14313: Watching how subthiefs subthief is not sustainable as anyone who tries dies and either has to be resummoned or revitalized by SoDac's galvanic essence.
14313a: On a similar note, no sneaking up on mechanics just so you can drop water bombs on them. They do have jobs to do you know!
Thus it was that Belle was outside the base in Dayton Ohio. Seeing the place through human eyes was very interesting. It was before opening hours so alternate methods were needed to enter the base.
Lockpicking was not a skill inherent to B17s but Belle was nothing if not determined and she'd spent the last few days observing the subthiefs work their magic. Each time required South Dakota's magical revival essence but it was worth it as at last she was able to let herself through the gate and onto the Flightline.
She walked the tarmac, evading security. Technically as an active duty officer she could get away with being here but the key to this mission was stealth. Belle made her way into the hanger that housed her old hull and waited.
About an hour before opening, she saw one of the caretakers come inside. Belle had already guessed where he'd go first. The first place being a nice leak on one of the other aircraft's landing gear and a conveniently located toolbox. The man fell for it, his mechanic nature demanding he do something.
For such a big lumbering aircraft, Belle was surprisingly good at being sneaky and slipped up behind him without him knowing. Or so she thought. "If you're going to toss a balloon into my head I suggest you wait til I'm standing up."
Belle looked at the modified water bomb in her hands and with a pout, tossed it over her shoulder where it landed with a splat. "How'd you guess I was here?" She asked.
The man snorted, not pausing in his work. "I have three kids at home and six nephews who love to cause trouble. Parent radar. You can't top it. Wrench please!"
"Apparently not." Belle muttered, secretly impressed as she handed over the requested item.
"I'm assuming you're not a robber but you must be new. I don't recognize your voice." He said as tightened a nut.
"Well, not exactly." Belle replied.
"Meaning what?" He asked, holding out his hand for a Phillips which Belle was ready for. She placed it in his palm.
"True I haven't been here long but Ohio's like home to me. In a way that Tennessee never was. Don't get me wrong I loved it there but you lot were always so kind to me. And just leaving and not coming back to at least say thank you just didn't feel right you know." She answered.
"I can understand that. I moved here 20 years ago and it's also become home."
"Why'd you move?" Belle thought she knew the answer. She recognized this man. Despite the stupor she'd been in for most of it he was one of the restoration experts for her rebuild.
"Well there was this girl." He began.
"There always is." Belle giggled.
"Hush. Anyways, there was this girl and she needed my help. She was so worn down and beaten up when she got here I just had to help. So I did and even after I fixed her up I never left." He finished his work and slowly rose to his feet.
"And I'm very grateful for that." Belle smiled. "It's nice to see you again Roger."
Roger was surprised, turning around and finally getting a good look at the "guest". Belle smoothed out her uniform as she did so. She was wearing her standard outfit. A camo green long sleeve button top, the side pockets of which held a pair of handheld pistols, a short brown skirt and tall black boots. Her reddish brown hair was held back by a headband that had three miniature sized machine guns. On her right wrist she wore an oversized watch. Currently her sunglasses rested atop her headband and a pair of unnaturally blue eyes rested on Roger.
Roger for his part was speechless. All kanmusu had an unnatural beauty to them and Belle was no exception. The B17 giggled at his staring. "Eyes up here soldier." She purred.
Roger slowly brought his gaze up off her well endowed chest to meet her eyes. After a moment he sighed. "Memphis Belle, I presume." He said.
Belle performed a slight curtesy. "Keep 'em shining Rodger." She said as she turned to go.
"Wait!" He called out. "Will I see you again?" He asked.
She paused. "I don't see why not. After all, a plane has to return to the barn at some point right?" She grinned. She tossed him a lazy salute and departed without another word.