Hey everyone, hope everyone is doing well, sorry for the long wait, needed to recharge my batteries. Expect part 2 to be released with in 1-2 weeks. Hope you enjoy this chapter, good to be back.
Chapter 14 The Sherman's PT 1
Ooarai Tank Garage…
The big day was but one day away, everyone was in the garage hard at work from repainting to checking ammunition.
Then Anzu with the student council came in with a big box. "Hey everyone, the tank jackets are here!" she announced.
Everyone happily moved towards them at once overwhelming the student council. "One at a time," said Yuzu.
"We said one at a time!" exclaimed Momo.
Everyone was soon trying on their tanker jacket.
"Hmm, these jackets aren't bad," said Archie.
"I look good," said Jimmy.
"I'm cute," said Emma adoring herself in a mirror.
Ryan put his jacket on, he had to admit he didn't look bad, "by the ways anyone seen Bram?"
"He said he had to go home, but said he'd be back," said Archie.
"This is his jacket," said Emma holding it, it almost covered her completely due to it's special size.
"Hey!" said Bram just walking in with a box.
"What do you got there?" asked Ryan.
"Me and my mother worked on them the past few days, a we gift," said Bram opening the box.
"Whoa, they look good," said Emma.
Inside the box were quilted berets in a gray and Ooarai green pattern. "Thanks Bram," said Ryan.
"You outdone yourself with these," said Archie.
"Now I'm even cuter," said Emma putting it on immediately.
Jimmy then noticed there was only four hats, "where's mine?"
"Oh right," said Bram, digging in his pocket and pulling out a quilted wild rag.
"Whoa, thanks partner," said Jimmy putting the new wild rag around his neck.
"Figure you wear your hat so I made that instead," said Bram.
"Thanks," said Jimmy giving a high five.
"By the ways what is that?" asked Emma pointing at the speaker.
"Oh this," said Jimmy. "Something me and Archie were working on."
"Is that the speaker you both been working on?" asked Ryan.
"Check it out yank," said Archie pulling out a remote and activating it.
A sound of chirping birds could be heard coming from it.
"Ok?" said Ryan.
"We could use this to trick the enemy into traps and stuff," said Jimmy.
"Can it make other sounds besides chirping birds?' asked Ryan.
"Still working out the kinks," said Archie.
"It will work," said Jimmy.
"So this is where that sound coming from," said Miho coming up with Mako.
"What is that?" asked Mako.
"This Mako will give us an edge in the next match," said Jimmy.
"I'm kind of skeptical about it," said Ryan.
"So am I," said Miho.
"It's not like it's against the rules," said Archie.
"Any other sounds?" asked Mako.
"Nope, still working on it," said Jimmy.
"It won't work," said Mako.
"I bet it will," said Jimmy.
"I stake it on my skills as the team radio operator," said Archie.
"Like the time with the miniature catapult you both built in science class," said Mako.
"Hey it worked," said Jimmy.
"As in it flipped backwards sending the egg flying," said Mako.
"Then hit Sodoko," said Emma.
"Whoo, she was awfully mad," said Bram.
"She had you both picking weeds for a week," said Ryan with a snicker.
"Miho it's your call," said Ryan.
Miho stood there for a moment, "go ahead, but please get more sounds on it," said Miho.
With a raised fist, "Yeah!" said Jimmy.
"Well match is tomorrow," said Ryan.
"Everyone get some good rest," said Miho.
"Hello, anyone here?" said a man walking in.
Emma recognizing the man ran up to him. "What's up Mr. J."
"Well if it isn't little Em," said Jerome fist bumping Emma.
"Ensign, why are you here?" asked Ryan coming up with Miho.
"Hello Mr. J," said Miho.
"Official Arrow Strike business, Miho, I am here to set a date for your flight test and Ryan a equipment test immediately if you're up for it?"
"What is it?" asked Ryan.
"We need you to test some anti-tank bombs for Arrow Strike, your Mustang is at the onboard airfield," said Jerome.
"Whoa no way," said Ryan excited due to not flying in a while.
Ooarai Airfield…
Ryan wasted no time, as soon as he arrived he ran straight for his Mustang. He hoped right in and took off with the test bombs against some old tanks. Hana, Yukari, Miho, and Emma were in tower with Jerome and some Arrow Strike staff. Ryan, Bram, and Archie were in the hanger watching from there.
"Miho, why didn't you tell us you were becoming a pilot," said Yukari.
"Yea," said Saori.
"Come now, I'm sure Miho has a reasonable explanation," said Hana.
"I forgotten, heh heh" said Miho with a nervous laugh. "We we're just so busy with tankery and school."
"Will you be participating in the tournament?" asked Yukari.
"Yes," said Miho.
"What about tankery?" asked Saori.
"Um, I don't know," said Miho.
"Give it time Miho, you don't have to decide right now," said Emma.
"By the ways Mr. J, what is this test for?" asked Miho.
"While it's for a possible game mode for tanks and aircraft that Arrow Strike will be testing in the future. Those bombs that are on the Dicer 1 are equivalent to a Sensha-do tank round in terms of explosion, they should activate the white flag," explained Jerome.
From their cameras they could see Ryan climbing fast. Then he took a dive towards the target tanks going for an attack run.
"Will he hit them?" asked Saori.
"He should, Ryan is one of the top ten pilots in America," said Yukari.
"What you pay attention to Arrow Strike Yukari," asked Emma.
"I watched some matches, but other top schools in the world like Red Baron High School in Germany, Charles de Gaulle High School in France, Leonardo Academy in Italy, Colorado Spring High in America, Black Forest Prepatory in Germany, Union Sky Academy in Britain, and so many more," said Yukari.
"Whoa, you seem to really watch it," said Emma.
"Yea, you're a real air whiz as well as tankery," said Saori.
"Have you thought about becoming a pilot Yukari?" asked Hana.
Yukari was twiddling her thumbs, "well I'm not sure?"
"You still got time before the tournament, some schools in Japan have already begun the program like Imperial High School, Tokugawa Academy, and even that school your facing Saunders," said Jerome.
Then they all glued their eyes on the screen as Ryan released the bombs. Out of the six bombs, four hit, one of a dud, and the last one missed. He took our three tanks flagging them.
"Well done Ryan," said Jerome talking through the radio, "return the hanger."
"Roger that," replied Ryan.
"Well Miho, when do you wish to take tour test?" asked Jerome.
"Um, the day after the Saunder match," said Miho.
"Will 13:00 PM be fine?" asked Jerome?"
"Yes," said Miho.
"Alright, see you then and good luck in your match tomorrow," said Jerome.
"Thank you Ensign," said Miho.
Miho looked out the window to see Ryan pulling into the hanger and the guys cheering him.
Fairgrounds…
The day had come, the stands were filling with an audience, the Ooarai tanks were lined up ready to go. "Stand by until the match starts!" said Momo.
"Oh, I almost forgot the shells!" said Yuuki.
"That's the most improtent things," said Aya.
"Sorry," said Yuuki making her team laugh.
"Pretty lax," said a girl as all looked to see two girls from Saunders standing in front of them. "I'm surprised you're even able to enter the tournament like that," finished the short chestnut girl.
Yukari worried they would recognize here hid behind Mako.
"What are you here for?" demanded Momo.
"We were thinking of inviting you to a meal, so we get to know each other before the match," said the tall Saunder's girls with short grey hair.
"Well that sounds fun girls, mind giving us your names?" asked Jimmy.
"I am Alisa," she introduced.
"You can call me Naomi," she introduced.
"Mr. Asuka, we also want to have a word with you," said Alisa.
"Me? and also you can call me Ryan," said Ryan.
Turtle, Orca, and Anglerfish went over to join Saunders at their food stands.
"Has a food stand, a hairdresser, a spa," said Saori.
"They really do have a lot of money, don't they," said Hana.
"Reminds me of the Colorado Springs High School team" said Ryan.
"That rich?" asked Miho.
"Yea many of their members of the Air Force Academy," said Yukari.
"Exactly, the Arrow Strike team from That school was champion for several years, several of its graduates have become pilots, engineers and even astronauts, that school has everything that is similar to this one, it really has everything", said Ryan.
"Did you fight them?" asked Hana.
"My school fought them and we had a technical tie, there captain Milton Roger is one of the best pilots in the country he fought with, he has aviation in his blood, his grandfather was a Doolittle in the second war world," said Ryan.
"You mean Doolittle Raid?" asked Yukari
"Exactly" said Ryan.
"Hello, I'm glad to come," said Kay.
Yukari upon seeing the commander hid.
"Hello Sergeant Oddball, should visit again, we are very open," said Kay.
"Ah, hello Kay," said Anzu.
"And you all are the boys in Sensha-do this yeat," said Kay
"Um, yes, I'm Ryan Asuka.
"You're a handsome boy, is heard that you are a pilot could you teach me?" asked Kay.
This made Ryan blush a bit, "um sure, why if I may ask?"
"Our school will have an Arrow Strike team and would like to compete. Someone of your skill could help our program get started," explained Kay.
"If you want I can teach you," said Jimmy flirtishly.
"No flirting Jimmy," said Emma.
"Ah, come on," said Jimmy.
"We want to win the first championship," said Alisa. "Facing teams from will be tough."
"We are even going to open our school to boys next semester," said Naomi.
"I'll be participating as well to help jump start the team," said Kay.
"I see," said Ryan.
"Hey don't you even think about taking our guy!" exclaimed Momo.
"Relax Momo, I'll consider it, for now I must participate in the Sensha-do tournament," said Ryan.
"So you faced Colorado Springs?" asked Alisa.
"Yes, Milton Roger is his captain, he is an ace in the air, he has the record for knockdowns in a single championship and only once was knocked out," said Ryan.
"By whom?" asked Kay.
"I was the one who knocked him down but we knocked down at the same time it was a draw," said Ryan.
"There also those champions in Germany that will likely show up," said Archie. "That Red Baron High School."
"Archie, didn't know you were into planes," said Emma.
"Hey, I hear stuff, their captain is known as the Black Baron," said Archie.
"I heard that name, even Milton, he wants to face him some day," said Ryan. "Though that's unlikely since no European teams are coming."
"Oh, so your Archie. I must say you are handsome. I can see why Dar has eyes for you," said Kay.
Archie started to shake and blush at once, "wait…what… you mean that lady wants me?"
"Yea," said Bram.
"Your lucky man," said Jimmy.
"We've been trying to tell you that," said Mako.
"Eeekkk! I'll be in the tank, nice to meet you all," said Archie scurrying off.
This caused Kay to laugh, "yep I can see why Dar has an eye for him. Handsome and shy, just her type. Well see you all in the match," said Kay.
Battlefield…
All the Ooarai tanks were lined up, "As I explained, we'll win if we can take out their flag-tank. Saunders High is better at attacking and defending than we are, but let's try to fight them without getting too panicked. Make the most of your maneuverability. Always keep moving and try to break up the enemy and draw them to the Assault III or Pershing," explained Miho.
"Right!" responded all commanders to Miho.
"Let's get this started!" said Anzu.
Then the start signal was sent up, "Match Start!"
With than both opposing team's tanks advanced into battle. The crowd began to cheer.
In the forest. The Ooarai tanks were awaiting orders. "Rabbit team, I want you to do some recon on the right. Duck team, take the left side. Orca team move up the center and be ready to support either Duck or Rabbit," ordered Miho.
"Roger that," said Ryan.
"Roger that," said Azusa.
"Roger that," said Noriko.
"Couldn't we do something else about team names?" asked Momo.
"Who cares, there cute," said Anzu.
"Panzer Vor!" ordered Miho.
Rabbit team proceeded with orders, after a bit going through the forest. The team complaining about the heat. "Stop," ordered Azusa. She took out some binocular to look around as everyone else sat silently. Then outside he trees on top of a hill, she spotted three Shermans.
"We're at B085S, and we've spotted three Shermans," reported Azusa, "we're going to lure them out now."
Then they were fired upon, Azusa quickly looked to behind them and saw three more Shermans, and the three in front of them were closing in on their position. "We are being surrounded by six Sherman!"
Miho hearing the call, "Rabbit team, I'm sending reinforcements from the south! Orca team, move to assist! Duck Team follow me!" ordered Miho.
The Rabbits were heading towards their team, "Don't follow us!"
"Pervs!"
"Stalkers!"
"Take this!"
The Lee fired but missed.
Kay who was leading the charge was out of her cupola seeing the complete miss, "You're not hitting us at all!" The Shermans answered back with massive return fire.
The Lee continued to run away from the enemy being pursued relentlessly.
Back with Miho and Duck team, they were still in rout to Rabbit's position, then they came under fire from three more Shermans catching them by surprise. "Three of them? So we're surrounded?"
"Six from the northeast, and three from south-southwest. Wow, so they put nine of their tanks straight into the forest," said Yukari.
"That's quite a bold tactic," said Hana.
"Rabbit team, it's dangerous to keep on going like this. Can you stop?" asked Miho.
"We can't!" yelled Rabbit team still under heavy fire.
"They're taking fire from all six tanks!" said Saori.
"Orca team, status!" said Miho.
"We just arrived!" said Ryan.
"Hang on Rabbits!" said Bram.
"The calvary's here!" said Jimmy.
"Fire!" said Ryan.
"Ryan-Senpai here!" cried Rabbit.
Emma fired the gun. Then it hit one of the Sherman's turret disabling it out of the fight, Kay then noticed the Pershing was here. "There you are, Naomi, take it out!"
"Yes ma'am!" said Naomi firing the 17 pounder and barley missed.
"Whoa! Miho the Firefly is here!" said Ryan. "Jim get us out of here, Bram turn the turret to our rear, Emma prepare to return fire.."
"Understood!. Rabbit, Orca, and Duck, you'll be joining up with Goosefish shortly. Once we meetup, I want you to head southeast!" ordered Miho not realizing they were being eavesdropped on.
"Roger that!" said Azusa.
"Roger that!" said Ryan.
"Have two of our tanks go around to the south-southwest," said Alisa.
"Ok," said Kay.
"There they are, Senpai!"
"Yes, calm down," said Miho.
All four tanks meetup and turned South-south west, the IV firing off a round.
"They've come around," said Noriko.
"What should we do?" said Azusa.
"Shoot at them?" said Aya.
"Orders Miho?" asked Ryan.
"Orca take the front, everyone else follow behind the Pershing, we advance like this," ordered Miho. "We're going to mix in with the enemy tanks."
"You got that Jim?" asked Ryan.
"I heard that, going to give it everything I got!" declared Jimmy.
"Seriously?" said Karina.
"Roger that! Footwork like libero," said Shinobu.
Emma who was still aiming down the gun toward the enemy behind them noticed the Firefly was taking aim at the IV, "Watch out Miho!" and fired as well.
Then a big boom happened getting everyone's attention.
"Impossible," said Kay.
"I don't believe it, the shots collided in midair" said Naomi.
"Emma, great shot!" said Miho.
"Nice one Em!" said Ryan.
Stands…
Maho and Erika who were watching the match outside the battlefield mouths dropped in disbelief. "Was that luck commander?" asked Erika.
"There is no luck in Sensha-do, but still," said Maho in wonder and disbelief.
Darjeeling and Peko almost spilled their tea.
The entire crowd was going wild as they could not believe it, for they saw a very rare occasion.
Battlefield…
The two Sherman's fired, one round bounced off the Pershing, another hit the Lee's side armor but they were ok as they forced their way through the encirclement.
"Alisa's intuition is spot on today!" commented Kay. "Nice foresight!"
The Pershing then ran right through a Sherman nearly flipping it over, the IV, followed by the Lee and 89.
"Commander do we pursue?"
"Don't worry about it? You can't go in too deep," said Kay.
"Damn," said Alisa.
Back with Miho, they sighed in relief, "that was close," said Hana.
"Yeah," said Miho. "It was almost like they were waiting for us…" Miho had a sudden suspicion and went out of her cupola and looked up spotting a device of some kind.
"Miho…What's wrong?" wondered Hana. Miho went down to Hana giving the shush sign.
In a whisper, "they have a device intercepting our transmissions up there."
"But isn't that against the rules…" Miho put a hand on Hana's mouth to silence her and shushed her.
The team came to a stop in some woods, Orca team also stopped with them. "Hey Miho, what's the plan!"
Miho gave him a shush, at first Ryan did not understand, she then pointed to her headset and pointing in her ear with a listening hand. Ryan got it and then whispered to Archie to turn off the radio for now.
Yukari meanwhile was reading the rulebook, "well, there's nothing in the rulebook that says you can't put up a wiretapping devices," she explained.
"How terrible. Who cares how much money you have?" said Saori fuming a little.
"Let's go say something!" said Hana.
"No point in that Hana," said Ryan.
"Match has already started," said Bram.
"I say let them listen," said Emma, then she got some bad stares.
"What, I mean… sorry," said Emma.
"No wait Emma, that's a good idea," said Miho.
"What are you suggesting Miho?" asked Ryan.
"All tanks, go south on route 0985, and move to the junction there. The enemy should travel north through the junction, so take them out from the sides when they pass through," ordered Miho.
"Roger that!"
"Roger that here, too!"
Alisa was listening in once more, then relied it to Kay who was unaware of what Alisa was doing, "Their target is the junction. They're laying in wait on the sides. "Have a decoy head north up to it, and have the main force surround them from the sides!"
"Okay! Okay! But how do you know so much?" asked Kay.
"Female intuition!" said Alisa.
Kay laughed, "I knew I could count on you!"
Meanwhile Miho was setting up a trap of her own having using the wiretapping against the enemy. The Pershing, Panzer IV, Assault III, and Lee were waiting on top of a hill in an ambush position. The Type-89 was hidden behind a bush with logs tied to the end of the tank ready to drag off.
Miho saw the enemy begin to come into the trap, she wanted to see if she could lure some of them to their ambush. Once they got close, "all right," said Miho then going to her radio, "We're surrounded. All tanks retreat."
The Type-89 drove off in a hurry dragging the log creating a huge uplift of dirt. Many of the Shermans took the bait and began to follow.
Alisa continued to listen in on Miho, "We've been spotted! Everyone spread out and retreat. The 38t is o hide at point C1024R."
Alisa could not resist an opportunity like this, "the 38t, that's the enemy's flag tank. You're mine! Charlie, Dog, advance quickly to point C1024R. Fire on sight."
"Right!"
The two Sherman's went to the point as instructed. When they arrived they began to look for the target.
Dog team's gunner looked around but then saw something in the bush, before she realized it was a barrel, "Jesus!" she cried before getting shot by the Lee, IV, and III getting them flagged.
"Retreat! Retreat!" cried Charlie trying to get away, but then they were taken out by the Pershing who was waiting for them.
"Nice short Emma," said Ryan.
"Dog and Charlie team are out!"
"What?" said Alisa in disbelief.
"What?" said Naomi.
"Why?" said Kay.
The entire Saunder team could not believe it.
"We weren't talking on our radios. We were using our cells," said Saori happily.
"All right! Our plan succeeded," said Yukari happily.
Back with Kay, she was getting excited, "now things are getting interesting."
Arrow Strike HQ…
Tsuneo was seated at a U shaped Table with many heads present. A small monitor was infront of them. He was looking at his phone to see some highlights of his children's match. He then saw the two shots collide, it made him chuckle, "that's my girl."
"Ladies, gentlemen, let us begin," said Brigs. The monitor then turned on showing two faces. One was a man with red hair in business attire was Jack Hickory CEO of the American Arrow Strike League and a brown haired older woman also in business attire, she was Neele Koenig CEO of the European Arrow Strike League.
Hope you all enjoyed that. Feel free to PM if you have a good idea.
-Peace-