Sweltering. Muggy. Suffocating. Any of these fit and yet didn't do their conditions justice. New uniforms and precautions did little as their steel tanks turned into tin furnaces that boiled their crews within.
The teams arrived at their starting destinations standing outside their vehicle's hatches as their lower halves sweated. Even the most exuberant student was stern-faced. A reasonable reaction due to the weather and their opponents. Even O'Diveley was quiet as he gave succinct orders to his crew. Today every cadet was focused and alert, none showing their commanders any reason to doubt their capabilities.
With idling engines, the crews looked to the blue sky when finally a trail of red smoke arced in the sky. Once it lazily reached its apex, A loud horn sounded miles away. Every cadet crawled within their affectionately named 'iron ovens' and locked the hatches. The tank commanders received their orders and followed as the first tanks began moving. The final three were Kaiser, Virtanen, and Knight, respectively taking control of the left to right flanks.
Knight and his detachment moved first. With hesitant eyes, he looked back at his two commanders. Kaiser gave a solemn nod as Virtanen gave a cheery wave. Knights squad, consisting of his Panzer IV, the Frost siblings Firefly and T-34-85 was accompanied by O'Diveley's M24, Sokolov's SU-100 and newly relinquished StugIV.
This team of mediums and supported by two assault guns would maintain the right flank. Virtanen's detachment consisting of his Panther, ARL-44, and 44M TAS would push center while Kaiser's Tiger, KV-85, and IS-1 would take the left flank. Accompanying Kaiser's heavys would be O'Diveley's M18 and Achilles, Anna's Puma, and Sokolov's Dicker Max as scouts.
The uneven distribution of vehicles was logically placed due to the terrain they fund themselves in. Transcendence's starting point was in the soft sandy dunes Southwest while Kuromoromine was in the hills Northeast.
A large ravine lay in the middle of their combat zone, stretching from the Northeast to the Southwest, dry and with high cliffs.
The right flank manned by Knight's detachment of Five mediums and assault guns would push Northeast to the nearest solid ground and hold the heights overlooking the ravine for scouting purposes and to delay Kuromoromine from securing any defensible positions.
Virtanen as the flag tank would push straight through the ravine. With high cliffs preventing flanking fire, sufficient defilade and concealment within its expanse, and only one direction the enemy could approach from, it was only logical not to bog down his mobility and leave him relatively secure within its terrain.
On the left flank, pushing north, then east, the recon detachment of Sokolov, O'Diveley, and Anna would scout the surrounding terrain from an adjacent cliff that faced north and observe for any enemy activity. Kaiser's heavy tanks would then push forward and be utilized as a security measure for Virtanen or a spearhead to burst within the hills. Until either situation developed, they would hold the heights and engage on sight.
A solid plan all around, securing high, stable terrain and dispersing vehicles with small unit leadership to focus on variables amidst combat. Naturally, even the youngest and most inexperienced cadets didn't let the comfort of a plan bring faulty assurance. Anything and Everything could and Usually would go wrong.
As Virtanen's column began descending in altitude he turned to Kaiser's Tiger as it shifted left and ascended. With a cheeky grin, he spoke into his mic. "Same song and dance?"
"Different day" sighed Kaiser, giving a lax salute before disappearing over the hill.
Miles away, approaching their positions, Kuromoromine was advancing much the same with an unexpected fluidity. Vehicles of all sizes moved in columns, akin to giant trailing snakes of brown and tan steel.
Twenty vehicles of Kuromoromines best advanced, prepared to bear down upon Transcendence's sixteen. Unseen to the audience, however, the vehicles didn't move robotically or in a formation. True there was a uniformity to their movements, an order to the overwhelming maneuvers. Most notably, the vehicles were no longer organized by type.
Kuromoromine was divided into small groups. Five squads of three pressed the advance, each consisting of a light tank, medium tank, and assault gun. Three of these squads had a Panzer III, a Panther, and two held Nashorns with the Spearheading squad had a JagdTiger.
The final two squads had the same make-up with a difference in vehicles. Possessing a Luch's light tank, Panzer IV, and Jagdpanzer IV, these squads were far more maneuverable than their counterparts.
The final five vehicles were terrifying to witness as they observed their units moving from behind and lumbered slowly along. A command squad consisting of a Tiger, Tiger II, and Maus slowly deviated from the mass formations that pressed ahead without fear. Following the five squads was the SturmTiger escorted by the T-34-88.
A sole figure arose from the Tiger's hatch as it reached the summit of a hill. With a dashing figure, Maho Nishizumi brushed a strand of hair out of her face, it was as if she wasn't even sweating from heat nor impending battle. The audience cheered in enamored as those in her team who could see her felt invigorated.
With a graceful hand to her neck, she gave parting orders. "Heavy KampfGruppes, Black, gray, and White, remember your training. This shall be Kuromoromine's debut of its efforts, of our dedication. Follow your orders and act accordingly to the situation as it develops." A cheer came in response over the radio as she turned south to look at the smaller tanks speeding away.
"Light KampfGruppes green and blue, much the same to you. Urgency and daring will be your ally. You will initiate combat and keep the enemy watching their backs in suspicion." Again more cheers came as she watched the SturmTiger and T-34-88 trail along with the 'Sturm's' large ammo vehicle following.
"You will be supported by the SturmTiger's indirect fire as my KommandoGruppe presses strategic objectives. Our enemy is talented and now experienced. We do not have the luxuries our predecessors this season had of inexperienced Transcendence with infighting. All the better to prove Kuromoromine is as strong today as yesterday and tomorrow!'
The charismatic speech received cheers from her subordinates, audience, and students from both schools in the stands. With it, Maho descended into her vehicle as she led her KommandoGruppe. Unexpectedly, Erika gave a quick order in succession.
"All units, this is your vice commander. Do your best and let us give an unparalleled performance!"
Silence came in response as Erika began to nervously sweat, her embarrassment growing at the uncharacteristic declaration. Prying eyes came from her crew before her ear felt as if were imploding. Excited and erratic cheers came in response from her fervent teammates as her crew jumped in their seats. The sentiment was shared between all, as even Maho, with her earpiece off at having expected the outbursts felt pride at her subordinate's growth.
Erika then changed to a squad-only line between herself, Maho, and the Maus's commander, the latter of which she spoke to. "Be on the lookout for tricks or decoys such as goliaths. Our enemy is crafty."
"Caution would do well but I believe we do not need to worry about such actions," suggested Maho.
"Ma'am?"
"This environment isn't suitable due to its open expanses and wide range. This will be a match of skill and little else. Be aware that they hold long-range capabilities and mobility just as we do. Even our new structure and tactics mirror theirs. Other than vehicle variants we only hold the element of surprise due to this new structuring."
"Understood Ma'am, I will take this into account."
Maho nodded to herself as the comm went silent. It would be interesting to see what their opponent and her subordinate could do when pressured and on an even playing field.
Meanwhile, in Knights Panzer IV, the mood was the polar opposite. Perhaps it was the heat getting to Knight or more worrisome, Kaiser's pessimism may have begun rubbing off on him. Either way, he was in no mood for his driver's aloof positivity and chat as they were approaching the front lines and would likely be the first to engage. Maybe Virtanen's anxiety was rubbing off on him as well.
"Lovely day for a drive isn't it?" asked his driver Ryan. A common line he always delivered during a match. Something he said personally brought him luck as well as a laugh but for the tension Knight felt, it was ill-received.
None of Knight's crew responded to the cheery remark as Knight stared through his viewfinders, squinting into the bright horizons of dark hills and sand. "Just lovely Ryan. Can we please keep focused today?"
"Sure thing Alex, just trying to help with the nerves, light banter and all.
"Making light of the situation more like" grumbled Knight as he furrowed his brow. As if by luck his eyes squinted a fraction more and he noticed an oddity in the distance. A dark silhouette against the bright crest of a hill a hundred meters ahead. They had already reached the heights of the ravine's right flank and were progressing along its terrain. Kuromoromine couldn't have possibly lumbered its heavy vehicles up already. But then, what was the squat square shape in the distance?
Meanwhile, in the ravine, Virtanen's vehicles proceeded unabated as they sought to make a comfortable defensive position. Having found a preferred position on the topographical map, their vehicles made haste, assured that Kuromoromine wouldn't have sight for some time. It was as they pushed through the open terrain and Virtanen noted how hard it was to hear from all of the air focused through the large terrain feature, the unthinkable happened.
From their right flank, towards the East, two small vehicles fired down on them. It wouldn't have been strange if it weren't for the near fifty-degree angle that the tanks were firing over a steep cliff. With little time to contemplate how they had done so, Virtanen gave the order to return fire. Unfortunate news came from his gunner.
"We don't have the elevation!"
As if mocking him over the fact they could not retaliate, the two Luch's light tanks landed blows upon his frontal plate, the rounds bouncing. "Get into cover and use it to raise our elevation!" demanded Virtanen as he ordered his RO to radio Knight.
As Knight stared at the unnatural shape, distant gunfire came about as the radio came to life in his ear
"Knight what are you doing?! We're being fired upon from the heights!" shouted Virtanen.
'The heights?' he thought, assuming it impossible when a flash erupted ahead. Before he could register the thought in his confusion, Ryan shifted the vehicle narrowly avoiding the round as it penetrated the schirzen armor and flew past the turret and back the rear shirzen armor. Immediately he began a beeline east away from the assailant's sight.
Knight emerged with his binoculars to look at the enemy. Through the shaking of his vehicle, he could see the enemy was a Jagdpanzer IV that watched their approach till the last minute to fire, miraculously, Ryan had avoided it.
The Jagdpanzer fired again before retreating as the rest of Knights detachment followed up and returned fire. As his Panzer IV adjusted itself to join the chase, Knight slapped Ryan on the shoulder. "You aren't good for much but when you are, you're a friggin star."
"Thanks, I guess?" laughed Ryan as he and the rest of the crew prepared for combat. Their Panzer Iv came upon an unfortunate sight as they crested the small mound the Jagdpanzer had attacked from. In pursuit, their Stug IV had been disabled by another Jagdpanzer which covered the first's retreat.
Seeing the combat was now parallel to the ridge, Knight radioed the Firefly. "Damian! Pull back and join me. We're going to cut off their retreat!"
"Roger!" came the reply as the SU-100, T-34-85, and M24 pressured their enemy who fluidly returned fire while maneuvering away.
Using the sound of cannon fire muffled by the strong winds at their elevation, Knight maneuvered his vehicle's East, northeast of the exchanges. Soon they doubled back to the north and caught the culprits.
Before he and Damian sat an astounding sight. Two Panzer IVs had makeshift bridge crossing equipment propped against their rears and braced on the stony ridgetop. Chained atop by their tracks were the two Luch's light tanks firing down at a steep angle into the ravine at his commander. Kuromoromine seemed to have taken inspiration from Kaiser's past escapades with this ingenuitive use of equipment.
With no time for admiration, Knight gave the order. "Fire!"
The Firefly shot first followed by his Panzer IV at the unaware Panzer's. The first shot flew by a Panzer's rear and struck the makeshift equipment, blowing it apart as the Luchs slid off its back and sent a stray round high into the sky across the ravine. His Panzer IV landed a good shot onto the second Panzer's front plate, disabling it and jostling the Luchs behind it.
Their presence known and the enemy's ambush disrupted, Knight pressed his attack as they inevitably fell into panic. The surviving Panzer IV acted wildly, drawing attention as the Two Luchs freed themselves and scrambled away. Akin to shooting mice, it was difficult to fire and avoid being hit in the desolate terrain.
Soon Knight's other three vehicles arrived with the Two Jagdpanzers adding an extra layer of chaos. Despite having encircled the vehicles, The two Luchs and Panzer IV were able to escape past Knight and Damian as they turned to the JagdPanzer's rushing from their left and followed closely by his teammates.
The tank destroyers zigzagged between his Panzer IV and Firefly as they shifted to face them. Soon doing full turns they were just able to catch the rear end of the last Jagpanzer as it began to descend the heights and follow its allies who had escaped. In unison, his Panzer IV, the T-34-85, and Su-100 fired after the retreating foe.
One round landed short sending stone and shale flying high as the final two struck the angled rear of the tank, disabling its engine and leaving it smoking as it slid down the hill, defeated.
The encirclement had failed but they had come out on top from the engagement and had secured the heights on the right flank. A success that he took in stride as he directed his team to secure position while reporting back to Virtanen and Knight. The retreating enemy squad must have been doing the same with less vigor.
While Knight had initiated combat, Kaiser's detachment was finally done struggling uphill and was making steady progress along the ridgeline. Sokolov was sent as a forward recon to the northernmost ridge to watch the Northeast in case of any enemy parties attempting to circumvent their lines. His heavy tanks meanwhile proceeded with O'Diveley and Anna's vehicles patrolling around them to detect if Kuromoromine had tried to cross into their ridgeline.
Without being engaged, the initial tension of the match wore off slightly as the crews talk to ease their nerves somewhat. Kaiser himself was caught in a conversation with his crew over luck after 'West' had griped that they would need it.
The girls were quick to chastise him over his negativity, something Kaiser was wise enough not to voice his opinion on.
"Honestly 'West' you could stand to complain less" chastised Belle. "You wouldn't have a problem talking with girls if you were more cheery."
"I never said I couldn't-"
"We know" quipped Laura with a sarcastic shrug." If anything you could stand to learn from Kaiser."
"What?!" responded Westhoffen indignantly looking over his shoulder. "He's far worse than I am!"
"But he doesn't talk as much" Laura taunted with a belittling laugh.
"I'm concerned how you didn't refute I was worse" complained Kaiser.
"Well, he doesn't have us worry over whether or not he'll come back with a fresh injury" snipped Belle.
"Or shut others out and try to do everything alone" added Laura.
"Isn't that counterintuitive to what you just critiqued 'West' for?"
He asks for help but complains the whole time" shrugged Laura.
Katya grinned at a simmering West as she joined in. "In summary sir, you could stand to be more open. Why not try thinking positively? It may help with that luck of yours that you've mentioned."
Belle and Laura turned to him with curious stares as Katya gave a beaming smile. West kept his eyes ahead, disgruntled at the unflattering words pointed at him. Unwilling to shoot down such hopeful gazes, Kaiser conceded.
"I'll try to do so." With grins at the convenient progress with their commander, the crew turned back to their visors when suddenly a burst of rock and sand erupted between their Tiger and Nattalya's IS-1 in front. The stray round from the Luchs had nearly nailed their turret from above.
"Well that was a good run at thinking positive but I think I'll wait to try some more" quipped Kaiser as his crew went stiff, trying to find the assailant. There were no following shots nor reports from O'Diveley and Anna. It seemed more likely it was just a stray round when Knight reported in.
Telling of his initial success and losses, Virtanen and Kaiser were able to get a feel for the enemy's deployment of units. Virtanen began to dig in at the far end of the ravine informing Kaiser and Knight of suspected movement along the hilltops facing him. Kaiser meanwhile reported no visual contacts but that he had finally reached his position on the ridgeline.
It seemed both teams were occupying high terrain, Transcendence on the rocky ridge line and Kuromoromine on the lower but easier-to-traverse hills opposite. With this both teams entered a lull in fighting where updates were handed to both commands and the next actions would be decided.
-Transition-
-Kuromoromine KommandoGruppe-
Maho and her entourage had reached the Northwest limits of the hill range and were beginning their sweep Southeast onto their enemy's positions to hunt for VIPS. Aside from the Panther which acted as Transcendence's flag tank, they had two other priority targets.
After reviewing all known footage and documentation on their opponent's performance this year they had come to a conclusion. The Tiger, manned by their vice commander Kaiser and the Stug IV manned by an unassuming student named Sokolov were to be much more than superficial hindrances.
Kuromoromoines intel division has obtained the command structure of Transcendence and even though the two commanders and their vehicles were in separate squads, it seemed Kaiser would requisition the help of Sokolov to perform daring and often game-changing tactics. Such was most notable with the Pravda battle at the beginning of the semester.
When contacted for info, a begrudging Katyusha offered little help other than a bashful boast over the Stug IV's performance and the stoic gallantry of its commander. Seemingly annoyed by this reaction Nonna and Clara seemed to leak a little more of what they knew by telling of Kaiser's unexpected prowess.
With this and other testimony, Maho and Erika had alerted their team prior to the match over the dangers of these two foes. To reassure their teammates they even announced their KommandoGruppe intended to eradicate such troublesome entities.
"Understood. Light KampfGruppe's fallback east. Secure the lowlands between the ridge line and hills, prevent any enemy advance from the flank," ordered Maho. The surviving vehicles gave an unwavering response before cutting comms.
As Maho thought to herself Erika spoke into her ear. "It seems that imitating both Transcendence and Oarai's creativity was worthwhile even if it yielded higher casualties to the Kampfgruppes."
"Correct. The information secured was of more value" agreed Maho. "We now know the general deployment o their forces across the front. The light Kampfgruppe's have reported an enemy force consisting of six enemy vehicles southeast, a fifth in the center with the flag tank, and logically the last seven will be north on the ridge."
"Are we to change our course?" asked Erika.
Maho thought for a moment before answering. "We will not cross onto the opposite ridge. The enemy Stug IV has been disabled in the south. If information is correct then the Tiger may be supporting a southern advance. With our light KampfGruppes weakened we will bolster the flank and leave enemy forces in the north to sit on their hands."
"What of their Flag tank?
"The heavy KampfGruppes will keep it pinned long enough for the SturmTiger to flush it out. For now, stay below the hilltops and skirt the sides. We will move undetected until targets arise r the situation changes."
"Yes Ma'am!" replied Erika as she began ordering the Maus to comply with their new directives. The Maus started to pull back and move precariously along the backsides of the hills out of the ridge's sight. Unknowingly to the two commanders and their reasonable decisions, The dreaded Tiger was indeed on the northern ridge. His silent companion Sokolov was now manning the Dicker Max which sat inconspicuously in the distance.
-Transition-
-Sokolovs POV-
Sokolov was used to being dragged around by others' pace at this point. He was practically a loaded gun used by Kaiser in matches and he knew it. In fact, he had come to like it. His crew had even started to enjoy the constant combat. So it left them all a little somber to realize they were now baking inside their tin oven with little other to do than stare out into the heat from their vehicle.
Sokolov felt himself becoming delirious from the boredom. Taking a sip of water he noticed an insect land atop his gun's barrel from his viewport. Staring at its vibrantly colored wings he watched as it flittered about before disappearing. Then more motion caught his eye past it.
Wide-eyed he watched as a fraction of movement in the distance dragged his mind out of his heat-induced hell. Scrambling to throw open the newly attached hatches to make his vehicle Senshado compliant, Sokolov stood atop his vehicle with binoculars, throwing away their efforts in hiding their boxy vehicle behind a large outcropping of rocks.
As he stood under the sun, he wondered if it were a mirage as the sight disappeared behind a hill. Squinting past sweat in his eyes, he blinked and looked again. Sure enough, the monstrosity emerged again, fighting to night slide down the hillside. He had found the Maus. Instinctively, Sokolov dropped and hugged the top of his tank, hoping he wasn't seen.
When no fire came he rolled inside of his vehicle and informed his team, deliberating on what to do next. He doubted Kaiser had foreseen this, perhaps simply thought he could hold this flank alone while his Tiger broke through the center or reinforced Virtanen. It didn't matter. He had seen an important target and reasonably, it wasn't alone. As usual, Kaiser had permitted him to act independently and without the need to consistently report his position or findings to prevent anyone who might listen in.
His crew left the decision up to him. Their indifference and monotone reactions belied their genuine emotions. He could see excitement. Sokolov took a breath, not wanting his personal thrills to disrupt the team's best interest.
He reasoned it was in the best interest to pursue at a distance, tailing to gain knowledge on Kuromoromines maneuvers. Giving this order his team didn't outwardly celebrate but made it evident in the unhesitating action they took. His Dicker Max moved to the ridge's steep 35-degree descent and went into neutral.
With as silent a descent as they could get, the vehicle shifted gears and began a shallow ascent up the hillside. Sokolov's tank destroyer was now on the prowl and tracking valuable prey.
Things began to pick up along the main battle line as well. With fresh orders, Kuromoromine made themselves known. As if untouchable, the three heavy KampfGruppes began maneuvering around the hills facing the ravine.
At a higher elevation, Kaiser reported the sightings to Virtanen. Despite the higher ground, Kaiser's forces could not dig in as the ridge was more barren, and made of hard stone. Without proper sloping to fire down, Kuromoromine would be able to return fire at him and focus down the ravine with Virtanen.
With that in mind, Kaiser made a request to Virtanen. "Virtanen, do you think you can draw fire for fifteen, no, twenty seconds?"
There was a pregnant pause before Virtanen responded with a question. "Are you asking your superior officer and flag vehicle to be bait?"
"I didn't know you were hard of hearing" joked Kaiser.
A sigh came over the mic as Virtanen responded. "You got fifteen seconds and after that, we're hunkering down."
"All I needed. 'Div' and Anna will push into the valley between, attempting to pressure the enemy vehicles into displacing or risk being flanked by their lighter vehicles. It seems to be mainly heavy tank destroyers with the occasional medium setting up. The lights are most likely near Knight's front."
"Understood, first shot will be out in 60 seconds. Get in place."
Kaiser nodded to Katya who adjusted his radio frequency. "You heard him, get into place, prepare to descend."
"What?!" protested Anna. "How could you just volunteer us for this? This is our first match!"
"I didn't volunteer you, I'm ordering you." corrected Kaiser.
"S-shouldn't there be some level of introduction? To acquaint us with this?!"
O'Diveley interrupted her complaints. "Tears are waisted on him missy, you of all should know that" snickered Div into his mic. "Now come along lest you wanna see him upset afterward."
The M18 proceeded with the Achilles and reluctant Puma crew behind as Kaiser warned O'Diveley. "Let me give a fresh reminder Div, rumors, and snoops are met with punishment."
A hearty chuckle came in response. "Aye, sorry, sorry. Was just a reliable source is all, forgive me if I play my part well, okay?"
Ignoring the plea deal, Kaiser counted down from ten as he checked his watch. "Three, two, one-"
Cannon fire roared from the mouth of the ravine as Virtanen's vehicles alternated fire onto the hilltops. The tank destroyers, a JagdTiger, and two Nashorns receded onto the back side of their hills, having not found a proper position to fire downhill. Seemingly focused on the higher ridges where Kaiser lay, only the three Panthers were able to shift turrets and chassis to respond in kind.
The three enemy mediums began firing and Kaiser gave the order. The M18 and Puma began a dash downhill into the ravine seemingly unnoticed. The Panthers returned each shot in kind before being reinforced by their tank destroyers in support. With the fifteen seconds up Virtanen radioed back.
"Are you done yet? They're hammering us down here!"
"They're in, just hold. Don't risk a retreat or breakthrough. They'll begin navigating around the hills to get fire on the enemy's side, just hold."
"Need I remind you they're firing down on us?"
"Wheres that cheery attitude you always brag about?"
"Not the time!" shouted Virtanen as his mic picked up the reverberating "clang" of a dropped shell casing.
"You know my team and I just had a discussion about this-"
"Kaiser!" simultaneously with Virtanen's rebuke, O'Diveley had shouted.
"Problem here! Enemy's got smaller tanks guarding avenues of approach on the hills! Panzer III's!"
"Adam!" cried Anna from her mic before static arose.
"Nat! Val!" push up and relieve pressure off our allies!"
Placing action before words, The IS-1 and KV-85 joined his Tiger and shifted towards the ravine's edge, barely covered by the brittle stone amassed, the heavy tanks fought to adjust themselves, propping atop precarious piles of stone and dirt to angle their barrels low enough.
As their first shells flew and suppressed the leftmost Nashorns and Panthers, a comedic game of tag took place in the valley below. O'Diveley's M18 was baiting the Panzer III closest to emerge and expose itself. The cautious crew however retreated at the slightest provocation, daring him to expose himself which he would repeatedly as if mocking them.
As they exchanged gunfire Anna's Puma was speeding along the exposed range foolishly. It was so reckless that it wasn't pursued. The enemy Panzer and Panther didn't even attempt to get an angle for fear that Kaiser's heavy's awaited them to expose themselves. The third Panzer III at the far right didn't press the flank thankfully as the Achilles held it at bay temporarily.
With the recon vehicle and its crew acting like poultry without a head and panicking under the duress of orders and the stress of combat, they fired at seemingly nothing on the hilltops. The planned envelopment and procedural clearing of the hills via shallow slopes had fallen apart.
As expected. The only thing that began to unnerve Kaiser was just how organized this combat was. It was too neat, too orderly. Preparing his next move he wondered what was going on out of his sight, out of his knowledge.
Maho was no liar and Erika was no coward. He could trust in that. Perhaps the uneventful terrain and personal touches he could affix to the situation left him feeling lackluster. Regardless he began to yearn for the appearance of the two enemy commanders.
To engage in combat and fight as if their life were on the line. He could almost taste the euphoria. For such an anticipative feeling, he could wait and slug through static combat. At least for the moment.
-Chapter End-