You pass by the MWR paintball field- A single, small, almost sad-looking field that’s predictably empty- you can’t imagine they see much business on the weekdays. The two of you arrive back to quarters in time to find the entire population of the trainee witches- about a dozen or so, being turned out for their own morning run, led by one of their instructors. It’s a testament to the atmosphere of carnival that they barely look up as you and Kyou step past them and back into the building.

After a shower and a change- into conventional flight suits for the both of you, oddly enough. Kyou emphasizing her role as a wyvern witch, you guess- the patch on either shoulder is pretty unmistakable. “What should we do this morning?” She asks. “The chief said that she wouldn’t require us, and I fear we may get in the way, but unless operations has already worked us into their flight plans, I suspect that we’re going to be under employed.”

[] Since no one’s told us otherwise, let’s go check in at ops.
[] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.
[] Let’s go check in with the chief. If anyone needs us, they can find us easier that way.

>>3828091
>[X] Since no one’s told us otherwise, let’s go check in at ops.

>>3828091
>[x] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.

>>3828091
>[] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.

>>3828091
>[x] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.

>>3828091
>[X] Since no one’s told us otherwise, let’s go check in at ops.

>>3828091
>[X] Since no one’s told us otherwise, let’s go check in at ops.

Ok, votes called! sorry about that.

...or would be, if we weren't tied! haha! Gonna give it a couple minutes to let the lurkers activate their powers!

>>3828091
>[] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.

BEST AUNT DOING REAR ADMIRAL CUTE THINGS

Ok, votes called again!

>>3828091
>[] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.

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[x] We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.

“We should probably see if Merlin has anything for us.” You say, grabbing the room keys off the counter and tossing Kyou one of them. She nods, catching it out of the air and dropping it in a pocket.

“I would imagine she does,” She says, a sly look entering her eyes, “Even if it is merely a request for your cooking again.”

You shrug. “Maybe” you allow- it wouldn’t surprise you, actually. “You know, you can ask for things, too.” You point out.

Kyou smiles. “Of course I know.” She responds. “But I didn’t want to assume to monopolize your first full day back on land, and we landed far too late last evening for anything of the sort.”

You frown at her- Of course she’s going to ‘monopolize’ your time, and you both know it- it’s not exactly a choice anymore. Besides, you’d already planned to make dinner this evening, you just hadn’t told her… or decided on what you were going to make. Probably something simple, to be honest- you just don’t expect to have the time to really get going with anything involved.

You catch a ride to operations, sitting in the front of a van taking the witches to the training center across the road from ops. It’s a fast, quiet ride-the cadet witches don’t talk to you, though you can hear a few murmurs behind you as they catch sight of the distinctive MIU ports at the base of your neck- Kyou’s ponytail hides hers, though she makes sure to sweep it to the side enough that they’re visible. The murmurs get a little louder when she does.

You step out, of the van, looking over at the flight line as you hear a pair of Wyvern jets spooling up- they have a unique roar to them, one that instantly singles them out from anything else in inventory. Kyou stops too, smiling as she recognizes the sound. “Someone is about to have a bad day, as you might say.” She remarks.

“Or a good one, depending on who you ask.” You return with a grin, noting that the witch cadets are all looking over at the source of the sound too- a wyvern, painted in a dark gloss blue, starts rolling. Even from here you can see the stars painted on the tail- you’re pretty sure you saw the pilot’s helmet when you turned yours in last night.

1/2

Ops is fairly busy, with plenty of pilots and aircrews moving around the building. You don’t see any witches, though, at least not on the first deck, but upstairs you encounter one or two- they don’t greet you anymore than a brief nod, and you don’t recognize them either.

Merlin’s at her desk as you walk into her office, leaning forward over it as she does something on her computers- with her familiar out and the ‘computer’ she maintains via her talent also summoned. She looks up as you walk in, and smiles.

“Morgan, Kyou!” She says- though she refrains from standing, instead dismissing her magic computer and leaning back. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

You frown. “We came here first thing.” You say. “Should we have gone to ops?”

She shakes her head. “No, no. I asked them to send you up here if they got you first anyway. What do you know?”

[] Not much, just that there was an incident and the navy’s recalled us
[] A B-52 went down in the South China Sea and they’re talking war.

>>3828407
>or decided on what you were going to make

I recommend Morgan do another experiment with his personal recipe for De Chile. You know, the one he's doesn't consider ready to be added to the book yet. Never gonna get it worthy of the book if he doesn't work on it on occasion.

Also,

[X] A B-52 went down in the South China Sea and they're talking war.

>>3828414
>[x] Not much, just that there was an incident and the navy’s recalled us

>>3828414
>[] Not much, just that there was an incident and the navy’s recalled us

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>>3828414
>[X] Not much, just that there was an incident and the navy’s recalled us

>>3828414
>[] A B-52 went down in the South China Sea and they’re talking war.

>>3828414
>[] A B-52 went down in the South China Sea and they’re talking war.
>>3828439
I second testing the idea for de chili that we weren't sure about yet

looks like another tie vote gents, haha! I'll give it a couple more minutes!

>>3828414

[] Not much, just that there was an incident and the navy’s recalled us

Ok, votes called!

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[x] Not much, just that there was an incident and the navy’s recalled us

“Not much.” You admit, looking over at Kyou, who nods. “There was an incident and the navy’s recalled us.”

Merlin nods, leaning forward enough again to reach her keyboard. “Mhmm.” She says. “It’s serious but so far, it’s contained.”

“How so?” Kyou asks.

“Just talks between leaders, that kind of thing.” Merlin says. “We didn’t lose anyone, so even if this is a serious escalation, no one wants a war over it.”

You nod. That means this is probably precautionary- though the quickest way to know would be to find out what Maman knows. If the special warfare community is cycling up, then there may be something to the rumors that always accompany things like this- and if not, it’s probably safe to assume it’s nothing major.

“But this is a good time to get to talk to you two.” She says. “Tell me about Iraq.”

[] They had to have been some sort of invisibility talent, like Maman worked with during the war.
[] They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they? Where would they get that kind of thing?

>>3828610
[] They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they? Where would they get that kind of thing?

>>3828610
>[] They had to have been some sort of invisibility talent, like Maman worked with during the war.

>>3828610
>[X] They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they? Where would they get that kind of thing?

>>3828610
>[] They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they? Where would they get that kind of thing?

>>3828610
>[x] They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they? Where would they get that kind of thing?

Accidentally deleted my previous vote

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

>>3828466
Thirding de chilli test.

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[x] They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they? Where would they get that kind of thing?

“They had some kind of optical camouflage, didn’t they?” You ask, getting a nod out of Merlin. “Where would they get that kind of thing?”

“We’re not sure.” She admits. “There were no identifying marks on what we were able to recover, and the materials were globally sourced, probably to prevent anyone from figuring out where they ended up, and there’s hard breaks in the supply chain.”

“Hard breaks?” Kyou asks.

Merlin shrugs. “The materials disappear. We’re fortunate that the kinds of things you need in order to build something like this is specific, but these?” She shakes her head. “We can track them to the producer, and from there to a shipment or two… then they just disappear. No logs, no receipts, no paper trail.”

“What of the captured witches?” Kyou asks.

Merlin shakes her head. “I don’t have any information yet.” She says. “There may be none. People like that don’t like to talk much.”

“What of Spears?” Kyou prompts, having managed to not ask about the witch till now.

Merlin smiles. “She’s doing well! I’d have had her up here to meet you again, but she’s probably still on the way back, She and Danielle did a simulated strike against targets in the Alaska range yesterday, but chose to overnight at Elmendorf.”

“That is quite a distance for strikers.” Kyou remarks. “It’s impressive you’re able to design them to allow that sort of thing.”

Merlin nods. “That and a bunch of other tricks!” She says. “We’ve improved protection for the operator, and improved it’s firepower by miles over conventional strikers. They were sent against a target list protected by a layered Soviet-style AA/AD network, with fighter and witch support.” She pauses, smiling widely.

“And how did they perform?” Kyou asks, sounding interested.

“Well, I’m waiting to replay the mission with two Wyverns, they’ll be going tomorrow. But very well by any standards. The new electronic warfare suites are amazing, and both of them are great fighters. I’m a little worried Spears may not be a great fit though, her talent works fine with conventional strikers, but a Valkyrie isn’t expendable like that.” Merlin says, frowning at the end. “But she’s adapting to them very well, and she’s amazing in soldier mode, easily the best of the three in the ground tests I’ve put them through.”

“How soon do you intend to release them for field testing?” Kyou asks.

Merlin’s frown deepens. “I’m not sure.” She says. “I want to give them a chance to work with some of the wyvern crews here, you’re not the first to ask about them. But that does lead into something I wanted to discuss with you.”

1/2

You look over at Kyou- who looks at you. After a second you both look back to Merlin, and you nod.

“I know I mentioned that I’d hoped to let you fly with equipment I wanted field tested.” She says, after a second. “And that includes working with Valkyrie. With the events of the last few days, though, I can’t keep you here to do testing in Nevada and Alaska. What I want to talk to you about is Spears herself.”

“What of her?” Kyou asks.

“Well, I know you flew with her over Iraq, and she’s your first real combat wingmate. I know how important that can seem, especially as early in your career as it was.” She pauses. “But I want you to consider that perhaps you’d be better suited flying with other witches first. I still have one Valkyrie without an operator, and you are expected to tour at least a few carriers in the Pacific.”

You nod, understanding. “So you want us to decide to either take her with as our wingmate now, and start working together, or wait and see if we meet someone else aboard the other carriers?”

Merlin nods. “Yes, exactly. I also have Wendy here flying another set, and Danielle as well. I’m sure any of them would fly with you, but if someone else offers them the job, I can’t ask them to wait for you first.” She says. “Really, I can’t ask any of them to wait for you, but Spears might because of your recent shared history.”

“So our options are see if any of them wish to fly with us now, or potentially find all of them gone later?” Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

“Yes.” She says. “I may get funding for more Valkyries, so far they’re performing exceptionally well. But I can’t keep the fourth set empty for much longer, and if you don’t send a candidate, I’ll have to accept one from elsewhere. I think I can wait until the end of your pacific leg, but not any time after that.”

“How soon do you plan to allow your witches to leave with Wyvern crews?” Kyou asks.

“Starting day after tomorrow they’ll be flying with the ones here that want to.” Merlin says. “After that point, I don’t plan to keep them here if they feel comfortable going with a crew.”

Kyou looks over at you. “What do you think?” She says. “I am fine with flying with Spears now, though I have not met either of the other Valkyrie operators. I am also fine with waiting.”

[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.
[] We’ll wait. Probably better to get the rest of our tour done first.

And with that, gents, I'm going to call it a night! I have to be up to get some more booth time in, work on my (Utterly atrocious) tig skills again. Holy crap those got bad fast, haha!

Till tomorrow gents, cheers!

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>>3828741
>[x] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828742
cheers, boss

>>3828741
>[x] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828742
Thanks for the run Ghost!

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>>3828741
>[X] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828742
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3828741
>[] We’ll wait. Probably better to get the rest of our tour done first.

>>3828741
>[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828741
>[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828741
>[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.
wendy waifu etc...

>>3828741
>[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828741
>[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

>>3828741
>[] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

Massive Cassfag here. I'm glad she's found someone and I'm ready for some exquisitely aged British Cake.

Ok gents, votes called!

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[x] We’ll talk to them about flying with us, it sounds like they’re get snapped up fast.

“We’ll talk to them about flying with us,” You say, seeing Kyou nod in agreement out of the corner of your eye. “It sounds like they’re going to get snapped up fast.”

Merlin smiles. “It certainly seems that way. I’m expecting to get funding for more valkyries.” She pauses “And a lot more requests to join the program.”

“How will the Marines adapt to it?” Kyou asks. “As I understand it, they operate their wyverns as a single element.”

Merlin shakes here head. “I’m not sure.” She admits. “I’ve talked to the commandant a few times and I have a meeting with him later today, in fact. He’s interested in the program, especially with Spears here, but I don’t think the marines want to field it as a dedicated wingmate for Wyverns.”

“Perhaps as a striker replacement?” Kyou offers, and Merlin shakes her head again.

“I don’t think so.” She says. “Valkyrie isn’t much cheaper than a wyvern, and it requires an MIU the same way, which isn’t popular with a lot of witches. I don’t think they could field a squadron of them, let alone replace every single striker they have in service.”

You nod, and there’s a brief moment of silence. “So we’re being given first choice of wingmates?” Kyou asks.

Merlin hesitates, but nods. “You get to ask the ones I have here first, yes.” She confirms. “Wendy is on post now, if you want to talk to her I can call her up or you can go see if she’s still in her quarters. She’s not scheduled for flight until this afternoon.”

Kyou looks over at you, then back at Merlin. “Am I to assume this is Wendy Maloney?” She asks with a slight frown. “Is her age not a concern?”

Merlin shakes her head. “Not really, no. While her reaction time has gotten a split second worse, the MIU can easily compensate for that, as it can with Wyvern crews.” She says, getting a nod from Kyou in response. “There are already a couple of crews that have asked to fly with her more, I think they may ask her to go back into the fleet with them.”

Kyou pauses. “Understandable. She flew your wing over megalith?”

Merlin nods. “And against the headhunters in Poland.” She says.

“Perhaps we should talk with her.” Kyou says, looking over at you. “Though somehow I feel as if by doing so we’re betraying Spears, in a way.”

Merlin smiles. “You shouldn’t. Spears is popular too. Understand that any of them have their pick of crews to fly with, not the other way around. I’m just letting you ask first.”

[] Well, if that’s the case, we should go talk to Wendy now, then.
[] We can go talk to them later, what’s the plan with Munnin?

>>3829931
>[] We can go talk to them later, what’s the plan with Munnin?

>>3829931
>[] We can go talk to them later, what’s the plan with Munnin?

DISREGARD WITCHES, AQUIRE AI BIRB WAIFU

>>3829931
>[x] Well, if that’s the case, we should go talk to Wendy now, then.

>>3829931
>[X] We can go talk to them later, what’s the plan with Munnin?

>>3829931
>[] We can go talk to them later, what’s the plan with Munnin?

>>3829931
>[x] Well, if that’s the case, we should go talk to Wendy now, then.

What do you guys think about mentioning the Soviet witch to Merlin? Or shall we ask around first?

>>3829966
We can, but I'd think we're better off discussing it with Natalya first. She's both DIA and more familiar with the Russian super-witch program than we are since she was made by it, after all...

Also remember what Nat said, might not even be something they could act upon
>The technology was banned by the UN in nineteen ninety seven, but any witches created by it before then are impossible to do anything about.

>>3829931
Well, if that’s the case, we should go talk to Wendy now, then.

Ok, votes called! Got sidetracked- watching a documentary on the Challenger disaster.

>>3829931
>[] Well, if that’s the case, we should go talk to Wendy now, then.

>>3829931
>[x]Well, if that’s the case, we should go talk to Wendy now, then.

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[x] We can go talk to them later, what’s the plan with Munnin?

“We can go talk to them later,” You say, getting a glance from Kyou. “What’s the plan with Munnin?”

Merlin smiles. “Oh! Right. So I said I had some equipment that might help detect invisible witches as a pod selection. Those are being flown up now. They’re an outgrowth of some of my wartime work, and function as a magic detector, of sorts.”

You nod. “The Wells system.” You state- the actual prototypes date from the war, and they’re based on principles originally developed by Tesla during the Martian war in the 40s.

“Exactly.” She says. “It’s a pod subsystem, so we’ll have to replace what you have there now, but it would mean that, effectively, a witch using her talent couldn’t hide at all, even with active camouflage.”

“Are there any other options?” Kyou asks. “I am hesitant to replace the system we currently have on the basis of one combat.”

Merlin shakes her head. “The work was largely shelved postwar, I might have something more advanced later, but right now it’s a full replacement or nothing.”

Kyou nods. “I understand. I believe we may be better served by making the change regardless. While the additional sensors we currently have are excellent, especially in a close-range fight, I think being able to detect stealth talents may give us an edge against them. Especially if they’re complacent about their invisibility.”

[] Kyou’s right- the baseline systems on the wyvern are good enough and being able to defeat stealth witches is going to be a huge deal.
[] You disagree- the sensors pair with your VLS extremely well and turn you into a hell of a knife fighter- you can use Muninn’s solution well enough.

>>3830079
>[X] Kyou’s right- the baseline systems on the wyvern are good enough and being able to defeat stealth witches is going to be a huge deal.

>>3830079
>[x] Kyou’s right- the baseline systems on the wyvern are good enough and being able to defeat stealth witches is going to be a huge deal.

I think its a decent trade

>>3830079
>[] Kyou’s right- the baseline systems on the wyvern are good enough and being able to defeat stealth witches is going to be a huge deal.

>>3830079
>[] You disagree- the sensors pair with your VLS extremely well and turn you into a hell of a knife fighter- you can use Muninn’s solution well enough.

DO NOT GIVE UP CARNIVAL TIME

>>3830079
>[] You disagree- the sensors pair with your VLS extremely well and turn you into a hell of a knife fighter- you can use Muninn’s solution well enough.

>>3830079
>[] Kyou’s right- the baseline systems on the wyvern are good enough and being able to defeat stealth witches is going to be a huge deal.

ok, votes called!

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[x] Kyou’s right- the baseline systems on the wyvern are good enough and being able to defeat stealth witches is going to be a huge deal.

“Kyou’s right.” You say, nodding. “The baseline on the wyvern is more than good enough, and I’d rather have a dedicated solution for that kind of thing.”

Merlin notes it on a pad on her desk. “Ok, we’ll get that going today. I’d like to get you in a couple flights, everyone’s anxious to meet you, but they’re already calling you the unreal prince.” She smiles.

“The unreal prince?” Kyou asks, looking over at you.

Merlin smiles and nods. “Mhmm. They keep saying you can’t exist, no one’s ever met you.”

“I would think the presence of our fighter on the ramp would put an end to that kind of thing.” Kyou says.

Merlin giggles. “Maybe. Maybe they’ll just accuse me of bringing out a factory unit to perpetuate the hoax.”

Kyou leans back. “I see.” She says, then smiles. “Perhaps that is a good name for him. He does seem rather too good to be real.”

1/2

Merlin nods in agreement, then stops, looking a little embarrassed. “Oh.” She says, shaking hear head to clear it. “If you want to catch Wendy, you should probably go now, unless you feel like cooking for all my test operators and myself.” She says, looking at you for a second before glancing past your shoulder to the wall clock behind you. “I’ll have Chief Brown start the work, she should have that done before the end of the day. You’ll have probably three days here, total, counting today.”

“So short a time?” Kyou asks.

“The IJN and the navy want to cycle you to the IJN carriers ahead of schedule.” Merlin responds. “You’ll be headed to the Kaga, she’s in the Philippine sea west of Guam.” She says. “CPO Brown and your field team will be flying out the day before.” She hesitates. “It’s not a combat deployment, but they’re cycling up as if it is one.”

You nod. “Precautionary?” You ask, and she nods.

“Mhmm.” She confirms. “But, still. If there’s any other work you want done or anything you want changed, I need to know now.”

“I believe everything is as we want it.” Kyou says. “Though I must admit I wish to meet Wendy, now, and perhaps get our own flights with her. If she flew your wing over megalith, she must be incredibly skilled and talented.”

Merlin looks at you. “Morgan?” She asks- you are the AC, afterall, and have to make the final call. “If you’re done, or just want a simple change, we’re good here, and you can go find Wendy. If not, we can talk about any other changes you want now, and we can talk at dinner?”

Kyou grins. “You do know he’d gladly cook an evening meal for you regardless, yes?” She says. “Discussion here has little to do with that.”

[] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.
[] Well, I was thinking about changing out some of the other things. (You currently have engine IR bafflers and all-weapon FAST packs that can be changed, select one or both to change.)

>>3830203
>[x] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

>>3830203
>[X] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

>>3830203
>[X] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

>>3830203
>[x] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

Should've probably mentioned what we can change into.
Still, we had this discussion when we first set the Wyvern up, so I think we are all good.

>>3830203
>[X] Well, I was thinking about changing out some of the other things. (IR Bafflers to Reinforced Focus Engines)
I think we should go with the super engines Merlin was offering before, I get the feeling we can push to Mach 4 with them. Pairs well with Kyou's inertia-cancelling. It'll help closing in, evading incoming fire, and doing spooky shit in a dogfight with all that engine power. I'm fine with sticking to the IR bafflers too, but I feel we should upgrade.

>But that means less magic power devoted to Kyou's shield!
You might be right, but we still have no clue what her top end is yet, so...

>>3830203
>[] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

>>3830203
>[] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

>>3830203
>Kaga

TIME FOR BIG BROTHER TO GIVE AN IMPERIAL SHOVEL SPEECH

ok, votes called!

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[x] Yeah, I think we’re good- we don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.

“I think we’re good.” You say, moving to stand up. “We don’t want to be grounded that long, especially with the chief leaving day after tomorrow.”

Merlin nods. “I guessed as much.” She says with a smile. “Alright, I’ll get Chief Brown working on the pods, then, and you two can go off to find Wendy, if that’s what you want. And you said you’ll still cook?”

You smile. “Oui, auntie.” You say.

Merlin gives one of her rare, genuine, ear-to-ear smiles. “Good!” She says. “I’ll be by after work If that’s ok.”

You nod. “That’s fine.” You say.

“And can you make the cake?” She asks, sounding hopeful. You laugh.

“Of course.” You respond.

She smiles again, and then blinks. “Now the day is going to go so slowly...” She says, shaking her head. “I’ll see you at dinner?”

You and Kyou nod, then step out of the office. Kyou looks over at you as you walk down the hall. “She is certainly very cute when she is like that.” She says, then shakes her head. “But it sounds as if we should be finding Wendy. I know she flew with your father, do you know her well?”

You do and you don’t, of course- like most of the wartime members of spellcaster, you know her well enough to from reunions and the times she came to visit your Father or Tabitha. And, of course, your family connections got you much closer to her at airshows than usually allowed- indeed, the first time you ever flew was in a restored dual- place spitfire, piloted by her. You know enough about her history, too, to have some fairly strong- and not exactly complimentary- opinions on the RAF.

You also know her well enough to know- through your own observations, not your mother’s- that she’s not real well suited to living on her own- or doing much of anything independently. She’s a follower, according to Maman- she’d sick by her lead no matter what, but only because she doesn’t know what else to do. Even now, you know, she lives on the Knight property, only semi-independently. Her apartment seems nice enough from the pictures you’ve seen, but it’s still an apartment over a hangar on property owned by someone else.

[] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.
[] Not really.

>>3830341
>[x] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

>>3830341
>[] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

>>3830341
>[x] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

>>3830341
>[] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

>>3830341
>[X] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

>>3830341
>[] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

Ok, votes called!

>>3830341
>[] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

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[x] Pretty well, but we’re not nearly as close as me and Merlin or any of Dad’s wives.

You shrug. “Pretty well, but we’re not that close.” You say.

Kyou nods, then smiles. “It seems odd that I’m now partnered with a man who knows most of the members of the legendary spellcaster on a personal basis. What do you think of her as a potential wingmate?”

You’re not sure. Wendy’s qualifications are impressive enough- as Kyou’s mentioned before, she flew your father’s wing over Megalith against the flying soviet superweapon, and her post-war air racing career is without parallel.

But, at the same time, while she’s perfectly capable of performing a wingmate’s job- covering her lead- and executing orders given to her, she’s also almost incapable of acting on her own outside mission parameters. While that’s probably not a big deal- she could have just as ably done the same thing as Spears did, for example- she’d have never come up with the idea for the operation, nor suggested it to you, even if she had.

Still, her performance over Megalith- not to mention in eastern Poland- speaks well enough for itself. She kept pace with your father and Merlin in any engagement she flew with them in, and burnt out a pair of strikers doing it, initially.

[] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.
[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>Even not as close as the others, I know she'll have your back no matter what.

>>3830489
>[X] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

I'd rather grab Spears or Danielle since they're not a legacy character, while I'm leaning towards Spears for MAXIMUM FUN Danielle would be useful too. Since we're expected to take on China's SWARM TACTICS I feel their magic abilities are more useful since we're already high-mobility and tanky as hell.

>>3830489
>[] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830489
>[x] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830500
Yeah but we only had Wendy for like the last 25% of the quest, if that.

>>3830489
>[x] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830489
>[x] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830541
I just feel she'd be better served with some other Wyvern, we can do what she does and I'd rather get a wing witch that can cover other bases. Besides, we'll most likely see her later anyways, the SCS is gonna get busy...

>>3830489
>[x] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830561
I mean, I'd REALLY like Young, because BOUNCE-SPAWN, or Lotus for another shot at "The Highly Classified Adventures of Catte-Man and Hell Goose". But since those aren't options:

W E N D Y
A
I
F
U

Is my selection, followed by Spears.

>>3830572
So, what am I missing about Wendy that makes her so great? I lost track of the original 89 before she really made an impression on me

>>3830594
She was able to actually fly on Franks level. Like not just barely hanging in there, but ACTUALLY fly on the same level as Frank. Like Slider and Ice weren't able to follow Frank at Berlin but Wendy would have been able to no problem.

She's also just a fun character to both tease and help out.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

guys, I was going to do another update, but took a short unplanned nap on the keyboard, haha! I think that's a pretty good sign I should just call it here for the night!

Till tomorrow, guys, cheers!

>>3830623
Thanks for the run Ghost!

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>>3830572
I'm still sad Wendy didn't join Fronkbowl in the end, but oh well...

If we end up voting not to take any of them, there's still MYSTERIOUS WITCH X - I mean - NUMBER 4, could possibly be Young, then. Or hell, maybe even Sakamoto. Since Kyou stated before most Jap witches aren't interested in the Wyvern due to Coven shenanigans, I can see them being interested in a Valk, especially if they can get melee weapons on them.

>>3830623
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3830489
>[] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

Gimme cardio bunny

>>3830489
>[X] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830489
>[X] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830489
>[X] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830489
[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does

>>3830623
RIP Ghost.

>>3830489
>[x] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over
to Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

>>3830489
>[] I'm not sure. She'll follow us anywhere, but she'd be lost if we got hit.

We running today? Ghost? Bueller?

Hey guys, late start today, had to do some stuff in town. sorry for the short notice if we have to we'll extend into tomorrow

Ok gents, just got home. Votes called!

>>3832563
It's a tie. Goddamnit.

>>3832572
Yep! Auspicious start! Means I have a chance to get a cool drink and a snack! haha!

>>3830489
>[] I’m not sure. She’ll follow us anywhere, but she’d be lost if we got hit.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.
Guys come on, Wendy deserves this chance to shine after all she's been through.

>>3830489
>[] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

Lurker powers activate! Form of:
W E N D Y
A
I
F
U

>>3832647
I really don't want her so we could get new blood, she was still around in a whole lotta threads. Besides, her getting out of our sphere of influence would be good for her.
>she’s not real well suited to living on her own- or doing much of anything independently
Plus there's the whole "possible connection through Valkyrie" from Merlinquest and I don't wanna lewd someone we consider an aunt

Combat-wise Wendy's better suited to another Wyvern, we're very hard to kill without her and her skills are better suited to helping out another Wyvern.

Course this could be out of our hands and she already decided to fly with someone as we're just asking all three, but still.

ok, votes called again.

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[x] She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith. I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.

“She stuck with Dad and Merlin over Megalith.” You point out. “I think we’d better grab her before someone else does.”

“If she has not already determined to go with another crew.” Kyou responds. “Even though your aunt is clearly giving us her favor, the valkyries may have already determined who they wish to fly with.”

You shrug- it’s possible, but you feel you’ve got a reasonable chance of them accepting your offer regardless.

“And if we are to offer her the position, I do wish to have more time to examine her wartime record, and her records postwar.” She says. “I accept that your assessment is correct, but if we’re taking her on as a wingmate, I want to know more about her than simply what you tell me.”

You nod- that’s reasonable enough, in your opinion. “Does that mean you want us to wait on the offer?” You ask.

Kyou shakes her head. “I trust you.” She says, simply. “But I will remain reserved about this without knowing more about her.”

You shrug. It’s a fair enough point to make, especially with Spears being out there as well- not to mention Danielle. The thought of flying a team with her is interesting- you’d practically have to be the first in, but you also can’t imagine there’s not a similarly talented witch already in a wyvern. Spears, of course, would be your first pick- her talent may be a bit underwhelming in a valkyrie, but her base of experience and training would provide a counterpoint to your own relative lack of it. It’s something not even Wendy could claim- Spears has recent combat experience both in the air and on the ground.

You make your way to the visiting witch’s quarters, finding them fairly full- though Wendy’s name is listed, along with her official rank- Commander, USN. She’d transferred over from the RAF shortly after she’d joined Spellcaster, working her way up the ranks normally. The posted guard seems kind of bored- after he checks your ID cards, he hands them back and doesn’t say a word he doesn’t have to. It’s fair enough, you guess- you probably wouldn’t be too happy at the posting either.

Wendy’s suite is at the top of the building, six floors up. She answers the door after the first knock, and blinks when she sees you. “Young master Morgan!” She exclaims, smiling. “Oh, come in, come in. Miss Wells had indicated you’d be returning due to the events in Asia. Is this a social call?”

[] Of sorts.
[] Not really, Wendy.

>>3832934
>[X] Of sorts.

>>3832934
>[x] Of sorts.

>>3832934
>[] Of sorts.

>>3832934
>[] Of sorts.

My big issue with Spears is that, well, Morgan ends up kind of the only voice of reason, as both Kyou and Spears are....eager for combat.

>>3832934
>[] Of sorts.

ok, votes called!

>>3832986
And Wendy most likely is level headed and might back us up

Speaking of Wendy is there such thing as good English food?

>>3833038
Yes. I for one like a lot of their varieties of pastry filled with an entire meal of meat and veggies.

>>3833038
Meat pies of varying kinds.

>>3832986
>>3833038
Fair enough. But Spears still seems like a good idea to me, leaving command to the spec-ops trained gnome. I'm fairly sure Spears would follow our orders in combat like Kyou though, she straight up told us she'd prefer us to make the calls. She's aggressive because she knows she's good at what she does. Though I'll admit her talent is only "eh" since it's regeneration if she's hit, Ghost said in the post above she's got the most experience out of all the Valkyrie pilots, and in one of the earlier ones Merlin said she was the best at operating BATTROID - I mean - SOLDIER MODE of the VF. I'd bet if we inform her we're slated for front-line duty when war kicks off with China she'll all but be going TAKE ME WITH YOU.

Actually, that's probably something we should do. Warn the Valkyrie pilots we've been informed by our DIA sister Nat and 2 Admirals - Marshal and Merlin - that the Navy is gonna plonk us down as frontliners when this kicks off cause their expecting Bishop levels of problem solving. Be nice to see their reactions to that even if they all go "FUCK YEAH"


And if you're worried about aggression there's also Danielle, who seemed cool headed during the two hops we had with her. What she'd bring to us while working in tandem is her talent + our shield if we're working in close proximity. Our enemies would literally have to close-in to dogfight - where we excel with Kyou - while having to deal with Danielle not showing up radar.

Like I said before, I'm gonna vote Spears for the MAXIMUM FUN run, but Danielle's IMO worthwhile too as she would greatly improve our efficiency in combat. All Wendy would bring to the table, other than skill, in terms of her talent is just improved maneuverability and survivability for her own Valkyrie unit. But I do agree she's level-headed too.

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>>3833038
British food is pretty good, just avoid the weird stuff like haggis and eels.

>>3833085
Honestly it sounds like you just want Spears as our Valkyries, and you're trying to justify not taking Wendy, who has far and away more combat experience than any of them, in exactly the kind of thing that we're gonna have her doing: Flying wing to a witch-integrated super fighter.

This is on top of being the level headed perfect wingmate, and just being a fun character.

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[x] Of sorts.

“Of sorts.” You allow. “Wendy, this is my Systems officer, The Imperial Princess Kyou.”

“Oh!” Wendy says, bowing. “Forgive me, I should have recognized you.” She says to Kyou. “I had heard, of course, but I didn’t think you’d be visiting. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Kyou smiles- it’s the public smile she has, which never quite reaches her eyes. “The pleasure is mine, Commander.” She says. “It is not often you’re able to meet a living legend.”

Wendy blushes a little at the compliment. “I- uh...” She stammers for a second, then blinks, as if remembering herself. “Oh!” She exclaims. “I’ve been rude, I’m sorry. Tea?”

You nod. She’s never happy unless she’s able to make something for someone, and it’d be rude to refuse entirely anyway- besides, the tea she drinks is fairly strong, and not far off coffee anyway. She nods and heads away to the small kitchen. “How have you been, Morgan?” She asks. “It has been rather a while since we last saw each other. Before you were in the academy, wasn’t it? Do you take cream or sugar?”

You nod again. “I think I visited with Dad the summer before I went to Annapolis. And no, thank you.” You say- it’s been a while, and Wendy never quite seemed certain of how to deal with you, which made it slightly awkward.

“That’s right, yes.” Wendy says. “That seems longer ago than it was.” She smiles. “I suppose, once I’m allowed, I should see if I can pay a visit to your father. Perhaps with Tabitha returns from her cruise.”

Kyou looks over at you and you shake your head. Wendy’s nervous- she tends to ramble a little when she is.

“We haven’t called purely for social reasons, Commander.” Kyou says. “Morgan and I would like to know if you would be willing to fly as our wingmate.”

1/2

“Me?” Wendy practically squeaks from the kitchen. “I would be honored, but surely the others are better suited?”

“We think we’d make a great team.” You say.

“What of miss Spears?” Wendy asks. “You’ve flown together in combat before, surely she’s better suited than I. She always performs better than I in the ground tests, and she’s much younger, with much more recent combat experience as well.”

“We’re not certain we’ve ruled anyone out.” Kyou says, looking over at you for confirmation. You give a slight nod in response- she’s not wrong, you haven’t, but Wendy is kind of your first pick. “But we wanted to ask you first, because of your experience.”

“I don’t wish to disappoint, but I do feel I’m the least qualified for this.” Wendy responds- still kind of hiding in the kitchen. “And my talents are nothing special, especially compared to miss Danielle.”

Kyou looks over at you again- you give a slight sigh. “Would it make you feel better if we talked to them?” You ask. “We can wait a little while, but we’re worried you’d get invited to fly with another wyvern if we did.”

“I don’t want to be a bother about it.” Wendy says, quietly. “It’s just- are you sure you want me with? I merely followed your father, I’m not as talented as either of the others.”

[] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.
[] If it’ll make you feel better, We’ll go talk to the others when they get back. But you’re still our first pick.

>>3833155
>[] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

>>3833155
>[] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

>>3833155
>[X] If it’ll make you feel better, We’ll go talk to the others when they get back. But you’re still our first pick.

>>3833136
I mean yeah, not exactly trying to hide it. I'd rather take her or Danielle over Wendy just cause I want new characters around. I'll deal if we take her, just happy to have said my piece.
I do hope at least I'm not coming across like that guy back during the selection phase, dude was irritating

>>3833155
>[] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

>>3833155
>[x] If it’ll make you feel better, We’ll go talk to the others when they get back. But you’re still our first pick.

>>3833155
>[] If it’ll make you feel better, We’ll go talk to the others when they get back. But you’re still our first pick.

>>3833180
Not gonna lie, you are coming across a little bit like that guy back in selection phase.

>>3833155
>[X] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

>>3833155
>[] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

>>3833155
>[] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

>>3833180
Also while I want new characters too, I'd also like it if we get some of the old characters showing up on a consistent basis. Especially ones like Wendy, Natalya and Sakamoto that we didn't get much of a chance to interact with in '89.

ok, votes called! This'll be our last update for the night, but we'll probably do a really short thread sunday to make up for the late start today

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[x] We disagree, Wendy. We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.

“We disagree, Wendy.” You say. “We expect to be in the middle of it, and we want someone we know will be able to keep up.”

There’s a long pause, and for a minute, you think she’s not going to answer, even though you know better.

“Are you sure?” She finally says. “If you are, I won’t question it any further.”

“We’re quite sure.” Kyou responds for you. “And we would be honored if you would fly our wing.”

There’s another pause. “V-very well.” Wendy eventually says. “I shall have my things packed and ready to go by the afternoon, if that’s acceptable?”

“We won’t be leaving here until the day after tomorrow.” Kyou says. “Perhaps it would be best if we instead attempted to get some flight time?”

“O-oh, yes. I suppose that would be good.” Wendy says, finally emerging from the kitchen with two cups of tea. She hands one to Kyou and the other to you- you note she doesn’t have one, though there’s one sitting on the table. She picks it up a little shakily and sips it, the frowns. “Gone cold.” She mutters, then blinks.

You sip yours- it’s still warm enough. “Are you going to be ok?” You ask after a minute. She nods.

“Oh, yes.” She says. “It’s just- this is all quite a surprise. I had expected to be approached to fly with wyverns, just-” She pauses. “Forgive me for saying it, but not by you.” She says.

“Why would that be?” Kyou asks.

Wendy shakes her head. “I’m nothing special compared to the other two,” She says. “Yes, I flew with Sir Bishop during the later war, and destroyed Stalin’s shield with him, but I can’t do what Miss Danielle does to hostile sensors, nor am I capable of absorbing the quite horrific damage Miss Spears can and survive. All I’ve ever been good for is following orders and keeping my superiors alive.” She states, a little quietly.

1/2

“You consider us your superiors, despite your rank?” Kyou asks.

Wendy looks torn for a second. “I’ve never held a command position.” She says, finally. “I’m sure I’d be quite lost in one. I’ve had the good fortune to be led by wonderful people since nineteen ninety, but my rank is purely a pay rate.”

“I see.” Kyou says. “It is my hope we will be able to live to the standard set by your former leaders, then.”

Wendy nods, but remains quiet- thinking, you suspect. You and Kyou both finish your tea quietly, and set the cups down on the counter. “Merlin had indicated you were expected to fly this afternoon,” Kyou says to Wendy. “So we’ll leave you to that, as it’s getting close to afternoon now. But we’ll look forward to seeing you at dinner this evening.”

Wendy blinks again, looking at Kyou- she looks almost ready to say something, but then stops herself and nods. “Your quarters are in the training dorms?” She asks, and Kyou nods. “I’ll be there, then.” She says.

You and Kyou step out of the room after giving Wendy your cell phone numbers and getting hers in return, walking to the elevators in silence. Kyou makes no comment till the doors slide shut.

“I had no idea she was so timid.” She says. “She hardly seems the type to have flown Frank Bishop’s wing during the war.”

[] It’s just surprise. Wendy always sells herself far short of reality. She’ll be fine.
[] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

Ok, gents, that's going to be it from me for the evening! It's pretty late and I'm beat. Been up too early too much these last couple days, haha!

Anyway, we'll have a short thread tomorrow to make up for the late starts this week, I'll post on twitter when we go live, since I can't give an estimated time yet.

Till then gents, cheers!

>>3833425
>[] She had a really rough early career, and always sells herself far short of reality, don't be fooled by it. She’s an amazing flier.

>>3833425
>[X] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

>>3833425
>[X] It’s just surprise. Wendy always sells herself far short of reality. She’ll be fine

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>>3833425
>[X] It’s just surprise. Wendy always sells herself far short of reality. She’ll be fine.

>>3833427
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3833425
>[] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

>>3833425
>[] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

>>3833425
>[X] It’s just surprise. Wendy always sells herself far short of reality. She’ll be fine.
>[_] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

Consider my vote for the former but honestly both of these apply. She is a very talented individual and only sells herself otherwise because she has a very self deprecating personality.

>>3833425
>[x] She had a really rough early career, and always sells herself far short of reality, don't be fooled by it. She’s an amazing flier.

>>3833427
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>3833425
>[] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

>>3833427
Thanks, Ghost.

>>3833425
>[x] It’s just surprise. Wendy always sells herself far short of reality. She’ll be fine.

>>3833425
>[] She had a really rough early career, and always sells herself far short of reality, don't be fooled by it. She’s an amazing flier.

>>3833425
>[X] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

>>3833421
By the way Ghost, a random UK thing that I thought I’d mention. Protocol is that people with knighthoods are referred to as Sir/Dame and their first name, not their last name. So Sir Ian Holm is called Sir Ian, Dame Judie Denny is Dame Judie, etc. So Frank would be Sir Frank, not Sir Bishop and I would think that Wendy (as concerned about propriety as she is) would follow protocol precisely.

I kept forgetting to mention it during the original ‘89 run so I thought I’d mention it while it was on my mind. Your writing of course so you can do it however you want (and it’s not a big deal either way), but I wasn’t sure if it was intentional or you didn’t know the ‘official’ protocol ...

>>3833425
I think it’s worth giving Kyou the whole story. She needs to understand what made Wendy the way she is. Not to mention we’re going to run into RAF people at some point and it would be nice to have her motivated to smack them around on Wendy’s behalf like Ice did the first time around ...

>>3833425
>[x] It’s just surprise. Wendy always sells herself far short of reality. She’ll be fine.

While I missed the initial votes and would have preferred another character as a wingwitch I'm not gonna complain about having Wendy on our wing. She's always done good work and I look forward to seeing her do so again.

>>3834268
Interesting information. Do you know why it was this way around?

Is it because knights came from few families and going with last names would've let to confusion?

>>3833254
So, since she's gonna help us destroy GENERAL CHANG'S CHICKEN, what do you think Wendy's on-board AI is like?
I'm thinking smug meido considering Muninn and Frank's, possibly one of the AL Brit botegrills. And for that matter I gotta wonder, since they're probably allowed to, how she's customized her Valk...

Nat's probably gonna be around as our intelligence contact, we really ought to shoot her an email or something about that lookalike witch in Iceland before we leave again.

Sakamoto's guaranteed to show up when we inevitably go to Japan. We probably consider her an aunt as well due to how close she was with Merlin. Fairly sure we'll see her spawn later on some carrier, unless she got picked up by one the Marine Wyverns. Also on that topic, Katsumi and Jess'll be there in Japan too. Kat will probably be our Japanese Nixon equivalent while we're there, unless Kyou's mother takes that role since she's supposedly IJN as well.

All that aside though, I sense sister shenanigans incoming since word probably got around we're here, WHERE'S THE OTHER SHOE

>>3834356
Not a clue. I just know my protocol manual says title followed by first name for knighthoods ... of course now I’ll have to go look it up to satisfy my curiosity.

>>3835423
If I had to guess, it might be because of Baronets. Baronets are hereditary knighthoods so unlike normal ones they pass on in perpetuity. So you might have Sir John Smith, 1st Baronet, his son Sir James Smith, 2nd Baronet after he died, and so on—so calling them all “Sir Smith” would certainly get confusing.

It may also be to differentiate knights from the peerage. Peers are always title and either last name or title of something. So you could have Lord Smith (a baron) and the Marquess of Queensbury. But if Lord John Smith is also a Knight (either for life or a baronet) then his full title would be Sir John, Lord Smith and depending on the setting either/both Sir John or Lord Smith would be appropriate. But having the same person called Sir Smith and Lord Smith would be a little weird. But having Knighthoods attach to first names and peerages attach to last names would address that.

Mind you, this is blind guessing and may not even be close to true but I’m too lazy to look it up at the moment.

And that concludes my random lecture on obscure points of English protocol for the evening ...

Ok, votes called!

I don't think the thread's got much more than 2-3 posts to get to a good ending point, so it's gonna be a short run this evening. Then it's back to trying to suss out a 40k army again, haha!

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[x] She had a really rough early career, but she’s a great flier.

You frown. “She had a really rough early career.” You say, thinking back on the stories- even your Mother had had to get involved behind the scenes, at one point. “She’s technically one of the most competent witches in the states, fully qualified on just about anything she cares to fly. But she has no self confidence.”

“I noted.” Kyou says. “What do you know of her early career? It must have been incredibly traumatic for it to affect her as it does.”

“Story goes, her grandfather was one of Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory’s guys during the war.” You explain. The story is well enough known, though a lot of the specifics are left out. “He set after some army air corps pilot who was onboard the USS California at the time. Apparently, things got a little heated, and he caused an incident when the ship’s crew had him removed by the marine contingent. After the RAF suffered such bad losses in their offensive operations across the channel and Leigh-Mallory started falling out of favor, Maloney got fed to the wolves.”

“And it caused his family name to become a liability?” Kyou asks.

You nod. “They were a laughingstock. Wendy had it pretty bad till her name came up as dad’s witch escort to Annapolis, which is what eventually led to Tabitha coming out as the last Romanov.”

“Before he was appointed a guardian?” Kyou asks, and you nod again.

“Yeah. He found out about her, told her story to Tabitha, and that was it. After that Wendy flew with spellcaster exclusively, and hasn’t been back to Britain many times since.”

“Is she not welcome there?” Kyou asks, frowning. “I understand a man being dishonored, but to allow it to carry through generations seems excessive for what you described. He seems misguided and overly ambitious, not treasonous.”

You shrug. “I don’t know.” You admit. “She probably did a lot to restore her family name, flying with dad, but she’s never seemed to want to go back.”

“Perhaps because no one asked her.” Kyou says. “I am fine with her submissiveness, though I do wonder how she came to be as skilled as you claim without any ambition of her own.”

You shrug. “She’s never told me. You could ask.”

“I may.” Kyou responds. “Should we tell your aunt? I suspect she’ll want to know.”

You shrug, looking at your watch. “If I’m going to cook, I’ll need to head to the store soon, too.” You point out.

“And there is also Muninn.” Kyou responds. “I am sure we could be useful on the pad.”

You smile. “You just miss our fighter.”

Kyou shrugs. “I make no claims otherwise.” She says, simply, getting a laugh out of you.

[] Let’s go inform Merlin. She’ll want to let the other crews know as soon as she can.
[] We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.
[] Well, maybe the chief can use us a little. Let’s go find out.

>>3835644
>[X] We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.

>>3835644
>[X] We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.

>>3835644
>[] We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.

>>3835644
>[x] We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.

ok, votes called!

>>3835509
>trying to suss out a 40k army again
Who do you play?

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[x] We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.

“We really do need to go get the things for dinner already.” You say, looking at your watch- figuring over an hour to get a ride into town, and then four hours to cook, that has your evening meal falling around 1800- which is about right, you figure. Of course, it’ll probably take longer than that- especially considering you are strongly inclined to make the chili.

Kyou pauses, then smiles a little. “Were it anyone else saying that, I wouldn’t agree.” She says. “But, it is you, and I am anxious to see what you’re planning this time. If the chicken was any indication of what you can do...”

You shrug. “The chicken is easy.” You respond. “I’m thinking of something else.”

Kyou’s smile gets a little larger. “Cassiopia has been telling my brother of a thing she refers to as the chili. That?”

You nod. “Considering it.” You say. “Either that or Gumbo.”

“Gumbo?” Kyou asks. “How exotic sounding. Is that also a meat dish?”

You shrug. “Of sorts.” You respond.

You eventually call an Uber- one that’s answered by a man you’re pretty sure is playing a role to try and make himself more known- he pulls up in a bronco you’re pretty sure was around during the war- or before it- with a mullet and a sleeveless Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt. “Where to, brother?” He asks. He nods when you direct him to the nearby farmer’s market. “Right on, man.” He says, pulling out into traffic.

He maintains the act fairly well- the radio is apparently only set to play a mix of Motley Crue, Guns n’ Roses, and Twisted Sister, and he rarely answers with anything other than a ‘hell yeah, brother’. For her part, Kyou remains silently amused, the half-grin on her face really the only clue to her state of mind.

The market is fairly quiet- it’s the middle of the week, afterall, and the middle of the day even. Your uniform and sunglasses attract a little attention- though it rapidly fades as you decide on the chili, gathering a bag of onions, peppers, and heirloom tomatoes. You also find- of all things- a beekeeper, and pick up a jar of honey. Maman always maintained that you need to buy from where you are- beef back home tastes different from beef raised in the midwest.

Your driver looks at the bags dubiously. “You some kinda cook, brother?” He asks, and you nod.

1/2

“Of sorts.” You say.

“Right on. I tried that stuff, man, I can’t cook at all.” He laughs at what is clearly meant to be a joke- you respond with an amused smile, even if you don’t feel all that amused. Instead you direct him to the butcher’s shop, where you repeat your first order- their cuts were good, and went in well.

After a stop at the grocery store for the spices, you return back to the dorms. Your driver has no trouble getting past the gate- indicating either he’s a dependent of one of the troops stationed here, or he’s wearing a wig and is off today. You’re not sure which it is, but he drops you off at the dorms and you pay him- cash, with a little tip, just for the act.

Kyou helps you carry things up, and takes a seat on at the counter after you both change. You hesitate as she sits- she may be in your head on a more or less daily basis, but the chili is still a secret.

“Will my presence here be an issue?” She asks. “I am terribly interested in watching you prepare our dinner. It’s one of the things I have little experience or skill in.”

[] Well, it’s supposed to be a secret.
[] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

>>3835969
>[] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

>>3835969
>[X] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

>>3835969
>[x] Well, it’s supposed to be a secret.

>>3835969
>Well, it’s supposed to be a secret.

>>3835969
>[X] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

>>3835969
>[] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

>>3835969
>[x] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

ok, votes called! This will probably be our last update for the run this week, haha!

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[x] It’s supposed to be a secret, but it’s getting pretty hard to keep those from you anyway.

“It’s supposed to be a secret,” You say, tying on an apron and washing your hands. “But it’s getting hard to keep those from you anyway.”

Kyou smiles at that. “I find the same to be true. Though I feel as if you’ve come out the better in that exchange.”

You shake your head. “What are state secrets against a man’s chili recipe?” You ask, getting a laugh out of the witch.

“I see your point.” She says, dramatically. “Will you be required to kill me now, to keep the secret?”

“Not like I could anyway.” You respond. Starting to cut the meat- you’ll lightly brown most of it before throwing it in the pot, but you don’t want any pieces too big. The recipe itself is another from the turn of the century- slightly modified, as most of your takes tend to be, these days. There’s no restriction against it, only that, once a recipe is in the book, you can’t change it. Some of the earlier authors left space at the bottom for later men to record any changes they’d found good- substitutions of one thing for another, mostly, or slightly changed measurements- but not all of them did, and you rarely record any of yours anyway.

Kyou smiles- but seems perfectly content to watch you work in silence after that- it’d almost be easy to forget that she’s there, except you’re pretty sure you can’t anymore- similar to when Cass is around, you find you’re always aware of where she is and what she’s doing, even without devoting any energy to it. That said, of course, you find yourself more relaxed around Kyou.

You finish with the prep about an hour later, finally setting the pot on the stove to simmer on a fairly low setting for a couple hours. The original called specifically for a wood fire, but a later note indicated that a low simmer was extremely close, and you only have to stir it occasionally, leaving you and Kyou free to find a movie to watch, sitting on the couch again.


The chili has only just finished when there’s a knock on the door. You open it up to find Merlin and Wendy both standing there- Merlin smiling, and Wendy looking nervous, if cautiously optimistic. “Hi Morgan!” Merlin says, stepping in. “I brought Wendy, I hope you don’t mind.”

You shake your head. “Not at all, auntie.” You say. “Hi, Wendy.”

1/2

“H-hello, Morgan.” She responds. “I hope I’m not imposing, But Miss Wells was quite insistent.”

You shake your head. “Of course not.” You say, motioning for her to pause by the door as Merlin walks deeper into the dorm, greeting Kyou and taking a seat next to the younger witch on the couch. “Have you told her?” You ask, your voice low enough to not carry.

Wendy shakes her head. “N-no.” She responds. “Forgive me, I thought it best to announce it with everyone present.”

You nod. “Good. I’d hoped that’s what you were going to do.” You say, standing back up. “Let’s go sit. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Wendy walks past and you close the door- only to open it at another knock. “Hi Morgan!” Lindsay says, Rebecca standing next to her with a big smile plastered on her face. “We heard you were back in town and came to visit and- “ She pauses, sniffing the air. “You made the chili? Can we eat with you?”

Internally you sigh, but you motion for them to enter. You’re never about to hear the end of things from them, you suspect. Still, they’re blood- and while you can’t pick your family, maman insisted you always feed them.

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>>3836266

See you next time, boss!

And that's it for the week! Haha. Ran a little longer today than I'd anticipated, but I was slow too, so I guess it balances out.

I don't expect to have anything happening this week, so we should be good to go normally.

>>3835714
Not sure yet, haha! Leaning towards Orks or Custodes, but I've really not decided. To be honest, I like the new space marines too, but I've never liked playing super common armies, either.

anyway, gents, that's it for this week. Till next week, cheers!

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>>3836301
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3836301
Thanks for running.

>>3836301
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>3836301
I mean, I'm biased, but I like me some Golden Boys. They look nice, and are easy to play. Also their Venerable Dread is bestest Dread.

>>3836301
>Custodes
The BANANAMEN models are REALLY nice, not gonna lie. Also their Jetbikes are silly good.

>>3836301
Could just play mixed Imperium. That way you can have Space Marines and Custodes at the same time.

>>3836348
If you're doing mixed Imperium, IG seems the way to go. Covers a lot of the stuff BANANAMEN is missing.

>>3836334
>>3836335
>>3836348

Thanks guys! I'm really iffy on custodes just because I like armies that let me screw up, and they look like they just don't have the bodies to absorb any kind of casualties. Especially with all the crazy stuff in the game as base now- fliers are base game? man, that's nuts, haha!

>>3839663
The banana bikes can literally charge fliers because they're jetbikes, which is so metal. Imperial soup can be a lot of fun if it's not played in a min-max sort of way.

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So I've more or less settled on Space Marines, in case anyone cared. No? Good! Haha. Anyway, gents, no real news. Expecting to move out to the new apartment here in... eh, about a week, give or take? Shouldn't affect us at all, but it may mean the Saturday part of a run has to get delayed or canned. Maus may also be down, and if he wants to work on a gaming table, that could eat up the day. We'll see how it goes. I'm sketching out a nice one, but it's gonna be a bit of work. haha!

That's really about it though!

============================================================================================================================

The recipe you decided on was one penned in originally in sometime during prohibition, you’re reasonably sure, just because of the list of substitutions for the requisite rum. It’s one of the very, very few iterations of the chili with any alchohol in the recipe, and the earliest to require it. The most recent one was one from the 70’s, you think- and that was vodka. Typically you skip them- honestly, you don’t feel they add much at all to the real flavor, and are more of a novelty ingredient, which you’re no great fan of.

Still, this time you decided to try your hand at it- and you have to admit, by looks alone, it should be amazing. By smell, of course, it will be, but that’s never a fair way to judge. It’s rare to run into a chili that doesn’t at least smell good- though you’ve run into a few that have gone a bit overboard in chasing the five alarm title.

You’re fortunate, too, in that Kyou has turned out to be a capable hostess- even if she does appear a bit wrong-footed by your Sister’s grilling. It was going to happen sooner or later, of course- the fact that you’d left for the relative safety of the carrier decks before they could do it previously must have driven them half-mad. It’s no surprise they showed up as soon as they were able, then- they’re the first ones in a real position to report back on her to the rest of your Bishop sisters. For their parts, Merlin and Wendy aren’t nearly as noticeable when they talk- they’re nowhere near as loud as either of the snakes- and you imagine Wendy’s still in a mild form of shock. You know why, of course, even though if you can’t explain it rationally- and neither could she, if pressed on the subject.

1/2

Meanwhile, you’re finishing up- the chili has to sit for about fifteen minutes after you take it off the heat- you can serve it right away, of course, but it’s not as good, you’ve found. There’s also the bread, which needs to cool a bit.

So, taking off the apron you’d been wearing, you grab a couple bottles of water out of the fridge and walk into the living area, handing one to Kyou over her shoulder before opening your own.

“There’s the Kitchen King.” Lindsey remarks, grinning. “We hear you had some fun out over Iraq.”

[] I don’t know if I’d call it fun. Our wingmate got shot up pretty badly.
[] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

>>3842559
>[X] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

>>3842559
>[x] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

>>3842559
>[] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

"Mild attempted murder, I give it a four for effort."

>>3842559
>[x] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

>>3842556
EWWW SMs. Please tell me you at least aren't running fucking Primaris. Fuck them and everything they stand for,

>>3842559
>You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.


So how's Operation Sighthound?

>>3842593
Probably mixed bag, at least for now. They don't appeal to me as a whole army, the OG marines have a lot of great options and models and I still have pewters kicking about I wanna use.

Votes called!

>>3842559
>[] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

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[x] You could say that. Wasn’t very fun for the other side.

“You could say that.” You allow. “Wasn’t very fun for the other side.”

Lindsey smirks. “So we hear. Three witches?”

“Two.” You correct. “Our wingmate got the other.”

“That’s still not bad.” Rebecca says. “And they were the same ones that were jumping our jets in the north earlier this month. Getting them out of the picture is great news. Spears said they got a Tomcat before you got them.”

“Speaking of, what do you think she’s gonna think about not getting the nod?” Lindsey asks.

“Nothing, I think.” Merlin interjects. “She’s and Danielle are probably eating with their new wingmates, too.” She says. “They were approached by two or three crews as soon as I gave everyone else the all-clear.” She smiles a little, looking over at Wendy. “And there’s four or so crews that are mad I let Morgan and Kyou ‘steal’ you, Wendy.”

“R-really?” The older witch asks, sounding surprised. “I had no idea. I had assumed they were quite willing to have me remain here as a test pilot, and that each would be bringing in their own favorites, if they could convince them.”

“So the others have found crews as well?” Kyou asks, getting a nod out of Merlin.

“We completed the paperwork officially just before we left my office.” She confirms. “All three valkyries I had are now with fleet wyverns.”

“I thought there were four units?” Rebecca asks.

Merlin nods again. “I’d hoped to find a fourth witch to operate it, but so far none of the candidates have been available or willing to take the VDNI surgery.”

Rebecca snorts. “Idiots.” She says. “You and dad have had them forever, and Stas and Lil have had them even longer than that. I’d about kill to get my hands on one of those valkyries.”

“Really?” Lindsey asks her sister, who nods.

“Yeah, for real. Have you seen what those things can do?” She asks. “I can’t because they won’t detach me from squadron to go, and aunt Merlin can’t make them because we’ve already got orders.”
1/2

“Have you thought about asking Tatyana?” Lindsey asks. “She’s coming here as part of the second group.”

“Tatyana?” You ask, frowning. “Wait, she’s graduating? Already?”

Lindsey nods. “Better grades than you, even.” She says. “Same major, too.”

That’s hardly a surprise. Your youngest sister has always been put together like that- focused and very capable. She’s always kind of stuck out a little- she’s Katya’s only daughter- but she’s always been pretty close with both you and your older sisters as a result. It’s nothing major, of course- family is family, even in one as large and varied as yours- but the snakes tend to work as a group, as do Tabitha’s daughters.

“She’d go for it.” Lindsey says, confidently. “Didn’t she say something about the Wyvern program?”

“Probably.” you say, getting a sideways look from Kyou. “She’s always been fascinated by the jet.”

“It can have that effect on people.” Kyou remarks with a slight smile.

“Pilots like Morgan don’t hurt either, am I right?” Lindsey supplies.

Kyou shrugs. “I should have been equally happy with another pilot, I am certain. However,” She continues, before anyone can get in a word, “I am pleased I do not have to test that theory.”

“So, Morg, is the food ready? I’m starved.” Rebecca asks- and Lindsey grins.

“And we can’t help but notice it’s the chili again.” she says. “Something you need to tell us, big bro?”

[] I’m sure you can figure it out.
[] Nope. And we’re not having that discussion.

>>3842739
>[] I’m sure you can figure it out.

>>3842739
>[] Nope. And we’re not having that discussion.

ARM THE BLACKMAIL GUNS, BEGIN QUESTIONING THEIR CHOICES IN PARTNERS

>>3842739
>[X] I’m sure you can figure it out.

>>3842752
I'll back sassing the sneks too...

>>3842739
>[] I’m sure you can figure it out.

>>3842739
>[x] I’m sure you can figure it out.

ok, votes called!

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[x] I’m sure you can figure it out.

“I’m sure you can figure it out.” You respond, motioning to Wendy and Merlin that the food’s ready. “And yes. It’s ready.”

Wendy stands up, still looking a little bewildered at how quickly things are moving- you’re kind of surprised, honestly, though you imagine her sudden return to a line element has something to do with it.
“Shall I set out drinks, si- er, Morgan?” She asks. “I should like to make myself useful as soon as possible.”

You smile. “I already did.” You say. “Go grab a chair. I’ve got it under control.” and she frowns.

“If you insist.” She says- she knows you well enough to know that you’re not really making a request, and that there’s nothing for her to do to help. You’re going to have to watch her like a hawk to make sure she doesn’t attempt to clear the table and do the dishes- at least for now, with Kyou, she’s going to be doing her dead level best to be unseen and unheard, but useful. And, while Kyou may appreciate that from servants, you kind of doubt she’s going to see it in quite the same light from someone who’s your teammate in combat.

For her part, Kyou’s taken the center seat on ‘your’ side of the table, beckoning Wendy to take the chair to her right. Your sisters and Merlin have already taken places on the other side of the table, with Merlin directly across from you.

Drinks are surprisingly easy- Red wine for Merlin, water for both you and Kyou, coke for Lindsey and Rebecca, and Wendy has tea- iced, not sweet. It’s a taste she apparently acquired while racing- she likes those bottled Lipton teas quite a bit, apparently. You also take great care in serving Wendy right after Kyou- and making sure she doesn’t attempt to serve anyone else.

“So, bro, what’s this chili recipe from?” Rebecca asks, before she’s taken a bit. “What’s it’s story?”

“It’s from the twenties.” You respond with a shrug. “After prohibition passed, but the recipe still calls for rum. I guess it would have been Moses’ grandpa’s recipe.”

1/2

“Huh.” She says, taking a bite. “Well, it’s as good as the other ones I’ve gotten to try.”

Merlin nods. “It’s good.” She agrees, then smiles. “I’m starting to think you’re trying to ruin me for anyone else’s cooking.” She says.

Wendy and Kyou nod in agreement with the statement. “It is quite good.” Wendy says, taking small, almost dainty bites. Kyou looks to be, too, and while she’s not wolfing it down the way you know she can, she’s well into her bowl by now, her brow furrowed.

“I’ve never had anything quite like this before.” She says. “It is called the chili?”

“This is, yeah.” Lindsey says. “Morgan only makes it for his girlfriends and Aunt Merlin.” She grins as you frown at her.

“I see.” Kyou says, then smiles. “Then it does make sense, of a sort. We are a wyvern crew, afterall.”

“G-girlfriends?” Wendy asks.

[] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.
[] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.

>>3842883
>[X] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.

>>3842883
>[X] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.
"Which is crazy. I make it for family, too."

>>3842883
>[X] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.

>>3842883
>[x] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.

>>3842883
>[x] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.
Both of these options are good though, I'm gonna enjoy it regardless of who wins.

>>3842883
>[] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.

CEASE THINE WAGGING TONGUE, SERPENTS

>>3842883
>[] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.
Extremely threatening Morgan

>>3842883
>[] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.
>[] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.
Both is good.

ok, votes called!

>>3842883
>[] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.

Wait! I was out getting groceries!

>>3842928
>[] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.
over
>[] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.

If it comes down to only one.

>>3842883
>[X] My sisters accuse me of only ever making it for girlfriends.

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[x] My sisters will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.

You scowl at the two snakes, sitting across the table. “My sisters,” You say, “Will cease their scandalous claims, if they know what’s good for them.”

“Or what? You gonna make Cass jealous and spank us?” Lindsey taunts.

“I rather think that my pilot’s siblings are forgetting that they shouldn’t allow their preferences to flavor their conversations in this way.” Kyou says, almost offhandedly. “And that, of them, perhaps Cassiopeia is the only one being honest.”

Her smile, you note, is cold- enough that even the pair of snakes sitting across from her snap their jaws shut. They don’t apologize- they won’t- but it’s enough that Kyou shut down that entire line of conversation without ever making any kind of effort.

Merlin- seeming oblivious- finishes her bowl and smiles. “Thank you, Morgan.” She says. “I feel too full to move!”

Kyou smiles. “If it is necessary, you can use my bed again. I believe it is my turn for the couch.”

Merlin laughs. “I don’t think so, but thank you.” She says, then pauses. “Unless there’s more?” She says.

You sigh. “Of course there’s more.” You say, standing and clearing the table- putting a hand on Wendy’s shoulder and gently pushing her back down into her chair as she attempts to stand. “Cake.” You say, bringing out the plate it’s on- you don’t expect any leftovers. “Not the cake, another recipe.”

It’s still a chocolate- not like you had any kind of choice there. Merlin can tell the difference instantly, of course- though, to her credit, she doesn’t let the flicker of disappointment last long enough for anyone else- save maybe Kyou- see it. You have to force a second piece on Wendy- Something when you do crosses Kyou’s face, but she doesn’t say anything.

1/2

To your amazement, your sisters don’t bring anything about relationships up again. They make small talk, of course- Tatyana comes up again, and you regret that you won’t get to see your youngest sister before you leave again.

Eventually, though, they call it a night, leaving first. Merlin yawns and stretches as they do. “I left my bag down in my car.” She says, standing up. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll fetch it, mum.” Wendy says, going to stand, but Merlin shakes her head.

“I’ll bring yours up too.” Merlin says, smiling.

Wendy sits back down, kind of awkwardly. “She insisted.” She says as an explanation.

Kyou laughs- Wendy starts at the sound as your backseater looks over at you. “I must wonder if your aunt’s timing is fortunate or if she can read minds, as well.” She says, then turns back to Wendy. “The other room is yours, if you wish it.” She says. “I have no need of it.”

“But-” Wendy pauses. “O-oh.”

Kyou smiles again. “It’s not like that, I assure you.” She says. “But we can and do share a bed. You sharing our quarters is no concern to us, is it?”

The last is addressed at you, of course. She’s not wrong, either- it’s not a problem, put like that- but you know Wendy well enough to know if she’s living in the same spaces as you, she’s going to gravitate towards being a maid and a housekeeper and anything else.

[] I see no problem with it, no.
[] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

>>3843006
>[] I see no problem with it, no.
Keep her close, and maybe we can get Kyou to help us with her.

And that's it for the night from me! Haha. Just in time, too, I'm getting pretty tired over here.

So till tomorrow, gents, cheers!

>>3843006
>[] I see no problem with it, no.

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>>3843006
>[X] I see no problem with it, no.

>>3843012
Thanks for the run boss.

>>3843006
>[] I see no problem with it, no.

>>3843006
>[] I see no problem with it, no.
>Pet the fluffy tail

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>>3843006
>[x] I see no problem with it, no.

>“I rather think that my pilot’s siblings are forgetting that they shouldn’t allow their preferences to flavor their conversations in this way.” Kyou says, almost offhandedly. “And that, of them, perhaps Cassiopeia is the only one being honest.”

>>3843012
Thanks for the run Ghost!

>>3843006
>[X] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

>>3843006
>[x] I see no problem with it, no.
You realise, of course, this is liable to summon a wild planefag.

>>3843006
>[x] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

I don't want Wendy to be our maid.

>>3843006
>[] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

Need to start developing some healthy habits for Wendy

>>3843006
>[x] I see no problem with it, no.
I was right, I was gonna be happy regardless of the vote that won. That was hilarious.

>>3843006
>[X] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

More privacy for us too~

>>3843006
[X] I see no problem with it, no.

>>3842607
Don't choose Space Wolves or some might think you are a furry ;)

>>3843006
>[] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

>>3843006
>[] It may be better for her to be in the rooms next door- give her a little more privacy.

>>3843385
I miss when the Space Wolves were vikings, with some mild wolf theming.
Then they became the space yiffs, and everything was ruined.
At least there's still the Black Templars for maximum DEUS VULT!

Ok guys, votes called! Sorry about the delay there, Dinner and all that, haha!

>>3844074
>Black Templars
PURGING WITH KIN intensifies

File: Maman's strange like that(...).jpg (133 KB, 565x800)

133 KB JPG

[x] I see no problem with it, no.

You think about it for a minute- on the one hand, you are concerned that Wendy is going to start slipping into familiar routines- especially with Kyou here, who you’re not entirely sure wouldn’t want to take advantage of it.

You shake that thought off almost as quickly as it crosses your mind- you trust Kyou completely, and you’re sure that she wouldn’t do anything of the sort. Wanting Wendy close by only means that she’d be better able to assist you in looking out for the older witch- and it also prevents anyone from being able to take advantage of her.

You nod. “I see no problem with it, no.” You say, getting a nod from Kyou.

“I don’t want to impose-” Wendy says, quietly. “I-if it’s any trouble-”

“It’s not.” Kyou says, cutting off her weak protest. “You’re our wingmate now.” She says. “I will not be the first witch to be accused of not taking care of her wingmate, and it will be much easier to learn from you with you sharing quarters, yes?”

Wendy nods, then frowns. “Learn?” She asks, sounding a little confused. “But I’m new to this as well. I’ve only flown the valkyrie unit once in combat, and that almost twenty five years ago.”

Kyou nods. “More than anyone else.” She points out. “And certainly you have more combat experience than either of us.” She says, looking over her shoulder as there’s a light knock at the door. You get it, reaching across to get the bags from Merlin and bring them in.

“Sorry that took longer than I’d thought.” She says. “Spears was just coming in, so I talked to her for a minute.”

“She’s here?” Kyou asks, and Merlin nods.

“With her Wyvern crew.” She says, with a smile. “Told you they’d go fast.”

Kyou nods. “I had no doubts, but I did wonder if you were overestimating how quickly crews would try to recruit them.” She says, then smiles. “Clearly, I should learn I shouldn’t do that.”

1/2

Merlin laughs. “They’d barely had a chance to dismount from their valkyries before they were getting talked to.” She says. “Their data has been nothing but impressive, but to me that’s the real mark of success. Every single wyvern crew here is begging me to take a witch of their pick on for the fourth unit.”

“How long do you expect these pairings to last?” Wendy asks, getting a glance from Kyou. “Morgan and Kyou are both just starting their careers? Surely the navy won’t allow me to remain in a further twenty or more years.”

“You were listed for a wyvern crew.” Merlin points out. “If it wasn’t a problem then, I can’t see it being a problem now.”

Wendy nods. “So you’ve planned for these to be similar to Wyvern crews?”

Merlin shrugs. “We’re still testing. I’d like to think so, but it may be it won’t work out that way.”

Wendy nods, looking a little relieved. “So if I’m found wanting-”

“I very much doubt that will be the case.” Kyou interrupts. “We are far more concerned about being able to meet your performance.”

Merlin smiles, leaning across to pat Wendy’s leg. “See?” She says. “I told you.”

Wendy nods. “It’s just-” She sighs. “It’s still hard to imagine that so many people can be so kind after all this time.” She says. “But it seems everyone else is quite sure, so I shan't complain any further.” She gives a weak smile. “I am honored and glad to be here, make no mistake.”

Kyou’s smile turns feral. “Oh, don’t mistake this for some kind of charity kindness.” She says. “We asked you to fly with us because we feel your experience is priceless and your proven ability is an excellent match for our theoretical ones. We-” She looks over at you, getting a nod, “Intend to be the best, yes?”

[] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.
[] Of course- but we’ve still got a lot to learn.

>>3844180
>[X] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.

>>3844180
>[X] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.

>>3844180
>[x] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.

>>3844180
>[] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.

>>3844180
>[x] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.

>>3844180
>[X] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.
So I'm stoll waiting to know. Was it awoo cuddles, or lewd awoo cuddles?

>>3844180
>[] Absolutely. Maman didn’t raise me to accept anything less.

>>3844210
Something something 300 CONFIRMED CUDDLES
For real though, it wasn't lewd. Yet. I'm still expecting more spaghetti on that front since Ghost said in pic info a few threads back Kyou hasn't had any sort of serious relationship

>>3844216
>For real though, it wasn't lewd.

You'd don't know that.

Ok, votes called!