Chapter 13
The school day quickly came to an end, except for the students that were absent, they had been able to get everyone's measurements for their uniforms. Everyone had already lined up but a problem soon made itself known. While most of the teams had the necessary four members, there were a few that didn't, most of those either had only one person altogether or just needed one more; not to mention some of the four person teams had more than one MLS graduate in them, while not against any official requirements, unofficially there was a problem with regards to fully utilizing leadership potential. So before the practice started, she and Annelien had to quickly make some adjustments to the teams both for the training exchanges from the previous week and to ensure that as many teams had 4 members and that they only had one MLS graduate for leadership positions. Some examples include taking Yukari out of Miho's team and in charge of a team of former Oorarai first years, and in her place Mako will be joining them since she was by herself.
After they had finished, they promptly went out and officially started the practice. After they adjusted the teams just as they planned, they brought everyone back to the warehouse. For the training today, they'd use the standard predator, scorpion, and mammoth tanks, meaning they'd only use 13 tanks. The training would be divided into four sections: deployment, nicknamed the driving test, where the driver and commander would collaborate to move the tank through a obstacle course over toward where the second section will take place, stationary target practice or sniping, where the gunner and loader would work together to eliminate targets both stationary and moving as quickly as possible while the tank is not in motion, redeployment or pulling out, which the driver and commander again work to move the tank out of its current firing position while explosions appear to simulate enemy fire which both also have to dodge, and finally fire and maneuver or hit and run, with all four crew members having to work together to eliminate both stationary and moving targets while the tank is moving and said targets will also be shooting back.
"Geez, this training is gonna be intense from the beginning," Saori commented. She, Hanna, Miho and their new team member Mako stood right next to a predator tank which they were gonna use during the training.
"There's one more thing also," Miho said, "each team has 15 minutes to complete all four sections."
Saroi's face lost a shade of color at that statement, "seriously," she said as if hoping that the last part was a joke.
"That's almost four minutes per section," Mako calculated, "I think we can manage." She summarized.
"Hanna, you still want to be the gunner right?" Miho asked. Originally, Miho's team consisted of: herself, the commander; Hanna, the gunner; Saori, the driver; and Yukari the loader. But with Yukari being replaced with Mako, there may be a last minute shuffle of the crew.
"Yeah, I do," Hanna answered, nodding her head as well.
Turning to look at Saori and Mako, "alright, Mako are you fine with being the loader since I'm pretty sure Saori is still gonna be our driver?"
"Sure I suppose," Mako answered, though her voice did hint slightly of dejection.
"Don't worry, the shells are only around six and a quarter kilos." Miho said, hoping to ease Mako's worry a bit.
"Actually I don't mind being the loader," Saori suddenly spoke up. "With Mako's um condition I think she'll definitely struggle in that role." She reasoned.
With the roles now having been assigned and accepted, the four girls quickly entered the tank, after Miho guided the other three on how to put on their headsets, however being the commander, Miho's headpiece was a helmet instead of a regular headset. Since the commander was expected to be outside the tank as much as inside, they were issued a helmet for extra protection; additionally, there were special features built into the helmet including built-in optics with their own zoom modes, a HUD or heads up display linked with a transmission compass which would determine the direction a message the commander would receive is coming from in order to better locate and coordinate with allied units.
They soon started up the tank's engine, to Miho's surprise, "I guess you really paid attention in class today, good work Mako." She praised her driver.
"Thanks," Mako responded, "but I really only just read the instructions a few minutes ago." She explained as the tank moved forward to the starting position.
"Huh, you were able to read that whole thing?" Miho asked, dumbstruck.
"Well, Mako was one of the top students back at Ooarari," Saori answered, "that's the reason why despite always arriving late to class everyday she pretty much never got in trouble." she further explained.
As their tank moved outside, "Mako, see that red circle ahead of us, once we reach it, stop." Miho ordered.
"Got it," Mako replied.
Changing to a different communication channel, Miho called out, "control center, do you copy, this is team 42." Each team has its own identification number, the first digit shows the platoon they belong to, the second digit was the actual team within said platoon.
"Control tower copies team 42," she heard Annelien's voice on the other end, since she was actively practicing with her team, Annelien was manning the radio and managing the session in the control center, but when she was done she'd take over.
When Mako stopped the tank, "control center, team 42 is ready to begin. Are we clear?" She reported.
"Copy team 42," she hears Annelien respond. "You are the first to arrive, you are clear to begin on your go."
"Copy control center, we are beginning now." Miho declared.
"Copy team 42, you are now on the clock." Annelien replied. With that, their 15 minute time limit is active.
Quickly changing back to the previous frequency, Miho quickly issued orders to Mako, "Mako, move the tank forward along the path ahead, avoid any obstacles I call out."
"Got it," Mako replied, immediately moving the tank forward.
Miho could only hope that she could guide her team through their first time in a tank; if their spirit wouldn't waver in face of any adversity they may face, and if she can still be able to handle it herself, despite what happened in the past.
