>>1226466
>>Ask your friends what they want, they might not like what you like...

>>1226466
>Ask your friends what they want, they might not like what you like...

"So as far as I see it, we have a couple of options..." You began as the elevator door opened, causing you to pause as you peeked out of the elevator for press before walking out, your friends and fellow pilots following you out.

Unlike many multi-storey buildings you had been in before, this tower featured a hollow centre. Allowing people on the top floor to look down to the ground floor. You made your way over to one of the railings and leaned against it as you continued to speak.

"So we can either choose KFC, Taco Bell or some place called Kura Zushi. Which one would you both prefer?" You finished as Svetlana and Durendal joined you. Svetlana looking slightly worried, though you couldn't place why. The railing you were leaning against was certainly strong enough to support your weight.

"There's a Kura Zushi here? I have heard good things about those restaurants." Durendal said as you passed the pamphlet back to her to confirm that you were not kidding.

"I'm not so sure, the whole unique serving experience thing kinda sets off some alarm bells. You have any idea about what they mean by it?" You asked Durendal as she took a quick read on the pamphlet.

"Oui, their gimmick is to instead serve food on a conveyor belt that goes around the restaurant..." Durendal explained calmly, before catching what you meant by alarm bells. "And no, I can assure you that there isn't anything suspect about how they serve their food."

"So you recommend it?" You asked simply, pulling the conversation back on track before Svetlana asked you about what you were worried about.

"Well... not really. I've never eaten there before, I've only overheard other people talking about it. Though I did want to try it out." Durendal confessed with a shrug.

"What about Taco Bell and the other place. Are they American?" Svetlana asked curiously, apparently uninterested in the Japanese restaurant.

"Yeah, though Taco Bell tends to do more Mexican style food. KFC tends to specialise in everything related to fried chicken." You explained, Svetlana listening intently.

"I... I would prefer to eat in either of the two. I want to try some more authentic American food." Svetlana decided, before then adding. "That isn't the stuff that's served in the base's mess hall."

>Head to KFC. You want some fucking chicken.
>Hit up Taco Bell, fuck the consequences.
>Investigate Kura Zushi, It sounds interesting.
>Other (write in)

>>1226888
>Head to KFC. You want some fucking chicken.
Can't go wrong with fried chicken.

>>1226888
>>Head to KFC. You want some fucking chicken.

>>1226888
>Head to KFC. You want some fucking chicken.
My patriotism intensifies.

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"Fuck it, I'm in the mood for some chicken. And it's only a couple of floors down." You decided, before looking back to see if Durendal was in the mood to complain.

"Two on one odds? Well I guess that it's decided then..." Durendal sighed, before then looking down at the pamphlet again as you made your way past her.

"It's four floors down." You explained as you pressed the button to summon the closest elevator. Svetlana and Durendal joining you after a few seconds. One of the elevator doors opened to show an occupied elevator, but there was enough elevators for you and your friends to pack yourselves inside and hit the button for the 3rd floor. The short journey quiet aside from something that sounded kinda like something breaking or being snapped out of place. A few seconds later, the door opened and you walked out, your friends following out behind you.

"Enfoiré..." Durendal muttered as the elevator doors closed and you made your way towards KFC.

"Huh, something wrong?" You asked as you continued on your way.

"One of those creeps tried to grope my ass." Durendal spat, her voice thick with venom.

"What?" You stopped and turned around, facing your annoyed friend."Do you want to help me find him so I can beat his ass?"

"Non, I've already dealt with it." Durendal replied, a wry smile spreading across her face as she made her way past you. "I'm pretty sure that I dislocated something."

As you entered the KFC, you thanked your lucky stars that the line was short and the menu was also listed in english. Unfortunately, the menu seemed to be geared more towards local takes on the US menu. Thus slightly limiting your options.

>Get a mega box, you can't go wrong.
>Pick up a rice box, whatever the fuck it is.
>You can't really fuck up a bargain bucket.
>Other (write in)

>>1227179
>>Get a mega box, you can't go wrong.

>>1227179
>Get a mega box, you can't go wrong.
Hmm maybe we should call the our squadron mates see if they want any KFC too.

>>1227179
>>Get a mega box, you can't go wrong.

>>1227179
>Get a mega box, you can't go wrong.
Just how tightly does Durendal clench the joystick?

>>1227246
Her ground crew have had to repair it multiple times, mostly with duck tape.

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As soon as it came time to order, you decided to go for the mega box. Quite possibly the largest single order by weight of chips, and the three pieces of chicken weren't unwelcome. A large pepsi rounding the order off. Predictably, Svetlana mirrored your order exactly while Durendal picked up a normal meal. From there, you and your group made your way to one of the tables by the window on the 4th floor. Giving you and your group a good look over Tokyo harbour.

As it turned out, your table was a good position to watch as ships entered the harbour. A long line of cargo ships, escorted by older frigates and destroyers. And sat at the back of the formation was the carrier USS Midway, the oldest actively serving carrier. Aside from the few recently reactivated Essex class carriers, though you had no clue what the hell would be based off them. Maybe harriers and helicopters?

Either way, you had a bit of time to chat with your squadmates now that you were all sat down.

>Chat with your squadmates (about anything in particular?)
>Just focus on your food.
>Other (write in)

>>1227452
>Chat with your squadmates (about anything in particular?)
Let us talk about these old ships coming in and being reactivated.

>>1227452
this>>1227466

>>1227466
This

Man I hate posting from my phone

"So, either of you know about all of those old ass ships getting reactivated?" You asked as you motioned out of the window with your drink.

"Huh, they're already here?" Durendal asked as she looked out of the window. "Your people work fast."

"I wouldn't say so. You have any idea about what they're pulling out of the reserve fleet?" You asked, before taking a bite out of the chicken.

"According to the news, everything. Transports, destroyers, everything. Even the Iowa class battleships, even if all of the ships require some kind of refit in order to at least make it useful." Durendal explained, before pausing to eat a couple of chips.

"But what about the old Essex class ships? They're not capable of carrying modern jets." You asked, cocking your head out towards the fleet in order to bring attention to the ancient carrier entering port. A ship older than even your father.

"Neither can the Hosho, yet the IJN keeps her around. If I were to guess then I'd say that they would probably act as helicopter carriers for anti-submarine fleets. Similar to the British Invincible class. Or those Soviet carriers... those Graf Zeppelin copies that they came up with after the war." Durendal began to explain, only to stumble a bit on the Soviet front. Something that you found a bit ironic considering her kill count.

"The Leningrad class... I actually learned how to fly off the Leningrad." Svetlana spoke up in between shovelling food into her mouth. The day's earlier activities apparently having made her quite hungry.

"Really? You learned how to fly off those damn things?" You asked, a bit shoked at her responce. The early Soviet carriers hadn't been much, all of their early carriers having been modified from cruisers and battleships. The Leningrad class had been their first run of fleet carriers, and rumor had it that they were less than forgiving.

"I learned how to perform carrier landings on them, using a MiG seventeen trainer. While I am out of practice on the complete landing procedure, I did keep up to date on touch-and-go landings back in my old Twenty Seven..." Svetlana explained, before trailing off. She was quiet for a couple of seconds before then chuckling dryly. "It is ironic, I joined up to become a naval aviator. To fly from the country's premier warships and be the tip of the spear... and my only real expirience is from a few training flights in old jets on an older carrier."

"Well then you have something to look forwards to when we get cycled back to a carrier then. We'll probably fly off ships bigger than anything you've ever made an approach on before." You comforted Svetlana, giving her a broad smile as she poked at her food.

"Do you think that we'll be assigned back to a carrier? From the looks of it our... colleges would prefer it if we stayed on dry land." Durendal asked as Svetlana began to start on her food again. Making sure not to mention that your unit was assigned to protect the fucking princess of Japan.

>CONT

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>>1227947

>"They're naval aviators just like us. I imagine that we'll be assigned back to a carrier eventually."
>"Here's hoping, I don't exactly want to keep flying from airfields for this entire damn war."
>If I'm honest? Probably not with how things are going right now..."
>Other (write in)

>>1227957
>>"They're naval aviators just like us. I imagine that we'll be assigned back to a carrier eventually."

>>1227957
>"They're naval aviators just like us. I imagine that we'll be assigned back to a carrier eventually."

>>1227957
>>>"They're naval aviators just like us. I imagine that we'll be assigned back to a carrier eventually."

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"They're naval aviators just like us. I imagine that we'll be assigned back to a carrier eventually." You replied with a shrug, before starting to polish off your food.

"Hopefully... It would be nice to return back to sea. The clean air, the challenge of landing and the gentle rock of the ship at night..." Durendal began to daydream as she turned and looked out onto the bay.

"What are American aircraft carriers like? I imagine that they are cramped..." Svetlana asked, apparently now interested in how the other side lived.

Or how her new side lived, she was one of your people now.

"Defiantly, though there is still a healthy amount of room. We aren't submariners for heaven's sake!" You replied with a smile, looking to inject a bit more humour into the conversation after reminding her of how little experience she had for a naval aviator.

"And what about the food?" She asked, before finishing off the last of her chips, making her the first to finish.

"It's decent, considering that almost everything has to be frozen or canned for storage. We do get fresh bread though, and sometimes some fresh fruit if it's just after port-call. Also, meatloaf is godly, it's one of the few things the navy chefs can't fuck up. That and waffles." You explained, your mind filling with memories of past cruises, both good and bad. And most of them designated as such by the quality of the food onboard.

Well, that and the number of Soviets that you had flipped off...

"Meatloaf? That's sounds better than what we usually had onboard the Leningrad. We would either have spem and potatoes or potato and leek. Actual meat was a delicacy." Svetlana recalled, shuddering at the memory. You didn't blame her.

"Merde, they made you eat that disgusting stuff?" Durendal scoffed, disgust heavy in her voice. Giving her the air of a rich person that some bum had just asked for change.

If you had to admit, it was one of the perks of communism. Everybody was equally poor.

"It wasn't that bad once you got used to it..." Svetlana began, only to stop as she noticed the look in Durendal's eyes.

"Well this will not stand! Come, we must make up for exposure to such filth!" Durendal declared as she stood up, quickly making to leave with one arm clenching a shocked and confused Svetlana. The pair managing to garner a couple of glances.

Good thing you paid in advance, the only place where you'd be able to leave without paying would probably be Frank's. He'd just add it to the your tab, which always seemed to be paid in full without you coughing up half of the money. You still didn't know if that was just Frank being kind and writing some of it off, or if Lauren was paying it for you.

Quite frankly, you preferred the former option...

>Follow Durendal out, this is gonna be good.
>Get Duerndal under control before she does something stupid.
>Other (write in)

>>1228381
>>Follow Durendal out, this is gonna be good.

>>1228381
>Follow Durendal out, dis gun b gud.

>>1228381
>Follow Durendal out, this is gonna be good.

So, what do folks here think of the Ace Combat series?

>>1228381
>Follow Durendal out, this is gonna be good.

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>>1229043

Now, a sensible man in your position would try to reign in your French friend before she made a scene. After all, there was press afoot. And having one of your unit's French liaisons seen dragging one of the few Soviet defectors around like a reluctant child was sure to cause a scene.

Then again, this had the potential to be funny as heck. So what the heck.

You quickly stood up and followed the pair out, giving them a bit of distance just in case something happened. Svetlana seemed to notice you, but was far too busy on trying to keep her footing as Durendal dragged her towards the elevators. The Frenchwoman putting on an impressive display of bullheadedness and single-minded devotion to her goal.

The pair only paused to wait for an elevator, Durendal checking the pamphlet while Svetlana quietly pleaded for her to let go of her arm, pointing out that people were staring as you slid up next to the pair nonchalantly.

"Razor, how much cash do you have with you?" Durendal asked, her tone of voice telling you that it wasn't a question to be left unanswered.

"I've got about..." You began as you fished your wallet out of your pocket and began counting the bills. "Around tow hundred bucks and some assorted yen."

"Good, I will be needing to borrow some of it." Durendal replied as the elevator opened. Revealing a couple of people inside, a Japanese man in a suit -and a woman with long black hair and wide, circular glasses.

For some reason, you felt like you should know who that woman was. But you just couldn't put a name or place to the face.

"Sure, as long as you pay me back." You agreed as the doors slammed shut, the elevator beginning it's slow decent down.

"Don't we still have to head back to the shop? I can't imagine that the owners would be happy with us standing them up for no reason." Svetlana protested, trying to weasel her way out of whatever Durendal had planned.

"It doesn't matter, it's their job after all. Besides, we have day passes. It would be a shame to waste them." Durendal brushed off Svetlana's protests as she reached over to your wallet. You simply pulled out a couple of 50 dollar bills and palmed them to her, apparently enough to content her for now.

"So, what's the plan anyways? You do know that there's press here..." You asked as the elevator stopped your group making to stand to the sides as the door opened, allowing the man in the suit to leave.

"Just leave it to me, it won't be anything illegal." Durendal assured you,her tone of voice measured and calm.

>Go along with it, she hasn't lead you wrong in the past...
>Nope, you don't want anything to do with that.
>Other (write in)

>>1230758
>>Go along with it, she hasn't lead you wrong in the past...

>>1230758
>>Nope, you don't want anything to do with that.

>>1230758
>Go along with it, she hasn't lead you wrong in the past...
Yo buddy, still alive? I spent the last six hours in bed with a fever, another QM I follow ended a session early because of literal massive asspain, and now I'm worried you drank a a bucket of polonium.

>>1230758
>Go along with it, she hasn't lead you wrong in the past...

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"If you say so. Just don't buy too much shit, I've still got to carry it." You replied calmly as the elevator reached the ground floor, the door sliding open on.

"What gave you that impression?" Durendal asked as she walked out of the elevator. Her hand still clamped around Svetlana's forearm as she lead the Russain out of the small metal cab.

"Experience, I know how you women function." You answered calmly and firmly. Unfortunately, you had been dragged out shopping back when you and Lauren were still going steady. And most of the time you had been delegated as the pack mule, to carry around the shit that she bought with her seemingly endless pocket money.

Every single damn time, you had pointed out that she could have just roped in one of her maids to come along for the exact purpose of carrying whatever she bought. But she had just brushed it off, saying that she didn't want to stand out by being followed around by by one of them. You couldn't really argue with her point.

Regardless, you didn't have to wait long before you found out what Durendal's plan was. And it was pretty damn simple really, her plan was pretty much to drag Svetlana into almost every high-class shop and buy some of the most expensive shit possible. Having decided to have first lead your little posse into one of the nearby chocolate shops, called Thornton's. The name giving you vibes of some high-class British chain.

"Razor, how much money do you have?" Durendal asked as she pointed out her order to the attendant. Durendal apparently recognising some of options on offer.

"I have..." You began, before checking your wallet. Inside you had around 200 dollars, plus the military expenses card. A quick check of the counter revealing that the shop had a card reader.

"Well?" Durendal asked impatiently.

"Around two-hundred dollars and the card, how much do you need?" You replied, giving her a sceptic look after a few seconds.

"As much as you can give me." She replied curtly, her tone telling you that she wanted an answer NOW.

>Give her $100 dollars, you might as well give her something.
>Give her $200 dollars, she did say that she would pay you back.
>Give her the expenses card, she can explain it to Dredd when the bill comes back to the unit.
>Don't give her anything, this is her idea after all.
>Other (write in)

>>1233998
>>Give her $200 dollars, she did say that she would pay you back.

>>1233998
>>Give her $200 dollars, she did say that she would pay you back.

>>1233998
>Give her $200 dollars, she did say that she would pay you back.

>>1233998
>Give her $200 dollars, she did say that she would pay you back.

"Sure, just keep enough to pay for a taxi back to base." You recommended as you pulled out the entire wad of dollar bills and passed it too her. The wad made up of assorted bills ranging from 1 to 50 dollars. She took the wad off your hands without even looking, only to stop when she realised how thick it was.

You could say something about giving her something unexpectedly thick, but you aren't that crude.

"Well... thanks." Durendal replied, before picking her way through the wad of cash. A few seconds later, she passed you wad back -sans a few bills- as the attendant passed Durendal a bag full of her purchases.

"So, what now?" You asked as Durendal grabbed the bag and made towards the door, bag in one hand and the other dragging Svetlana along with her for the ride.

"Well, I have a few ideas... I'm thinking that we should pick up some good alcohol. Chocolate and wine go together as well as..." Durendal began, only to pause as she tried to figure out a good comparison. Before then simply leaving it.

"I mean, maybe? Drinking on post is still illegal, we might not be able to get it past the base guards. Do you have any other ideas?" You asked, before then taking a quick look around to try and spot any press. Thankfully, there was no obvious press in the area.

"Well... maybe some jewellery? Then again, maybe you should do it mon amie. She does seem to like showing off to you." Durendal suggested, causing Svetlana to blush.

>Grab some high quality booze. It may not be technically legal, but you can probably pack it well enough to hide it from the MPs.
>Get some jewellery, hopefully this doesn't count as fraternisation.
>Have Durendal grab some jewellery, you don't want to send the wrong message.
>You have a better idea (write in)
>You've got enough already, there's no point in getting too much.
>Other (write in)

>>1234632
>>Get some jewellery, hopefully this doesn't count as fraternisation.
Eh, what's the worst that could happen?

>>1234632
>>Get some jewellery, hopefully this doesn't count as fraternisation.

>>1234632
>Get some jewellery, hopefully this doesn't count as fraternisation.

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"Yeah, good suggestion. She'll need it to go with the dress, I can probably use the card for it, assuming that they have a card reader." You agreed with Durendal's suggestion, before motioning towards the pocket where Durendal had shoved the pamphlet.

"Probably, though you'll have to explain to the boss why you've spent military credit on flashy jewellery." Durendal reminded you as she wrapped one of her arms around Svetlana's arm, allowing her to keep a hold of her captive while she shifted her bag into her other hand. Freeing up her other hand to take the pamphlet out of her pocket and hand it to you.

"Eh, all things considered it could just be passed over." Your replied as you took the pamphlet and opened it up to it's index. There were 3 jewellers in the complex, giving you a decent selection. "Do you want to follow me or do you have something else you want to do?"

"Yes, we'll meet you back by the entrance." Durendal replied happily, before starting to drag a blushing Svetlana away. Leaving you alone in the mall.

"Miss Mercer will not be pleased..." A voice spoke up besides you. You turned to face the speaker, and found yourself face to face with the woman from the elevator. Apparently registering your confusion and giving you a short bow. "Sofia Nicoleta, head maid of the Mercer house."

"I thought that I had recognised you from somewhere..." You replied drily, before then turning around and making your way towards one of the nearby jewellers. "Miss Mercer has no right to talk either way. I specifically remember that I told her not to join the military in the event of a war."

"I would be lying if I told you that I hadn't reminded her of the promise she had made to you. However, it was her decision none the less." She explained and she fell into lock-step just behind and to the right of you, following you on your way.

"I bet. She does have her stupid moments, just like the rest of us. Don't worry, I've brought in some contingency plans. For better or for worse." You replied curtly, not bothering on turning around to look your new companion in the eye.

"If you say so, though do forgive me for not telling her that. She still cares for you, but the question remains..." Miss Nicoleta began, and you could already tell where this was going.

"Do you still care about her? Do you still think that you can still be with her?"

>"Yes. In spite of everything, I still care about her. Even if we have to make a few changes."
>"Maybe... She's changed, and I don't know if there is still the capacity for something to be there."
>"I don't know... with everything that's happened, and with how much we've both changed there isn't a guarantee that we're even compatible anymore."
>"No. I told her before that she was on her last chance. She's broken my trust for the last time."
>Other (write in)

>>1235373
>>"I don't know... with everything that's happened, and with how much we've both changed there isn't a guarantee that we're even compatible anymore."
She's gonna have to try real hard to escape the position of worst girl.

>>1235373
>"Maybe... She's changed, and I don't know if there is still the capacity for something to be there."

>>1235373
>"I don't know... with everything that's happened, and with how much we've both changed there isn't a guarantee that we're even compatible anymore."

>>1235373
>"I don't know... with everything that's happened, and with how much we've both changed there isn't a guarantee that we're even compatible anymore."

"I don't know... with everything that's happened, and with how much we've both changed there isn't a guarantee that we're even compatible anymore." You admitted as you continued on you way, eventually coming up on the jeweller's.

"Well that is not good news. But I suppose that this is a good chance for her to prove herself to you. She still cares about you." Miss Nicoleta sighed as you surveyed the wares, looking for the best mix of both style and cost.

"If I'm really honest, her position won't really lend her to being able to prove herself in combat unless she pulls something out of her ass. The real test will be how she gets along with my squadmates." You quickly gestured towards one of the attendants, and then to one of the necklaces in the window. A silver necklace with a blue gem of some kind, you guessed that it would go well with her dress.

"I see, so you have a position for her?" Miss Nicoleta asked, her interest piqued.

"RIO for our new transfer. Their old RIO got snapped up by Atlantic command just before transfer." You lied, deciding that it would be the best option.

"I see, I am sure that she will not be a problem. But at the same time, that is just my assumption. Combat can certainly change people." Miss Nicoleta replied as you followed the attendant back to the desk, where they began to package the necklace up in a box.

"Yeah... see you never told me what you were doing here?" You quickly diverted the conversation in a different direction.

"I was sent here to at as a proxy for Mr Mercer. Simply to help work out some deals for him in Japan." She replied without a pause, apparently not getting set off balance by the sudden change in direction as the shop attendant gestured for you to pay. You took the expense card from your wallet and handed it over, letting the attendant put it into one of the machines on the desk.

"Ah, ok. That makes a bit more sense." You replied calmly as you took the offered machine, and punched in the code that you had been told by Dredd when he gave you the card.

"Yes... though tell me, I want to know something. How's the war going? Are you worried?" Miss Nicoleta asked as you handed the card reader back to the shop attendant.

>"Not really, me and my squad are almost all aces, hell we only have two guys who aren't aces. And that's because of bad placement."
>"I'm slightly worried, while the unit isn't my worry. I'm worried about what the Soviets are planning."
>"I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time."
>Other (write in)

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>>1235829
>"I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time."

>>1235829
>"I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time."

>>1235829
>>"I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time."

>>1235829
>"I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time."

>>1235829
>"I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time."

"If I'm honest? I'm worried about the unit, Freelancer is one of the few units in the theatre that hasn't lost a pilot. Not even the Princess's flight can say the same. It's only a matter of time before we loose someone too." You admitted dourly as the shop's attendant packed the necklace up into a small, white box. Before then passing the bag over the counter to you.

"How bad is is?" Your unexpected companion asked as you turned to made your way out.

"It's mixed. In the air we've been ripping the reds and their buddies apart, but all Freelancer has really been facing are early model flankers and fulcrums at best. Almost everybody else have been facing even earlier birds, fishbeds and the likes. There's no contest here, we have the tech advantage in both the air and on the deck." You began as you made your way out of the shop, only pausing long enough to check your wallet for change. Turns out that you still had enough to grab a drink.

"So what's the problem?" Nicoleta asked as you stopped to look around for a small shop or cart selling drinks.

"Simple, for every jet or tank or ship that we loose, the reds can better press their numbers advantage against us. And they don't even need to destroy our units to take them out of the fight. Many of our losses aren't even total losses. Most of them are just too damaged to safely fly -they can be repaired- but that's not the issue though. For ever one of our jets they ground, or for every ship sent back to port for repairs, or every tank sent away from the front line. The reds can just throw more and more units against the rest of the guys on the front line. Sure, the japs have been doing their best to even the odds. The boneyard near Fuso's been emptied of everything but those old war era props. Thankfully they upgraded their sabres to carry sidewinders before they decommissioned them, so they at least have some modern-ish capabilities. But even then, it isn't doing much, their old shit is getting almost totally wiped out. Just like how we're wiping out the old MiGs that they send at us." You specified as you spotted your target. A small cart in the middle of the floor, selling assorted bottles of water, cola and domestic Japanese drinks. You continued to speak as you made your way over.

>CONT

>>1238294
"We have the facilities here to fix some of the heavily vehicles, but only the ones that both the IJN and US military both use. So the air force is pretty boned, their more heavily damaged birds have to get shipped all the way back to the US in order to repair critical damage. But with the soviet submarine fleet on the loose, they have to wait for convoys to ship them over. And it's the same for new vehicles and units. The reds have the advantage of supply lines, and they know how to strangle us with our own. There's been talk of reestablishing the stop-off point at Truk so that they can offload priority cargo at an airbase on the island. But it's only scuttlebutt." You continued on as you arrived at the stall, gesturing towards one of the bottles of coke. Before then taking out a 5 dollar note and passing it to him. In return, he opened the till and passed you some spare dollar bills in return, before then passing you the bottle of coke.

"So it's a siege?" Nicoleta asked as you opened the bottle, wetting your dry throat.

"For now. But I wouldn't be surprised if it turns into an invasion. Hell, that was our plan back before the civil war. A siege and starvation campaign before a massive invasion. The only difference this time is that the defenders have the technological advantage. The reds will suffer major casualties." You clarified as you turned and made your way towards the entrance.

"And Alaska? Wouldn't they be able to bring more soldiers to bear if they abandoned that front?"

>"It works both ways. We could divert all of the airforce and Air National Guard squadrons here to help hold the line."
>"Their target is the oil pipelines. If they take those out, we'll run into some major difficulties in moving and fighting."
>"Their objective isn't to take land, it's just to kill off those few guys who can't follow orders."
>Other (write in)

>>1238298
>>"Their target is the oil pipelines. If they take those out, we'll run into some major difficulties in moving and fighting."

>>1238298
>"It works both ways. We could divert all of the airforce and Air National Guard squadrons here to help hold the line."
>"Their target is the oil pipelines. If they take those out, we'll run into some major difficulties in moving and fighting."

>>1238298
>>"It works both ways. We could divert all of the airforce and Air National Guard squadrons here to help hold the line."

>>1238298
>"Their target is the oil pipelines. If they take those out, we'll run into some major difficulties in moving and fighting."

"Their target is the oil pipelines. If they take those out, we'll run into some major difficulties in moving and fighting. But at the same time, it works both ways. We could divert all of the Air Force and Air National Guard squadrons here to help hold the line." You replied to the next question, before then pausing both to let your companion talk, and to take a drink.

"If so they're doing a lacklustre job. The reports coming from Alaska are that the Air Force has air superiority, but the guys on the ground are just barely holding the reds off Elmendorf." Nicoleta spoke up as you arrived at the entrance, waiting for your friends to arrive.

"Here's hoping that the Army gets reinforcements in there soon. The sooner that we deal with them, the better." You replied as you walked over to a newspaper stand and picked up a paper in English, giving you a chance to read up on the goings on elsewhere in the world if you wanted.

"So, rumour has it that you have friends in high places..." Miss Nicoleta spoke up, before trailing off, as if to let you speak up.

"The rumour mill says a lot of things, I wouldn't really listen to it that much." You deflected the question as you opened up the newspaper, giving the hint that you didn't want to talk.

Alternately, you could talk to Miss Nicoleta... It could be an enlightening experience.

>Read the newspaper, you might as well give it a read.
>Talk to Miss Nicoleta.
>Other (write in)

>>1238759
>Read the newspaper, you might as well give it a read.

Gotta keep up to date about the goings on in the world

>>1238759
>>Talk to Miss Nicoleta.

>>1238759
>Talk to Miss Nicoleta.

>>1238759
>>Talk to Miss Nicoleta.
>>Other (write in)
Double-check and make sure the press hasn't found you.

"So, Miss Nicoleta. You never said what your plan was to leave the country." You asked as you looked up over the newspaper, surveying the area for press. Thankfully however, you didn't need to worry too much, press was almost always fairly easy to spot. They would stick out like a fox in a chicken farm. Unfortunately for them however, the only reason people avoided them was because they were shitty human beings.

"There is a transport fleet in port today, I'll be leaving with them in a few days. Mr Mercer had requested that I return back home immediately." She replied calmly, a small smile on her face.

"How is Mr Mercer anyhow? I haven't talked with him since... well... a long time." You asked, continuing on with the conversation.

"The master is doing well, though he has been rather worried about the war. He's also been a bit concerned about his daughter, but the less said the better. I don't think that it's something that you would like to be discussed." She answered, attempting to push over the topic of Lauren. You decided to let it slide, at least for now.

"I see... and what about the house? Are your colleges working well?" You asked another question, trying to keep the conversation moving forwards.

"They are as impeccable as always, though Mary has been on maternity leave. She's expecting twins you see, and her husband wants to be with her before he's deployed to the front line later this month." Nicoleta replied, apparently rather happy to avoid the sensitive topic of yours Lauren's relationship.

But then again, it could be a good time to ask about her... Nicoleta did seemingly act as a surrogate mother figure to Lauren. It might be a good way to get a second opinion on her psychological status.

>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.
>Don't bother asking about Lauren, you trust her word.
>Other (write in)

>>1239311
>>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.

>>1239311
>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.

>>1239311
>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.

>>1239311
>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.

>>1239311
>>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.

>>1239311
>Ask about Lauren, you need to know before she's in close proximity to your team.

"So, what can you tell me about Lauren. Her mental state and the likes." You asked as you thumbed through the newspaper, absently reading snippets here and there.

Nicoleta was quiet for a few seconds, before quietly answering. "Not here. Follow me."

And with that, you closed up your newspaper and returned it to it's shelf as she made her way towards the elevators. A final cursory glance around for your friends, before then continuing on after not seeing them. You caught up with Nicoleta just as the elevator's doors opened. The both of you waited for the people inside the elevator to leave, before entering. Nicoleta punching the button for the top-floor as she entered. A few seconds later, the doors closed with you both alone inside.

"So, I take it that it's bad news?" You asked as the elevator began to ascend the building. Nicoleta simply shook her head however.

"It's not that it's bad... It's just not something you talk about in somewhere so open. I think that the roof would be a better place to discuss this." She replied, a small smile on her face as she corrected you. You were about to respond when the elevator came to a slow stop, a few seconds later the door opened. Allowing a small group of people to enter and join you on the way up. You remained quiet as the doors closed, and the journey up continued.

Eventually however, the doors opened, revealing a slightly occupied, completely open floor. A set of stairs next to the elevator shaft leading up towards the roof. Unsurprisingly, few people strayed up this far as it would be harder to get out of the building in the event of something happening. Like say, an air battle. The group that had joined you on the way up quickly made their way past you, headed towards the stairs up to the roof.

"Well it seems like we can just do this here. The roof may be a bit occupied." Nicoleta amended as she walked over to one of the large, floor-to-ceiling windows that faced towards the airbase. Just past her, you could just about make out the shapes of launching fighters.

"So, what's your assessment?" You asked as you joined her, being careful not to lean on the windows.

"Well put simply, I do not think that she is ready for the front line. While she didn't tell anybody why she signed up, I'm willing to bet that she joined up so that she could aid you. Her position in the Echo-'cat upgrade program could probably help her out in getting assigned to your unit." Nicoleta stated openly, but just quiet enough for the conversation to remain private.

"I agree, chances are that she'll have to go through training like everybody else. There is still time to try and get her to drop out." You stated, leaving the unspoken offer to hang in the air between you. This however, caused Nicoleta to shake her head.

"She will not be dissuaded, not by either me or by her father. I doubt even your intervention could stop her at this point." Nicoleta sighed, the silence between you beckoning for you to ask a question.

>CONT

>>1242143
>"How has she been since we split. Emotionally speaking."
>"What was she doing with grumman. Her position on the echo-cat should black-list her from service."
>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"
>Other (write in)

>>1242146
>"What was she doing with grumman. Her position on the echo-cat should black-list her from service."

>>1242146
>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"

>>1242146
>"How has she been since we split. Emotionally speaking."

>>1242146
>>"How has she been since we split. Emotionally speaking."

>>1242146
>"How has she been since we split. Emotionally speaking."

"How has she been since we split. Emotionally speaking." You asked, before turning to try and spy a bench or something. And thankfully, there was one nearby.

"Well... obviously after that happened she was distraught. You were practically her entire world back then. Mr Mercer had to run interference while everything calmed down, but in order to do that Miss Mercer was forced to stay at home. Which I suppose was a good thing in the end, else she would have sought above anything else to find you and apologise." Nicoleta began, her tone of voice growing more dour as she recounted the memories of that dark time. You didn't blame her, you wouldn't be too keen about talking about it either. After all, you did watch your former RIO and close friend nearly die.

"That whole practically her entire world thing isn't healthy. It wasn't back then ins it won't be now." You idly commented as you took a seat on the bench, dropping the bag off by your feet and retrieving your drink.

"Unfortunately, Mr Mercer had always insisted on sending her to all girl schools. You were the only man from outside the family to show her affection. And in turn, that lead to her original... problems." Nicoleta clarified with a sorrowful look in her eye. Though you couldn't peg it as either disgrace at not having done something sooner, or if she was just feeling down from having to recall that time.

"Regardless -by the time she was allowed to leave the house- she wasn't able to find out where you had been redeployed, and that separation caused her to sink into depression. She wouldn't leave her room for days at a time, she stopped seeing her friends. It took an herculean effort from Mr Mercer to get his daughter to make her go to counselling. And over time, things began to get better. her job with Grumman helped too. And for almost a year, things were calm. She wasn't as happy as when you were around, but she was still better than before." Nicoleta continued on, turning away from you to stare out of the window. As if she was unable to look you in the eye as she told the tale.

"Things changed from there when she was transferred onto the Tomcat upgrade program. She was transferred to Miramar to observe pilots for the testing program. And over a few days, she began to notice one who seemed to remind her of you. Tell me, do you know who it was?" Nicoleta continued, before then turning and looking you dead in the eye as she asked the question.

"It was me." You replied in a deadpan tone, your interest in keeping the conversation flowing providing the only push to answer the question. If anybody else had asked you would have assumed that it was made rhetorically.

"Indeed, and according to what she told us, she kept her eye on you during training. Though I am sure than she did it in more ways than simply dog-earing your training flight reports." Nicoleta nodded, before then turning and looking back out across the city-scape.

>CONT

>>1242831
"And from there she had me assigned as the recipient for the new cat upgrade." You filled in simply, careful not to reveal much about your chance meeting unless your associate already knew.

"Yes, and she met you..." Nicoleta added drily, the small smile on her face not entailing a warmer tone.

"She called us that night you know. She was over the moon that you had accepted her, even if it was made at arms-length. Her mood greatly improved too, at least according to those of her old colleague that were willing to give me weekly reports. And that lasted for a good couple of weeks. But then-" Nicoleta continued on, only for you to interrupt.

"And then the war began, and I imagine that she didn't take it well." You stated, not even bothering to ask if you were right in your assumption.

"Of course. Regardless of what's happened in the past, she still cares about you. Adding to that, she was removed from the program after a systems overhaul made her position redundant. Sure, she could have still worked on the project, but the war proved to be motivation enough to get other people involved in the project. Her position was given to a former professor from MiT who specialised in the same field as her. And eventually, she got it in her head that the best way to server her country, and to best protect you was to join up and hope that she was transferred to your unit rather than to a testing unit like VF four." Nicoleta finished. Marking the end of her story by retrieving a flask from her pocket and taking a swig.

Of course, you still had questions.

>"What was she doing with grumman. Her position on the echo-cat should black-list her from service."
>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"
>"Considering my unit's composition, how would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?"
>Other (write in)

>>1242839
>"Considering my unit's composition, how would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?"

>>1242839
>"Considering my unit's composition, how would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?"

>>1242839
>>"Considering my unit's composition, how would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?"

>>1242839
>"Considering my unit's composition, how would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?"

>>1242839
>>"Considering my unit's composition, how would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?"

"How would you recommend that I go about ensuring that she doesn't snap like last time?" You asked as you noticed a pair of aircraft coming closer, their flight path bringing them over the city. Even from here, you could see that their stores were loaded with with assorted ordnance.

"Well it shouldn't be too hard. It's not like there are many female pilots in the US navy. I'm pretty sure that you'll have more problems in keeping your squadmates off her!" Nicoleta replied with a smile that you could see out of the corner of your eye. You weren't looking directly at her. Your eyes were still affixed on the inbound aircraft. A pair of A-10 Warthogs. Allready you could see the shapes of bombs and missiles under their wings, along with a massive external fuel tank underneath the fuselage or each aircraft.

"If only it was that simple." You stated idly, before pausing and turning around to look for listeners. Thankfully, you spotted nobody.

Leaning in, you whispered into Nicoleta's ear. "My unit is mostly made up of women. And we've been assigned to work in concert with Princess Sakamoto's flight. Which also includes my sister." You hissed, keeping your voice low and fast. You then leaned away and looked back out of the window, your eyes finding the incoming Warthog again.

"That... that's certainly something... I don't blame you for being so worried." Nicoleta began, her voice uncertain as she tried to plot you a route that wouldn't end with someone in the brig. Or the mourge.

"So what do you recomend?" You asked as the Warthog passed as close as their route would take them. You could make out that the aircraft were carrying a number of mk-82 iron bombs, along with a batch of maveric missiles. Neither of them carried sidewinders, but rather carried ECM and sensor pods in their places.

"Well... you'll definatly have to keep an eye on her if you keep her in your unit If I were to recomend something then it would be that you share a bed with her. Or use it as a reward of some kind." Nicoleta recommended tentatively, her voice unsure.

"That's it?" You asked, annoyed at the lack of ideas.

"Hey, it's the best I could come up with on such short notice. But If you really want things to work out then you need to work out your relationship with her." Nicoleta scoffed, annoyed at how persistent you were being.

"Alternately, I could just have her sent off to VX-4. They're are still assigned to pacific command." You suggested, before taking a final sip form your drink. Polishing off your coke.

"It could be risky. She might turn to more... underhanded means." Nicoleta cautioned, reminding you of the dangers of that particular option. Regardless, you did have some ideas on how to handle Lauren for if she arrived at the unit.

If, you were considering contacting Admiral Harris to kill her transfer.

>CONT

>>1244661
>"What was she doing with grumman. Her position on the echo-cat should black-list her from service."
>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"
>Head back down. You have heard enough.
>Other (write in)

>>1244661
>>Head back down. You have heard enough.

>>1244661
>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"

This is the last key piece, if she hasn't I am more inclined to believe she's turned over a leaf

>>1244661
>>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"

>>1244666
>>"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?"

"Be frank with me, has she been attempting to monitor me? What about my unit?" You asked the big kicker, the one that would make you decide whether or not you could trust Lauren or not.

"If I'm honest? Not anymore." Nicoleta replied calmly, before then adding. "It wasn't always like this. Just after the incident, she rallied her contacts to try and find you. As you already know, it failed. Though it did give me a decent look into how she interacts with her contacts. And for a while she only had very basic feelers out, but that all changed-" Nicoleta began, only for you to interrupt.

"Then Miramar happened and she started sending people to follow us. Including one of her friends... Jenny or whatever her name was." You interrupted, causing Nicoleta to pause as you told her the basics of your interaction with one of Lauren's lackeys.

"Miss Gordon was following you? That's certainly odd, she never struck me as the kind to exert herself much. Either way, after that she tried to shift her priorities to try and contact you directly. I don't know if she tried to pursue your squad mates, but she didn't seem to care about them. She was very narrow minded back then." Nicoleta continued on. The building shuddering slightly as a flight of F-12s went supersonic almost directly above you.

"And after the meeting?" You asked, trying to push the conversation along.

"Well after that, everything stopped. She practically burned all of her contacts, she stopped receiving so many letters and calls from her friends. Now, while I left the country before the war began, I did have some of my most trusted maids keep an eye on her. All she did between me leaving and her leaving to join the military was read the daily newspaper and watch the evening news in order to get news. Most of the news she found on you was all distributed already by CNN and FOX, so most of it had been doctored by the navy. The rest was simply what she was able to infer from knowing that you were assigned to the only echo-cat in the fleet." Nicoleta continued on, causing you to release a sigh that you hadn't realised you had been holding. This was great news, your worst nightmare was one of your comrades getting killed due to their connection you. It had almost happened once after all.

"And you trust those maids?" You asked curiously, a bit of worry in your voice.

"I personally trained each of them, and hand-picked them for the task of being my extra set of eyes and ears around the mansion. And to perform some tasks for me. I trust each of them with my life." Nicoleta replied, her once-proud and refined voice turning lower and more threatening. Apparently you had hit a nerve there.

>"What was she doing with grumman. Her position on the echo-cat should black-list her from service."
>Head back down. You have heard enough.
>Other (write in)

>>1245751
>Head back down. You have heard enough.

>>1245751
>Head back down. You have heard enough.

>>1245751
>>Head back down. You have heard enough.

>>1245751
>Head back down. You have heard enough.

>>1245751
>>Head back down. You have heard enough.

"Well, that's better news..." You began, only to trail off. Your eyes wandering over the bay, the rolling mass of buildings and the airbase beyond, a pair of barely-visible jets taking off. The pair of them banking towards the city as they made their way up towards their CAP positions. As they passed close to the tower, you were forced to squint in order to watch them as their wings rotated back. Tomcats.

Oh shit, you completely forgot!

"Well, if that's everything. I ought to get going." You said, before then standing up. The small bag in your hand.

"Of course Mr Poole. I wish you luck with the war." Nicoleta bid you goodbye with a smile and a nod.

"Thanks, have a nice day yourself." You replied, before making your way towards the elevator. as you arrived, you pressed the button to summon the elevator. You stood there for a couple of seconds before the elevator arrived, the empty elevator's doors opening and allowing you in. The trip down only being interrupted twice to allow people on and off.

As you arrived, you stepped out of the elevator to find both Durendal and Svetlana standing by the entrance. The both of them carrying assorted bags -around 3 in total, and thankfully enough to fit withing the general limits for what would be assumed for personal effects- full of things that they had bought. The pair of them chatting quietly, Svetlana blushing at something that seemed to bring a smile to Durendal's face. You quickly made your way over, aware that you still had to pick up the stuff from the dress shop.

"Having fun ladies?" You asked as you arrived next to them. Two sets of eyes switching up to look at you.

"Bonjour, Razor. You took your time." Durendal greeted you, her smirk from before remaining plastered on her face.

"Well it looks like you made the most of it." You continued on with a nod to the assorted bags.

"Of course! Nothing but the best for mon amie." Durendal nodded happily. Before gesturing down to the bags. "Now. will will you be a gentleman and help us with the bags?"

You couldn't help but groan as you took a pair of the damn things, finding them to be heavier than you'd expected. But a quick glance inside confirmed your suspicions, Durendal had bought alcohol, wine and vodka to be precise.

Thankfully however, this turned out to work in your favour, as you ended up carrying too much to be able to haul anything else. So when your group arrived at the dress shop -the shop did have a name, but it was in french so you couldn't pronounce it- Svetlana was forced to carry the bag that contained the dress itself. You'd seen similar bags used for suits, and they were always pretty long. And in this case, it forced Svetlana to almost carry it on her shoulder as she walked.

At this time of day, traffic was starting to pick up as people left their jobs in the mass of skyscrapers in Tokyo's financial district. As such, the trip back to base was long and people left their day jobs, returning home to their families.

>CONT

>>1249129
On the way back, you and your friends talked some more. Mostly just shooting the shit while your taxi waited in traffic. It took your taxi a good couple of hours to make it to the base, even with the low levels of traffic, compared to peace time levels of course. The guards at the base's entrance casting you broad grins as they watched you heft the bags around.

Not that you really cared. Unlike them, you got to fly fighter jets all day and have skills that couldn't be lumped under "standing around looking like a dildo" as Ares put it.

You smiled as you lead your group towards the barracks. Now you could get back to the ACTUAL reason why you were here. To kill Soviets.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm going to call the thread here. Sorry that it took longer than I expected to finish this thread up. But due to the Saturday fuck-up things were shifted along. I had to do the updates whenever I could during the week.

Now we're at a bit of an impasse, which I want your help with. We can either end this Pilot Quest arc here, and switch over to Where Wolves Fear To Tread. Or we can continue Pilot Quest until the end of the ball, which would be around 2-4 more threads. I plan to have a dogfight between this thread and the ball in that case. Just so we can have some combat.

Anyways, I'll be checking up on this form time-to-time until we run next. Which will be tomorrow/in a few hours time. If you have questions then ask and I'll answer them if the thread is still up.

>>1249136
>continue Pilot Quest
i'm fine with whatever

>>1249136
I'm for wrapping up our terrifyingly piloting-free loose end before switching over to Grenades: The Quest.

>>1249136
Wrapping up the current arc before getting back to Magical Boy Eugen sounds good. Both quests are tons of fun, in any case.