After a few hours, when she falls asleep, you pull her closer, so she is half lying on your chest again. Her sleep is uneasy and something is happening in her head, and it pains her. Her breathing is off, and eyes are shut with force, twisting her face into something very much more unpleasant than what she normally looks like when she sleeps. something is troubling her Is it morning yet? You don't know. Its a bit cold outside, but Lily lies just next to you, and she is warm. Your eyes are closed. Soddenly, Lily jerks out of your grip, and jumps to her feet. "cli-click" "wait- wh-" BLAM-BLAM-BLAM Your eyes go dark as you are hit bi a wave of pain that is completely new to you, it takes a few seconds to figure out it is coming from the left side of your rib cage. Am i wounded? am i bleeding? You cant actually use your head to think, all your senses are being completely flooded by the pain that is now radiating out through your entire body, and has you as good as paralyzed. That noise before, was that a pistol? Did Lily do this to me? That though hurts more than whatever happened in your ribcage. Actually, we finished the Tank last night. did she just use me as a tool to get herself fixed up? Maybe her old ideology simply can't go along with yours. Maybe you are to different. But if she did, she put up one hell of a show... You decide this is a good point for giving up. As it feels right now, you are rather uninterested in what happens next But it was good while it lasted? >AAAAAANON By this time you have learned that the more time a person is given, the further away from their true self they can act. Stage a good lie, fake and play. But you now know that Lily didn't do this to you, because that was all over in a few seconds and that scream was condensed down to one single emotion: Fear. You are slowly regaining your senses even if you still cant hear anything she is saying. But like earlier, you now her well enough to know what she wants to say. She is beyond terrified. She is screaming, you cant hear what she is screaming just yet. Soon, your eyes come back to you, and it seems its not longer pitch black. it seems like you are just lying underneath something rather big and heavy >help... stuck... Is she stuck? you are the one here who cant move! Actually, you are stuck. The big thing on top of you is actually moving slightly, like a rocking motion. She isn't strong enough to get thins thing of you, she's going to... Oh fuck, you have to get out of here, right now. After a bit of judging, guessing and almost passing out from the pain in your ribcage, you figure out how you have to get out. A little dance with your leg and use that thing for leverage and crawl towards the light, the last bit is helped by Lily who takes your arms and pulls as if her own life depended on it. Just like her voice, her expression is made up by nothing but fear. Tears are falling down her cheeks. Actually, there is something else than fear in there "Lily, watch out!" There is a class 3 creature approaching. They are compared in size to a large van, and are pretty much resistant to small arms fire, apart from small soft points. And while it would be almost impossible to kill one with the machine pistol she is carrying, you can do other things with it. With an amazing agility, Lily throws herself at it and screaming from the top of her lungs. This time, you cant understand what she is saying, net because your ears doesn't work, but because it's all in German. But german is one of those languages you can make anything sound like a death threat. And when you actually formulate a death threat in german, its sounds like a war declaration. There is no longer fear in her voice. There is just hatred. She is amazingly agile, and can easily out-maneuver the large creature. After a few moments of dodging and weaving, she makes her move. She manages to get around it, and empty an entire 32 round stick magazine into the back of its left knee. And because it is two legged and rather heavy, it falls to the ground. The magazine is quickly replaced and the new one is emptied into its throat area If you have a body containing a fluid, and them make a hole in the lower part of the body, the fluid will escape. If you increase the pressure on the body, this process will be sped up. And few things are as good as applying pressure as a Jagdtiger is. There is a river of blood flowing out of its throat. there is one last round, being fired out of the Luger, and looking a little too much like an execution. She snaps back into previous thoughts. The massive machine is reversed towards you, and she attaches a rope to it and gives you a big "noose" that goes under your arms. It pulls you out with ease. There is obviously some kind of attack going on, and you are keen to do help out, but as soon as you try to stand up you are forced down by the pain in you ribcage. You return to the ground. >don't move! you are bleeding anon! Fear has returned to her voice >d-don't worry i'm going to fix you, just don't leave me "what happened?" You look around, and it appears the big thing you have just been helped out from was a class 2. Did she kill one with three rounds? she did say she was experienced with the gun, but thi- >sorry! but i have to do this, you can't loose more blood Suddenly, you see what she is so worried about. There is quite the hole, and she is working like a woman possessed to stop the bleeding. Hang on, is that a rib sticking out? "i'm feeling a little-" >NO, don't say that, you are not leaving me! don't leave me... No matter how much you fight it, your eyes start to give in. you are loosing vision. Her fear is now shared with some other feeling. helplessness? desperation? She's still crying. The pain has almost stopped as well. "don't go anywhere" >i'm not going anywhere, i'll stay right here, but please don't leave me anon, i L- You pass out For the first time since Lily got to her base, she wakes up in her own bed. She has been so used to be warmed by another body in her sleep, so she's spent all night under a way too thin cover and is freezing. She is alone. Her formal Panzerwaffe outfit she normally is so fond of is covered in blood. She wants to wash it, but cant manage to even touch the clothes. She doesn't want to get dressed, but the falling temperature soon gets the better of her. She is almost attempting to look as mundane as possible. Your T-shirt, a pair of slightly too large jeans and a hoodie. She checks her cellphone for the 25th time this morning. Since it was given to her, she has used it maybe 5 times, and usually gives no thought to it. But now she watches over it like a hawk, making sure the volume is set to maximum, that there are no missed calls or texts and that the battery level is okay. Just like two minutes ago, the cell is fine, and there are no missed calls. Lily returns to her bed, pushes her back against the wall and embraces her own legs. Her face is resting on her knees, and it's not long before the cloth under her eyes is starting to get moist Some hours pass by, and soon there is a knock on the door. Lily flies towards in, and her heart has more than doubled its pace in the space of a few seconds. There is an expected disappointment at the door. Its one of the girls from the mechanic team. >hey Lily >Amanda? >i just wanted to check in on you and... make sure you have some food Lily is being handed a plate of warm food. She wants to give it back and say she is fine, but she's not eaten anything in quite a while >t-thanks >no problems Lily, i'm here if you need me. and uhh... if you feel like it and have time, you could check in the guys in the garage, i mean we could get the tank there yesterday, but we cant seem to start it now. Maybe you can help? >do you need it started right now? >well, no but if there is something wrong with it, we'd like to know so we can fix it. >Let me guess, everything looks good, but you still cant find the problem? >yeah, how did you know that? >call it intuition. If its an emergency, come speak to me here. i'm not going anywhere anytime soon Some nods are exchanged between the two and lily returns to the desk where she has to move several weapons and parts to get a place to put her plate down. The food is good, and its easy to tell someone has put real effort into making it. Lily doesn't care too much about it, but rather just feeds her face with it, without much thought. She returns to her own bed Jagdtiger isn't starting? Sure, all of the mechanical components are technically fine, but if none of the parts actually wants to move, the Jagdtiger isnt going anywhere. Not as long as Lily has something to do with it. And she does. She didn't intend to do anything today. but for the first time in a long time, she feels there as another one like her here. Do they have a new tank? lily covers her head with the hood and heads out of the room, after checking the phone one last time There is a lot of people down at the "courtyard", just like when she arrived. the Jagdtiger is still in one of the garages, and behind a closed door. Might as well be, since it's not gonna do anyone any good right now. Whatever vehicle that just got here has just been unloaded from the truck that is now heading away. There are so many people, so Lily can't actually see what the new tank. cant be a big one in that case? However, when the engine is started, its obvious it's not a small tank. And there is thick black smoke being pumped out of the exhausts. Diesel engine, very powerful. Lily estimates to at least 1000hp. She elbows her way through the crowd and cannot believe her eyes The only reason for the Jagdtiger to exist is to carry the PaK 44 in an armored housing. And one of the primary reasons that the PaK 44 was built is the russian 122 mm guns that proved so effective against German tanks. The other reason was a fear in german high command about a new soviet tank that the long 88mm gun, the Pak 43 would be unable to harm. And while that tank never fought in the war, and the Pak 43 could handle anything anyone fielded in that conflict, that super-tank rolled on Berlin's streets on their victory parade in september '45. That tank was the IS-3. Lilys entire being was made with the purpose of destroying this very tank. and now she stood 5 meters away from one She read the people as the left the vehicle. She knew exactly how the inside of an IS-3 looked like. Where the ammunition was, where the crew sat, how fast it could go backwards. The commander leaves the vehicle first. His knee hits the side of the hatch, if only ever so slightly. He is inexperienced. With tanks in general or this vehicle. Next is the Loader and gunner. ans expected they are not very large. You cant be in a soviet tank. Lily knew who the next crew member would be. Her. The driver, since it has a drive system that makes so little sense and is so complicated, it's almost pointless to learn. But she has. The good thing about this apparel is that it's very easy to conceal a weapon, even if you are a not very large girl, and the pistol is a bit larger than it should be. She estimates she can flick off the safety without anyone noticing in this commotion, and send at least two shots before she is disarmed. But Lily cant. The IS-3 is a formidable weapon of war, and Anon said we were not against the russians. But Lily really wants to speak with her in private. Maybe she can "feel" Lily is here just like felt this girl is here? And has she told anyone about what she is to the tank, their "relationship". Things could get tricky for Lily if people starts knowing. She is going to be labeled many things becaue of where she served, it could get her killed. She heads back to her room and make the MP is working and is loaded, and then back to the garages Lily heads off to one of the workbenches. Three steel beams, a welder and the mount for a big MG. All material needed for the mount is ready, including the 80 pound M2. >Excuse me, are you a part of mechanic team? A womans voice, with a slight Russian accent. It's her. Lily remembers something You taught her, "be polite, be professional and have a plan to kill everyone you meet". Lily has several plans >you could say i am, yes, can i help you? Lily turns around. The woman is taller than she is. She has long, black hair and a very unusual blue eye color. Her face is somewhat narrow and her body is, with lack of a better term, beautiful. Even if she is missing in one department. >wait, you are...? you are like me? >it looks like i am. The IS-3 is yours i take it? The woman is visibly shocked, and is starting to have trouble forming words >y-yes, the IS-3 is mine. i'm sorry if i am looking a bit taken back, but i really didn't expect to see anyone...like you here Lily smirks >So, did you need help with anything? >y-yes, but right now that can wait. I must need to know a thing from you first. Have you told anyone about your... connection. I have lied about myself and just said i know the tank, i've worked with it since i was small >I... I have told one man. But i trust him >you told someone about it?! what do you think will happen if someone finds out? >listen here, i trust this man with my life, besides, it will be far worse for me if someone finds out >what do you mean far worse for you? >do you really think only the allies did this? do you even know what machine i am bound to? actually, follow me. i'll show you. But first, i need a promise >i'm not sure i like where this is going, what do you want from me? >i want nothing from you, but from us. All that matters now is this war, all former ones are left behind, forgotten. Alright? we cant fight among our selves? can we promise each other that The woman ponders for a second, and then extends her arms towards Lily. >together Lily sighs of relief, and takes her hand. >together The two walk over to the garage where the Jagdtiger is parked. The young woman helps lily with the sliding door. The Jagdpanzer is standing with its gun facing outwards. Her eyes widen, and she is even opening her mouth a little. She is completely stunned. >h-how... >do you understand now that i say i trust him? Many would have been blinded by my past. But he wasn't. And besides, you can guess how much work was needed. >tell me more, does the gun work? >all of it works. the gun is as good as new, the engine can put out 1800PS if it has to. All of the drive train is rebuilt. The woman is almost blushing. >maybe he can help me then? The turret- >no, he can't >what do you mean? >he is...well, we were attacked last night, and he is in the infirmary right now. I'm not even sure he'll live to see another sunrise. Doctor said the surgery was a 50-50. I cant even go to see him >he is also the commander if this vehicle. >i-im sorry, i didn't know >you couldn't have. But for now, you needed help with the IS-3, and maybe i can help. You mentioned the turret? >it's the hydrulics, you can guess how fun it is to hand crank it. >i'll help you get that turret turning, and you help me get an MG on the Jagdtiger. Deal? >Deal. I am Natalya Chelyabinsk >La- I am Lily Erika Nibelung. And so, the two set off. The issue with the IS-3s turret is not too big, a leak in one of the hydraulic motors. On a western vehicle it would have taken an afternoon, max, to change. But this was a Soviet tank, meaning it took a while. Buy they set their similarities aside and tried to fix the old tank. Lily was told by Natalya why they came here. Word came out that the best mechanics for many miles, and the IS-3 had to be fixed, and fast. Many people from that base had come here, because there was a very large concentration of hostiles moving in from the ravaged east parts of the country. They were on the offensive, and two machines like this could play a vital role, especially as defensive pieces >just a shame about all that armor, you cant really flee if you have to Lily looks questioning at her new friend >what do you mean? Even if the IS-3 don't weigh 75 tons, it should have more than enough armor >what do you mean? they kill even new MBTs! >you don't know steel arm- Suddenly, Lilys phone rings. Her hand races into her pocket to answer it >Doc? You look at the doctor, and it appears he had the shortest phone conversation in his life >I'll have a few words with her, and then i'll leave you two alone, alright? "yeah, thanks doc. you're the man" It appears Lily get here with a speed that would have many ship missiles embarrassed. the doctor stands between her and the door to you and tells her 25 times that she has to calm down. She does. In the time you have known her, her face and body have been a roller coaster of emotions. But like she is now is something new. a hint of crying, yes but she is happy. "i said i wasn't going anywhere, right?" >i thought you were- "shhhh, don't do that. i mean you did a good job there" She cant hold it in her anymore, and starts crying. Shes played tough for a few days now, but now she gives up that act. You figure no way around this, and mover over to the side of the way, and let her just lie and cry next to you. She is a crying, vibrating but very warm mess. She tries to say a hundred things at once, but you shush her. For hours he just lie down next to you. She probably fell asleep within the first 30 minutes. She was scared. You are pumped full of drugs aswell, meaning you fell sleep rather quickly. The doctor comes in aswell, checking all kinds of thing. Lily was gone for some time to eat and other things to take care about. She returned by lunch, and you kept chatting the time away. the door knocks, and Natalya runs in. >they are here, and the beast wont start >Lily, you have to start it, there are too many for me to handle alone "y-you are Natalya?" >yes commander, but there is an emergency, and we need the Beast started immediately >anon, are- "Lily, you have a job to do, mow get your new friend here and go fuck some shit up. please" Lily gets up and join Natalya in running down the corridors, towards their vehicles. In some unexplained manner, the Jagdtiger starts within two seconds oh Lily getting into it. And not one soul on the base failed to notice 2500hp screaming as they put all 120 tons in motion. Not thirty seconds later the first cannon discharges. A 122 mm shell fired from the IS-3 hits the front of a class 4 and explodes.. However, HE shells tend to be ineffective against these creatures, there is something about their armor that seem to mitigate explosions Lily picks up the radio and advises an ammunition change >We only have one AP round left, we want to put it to good use Lily gets furious, but manage to stay clam enough to inform them that is they are shooting explosive rounds, they should focus on targets that dies when fired at Just as she has said that, the PaK 44 fires and hits the class 4. It is a long creature, and if you hit it at the front, the shell can travel along the length of the creature, and explode somewhere in the middle. This has an absolutely devastating effect and it is killed immediately, and paints a large numbers of smaller creatures around it with its intestines >load Armor piercing! Since the Jagdtiger is lacking its commander, Lily has taken that seat, leaving the "radio operators" position empty, but it matters little since the radio is usable by the commander as well. She is also taking full advantage of the HMG mounted just in front of the commanders hatch, and uses it to keep fire on some of the lesser enemies. She points the M2 to a Class 3 but it is vaporized by another shell fired from the IS-3 >AP loaded, gimmie a target! >class 4, 15 degrees right, 450 meters! another 20 rounds leave the barrel of the large MG as the Jagdtiger rotates to engage a new target >target in sight commander! >FIRE This one was barely moving, and was presenting a much larger profile, and it was an easy shot even for an inexperienced gunner. The cannon sends another 30kg projectile away. The effect is just as devastating as last time, and just like the man who was in charge of restoring the gun said, there was no need for a second round. >right, that was the last of the big ones, load HE! the grunts surrounding the vehicle and using it for cover have done a good job of erasing any creatures they can kill with their rifles. Many of the, are very good shots, other just enjoy to kill things, and the gun fires as soon as it is loaded, and absolutely disintegrates the class 3 it hits. The battle dies down a bit, there were much fewer enemies than expected. The grunts set of to do their work of "making sure they really are dead" the grunts are very thorough in their work, and "it can be guaranteed not a single one of those motherfuckers are alive when we are done" This is a process normally done with with only the soldiers eyes, but in this case it is carried out with knives, chainsaws and hand grenades Of course, the larger enemies don't really need checking, since most of them are split in half But Lily is as careful as she has to be and scans the field in front of her with the binoculars for any sign of non-human life. There was one class 3 brought down by MG fore that didn't really die, but its belly is sawed open and it is force fed an M67. The grunts find this very amusing, no ones surprise The casualties are very low as well, and there are not too many wounded. The steel beats has proven themselves very useful. Lily scans the remains of the dead enemies, as the IS-3 parks next to the Jagdtiger. The commander pops the hatch open and gets out >that's quite the machine you got there, and the gun is amazing! ...what is it, exactly? >this is exactly the kind of flatter Lily could hear on the west front. Many german soldiers had never seen a Jagdtiger before, and most were just as amazed every time. The old commander would say the same thing, every time: >Its a Jagdtiger, it's the best we have the commander of the IS-3 still looks amazed >wow, that thing sure is impressive Just as he says that, the hatch moves slightly, putting him of balance and makes his knee hit the turret you could hear some of the gunfire from that battle, and all of the cannon shots. There were 6 of them, and you could actually tell the difference between the IS-3 and the jagdtigers gun. they are not that much different in caliber, the IS-3 has a large muzzle brake that changes the sound quite a lot. There was only smaller explosions after that, so you guess that both tanks are okay. You are still nervous though, so you leave your bed, with much pain and just walk in circles in the small room. You are pretty much alone in the infirmary now, and you don't really feel like being in the next room to someone is is screaming their last hour in life, if that happens. You have to ask the doc to sleep in your own bed tonight. Soon the noise of the engines die down, and the first people are rushed into the infirmary, But if the doctor is going to do surgery i might... there is a knock on the door. >anon, you there? "Lily, come in!" This time you take a step forwards and embrace her "you're alright!" >yeah, that was no problem. 3 rounds fired, one kill with each "i must look pretty bad now huh? baptism of fire and i'm not there" >anon, i've been in combat before, so has the machine, but i really hope you are there next time. Besides, we have a few things to discuss with the other tank crew, because we have to be better organized if we are to survive "other tank... it was a russian one, right?" >Yes, IS-3 heavy tank. it was... sort of made to combat them "but you can get along with the other girl i hope?" >yes, she is nice. I... actullay helped her get the IS-3 working "well, that's good. judging by the gunfire i heard from here it seemed like it was pulling its weight aswell" >well, yes and no. The tank has very potent armor, almost as effective as ours is, even if it weighs at least 25 tons less. But it seems that the vehicle is ill-equipped, since it only fire HE today. They only have a single AP round, and a handful of HE rounds left. It may not be a problem as long as we have enough ammunition for the class 4s. "do we?" >with the new rounds have have made, we have 13 AP, three HE and that one hollow point you wanted "aww, Lily, you are way to kind to me, doing my job and all. and i will happily accept your dinner invitation, if you're still up for it" Her face lights up in that typical way you have grown so fond of >for you, always You smile and take her hand as you leave the infirmary. Just as you reach for the handle; >you two stop right there. augh, whats the point... listen here young lady, i spent a lot of time stitching this man back up, and i don't want to have to do it all again because you flutter with your eye lashes. you have to take care of him now that he's all fragile, alright? >i promise! >good, now get out of here, i am a busy man. You take her hand, and head back to your room for a change of clothes, and then head down to the dining hall, hand in hand "thats a lot of people in here is somthing going on or what" >everyone is facing the same way aswell, I'm guessing someone has something important to say "you people are gathering up like this, because someone with a lot of starts on their shoulder has told them to. and i feel the more stars there are, the worse news we will get" The grip around your hand tightens,and Lily somehow takes one step even closer to you >we're going to be sent away, right? "well, i'm not gonna say that we are not going anywhere, because that might be lying to you, and i don't really like that" You manage to find your own crew, sitting with the crew from the IS-3, a few compliments are politely shared over the table, and some of them send two certain girls blushing. You are really the only one here who has a fucking clue whats going on with these two, but it feels like you are only reluctantly invited into this club. And just as though, some brass comes in (surprisingly not the "company commander" who runs things around here, but his second in charge) and hands out the bad news. Recon planes has spotted a massive offensive, straight to one of the allied bases, and they have called out for assistance, so much in fact that even the real army has sending some people there, but only for non-combat roles, like logistics, mechanics, medics and so on. And pretty much anyone that can fight will head out at dawn, day after tomorrow. As the the crowd dispersed, the commander headed towards you >gentlemen... ladies. I have to reluctantly admit the effectiveness of you museum pieces... Lily and Natalya quickly turn their heads to the brass and look very irritated, as if someone has insulted their entire bloodline >...they did save a lot of lives today. I will expect our Jaagtiger to help our friends in need... he missed the pronunciation. Lily is getting more upset by the second >...and while i can't give any orders to the crew of your tank, i hope you will make a good decision on what has to be done >we will fight with you commander, we don't have enough time to get home anyway >that is good to hear. If you need anything, make sure my boys know it and see if they can help out. And remember that when we get there, there is going to be a lot of men, but only a handful of tanks, so i'm guessing you are to be tasked with taking out the big Hostiles. That's all "So, we are to be AT guns it seems" This conversation takes a turn for the strange. You really wanted to cooperate with these men, but it has all turned into a game of compliments vs insults, and it seems one of the crews are not very happy at all with their vehicle. It's noisy, cramped, uncomfortable and generally Awful. Your crew however only seem to have good things to say about the Jagdtiger. And while she did a very good job to conceal it, Natalya did just wipe away a tear. Gotta do something... "hey, i have an an idea how to get some pain out in between the reloads, anyone want to help?" >come on man, i'm eating The commander of the IS-3 doesn't seem to happy about your idea "yeah, and i'm not. no one is forcing you" >i'll stay right here "as you wish" Lily join you and she seems very upset. >did you hear how they were talking to her?! like she wasn't even there! "yeah, but to be honest here, they don't. i mean they don't know about her, do they? >N-no, but it's still shameful of talking like a vehicle in that way! "i'm a little sruprised about you getting along with who really should be your nemesis so to say" >Our countries were enemies. We were supposed to be enemies, but in this war we have to stand together. Besides, there are not many of us left, since we can't really live in mode- ¤ c-commander? "oh hey, Natalya" ¤ you were speaking about an upgrade? i will try to help if you need me "sure, we're heading to the armory" In this strange conflict, certain weapons types has fallen in and out of favor due to the armored nature of the foe. Large caliber rifles, like anti materiel, and the older Anti tank rifles. These weapons are powerful enough to deal with Class 3s without any issues, but wont do much against class 4. So, if there was a way to mount one of these rifles in top of the vehicle, for the commander, he can shoot that rifle while waiting for another rather long reload cycle And if there is one thing this base isn't short of, its weapons and munitions. Even the section dedicated to just AT and AM rifles is very well stocked first off is "the great isle of M82". Easily a hundred of them. Since they are reliable, and has at least decent accuracy, the started to be produced in large numbers. Why they went with the M82A3 and not the Newer M107s is beyond you, but hey this is the army after all. Soon, you reach the wall off M109. These are really more grenade launchers than rifles. They lack some of that long range punch you want, because of the rather low velocity on the 25mm round. You keep going further into the armory. This where you find the more exotic things, like a few PTRDs one PRTS and a few Boys'. Natalya gets a little exited at the sight of the russian guns, but there is actually some more rifles in here. More specifically, an L-39, a Finnish 20 mm AT rifle. "think we can mount this thing where the M2 sits now? should be better for range. Besides, if we are busy in the tank, someone outside could use it" ¤ what about these? they can easily kill enemy! Natalya has picked up the PTRS >actually, that gives me an idea. Since we are all using the M2 for out technicals, we should have some KPVs left over ¤ KPV is very powerful. and can fire 10 rounds per second. You get this on the roof of the tank, and no one will get close. >soo, i see it as either having the fire rate of the MGs, or having the accuracy at long ranges, and in the case of the L-39 the accuracy and the Power ¤ You can have both! i have seen it in american tank movie! >Huh? ¤ Yes, a little MG in front of the commander, and a large at the back of the turret to it can be fired by an infantryman! I think they will like shooting a KPV and they want to keep us safe, because we have the big guns! "but we're going with an AT rifle instead of the little MG or what?" >honestly, yes. Brass said we had a lot of infantry, and they will kill anything they can, so it would be pointless having a smaller MG on the tank. We are here because of our AT capabilities, so in some strange way, the AT rifle makes sense "alright, so what weapons do we go with? we could use M2s at the back and M82s up front, so we can .50 for all weapons" ¤ or the KPV and use PTRS and PTRD in front! >do we need to use the same ammo for all weapons? i mean we're only going to be out for a few days, and those L-39s look pretty good to me "its a good point. Lets go with the KPV and the L-39s today, see if they work" You are joined by a few mechanics, and spend most of the night Welding gun mounts to the vehicles, and making sure they can handle the recoil. Each one is fitted with an L-39 mounted in front of the commanders hatch, and is secured in such away it's right in front of him as soon as he opens the hatch, and the KPVs so they can be fired by a man standing/sitting on the engine deck, behind the turret/superstructure. The clock has dwindled down to single digits, and you decide to head off to bed. You get to the room but Lily runs off soon, saying she forgot her MP She is taking much more time than you really cant fight off sleep. Unbeknownst to you, Lily enters the room about 15 minutes later, Natalya in tow, and speaking with shushed voices ¤ i'm not sure this is okay... >stop it! look he's asleep, he can't say no ¤ but he has not given me permission either >hey, i live here aswell ¤ but if he is the commander, he technically own you, so you can't really let me in >listen here, this is much better than your room ¤ i will never share a room with them again. never >exactly, that's why you are here! ¤ but i have a place, its- >nuh-huh, if you are going to sleep on a concrete floor under the tank, i will join you ¤ but this is your bed here, it's yours and soft! >yes, that is my bed, but i use that one ¤ b-but h-he is there! >yes, and as i said, i trust him, he has never done me any harm, so you take that bed, and i sleep here, alright! "augh, for fucks sake, just go to sleep will you? Natalya, if you want to sleep on her bed, please do since she never uses it, but we really have to sleep now" >see, i told you ¤ thank you commander "just anon, okay? but lets sleep now. That means you too, Lily" And because of the very depressing digits the clock was showing, sleeping seemed like a good idea, and so, you did. Unsurprisingly, you are woken up several up earlier than you would have wanted, because of the preparations for tomorrow. The vehicles has to be mad ready prepped for transport and all that. augh... "5 more minutes?!" The day goes on, checking that the engine is fine, no issues with the transmission, gun and optics are good and so on. Ammunition in loaded up, all 4 different kinds of it. The Jagdtiger is surprisingly roomy inside, and most of the 14.5 and 20mm ammunition goes in the main ammunition stores. The Vehicle has racks for 40 rounds for the main gun and not even half of that was used. The men making ammunition has agreed to make some AP shells for the IS-3, with one already made and another one ready for tomorrow. That makes three. and a handful of HE rounds. Then again, the only thing you really need the 122 mm AP rounds for is the Class 4s. Problem is, there could be a lot of them. Or even the Class 5s. Both of these machines have large weapons, but the Class 5s are gigantic, and seem to be stopped by nothing short of air strikes. But then again, this gun can go though eight inches of steel at a range of 2000 meters and after that you have 29kg of projectile, and one kg of explosives. And that has to count for something, right? Even the armys tanks had issues with the Class 5s. Their ammunition could go through like a meter of steel, but their projectile mass was so low, and it has no explosive filler. Truth be told, no one knew what was going to happen. You head back, and feel a little shoulder squeeze its way in under yours to help you walk. Lily really was too kind The following morning many people are awoken by the unpleasant sound of an exploding gearbox Tre truck used to transport the Jagdtiger is smoking and spewing out oil on courtyard. The vehicle is to be driven around around on a trailer to reduce wear, and because it needs very large amounts of fuel. And there is about 200 miles to drive. Besides, it's going to take all day unless the Jagdpanzer is pushed. And because of the track record... "Lily, if the vehicle is just driven at a slow, steady pace on road, how will the transmission fare?" >it will be no problem under those conditions "load up a fuel car and get going. You need to start moving right now. You stay at 20mph, and we'll catch up as soon as we are ready." >and if it's impossible? "ill get a car and catch up. But best of all is if much distance as possible is covered on the back of this truck, and we can get it fixed, but in case we cant, that gun has to do what it's supposed to do. Go, now. I'll be there." The V-12 starts singing within a minute, and the the big machine lumbers away "soo, what's the world record time for changing a gearbox?" A dozen highly motivated men pushes the large truck into its garages and begin tearing it's insides out of it The truck catches up eventually, reversing the 2.5 gallons/ mile consumption figure and at least doubling the speed >anon, i just want to make sure now, there is going to be other tanks, and other crews, and i don't think any of... us has told any of you about what we really are. I have trusted you anon. please dont make me regret that. please? "don't worry. I'm still not entirely sure whats going with you honestly, but if you dont want to tell me now, that's fine. even if i kind of want to know at some point" >i will tell you anon. Next time it's just the two of us, okay, but dont tell anyone now, okay? "sure" The vehicle is unloaded from the truck, and starts moving towards the base under its own power for the last few miles, to make everything works. While approaching, you radio in to the base to make sure you know you are coming, to make sure there isn't going to be a blue on blue accident. Not that anyone with ears is going to miss an approaching Jagdtiger. This is the kind of vehicle that is very hard to not be the center of attention with, standing ten feet tall with the MG, and having a 7 meter long gun. Not that you would image it would gt much attention in a place like this, but as you roll along you understand two things. When Brass said there was to be a "handful" of tank, he lied. You count 40, and more than half of them being different variants of the M4 Sherman. And the way they look at you and especially Lily in her very PW looking apparel is almost scary. Their faces have admiration, disbelief and sheer shock. They all know what a Jagdtiger is. Everyone is looking at you, simply because for the first time in your life, you are the biggest kid on the block, and it feels really good. Further along the row of tanks, some larger vehicles start to appear, and many of them even almost the JT You recognize one the the vehicles at once, the T30 that sort of introduced you to the Jagdtiger. It's now pained in an olive drab color for the turret and the roadwheels and lower hull in dark grey. Behind it is a series of truly amazing vehicles. To the left, 3 post war heavy tanks, two M103s and one conqueror. Something is up with their guns though, they do not look original. There is also one of those massive american super heavy tanks with 4 tracks. What were they called again? T28 maybe? This vehicle definitely has a new gun though. and hopefully a new engine. The IS-3 is here as well, almost looking small in the company of these giants. At the back there is also a tank with a Patton looking hull with a very strange looking turret and a short but thick gun. But for the moment, they completely ignore their vehicles just to look at the large "krautbox" as the older men in the T30 called it. The Jagdtiger really looks like it has been standing outside for a long time. The paint is completely untouched so most of it is falling of, but it is still wearing the remains of the black crosses painted on its side and the unit marking for s.Pz.Jg.Abt 653 proudly: The 653rd Heavy Tank-hunting battalion. It strikes you at this moment that the cause for all looks might not be the size of the vehicle, but of its nationality aswell. come think of it, there were no other German vehicles here, maybe you've missed a memo? >a-anon, i don't like the way they are staring at me The vehicle is parked next to the Super-heavy tank, and the sound of the engine dies down and you can now hear the chatter of people, the clanking of metal and the wizzing of power tools. All around you is the sound of life. Much you your relief, it didn't seem like anyone cared much for the markings on the side of the vehicle. they do however seem rather interested in the vehicle itself. One base has even tried to get "another one of those german cats" started. But to no avail apparently. Lily gets admired to the skies, and it seems that she once again could use her "a Jagdtiger, the best we have" line. Soon, all people who are in charge of anything, tank commanders included. The idea is rather simple. The hostile forces knows very little about tactics and are presumed to just charge in from the west. All vehicles considered too slow for offensive charges are in "heavy section", the Jagdtiger included. They will provide long range supporting fire from a ridge, with a very long line of sight. Faster vehicles , grouped in "1st, 2nd and 3rd light section" will perform a massed counterattack supported by mechanized infantry. Well, that really means "A 15 year old F-150 with an M2" Details are explained, and you head back for a night of bad sleep. You are awoken in the middle of the night by Lily >Anon, i'm having a... girls night out. I have kept so much away from you, and it's time to pay you back. for everything. If you have a radio, i'd suggest 88.4MHz. Bye You scramble for the radio set, put you headset in and dial in the right frequency. 91...90...89.. >...re you have headphones, i Repeat, anon i'm wearing a mic but this will be the last thing i say to you directly tonight, and this is for for ears only, so wear headphones. Please don't get to conclusions or do anything before we speak again. Lily out The fuck is going on? Girls night out? Hang on, is she going to- >hey Natalya, do you know where we are going ¤ Lily! yes, it's just half a mile up the hill and then a quarter down it >Okay. Are you sure we are allowed here, i mean, we are... different to them ¤ Lily, look at us. I am Chelyabinsk, and you are Niebelung. A-and you have been so kind to me. you we can get along with each other, i'm sure we can get along with them aswell. I only have one friend Lily, but i feel in this war, we both need more. So let's go, okay? >yes, let's 'hey, you two!' a girl is shouting from some distance away 'you're not getting lost or anything, we're over here!' >ah, thank you! ¤ Lily, this feels like a secret meeting! >Natalya, this is a secret meeting ¤ Look, there is a big circle with people like us, and a bonfire and everything > I don't like bonfires anymore ¤ S-sorry i didn't mean to bring up anything bad, i'm sorry Lily >shhh, not your fault. Lets just sit down here, and listen 'Is everyone here?' A very mature looking woman was placed herself in the center of attention. A lot of voices reply 'Any new ones?' ¤ We are! 'Ah yes, you came here today i'f i'm not mistaken?' the woman says 'could you introduce yourselves please?' ¤ I am Natalya Chelyabinsk. i am honored for the opportunity to fight alongside you! There is some background chattering, that is soon interrupted by the woman again. 'The IS-3 i would guess? And your friend?' You can hear Lily sigh heavily >I am Lily Erika... Nibelung Complete and utter silence. What is up with that name? 'the... Jagdtiger?' The woman hesitates way to much on that word for you to be comfortable >yes. But i am a little new here, i feel like i want to know why i am being summoned here 'all will be explained to you. But first i must be certain of one thing. Have you been introduced to the concept of the new law?' >i have not. You must understand I've not seen any of us since 1945. I met Natalya only a few days ago, and all of you tonight 'no one is blaming you. It's rather simple. You cannot breathe a word to any human about your connection to your tank' >jagdpanzer 'hmpf, fair enough. So, Lily Erika... Nibelung. Does any human know what you are?' >No. i have not told anyone. And i am certain no one is on to me either She lied to everyone. Then again, god know's what would happen if she told them the truth 'Good. Remember to keep mouth shut until the end of your days, even unto death, because if it slips, they can start to understand... the rights they have over us, and it will make our lives much worse. I hope you understand' >i understand 'good' the old woman replies 'but now that we have all been sworn into this, it seems like one of us is going to have to break it' there is a gasp and nervous chatter 'it is my understanding that the humans have severely, and i do mean SEVERELY, underestimated out foes sheer numbers. We are talking numbers in the 20 000 region, for class 3 and up, maybe a few thousand for class 4 and up' several thousand class 4s? what the fuck? the briefing counted them in their hundreds or something like that. The radio chirpers to life and the woman goes on 'all of us are safe against class 3 frontally, and some of us even class 4. It seems today even class 5 frontally. This wont matter if their numbers are like this, we are likely all to get killed, with out crews. I am aware many of you are ill-treated or even forced out of your tank, but we can all agree that this is something we don't want' Lots of background noise, they seem to agree 'Here is the situation. There are a significant number of newer vehicles in storage not too far from here. Mostly Sheridans it seems. They are fixing up as many tanks they can, and be ready to fight with us Careful cheeing 'But you all know they cant leave unless their commander has told them to. Technically, if we were to send a "representative" there, we could get the to fight for us, but that means we have to explain everything to a human that can help us' complete silence >i'm sorry anon.. >suppose i lied to you! >suppose for a second that I lied. Suppose for a second that I have told one man what I really am. Also suppose I have not mentioned any terms in our... "relationship". Suppose I trust him with my life 'it appears Ms. Nibelung has spared one of us the pain of betrayal by doing it herself' >no. He is different. He has asked nothing of me that I did not wish to answer. He has treasured me, even after going trough the hundred problems he faced bringing me back from seven decades of sleep. I told him who I was within 15 minutes of seeing him because I was scared of being left alone, and he has not once given me a reason to regret it. I'm sure Ms. Chelyabinsk can support me in my claim that he is the only one who knows 'does she speak the truth?' ¤ Yes she does, I swear it 'you must understand the consequences if he lies to you. To all of us' >I understand. He will not 'Does anyone object to miss Nibelungs proposal, or have a better idea?' 'you want me to put faith in a Nibelung because a commie says she trusts her?' That voice was new, someone from the crowd perhaps 'I find it admirable' the woman says 'that miss Chelyabinsk has befriended her after the history their families have' ¤ it is true our past is strained with blood, but we could both be the last of our name. We are in this war together now 'yeah, but it's still a commie and a nazi. I don't trust them' That voice again 'ideologies aside, do you have a better idea?' There was irritation in the woman's voice this time 'well then, Lily Erika. It seems we have to trust you. Let's meet this man of yours now, shall we?' >now? 'yes, there is not much time left' The woman punctuates "yes" a lot 'do you know where he is now?' >sure, he's sleeping in the Jagdpanzer Oh shit, they are on their way. However, your entire career of working in a garage and not getting blame for when shit gets broken has taught you one thing very well: feigning ignorance. You can deny knowing almost anything, and this is through hard earned experience Sadly, the mic stops transmitting at this point. Due to power loss, it falling of or getting broken, you don't know. This does however give you a few short minutes to put on your tired-face. You are very good at this as well. You have made up a plan. Act tired, but helpful. A reluctant hero of sorts. You are completely alone in the vehicle, the rest of the crew found some tents with soft stuff you could sleep on. damn heretics. This does however mean that the Jagdtigers massive fighting compartment is (with some modifications and the gun at the maximum 7.5 degrees of depression) large enough to "lie down" in. Very comfy You actually lucked the hatch, but that proved futile since Lily can open it anyway >anon, are you awake? "..." >anon, wake up! "augh, what is it Lily, its the middle of the night" >anon, i have to speak with you, we- uhh, i need your help" "augh, alright i'm coming" You exit the vehicle through the rear door, and do a very good tired-face. Next to lily a tall woman is standing, looking like she is in her mid 40s "uhh, hello?" The woman is dressed in what looks like a half way point between a uniform and a civilian jacket. Very practical looking, but still somehow elegant. Slight contrast to what Lily is wearing, that is clearly a uniform, but not very practical at all. 'you are Anon, correct?' "sure... um. but it's kinda the middle of the night, and it seems we are going to have a very long day in front of us, so-" 'yes. It's going to be a very long day ahead of us. For you, it might even start now' Dammit, i'm not getting any sleep at all? "aww come on, aren't there mechanics you can pick on in this hour?" 'Anon, the situation we face is much more severe than what was explained in the briefing room, and right now it seems... you might be the only one we can trust.' "who's "we"? i mean this is a joint operation, right? all bases getting along, bit of support from the army, or am i missing something?" 'me, Lily and so on. I believe you met the russian girl, Natalya aswell?' "yeah, i did, she's the driver of the IS-3 unless i'm not mistaken. You are a tank crewma err.. woman too?" >please stop now. I hate to see anon lying. "huh?" >Its fine anon, i've told that you know about me, she just wanted to make sure you wouldn't tell anyone else. It's important to us that as few ass possible know this 'i'm sorry about that, but she speaks the truth' "can you just tell me what's going on?" 'we need your help anon, and while i don't trust you yet, Lily seems to do so very much' 'so, please. could you follow us?" >right, but uhh, what do you actually need my help for? i mean if you... sort of are tanks why do you need my help for? 'It does appear Lily hasn't told you very much. we're not tanks. Well, not literally at least but rather... bound to them. like care takers, or protectors' She's buying every last bit of it. Fucking hell, you're good at this "soo, you are bound to what tank, or is that a tank-boo to ask?" You are very happy with your pun. Suddenly, a pair of headlights blind you and completely ruins you sight in this darkness. Lily jumps over to you, and somewhat strangely embraces you. Only a few seconds later you realize she is standing between you and a very large cannon. As soon as she realizes it was never meant as a proper threat, she gets angry and shouts at the woman >don't ever do that again, you scared me! You whisper a few words to Lily as a sign of gratitude and to calm her down. These small words did however have quite an effect on her "I never knew the Conqueror had a smoothbore gun" 'how attentive of you, that is a Rheinmetall 120mm L/44. Only the T30 punces harder here, and that is a 6 icnher' >Let me remind you that even with the 8500 dollar M829A3 you still don't get as much muzzle energy as the PaK44. And no explosive filler. Besides, i'm fairly sure you don't have any A3s. A1 maybe? heh. Talk shit, get hit. Anyway, let's steer this discussion somewhere else "you have a name?" 'oh, yes. I'm Helen" There is some more chatter as you walk up the hill. Just as you see a hint of the orange light of a fire, Helen stops you 'i hate to do this, but would you mind awfully handing your sidearm over?' "i would have considered it, if you didn't point the tank gun at me. now though, i'll keep it, thank you" 'this is supposed to be peaceful meeting, where we can help each other.' "listen here, it sounds like you need my help a lot more than i need yours, but i'll help you, if i can. And as long as nobody points a gun, or a cannon at me, or i otherwise feel my life is in immediate danger, my pistol wont be a problem anyway. can we just go now?" She sighs and leads you over the ridge. That really as a bonfire, and that is a lot of girls. You have probably been more uncomfortable than you are right now, in your life, but you really can't remember when. It's not helped by the fact each and ever one of them is staring at you. What do you even say now? Actually, you know nothing, so you should shut your mouth. Lily is by your side, very close. She has most likely sees how uncomfortable you are here, and tries to help you a bit. You sit down, still with all eyes pointed at you. Helen begins to speak 'so...' Many things are explained, questioned, explained again, reevaluated and thought over. But just before the operation begins, you have one last point "lets assume everything works, i do everything , and get back here. How can i know you wont just kill after that?" 'what do you mean?' Helen looks genuinely surprised "come on now, i wasn't kicked in the head as a child. Many of you don't like me, because i know something you don't want me to know. And for reasons still not clear to me, it is apparently horrible if more humans know about it, and no matter how much i say i respect that, i'm guessing most of you still won't trust me. I can't really do anything about that, trust is built up over a long time, not something that happens over night. So say i help you with everything, do i have any sort of guarantee you won't kill me and leave me in a ditch when i get back? Because it looks like that from my point of view, and honestly, it will solve all your problems. Well, apart from having TD without a commander, but i'm sure there are many out there who wants that seat. What's in it for me so to say" 'oh' Silence. You should have shut your big mouth, because they genuinely seem surprised by something like this. Mutiny isn't tank buisniess it seems. And now you just gave them an idea. Way to go, you fucking retard. Lily whispers to you >as long as i am here, they won't do that to you. ever She clings to your arm quiet forcefully 'umm, Lily, could you come here for a second?' They are whispering, and appear to be a combination of concerned and confused. After a few minutes, Helen approaches you 'we can't' "what?" 'this is the damn point, if i tell you one thing, i have to tell another. We cant kill you' "alright, lets go"