not something to taken lightly, given our own tank line-up," said Orange Pekoe, "all have extra armor for protection, and they're tough nut to crack, even with our Tigers,"
"Can be said that the IS-4 is only a cherry on top of the icing," said Koume.
"Does our tanks that weak?" asked Noriko.
"Well, our Sherman could match their T-44A of course. Sherman's 76mm guns are powerful enough, but the ISs, on the other hand..." said Miho.
"In short, all of their tanks have devastating punches and very thick skins," said Erika.
"What a way to begin the first match," said Erwin.
Miho silent for a while before rise from her chair. Everyone watch as she goes to the window and see the snowflakes started to fall down.
"The weather would be quite snowy for few days ahead, perhaps even as our matchday goes. Please check again our preparation for fighting in snowy condition. Siberia is notoriously harsh for its inhabitants, especially for mechanical vehicles. I don't want we got caught by the weather, not by the enemy's action," said Miho.
"I'll see to it," said Koume.
"Everyone, although the odds are against us, please remember that the winner of the match cannot be decided before the match itself begin. I believe we've all fighting against the odd, but yet here we are, still surviving, and winning. So don't be afraid for what to come. Just true to yourselves, your tanks, and your teammates," said Miho, "if we don't forget ourselves, then no matter how strong your opponents, or on what grounds, you'll find way to fight them."
Miho smiled, and it shines a new hope on everyone.
"Yes, I also believe that we could win," said Erwin, "we, Ooarai, knows exactly what does it likes,"
"Then I hope you Ooarai could burn that same spirits on all of us," said Orange Pekoe, "if we're going to go through hell, then let us keep going,"
"Fortune favors the brave," said Erika, "and I don't recall anyone braver than each one of you staying in this ship,"
"Everyone, let's fight!" said Miho.
Everyone then cheers.
The next morning, everyone are training and preparing for the last time before the tanks and the crew be shipped to Krasnoyarsk the day after. The weather is cold, and everyone knows that Siberia could get worse than this. Transportation Section are currently busy to discuss about the weather for possible flight to Siberia and the best way to approach them. If the weather worsened, match could be delayed because the flight of Japanese team won't be possible. But so far, everyone is still believed that they could arrived in the venue on time.
Ami Chouno has now given to the team the map, satellite and aerial photos for the match venue. It's basically some kind of settlement or base surrounded by hills and forests. Each team must start in opposite end of the forest and trying to capture the center base as "The Hill". The one able to hold the hill for 2 consecutive hours would win the match. And taking over an occupied Hill would be very difficult since encroaching team would have terrain and structural advantage. That's why Miho has determined that it's important for Japanese team to hold The Hill first. If Russian team able to get to The Hill first, the situation would be very grim, since the basic structure of The Hill could bolster the already thick-armored tanks.
"If Russia get there first, it would be like we're trying to break a ring of steel," said Miho.
"What does Klara looks like when fighting? What is her combat styles?" asked Erika.
"Commander Klara is not as tact or as cool as Nonna. But she's also not as bold as Katyusha as well," said Nina, "just like a perfect blend of both."
"I hate those kind of commander," said Erika.
"You hate almost everything," said Shizuka.
"For a good reason, that is," said Erika.
"Can't blame you, this one is a tough nut to crack," said Shizuka.
"What if they put something like booby trap in the hill?" asked Erwin, "Russian notoriously put a lot of booby traps when leaving the city for Scorched Earth tactics."
"Doubt it. Every venue must be sterilized from home team elements for 7 days before the match," said Ami Chouno, "and during that time, Federation team take charges in inspecting and keeping the venue clear."
"Are you sure that's what happened, Instructor Chouno?" asked Erwin.
"Sure, all sensha-do venues in the world are under direct supervision of World Sensha-do Federation. Right after this venue selected, the Russian team, as host, can't even train there. WSF are very strict about the rules for equal ground," said Ami Chouno.
"One less thing to worry about," said Erika.
"Now we have to decide how to get to The Hill fast and how to defend ourselves from there," said Miho.
"Yes, work that out, since I have to go to Krasnoyarsk for technical meet now," said Ami Chouno, "we'll see each other again tomorrow, or the day after, depend on when will you arrived there."
"Is it okay to fly there now?" asked Miho.
"There's window of weather for now, and I'll make the most of it," said Ami Chouno, "it's your flight tomorrow that I'm concerned. Hopefully the weather won't get worsened tomorrow,"
"Okay, good luck, Instructor Chouno," said Miho.
"Yeah, good luck to you too, Nishizumi-chan," said Ami Chouno.
Ami Chouno salute then saluting everyone there and then leave the place to go to her planes that has been prepared in the runway. Miho can't help but wonder, will everything gonna be alright at the match tomorrow?
Tunguska Tank Battling Ground
Siberia, Russia
JSF's B-737-800 carrying Japanese sensha-do team finally touchdown at the airfield of Tunguska Tank Battling Ground in Siberia, Russia. Sun has set long ago and the weather is not very friendly. Strong wind and heavy snowing violently torture the ground, giving just enough for planes to go and land. Thank's to the skill of Transportation Section's pilots, they manage to land safely in the battle ground. Their tanks, however, has arrived here few hours earlier since tanks was shipped first before the crew, and just after last planes carrying tanks took off, weather got worsened that delay the departure of Japanese team.
"We finally here..." said Hana.
"It's very freezing, colder than when I went to Yekaterinburg," said Yukari.
"But where are our tanks?" asked Saori.
"Instructor Chouno told me that our tanks has been transported by railway to the starting position. We'll go there after ceremony," said Miho, "our technicians and WSF's officials are there to guard the tanks before we arrived,"
"Oh God, most of our winter kits and supplies are in the tanks," said Saori.
"People are not suppose to do battle in this heavy snow," said Mako, "we should've sleep by the warmth of fireplace instead,"
Ami Chouno then come with another woman, supposedly her Russian counterpart, Olga Kurchatova. Unlike a warm Ami Chouno or Liu Yiren, this woman seems quite grumpy and cold, as if she doesn't want to be here at all.
"Hi, Girls. Are you ready for the ceremony?" asked Ami Chouno.
"Yes, Instructor Chouno," said Miho, "where are the Russian team?"
After saying that, Russian team arrived, all using Afghanka winter attires and light gray ushankas. Klara stand front and center, smiled warmly to Miho.
"Let's have a good fight, Miho-sama," said Klara.
"Ah, yes, you too," said Miho.
"Hey! Let's all start. I hate to be here in this freezing weather!" said Olga Kurchatova.
Everyone agreed, and the ceremony is soon begin. Due to the weather delayed the arrival of Japanese team, the match between Russia and Japan began much more later than the other matches. However, the infos of the result isn't yet available. One thing for sure is whoever win this match must face the victor between North Korea vs South Korea match, which held in Baekdu Tank Battle Ground in North Korea, which, as now, the only thing Ami Chouno heard is that the battle isn't yet be over.
After the ceremony finished, four mega-sized Mi-26 transport helicopters has been waiting with their engine running. Japanese team would board two of them, and Russian team board two others. These giant helicopters shall carry both team to their respective starting points. Since these helicopters is so large, they're hoped to be able to break through the snowing quite fast. Many of the Japanese team members still amused on how all of them can be carried with just that two helicopters. Loadmaster then signaled as everyone aboard, and the helicopters started to take off to their destination.
Miho looked through the window as all helicopters fly together before two of them, carrying Russian team, separated to their way. It's not actually a smooth flight, as the weather isn't too friendly. However, these Russian giants are more than able to break the snowing and go to their intended destination, some kind of forward operating base with large basic hangar for the tanks, located near the dedicated railroad station. There, Miho greeted by two members of Maintenance and Engineering Section. They are Rena Sato and Shiori Matsushita, field chief engineer and assistant field chief engineer of the Section.
"Thank God that you all finally arrived. We've been worried that you might not showed-up given the circumstances," said Rena.
"Yes, the weather is very harsh, Sato-san, how's the tanks?" asked Miho.
"Your tank is alright, thankfully. We've been make sure to keep them warm since I've heard that the cold temperature in Siberia is enough to freeze the oil and other liquid inside tanks," said Rena.
"We even closed the hangar very tight and light bonfires to make sure of that," said Shiori.
"Thank you very much for your hard work on our tanks, Sato-san, Matsushita-san," said Miho.
"Just win this match, Nishizumi-san," said Rena, "since we've given you the love and strength of Ooarai-an girls,"
"Wait, are you..." said Miho.
"Yes, we're once from Ooarai Girls Academy as well, perhaps few years before you go there," said Shiori.
"I promise to give you my best," said Miho while bowing.
"Okay, now go to your tanks to warm yourself and prepare for battle. During this time, we've manage to collect firewoods as much as we can and put those in each of your tank. Should anything happened and your engine shut down during the match, quickly take the firewoods and make a bonfire below the tanks. Otherwise, your tanks would be dead in the snow, literally," said Rena.
"We'll keep that in mind," said Miho.
They both saluting Miho, and Miho quickly goes to her own tank. All the mechanics must make sure their tanks has been handed properly to the tankers, before they go to the train to be boarded into the base. Like everyone else, Miho keen to jump into her own tank since it's warmer inside. There's something different since the tanks are now decorated by certain symbols. For instance, Miho's Sherman now has Anglerfish logo on the side, near Japan insignia, while Shizuka's Crusader now bears symbols of Takeda Clan mon and Centipede.
Now they wait for the signal to start as snow pours heavily through the night. Beside the roaring sound of main judge plane, a WSF's Tu-85 Bomber, which used to replace the traditional Il-4 due to heavy weather. Like before, surveillance drones also been deployed in assisting the judging. The judge team for today's match are from Italy, with Maria Schiavone as head judge assisted by Lucia Esposito and Carmen della Vecchia.
Miho looks at the falling snow before taking the laryngophone.
"Everyone, Engineering Team said that under any circumstances, don't let your engine gone off. If at any circumstances your engines stalled, quickly light the bonfire under your tank to prevent it dead in the snow. Our main objective now is simple: reach the hill before enemy reach it. Our survival chance lies on how fast we could defend the hill, so I expect everyone to do the best of your abilities. This is our first official international match, so let's do it our best, for ourselves, our schools, our nations."
Right after she said that, a giant flare rose up to the sky and exploded brightly for everyone to see.
"Alright then, Panzer vor!" said Miho.
All the tanks cheered and moving forward into the snowy forest.
20 Minutes Later
Japan tanks rolling rumbling through the snowy forest. Tigers lead the front and cover the sides followed by Shermans that also covering the rear, and in the middle are SU-100s and Crusaders. All moving as fast as they could, keeping their pace so that no one fall behind. This in fact brought frustration to the Crusaders' team.
"We could move faster if not in the middle of the pack, you know?" said Shizuka.
"Agreed, but Crusaders are not meant for snowy environment. By keeping you behind the larger tracks of Tigers and Shermans, the snow would've been compacted enough for you to safely passed," said Orange Pekoe.
"But this is frustrating, desu wa," said Rosehip, "Crusaders are supposed to be running fast and free, not stuck in the middle of the pack,"
"Crusaders Team, I know this is frustrating to you, but please be patient. Our aim for now is to reach the hill as fast as possible, before Russian team took it first," said Miho.
"Not to mention that Russian tanks are quite fast, and heavily adapted to fight on Russian terrains," said Erika.
"We could go there faster!" said Pepperoni.
"Yes, but you won't stand a chance fighting their T-44s, not to mention their ISs," said Assam, "their T-44s could run quite faster than our Shermans or Tigers, and have heavier punch than Crusaders,"
"Hey, I guess we should stick for the plan for now," said Noriko, "don't worry, we'll got our chance,"
The tanks roaming through the forest in the fastest pace they can. The only light there is from the tanks themselves, everything else is quite pitch black.
"Watch the surrounding, please," said Miho.
"It's very dark here, only ours the only source of light," said Erika.
"This made us very vulnerable to be targeted," said Alisa.
"Speaking of which, I brought a can of luminous paint, maybe it could come in handy in this darkness," said Shizuka.
"What? Why do you bring that thing?" asked Erika.
"Despite the good intention, I don't think we're going to need it here. Painting our tanks with it would only made them visible as target," said Erwin.
"Useless item," said Erika.
"Please, don't mock her. We have to appreciate her good intention. I think we're going to find the use for that sometime later," said Miho, "but as for now, we have to hurry to..."
Miho suddenly silent, then looking out her surrounding.
"What's wrong, Taichou?" asked Noriko.
"Miho..." asked Erika.
"Watch out!" shout Miho.
A second later, a flash of a shell darting past the tank convoys and hit one of the Tigers. Flash of shells then flying from their left and right sides, forcing Miho to go down into the safety of her tank.
"Enemies! How did they came here so fast?" asked Saori.
"The speed of Russian tanks are almost the same as ours, except for BT-7," said Yukari.
"Yes, they could reach 72 km/h, and I guess Klara-san let her BT-7s loose to harass us," said Miho.
"Permission to return fire, Taichou," said Andou.
"Permission to detached and hunt them down," said Shizuka.
"Negative! Stay on the formation! Their 45mm gun are too weak to pierce our Tigers' armors, and they know that. They only fire us either to slow us down or just harassing us to break formation," said Miho.
"So we just sit still while they're firing on us?" asked Shizuka.
"Maintain the speed and formation, that's an order!" said Miho.
Grudgingly, they obey Miho's order. Meanwhile, on the other side, the BT-7s squads, led by Katya, continue to shadow them and occasionally shelling the large formation.
"Komandyr, they're not slowing down or break formation as we expected," said Katya.
"Well, as expected from Miho-sha," said Klara.
"Should we continue to shadow them?"
"Harass them for about 10 more minutes, then pull back for our next step of plan,"
"Understood! All tanks, try to slip your shot to the middle formation, where their medium and light tank lies. We have to reduce their strength as much as we can."
"Uraaa!"
Another hail of 45mm shells attacking the Japan column, this time trying to target either the SU-100s or Crusaders in the middle of the column, however in this pace, it's so hard to place an accurate shot. Not to mention both Tigers and Shermans done so well to cover their comrades in the middle. After 10 minutes with no results, Katya broke the chase and disappeared in the darkness.
"They're not engaging us again," said Erika.
"Saori-san, where's The Hill?" asked Miho.
"If I'm not mistaken, we should arrived there in a few minutes," said Saori.
"Good. Now convey my message. Once we arrived there, quickly memorize all the details in The Hill, then use any available spot for the defense. Crusaders team would take position in the middle of The Hill. And get out only if very much necessary," said Miho, "mind the exit point when you all making your defense. We have to able to exit as fast as we can should the battle goes awry,"
"I thought the plan is to hold there to the last haul of breath?" said Hana.
"That strategy actually never worked out, just as in Stalingrad," said Yukari, "Marshall Von Paulus dig himself so deep there that he missed the chances to avoid the deadly siege of Soviet Army,"
"Yes, that's why we have to be prepared to evacuate The Hill at any signs where our defense would be collapsed under the immense pressure of Russian attack," said Miho, "with their forces now, they have every means to overrun our defense line in short time,"
"Then why bother to form the defense?" asked Saori.
"To buy us some time, also to take away as many of their tanks as possible before we're being forced to abandon The Hill," said Miho, "so that we would have better chance in retaking it in the second attempt. If Russian are dangerous when attacking, defending put them three times more dangerous."
They then arrived in a large open patch in the forest. In the middle of it, are some kind of small abandoned town, only slightly different in size with their very own Sensha Town in The Shinano. The town surrounded by mason wall, high enough for a tank to hide their hull behind it, with its cannon free to fire at incoming enemy.
Miho stops the convoy for a moment, and making sure that Russian team hasn't yet here. After short look-see, Japan tanks entering the town cautiously. The buildings in this town is not quite cramped, just enough for tanks to roam there. There are houses with very minimalist interiors, sheds, barns, but what attract their attention are some longhouses there in the shaped of barracks with some surrounded by barb-wire fences. It is said that long time ago, this place was once used as a Gulag by Soviet Union. Whether or not that rumor are true, all the girls feels slight shiver in their heart by the nuance of this town.
Tanks then break formation to get better acquainted with this towns buildings and streets, while Miho and Erika continue moving to the heart of it. There, in the central square, in front of what supposed to be Town Hall, is a large pressure platform connected to the flag raiser machinery.
"We sure to do this?" asked Erika, "putting this flag up would incite Russian to quickly attack The Hill,"
"Yes, but we don't have other way. Let's just hope that Russian make mistakes with pressure above them," said Miho.
Miho and Erika's tanks then move forward and stepping on the platform. A couple of seconds later, the green lamps light up, and slowly, a Japan flag raised on the one side of mechanical flagpole. It would take the flag to reach the top pole before the countdown time begin.
"Here we go..." said Miho.
