Chapter XXXV: Paths to Glory

Ulysses Simpson Grant Tank Battling Ground

Four Corners, United States of America

The Matchday

4 CH-47 Chinook's helicopters hovering around a small outpost in one end of Ulysses S. Grant TBG, which has been use for Japanese team starting point. It's incredibly hot in this part of Colorado. Due to the immense size of the TBG and the unique geography of where it stand, Japan would have their starting point in the Utah, while United States would be starting in Arizona. As we all know, Four Corners is an area in which the border of 4 US states: Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico meet in one point. The opening ceremony itself took place in New Mexico part of the TBG.

Unlike the previous rounds, now Japanese team wears their uniform in lighter attire, due to the hot and dry climate in here. Even Rena Sato greet them using only sleeveless shirt.

"We've equipped your tanks to work on desert environment. Especially for air conditioners and water supply in each tank," said Rena Sato, "so please be careful on your hydration level. We give you quite enough water, though you might want to manage them carefully."

"Yes, thank you very much, Sato-san," said Miho.

"Though I'm not quite sure about the extra load, though."

Rena Sato pointing on some bulk in the back of each tanks, covered up by camouflaged tarps.

"I know, but we need that for the strategy," said Miho.

"Well, I hope whatever it is went well," said Rena Sato, "and try to come back in one piece, okay? In this terrain, despite we have USAF Pararescue on our side, extraction is still very difficult."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Everyone then jumped in their respective tanks when they see the judges plane, a B-17G Flying Fortress, passed over them. It means that any moments, the battle could start.

"Ah, this heat turns my skin dry," said Saori, "I wish I brought more moisturizer."

"Now I know what it feels to be Afrika Korps in Sahara," said Yukari, "I heard that there's no air conditioner there as we have right now, yet the heat is still blistering in here."

"It's too hot even to sleep," said Mako.

"Drink if you need to, Everyone," said Miho, "but ration your water wisely. We have more than enough, but will dwindle fast if we're not careful."

"Alright!"

"Hana-san, please be careful with your aiming, since the hot and arid state of the desert tend to create mirage that obscure your vision," said Miho.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful," said Hana.

"Set our radio to the network band, please," said Miho.

"Done," said Saori.

Miho nods then going up out of the hatch. The glare and heat of the sun forced her to wear jungle hat and sunglasses instead of her usual cap. Judges plane has passed, but then a flare raises to the air and explode, a clear sign that battle has officially begin. Miho then press on her laryngophone.

"Everyone," said Miho, "Panzer vor!"

Some moments later, Japanese team is finally arrived in the canyons on what they called as inner-bow. To the right, there's a plain ground, lead to the first flag-point assigned to them, Tombstone, while on the left, are columns of huge spires and rock hills surrounding the canyons and creeks below. The huge columns of rocks provide them with shade from the sun, and through this rugged terrains are US-assigned flag-point, Appaloosa, located in Arizona side of TBG.

"Appaloosa is right there, right?" asked Shizuka while pointing beyond the canyons.

"Yes," said Erika.

"Intriguing, we could just cross and get it instead of our Tombstone," said Shizuka.

"Nope, it's too dangerous. It's near the starting point of American team, so we could expect to meet their main column if we go there," said Erika.

"No, you have to think about it timewise," said Shizuka, "if The Meriken goes straight to El Alamo as we do, then when we got there, even if they've captured the flag point, the guard would somehow be minimal. This way we could catch them up from behind, taking Appaloosa and Sierra Madre, and leave only El Alamo to them."

"Not a bad plan, I say," said Orange Pekoe.

"The only catch is the canyons area is somewhat narrow, and some columns has to be rolling in a line. This could slow us down, while American could always turn back and quickly rushed to the captured flag point," said Emi Nakasuga, "not to mention if they put guards on some choking points. This could potentially held our long column down, if not trapping us in canyons."

"We haven't capture any flag-point, so it's very risky to make that venture now," said Miho, "one wrong move, and they could on their way to take the entire flag-points and leave none to us."

"Understood," said Shizuka.

"We'd better be careful, because we're approaching for a Red Zone in our side," said Miho, "don't let your guard down, since they could eliminate us at once if even a track of caterpillar enters the zone."

"Roger that!"

"Taichou, look!" said Azusa.

Azusa pointing on a huge cliff wall marked by red flag for a Red Zone. As Miho looked on that direction, she startled as there are few peoples standing on a huge ledge on the cliff, watching them. They're all wearing ponchos with Indian motives, and wide-brim hats and in the middle, seems an elderly man, wearing a feathered war bonnet. They just stare sharply on Japanese tank columns, like cold and eerie statues.

Seeing this, Miho quickly order her column to slow down. She herself stand and bow to them, in which the man with the war bonnet nods in appreciation. All the commanders quickly follow Miho's example, and bow to them, as the column slowly rolling past them like a parade. The man with war bonnet then lift his palm as if giving blessing to the Japanese team, still without a word.

Moving further, the Japanese team can see some Indians with their activities from beyond Red Zone limit, some of them are on horses, and they paused for a second as the Japanese column pass, but not stopping with their supposed to be errand. Watching tanks column passing seems a regular scenery here. The ones who are excited are the kids, they run to see the tanks closer, but their parents quickly stopped them from approaching Red Zone limit.

"Who are they?" asked Erika.

"The Navajo," said Alisa, "they live on Four Corners, across Utah and Arizona, and some in Colorado. I never thought that some of them lived here as well."

"That's the reason they put on Red Zone," said Erwin, "because it's hard to put anti-shell carbon-net as we did in Japan, on this terrain."

After passing those Navajos, Japanese team again rolling in normal speed. Their first flag-point, the Tombstone is relatively not very far from there. It's very much like a Western movie style's small city, with only some small wooden buildings (probably props) and a flag-raiser in there, much like they found in Russian match. Emi Nakasuga positioned her Tiger in the flag-raiser. However, before she able to activate the flag raiser, an announcement was heard, suggesting that US team has taken their flag-point of Appaloosa.

"Damn it! We don't even get one yet!" said Alisa.

"Maybe we took too long near the Navajo settlements," said Erika, "should've gone full-speed back then."

"It's good, I'll cover here," said Emi Nakasuga, "you all go to the next flag-point, we have to capture El Alamo fast. There are many Red Zone here, so this place is like a defender's country, at least I hope so."

"Are you sure?" asked Miho.

"Yes, just stick to the plan," said Emi Nakasuga, "that's the only way."

"Alright, let's roll faster, then," said Miho.

The column moves as Emi Nakasuga was left alone to capture the flag-point. This time, Japanese team breaks the single long column into 4 smaller columns which move in parallel manner.

"Shizuka-san, please take your column to the canyons," said Miho, "try to find out if there is any way to break through there to slow down enemies. But don't take all Crusaders, take some heavier tanks as well."

"Roger that!" said Shizuka, "Pepperoni, Alisa, Nina, Alina, Akaboshi, come with me!"

"Roger!"

"Eclair-san, proceed to capture the next flag-points, El Dorado," said Miho.

"Roger that!" said Eclair, "as planned?"

"Yes, as planned," said Miho.

"Roger!" said Eclair.

"Rosehip-san, Duck Team, Kashiwabas," said Miho, "advance to El Alamo quickly, we must outrun them now."

"Wilco," said Noriko, "rules of engagements?"

"As planned," said Miho, "quickly relay on who you're facing first."

"Roger that," said Noriko.

The three Crusaders quickly darting ahead of the other columns, while Eclair's tank going to the direction of El Dorado for pre-capture. A group of composite tanks, led by Orange Pekoe are slowing their movements behind main column, led by Miho and Erika. This group would act as mobile backup, should any of captured flagpoint needed help.

Meanwhile, Shizuka's group moving through several paths in the canyon network to thread the road to either Appaloosa or Sierra Madre. The roads here quite narrow, so each road can only be threaded by one tank, plus it's also very opened, that though they took different roads to speed up, each can see their comrades moving.

"Keep your eyes peeled!" said Shizuka, "it would be disastrous if we got caught here."

"You bet," said Alisa, "any tank white-flagged here would've been block the road entirely. And given the openness of the space, they could see us coming as well."

"On the other hand, we could also see quite far," said Koume Akaboshi, "and the opening to the inner bow seems bigger in their side."

"With less obstructed by Yellow or Red Zone as well," said Shizuka, "they could pouring into the half of inner bow with no problem."

"Be careful, if we can see their way, they also can see our way," said Alisa, "this is a perfect place for..."

"BLAAMM!"

Alisa startled as a tank shell hit the road not far from her tank. She then saw other shells flying each onto the Japanese tank position.

"Incoming!"

Explosion heard as each shell hit the ground near their targets. Japanese tanks then move back a little to avoid the shot. There's not much room in this canyon to shake the shells other than moving forward or backward.

"Damn it! Where do they shoot from?" asked Shizuka.

"I can't see it clear from my position," said Alisa.

Shizuka looked around as another hail of explosions occurs. She then sees some kind of high stone ledge which forms some kind of promenade behind her.

"Try to evade the best way you can," said Shizuka, "I'm going for the promenade for better view."

"Got it," said Alisa, "it's not like we have much room to wiggle, though."

"I found another promenade," said Koume, "I'm going there."

"Alright, you're going to be my second pair of eyes, Akaboshi," said Shizuka.

Both Centipede and Koume's tank move backward before turning to climb the promenades. The view from above are quite better, this make both Shizuka and Koume able to see where American put their sentry tanks. As they see it, there are three tanks of Sherman type in a vantage position overlooking all road to their entries on flagpoints. Seeing this terrain, Shizuka begin to understand why a handful of tank from Colorado Gunslingers could hold the entire armored column of New York Steel Maidens. In the correct positions, they could have a clear view and line-of-fire against incoming enemies. And the narrow paths ensure blockage once the advance could be halted.

"I got eyes on enemy," said Koume.

"Could you fire back on them?" asked Shizuka.

"Yes, understood."

Koume and Shizuka quickly fire back on the American sentries. Shizuka's gunnery skill is quite impeccable, however, her shot only bouncing from the Sherman's frontal armor, seemingly caused no harm on them.

"Shit!" said Shizuka.

"What's the matter? Report, please," said Miho from radio.

"Their Shermans are weird, Taichou, unlike the one who is ours," said Shizuka, "I usually able to take down a Sherman with my 6-pounder even on their frontal armor. This thing is, however, different. Seems like their frontal armor are thicker than our own Sherman."

"What? Thicker frontal armor?" Miho seems startled to hear that.

"Miho, isn't that..." said Erika.

"Yes, it's Sherman Jumbo," said Miho.

"What? What is that Jumbo thing?" asked Shizuka.

"M4A3E2, The Sherman Jumbo, in a brief, Sherman with steroid on armors," said Alisa, "it's said that they're immune to any shot, even from German 88mm tank gun. So it's virtually impenetrable."

"There's no such thing as 'impenetrable tanks'!" said Erika clearly offended, "though, shooting a 6-pounder on their frontal armor are a very slim chance, if not some kind of Hail Mary."

"Shizuka-san, are they moving forward?" asked Miho.

"Seems not, they just put some sentries here, and halt us with long range engagement," said Shizuka.

"Long range engagement?" asked Erika, "is it possible that..."

Miho nods in silence.

"Big possibility, but we need to be sure," said Miho, "are there any other movement there?"

"I see some large movements, Taichou," said Koume, "not in this terrain, but from behind their entry points, seems they're moving the rest of their column quite fast."

"They're aiming for El Alamo as well," said Erika.

"Yes, and if we don't hurry, our three Crusaders we're sending ahead would be confronted by much stronger enemies," said Miho.

"Taichou, we could move faster, please allowed us to go ahead and back up the three Crusaders," said Erwin.

"Granted. Please do," said Miho, "and for Shizuka's group, prepare for alternative plan."

"What? Now?! Are you sure?" asked Shizuka.

"I fear there won't be any more chance to deploy the plan," said Miho.

"I thought you said that we have to be absolutely sure to deploy it?" said Shizuka, "otherwise the American could steamrolled us in a blink of an eye. You said it yourself, aren't you?"

"Yes," said Miho.

"So, are you sure that we have to do this now?" Shizuka asked for confirmation.

"Yes, I'm sure," said Miho, "so do it now."

"Roger that," said Shizuka, "Nina, and Alina, relieve me and Akaboshi on the promenade, please. Try to hold them at bay and be sure to report for any slightest change on their side. If they keep this long range engagement, then it's good. Anything otherwise, we need to be notified ASAP."

"Roger that!" said Nina and Alina.

Koume and Shizuka retreat from their position in the promenades, replaced by Nina and Alina, which command tanks with larger guns. Other tanks also retreated from their position, leaving just two tanks to deal with three American sentries. Meanwhile, Shizuka reminiscence on what happened before this match.

A Day Before The Match

Sensha Town Hall

It's late afternoon, a day before the match, and Japanese team has wrapped their training. Tanks has been returned to hangar to be taken care by maintenance crew for re-equipping and preparing for transport by tomorrow. As all team ready to call a day, a summon arrived for Shizuka, Pepperoni, Alisa, and Koume, to their surprise. It's quite uncommon for Miho to call them in person like this, so they thought, something must be very urgent for them to come. More intriguing is Miho doesn't summon them to her office or situation room as usual, instead to the underground storage beneath the town hall floor, which, as far as they know, locked all the time, and no one ever see what's inside.

As they opened the door to the underground storage, they're stunned by what they see. Racks, by racks, by racks of guns and small arms are filling the room, along with stacks of "ammunition" crates. Miho and Ami Chouno are sitting in the middle of the rooms, behind a round table, already loaded with guns.

"What is this, Taichou?" asked Shizuka, "why so many guns here?"

"Please, pick your weapons," said Miho.

"What?" asked Alisa doesn't quite understand.

"These are all weapons certified by WSF to be used in sensha-do battle, should any sensha-doin need to go out from their tanks and have a close quarter combat," said Miho, "the ammunitions are non-lethal of course, but they'll incapacitate you for ten or so minutes. Medically quite safe."

"They also made these?" asked Shizuka, "for tank battle?"

"As we're going to use Unrestricted Crew Deployment rule, meaning tanks can be left by their crews for extended period of time," said Ami Chouno, "this would allow tank crew to do scouting, pathfinding, or even trap-laying and clearing operation. WSF then quickly certified the small arms and personal weapons in case if two opposing team would like to sabotage on each other missions."

"Is that really necessary?" asked Alisa.

"Well, before WSF has these, interruption always be done with hand-on-hand combat, leading to full scale brawl that severely injures more players than any tank-on-tank battle," said Ami Chouno.

"Oh, where has all the fun gone?" said Shizuka.

"Anyway, since most of the mode dictated that battle has to be done by tanks, the out-of-tank battle reduces dramatically, and so does the use for small arms," said Ami Chouno, "WSF however still tightly controlled and registered the circulation of WSF-firearms in the world."

"Alright, but let's get back to the main question here," said Shizuka, "why we have to pick the firearms now?"

"Because I need you to conduct operation that is out-of-tank," said Miho.

"Some kind of commando mission?" asked Shizuka.

"Some sort of that," said Miho, "but only if we're sure of something, otherwise this would backfire on us, and American could steamrolled us to pieces."

"Why us?" asked Pepperoni.

"I want the best, since if this 'alternative' is really deployed, I need someone I can rely on, since the fate of the entire teams would be hang in balance," said Miho.

"And this 'mission' shall involved personnel combat?" asked Shizuka.

"More than likely," said Miho, "so choose your weapons, I'll tell you the details after that."

Everyone then looking at many weapons on the table in front of them. There are many kind of weapons from WW II or any era before that: rifles, sub-machine guns, and pistols of all kind.

"No Japanese bow and arrows?" asked Shizuka.

"Unfortunately, those are not yet certified by WSF," said Ami Chouno, "though we can suggest that after this."

"What do you think, Alisa?" asked Shizuka, "you're more expert in firearms, I presume?"

"I don't know, for a moment, I got enticed by those M1 Garands and Thompson," said Alisa, "however..."

Alisa then reach for a Colt Single-Action Army Revolver and aim that to a distant corner.

"I think since we're going to the land of the cowboys, we have to choose for appropriate weapons," said Alisa.

"Alright, which should we take?" asked Shizuka.

"Each grab a pair of Peacemakers like this for close-quarter battle," said Alisa, "and some of those Winchester repeating-rifle for all-round weapon."

Shizuka points on one of the Winchesters.

"Can those be made to shoot long range?" asked Shizuka.

"Surely, but for long-range shooting, I would recommend that one," said Alisa while pointing at another rifle, "Sharps rifle, 1874 Long Range, probably one of the first and most successful sharpshooting rifle of the West."

"Good, I'll take it."

"But I must remind you, it's single shot."

"Oh, no matter. I use bow and arrow, which is single shot as well."

"Well, bow could shoot in faster rate than early rifle. But, if you don't mind..."

"I don't mind. Now, what should we do, Taichou?"

All eyes to Miho, that's now standing up.

"Your mission," said Miho, "should you choose to accept it..."

Note from The Author:

Immobilization (or I colloquially referred as "white-flagging" in this story) is commonly known by Girls und Panzer universe fans as condition where a tank is no longer able to fight, and marked by popping of white flag(s) in one of the side(s) to make it visible. Despite the general understanding about white-flagging, the process of how and when is different by each episodes, not to mention on manga, either canon or not.

For example, in the episode of final between Ooarai Girls Academy vs Kuromorimine Girls Academy, the KMM's Jagdpanther got hit in the track twice by Ooarai's Hetzer, but since there's no white-flag appears (despite such reparation cannot be made on field without the help of recovery vehicle), so "immobilization" doesn't seems to be the correct word. Another example is in the battle between Ooarai vs Pravda, in which Ooarai's StuG III damaged her track while their M3 lost its main gun, with no white-flagged on both tanks. On the other hand, in Girls und Panzer der Movie, we can see that Ooarai's Porsche-Tiger got white-flagged due to engine blown (despite still able to serve as stationary battery), and Chi-Ha-Tan's Type 97 got white-flagged simply after colliding with a heavier M26.

So, I kinda imagine that perhaps each sensha-do tank is equipped with computerized-sensors, with some sensor points placed in weak spots of the tank's armor. A direct hit on those spots, or a hit devastating enough, by computer damage simulation, to activate those sensors would've activate the white-flag popping mechanism. This way, a hit on the belly of the tank through the track can be considered as white-flag, since it's one of the weak part of tank's armor. Also, I imagine that popping a white-flag would instantly disable all tank's functions, render them useless (unless for a protection bulk), that they need to be recovered by designated recovery vehicles. The white-flag and the tank systems then can be restored to fully-functioned in the workshop by special tooling and complicated steps. This would insure players can't cheat by "disabling" a popping white-flag in the field.

The last system gone defunct by white-flagging is radio communication, enabling the crews of a recently white-flagged tank to report their current status, advising for battlefield development, or, in some cases, calling for help/assistance in case where a life-threatening situation followed soon after. Each tank also equipped by signaling beacon for this purpose. Learning from controversies following Pravda's victory against Kuromorimine (in which Miho Nishizumi forced to abandon her post that benefited Pravda), WSF has formed a Senshado Combat SAR Units as well as Combat SAR protocols that has to be enacted by its member nations for their sensha-do competition. This would deprive any team from taking advantage from a life-threatening situation that occurs on their opponents.

-Pepe-