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You are ROY POWERS, a Vertical Tank Commander!
"Sir, you called for us?" You ask as you and Tarin arrive in Sawyer's command tent.
"Ah, Roy, just the tanker I needed." Sawyer nods. Alongside him are Bannon and Parker, as usual. "I assume Egan has already showed you the Badger?"
"Yes sir." You nod. "It's a pretty amazing vertical tank."
"That she is." Sawyer nods in agreement. "And we're going to need her. I've just got word back from Command. Reikland has refused to capitulate or even agree to negotiations. That means we have no choice but to make the final push into their capital and MAKE them surrender."
"So we're going in." Tarin observes.
"That's right." Sawyer nods. "Now, you've got one of the few heavy tanks we have. Some of the other units have Badgers, too, but we don't have nearly enough. That means your deployment will be critical.
(cont)
>>44677139
Sawyer points down to a diagram of Reikland's capital.
"To the North, we have the headquarters for the Reiksguard, Reikland's most elite military unit, being led by an hold friend of yours, Gregor. Now, they're bound to be equipped with Reikland's latest Tigers and Panthers, meaning bottling them up, bogging them down, or preferably eliminating them will be critical. To the east, our scouts have spotted a massive quadruped Vertical Tank, configured to be a heavy artillery platform. We figure it's one of the machines they managed to evacuate from the Iron Foundry. To the west, Egan managed to pinpoint the location of a massive signal transmitter, no doubt to control what's left of their undead forces. Finally, to the south, there's a highway that leads straight to the center of the city. However, that road is sure to be heavily defended. But if we can break through, the rest of their lines will collapse and victory is assured."
>Attack the Reiksguard.
>Attack the superheavy VT
>Attack the transmitter.
>Attack the highway.
TARIN IS FOR MOTHERHOOD
>>44677166
>>Attack the superheavy VT
Time for a Clash of the Titans.
>>44677166
>Attack the superheavy VT
Oh man, Merc. I wish you wouldn't end this quest. It's just so good we want more of it.
>>44677166
>>Attack the superheavy VT
>>44677166
>Attack the highway.
ALL OR NOTHING
>>44677166
>Attack the highway
>>44677166
>>Attack the highway.
>>44677166
We know the super heavy design is shit
>>44677166
>>Attack the transmitter.
>>44677630
I wonder why the Air Force doesn't just bomb the shit out of it. Do planes not exist in this setting?
>>44677678
Maybe Tilea's a small country and can only really afford a few recon planes, and a few rare fighters/bombers?
>>44677166
Hmmm, welp, it looks like we got a tie between the superheavy VT and the highway, so we'll just have to narrow down the choices!
>Highway
>Superheavy VT
>>44677906
>>Highway
Time to get into high gear.
>>44677906
>Highway
>>44677906
>Highway
>>44677906
>Highway
>>44677906
>Superheavy VT
We're in a VT that doesn't go fast.
>>44677906
>Highway
After all it is a danger zone.
>>44677906
>Superheavy VT
arty is bad news
>>44678032
I thought it was to hell.
>>44677906
"Honestly sir, if we have as few Badgers as we say, it makes sense that we concentrate on one front and push it as hard as possible." You point out. "That highway is large enough for heavy VTs to safely maneuver through. We can just power our way through."
"Hmmmm, that's bold but also dangerous." Sawyer frowns. "If we want to break the highway we need to go all out. That would leave our flanks vulnerable to counterattack."
"But don't we have the Bretons backing us up?" Bannon points out. "Can't they relieve some of the slack?"
"They could, but their numbers aren't what they used to be, due to a combination of combat losses and leaving behind garrison forces, there's only one position they can reliably assault." Sawyer points out.
"Hmmm, so the question is where to deploy the Bretons..." Parker nods.
>Back up the highway assault.
>Attack the Superheavy VT
>Attack the transmitter
>Attack the Reiksguard
>>44678350
>Attack the transmitter
>>44678350
>>Back up the highway assault.
>>44678350
>Attack the Superheavy VT
>>44678350
>Back up the highway assault.
>>44678350
>>Attack the Reiksguard
>>44678350
>Attack the transmitter
Destroy the enemy comms.
>>44678350
>>Attack the transmitter
>>44678350
>Attack the transmitter
>>44678477
That just gets rid of the zombies.
>>44678350
>Attack the transmitter
>>44678350
>Back up the highway assault.
>>44678350
"I think they'd do best taking out that transmitter." You suggest. "Without their undead support, the Reiks would just be left with their smaller core forces."
"That's true. The Reiks typically employ them to blunt potential losses." Parker agrees. "If we eliminate that strategic option, that may discourage the Reiks from committing to a counterattack."
"It'll have to do." Sawyer grunts. "That just means we'll have to deal with the Reiksguard and that superheavy VT's artillery fire the best we can. Also, Roy, I understand the Badger has space for a 3rd crew. Do you have any suggestions?
You pause to think. Any one of your platoon members could work, as you knew they were experienced and knew how to work together with you. But then that would mean having to sacrifice one of your Wolverines, as they couldn't be piloted by one person. The two other possible candidates were Willem and Hess. Willem was dependable, but you knew he wasn't experienced in Tilean tactics and doctrine. Hess on the other hand was supremely well versed and experienced, but you felt she had a certain "over-eagerness" that could get you into trouble...
>Select a platoon member
>Select Willem
>Select Hess
>Just 2 man it
>Other
>>44678731
>>Select Willem
>>44678731
>>Select Willem
>>44678731
>Select Hess
To hell with it, let's just make it a threesome.
>>44678731
>>Select Hess
>>44678731
>Select Hess
She has more experience with larger VT's and she knows Reik tactics better than anyone.
>>44678731
>>Select Hess
DON'T HASSLE THE HESS
>>44678731
>>Select Hess
>>44678731
>Select Hess
>>44678731
>Select Hess
>>44678731
>>Select Hess
>>44678731
>>Select Hess
She knows the area better
>>44678731
"I think Hess would be the optimal crew member." You say. "She's got experience, and she seems willing help us, or me, at least. Plus, she'd probably have a better lay of the land than any of us."
"Hmmmm, that's risky, but I suppose it's better than letter her wander around the base." Sawyer sighs. "Bannon, Parker, either you have objections to this?"
"None at all!" Parker grins.
Bannon just silently shakes his head.
"All right, we'll let it go for now." Sawyer grunts. "Anyways, we need to attack as soon as possible before they can reinforce their defenses further. Get your affairs in order, everybody. This is going to be a big one."
>Do you want to talk to anyone or do anything in particular before leaving for battle?
>>44679072
Go tell Hess that she is in position to not only minimize the damage to the capital. But how to end the fight with minimal casualties on both sides, thus leading to a easier occupation and eventual release by our nation.
>>44679072
>Tarin
Maybe about plans for later.
Oh! and also ask if she'd like some pineapple salad.
>>44679072
Talk to Tarin.
>>44679072
Talk to Hess and Tarin as a crew thing
>>44679072
The next couple of days kind of fly by as preparations for the attack are hastily made. Egan manages to build up just over a dozen Badgers ready for combat, and they are sprinkled among the various units, mostly as platoon lead VTs and other specialist roles.
You sit in the commander's seat of your new Badger, still getting used the similar yet still alien control scheme. Tarin does the same, carefully examining her console. Neither of you had become... well... "close" like you did in Clementine a few days back. The constant work and preparations you all had to do had seen to that. You were also waiting for Hess to be transferred from the lab to your Badger to crew it, as she was not allowed to be moved without a guard detail. That was going to take a while.
"Something wrong, Roy?" Tarin turns to you.
>Tell her not to worry about Hess.
>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>Ask her if she's scared.
>Talk about Clementine.
>Other
>>44679454
>Tell her not to worry about Hess.
>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>>44679454
>>Talk about Clementine.
least red flag worthy.
>>44679454
>Tell her not to worry about Hess.
>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>>44679454
>>Tell her not to worry about Hess.
>>Talk about Clementine.
>>44679454
>>Talk about Clementine.
>>Other
>>44679454
>>Tell her not to worry about Hess.
>>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>>44679454
>>Ask her if she's scared.
>>Talk about Clementine
>>44679454
>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>Ask her if she's scared.
>>44679454
>talk about Clementine
Why should we tell her to not worry about Hess she can handle herself
>>44679454
>>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>>44679454
>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>Talk about Clementine.
>>44679454
>>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>>Talk about Clementine.
>>44679454
>>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
>>44679454
>>Talk to her about what you both will do after this war.
.
>>Talk about Clementine.
>>44679454
"Hey, Tarin." You speak up. "You don't have to-"
"Worry about Hess, I know." Tarin finishes for you. "I know she likes you, but I also know you like me more than her."
Huh... that was scarily on point.
"Besides, if there are problems, well, there are ways to solve them." Tarin shrugs casually.
The way she stays vague kind of scares you, as well.
"Um, all right." You nod, deciding to change the subject. "What about Clementine? What do you think is going to happen to her?"
"Hmmm, well, since she's no longer in use, I suppose she'll be sent to the depot as a reserve unit." Tarin frowns. "I mean, it was nice of Sawyer to even hold her back in the first place, considering how we need every VT we can get on the front. As for after the war? Best case, she'd stay in the depot. Worst case, she gets scrapped and sold as war surplus."
"Yeah..." You sigh.
>Suggest you let go of Clementine so she can be of use in the battle.
>Have fate decide what happens to Clementine.
>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
>Other
>>44680066
>>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
>>44680066
>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
HUNT BANDITS IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH TARIN AND HESS
MAKE A FAMILY AND MAKE IT SAFE
>>44680066
>>Suggest you let go of Clementine so she can be of use in the battle.
>>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
We need every VT, we'll find her after.
>>44680066
>>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
Welp, Roy loves VTs, it was even explicitly chosen as the very first choice at the beginning of the entire quest, so I can't really see him just letting go of the one that he spent so much time and attention on so easily.
>>44680066
>>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
We could always put it in a museum.
>>44680066
>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
>>44680066
>>Suggest you let go of Clementine so she can be of use in the battle.
>>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
>>44680066
>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
It'll either become the family VT, or become a competition vehicle in future Vertical Tankery.
>>44680066
>>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
>>44680066
"We've been through far too much to let her rot in a depot or get torn apart in the scrapyard." You shake your head vehemently. "There's no way we're leaving without Clementine."
"Well, I suppose we can pull some strings. Sawyer is rather indebted to us." Tarin nods.
"There's uh, also what we'll do after this war." You note. "You should know that any soldier that serves in combat can opt for discharge after the cessation of hostilities. That means, if... when we survive this, we can go home."
"If that's what you want." Tarin says simply.
>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>I'm kinda thinking about going home.
>I'm kinda thinking about staying in the army for the long haul.
>Other
>>44680066
>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
she's our family, it'd be like getting rid of a pet
>>44680066
>Resolve to find a way to keep her after the war.
Buy her and do re-enactments.
Maybe embellish the tales a bit for the audience.
>>44680539
>>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>I'm thinking about traveling the world, seeing new places while I'm not getting shot at
>But honestly, going home and settling down with you would be nice too
>>44680539
>I'd prefer to stay in for the long haul, but if you want to leave early then I'll leave with you.
>>44680539
>>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>>I'm kinda thinking about going home.
>>44680539
>>I'm kinda thinking about going home.
>>44680539
>>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>I'm thinking about traveling the world, seeing new places while I'm not getting shot at
>>44680539
>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>I'm thinking about traveling the world, seeing new places while I'm not getting shot at
>Maybe go home to clear out the bandits, but then settle down somewhere new, have a few kids, try out being domestic
>>44680539
>>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>I'm thinking about traveling the world, seeing new places while I'm not getting shot at
>>44680539
>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
>Is... is that all you're going to say?
>>44680539
"Is... is that all you're going to say?" You blink.
"Well, what do you want me to say?" Tarin frowns confusion.
"Come on, Tarin, all we've been doing so far is doing what I want." You sigh. "But for once, can we do something that YOU want?"
The inside of the VT is extremely quiet for a few long seconds, before Tarin finally speaks up.
"I... I kind of miss home. The forest, the mountains." Tarin shakes her head. "But maybe... maybe it's just because everything beyond that kind of makes me nervous. To me, that's all unknown territory out there..."
>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
>Other
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
god this is throwing up so many red flags.
>>44680897
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
A WHOLE NEW WORLD!
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
Oh Tarin... If that what you wanted, then you should've just said so...
>>44680897
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
So we're the magical pixie tanker dream boy for Tarin?
>>44680897
>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>Besides, I've gotta get my grandmother's engagement ring
>>44680897
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
>But if you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>>44680897
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
>We can come back home for awhile but seeing the world isn't bad.
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>>44680897
>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>snuggle the Tarin
God we are going to fucking die.
>>44681018
maybe, but Tarin'll bring our body home
>>44680897
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>>44681018
What ifTarin is the one to die?
Or what ifwe both die, and Hess is left there with our corpses?
>>44681069
>Only Hess is leftBEST ENDING
>>44680897
>>If you want to go home, that's what we'll do.
>>44680897
>Come on, the outside world isn't THAT bad.
>>44680897
"If you want to go home, that's what well do." You smile as you kiss her on the forehead. "I was kinda missing it, as well."
Suddenly, you hear the latch on your hatch being unsealed and you and Tarin quickly return to your original positions as Hess drops in from the hatch, settling into the gunner's seat.
"Ah! Roy, Tarin! It looks like ve vill finally ride into battle together!" Hess says cheerfully, her voice ringing throughout the inside of the crew compartment. "Let us ride forth!"
>Say something to Hess? (specify)
>Proceed with the battle.
>Other
>>44681143
>Say something to Hess? (specify)
Any hangups about fighting your own countrymen?
>>44681143
>Say something to Hess? (specify)
>Talk out any issues she might have about fighting against the Reiks
>Ask her what she sees herself doing after the war>Go to the lavatory and subtly leave Tarin and Hess alone in the tank for a womanly chat
>>44681194
>>44681143
this.
>>44681143
Backing >>44681194
>>44681143
>>44681143
Yeah, this.
>>44681143
>Say something to Hess? (specify)
>Talk about issue fighting her countrymen, Will she be okay using this tank? (She didn't get practice)
and maybe >>44681194
>>44681194
Backing this.
>>44681143
>>44681194
May as well
>>44681143
>>44681194
Woops, wrong link.
>>44681194
Make me wonder what they will talk about.
>>44681386
>Tarin: IN YOUR FACE BITCH
COMPETING BITCHES
ONE RECENTLY BRED
CONFINED SPACE
VERY BAD IDEA
>>44681569
>VERY GOOD IDEA
>CHARGE FOR VIEWING
>>44681143
>Proceed with the battle.
>>44681143
"Hey Hess, before we go," You ask with concern, "Don't you have any reservations fighting your own countrymen?"
"Dohohoho! The opposite, in fact!" Hess gives you a predatory grin as her one good eye flashes in the darkness. "Reiklanders are the most fearsome of vertical tankers! It would be an honor to battle them in genuine combat!"
"R-really? No issues at all?!" You blink.
"If they were afraid of dying, they wouldn't have stepped on the battlefield in the first place!" Hess says proudly.
You quietly glance at Tarin, who just shrugs.
"Okay, so... what do you plan to do after this war? Assuming Tilea wins, of course."
"Hmmmm, I suppose I'd go back home, hone my skills further. I'm sure our country will pick a fight with another weaker nation in order to restore some pride!" Hess smiles. "And if Reikland wins, well, I can take both of you as my servants!"
>Um, I'd rather not.
>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>Other
>>44681677
>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>>44681677
>>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
Does Tarin get a cool maid outfit?
>>44681677
>>Other
"Moving on then."
>>44681677
>I've already promised Tarin we'd go home, so I'm afraid I can't let you do that. Sorry.
>>44681677
>>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>>44681677
>Um, I'd rather not.
>>44681677
>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>We'd still get to drive VTs, right?
>>44681677
>>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>Pet her head.
>>44681617
Not in any place where dogfighting's illegal.
Seriously, I've seen a bitch have her eye ripped out in a fight between her and another bitch because the other bitch smelled the sire on the first one, flipped the fuck out, and jumped the fence between them to attack her. All because the second bitch had chosen the sire as 'hers', and the first had dared to breed with him.
I know that doesn't apply exactly to humans, but it's something to keep in mind here.
>>44681677
>>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>>44681677
>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>Better than dying.
>>44681774
All of my experience with female dogs has amounted to: They're Alpha as fuck, don't accept no one elses rules, and they like to make bitches out of male dogs.
>>44681677
>>Um, I'd rather not.
>>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
it wouldn't be terrible, but it isn't particularly wonderful
>>44681677
>>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>>44681677
>Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome...
>>44681851
That's something a lot of people don't understand; in almost every pack, the lowest female is above the highest male in the hierarchy (save, sometimes, the head bitch's chosen mate). Males are more likely to shoulder off and get into spats, but females are far FAR more likely to literally go for the throat, especially in a fight with another female. There are entire breeds (like the Tibetan Spaniel) where having two intact females share a yard almost guarantees that one is going to be dead or crippled in under a week.
Tibetan Spaniels, incidentally, are incredibly calm and passive around their friends, but standoffish and alert around anyone unfamiliar, as well as being rather individualistic and incredibly loyal. They were bred in the mountains as lookouts for the Tibetan monasteries(Spaniel sitting on their little platform on the monastery roof sees/smells something unfamiliar and starts barking their head off, calling the Tibetan Mastiffs to come out and rip the intruders' arms off).
Do those traits maybe sound like anyone we know?
>>44681677
You have to admit, you briefly fantasize about Tarin dressed in a maid outfit when you think about the possibility.
"Um, I guess it's not the WORST outcome..." You admit.
Tarin just glances at you curiously before returning to the controls.
"All right, everybody!" Bannon's voice calls out on the radio. "Order's been given! We're moving out!"
---
The ground thunders as hundreds of VTs march in formation, heading to the massive mountain of concrete and glass that was Reikland's capital. Already, you could see the outskirts of the massive city lined with defensive guns and positions, ready to repel any attack.
"All right, this is it, everybody." Sawyer grunts from his own command Badger, leading the Tilean formation. "Remember, we focus on one point in the line and break through. Those defenses look scary but they're a non-issue once we get past them."
To the west, you can see a distant dust cloud as the Bretons charge the western sector, making their way straight to the transmitter controlling what was left of Reikland's undead army. Meanwhile, on your front, the armored formation was already being bombarded by sporadic artillery fire. You knew that they were just ranging their shots now, and the real bombardment would be sure to come when you close the distance.
Meanwhile, the Tilean mobile artillery units respond with their own fire, some of it being counterbattery to suppress the Reikland cannons while the other half drops shells directly onto the defense line in an effort to disrupt them.
>Have the Badgers lead the way. Their heavy armor will absorb the brunt of the attacks.
>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now.
>Other
>>44682122
>>Have the Badgers lead the way. Their heavy armor will absorb the brunt of the attacks.
Tanks gonna tank
>>44682122
>>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now.
sides the Lighter units can just back the fuck out easier than the badgers.
>>44682122
>Have the Badgers lead the way. Their heavy armor will absorb the brunt of the attacks.
Arty will hit you no matter how hard you camp anyway.
>>44682122
>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now
'S how skirmishers have always worked.
>>44682122
>>Have the Badgers lead the way. Their heavy armor will absorb the brunt of the attacks.
Time to test out our armour.
>>44682122
>>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now.
>>44682122
>Have the Badgers lead the way. Their heavy armor will absorb the brunt of the attacks.
>>44682122
>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now.
>>44682122
>>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now.
...huh.
Even split, alternating.
Never seen one last this long.
>>44682311
>>44682325
YOU SONOFABITCH YOU RUINED IT
AAAAAGRTHDFHGCNDNFGNUKKUYIUYUHHCNSXVGTGKDFJGJVHKFDFBDGMFGFGFDH
>>44682122
>Have the Badgers lead the way. Their heavy armor will absorb the brunt of the attacks.
>>44682122
>>Have lighter units lead the way. The Badgers are too valuable to risk right now.
>>44682122
"All right, third and fourth companies forward! Draw their fire!" Sawyer barks.
With that, several dozen Wolverines charge forward, cannons blazing. There was no way they could accurately hit with that sort of movement, but they were more to distract and suppress any defenses in front of them. It seems to be working too, as the defensive cannons begin turning to focus on them. The artillery starts to fall in increasing density as well, though no signs of any shells from the superheavy yet...
"Come on! Let's charge straight in!" Axel barks as he pulls at the chain. "There's no way they can use our artillery against us up close!"
"I dunno, that's a lot of cannons blocking the road, not to mention the infantry..." Rock says cautiously.
>Make a blitz for city to reduce the effectiveness of their artillery.
>Move forward slowly and surely and open up a hole in the defenses before advancing.
>Other
>>44682423
>>Move forward slowly and surely and open up a hole in the defenses before advancing.
Last thing we need is to end up unsupported in an urban environment.
>>44682423
>>Make a blitz for city to reduce the effectiveness of their artillery.
>>44682423
>Move forward slowly and surely and open up a hole in the defenses before advancing.
>>44682423
>Move forward slowly and surely and open up a hole in the defenses before advancing.
>>44682423
>>Move forward slowly and surely and open up a hole in the defenses before advancing.
>>44682423
>Make a blitz for city to reduce the effectiveness of their artillery.
>>44682423
>Make a blitz for city to reduce the effectiveness of their artillery.
>>44682423
>Move forward slowly and surely and open up a hole in the defenses before advancing.
We aren't the only ones here, and opening a hole will make the city all the harder to defend even with the artillery blasting.
>>44682423
"Tarin, keep us moving, but slowly." You say. "Hess, you have the cannon?"
"Of course!" Hess says happily, as she sights in. "I can bullseye a fly at 2000 yards!"
"Okay, but I'm keeping the trigger locked to my controls." You say warily. "You know how it works."
"If you say." Hess sighs.
"All right, moving at quarter speed." Train says.
Already, you can hear the odd shell or two impacting against the Badger's front glacis, though none penetrate. You peek out of your hatch to spot targets for Hess.
"Gun position, six degrees left." You announce.
"I see it." Hess responds. "Targeted!"
"Firing!" You exclaim as you hit the trigger.
The Badger's 90mm cannon roars, nearly overwhelming your earmuffs and rattling your bones as it fires. You see the heavy shell lance into targeted gun, engulfing it in fire and shrapnel.
"Good hit!" You grin. "Next target!"
/roll 1d20
Rolled 17 (1d20)
>>44682622
Time for some Teamwork.
Rolled 12 (1d20)
>>44682622
Rolled 11 (1d20)
>>44682622
inb4 nat 1
>>44682633
That's a good start.
>>44682633
yay teamwork
>>44682633
>>44682622
>"Gun position, six degrees left." You announce.
>"I see it." Hess responds. "Targeted!"
>"Firing!" You exclaim as you hit the trigger.
The gunner lays the gun but only the commander can fire? What is this next level tank design?
>>44682721
Remember how the Badger can work with two people? I'm betting both the gunner and commander can fire, like how the Wolverine has the commander be the gunner, and Roy's keeping the trigger of Hess's station locked.
>>44682721
One that clearly bests our nearly century worth of tank design.
>>44682752
>Roy's keeping the trigger of Hess's station locked.
Goddammit Roy, why must you persist in being the most retarded tank commander in your unit?
>>44682753
Do you suppose Roy is still the loader in addition to the commander and secondary(?) gunner? It clearly isn't Hess, since her station is designed to be redundant for some reason.
>>44682622
Suddenly, Tarin's ears seem to perk up.
"Incoming!' Tarin snaps as she suddenly throttles forward.
That's when you hear it. A low rumbling in the distance, as if there was a freight train coming in. That is, if a freight train was flying and dropping down right on top of you.
"All units go evasive!" You yell in the radio as Tarin accelerates the Badger. You duck back down into the hatch and button it up.
And just in time, too, as a massive artillery shell that may well have been a freight train practically lands behind you, showering the Badger with dirt and rock. Even the shockwave causes the entire vehicle to rattle like it ran into a brick wall. Almost immediately, the radio is flooded with panicked cries.
"KEEP IT TOGETHER!" Sawyer bellows. "That cannon takes at least a minute to reload! Keep pushing!"
"Haha, I told him that." Hess smiles. "Little Gustav is powerful, but her ammunition is exceptionally heavy, even with the most advanced moving equipment!"
"Right, right." You say. "Keep pace!"
"All right Bannon, your platoon is going to be the spearhead!" Sawyer barks. "Open a breach and press ahead!"
>Have you Badger take the lead.
>Have the platoon take the lead.
>Other
>>44682825
>Goddammit Roy, why must you persist in being the most retarded tank commander in your unit?
she's still an enemy captive, technically
>>44682828
>>Have you Badger take the lead.
>>44682828
>Have your Badger take the lead.
Heavies gotta heavy.
>>44682828
>>Have the platoon take the lead.
>>44682825
Well, it could also be the alternative with crew members sharing jobs like having 2 loaders or something.
>>44682828
>>Have you Badger take the lead.
>>44682825
Why is it retarded? As much as she likes to bluster, we can't be sure that she wouldn't shoot other Tileans or "miss" shots against the Reiks.
>>44682828
>>Have you Badger take the lead.
Heavy Armor FTW!
>>44682828
>Have you Badger take the lead.
WE ARE STEEL WALL.
>>44682828
>>Have you Badger take the lead.
>>44682825
Don't Tilean VTs already have autoloaders?
>>44682841
Then why put her in the tank in the first place instead of just taking Willem? There's no reason she can't juke the gun every time Roy fires to spoil the shot if she wants to.
Keeping her trigger locked all the time as opposed to (for instance) just when there's allies in the gun arc is losing precious time you could have spent firing to paranoia.
>>44682828
>>Have you Badger take the lead.
>>44682909
Pretty sure they do. I think it works like the AMX-13 where you're supposed to get out of combat so you can load the autoloader magazine from the outside.
>>44682921
You're assuming that she's actually willing to fire on her own side.
Ah, just imagine in a decade or so when we're back home with Tarin and Clementine...
>Giving the kids a tour of Clementine
>*holding the two year old while the six and four year olds climb around* "...and the captain's chair is where you were conceived!"
>"All three of us?"
>"Yep!"
Yes, I'm sure our superiors would be perfectly okay with putting an enemy captive in complete control of one of their heavy guns.
>>44683056
>>"Yep!"
Fuck it, I laughed.
>>44682828
"Everyone, let us take the lead!" You announce as the Badger lumbers forward, finally reaching the city limits. You see a large barricade erected across the highway, bristling with heavily armed infantry and a few AT guns.
"Targeted!" Hess says confidently. At this range at a target like that, there was no way she could really miss.
"Firing!" You nod as you hit the trigger. The Badger's cannon roars again and you see almost half of the barricade evaporate in fire, flinging, bodies and debris in all directions.
"Watch out Roy, you got infantry trying to climb on!" Axel warns. "Hold still for a sec!"
You hear a sound like raindrops impacting the hull of your Badger. No doubt your platoon "scratching your back" by raking your tank with MG fire. Your tank won't be harmed, but any infantry in the way certainly would be.
"Tarin, keep moving forward!" You order.
"This is Pathfinder One!" One of the scouts warns over the radio. "We have visual on the Reiksguard!"
"Where are they headed?" You ask, your eyes darting around.
"They're heading straight for you, head on!" Pathfinder One explains. "I count six Panthers and one Tiger! Looks like a customized variant!"
"Sounds like Gregor." Hess smiles eagerly. "Ohhhh, it would be wonderful to do battle against him!"
"We cannot afford to have the Reiksguard block the highway!" Sawyer barks. "Do whatever it takes to get them off!"
Suddenly, there's a large explosion to the left, and you see what looks to be a large radio tower teeter precariously before finally toppling over like a stack of cards.
"Looks like the Bretons completed their objective." Parker observes. "Maybe we can try and lead the Reiksguard into them?"
"But who?" Rock asks cautiously.
>Have the platoon lead them away they're fast enough to.
>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
>You don't have time for this. Just hit them head on.
>Other
>>44683135
>>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
>>44683135
>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
And if they don't we have some 90mms to ram up their asses.
>>44683135
>>You don't have time for this. Just hit them head on.
>Tell the Bretons that they will miss the Glory if they don't catch up. Motivate them to advance.
>>44683135
>>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
>>44683135
>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
>Hey Gregor! Remember me?
>>44683135
>>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
Besides he has a personal score to settle.
Early question because I gotta conk out;
Have you ever considered doing another Magical Girl quest Merc? MGH is easily my favourite quest of yours but it's really short and nobody seems to remember it.
Even if it's not a sequel I'd love to see something like that again (With maybe a cameo from Alice?)
>>44683135
>You should lead them away. They'll consider you the bigger threat.
>>44683276
I remember it, its just that it's not really relevant.
>>44683135
"All right, you guys continue to press the highway." You say to the platoon. "Gregor's got a score to settle with me, so he'll definitely chase me if he has the chance."
"Are you sure about this?" Bannon asks nervously. "That's a lot of armor they got..."
"Do not worry! I know all of the Panther's weaknesses!" Hess says confidently. "Gregor's Tiger is a whole different matter, but I think we can figure something out!"
"Says the enemy prisoner." Axel groans.
"Y-you really shouldn't be going alone!" Alfie says with concern.
>Go alone.
>Bring Bannon and Parker
>Bring Axel and Alfie
>Bring Rock and Alex
>Other
>>44683414
>>Go alone.
you need everyone no go.
>>44683414
>>bring someone to take a hit and die dramatically
Hahaha no.
>Go alone.
>>44683414
>>Go alone.
>>44683414
>Bring Axel and Alfie
gotta let their VT get blown up so Willem can drag them both from the wreckage
>>44683436
Yeah, that's what Hess is for!
>>44683414
>>Go alone.
>>44683414
>>Go alone.
>>44683414
>Go alone.
What's the worst that could happen?
>>44683414
>Go alone.
>>44683414
"We can do this alone. You all worry about opening that highway." You say as Tarin veers the Badger off the main road. "Don't worry about us. We'll be fine!"
"G-good luck." Alfie stammers in response.
"All right everyone, let's go!" Bannon says as his VT strides forward. "We got people counting on us! Remember to watch out for that superheavy artillery!"
"Be careful out there, kid." Rock says in parting.
Once you feel you're far enough away from the main highway, you key your radio to an open channel.
"Hey, Gregor. Looks like we're fated to meet again!" You call out in your most smug and confident tone you can manage. "You feel up to losing to me again?"
"Roy Powers." You hear Gregor's carefully clipped and refined voice respond, barely managing to suppress his frustration. "This will be your grave. I will make sure of it."
"If you can catch me, that is!" You laugh. You leave your radio transmitting, as to allow Gregor to triangulate your signal. You WANTED him to find you, after all.
"Eheheh, that man is so amusing when he gets angry!" Hess chuckles.
"I don't see that as a laughing matter." Tarin grunts.
>Engage Gregor head on. You need to tie down the Reiksguard as long as possible.
>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
>Other
>>44683414
>go alone
Anyone we take with us is as good as dead. Meanwhile those we don't take will arrive to save our asses at the critical moment. That's how these things work.
>>44683654
>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
>>44683654
>>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
>>44683654
>>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
>>44683654
>Other
Try to get Gregor stuck in the wreckage. Failing that,
>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
Never fight fair.
>>44683654
>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
>>Try to lure Gregot into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
Posting to say I was here. Off to bed.
>>44683654
>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
>>44683654
>>Try to lure Gregor into the Bretons. It'll be a more even fight that way.
Rolled 9, 5, 2 = 16 (3d20)
>>44683654
"Hess, you said you know the the layout of this city?" You ask her.
"Of course!" Hess says proudly. "I can drive around here like it was on the back of my hand! Of course, Gregor would know how to navigate the city too..."
"Can you get us to the transmitter?" You ask Tarin. "Quick enough to keep us ahead of Gregor, but slow enough to keep him chasing us?"
"I can try." Tarin shrugs.
"Ah, then we have a plan, then!" Hess claps her hands together happily.
>Roll 1d20
Rolled 9 (1d20)
>>44683857
GO
Rolled 17 (1d20)
>>44683857
COME ON!
Rolled 9 (1d20)
>>44683857
Rolled 12 (1d20)
>>44683857
PANZER VOR
Rolled 11 (1d20)
>>44683857
>>44683866
Woooooo!
>>44683866
crusin down the street
>>44683857
With Hess' directions, Tarin is able to maneuver even the large and unwieldy Badger through the city's narrow streets almost effortlessly. All the while, you catch glimpses of the all back VTs of the Reiksguard. Just enough to confirm their sighting, but not long enough that either of you can get an accurate bead on each other for a shot. The game of cat and mouse continues right up until you see a platoon of silver plated VTs, bearing brightly colored banners and freshly loaded contact lances.
"Halt!" You Willem command.
"Willem!" You grin at the coincidence.
"Roy?" Willem pauses. "It appears you've changed your steed! It looks rather nice!"
"Yeah, that's nice, but we need your help." You say. "We're being chased by the Reiksguard. We were hoping you could provide some extra muscle."
"You mean Reikland's best warriors?" Willem's voice perks up. "We will gladly do battle!"
"Where's the rest of your forces?" You ask.
"Catching up." Willem explains. "We are just the forward scout element!"
Damn. That meant you only had four Breton VTs, including Willem, backing you up against whatever Gregor was bringing. Maybe that would be enough.
>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>Wait for the rest of the Bretons to arrive.
>Other
>>44683978
>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>Wait for the rest of the Bretons to arrive.
>>44683978
>>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
give them a quick info dump.
>>44683978
>Wait for the rest of the Bretons to arrive.
>>44683978
>>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>Wait for the rest of the Bretons to arrive.
Ideally, we'd employ guerrilla tactics to thin out their forces a little, except we've got Bretons for support and we're in a heavy.
>>44683978
>>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
awesome, im on time for the finale for once.
>>44683978
>Talk Willem into ambushing them with a flank charge.
>>44683978
>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
>Counterattack while you still have the initiative.
>>44683978
"All right, here's how it'll work." You lay it out. "I'll go ahead and draw their attention. You and your men will go around and try to hit them on the flank. We want to try and keep the here until the rest of your force arrives."
"Or, we could destroy them all by ourselves and gain even more glory!" One of the Bretons remarks.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." Willem cautions. "We have yet to actually clash with the enemy."
"You will soon." Tarin notes. "You feel that? They're coming."
Sure enough, you can hear and almost feel the rhythmic rumble of VT legs. The Reiksguard were coming.
"Willem, go!" You hiss. "Tarin, move forward!"
"Roger." Tarin nods.
"Oh boy, it's happening!" Hess smiles with glee.
"Settle down." You warn.
>Come out shooting. Do as much damage as you can.
>Try and talk. Distract them as long as possible.
>Other
>>44684263
>Try and talk. Distract them as long as possible.
>>44684263
>>Come out shooting. Do as much damage as you can.
>>44684263
>Try and talk. Distract them as long as possible.
>"Oh boy, it's happening!" Hess smiles with glee.
Do you suppose she's like this when she's commanding her own tank as well?
>>44684263
>>Try and talk. Distract them as long as possible.
>>44684263
>>Come out shooting. Do as much damage as you can.
