Chapter 35: The first day of training, part 4.

Kay had just reached her new tank, an olive green M4A3E8 76mm Sherman in front of which stood four girls: the first had short brown hair and black eyes, the second brown hair tied in two pigtails and blue eyes, the third straight black and shoulder-length and eyes of the same color, the fourth had auburn hair tied in a ponytail and blue eyes. On seeing the first two she exclaimed:

"Alisa! Naomi! Are you?"

The two girls looked at her perplexed.

"Alisa? Naomi? I'm Chloe, and she's Kristin!" The blonde said.

Taking a closer look at them, Kay realized that while they looked strikingly like her old teammates, their eyes were a different color.

How silly… Alisa and Naomi are in Japan! How could I have thought it was them?

She thought.

"Sorry, I took you for two of my old school friends." She justified herself, slightly embarrassed.

The girl named Chloe smiled and placed a hand on her right shoulder.

"Don't worry, it can happen that you get confused. Anyway: you are… Scarlett Johnson, right?"

Kay nodded.

"Exact. I am your new commander." She stated.

"Pleased to meet you. I hope you live up to your predecessor."

"I will do my best. In this regard, what happened to your former commander?"

"She transferred to another school." Kristin answered her.

"Ah, they are Lois and Allison." Chloe said, pointing to the other two girls.

The latter greeted Kay with a nod of her head.

"Glad to know you. By the way, which states are you from?"

"Nevada, Las Vegas." Chloe said.

"South Dakota, Pierre." Kristin answered.

"Minnesota, St. Paul." Lois stated.

"Manitoba, Winnipeg." Allison said.

"But Manitoba is a province of Canada…" Kay said, puzzled.

"She is indeed Canadian, but recently moved from the Beaver division to ours." Chloe explained.

"I see… Your roles?"

"I am assistant commander, Kristin is the gunner, Allison is the radio operator, Lois is the driver."

"But now enough talk, let's get on the tank! Workouts will start in minutes." Kristin stated.

Once aboard the Sherman, the girls settled each into their places, while a voice from the radio called them.

"Team New Hampshire, do you read me?" Dwight's voice asked them.

"Yes, commander-in-chief!" Kay answered her.

"Are you each at your post?"

"Yes."

"Then we can start. I recommend that all the crews are concentrated. No gossip, no jokes, no distractions!"

"Yes sir!" Kay replied.

With that, she turned to Lois.

"Get this grinder going!"

"Yes, my commander!" The driver answered.

After a few seconds the Sherman started off, heading towards the actual training field, followed by the others.

At the same time El had found the Panzer IV ausf. f/g which, henceforth, would be under her command. It was painted in camouflage colors and in front of it were lined up four girls: the first of hers had straight dark brown hair, down to her shoulders; the second short black hair and eyes of the same color; the third short blond hair and black eyes; the fourth had long, wavy brown hair and gray eyes.

"Bienvenida! You are the new commander, right?" The blonde asked her.

El nodded.

"My name is Grandes."

"I am Theresa. This is Veronica..."

"Hola!" The gray-eyed girl greeted her.

"…Aurora…"

"Greetings!" The raven-haired said.

"… And finally Penelope. We are Team Hernan Cortes."

"Honored to be your new captain. Tell me, what are your roles?"

It was always Teresa who answered her:

"I am the loader, Penelope is the gunner, Aurora is the radio operator and finally Veronica is the driver."

"Very good. But where is your old commander?"

"She recently transferred to the Invincible Armada. Did you and her meet by chance?"

El shook her head.

"No… I didn't get the chance."

"Ah, I see… Well, now that the introductions have been made it's time to get on board. The drill will start in minutes."

El nodded.

"Of course."

Once on board the girls each sat down in their places.

"Are you ready, girls?" El asked.

"¡Si, señor!" Her companions answered.

"Perfect… Panzer Vor!" She exclaimed.

Her four new campaigns looked at her strangely.

"Panzer what?" Veronica asked her.

"Panzer Vor, means to advance the tanks." She replied.

"¡Ah, ahora lo entiendo! Now, Commander!" The driver exclaimed, starting the Panzer's engine.

Time to prove your worth, El.

She told herself.