Chapter 21: Friendly hug.
2.30 pm
While Kay was examining the wagons of the Yorktown El, in another warehouse located near the headquarters of the Rodrigo de Vivar division, she was engaged in the same operation, in the company of Francisca, Augusta and Carmen. Unlike the American division, which used all US tanks, the Rodrigo used Soviet (BT-5, T-26), Italian (Carro Veloce CV.35) and, for the most part, German (Panzer I / II / III / IV) tanks. ). Out of 12 tanks only one, the Verdeja, was a Spanish-made tank. All wore, on the front hull, the coat of arms of their division, that of the Division Azul: a two-tone yellow and red shield with horizontal bands, with a Germanic cross in the center with a swastika above, and behind five arrows pointing upwards .
wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Arms_of_the_250th_Division_of_the_ /800px-Arms_of_the_250th_Division_of_the_ .png
"Unfortunately Spain, unlike other nations, cannot boast its own ... Family of tanks, also because it remained neutral in the two world wars." Francisca admitted.
"A wise choice ... You have spared the devastation of war." Augusta commented.
"Forget the civil war… Anyway, Grandes. You said you were driving Panzer II in the Invincible Armada, right?"
"I commanded it." She answered the former commander of Blue Division, while observing the tanks one by one.
"So it makes no difference to you to be in one tank or another, right?"
"Not at all."
"In that case I will give you the command of Team Hernán Cortés." Francisca affirmed, pointing to one of the Panzer IVs.
"I'm grateful to you." The girl said, cheerful.
"At least then you won't be eliminated immediately."
"Out of curiosity, what would the other 11 be?"
"Isabella I (mine), Ferdinand II, Francisco Pizarro, Benito Juarez, Diego de Almagro, Juan Ponce de León, Antonio de Mendoza, Patricio Montojo, Pedro de Alvarado, Augustin de Iturbide and Simon Bolivar."
"All characters from Spanish or Latin American history ..." El observed.
"What names did you expect, French historical figures?" Carmen asked her.
"No more chatter, let's move on to the rules: first of all, the chain of command is based on three people: me, who am the commander-in-chief, and my deputy commanders, namely the here present Augusta and Carmen. Our girls have to behave seriously and disciplined, there is no place for criminals, lax or inept. " Francisca said.
"I'm none of these three categories, I guarantee you." El stated.
"I sincerely hope so, I don't wish the student council had named you chariot commander out of sheer gratitude for saving Eva."
"The student council is never wrong, and does not favor anyone!" Göring exclaimed, hitherto silent.
Francisca swallowed, then, intimidated, said:
"Of course, Deputy Commander ... Forgive my insolence!"
She then turned to El:
"Anyway, here are our rules: wake up at five, breakfast, then at 7 we take the bus and we come here to train until eight in the evening, the only breaks are for breakfast and lunch."
"A moment! And the lessons? "
"Team members are exempt from it during the annual tournament. You will be able to participate after the final. "
"Ah… Better this way. Nothing else?"
"Well, I can describe the rooms on our base, if you like."
"Ok."
"On the ground floor we have the meeting room, a small cinema, a library, the canteen. At the first we have an internet point, a games room, kitchens. On the second, the private quarters of the commander-in-chief and the deputies. "
"Of course, there is no shortage of places to have fun." El commented.
"Well, some entertainment doesn't hurt. However, when a match is imminent, the training becomes more intense. "
"It does not surprise me. Even in my old school, during tournaments, we spent hours training. "
"Real tank crews never slack off in wartime, Hilda would say." Göring said, folding his arms.
"Yeah ... Anyway I hope my explanations were thorough."
"Yes, very comprehensive."
Francisca flashed a radiant smile, then, without warning, hugged El.
"In that case, I renew the welcome you join us!" She exclaimed.
Although embarrassed, El returned her hug.