GuP the movie novel

by Dan Rush

What would a GuP live action movie novel look like? My very lowly attempt.

Girls Und Panzer

The movie novel

by Dan Rush

Chapter 1

Girls Und Panzer (c) 2012 by Tsutomo Mizushima, Reiko Yoshida and Kyoshi Sugiyama. All rights deeply respected. This fiction work is non-profit free share. The writer does not seek nor wants and financial compensation for his time and effort.

Authors' Forewords

I put all the blame on my favorite niece for this. It took me ten years to find out about Girls Und Panzer and leave it to my little brother Scott's anime adoring daughter to get me absolutely obsessed this year….

"Uncle?! Have you watched Girls Und Panzer yet?! You have to see it! You like military stuff right? It's got World War 2 tanks in it! It's freeking hilarious but it's totally serious and you'll love it! Watch it!"

And so….to appease my favorite "guppy" (a nickname she absolutely frowns on) I bought both the Japanese and English dubs of the original 12 episodes, grabbed some Sapporo and within the first three episodes….I was absolutely "hooked" on this insane concept of Japanese Moai culture. Japanese High School girls, having their everyday lives and troubles, dueling it out with classic World War II armor. Everything about the series is fantastic and I won't bother going on and on about every little detail because like most people who've ended up loving "GuP"...I too have watched hours of YouTube videos by "Ascendant Fiction" who brilliantly explains all the little bits of minutia that make "GuP' in my opinion, the best original anime series ever created in the past 30 years….more so because its' design team and writers have managed to do it all in just twelve episodes alone besides the extra films that have followed.

I, and I am sure many fans, am happy to see what "GuP" has done for the real life Japanese town used as the physical location for the "GuP" series….the town of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture. Oarai has had things rough for a few decades since the "crash" or economic troubles Japan has endured since the late 1980's. Largely dependent upon the fishing industry, fishing has been on the decline for Oarai since the mid-1990's. Then of course came 2013 and the Great Kansai Earthquake which did extensive damage to the town and it's sweet potato production. Yes, for all you "GuP" fans of "President Anzu", Oarai sweet potatoes are the bomb! They are vegetarian fentanyl. Everyone in Japan knows about Oarai sweet potatoes and the hundreds of ways you can consume them. To have lost them would be a devastating crush upon Japan.

The success and popularity of Girls Und Panzer has been a boom for Oarai ever since it premiered on NHK in 2012. Oarai has seen a substantial increase in domestic and international tourism and has totally absorbed Girls Und Panzer into its' daily life! "GuP" fans have also given their love to the many museums around the world that maintain many of the classic World War 2 tanks that are a part of the "GuP-a-verse" like the famed German Panzer "Tiger 131" in England and the Finish BT-42 tank of Girls Und Panzer Der Film fame, which is now safely stored out of the harsh Finish elements that almost destroyed this one of a kind and rarest of WW2 tanks.

So it begs to wonder…what about a live action film that encompasses all twelve episodes of the original series? The thought of American Hollywood getting their sick hands on this anime gem makes me cringe. We've seen how American Hollywood has treated anime concepts so far haven't we? Speed Racer….Pokemon….One Piece….Do we need to say more? I could mention the upcoming Disney abomination "Snow White". Do we really want Hollywood touching Girls Und Panzer?

Any attempted live action film project would have to involve the "prime creative crew" of the anime series and they would have to be given total and un-molested control over the flow of the project without question. American directors and producers these days CAN'T have their buttery fingers on "GuP" and this is coming from an American who knows what today's Hollywood will do to it.

Of course….it would be difficult, perhaps impossible, it take six hours worth of the 12 original episodes and condense them down to perhaps a two-point-five hour movie without losing a lot of series relevance and plot angles. It would be better to do it all in one shot than try a two part or three part movie trilogy. High success of movie trilogy anthologies is a rare thing...the first three "Lord of the Rings" movies were more successful than the later "Hobbit trilogy" series and the second "Avatar" film has performed lower than expectations. Perhaps you could do "GuP" in two movies but we should try shooting for a single successful blockbuster and keep from possibly doing harm to the "GuP" fandom with more than just a single project.

All the above said, I present my own lowly effort at a Girls Und Panzer movie novel. Reviews and critiques are very welcome.

Chapter 1

The 62nd National Sensha-do Championship finals

"Breath in deeply! Close the nostrils! Blow into the mouth!"

"Again!"

"Breath in deeply! Close the nostrils! Blow into the mouth!"

"Hands together, fingers interlocked, center of the chest! Compress! Compress again! Again and again and again!"

She looked at the girls face with desperate horror..."Oh God! Koume?!Koume?! Help me God! Please?!"

She returned to her desperate ministering…..oblivious to all around her, save the only thing that mattered at the present. Only the sudden sounds of a joyous bantering caused her a moment to abandon her efforts for a quick look on the rain soaked muddy road above her…

They were throwing their team captain into the air with a green wool blanket?! All in great rapture, in unrestrained joy! The reason became obvious the next time she looked upwards…

Her tank….her team's flag tank….smoked with tongues of flame licking above the engine compartment. Atop the turret? The white flag fluttered...her tank had been knocked out. The game was over. The winning streak was over. She might as well admit that her life in the family tradition was all but over now.

No matter...nothing else was important but Koume. "Not this girl!" She thought, all but sobbing, as she continued between painful breaths and the aches slamming her arms from the continued compressions upon the girl's chest..."God no! No not this girl! She's too good to die! Koume-chan?! Open your eyes! God?! She has too much to do! God not her! PLEASE?!"

She had to struggle to keep herself and her charge from slipping down the muddy embankment into the swift moving river. She raised her head...where was the rest of the team?! Where was Maho? "MAHO?!SISTER! GIVE ME SOME HELP! HELP ME PLEASE?!" She pleaded as she looked up again. Her eyes locked onto the two older girls standing by the flag tank…

Maho...her elder sister….looked down with a face that showed not anger nor disappointment but rather a blank, emotionless contempt. The other girl...Erika...gave her a face clearly enraged and hateful...even displaying an open corner of her mouth where bright teeth gnashed to exemplify her absolute disgust…."You little worm...you cost us victory and renown you little child! You're worse than horse shit!"

And then…..as every dream since then did…..the nightmare ended.

Miho Nishizumi's apartment

Morning

The offending yet cute little bear alarm seemed to "boom!" out it's jolting chimes that ran through Miho's head like a jack hammer! She was all flinging legs and arms as she tried to reach for the clock on the small table only to end up a heap of body and blankets on the floor! "Aaaah!" She struggled to free herself from the entanglement of her blanket and slapped a hand onto the button atop the head of the clock bear to put an end to its' stinging reminder of the morning.

It didn't take long for Miho to dress in her new school uniform...she spent more time making her bed than even brushing her hair, a fact that suddenly dawned on her as she looked down at the mattress and the way she had folded and stacked all the sheets and blankets at the foot of the bed. Every one was folded with crisp, tight and sharp military corners. The pillows and their covers perfectly smoothed, were neatly placed together as if they were two soldiers ready for inspection.

"Huh?" Miho noised to herself in absurd realization. "I'm not at home anymore!" And with that? Miho Nishizumi went about making an absolute mess of her apartment! She flung the blankets, sheets and pillows about with giddy abandon! She laughed herself into a dizzy stumble onto the floor where she felt the day was going to be the best she'd had so far in her life!

Then it was gather up the school bag, her keys and out the door she went….almost to the stairs in her apartment building…..until she wondered if she'd locked her door. She skipped back and tested the handle until she was sure the door was secure. Satisfied….she started for her first day at her new school.

Oarai Young Women's Acadamy school

Office of the Student Counsel

Morning

While Miho was making a joy filled mess of her apartment. The student counsel of "OYWA" (Oi-Wah) ,the nick name of the Academy, were meeting in the office of the student body President herself. Anzu Kadotani was smaller than her two compatriots. Momo Kawashima was the student body's public affairs representative and Yuzu Koyama was the student Vice President.

Anzu seemed addicted to Oarai sweet potatoes. Not a moment went by where she didn't have a "sweet chip" in her fingers or dangling from her mouth as she suckled them like a new born baby suckled a bottle till the nub fell apart. The sucking noises Anzu made would drive poor Momo crazy…

"Ugh….Anzu? Would you please refrain from sucking on those things? Right now is a lousy time to be making excessive noises." Momo groaned.

Yuzu sighed..."Couldn't you have at least told us about this situation? At least you could have consulted us before you made such a rash decision like this?! Ann-eee Chokan? Don't you trust us?" Yuzu begged to ask.

Anzu sighed back…."A president must sometimes make difficult decisions for the good of more than just a trio Madam Vice President...though your worries were at the front of my mind when I decided to take such an enormous gamble as this I assure you."

"There must be some other way to face this situation Madam President?" Momo begged. "How could we be in such a state?! Our school is recognized…."

Yuzu cut her off…."Believe me...the head Administrator made that point quite mute."

Flashback

Office of the Head Administrator

The Head Administrator of Oarai Academy sat with his hands folded under his chin…

"Academic levels will not improve our situation. Sad to say, the school is simply not keeping up with the others and it's on an irreversible slide to catastrophe. We would need a rocket of a prestige boost to prevent the inevitable."

"So?" Anzu replied as she reached into a bag for another sweet potato chip. "Any ideas as to how big a "rocket" we'd need?"

Oarai Young Women's Acadamy school

Office of the Student Counsel

Yuzu chirped with concern. "And you chose "this" as our only course of action?" She said as she slapped the red folder in her hand.

"Drastic but the only course we have. It's that? Or?…" Anzu made a death cut motion on her neck.

Momo stood stiff with anger. "We should inform the student body! They deserve to know what's at stake! It's their future this cretan is messing with!" Momo slammed her fist on the desk! "We need to organize a protest! Get the parents! Our elected representatives! All of Oarai should come and put the fear of the reaper into that dirty son of a….!"

Anzu waved a finger. "He told me that only he will make the announcement at the proper time. If we dare expose what's happening? He'll speed up the time table and it will be much worse for everyone."

"He's guaranteed to win Anzu! We'll all be out on the street! There's no way...!" Momo yelped.

Anzu cut her upset P.R. manager off and gently stroked Momo's hair. "So passionate and dedicated. Don't blow a blood vessel Momo?" Anzu said as she displayed a stack of folders in her hand. "New students arriving today you two. I think you should look very carefully at their records...We might just have a good start at shoving crow down the administrator's mouth. And while we're on the subject? We better make a good propaganda video for the afternoon student body session to display our brand new primary mandatory elective for the semester."

Anzu turned to Yuzu. "Be fast and see if "they're" still where the school records said they were after the last time they were used will you?"

Momo snarled..."Knowing that…...ugh!…..That? Gentlemen?….He made sure to have those things scraped."

The streets of Oarai Town

Morning

Miho stopped a moment to take in the smells of fresh breads and pastries being put out by a store owner for the morning school and work rush. Back home, the family lands were far from any surrounding village and town and such enjoyment as she was having now was non-existant. She was so per-occupied with the wonderful smells that she didn't see the street crossing sign on a power pole until she face planted into it!

"Mmmff!" Miho noised as she palmed her smarting face.

"Watch where you walk…..scatterbrain." Came a voice as it passed Miho up. Miho looked around the power pole to see a girl stumbling and mumbling as she walked….or tried to walk towards the school.

"Uh?! Wait up!" Miho yelped as she ran and caught the other girl before she crashed onto the sidewalk! "Are you OK?"

"Life is so hard…" The unknown girl groaned as Miho struggled to get her to her feet. "And yet? I must...I must go forward. I must get there….no matter how much pain…."

Miho threw an arm over her shoulders..."I'm Miho Nishizumi. I just transferred here. I'll get you to school ok?"

The unknown girl looked at Miho. "I am…..Mako Reizei….charmed." Mako said softly. "I'll….I'll pay you back for this….you have my word…"

"Again Mako?! Sheesh! What a mess you're in this time!" A voice came up from behind and soon a shoulder lengthed, red haired girl took Mako's other arm..."Hi! I'm…."

Miho replied instantly..."You are Saiori Takebe, birthday June 22nd."

Saiori gasped. "How did you know?!"

Miho was about to answer when yet another girl came running up to the group and un-burdened Mako of her backpack. "Again?! Miss Reizei? This will make…"

Miho turned her attention to the new girl..."Hello Hanna. I'm Miho Nishizumi. Welcome to our little morning pre-school meeting."

Hanna was surprised..."You already knew who I was?!"

Miho nodded. "Hanna Isuzu, born December 16th. I studied the whole school website so I'd know names and faces. Thought it would help me get settled into life here faster."

Saiori smiled in happy approval. "You've just gained like a hundred like points! And an extra hundred for caring about Mako! Most students would have left her struggling. We so… must do lunch together!"

Miho smiled..."I'd love that! From what the school web site says about you two? I was hoping you'd be the first students I met! Sayori, you're the fun loving one and Hanna comes from a family gifted in flower arrangement. I've always admired that art! So beautiful and feminine! My mother and sister though? They'd call it "antique art". Sometimes they can't see the forest for the trees you know?"

The three girls struggled to get Mako to the school and were about to go through the front gate when a girl wearing a black armband with Kanji holding an electronic tablet waved her stylus pen at them…

"Hold it right there…" Midoriko Sano said with a pout..."Miss Reizei? Really?! This makes the 123rd strait day for you that you're late to class! You might be the top of the school in academics but this constant slacking for the school rules is going to get you suspended, held back or worse!"

"Ok Sadoko...this makes what? Repremand like number 86?" Mako replied sleepishly.

"Don't call me Sadoko?!" Sano snapped.

"Sadoko, Sunnoko, Whack-a-mole….whatever." Mako sniped as Sano noted her tardiness.

"As for you other three? Please don't help her if you see her stumbling on the street? Her behavior will drag you into the gutter with her….honestly." Sano stood and watching still grumbling on as Miho, Saiori and Hanna carried Mako through the school court yard…

"Miho?" Saiori said smiling. "Me and Hanna will handle Mako now, you should get to classes. We don't want you having problems on your first day on all our accounts!"

Mako weakly cluched Miho's hand..."I am your friend for life. Where you jump? I'll follow. I must reply your great kindness."

Miho gently patted Mako's hand and left her new friends to their struggles as she made her way towards the home room and morning classes.

Oarai Girls Acadamy

Morning

Miho had not gotten two steps through the front doors when three girls saw her and the shortest of them waved and happily sounded..."There she is! Welcome to our school Nishizumi!" Anzo yelped.

Miho turned to them as they walked up..."President! Vice President Kadotani! Student Public affairs manager Kawashima! Good morning!"

"See?!" Anzu said to the others..."I told you she's sharp as a sword! Gifted with a photographic memory and excellent social grace! Just the kind of person we need for our new primary mandatory elective….Tankery!"

Miho suddenly gulped. "Tankery? But Madam President? I thought there wasn't any Tankery at this school?"

Momo waved a hand. "We've decided to restore it as a test trial for this semester."

Anzu offered Miho her bag of Oarai chips..."Would you like a chip? Any way? Since you're from a very prestigious Tankery family Miho? We all felt you'd be perfect for our new elective! Please consider signing up? We will not take no for an answer."

Miho sighed…."But?"

Anzu snickered back. "Uh, uh, uh! We said we're not taking a no from you...just?! Think it over ok? Have a wonderful first day Miho-chan!"

Miho slackened and leaned against the hallway lockers as the Student Counsel walked away..."Wonderful? I feel it just crashed and burned."

Oarai Girls Academy

Morning

School health center

When Saiori and Hanna didn't see Miho in the lunch room, they quickly ran to the health center. It was common for many newly arrived girls to get a case of the "throat chokes" from all the excitement and stress their first day in new surroundings caused. In fact….this day was very typical as Saiori and Hanna passed beds where some students were "napping off" their upset stomachs or stress twisted intestines. They found Miho by the name tag attached to her bed as she had completely covered herself in a sheet.

"Miho?" Saiori asked softly as she rubbed a hand over the sheet. "Are you ok? It's me and Hanna."

Miho reached a hand out and lightly squeezed Saiori's hand…

"Who's troubled you?" Hanna asked firmly. "Has someone hurt you?"

Miho sat up..."No...The student counsel told me that the school's bringing back Tankery and they asked me to join. But I came to this school because it didn't have tankery."

"You mean they pressured you." Saiori snarled. "That….That stupid girl!" Saiori stood up angrily but Miho grabbed her by her skirt!

"No! Please don't cause a fuss Saiori! I'm alright!" Miho said. "I'm fine….really."

Hanna sat on her knees by the bed..."Why would they be insistent upon you taking the Tankery course? I would think most girls in this school would reject it for something more useful in the future."

Miho sighed..."Actually? I come from a family who's deeply entwined in Sensha-do. Our lineage goes back to my Great Great Grandmother after World War 2, she was a founding member of the Sensha-so Federation. But I've….I've never had the "knack" for all the seriousness my family takes in it. I've always been a bit of an….odd fish….if you get my meaning?"

Saiori stood resolute "Then...Hanna and I will stand by you whatever you decide!"

"Yes…" Hanna joined. "Yes. No matter what. If the Student Counsel gets bothersome? We'll make them regret it."

Miho waved her hands…."No! No, I don't want you two too get in trouble just for me…"

Saiori got face to face with Miho and smiled. "Too late...destiny demands it! Now let's go to home room and finish the day so we can all go and do something?! Like go get some sweet potato ice cream! My treat!"

Just then….the school's public address system sounded…

"All students! Please meet in the gym for semester orientation!All students! Please meet in the gym for semester orientation in five minutes. That is all."

Oarai Girls Academy

Afternoon

The Gym

Miho, Hanna and Saiori found their seats and settled in just as the three members of the Student Counsel walked out onto the presentation stage at the end of the big gymnasium. Momo approached the microphone…

"Before we begin orientation on this semester, we must again go over the news regarding the schools decision to bring back Tankery as the prime mandatory elective for this semester. Our goal is to enter this year's national Sensha-do tournament season which will begin this October. All students interested in applying may do so after orientation. Please be quiet and respectful as we begin orientation for this years mandatory elective courses.

The lights of the Gym darkened and an old black and white film began to play on the large LCD screen behind the presentation stage. No one noticed that the student Vice President was giving the narration yet the words and her serious and passion filled voice gave the old film "a spark" which seemed to get more than one student's attention….

"Tankery! Officially called "Senshi-do"…a long and historic sporting art of martial combat is practiced and enjoyed by countless girls and women all over the world! A demanding yet delicate art that embraces the core values of strong femininity. a competitive art which rounds and crafts women for life on and off the battlefield. Through Sensha_do comes a stronger, more intelligent and more capable woman! Hard as a tank's armor! Graceful and poised as the sound of a tanks tracks! And ready to endure and defeat the struggles of life like a tanks main….!"

The stereo quality sound of a tank gun blast caused every girl in the audience to jump or flinch with surprise! Poor Vice President Yuzu turned to frown upon Anzu who not only adjusted the volume to shake the building? She'd also stuffed cotton balls in her ears…..obviously!

Yuzu continued…."Through Tankery! You will become a better wife, a more successful mother and a woman primed for a life of success and renoun! Men will desire you and fall at your feet!"

That comment got Saiori perked! She butted Miho and Hanna…."OH! I AM SOOO THERE! I AM A HUNDRED PERCENT SO THERE!"

Miho looked around and for sure a number of girls were talking...which got her frowning at the remaining "propaganda" video. She hoped none of them would be broken by the rude awakening they were about to run into?

Yuzu continued..."Be bold! Be Brave! Strive to be a more perfect, productive and successful woman! Embrace Tankery and embrace your future!"

Fire works went off across the stage and multi-colored smoke clouds wafted into the air!

Momo huffed. "Now that?! That was a little too excessive and costly Madam President."

"Every little bit helps our cause." Yuzu said as she once again sucked on a sweet potato slice.

Oarai Girls Academy

Afternoon

End of the school day

Saiori was giddy and so lively…."I am SO doing Tankery! I mean if by doing it my popularity can go much higher! I'm am so DOING IT!"

Miho cautioned her. "Saiori? You should at least know everything of what you're getting into. I mean I know the student counsel gave out a ton of "school perks" for signing up but there's a ton of hard work involved in Sensha-do, trust me...I know….it's not an easy path to take."

"But is it exciting?" Hanna asked. "Can it really strengthen a girl's spirit and maturity?"

Miho sighed. "I guess it would depend upon the participant...if she's willing to put forth all her efforts…"

Hanna stopped and turned to Miho..."Then I have decided. I too will sign up for Tankery. Flower arranging...while it is a beautiful and important art in our culture? Is not the path I need to take. Tankery may have what I need most...the raw physical challenge in life that I have craved since I was a toddler. My mother shelters me way too much."

Miho worried..."Uh? Girls? Please?"

Saiori gleamed as she took Miho's hands! "YOU SHOULD JOIN TOO MIPORIN!"

( Miporin: Miho's first name spoken with affection and endearment. Saiori treasures Miho as her dear friend and trusted confidant)

Hanna bowed deeply to Miho..."Yes! Teach us everything you know? Please Miho? I know you may have some troubles to work out with Sensha-do but we'll be with you!

"Please Miporin?!" Saiori gulped. "Let's get a tank together and show then what three crazy and head strong women can do!"

Miho's apartment

evening…

She clutched "Punchy bear" tightly as quick flashes of the accident punched into her head. She saw Koume being put into an ambulance with EMT's still working to bring her back. She saw each rejecting face looking back at her, she saw Erika's hate filled gaze, she saw Maho's rejecting look. Then Miho buried her face in her teddy bear...She wasn't going through all that abuse again! Angrily she threw the Punchy bear against the wall and just as quickly she snatched it back up and cried into it..."I'm sorry Boko! I can't! I can't!….I can't…."

The bear had a weak sound box in it that barely every worked if at all...but it seemed it heard Miho quite well enough to give a reply….

"If you get beat up? You get back up! If you get beaten down twice as hard? You jump up twice as high! If you swing and miss? You keep on swinging until you connect! Never, ever, give….up!"

Miho looked at the stuffed bear and smiled. "You always know what I need Boko!...thanks old friend!" Miho snuggled the toy close as she fell asleep.

Oarai Girls Academy

Morning

Between periods.

Miho looked tired and dejected as she showed Hanna and Saiori her mandatory elective document. Among the choices? She chose Calligraphy.

I'm…...sorry you two…."Miho said as she reached to rub Saiori and Hanna's hands…. "I can't….I can't do Tankery…I'm so sorry!"

Saiori and Hanna looked at each other and scratched out "Tankery" on their own forms, marking "Calligraphy" instead…

"Huh?!" Miho was shocked. "What? Why?"

Saiori replied. "We are bound in fate and faith….I told you Miporin."

"Anywhere you go? We go." Hanna said resolutely.

"But?! But we've only been together a short time! You two wanted to do Tankery! I'm sorry! I've!" Miho was shivering until Saiori cupped her head in her hands…

"Stop it Miho. We're friends and friends don't ignore when one of them is suffering. If the thought of tankery gives you such heartache? Then it's not good for us. Right Hanna?!"

"Absolutely. There would be no joy in it if it only causes you to re-live painful memories. You are important to us more than anything Miho. So what if we've known each other for less than a day? I know enough to care about you over my own needs which is important to me."

Saiori smiled..."Now don't start crying all over the place Miho...people will think you're a big baby and despicable guys might take advantage of it! Let's forget all this silly "mando elective" stuff and get some lunch!"

Oarai Girls Academy

The Lunch Room

As Miho, Saiori and Hanna sat eating their lunch, the talk around them by other students seemed full of excitement over "Tankery"

"I can't wait!" Yelped one girl behind Miho. "I told my boyfriend and he's dying to see me in a uniform top!"

Another behind Saiori squeeled. "I can't wait to fire one of those big tank guns! KABOOM!"

The girl's excited shout of "Boom!" caused Miho to shake…

Four girls passed by Miho's table talking about their expectations of Tankery…

"I hope our tank is as swift as the soles of Ares!"

"I hope our tank is strong as the 13th legion!"

"I hope our tank is as agile as Musashi!"

"I hope our tank puts the fear of the Norse Gods into our enemies like a Tiger Royal!"

All four girls shouted…."THAT'S RIGHT!"

Saiori moaned to Miho and Hanna…."Ugh….Even here we can't escape the Tank-oh-philia. YOU CAN'T TAKE A TIGER TANK TO BED YOU DUNCES!"

A girl replied..."But it's roomy enough to be a good love motel! No wait?! You wouldn't know what that is Saiori!"

The other students laughed. Even Miho chuckled…."You know how to liven a place up Saiori!"

"Hmph! Plebeians." Saiori snorted.

Suddenly...the announcing system barked out….

"Miho Nishizumi! Report to the Student Counsel Office!Miho Nishizumi! Report to the Student Counsel Office immediately!"

Miho cringed...the tone of the Student P.A. Representative sounded enraged!

Saiori threw an arm around the shaking Miho..."Fear nothing Miporin!" She said resolute.

"We're with you." Hanna said softly.

Oarai Girls Academy

Office of the Student Counsel

Momo Kawashima regarded the two girls who walked in with Miho..."We only called for Nishizumi."

"You get the package deal or we all walk out." Saiori replied unflinchingly. "How dare you! How dare you make Miho upset!"

"Your complaints are not our concern...Takabe." Momo snorted then grabbed a sheet of paper off the President's desk. "So? Nishizumi? Mind explaining why you crossed out Tankery and went with another elective?"

Anzu sat lazily across her chair. "What? Are you too good for Tankery or what?!"

Saiori snarled..."She's free to chose any elective right?! Get off her case!"

Hanna joined..."Miss Nishizumi has made her choice...accept it!

Momo turned to Anzu: Besides her? There's no other student in this school with a lick of tanking experience.

Yuzu shook..."We don't stand a chance! We'll be torn apart before we even get started! Our school….!"

Anzu waved a hand..."Yuzu? Watch your mouth." She warned. Anzu then turned on the trio of girls….

"You know? If you three hate this school so much? I can easily have you kicked out?" Anzu said calmly.

Hanna replied firmly yet well in control of her emotions..."You're abusing your power! You want to expel us? Do it!"

"You're a gang of filthy low lifes!" Saiori snarled. "How DARE YOU threaten Miho when she's done nothing wrong! My father's a lawyer! He'll destroy every one of you for being a sack of criminal…!"

Momo yelled back. "We NEED Nishizumi in Tankery! It's imperative! You don't understand the position we're all in right now!"

Saiori screamed back. "WE DON'T CARE! YOU HAVE NO DAMNED RIGHT TO FORCE HER TO DO ANYTHING!"

The room dissolved into a verbal brawl which became a mess of sounds to Miho as she looked at Saiori then at Hanna. No one had ever done this for her...stuck up for her or put their own futures up for her sake. Between family and life so far, she was expected to pull her own weight more often alone than not. Her family's Sensha-do style and traditions forbade jovial friendships and beyond family close relationships like the one she was in now. She felt a surging fire welling up from her gutt! Her friend's hands were clenched tightly with hers, they sounded ready to die if the need came to it and she wouldn't stand for that….

"EVERYONE SHUT UP!" Miho let out a scream that shook the room and brought everyone to a state of shock….

Anzu dropped the "chip" in her hand…

Miho took a deep breath and sighed..."I'll…...I'll do it. I want my selection switched to Tankery."

The Student Counsel suddenly looked as if the weight of the world had been lifted from their shoulders. Saiori turned to protest but Miho cut her short…."No more...let's not allow hate and anger to win out here…" Miho turned to walk out with Hanna and Saiori beside her when Anzu spoke….

7am tomorrow at the big red garage building on the physical education field. Be there promptly please? Every second will count." Anzu said as she pulled another chip from her bag.

Miho stopped walking. "7am….understood. "We" will be there at 6:30am."

After school

137 Flavors Ice Cream Shop

Oarai

Saiori was still fuming..."It was wrong! Miho? You don't have to put up with this!"

Hanna nodded with concern. "If this causes anything bad for you...so help me. I'll tell my mother. She has influential friends in the national educational…

Miho smiled…."I think everything will work out. You two don't know what you did for me today...no one has ever stuck up for me like you two did...It really bucked up my confidence! And you both tried to change your own choices to make me happy?! How else was I supposed to act?! And the good thing is? I think I can finally break out from the shell my family has kept me in...they've been doing Sensha-do because it was just something that was...you know…. Automatically expected of each of them….me though? I'm not like them...I hate being a carbon copy and I guess I needed the extra boost to finally take a risk and break out for myself! I want to thank both of you...You're my best friends...let's go into this as one soul and make some serious noise TOGETHER!"

Both Hanna and Saiori were silent for a moment before Saiori broke the tension by pushing a spoon of ice cream into Miho's mouth!

"Try this! Coconut Sweet Potato ice cream! I think it's so the bomb!" Saiori yelped happily!

"Here Miho? Try this one! Strawberry mint Sweet Potato ice cream!" Hanna said joyously!''

Soon all the worry and fear that Miho had dissolved in the joyous laughter of three teenage girls in the bliss of ice cream heaven!

Next day 7am

Oarai Girls Academy

The Athletic field and the old red Tank garage

Anzu, Momo and Yuzu stood watching for any more girls arriving for the morning meeting.

"At least they're there." Anzu said to Yuzu.

"You may not like the condition they're in." Yuzu replied. "It's….been a while."

Momo groaned..."Only nineteen students total…." She voiced as she looked over the assembled prospects.

Anzu made a point…."General Patton started with a broken down car and a machine gun welded to a pipe. We can manage." Anzu looked over the "harvest" herself. Her own placid face didn't betray any doubts….if they existed at all….as she looked on those who showed up.

There were the "Three Musketeers" Miho, Saiori and Hanna. Anzu had high respect for them since that defiant stand yesterday. They would work well together.

Noriko Isobe….Taeko Kondou….Shinobu Kawanishi….Akebi Sasaki….another strong willed group. Anzu had to choose to disband the school volleyball program because of forced cuts by the administration and these girls were still in a rage over it. She could hear them talking how a good showing in Tankery might bring their beloved program back. "Good, Good" thought Anzu. Another group with great motivation.

Azuza Sawa….Karina Sakaguchi…..Yuuki Utsugi…..Saki Maruyama….Aya Oono…..and Ayumi Yamagou. All freshmen but they were excited and giggling together….A good impressment of motivation would keep them along and in line since usually….First year students' were notoriously fickle and finicky like cats.

Ah….The Reki-jo! Erwin Riko Matsumoto….Caesar Takato Suzuki….Saemonza Kyomi Sugiyama and Oryou Takeko Nogami, the school's history club….this was a no brainer, of course they would join up since they were serious wargame-oh-philes. Not a day goes by that they're not sitting somewhere playing chess or Warthunder or taking up a whole lunch table with a ridiculously huge wargame map with a thousand cardboard counters spread all over the place screaming over tactics and ancient battles. Erwin was practically foaming at the mouth pretending to be looking through a gun scope and pulling her trigger finger with a "KAPOW!"

flying out of her mouth!

Note: The tank searching scenes are cut for time sake.

Anzu, Momo and Yuzu waved their hands to get the attention of the assembled students. "All right! Good morning all of you and welcome to our restored Tankery elective!" Anzu chirped buoyantly! "Guess we should begin by meeting our "mounts"!"

Yuzu squirmed. "That sounded inappropriate."

"Well? After all." Erwin replied. "Tanks did start in cavalry units during World War I so the description is apt. So what do we have? Tigers? Panthers?"

Yuzu turned around, walked to a switch on the wall of the long brick garage and opened one of the mechanical steel doors. The group walked into the building and were immediately hit with a mix of nose turning smells and even more disappointing….a line of tanks in various stages of dis-service and decrepency….

"Are you kidding?!" Taeko Kondou said depressingly.

Karina Sakaguchi sighed..."They look like junk."

Takeko Nogami was somber…."Such disrespect. The God's are weeping."

Momo looked at each vehicle….

"One M-3 Lee medium tank. One Assault 3 Aust F. One Panzer IV Aust D. One 38T and one Type 89B Japanese Medium tank…." Momo sighed. "Not exactly "Class A" compared to the other schools."

The students spread out among the different tanks giving their groans and grumblings about the pathetic conditions the vehicles were in. The M-3 Lee was even being used as a rabbit hutch by the veterinarian club?

Saki Maruyama picked up one of the bunnies and snuggled it…."Warm…." She said softly to herself.

The history club focused their attention to the StuG assault 3. "It doesn't have a turret!" Takato Suzuki complained. "It looks like a fat dumb elephant." Saemonza Kyomi huffed. Erwin snapped at them all! "Are you forgetting that the "Stoog" was a formidable tank killer?! It was the main armored weapon the Fins used to hold back the Russians! Send apologies to the spirits of the heroic Finnish warriors! We're taking this tank!"

The History Club turned in the direction of Finland and bowed deeply..."We're sorry. We will amend our error by destroying our opponents!"

Miho looked at the Panzer IV and walked up to it. Slowly she walked over it's length and width and rubbed a hand over its' sides…

"You know everyone? All these tanks need is a little love and attention. The armor and suspension looks perfectly fine on this one and there's nothing we can't fix with the rest. I'm sure we can work with them."

Miho gave everyone a look of strong confidence. "Let's stop complaining and worrying and get these beasts back on their feet!"

Momo nodded..."I'll call the auto club to bring a tow tractor and get these things moved outside so we can clean them up! Everyone get buckets, mops, vacuums, hoses, rags and soap! Quickly! We don't have the whole day!"

The students ran around the garage gathering up all the wash materials they needed. As Miho walked out of the building and saw the big tow tractor coming across the expanse of the athletic field, she couldn't help catching the sight of a girl in the distance in the tree covered resting park. She appeared to be trying to hide herself while watching the activity around the garage. Miho continued to look at her as she joined the others in scrubbing and cleaning the tanks.

It seemed everyone had already made their claims as to groups and vehicles. Of course Miho desired and was happy when she, Saiori and Hanna chose the Panzer IV. The German light to medium tank held a dear memory for it was the tank Miho and her sister Maho grew up in since they were in diapers. Miho would dare say with some embarrassment that she'd been born in the driver's seat….literally….her mother was in a college match and her water broke! Mother miss a match because she was ready to pop? Oh hell no! And dare try telling her she couldn't compete! Her team still won the match too!

Saiori sat inside the turret shaking her hands in disgust at all the oil, grease and scum she was getting on her hands! "Ugh! It "HAD" To be this filthy?! I'm telling you, this is no place for a refined woman...this thing will need curtains, butt cushions, a coffee maker and some comfort plushies!As for the paint job? It needs to be calming and cozy in my honest opinion, really."

Hanna giggled. "You intend to move in?"

Saiori smiled back. "It's a little tight but? I bet I could make a profitable love motel out of it!"

Miho divided her attention between cleaning the outside of the Panzer IV and watching the girl in the distance in the rest park. Finally….her staring got too annoying and Miho turned to look into the turret through the Commander's hatch…

"Saiori? Keep working. Hanna? Come with me please?"

The unknown girl was so fixed on watching the tanks being washed that she didn't notice Miho and Hanna till they were right behind her…

"Hello?" Miho said, causing the girl to jump with fright! "Oh sorry!" Miho apologized waving her hands as the girl grabbed her chest…

"I'm fine." The girl said shyly.

"You've been watching us for a while." Miho said. "I was wondering if you'd like to join us? You seem very interested?"

The girl bowed deeply…."I would like to! My name is Yukari Akiyama! I'm so excited you've asked me! I wanted to sign up but…..?"

"Consider it done." Miho said smiling as she took Yukari's hand. "You can be on our tank crew if that will make you feel comfortable?"

Yukari walked back with Miho and Hanna but as Miho tried to introduce her to Anzu...Yukari bounded off to look excitedly at each tank! "A "stoog 3" assault tank! Best strength? Ambushes! Kill ratio? 72 percent! A Panzer IV...easy to repair in the field, easy to up gun and up armor. A General Lee...The Germans in North Africa hated it because of it's multiple guns and good accuracy.!"

Yukari stopped at the 38T and seemed to be in love with it as she embraced it..."The 38T! The mainstay tank of General Rommel's 7th Panzer Division, the spear tip of the German blitzkreig. But it wasn't a German made tank. The Grand Skoda arms works of Czechoslovakia built this sweet baby….so light, so nimble, so swift….just a dream for a light cavalry tank. "Giggles" funny fact about Skoda arms? It was led by Peter Goering, Herman Goering's little brother. He absolutely hated the Nazis and he ripped them off at every chance!"

Saiori leaned against the 38T..."You ok? You kidna spaced out!" She said to Yukari.

"Sorry!" Yukari replied smiling. "It's just that I don't get every day to actually put my hands on real tanks! It's the craftsmanship, the genius and the handy-work that went into building these machines that I love to study the most."

Anzu patted Miho on the shoulder. "Yup! She's a gear head "tank-oh-phile"...Great! She's yours Nishizumi."

Miho walked over to Yukari, Saiori and Hanna as Yukari continued to blurp out tank facts from her head..."Hey Yukari? Any position you interested in?"

"Position?" Yukari replied.

"Well? Four of us in the Panzer IV…..that's a commander, a loader, a radio operator and driver and a gunner/turret operator." Miho replied back.

"Gunner!" Yukari yelped. "I know all the technical stuff about aiming."

Hanna scratched her head. "I'll try driver. I've had some tractor experience with keeping up our garden plots for flowers."

Saiori waved a hand. "Can I try commander? I think that if I'm good at it? It would boost my score potential with guys like I dunno? Best 80 percent?"

Miho and everyone laughed..."Ok?! Maybe a shave below 65." Saiori said with a shrug of her shoulders.

"That's fine!" Miho said smiling. "Then I'll be the loader. But we won't be doing anything until this tank is back in some good order. Let's finish cleaning it up!"

End of the day

Oarai Girls Academy

The Athletic field and the old red Tank garage

The students were wet, covered in grime and exhausted but the got the tanks looking better than when they found them. The student counsel gathered them together and placed piles of books before each tank crew…

"Good work today." Momo said. "These are the manuals for your tanks. Please go over them tonight because we have an instructor from the Sensha-do Central body coming tomorrow to give us all an introduction familiarity course. Tonight the school's auto club will finish all the repair work to get these tanks up to working order."

Anzu spoke..."Be here bright and bushy tail'd at 6am!"

Miho turned to the other on her team..."Hey! Why don't we get some food, come over my apartment and we can spend the night going through these manuals and having dinner?!"

"Awesome!" The others voiced!

"Let me chose the dinner? Since I am the Commander after all. Trust me! I'm going to teach you girls the fine art of how to seduce a man with wise cooking craft." Saiori said smiling confidently.

Hanna jabbed at her. "And just how many men have you seduced with your skillful food craft?"

"My father swears my cooking made him melt and he's a guy." Saiori snorted. "Trust me ladies, my cooking will turn your hearts into jello!"

Evening

Oarai Girls Academy

Miho's Apartment

The girls gushed as they entered Miho's apartment…"It's small yet you've done so much with it Miho! Oh my Gawd! Look at the kitchenette!" Saiori said as she rubbed the tiny range. "I am soooo jealous of you Miporin! Ugh! She's got a sweet compact glass top and I'm paying arms and legs in rent for an old gas stove at my place!"

Saiori snatched bags from the other girls…."Go sit down….Go sit down…..Hanna help me with the veggies please?"

Yukari wasted no time sinking her face into the tank manuals as she started pulling things from her enormous backpack. It was then that Miho realized it was a German field pack from World War II and Yukari was pulling out sets of standard issue infantryman mess kits…

"Do you carry that every where?" Miho asked.

"You can never go unprepared, school ship or shore, I'm always ready to camp anywhere if I need too. Forgive me Miho? But while I may know a ton of things about tanks? I know almost nothing about Sensha-do. They use live tank rounds don't they? How is it no one ends up getting injured or killed?"

Miho replied "Well? Think about Tankery as a bigger form of Airsoft Combat. All the tanks in Sensha-do are original models, only they've been modified along with their ammunition to keep unfortunate injuries and possible deaths to as low as can be achieved. So far? No one has been killed in the sport, though injuries do happen on occasion. You don't get to see the actual safety modifications themselves, those are Federation propitiatory secrets. What I can tell you is that the tank rounds and the tanks themselves react to specifically set tolerances and when you exceed the tolerances? The tanks deactivate….thus, like Airsoft, you win by destroying all your opponents or by "killing" their flag tank.

Hanna stood by a folding table preparing vegetables and greens for a "Shabu Shabu" meal.

Note: Shabu Shabu is meat, poultry and fish with vegetables boiled in a prepared broth or Doshi stock.

"I've seen some of the televised matches and the explosions on the tanks look horribly real like they penetrated the armor and exploded inside." Hanna said.

Miho replied..."Well a good portion of the tanks are vulnerable, like the engine compartments, the tracks and suspension assemblies and the turret rings but the actual crew spaces are protected against round penetrations. It's more safe inside than outside which is why we don't ride exposed for too long out of the hatches."

Yukari finished setting the table just in time as Saiori began to bring bowls of prepared food along with condiments and drinks….

"Let's put a hold on all this tank talk and eat shall we?!" Saiori said smiling. "I'd say we'll have two hours of study time left before we have to go get some sleep for tomorrow."

The girls gave Saiori and Hanna thanks for making the dinner and they all bowed blessings upon the food before digging in…

Yukari yelped…."Oh?!…..oh the sauce for the meat? Oh it's the bomb! Where did you learn to cook Saiori?"

"My Grandfather." Saiori replied. "He owns a small place in Satsuma on the mainland. The sauce is a hand made family secret. My Grandfather swears it goes back to the Suzei Dimyo before Christ...calls it..."The ultimate love aphrodisiac for the stomach."

Hanna chuckled..."Should send some to my Mother's apprentice...see if he can land himself a wife."

Saiori smirked…."I hope the instructor coming tomorrow is a hunk? I hear there's plenty of prospects among the Self Defense Tank Corps. Anzu said she'd introduce me to him and she sounded pretty excited herself."

Hanna giggled. "She knows' you're as fickle as a cat. She's probably making sure you don't loose interest and walk off.

Yukari finished her dinner and was hitting the tank manuals while munching on Oarai potato slices. "I was noticing while we were cleaning the tanks that we don't have some "must have" items. I didn't even notice towing cables in any of the boxes in the garage. We should visit the Tank Store tomorrow."

Miho looked at Yukari..."There's a tank store here?"

"Not just "A" tank store but "Thee" tank store. I'm pretty much a regular since like "High Chair" days. The owner is a really cool old man and I bet if we tell him Oarai's standing up its' Sensha-do team? We'll get cut rate deals on equipment."

Miho nodded…."Good! We'll go there after training class tomorrow. Better hit these books for the next 90 minutes."

The girls finished looking over the manuals for the Panzer IV and broke up for the night, the rest walking cheerfully away as Miho stood on her balcony sipping a cup of tea before she went to bed for the night.

Morning 6am

Oarai Girls Academy

The athletic field.

Miho made it after her hectic rush to get out of bed and triple check of her apartment door to make sure it was locked…."Sorry! I over-slept!" She said to the Student Counsel.

"No problem!" Anzu replied waving her hand. "The Instructor's going to be a little late so no foul. Take a look at what the Auto Club did last night?!"

Sure enough...the Panzer IV looked as if it came off the production line! All the rust was gone. The paint work touched up and the interior of the turret smelled more of fresh mint than grime, moisture and chemical stink. Even the brass work was shined to a mirror like hue!

Suddenly….The sound of a large low flying jet suddenly got Mihos' attention and she looked up from the Commander's hatch just in time to see A Japanese Self Defense Force C-17 Globe-master cargo jet fly over the top of the school campus...perform a 180 degree turn and come back down over the school parking lot where it deployed a set of large parachutes from the open back tail ramp!

The students, in fact the whole school seemed to unload its' population as a modern Japanese heavy battle tank, secured to a rapid ground deployment platform, flew from the tail of the big jet….slammed into the pavement of the parking lot….

And absolutely destroyed the Head Administrator's car! The high priced Italian sports car flew into the air over the sliding Main Battle Tank and crashed on its' roof!

Anzu stood with a demonic smirk on her face..."Did what I asked! Yes! Take that you dirty son of a bitch!"

Momo gasped! "That's the "Head Aches" car!"

Anzu replied evilly…."It….was…..the bastard's car."

The Main Battle Tank rolled BACK over the sports car and completely destroyed it! Taking extra emphasis to crush it flatter than a beer can with several passes!

Anzu smiled…."I emphasize again?…."was" the bastards car! Hope he enjoys walking home too...because I fixed it so he won't get a single ride tonight. Enjoy your twenty mile walk you stupid dumb bastard!"

The crowds watched as the tank rolled around the parking lot showing off it's speed and dancing turret! It ended by "slipping" over the concrete to a stop in front of the Tankery team and then unleashed a shot from it's 125mm main gun which enlisted roaring cheers and the flashes of hundreds of cell phones!

Saiori stood wiggling her body! "Oh my gawd! He's gotta be a super freeking HUNK! Uh? Gottah fix my hair! How do I look Miporin?!" She screamed thinking that the tank commander must have looked like Brad Pitt with the voice of Carrie Grant!

Oh how dreams are quickly destroyed like Dresden, Germany in 1944. The tank commander popped up through the tank's command hatch and a shoulder length haired woman emerged from the crew helmet!

"GOOD MORNING TANKERS! IT'S A GOOD DAY TO SLING ROUNDS DOWN RANGE! ISN'T IT?!"

Saiori frowned and pouted..."Not for me. I've been scammed!"

The female JMSDF soldier jumped off her tank and shook hands with Anzu..."Captain Ami Chourno! Lead trainer and a senior member of the Sensha-do governing body. Good morning President Kadotani. So this is your school team?"

Anzu bowed. "All enthusiastic and ready to learn Captain!"

Saiori jumped in place waving her hands. "Instructor?! Instructor?! Is it true that tankery will make me popular?! Are you popular with guys?!"

The Captain replied..."I'm certainly not popular with most men I know in the tank corps. I hold the current highest kill ratio in the SDF at 99 percent! Plenty of that knocking down men who think they could get fresh with me."

Saiori pursed her lips…."Sheesh! I'm trying to score men not deck them."

"First question from me." The Captain asked. "Did everyone spend at least two hours going over the manuals for your tanks regarding basic operations? Raise your hands if you did?"

All the students raised their hands.

"Awesome! Since you have the basics? We can progress to the real fun. How about a mock battle between all of you?" The Captain asked.

The girls voiced a few doubts..."You mean? We just go right into shooting at each other?" One girl asked.

"The best way to learn is chaos on the fly!" The Captain replied. "Jumping into a quick fight will help you see where you need building and improvement. It will also help you get up to speed since you all intend to hit the upcoming tournament season. If you've all made crews for your tanks? You need to figure out, if you haven't done so, who will take which position in each tank. You have to have a driver, Commander, Loader, Gunner and a radio operator depending on the number of people in your crew. Get that settled now if you haven't and let's mount up!"

The crews of the Type 98 and the M-3 Lee debated or simply chose straws for their assignments and soon all of the girls were climbing atop and into their tanks. Anzu, being shorter than her other counsel members, had to scale up Momo and Yuzu to reach the commander's hatch on the 38-T which caused Yukari to giggle out loud….

"At least the president had good manors enough to remove her shoes." Yukari said as she slipped through the Panzer IV's commander hatch and entered into the gun space of the turret. She looked at Saiori...who didn't look a bit happy. "Takubei-chan? Are you ok?"

Saiori snorted. "It's cramp, it's hot, my butt is hurting from this seat and I've been "jip'd" by the President. That girl's gonna get hers."

Miho sighed..."The first important thing about being a tank commander Saiori? Clean your mind of all distractions….especially grudges."

"Ok…" Saiori replied. "My head is clear and we have one objective! To totally ruin the Student Counsel for tricking me with a dumb girl as an instructor! I'm the Commander and I say we kick their butts to the moon!"

Saiori looked down at Hanna who sat in the driver's seat. "Hanna! Start it up!"

Hanna reached for the ignition button and started the Panzer IV's engine.

"Have to hand it to the auto club." Miho said with her eyes closed. "Purs like a well fed kitten."

Yukari couldn't contain her excitement! "PANZER VORE!" She shouted loudly!

Saiori jumped..."PANTIES WHAT NOW?"

Miho waved her hands at Saiori..."Panzer Vore...It means all tanks advance."

"Very well." Saiori snickered "Panzer vore! So we can put a boot up the President's behind! Forward Hanna!"

Hanna worked the driver controls and stalled the Panzer IV..."Oh….Sorry! This is a little different from the family tractor."

Miho leaned forwards in her seat..."Shift the position stick first, move the directional sticks at the same time then release the clutch and apply equal pressure to the accelerator at the same time."

Miho watched through one of the many view slits as the other tanks left the garage then a sudden lurch threw her forwards as the Panzer III jumped backwards! "Hanna stop! We're going to crash through the….!

The Panzer IV crashed through the rear doors of the garage and came to a stop…

"Well? Now the Carpentry club can stop playing on their cell phones those slackers." Yukari said smirking.

Miho patted Hanna's shoulder..."Don't worry about it. Better to learn troubles and mistakes early right?"

"Maybe a tank requires more brute force than a flower arranger." Hanna replied as she repeated what Miho told her and soon the Panzer IV was moving out of the garage and into the old school Tankery training grounds.

Atop a watch tower near the old garage….Captain Ami Chourno watched the tanks as they made their way around the training ground. "Now all of you take a few minutes to get used to riding around, maneuvering, handling and turning your tanks….Do NOT fire your guns! I will call you all n a few minutes to go to your separate starting points and we will begin the match! This is an annihilation match, meaning only one of you will survive. So take a few minutes to enjoy yourselves!

The Assault 3

The History Club

How appropriate….Caesar sat out of the commander's hatch sounding a replica of a roman Cornu horn in long deep blasts as the martial music of "The legions are marching" filled the inside of the StuG 3. The martial tone caused all the girls great excitement!

Erwin gripped the commander's telescope inside the tank with a look of killing lust on her face… "I feel the spirit of the great commander flowing through me…"Field Marshal Rommel! Give us victory!"

Saemonza turned the StuG tightly around a corner…."Great Musashi! Make my hands fly these controls and swing this tank like a sword of vengeance!"

Oryou threw a shell down the breach of the Assault 3's powerful PAK anti-tank gun. "Divine Mars, God of war!...make this shell your spear of wrath!

Caesar spoke down into the tank. "We all agree on our pact with the Type 89?"

Erwin looked up..."Yes! We will kill the Panzer IV first and then swiftly break the pact and destroy the Type 89! Then the student counsels' 38T and finally the bed wetting freshmen in the M-3 Lee!"

Everyone shouted…." DAI SHOURE REI!" (To Great Victory!)

The 38-T

The Student Counsel

Momo threw a round home into the 38-T's breech. "Gun Loaded Madam President!"

Anzu sat like her usual self...completely calm and serine while chewing on a potato slice. She even had a soft music track from the old cartoon movie "Heavy Metal" playing over the tank radio…Donn Fagan's "True Companion" reverb'd off the steel enclosure very nicely.

"That music is so old but so nice." Yuzu said pleasinglyas she worked the drive controls. "The suspension in this tank is rather smooth! I may not customize my seat after all."

"Compliments Madam Vice President!" Anzu said as she patted Yuzu's shoulder, Your driving is exemplary! I should have brought my needlepoint on this excursion. I'm being very serious Yuzu, you picked being our driver up quick!"

"Thanks Anzu!" Yuzu replied smiling.

"Momo pursed her lips. "About our targets?"

Anzu smirked back..."Some people in this team need to learn about "OPSEC". Everyone is going to gang up on the Panzer IV first. I made a pact with the Type 89 to help them kill the Assault 3. Then we'll kill the Type 89 and finally duke it out with the M3. I trust you can handle the gun and the aiming Momo-Chan."

Momo groaned..."Don't call me Momo-Chan Please?! Only my Father calls me Momo-Chan, how many times have I asked you?"

The Panzer IV

Saiori yelped and dropped down through the commander's hatch as the top of the turret broke off a thick branch from a maple tree! "Hanna?! I told you to stop!"

Hanna replied. "I didn't hear you."

Miho looked around the turret…."Looks like we need throat "mikes' and earphones. Until then Saiori? You'll have to kick Hanna in the shoulders to have her turn left or right. Touch her head with your foot for her to go forwards and in the back to have her reverse."

Saiori gasped! "I can't "kick" her!"

Hanna replied. "For us to be effective Saiori?! You must! Kick me hard enough so I get the right message!"

Saiori took a deep breath as she looked out the Commander's hatch and gave Hanna a hard kick in the right shoulder! TURN RIGHT!" She screamed!

Saiori almost sent Hanna's face into the tank's Final Gears..."Could you maybe kick just a little bit less?!" Hanna begged!

Captain Ami Chourno

Satisfied that the students were showing good proficiency in driving their tanks around, Captain Chourno key'd her hand mike..."Now hear this! All teams drive to your starting points, make sure your guns are loaded and their safety locks are engaged until I begin the match! Once again, this is an annihilation match...only one tank will survive and be declared the winner. Proceed to your starting points now.

The Type 89

The Volleyball club

Norioko Isobe threw a shell into the Type 89's main gun and flipped up the safety lever. "Locked and loaded!"

Akebi Sasaki turned from her seat in the driver's position. "Nori? Do you really trust the crew of the Assault 3?"

"Not on your life." Norioko replied snarling. "We'll play it smart. We'll nail the Panzer IV right off the bat. They're the closest tank to us. Then we'll reverse into the bushes and spike that stupid elephant tank when it comes down the trail. It's armor is thin in the engine and a close shot by our gun will take it out. We're going to put up a good showing so we can get our volleyball team back! Everyone with me?!"

The other girls slapped their hands into Norioko's outstretched hand and chanted…."RAH! RAH! RAH! Volleyball will live FOREVER!"

The M3 Lee

The freshman team

Azusa Sawa climbed down from the upper turret into the lower compartment where her crew mates were finished loading the tanks side citadel main gun…

"We're going to hug the Student Counsel tank and protect them from the rest." Azusa said determined. "It looks like it's a "Gang for All" on the Panzer IV first. The president says that if we cover the 38T and we become the only two tanks left? We'll all get half school days for the next two weeks!"

The Freshman girls cheered excitedly as Azusa patted her hand on Karina Sakaguchi's shoulder. "Are you comfortable in the driver's seat?"

"Sure! It's pretty simple. I'm sure I'll be able to hug the 38T with no problem!" Karina replied confidently.

Suddenly the voice of Captain Chourno cracked from the radio..."Are you all at your starting points?! Sound off your tank type!"

"Here we go girls!" Azusa yelped! "M-3 Lee ready!" She spoke into the radio mike.

One by one the five teams sounded off to Captain Chourno…

Captain Ami Chourno

"Alright! Let us begin! First...Sensha-do above all else is a game of fair play, high sportsmanship and maintenance of exemplary team character. All matches begin with a bow and an exchange of blessings for good fortune upon each side and they end with a bow with congratulations and friendship! All participants…..now bow!"

The Panzer IV

Miho and the other girls sat stiff backed and bowed deeply from their waists..."Let's have a good MATCH!" They said together. Then Captain Chourno's voice cracked over the radio!

"All tanks! Commence combat!"

Saiori immediately began to rotate her head around the viewing ports of the Commanders hatch..."Just where is the Student Counsel?!"

Yukari blurped back as she held a map and a compass in her hands..."600 Yards! Compass 189 degrees! Turn us 35 degrees to the left Hanna and then go strait on!"

Hanna was starting to turn the tank around when something slammed into the ground and made the Panzer IV shake hard!

Miho scrambled to the turret side hatch and threw it open to see an impact crater on the ground near the left side tank tracks and then the Japanese Type 89 tank not fifty yards away!

"Hanna! Type 89 to our left! Forwards NOW!" Miho screamed!

The Type 89

The Volleyball club

Taeko Kondou opened and closed her mouth and shook her head from the noise of the 89's main gun..."Ugh! That was loud!"

Noriko Isobe quickly pushed another round into the tank's main cannon and locked the breech! "Let's not sit here like rocks! Akebi! Step on the gas and get on the Panzer IV's butt! Taeko?! Adjust your gun up a little and spike the back of their turret girl!"

"It's hard to stay on target when we're moving around Isobe-chan!" Taeko shouted back!

"You're the best spiker on our team!" Noriko yelped! "Think of it in volleyball terms and kill that tank!"

Taeko focused her sight and pulled the gun trigger!

The Panzer IV

Miho ducked inside the turret just in time as the round from the 89 struck a glancing shot and "Zing'd" off the angled plate of the turret's armor!

"Miporin?!" Saiori shouted with concern! "You could get killed?!"

"Don't worry about me right now Saiori! You're the tank commander! Keep your eyes moving through the view points and tell us what to do! Watch out for enemy tanks and call them out as you see them and where they are!"

Saiori gulped some air! "RIGHT!" She said forcefully! "Type 89 behind us! Oh shoot! That ugly elephant tank's coming right at us from the front!"

The Assault 3

Erwin was debating with her fellow historians as the Assault 3 moved along a trail..."I'm not bragging about German technological superiority here...I'm stating THE OBVIOUS!"

Oryou cried out…."PANZER IV FRONT!"

"OH SHOOT!" Erwin yelped as she fumbled with the aiming scope and cursed as the Panzer IV cruised past the Assault 3! "Turn us around quick Oryou!" Erwin snapped!

The Panzer IV

Saiori ducked her head down from the Commander's hatch and yelled at Hanna…" We just passed that ugly elephant tank and their turning around! Take the right fork coming up Hanna?!"

"Huh? I can't hear you Saiori!" Hanna replied!

Sayori gave her a quick and sharp kick to her right shoulder that almost threw Hanna again into the Panzer IV's final drive box! "TAKE THE RIGHT FORK HANNA!"

Miho stuck herself out of the turret side hatch again and watched as the Assault 3 turned about and joined up with the Type 98 in their pursuit!

The Assault 3

Erwin popped herself up from the top hatch of her tank just as Noriko popped up from the Type 89….

"At least they're not dying quick! Ugh! This is a rush on the blood isn't it?!"

The Type 89

"I'm feeling more charged than on the volleyball court!" Noriko yelped as she clenched her fists!

The Assault 3

"Close on them! Don't give them a chance to fire back! CHARGE!"

The Panzer IV

Miho yelled to Saiori…."Tell Hanna to go all out! Full speed!" The effect was immediate! The Panzer IV wasn't nicknamed "The Wolfshundah" (The Wolf Hound) for nothing in its' run across the Russian steps. The light / medium Panzer left its' pursuers catching their breath and soon it was a football field ahead…

Until Miho saw that the tank was about to run over someone lying on the trail in the practice field?!

"AH! GET OUT OF THE WAY! HEY?! MOVE!" Miho screamed frantically as the Panzer IV closed on it's still slumbering victim! "HANNA! STOP THE TANK!" Miho screamed!

But just as the breaks began to lock….the girl who had been laying on the ground suddenly sprung to life and threw herself into the air and over the front of the speeding Panzer where she flopped face first onto the steel and grabbed the muzzle of the coaxial machine gun!

Miho pulled herself from the turret and stumbled to grab hold of the newcomer as Saiori popped up out of the Commander's hatch..."UH?! MAKO?!"

"Oh?! Miss Reizei?! What are you doing sleeping on the tanking grounds?! We could have killed you?!" Miho said gasping.

Mako looked around with her eyes half closed..."Oh? You're all practicing huh?"

Saiori snorted..."You should be in class Mako!"

"Class is boring." Mako replied. "I know todays' subjects already...sitting in class gives me a sore butt and a stiff neck."

A tank shell "planged" off the aft left side of the Panzer IV and exploded dangerously close!

"Get inside the tank Mako! Saiori?! Help me move her! What's wrong with her?!" Miho asked as she struggled with Mako's sluggishness.

"I didn't tell you?" Saiori replied as she helped get Mako into the tank. "Mako suffers from low blood pressure. That's why she sleeps a lot."

"Ugh….it's like freeking noisy in here damn it!" Mako complained. She then looked at Miho. "I'm sorry I troubled you again."

"I'm just glad we didn't run you over." Miho said as she guided Mako to the radioman's seat on the right front of the tank's chassis compartment.

The Assault 3

Erwin growled as she looked through her telescope..."If we had a turret, keeping aim would be so much easier."

Caesar concentrated on her aim as Saemonza pushed another shell into the gun breech! "I'm getting closer...have to trust my leading judgment and think of the shell as a fine Roman spear!" She snarled as she pulled the gun trigger….

"BOOM!" "GaGlang!" The PAK gun recoiled and loudly threw the spent powder shell out of the gun where it tumbled around the floor!

"GABANG!" THAT WAS CLOSE CAESAR!" Erwin shouted with ecstasy! "BLEW A JERRY CAN RIGHT OFF THE BACKSIDE!"

The Panzer IV

Miho cringed as she heard metal to metal contact and the tank vibrated wildly! "We've got to find a way to grow some more distance and get to some cover!" She said as she again climbed out the side hatch and looked around….

"STOP THE TANK?!" Miho yelped!

Hanna hit the brakes and pulled the track controls into reverse, bringing the Panzer IV to a dead stop in front of an army engineer's cable and steel army bridge (Known in German as a "Schnelle Einsatzüberquerung") or "Rapid fabrication Crossing" The Germans used them extensively during Operation Barbarossa for the light armored and infantry components of the Blitzkrieg doctrine.

Saiori looked skeptical..."Please do not tell me we're going to cross that?!"

Miho of course knew it well because her previous school employed the same type of bridge during multiple day campaign tournaments with three or more teams, such as the one she was involve in with both Saunders and Pravda two years earlier. Her school had trained one of the finest engineering clubs on the school circuit.

"Yes we are!" Miho replied. "I know it looks a little mistrusting but we can do it! It'll hold our weight! After we cross? We're going to blow it in half! That should give us time to settle down and take the others down one at a time."

Miho leaped from the tank and stood a few yards ahead of it...much to Saiori's worry…

"Miporin?! Isn't it dangerous to be out in the open like that?!" Saiori asked.

"We have some time before we get set upon by the tanks chasing us but we have to do this now! Hanna! Pay close attention to my hands….steady forward slow and apply equal attention to both your track levers!" Miho yelled!

"Right!" Hanna replied and slowly the Panzer IV began to roll onto the "Snellberlung" bridge with Miho guiding it along….

"Left…..left…..right…..now more right…..good, good….keep it centered…." Miho said as she pointed or waved her hands to direct the Panzer….

Until the equipment and tool clips on the edges of the tank body caught one of the thick cables holding the bridge deck and caused the cable to "SNAP" like a shut gun blast! The resulting loss of support caused the Panzer IV to slide against the other bridge cables and threatened to snap them as well!

"Miho gasped and screamed loudly! "EVERYONE KEEP STILL!"

Saiori and Hanna screamed frantically…."WE'RE GOING TO FALL OVER!" "I CAN'T GET ANY TRACTION!"

Miho ran up to the tank waving her arms! "DON'T PANIC! EVERYONE STAY CALM AND DON'T MOVE!"

The Panzer IV looked on the verge of snapping through the bridge cables and taking a terrifying drop to the waterless river bed below….then….

Suddenly a loud metal to metal impact rang out and an explosion behind the Panzer IV's turret threw the Panzer forwards and slid it back onto the bridge!

Miho was throw onto her back but she quickly scrambled back to her feet where she ran to hang on to the Panzer IV's bull nose!

Saiori scrambled out of the Commander's hatch and looked at the back of the turret...the back plate was scorched, clearly "hole'd" by a shell but the detonation of the shell didn't cause the disable flag to trip! Saiori screamed as she pointed behind the Panzer IV…

"MIHO! THOSE TANKS ON OUR BUTT ARE COMING UP FAST!"

Miho turned to look at Hanna, who was in the driver's seat, but found her slumped sideways out of the hatch!

"HANNA?!" Miho yelped as she climbed onto the tank to pull Hanna back into her seat!

"UH?! IS SHE DEAD?! OH NO! HANNA!" Saiori screamed in a panic!

"NO! SHE'S JUST KNOCKED OUT! HELP ME GET HER OUT OF THE SEAT YUKARI?!" Miho ordered as Yukari scrambled inside to grab onto poor Hanna while Miho slipped into the driver's seat…

"I'm not good at driving but we've got to get off this bridge!" Miho said dreading as she tried to work the controls…

"Hey?! Move?" Came a voice from behind.

Mako stooped behind Miho with the Panzer IV driver's manual in her hand. "Stop being a stone toad and move aside please?"

Mako slipped into the drivers seat, threw the controls around and soon had the Panzer IV moving over the bridge!

Saiori saw Mako in the driver's seat and gasped! "Mako?! You can drive?! You don't even own a car!"

Mako raised the Panzer IV driver's manual and waved it around..."They don't make manuals for coffee tables you know." She said sleepishly. Mako looked at Hanna as she sat unconscious in the radio operator's seat. "Is she ok?" She asked Miho.

"She's been stunned but she's coming around…." Miho replied. Quickly remembering their situation however….Miho scrambled for the turret! "YUKARI?! GET ON THE TURRET CONTROLS! SAIORI?! CALL OUT THE OPPOSING TANKS AND WHERE THEY'RE AT! MAKO?! GET US OFF THE BRIDGE! I'LL HANDLE THE LOADING OF THE GUN!"

Sayori barked out…."The Assault Three and the Type 89 are on our rear! The 38T and the M-3 Lee are coming around a bend in the trail in front of us! We're going to be surrounded!"

The Assault 3

Erwin looked through her telescope with a growl…."Damn it! We have to get closer if we're going to punch through the Panzer IV's turret armor! We can't depress the gun enough for a long range plunging shot into their engine block!"

The radio cracked…."Erwin?! It's Noriko! Let me close on them before they get off the bridge!"

"Go! Blow out their left track so they can't move! Good luck Noriko!" Erwin replied!

The Panzer IV

Yukari put a tight grip on the Panzer IV's turret turning control wheel and snarled as she engaged the rotor gears…."Time to give them some hurt back! LOAD AP short range round!"

Miho pulled a shell from the nearest rack and threw it into the gun breech! "ROUND UP!"

The Panzer IV shuddered suddenly as a round from the Type 89 trying to get a shot against the Panzer IV's left tracks, glanced off the turret and exploded above the tanks' "bull-nose"! The concussion awakened the previously delirious Hanna into a funny arm waving panic!

"WA?! WHO?! WA?! WHERE?!…" Hanna screeched as she sat in the radioman's chair!

"HANNA?! ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?!" Miho begged to ask as she dropped from the turret!

"Yes…." Hanna replied timidly. "I made a disgraceful scene didn't I?!" Hanna worried.

"Think nothing of it...you're all right, just sit and rest." Miho said with calm assurance. Miho turned to look up at Yukari who was aiming the gun through the gunner's scope..."You got it Yukari?!"

"THEY'RE DEAD…." Yukari snarled as she aimed for the prime threat first, the now turning to line up its' own shot...StuG 3 assault tank. Yukari screamed down to Mako..."PREPARING TO FIRE! STOP THE TANK!"

Mako brought the Panzer IV to a quick halt as Yukari lined up her first ever cannon shot on the Assault 3…."Come on Yuki….just like in War Thunder….FIRING!"

Yukari pulled on the gun trigger on the turret turning wheel and the Panzer IV's short barrel PAK38 70 millimeter HV gun barked to life!

"BOOM! GABLANG!" The gun recoiled and flipped the spent shell casing from the breech as the Panzer IV rocked from the escaping muzzle blast! The round sped across the space within milliseconds to slam into the vulnerable spot under the gun glacious plate of the Assault 3!

The Assault 3

Erwin saw the round coming from the Panzer IV and yelped "DAMN!" before she and the other girls were thrown from their own chairs by the force of the impacting shell! The Assault 3 jumped violently off the ground and crashed down with its' internal "dead horn" screaming in everyone's ears! The shot was a fatal strike! Outside atop the "Stoog" a white flag flipped up and waved as a signal that the StuG was out of action!

Captain Ami Chourno

"GREAT SHOT TEAM ALPHA!" Captain Chourno spoke into her hand mike. "The Assault 3 is knocked out! Good recovery from your near disaster!"

The Panzer IV

Miho pushed another round into the main gun..."ROUND UP! TAKE THE TYPE 89 AKIYAMA!"

"ON IT!" Yukari replied! "Takeibei?! What about the other two tanks? Where are they at?!" Yukari asked Saiori as she lined up the main gun on the Type 89…

Saiori quickly peaked out of the Commander's hatch…."The Student Counsel is coming up to the bridge slowly in front of us!...distance about 100 meters! The M3 Lee is right behind them at 110 Meters!"

Yukari screamed "FIRING!" and pulled the gun trigger again just as the Type 89 fired a shot that screamed over the bull nose of the Panzer IV! Yukari didn't miss...she joyously screeched and screamed out as she watched her round slam into the front of the Type 89 and caused its' white flag to fly up!

"TWO! TWO! YES! I'M A DEADLY TANK KILLING SNIPER! ARRRRRGH!" Yukari snarled!

The Type 89

The volleyball team was a pile of contorted and tied up limbs on the floor of the smoking Type 89….

"UGH!" Norioko moaned…."I got spiked right on the forehead!"

The Panzer IV

Miho screamed down to Mako..."PUT US INTO FULL DRIVE MAKO! CLOSE ON THE 38-T!"

Mako replied sleepishly..."Close on it?! I'm gonna run that stupid soda can over, watch me?!"

Yukari started to turn the turret from the rear of the Panzer IV to engage the two tanks at the front as Miho threw another shell into the main breech! "ROUND UP!" She screamed out!

Saiori waved her arms as she stood looking through the Commander hatch ring slits! "We're going to run into them in about thirty seconds!"

The Student Counsel's 38-T

Momo snickered as she looked through her aiming sights…."Coming right at us?! HAH! THIS IS WHERE YOU DIE!"

Anzu threw a shell into the gun breech..."YOU'RE ARMED! KISS EM MOMO-CHAN!"

"STOP CALLING ME MOMO-CHAN DAMN IT!" Momo screamed back! She jerked the firing trigger in her anger and her shell flew past the turret of the charging Panzer IV!

The Panzer IV

"CAN WE SAY….TRIPLE NICKEL?!" Yukari screamed out as she let loose a shot while the Panzer IV was moving and nailed the 38-T in her turret face plate! The Panzer IV flew past the Student Counsel as their white flag popped up!

The Student Counsel's 38-T

Yuzu sat back against her driver seat..."They creamed us."

Anzu smiled in reply. "Yup! I knew Nishizumi would be a good effort to aquire. Momo-Chan? You missed?"

Momo exploded..."WILL YOU STOP CALLING ME MOMO-CHAN?! I'M GONNA FORGET I'M A LADY AND TOTALLY POUND YOUR LITTLE BUTT INTO THE DIRT!

Anzu giggled back. "You still need to work on that aim."

The Panzer IV

Saiori threw a fist around excitedly! "THE M3'S TRYING TO BACK OUT!"

Mako snicked..."Not before I give them a kiss they won't."

Miho threw another shell into the gun breech! "ROUND UP YUKARI!" She screamed!

Yukari threw up a thumb as she steadied her aim..."Get us up close and personal and I'll blow the Lee off its' tracks! UGH! MY BLOOD IS REALLY HOT NOW! GRRRR! THIS IS SUCH A MAXIMUM RUSH!"

Yukari then looked at everyone and blushed…

Miho gave her a slap on the side..."Don't be modest?! Enjoy yourself! Just don't miss!"

Yukari smiled back…."I WON'T!"

The M-3 Lee

All the first year students in the Lee were in a panic! They watched the Panzer IV knock the 38T aside like a Tonka Toy and bore down upon them at full speed!

"BACK UP! BACK UP KARINA! THEY'RE GONNA CRASH INTO US!" Yuuki Utsugi cried as she shook Karina Sakaguchi in her seat! "BACK UP!"

Karina snapped back! "I AM BACKING UP! GET OUT AND PUSH YOU DUFUS!"

The Panzer IV

Miho lightly grabbed Yukari by her shirt..."Hold your shot Yukari! The M-3's getting bogged down in the dirt! She's digging herself a trench!"

Yukari snickered back..."If they keep doing that?! They're going to lock up their transmission and bust their tracks!"

The M-3 Lee

Sure enough! The M-3 Lee bogged and leaned right as it's right track buried itself into the soft dirt under its' weight. With a loud grinding metallic mashing noise followed by a shotgun sounding "BANG!" The M-3 trashed its' transmission box and broke the right track which fell apart and flew backwards off the right side wheels!

The Panzer IV

Yukari saw the white flag fly up over the disabled M-3 and screeched with joy as she threw up her arms! "WE DID IT! WE WON YOU GUYS?! WE WON! WE WON!"

Saiori looked totally surprised! "We? We got them all?!"

Mako huffed from her driver's seat..."More like the last team did themselves in by breaking their tank but yeah….guess we won."

Captain Ami Chourno

"The Assault 3, the 38T, the Type 89 and the M-3 Lee are all disabled! The victory goes to the A Team in the Panzer IV! Well done! Everyone leave your tanks for the recovery crew and come back to the tank garage! All students now bow and thank each other for a good contest today!"

Captain Chourno was impressed..."Not a bad start for this team. I wasn't expecting them to have such a quick grasp of the basics. Excellent!"

The School Tank Garage

Mid-Afternoon

All the students were standing in their individual teams with Anzu, Yuzu and Momo standing in front with Captain Chourno…

"You are all to be commended." Captain Chourno said with enthusiasm! "Every one of you displayed able and ample knowledge and attention in the basics of Senshi-do. Team Alpha in the Panzer IV? You recovered from your dilemma on the bridge and took command of the contest very swiftly! I won't need to stay another day. I believe you can all improve on the rough spots I'll be giving to Your President and Team Commander with no additional oversight. Work on your tactics, team coordination, gunnery and tank handling and I'm sure you will do well on your first time in the National Tournament. Above all else? Encourage and uplift each other. Cultivate your bond as a team and as friends. Nothing will be more important in your future competitions than standing together, fighting together and facing the ups and downs together."

Captain Chourno saluted…."Now go forth! Panzer Vor! and make your rounds count!"

Anzu yelled out! "Team Oarai! Give thanks to Captain Chourno for her time and effort with us today!"

The Students replied with deep bows and gratitude..."THANK YOU CAPTAIN!"

Anzu wasted no time after the team broke up. She walked over to the first year students seeing how they looked less than joyous about their performance…

Karina bowed before Anzu..."President! Forgive our failure to protect you today."

"Eh…..It was just a scrimmage...no foul. You'll all still get what I promised but instead of getting it now? I'll make you a big wager. If we go all the way to win the upcoming tournament? I'll triple the prize! What do you say to that First Year students?!"

Karina spoke for the rest! "WE ACCEPT! Come on girls! Let's get our tank fixed so we can work our fingers to the bone practicing till the wheels fall off!"

The enthusiasm of the "First Years" got the rest motivated with howls and cheers….save Saiori who stood yawning and scratching herself…

"Yip-eeeeeee ding dong….I'm tired, I stink and my butt smarts. Right now? Bath."

Miho smiled and nodded…."Bath."

Yukari agreed…."Definitely a bath."

Mako yawned…."Seriously a bath and then bed….wait? Bath, food, then bed."

Hanna stood rubbing her shoulders…."First? Put my shoulders back in their sockets and then a bath.

Yukari raised a finger…."Ummm? Could we stop by a place on our way to the communal bath house?"

The other girls didn't object and soon they were walking up to and standing in front of Yukari's place of interest.

"Tankery Club...Oarai" Said the sign over the doorway.

Miho looked quizzically at the sign..."Tankery Club? I never knew these existed? Certainly not around where my family lives."

Yukari replied. "This is the place I was telling you guys about! Everything we might need for our team is right here and we can get it at reasonable costs if you're a member! It's like an armory Cosco. And this is the flagship store! Wait till you meet Mister Gerd, he is so cool!"

(Gerd Von Stuben owns the Tankery Club chain of stores across the whole Senshi-do tank-verse. He's the Willy Wonka of armor)

Yukari led the girls into the store which was packed with everything from plastic models of World War II tanks to machined tank parts to entire tank gun systems like a row of Krupp 88 rifled cannons that hung suspended from the ceiling! Without restraint….Yukari grabbed a tanker's leather jacket and a Weirmacht Panzer commanders hat off the clothing isle and stood modeling it! "We can even have our team uniforms tailor made here! Isn't this place the boss or what?!"

Saiori locked her eyes on a rack of seat cushions..."Oh yeah! They know what I want!" She said as she grabbed a colorful rump cushion and played it in her hands..."I got an idea! We need to "girl up" our ride! If you all get my drift?!"

Miho smirked back. "Girl up? A Panzer tank?"

Saiori pushed on Miho's head with two gingers..."Laugh you! You don't expect us to ride around all day in a hot, stinky metal box all day with absolutely no amenities? Tanks deserve something of a woman's touch to brighten them up? At least a few things to hold sandwiches and drinks? I bet there's enough space for a small coffee maker or drink mixer. What? Are we all going to have hard and chaffed butts? Tell me one boy who's going to think that's an attraction."

Hanna joined in…."I could use a seat cushion at the least. Oh! And some faux flowers to brighten the turret up a little!"

Miho chuckled..."I think there's a few places for some Boko bears."

"There you go Miporin! Now you're thinking like a woman!" Saiori yelped as she walked to snatch up a near by shopping cart. "We got an allowance from the school finance pot, might as well use it!"

As the girls began to shop around, Yukari caught sight of the Tank Club's owner and waved to him..."Mister Gerd!" She called enthusiastically! "Mister Gird!"

Gerd Von Stuben looked and smiled back..."Ah! Yukari-Chan! How are you today?" The old man asked as he walked over…

Yukari took Gerd's hand..."Doyan-Sama? I want you meet my friends from school! This is Miho Nishizumi, Saiori Takebe, Hanna Izuzu and Mako Reizi! Our school re-started their Tankery course!"

Gerd looked at the other girls pleasingly..."I assume these students are with you and that you all signed up?"

"Yes!" Yukari replied. "We had our first practice match today?! Our tank won!"

"Did you?!" Gerd replied. "Well?! That being the case? Tell your team Captain that all your needs are 75 percent off here. Whatever your team requires? We'll fill them, no guile, no strings attached!"

Miho shook..."75 percent off?! That's being so generous!"

"My dear girl." Gerd replied. "I believe I make enough money to afford some generosity. Especially since Oarai is my home town and of course why shouldn't I be partial to our home team? Go! go...just for today and for yourselves? Consider what you buy...on the house. I'll take care of your memberships."

Yukari gave Gerd a hug..."Thank you Doyan-Sama! Thank you!"

"I'm glad to see you've finally found your happiness Yukari-Chan." Gerd said with a smile. "I've known Yukari since she was a toddler. Born natural lover of armor she is, you'd never know it from her parents? A barber and a Beautician and yet? She was always dragging them in here for toys and models. Make the most of it young lady. Now all of you?! Please?! Go shopping!"

As the girls spread out through the store, Gerd walked up to Miho…

"By any chance? Are you the Nishizumi from last year's tournament finals? The one who leaped into that river?" Gerd asked.

Miho nodded..."Yes."

Gerd nodded back…"Know and feel good about yourself. There are people who know you did the right thing. You made a big sacrifice...never doubt its' size of worth...and never doubt yourself."

Miho smiled back and bowed low..."Thank you! Hearing that from someone means so much to me!"

Gerd gave Miho a light salute in return and walked off as Saiori walked up holding a pair of curtains in her hands…

"I think these are just cute enough to hide the ammunition rack in the back, don't you think?!" Saiori asked giggling.

Miho replied..."Oh my Gawd! We are so going to "doll up" a tank?! I can't wait to see it! No one ever thought of doing it!"

A Public Bath house in Oarai

Early evening

Miho, Yukari, Hanna, Saiori and Mako sat up to their necks in the soothing hot water of a communal Ofuno tub enjoying the unquences and soothing scents from the salts and liquids added to the water to encourage tranquility and peace of mind…

"If I might say something? I don't believe we are all hard set on our positions in the Panzer 4 are we?" Hanna asked.

The girls looked at each other for a moment..."To be honest?" Saiori replied. "I don't think the tank commander role fits me right. Miho should be our Commander! After all? You've been doing tankery longer than us right?"

Miho rubbed her head..."To be honest? I only commanded a tank once and that was during last year's tournament finals."

Yukari waved a finger. "But you've been physically around tanks since you were almost a baby with your sister?! Come on Miho! Don't be an introvert...We'll follow you and trust whatever you decide!

All the other girls started clapping and saying "Sho-Con!" (Commander) over and over again until Miho nodded…."I promise you all that I will do my best! My best not to get our butts shot off!"

"Speaking of shooting?" Hanna said raising a hand. "I want to take over the main gun."

Yukari chirped quickly..."An excellent idea!" She said as she pointed to her own eyes..."Flower arranging? She's got good eye judgment and distance acuity hard wired in her head! I second that!"

Miho smiled at Yukari warmly..."But I thought you had your heart set on being the gunner?"

"I'll be the turret operator and loader!" Yukari replied. "Gunner might be a cool job but I swear the sound of throwing a shell into the gun breech and hearing that breech block lock into battery just….it just makes my who body shiver!"

Mako gave Yukari a weird look..."You really creep me out."

Saiori chirped out. "I'll take the radio operator spot….number one? I can't seem to shut up. Number two? I already have my amateur radio license. Number three? I can text really fast. And number 4….I might catch a cute boy that way!"

Mako leaned over to Saiori…."So far nothing you've tried has snagged a cute boy."

Saiori huffed back at Mako..."Ok Miss know everything?! Why don't you take the driver spot since you're already good at it?!

Mako took a deep breath and stood up."Nope! Already had my short lived experience with tanks. I'm going home. Good luck to you all."

That got the other girls on their feet with Miho trying to stop Mako from walking. 'What do you mean?! You were fantastic Mako! You're our perfect driver! Please?!"

"I didn't sign up for Tankery, Miho." Mako replied sleepishly. "It's none of you, please believe me. I signed up for the Agricultural elective, that's where my focus and talents should go."

Miho pleaded. "We can get your elective changed Mako?! We need you! You're such a good fit for our team? No one else here could drive as good as I've seen you do nor learn so quickly!"

Saiori jumped in. "You know the benefits the Student Counsel is giving?! All those tardy records of yours? All you disciplinary write ups? If you stay with us Mako? They all get wiped out! And knowing you? All you'll do in farm class is get your butt deeper in detention debt! You'll be kept back a grade, maybe two! Do you really want that?! Do you want to call "me" your upper class-man? Saiori Sempai?! Now that sounds awful doesn't it?"

Mako thought for a moment..."Oh fine...I'll change my elective and be your driver, don't make a big deal about it."

Saiori smiled and flashed a "V" with her left hand..."I knew you had a soft spot girl!"

As the girls broke up for the night, expecting hard days of training and practice ahead, Miho slowly walked home only to be stopped by her phone ringing…

"Hello Miss Kawashima." Miho addressed Momo.

"Nishizumi? I've been placed as the overall Commander of our team but I really need what experience you can offer. Could you help me as we start our practice classes?" Momo asked.

"You didn't need to ask." Miho replied. "I'll help where I can of course."

"I also wanted to tell you that I hope we've not been too harsh with you regarding getting you to sign up for tankery. Believe me...our reasons for wanting you so badly will come out in due time. We just can't elaborate on them at the moment. Could you and I meet early tomorrow around 5am?" Momo asked.

"Of course. I'll be there." Miho replied.

The School Tank Garage

Next morning

Anzu and Momo sat at a folding table by the Assault 3 as Miho walked in. As was her usual fare...Anzu was eating from a bag of Oarai dried sweet potatoes…

"Good morning." Miho said cheerfully as Anzu offered her the bag.

"It's amazing I can eat these things and not put on an ounce of weight!" Anzu said smiling.

Momo passed Miho a paperback copy of Heinz Guardian's "The Panzer in Attack!" which was his descriptive formulation for German combined arms warfare aka "The Blitzkreig". "Just one of the books I've been crashing through since we decided to start the Tankery course back up. If you happen to have any other references we could use? Nishizumi?"

Miho placed the book on the table, pulled out her cell phone, did a few swipes, some taps then gave the phone to Momo…

"bozozocli no hijoshiki nani sentou senjutsui!" Momo read the title of the PDF file and frowned. "What do you think this is? A stupid joke?!"

Anzu waved a hand..."Momo? Don't snap like that."

"Insane Battle tactics of Bozozokuri? Madam President?!...What does this have to do with Tankery?! NishiZumi...We're not a bunch of adolescent wanna be Yakuza biker punks."

Miho disagreed as she pointed to the Assault 3 behind Momo. Both Momo and Anzu had missed the obvious...to say nothing of how "Loud" they had made their own 38-T. "When did you guys have your tank painted gold?"

"Ok…..ok….I get the joke Nishizumi! We all wanted to personalize our tanks ok? You know ? What girl can long tolerate sitting in a bland steel box on tracks right? Everyone wanted to feel comfortable in their metal skins, can you blame them?"

Miho smiled at the way the history club "Bozo'd" their Assault 3. "The A-3 looks so cool with the Roman paint scheme and the Japanese war standards doesn't it?" She then looked at the M-3 Lee with it's "flaming" pink paint job and the killer rabbit with the butcher knife painted on the sides..."Giggles" "No one is going to mistake that on the battlefield but it makes the Lee look so cute and cuddly! I bet General Lee is screaming in his crypt."

Momo huffed..."That still doesn't explain this PDF you gave me."

"Never turn your eyes from any and all good advice." Miho explained. "You have to think that all the standard tactical books are being read by every other team, I mean….Patton, Rommel, Gurdarian, Abrams? If you need to be "unorthodox" read, study and live the unorthodox. Something my mother absolutely frowned upon and I have the thick leather behind to prove it."

Momo looked at Anzu who shrugged back. "Once again? My wisdom and intuition proven valid." Anzu said.

"Well?" Momo said seriously. "Before we can sprint, we must learn to crawl which means that first? We must follow the basic practices of armored operations. I'll be doing a lot of leaning on you Nishizumi. We must get this team up to tournament level readiness by the end of this week. It's an imperative!"

Miho nodded with determination as the rest of the team began to walk through the garage door behind her..."Right! I'll do whatever you ask of me Miss Kawashima! President!".

End of Chapter 1