Girls Und Panzer: World Tournament
Chapter 3: An English Greetings
On the deck of Ōarai school carrier,
"Come quick Miho! You can see the shore from here!" Saori shouts out. The girls were observing over the rails on the starboard side of their school carrier. Three days of travel has landed the school on a whole new world for them.
"Wow! It's pretty! Reminds me of home!" Hana exclaims as she marvels the sight.
"It's really bright..." Mako simply complains.
Miho marveled at the horizon. It was nothing she's seen before.
"Attention all Ōarai students!" the intercom began speaking, "we have arrived at Portsmouth, England!"
"Wow!" Yukari looked out as well, "You can see how busy it is from here! Look at all the tiny people!"
"Maybe I can find some cute boys finally!" Saori said.
Miho giggled at her friend's reaction to England. It was moments away before they started docking. She looked at the various ships sailing about when something caught her eye. "Hey, that carrier right there, isn't that St. Gloriana?"
"Huh?" Her friends responded.
"Now that I see it, yeah, that's St. Gloriana's flag!" Yukari analyzed.
"I wonder what they want here?" Hana wonders.
"Maybe they're here to help us through with this school we're going to talk to?" Miho suggests.
"But do they need to drag their entire ship along too?" Mako says.
"I guess we'll find out when we anchor at shore..." Miho concludes at that note.
In front of the tank garage, Ōarai school carrier,
"Huh? Ferries?" Ōarai Sensha-Dou team responded, gathered by the student council for a meeting.
Anzu explains, "Portsmouth port isn't exactly a carrier-based port. It's for ferries and we're way too big to fit into the port entrance. So we're going to be riding to land on ferries they've sent out. This isn't a new thing, there are still lots ports in the world unable to accommodate our school carrier."
"Isn't there another port we could've landed at?" Caesar points out.
"There are, but Portsmouth is the closest to the destination we are going to go to for our meeting with the school, plus its also nearby the International League's meeting place for the tournament drawings," Momo explains. "Plus we save money on docking since only a small number of students want to get off and see the land."
"Basically us," Anzu clarifies.
The teams began to chatter amongst themselves with this new information before Momo continues, "Alright, the ferries are due in a few hours, we have to prepare our tanks for loading onto them when they arrive."
"We need our tanks?" Miho was surprised by this.
"The school asked us to bring them. Who knows? Maybe they want to engage in a mock battle." Anzu replies.
"Hey, what is this 'school' anyways? Who are they?" Yukari asked to which murmer began on the same question.
"Well according to what Darjeeling from St. Gloriana told me, these people are cadets from the Army Cadet Force of UK." Yuzu responded.
"Wait, cadets?! We're meeting with military-affiliated organizations?" Saori cried out in surprise.
"It appears so, but don't worry. They're still Sensha-Dou users just like us! Just in a different culture and world." Momo reassures them, "There's no reason to see them any different because they are in the military. Remember Ami is in the JSDF and she's a very well skilled Sensha-Dou practitioner."
The team talked again about this new development. Even Miho was surprised to hear that the so-called school they were headed to just might be an army base. She puts her faith in though, after all they were the one who suggested these people.
"If we are all done, prepare your tanks to move out!" Anzu shouted excitedly. "Move them down to the lower dock area via the elevator on the starboard side of the carrier, we'll load them into the ferries via the loading bay!"
Ferry #2 - Portsmouth, England
"Wow! It's even cooler up close!" Azusa says while on top of Rabbit's M3 Lee. Two ferries came for Ōarai's tanks and they were loaded in at carrier's interior docks. The first one received the Tiger (P), Type 3 Chi-Nu, Panzer IV, and the Hetzer while the second one took the StuG III, Char B1, Type 89, and the M3 Lee. "The buildings are all so different than from Japan!"
"Some of those buildings don't have spaces between them, no alleys?" Aya notes.
"They're all made of bricks too!" Yuuki notices.
"Won't that actually make it great in Sensha-Dou matches? If the buildings around here are built to last, even the 37 mm will have trouble blasting through!" Karina said.
"I don't think anyone would appreciate their house being blown up either way Karina…" Ayumi said.
"Well girls, the only way we're going to find out what they think of Sensha-Dou is when we arrive at the ports…" Azusa said reassuringly, she notes that Saki nods her head in silence. Land was still a distance, but it won't be long now.
Duck Team was playing on the ferry with a volleyball they managed to sneak in their Type 89. "Hey, do you think we can find some good volleyball players here?" Noriko said.
"Mmm.. I don't know," Taeko said. "Even if we did, it's not like we can have them join our club…"
"Oh, right,"
"Couldn't we just have them do a foreign transfer?" Akebi points out.
"Hey, that's right! Maybe we can get some members that way!" Shinobu said. "A chance is better than none at all!"
"And we're going around the world too…" Noriko said, "the potentials are endless! Even if only one joins, that's a big improvement over our entire time in Japan! All we need is willpower, faith, and…"
"GUTS!" They all said in unison.
Sodoko, Gomoyo, and Pazomi were playing cards on their Char B1 as they listen to the other team banter about England.
"What do you think about England Sodoko?" Pazomi started.
"England? I have no comment." Sodoko said.
"It is a beautiful country, a change of pace," Gomoyo said.
"Well, that is fine, but remember, we have to keep this team in line when on land. We can't have them just running around. Our cell phones would be down because our cell services don't do international."
"Hmm.." Gomoyo thought about it, "Well maybe we should find something before the World Tournament starts then."
"Yep!"
Then on the StuG III, Hippo team were focused sitting on their StuG III and analyzing the land.
"So this is England..." Erwin said. "I wonder what Rommel would say if he saw it now…"
"I wonder what anyone back then would think when they see how far humanity's gone." Caesar said.
"Maybe they'd think we've become complacent." Saemonza said, "it's been rather peaceful in the world for how long now? People focus more on improving little things that could be destroyed in the instance of war."
"The Blitz huh?" Oryou mentioned, "Maybe it's the little thing we should just worry about…"
"Maybe its for the best, until the time comes."
Ferry #1 - Portsmouth, England
"So what's St. Gloriana doing here anyways Prez?" Momo asked.
"Beats me, they never mentioned anything about that in the follow-up." Anzu said.
"Maybe they just want to visit England with us," Yuzu suggested, "they do follow their culture."
"I don't know, I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's all friendly gestures from here on right? No deals, no gambles, we're just playing along with the exhibition matches."
Momo smiled, "Yeah, you're right. Ōarai's safe now. No need to worry about the fine details."
"Anyways, Yuzu, we got anymore of that dried sweet potatoes?"
Turtle team continued on while Anteater team were busy on their smartphones. Playing a certain tank game app. Unfortunately, the game's graphics drains their phone's batteries so they jury-rigged their Type 3 Chi-Nu with a small generator for the purposes of powering their portable devices while remaining Sensha-Dou legal due to not affecting the Type 3's performances.
"Hey, this place looks a lot like that one map right?" Momoga mentions.
"Now that you mention it… yeah…. It looks the same." Nekota says.
"It could be that all European design look the same." Piyotan says, "and its not like England will tear down perfect buildings just because they're no longer following their rules…"
"Either way, maybe we can find a general layout in the town. If there is a pattern… we can use that in the game!" Momoga says.
"Maybe...maybe…." Nekota responds.
The crew of Leopon were busy making sure their Tiger (P) was in good condition after the short ride from the garage to the ferry. The engine, drive, suspension, tracks, gun, radio, and all that were double checked for functionality. It was busy work and a testament of their skills, as well as the Tiger (P)'s failing in its practical value in the battlefield.
But all that never bothered the mechanics, they enjoyed it and were concerned about something entirely different.
"You think we can get an Aston Martin here?" Suzuki asked.
"Are you being unfaithful to our Toyota?" Satoko said.
"I'm just saying, if we're here and have the funds, we can just buy it here and not worry about shipping and exports. Just think about it, a pure Aston Martin!"
"I don't know," Hoshino said, "Aston Martins just may break our wallets. Plus, the Toyota is upgradeable."
"Well, if we can't buy a whole Aston Martin, maybe we can buy an engine!" Tsuchiya suggested, "pop that sucker into our Toyota, then rev it up!"
"Heh, that's worth a shot!" Suzuki beamed, "We keep the Toyota, but make it run better than ever!"
"I'm down for that," Satoko said.
"Alright, that's one for the bucket list here!"
Anglerfish team were enjoying some snacks that Saori cooked up before the trip. They listened to some of the team's energetic talks about England. "Everyone's fired up huh?" Miho notes.
"I am too Nishizumi-dono!" Yukari says, "Did you know that about 100 km to the west of Portsmouth is the Bovington Tank Museum?"
"A tank museum?" Saori asked, "They have a dedicated tank museum out here?"
"Oh yeah," Yukari explains, "Japan doesn't have much to speak of because we were pretty crap in World War II. At that time, the Europeans were pretty crazy on tank technology."
"So that's why the Type 89 performs so bad…" Saori says.
"And also the Type 3 Chi-Nu is one of their 'better' tanks."
"Isn't the Type 3 Chi-Nu only on par with the Shermans?" Hana asked.
"Yep! But we're not even sure on that because the Type 3 never fired a shot at a Sherman. They were all left in Japan to defend against the Americans in case of Operation Downfall." Yukari says, "but we all know what happened from there."
Miho sees Yukari's enthusiastic self and can't help but smile as her friend indulges herself on the one topic she knows most about.
"So what about the tank museum?" Saori asks Yukari, "What makes it so special than holding tanks?"
"It's the largest collection of tanks in the world! They have a vehicle from every aspect of tank history, going as far as World War I!"
"I'd say it earns a title for culture preservation already then," Hana says. "Oh look, we're almost on land."
Miho looks over the ferry's forward direction and sees that land is indeed only a few hundred meters now. Then the tank radios came up with Anzu's voice.
"Attention everyone! We're almost on land. Start your engines and prepare for to disembark!"
After cleaning up Saori's food, Anglerfish headed into their Panzer IV. Standing up from the commander's cupola, Miho observes the rest of the team head into their tanks as Mako starts the engine. Hatches open, they waited for the ferry to reach the port.
"Heh, Miho," Yukari said over the radio, "doesn't it feel like we're about to invade England when we land like this?"
"Operation Sea Lion huh?" Miho notes. "Well we're not at war Yukari so you can rest easy."
It's not long before the ferry came to a full stop. The loading ramp in front came down.
"Panzer Vor!" Miho said over the tank's intercom and the Panzer IV roars its engine and moves the tracks. The other team follows the Panzer IV. On ferry 2, which landed to the side of the first one, the team also began moving past the downed ramp.
Portsmouth, England
The tanks rumbled onto the concrete port. Some of the workers on land directed the tank's direction with their hands. The eight tanks clattered in a two by four formation as they were directed to a side of the port. They ended up at a train yard, a rather busy one and she tries to make sure their tanks don't crush anything. In a distance, she sees three more tanks on shore already. Upon a closer look, she can make out a Churchill , Crusader Mk. III, and a Matilda , all with a St. Gloriana emblem.
"Looks like St. Gloriana beat us to it Miho!" Saori said over the intercom.
"Yes, but it seems like we're joining them." Miho says. After maneuvering, steering, turning. The eight Ōarai tanks have stopped right next to the St. Gloriana tanks. A person, his uniform spelling out authority on the port, stepped towards the the newly arrived tanks. Anzu climbed out of her Hetzer to meet this man.
"I'm going to need to see your tankery registration and visa miss." The man said.
"I've got the papers here, Anzu said as she pulled them out for him to inspect.
"What business you have here? World Tournament's still a while from now."
"We're here on a field trip," a voice came out to the right. Darjeeling has come out, with tea in hand, and talking to the man.
"Heavy equipments for a field trip isn't this?" The man replied.
"Indeed, but we are expected." Darjeeling said.
"By whom?"
"Montgomery of the 3rd RTR in the cadets." Darjeeling said. When she said this, Miho noted that the man seemed to be stunned.
"W-Well, even if what you say is true, I can't let you leave the ports without his presence then."
"I understand sir."
"Alright, you ladies have fun on your 'field trip' then," the man said before departing. Anzu and Darjeeling stayed there before Miho decided to check on what was up.
"What happened there?" Miho asked.
"He's with the Border Force. He's only doing his job making sure we're here legally. What with our tanks and all." Darjeeling replied as she turns to Miho. "and how are you Miho?"
"Uh, I'm doing fine! How about you Darjeeling? I haven't seen you since that match with University."
"Oh, I'm doing fine myself Miho," Darjeeling states. "Yes, it has been a while huh?"
"What brings you to England?" Anzu asked.
"Well, I simply can't allow a friend to arrive here in an unknown place without guidance could I? I'll help you through with this school here."
"Oh, thank you Darjeeling" Miho says.
"I am only doing what any friend would do."
"So this Montgomery guy," Anzu starts, "We're meeting him here?"
"Yes, he says he should arrive shortly," Darjeeling said, "Though I expected him to get here before you showed up."
"Ah, it's alright, we're still trying to get used to this new atmosphere."
"Yeah, its really neat here. Is it like this in St. Gloriana too?"
"There are some differences, but the atmosphere is similar," Darjeeling said as she sipped some tea.
The trio continued talking and by this point, the other team were getting out of their tanks and chattering around, checking stuff out around the place. Soon a train came in, full of flat cars and in the front by the engine were two passenger cars. "Train transport for our tanks huh?" Anzu said.
It was then a man stepped out of one of the passenger cars. He is wearing a brown shaded beret and wearing some woodland camouflage, a flag on his left arm sleeve and some patches on his right. He looks no older than 18.
"Hey, he's pretty hot," Saori said as he stepped out and walked over. He approached towards Darjeeling, Anzu, and Miho. He was tall, at least a good half-feet above her.
The man casually gestures to Darjeeling, "Darjeeling, it's been a while."
"Yes it has Montgomery," Darjeeling replied.
He then turns to Miho and Anzu, "And you must be the guests from Ōarai correct?" He says.
"Uh, yes! I'm Miho Nishizumi!" Miho said.
He seemed surprised when Miho gave her name, but he regained his composure and gave a warm smile while extending his hand, "Welcome to Britain, I am Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major John Montgomery of the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, I hope you'll have a wonderful time here."
"Oh, uh, thanks! I hope I will too!" Miho says nervously as she shakes his hand. "Um, Montgomery, are you related to the same..."
Montgomery smiled, "Some information are best kept a secret right Miho?" He says as he releases his grip in the handshake. "We'll first start by getting off this port. Load your tanks onto the flat beds. Don't worry, they're rated to take Challenger 2's. Head into the passenger cars once you've finished."
"O-Okay!" Miho said as he turned to return.
"Alright everyone!" Anzu shouted, "start it up! We're moving the tanks onto those transporters!"
"Rosehip, Rukuriri, get your tanks ready for movement." Darjeeling relayed to her team.
In about 30 minutes, the loading process was completed and everyone was gathered inside the passenger cars. They were quite luxurious in the arrangement, with red velvet passenger seats and atmosphere. The seats were large too, able to hold three people facing each other maximum facing each other. While the teams were all scattered around fancying the new sight, Miho was sat with Anzu and Darjeeling, across from them was Montgomery and some woman in the same uniform as Montgomery The woman was fairly young, almost around Miho's age, she had on a very cheerful smile and an atmosphere of naivety. She had a strange hair color blend of coffee brown and blonde yellow, and with a shoulder strap bag over her left shoulder.
"New rails Montgomery?" Darjeeling asked, "These weren't here reaching to the port last time I checked..."
"Yep, completely new!" Montgomery said with a smile. "It's a pain to have to use trucks for each individual tank we bring out, so we appealed for the League to sponsor a new rail for us a few years back. Now we've got a wider gauge rail just for the cadets to use for going straight form the training grounds to the port.
"And the League paid to have this passenger car imported in too Montgomery?" Darjeeling asked.
"Oh don't worry about it," Montgomery said, "We just pawned them off a line from Germany. Not like they were using it... Ah, yes I almost forgot. This here is my second-in-command, Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Brooke."
"Hi! I'm Brooke! A pleasure to meet you all!" She says excitingly with a small gesture of greeting.
"Um, nice to meet you too," Miho said, bowing her head.
"Anyways, let's get down to business.," Montgomery said. "From what I heard, Miho, you need some help with Tankery."
"Ah, yes! My school , Ōarai Girls Academy, was invited to the World Tournament two years from now, but… I'm don't know much about the practices the world has that's different from Sensha-Dou, so I'm hoping you will help me."
Montgomery looked at Miho incredulously, then to Darjeeling, "Darjeeling, you never mentioned that Ōarai received a letter from the I.L."
"Was it important with the content of the request?" Darjeeling responded.
He started laughing, "Ha! Still, I shouldn't be surprised that the letter would end up in the hands of 'The Legend'."
"The Legend?" Miho questioned the term.
Montgomery didn't seem to hear Miho's confused statement, "Well that's bloody fantastic. Here I thought they wanted a refresher on how the world worked! Now I see they're learning how to take down the world's competition instead!" He recomposed himself, "But I'll help you lots out. After all, beating an opponent with no idea how the world views Tankery is no different from beating a complete novice."
"So Montgomery," Anzu starts, "What can you tell us about Tankery?"
"Well, I don't want to explain it to everyone of you individually, so I'll take you out to the perfect place to explain Tankery from the core."
"Where?" Miho asked.
"At our training grounds at the Bovington Tank Museum."
Building up to the PLOT!
Tad bit longer than usual, but it's gonna get better. I hope. I tried my best basing some of the aspects of Britain from what I find on google and stuff. I'm sure there are some culture mistakes and it will bound to get worse when I get other countries involved. But you can help out if you point them out to me and I'll fix them if I can. Also remember that this is a fictional world where schools are held on AIRCRAFT CARRIERS.
Thanks for bearing through my writing. Feel free to Favorite and Follow if you look forward to what's next.
*Edit*: I missed a few details I should've added in this chapter. It should be good now.
*Edit 2*: Someone brought up an interesting detail I didn't know about British rails. Apparently the rails in Britain are very narrow so not tank-friendly. I added a justification into this chapter.