Gerald R Ford, two days later…
When cargo planes touched down at the airport, it seemed as if the whole population of the carrier was awaiting their arrival. The C-17s and the Antonov were met with a water cannon salute and when they got off the jet, they were met by reporters and journalists alike. There was a party atmosphere among the team, everyone had gathered in the garage and threw a massive party. That was just the first day being back on the carrier.
The next day was spent cleaning up the tanks and garage, followed by the unveiling of a banner. High on the wall of the Tank Hangar, there was a banner from the last time JayPac had won the National tournament. 11 years had passed since then, and the tank instructor who had taught that team flew in to see the team and meet the instructor that had led them to victory. It was a very emotional moment for everyone who had come. Even older team members had come to the school to see the title banner and trophy.
"I knew I made the right choice." A voice said behind Javier. He turned to face the guy who had spoken. The person was the former team commander. "I told them all you would be the piece that pushes us ahead." His name was Trevor Haroldson. When Jay last saw him, he was a little shorter than him, but over the year, he had grown up to his eye level.
"It wasnt just me though," Jay said. "It was all of us."
"I know. Some of them just needed a team lead to take them the distance." He said. "Enjoy the day, Jay. You've earned it." He said. Jay just nodded and walked off to join his friends. He spotted Hans smiling brightly and explaining to some of his teammates from Germany who had flown in, about the battle. From the sounds of it, he was embellishing the story, but who could blame him. Everyone was talking about the battle.
The next few hours were spent walking around, getting congratulations and people asking about the battle. After those few hours, the boys were about to go home when a voice echoed through the now quiet hangar.
"Boys! I need to see all of you at the front immediately!" The familiar strict voice was almost like music to their ears, as everyone rushed for the front. Everyone lined up, just like they were when they first met her. "I have no words to describe your battle! It was… awesome!" Everyone had braced but relaxed a little once she finished the sentence.
"Now where is the commander! And sub Commander?" Jay, Pascal, Cody, and Hans all stepped forward. "Come here." The four walked up to the instructor. Behind her, the Type-74 was lit up by the sun. "I'm so proud of you! All of you!" She embraced the four boys each, letting her happiness get the better of her. Though, with her smaller stature, it was a little bit awkward. It was a side that the boys thought she didnt even have. After calming down, she straightened herself out and looked at everyone.
"As your instructor, You all have made me proud, I know I sound like a broken record, but I just can't stop saying it. I've known some of you for years, and I can see your improvement." She said. "You all have made me one of the happiest people on earth at the moment."
"Thank you, ma'am," Jay said. "We just did as you taught us.
"We fought our way, and we worked as a team," Hans stated.
"We all did," Pascal added. Instructor Izumo had a big smile on her face, which softened up a little.
"I know I was hard on you all for a bit sometimes." She said. "But look where it got you all."
"So, what about your promise, instructor?" Jay asked.
"Oh, right. My friend who is going to help coordinate that will be here in a couple of days." She explained. "She is also the instructor of a top school. And her team is one of the scariest teams to face."
"Instructor, if I may ask, what is this school called?" Someone asked, to which a few of the others snickered.
"Don't tell me she taught who I think she taught." Pascal said.
"Oh, it's the school you're thinking of alright." She said. "And she can't wait to meet you guys." After that, the group went back to cleaning while Instructor Izumo stuck around to watch the boys for a bit.
Later that night, Pascal, Hans, Cody, and Jay were gathered at the tank hangar to share a pack of ginger beer that Pascal had brought from home. Cody had somewhat recovered from the incident in Texas, but he still wasnt able to fight.
"Doctors said I'm coming along nicely. Should be back in the tanks in a month or so." He said. He had a fresh patch on his forehead, and some of his face had scars from the shrapnel.
"Well, that's good to hear. Sad to hear you won't be gunning anymore though." Hanz said. "I tried it, and I'm horrible at it."
"Not true, actually. My eyesight was completely unaffected. Though, being so long out of practice, I know ill have trouble with it."
"I know, it's an artform honestly," Jay said. "Takes years to master it."
"I'm sure it'll be like riding a bike," Pascal said. He took a drink from the bottle, letting the cold and spicy drink cool him down. The day had been a hot one, and the heat from the warm ground was rising up beneath them. "So, we're really gonna do this, huh? Going to fight against a school ten times more difficult than New York."
"Yeah, that's the gist of it," Jay said. "Though, I don't wanna believe it's that school. But she did say the champions…"
"Well, here's to us, boys. And hopefully a clean slate." Cody said, raising his bottle. The boys all raised their bottles and took a drink.
The next day, there was much to look forward to. Everyone on the team had gathered in front of the garage and waited for Izumo's friend to arrive. Everyone was on edge as they were a little bit late. But then there was a faint noise that grew louder and louder. That was the sound of Instructor Izumo's tank rolling by the hanger. The tank came to a stop and out hopped Instructor Izumo. Then another woman similarly dressed climbed down the other side of the tank. She walked around and stood next to Izumo.
"I'll let you take it from here, Ami," she said.
"Thank you, Hanna." The taller woman faced the boys. "My name is Ami Chono, it's nice to finally meet you, boys."