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Another day, another defensive patrol. Yet, Yda wished that it wasn't the case. She never was cut out for this sort of thing and the fact she had been responsible for peoples deaths, the fact she had killed people just like her who were forced to fight because of some nonsense not even related to their own country. It was something that weighed heavily on her. Sure, it was life or death, but that didn't make it any better. She still was a murderer. And she was celebrated for it.

She felt the only person who actually understood her plight was Sarra, the alcoholic keenly aware of the demons that tormented her. As if she had faced them herself. She knew what she was going to do. Once this flight was over, she would write to her commander and request to be permanently put into training command. That way she never would have to kill people again. It wouldn't absolve her of her sins, of the people she killed, yet...at the least she would no longer need to take any more lives. Yet as she was lost in her thoughts, suddenly, the escadron shifted, and looking around she spotted specks in the distance. They moved to engage, and soon once close to the two seaters, she got into position to open fire and hesitated on pulling the trigger. Yet the sound of gunfire still hit her ears, along with the sound of rounds striking wood and canvas. She tried pulling away, but soon saw a quarter of her top wing break off, and soon more pieces fell as her aircraft started to fall to the ground.

It had been a long time coming... She chose to pull the trigger when the other pilot was in her sights, sure she hesitated at times and even now did as it was what resulted in this situation in the first place. But despite all she had told herself, she recognized she had killed them willingly. She was a monster, in her eyes. And she would die one. It would have been better if she just let this happen to begin with, or simply disserted when she had the chance. At least then her ideals would still be held and she wouldn't be a hypocrite. After all, draft or not, what pacifist fights in a war? Maybe if she knew medicine this wouldn't have ever happened, but what if's didn't matter now. All that mattered was she was finally going to stop fighting...

Sarra for her part found herself shooting the gunner that shot at her friend, quickly sending the aircraft they were on spiraling in flames as their attempt to pull away was too little and too late. Yet she would not take her friend's passing well after the fact, falling further to her vice and blaming herself for not being fast enough to save her...

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Elsewhere, Violet's balloon busting operation had hit a snag. After the balloon was dealt with a flight of Falke's engaged the escadron. Magdalena was shot down and Miyako's left wings had been hit by flack just after she had downed a Falke. The spar that connected them had broken and the top wing was slowly starting to come off as the forces of lift bent it further and further upward. She was low to the ground at the very least, and deftly maneuvered her aircraft to get lower and was about to touch down before the wing snapped off and the aircraft rolled to it's side as the wheels hit the dirt. It was a rough landing, and it bruised Miyako but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

Meanwhile Magdalena had crashed not too far, and despite the rough landing she was fine, barring a sprain. Having seen where Miyako had gone down, Magdalena moved to try and meet up with them. By the time they got to Miyako's aircraft it was burning, and it's pilot was not far behind. After meeting up, they devised a plan. They would lay low and head south, reach Sveiterland and get back to Gallonia through neutral territory...It was going to be easier said than done, but it was the best plan they had. Beat trying to go across the trenches and no mans land. Luckily the two would manage to get out of there before the Prußenmark's closed in, and despite a few close calls they would manage to sneak across the boarder and once more to friendly lines, getting railed up back to base just in time to be a part of the report that would grace their commanders desk.

The past two weeks went decently. While an ace was shot down and a few aircraft were lost, most pilots survived and were able to return to base. Of course, it helps that three entire escadrons were stood down to rest and recuperate, but even then things went quite well given how we have two less losses than we expected, with two Violet pilots managing to return to our side of the lines despite being downed behind the enemies own. Let alone the obvious impressive feat of the two of them both surviving crashing. However, while we still have a positive trading rate, we do still have problems that are in part due to the beating we took earlier and the lack of aircraft we had available to put up in the sky. Though, chances are even if we were in the air we'd only be able to potentially mitigate the damage somewhat. And even then we did still do good work with what we put up.

The Prußenmark's, predictably, counter attacked. And, while the Pretan forces had made great gains, constant harassment and incursions into our airspace has caused problems for them. With a number of tanks destroyed by bombs and the unreliable nature of the machines only adding problems in conjunction to this, all of which leading to many of them being forced to be utilized defensively. It also doesn't help it seems that the enemy has started developing tactics to deal with the machines, utilizing their trench mortars against them to decent effect. Regardless, the offensive has clearly lost momentum. And in the north, things aren't fairing much better, with only a small foothold across the river still in our hands as the majority of Lothring is now back in their hands.

While an annoying setback, it isn't crippling. Luckily, we expect the enemy to cease their advance to focus on the north as we believe they simply desired to reclaim fortifications and defenses ahead of the city. Further, we doubt they have the resources to sustain two pushes while also fighting in the east. Speaking of, there is some bad news in the fact that Dacinia is likely to completely collapse in the coming weeks, despite their best efforts. But this won't have major implications on anything...Right?

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(Few hours later than I intended but hey. Also goddamnit it deleted the introduction blurb for the initial thread post... Sigh. Oh well.)

>>5907597
Airframes:
6x Dupont 12C for Vert and Noir each
2x Dupont 12C, 8x Verany C2 for Violet. Yes, I am taking away Duponts from the squadron. The two Duponts are reserved for those with the highest FEXP.
No aircraft for Bleu and Rouge.

Pilots:
Vert: Maret, Guilloux and Duverger to Active. Maret on PR Tour. 3x Replacements.
Noir: Dembele, de Montgomerie and Noir to Active. 3x Replacements.
Violet: Green and Mori to Active. Burton to Reserve.
Bleu: Charrier and Vaugrenard on PR Tour. Ponce to TRACOM. All others to Reserve.
Rouge: Desjardins, Flandin and Chopin to TRACOM. Anouillh on PR Tour. All others to Reserve.

Orders:
Bleu, Rouge and Blanc on stand down.

As for the others, some options for others to vote on:
> Vert and Noir on Defensive CAP. Violet to bust balloons. All concentrated on the Lothring bridgehead.
> Vert, Noir and Violet on Defensive CAP over the Lothring bridgehead.
> Vert and Noir on Defensive CAP in the Eberding sector. Violet on Defensive CAP over the Lothring bridgehead.
> Vert and Noir on Defensive CAP. Violet on Offensive Counter-Air. All concentrated on the Lothring bridgehead.

Medium Optempo.

>>5908718
Re: Sending Violet on OCA, I am tempted to have them buzz the airstrip that hosts the D.IV Havik squadron, just to gather intelligence on that aircraft. Better to sacrifice expendable planes and pilots than to risk the aces.

>>5907597
>Vert, Noir and Violet on Defensive CAP over the Lothring bridgehead.
Welcome back

>>5908718
>Vert and Noir on Defensive CAP. Violet to bust balloons. All concentrated on the Lothring bridgehead

Rolled 1 (1d2)

The coin!
1
>Vert, Noir and Violet on Defensive CAP over the Lothring bridgehead.
2
>Vert and Noir on Defensive CAP. Violet to bust balloons. All concentrated on the Lothring bridgehead

>>5908718
> Vert and Noir on Defensive CAP. Violet to bust balloons. All concentrated on the Lothring bridgehead.

Terribly sorry for the delay and silence. Turn is going to be worked on soon. Probably will be done sometime later tonight at night or tomorrow morning. Worst case scenario it's tomorrow night or the morning after.

Alright, took way, way longer than intended, but crunch is done at least. Turn will follow within 24 hours.

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To say there was a bit of annoyance among the escadron would be an understatement. Two of the Dupont's were being taken to other escadrons while their replacements were outdated aircraft. It was frustrating for most of the pilots, and even those who were considered skilled enough to be given the Dupont's rather than the older Vérany's were understandably a bit concerned. In fact, the only two whom seemed completely unbothered by this was the two Cipanto pilots. To them, it was simply assets being relocated where they were needed. Commandant Charlène Pernet was understanding of this though, even if a bit concerned. Gallonian lives were more important after all. Though given this, when given the option to either go for balloons or simply aid the defense, they chose the latter in an attempt to keep the mild grumbling just that.

Still, for one pilot, Melissa Powell, this felt typical. Things just seemed to go against them whenever possible. Sure, it effected everyone, but being a Pretan they knew there was no chance in hell that she was going to get one of the Duponts. She just hoped that her bad luck, merely believed or otherwise, wouldn't harm the other members of the escadron. And, fortunately, it wouldn't. At least, not initially. Yet, as the week went on she grew more and more nervous given the rumors of the aircraft that were on this chunk of the front. The Koerkamp D.IV “Havik”. Aptly named if the rumors were accurate of all that it could do. Especially in the hands of the few skilled pilots of Lothring.

Yet, surely, such an advanced piece of equipment wouldn't be flown on offensive patrols, right?

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Unfortunately that would not be the case. On a defensive patrol alongside a few of her fellow pilots she found this out the hard way as an aircraft twice as fast as her own if not even faster effortlessly gunned downed Alice Mason in a pass as Melissa's squadron was seemingly unable to do much of anything other than fly defensively and hope for the best. The worst part however was the raw firepower that the Havik was able to pour out. A short burst easily enough to rend through anything it hit due to the aircraft being armed twice as heavily as most, with four full machineguns able to unload into anyone unfortunate to be in it's sights. And soon, much like Mason, Powell found her aircraft going down. Yet, she was unfortunate enough to have the aircraft's engine start to burn.

Immediately, she tried shutting the engine off as she went into a dive, trying to put the fire out, or at least get low enough to have a chance at survival. Internally however she was afraid. She didn't want to die, not like this. And a part of her was beating herself up for believing maybe volunteering would actually turn her life around. And unfortunately, the fire didn't seem content to go out, slowly getting worse and worse, the heat starting to burn her. However, she was now significantly lower to the ground. If she had just a bit more time she could probably land in a field, but as it stood that wasn't going to happen now. And so, she took a risk. She jumped...

And quickly she found herself in pain. A major gash across her face from something she hit on the ground after she rolled a bit from the momentum. Yet, she actually survived. All be it with a fracture in her leg and a major wound on her face, but alive. And so, she simply waited for some help. Help that took hours to come, but help none the less.

The situation in the air is acceptable. Many of the newer pilots didn't fair too well with Lothring's new mainstay aircraft. However the losses were fairly light, with the only major close calls being Noir whom was wounded and Lucie who was shot down but survived uninjured. Unfortunately, none of the bothersome Haviks were downed by our pilots, but luckily their encounters were rare. The running theory being there's only a single escadron's worth if even that. Still, despite the inferior aircraft, Violet suffered few actual losses of pilots, with most of their Vérany losses actually being write offs from damage or crashed landings, and none of the Duponts having been lost either. In fact, one of the Cipanto pilots, Yukiko Mori, was able to gain their fifth victory with the downing of a Falke D.III. And over all, our escadron's have actually had decent enough success, even the battered Noir. In fact most of the victories gained in the past two weeks were Gehlen Flugzeugbau C.IV's and Fryg CL.IIa's, with about eleven of them downed. Concerningly though, most of the Falke pilots in the area seem to be fairly skilled, compared to their normal base line. Perhaps due to the greater control of the skies they have in this region.

More importantly however, our efforts to try and prevent the salient from falling have failed in the objective of holding it. However, it has potentially bought a few extra days for our soldiers on the ground to prepare their side of the river line. Even then, it's arguably better that we be able to conserve good pilots and aircraft to gather our strength up to better be able to handle our foes future attempts at an advance. Even if it is perhaps a bit disheartening. Still, we are arguably in a bit more of a tenuous situation than we'd like to be, both our forces on the ground in the north and our own escadre. But at least with the latter, we have the natural defense of the river line.

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Meanwhile, as expected, Dacinia has completely collapsed and their government has surrendered to the combined force of the Bulģhakian and Steyerland-Magyrian army, with a handful of Prußenmark forces helping seal the deal. This has widened up the front for Varuskie, however they already have troops in the area ready to defend that portion of the front. On the opposite front of Steyerland-Magyria however, Venoxia is the sight of intense fighting, as Vitulian forces desperately hold on and give a spirited and determined resistance. However, while they are starting to properly dish out damage to the Steyerland-Magyrian invaders, they are still slowly but surely being pushed back, though at heavy cost to the attackers. Lastly, another major naval incursion by Prußenmark's Hochseeflotte was attempted, and while reports are in that it was far more indecisive compared to the last time, the initial intel we have on the battle shows that, while not as great of a loss as the last time, was still a loss. It seems the Prußenmark strategy of chipping away at the Pretan navy piece by piece is working...

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(I pray I don't take this long with future updates and deeply apologize for taking a whole damn week. Also, if you are wondering, I resolved a tie with a coinflip. In other news, Pretany AGAIN rolled a 1 with their navy...They really don't rule the waves in this world, huh?)

Uh, were we supposed to get a fresh allocation of RPs this turn? I am okay with deferring to next turn, just wondering.

Also, can we trade in the two SUD Galions to GHQ Reserve for more RPs? Surely 15e Escadre would like them, and for the next month, Galeasses would be more useful.

>>5919092
Ah my apologies. I thought the sheet said 0 RPs, but now I see 245.
Requisitions:
14x Dupont 12c = 210 RP
3x SUD Galeasse = 30 RP
6x Colonial Replacements = 1 RP
6x Metropolitan Replacements = 1 RP
20% Resupply for Rouge, Vert and Violet = 3 RP

Airframes:
7x Dupont 12c for Bleu
9x Dupont 12c for Rouge
4x Verany C2, 6x Dupont 12c for Violet. Again, only the best will fly the Duponts.
All SUDs to Blanc of course. Only the Galeasses will be active. The Galions will be mothballed, and the Type R will be the Judas Goat for the Escort.
No aircraft for Vert and Noir

Pilots:
Bleu: All except Bourque to Active.
Blanc: All except Minh to Active. 1x Gallonian Replacement.
Rouge: All able-bodied crews to Active.
Vert: Maret and Guilloux to TRACOM. Duverger back to the Chemistry lab. Vaugeois and Poirot to regular Reserve.
Noir: Dembele on PR Tour. De Montgomerie to TRACOM.
Violet: Firavanti, Burton, Gallagher and Mosley to Active. Mori on PR Tour. Koguchi to Reserve

Orders:
Vert and Noir on standown.
All other squadrons on Medium Optempo.
Blanc to reconnoitre the river line and attempt to discern where the next attack will come.
Violet to provide close escort for Blanc.
Rouge on Defensive CAP.

As for Bleu, a choice for the other Anons:
> Defensive CAP
> Balloon Busting
> Loose escort for Blanc, as if this were a Circus mission

>>5920035
>Balloon Busting
We might have to disband a squadron at this rate.

Crunch is done, sorry for the delay. Turn will be out in a few hours.

>>5926191
I snuck a peek at the sheet. Mori is supposed to be assigned to PR, not TRACOM. Vert and Noir should have zero aircraft.

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Axel Grandis was not exactly pleased with the orders that his escadron was set on. Balloon busting was not exactly something he enjoyed. Offensive patrols? Sure, but specifically going into those AA laden death traps was not exactly a pleasant experience. He took time to shoot down enemy aircraft and he generally had time. All he had to worry about was checking his six every once in a while to avoid getting tunnel vision and being an easy victory. But with balloons? Well, he'd be running into something defended by AA and which he had limited time to down. Fortunately for him, Charrier was completely fine for him to take the role as one of the members of the escadron designated to try and save any of his wingmen if things got dicey for them and generally serve as cover for them. Despite this, he wouldn't get any victories for some time, but that was fine. No one in Bleu had been downed yet, luckily. Even though they were up against Ack Ack. And then about a week and a half later he had the misfortune of seeing a biplane with orange diamonds on it's wings along with other enemy aircraft...

The Koerkamp D.IV “Havik” quickly went after Axel's flight, and very quickly started causing major problems for Le papi, Vaugrenard. While Axel swiftly moved to maneuver and get a shot on the craft that dove a bit below them to get their strike off, the enemy pilot pulled up right into Axel's crosshairs, far too focused on his target, suffering from the very thing that Axel knew all too well to avoid. Yet, while the rounds did connect, they weren't enough to send the aircraft down. But it was enough to damage some of the control surfaces. Naturally, being shot at got the enemy pilot to realize Axel was behind him, and quickly he maneuvered and dove once more, using the speed to try and get away, and in this the damage that Axel had done, along with a snap shot he got off in the Lothring pilot's attempted conversion of his clime into an Immelmann resulted in the left portion of his top wing snapping off as he put too much strain on it in his attempt to get away. And with this, one of the most deadly aircraft of the war was removed. If only there was just the one.

Unfortunately, despite this, Vaugrenard's aircraft was badly damaged in the strike on his aircraft, and he crashed on landing, sending him right back to the field hospital. However, luckily his wounds were only minor, likely to be flying again in under a month. Despite this, the mood of the escadron was a bit lighter, given how the fearsome reputation the Havik had gained was proven just that. They were good planes, but Lothring pilots weren't that good unless you compared them to a Pretan. With perhaps one exception in a different escadron in the escadre...

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Things went quite good these past two weeks. While one of the recon aircraft was shot down and we lost one of the best pilots in Violet, we gained an ace in the form of Lieutenant Elizabeth Green, who somehow managed to become a half decent pilot. Though this was likely not in that much doubt given who their first victory was. The other bit of good news is we actually have a confirmed downing of a Havik. Of course, the wreck was over enemy lines and even if it wasn't the height it started going down at was more than enough to destroy the craft when it hit the ground, but it is a good boost of confidence to Bleu. And given their morale had been somewhat shaken it is certainly helpful. While we aren't the first to shoot down one of these aircraft, our current reports show that even experienced aces struggle to shoot down the craft due to it's raw speed and general performance. In other words, for every one we down, an ace's worth of our allies tend to go down. We are really quite lucky that it is still rare, only on this part of the front and is flown by Lothring pilots whom, unlike our own or Prußenmark's, have yet to get good training. Though given the quality of their current aircraft that gap in their average pilot skill probably won't last long.

For the moment though, the front is, as it has been in some places for some time, quit static. While there's certainly a sizable amount of soldiers in the north, a further push seems to be either delayed or just not planned for the moment. Instead, they are content to just bombard us sporadically with artillery, much like the rest of the front. The only big news is that there was an uprising in Kilishandra that lasted these two weeks, seeing Difelin taken by republicans. While they were defeated and the city retaken by the end of the second week of the uprising, the Pretans took heavy casualties and the city was badly damaged in the fighting. Luckily, all of the leaders of the uprising are going to be strung up, and without their leadership, nothing like this will happen again. Right? Regardless, Pretany is not looking as strong and mighty as it once did with the naval battles it's lost and now this. At the very least their propaganda machine is mitigating that, even if we can see through it.

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(At the very least I got this out in roughly a week. I hate the fact this seems to be becoming a trend... Also I feel this turn was smaller than usual, thought it might just be because I managed to fit everything into two posts instead of 3 because of paragraphs.)

>>5926616
I worried that Bleu would get massacred. Did Rouge make any contact with the enemy last turn?

Airframes:
Vert: 8x Dupont 12C
Noir: 7x Dupont 12C
Violet and Bland: No change
Bleu and Rouge: No aircraft

Pilots:
Bleu: Charrier on PR Tour. Grandis and Ponce to TRACOM, perhaps they can promulgate tactics on how to fight Haviks. All others to Reserve.
Blanc: All crews to Reserve.
Rouge: Chopin and Hauet to TRACOM. Desjardins, Flandin and Anouillh on PR Tour. All others to Reserve.
Vert: All able-bodied pilots to Active. 1x Replacement.
Noir: All able-bodied pilots to Active. 1x Replacement.
Violet: Mori and Koguchi to Active. Noel to Reserve. 1x Replacement.

Orders:
Bleu, Blanc and Rouge on stand-down.
Rouge and Noir on Defensive CAP.

For the other Anons:
Violet:
> Defensive CAP
> Balloon Busting
> Offensive Counter-Air

Optempo:
> Medium
> Low

If losses are light next turn, maybe we can have three active fighter squadrons the turn after instead of two.

>>5926661
If anons want to be aggressive, maybe Violet can fly OCA, and try to lure enemy fighters across the line into waiting CAP.

>>5926661
Yes, they did. Iseult, Amelie, and Calantha were the only ones of Rouge to gain victories this turn though.

>>5926661
> Defensive CAP
> Medium

Q: Should we try to attrit the baddies the turn after? Maybe run a large OCA sweep or a Circus?

>>5926661
> Defensive CAP
> Low

>>5927288
OCA once we get new requisitions?

Need a tiebreak here. Though ideally I'll be making a turn soon and get two done this week rather than just one.

>>5928551
Support

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It was all too fast...In some ways it was amazing how quickly an ordinary patrol could go south. In others, well, it was only a matter of time until the 14e Escadre Mixte "Liberté" suffered from part of the reason why the Havik was so feared. Liliane, that wonderful woman who reminded her so much of Lyra. That kind, insightful, smart and patient girl whom was always so optimistic that she cared for like a little sister she never had, or arguably had lost. Gone. She tried not to show it but she feared every time that she went up without her in the flight. Every time she was without her specifically. And yet, even when she was there, it changed nothing. Just as she failed to protect Lyra, she had failed to protect Liliane. Sure, she could blame the Lothring's and their fancy new aircraft but she wrote long ago on her old Dupont 4 that old saying for a reason. To blame her aircraft would be hypocritical and she was no hypocrite. Just a liar who couldn't keep her promises. Then again, what difference did it make if she was to be hypocritical? She already was a bad pilot. She couldn't even protect an exceptionally skilled pilot in a decent aircraft.

It would have been better if she never hid, all those years ago...

For Capitaine Eva Courbet she was relieved that it was over. While on defensive patrol flying with some of the best pilots in the entire escadre, they encountered an enemy offensive patrol of Falke D.III's supported by a Havik. It seemed to be a trend of sorts, a Havik flying high and providing support to Falke Squadrons. This time it was different, however. Most Havik pilots that she had run into weren't that skilled. They over extended themselves, got too focused on their target or simply didn't know how to use their aircrafts strengths effectively. This one however was precise. He knew what he was doing, clearly. He always kept an altitude advantage, was sure to keep his diving strikes quick and chose his targets clearly, trying to disrupt any attack on the Falke's that were engaging with them, and was actually knew when to switch tactics and use the aircrafts surprising maneuverability to position himself up for another strike. While luckily, he didn't kill anyone as far as Eva could tell, he did seem to force Liliane to land despite Adélaïde's attempts to ward him off every time he struck her. In fact he badly damaged Adélaïde's craft from what she could tell as well, given she landed nearby Liliane shortly after she was forced down. Despite his efforts though, one Falke did go down due to Ermengardis before the two flights broke off. But it was really telling just how dangerous the thing could be in skilled hands.

A few hours after she returned to base, Liliane and Adélaïde hadn't returned yet. A day later, she learned what had happened. Liliane was dead. She managed to land shortly before succumbing of her wounds. Adélaïde landed simply to ensure she was okay but by then Liliane was already gone...

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The past two weeks have, from a numbers perspective, gone quite well. With only four of our pilots killed once more while over four times as many aircraft were shot down with eighteen victories being gained by our pilots. From a practical perspective however, things went terribly. Mactildis Delannoy was shot down and killed by the enemy Lothring Ace Jochem Van Bronkhorst in one of those damned Havik's, and worse Liliane “L'apprenti” Charbonnier was likewise killed by Quintijn Van Rosenvelt. Needless to say, the loss of these two skilled pilots was not exactly worth the trade so to speak. Further, the tactics Grandis and Ponce have for dealing with the Havik seem to have some flaws. While they weren't implemented, from what we can gather from both Noir and Vert a number of presumed weaknesses in the Havik are not necessarily true in the hands of a capable pilot. However, we do at the very least have a solid grasp on how they use the aircraft tactically. There is only ever one or two together and they are always with a flight of Prußenmark Falke's unless being sent in as a scramble to deal with our attacking aircraft. From what else we can gather, there's only one squadron of Havik's out there. And, our pilots have so far been extremely lucky to only have to deal with the lesser skilled pilots as all but one of Lothring's aces are in the squadron that flies these aircraft. Seems our luck there finally ran out, and why all the other escadre's and wings from both our country and Pretany seem to have a fear of them.

Regardless of the Havik problem, we do have a formal request sent in by Adélaïde. Specifically to be permitted to fly solo flights, as her commander has forbade her from doing so after her insistence on doing them so often now. Likewise, we have gotten a letter from Eva requesting we go to Vert's escadron and speak with her as she has a number of concerns regarding Adélaïde that she would like to discuss in person as, in her own words, "l'As really isn't herself anymore.". The last letter we have from our pilots is, interestingly, from Elizabeth, who's seemingly curios if Pretan pilots are always going to be forced into Vérany C.2's even after proving themselves, not that she minds in her case. How or if we should respond to these requests is naturally up to us.

>l'As is skilled enough that lone patrols are not a problem for her. The concern is appreciated, but she can handle herself.
>It's best to let the escadron handle it on it's own. Eva and Lucie can deal with Adélaïde and Charlène can deal with Elizabeth.
>Lets visit them, it's best we deal with this personally and ensure this doesn't end in further tragedy (Visit Vert, Violet or both)

In other news, the western front seems fairly quiet these past few weeks, well other than the propaganda win that Lothring is making full use out of thanks to their recent victories against our aces. Specifically Liliane. The one upside is they seem to be respectful to her, even if they twisted things into an attack of our military in forcing women to fight and die. Otherwise, the fight against the Sāriqīn Empire has some unfortunate news in that the Varuskie forces that managed to make a decent foothold have withdrawn due to supply issues and the far more important eastern front, especially with a number of important battles being fought there. The Sāriqīn Empire's own military has redirected the majority of it's troops on this front down south after having restored control over their own territory to deal with the Pretans. Only a small force from both sides now seems to have been left at the pre war border, but the reduced pressure on the Sāriqīn's is also reduced pressure on the Varuskie's. It's very obvious whom our high command thinks is a more pressing enemy and who is more important to focus on. Needless to say, Prußenmark and Steryerland-Magyrian will be dealing with yet more Varuskie forces. Hopefully, this will be enough to make a difference.

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(Glad to get the turn out in a semi-reasonable amount of time for once...)

Requisitions:
16x Dupont 12C = 240 RP
2x SUD Galeasse R = 20 RP

Airframes:
Bleu: 8x Dupont 12C
Blanc: All the SUDs, with the Galions held in Reserve and the Type R as the Judas Goat.
Rouge: 10x Dupont 12C
Vert: 7x Dupont 12C
Violet: 7x Dupont 12C, 3x Verany C2

Pilots:
Bleu: All Active.
Blanc: All Active. 1x Replacement.
Rouge: Desjardins and Chopin to TRACOM. All others Active.
Vert: Courbet on PR Tour. All others Active.
Noir: Dembele to TRACOM. De Montgomerie, Beauvau and de la Croix on PR Tour. Deniau to Reserve.
Violet: Noel to Active. 2x Replacements.

Noir will be non-operational this turn. Do people still want to run OCA? With how many squadrons? I was thinking of having at least one attack the Havik airfield they intercept Blanc.

>>5931911
After further thought, I will amend this:
Noir: De la Croix to TRACOM. Dembele, de Montgomerie and Beauvau on PR Tour. Deniau to Reserve.

And yikes, l'As at zero morale. Might need to pull her from flight duty.

>>5931360
>Lets visit them, it's best we deal with this personally and ensure this doesn't end in further tragedy (Visit Vert, Violet or both)
Both. They're in a bad place right now and our presence could be useful. I hope.

If no one argues the contrary I'll make a post visiting one of the squadrons tomorrow. If you have any you preference on which of the two escadrons to check on first, let me know.

>>5932685
Our dearest Vert first

>>5932812
I agree

It had been some time since you actually went to visit one of the escadrons. This time however it was a bit different, given the circumstances. Of course, you were going to check on more than one of them, but Vert was first. Especially given the recent loss and the letters you received from them. The train ride over was nothing to talk about despite being a lot more busy compared to before, with plenty of soldiers in the carts behind yours and a number of other officers in the army around you. None were part of the air corps, most being infantrymen with one exception who was a replacement for artillery. No one bothered you, oddly enough, nor batted an eye. If this was due to orders, them not being aware of who you were or perhaps them exactly being aware and knowing what happened to Vert was known only to them. Still, once the train stopped and you disembarked, it'd be a small, uneventful trip by motor to the air field that housed vert. Violet would be a few kilometers away further to the north, but you'd be able to worry about that later.

It would take no time at all once you arrived to be pointed to where Lucie Maret was. In some ways it was amazing that the lucky redhead has been flying since the war started. Though her lack of victories could be an explanation. It was worthy of some respect though, given there were only two others whom had been there since the beginning, Catherine Hauet being one, and the other until very recently being Liliane Charbonnier. Though it was a bit of a weird coincidence that the last two were redheads. All these thoughts aside, it wouldn't take long for Maret's current office would be found, and just as you were about to open the door you found it opened for you by the Commandant of the escadron blinking in surprise for but a moment before quickly giving a salute.

"Miss Valmont? I wasn't told you would be here. And not a moment too soon or late! Uh, I take it you are here on Adélaïde's request? Or is this to try and help morale given our recent loss?" She seems a bit relieved more than anything, though a bit of concern still finds it's way creeping through despite the smile she puts forth.

"It's both and more, actually." you say keeping quick to the point and direct.

"Oh? I wonder what the more is, but I guess I'll find that out soon regardless. What do you need from me specifically then? Just where the others are or something...else." It was blatantly obvious what she was referring to, and clear as day that it was something she was uncomfortable and worried about...

>Ask where Eva Courbet is. Speaking with her first before anything else might be good given she was the one to raise concern.
>Ask where l'As is. It would be best to speak to her properly before anyone else given the circumstances. Especially given what you know about her.
>Ask where another pilot is. (Chose who)
>Ask Maret why she has started to forbade l'As from going on lone patrols
>Ask Maret how she and the escadron is doing after the loss of Liliane.
>Tell Maret to allow l'As to go on as many lone patrols as she requests.
>Tell Maret you support her preventing l'As from going up alone.
>Ask something else. (Write in)

(Bit smaller post than normal but it'll do for a start and the ball will get rolling quite a bit soon enough I think.)

>>5933572
>Ask Maret why she has started to forbade l'As from going on lone patrols
>Ask Maret how she and the escadron is doing after the loss of Liliane.

>>5933769
+1

>>5933572
>Ask Maret how she and the escadron is doing after the loss of Liliane.
>Ask something else. (Write in)
Ask if the plane captains note how much fuel and ammo their airplanes return with.

"I need a few things. Mostly answers to questions I have. The first of which being why exactly have you started to forbid l'As from going on lone patrols?" It was an important question, given it was part of the reason you were here in the first place.

"Well...Since Liliane died she's been requesting to go up constantly. Every mission and then some. And, when we are done for the day, she still requests to go up and fly. After three days of this I stopped, partially due to the advice of her fellow capitaine. While I don't doubt her skills, she's likely to exhaust herself if she keeps going like this." She seemed to be a bit remorseful more than anything while speaking of this.

"So, you stopped it because of the advice of Eva Courbet?" You add calmly.

"I did say it was only partially. I used my own judgement, but Eva is quite knowledgeable about the way the mind works. She's tried getting Adélaïde to talk about it but she's refused and Eva hasn't tried since. She thinks that Adélaïde is suffering from severe melancholy. She explained it in far more detail to me at first, mentioning a few fanciful terminology and jargon I knew nothing about but I forgot most of it in part because I only knew half of what she was saying. But the long and short of it is she's miserable now. It'd probably be better for you to discuss this with her. I'm not a psychologist." She seemed concerned about Adélaïde, though also a bit confused, perhaps trying to recall some of the jargon she mentioned being told about.

"I presume then that Adélaïde hasn't exactly taken the loss of Liliane well. What of the other pilots?" It was important. Liliane was close to Adélaïde, but what of the others? How badly were they effected by the loss?

"You would be right about Adélaïde. Though, that much was obvious. No one has really taken her loss well, per say. But no one's taken it anywhere near as bad as she has. Everyone here misses her. If not because she was a good friend then because she was a good pilot. Even then though, it's the loss of someone that everyone knew for a while and at times relied upon. So, I would say most of the pilots including myself, along with the ground crew mourn her loss. I wouldn't be surprised if a fair few who never met her feel the same if they read about it. Even so, it's just mourning. Loss is something I've unfortunately gotten used to." Lucie sounds almost defeated with her last statement. Though given she's been here since the start and just under three hundred and ninety pilots have been lost by the escadre it's not hard to tell why.

"I see. I take it then she was well liked. Given the last time I saw her I can see why." You say, only to be met with nothing more than a nod from Lucie.

"You might be a bit surprised by this question, but do your capitaines note how much munitions and fuel they return with?" It was a bit unrelated in some ways but it would potentially be important regarding the solo patrols.

"Uhm, no. Not really. While they are allowed to dictate how much fuel they want in the tank before take off they don't exactly keep track and note it down when they get back. None of us do. I leave that up to the ground crew as part of their checklist. You'd have to discuss it with them." Lucie says with a hint of the sort of defeated tone from earlier still present.

"Why do you allow them to change how much fuel they have? Couldn't they use less than is needed?" You knew why they might use less fuel, but it was best to make sure Lucie wasn't making a mistake with management.

"Because the performance of the aircraft is affected by it's weight. And fuel weighs about four fifths of a kilogram per liter. It adds up, as a full tank can be equivalent to having an extra person on the plane. There is a minimum I always set to ensure that there's enough fuel to do the mission, some combat, and return. But other than that, they can have as much or little fuel as they want to maximize the performance of their aircraft."

>Ask where Eva Courbet is. Speaking with her first before anything else might be good given she was the one to raise concern.
>Ask where l'As is. It would be best to speak to her properly before anyone else given the circumstances. Especially given what you know about her.
>Ask where another pilot is. (Chose who)
>Ask more about Eva's reasoning and her knowledge on the mind.
>Ask for the documents from the ground crew regarding the remaining fuel and munitions from the last few missions and especially l'As's lone patrols.
>Tell Maret to allow l'As to go on as many lone patrols as she requests.
>Tell Maret you support her preventing l'As from going up alone.
>Ask something else. (Write in)

(Took a bit longer to get to this than I'd like but hey, getting back on track.)

>>5935443
>Ask where Eva Courbet is. Speaking with her first before anything else might be good given she was the one to raise concern.

>>5935443
>>Ask where Eva Courbet is. Speaking with her first before anything else might be good given she was the one to raise concern.

>>5935443
>Ask where Eva Courbet is. Speaking with her first before anything else might be good given she was the one to raise concern.

"Can you tell me where Eva is? If you know. I'd like to speak with her." You say, eliciting some concern from Lucie.

"She isn't in trouble at all for her advice, is she?" Lucie asks quickly.

"No, she sent me a letter expressing her concern regarding Adélaïde and wanted to speak to me in person. Adélaïde sent a letter as well, requesting an override of your own orders but I'd rather speak with Eva and Adélaïde first before making any sort of decision on that matter. Besides, you are the one with the authority over who goes on what missions for this escadron barring a direct order and as such it's your responsibility." You explain, being met with Lucie scratching the back of her head.

"I get what you are saying. I'm probably just worrying a bit much for her sake. She's helped me a lot, really." Lucie explains before giving a slight pause. "She should be outside by the edge if the air field by the tree line or in the mess hall. I'd check the former given you should be able to see her easily if she's out there provided you are actually looking for her."

With this you give a nod. "Thank you for your time. I'll speak with you again later." After which you simply exit the building and look around at the edge. There was only really one side that had a tree line, so there wasn't too much to search, though you did spot who you believed was Eva at a distance sitting under a tree. Walking over, the brunette closes the book they were holding before tucking it under one shoulder and giving you a salute, a stance she holds for a while as she noticed and responded to your approach when you were well outside ten meters of her. Once you actually get to a reasonable distance for conversation you dismiss her and she quickly speaks.

"Miss Valmont, I'm glad you are here. I presume you received my letter?" The blue eyed brunette asks, clearly confirming herself to be Eva.

"Yes, I did. You wished to speak with me in person regarding l'As." You say, curios as to what she has to say regarding her.

"Yes, as I wrote she isn't really herself anymore. While I haven't been able to speak to her on the matter as she refused to discuss it with me when I requested and I desired not to press her given the vulnerable state she is in, she clearly is showing severe symptoms of melancholy. It is clear to me she is not merely mourning the loss of Liliane. Likely due to a mix of her close relationship with her and her placing a part of her ego in Liliane." She states clearly and arguably formally.

"A part of her ego?" You naturally ask.

"Yes. In simpler terms, as I know better than to bore or potentially confuse you like I did Lucie, she has put a part of herself in Liliane. Her nickname was L'apprenti after all. Her death means the death of a part of Adélaïde. She poured so much effort in training her that not only has she lost someone whom she was close to, but she also likely views this as a failure on her part due to projecting herself and her skills onto Liliane. Additionally, she might view herself as having failed in training her, protecting her, or both as well. Before her death, l'As was exactly what you would expect, a confident, if vainglorious, outgoing woman whom always seemed a bit overly formal as if trying to appear like nobility. Even if such could be a bit grating at times. Now? She is quiet, reserved, and seclusive. She constantly pushes everyone away from her and hates attention. Even bringing up her past achievements makes her wish to slink off. Put simply, I am concerned she might do something rash that will hurt herself in her current state." Eva states firmly.

>Ask Eva why she wanted to discuss this with you personally and specifically.
>Ask Eva more about her knowledge regarding the mind and it's origins.
>Ask Eva why she thinks Adélaïde will hurt herself.
>Ask Eva what she thought of Liliane and how she took the loss.
>Ask Eva why she suggested Lucie not to let Adélaïde go on lone patrols.
>Ask Eva what exactly the symptoms of melancholy are and which ones specifically Adélaïde is suffering from.
>Ask Eva something else. (Write in)
>On second thought, it might be better to speak with Adélaïde first rather than Eva...

>>5937427
>Ask Eva why she wanted to discuss this with you personally and specifically.
>Ask Eva why she thinks Adélaïde will hurt herself.
>Ask Eva what exactly the symptoms of melancholy are and which ones specifically Adélaïde is suffering from.

>>5937427
>Ask Eva why she wanted to discuss this with you personally and specifically.
>Ask Eva why she thinks Adélaïde will hurt herself.
>Ask Eva why she suggested Lucie not to let Adélaïde go on lone patrols.

>>5937427
>Ask Eva why she thinks Adélaïde will hurt herself.
>Ask Eva what exactly the symptoms of melancholy are and which ones specifically Adélaïde is suffering from.

"So why did you want to discuss this with me me in person when a report would do just fine? Further, why inform me when Lucie is your direct commanding officer?" You ask actually a bit curious about the former.

"I can actually answer your questions and provide better explanation in person than writing things down. If I write down something about the ego, and you haven't read any of Sigmunt's or Myers works for an example, I doubt you'd be keen to try and decipher what I am trying to convey using what context clues exist in my writings or read a few pages of explanation before you actually get to read what I am trying to tell you. Meanwhile, here, I am not limited by the amount of space on a single sheet of paper and can explain what is needed and gauge by your reactions if what I'm saying is understood or nonsense to you. As for telling you in person, I fully expect Adélaïde to perhaps contact you as a work around to Lucie. And, as much as I hate to say it, Lucie has mainly gotten by through luck. If it runs out, Adélaïde is likely to become the new Commandant." Her tone took a more worried and somber shift with her last few sentences.

"Okay, I can get that but why do you think Adélaïde will hurt herself?" It was probably something to do with the melancholy symptoms she mentioned but it'd serve well to Segway into your next question.

"Because, put simply, she's completely devastated by the loss and I'd not be surprised if she tried re-enacting a famous Pretan play but with a modern and more familial twist." Eva says surprisingly flatly.

"I'm afraid there's many plays and that doesn't exactly narrow them down. Especially for someone who only has passing knowledge regarding them." You say while you wrack your brain trying to tell what play she specifically is referring to. You have a hunch but aren't entirely sure.

"To be blunt, if she doesn't end up killing herself by doing something rash in an attempt to reunite with Liliane, she's going to keep flying and trying to take revenge until her body cannot take it anymore and her exhaustion causes her to make a mistake in flying that wounds her or worse." Eva says with a bit more concern in her voice.

"So, that's why you told Lucie to prevent her from going on lone patrols? To try and protect her from herself?" It wasn't like her fellow pilots could do anything to stop her when she was in the air, lone patrols just meant no one or only the enemy would see her do something. Well, and the people on the ground.

"Yes. That is correct. If it was up to me, I'd fully ground her until she gets this sorted out as it would be far easier to prevent any attempts on the ground than in the air. But if any part of her vanity remains and hasn't shattered with the death of her adopted daughter she will refuse to die in a shameful way against some mediocre pilot. Though I would certainly not count on that hope." Eva states.

"Wait, adopted daughter?" You ask more so out of reflex than anything else.

"She treated Liliane like a daughter she never had given how close they were. I think calling her an adopted daughter is fitting. Unless you wish to speculate something a bit insulting, which I doubt and from my experience do not believe is the case between the two anyway, I don't believe there's a better term as their bond was very much akin to a familial one with Adélaïde caring for her in a protective and maternal way." Eva says.

"So, what are the symptoms of melancholy anyway? And are there any absent from Adélaïde?" Maybe if you were lucky, and l'As as well, she wouldn't have that severe symptoms or be missing a few crucial ones.

"Well, to run down the symptoms I believe she has, the first is very little emotional response to positive stimuli or even expression. The first few days after Liliane's death only the former was apt. But once those days passed, Adélaïde seemed to be almost vacant emotionally. And in her current state most of the time she choses to remain alone when she can. Her tone also is incredibly dry and tired sounding most of the time as well. The second is a loss in appetite, which I believe might be the case given I haven't seen her in the mess much at all since this happened. If she loses weight from it, we will be able to know for sure. The third? Terrible restless sleep, which I cannot say for sure but believe is the case. Fourth is trouble focusing. This one is a bit mixed for her, as normally this symptom is combined with forgetfulness, something Adélaïde doesn't seem to have. However a lack of concentration on the world around her when not flying is clear, as of late as she constantly seems lost in her own little world. I'd not be surprised if it was effecting her while flying as well however. Lastly is strong feelings of guilt and or hopelessness. I've wished to speak with her to confirm this sort of thing but she turned down my offer of speaking to her about the matter and so I can only presume. But when I said a part of her died I meant it, she really is a different person now, and in quite the sad way. I should also mention that all of this has a possibility for the sufferer to take their own life. Hence my concern." It was more than just a bit worrying hearing all of this from Eva.

>Ask Eva more about her knowledge regarding the mind and it's origins.
>Ask Eva what she thought of Liliane and how she took the loss.
>Ask Eva if there's some way to treat melancholia or otherwise cure it.
>As Eva what she'd suggest if she could do whatever she wanted to help l'As.
>Ask Eva something else. (Write in)
>Go check on Adélaïde. It'd be best to actually see for yourself how she is. Maybe she'd open up to you more anyway given you knew her secret?
>Go check on someone else. You had an idea of someone else who might be useful to speak with right now. (Write in who)

>>5939329
>>Ask Eva what she thought of Liliane and how she took the loss.
>>Ask Eva if there's some way to treat melancholia or otherwise cure it.

>>5939329
>Ask Eva what she thought of Liliane and how she took the loss.
>Ask Eva if there's some way to treat melancholia or otherwise cure it.
>As Eva what she'd suggest if she could do whatever she wanted to help l'As.

>>5939329
+1 >>5939508

>>5939508
Supporting. We should send Adelaide to reserves next turn.

"What did you think of Liliane? How did her loss effect you personally? I'd hope you aren't suffering anywhere near what you believe Adélaïde is going through." It would be best to know if you had other pilots suffering from the loss quite a bit, especially the one who was your best shot at maybe doing something.

Eva takes a bit to answer, quietly looking down as she seems to try and collect her thoughts. When she does speak, there's only a hint of sorrow in her voice, clearly suppressed. "I would say I have mourned her loss like most would a good friend. She was generally optimistic and quite a kind person. Despite the war she seemed to be chipper quite often. I hate to admit it but I try not to form too deep of an attachment to my fellow pilots. Well, most of them. If they last a significant while, or become a skilled ace, I tend to let myself grow attached. Less of a chance for them to die. She's been here, excuse me, was here since the start of the war. She's been on the front longer than I have the Air Corps, let alone the armed forces. And there's good reason for l'As to be so attached to her apprentice. I would say despite that I have a far greater attachment to Lucie who's become my best friend here, but that doesn't mean Liliane wasn't also a friend. I hope, in time, her memory will be given the honor and respect it deserves. Even if she wasn't the best pilot, greatest ace, or most successful, she was still had the infectious hope that is so desperately needed in hard times. It faltered at times, as it does for everyone, especially when she worried about those whom she was close to, but a few of the right words helped put her to ease and when proven true she was just as bright as she usually was."

She gives a pause for a bit, in which you ask the obvious question "Is there any way to treat melancholia?"

However, Eva doesn't say much, still silent for a bit before saying "It's hard to be optimistic. Looking back, Liliane helped me help the others in this escadron keep hopeful. I hope that it doesn't become just a mask for me in the future. It's something I fear." Yet after saying this she looks directly at you and answers your question. "Time. Some say opium tonics and various medicine help. Many in the Gallonian government seem to treat these mental wounds as weakness, as a lack of will. If you send her behind lines and tell them what she's suffering from, they might just do what they do to those suffering shell shock and try and electrocute the pain away. I heard a woman had to deal with the same voltage a tram car utilizes. Regardless, the best medicine for these things in all my research is time. Some drugs can help temporarily. Sarra Anouilh is a perfect example of someone whom suffers from melancholia, all be it much more mildly, and deals with their problems with the bottle, and someone whom only briefly I was able to speak to. I do pity her friend, she was more overtly struggling than Adélaïde, and I do wish our escadrons were consolidated closer together at times. I hope she, much like Liliane and all the other pilots we have lost are in a better place. But, I digress. There's temporary escapes, but scars heal with time. Those on the mind I believe are no different."

"So, there's nothing but waiting that can help?" You ask, though this is quickly shot down.

"Of course not. The issue is that this country's methods in dealing with them are unwise at best. You don't shoot someone in the leg to cure a bullet wound, after all. You have to be cautious and delicate in removing it. Personally, I believe the Varuski method that is being set up is best. Though I know many are not fond of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Far better to have an easy solution and ignore the deeper problems when it saves time and money." She sounded quite cynical, something she seemed to realize as she sighed and added "I suppose opening up a bit of my frustrations along with recent events aren't helping my mood at the moment...I do hope I don't become like this normally. This might be a serious conversation but there's no need for so much negative pessimism on my part." After, she muttered "Perhaps I'm not taking the loss as well as I thought."

"I presume you'd suggest this psychotherapy and analysis then if you were to do whatever you could to help her?" It was a fair thing to ask, yet she met this question with a bit of a strange answer.

"No, actually." She stated firmly and flatly, much to your shock, though thankfully she would elaborate. "Not yet, anyway. She needs space and time, yet also to be watched, as paradoxical as that sounds. She doesn't want to talk about it with me yet, and I do not intend to force her against her own will as that would be counterintuitive to the entire process. Given enough time, she will be more willing to open up and perhaps get the help she needs. I don't know if she'll fully return to her normal self but hopefully she will mostly return to how she was a mere week ago. But, like all things, it will take time. How long is something I do not know."

>Ask Eva more about her knowledge regarding the mind and it's origins.
>Ask Eva about her view on optimism.
>Ask Eva about her frustrations with what you presume is the army's stance on her field.
>Ask Eva for further detail regarding the countries treatments of shell shock and similar.
>Ask Eva something else. (Write in)
>Go check on Adélaïde. It'd be best to actually see for yourself how she is. Maybe she'd open up to you more anyway given you knew her secret?
>Go check on someone else. You had an idea of someone else who might be useful to speak with right now. (Write in who)

(If you have any criticism, thoughts, or comments regarding the interactions with your pilots, do please let me know. It has been a while since I've done this, and this turn in particular is a bit different from how I usually structure these sorts of interactions.)

>>5941075
>Ask Eva about her frustrations with what you presume is the army's stance on her field.
>Go check on Adélaïde. It'd be best to actually see for yourself how she is. Maybe she'd open up to you more anyway given you knew her secret?
It's good so far. We haven't had the time to listen to our pilots for quite a while.

>>5941075
>Go check on Adélaïde. It'd be best to actually see for yourself how she is. Maybe she'd open up to you more anyway given you knew her secret?

>>5941075
>Go check on Adélaïde. It'd be best to actually see for yourself how she is. Maybe she'd open up to you more anyway given you knew her secret?

>>5941075
>Ask Eva about her frustrations with what you presume is the army's stance on her field.
>Ask Eva about her view on optimism.

>>5941075
>>Ask Eva about her frustrations with what you presume is the army's stance on her field.
>>Ask Eva about her view on optimism.

"Why are you so frustrated with the way the country handles these sorts of things? I get that most of the expertise you seem to have is likely disregarded but what they are doing can't be that bad, right?" You were a bit concerned about how bad it might be, given l'As.

"It is that bad! Did you decline to deafness when disclosed to the dreary disaster demented dunces dare declare helps?! A Tram car! Enough to move a tram car! That much electricity enacting excruciating pain all on a woman! And a pilot at that! They seldom save solidarity or sympathy for soldiers either!" She seems very...heated, despite her strange sort of outburst, though after taking a few breaths she calms down. "Sorry. The army is a disaster in how they treat these problems. People suffer scars on the front of both body and mind and when pulled from the front for the former, they are given treatment that heals them. When it's the latter, they are subject to what is practically torture. It's viewed as weakness and to just completely confront it head on rather than properly treat it and only cause more harm than good. The worst part is I think it's partially because if they did treat these problems seriously, like actual wounds, then the country would have to pay many, many more soldiers compensation."

You take a moment before deciding to ask for a bit further clarification along with something a bit unrelated. "So, other than shocking's, what else have they done? And why exactly did you talk like that at first?"

"Firstly, the technique they use to electrocute people is called torpillage. Secondly, most of the time they don't even move those who suffer off the front and just let them suffer. The times they do the neglectful act of leaving them at the front might just be better given if they aren't electrocuted, then they are likely to be burned. If lucky, they'll have drugs utilized like anesthesia, or stranger methods like a tranquilizer chair. If they are particularly unlucky, they might get executed for cowardice. Most of the time what they are doing is either inefficient or outright torturous. Talking cures, or talking therapy I believe works best. But it isn't used here because it would be far too time consuming, or so they say." She says, ignoring your second question.

"And that strange thing you did earlier when you were mad?" You ask again, eliciting a sigh from Eva.

"I tend to do that when I'm all worked up. I don't usually get like that but...Just forget about it." She seemed almost embarrassed about the strange quirk.

"Alright. I think I am going to visit Adélaïde and check up on her." You say, being met with a nod.

"Just go easy on her. She's... not exactly in a talkative mood as I am sure you are aware." Eva cautioned before you left.

Finding Adélaïde was actually a bit hard without knowing where she was exactly. And searching around the airbase you struggled until eventually you found her in a small storage room. Of course it was the last place you looked. She was sitting on the ground without a word out of her, and she didn't even seem to notice you enter, or at least didn't respond. She seemed to be fiddling with something in her hands, a piece of metal of some kind that you couldn't exactly make out, gently moving it as she seemingly endlessly examined it in silence.

After a bit of her silence, you decide to move a bit closer and speak in case she didn't notice you, simply saying "Adélaïde?" causing her to slowly look up at you. She looked very tired, and her movements were a bit sluggish as she simply stood up and saluted you. The way she moved was a bit uncanny really, though maybe that was just the silence. Still, you soon let her at ease and the hand saluting quickly fell down before she sat back down and fiddled with her little trinket, which now closer you could tell was a metal pendant or amulet. A necklace of some kind. It seemed to be of some kind of bird encircled on the edges with a band of metal. This band having engravings on it, writing of some kind that you could tell wasn't Gallonian. After a bit more silence you simply ask "Are you doing okay?" You knew the answer but you wanted to hear her.

All you would get from her was "I'm alright." her tone dreary if a bit monotone while she didn't even look up at you when you asked. You couldn't help but wonder if this was how she was normally now or if this was just a particularly difficult time for her right now.

>Ask Adélaïde about the necklace
>Ask Adélaïde about Liliane.
>Ask Adélaïde about Eva.
>Ask Adélaïde about why she wants to go on lone patrols.
>Confront Adélaïde's obvious lie.
>Ask or tell Adélaïde something else (Write in)
>Maybe it was best to just leave her alone right now.

(This could be interesting. I am hopeful for a write in or two.)

>>5942993
>Ask or tell Adélaïde something else (Write in)
Ask how she wants Liliane to be remembered.

>>5943028
+1

>>5942993
>>Confront Adélaïde's obvious lie.
Look at yourself, you are clearly not alright.

It was obvious that Adélaïde was lying about how she was doing, and as such you felt it was important to perhaps point that out. "Look at yourself, you are clearly not alright. Please, be honest." You clearly were concerned, and it showed in your voice, but it didn't seem to matter much to Adélaïde.

"I'm okay. I am okay. You don't need to ask again. I don't need anything, but I appreciate your concern." She flatly said dismissively. Though this did give you a bit of an idea.

"Adélaïde, I'm not going to let you be sent off to wherever the Army treats people who are suffering from shell shock or similar if that's what you are worried about. I'm not going to let that happen to one of my own pilots now I know about it" It was more to try and reassure her to be honest, and while it was met with something, it wasn't met with much.

"I appreciate that, but they wouldn't do it anyway. Imagine the propaganda if that leaked. No. I'm...fine." She seemed insistent on claiming how she was fine, even though she had hardly any emotion in her voice what so ever, though under her breath she did mutter something strange. "Perhaps it's better I am like this now."

Pushing this aside, you decide that there's likely only one thing that would actually perhaps get Adélaïde to give an actual response. And as such, you ask a question that you hoped would be close to Adélaïde's heart. "How do you want Liliane to be remembered? You were her closest friend after all. You would know better than anyone else what would be best for her legacy."

This actually got Adélaïde to look directly at you with a genuine look of surprise and clear sorrow. Quickly, she looks away back down at the necklace in her hands before looking off to the side of the room away from both you and the memento she held in her hands. Yet despite her conflicted look, it slowly turns more and more painful as you can notice her grip tightening. After almost thirty seconds, she takes a deep, shaky breath before saying "She...She should be remembered as more than just a war hero. She was so much more than just that. At the same time, she shouldn't have to be remembered. She should still be here. I... Her legacy should be forever considered greater than mine ever was." She started to tear up as she said this, looking back down at the pendant in her hand. And quietly she muttered once more, words likely not meant for you. "Twice you failed. You broke your promise. It's never going to go away, is it? Just a void with few painful stings like this for reality. You don't even have anything of her. Just of Lyra."

In this moment it seemed almost as if she completely forgot about you being there, clearly consumed by her own thoughts as she gripped the necklace tightly. This was going to be painful to try and fix, wouldn't it? Though your own thoughts would be partially interrupted as Adélaïde got up.

>Ask Adélaïde about the necklace
>Ask Adélaïde about Liliane.
>Ask Adélaïde about Eva.
>Ask Adélaïde about why she wants to go on lone patrols.
>Ask Adélaïde about what she was muttering.
>Ask or tell Adélaïde something else (Write in)
>Maybe it was best to just leave her alone right now.

(Small post and a late one. I apologize for the delay. I hope these posts of late being a bit on the small side isn't a problem.)

>>5946356
>Ask or tell Adélaïde something else (Write in)
If Lilliane were still alive and you were gone, what would you have her do?

No hurry, QM.

>>5946356
>>Ask Adélaïde about the necklace

>>5946374
+1

With the feeling that focusing on Liliane was perhaps making some sort of breakthrough to Adélaïde, you continued to focus on that point. "If you got your wish in a way, and instead she was still alive while you were gone, what would you want her to do?" You said, hoping it maybe would give you some insight.

"W-Whatever she would have wanted t-that would make her h-happy." Adélaïde said quickly and with clear pain in her voice rather than the monotone she had earlier. It was a surprise given how you thought she was practically lost in thought. Though perhaps her getting up helped with that? "She would have the means to live a happy life. I e-ensured that in death I'd still be able to protect h-her in some way. At least, once this war was over. What didn't go to her would've gone to Ermengardis. N-Now that doesn't matter. Y-You can't go back in time, no matter how much I w-want to." After saying this she started to walk towards the door, much to your surprise.

Before she could leave, you would be quick to ask her another question, striking something you thought might also get through to her in some way. "That necklace you are holding. What is it's significance? It's clearly important to you in some way. Did-" You intended to continue but Adélaïde cut you off before you could finish.

"It's from Lyra. The only thing I have..." She clearly said more but her voice grew more and more quiet with every word, the last few not audible by you. She didn't say anything else however, and was still clearly heading for the door and all of her focus on anything except her destination, wherever that might be, seemed to fade from her. Why she was leaving, or where she was going was something you didn't know, but following was an option...

>Follow Adélaïde closely, and continue to try and ask questions. (Write in or use the last batch)
>Follow Adélaïde from a distance and watch what she does.
>Leave Adélaïde on her own. She's been through enough and told you enough to get a picture of what was going on. Maybe it would be best to go to the other escadron, or talk to Eva again or one of the other pilots here.

(Another shorter update but far faster this time to make up for the time I took last turn, and also given the size as well.)

>>5946941
>Follow Adélaïde from a distance and watch what she does.

>>5946941
>>Follow Adélaïde from a distance and watch what she does.

>>5946941
>Follow Adélaïde from a distance and watch what she does.

You decided it would be best to follow and watch Adélaïde and where she went. Yet, you would do so from a distance, not wanting to interrupt what she was doing or potentially distract her. Of course, not being noticed by her wouldn't be too hard, simply keeping your distance and staying behind her was enough for her to not notice you given how consumed with her thoughts she likely was. The first thing she did was simply walk through the base to find the mission board for the day. She looked at it only briefly before moving on. Moving over and looking at it yourself allowed you to see that Adélaïde wasn't going up into the air today. In fact there was only three flights today, and one already was completed. Perhaps she was double checking to confirm she had time to do something?

She soon after simply left the building and walked over to the road, stopped only for a moment by one of the soldiers on the base. You couldn't overhear much but the conversation was extremely short before she was simply let be. With this, she just walked down the road, not getting any horse or car, just...walking. You held a bit of concern seeing this, but still chose to follow at a distance. The walk was a bit long, maybe half an hour or even a full one, but it became clear she was walking to a small village that was nearby. You wondered why exactly she was going there, if she planned on trying to get a drink or buy something to try and help her mood, but eventually it became very clear where she was going. The local church, or more specifically one of the two graveyards nearby it.

She seemed to know exactly what she was looking for, and once she got to her destination, she simply got on her knees and silently stared at a particular grave. You didn't need to see the text on the headstone to tell who's it was. In fact, looking around it seemed that this graveyard had been purely for military personnel, and likely made recently. There was a number of graves to various Gallonian soldiers, and a number of unmarked ones as well. In fact, you even saw a few names you vaguely recognized from your reports, such as Capucine Chaucer... There were a number of pilots from Vert buried here. Not just Liliane. In some ways, it was a bit surreal. Though, you were only here because of Adélaïde. Yet, you seemed to just catch something as your attention went back to her.

She placed the necklace she had by the grave.

She didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave, but you weren't entirely sure what exactly you should do here, if you should simply leave her to her grieving or try and comfort her in some way...

>Write in what you wish to do.

(I apologize for the shorter updates of late but I hope that they are still of good quality. It'd probably be easier if you were Adélaïde because then I could write her many many thoughts but you aren't. I think though it is best for a write in here, given things. Thread is close to falling off though, and I'll take a week break when it does.)

>>5949014
Pay our respects for a bit then meet the rest of the squadron

>>5949014
Pay our respects and check in with Ermengardis. Ask how her chemistry experiments are going.