"What?" demanded Virtanen, his voice hardening.
"It'd be illogical for us to spend already fleeting time and resources going after the separated crews," answered Kaiser. Waiting for no response he looked to the map and pointed with his index and middle fingers. instead, they would provide a distraction that could not be ignored by our enemies. They'll split into two teams to pursue. Seeing that they have not found us yet, they likely haven't discovered our detour here in the southeast."
Kaiser analyzed the terrain on the map, carefully studying it without regard to his peers as if his word was law. His cohorts sat stunned as he pressed on.
"We most likely sit in between their two forces, the larger with its back towards us. We should prioritize eliminating Katyusha's flag tank, a T-34-100, over any other objective. if we make haste we can launch an ambush from their rear here, catch them off guard. Then proceed to insert our fastest vehicles from the forest in between their lines to hunt and eliminate Katyusha. Whether it's through sustained fire, precision shots, the element of surprise, or even ramming two vehicles down that brat's throat and eviscerating that T-34, we will secure our victory no matter the means."
Kaiser closed his eyes, raising his head with a deep breath that was in actuality a deep sigh. He opened his eyes to see Virtanen staring aghast at the proposal. A glance left showed Knight with an uncharacteristic fury behind his eyes. When no response came Kaiser clicked his tongue at their hesitance. "Do I really need to explain? This is our best and perhaps only chance at victory. If we win it will shock the federation and prove our worth as a school ship. The explanation was targeted at Virtanen as the overall commander but Knight's brimming anger clouded any confusion he may have had over the mention of the federation.
Virtanen bit back his remark, thinking over Kaiser's reminder of having to provide results. His fear of failure rising. Knight, however, spoke in his place. "We can't just leave them!" he protested.
"We can and will. We must." Countered Kaiser without a shred of empathy.
"What do you mean we must? Demanded Knight. "We can't leave them, just throw them to the wolves because it's inconvenient! Especially since Diana is hurt!" shouted Knight.
'Way to show your true intentions' Kaiser thought. Returning Knight's passionate words with an indifferent expression, Kaiser continued with his ever-monotone voice. "I will repeat once more Major," he said, emphasizing rank to remind him of his position and obligation. "Our priority should lie in victory all else is secondary if not tertiary.
It was at this point, that Virtanen broke his silence. His temper could no longer be tamed as Knight's words stoked his anger. "Don't go thinking that you are in command here Adam. Isn't this a bit calloused even for you?!" he demanded.
The two against-one conversations did little to dissuade Kaiser. Not rising to the temptation of emotional combat, he continued in his dismissive tone attempting one last time to convince the two. "Emotions have no place in this discussion. That is why you haven't been able to make successful decisions up till now Virtanen" hissed Kaiser. Virtanen recoiled at the verbal blow unable to rebuke the claim. Despite having been hushed he kept a defiant glare.
Seeing his commander silent from the harsh remark Knight jumped in, snapping at his vice commander. "You trained them! You even spent time with them personally!" he reasoned.
Kaiser's cold glare turned onto him. His passionate plea felt as if it was the small flame of a match facing against the tundra. "Personal attachment serves no place on a battlefield Knight. Especially when facing an enemy who holds almost every advantage" retorted Kaiser. His words held an extra edge at the indignity of Knight's words."If they truly understood my teachings then they would want us to advance."
"Being exhausted and abandoned isis the last thing anyone would want!" interrupted Virtanen.
"Don't you think that I wouldn't choose this if we had another choice?! Perhaps if you hadn't failed up to this point we- they wouldn't be there!" spat Kaiser, having had enough of turning between the two only to be treated as a tyrant. Whether deserved or not, he had no time to care.
The three soon noticed how Kaiser had merely matched Virtanen's volume yet his voice seemed to carry further in the night's silence. A glance around showed all eyes on them. Each cadet was out of their hatch watching them intently. Even if they hadn't heard everything, they got the gist.
Kaiser turned back to his peers after the momentary glances to see Virtanen red around the face and not from the night's cold. Knight huffed to himself in disbelief at his fellow cadets' silence. His dumbfounded expression and pleading eyes for others to come protest were pointless as far as Kaiser cared and therefore went ignored. "This is the final chance," said Kaiser. "It is time to make a decision, Sir." The final word pressured Virtanen into a cold sweat. The choice was on him and the responsibility was crushing.
Kaiser saw the indecision on his face, despite giving him the chance he knew Virtanen couldn't make the call. He couldn't abandon anyone and go back on his criticism of Kaiser's doctrine. He also knew he had to leave a mark, to prove that he deserved to be the leader of transcendence. Failure here would be remembered and his name would mark it. Unfortunately for Knight, who didn't have any knowledge of this conflict was growing increasingly desperate upon seeing Virtanen's hesitance to respond.
"We would never abandon anyone! Right Sir? You would never do that right sir? Not, Not like him, right Austin?" whether intentional or not the vitriol behind Knight's referral to Kaiser was duly noted along with his manipulative appeal to Virtanen. In any other situation, Kaiser may have felt proud of how the boy was being surprisingly and unintentionally deceptive. Any other time but now.
Virtanen finally spoke, drawing all attention. "I-I… I can't make that decision" His voice trailed off, his hollow eyes averted themselves from Kaiser and Knight in shame. To his credit, Kaiser had expected this. The lack of tears showed he was at least firm in his indecision as paradoxical as it sounded. Kaiser didn't grow angry nor shocked as Knight seemed caught in between. Disappointment did not even rise for him. Turning his head to the side in resignment, Kaiser knew he had to make the hard choice again. And in doing so he would be seen even worse in everyone's eyes.
Kaiser brushed himself off as he stood. "Very well then. Seeing as you are both emotionally compromised I will be assuming command of the unit and proceeding as previously explained"
Kaiser continued to speak as he turned away from a shocked Virtanen and Knight who tossed his cover as he jumped to his feet, chasing after Kaiser. "Now wait a bloody minute!" he hollered after him.
"I will brief all teams over the situation and state of affairs within the next two minutes and depart within five" continued Kaiser, ignoring Knight's protests. Knight grasped Kaiser's shoulder and pulled him around to grab his collar. Kaiser's glare intensified as he turned and sidestepped out of the grasp, kicking Knights' right foot back and using his left hand to shove Knight's torso into the ground. "Throwing a tantrum is meaningless" scolded Kaiser. Now furious Knight stood up prepared to charge. Virtanen wisely gripped his heated comrade, holding him back.
"Stop" ordered Virtanen, his head downcast, words despondent.
Infuriated yet not strong enough to beat Kaiser nor break out of Virtanen's grip, Knight lowered his head with a snort of frustration before being let go. "Kaiser what's your intention in all this?" Virtanen asked quiet enough for only the three to hear.
"To obtain victory for us through any means and any cost," replied Kaiser as if he had been reciting it all along.
Virtanen solemnly shook his head. Some things never change do they…" he trailed off.
Knight freed himself and marched towards Kaiser, who watched unafraid and uninterested as he approached. Trying to seem intimidating, Knight raised himself to his full height to look down at Kaiser. The persistent lack of fear or emotion shown by Kaiser made him even more upset, he refused to be shut out with such finality.
Taking a step back he shouted to the cadets watching on. There is no use pretending you all don't know the situation! We've been given an ultimatum by our Lieutenant Colonel! We either make a suicidal dash for a final victory, or we save our fellow cadets and fight on reunited! So what will you do?" To his dismay, not all opinions aligned with him and his speech.
Some students spoke in favor of saving their allies, others, however, were pragmatic as Kaiser would say. They defended the other side of the spectrum. The stinging glare he threw at Kaiser showed his thoughts. As if he had indoctrinated them somehow.
"We can't abandon them can we?" one asked aloud.
"If we defeat Pravda then they'll be safe anyways won't they?" another suggested.
"But they're our friends! We trained together!" and so on the cadet's voices argued. Their opinions seemed evenly split, some between squads and others even amongst crews.
Virtanen raised his voice. "We won't ask you to split up your crews. Instead, vote and decide where your vehicle will stand. Under victory" he gestured to Kaiser. "Or unity," he said walking over to Knight, the two looked as if this course of events was inevitable. The cadets seemed less resolute in the situation as Murmurs of thoughts and arguments rose and died as the crews and vehicles shifted. Soon the vehicles started to move. Knights Panzer IV shifted next to Virtanen's Panther.
Kaiser's calm facade impressively hid the frustration he felt. 'Why can't they see how illogical they're being?' he questioned internally.
His Tiger moved up close, his crew showing concern for him but their dedication showing nonetheless. 'This is correct, This is reasonable, besides weren't they all the ones saying this is just a match?'
The elder Frost sibling and his Firefly pulled next to the Panzer IV and Panther. 'I've always treated matches as life and death yet the one time I use the rules to our benefit they mutiny? And this damn facade of calm I'm maintaining so the juniors don't lose it. The excitement, the anger, the euphoria of combat, I feel them all and yet they treat me as the threat?!'
Valerya's KV-85 pulled to a slow stop next to the Tiger. Kaiser glanced at Valerya who didn't return the look, instead, she seemed uncharacteristically listless with a frown on her face. 'I'm doing what I can so that we can win. I'm the one with the most experience and I had to make a choice. I only said what was logical! '
One of Virtanen's crew members emerged from the Panther. a small framed mousy-haired girl "Captain Sokolov says he shall side with the Lieutenant Colonel!' she announced before scurrying back to the vehicle. 'Despite my conviction, they choose to betray me again…' Kaiser's inner torment came to an end as Valerya stood beside him across from the three figures of Virtanen, Knight, and the male Frost sibling. An approaching engine from the distance signaled Sokolov's approach, he was displacing again. What had felt much longer was in reality a two-minute conversation followed by another two minutes of arguing and this detrimental decision. The last granules of sand in their proverbial hourglass were close to gone.
Looks of forlorn disappointment from Virtanen and Frost followed by a defiant sneer from Knight were the only parting gestures as the three turned and mounted, leaving just as quickly as their decisions were made. The lines have been drawn, Kaiser was surprised himself he had half the remaining force with him. 'It's for the best then, their noncompliance would have only been a hindrance' he decided, hardening himself further.
As Kaiser prepared to leave, he was stopped by a short figure he nearly bowled over as he turned. Valerya stood before him quietly simmering. "Prokov" he addressed her. Valerya raised a finger to silence him, seeing her unexpected demeanor he allowed it.
"She is my sister. I know her better than she knows herself." Valerya took a moment to steady her breath. "And I know she would want me to follow your orders till the very last shell and drop of fuel." Another short breath followed. "But did you mean what you said to them? About your intentions?"
The two held eye contact, neither averted their gaze despite the scrutinizing glares. Valerya found no pity, no remorse, he believed what he said. Kaiser saw her expression shift as she realized his resolve. Her silence was telling. If only she could see that he wished for another option as well. Even the childish option of having another person make the choice would have been comforting yet someone had to take responsibility. Virtanen just had not grown into that type of leader yet and though Knight had made a choice he was still immature and emotional in his thoughts and actions.
The two stood alone as their vehicles awaited them. In an instant Valerya's hand was raised and nearly delivered its intended blow. Kaiser caught her wrist, however as she struggled to force the blow through. "Forcing me to abandon my own sister" she seethed through her teeth. "And you can't even allow me this small respite. As merciless as they say" she scoffed, ripping her hand from his grip. "I guess your promise to my sister meant nothing after all" she snipped flicking the scarf that hung around his neck before returning to her vehicle.
"I didn't make her do anything" Kaiser muttered to himself. The argument felt hollow as he knew Natalya would have gladly followed his orders no matter what, her suddenly overeager attitude to perform after their talks had never seemed negative to him. Until now that is. He ran the red cloth of the scarf in his fingers for a moment thinking. 'They both had been so earnest in their words, their actions, even when they invited me to a party no one else wanted me to attend he contemplated.
For the second time since Knight had mentioned Natalya, and now Valerya, Kaiser's mood dimmed. It wasn't a pleasant thought to him either but he had an obligation to the team. Naught an hour or two earlier he had so many allies and now he felt a scene familiar to years ago playing out. 'This is for the best' he assured mentally as he entered his vehicle, trying to dismiss the guilt that was being placed on him. The fact that his crew who had so fervently looked after him when he was injured, didn't speak nor look at him showed their feelings about the situation.
-Transition-
Nonna's POV
The match had proceeded as Katyusha planned. "There will be casualties but our school's collective success takes priority over individual failure!" she had declared before the battle. Nonna recounted the scene of her precious leader receiving a chorus of 'Ura!' Even without Clara and herself ensuring there were no dissidents within their ranks, Katyusha commanded their adoration all the same.
Residing in their school's newly purchased IS-3, Nonna brought up the rear. The decision lay in Katyusha's faith in her ability to support the front lines even from such a distance. Another reminder of why she could not fail Katyusha. Clara had joined her in swearing their absolute support. A crying Katyusha may have been a rare sight but it was not one either wished to repeat.
In support of Katyusha at the moment was Clara, clearing the west and ensuring there was no opposition to flank them. Transcendence seemed to have cut their communications leaving Pravda's radio operators in the dark as to their activities and whereabouts. 'Perhaps they're all together or all scattered?' Nonna's thoughts revolved around the developments of the match as her eye remained glued to her sight.
They had been warned this school was something to fear on the battlefield yet it seemed that they had fallen in on themselves as if their foundation had collapsed rather than faltering to outside pressure. They had held a powerful defensive line at first and even repelled her scouts in the southeast somehow. So how did they break so easily under a single charge? That was the pressing question.
It was bewildering to think a school with such an early yet good field record with seemingly capable officers, though with definite quirks, would suffer from such a flaw. Perhaps it was because they were new? She even could draw parallels between them and their own school's command. The boy named Virtanen was seemingly as confident as Katyusha, and though it pained her to say it, they both lacked common sense at times based on her observation from their meeting. Naturally, he was inferior in every other way to Lady Katyusha.
Then there was the Knight boy. A "Vice commander" as he was referred to and third in their chain of command. He was new, practically unheard of as Clara had been the year prior. That was the only parallel she could draw between those two as Clara trounced the boy in every other aspect. Most worryingly it came down to her assessment of that Kaiser individual.
He had stirred up trouble upon his visit to their school, even drawing some of Clara's ire with his words and actions. "He is dangerous" she had warned. At first glance, he held the same disposition and air about him as she did. That being a deterrent for any unsavory acts from students and a model of excellence for them what his record showed. Nonna couldn't help but wonder if he was an instrumental part of the current state of affairs on the battlefield. After all, he seemed to be the one in charge when they had met, not the subordinate attitude of his peer. As she contemplated the strange circumstances she heard a quiet sneeze.
"Achoo" came the timid sound from here driver. Giving a napkin to blow their nose, the loader muttered "bless you" in Russian.
"AHH, shanks" her driver thanked with a quick sniffle. "I wish we could get this over with already, I want some hot borscht," she said leaning into her seat.
"We must focus" instructed Nonna. Her crew flinched at her voice fearing to turn back and see her cold glare.
Her cool Saphire eyes held their usual indifference as she looked down at them. The small condescending tilt of her head and casual frown delivered an extra air of intimidation as the red light from outside cast itself through the glass viewports around her. The night's cold that had seeped in only seemed to grow as they looked on at the near supernatural sight of fear she was casting. "Do not forget that neglect and overconfidence were our undoings last year" she reprimanded.
Short as ever, her words delivered their effect. "Y-Yes ma'am! her crew shouted, stiffening and becoming far more alert in a heartbeat. A short exhale came through her nose at the response. Naturally, some members graduated last year and were replaced. Though none of the crew in her vehicle were first years as they had to prove themselves capable to be on a seniors team they were unexpectedly stiff if not downright frightened by her. It seemed even amongst her peers and second years some still hadn't come to relax in her presence.
With all the thoughts in the quiet girl's mind, the radio interrupted her. "Nonna! prepare to depart, we are going to head east now and wipe these pathetic stains from the map!" came Katyusha's voice.
"Yes, Katyusha" responded Nonna, her crew already hurrying to depart. The final battle would soon be commencing and afterward, there would be one less thing for her to worry about this year. As her IS-3 hurried to join their main force Nonna watched the moon. It was a magnificent crimson drop in the sky, at the height of its passing. An ominous omen of misfortune, she was glad it seemed to be for Transcendence as luck seemed on their side tonight.
-Transition-
-After the schism within Transcendence-
After having come off his adrenaline rush, Knight couldn't believe his luck. Not only in his moment of rage and panic for Diana, did he single-handedly tear apart his school's team. It happened to be in the middle of a match that they were losing no less. "I am so getting expelled after this. That's if Kaiser doesn't kill me for ruining everything" He grieved. His crew had none of the usual words of solace to offer him as they concurred.
On top of his dread, he also had the misfortune of his dear Panzer IV breaking down not too long after storming away. Thus forcing them to be towed by his few remaining allies into a sparse area of trees for repairs. The only good thing to come of which, was that they had concealment. All around them, however, were open plains letting them know if there were any approaching enemies and leaving no place to run if cornered.
Everyone had been quiet due to the turn of events, even his crew hadn't said a word. "Something with the engine" was all they told him before they went to work repairing. He couldn't blame them. He was actually thankful, he didn't want to discuss what had happened and doubted they did either, instead they chose to focus their attention on work, on the fight at hand. 'A lot more to be said about them than me' he chastised himself.
Knight had reported his engine troubles to Virtanen who could only muster a small complaint." If only we had piper, eh?" Knight leaned against his vehicle, feeling the cool steel before in a small fit of frustration, kicking the treads. Thankful his issued boots were steel-toed even if that did make them colder rather than comfortable in this weather. A small grievance and comfort in current circumstances. As he resumed leaning onto the chassis a sigh of distress escape him.
Simply put he didn't know what to think. Embarrassment, anger, a hint of despair at the situation, the most prevalent however was the lingering sense of betrayal. At the least what he deemed it to be. Being a teenager wasn't easy for him and his lack of confidence paired with his ability to make rash decisions made Knight's short sixteen years of life rather difficult by his standards.
One word stood tall amongst the questions in his mind. Why? What was going through Kaiser's mind when he decided to abandon his peers, Why, How could he be so calm? And yet no matter how he reassessed the situation it was he who had overacted and he could feel heat creeping up his neck at the thought. His voice had been loud and uneven. His face undoubtedly carried an uncharacteristic fury. Yet Kaiser had stayed the same as always. Remembering the disparity between their actions made him grit his teeth.
Then he remembered when he had a last look at Kaiser, the complicated look in his colonel's eyes. Another wave of heat arrived as he loosened the collar of his uniform to cool off. 'Was that look a sign of remorse? Regret?' Knight gave off a weak chuckle at the thought. 'No way could such a person feel regret for his actions'. In a way, Knight envied his vice commander now more than ever. He could stay unfazed in all of this and cast off any restraints. In a way, it was admirable and yet so isolated, so unfavorable.
Virtanen aided little in what actions and input he had given. Somehow seeming more distressed even with his usual grin plastered onto his face. No one knew much about him and Kaiser's past as they kept to themselves but everyone knew they were old acquaintances. At least it seemed so till recently. Both seemed to have had burdens thrust upon them. Some of that burden from the other.
Knight was quiet, even admittedly a fool at times, but he was observant. He noticed their interactions and the sly words they threw at each other. He was used to others staring, stealing glances, and gossiping negatively about him. He had never performed exemplary before his attendance at Transcendence after all. He was even deemed a catastrophe for any team or sport he partook in. But he could tell from the nervous glances the cadets sent his commander's way. They were unsure of what lay between the two and how it would affect the team.
Recalling the worrisome rumors amongst the lower ranks, Knight had a bitter realization. 'And I just went and ripped the wound wide open' he lamented.
A deep breath helped ease him of his thoughts. At least one sliver of good news had been relayed during the repairs. Diana and Natalya were heading south, southwest in an attempt to reconnoiter with their force. Pravda had long given up the chase but out of fear of being ambushed their course of action was to stay away from the front lines and remain mobile in the enemy's rear.
The major division of the team had been mentioned but glossed over for the separated crews. Knight didn't have the heart to tell the two who were trying their best with little to no information or assistance. The heavy thoughts of youth and squabbling amongst the eery and dreary red atmosphere drained him. Dragging his hand down his face Knight slumped against his vehicle. "I really shouldn't have been selected for this" he muttered.
"Quiet!" hushed his loader who he had now realized had been watching him in an annoyed sympathy. Before he could even feel embarrassed at being seen in such a weak state the dreadful sound of foreign engines rose in the distance. Wide-eyed, Knight alerted the others. "Mount up!"
Kaiser was indisputably correct about one thing and no one present would deny it. Training made the man. As the sound of the Pravdan engines closed in at full speed, Knight's crew were in his vehicle in a heartbeat. Warnings and orders flew across the channels as Virtanen oriented their impromptu formation to best withhold the enemy assault as every individual hurried to prepare. The Panzer IV had to be up and running again if Pravda would assail their defense. If they couldn't hold they'd surely be overrun and taken out.
The three vehicles sat in a circle twenty meters apart from each other, the small grouping of trees gave them concealment but for how long was debatable. Through his bino's Knight looked west and saw a formation of Pravdan vehicles streaming eastward to them.
-Transition-
Kaiser's detachment
Kaiser's impromptu group had moved westward in an attempt to stalk and pounce on Pravda, who shouldn't have realized that they had divided into two forces with different agendas. With a daring announcement, he declared "Any deserters that have separated from the school's goal has made themselves clear traitors and burdens unto the team. Administrative action will be taken upon return to the rear however our priority lies with the current battle. Stay focused." The decree sounding a bit too despotic and threatening even for the usual Kaiser garnered a worried "Yes Sir!" And yet the crew never voiced any opinions or opposition, so unsure they were of what was right and wrong anymore.
During a lull in their pursuit, Kaiser's attention was taken off his advance. His team of three vehicles were set upon a ridgeline and performing reconnaissance. Kaiser's was located in the center and inspected the terrain before proceeding. It was after a quick and thorough search his crew turned to him, their eyes a mixture of concern and worry. Whether it was at his expected response or the situation was impossible to differentiate.
"Sir" began Belle, the most confident of the four when addressing him. "I think we need to speak". Upon uttering her words she glanced at Laura and West who nodded in agreement. Katya sat hunched in her seat, shoulders stiff and looking away.
Tired from the schism and Virtanen's words of history repeating echoing in his mind, Kaiser leaned forward in his seat and glowered down at them. " If your planning on abandoning me then you may take your leave. I'll operate this vehicle myself if I must".
The three facing him wilted under his gaze, even Katya who wasn't facing him shrunk in on herself from the sharp tone of his words. Laura was the first to rebound from his glare and pressed on. "We don't doubt that for a moment sir, and it hurts. It hurts that you'd think we'd abandon you."
Westhoffen took his turn where Laura had trailed off. "We know you, abrasive asshole and all" The backhanded comment earned the expected glare yet West soldiered on, feeling the need to say what he felt. "And that means even I know you're hurting right now. How do you think these three feel watching you?"
Kaiser was surprised. Knight hadn't seen his personal conflict, nor had Virtanen, or any other, merely dismissing it as almost expected. But here, his crew he hardly spoke to out of practice looked upon him with sympathy. Their sympathetic expressions and tones frustrated him as if he was being looked on as weak, and so his glare weakened at the surprise before intensifying.
"You may not have known us for more than a quarter of a year but how many hours do you think we've spent in this steel coffin listening to you bark and nod all day long?" huffed West, leaving a stunned audience at his brash wording. Belle and Laura glanced at the boy before he turned in his seat looking out the visor, his ears reddened from presumable embarrassment at his outburst or panic at the expected altercation between him and Kaiser.
Belle took to speaking once more. "Sir, we've grown to understand each other a bit, you may not speak to us outside of practice or often out of class but we know you better than anyone else at school. You've even gone as far as to help us, from my androphobia to West's low grades." West turned, surprised that others knew of the embarrassing fact but went ignored as the conversation progressed except for Laura chuckling smugly at him. "Is this truly what you desire?" asked Belle.
Kaiser looked away from Laura and Belle's hopeful gazes. His mind was a mess, memories from years past to present. Contingencies, plans, courses of action, and possible outcomes. He wished he could up and quit. Wasn't that a pleasant train of thought for the second in command who had assumed authority to have?
One phrase stayed present in his mind, however. "The mission" it repeated in his head again and again. A dark look settled over his face. As if answer enough Laura and Belle turned in their seats. Disappointment set on their features as it was almost expected. West who had been glancing over his shoulder slumped onto his controls.
"Sir!" Shouted Katya. "No matter what you think, no matter what happens, we, we're with you! And Nat wouldn't hold it against you either. W-we all look up to you." A short sniff ended her sentence as her small frame shook in her seat as she refused to turn towards him. "Why else would we still be here?!"
All eyes turned on Katya and hesitantly to their commander who remained silent. The short moment felt too long in the small confines. Then they heard a sigh. All but Katya, who stiffened in her seat, turned to see Kaiser dragging a hand down his face.
"I hate being wrong. Admitting it even more so. Speak of this to no one and set course to double back." Gasps and smirks of surprise and glee from Laura and Belle were followed by a high five. West grinned atop his controls relieved as Katya wiped her eyes and fiddled with the radio ecstatically.
Kaiser slumped into his seat forsaking his usual upright posture as he stared out the side of his cupola, running his thumb over the smooth material of the red scarf he wore. Katya's words mixed with the memory of Natalya and Valerya being so earnest to him weighed on him but felt suddenly lighter. He'd never admit it but he would dare say he'd been guilt tripped.
With another sigh, this one more tired he explained the situation. "Their little escapade should have caught the enemy's attention and diverted Pravda away from the encircled teams, perhaps even entirely. If so then they will retreat further northeast drawing the battle out intending to have an alamo in the town's outskirts" he Informed. "This was the decision agreed upon by Virtanen, Knight, and I as a possible last resort. Let's hope they're at least thinking straight now and now piles of wreckage." he griped.
"The serrated teams are hardy and Diana should be fine. If it was anything too serious they'd have surrendered for medical staff to take her" answered Laura, offering to ease any worry over the issue.
The words felt hollow as Kaiser remembered his actions against Saunders and his intention to not report his fractured arm regardless. 'I should really ensure no one acts exactly like me' he thought.
'Well, it still wasn't too late to patch things up with Valerya and keep my word' he reasoned, grasping at the cloth around his neck and looking out the cupola at Valerya's KV-85. He wondered if this was the same conflict Pravda had felt when they won the championships two years ago, achieving their controversial victory. If he had won after this division, the betrayal and high emotions, would it have been worth it?
Katya still fiddling with the radio or at least looking like it, leaned back in her seat. She had ended a secret call and held her smartphone's rear camera just high enough to get a picture of Kaiser in thought. Her group call with Valerya and Natalya, though shifty due to signal, had gone through and she felt a victory picture was necessary.
A few clicks northeast of their position. Natalya received the picture of Kaiser leaning in his seat looking out his hatch and grinned at Katya's face in the corner of the screen with a victory sign up in front of her teary-eyed grin. Natalya rested the phone against her chest as she released a chuckle.
"Thank you sir" she muttered to herself. A vibration shook her left breast drawing her attention to her phone. The messenger was the other recipient of Katya's call. Valerya had sent a picture of herself winking with a peace sign. Natalya smiled as she typed her reply to the small chat. "I certainly won't let him forget admitting that he just might have been wrong."
-Chapter End-