You look up as Wendy walks in, dropping her bag on her desk. "Mori and Lady Kyou are on the way up." She says, and you nod. "I assume they've sent the threat and target lists?"

"Yeah." You say, as she walks over to lean over your shoulder and look at the computer screen. You can feel her frown more than anything else.

"Rather sparse, isn't it?" She asks. "I'll admit I'd hoped they'd have more than that for us."

"Yeah." You repeat, nodding again.

"Well, it is in keeping with our profile." She says, withdrawing to her own desk and taking a seat there. "We'll have to plan for almost anything."

"Probably." You agree.

She looks ready to say something, but Kyou and Mori walk in at that minute. "I'm surprised they'd be so blatant." Mori is saying. "The Tosa aren't exactly known for being schemers like that."

"But there she is." Kyou responds. "Her records clearly indicate she'd fit well enough with us."

"I'm concerned about the reports of her aggression." Mori counters. "Last thing we need is a teammate dragging us into every fight there is."

"No hotheaded samurai?" Kyou asks with a smile, and Mori nods.

"Discipline won against warrior spirit." The bodyguard responds. "And she's going to chafe if we have to keep her on a leash."

"And what does our pilot think of matters?" Kyou asks. "Perhaps he'd welcome another fiery spirit to help provide another voice?"

[] Let's focus on the mission first. Then we can worry about that.
[] If you want to arrange a chat with her, we can.
[] Mori is right. Let's not mess too much with hotheads.

>>4818567
>[X] Let's focus on the mission first. Then we can worry about that.

>>4818567
>Let's focus on the mission first. Then we can worry about that.

>>4818567
>[x] Mori is right. Let's not mess too much with hotheads.

Kyou is bad enough when she gets going. The last thing she needs is one of her wing witches acting as an enabler.

>>4818567
>[X] Let's focus on the mission first. Then we can worry about that.

>>4818567
>[X] Let's focus on the mission first. Then we can worry about that.

>>4818567
>[x] If you want to arrange a chat with her, we can.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Let's focus on the mission first. Then we can worry about that.

"Mission first." You respond. "Then we can worry about that."

"We'll have to." Mori says. "She's being advanced hard by the imperial general staff."

"But it can wait." Kyou agrees. "Have you reviewed the target and hostile lists?"

You nod. "Two destroyers, two frigates, three corvettes."

Kyou nods. "That's the largest task force we've seen this war." She notes. "Even their carrier hasn't dared to deploy into the south china sea."

"And they'll have a lot of air support, I'd imagine." Wendy notes. "They've at least four bases in range from their mainland."

"But reports indicate their air power has been the same as it was when we were withdrawn." Kyou notes. "No reports of witches, no further reports of mars aircraft, and there have been WCTs active in theater."

"No, but we can be sure that an attack on this task force is going to summon all the air support they can spare." Wendy notes. "And I'd imagine they'll be on alert for just this sort of thing."

"Pity none of us is a signals talent." Mori notes. "They'd never see us coming."

"And what value would that be?" Kyou notes. "Better they know we're coming and there's nothing they can do to stop us."

"Regardless, that's a lot of aircraft for us to be facing, potentially." Mori says. "Those are prewar bases, and haven't been attacked at all so far."

"Perhaps not, but their original occupants are long gone." Kyou says. "All but the base at Hungli were reserve forces with J-7, largely."

"And intel isn't sure what's been moved in in their place." Mori responds. "But we can guess they're not eager to absorb more hull losses to their blue water force. They're not going to let us just attack that task force."

"Of course not." Kyou says. "But unless they've moved a great deal of their best equipment to those airbases, there's nothing they can do."

"Still, it may be prudent for us to prefer air to air armaments for this flight." Wendy says, cutting in.

"Not that it matters for us." Mori notes. "We're still guns only."

"Well, yes." Wendy nods. "But for Lady Kyou and Morgan, it's an important decision."

"The question is how heavily do we wish to arm ourselves?" Kyou asks. "I feel we won't need the underwing pylons, especially if we don't wish to carry air to surface munitions."

[] Agree. You'll carry AAMs in the VLS, FAST and Nacelle trays, and use Yellowstone for the ships or any hard targets.
[] There's four bases there that could support- You'd rather take the performance loss to mount the underwing pylons and the extra missiles.
[] There's a lot of surface targets down there- you'll mount the pylons for some extra air to surface weapons.

>>4818757
>[X] Agree. You'll carry AAMs in the VLS, FAST and Nacelle trays, and use Yellowstone for the ships or any hard targets.

>>4818757
>[] Agree. You'll carry AAMs in the VLS, FAST and Nacelle trays, and use Yellowstone for the ships or any hard targets.

gonna be a bit of a delay in the update here, gonna go make dinner! Votes will be open a little longer than usual.

>>4818757
>[X] Agree. You'll carry AAMs in the VLS, FAST and Nacelle trays, and use Yellowstone for the ships or any hard targets.

>>4818757
>[x] Agree. You'll carry AAMs in the VLS, FAST and Nacelle trays, and use Yellowstone for the ships or any hard targets.

>>4818757
>[x] There's four bases there that could support- You'd rather take the performance loss to mount the underwing pylons and the extra missiles.

>>4818757
>>[] There's four bases there that could support- You'd rather take the performance loss to mount the underwing pylons and the extra missiles.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Agree. You'll carry AAMs in the VLS, FAST and Nacelle trays, and use Yellowstone for the ships or any hard targets.

You nod, agreeing. "We'll carry Quad packs in the VLS, and then load the FAST and Nacelle trays." You say, knowing that either Muninn or Tessa, or both, is listening in. "That should be plenty of firepower and leaves us in a clean configuration."

Kyou nods, while Mori frowns. "Won't leave us a lot of space for dealing with too many targets." She points out.

"What support elements are available?" Wendy asks.

"The army has offered use of any of their combat air elements, should we require aid." Kyou points out. "To include their current pick to be our fourth. I suspect, should we require it, she'll be dispatched first."

"Of course." Wendy says, smiling. "Are there other elements?"

"Two squadrons of tomcats and a USMC squadron of F-35s." Mori says. "As well as combat search and rescue and medical evacuation, should we need it."

"We won't, of course. " Kyou states. "But better that it's available for any support forces we require."

"Speaking of, We've also got the Kaga for forward basing or recovery, if we need it." Mori points out. "They don't have a wyvern team aboard right now, either, so we'll have full use of the aboardship facilities."

"But we won't be able to rearm there." Kyou notes. "They'll have some missiles, but no gun ammunition, nor Yellowstone slugs."

"We'll have to do this in one trip anyway." You point out. "There's no way the PLAN will leave that task force there after we make one attack. And after they see us on radar they're going to scream for air cover."

"All the more for us to destroy." Kyou notes. "The IJA wishes us to fly as early as possible. With weapons decided, will we fly as soon as we're loaded?"

[] We'll fly as soon as we're loaded, every minute we wait is that much more they're able to recover.
[] We'll wait for night time, that should help us get in a little closer before the alert goes out.
[] There's supposed to be weather tomorrow- we'll wait for that and hit them when it's storming.

>>4819014
>[X] We'll fly as soon as we're loaded, every minute we wait is that much more they're able to recover.

>>4819014
>[x] We'll wait for night time, that should help us get in a little closer before the alert goes out.

Minimise the potential enemy response without waiting *too* long

>>4819014
>[] We'll wait for night time, that should help us get in a little closer before the alert goes out.

>>4819014
>[] There's supposed to be weather tomorrow- we'll wait for that and hit them when it's storming.

[Immigrant Song Intensifies]

>>4819014
>[] We'll wait for night time, that should help us get in a little closer before the alert goes out.

>>4819014
>[x] We'll fly as soon as we're loaded, every minute we wait is that much more they're able to recover.

ok, votes called! This'll probably be the last for the evening!

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[x] We'll wait for night time, that should help us get in a little closer before the alert goes out.

You think about it for a minute. "We'll wait for night time." You say, getting an appreciative nod out of both Wendy and Mori. "That should help us get in a little closer before the alert goes out."

"It also means they'll be able to have another day of withdrawing their troops and equipment." Kyou points out. She's not questioning your decision- just pointing out a fact.

"But it's like Dunkirk." Wendy responds. "If they expect to save as many of their soldiers as possible, they'll have to abandon a great deal of the heavy equipment they've brought forward."

"Much of which is outdated." Kyou says. "Abandoning old soviet tanks and copies of the same hardly constitutes a loss for the PLA."

"Regardless." You say, putting an end to the discussion. "We'll go in after sundown and hit them at night."

The three witches nod, each accepting the decision- Wendy and Mori perhaps both a little more happily than Kyou.

"It's still surprising they've opted to withdraw." Kyou says, after another minute. "I cannot understand why they would start a war such as this only to not fight it."

"They crippled the garrison forces in Korea." Mori points out. "And deleted the fifth wing almost completely. It'll take us years to recover."

"Not to mention losses among witches." Wendy points out. "They were admittedly rather light, but PLA hasn't deployed any other than the occasional Soviet mercenary, and they've suffered almost no losses as a result."

"But they've suffered catastrophic damage among their air forces." Kyou points out. "And the eastern PLA units that were engaged have all been mauled." She shakes her head. "It makes no sense."

"Clearly they've reasons." Wendy says. "What do you think, Morgan?"

[] Internal politics, probably. Power struggle or something.
[] I have no idea.

>>4819197
>[] I have no idea.

>>4819197
>[x] I have no idea.
Not enough data to make any sort of judgement beyond wild speculation.

>>4819197
>[] I have no idea.

And that's going to be it for the evening!

So, news! I'm sure there's at least a couple people wondering what happened there the last three weeks, and I want to apologize. I had an interview that I was... honestly cautiously optimistic for the first week of May, but as it happened it was very much a waste of my time. I've worked in production facilities before, but this place was just nasty. Cigarette ash on the floor and that kinda thing. Not really impressive, and the pay they offered was... bad. Last week we 'graduated'- though honestly I don't think I should have, I don't feel I've got a grip on anything we were supposed to learn, let alone one good enough to claim the degree. It was bad enough that, despite being really happy, it was kinda working my mind last week enough that I didn't think I was going to be able to really run a thread. As you can no doubt tell, the job hunt still sort of is.

Speaking of job hunts, I am looking, which means I'll be rejoining the work force at some point here... hopefully soon. We'll see, haha. I have a field I'd love to get into (Firearms) but so far the options there are... limited at best.

But enough of that! That's going to be it for the evening, but I'll be around both here and in the discord to chat or answer questions or comments if anyone has any. Otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4819197
>[X] I have no idea.

>>4819213
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4819197
>[x] Internal politics, probably. Power struggle or something.

>>4819213
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4819197

>[] Internal politics, probably. Power struggle or something.

My bet is China couldn't get their act together internally, hence the lack of witches and modern military equipment.
Japan should know something about local commanders causing mischief in northern China...

>>4819197
>[] Internal politics, probably. Power struggle or something.

>>4819197
>[] I have no idea.

>>4819213
Thanks for running!

>>4819197
>[x] I have no idea.
There just isn't enough data for right now. While I am curious as to why they kicked this off it's above our paygrade. We can have Munnin ask their boyfriend later if we remain curious.

ok gents, votes called!

>>4819197
>[x] Internal politics, probably. Power struggle or something.

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[x] Internal politics, probably. Power struggle or something.

You shrug. "Internal politics, probably." You say. "Power struggle or something."

"For an external war?" Kyou asks, and you nod.

"They're not using their cutting edge stuff." You point out. "We've only seen fandances once and witches once."

"And yet they were able to almost entirely seize the peninsula." Mori responds.

"With overwhelming numbers and very significant support from the KDF." Wendy says. "I'm not one to question loyalties, but I've heard it said that nearly three quarters of the defense forces sided with the PLA."

Kyou nods, scowling. "I have heard the same rumors." She says, addressing the KDF forces fighting alongside the PLA. You've seen some of the Chicom propaganda, mostly while you were stateside, and they claim they're only helping the Koreans 'throw off imperialist shackles' or things to that effect. Considering the emperor had granted the Koreans independence post soviet war, with later negotiations meaning that the empire remained in place to help during the transition period, that's a bit of a laugh. Korea's closer to a dominion state than an actual imperial holding anymore, and even that's iffy. "I cannot believe they'd invite the communists in, however."

"They might if they're getting fed propaganda and lies." Mori points out. "Communists aren't the most honorable or trustworthy people."

"Power-hungry little dictators." Kyou practically spits, dismissively. "None of them know what they're inviting in and if they believe the lies, they deserve the suffering they've brought down."

"If we're to be striking them after sundown, what shall we do for the rest of the day?" Wendy asks. "We won't need to start a rest period for at least six hours, and I rather doubt the navy will look favorably on us simply taking the rest of the day off."

"Not as if we do much work." Mori notes. "I can arrange another interview with a hopeful-"

"I intend to go to the hangar and assist the crew." Kyou announces. "So long as I'm not needed here." She looks over at you.

"I'm available to whomever needs me." Wendy says, lightly. "Though I suppose if we're all planning to go to the same place, that'd be rather easier."

Mori shakes her head. "I'll stay with the princess." She says.

"Ah, then I suppose the decision is Morgan's." Wendy responds, looking over at you.

[] I'll set up another interview. Might as well talk with someone since we've got the time.
[] Let's go check in on Merlin, she seemed a little out of it after the run this morning.
[] We'll head to the hangar with Kyou and Mori.

>>4820921
>[X] I'll set up another interview. Might as well talk with someone since we've got the time.

>>4820921
>[x] Let's go check in on Merlin, she seemed a little out of it after the run this morning.

>>4820921
>[] Let's go check in on Merlin, she seemed a little out of it after the run this morning.

MILF sandwich time!

>>4820921
>[X] Let's go check in on Merlin, she seemed a little out of it after the run this morning.

>>4820921
>[X] Let's go check in on Merlin, she seemed a little out of it after the run this morning.

>>4820921
>>[] I'll set up another interview. Might as well talk with someone since we've got the time.

>>4820921
>[] I'll set up another interview. Might as well talk with someone since we've got the time.

Business Catte

Ok, votes called!

>>4820921
>[x] We'll head to the hangar with Kyou and Mori.

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[x] Let's go check in on Merlin, she seemed a little out of it after the run this morning.

"Let's go check in on Merlin." You say, getting a nod out of Wendy. "She seemed a little out of it after the run this morning."

"That's what we get for letting the wolf princess set the pace." Mori says, while Kyou smiles.

"However, she was able to keep up with us and finish the run." Kyou responds. "Quite impressive, I'd thought she was entirely sedentary."

"She used her familiar." Wendy says. "I'm not ashamed to admit I did too, there at the end."

Kyou nods. "I had noticed, but didn't wish to say anything." She says.

"Either way, it's kind of impressive." Mori says, standing up as Kyou heads for the door to the office. "She doesn't look like the sort to really enjoy exercise like that."

"Not like that, no." Kyou agrees, getting a laugh out of both Mori and a more hesitant one out of Wendy. "Regardless. We will be at the hangar, should you need us." She says, looking over at you.

You nod, and they step out.

"I wonder if she doesn't set that kind of pace merely to display how fit her household is." Wendy says. "It is rather difficult to keep up with, even if it's expected."

"Probably." You agree. "She's going to have to be careful, though. If she's setting the pace to make sure no one thinks any of us are weak, it's going to be a problem if someone falls out."

"I doubt she'll let that happen." Wendy says. "Even if it does mean she has to accommodate for miss Wells."

You shrug, finishing up the last few things and locking your computer before standing. "We'll go see. She probably just isn't used to that sort of workout, like Kyou said."

Wendy gives a very light grin. "If that's the case, I can only imagine how difficult it will be for her when and if she becomes involved in the evening activities." She says. "They are... ah, quite vigorous?"

[] One thing at a time, Wendy.
[] She'll adapt, I'm sure.

>>4821018
>[X] One thing at a time, Wendy.

>>4821018
>[x] She'll adapt, I'm sure.

>>4821018
>[] She'll adapt, I'm sure.

Dry. Like. Desert.

>>4821018
>[x] She'll adapt, I'm sure.
Like >>4821035
said. Dry as you can make it.

ok, votes called!

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[x] She'll adapt, I'm sure.

"She'll adapt, I'm sure." You say, voice as dry as the Atacama desert. Wendy laughs.

"It does take quite a bit of adapting to." She admits, nodding. "And I'm quite convinced she has no idea what, exactly, she is planning to get herself into."

"Probably just fantasies." You nod.

"Oh, doubtlessly." Wendy says. "It hardly takes much insight to see she has some... perhaps unrealistic ideas about the whole arrangement."

You nod as the two of you head out into the hall. Merlin's office, along with the empty one for the other team's handlers, whenever they arrive, sits on the same floor as yours, though with an admittedly better view. The whole building is designed to support a wyvern unit- there's space for all the support shops, and even the crew chiefs have offices here, though they also have smaller ones in the underground works in the hangar, which you expect they'll use far more often.

Merlin is sitting in her office, concentrating on something on her computer, resting her face in one hand and another working the mouse. She flicks her eyes over as you and Wendy step in the door and smiles. "Morgan, Wendy!" She says. "Come in."

The both of you step in- as familiar as you all are with each other, she's still your superior officer, and you're not just going to walk into her office. "What's going on? I saw your mission profile and weapons load were uploaded."

You nod as Wendy takes a seat. "We just got it done a few minutes ago, the rest of our work should be in your inbox."

Her eyes flick back over to the screen, and she nods. "Yes." She says. "Looks like I've got it. That reminds me, 7th fleet wants full written AARs from all of you from now on."

"Even with Muninn and Tessa?" Wendy asks, and Merlin nods.

"Honestly, we should have been filing them the entire time anyway." She says. "It's not exactly uncommon for crews to offload that onto the AIs, but fleet wants human input too."

"It would be a shame to have that nice office and spend so little time in it." Wendy muses. "I'll spend some time decorating it, as well."

Merlin nods. "If you don't mind, I'd like some help in here, too." She says, looking around. "There's not much in here, and I don't really know what I'd like to decorate it with. All the old things I had don't really seem right anymore."

Wendy nods. "I'm quite sure I'll be able to, yes." She says. "We came in to make sure you were quite alright." She continues. "You seemed quite flushed after our run this morning."

Merlin smiles lightly. "I maybe let myself get a little out of shape." She responds.

[] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.
[] I'll start hitting the gym with you, if that'll help.
[] Well, so long as it doesn't get too bad, it shouldn't be a problem.

>>4821180
>[x] I'll start hitting the gym with you, if that'll help.

>>4821180
>[x] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.

>>4821180
>[X] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.

>>4821180
>[x] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.
>[x] I'll start hitting the gym with you, too, if that'll help.

>>4821180
>[] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.

>>4821180
>[] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.

>>4821180
>>4821192
+1
getting hot and sweaty together does no good if its not backed by a solid plan

and merlin trying to follow the plan on her own is a recipe for failure

>>4821180
Here >>4821184
Switching to this >>4821192

Ok, votes called! I think this'll be our last update for the evening

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[x] We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you.
[x] I'll start hitting the gym with you, if that'll help.

You nod, thinking for a second. "We'll talk to Mori about getting an exercise plan set up for you." You say, and she opens her mouth to say something, but you continue "And I'll start hitting the gym with you."

She smiles fairly happily and nods. "That sounds good!" She says, clearly happy with the plan. "When will we start?"

You shrug. "As soon as I can talk to Mori, I guess." You say. You'd expected an enthusiastic response, given the circumstances, but maybe not quite this enthusiastic. Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Wendy trying to stifle a grin, too- something you'll comment on later, you think.

"Well, it'll have to be after this sortie." Merlin says, nodding. "But I guess that means I'll have a chance to go get some gym clothes or something."

"If I may, I suggest something fairly light and loose." Wendy offers. "I'm sure if you want, Morgan can assist with that, as well."

"That would be great!" Merlin responds, beaming at you. "So as soon as you get a chance?"

You nod. "As soon as we get the chance, sure." You confirm.

"Well, I can't right now." Merlin says, thinking. "But maybe this afternoon?"

[] Probably not till after this sortie.
[] Maybe, we'll have to see how things are going.

And I think that's going to be it for the night!

Not much news for the day, so just the usual here, haha! I'll be on a while longer to answer questions or comments, but otherwise, till tomorrow gents, cheers!

>>4821264
>[x] Probably not till after this sortie.

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>>4821264
>[X] Probably not till after this sortie.

>>4821267
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4821264
>[] Probably not till after this sortie.

BUISNESS. CATTE.

>>4821264
>[] Maybe, we'll have to see how things are going.

thanks for running

>>4821264
>[x] Probably not till after this sortie.
let's not have the image of merlin in tiny gym shorts in our minds immediately before a mission

>>4821264
>>[] Maybe, we'll have to see how things are going.

>>4821264
>[X] Maybe, we'll have to see how things are going.

>>4821267
Thanks for the run!

>>4821264
>[x] Probably not till after this sortie.
I’d say business before pleasure but we’re a pilot. Flying IS pleasure for us.

>>4821264
>[x] Maybe, we'll have to see how things are going.

>>4821267
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4821264
>[] Probably not till after this sortie.

>>4821264
>[X] Probably not till after this sortie.

ok gents, votes called!

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[x] Probably not till after this sortie.

You frown, thinking about it, then shake your head. "Probably not till after this sortie." You say. It's not that you're particularly bothered by the idea- more that you'd rather keep your mind as clear as possible leading into a combat sortie, and a brain full of 'helping' Merlin pick out gym clothes probably isn't exactly a great idea for a clear mind.

She nods. "Well, after it, then." She says. "I haven't had any monster today, either!"

"Good." You say. "How do you feel about that?"

"Well, a little groggy." She admits. "And like I could use a nap. But I said I'd go all day without one when I woke up."

"That's quite impressive." Wendy says from the couch along the wall. "I'm sure if you go all day, Morgan will happily do something in exchange."

Merlin looks over at you, as you shoot a glance at Wendy- who's grinning with what you're sure she thinks is a sly look. Looking back at Merlin, you nod. "We'll work something out, sure." You say. "But I don't expect you to kick the habit cold like that."

"Oh, I think I can." Merlin says. "So with everything done, how did you plan to spend the rest of the day? You've got your flight time here as twenty three, that'll put you over the target close to oh-one, and it means you'll have to be back in quarters on rest no later than fifteen."

"Lady Kyou and Mori have gone to the hangar to assist the ground crew." Wendy says. "Though I rather doubt the crew requires much help. Morgan and I had no plans as of yet, though if there's things to be done?"

Merlin frowns. "Not really." She says. "Not officially, anyway. I have some things I've got to deal with, otherwise I'd offer to join you for the day."

"It's no problem." You say.

"So what are you going to do for the rest of the morning?" Merlin asks.

[] We'll go over more target data, see what's available.
[] We'll probably go join Kyou in the hangar.
[] We'll head back to quarters and stay out of trouble.

>>4822829
>[X] We'll go over more target data, see what's available.

>>4822829
>[] We'll probably go join Kyou in the hangar.

>>4822829
>[] We'll go over more target data, see what's available

>>4822829
>[x] We'll go over more target data, see what's available.

>>4822829
>[] We'll go over more target data, see what's available.

Industrious Kett

>>4822829
>[X] We'll go over more target data, see what's available.

ok, votes called!

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[x] We'll go over more target data, see what's available.

"We'll go over more target data, see what's available." You say, glancing over at Wendy.

"Ah, that's a good idea." Merlin agrees, nodding. "I'll see if I can get anything forwarded to you, but Muninn and Tessa should have already gotten everything available."

"I imagine they have." Wendy says. "But I also imagine they've not the same ability as you to get information from other sources."

"Probably not." Merlin nods. "But I'll see what I can do."

You nod, standing up- there's little reason to stay here and keep distracting Merlin, and she seems fine- you'd been a little worried after the run, but she seems to have just been winded, which is fair enough. You feel like eight kilometers every morning is a bit much- it's almost two miles past your usual three mile morning run- and it's certainly a great deal more than Merlin has been used to.

"Back to the office?" Wendy asks, as you step into the hall.

"Unless you want to head home and use the tables there." You respond. There's a pair of the display tables in the living room again, or there's supposed to be, installed on Merlin's orders.

"I think perhaps we should use the office." Wendy says, smiling. "It feels rather too early to return to our quarters."

You nod, agreeing. "So what was that?" You ask her.

"What?" She responds, trying- and failing- to sound confused.

"In Merlin's office."

"Ah." She says, a little sheepishly. "Well, she seems so happy with things that I thought perhaps speeding them along a little may not be out of order."

You frown. "Kyou and I don't want to rush into anything with her." You tell her.

Wendy nods. "Of course not." She responds. "But I do feel as if I owe her this, at least. And it does seem rather selfish of me to not help her have the same happiness I've got as soon as possible. Especially not after being partly responsible for her miserable marriage."

1/2

"It lasted almost fifteen years." You point out. "Hardly miserable."

"Clearly not as happy as it ought to have been." Wendy counters. "But you're right, I'm being quite silly. I'll stop."

"Tone it down, at least." You say, not wanting her to feel guilty- her reasons are pure enough, if not perfectly well thought out. "Last thing I want is for her to think this is some plan to get her alone and undressed."

Wendy laughs. "How can you be sure that's not her plan?" She says. "She's rather enthusiastic about her chances, I think."

"Clearly." You respond. "But Mori's going to work her over."

"See to that, will you?" She asks. "I suppose that would be an excellent arrangement for you or lady Kyou to see to her afterwards, however."

"You're getting as bad as Kyou is." You remark, and Wendy laughs.

"Of course, I can hardly help it." She says. "I'm surrounded by this sort of behavior! I can hardly be expected to not have it change me somewhat."

"Somewhat." You agree.

"Perhaps it's a good thing we're not returning to our quarters." She observes. "I rather think it would be hard to focus."

And that's actually going to be it for the week!

This is a really good stopping point, I think, and sets up the next thread really well. We'll be doing a three week block, and then a week off- barring any work-related issues or whatever. I'm looking still, but I'm not desperate enough right now that I'm looking for anything and everything, so it's just a couple industries and positions I feel I qualify for. Which, being fair, isn't much outside welding, but hey, work with what you have, right? Haha.

Anwyay, I'll be around, mostly in the discord but also here, all weekend, to answer any questions or comments if anyone has any. Otherwise, gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4823058
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4823058
thanks for runinng mate

>>4823058
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4823053
>>4823054
Jesus christ Wendy, just admit you want to fuck Merlin you gigantic horndog

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The walk from the crew van over to the hangar is quiet- this late at night, the only people on the pad are the security forces. There's no general blackout, but working on fighters under floodlights, even this far from the front, isn't done except in emergency cases, and there aren't any of those here, the last badly damaged Japanese tomcat having been sent for a factory rebuild a few days ago, it's gear locked down and wings welded at minimum sweep. That had to have been a hairy flight, even with as short as it was, you think- the repairs that had been done here were barely enough to make it flightworthy enough to get to the factory field. Honestly, it probably should have been loaded and moved via a transport.

But that's not your real concern as you step into the Hangar, your group splitting up as the witches continue on to their own craft while you step around to the side of Muninn, beginning your walkaround inspection. The chief joins you from the belowground works as you near the midsection of the fighter, noting that the nacelle trays and FAST pack doors are both still open, allowing you inspect the sidewinders loaded in them- with eight sidewinders in each FAST pack and a further four crammed into the nacelle tray, and the same load on the other side. Each of the missiles still has the seeker cap cover on it, but each looks ready to go otherwise. It's not that you expect to find any observable issues, of course- the ground crews all know their jobs- but it's still equipment you're going to be banking your life on, so you want a final chance to look over everything.

"Feel good to be getting back in the saddle, huh?" The chief says, grinning at you. "Whole damn crew was fired up getting her combat ready again. Didn't take much, but that damn cannon is a bitch to load, if you don't mind my saying."

"It is?" You ask.

She laughs. "You damn right!" She responds. "I'm never gonna say a damn bad thing about Sammy Wells, but that girl never thinks about the people that gotta work her shit!" She says. "The loading port's in a strange spot, and you can't handle the slugs directly, you gotta load them via a powered loader wearing clean gear." She shakes her head. "Got it done, though."

You nod. "Any other issues?"

1/2

"On this bird?" the Chief asks, shaking her head. "We had that Kyou in here all day helping anyway. If there had been a problem, she'd have caught it and either fixed it herself or had one of us get it. She ain't afraid to get her hands dirty, but all due respect sir, that girl hard to work for she act like the rest of us powered by the damn sun."

You smile. "Yeah, she does that." you respond.

"But naw, everything's good." The chief continues. "Power plants are a bastard, but Admiral Wells has been sitting on them every day since we got in and she's got 'em purring just right, she says."

You nod, looking up into the massive, flat exhausts of the jets. There's heat discoloration there, of course- the exhaust temps on these things are greater than the baseline engines, even moreso when they're running in afterburners or war emergency. After finishing your walkaround, you nod, taking the clipboard from the chief and signing off on the papers there- officially making Muninn 'your' aircraft till you land here again. The chief, now joined by the ordinance crew NCO, start pulling streamers and seeker caps from the missiles as you climb into the cockpit and get settled in, connecting your cables to the ports on the fighter and hitting the uplink. You're on ground power still, but, as expected, you're through the pre-start checklist and ready for engine start.

"Ah, it is wonderful to return to combat!" Kyou sighs over the net- you can feel her glowing satisfaction at the prospect of striking at the enemies of the empire. "All was in order?"

[] Was there any doubt?
[] The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you.

>>4834015
>[X] Was there any doubt?

>>4834015
>[x] Was there any doubt?

>>4834015
>[X] The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you.

>>4834015
>[] The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you.

WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE

>>4834015
>[x] The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you.

ok, votes called!

>>4834015
>>[] The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you.

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[x] The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you.

"The Chief says I'm going to have to keep more of a leash on you." You say conversationally, going through your parts of the checklist.

There's a momentary flash of surprise through the MIU from Kyou, gone almost as soon as it appears, while Mori's reaction is a feeling of smug amusement, and Wendy's is just surprise.

"Is that so?" Kyou responds levelly. "Well, while that sort of thing doesn't interest me in the slightest, perhaps Wendy would agree to it?"

There's a flush of embarrassment from Wendy- though you note that that's all there is.

"We ready to start?" Mori asks, cutting the conversation off.

"Of course." Kyou responds, and works through the startup checklists with the rest of you, bringing all three aircraft online as the ground crews pull the wheel blocks and detach the ground lines.

"Muninn flight is rolling." She calls up to the tower as you slowly roll forward, gathering speed to your maximum indicated ground speed of 15 mph. While that seems almost glacial, it's more than fast enough to get around the tarmac- especially when you're the only aircraft moving right now. The alert fighters- a flight of four USN F-14Fs- also occupy the pad of course, but they're not moving, and hopefully won't- they're there as part of the alert force on tap to respond if any of the Japanese BARCAPs run into trouble.

Once you line up on the runway, Muninn and Tessa both do a final once-over, confirming all systems are green and weapons show green and safe. Kyou will repeat the check once you've lifted, of course, but if the AIs both clear you- and they do, agreeing within a fraction of a second that everything is in order- then she's unlikely to find anything.

"Muninn flight, clear for takeoff." The tower calls. "Good hunting."

"Muninn flight is rolling." Kyou responds as Wendy and Mori roll past you, their jets both spooling up into the afterburner range as they jump off the runway. You start rolling as soon as they do, their smaller fighters breaking off to the north west, following the military traffic corridor in the controlled Japanese airspace to stay clear of the fairly dense civil air lanes over the greater Tokyo metro area.

1/2

You jump off the runway to a thrill of excitement through the link as acceleration pushes you and Kyou back into your ejection seats. "Gear is up and locked, I have full connectivity on all elements." Kyou calls. "Systems are green across the board."

"Two" Wendy calls, echoing the systems green call.

"Three." Mori says, a second later, also confirming everything is in order as the pair of them settle into their formation positions, both about fifteen hundred yards away from you. With the MIU net, of course, you could fly much closer- you suspect easily within inches, if you wanted- but the spacing here is enough so that any of the three of you can execute any maneuver without anyone else having to move to clear.

"The sea of Japan is ours." Mori notes. "So we'll be over friendly assets the entire distance. We've also got blanket clearance to land aboard the Kaga and refuel."

"They're only twenty minutes flight time from Atsugi at cruise speed." Wendy notes. "Hardly worth landing to take on fuel when we'll have burnt so little of it."

"Taking on fuel now could mean greater combat time before we're forced to consider alternate landing fields." Kyou notes. "I would prefer not to have to land at any airfield in Korea, if it can be avoided."

[] Agree with Wendy- you'll have burnt so little fuel by the time you'd have to make the call it's not worth adding the time to your flight in.
[] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

And I'm gonna call it for the night here gents! I'd hoped to get three updates, but this is a good enough decision point for our purposes, I think- and if we get behind, I can always run a thread Friday.

Anyway, I'll be around some, but I didn't sleep real well last night, so I'm not sure how much longer I'll be on. Still, I'll be here and in the discord for at least a little while longer and will answer any questions or comments or concerns, haha!

but otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4834193
>[X] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

>>4834197
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4834193
>[X] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

>>4834193
>[x] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

Wife raises a good point, KDF is less than reliable at this point.

>>4834193
>[] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

>>4834193
>[x] Agree with Wendy- you'll have burnt so little fuel by the time you'd have to make the call it's not worth adding the time to your flight in.

>>4834193
>[x] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

>>4834193
>[x] Agree with Wendy- you'll have burnt so little fuel by the time you'd have to make the call it's not worth adding the time to your flight in.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Agree with Kyou- the extra time shouldn't hurt and you'd like to hit the PLAN with as much fuel and ammo as possible.

YOu think about it for a second before queuing up your mic. "We'll take on the fuel." You state.

"Seems foolish to have to land." Wendy notes- it never bothers her when you decide contrary to her advice, but she'll often comment on the decision anyway. "It would be far easier to top off from a tanker aircraft."

"That's the navy for you." Mori laughs. "They're so terrified of not having maximum striking power on hand at all times that they don't even have dedicated tankers. Sometimes they'll rig some Wokou as tankers with buddy stores, but even that takes a direct order from the imperial household."

"The army is similarly difficult." Kyou responds- a little bothered by the implied slight upon her branch of choice. "Logistics is a foreign concept to them."

"Of course." Mori says, still laughing lightly- she's amused, more than anything. "After all anything not involving getting at the enemy and killing him is a detail best left to the merchants or other lessers."

That's a fairly sore historical point with them, you know- and while the rank and file, like Mori, tend to make light of it, the IJA is still less than capable when it comes to supplying and maintaining an expeditionary force of any kind. It's one of the reasons the IJN is considered the primary striking arm of the empire, and the army far more of a defensive organization.

Kyou calls the Kaga- now only about fifteen minutes distant- and arranges the landing. You won't be throwing their launch or recovery cycle out of order, thankfully, since they're only running night time BARCAPs for their task force.

The three of you recover in order- you have to hold for a few minutes as Mori and Wendy both land, and then follow them onto the deck. They've already been pulled off to the side, and the refuelling crew has already hooked lines to their fighters, topping off their fuel cells. In your case they barely bother to even move you out of the way, with lines attached. Your own fuel cells are rapidly topped off- all in all it's less than ten minutes before you're rolling to the catapults and being set for launches.

You tell yourself you didn't do this just to get a cat launch as the Kaga hurls you back off the deck into the night, the total time loss being less than twenty minutes- the crew moved fast and you suspect the mere presence of the wolf princess probably motivated them a little bit more. Kyou doesn't bother with the post-launch callout- you can see for yourself that everything's green, of course, but that's really just for after you've brought everything up to speed after the aircraft being cold for a while.

1/2

As you approach the Korean coast, it's almost difficult to make out. Unlike the home islands, all Imperial controlled areas in Korea are under very strict blackout conditions- probably entirely pointless in an era of thermal and low-light night vision, radar targeting, and smart munitions, but it's still one of the wartime measures people expect, you think. Still, there's plenty of activity down there- the port you're flying over has a lot going on, mostly IJN personnel offloading lighter cargo craft as a few of their logistics ships wait offshore. The major ports are in the south, though and this one- Sokcho, according to Tessa- is one that had been occupied for a few weeks in the early moves. You suspect a lot of the supplies coming in are humanitarian in nature- reports from the occupied areas that have been liberated indicate the retreating KPA- Korean People's Army, the turncoat elements of the KDF- seized the majority of food and medicine, along with valuables and in some cases people.

"We're approaching max detection range of the Chinese early warning network." Kyou calls as you head further inland- you're a little less than a hundred miles from Seoul at this point. It's a warning call- one that means you'll have to decide how you intend to approach the target.

[] Go in high and fast- they'll see you coming sooner, so they'll get a call for help off for sure, but you'll be able to hit them sooner.
[] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

>>4836138
>[X] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

>>4836138
>[x] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

This is why we took the extra fuel

>>4836138
>[x] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

>>4836138
>[X] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

>>4836138
>[x] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Go in low and fast- they'll have less warning, but to get below the radar means you'll have to terrain follow some, meaning you'll arrive a little later.

You decide to take it low and fast, coming in underneath their most distant early warning radars. They'll still detect you once you're closer in, of course- if for no other reason than your onboard ECM isn't that great, especially compared to some of the other WCTs out there. That said, you quietly satisfy yourself with the knowledge that, even though they'll see you coming, your overwhelming firepower makes the point moot. They can't stop you anyway.

"Stay clear of Seoul." Kyou warns. "I'm already getting faint tracks from the city, there's at least one long range search set out there."

"Search set from an S-400 battery." Wendy clarifies. "It's all that's left of the battery though. IJA knocked it out earlier in the week."

"Still better we don't get seen." Mori says, and you find yourself agreeing, descending a little more. You can 'see' the city, about thirty miles north, both through Muninn's application of a false-image and through thermal and low light. There's fires there, big ones- set by the withdrawing PLA or through IJA artillery strikes, there's no way to tell. You can even see the occasional interplay of PLA C-RAM systems engaging the IJA fires, with few shells landing in Incheon itself. The Han river is the demarcation line, roughly, between the two forces, though it's hard to tell at this range if there's any activity along it right now.

"Feet wet." You announce as you flash out to sea, with Muninn warning of radar pinging off your fighter that your ECM can't defeat- they know you're coming, now.

"They're tracking us." Kyou warns. "Multiple sets. I am sure they're aware of our targets by now, it must be obvious, even to them."

[] Go in fast, before they have a chance to get support- you'd rather not tangle with more than you have to all at once.
[] Maintain this speed- let them see their death approaching. More tactically, it means you can probably sucker in some air support.

I wanna apologize about the really long delay there gents, but Tex talks battletech dropped his marauder episode. I love the Marauder- it was my first favorite mech, alongside the rifleman, so of course I had to watch it. We'll do one more update tonight, and probably a make-up day on Friday too

>>4836343
>[X] Go in fast, before they have a chance to get support- you'd rather not tangle with more than you have to all at once.

>>4836343
>[] Go in fast, before they have a chance to get support- you'd rather not tangle with more than you have to all at once.

>>4836343
>[x] Go in fast, before they have a chance to get support- you'd rather not tangle with more than you have to all at once.

Limiting their support was the whole point of going in at night

>>4836343
>[x] Go in fast, before they have a chance to get support- you'd rather not tangle with more than you have to all at once.

>>4836343
>[X] Maintain this speed- let them see their death approaching. More tactically, it means you can probably sucker in some air support.

>>4836347
Thanks for the run!

>>4836374
I fucked up on this since it's not the end of the run quite yet haha. At work so reading and voting as much as i can

ok, votes called! This'll be our last update for the evening

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[x] Go in fast, before they have a chance to get support- you'd rather not tangle with more than you have to all at once.

"We're going in fast." You call, pushing the throttle in your left hand forward to the first stop, kicking on the massive afterburners and dumping fuel into the exhausts, punching past mach 2 in a heartbeat. Wendy and Mori lag a little behind, the valkyrie's engines unable to match the raw output of the monster powerplants buried in Muninn's fuselage, despite the much lower weight of the smaller craft. Still, they're able to regain formation as you get the first short range return on the task force. The seven ships are spread out over a twelve mile radius, each in range to support the other, but not so close that a single attack can destroy all of them.

"They've seen us." Muninn warns. "All ships have gone to general quarters, and they've sent a distress call. Assuming they're modern Fandances, we'll have about five minutes before any reinforcements can show up."

"Plus shipboard witches." Mori notes. "Seven ships, there should at least be a couple spotters."

"Hardly a threat." Kyou responds. "Master safety off."

"Master arm on." You call back- an almost automatic response as you reach out to hit the MSTRARM toggle on the console in front of you. The board goes green, both on the MFD in front of you and on the enhanced reality HUD you're used to in the MIU. You double check your loads- 48 sidewinders, 12 shots from the Yellowstone cannon, and a 480 40mm cannon shells, half being the HE-Fragmentation rounds used against aircraft and witches, the other half HEI rounds for soft-skinned surface targets.

"Targets are broken into three groups." Kyou says. "Both destroyers together with a frigate and corvette, a frigate and a corvette, and a corvette off by itself. About a mile separation between ships in a group, between three and four miles between groups. Big group in the middle, loner up front."

"We don't have the firepower to tackle a ship ourselves." Mori says- there's a flash of agreement from Wendy. "But we can harass one pretty easily. They won't have any armor topside."

"We may be able to destroy a Corvette." Wendy says. "I rather doubt they're capable of sustaining much damage, especially given their small size. If nothing else we can mission kill one."

"Or we can cover you." Mori offers.

[] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.
[] Attack the pair of ships first- they should be easy to kill and knocking them out means a good part of their air defenses are gone.
[] Attack the loner first- it should be a simple matter to kill a corvette even without using yellowstone.

{} Have Mori and Wendy break formation and attack their own targets- sow confusion among the task force and do what damage they can.
{} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised.

And that's going to be it for the day! Again, I want to apologize for the long delay there, I hadn't expected the Marauder episode to drop today, and it ran long, like most of the TTBT videos do these days. Don't get me wrong, I really like them, but they are long, haha!

Anyway, that's it for the day, but I'll be around a little longer, both here and in the discord, to answer any questions or comments anyone has. Otherwise, gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4836491
>[X] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.
>{X} Have Mori and Wendy break formation and attack the lone corvette.

>>4836503
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4836491
>[] Attack the pair of ships first- they should be easy to kill and knocking them out means a good part of their air defenses are gone.

{} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised.


Well, Kyou *did* want to party...

>>4836491
>[x] Attack the pair of ships first- they should be easy to kill and knocking them out means a good part of their air defenses are gone.
>{x} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised.

>>4836491
>[] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.

>{} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised.

>>4836491
>>[] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.
>>{} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised

>>4836491
>[x] Attack the pair of ships first- they should be easy to kill and knocking them out means a good part of their air defenses are gone.
>{x} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised.

Fuck your air defenses fleet, that is what I want. No more air defenses, let’s make that happen.

>>4836491
>[x] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.
>{x} Have Mori and Wendy break formation and attack the lone corvette.

>>4836503
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4836491
>[] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.
>[] Have Mori and Wendy break formation and attack the lone corvette.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Attack the largest group first- they're all clustered together, and won't be able to attempt any evasive maneuvering.
{x} Maintain formation- Mori and Wendy can act as antimissile cover easily, and having them nearby means you can't get surprised.

"Cover us, we're going for the main group." You call, starting a gentle turn to line up with the ships. There's a flash of confirmation through the link, with both Wendy and Mori closing in a little bit to better cover you as you toggle your selector switch over to the Yellowstone cannon and line up on the closest ship- the frigate, by the looks of it.

"Radar spike!" Kyou calls. "Multiple sources!"

That, too, you expected- honestly, you're surprised they took this long to get a fire control system on you. At almost forty miles to go, you're well inside their engagement range- you were well inside it crossing south of Seoul.

"Birds in the air!" Kyou calls a second later. "Multiple launches from the two destroyers!"

You can see them out there, bright flares of light as both destroyers volley missiles at you- Muninn counts six in the air in seconds, all launching straight up and vectoring in on you as their guidance programs engage. The missiles- big, strategic monsters based on the S-400 system, are impossible to miss as they follow their engagement profile, rocketing up and engaging in a ballistic arc. Of course, with only six launched, their chances of hitting you- let alone achieving a kill- are virtually nil.

"The idiots left their uplinks active." Muninn scornfully declares- and you watch all six missiles rapidly arc backwards, their midcourse guidance overwritten by Muninn's intrusion capabilities, who sends them crashing back into the sea, harmlessly.

That, at least, gets their attention- the next volley is of twenty-four missiles. "Someone was paying attention." Muninn warns. "Midcourse uplinks are down on all those weapons, they've got their active seeker heads live."

1/2

"We've got them." Wendy calls, and you can tell she and Mori are rapidly sharing targeting data and plans- both of them pop up above you, waiting for the missiles to arc over and begin their terminal guidance phase as you close on the ships.

You trigger Yellowstone at the same instant as the other ships open up on you- both mid and short range systems from the frigates and the corvettes, and gunfire, both from the main guns and CIWS systems as the crews seem to recognize what's coming at them. Kyou's shield explodes into life as the first shells reach you, all of them simply detonating against the impenetrable magical field, which doesn't even flicker as it absorbs tons of high explosives.

Your railcannon slug, meanwhile, faces no such defense, and the unfortunate ship hit- the frigate- takes the slug in her forward superstructure, with the blast and overpressure blowing the boxy structure into a twisted tangle of wreckage. The mast, just aft of the point of impact, collapses backwards onto the exhaust stack before sliding down into the anti ship missile boxes, crushing them. Her CIWS system keeps engaging for a second, before her forward VLS detonates, the secondary explosion ripping her forward quarter apart. You can the list beginning even as you scream over the top of the group, the frigate, now uncontrolled, beginning to turn away from the rest of the ships even as she starts taking on water.

"They're launching fighters." Muninn warns. "All mainland bases are scrambling all available air assets. The IJA is offering assistance from their forward based air combat teams, if we need it."

[] Refuse the IJA's help- no sense in exposing conventional assets to this kind of air defense threat.
[] Accept the help if they're that eager to get in attacks against the PLAN.

>>4838080
>[X] Accept the help if they're that eager to get in attacks against the PLAN.
May as well knock out as much of the Chinese forces on top of their ships as we can, should help open a corridor.

>>4838080
>[] Refuse the IJA's help- no sense in exposing conventional assets to this kind of air defense threat.

>>4838080
>[] Accept the help if they're that eager to get in attacks against the PLAN.

>>4838080
>[x] Accept the help if they're that eager to get in attacks against the PLAN.
As long as we're quick about knocking out the destroyers the IJA should be good to intercept some of the enemy fighters. The remaining frigate might still be a problem but I'd imagine their attention will be on us.

>>4838080
>[X] Refuse the IJA's help- no sense in exposing conventional assets to this kind of air defense threat.

Ok, votes called!

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[x] Accept the help if they're that eager to get in attacks against the PLAN.

"If they're offering, we'll take the help." You say, flicking your attention back to the sinking frigate for a second. It's power plants aren't shut down yet- you can see the stern lifting into the air as the forward spaces fill with water, and the propellers are still spinning. The waters around the stricken ship are filling with sailors- Kyou's contempt for them is almost overwhelming, but you can hardly blame the men as they abandon the doomed warship- you doubt any measure of damage control procedures could save it now. Even the Tico, prepared as it had been for use as a target, barely survived, and it was empty of munitions or fuel. There's little sense in dying aboard a doomed ship.

"Relaying." Muninn says. "They'll be launching with heavy witch support, at least six."

"That should prevent undue losses from surface weapons." Kyou notes as you pull Muninn around in a crushing bank. In this close to the ships, the only weapons that they have that can reliably engage you are their guns and the point defense missiles on the corvettes- and the corvettes, you note with a thought, have already emptied their point defense systems on you.

"IJA Assets launching now." Muninn warns as you line up on the next ship- one of the destroyers, it's forward gun turret and port CWIS firing at you to almost no effect as you trigger the railcannon again, the molten slug ripping across the sky to smash into one of the destroyers' aft quarter, traveling diagonally to punch out of it and into the sea amidships. The whole ship lurches sideways under the impact, and it's weapons drop offline as power is cut. It doesn't immediately start sinking though, which is a little surprising, but it's certainly dead in the water as the wake behind it starts to disappear as it slows.

"PLAAF aircraft are two minutes from engagement range." Wendy warns as you come around again, a 76mm shell smearing itself against Kyou's shield. "Mixed force of fandances and flying sharks."

"Surprised they're still coming in." Mori remarks.

"IJA Reinforcements are still five minutes out." Kyou says. "We can break west and draw the PLA Aircraft into them, or we can remain here engaged with the fleet. I am certain the task force here will not wish to remain with one ship destroyed and another crippled so easily."

[] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.
[] We'll draw those fighters into the IJA reinforcements, knocking out fandances is worth more than a few ships.

>>4838319
>[X] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.

>>4838319
>[] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.

The fandances are coming after us anyway

better to complete our actual objective first

>>4838319
>[] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.
we got to fight like taffy 3

>>4838319
>[] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.

>>4838319
>[] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.

The job *is* to hit the botes with a stick till candy falls out...

ok, votes called! this'll probably be our last update for the evening

>>4838319
>[x] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.
At least knock out the other destroyer

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[x] We're staying here, we want to do as much damage as possible to this task force.

While the fandances do represent a fairly significant military force- especially if they're the newer, Chinese-built ones- your target is the ships. "We're staying here." You say.

"That means the fighters will be better able to withdraw." Kyou notes- there's a hint of displeasure in her voice, and the same travels through the MIU, but it's minor. She's unhappy that the fighters will get away- but aware that the ships are the target and knocking them out means better chances to knock out the fighters later, as they'll have to dedicate aircraft to covering the evacuation ports.

"It also means the ships won't be able to engage the incoming IJA forces as easily." Wendy counters. "And they won't be able to use their SAMs against us as we push west."

You can't see- but you can sense- that she's having the conversation as she initiates a gun run against the corvette, her paired miniguns causing significant damage to the unarmored superstructure, and knocking out the forward gun mount of the light ship. Mori mirrors the run, running from aft to fore and destroying the now-empty FL-3000N mount and much of the sensor gear that had somehow survived Wendy's run. The ship isn't dead- but it's hurt, and almost entirely out of the fight, with little more than 30mm autocannons to defend itself against you.

The second destroyer is maneuvering in an attempt to evade your attacks as you line up- but at the speeds you move at, that's at best a laughable gesture. The surviving ships have begun turning east, running for home- given the situation in Korea it's almost all they can do, since heading west in an attempt for Korean ports is effectively surrendering the ship. They're also running towards their incoming friendly air assets, which, while the additional closure rate doesn't matter much, is something.

1/2

Your railcannon roars a third time, the glowing round slamming through the fore superstructure, smashing a hole in the back and exiting through the large radar panel in the front, and you can see the bridge lights flicker and then go out as you cross over the top of the ship. the forward gun mount still tracks you as you do so though, even though it's woefully inadequate for the task. Even though the ship isn't dead, it's also not capable of much more than self-defense- and barely even that. Muninn informs you that it's no longer radiating at all- everything from basic navigation radar to their fire control radar is offline.

"Fighters." Wendy calls as the leading PLANAF jets enter engagement range with their medium range missiles. Launched on alert, there's little chance they're carrying more than basic weapons, nothing particularly threatening, but you'll have to pay attention to them, with the ships now taking a back seat. You turn into the merge with Wendy and Mori rejoining on you as you do, counting twelve fandances and twelve flying sharks- the PLAN version of the flanker. Mori splashes one in the merge, her guns practically sawing the wing off of one of the J-15s as they break to engage, the fighter tumbling into the water at still supersonic speeds.

"IJA forces two minutes out." Muninn announces. "Their flight lead is asking for direction."

[] Have them engage the Fighters so you can go after the ships- you want to send at least one more to the bottom if you can.
[] Have them engage the ships as much as they can, you'll tackle the fighters.

and that's going to be it for the night! Remember that we'll be running again tomorrow to finish out the thread!

No news for the evening though. I'll be around a little while longer to answer questions or comments if there are any, but otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

>>4838587
>[] Have them engage the Fighters so you can go after the ships- you want to send at least one more to the bottom if you can.

Mission catte

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>>4838587
>[X] Have them engage the Fighters so you can go after the ships- you want to send at least one more to the bottom if you can.

>>4838588
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4838587
>[] Have them engage the Fighters so you can go after the ships- you want to send at least one more to the bottom if you can.

>>4838587
>[x] Have them engage the ships as much as they can, you'll tackle the fighters.
I feel it best that we tangle with the other superfighters. I’m guessing that the IJA is going to be flying things like the F-2 and possibly some homegrown equivalent/variant of the F-15. Good as they are we’re an air superiority specialized WCT no reason not to lean into that. It is why we brought all those sidewinders after all.

>>4838587
>[] Have them engage the ships as much as they can, you'll tackle the fighters.

>>4838587
>[] Have them engage the Fighters so you can go after the ships- you want to send at least one more to the bottom if you can.

>>4838587
>[x] Have them engage the ships as much as they can, you'll tackle the fighters.
Unless we're able to thin out the fandances before the IJA arrives that seem like a lot for them to handle. Of course IJA could be sending more planes then I think they are, that and the 6 witches even things out a bit.

>>4838587
Eh, good points. Only ship threat left untouched is a Frigate alongside a crippled destroyer with a few corvettes. Swap me >>4838593 to
>[X] Have them engage the ships as much as they can, you'll tackle the fighters.

ok, votes called! let me get a cup of coffee and we'll be good to go!

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[x] Have them engage the ships as much as they can, you'll tackle the fighters.

"Have them engage the ships." You order, figuring that, at least, they should be carrying something that can damage the remaining vessels, as badly beat up as the task force is. "We'll take the fighters."

"Relaying now." Kyou says, and you can hear her, faintly, relaying the commands back to the IJA flight lead. While, technically, you don't have any sort of command authority over them- deliberately so, WCTs are usually removed from the chain of command except where absolutely necessary- you doubt the IJA lead is going to do anything contrary to anything Kyou tells him. Fact is, she's still an imperial princess, and that carries with it an inherent authority to command Imperial forces.

The furball you're in is a confused mess- the fandances are more modern versions, probably some late-90s models, though they're not quite up to modern standards, either, and even with a dozen of them, they're struggling against you. You've toggled back over to your 40mm cannon for the fight- the insane killing power of Yellowstone unnecessary against small fighters like this. Wendy drops another J-15 that's gotten a bit too ambitious- and then his wingmate a second later, her tracers spearing through both fighters without seeming pause, the stricken fighters lurching in the sky before their pilots eject- a brave move in a dogfight like this.

Locked in the twisting, rotating furball, you're appreciative for Mori's talent, as her awareness of the battlespace transfers across the MIU to you. It's exactly that awareness that lets you flip Muninn around to send a short burst of 40mm shells into a Fandance as it crosses through what would have been an otherwise impossible shot window. For a second, it looks like the fighter will survive- badly damaged though it may be- before it begins to yaw uncontrollably and the pilot ejects an instant before it enters a flat spin. Despite this, the fight is drawing you west, away from the ships and back towards Korea- sheer weight of numbers forcing you to at least move in the general direction they want.

Your IJA assistance arrives in a flurry of aircraft suddenly- you'd been tracking them coming in, but with the fight as it is, you couldn't quite arrange the setup you wanted. Still, the IJA aircraft- looking to be the better part of two squadrons of their Tomcats, plus another of their indigenous version of the F-16, the F-2, and six witches to boot, instantly breaks the fight wide open. The F-2s split into wing pairs and go for the ships which, depleted as their magazines are, aren't in a good position to defend themselves, with just one frigate and two corvettes untouched.

1/2

You send a pair of sidewinders at a J-15 that's just leveled out- at this range, the little missile's seeker heads are live as soon as they leave the VLS tubes. You can't imagine his missile warning had much time to do anything as they streak across the short distance- less than a mile- and slam into the fighter one after another, enveloping it in a messy fireball as his fuel tanks go up. You don't see a parachute get out of that one.

"Remaining fleet elements are hauling down their standards." Wendy says. "They're surrendering!"

You blink, checking the information for yourself- the surviving ships are indeed surrendering, their naval ensigns coming down and their radars suddenly powering off, along with their CWIS guns. A few miles away, the crippled destroyer similarly begins slowing, though judging by it's infrared signature, it's hell on earth inside the ship, with a massive fire raging belowdecks.

The fighters, however, seem to not have gotten the message- an aggressively maneuvering fandance splashes an IJA tomcat a second before you put a quartet of sidewinders in the air after it. The pilot- clearly well trained- breaks hard and starts pumping flares into the sky in an effort do evade the missiles, but the dual-mode seeker heads aren't fooled and the fandance disappears in a fireball as their warheads do their job.

"We should allow Wendy and Mori to break and engage at will." Kyou says over your intercom. "They could deal far greater damage if they're allowed off the leash."

[] Agree- have them break formation and attack- you don't need the extra set of eyes with Mori around.
[] Have one break and engage at well, keep one with you- you want the extra insurance.
[] Disagree- keep both on your wing. These fighters are going to have to disengage soon, if they don't want to get wiped out.

>>4840232
>[X] Agree- have them break formation and attack- you don't need the extra set of eyes with Mori around.

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>>4840232
>[x] Agree- have them break formation and attack- you don't need the extra set of eyes with Mori around.

>"Remaining fleet elements are hauling down their standards." Wendy says. "They're surrendering!"

ok, votes called!

>>4840232
>[] Agree- have them break formation and attack- you don't need the extra set of eyes with Mori around.

throw kyou a bone for once

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[x] Agree- have them break formation and attack- you don't need the extra set of eyes with Mori around.

"Break and engage." You respond- and both Mori and Wendy split off, pushing their engines up into their afterburner range and each immediately attacking separate fighters. The J-15s, in particular, suffer pretty badly in the fight as the two of them go to work- though you can clearly see an IJA witch gun down one of the Fandances while another, easily recognizable both by her nonstandard uniform and the polearm strapped to a carry shackle on her strikers cripples another with a burst from her LMG, the rounds glowing an eerie magenta through the night. Not tracers, Muninn helpfully informs you, just her enhancing her weapon.

You snap right, gaining the tail of a fandance that's tailing an F-14 in turn, getting a lock just as the fandance fires- you return the favor with a trio of sidewinders from your nacelle trays, the short ranges missiles impacting just as the tomcat breaks away from the Fandance's attack- he still gets part of it, but the fandance takes two of your three, both hammering into it's starboard engine and pushing it's aft half off it's line of travel. He starts tumbling as the pilot tries to regain control, and he rides the stricken jet all the way into the ocean.

The remaining fighters start to break away, six of them breaking up and attempting to disengage. The whole thing is over almost as quick as it started, the air clearing out of hostile aircraft as the PLAN ships- at least, the surviving ones, slow to a halt. The IJA aircraft form up on you briefly- there's three fewer than there were, but given the situation here, and the losses the PLANAF took, that's probably considered a great trade by the IJA.

Wendy and Mori both form back up on you. "IJA command is coordinating with the IJN to take control of the ships." Kyou intones. "The destroyer we hit first most likley won't survive."

"Does the IJN have assets in place to take the ships?" Mori asks.

"I rather doubt the do." Wendy notes. "But it's likely enough that the ships will have to withdraw regardless."

"Most likely." Kyou agrees. "Regardless, we accomplished our role here."

You nod, looking up to see a pair of glowing violet eyes contemplating you, before Sho-sa Tosa smiles and flashes a V-sign at you as she rolls away to rejoin the formation heading home.

>>4840232
>[] Agree- have them break formation and attack- you don't need the extra set of eyes with Mori around.

And that's going to be it for the week!

Sorry about how slow things were this week, I know not everyone really likes these Friday runs. It's kinda been a weird week overall for me, not really sure what's up. We'll get it sorted out though!

Anyway, no real news other than that. I'll be around all weekend, here and in the discord, to answer any questions or comments. Otherwise gents, till next week, cheers!

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>>4840457
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4840457
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4840457
thanks for running

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It comes as no surprise to you that Kyou is up and moving as soon as you're out of the shower, though it is a surprise that she's the only other person awake. You can hear her downstairs with the TV on- the morning news report. There's talks of a potential cease fire being floated, but nothing specific- though several European powers have offered to mediate the conflict. You're not entirely sure how you feel about that, though most of them would be perfectly suited to mediate the conflict, given their lack of involvement. Only the British are even a little involved, with a Chinese cordon around Hong Kong preventing travel into or out of China proper to the city- though sea traffic is still flowing freely.

She looks up and smiles as you step downstairs, nodding as you take a seat next to her on the couch. While you're still on duty today- meaning you'll have to get your AAR written and posted to all the relevant authorities- and of course check the post-action technical findings on Muninn and the valkyries. That's part of your job you're really starting to wonder about, as well, especially with Merlin's recent move to become part of Kyou's inner household.

"The navy failed to capitalize on our successes." Kyou says, after a minute. "Three PLAN ships escaped."

"Three?" You ask, and she nods.

"Two corvettes and a frigate." She responds. "One destroyer was abandoned and later sunk, the first one we attacked. The other they scuttled before withdrawing, and we sunk a Frigate. The IJA is claiming a corvette sunk as well."

"And the other three?" You ask.

"It took several hours for the military to organize any kind of force to take the ships, by which point they'd escaped further west, and well inside mainland Chinese defenses." She says, frowning. "Inquiries will probably be launched."

You don't wince at that, but you do feel a moment of sympathy for the responsible officers. The imperial military is hardly the brutal force it was in the early part of last century, but it's certainly not exactly kind or gentle, especially to officers seen to have failed in their duty egregiously. You're not sure this will be seen as that, specifically- the IJN hasn't been able to operate anything on the west coast of Korea for the duration, and you doubt any army officer could have organized a force to airlift to the ships and take control of them in the time given.

"Regardless." She says. "My only regret is we were not able to destroy more of them. It seems a waste to have let three ships and some aircraft escape, even if it has allowed the army a chance to move on the Inchon pocket."

[] We did what they wanted and bagged some fandances as well. I'd say we did pretty well.
[] It's a shame, but it happens. We couldn't very well shoot at surrendered ships.

>>4848578
>[X] We did what they wanted and bagged some fandances as well. I'd say we did pretty well.

>>4848578
>[X] It's a shame, but it happens. We couldn't very well shoot at surrendered ships.

Bad Kyou, no war crimes

>>4848578
>[x] It's a shame, but it happens. We couldn't very well shoot at surrendered ships.

>>4848578
>[x] We did what they wanted and bagged some fandances as well. I'd say we did pretty well.

>>4848578
>[] We did what they wanted and bagged some fandances as well. I'd say we did pretty well.

ok, votes called!

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[x] We did what they wanted and bagged some fandances as well. I'd say we did pretty well.

"We did what they wanted, and bagged some fandances as well." You respond with a slight shrug. "I'd say we did pretty well."

Kyou shakes her head. "Not enough." She says. "We are the first imperial wyvern, the partnership of the Imperial family and the Bishop line. Many people expect us to excell in all we do, to an otherwise impossible degree."

You nod- it's something you're well aware of. "And you don't think we are?"

"We didn't last night." She clarifies. "We performed a mission that otherwise would have required a much larger force and would have seen significant casualties. And yet I feel it should have been possible for us to destroy the entire force arrayed against us."

You nod. "Easily." You agree- it would have been relatively simple to do so, in all honesty- Kyou's shields allow for effectively free action, regardless of other concerns. Coupled with Yellowstone, it means that, short of another Mars, you're almost untouchable.

"So why did we not?" Kyou asks. She's not angry- that's effectively impossible anyway, and you know that her frustration isn't with you, or any of your actions. She feels she's somehow not living up to expectations- ones that you're familiar with, if not to the same magnitude.

[] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.
[] This way is worse for them, isn't it? They couldn't do anything- and now the survivors are going to tell other people about it.

>>4848590

Lol, newspaper and everything

>>4848719
>[] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.

Highly efficient murdermitts

>>4848719
>[] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.

>>4848719
>[X] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.

>>4848719
>[] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.

>>4848719
>[x] We couldn't shoot at ships that had surrendered, and all that was left was to go chasing the retreating Fandances back over China which is a bad idea for obvious reasons. What we did was the only viable option.

>>4848719
This >>4848754

>>4848719
>[x] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.

>>4848719
>>[] This way is worse for them, isn't it? They couldn't do anything- and now the survivors are going to tell other people about it.
if spread stories about us they will shit themselves when we engage them the next time

ok, votes called!

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[x] We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out. Killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table.

You shake your head. "We were asked to remove the PLAN task force, not wipe it out." You say.

She frowns. "Utterly destroying it would have removed it." She responds, and you nod.

"Sure, but killing everyone wouldn't have left anything for the bargaining table." You point out. "This way we show we're willing to restrain ourselves if they're willing to come to the deal we want."

Kyou scoffs. "Those communists would hardly respect such a gesture." She responds. "You have to destroy them utterly to get them to pay attention."

You smile. "In keeping with your status as the wolf princess?" You ask.

She smiles back and playfully swats at you. "Such insolence." She says. "And no. But they have repeatedly stated that they support all efforts to overthrow and destroy all empires and imperial families. It is hard to have sympathy for people to whom victory means executing you and your entire family."

You nod- that's fair, and entirely understandable to you. Of course, Maman always cautioned you about taking that sort of thing personally- it does tend to mean you lose sight of the bigger picture.

"It is fortunate for the diplomatic corps, then, that I have you to keep me on a leash, as you say." She says, smiling.

"Probably." You agree, nodding. "Letting you end every Chinese asset between here and Beijing would send a message, but I doubt it would do them any favors."

Kyou nods. "Perhaps not." She says. "Will this concern for my aggressiveness color our selection of our last teammate?"

[] It's going to be hard to not let it.
[] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

>>4848928
>[x] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

>>4848928
>[X] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

>>4848928
>[] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

Pat the awoo.

>>4848928
>[x] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

>>4848928
>[] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

ok, votes called! this'll probably be our last update for the evening!

>>4848928
>[] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

the hyperaggressive ones kinda weird me out on their own merits anyway

>>4848928
>>[] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

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[x] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

You shake your head. "I don't think so." You say. "We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times."

"Even if the best fit is one such as Tosa or Rockafeller?" Kyou presses.

You nod. "Even then." You say. "Though," You admit "I have reservations about them anyway."

Kyou nods. "Mori has said as much." She says. "Both have merits, of course, but I've not yet spoken with either. I had intended to do so today with Wendy, as that means all four of us will have had a chance to speak to the current interested parties."

You nod- that makes the most sense, and everything considered is probably the best way to do things. You're not as leery of gold diggers- while the navy is allowing any qualifying witch to put her name forward to teams any witch to have made it past qualifications is going to be competent and capable anyway.

"Of course, there are additional names that are coming forward, too." She says. "I have my concerns, of course, about each, and have preferences thus far, but I find it preferable that you and Mori make your initial impressions, and spare us the possibility of a bad teammate."

You nod again.

"That being said, I do expect you to sit and talk with the Sho-sa." She continues. "I understand if you have reservations about her, many do, but she is from an old and respected family, and one that has been steadfast in their loyalty to the throne." She smiles lightly. "Alas, I believe you were warned politics may rear it's ugly head, and in this case it has. Her family is placed well enough that we cannot dismiss her out of hand."

You frown. "We can't just do that for every old family that has a daughter come forward." You point out. "We'd never be done."

Kyou nods. "Of course." She says. "But in this case we must. It is worth noting that the imperial general headquarters is of the opinion she is an excellent choice as well."

You nod. "I don't mind, so long as politics doesn't become a major issue." You say. "We're still a US Navy Wyvern combat team."

"Of course." Kyou repeats. "And it is known among even the most highly placed that our duty in that regard takes precedence over all other considerations. I doubt many more will come forward though, at least of her kind. While most families have daughters or sons in the military, many would take issue with the idea of that daughter being bound to the American military for at least thirty years. It would be a poor political marriage, even with the household's concentration of notables."

"I'll arrange it, then." you say, nodding.

Kyou smiles. "It is fortunate for me that you understand." She says. "And it is possible you'll find your opinion of her changing after a chance to meet her outside of combat."

[] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?
[] I'm not sure. She puts off an air I'm not sure I'm comfortable with.

And that's going to be it for the evening!

No real news here, job search continues- everyone here is either looking for Machine operators and offering like 12/hr or wants welders for 80+ hours a week. It's enough to drive a body bonkers, haha!

anyway, that's it for tonight! I'll be around both here and in the discord, as usual, to chat or answer any questions or comments. Otherwise, till tomorrow, gents, cheers!

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>>4849042
>[X] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

>>4849045
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4848928
>[X] I don't think so. We'll bring on the best fit, like we've done the other times.

I wake up to this running! Great start in the morning.

>>4849042
>[x] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

>>4849045
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4849042
>[x] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

She freaks me out but i'll at least talk to her. We didn't really interact with her much last time.

>>4849042
>[X] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

>>4849045
Thanks for the run!

>>4849042
>[] I'm not sure. She puts off an air I'm not sure I'm comfortable with.
thanks for running

>>4849042
>[] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

Slowly, slowly...

>>4849042
>>[] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

Ok, votes called!

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[x] Possibly. What's your opinion of her?

You hesitate a little. "Possibly." You say. "What's your opinion of her?"

"As I said, her family is an old, loyal, and very respected one." Kyou starts. "They have produced many loyal officers and no few witches. They were one of the first clans to back my family during the restoration, and have ably served since. They produce very talented witches, though their talents always seem to be directly related to combat. Strength talents, shield talents, that manner of thing."

You nod. That's not really an answer, but she'll get to that, you're sure.

"Both she and her sister are considered masters of whatever weapon they elect to use." Kyou continues. "It's considered to be their talent, that upon grasping a weapon, they inherently know all there is to know about it, and can wield it as an extension of their own body effortlessly."

"That sounds impressive." You say, thinking about it- while that's not exactly outstanding for the team like Mori's awareness- or even Kyou's shield- it's an individual talent that would fit fairly well regardless, given the experimental nature of the weapons you're often flying with.

Kyou nods. "It is." She agrees. "They are able to achieve feats equal to masters that have studied a weapon for decades within hours. Like all imperial witches, she will also have been trained to utilize her ability to heal others to the maximum extent she could be, though like many, she lacks the talent to truly heal the worst injuries."

There's a pause, before Kyou nods. "Of course, the fact that many people see is her incredible..." She hesitates for a second. "Intensity. She, unlike her sister, has a burning passion for all she sets herself to, to a degree that many take to be maniacal. From what I am told, this applies in all arenas- though we, of course, have only seen it applied to the current war. She is considered fanatically loyal, however, to the throne, moreso even than is usual for highly placed witches."

"How do you think she'd fit in with us?" You ask.

Kyou frowns. "I am uncertain." She admits. "I would assume her loyalty and intensity would, of course, carry over to the household she was a part of, and we would find her behavior similar to that of Wendy, if perhaps more energetic. I do not expect the presence of others to be a great concern to her, though I don't know here well enough to say that for certain. From what I've heard of her, her combat talents would fit well with our defined role, though they would be less benefit to our unit as a whole and more in that we would gain a talented and capable fourth element."

[] Given the choice with what we know of them, who would you select?
[] I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then.

>>4850416
>[x] I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then.

>>4850416
>[X] I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then.

>>4850416
>[x] Given the choice with what we know of them, who would you select?

>>4850416
[] Given the choice with what we know of them, who would you select?

>>4850416
>[X] Given the choice with what we know of them, who would you select?

>>4850416
>[] I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then.

KAT KOUNCIL KEEPS KALM

Looks like a tie vote, gents! I'll run the vote another couple minutes. I'm thinking that, in future, in case of a tie I'll just start dropping the very last vote in, if that sounds fair to you guys?

>>4850499
Sounds fair to me.

>>4850499
Works for me

>>4850416
>[x] I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then.

ok, votes called! Thanks for the tiebreaker!

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[x] I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then.

"I'll have to set up a talk with her soon, then." You say, and Kyou smiles.

"That would be good." She responds. "As I said, she is from an old and important family. Her being our first choice to speak to would look excellent and go some way to mollify those who believe there is far too much western influence in the palace."

"They do remember we're a USN team?" You ask.

Kyou smiles. "My sister's former... associates don't seem to remember that, no." She responds. "But Akemi's exile has robbed them of a great deal of their influence. Better this, though, than that my grandfather would have to deal with them directly."

You nod, not even having to remind yourself that the empire's internal politics are pretty significantly different than those stateside- and the emperor has the power to completely outlaw a political party as he deems fit. Westernization or no, there's still a great deal of power concentrated in the throne here, which makes people's worry about you here a little more reasonable. While Kyou isn't in line- barring massive catastrophe- your presence in her household would be more than a little influential, and as an American, they can't be certain where you'd come down between the two nations if forced to make a choice.

Kyou looks up as there's a sound of movement from upstairs- though you can't quite see up to the bedrooms from this angle, it sounds like Wendy waking up and heading to one of the bathrooms. "Ah, good." Kyou says, smiling. "I had wondered if you would be cooking breakfast or if you'd be assisting Wendy in doing so."

[] I'll get started, I'm not thinking we need a full English breakfast today.
[] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

>>4850596
>[X] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

>>4850596
>[X] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

>>4850596
>[] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

>>4850596
>[x] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

>>4850596
[] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

ok, votes called!

>>4850596
>>[] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

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[x] I'll help her, she likes making the first meal of the day and we rate it.

"I'll help her." You say, getting a pleased nod out of Kyou- she's stated she prefers Wendy's take on the first meal of the day, while they both agree that you're best used to prepare the last meal. "She likes making breakfast and we rate it."

"Despite my impression that we could have done more." Kyou says, though she does so smiling- she's restating her position, but doing so in a way that tells you that she's not trying to implicate that you did less than you should have.

You nod.

"And it is better for Samantha to be eating a large breakfast with her habit of taking in so much caffeine and sugar." She says, frowning. "While I do not doubt her statement that she burns much of it off, I still find myself agreeing with you that it is far more than can be healthy, even for a witch."

You nod. "We've agreed that she'll cut back."

Kyou smiles. "Oh? and what did you offer her in return?"

You frown. "I.... didn't?" You say, thinking. You did promise to make something to replace monster if she wanted it- you were thinking sweet coffee or black coke- but other than that it was more of a command.

"And she agreed?" Kyou asks. "I see."

You look up as the bathroom door opens back up and Wendy starts down the stairs, dressed in her duty uniform.

[] Let it go- you've got breakfast to make.
[] "What do you mean by that?"

>>4850697
>[X] Let it go- you've got breakfast to make.

>>4850697
>[] Let it go- you've got breakfast to make.

>>4850697
>[] Let it go- you've got breakfast to make.

>>4850697
>[x] "What do you mean by that?"

ok, votes called!

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[x] Let it go- you've got breakfast to make.

You decide it's not worth pursuing- Whatever she means, you're not really concerned by it right now anyway. Smiling, you stand up as Wendy reaches the bottom of the stairs.

"I see I'm up late again." She says, laughing lightly. "I expect you're both waiting for breakfast?"

"I'll give you a hand." You supply, and she nods.

"That would be quite welcome, thank you." She says as Kyou stands and stretches.

"I will return shortly." She says. "It would be improper for me to remain in a state of undress while you are both already prepared for the day."

Wendy smiles. "I rather doubt that either of us have reason to complain." She says, and Kyou laughs.

"I am starting to think Morgan right." The princess responds. "You are becoming rather lewd."

They both laugh, and Kyou heads up the stairs.

"She's not wrong, you're aware." Wendy says, as the two of you step into the kitchen. "I do find myself enjoying that sort of thing far more than seems strictly decent."

"Oh?" You prompt, and she laughs.

"The lady Kyou has been quite clear that I'm to allow myself to enjoy things." Wendy says. "But that doesn't at all change that this arrangement is rather.." She trails off, looking for the word.

You shrug. "If it bothers you-" You start, knowing what her reaction is going to be.

1/2

"Oh no, far from it." She says. "Again, you've both been quite insistent that I don't question my good fortune and instead accept things for what they are. And it all has been rather wonderful. I simply wonder about what people like Miss Tabitha would say."

"I see." You respond- and to be fair, you can see Tabitha having a slight attitude at it. Wendy is, afterall, almost twenty years your senior- She's not that much younger than your own mother, come to think of it.

Wendy laughs. "Not that I expect that will be a problem anyway." She continues. "I worry about it only in that they are my friends and I flew with them in the last war. Lady Kyou has made quite clear that things are as they will be, barring more entrants to the household."

You nod. "Beans or tomatoes?" You ask.

"Oh, I've let my mind wander." She says. "Please, start on the tomatoes, you're quite good with them."

You nod, pulling about a dozen fresh tomatoes out of one of the refrigerators and washing them off before cutting them in half. You'll salt them lightly and then throw them on the skillet just long enough to give them some color. Wendy, meanwhile, busies herself with the bacon and sausage. She'll do the eggs last, cooking them in the same pan as the bacon, which is how you've always made them as well. Eggs cooked in anything other than bacon fat, you're convinced, just don't taste right.

"Rather slow day for us today, I imagine." Wendy offers after a few more minutes. No one else is up yet, but they will be soon, with the smells of breakfast now filling your quarters.

You nod. "We've got to write our afteraction reports." You say, and she nods.

"Have you considered how else we'll spend the day?" She asks.

[] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.
[] I'd thought it might be a good idea to spend the day down in the hangar with the crew.
[] Haven't given it any thought yet. Do you have any ideas?

>>4850928
>>[] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.

>>4850928
>[X] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.

>>4850928
>[x] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.

>>4850928
>[x] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.
Kyou did mention she wanted to take Wendy to meet Rockafeller, and there's gym clothes shopping with Merlin depending on what she's up to today.

>>4850928
>[] Haven't given it any thought yet. Do you have any ideas?

It's Wenday

>>4850928
>[x] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.

ok, votes called! this'll probably be our last for the evening!

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[x] Well, Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front.

"Well," you say, thinking about it. "Kyou's insistent we talk with Sho-sa Tosa, but she's probably still at the front."

Wendy nods. "That does seem most probable." She agrees. "She's the kind that will leave the front line only under protest, I suspect." She says, smiling. "Though I suspect I may be incorrect. She was rather hard to get a good idea of during the time she and the young miss Kurita flew with us."

"I can arrange it anyway." You say. "Probably no more than a day before they get her back here when we ask to talk."

"If that." Wendy agrees. "Miss Mori tells me the imperial military is quite anxious to place another Japanese witch in the household. We're bad influences." She says the last with a smile that indicates that she knows that you're very much not. "If she's unable to talk today, though, I suspect Miss Wells will be more than happy to require your attention."

You frown, thinking. "Gym clothes." You say, and Wendy nods.

"She is quite excited at the prospect." She says, smiling. "We talked about it at some length last night after we landed."

You nod- you'd done little more than the light post-flight work necessary, the two or three short pieces of paperwork that handed Muninn back over to the chief officially, that sort of thing. You'd been pretty ready for sleep, though, after that, and had wasted as little time as possible getting into bed after landing. You'd thought it curious that Kyou and Wendy had elected to remain up a little while afterwards, but didn't comment on it.

"If you'd prefer, I can accompany you as well." Wendy offers. "Miss Mori may be preferable for her practical experience, however, and she's been rather clear that someone from the household should be with the lady Kyou at all times when we're out of our quarters."

"And if Merlin wants it to just be the two of us?" You ask- you've got a sneaking suspicion she might.

Wendy laughs. "I'd be quite happy to spend the day with the lady Kyou, or here alone as well." She says with a smile. "I find I'm quite content to spend time alone now. I prefer the company of the household, of course, but It's not nearly so lonely when they're not here as it used to be."

[] Well, I think you should come with anyway.
[] Maybe better that you spend the day with Kyou. I kind of want Mori's help on this one.
[] Let's see what Merlin planned to do, and we'll go from there.

And that's going to be it for the night!

Not much news, other than that I'm really not sold on McCafe coffee. Think I prefer folgers, haha.

Anyway, that's it for the evening! I'll be around a while longer both here and in the discord to chat or answer any questions or comments. Otherwise gents, till tomorrow, cheers!

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>>4851069
>[X] Maybe better that you spend the day with Kyou. I kind of want Mori's help on this one.

>>4851089
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4851069
>[X] Let's see what Merlin planned to do, and we'll go from there.

>>4851069
>>[] Well, I think you should come with anyway.

>>4851069
>[] Let's see what Merlin planned to do, and we'll go from there.
thanks for running

>>4851069
>[x] Let's see what Merlin planned to do, and we'll go from there.

>>4851089
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>4851069
>[] Let's see what Merlin planned to do, and we'll go from there.

>>4851069
>[x] Let's see what Merlin planned to lewd, and we'll go from there.