Girls Und Panzer: Euro-League
Chapter 4: Preparations
We trained with the Germans on the trails outside the city for weeks, and stayed at the local hotels to make ready for the competition, "The way I see it, your tanks will be our scouts and the first line of attack, trust me we have faced you lot in the past," said Claramond, the lead tank commander for the Germans, "it is like hitting a ghost,"
Gabrielle was taking a shower while the two of us were talking, "I am just glad we are working together for this competition," I replied, "such a thing has never been done by our schools, but like our General says, there is a first time for everything," Claramond lightly smiled as she took off her cap, and placed in on a coat rack at the door.
"We still need a base ship, Filion," Claramond pointed out,
"I know, our deans are working on that," I replied, looking through the slightly opened door to see Gabrielle dressing herself for the evening. Gabrielle looked out at the moon from the window. I went up to her out of concern. I put a hand on her shoulder, "Is something wrong, mon amie?" I asked, Gabrielle smiled, and shook her head 'no' to me.
"Oi, you're right, Noemi, Rouchet does have a big butt," Claramond teased,
"It is big and it is sexy and I like it," said Gabrielle with a wink. I gave Gabrielle a tap in the butt she is so proud of. She giggled, and went out the door to one of the snack machines in the hall. I sighed happily, knowing I have my best friend driving our tank. Gabrielle came back with a Lion Bar, "think the Japanese will abide by our rules?"
"Honestly it doesn't matter," I replied to the blond.
"Pardon my language, but to hell with their rules, if you looked at the invitation the Japanese League sent us, it is not just an invitation, it is also a challenge," Claramond said, and she had a point. I admire Commander Wolfe for her spirit. Claramond lightly laughed, "I cannot wait to see the looks on their faces when they see an AMX 50 Foch,"
"You will just have to be patient, Wolfe," I said with a half-smile, "I am like you, Claramond, I hate to see a challenge go unanswered," Claramond nodded with a smile as I got up to go brush my teeth, "oh your Jagdpanther looks terrifying," I reminded the Senior Commander of the German Team, "did you girls make some modifications to it?"
"Oh ja, Team Zweilander swapped out the 8.8cm gun for a 10.5 cm gun from a Dicker Max, it did very well during team trials at their school," Claramond replied,
"The Japanese teams are not going to like this, but you two are right, we have our rules and they have theirs, I would not say it is a challenge as much as it the Japanese showing interest in what we can do with tanks, Claramond," Gabrielle explained, "they can call us cheaters or whatever insult they please, I say nothing is going to stop us,"
"I would drink to that if I had a beer," Claramond replied, "I like your driver, she is very spirited, she must be a joy to have around,"
"Oh yes, very much so," I said, turning to Gabrielle with a light smile, "she has been my driver for three years now," all the competition medals I wear on my dress uniform would not be there if it were not for Gabrielle. When medals are awarded to people, they are awarded to all members of the crew. The same way a warship earns battle stars.
I gently touched Gabrielle's shoulder, and went out to get some fresh air outside. Our tanks were lined up side by side with the German Team's 'Jagermeister Panther' and our AMX 50 Foch as the centerpieces. I sighed looking up at the starry skies, "Noemi, is something the matter?" said a voice, I turned to see Gabrielle coming toward me,
"Looking forward to going to Japan?" I asked sitting down on the hill. Gabrielle nodded, and sat down next to me,
"Who isn't?" she said with a smirk,
"I admire what you said in the room, you make me so proud," I said, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder, and holding her close. Gabrielle rested her head on my shoulder, "you're right, Gabrielle Rouchet, nothing is going to stop us, not their tanks, not the Japanese teams, as long as I have you at my side, I will be happy," I said softly to her.
The next day, we received news from our deans, "Ladies, I am happy to announce that we have come to an agreement with the French Navy," said General Maria Von Moltke, "they have agreed to let us use the aircraft carrier Clemenceau as our team's base ship, ready yourselves Ladies, because you are all going to Japan, good luck to all of you,"
"The ship will be docking at Nice in two days have your tanks loaded onto the train this evening by 1900 hours, dismissed!" said the German General.
I spent the day packing my stuff, and helping Gabrielle pack hers, "Well this is it," said Cherie walking alongside me and my driver. I was excited about finally going off to face the Japanese, "we're going to Nice too, Noemi, I hope you packed a bikini," she said nudging me in the arm. I lightly blushed at the thought, and Gabrielle took notice.
"I don't think we are going to have that kind of time, Noemi," said Gabrielle, "we best save them for the Japanese beaches, I hear they are very nice this time of year," I watched as Gabrielle and the other drivers drove the tanks and tank destroyers onto the flatcars of a waiting train. The commanders and I directed the tanks using signals.
"That will have to wait as well," I reminded my driver as she came out of the tank,
We arrived in the French Riviera to a nice sunny day although most of the crews of our tanks wanted to catch up on sleep. We brought a three weeks supply of RCIRs and German EPAs for when we are out in the field. Our base ship was getting cleaned for the voyage. I looked, and watched the sea gulls above me conversing with each other.
I soon noticed Commander Eherenreich coming up to me, "The ship is casting off soon, you better board now or your team will be without a leader," said Aurora. The Germans are right about her. Aurora is very blond almost white. The slight hint of tan offsets her hair. She is very pretty, but I think Gabrielle is better looking in my opinion.
"You are the commander of Team Löbau, oui?" I asked, Aurora chuckled,
"Yes, but we prefer our nickname," Aurora said, and turned to her team whom were making minor repairs on their tank, "ladies?"
"BLOND BUNNIES!" Team Löbau cheered in unison with pride in their voices before returning to work. I shook Aurora's hand, and gave her a salute. Team Löbau seem like a very fun bunch of ladies. I joined up Gabrielle to help fix anything on our ELC AMX Bis. We did everything from change the oil, to tightening the bolts on the five road wheels.
I checked the tracks to make sure nothing is out of place. As a tanker, you get used to moving around on snow, ice, mud, dust, and rain, "Right then...everything looks good, I say she is fit for battle," I said in approval only to be surprised by Gabby hugging me, and clinged to my side. I chuckled, and ruffled her beret on top of her gold blond hair.
It warms my heart to hear Gabrielle giggle, "We make a great team," said Gabrielle
"It has been that way for three years now," I reminded her with a soft grin. With the ship now at sea, we were on our way to our first competition outside of Europe. There was much controversy surrounding the decision between the European and Japanese Leagues. That means we are not just here to compete, but also make a statement.