>>3345657
>[] What do you mean, like wyverns?

BEST TIME OF THE WEEK.

>>3345657
>[x] What do you mean, like wyverns?

>>3345657
>[x] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?

>>3345657
>[x] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?

>>3345657
>[X] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?
If Danielle doesn't get our RIO spot, I hope we might get to fly some future mission with her in Strikers.

>>3345657
>[x] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?

Makes sense farming them out if there isn't many of them. Best night of the week!

>>3345657
>[x] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?

>>3345657
>[] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?
Welcome back.

>>3345657
>[] What do you mean, like wyverns?

SAY AGAIN, YOU WANT MY WHAT?

>>3345657
> [] What do you know about her specifically?

Ok, votes called!

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[x] How many witches are there like her in the fleet?

“So how many witches are there like her in the fleet?” You ask, pulling the lid off the pot to stir it some. You dearly wish you had your good wooden spoon, but the store-bought one you just pulled out of the packaging and washed before you started here will have to do.

Anastasia frowns. “Not many, I think. She’s not unique, but there’s not a lot of sensor killers like her, maybe four or five. I mean, that’s enough for just about every witch squadron to have one, but it’s still pretty valuable for the fleet.”

You nod. “Especially with the new A2/AD air defense doctrine the Chinese and Reds have.” You point out.

“Especially with that, yeah.” She agrees. “Dad and aunt Merlin don’t really get how much SAM and antiaircraft gun tech has evolved since the war, especially on the Russian side. Even one of their newest S-400 systems is cheaper than a good fourth gen fighter, and it’s a hell of a lot more dangerous to us. And that’s not counting shit like their griffon railgun or whatever the hell they’re calling it this week.”

“Electromagnetic launcher” you say- you just saw an article on it not too long ago.

She nods. “Yeah, that. Shit’s scary, and girls like Danielle are really the only hard counter we have to it. I agree with the navy on this one- pull them back to a single reserve pool and farm them out where needed to punch holes in air defense networks so the rest of us can do the job.”

“So what do you think will happen if I don’t end up selecting her as my girl in back?”

Anastasia shrugs. “She won’t get to cool her heels long, that’s for damn sure. Either strikers or Aunt Merlin may try to steal her. Given her record and talents, she’s almost perfect for what auntie M is proposing, and the navy would be happy to transfer her if she agreed.”

[] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.
[] You don’t think she’d get selected for another Wyvern crew?

>>3345831
>[x] You don’t think she’d get selected for another Wyvern crew?

>>3345831
>[] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

>>3345831
>[x] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.
Inb4 Growler rival superbird.

>>3345831
>[x] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

>>3345831
[] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

>>3345831
>[x] You don’t think she’d get selected for another Wyvern crew?
As interested as I am in Merlin's work. This interests me more. Especially given what has been said in the past.

>>3345831
>[x] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

Nani?

>>3345869
Seriously, though this implies the matrons only stuck her in because it was 'us'.

>>3345831
>[] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

>>3345831
>[x] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

>>3345831
swapping
>>3345851
to
>[x] You don’t think she’d get selected for another Wyvern crew?

>>3345874
Has a good point. From what she's saying she shouldn't be with us, she'd be more valuable elsewhere. So why is she on offer here?

>>3345874
>>3345889
Now that's an interesting point to make. And it didn't even cross my mind. It's to damn early here for my brain to function. Need more coffee.

>>3345831
>[] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

SCIENCE

>>3345831
>[x] You don’t think she’d get selected for another Wyvern crew?

>>3345874
Makes sense

>>3345896
.......INTERESTING. I'm more interested in knowing what this other project Merls is proposing, but this is interesting to know as well.

>>3345831
>[x] You don’t think she’d get selected for another Wyvern crew?

Sorry guys, got sidetracked by a phone call. Votes called!

>>3345889
>>3345896
Probably because of the potential of a Wyvern witch with her specialty. She did rate the program, and if I recall . And I find it interesting that she's 'distant' to other witches. That seems averse to being involved in politicking.

As for why specifically not any other Wyvern team... that IS a good question, if that's what's actually meant.

Are we still arguing about whether or not the first one is a matron plant? Could we just get to the next one already, since it may not even matter if we really like/hate the rest.

>>3345976
New information came out about Danielle and the rarity of her talents and their usefulness/necessity to the Navy air arm as a whole. Apparently her talents are valuable enough for the Navy to be considering pulling all the girls with her talents back to a condensed unit and farming them out to other units as necessary. Which begs the question.....why is she here, with us, being allowed to go for a Wyvern posting?

>>3345946
I still feel it's a big red flag she was benched up until we got activated. I'll admit I could be wrong, but still...

>>3345976
We get to fly with her AGAIN, remember?
But yeah, I totally wanna meet everyone else already too.

>>3345987
So let's just fly with someone else and see if it matters or not.

>>3346011
see
>>3345994
We already agreed to a third flight with her, unfortunately.
I wish we could redo that vote or have it blocked for some reason, but oh well.

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[x] Which project? Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.

“Which project?” You ask, tasting the spoon and frowning- another couple minutes before you take it off the heat, you think. Just about time to get going on the little bit of garlic bread you plan to make. “Aunt M has like a dozen spinning.”

“You know.” Ana leans in conspiratorially. “Valkyrie.”

“Her plugged strikers?” You ask. You’ve heard the name, but never from your aunt, which is unusual- typically she’s more than happy to talk to you about whatever she’s working on.

Ana looks back over her shoulder at the door to the living room, where everyone else is sitting, chatting away. “Yeah. I’ve heard rumors she’s got prototypes built and is just looking for candidates. Say what you want about her not being able to people for shit, Auntie M is a genius for the technology side of war. She’s probably working three steps ahead of anything anyone else is doing.”

You shake your head. “If she’s got them, they’re in dreamland if they’re anywhere.”

Ana shrugs. “And? what, you think auntie M isn’t there every few months anyway? why do you think she keeps that reserve commission?”

“And you think she’d pick Danielle?”

Ana nods. “It’s the next best thing to putting her in a wyvern. Rumor already is our aunt is going to use your fighter as a flying combat test if and when this thing goes hot. And if you end up with someone else, Danielle in some superstriker sounds exactly like what the navy would need to bust the air defense net the Chinese have supposedly built.”

“Well, what about another wyvern?”

Ana laughs. “They’d have to move fast. You know Merlin. Once she tells the navy something or someone is important to her work, they’ll break their spine bending over backwards to her what she’s after.”

“What about Danielle? If those strikers are plugged is she gonna want to drive them?”

Ana shrugs. “Don’t know here enough to say, but think about it. She’s already agreed to getting plugs in theory anyway, depending on your choices with her. And even if she’s dicey on it, c’mon. Any witch in the fleet would kill for a chance to be one of auntie M’s girls, even if it means disappearing into dreamland.”

[] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.
[] It can’t be that major, I mean, we’re talking about it.

>>3346038
[x] I think she'd go for it.

>>3346038
>[] It can’t be that major, I mean, we’re talking about it.


>take sensor specialist
>put them in direct control
>instead of running sensors
I'm not see the logic with putting her in this "superstriker".

>>3346038
>[] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.

THE SCENT OF BACKSTORY

>>3346038
>[] It can’t be that major, I mean, we’re talking about it.

>>3346038
>[x] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.

>>3346038
>>3346046
Changing my vote to:
[] It can’t be that major, I mean, we’re talking about it.

>>3346038
>[x] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.
I like character development.

>>3346038
>[x] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.

>Danielle in some superstriker sounds exactly like what the navy would need to bust the air defense net the Chinese have supposedly built
>Danielle wants to fly the next step up of strikers
>Merlin is pondering whether or not to be our crew chief
I see what you're doing Ghost...

>>3346038
>[x] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.

Ok, votes called!

>>3346038
>[] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.

Also why she in reserve if so valuable

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[x] Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right? There’s got to be better with fleet.

“Ok, but why her? She’s in reserve, right?” You ask. “There’s got to be better with fleet.”

Ana shakes her head. “I forget how green you are sometimes. Rotations like this are normal. Danielle’s just getting sent somewhere else in the fleet.”

“So she’s not out of squadron service?”

“Nah. She’s just getting rotated, like me or Cass. Helps keep our skills rounded, you learn different things with different squadrons and on different ships. We get a chance to work with a lot of different people with a lot of different skills, and it keeps us sharper as a result. Besides, if they are going to withdraw SEAD witches like her, it makes sense to have them already out of squadrons before trying to organize it, so you can keep those squadrons at establishment strength, especially in the pacific.”

“She’s not here just because of the covens?”

That gets you a flat stare- then Ana grins and laughs. “Really? You think the navy would let the matroncy pick girls they wanted to you use like brood mares and let them slap them in the most hot shit piece of equipment they own to boot? Morgan, please. You’re paranoid. A wyvern alone costs over a bill, there’s no way they’re just going to let those creepy old bitches that run the books use one to have you pop out superbabies or whatever. Get a grip.”

You shrug- it’s easy for her to brush off, but it’s your experience that it’s happened before- at least, kind of. You met an awful lot of nice young girls out of high school and in the academy who just so happened to be witches in with some matron or protege of another.

“Besides, even if that’s what the matroncy did, It’s not like Danielle’s a favorite or anything. Rumor has it the navy shot down most of the coven picks, and the way the wyvern deal is worded, the coven had to accept it. And supposedly none of the coven picks made your short list anyway.”

“Not even that Japanese princess? Kyou?”

Ana laughs again. “Especially not her, are you kidding? Holy shit the matrons would flip shit if she ended up in the wyvern, and the admirals and state department would trollface all the way to the bank. She’s an imperial princess, they can’t touch her. According to aunts Kat and Jess, the Japanese coven can’t do a damn thing to her either.”

“And Earhart? Her grandmom was a matron, right?”

“Sure, and her mom blew their good name all to hell in the sixties.” Ana scoffs. “Listen, I know your mom beat it into your head that getting in your pants is priority one for anyone with a familiar, but there’s other things going on. You need to remember you’re a naval aviator first, and that if it comes to it, the navy’s going to expect you to shine.”

[] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?
[] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

>>3346186
>[x] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?
Praise be to Ana, she answered MY EVERYTHING

>>3346186
>[x] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?
Well that explains why a Young is on there.

>>3346186
>[X] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

>Ana laughs again. “Especially not her, are you kidding? Holy shit the matrons would flip shit if she ended up in the wyvern, and the admirals and state department would trollface all the way to the bank. She’s an imperial princess, they can’t touch her. According to aunts Kat and Jess, the Japanese coven can’t do a damn thing to her either.”
This sounds hilarious and makes me want to see her all the more.

>>3346186
>[] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?

"Is it paranoia if they really are out to get you?"

Kyou sounds more and more like the best option. Completely untouchable. I fucking dig it.

>>3346186
>[] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

NOSY CAT-WITCH SON GO

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>>3346186
>[x] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?

>And supposedly none of the coven picks made your short list anyway.
Hahaha

>Holy shit the matrons would flip shit if she ended up in the wyvern, and the admirals and state department would trollface all the way to the bank
HAHAHA

>>3346186
>[] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?

>>3346186
>[] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?


>“She’s not here just because of the covens?”
I know we've been discussing this among anons, but really? Why would we ask her flat out out like that?

>>3346228
Probably because the ranting about Matron plants got distractingly annoying.

>>3346186
> [] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

>>3346186
[] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?

>>3346186
>[] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

Like for real, might give some insight

>>3346234
Pretty much. Anon was going full Shadowrun on it.

>>3346186
>[x] I guess you’re right. Help me set the table, will you?

ok, votes called!

>>3346279
Pretty sure its a tie

>>3346288

So it is!

I'll give it another couple minutes while I go make food, haha!

>>3346186
>>3346318
>[X] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

>>3346186
>[x] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

Ana, you've always been my favorite sister.

Ok, looks like the tie is pretty well broken, so votes closed!

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[x] What do you know about the witches on the short list anyway?

The garlic bread, not normally a side you’d serve with the chili, is another of Merlin’s favorites. You know your sisters- especially Ana- are going to give you hell over it, but it is what it is, you figure. Plus, you do kind of enjoy spoiling your aunt, though the perfect chocolate cake still eludes you. You get started on it while talking, not minding that Ana’s going to see how you make it. It’s not like this recipe is a particular secret either.

“What do you know about the witches on the short list, anyway?” You ask.

Ana grins and shakes her head. “Fishing for information? You’re kind of bad at that.”

“I’m better at avoiding traps.” You point out. “Just cos I was raised in the bayou coven doesn’t mean I managed to stay out of all the poilitics.”

She snorts. “Yeah, well. Better there than with dad. You’d have walked in blind and dumb. Anyway, you I’m not admin or anything, right? I only know what I hear around.”

You nod.

“Well, we already talked about Danielle. I’d be willing to bet if she doesn’t end up in the backseat of your jet, she’ll either get scooped by auntie M or the next guy through the pipeline.” She says, taking a sip of her drink.

“Kyou, I mean, I know what anyone else does. They’re talking like her shield is her talent, but I’d be shocked if that was it. Imperial witches are weird, and their talents track back thousands of years in her case.” She frowns. “There’s rumors she’s kinda like the Japanese answer to Natalya, but I don’t believe them.”

“Kinda, or is?”

“Is.” Ana responds. “I mean, listen, that’s just rumor, ok? And they really don’t like people repeating it. Kyou being batshit strong isn’t really that unusual given how imperial houses tend to be. The Romanov line like mom and me, we’re on the weakest end of it.”

“Which doesn’t make sense, given dad.”

Anastasia shrugs. “Could be I’m a sleeper like aunt merlin, who knows? but we were talking about your short list, not me. Unless you’re starting to think like Cass.” She pauses, making a show of looking you up and down. “I mean, you’re hot enough, but I don’t think I can get over the whole half-brother thing, even with the girlfriend chili, ok?”

You stare at her long enough to get a giggle. “Anyway, yeah. Kyou’s a mystery, otherwise. I don’t know anyone who’s flown with her, and even aunt Kat and Jess say she’s kinda a question mark. Her grades out of the Imperial Academy were top of her class, but that’s expected.”

“Like they’ll cover for her?”

Ana laughs. “No, rockhead. Like she’d have been expected to break herself off to get those grades. The Imperial family is expected to be the absolute best, but they don’t get corners cut for them to make it that way. She’s good because she’s expected to be, but she drove herself to it too.”

1/2

“Ok, what about Lotus?”

“Earhart? Oh man, what a mess.” Ana says. “So her grandmother had kids late, in the 50s, and then her mom had her late, in the late 80s. Her grandma was a matron back then, but her mom wasn’t ever even considered for it.”

“Why not?” You ask, rolling the tinfoil around the bread and putting it in the oven.

“Well, what do you know about non service witches?” She asks. You shake your head and shrug- you’re sure your mother told you something about it, once upon a time, but you didn’t pay much attention, since every witch in the bayou went into the military for a term anyway.

“Ok, well, even if you never ever plan on serving, you take an inactive reserve commission.” Ana says, explaining. “The deal is is it’s a recognition thing. You recognize that the fed gives you a lot of things as a witch and by accepting a commission, you’re saying, ya know, i get it, you gave me a lot of things.”

You nod.

“Well, that’s the tradition, anyway. Her mom broke it in the sixties. She not only refused to take a reserve commission, but she publicly sided with the anti-intervention crowd against her matrons, became sort of a mini celebrity doing it. Was one of the Jane Fonda crew, that whole mess.”

“So she’s on the outs with the coven?”

“Well, Lotus isn’t, but her mother certainly is. Bitch is still alive, goes on the talk circuit every now and then about militarization of our little girls and how the evil patriarchy is out to turn witches into just weapons and wombs. Dumb ho.”

“Ok, but what about Lotus?”

Ana shrugs. “Don’t know much. She’s a test driver for Lockmart, rumor says she never, ever gets lost. ever, and can find and kill a target the size of a car in an area the size of the RCAF’s Manitoba range.”

“That sounds specific.”

“It is.” Ana responds. “in a wyvern? man, she’d be one mother of a scary strike asset.”

[] So what do you think?
[] Thanks, Ana. Let’s eat.

>>3346539
>[x] Thanks, Ana. Let’s eat.

>>3346539
>[] So what do you think?

>>3346539
>[] So what do you think?

>>3346539
>[x] So what do you think?

>>3346539
>[] So what do you think?

LEETLE SISTER INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

>>3346539
>[] Thanks, Ana. Let’s eat.
Let's try and avoid making this dinner drag out.

>>3346535
>[] So what do you think?
must acquire more gossip and stuff

Jane fucking Fonda. Now there's someone who can go to hell.

>>3346539
>[] Thanks, Ana. Let’s eat.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] So what do you think?

“So what do you think?” You ask after a minute, taking the foil-wrapped bread out of the oven and taking off the apron you scared up.

Ana makes a great show of pondering the question, like she’s not sure about the answer she should give. “Hmm.” She says, after another minute. “If it were me, I’d pick the one with the best ass and nicest titties.”

You give her a slow blink and stare at her blankly for a second, until she laughs.

“I mean, it’d factor in my decision anyway. I don’t know Morg. I’m a witch, not a fighter pilot, and I’m no wyvern jock. All three of them are different and would mean different things. Danielle’s a navy girl, straight up. Kyou’s the strongest by far but she’s imperial royalty, and last i checked you weren’t into Japanese cooking. Lotus is certainly the most interesting, but I’m not sure how well she’s gonna deal with navy life.”

“That’s not much help.” You point out.

Anastasia shrugs. “I’m not the one to ask dummy. Honestly, no one is, not with you kinda agreeing to an arranged marriage via brain link or whatever the fuck. You gotta make the best call you can on your own. The only thing I can tell you is don’t hold out a lot of hope they’re gonna let you fly with your whole list of selections. You might be able to beg an alternate if you can convince the brass you’re just not meshing with any of your short list, but good fucking luck past that without the board siding with you.”

“I thought I was too expensive to get wrong?” You ask, motioning for her to follow you as you take the bread into the dining room.

“And far too expensive to let sit.” She responds, hopping off the bar stool she’d occupied and following you into the other room, taking a seat in there. “And it’s not like they’re putting witches on the list that you’d hate to begin with, they trim that bastard down pretty heavily before it even crosses the desk to you.”

“Fair enough. Don’t sit down, go get everyone.” You order. She sighs- but stands up.

“I’m only doing this cos you’re my big brother and I have to listen occasionally.” She says.

“Don’t take them through the kitchen.” You say, indicating the door to the hallway. “Go through there.”

“Why, is Morganlandia off limits to foreigners while the king is away?” She asks.

“Yes.” You say, turning to go back in the kitchen to fetch the chili pot.

They’re filing in as you bring the whole pot out, careful to not trip.

“So what prompted this?” Frank asks as you set it down, motioning for Merlin to pass you her bowl. “It’s not every day you make the chili.”

“The chili?” Danielle asks, taking a seat next to Anastasia.

“Morgan, you want to tell her, or should I?” Your sister asks.

[] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.
[] I’m sure you’ll tell it far better than me.

>>3346696
>[] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

>>3346696
>[] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

>>3346696
>[x] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

>>3346696
>[x] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

>>3346696
>[] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

>>3346696
>[] I’m sure you’ll tell it far better than me.

CUT HER OFF AT THE PASS

>>3346696
>[] I’m sure you’ll tell it far better than me.

>>3346696
>[] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

>>3346696
> [] I’m sure you’ll tell it far better than me.
I just want to see what she’ll say.

>>3346696
>[] I’m sure you’ll tell it far better than me.

Ok, votes closed!

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[x] I’ll tell her. lemme pass out the food first.

You identify the trolling intent in her voice with a smile- Ana is pretty consistent, at least in that regard.
“I’ll tell her, let me pass out the food, first.” you say, spooning some chili into your aunt’s bowl and passing it back to her.

“So this chili-”

“No no, you gotta use the accent.” Ana insists, interrupting you.

You sigh. “Dis chili be taught to me by a man name Moses Murphy. He be husban to one of de matrons before my maman.” You say, the story bringing a smile to your face- it’s all true, of course, if somewhat embellished here and there. “His famile, dey have dem a chili recipe, passed down from papa to son, oui. Well, he marry a witch, and dey have no sons, just tree daughters.”

You fill your own bowl last, noting that there’s still plenty- enough that your aunt should be well stocked with leftover, even if your dad and sisters take some too. “De chili, it be a family treasure. Dey say de firs recipe stretch back to de civil war, out west. But wid no son, only de daughters, he have no one to pass it to. De tradition mighty prickly, oui.”

Taking your seat next to your aunt, across from Danielle, you continue the story. “I meet him years ago, when I was a small boy. Maman and de other matrons of de bayou, dey be meeting to discuss business, oui. Well, there not be much fo two men to be doin at a meeting of witches, so he start teachin me to cook. Over de years, dis became a thing- every coven gatherin, we’d cook, him and me.”

You pause. “Well, he be gettin no younger- an no sons be on de way, so one time, he take me aside, ask if I can carry on a tradition foah him. I already be havin plenty to do with de coven, but I say oui, I’ll carry dis on foah him.”

Danielle and Merlin, at least, are listening intently- your sisters have already heard the story, and it’s not one you’re sure Frank cares much for, probably feeling it’s something he should have been there to do with you. Not that he’s much of a cook- plenty good with a grill, but not an artist by any means.

“He give me a notebook, old and beaten, oui. It has every recipe of de chili dat each son in line since de first has added, all de way back to de original. Part of de tradition is addin your take on de chili for de next man in de tradition to have.”

“S-so who’s is this?” Merlin asks.

[] Something I’m trying, but I don’t think it’s good enough to add.
[] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[] Something I’m trying, but I don’t think it’s good enough to add.
>not yet anyways.

>>3346835
>[] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[x] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

TASTE THE HISTORY

>>3346835
>[x] Something I’m trying, but I don’t think it’s good enough to add. Not yet anyways.

>>3346835
> [] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

>>3346835
>[X] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

Ok, voting called!

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[x] Legacy recipe, from the war years. 1943

“This is a legacy recipe.” You say, smiling. “Moses’ father’s, actually. It’s from the war years, nineteen forty three. It’s one of my personal favorites.”

“It’s good.” Danielle says from her place across the table. “Like, really good. But it can’t be any good for my diet.”

You shake your head. “No, probably not. There’s not a lot that’s super unhealthy in there, most of the meat is supposed to be pretty lean, and all the vegetables are supposed to be organic, out of a victory garden, I think. And there’s not a lot of sugar in there, just a tiny pinch, because it was rationed.”

“So every man can only add one recipe to the book?” Frank asks. You nod.

“That’s the rule. You can add one to the book, just once.”

“So have you been working on your own?” Franks asks. “And can you share it?”

“I can share a version of it, but not the actual recipe that goes in the book.” You say. “It’s supposed to be a secret, kept just to the men of the family.”

“So would it go back to them, if there was a grandson?” Danielle asks.

You shrug. “I haven’t thought about it. Mister Moses made it clear the tradition was mine to carry on from there. I’m not sure if I’d pass it on to my son or his grandsons if there ever are any.”

“So what if you don’t have a son?” Cass asks. “I mean, you know witches...”

You grin.

[] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.
[] It goes to my old Shooting coach.

>>3346903
>[] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

THE MAN NINE OUT OF TEN BISHOP SISTERS PREFER IN A DOUBLE BLIND TASTE TEST

>>3346903
>[x] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

>>3346903
>[x] It goes to my old Shooting coach.

>>3346903
>[] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

>>3346903
>“I mean, you know witches...”
>implying

[] It goes to my old Shooting coach.

>>3346903
>[] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

>>3346903
>[] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

>>3346903
>[x] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

Ok, votes called!

>>3346903
>[X] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

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[x] It goes to my football teamate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.

“It’s going to go to my old teammate, Bordeaux Bordeaux.” You say. BB was your offensive center, ultimately the guy you relied on more than almost anything during a play to buy you time. He was good, too- big and very quick for his size, and he ate like a dozen starving wolves. You’re not sure where he ended up after Annapolis- he was far, far too big to qualify for flight, but you know he’s in the navy somewhere.

“You know a Boodro Boodro?” Danielle asks, kind of butchering the name, but getting it fairly close for someone without the accent. “For real?”

You nod. “Met him in high school, we were friends all the way through Annapolis.”

“So why him?” Cass asks. “I mean, what about one of us?”

“Weren’t you listening, Cass?” Ana says. “It’s gotta go to a son. And maybe you shouldn’t weird out Danielle just yet.”

“It’s not that weird.” Cass sulks.

“Did I miss something?” Danielle asks, looking at Cass, then at you.

“Just Cass’ unnatural Morgan lust.” Ana supplies.

“Ana.” Frank says, the simple statement an announcement- drop it. “So Danielle, I hear you do SEAD work?”

She nods. “Yes, sir.”

Frank laughs. “You don’t have to call me sir, just call me Frank. And don’t call me Mr. Bishop, that’s my dad. I was kind of surprised when Merlin told me about your specialty. Doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of work for you.”

Danielle laughs. “Oh, I stay plenty busy. If I wash out here, I’m sure they’ll get me out to Sixth fleet pretty quickly, the only reason I got to stay here as long as I did was because of the Wyvern program. They’re keeping me another week or so, dependent on the LTs final selection and a reflight with him.”

“Who were you with?” Frank asks, leaving the implication that she’d be washing out alone.

“Fifth and Seventh” She says. “I was assigned to Fifth for most of my early career, and then to Seventh later. I’m still part of Seventh’s organization, but not for much longer I think.”

1/2

“All pacific wyverns are seventh.” Merlin says. “O-or at least, they’re assigned to seventh. They go anywhere t-they’re needed, of course. I-if you don’t make selection, how long d-do you think you’ll be here?”

Danielle shrugs. “Depends on the navy, I guess.” She says.

Merlin nods, and Ana looks over you as if to say ‘told you so’

“I’m surprised you’re going to Sixth fleet.” Cass says. “Seventh is going to need you more.”

Danielle nods. “Probably, but there’s a couple other weasel witches there now, I think.”

“So what do you think of the wyvern, Danielle?” Frank asks. “I know the new model you’ve got isn’t the same as our wartime bird, but other than that?”

“I’m.. not sure.” Danielle says. “It’s demanding, but it’s soft? It’s hard to describe.” She says, after a minute. “I feel like I could fly in it forever, but after I’m out I just wanna find some place dark and warm and sleep forever.”

Merlin nods. “T-that’s about right. T-the interface is harder to run without a MIU link, and it’s less efficent. I-it doesn’t show you at your best, but it’s h-hard to ask anyone to get the i-implants when they’re not sure they’ll be with the program.”

“What about you, Morgan? This is the first time you’ve been up in a full fighter, isn’t it?” Frank asks. “It was all trainers before this? What did you think.”

[] Like it was made for me.
[] It’s going to take some adjustment.

>>3346990

[] Like it was made for me.

And that's going to be our overnight vote, guys! I've got to get to bed a bit earlier, have to make that phone call tomorrow. Nervous as hell, I'd like the job, and paranoid they haven't called me back yet, haha. Anyways, I'll stick around a bit to answer questions, but otherwise we're on pause till tomorrow!

>>3346990
>[x] Like it was made for me.

>>3346990
>[] It’s going to take some adjustment.

>>3346990
>[] Like it was made for me.

>>3346990
>[x] Like it was made for me.

>>3346994
Thanks for the run Ghost

>>3346990
>[] It’s going to take some adjustment.

>>3346990
>[x] Like it was made for me.
>>3346994
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3346994
So what ended up happening to the Valkyrie program anyway? I know that Wendy flew one with us to the last battle in '89 and that in the OG 2016 only VF-3 was really outfitted with them. I guessing that didn't happen here?

>>3346990
[] Like it was made for me

>>3347013
Right. Here the ones that Wendy used were bundled off to Dreamland, and they kinda disappeared for a while, with off and on work- fact was, even for Wendy, they were difficult to operate. Merlin got hold of them about a decade ago, so circa 2006, and started work on them in parallel with her work on the Wyvern and other projects. The Current prototypes are both new build, the gutted airframe is the original set from the end of the war. They, like the late war superstrikers, never entered squadron service.

>>3346990
>[X] Like it was made for me.

>>3347017
Whatever happened to the late war super-strikers? Was it decided that they just were too much for a witch to handle on one airframe to justify full-scale production?

>>3347017
Also I guess more of an '89 question, confirmation really, but was Santa the Crusader pilot that flew with Ice's dad? Re-reading '89 and it popped out to me that Slider mentioned that the Crusader pilot that was flying with Ice's dad was named Santos, and that when we went back to Santa's late war the hostess mentioned him as Mr. Santos.

>>3347026

Sort of. They were great- and most witches who trialed the few sets that were built loved them- but they were expensive and the Wyvern program was kind of the Navy's big ticket item through the 90s. There wasn't nearly as major a drawdown as there was in real life, but there was a reduction of defense spending after the war. The superstrikers still exist, but they're all in storage and there's only enough to equip one squadron. The Navy and air force are banking on the Valkyrie program as their major striker replacement.

>>3346987
[] Like it was made for me.

>>3347033
>The Navy and air force are banking on the Valkyrie program as their major striker replacement.

But wouldn't they have to be plugged for the re-up version if what Ana says is correct? Aren't witches willing to get plugged super rare? How do the covens feel about that?

>>3347037

They would be. The idea is that quality would be better than quantity- you wouldn't need more than a couple squadrons, and could quarter the witches the military requires with these.

The covens official stance is 'it's personal choice'. Privately, of course, there's varying opinions on it.

Ghost, you mentioned witches always taking some sort of commission, as recognition for special priviledges, but what exactly are those for a witch who wants to stay civilian? And what if a witch walks away from the covens without really breaking a rule, instead of going hard against them like middle Earhart?

>>3347065

In the US, every single witch is entitled to an academy education, totally on the government. That's equivalent to getting a full ride to college- though the academy starts much earlier. They also get what amounts to free healthcare- though, obviously, that doesn't matter much in a lot of cases for some witches. That applies even for witches that stay fully civilian- of which there are more than there were in '89. There's also a lot more government support for witches- limited basic income, if they want it, housing, and work placement and training, all on uncle sam's dime.

As for the covens, that's a little different. Even a public split, like Lotus' mom had, doesn't mean you're getting away from the coven entirely- an orphan witch is a lonely, lonely place to be. There are witches that ignore tradition quietly and don't really do anything the coven wants them to- eventually they're just written off and not included in coven politics or benefits anymore- they're not out of the sisterhood, the support network for them is still there, but the coven asks nothing of them- and doesn't give them anything either except in extremis.

Basically, it's like walking away from your family (Assuming you've got a supportive family)- you cut yourself off, but they'll take you back if you're in trouble.

>>3347059
Are the army and the marines looking at something similar for land based witches? If I remember correctly the army basically ditched land-strikers almost completely post-WWIII.

>>3347085
I assume that Lotus' mom is persona non grata among the Covens and military personnel?

>>3347087
Not really. the army is supposedly working with DARPA on improved tank strikers, and the USMC would field valkyries alongside the navy, kind of like how they operate Wyverns.

>>3347103
Very much so. Pretty popular in Hollywood circles though

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>>3347103
>>3347112
So if we pick her, expect screeching from her mom... Noted.

>>3346990
>[X] Like it was made for me.

>>3346990
> [] Like it was made for me.

>>3347112
I just realized.....does the Wyvern still have the Magic sensor?

>>3347112
>Very much so. Pretty popular in Hollywood circles though
Oh so she's the witch equivalent of a SEAL then, got it.

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>>3346903
>“I haven’t thought about it. Mister Moses made it clear the tradition was mine to carry on from there. I’m not sure if I’d pass it on to my son or his grandsons if there ever are any.”
Clearly we must waifu one of Mr Moses' daughters!
Then our sons will also be his grandsons, thus returning The Chili to the bloodline and closing the rift!

>>3346990
>[x] Like it was made for me.

>>3346990
>[] Like it was made for me.

>>3347496
Good point. We shall close the circle!

>>3347496
He doesn’t seem like the harem type though.

>>3347715
Who said anything about a harem?
We marry a Moses girl, and nobody else.

>>3347085
I understand why those policies are in place, but that is kinda terrible. It spits in the face of equality. Because you happen to be born a witch, you get all these benefits? I'm surprised there hasn't been pushback from normal folk.

>>3347496
All his daughters will also be witches, we'll just be kicking the problem down 1 generation.
Though this is a point for marrying a non-witch.

>>3347795
Seems like wishful thinking with the way the wyvern system works. It’s most likely going to be the backseater.
>>3347843
So the crew chief girl? Might be a cool dynamic (this is coming from a Merlin fan so I’m already slightly biased towards it). Would be funny to see the coven reactions too. Same logic applies here as above though.

>>3347477
Nah, she's the witch equivalent of Hanoi Jane. Which means NOBODY in the military or covens, (or anybody who is related to/has any respect for the previous two), likes her. And she has most likely had chewing tobacco spit at her by some ballsy bitch/son of a bitch.

>>3346994
>and paranoid they haven't called me back yet, haha
Even if they want you they forget things sometimes (hello my boss).

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>>3347843
>we'll just be kicking the problem down 1 generation.
Nah, we fuck enough and we're bound to have a son eventually.
Just need to accept that we'll be having Every Sperm is Sacred numbers of kids.

Marrying someone that isn’t in the back seat would certainly avoid the issue of reduced combat effectiveness/grounding...

Well, didn't get that job guys, so I guess we continue as we have been for the time being! haha.... ah. Oh well. Votes called!

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[x] Like it was made for me.

“Like it was made for me.” You respond, getting a smile and nod from Frank and a knowing grin from Aunt Merlin. She’s hiding things, you know- there’s no way the hours she’s spending under the skin of your jet is normal, even for wyvern startup. You make a note to approach her about it later.

“Well, give what I’ve heard, you handled it like a natural. But I guess that shouldn’t be that surprising, huh?” Frank says, laughing.

“Dad please.” Anastasia says, looking at you and rolling her eyes- it’s a joke on his part, a sort of self-effacing one, reaching over the table to break off a piece of garlic bread. “Leave it to the moms to tell us how great a fighter pilot you were.”

He laughs. “Alright, alright. So have they told you who your next candidate will be, Morgan?”

You shake your head. “I haven’t heard anything. I know I have a flight tomorrow, but I don’t know who with, yet.”

That gets Frank to frown. “Really? Huh. If she’s scheduled for flight tomorrow she should be on base already. You want me to make a call or two? I can try and find out for you.”

[] If you don’t mind, sure.
[] No, it’s fine.

>>3348687
>[] If you don’t mind, sure.

"Thanks Dad."

>>3348687
>[x] If you don’t mind, sure.

>>3348601
Sorry to hear that Ghost

>>3348687
>[x] No, it’s fine.
Leave it a surprise

>>3348687
>[x] No, it’s fine.
We can wait until tomorrow. Now is family time.

>>3348687
>[x] If you don’t mind, sure.

Shit shit shit. Missed the thread yesterday. Completely slipped my mind. I'm here this time though!

Love the exposition clearing up the impossible coven politics and Kyou's power level. Helps to keep things clean.

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>>3348687
>[] If you don’t mind, sure.
Always a joy to see this back up.

Already started on the next piece of writefuckery. I got ideas coming out of the goddamn walls holy shit I missed witches.

I gotta wonder, what ever happened to Tank Witches '89?

>>3348687
>[] If you don’t mind, sure.

>>3348715
Ded, never to return.

>>3348715
Maus got busy and wasn't having much fun with it I imagine.

>>3348687
>[] If you don’t mind, sure.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

>>3348687
> [X] If you don’t mind, sure.
Ana's talk on plants was topkek, gg Ghost.

Kinda sad that the Youngspawn wasn't discussed though. I know she won't have a darkhorse victory, but a man can dream.

>>3348715
Didn't maus get deployed or something? Or maybe his defusal work finally caught up with him.

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>>3348715

I really liked writing it but honestly, it started to feel like a job i wasn't getting paid for - so i lost the discipline and motivation to write it. Plus i'm old as dirt.

Ok, votes closed!

>>3348756
Don't suppose we could ever get a written ending, so we can stop making "Man Still Driving Around Germany, Not Knowing War is Over" jokes.

Doesn't have to be a quest, just an ending.

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[x] If you don’t mind, sure.

“If you don’t mind, sure.” You say, motioning for your aunt to pass her bowl back to you so you can refill it and filling Danielle’s again a second later. “I know they try to keep it a surprise to see how we adapt and how fast we learn.”

“But that’s garbage.” Frank says. “You’d better not have to have to adapt to a new RIO nearly as fast as they seem to want you to. And they’d better not have to adapt to new pilots, either. It’s stupid navy games for no good reason. Getting you to acclimatize to new subsystems is fine, that’s part of the design of the wyvern, but once you’re crewed, that’s it. Plugged crews don’t separate, and we saw a couple of times you can’t shuffle them around, either. If one stops flying, that’s it for the whole crew unless the other goes solo.”

Merlin nods. “A-and the MIU isn’t designed to swap users like that, either. I should talk to the training command about cleaning up the w-wyvern pipeline. T-there’s no reason to have crews w-wait till they have their jet to meet a-and fly together.”

“It would be nice to not be in limbo.” Danielle says, and you nod in agreement- you’re kind of in the same place, unable to move on till selection, at least, is done. There’s supposed to be a workup period as well, but it’s a not so secret stance that once a crew is finalized, wyverns go to do a ‘grand tour’ of USN carrier decks and spend a month or so aboard each, during which time you’re ‘in training’ but also available if the need arises.

“I’ll make a couple calls after dinner, then.” Frank says, leaning back in his chair. “That was really good, Morgan. Thanks for sharing it.”

“You just got lucky dad, he was making that for Aunt Merlin.” Ana says, finishing her second bowl. “He’s trying to impress her.”

“Ah. Bit of a crush then?” Frank asks, laughing.

“Daaaad!” Cassie whines. “Morgan does not have a crush on aunt Merlin!”

“Don’t get jealous, scaly.” Ana says- earning her a stern glance from Frank.

He laughs again, after a second, looking around. “Morgan, you want help cleaning this up?”

[] It’s fine, I got it.
[] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

Sorry about the slow updates this evening guys, making a couple calls and filling out a couple job applications.

>>3348890
>[x] Sure, I guess. Thanks.
We could do it ourselves, but it would be rude to turn down offered help.

>>3348890
>[x] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

No sense wasting father son bonding time. Clearly we don't get enough as is.

>>3348890
>[] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

I find it interesting that Frank jokes about a crush on Merlin, but gives stern glares for the younger witch's interest.

>>3348890
>[x] Sure, I guess. Thanks.
No reason to say no.

>>3348890
>[X] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

>>3348910
>gives stern glares for the younger witch's interest.
It was for Ana calling Cassie by an insulting name.

>>3348890
>[] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

>>3348890
>[] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

>>3348890
>[x] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

>>3348694
>That feel when your ISP conks out so you're reduced to mobile
>>3348890
>[X]Sure, I guess. Thanks.

>>3348910
>>3348921
I think it's more for her pointing out, blatantly and around someone who isn't part of the family, that Cassie has a socially unacceptable crush on her older brother by blood, and can and has acted on it before. Basically Ana is being mean and airing Cassie's dirty laundry in front of someone who doesn't need to know about it. Whether she's trolling or not, that treading pretty close to the line between mocking your sibling because siblings and being malicious.

>>3348910
I’d like to hear his thoughts on that more.

>>3348890
>[] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

FRANK USED "FATHER SON BONDING MOMENT"

Ok, voting closed!

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[x] Sure, I guess. Thanks.

You nod, wiping your mouth one last time. “Sure, I guess. Thanks.”

He grins. “It’s a lot easier to clear six places off than it is to clear a dozen back home.” he says, standing up.

“I’ll help too!” Cassie says, popping up out of her seat like she’s got a spring under her.

“Thanks, Cass. this should go quick then. Why don’t you get the dirty dishes?” Frank directs as you pick up the chili pot and start to carry it back to the kitchen.

“We’ll go chat in the living room.” Anastasia says, getting nods from Danielle and Merlin both.

Frank follows you into the kitchen, carrying the leftover garlic bread and the milk and wine- Merlin had a little to drink, though you can’t say you’d pair wine with the chili. Perhaps a good beer or cider- you’ll have to remember it for her, next time.

Either way, you clear the table quickly, though Frank lingers in the kitchen.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to make it to your graduation.” He offers- usually a lead-in to a kind of awkward attempt to start a conversation. He’s never really seemed sure of you- you’re very much you’re mother’s son, but you’re pretty sure he never knew how to handle maman, either.

You nod. “I understand how it goes. Maman missed high school.”

“So you know your aunt has talked to me about going back to the fleet and acting as your ground crew chief?” He says.

You nod. “She talked to me about it.”

“I think you ought to talk to her about it some more, then.” He says. “It’s her decision, but I don’t think she understood what I meant when she brought it up with me. I think she should do it.”

“You do?” You ask.

He nods. “Listen, I’m not in the best place to ask you any favors, and I know that.”

“But you plan to anyway.” You point out- there’s no malice in your statement, just an observation of fact.

“Samantha’s been banking on this since you started showing interest in aviation.” He says, after a minute. “She misses the fleet, and the company isn’t doing her right.”

Now that’s a surprise- you were always under the impression that she loved her job at Chance-Vought.

“How so?”

He sighs, leaning against the counter and crossing his arms in front of his chest. “They want her to stop flying, they say it’s too dangerous to let her keep testing systems up there with me. They want her to start delegating more and more to her junior engineers and team, and do less herself.” He shakes his head. “She’s happy hands-on, and they’re trying to put her in a padded office because they’re scared she’ll hurt hereself.”

[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?
[] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.

>>3349151
>[x] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[x] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[x] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.

>>3349151
>[x] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[x] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.

>>3349151
>[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?
She really shouldn't be out on a ground crew.

>>3349151
>[] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.

"... But I won't fight her about it, if she's set on it."

>>3349151

[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349151
>[x] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.

>>3349151
> [] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?
Curious on his thoughts, but still hoping she comes along. Her star should help.

>>3349151
>[] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?
>[] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.
I'd be surprised if the navy was terribly happy about her joining a crew either. Irritating your supplier isn't a great idea.

i admit, I'll be a little annoyed if we don't actually get a choice in the matter. She shouldn't be active military, she's too valuable in R&D.

>>3349223
It's also not right to deny her if she wants to lead a crew. She's done more than her part, if she wants to do more, let her decide how.

>>3349223
pretty much. It'd be like using Browning for a tank mechanic.

>>3349232
Dunno if you noticed, but this is the military we're talking about. "Right" here is what's best for them, not her.

And if Vought isn't giving her what she wants, any of the other companies would snap her up in a heartbeat.

Peacetime is one thing, but being crew on a seventh fleet carrier when it's obvious that China is gonna lose their shit ASAP?

I just don't know.

Ok, votes called!

>>3349151
>[X] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

>>3349223
>>3349232
>>3349233
Considering the Navy was wanting to put her name forward as a possible SIO for Morgan AND have ask her twice to come back to active duty to run the ground crew on his Wyvern, I'm pretty sure they they'd be more then happy with that outcome.

>>3349265
That outcome being her coming back that is

>>3349265
The SIO thing makes sense, they want to recreate the magic frank had, but are you sure they ASKed her to come back for ground crew? There's no sense in robbing the R&D of your supplier.

>>3349280
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3302867/#p3329299

>“It’s a reserve commission. Witches never really exit the navy until they’re too old to fly, and I’m not. P-plus it’s easier for me to deal with classified materials with the rank than it would be as a civilian.” She hesitates. “A-and I’ve got enough pull that they w-wouldn’t try to tie me to a d-desk-”

>“E-even Vought isn’t s-stupid enough t-to try. I’m do b-better work w-with the jets h-hands on.” She stammers, still tripped up. “A-and they’ve already a-asked me to come back t-to active duty t-twice to run y-your ground crew.”

>>3349288
The issue with this is that she may not think they'll try, but Frank thinks Vought at least may try.

They'd be stupid too, because she's still a golden goose and pissing her off would be stupid, but people are often stupid.

>>3349297
Assuming they don't screw around...

>>3349288
Consider Merlin mentioned wanting to monitor our first of the line nextgen AI plus the hint of the variable striker going to Danielle if we don't pick her as our SIO...

There's a chance we might get her as our crew chief and Danielle as a squadmate instead of as our backseater. Merlin'll be able to get data on both this way.

>>3349326
>>3349297
Leading from the front is literally a foreign concept in the corporate world.

>>3349373
True, it all depends on whether or not they'll go for the idiot ball if she makes the decision to join again.

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[x] You think the navy would treat her better? what about coven politics?

“You think the navy would treat her any better?” You ask. “What about coven politics?”

He shrugs. “Politics has never been my game, but the navy, at least, is never going to tell Samantha she can’t have something in reason. If she wants to go active they’ll be more than happy to give her a spot, and if she wants to be on your go-crew...” He trails off, then shrugs a second time.

“If she tells them she wants to run your crew, they’ll jump at the chance. It’d mean you’d have a hell of a sortie rate, and as close to one hundred percent availability as it’s possible to get. That alone is worth it to them. She’s practically navy already anyway, she’s involved with every wyvern startup, even though she doesn’t need to be, and spends more time here and at china lake and a couple other bases than she does at home.”

“And what about her R&D work?” You ask. “If she’s leading my crew, she’s not working on Valkyrie or anything else.”

He nods. “She’d have to slow down, at least. But she was able to do a lot of that kind of thing on the front in a war, so I wouldn’t think she’d stop entirely.” He pauses. “Look, I’m not sure about this whole thing, but there’s definite pressure from above, on me, to stop flying with her. They want her in an office, at a desk, and the shareholders are terrified something will happen up there and we’ll both bite it and poof-“ He snaps his fingers. “There goes the golden goose.”

“What about your job?” You ask- like he said earlier, plugged crews aren’t the kind of thing you can change around. A pilot and a witch are a crew, and that’s it- neither one will ever have another.

1/2

He laughs. “Even if I don’t fly ever again, I’ve got a half dozen crews to manage, and two plugged test crews. I’m not sure about giving it up, I don’t want to yet, but I am getting a little old to be tackling catastrophic failure cascades brought on by prototype and test equipment.” He grins. “And I think Rachel and Tabitha and Katya wouldn’t mind me hanging up my boots, so to speak.”

“Ok, so the navy wouldn’t be a problem. What about the coven?”

“What about them?” Frank asks. “They’re not how they used to be, even back in the eighties. They’ll leave her alone enough just because of her rank, and they’ve long since stopped trying to get her and I to sleep together, and she’s too old to try and politic to do anything she doesn’t want. She’d be a matron if she had any interest in it.”

“So only the navy faces downsides?” You ask.

He shrugs. “Mostly. I’d expect you to take care of her if she went navy, but if the navy’s willing to let her come off of R&D work and go back to the fleet, they’ve decided that’s going to work better in the long run.”

“Of course,” He points out. “Merlin’s bad at people, but she’s not stupid. She probably has a plan of her own, too.” He pauses. “Look, if you’ve already talked to her that’s fine. But I think she should go for it, and you’ll want her around if this thing with China turns into anything.”

[] I’m going to let her make her decision on her own.
[] I’ll talk to her later, then.

>>3349446
>[] I’ll talk to her later, then.

>>3349446
>[x] I’ll talk to her later, then.
>But whatever decision she makes is her own.

>>3349446
>[] She said she’d make the call on her own, and I’m gonna respect that.

>>3349446
>[x] I’m going to let her make her decision on her own.

Reminder that she is one person Morgan has unconditional trust in.

>>3349446
This >>3349462

>>3349446
>[x] I’m going to let her make her decision on her own.

>>3349441
>[x] I’m going to let her make her decision on her own.

>>3349446
>[] I’ll talk to her later, then.
Ghost, your bias is showing

>>3349446

>>3349464
Gonna change my vote to this >>3349462

>>3349446
>>3349462
Actually, I like this better than my first vote.
>[x] I’ll talk to her later, then.
>But whatever decision she makes is her own

>>3349441
>[] I’ll talk to her later, then.

>>3349446
This >>3349462

>and they’ve long since stopped trying to get her and I to sleep together
Certainly ballsy of them to try past the first attempt.

>>3349446
>[] I’m going to let her make her decision on her own.

THE MERLIN DOES AS THE MERLIN PLEASES

Ok, votes closed!

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[x] I’ll talk to her later, then.

“I’ll talk to her later, but whatever decision she makes is going to be her own.” You say, after a moment.

Frank nods. “Guess I can’t ask for more than that. Should we go out and join them for a bit?”

You look around the kitchen- it’s not clean by far, so you’ll have to do that yet, or it’ll never get done, but otherwise everything’s fine. You nod, letting your father lead the way out into the living room, where the girls are sitting.

“So your mom is skipper of the Saratoga?” Danielle is asking Anastasia, who nods. “That’s pretty cool, I haven’t been off that one yet.”

“Mom’s probably going to get out after this cruise, but she says that after every cruise.” Anastasia says with a smile. “I think she’s jealous of Rachel and all the time she gets to spend at home.”

“That doesn’t sound like Tabitha at all.” Frank says, jumping into the conversation. “but she’s been at sea for almost thirty years. She’s ready to get out and spend some time at home before jumping into coven politics.”

“Mom?” Anastasia asks. “A matron? C’mon dad, that’s not even funny.”

“Why not?” Frank responds. “She’s got the rank and time for it, she’s got the connections the coven likes and she’s the oldest living witch on the Romanov line, and that alone qualifies her for it.”

“There’s no way she’s not going to want to stay home after a week or two of being there.” Anastasia persists. “She’s burning out on all this shit anyway. When’s the last time she was in the same place as you or Rachel or Katya for more than a week?” She shakes her head. “I think once she’s had her retirement ceremony, she’s just going to live at home and be happy and lazy.”

“What’s a matron do, anyway?” Cass asks. “I mean, we know when they come to visit they always just cause problems, but what do they do?”

“Well, Morgan’s mom is a Matron. Morgan?” Anastasia asks.

[] I don’t know. I’ve only ever had to go with her to social coven events.
[] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

Guys I'm going to call it for the night there. This whole job rejection thing is kinda messing with me, if it's not already clear as day. I know I've got money in the bank till May, but it still puts me in a shitty spot. I'm hoping eating and going to bed will help me clear my head. I'm sorry guys, I'll make it up by running into the weekend.

>>3349714
>[] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
>[x] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
>[X] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
>[] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349717
It's cool bossman, you do you.

>>3349714
>[x] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.
>>3349717
Alrighty, thanks for the run boss.

>>3349714
>[x] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
>[] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
>[] I don’t know. I’ve only ever had to go with her to social coven events.

>>3349717
I've alway been told to shotgun your job applications, and not put too much stock to any single one. Rejection sucks. Good luck.

>>3349714
>[X] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
>[x] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

>>3349714
> [] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

> there’s no way they’re just going to let those creepy old bitches that run the books use one to have you pop out superbabies or whatever. Get a grip.”
Sound like they tried anyway.
>they’ve long since stopped trying to get (Merlin) and I to sleep together
Man... a Frank son/grandson with Merlin genes either would be planejesus 3.0 or the second coming of Tesla.

>>3350041
More like plane jesus 4.0 after og strike witches quests protags crazy stunts on and off the ground

>>3349714
>[x] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.
>wider US coven.
Wait, I thought that there wasn’t a unified US coven? That Longstreets attempt at that failed and then died out when she died?

>>3350175
She ended up attempting again with the Confederate coven I believe and managed to get most of them unified, the only outliers are the Bayou Coven, and probably the Indian Tribes.

>>3350175
Yeah see here:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/43148286/#p43156575

>>3350175
longstrreet failed the one that we like the blonde one whos name eludes me she succeeded

>>3350229
>>3350230
>>3350824
Oh.... well I feel foolish now. I completely forgot she had gotten that close to success.

Alright guys, I've got to go get something to make for dinner, since I've no groceries in the apartment, and then I'm going to finish up this job application and we can get going! gonna cop a full throttle or something too, maybe help a bit, haha!

>>3351231
Perfect timing Ghost, I need me a little escape from the shithole we call reality right now. Even watching Monarch Butterflies peacefully migrate past my house ain't removing the existential dread.

>>3351339
Soon then, my friend! I'm just waiting for my pasta to cook and we're good to go!

>>3351370
what noodles you using, ghost?

>>3351549
Mix of things, had a bunch of half and quarter full boxes, mostly macaroni and some farfalle.

Votes called!

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[x] Maman’s active in the parish making sure younger witches are being taken care of properly, she coordinates things with the governor and negotiates with the wider US coven.

You know most of your maman’s work just through stories you’ve been told- most of the time, despite your highly unofficial status as the prince of the coven.

“She’s active in the parish making sure the younger witches are taken care of properly, seeing they get academy positions they qualify for and end up where they want to be. She also coordinates things with the governor when he requires it, press conferences, that kind of thing.” You say, thinking. Most of the time, her ‘work’ is done in the parlor downstairs- there never seems to be much formality to it, just Maman and a few other matrons deciding what should be done, and then making it happen, and most of the time it’s as simple as a phone call or two for her. You’ve met a few governors, too, when they came to visit, to ask the coven’s blessing on something or for the coven’s support on a decision.

“Sooooooo she plays politics.” Anastasia supplies, and you nod. A lot of it is just that- favor trading, mostly. Coven influence is in a strange place- socially, they exert a lot of influence, especially back home, but politically they’re almost a nonentity. Of course, their military ties still give them disproportionate pull in the federal government, but on the local and state level? No one wants the coven lined up against them, but at the same time it’s not the kiss of death it used to be.

1/2

“That’s most of it, yes.” You say. “She also negotiates with the wider US coven as a whole under the leading matron of the allied covens. I think right now that’s a medicine woman from the Crow.”

“I wonder how much longer they’ll stay independent?” Frank asks, getting a shrug out of you- you have no way of knowing. “I know a lot of the independent nations up in the northwest have been talking about uniting with the continental coven for a while now.”

“That’s old news, dad.” Cassie responds. “They’ve been saying that since I was a kid.”

Frank shrugs. “Maybe, I don’t know. I haven’t met any of them. Anyway, I’ve got to go make a couple phone calls, I’ll be out back.” He says, pulling out his cell phone and walking around the back of the room to the sliding glass doors leading out onto the patio.

Anastasia stares at his back for a minute and laughs, turning to look at Danielle. “Don’t mind dad, he’s like the world’s biggest golden retriever. He’s honest and lovable, but man is he a doofus sometimes.”

“He seems nice.” Danielle responds, looking kind of out of her element. “Didn’t ever really think I’d meet him though.”

Cass laughs. “Wait till you meet Morgan’s mom. She’s way cooler than dad anyway.”

“Brigitte’s here?” Danielle asks. “I- I mean-”

[] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was
[] She might be- I’ll call if you want, I guess.

>>3351806
>[x] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

>>3351806
>[x] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

>>3351806
>[] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

NINJAS ON THE FRONT LAWN

>>3351806
>[] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

>>3351806
[] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was
Inb4 she's here, we just don't know it yet.

>>3351806
>[x] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was
Unless she didn't want to be seen, Maman is spooky like that.

>>3351806
>[] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

>>3351806
>[x] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

>>3351806
>[x] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

>>3351806
>[X] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

ok, votes called!

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[x] She was here, but you doubt she still is- you’d have seen her already if she was

“She was here, but she probably already left.” you say. “We’d have already seen her otherwise.”

“She still does the commando thing?” Cass asks.

You shake your head. “No, but old habits die hard. Maman can pop up when you least expect her, and disappear without you ever noticing. You get used to it.”

“So does she ever do that on dates?” Cass asks. “Just show up I mean?”

“Cass, could you not be creepy for like, fifteen minutes?” Anastasia sighs. “Like, just fifteen. Look, I know our half brother is a tan greek god from the bayou, but really.”

“I was just asking!” Cass says, trying to defend herself.

“I mean, it seems like a good thing to know.” Danielle responds. Merlin, for her part, seems quite content to just listen.

[] Mom never did, but her team would.
[] Not that you’d ever know.