>>2400004
>[x] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

>Either that or this is Princess Katsumi’s detachment.
Better keep our head on a swivel to watch out for Jess if that's the case. Best night of the week!

>>2400004
[X] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

>>2400004

>[X] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

>>2400004
>[X] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

>>2400004
>[] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

>>2400004
>[] Yes, but I don’t see her much.

>>2400004
>[] Yes, but I don’t see her much.

File: Reminder that they're clo(...).jpg (60 KB, 500x800)

60 KB JPG

>>2400004
>[X] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

Reminder that this is how Stasya looks right now,

File: aged-up lilya.jpg (81 KB, 457x640)

81 KB JPG

>>2400249
Eh, I'd say she's about like this.

I know it's Lilya, but the principle is the same.

File: __uzaki_hana_1_2_switch_n(...).jpg (97 KB, 679x846)

97 KB JPG

>>2400278
Alternatively she could be like

File: While the IG flights perf(...).jpg (107 KB, 1000x598)

107 KB JPG

[x] Yes, I don’t see her enough.

“Yes.” You say, smiling- Aunt Katsumi, so unlike Aunt Jessica, is one of the family members you get along well with. “I don’t see her enough.”

“Looks like you may get a chance.” Kim says. “I’m not picking up any other Shindens in the air, and everything else down there is IJN or IJA.”

You don’t respond, though you are glad that you might get the chance to talk to aunt Katsumi again. You saw her last about maybe ten years ago, when the whole Bishop family came to Japan on vacation, at your aunt’s invitation.

You follow Billy’s Fenrir down as you land- the single runway is a little over six thousand feet long, but it’s fairly narrow and the landing, while it’s not bad, isn’t your best.

On the ground, as you taxi, you note that the base looks much busier- and much more on edge. You can clearly see IJA and IJN infantry standing in groups, some armed, some not, while almost every aircraft on the pad is armed.

“Wow.” Kim says, quietly. “I g-guess this is the real thing, huh?”

[] Sure looks like it.
[] They’ll back down, don’t worry.

>>2400404
>[other] Might be, but it's no real use worrying over it.

>>2400404
>[] Sure looks like it.
Better to be prepared.

>>2400404
[X] Sure looks like it.

>>2400419
This one

>>2400404
>[x] Sure looks like it.

>>2400404
>[x] Sure looks like it.
Missed the start of the thread. Here we go!

>>2400404
>[x] Sure looks like it.

>>2400419
>>2400404
Supporting this.

[] Sure looks like it.

“Sure looks like it.” You respond, warnings from the barons in your mind as you do. There’s a different atmosphere here, one you can pick up on even from the armored cockpit of the Fenrir. They all look tense.

Scared, even.

“No sense in worrying about it, though.” You say, you hope reassuringly.

“I guess not.” Kim says, her voice trailing off. “But still....” You can still feel hints of her unease, even through the link as it is right now. And, you realize, she has a point.

It’s no great secret that China rebuilt their military in the years since the war, and that the ferocious beatings they took taught a lesson- their aircraft now are on par almost with anything the US or Japan can put in the air- barring, of course, the fenrir. There’s rumors, too, that they ran their own superwitch programs- and unlike the Soviet union, didn’t find the costs too great or the implications too disturbing. Your mother speculated some about that, rarely.

You’re directed to a spot in a hardened hangar, where the ground crew- all Japanese, for the moment- directs you to shut down. It’s the barest of flickers in your head as Kim shuts down the aircraft- engines first, then weapons, sensors, and, last of the major systems, the flight control computer and VDNI link. You blink as it goes dead, suddenly thrust back into the confines of your own body.

Kim pops the canopy for you, letting the cool, humid air in. The smell of jet fuel clashes with the smell of the ocean, less than ten miles distant. Of course, the lake behind you adds it’s own odor to the mix.

A welcoming party waits on the ground- white uniformed witches, standing back from your aunt. She smiles up at you as you stand up in the cockpit.

“Morgan.” She greets with a slight bow. “Good morning.”

You nod back at her, and she smiles lightly as you stoop down to grab your flight bag and hop out of the canopy and onto the side of the fuselage, taking a few skittery steps down the side before jumping the fifteen or so feet to the ground.

Your aunt, patient as ever, waits as you help Kim down- she, perhaps more sensibly, used the ladder. When she’s down, you motion to her as you notice Billy and Una leaving their aircraft to join you.

[] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall
[] Let your commander get here first- you’ll have time to catch up, you’re sure.

Guys I cannot get my pictures folder to work, so I'm just not going to post any for the time being. I'm going to try and sort it out, but fussing with it is taking up too much time and effort. I'm really sorry about that, I'll try and get it sorted before the next thread.

>>2400708

[] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

>>2400708
>[x] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

>>2400708
>[X] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

>>2400708
>[X] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

>>2400708
>[] Let your commander get here first- you’ll have time to catch up, you’re sure.

>>2400708
[X] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

>>2400708
[X] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

[x] Greet your aunt personally before they join you- you do actually like her, afterall

You turn and bow slightly to your aunt Katsumi. “Forgive my rudeness, aunt.” you say, straightening up to pull off your helmet and smile at her. “Good Morning.”

She smiles, then reaches out to pull you into a hug, which you return.

“Are you well?” She asks. “We had wanted to attend your graduation, but we weren’t able to find the time to do so.”

You shrug. “It’s alright, I understand the pressures of office come first.”

She smiles. “If you’re going to attempt to guilt me, I’ll just let your aunt Jessica talk to you.” She says, somewhat airily.

“I fully apologize.” You say quickly, getting another laugh out of her.

Billy and Una catch up, finding themselves cordoned off by Katsumi’s bodyguard detachment- who are polite to a fault, but still don’t let them pass while your aunt is talking.

“Your flight leader?” She asks, her voice low enough to not carry over.

You nod.

“Ah” She says, quickly motioning at her guards to let them through.

“Ma’am.” Billy says, coming to attention and saluting.

Katsumi smiles as Una mirrors him. “Lieutenant commander.” She says with the public smile- the one that’s friendly, if not entirely genuine.

“Reporting as ordered, ma’am.” Billy says, still at attention.

“To me?” Katsumi asks, surprised, then shakes her head. “I am not the post commander, you’ll find him in the administration building. In fact, allow me to have one of my guards show you where he is.”

He nods, looking somewhat relieved. “Thank you, ma’am.” He says, as one of the imperial guards stands aside. The three of them leave without another word- though you do see Una looking back over her shoulder at you and Kim as Katsumi guides you out of the hangar through another door.

“So, tell me, Morgan.” Katsumi says. “How are you liking your chosen profession so far?”

[] I can see why dad liked it so much.
[] I think I’d still be happier as a commando like mom was.

>>2401059
>[x] I can see why dad liked it so much.

File: Pilot.jpg (10 KB, 360x251)

10 KB JPG

>>2401059
>[x] I can see why dad liked it so much.
Nothing better than flying

>>2401059
>[] I can see why dad liked it so much.
Flight is freedom, and a chance to not be under so many eyes.

Ok guys, gonna go shower, if there's time, I'll do another update, if not, look for it Tuesday!

Not really happy with the length of thread either, probably won't close it out till the weekend.

>>2401059
>[X] I can see why dad liked it so much.

>>2401059
>[] I can see why dad liked it so much.

>>2401059
>[X] I can see why dad liked it so much.

Pilots gotta pilot.

>>2401059
>[X] I think I’d still be happier as a commando like mom was.

>>2401059
> [] I can see why dad liked it so much, but still I'm not sure if I wouldn't be happier as a commando like mom was.

Best of both worlds

>>2401059
>[x] I can see why dad liked it so much.

>>2401059
>[x] I can see why dad liked it so much

>>2401059
>[X] I can see why dad liked it so much.

>>2401059
>>2401287
+1

>>2400404
>dat livery
>not Titans colors
Actually, how different is Gundam in a universe where Imperial Japan is still around?
The Imperial Japanese influences on Zeon are less obvious than the Nazi German ones, but still very much present.
Is Full Frontal's awful plan in Unicorn still blatantly the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere... IN SPAAAAAAACE?
Is Wing still all about muh peace?
Is X still the unloved redheaded stepchild in spite of being awesome as all hell?

>>2402136
Let's not kid ourselves, X was pretty terrible. Objective best Gundam is the Once And Future King of Gundam, 8th MS Team.

>>2402658
X has one of only two actually decent love stories in all of Gundam (the other being the one that shoots the burger king mascot at mecha-satan), a mostly likeable cast, some really cool mecha designs, and a great setting. I'd put it about on par with Wing. It's not the best Gundam, but it doesn't deserve the treatment Bandai give it. Especially considering they keep pushing the abortion that is SEED while trying to pretend X never existed.
08th MS Team meanwhile is awesome when it's doing action, is GORGEOUSLY animated, features my mecha-piloting waifu Karen Joshua, and is definitely one of my favorites overall, but Jesus titty-fucking Christ is that Romeo and Juliet in the One Year War shit, which comprised the actual plot, fucking awful. Plus the storytelling kinda meanders to fill episode count. War in the Pocket is objectively better as a story due to better executing on its themes and being much more tightly plotted and paced overall, and 0083 is better animated what with being, y'know, 0083 (but dear god is 0083 a dumb story).

File: tumblr_m67iyik6Mn1rxnr91o1_500.jpg (39 KB, 500x380)

39 KB JPG

>>2402987
Seriously though, look at this woman.
She's fucking perfect, 08th MS Team should have been a full series, and just been 52 episodes of MCPO Karen Joshua kicking ass in a GM-headed Ground Type.

>>2402987
What, you mean you don't like Top Gun IN SPEESSSSS FEATURING GIANT ROBOTS?

>>2403051
Top Gun in spess is fun.
But it's the latter half where 0083 gets really dumb.
The FUN kind of dumb, but still so very dumb.

File: 1427505652130.jpg (31 KB, 960x639)

31 KB JPG

>>2402987
>(the other being the one that shoots the burger king mascot at mecha-satan),

>>2402136
Maybe You Inoue doesn't fuck off to Africa, allowing Tomino to use more of Sayla and not replace her with objectively inferior thots.

File: 1413244932832.jpg (70 KB, 1024x676)

70 KB JPG

GUESS WHO JUST QUIT THEIR JOB? THIS FAGGOT RIGHT HERE.

I hope Ghost is running tonight I could really use a pick-me-up.

>>2404015
That would be awesome.
Because seriously, FUCK Beltorchika.

>>2401059
>[X] I think I’d still be happier as a commando like mom was.

File: XFA-33 Fenrir front.jpg (62 KB, 1280x720)

62 KB JPG

>>2401059
>[] I can see why dad liked it so much.
>1903+113
>not loving flight and planes

Ok guys! Making dinner real quick and sorting some stuff from the day, then we'll go for a couple posts this evening.

I will be headed out of town (back to Omaha) on the 25th, so no thread that week I'm afraid! Sorry about that, I'll see what I can do to make it up to you. Maybe a bit of a surprise that next sunday?

anyway, give me a bit and we'll get the next post up!

File: Fact is, Kim loves the th(...).jpg (788 KB, 1920x1080)

788 KB JPG

[x] I can see why dad liked it so much.

“I can see why dad liked it so much.” You say, smiling. “And the fighter is amazing.”

She nods, looking back at the Fenrir through the open door. “I had heard from your mother that you had selected the Fenrir as your aircraft, but I hadn’t been sure I’d heard correctly. I didn’t think you’d submit to the surgery.”

You nod- you’ve heard the sentiment before. “I had to think about it for a little while.” You say. “Seemed worth it to me.”

“Is that so? Very like your father, then.” She says, smiling at you. “I have been approached about using the technology in our variable strikers.”

Kim blinks at that. “But- witches don’t get plugs. Not often I mean.” She blushes a little when both of you stop to look at her, her step hesitating. “Sorry...”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been rude. Aunt, this is Ensign Kim Wells, my Systems Operator. She’s an apprentice witch of the US Navy coven, Her mother is-”

“Samantha Wells.” Katsumi says with a smile. “I know, Morgan. No need to be formal with me. It as a pleasure to finally meet you, Kim.”

Kim nods, then bows, slightly. “The honor is mine, highness.”

Katsumi’s laugh startles Kim a little- you see her jump. “Please, no need for the formality with me, not now.” She says. “As for our conversation, you’ve elected to get the imput jacks, no?”

Kim hesitates again. “I-I’m probably not.” she says.

“Ah.” Katsumi says, her expression betraying no emotion. “But you are Morgan’s teammate, are you not? The Fenrir requires VDNI plugs.”

Kim looks up at you for help.

[] “Kim has elected to transfer into maintenance and field development work, aunt.”
[] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.
just give a appoving nod or so

File: __original_drawn_by_hong_(...).jpg (368 KB, 800x999)

368 KB JPG

>>2405047
>Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

Here's for the best kind of pilot suit.

>>2405047
>[] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[x] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[x] “Kim has elected to transfer into maintenance and field development work, aunt.”

>>2405047
>[x] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[X] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

>>2405047
>[x] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious

File: Dinner rarely includes af(...).jpg (680 KB, 1160x1828)

680 KB JPG

[x] Prompt Kim to answer- Katsumi’s probably just curious.

You nod at her to prompt her to answer- Katsumi, knowing your aunt, is probably just curious.

Kim seems to gather herself, then looks at your aunt directly. “I don’t like flying, but I love fast jets.” She says, after a second, causing Katsumi to blink and cock her head to the side.

“That’s an unusual situation.” She says, after a moment. “You don’t like flying?”

Kim shakes her head. “It’s complicated, but no. I don’t think I do. But I love jets.” She shrugs. “Pilots are fun too, I guess.”

Katsumi laughs at that. “Pilots are an interesting group, yes. Kim, my nephew and I were going to have dinner, would you like to join us?”

Kim hesitates, then looks at you again. “I don’t want to be in the way...

[] “Wait, dinner?”
[] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[x] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[x] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[X] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[x] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[x] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[x]"So I guess we're having Kim-chi?"

>>2405365
>[x] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[] “It’s fine, Kim.”

>>2405365
>[] “It’s fine, Kim.”
>>2405507
i like you

>>2405507
I hate you

>>2405365
>[] “It’s fine, Kim.”
>>2405507
Oh you.

Ok guys, gonna go get dinner started, then we ought to be good to go!

For sure no thread next week, BTW- we'll be out of town from Monday through to Saturdayish.

Hey guys something came up gonna be a late single update tonught, Im sorry!

Guys, I just got home, I'm sorry, but I have to get in the shower and get ready to sack out. I'll post an update tomorrow and maybe saturday or sunday, but I'll keep you informed.

I really wish it was the old days and I could just run a thread. Man, I miss those days, haha.

>>2410683
No prob Ghost, catch ya tomorrow

>>2410683
We all do boss.

Any chance of going back to a more regular post schedule, or was that too rough to keep up with? I don't think the length/quality/style/amount changed really with the shift to a thread style as opposed to one a day or two.

>>2410683
Take care of yourself, boss.

Ok guys, working on the update. A bit sloshed, so it'll take a bit, but no work in the morning, so I can take my tuime and really use that spell check! haha.

ALso, this rum is a bit too good. Can't get this again!

>>2412397
Make rum and we won't treat ya like a drunken sailor in the mornin.

>>2412690
I'm a bit too sauced top make sense of that but I'll tryu haha. the uypated mayh be pretty late guys I'm, sorry I'm pretty terible i know I shouldn't drink when I should be writing but I am but a weak and flawed huamn and occasionally fall vaictim to my flaws. I'll do better for you gys sometime though I hope, haha

>>2412734
If you're making that many spelling mistakes, just wait until the morning to post it; dunno how coherent it would be at the moment.

Hey guys, just got home, gonna do warframe real quick then we'll do a couple updates!

File: You're pretty sure the co(...).jpg (71 KB, 450x300)

71 KB JPG

[] “It’s fine, Kim.”

“It’s fine, Kim” You say, reassuring the girl. Katsumi nods.

“We would love for you to accompany us, Kim.” She says, smiling down at the girl and nodding at the witches following the three of you. “Although I cannot promise anything more than the usual mess hall food right now.”

Kim nods, following you, a half-step behind you.

“Your aunt Jessica will be there, of course.” Katsumi says, after you’ve walked a short distance. “She’s seeing to some of the younger witches on the base now, but she’s expressed a great desire to see her nephew again.”

You look at your aunt, and she laughs at the pained expression on your face.

It’s not that you really have a problem with your aunt Jessica- she’s not exactly the kind of person you’d normally be around, but she’s not a bad person, either. She’s just extremely high energy- according to your father, she’s always been like that.

In fact, according to him, she was much, much worse. You can scarcely imagine.

Still, she’s a bit... overbearing seems to fit well, you think. She’s always worried about everyone and everything’s well-being, a fact that’s endeared her over the years to the Imperial Japanese witches, but it still is a bit much, especially when she does it to you. She tries too hard, you think- but it’s part of the image she maintains, and you, of anybody, understand that kind of thing.

What you’ll never understand is how she and Katsumi ended up together. You’re not one to judge, but they’re almost a perfect case of opposites attract.

The mess hall is quiet- it’s still too early in the morning for people to be coming in in more than groups of one or two for some light breakfast- though your aunt called the meal dinner, it was more in deference to your jet lag- while the time difference between midway and Japan isn’t that great, it’s enough to throw you off. With the added stress of the networked VDNI, it really does feel like an incredibly late dinner for you.

Still, the meal is both hot, good, and, perhaps most surprisingly, western- Eggs, bacon, and sausage wait for you on the plate, along with a glass of orange juice.

1/2

Katsumi guides you to a table slightly away from the rest, her guards taking up places nearby- close enough to intervene to any threat, but far enough away to be out of earshot of your conversation.

“They’re very well trained.” She says, noticing your attention on her guards. “Ayumi makes sure of it.”

“General Ogawa?” You ask, and she nods.

“The same. You know she’s been with my guards for nearly thirty years, now?”

You nod. You’ve heard stories about the commander of the imperial guard, of course. You even met her, once- though it was scarcely more than a few words, at most.

“Ogawa-san is in Tokyo right now, of course.” Katsumi says, looking over her shoulder, almost as if she expected the other witch to be there. “With all the alerts, she’s doing her best to make sure all the guard units are fully staffed and acceptable.”

You nod, and she looks at you kind of sideways. “Which brings me to what I wanted to ask you. Would you consider flying for me?”

You blink. “Is that even possible?”

She nods. “Jessica’s guard element is short by two witches, but I cannot transfer anyone away without Ogawa’s approval, and she would never approve the move. But If you were to fly for me, I could transfer away all of my Shindens to my brother, and take the two witches from his guards.”

“Have you asked anyone else?” Kim asks, and Katsumi nods. “CINCPAC is aware of the request, as is Captain Bishop.” She says. “We all felt it best to ask you what you wished to do, lest it look as if there were favoritism going on.”

[] How long do I have to think about it?
[] I don’t think that would work out, aunt.
[] I’d be honored, aunt.

>>2416749
>[] How long do I have to think about it?
Don't feel like 100% jumping on this.

>>2416749

[] How long do I have to think about it?

>>2416749

>[x] How long do I have to think about it?

We only just got to a unit and don't have a new operator yet we should probably make sure shit's set up before we immediately roll out to a new unit.

Also heavy sideeye that Ogawa won't restock Jessica's unit.

>>2416749
>[] How long do I have to think about it?

Seems pretty out of the blue really... We need a new back seater anyway, and have to get set up with them and all that. It'll be a few days before we can even fly again.

>>2416749
>[x] How long do I have to think about it?
We should get our shit squared away first, otherwise I'm all for it.

>>2416749
Hang on, didn't Ogawa die in a Striker Testing accident?

Or are the '89 epilogues being retconned?

>>2416749
>[] I don’t think that would work out, aunt.
We're still trying to acclimate to being active combat duty, in a new squad, with an uncertain backseater.
I'm mostly worried about us running off on the squad, but our backseater issues provide the most concrete excuse.

>>2416881
Nothing that faggot wrote ought to be canon anyway.

File: 1521264299592.png (474 KB, 667x961)

474 KB PNG

>>2416749
>[x] I don’t think that would work out, aunt.

Kawaii Nippon witches vs patriotism and general human decency. I wonder how this will play out

>>2416749
>[X] How long do I have to think about it?

>lest it look as if there were favoritism going on.
Well, it's not like we're already under that kind of suspicion... oh, wait.

>>2416749
>[] How long do I have to think about it?
Also, who's CINCPAC now that Nixon is gone?

>>2417434
>This salty about kenji

>>2416749
>[X] How long do I have to think about it?

>>2416749
>[] How long do I have to think about it?

>>2417545
The person who killed Ogawa off in an epilogue wasn't Ghost. It was some asshole whose shit shouldn't be canon.

>>2418225
Merc? The epilogues involving his characters should be fine, but not any involving Ghost's characters, especially if they contradict Ghost's writing.

>>2418299
He's referring to feelthyhornet.

>>2418322
Huh, didn't know he wrote epilogues. Well, whatever.
No offense to Merc, by the way.

>>2418322
It's just the one guy who's ultrasalty about feelthy and *never shuts up* about it. Even after all these years.

>>2416749
>[x] How long do I have to think about it?
On the one hand, massive credit and flying with family. On the other hand, witches are already being sent over to reinforce our squadron. At the very least, we should consult our boss and flight lead.

Also, does she mean us flying alongside both her and jess, or just jess? Don't Witches burn out at around 25-30'ish?

>>2418749
>Don't Witches burn out at around 25-30'ish?
Not in the SWQ-verse

>>2418404
He's a piece of shit who almost ruined the quest.

Hey guys! Gonna finish eating dinner here and we can close out the thread! Gotta pack too, so we'll probably only get one or two updates more tonight.

>>2418837
He wrote a story you didn't like. Boo hoo, poor baby.

Control your absurd butthurt and let it go already. Its been bloody *years*.

File: While Jessica has gotten (...).jpg (180 KB, 580x542)

180 KB JPG

[x] How long do I have to think about it?

You wrestle with the offer for a minute- While she is your aunt, and the move would be incredibly prestigious, you know- you’d be the first pilot from a foreign nation to ever fly with the guard, and to do so at the direct request of the imperial family is almost unheard of. Even your aunt Jessica’s inclusion in the unit was via a request from Ogawa- that at the prompting of Katsumi, yes, but still.

But, even with that, you can’t help but note that, yet again, it’s an opportunity entirely based on family. You’re a Bishop, and so, this is being offered to you. Any other pilot would have to be the top one percent of the top one percent to even get a second look, and yet here you are, One flyby of a friendly island and a grand total of maybe ten hours of full system stick time on the Fenrir.

“How long do I have to think about it?” You ask, your tone neutral, if not carefully so. She, no doubt, knows what you’re thinking, which is why her facial expression never changes.

“Until the Chinese make their move.” She says evenly. “It’s an open offer to you, of course, but I rather imagine after this starts, the navy will be reluctant to let a Fenrir go.”

You nod, looking over at Kim, who looks unsure.

“What about me?” She says, after a second. “I-I’m not going to be flying with Morgan anymore, but I want to stay with Papa Legba.”

“And that raises the question of a replacement systems operator.” You say. “I can’t imagine the guard would allow an American witch to fill the post.”

Katsumi smiles- a catlike grin you’ve only seen a few times in your life. “Don’t forget just who and what I am, Morgan.” she says. “They will accept whomever I tell them to, at the end of the day. Besides, your aunt Jessica has made enough of an impression that I doubt there would be much resistance. Kim, you would of course be required to come as well- we lack the ground crews to maintain the Fenrir, and I doubt we’d be allowed to have our people trained to do it.”

“Of course,” She continues. “I also know of a few witches from our own armed forces that may be willing to undergo the necessary surgery if they were asked.

1/2

“More than a few, Kat. Hi Morgan! Long time, no see.” Your Aunt Jessica says, appearing as if from nowhere to enfold her wife in a hug before taking the seat next to her.

You nod towards her. “Hello aunt Jessica.” You respond. She smiles at the reserved tone.

“Sorry I’m late, some of the newer girls here were having trouble adjusting, I was in their quarters talking with them. They should be ok but we need to make sure to keep them back if something happens, Kat.” She says in her long-winded way. “They seem awful young. were we that young? I don’t think we were.”

Katsumi laughs. “You were younger than any one of those girls.” She says. “And you’re being rude.”

“That’s right, I’m sorry. Hello Mogran! How have you been? And You’re Kim, right? I never forget a face, but last I saw you you were still in diapers. How are you two? How has flying been?”

You’re torn between wanting to laugh, and wanting to cry. Aunt Jessica is a good, friendly person, there’s no doubt about it- there’s a purity to her actions and way of thinking that a lot of people can’t grasp. At the same time, man, she talks an awful lot.

Maybe Kim can do most of the talking back to her?

Ok guys, that's all I'm going to be able to get out this evening, so that's going to be all for the week. I'll do Q&A as I'm able throughout the week, but I think I've figured out the biggest difference affecting quality, so I'm hoping we'll see an improvement here by the next thread. Thanks for sticking with it this long guys, I know it's been pretty rough lately, and I really do appreciate it.

But, I have to finish packing and get a shower in, so I'll close out here. As always guys, hope you're having fun with it, and till next time gents, Cheers!

Poor Morgan, Jess seems like the exact kind of person that would be incompatible with how slow and quiet he seems to take life.

>>2419573
Catch ya next week Ghost!

>>2419598

I mean she seems totally normal from these three sentences we've heard her say. She enters the conversation, tells her wife something pretty important, does that jaded older person thing about age, and then greets us. Except for the super on the nose 'you're being rude' bit, that's pretty much what I'd expect from my family. Wasn't even long-winded, just needed a semicolon in one part and a comma in the middle of the other.

Maybe my idea of normal is skewed, I'm on 4chan after all, but she's nowhere near as bad as she was hyped to be. Or how Morgan is reacting.

>>2419537
>One flyby of a friendly island and a grand total of maybe ten hours of full system stick time on the Fenrir.
This actually bothers me a lot, this assumption we're good.Can we at least prove ourselves first, so there's at least a thin justification for offering us all these amazing opportunities?

>“I can’t imagine the guard would allow an American witch to fill the post.”
American pilot flying a highly prestigious american plane. The hell they think is going to backseat for us?

>“I also know of a few witches from our own armed forces that may be willing to undergo the necessary surgery if they were asked.
Sneaksy japanese is trying to lure annoter Bishop over to Japan. If we wound up with a japanese backseater, we'd be permanently tied to Japan, with a moderate change of romantically engaging with them depending on the operator. Considering the power and rarity of witches, I can't imagine the US was happy to lose Jessica to them, but they'd have a conniption if we jumped ship to them.

>>2419906
>this assumption we're good
To be fair to Morgan he's good enough to be a Fenrir pilot, so the assumption he's good has some justification.

>Sneaksy japanese is trying to lure annoter Bishop over to Japan.
Wouldn't be surprised though if the Japanese SO is one of Katsumi's nieces. Which would be all apart of the current Emperor's master plan to join those excellent Laroux-Bishop genes with the Imperial family's own.

>but they'd have a conniption if we jumped ship to them.
Depending on how the coven goes about things that isn't entirely a bad thing.

>>2419895
Imagine if she spat out those words lightning fast and with an uncomfortable amount of energy. Like an annoying small dog, yapping and running this way and that.

>>2419974
>he's good enough to be a Fenrir pilot
Sure, but he's an incredibly green one with nothing noteworthy besides his connections. It'd be pretty obvious to anyone why she's offering: Not because we've earned it, but because of who we know. Seems like that would bother quiet, grounded Morgan.

>Depending on how the coven goes about things that isn't entirely a bad thing.
I could care less about the covens, but the government wouldn't be happy. And we'd only be exhanging the US ones for the Japanese ones; a lateral shift at best.

>>2419990
>a lateral shift at best.
I'd say a downgrade.
At least with the Americans, Maman wields some inordinate influence that can help cushion any political screwups on our part, due to the Bayou Coven's independence.

>>2419990
>but the government wouldn't be happy.
Any issues the government would have would be more related to the Fenrir's systems which does relate to the duties of an SO. But the fact that Katsumi brings up specifically that she'd doubt their people would be allowed to be trained to work on the Fenrir yet does not state the same doubts in regard to a replacement SO makes me wonder a bit on that. Then again if the Navy sees an issue with a Japanese SO in a Fenrir they won't sign off on it and that be the end of that.

>>2420231
I'd say between Kimiko and Katsumi there's probably enough influence handle most political screwups with the Japanese.

>>2420393
Yea it's weird, I can't tell if she's trying to be polite or poach us or throw her weight around as royalty or what. A Fenrir plane and operator are pretty valuable, never mind our status as "The male Bishop".

>>2420426
All of the above, I think.

>>2420426
Probably a mixture of reasons, she wants to extend a prestigious opportunity to her nephew who happens to have two legendary parents and she probably thinks, along with damn near everyone else, he'll end up becoming like his father. With Loa humming to the tune of 'Cat's in the Cradle', people aren't entirely wrong but not entirely right either. The offer is genuine while the poaching is secondary.

>>2420426

We should remember, while Katsumi was always quite nice and down to earth in SW89, she is still a princess and has now been playing this game for quite some time. She's probably pretty good at it.

So far a lot of this quest has been people playing Musical Morgan before World War IV breaks out.

>>2420486
I still say we should find a nice, non-sparkly, Operator girl.

File: Wendy Meido Hips.png (239 KB, 858x842)

239 KB PNG

>>2420534
>not waifuing Wendy
You have no taste anon

>>2420534
Excellent taste anon.

>>2420684
Young women or no woman at all
Hags and cakes can leave the hall

>>2420684
If she was closer to our age, I'd be right there with you. But she's old enough to have been interested in frank during '89, even if it never went anywhere.
I actually wish she'd gotten with someone else and had a kid, so we could have someone our age with Wendy's personality.

>>2420684
Wendy is too old. Look, I like older women, but she's too old to have kids with.

File: U Wot M8.jpg (129 KB, 1048x932)

129 KB JPG

>>2420701
How can you be so wrong?
>>2420709
Getting hung up on age is a silly thing to do when both individuals are adults. Also Morgan is pretty different compared to Frank so I doubt there is too much potential for the projecting on Wendy's part.
>>2420726
Pregnancy later in life is a bit more practical for witches, the risk is still there but less so. Unless you're a heal witch apparently then you're just OP.

>>2420863
>Pregnancy later in life is a bit more practical for witches, the risk is still there but less so. Unless you're a heal witch apparently then you're just OP.
That's all well and good, but she's in her mid to late forties.

>>2420938
With a body like she's in her early to mid 20s.

Could Wendy be our backseater?

This is important.

>>2421088
In theory, yes. Merlin is still flying, Wendy should be fine.
In practice, no. She was a Striker Witch, not a RIO;
she doesn't have the training or the plugs to backseat for us, and is rather old to be learning an entirely new skill set and getting an invasive surgery.

Barring the sudden unavailability of every available currently serving witch, I don't see it, unfortunately.

It would be interesting to fly with a full witch, albeit an older one; I wonder what would change?

I pity the individuals who don't know the soft, warm lewd embrace of a sexually frustrated older woman.

>>2421088
The thought crossed my mind too but I doubt it, she'd have to get plugged and trained as an SO. I'd also wager Kim's replacement will be whoever Samedi is sending,

File: MAN OF CULTURE.jpg (51 KB, 1024x576)

51 KB JPG

>>2421120

>>2421088

Well, it'd be an awful lot for a woman of her age and experience to take on, and the surgery for plugs would be a bit more complicated- but she's got more stick time in a high performance (For it's era) bird than you do, and she's always been adaptable as all hell, so.

I'm sure she'd take a swing if it was offered to her.

>>2420486
She's *Quite* good at it.

And welcome to the witching world. Morgan is damn near a witch as far as the covens are concerned. This kind of thing is hardly unheard of among them.

>>2421789
Seems like it'd be a dick thing to do to the squadron though. To ditch them literally the first opportunity we got.

>>2421927
Right? Especially after that talk we had with Becc. And it's not like we'd be any less in the spotlight if we took her offer.

>>2421789
>She's *Quite* good at it.
The more I think about her offer, the lower my opinion of her gets. Most major things in this world parallel our world, and Japan has had an entirely different state of government for a very long time. I wonder how much longer until that corrects itself.

>Morgan is damn near a witch as far as the covens are concerned
Well they can fuck right off. We want no part of that bullshit.

>>2422010
Now, to be fair, it's an EXTREMELY nice opportunity. Being the first foreign steelwing to fly with the Imperial Guard EVER, not to mention at the direct request of the Imperial Princess herself? Like, damn. We need to at least consider it, maybe talk it over with Stasya, Dad and maybe Maman.

>>2422050

It's a nice opportunity layered in like 3-4 layers of political moves though.

At the very least, while our first assignment wasn't exactly welcoming, the squadron itself doesn't seem like it was as a political move, by their own admission they were kind of second-string before we showed up and suddenly were on the radar because they had Bishop-Laroux in it.

I'll say one thing, Ghost's really layered on the frustration, it's very immersive writing dealing with this bullshit every time we turn around. When do we decide to say fuck it, and just crawl into the woods in NK and fight this war by ourselves until maman has to come get us home again?

>>2422062
>Strikers 2016
>Supposed to be a quest about Witches and Pilots
>Becomes Innawoods: FIRST BLOOD Quest.

Heh, the image amuses me.

>>2422050
It is extremely prestigious, sure, but that's all it is. A showpiece job deep inside a political quagmire. /Maybe/ it'd be worth considering if we didn't already have a squad, and war wasn't on our doorstep, but that's not the case.
Part of the reason this offer bother me so much is it's coming from inside our own family. I know she's a princess and all, but intermixing politics with family like this is really poor form. I'd really like to take an American bluntness hammer to her Japanese oblique maneuvering, but we don't have time to be straining allied relations.

>>2422062
>When do we decide to say fuck it, and just crawl into the woods in NK and fight this war by ourselves until maman has to come get us home again?
It's looking more and more tempting, and the war hasn't even started yet. When we decide we've had enough, we just need to borrow some old obsolete steelwing and get "shot down" over enemy territory. Wouldn't have any trouble going to ground and living off the land even.

File: Fronks Adventure In The Pocket.png (17 KB, 615x323)

17 KB PNG

>>2422062
>>2422090

I hold a thin hope that if we don't appear to manifest powers, we'll drop out of a lot of group's attention. If we do manifest powers, we should do everything in our power to avoid making them known. If it gets out, the political nonsense will get even worse.

>>2422134

I mean, we're GONNA get powers. A minor deity straight up told us that. He even said he'd be giving us more help than he did with Frank, so we'll probably be even better than him with that and the Fenrir/plugs. I'm not too keen on hiding it, really. Frank did his best to not draw on it, I'd like to use it like a tool.

But anyway, I think a lot of the frustration is that we've gotten pretty much nothing but grief in quest for like 3.5 actual months, which has been a day or two in-game. It's really come non-stop, and the reprieve that I was really hoping for with Frank didn't really pan out. Our squadron isn't super pleased about us, our backseater doesn't want to fly anymore, and we're getting tossed around and bargained for. That last bit's expected though, and it's pretty useless to rail against it. Our family's ranged from pretty cool to slightly strained, though we're more on the cool side so far. Billy/Uma seem alright, but they've only shown up in like 2 scenes.

Basically, I think everything seems worse because we've focused heavily on the negatives, real or perceived, of a few days over the course of months. The positives were kinda skimmed over in favor of drama. Once things settle and Ghost figures out a schedule that works it'll probably be fine.

>>2422134
The solution to the political nonsense is simple.
We march our ass over to wherever the SOCOM folks are billeted, find us a nice, non-Sparkly, Operator girl, and start dating her.
For normal dudes, Witches are the exotic fantasy.
When you grow up surrounded by Witches, and inherited the Bishop Gland, normal fucking women are probably the thing you fantasize about.

>>2422169
Or just get us a girlfriend in general. That'll stop it pretty easy.

File: Spoiler Image (72 KB, 200x222)

72 KB PNG

>>2422173
Also threadly reminder

BEST RIO.

>>2422166
>I mean, we're GONNA get powers.
It would be the a pretty impressive bait and switch if we never do though.
>A minor deity straight up told us that.
I'm still not convinced that wasn't a fever dream, but Morgan would believe it at least.

>Once things settle and Ghost figures out a schedule that works it'll probably be fine.
Here's hoping, though I'm still annoyed we got a choice of backseaters (with different specialties even), then promptly had our choice up and quit on us before we even flew once.

>>2422169
Any girl that easy to get wouldn't be worth having, though having a "girlfriend" would be a useful screen. A non-sparkly girl sounds real nice as well.

File: thumbs up cat.jpg (6 KB, 240x240)

6 KB JPG

>>2422166
Pretty sure it's been 3-4 days in quest but sides that I agree with everything you said.

>Once things settle and Ghost figures out a schedule that works it'll probably be fine.
Between sorting out a schedule and working on the quality of the updates, which sounds like Ghost may have figured it what was wrong, things should be less frustrating.

>>2422183
>Here's hoping, though I'm still annoyed we got a choice of backseaters (with different specialties even), then promptly had our choice up and quit on us before we even flew once.

In fairness to that i'm not sure we made a great choice in the first place; based on the response options ghost gave us I think we may have accidentally gotten shoehorned into this choice.

>>2422282

Kim was the best choice of a lot of pretty poor options. Her skillset fit, her sister sounded more annoying, and I think the other option was a shark or something.

I just hope we get a backseat that we can do cool shit with, that is pretty relatable. We already babysat a young kid in Merlin, it'd be nice to have a peer. Maybe someone without some sort of mental/emotional quirk - Kim and the sister were/are obsessed with us, and Kim said some dumb shit within an hour of landing on the carrier that the squadron shut down. The fact that Kim was introduced and immediately had the downside of being so young that she wasn't respected and had the inferior adapter instead of plugs was real shit though.

>>2422340
The third option was Katya's daughter, IIRC.

Frankly, i'm a little annoyed how it played out. we were going in blind on their traits for the most part and pretty much had to pick from the one that sounded least horrifying, and I don't think we got any real info on the 3rd option at all.

And then when we'd blind-picked Kim, the only way to get another option was written so that we'd sound like a super whiny bitch.

Not saying ghost did it on purpose, but it ended up feeling *super* shoehorned.

>>2422349

So I looked it up because, well, I don't have anything better to do.

The options were:
[] One of Aunt Merlin's girls?
[] Sasha?

Now we know who Aunt Merlin is, and can assume her kids are competent. But who's Sasha? This is in the first thread of '16, and this is the first time that name comes up. Three people voted for it, then some anons put together a list of siblings:

-Natalya (Late 30s)
-Stasya+Lilya (35-36)
-Us (25)
-Anastasia+Her Twin (Also 25, several months younger than us)
-Sneks (23)
-Sasha (18)

That's the final mention of the name. I looked at the last SW'89 thread as well - Katya's epilogue says she had one daughter, but never mentions a name.

We picked Merlin's girls, then Kim.

"Kim- the eldest- is just as talented as her mother with fighter aircraft power plants, airframes, electronic warfare systems, and missiles- almost better, if she's to be believed. She's also incredibly possessive of you"

vs

"Chris, the younger, is incredibly good at diagnosing problems on the fly and jury rigging equipment, not to mention her skill with guns, sensor systems, and computers- better than her mother with computers, even. But she seems to think the two of you are destined to be togther- [sic] and she's all of thirteen."

It wasn't the greatest vote - there wasn't any info until it was 'A, B, or ask if they can get reassigned'. Both of Merlin's daughters were born in 2003 as per the epilogue, too, so they're the same age. And with us picking the young Merlin, it'd probably get real samey real quick. Hopefully Ghost has a solid idea going forward.

>>2422357
I just hope whoever replaces Kim has the same proficiencies. The crazy stunts Frank and Merlin could pull off in the air were one of my favorite parts of '89.

>>2421789
Oi Ghost, did the UN enact anything to avoid more bloodshed after WW3? Also, how did they react to the Martians' disappearance?

>>2422183
>Any girl that easy to get
It was a flippant exaggeration of the ease of the solution. Obviously it wouldn't actually be a five minute thing. It would take time and effort but it'd still be superior to filthy Witch politics.

>>2422914
>but it'd still be superior to filthy Witch politics.
Or we just take a hammer to it like Frank did if we don't want to actual make an effort navigate the politics. Not pursuing a relationship with a witch because of witch politics is dumb, it's also not like all witches have a hand in the game.

>>2422914
>It was a flippant exaggeration of the ease of the solution.
Tone is hard on the internet.
>but it'd still be superior to filthy Witch politics.
By a country mile.

>>2422980
>it's also not like all witches have a hand in the game.
They do though. Every witch is part of a coven. Little girls are required to get screened for magic when they're old enough, and are given compulsory membership if they have magic.
Even if a witch doesn't care about the covens, they are still beholden to them, and so are inherently involved in coven politics to some extent. You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.

>>2423079
I should have phrased it differently, what I'm trying to say is that not all witches are Brigittes or Katsumis who are active, proficient players. Some are Sliders who don't have the patience and avoid getting involved when they can or the Wendys who are affected but aren't able to participate for reasons out of their control. Disregarding the Sliders or the Wendys because the game the Brigittes and Katsumis play is bullshit.

>>2423227
So what you're saying is we should hook up with Wendy.

>>2423324
While I'm biased towards Wendy I'm not necessarily against anyone or anything, besides another 'multiple girls winning' end. Supported it in '89 but I'd rather avoid a similar situation happening in '16.

>>2423336

Morgan would also probably be against it because he's had to live this shit his entire life.

>>2423336
>Morgan drives everyone fucking mad by not making his mind
>ends up in the same situation as fronk
>goes out of the room after discussion
>"Dad, how do I deal with harems."

>>2423354
Exactly.
>>2423359
>"Find a heal witch that does pelvises on the cheap."

>>2423359
It's not a harem remember?
>"Dad, how do I deal with poly-amorous relationships?"

>>2423354
>because he's had to live this shit his entire life.
Also why I'm in favor of a non-Witch romance.
A "normal" girl would probably be refreshing as all hell for Morgan after years of being seen as a prize to be won. This is a young man who's had various covens trying to horse trade for his dick since his parentage became known. He's probably had girls try to seduce him because their coven told them to ever since he hit puberty.
A girl who just wants his delicious chocolate abs and nothing else has to be a nice change.

>>2423504
See I'm just for someone who sees us for us and not our parentage, regardless of whether she's a witch or not.

>>2423504

I feel like witches just want to eat him anyway, the coven shit is just how age-appropriate witches just miraculously appear near us and they expect nature to take care of the rest.

We should flip the script, ambush witches with our abs when they don't know who we are.

>>2423504
This is my core reasoning for a non-witch, maybe even non-military. Someone that loves us for us, not our parentage or powers.

personally, I'd prefer we didn't do romance at all, but I know the likelihood of that.

>>2423509
Despite my misgiving about our age difference, Wendy does fit rather well in that regard.

You losers suck. We gotta go gay route.

File: You little shit.png (155 KB, 449x442)

155 KB PNG

>>2423662
Oh look it's this guy again. Fuck off.

>>2422709
Yes and no. They decommissioned all the UNEDF surface superweapons- though the chandelier and stonehenge installations remain active under national control, all UNEDF efforts shifted to orbital-based installations, resulting in the ARMD-class platforms in orbit and the current Orbital DD program.

Marswatch was officially disbanded in 1997 after the planet displayed no signs of activity for ten concurrent years. It's still a pastime of some astronomers to use powerful telescopes to look at the surface-level ruins.

It's also described as incredibly fucking eerie to watch the deserts of mars reclaim the ruins bit by bit.

>>2424145
>It's also described as incredibly fucking eerie to watch the deserts of mars reclaim the ruins bit by bit.
I believe it. Watching the carcass of a civilization rot would make for unsettling viewing, justified death or not.
I wonder how it's affected things like post-apocalypse media?

>>2424145
So with Mars officially declared dead, and the undersea colonies vanished, is anyone looking to colonize Mars? Our space programs are robust enough to maintain a serious military presence in LEO, so it's not a matter of getting there. The Martians could operate in our atmosphere just fine, so Mars shouldn't need any terraforming. It's just a matter of willingness, far as I can tell.

>>2424189
>The Martians could operate in our atmosphere just fine, so Mars shouldn't need any terraforming
That's a big leap of logic. If Martians can operate in both martian and earth atmospheres, it doesn't mean humans can

>>2424189

All I can say is that Space X in setting is going about the same as it is IRL- but they're trying to poach Merlin away from Chance-Vought right now.

Not having much luck- Boeing looks like a stronger contender, just because they're the majority contractor on the Fenrir, and the Fenrir interests Merlin

>>2424145
Always intriguing.
Can humanity engage and destroy targets in GEO orbit and above? Has a man set foot on the moon?

>>2424842
>The Last Days on Mars intensifies
Weren't there some Martians living in Roswell? Could've sworn that the seabed colonies weren't the only remaining Martians.

>>2425452
Pretty sure we have a presence on the Moon, though I might be remembering wrong.

>>2425452
In theory yes. In practice, no one knows

>>2425452
Didnt see the second part of this. Yes, we've been to the moon. Ironically enough, we also learned space and witches dony mix well, and magic is dangerous to use beyond LEO.

>>2425474
There were, and still are, but not many. Theirs is a dying species.

>>2428171
>we also learned space and witches dony mix well, and magic is dangerous to use beyond LEO
Something something attenuation of the Gaiasphere?

>>2428171
>we also learned space and witches dony mix well, and magic is dangerous to use beyond LEO.
Sounds like it doesn't work in space, but I wonder about other bodies? You'd have to get a witch out there of course, but it would be very interesting to know.

>>2428171
>Ironically enough, we also learned space and witches dony mix well, and magic is dangerous to use beyond LEO.
Now this is very strange. Who went on the moon? Neil, Buzz, and Mike?

>>2428331
Remember, there are a lot of incremental steps before you put feet on the moon; the first moon landing was apollo /11/.

That said, I am curious at what point they did realize magic's unstability away from earth. Sending witches up makes a lot of sense from a power-to-weight standpoint, so I can see it happening relatively early in the program. Or maybe later on, once the race pressure was off (Apollo 13?).

Though I guess the whole space race timeline is pretty screwed up, what with the martians and all, so who knows.

>>2428171
If magic has more problems as you get farther from earth, does that mean it gets stronger as you get closer to the core?

File: Seen some shit fampai.gif (137 KB, 659x576)

137 KB GIF

>>2428171
....dangerous how? Ghost? Ghost? You're scaring me Ghost.

Well we know that magic is life energy, so magic probably doesn't get along with space because there is no life energy out there and the only life energy a witch would have access to would be her own or what ever crew members that are with her.

>>2428197
Kind of. The farther away from earth witches got, the harder their familiars became to summon- and to control. Magic trials stopped at geosynch orbit, so no one knows what it's like even further out, but the general consensus is "probably not good'

That said, magic starts to get quote "Strange" unquote in the void, haha!

>>2428410
something something gellar field something something

>>2431918
Well, since life creates mana...

11 from the edge...

>>2436143

We'll probably pick up a new thread either Sunday or Monday- I have monday off.

Fast update guys!

No thread today- I have.. personal aversions to running on 1 april. However, I hear round and round merc has something planned in the witching world...

>>2438186
How bout a small write up detailing the first time Morgan was in the Bishop household on April 1st?

>>2438297
Seconding this