Loaded into their respective vehicles, the entirety of Transcendence's Senshado team were prepared to depart for their scrimmage against Saunders. Even Sokolov and O'Diveley's teams were bringing their armor as a show of support. Last minutes preparations were being done as the ship finalized its docking and individual cadets scrambled around the hangar in the early morning.
Once offloaded from the ship all vehicles were boarded onto a train bound for their arena. The mechanical team, along with a few student volunteers, quickly secured the vehicles onto the rail cars in the back of the train and boarded with the others. In less than an hour, they would arrive at their staging area. Within that time the leaders advised all cadets to prepare themselves. Most found it hard to do except for a rare few, such as the Frost, and Prokov siblings who held their composure.
While some Cadets were in a mild panic or a light slumber, Virtanen called for Kaiser and Knight over the train intercom to the front car for a briefing. The two called upon sat across the walkway from each other. To Knight's right was his loader Alyssa and across them, Diana and Damien Frost. Kaiser sat by himself, but his usually secluded personal space was invaded, across from him sat Natalya and Valerya Prokov.
Kaiser glanced to his left before nodding towards Knight. "We'll be taking our leave" he announced, standing up as Knight followed. The sudden exit caught the Prokov's off guard but they silently nodded as he left.
Knight asked for his acquaintance's pardon hurrying to follow. "Sorry about this."
"It's fine Alex," said Diana soothingly. "It's your job, after all. Do what you have to." Giving a warm smile that shimmered with her pale skin and white hair, Knight returned his weak grin before nodding and jogging to catch up with Kaiser.
"My, oh my", Taunted Valerya, playing with the words. "Someone should take a lesson or two" she teased, prodding her sister in the ribs with a finger.
"Shut it, Val" warned Natalya, puffing her chest out and swatting her sister's hand away.
"A helping hand is never a bad thing" agreed Diana, joining their conversation, giving a sympathetic smile towards Natalya and a sly wink towards Valerya.
Now encouraged, Valerya continued her taunts. "Ho ho...see Nat, the maiden of unrequited love is agreeing."
Despite her sister's words, Natalya refused to be riled up. "Lt. Frost please don't encourage this one's shenanigans!" She stated, trying to hush her sister with a hand.
"Hey, I'm not an object!" Valerya protested trying to resist her sister's strength.
Diana Continued smiling, a slight tension to her face at the unprovoked barb sent her way while her brother sighed, slumping into his seat. Knight's gunner, had fallen asleep long before the rambunctious exchange.
-Transition-
At the head car, Virtanen sat in a black chair with gold trim in the center of the room. Before him lay a table with a map atop its surface, ornamental pieces atop it, as well as two chairs to either side. Along the length of the car were red and gold chairs lining the walls with equally decorative curtains. Kaiser took a seat across from Knight who was glancing at the decor while Virtanen stared at the paper before him.
Letting a heavy breath loose, Virtanen spoke. "Well, then I suppose it's time for any last-minute suggestions, concerns, or personal alterations to plans,"
Knight looked down at the ornamental pieces thinking to himself if anything came to mind. Kaiser placed down a small stack of binders onto the table before leaning back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling.
"Very well then" confirmed Virtanen. Kaiser briefs us over what you know of Saunders and their commanders".
Kaiser shut his eyes and stood from his chair. "Very well" began Kaiser "First, I would like to say that my information is limited and I could only gather so much. Second, some information is based on personal assessment and rumors that I have found most plausible."
"That's fine," nodded Virtanen. "I trust your ability to assess others."
"Thank you. Then the first topic is their vehicles. They range from a Chaffee with a 76mm gun, a T-29 with a 105mm gun, Firefly's with 17 pounders, and most iconically the standard m4 Sherman. Some of which are updated with a 76mm instead of standard lower velocity 75's."
Knight shook his head disparagingly as Virtanen glossed over the notes.
Kaiser continued. "This information is from pictures taken by students of Saunder's and their social media pages from when their team departed their ship"
"That explains why no one was allowed to post any social media about today," Knight thought aloud.
"Second" continued Kaiser. "The primary commanders to note are Arisa, Naomi, and of course their leader Kay. Each has a unique personality and leadership style, however, this diversity can be used against them. The first and perhaps easiest to manipulate in battle is Arisa." Throwing down two folders that contained short profiles of the three girls, Kaiser proceeded.
"Well known for her short stature and temper, Arisa is also known for manipulating rules to achieve victory. Personally, I find that somewhat admirable, her peers, however, find it somewhat underhanded". Knight and Virtanen chuckled lightly at the comment as Kaiser continued reading.
"Due to this not being a tournament match and the risk of punishment from her peers, it is unlikely that they will be using technology other than standard armor and encrypted radio. Her temper has shown to be explosive in the past but she has shown adept skill in multitasking and coordination. Seeing as how she acts as an organizational relay for information between her team if we cut her out it would essentially be a vital blow to their logistics."A slow nod from his two peers confirmed they understood.
"This has no real value as intelligence but on a final note, she apparently has or had a crush on a boy named Takashi." The comment gained two confused looks from Virtanen and Knight.
"Um...Kaiser. Is there perhaps a reason you know that?" Asked Knight. "You wouldn't happen to…"
Kaiser closed his folder and walked over to knight, quickly smacking him in the back of the head with it. "Knight, you show stupidity at needless times" he stated without hesitation.
"She's a nice girl, I'm sure but I had believed you two knew me well enough by now. I included it because as I searched for information that was one of the most prominent topics. Some even referred to her performance being affected last year in their competition against Oarai"
Virtanen and Knight looked at each other as if agreeing 'perhaps he and Arisa are a bit alike when it comes to underhanded tactics'.
"I can tell what you're thinking. Let's move on before we waste time, onto their second vice commander Naomi" interrupted Kaiser.
As his peers coughed awkwardly, breaking eye contact Kaiser started his second explanation. "Naomi is considered to be one of Saunders many attractive upperclassmen, however, being more popular with girls, she has a calm demeanor and works often in the tank destroyer section of her school even though she performs with the standard line vehicles."
"She acts as commander and gunner for her vehicle despite their school's sufficient manpower. Quite a remarkable feat seeing as how they still outperform most of their peers and are seen as one of the more tenacious groups in the league. Her apparent belief lies in small unit management and prefers to only command her personal vehicle instead of any larger group; this goes hand in hand with Arisa's larger task management."
"She is considered an ace, racking up enough tank kills to have broken records at Saunders and even some minor ones in the federation. This leads me to stress over her calm mindset making her difficult to aggravate or mislead."
Virtanen and Knight shook their heads in sync as he paused. "Except for one factor. I believe she may have a certain distaste for me. Her attitude seemed less than favorable in our previous meeting."
Virtanen and Knight insisted on further explanation. With a shrug, Kaiser obliged "This may be in part of her being far taller than her schoolmates as well as being heavily depended on". Kaiser referred to the Saunders social media outlets where it was discussed how their "big sister" Naomi would always come through for fellow students.
"Now taking into account how close she is to Kay it stands to reason she may not have liked male students being on friendly terms with someone she considers close let alone how I was the only one unintimidated by their little act" he scorned. Disregarding his scolding, his peers chatted curiously about his assumption. Amidst their conversation, Kaiser gave a suggestion. "With permission allow me to handle her."
Virtanen closed his eyes, leaning back, tilting his chair, and crossing his arms in thought. Humming to himself for a moment as Kaiser and Knight waited patiently for a reply. "Very well then Kaiser. You may handle the threat."
"Thank you, sir, but the next threat is just as large. The overall commander of Saunders high school and as I'm told, a rather popular idol amongst students in our age group. As you know I have prior acquaintance with her, however, my knowledge of her mindset and tactics is limited." Warned Kaiser.
"You trained with her and you don't know anything?" asked Knight inquisitively.
Kaiser sent a stern glance as he lowered the dossier. "That is what I am saying, Major."
Before Knight could retreat Virtanen spoke. "I'm afraid I have to agree with Knight. It seems hard to believe that you don't know anything about her at all aside from her fame, which you just recently found out as well." Voiced Virtanen curiously.
"Of course, I do have some information albeit limited, however. I can't speak much of her tactical process from that camp for two reasons. We were both being trained therefore our styles of leadership had to adapt so we never showed all of our cards if you will. Second, she surely has grown since our time together at the camp or she surely would not have retained the position of commander."
"Logical." Agreed Virtanen as he nodded for Kaiser to continue. Knight meanwhile was trying to find it in himself to speak once more.
"From what we know she favors leading from the front. This passion of hers, however, does not mean recklessness. Her teammates and crew make up for whatever adventurous schemes she formulates. Covering her weaknesses they ensure her safety is their top priority."
Virtanen leased a small sigh. "Sounds more like they worship her than admire." Knight nodded in agreement as Kaiser pressed on. "After observing previously filmed matches and considering our current strategy along with secondary and tertiary plans, I've decided that it would be best for Major Knight to take her on."
Virtanen's brow raised, Knight, on the other hand, seemed as if cold water had been poured on his back. Sitting straight, he fumbled with his words. "P-Pardon me, sir. I believe I misheard you."
"At what part major?" demanded Kaiser.
"T-that I would face Kay, the experienced enemy commander" Knight stuttered.
"There was no mistake Major. I made this plan for our success, not your failure." Kaiser's somewhat ostensive encouragement seemed to make Knight shrink into his seat.
Virtanen laid a hand upon his subordinate's shoulder, giving a grin that portrayed begrudging acceptance. "Trust him, Alex, he may be somewhat difficult but he has good intentions. Take a breath assess the situation and stay calm." Doing so, Knight calmed somewhat.
Ignoring the redundant remarks, Kaiser sought to finish the meeting. "Seeing as that leaves Virtanen with Arisa the only thing I feel needs to be said is the terrain. Olympic national park, a thriving terrain with a multitude of various landscapes. The majority of which is temperate rainforest. There is also coastline and mountains with cliffs cutting into rivers and valleys. The battle will begin in the flatter area in the northeast where we are cleared to head into the nearby towns and national park. As of now, morning fog should still be present in the forest for an hour or two after the beginning of the battle."
Kaiser pointed to each specific area on the mapped surface of their table as he announced it to Virtanen and Knight who were gazing at the glassed surface in silence. Before any more could be said the train's intercom came online "10 min until arrival in eagle mount".
"I wasn't aware that there was a train station this far north in the peninsula, it didn't show on any of the older maps even this one here" commented Knight.
"The senshado federation plans to make this a common battleground so in a sense, we are trying out a new stage and these new rail lines are part of it" informed Virtanen with a smile, eager to show he knew of what the "top brass" intentions were.
"I won't drag this out any longer" announced Kaiser as he packed his papers neatly into a folder. In those Dossiers are the suggested battle plans for you, do what you will with the information. Naturally, feel free to make changes on the go and do what you believe necessary." he finished with a shrug.
With the final word given, Virtanen stood and waved for the two to be dismissed. Knight now realized his first official match was around the corner, his anxiety was evident. Kaiser watched the downtrodden boy exit.
Before Kaiser followed him out Virtanen called for his attention. "Care to tell me why my orders are blank?" He chuckled.
Kaiser sighed and locked the door. He lowered the curtain to the small window in the door before responding. "Would you listen to them if I gave you any?" At this Virtanen gave a somber chuckle "Naturally sir".
"Come Now Virtanen, I think we're past sarcasm. So what is it?" Asked Kaiser.
"I suppose I'm just curious about your decisions. Mainly the Knight situation I know you don't have any malice towards the kid but what is your reasoning for his assignment?"
"I have three answers. The first is because of those." Kaiser pointed down at the dossier on the table. The second I can't say and the third you wouldn't like."
Virtanen gave a suspicious look at this. "Why is that?" he asked
-Transition-
To Knight's surprise as he left the train car was his lieutenant Diana and his gunner Alyssa. "Alex! There you are! How'd it go?" asked Diana giving her familiar warm, radiant smile. The appearance never ceased to amaze as it contrasted with her winter white hair braided over her shoulder and pale skin.
"It took you some time to come back," nodded Alyssa sluggishly through half-lidded eyes.
"Oh Diana, Alyssa." Said Knight with a weak smile. "It went like usual."
"What's wrong?" asked Diana, looking him up and down. "You seem paler than usual" she joked.
Knight gave a small chuckle, to reassure her if anything. The gesture only garnered more concern. "I just received my orders and, well how do I say, I'm less than enthusiastic about the future outcome."
"Why is that?" came a timely response from both girls. Knight contemplated confessing his worry's but felt drained as his thoughts swirled about his head on how he should engage this responsibility.
Glancing between the girls, Knight contemplated over what to do and decided upon handing them the dossier to read its entirety. 'Kaiser had said we could do what we want with this information' he mentally justified.
Diana quickly read through it while Alyssa peeked over her shoulder to catch a glimpse before it was handed back. "I see. That is quite the assignment isn't it?" agreed Diana, giving her smile of support, frailer than before.
Knight grasped at it regardless. "I know right?" He chuckled. An awkward silence befell them but Diana was quick to break it. "Well, I'm already caught up so why don't you brief the others I was just coming up here to um, speak with Colonol Virtanen."
Even half-asleep, Alyssa caught the hint and began to usher her leader along with her back to their seats.
'I know Alex doesn't like me watching over him but maybe if I talk to Virtanen he can overrule all this' hoped Diana. 'I can't allow Alex to have his faith in himself shaken anymore'. Solidifying her resolve she stepped into the head car.
Before Diana opened the door she saw Kaiser emerge, before closing the door once more with the click of a lock and the shutter of the small windows blinds. She had instinctively ducked to the side and out his way. Leaning out of the seat she peered out to see the door closed and most likely locked. Against her usual behavior, her concern led her to eavesdrop. "No one's in this car anyways'. Quietly she made her way up to the door and listened in trying to make out their conversation.
-Transition-
"As previously stated I cannot inform you" insisted Kaiser.
"Why is that" countered Virtanen slightly agitated.
"Because we have subordinates who believe that they know best for others but simply inhibit their growth. The same way as a mother caring too much for a child will raise it to fail and perish in its future." A small noise emanated from the door behind him. It went unheard by Virtanen and ignored by himself.
Virtanen gave a confused look and sighed. "I get it, you're trying to be all cryptic because you're scheming again. Well, whatever it is just be cautious and don't hurt anyone."
"I wouldn't dream of it," said Kaiser with the same devious smirk as before. A quick salute and he quickly cracked open the door and exited. Diana, her ear pressed against the glass and leaning over, was pulled in as it swung open and her support was lost. Her face landed into Kaiser's chest as stepped out embracing her to move her out of the way.
Kaiser had hidden her presence only half opening the door and hiding her smaller frame with his own. Looking at her dismissively, Kaiser shut the door behind himself as she pushed him away out of his arm grasping her. Embarrassed she glowered at him he defended himself " You're lucky I simply moved you, espionage is a grave crime anywhere" he criticized.
What are you trying to do with Alex? She demanded.
Rather than answering Kaiser gave a condescending smirk. As he walked past her he stopped. "Don't think about it, I chose him for a reason, if you wish to help Knight, try to have more faith in him. If you actually care as you say then try to have more than at least I do. Diana stood frozen. Without another word, Kaiser glanced at her and left.
-Transition-
The train finally arrived and within half an hour the vehicles were staged, all cadets were following last-minute gear checks while receiving a debrief from their team leaders. Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight meanwhile proceeded to a Kubelwagen that had been offloaded last...
Knight attempted to get in the driver's seat but was pulled back by Virtanen. "Ah ah ah, we're running a tad late" his commander playfully scolded as Kaiser pulled out his watch to show the time.
"We're twenty seconds behind schedule. Strap in and hold on tight," warned Kaiser as he sat in the passenger's seat, grabbing onto the vehicle's frame. Another instance of his commander's showing just how well they knew each other he assumed.
A moment later Knight quickly understood what Kaiser meant and it was the fact he had adapted to Virtanen's reckless driving. 'There must have been modifications made to this wagon or God's given it wings' scorned Knight internally. Every hill Virtanen would try to catch air and even the tamer ones shook the vehicle violently upon impact.
Finally drifting to a stop the three passengers emerged shakily to observe their surroundings. An open field with fresh dew and residual fog lay before them as the saunders crew and their jeep stood at the foot of a stage. The entirety of the neighboring town sat nearby having picnics and looking at the various screens set about to broadcast the scrimmage as remnants from both ships trickled in to join them.
Virtanen stretched his hands over his head turning to see Kaiser letting out a yawn. Without even glancing towards the large crowd or his peers Kaiser proceeded to the stage noticing the Saunders commanders were doing the same.
"Twenty-three seconds to spare Virtanen, not bad" noted Kaiser.
Hands behind his head, Virtanen nonchalantly grinned at his accomplishment, noticing the Saunders girls standing off to the stage's side as well.
As Virtanen gazed over, he saw Kay wave with both hands at the cheering onlookers as Naomi kept her composure and Arisa ignored the crowd. Instead, she chose to hide her face from them and shoot a glare towards his peers.
Following Virtanen's gaze, Kaiser saw the same but noticed Arisa's attempt to intimidate was more out of stage fright. 'She's clearly hiding behind Naomi' he thought. His thoughts ended as both teams were beckoned closer by the assumed to be announcer.
The man did his job and rather well at that. Riling up the crowd, he introduced the contestants. As he rambled on both teams line up of commanders eyed the other no more than five feet from the other. Being the first official team they faced Kaiser observed them cautiously.
Naomi was one of the taller girls in Senshado at 5'5'' but still a good few inches shorter than Kaiser who was 5' 10". This fact along with her somewhat piercing gaze drew an inward chuckle from him as she blatantly leered at him.
To Naomi's left was a similar case the same to a greater extent as Arisa at 4'10'' stared down a 5'11'' Knight. The worst part was that Knight was succumbing to the pressure. Finally, a breath of fresh air from the scowls was Kay. Standing at 5'2'' and giving a beaming smile at our 6-foot commander who returned it in kind. The friendly interaction must have taken his mind off of the cameras otherwise Virtanen would have never been this at ease.
The announcer broke the silent exchange of glares as he swung his arm downward and out announcing that the teams would trade greetings for this 'mutually beneficial match' and prepare for combat to begin at the start of the hour. The six students took a step forward and extended their right hands.
Knight and Arisa had an awkward shake, mainly due to Knight's limp grasp. "let's have a good game" said Arisa clicking her tongue.
Kay and Virtanen kept their shake firm, trading competitive smirks. "Prepared for your first real fight?" Teased Kay.
"Well I'd hardly say it's my first battle," replied Virtanen glancing towards Kaiser with a grin.
Kay followed his glance and grinned along. "How could I forget you two have a different set of skills" she recollected.
Puffing out his chest, Virtanen proudly replied. "We do but having you and your peers as our first opponents would be an honor, Ma'am." As these remarks were given the crowd cheered. Glossing over Kaiser and Naomi as the two perhaps dismissing them as silent types. Amidst the cheering, the two had a conversation.
Naomi extended her hand and gripped tightly. Perhaps seeking to assert dominance against Kaiser but instead, he showed no discomfort at her grip nor the words that followed. "You're in my sights." She said coldly.
Kaiser didn't fail to find the malice laced within. Firming his grip, he leaned in slightly, and with a sly grin, he responded. Softly with a sensuous tone, he taunted her. "If you want me that badly, I'll try not to disappoint."
As the crowds cheering died down both teams stopped their exchanges. Turning on their heels all six students headed back to their vehicles. As they loaded into their vehicle Kaiser caught a glimpse of a monitor nearby. Its last frame was of Naomi's reaction after his taunt. Driving off he took delight in it.
-Transition-
The commanders returned quickly and began assessing and aligning their teams. As standard, Virtanen's column took the center with Knight's to the left and Kaiser's on the right. They formed a three-by-three "offset" formation as they departed into the woods where they would disperse into combat formations.
Each commander sat out of their hatch as Virtanen's Panther passed by. As he passed they would exchange glances and once a nod was given he would move on. So it proceeded until Kaiser's Tiger.
Noticing Virtanen tapping his foot, Kaiser moved his right over his shoulder. Showing two fingers then all five signaling him to tune in to radio channel 2.50. Virtanen loaded the private channel and waited for Kaiser to speak as he continued.
"Apologies for that" spoke Kaiser.
"No problem," said Virtanen glancing back at Kaiser. "It's unlike you to be distracted pre-game. Were you praying for us to have it easy out there?" Joked Virtanen.
Kaiser looked back making eye contact with Virtanen. There was a bit of distance now that he had passed but Kaiser's tone said it all "Quite the opposite."
Virtanen's smile fell and before he could question further the sirens signaling the last minute before the match sounded.
"Well it's showtime" commented Kaiser changing his radio channel.
"Great" muttered Virtanen "Something else for me to worry about."
-Chapter End-