he first thing you see when you wake up are those hazel colored eyes. You didn't even look at her mouth, because she was somehow able to smile with her entire face, and right now, even with just her eyes
 
"good morning Lily"
>you know what? i can't think of anything we have to do today
"this is a war, surely there has to be something that has to be fixed, somewhere"
>well, if we go looking for problems, we are going to find them
"maybe that is what we should do?"
>maybe should should spend all day with me instead?
"i spend pretty much every day with you"
 
She looks unhappy again
 
>augh, you're worried again, and this the kind of worried i can't fix with being warm and soft, so i have to use my head instead. Something troubles you
"you kinda did say there was a way we could help Grey, and like, err... disconnect her
 
Lily face starts doing a roller coaster of expressions, going through "deeply hurt" though "offended" and then back to normal again
 
>okay, i'm not going to punch you because i never actually told you what it was, but thing is, but thing is, we can't do anything to help her, and especially not you. The process would take like ten times longer than what she actually has left to live. Besides, i've only ever heard of a handful of times this has actually worked. Besides, it's not really a "disconnection" but rather to something else. And don't take this as if i don't want to help her, because i do, i'd hate to see one of my own die, especially if i could do anything to prevent it, but thing is, if the doctors can't save her, no one will
"i understand. So if something like this was to happen to you, i would be unable to do anything"
>how about you make sure you don't get shot at in the first case
"yeah, i wouldn't want you to get hurt or anything"
 
>all this serious talk has made me hungry, shall we?
"sure"
 
Lily has asked asked you do more things for her lately. She takes up a lot of your time now, wants you to help her get dressed, get her food, carry her. Does this has something to do with the maintenance of the Jagdtiger? Interesting thought. Anyway, you have no issues helping her get into her clothes, as long as she isn't bitching about it, and she is just as thankful for all attention you give her as always, t(h)anking you with a kiss on the cheek and a big smile.
 
>should we pick up Grey aswell?
 
Lily firmly grabs your hand and you walk out to the infirmary. She is actually skipping. Despite her no-nonsense attitude, she can be incredibly girly at times, and she would probably wear a skirt and thigh-highs if the weather would allow it. But as long as there is other people around, she is wearing her take-no-shit attitude. You get to the infirmary and while Grey doesn't seem happy to see you, it does appear as she isn't going to get disappointed at least. She is even given some clothes, even if they are much to big, it's better than the god awful thing you get dressed up in while in the infirmary. Good thing is that the clothes cover up most of her wounds aswell, making sure people don't stare too much. Lily helps her back to the cafeteria, and with a very smooth move from her side, you are left with the tank of getting food for all three. Bit of a balance act, but it does work.
 
'you two seem happy'
>yep! day off! i don't have to do aaanything at all!
"but maybe i should"
>come on, haven't you ever wanted to just lie in bed all day?
"course i've wanted that, but..."
'the cars'
>huh?
'have you driven them or just stood around and looked them them. Besides, when do we leave?'
"seems to be tomorrow night, and you are right about the cars. We should make sure they are up for the job. Lily?"
>augh...
"you can lie en bed all day if you want to. Alone"
>you're mean to me...
 
The car keys were more difficult to get that first anticipated. The guy working in storage didn't want to give them out without this or the other form, and permits concerning all manner of things. You try convince the man that you have to fix the vehicles, but he still wants you to have a form that says you can have the car keys. Lily had been listening to the whole discussion from outside, and decided to try the oldest trick in the book. First of, show a bit more cleavage, sound a bit stressed and don't forget the light panting.
 
She rushes past you and start speaking to the man
 
>You gotta help me right now, the fucking trucks are moving out and i snapped the key... and i need to fill in the-
'whoa there little one, calm down. What do you need?'
 
Lily bounces a few times, just enough to not making it obvious that she isn't looking for eye contact
 
>i need uhh.... Chemlight batteries, an ID-10-T form and a spare HMMWV key, and i have to go, like now, please hurry mister!
 
Quite impressive acting actually, and he bites the tastefully baited hook, and goes looking for the before-mentioned items. This gives you with just enough time to reach the bog cabinet of car keys, all neatly sorted according to manufacturer and age. But Lily isn't quite done yet, because she gets very upset when the man returns empty handed
 
>So, you got what you need?
"sure do. Which one do you want to drive?
>pffft, i'm not driving. i'm here because i don't want to be alone
 
You realize there is a very serious tone in her voice, and this is not the time to play. You instead wrap your arm around her shoulder and pull her a bit closer
 
"better?"
>yes
 
You walk in silence a while before getting to the cars
 
"Alright, here we have 'em. One... uhh 2000-something Merc E500 estate and one old Volvo. Which one first"
 
>Mercedes
 
You hop in, and In just a few seconds, the cabin is filed with the very sweet noise of a big V8.
 
The car has not been started in a while, and it idles kinda high, so you wait a little for the revs to go down a bit. Then, since this is a Mercedes, just put it in "D" and go. It's a much nicer car than what you had earlier. Its comfy, quiet, powerful and has enough boot space for shillelagh missiles. You want to try out a few things, mainly that the engine works, sounds okay and all temperatures are alright. You check the brakes, and a bit with the chassis to make sure the suspension is in good condition. Even the aftermarket bluetooth stereo works.
 
>so, will it work?
"sure, it feels solid enough, and the missiles are not that heavy, so i don't think the suspension is gonna give in either
 
Lily is looking through the manual, looking through load numbers, tire pressure, engine outputs and various other measurements
 
>It says here, that if one folds the rear seats, you can fit things up to 1850 mm in the back
"uhmm..."
 
Lily mumbles "gottverdamte amerikaner" but quickly returns to her normal voice
 
>... just about 72 inches, or 6 feet, meaning not only me, but you can sleep here if we have to!
"i thought you we're happy about a new bed"
>it' not so much the bed itself, but rather what is in it..
"awfully flirty today, are we?"
>stop it! i can get a bit clingy sometimes... maintenance and all that, you know?
"oh, does the Jagdtiger need attention, or what?
>...not now. But i do
"don't worry. But right now, we have to try out the Volvo aswell.
 
 
No one seems to bother with you and Lily borrowing two cars from the base. Most of these are actually stolen from somewhere else. Or you guess so at least. But now, The old Volvo. It looks bit beaten up, and something is up with the suspension, considering how low to the ground it is. Maybe it's just really worn down. Anyway, it had to be tested for any faults before it could participate in this little operation.
 
They key is turned, and the little 5 cylinder engine comes to life with a surprisingly aggressive tune. And some of the controls are somewhat off. The clutch is not only heavy, bit it bites quite a lot, like almost having a light switch instead of a long-travel pedal. despite its somewhat high power figure, it feels... sluggish as you trundle along inside the barbed wire of the large base. However, you reach some more open roads soon, and the car almost transforms. The sluggishness was all gone when you passed 3000 rpm, and beyond that it really started to kick. And suddenly, the heavy clutch starts to make sense. Its all made to be used hard, like a somewhat masochistic girl, who made more noises, and moved faster the faster you worked. Short throws from the gear stick, hand on the clutch, and hard on the throttle. For the first time in a long. long while, you had fun driving. And unlike last time you drove like this and had a girl riding shotgun Lily wasn't shrieking and shouting. Because she trusts you. Or maybe she likes to driven around? or does she just want to be with you. It makes you happy either way. After almost an hour of testing, feeling and trying things out, you have increased your pace from "slow testing" to "full attack". The days are short now, and it's not long until the sun hangs low over the horizon, effectively ending all the fun.
 
"you wanna have a go?"
>i uhh...
"never driven stick, or what?"
>the Jagdpanzer had a manual transmission
 
She also mumbles something a bit german sounding after that
 
"so, no problem then?"
>i've... never driven anything without tracks
"Come on Lily, you're not retarded and you can drive a damn Jagdtiger without even being inside it. Then again, the clutch and gearbox in this can take a little getting used to. Anyway, i'm not gonna force you to do anything you don't want to do"
>i'd rather not drive right now. could you drive me home?
"sure. let's go home"
 
You head home, and this time at a much calmer pace. Lily is a bit tired, and rests he feet on the dashboard. You get a little bit nervous as she does that, knowing what the airbag will do to her legs and hips if it was to go off. You eyes wander off to her legs. Sadly, you cant see them because of her damn jeans she's wearing, and it's not gonna get warmer anytime soon. But that is a problem for another day. Right now, it's just to get home, and some food. And maybe adjust the brakes a bit, if you have the time. But for now, check on Grey and give her some food.
 
It's strange, no matter how many years that go by, you are always going to be surprised that one day of the year when you watch the sun sets, and its only 6 PM. Winter soon, and cold and snow...
 
"Lily?"
>mhm
"Is the Jagdtiger going to be fine in the winter? with like, snow and cold and all that"
>well, the machine was built in October 1944, and got captured in march, just six months later, so it was really only around in winter. And while that winter wasn't as bad as the ones in '39, '40 and '41, it was still cold
"soo...?"
>as long as it it very cold, and not very humid, it's fine. Track pressure isn't actually that high, but really deep snow should be avoided. When it gets closer to the freezing point, it gets tricky. The sno gets heavy wand went, and if it gets between the roadwheels and freezes, it's going to take a lot of time to get going again. Actually, winter isn't that bad, but in the spring, and all the mud. I still have nightmares about west German mud. Its thick, sticky and it just jams all the wheels and is generally a mess
 
She turns to you for the first time during this conversation
 
>but, if the commander is skilled, he is going to avoid putting the vehicle in such a situation
"don't like mud much i guess?
>not at all. But you just take care of me, and i'll help you out, alright?
"sounds good to me.But for now, lets get Grey some food
 
The car is left in one of the vehicle halls, and you are surprisingly reluctant to let it go. Strange as it may sound, it was a very fun machine to drive.
 
Is Lily going to be jealous if i say that out loud? Better not take any chances. She soon speaks up
 
>So, let's get Grey and then head for food? Nat is there, and she has some news
"Nat huh? you are on nickname terms now?"
>don't say that!
"why not? it even seems like a big thing among you guys. i think its cute, really"
>DON'T CALL ME THAT... at least not when there are other people around
 
"alright, alright" you say as you shove to door to the infirmary open "you still are though"
 
 
Lily prepares to start another verbal assault, but you interrupt her by speaking to one of the doctors. Grey's condition is described as "stable". Stable doesn't actually mean anything other than "not going to die today at least". She does look a little pleased to see you. Once again you and Lily help her to some clothes. She looks even more host-like now. Completely robed of all color. Hair, grey. Eyes, grey and falling apart. Very scary looking actually. Skin pale, without most of the normal normal skin color. She is obviously in pain, but tries her best to not make it obvious. But, in this case, its as futile as painting a Fleet carrier with camouflage paint. But Grey was determined to do it anyway, and she even wanted to walk on her own. But once again, Lily supports her and you slowly make your way to get some food. Somehow, they slide in at the table with the two other collaborators, leaving you to once again get three trays of food and drink. But if this is what a man must do to ride a tank, you could get used to it. When you return, it really looks like they are cooking up something, lowered heads, hushed voices, and peeking over small black notebooks. Strangely, Natalya is first to notice you
 
¤ Anon! come sit with us! I got the radio working again, and i have learned a lot of interesting things, come let me tell you!
A lot of things are discussed, how the west coast now is more fucked that a Thai whore the day the navy left, how the navy has gotten interested in the idea with steel for armor, and the possible implementation of a "sixteen inch hollow point". Production of the "T-12" for usage from large aircraft, whatever a "T-12" is. The army has already started a design study of a new steel armored tank in the 55-ton weight class, and is to be rushed in production. You also got informed how you are soon going to get supplied 128 mm rounds by the army, as long as you promise to "do thorough testing on various different types of large caliber ammunition and their efficiency against extra-terrestrial threats". That was the government way of saying "fuck shit up and tell us what works best".
 
A plan for tomorrow is shaped as well. You check fuel consumption, speeds, checkpoints, radio usage and such things. Everything is to be prepared tonight. Cars loaded up and prepared, and you will leave as soon as the sun sets tomorrow. So, a proper nights of sleep is in order now, even if you are going to need some energy drinks, and possibly drug laced chocolate to keep going through the night. It would be exiting at any rate. After a few hours, and several pages filled in some notebooks, you head to sleep. Or well, drop of Grey and get another round of shit from the doctors first. Once again they are not very happy with carrying away their burn victims, and they are very interested in Grey because of her recent cosmetic changes. Suddenly turning grey was something new to the doctors, and they thought they had an alien flu or something, when she was really just without a tank. But you can't tell them that, and you don't think you can help Grey either.
 
An hour later, you and Lily are both washed and lying under a thick army blanket. You have usually never liked silences. They always turned awkward. But here, next to Lily, it just felt comfortable
 
You were both comfortable with the silence because nothing else really had to be said. So many times, for the last few months you both had fallen asleep like this. But tonight...
 
>it needs a name.
"huh?"
>the Jagdpanzer
"but you-"
>not me silly, the machine. See, all other ones have names. And just "331" and a black cross on the side looks kinda...off
"just grab a spray can and write something on it? like that movie?"
>yeah, like that movie
"know what to call it?"
>maybe not a name. But i know what to write on it, yes. I don't think the others will like it, but... i still have pride, and some reputation to uphold.
"great. I'll help you if you need me"
>no. i'll take care of it. Good night Anon
"good night Lily"
 
A new day dawns, and for the first time in quite a while, you are not awoken by a little drooling on your shoulder the warmth of her body against yours, or her bouncing up and down next to you because she wants you to get up. Today you wake up alone, and it feels really lonely, since you have gotten so used to the nightly company by now. But this allows for you getting up and dressed within 3 minutes. Lonely? yes, but very efficient. You don't even bother with a Panzerwaffe meal, but rather just head out to the Jagdtiger. The old, flaking paint still remains on the vehicle, but is carved out in two places. First, a 2x3" rectangle on the top of the side superstructure is cleared of pain, showing the silver-grey metal underneath. At the very top, close to the roof, a large black-and white balkenkreuz is painted, with the number "331" underneath
 
Under that, a little above the mudguards, a large ten-letter word is written. Lily stands a little back and proudly examines her work
 
"what does it say? i mean it's not english"
>oh hey Anon. It says "Vergeltung"
"and what does that mean?"
 
She turns her head back towards the vehicle and exhales heavily
 
 
>revenge. It means revenge
Revenge... Vergeltung...
 
"Hang on now, i recognize that word i think, wasn't that those missiles that were sent towards london?"
>Vergeltungswaffe? Yes, it literally means "retaliatory weapon"
"sure you want this thing to be associated with what was, well pretty much terror weapons"
>...as a terror weapon, they were pretty bad honestly. Compared to the stuff Boeing was making-"
 
She starts shuddering
 
"whoa, are you okay?"
>s-sorry. But the sound 5 millions horsepower makes with the sole purpose of killing an entire city, there is no hiding. You cant hide from all those bombs. And there is no god left to pray to. i was so sca-
 
This girl is going to turn you into a wehraboo...
But you are lift with no option to embrace her
 
"shhh, none of that is going to happen now. There are no more fortresses in the sky, and no thunderbolts or bad weather will strike from a clear sky"
 
She remain quiet, and slowly turns your shirt wet with her eyes.
 
"Right. Revenge. But this time, for all of earth, alright?"
>one round at a time...
"okay, but for now, i'll help you do the painting, because you are a lot better with a Machine pistol than you are with a brush
 
She lets out a little laugh through her tears
 
>no one is perfect, mister talk in your sleep
 
You decide not to mention her drooling, and get yourself a paintbrush and give each litter a half-inch black outline. It takes some time, not only because of all that has to be painted, but because the parts on top had to be painted upside down, while hanging down from the vehicle.
Several hours later, you complete your work with the Unit insignia of the "six-fifty-third heavy tankhunter Battalion". Those words had some serious weight behind them, regardless if it is spoken in German or English. It sounded powerful.
 
You jump down and inspect your work. It looks a little ragged because the old paint id in bad condition. The silver-grey places where the pain was chipped off almost look like wounds, with the writing filling them in
What the new paint does achieve is making the vehicle even more menacing. Not as if it was lacking presence, but this makes it even better.
 
Lily is sitting on a rock next to the vehicle and emptying a small water bottle. Painting is hard work, apparently.
 
>are we going in to get some food now?
 
this damn cafeteria...
 
"nah, stay here, i'll fix you something"
 
Fuck it, today was the time for a bit of innawoods lunch. Well, it's not actually in a forest, but you were keen to give her something else to eat. That factory Nibelung-something was in austria. While your knowledge of the surrounding world maybe isn't the best, you find two cans of food in one of the storage boxes, and get the field kitchen out.
 
"i'm making you lunch today, just the two of us"
>aww, aren't you the romantic one?
"well, this is still just two tin cans, and we have neither a table nor chairs, but-"
>less talking and more cooking. please?
 
You had removed the labels on the cans before you started heating them, to try to make the contents inside a secret for the time being. You have poked a few holes in the top of the cans, just enough for you to stir around a bit with a spoon
 
"yeah, all done now. Remember to wrap it in, because the can is hot as hell"
>still no telling me what it is?
"well, the Niebelungenwerke (you nailed the pronunciation because you spend five minutes on google translate earlier) was in Austria, right?
>...yes?
"so i made you some Goulash"
 
Lily smiles a warm deep smile and starts laughing
 
 
>dummkopf...
"have i done something wrong?"
>Goulash is Hungarian, silly
 
Fuck
 
"i, erm-"
>don't worry, i like Goulash, but it kinda needs some seasoning
 
She smiles to let you know she is honest, and you both dig in and eat with great appetite. But you cant waste all day talking on the cold gravel, the cars have to be prepared.
First off, fuel. For the Mercedes, it has a just over 20 gallon fuel tank. Given specifications is almost 35 miles per gallon. But those figures are usually for an unloaded car. So, you have to count as low as 25. and you have to count on at least 600 something miles. But you have to count on 700 for redundancy. Some quick maths gives you 28 gallons. One full jerry can contains just over 5 gallons. So, a full internal tank and an additional two jerry cans should be more than enough.
 
The Volvo is a bit easier on the fuel, but god knows what has been done to that engine. But still, another 10 gallons in jerry cans are carried along
 
Lilly happily tells you about how the jerry can is the best fuel container ever. How the slanted filer cap makes it easier to fill it up and fill up other tanks, how the three handles makes it easier to carry it, regardless if it is full or empty, how the cross shaped cutout makes it stronger without increasing weight. She's so proud of it she even forgets to carry them. Funny how that works.
 
You even have enough time to install a pair of extra headlights on the Volvo because the one it had now were very bad. Maybe not the prettiest installation ever but it works. You once again get reminded why you decided to be a mechanic to begin with. Because this is fun. After some time, the old car starts to speak with you. What it needs, and how you can help it. And it's almost like IT told you to install some rubber mudguards because you might have to drive on dirt roads. That is however a very easy thing to install, merely needing some zip-ties and a bit of rubber to fix. You have spent a few hours in the garage now, you working with the cars and Lily mostly keeping you company and passing you the odd tool. Somehow it felt like this was something you have been doing for half your life. It just felt... right
 
>hey, sun is about to set, time to gather up the gang?
"yeah, i'm all set"
 
She extends her hand towards you
 
>come!
 
She really does like physical contact, and doesn't really go anywhere no without being carried or holding your hand. Once again, you don't really mind. Her hands are small and soft, yet surprisingly powerful
 
>are going to bring that russian gun tonight?
 
She refers to that old AK with a milled receiver you've had for a while now. It has had a folding stock , most likely fitted somewhat recently, since it is in much better condition than the front handguard which consists of a wooden lower bit, and a dark painted ventilated steel bit on top.
 
"i'm not sure. It can be a bit hard to conceal it if we are stopped"
>nevermind the guided missiles we have on board If we get stopped, we're fucked anyway, just make sure you cant see the gun from outside and we're golden.
"suppose you're right, yeah"
 
Your AK is inside the vehicle, where the ammunition should have been, if you had any. You open it up a quickie, just checking it looks alright, jerk the bolt back and forth a few times, just to see that everything is alright. It is. You want to dress as civilian as possible, so all mags apart from the one loaded into the gun. The M9 is placed in its holster, and you feel its time to get the others. Lily is already outside, playing around with the MP.
 
"let's check in on Miranda, shall we?"
>alright!
 
Miranda is ready to go, and this is the first time you have ever seen her with a weapon in her hands. It's one of those kinda space age looking 9mm carbines, a Baretta CX4. Not much of a weapon maybe, but its a light gun, and Miranda isn't very big.
 
In silence you walk towards the IS-3. But about two vehicles away from it you hear screaming. Angry, drunken screaming.
 
'and where do you think you are going, you fucking whore?'
¤ l-leave me alone
'i asked you a fucking question, answer me bitch!'
¤ i said le-
 
Natalya coughs and whimpers.
 
>did he just kick her? yes he fucking did
 
Lily moves the charging handle to the ready position
 
    "calm the fuck down, you can't shoot him here"
    >we have to help her dammit!
    "by killing her crew? great idea!
 
    Actually those three guys are a waste of blood and organs, but this is one of those problems you cant solve with gunfire, at least not here
 
    >fuck it, i'll distract them, you get in behind
 
    You manage to get a hold of her arms as she is about to get up
 
    "normally, i would trust your skills as an actress, but you are fueled by nothing but rage now. You go around and for the love of god, only shoot him if he tries to do anything to you. Mini, you follow her.
 
    Lily looks very angry, bust she listens to you.and drags Miranda along with her, sneaking around the scene as best the can. You swivel the AK to your back, trying to avoid conflict as much as possible.
 
    'you know what, i've had fucking enough of you, you fucking slut. thinking you're all great huh? this is my fucking tank, i worked on it for a god damn week and i could fix the problem, and you just fucking poke it, and it starts. I'm starting to think you're a fucking witch'
 
    Shit. This is about to go too far. You try to approach the situation as casually as possible, just as if you were out on a walk
 
    'maybe there is fucking magic inside of you, witch? maybe i have to get in to see for myself?'
 
    He takes up a very large knife, and pins her to the ground with it. missing her flesh with less than an inch. this tell you Lily is not in position, because if she was, that man would have his entire back riddled with 9mm holes
 
    'so where do we go in first, witch? here?'
 
    He puncher her hard in the stomach and she is struggling to breathe
 
    'or down here? i bet you will-'
 
    And at that point you couldn't sit idle here anymore
 
    "hey, i heard some noises and... wait, whats going on here?"
 
    You are presented with a .45 pistol pointed towards your face
 
    'Why the fuck are you here, trying to take my bitch away from me? why don't you go back to fucking your little nazi whore? Or i am goi-'
 
This is as far as the man gets before he is hit with full force from a track tension tool. In this case, it's a large, 3" long metal rod. It is much heavier than a baseball bat, meaning it is pretty much useless as a weapon, unless the opponent is unaware. Like having his back turned towards the thread for instance. The force of the impact throws him of balance and sends him flying to the ground. Before anyone has had a chance to intervene, the man's head is hit once again, this time while being supported from the ground, leaving it nowhere to go. It is instead squashed by the force of the tool. Miranda manages to prevent a third swing by gripping the tool when it is way behind her back.
 
+y-you have to stop now, they can hear you!
 
Lily returns to her senses and rushes over to Natalya. Question is how badly she is hurt. She chokes, coughs and wheezes, but stands up, but still holding her left arm around her stomach. Her breathing is heavy and pained.
 
"are you-"
¤ i am fine. I can stand on my own legs
 
Her voice is very determined, almost angry. She looks over to her commander, who's head is a gushy mess, and then to Lily with a bloody iron bar in her hands
 
¤ my commander is... dead. By the hand of a Nibelung. Like it was always mean to be, no?
>N-natalya, i was only trying to-
 
Natalya goes up to Lily and does something very surprising. Lily is blushing like mad, and with her eyes wide open, looking a bit scared. Or even scarred
 
¤ only two left now, Nibelung.
"whoa, are you sure about this?
¤ They are supposed to protect me. Instead, the hurt me and damage the machine, so much so, that the commander of a german vehicle has taken pity on me. They are both inside the vehicle, passed out from drinking. But i cannot harm them. Lily, you are not only capable, but made to do that.
 
Lily nods, and climbs inside the IS-3, and slams the hatch closed after her. Tho muffled shots are heard, and she climbs out a few seconds later.
 
Her eyes are different now