Chapter XXXXI: "I Have a Dream"
Oberkommando der Panzerfahren
German Federation Carrier Bismarck
Arctic Ocean
Six Hours After USA-Japan Semifinal Match
An Airbus A340-600 of Deutsche Panzerfahrenbund, the senshado federation of Germany, touched the runway on German Federation Carrier Bismarck, which now steaming through icy Arctic Ocean. Inside, are the Deutsche Panzerfahren National Frauschaften, or German national senshado team, just coming back after defeating France at Schwarzwald Panzerschlachtfeld in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Chaperons waiting on the taxiway quickly put nice warm jacket to each members who come down from the plane, because the temperature in Arctic is very freezing cold. Coming on the last batch are the officers, and among them are the Oberkommandant of German National Team, Brunnhilde Knispel. As she got out, a special chaperon quickly go to her and put a warm jacket on her.
"Danke, Frau Junge," said Brunnhilde Knispel.
"It's cold here, but at least you've won, Frau Knispel," said Junge.
"The weather at Baden-Württemberg was terrible, and the French held out longer than I'm anticipated. But yeah, we finally won."
"The flight-attendant has told me that you all have eaten in the plane, so does that means you won't be having dinner?"
"I guess not. We're very starving after long battle, but please prepare some snacks or desserts, perhaps. Or for me, also a hot cocoa."
"I'll make that ready in your room after you refreshed yourself, Frau Knispel."
"By the way, is there any news from Frau Häber?"
"In the matter of fact, yes. She told me to contact her by the time you've finished."
"Alright, I'll have that in my room. Is there anything else, Frau Junge?"
"Kapitan told me that we'll be reaching Anchorage sooner than expected. Perhaps we shall reach Japan way ahead of time."
"Good to hear."
"By the way, does Herr Bäke coming with you?"
"No, he has something to attend. He'll join us in Anchorage."
"Oh, I see."
Brunnhilde Knispel walked into the building of Oberkommando der Panzerfahren, which resemble Reichstag Building in Berlin. Inside are the housing for German Frauschaften as well as place for assembly and head of operation for the Frauschaften. While the regular members have their rooms in hostel manner in the first floor, the officers have their rooms on top, the second floor of the building. The room for Brunnhilde as Oberkommandant are the biggest room in the top of right tower, with her own personal lounge and reception area.
The rooms, when being stripped out of the fancy, classical stuffs, are just a regular girls room. Stuffed animals, and teddy bears completely filled one side of the room, as well as the bed. Brunnhilde Knispel took bath for a while in her suite, and went out to the lounge to see that Junge has already prepared her two Berliners, a Baumkuchen, and a big slice of Black Forest cake, along with a glass of steamy hot cocoa. She then sit in her sofa, sip a hot cocoa, eat a bite, before opened video call with Maria Häber.
"Guttenabend, Mein Frauen," said Maria Häber, "glad you finally called."
"Yes, things are taking longer than usual," said Brunnhilde Knispel, "France fought both brave and pathetic at the same time."
"I have no doubt that you would won, Mein Frauen."
"Well, rest assure then. By the way, how's your task? Have you give it to Miho Nishizumi?"
"Yes, I have, Mein Frauen."
"How's her reaction?"
"As you predicted to be, Mein Frauen."
"Gut, I would be very disappointed if she didn't."
"You seems scared the hell out of her, Mein Frauen. Are you sure she would be the ultimate enemy as you've been saying all this time?"
"Why? Do you have a doubt?"
"I won't dare to do that, Mein Frauen."
"Hey, come on, spill it out, whatever it is in your mind."
"Permission to speak freely, Mein Frauen."
"Granted."
"To be honest, in the mid-battle between United States and Japan, I kinda unsure that Japan is going to win, as you said. I even thought that the match can be going either way."
"I see."
"I'm sorry, but the way I see American strategy, it's just that..."
Brunnhilde Knispel just smiled.
"How do you know Japan will win anyway, Mein Frauen, if I may ask?"
"Well, unlike you, I have no doubt at all that Japan will win the game. Despite some spectacular mumbo-jumbo Caitlyn Lee performed, in the end, Japan is going win."
"How come?"
"Caitlyn Lee is a genius strategist, like to come out of the box in her approach of things, as well as fully utilized American assets to the max for her victory. She will always fight well, impressive, and vigorous. However, she has one major flaw. She is predictable, and Miho Nishizumi isn't. By that alone, given time and chance, Miho Nishizumi will always beat Caitlyn Lee, no matter what happened in the field."
"I understand."
"And please do not underestimate someone just because she showed fears. Fighting brave person is easier, since she will always foolishly run into anything we throw at her. But a person with fear has a better sense of self-preservation and cautiousness. She'll harness her fear to approach any of our moves carefully, and by that, she would have a better understanding about our tactics and creates a better countermeasure to mitigate her risks."
"You're thoughtful as always, Mein Frauen. I still need to learn a lot from you."
"Well, as much as I would love to have you here and teach you, I still need you to do one more task."
"Oh? What is it, Mein Frauen?"
"Don't go to Anchorage, book the next flight to Japan, then go straight to Naha. I want you to do a preliminary scouting there. Will see you there, I supposed Bismarck shall arrive in Japan earlier."
"Yes, you've already sent Bismarck to Japan before the match against France, haven't you? Alright then, we'll see you there, Mein Frauen."
"Auf wiedersehen."
The video call ended. Brunnhilde Knispel sipped her hot cocoa, while seeing at an old-looking newspaper in the table. A big headline in German can be read there:
SCHADE IM WALD!
Seeing that large title suddenly ignited a strange fire in her eye.
Beach Resort
Somewhere in O'ahu
Hawaii, United States of America
Thousands of miles, far from the arid Arizona desert, are the lush and beautiful hidden holiday resort in the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Japan teams are here, finally get some relax time they deserve after long and hard battles to reach the final. The truth is, they don't really think about what should happened in the next match, there are times for that later. Right now, they only need to relax, put on their swimwears, playing in the beach, swimming in the pristine emerald sea, or just hanging around, sipping mocktails from coconut vessels, under the shades of lush green trees. It's all about holiday here in Hawaii, and Japan team made their time the most while here.
"Aaah! This is soooo much fun!" Saori screamed to the sea from her cottage.
"Be quiet, you're disturbing my sleep," said Mako spiritlessly.
"How can you sleep in this paradise, Mako?"
"I can sleep anywhere I like. I'll be up all-night, so I need to sleep now."
"But, what will you see in the night?"
Mako didn't answer, as she has slept already. Miho giggled. She's now couching on the lounge chair under the thatch umbrella, with a glass of punch in her hand. It seems like forever that she has this kind of relax time. The entire time of being senshado commander is tiring, for too much that she has to bear for her team. Now, she could unload those burden for a little bit and have time to enjoy herself.
"Hey, are you still up? I brought you some flowers," said Hana, while carrying a bunch of flowers in her arms.
"Wow, where do you get it?" asked Miho.
"Just outside the cottage, the guy there allowed me to pick some. Do you think this will be good in leis?"
"Mm-hm. Everything come out from Hana-san's hands are always good."
"Stop it, you make me blushed."
Hana then sit in the chair next to Miho. They then looking at the sun that's already rolled westward to horizon.
"This is beautiful, right?" said Hana.
"Mm-hm. I wish we could be like this forever," said Miho, "just sit, lounging and relax, doesn't have to think what might be come tomorrow."
"You still think about the cup from the German commander?"
Miho nodded.
"Instructor Chouno told me that Germany has defeat France, and we should meet them in the final, just as she predicted."
"And you don't feel very much confidence about facing them?"
"I don't know. All this time, I just tried to walk or hop, step by step, and things somehow lining up my way. I'm not sure whether I will be able to pull the same thing at the final."
"Well, you would success, I'm sure. Will you?"
"Too vague to answer that now, Hana-san."
"Hey, come on, we still have couple of weeks before the match. Don't waste this time by overthinking about it."
"You're right, I guess..."
"Cheer up, we would have barbecue party in the beach tonight. Don't let the other see you like this, or they'll ended up unable to enjoy their holiday."
Miho smiled.
"Yes, you're right, Hana-san."
"Now that's my girl. Okay, which color of flower do you want? Red, yellow, or white?"
Later that evening...
Japan team now assembled in the beach, on long tables with barbecue pits among them. Everyone is cheered in happiness. Beefs, porks, fishes, shellfishes, lobsters, all are ready for grab, a fact that pleases Hana. Despite the joy, a girl can be seen drowned in her own thought, constantly turning empty glass of cocktail in front of her. It's Miho, and she's been like this since accepting the silver cup from Brunnhilde Knispel.
Suddenly, a liquid poured into her glass. Miho quite surprised as she saw who has refilled her glass.
"I thought you might need some refill," said Caitlyn Lee, now wore bikini and beach shirt outer.
The commander of United States of America, which yesterday a fierce and unforgiving foe, now turned into a fun-loving beach girl-next-door. A completely different character from what Miho faced a day ago.
"After the semifinal, I felt my burden has been lifted," said Caitlyn Lee, "but I guess not the same case with ye."
"Ah, yes..."
"Something bothered your mind, Nishizumi?"
"Yes, can be said so."
"About final?"
Miho nodded.
"I heard what happened yesterday. Me would've been shocked myself. Poor girl were ye."
"Yes, the manner of..."
Miho then silent. Both girls sips a drink, and watched the surrounding, as the entire USA senshado teams now mingled with Japan. This vacation is, after all, part of the courtesy of USA Senshado to JSF.
"Want to go somewhere quiet, Love?"
"I guess..."
"Oh, c'mon."
Caitlyn Lee hooked Miho's arm and dragged her to the other side of the beach, which a little bit quieter. They then sit in lounging chairs facing the calm sea, with white moon radiated dim light to it.
"I won't lie to ye," said Caitlyn Lee breaking the ice, "Brunnhilde Knispel is not an easy nut to crack, if ye know what I mean."
"You ever faced her?" asked Miho.
"Nope. At least not when I become commander. But Baden-Württemberg Mädchenhochschule was once have friendly tour in United States, and my high school, Alabama State Girls High School, is among their sparring partners in the tour. I'm still a junior lieutenant back then, and I guess she is too. My role at that time was to flank the German advance, and apparently, Brunnhilde Knispel is in the position of counter-flank."
"Did you won?"
"Depend on what ye mean as 'won'. Strategically, our team won, of course, but I lost the battle against Knispel's company. They destroyed my flank, but to petty to prevent the loss against our overwhelming advance."
"I see..."
"I heard that Brunnhilde Knispel sent her carrier to steam for Japan, 3 hours before the game against France started. Did ye know that?"
Miho nodded.
"Some confidence, right?"
"Uh-huh. And yet she beat France nonetheless."
"Yeah, that's true. That's one helluva DOB there."
They silent for a while.
"Ye have to beat them, ye know," said Caitlyn Lee.
"I thought you're the one who should go to the final," said Miho, "your approach are devastating."
"Yep, but won't be enough. I would've gone pulling spectacular stunts before crashing and burned to ashes. Ye, on the other hand, is our final hope."
"Final hope for what?"
"Senshado of Free Countries. Us."
"Eh?"
Caitlyn Lee sips her drink before pouring another.
"Senshado was created in Europe, this is the known fact we all knew. But we also knew that senshado in Europe was an aristocratic sports until quite recently. Even so, European still considered that only certain person of certain lineage may compete in senshado, hence the senshado royalties are common in Europe, including Germany."
Miho sat in silence, watching Caitlyn Lee carefully.
"Ye've seen how senshado was played here, right? What do you think?"
"Well, for one thing, it's fun. It's good to see everyone really enjoys and become part of senshado. Things that I can't find in Japan."
"Yes, yer senshado is still heavily influenced by European style, but wind of change is blowing in Japan, is it not? Japan beginning to embrace senshado as sports, not only for selected few, but also for everyone to enjoy. And ye, Miho Nishizumi, are one of the pillar of it."
Miho nodded.
"This perhaps just a small game, Ms. Nishizumi, but if I may pointed out, the finals would be very critical in deciding which way shall senshado in Japan heading. Be it be sports for selected few; and forming another senshado royalties, or a sport which no class existed; just girls playing with their tanks for fun and friendship. Will a talent like you shall be highly respected, or will you be looked down upon?"
"I... Don't want to think about that already, Lee-sama."
"Of course. But please think about this, Ms. Nishizumi. Where will the wind blows after this."
Miho just nodded. She cheered with Caitlyn Lee in silence before both girls drank their liquid together.
"By the way, may I ask ye about something, Ms. Nishizumi? If I may, of course."
"Sure, what is that?"
"If ye're in my position, and have the entire American arsenals in your hand, what approach will you choose in Arizona?"
"I don't know, Lee-sama."
"Just, hypothetical answer, Ms. Nishizumi. I just wanted to know whether I have other option."
"Maybe... Hellcats."
Caitlyn Lee seems surprised.
"Hellcats?"
"Yes, the only tank capable matching the speed for our Crusaders are your Hellcats. If you field enough numbers, you can take El Alamo faster than us, and hunker down there. Hellcats would also have adequate firepower to take on my tanks, and the fortification in El Alamo shall give huge protection on their lighter armor. So, yes, I'll go with Hellcats. The other maybe your Sherman Jumbos or Pershings, to take on open field battles."
"Damn it, ye're good..."
Caitlyn Lee laughed, and cheered Miho again. Things got quiet for a moment, with only sound of waves and dim moonlight filled the air.
"You know?" said Miho, "the world you had in mind, where everyone can enjoy senshado without boundaries..."
"Hm?"
"That couldn't be bad, is it?"
"Yep, couldn't be bad."
"I have a dream, that perhaps at least once in a lifetime, I would like to see that happened."
"Ye'll see it, Ms. Nishizumi. Ye'll definitely going to see it, if we don't stop to fight for it."
"To the very last shell, Lee-sama."
"Cheers."
They shared a bit of togetherness for some times, under the moonlight, before Miho's phone ringing. The caller had German code number, but for this, Miho knew who's behind the line.
"Ah, Onee-san, been nice to hear from you," said Miho.
"Nice to hear from you too, Miho," said Maho Nishizumi, calling directly from Germany, "but first, I have to congratulate you for the win against The United States."
"Ah yes, thank you very much."
"Okaa-san also sent you her best regards."
"Eh? Okaa-san?"
"Yes, she was in Germany, watching over the game between France and Germany."
"Oh, I see. And is she..."
"She just flown back home to Japan, I'm afraid."
"I see."
"Good luck at Final, Miho."
"Yes, thank you, but Onee-san..."
"Hm?"
"I kinda afraid to ask Okaa-san about this, so can I ask you something?"
"Sure. Something bugging your mind?"
"Yes, actually. I can't help to think that the name 'Knispel' is pretty much familiar. Do you know something about this? Or perhaps Okaa-san has told you something?"
Maho silent for a while.
"About that..."
"Yes?"
"Okaa-san has figured that you perhaps are going to ask me about this, so she sent something for you."
"Something for me?"
"Yes, I'll text it to you after this."
"Do you know what that is?"
"Nope, I have no clue at all."
"Oh, I see..."
"Hey, Miho..."
"Hm?"
"Good to hear from you again. There's only one final step left, so hang in there, okay?"
"Yes, thank you, Onee-san."
"Ganbarimashou."
After some chattering, Miho closed the phone. A moment later, a message come in from Maho. Miho read that and see some unusual combination of letters and numbers:
"904-SEN-303-1977.10-002:BWT(49)-KMM(81)-XX"
It's very much peculiar to Miho of why her mother would send her that kind of obscure code.
"What is this?" said Miho.
"What? Something you want to know?" asked Caitlyn Lee.
"Yes, my mother send me this code. She said that this would tell me something about Brunnhilde Knispel. The name is somewhat familiar in my household, but I don't know why."
"Can I see that?"
Miho showed the code to Caitlyn Lee, which seems recognized the combination.
"This looked like a library code, Ms. Nishizumi."
"Library code? For what?"
"I have no idea. 904 is definitely historical events, SEN is code for senshado, but I don't know the rest of what the code means."
"Is it something related to something in the past?"
"Could be. The code 1977.10 could refer to the date, October 1977. Something must've happened in that time. But one thing I know, BWT is a code for Baden-Württemberg. I remember this from the last friendly I have with them."
"Wait, Brunnhilde Knispel is from Baden-Württemberg Mädchenhochschule, right?"
"Uh-huh, but I don't know what this is."
"I see..."
"USA Senshado has some extensive library, maybe I could try to search there for ye, if ye'd like."
"Oh yes, I'd love that. Thank you very much."
"Well, any little bit that would help you win against Brunnhilde Knispel is worth to try."
