MuvLuv Alternative Schwarzesmarken:Volume 1 Chapter1 - Revision history

Cthaeh bot: changing file names

2015-10-21T23:25:34Z

changing file names

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	[[Image: ~~Img3~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-3.png\|250px\|thumb]]
	'''+++1110 hours'''		'''+++1110 hours'''

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	Walter's sudden shout interrupted his thoughts and made everyone check their radars.		Walter's sudden shout interrupted his thoughts and made everyone check their radars.

	[[Image: ~~Img4~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-4.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	The monsters were indeed heading west. Most of them were tank-class BETA, with a few warriors and grapplers scattered about. The distinct shapes of the laser-class targets were nowhere in sight, though according to intelligence reports, they would be at the back of the horde.		The monsters were indeed heading west. Most of them were tank-class BETA, with a few warriors and grapplers scattered about. The distinct shapes of the laser-class targets were nowhere in sight, though according to intelligence reports, they would be at the back of the horde.
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	"Here they come!.."		"Here they come!.."

	[[Image: ~~Img5~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-5.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	" Draw them towards us - fire and retreat!"		" Draw them towards us - fire and retreat!"
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	"We knew, Marai."		"We knew, Marai."

	[[Image: ~~Img6~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-6.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	"M-major?! " Marai, startled, turned around and saw Major Hannibal Hölzer, commander of the special composite air group 'Hannibal', based in Cottbus<ref group="1A"> Note: groups (or wings – depending on the country) are usually led by a more senior-ranking officer, Colonel or even Brigadier General for bigger units; however the NVA’s equivalent (Jagdfliegergeschwader) were frequently commanded by officers holding the rank of Major or even Hauptmann (captain). </ref> . Right now three of its squadrons were in combat, along with the 666th, which ordinarily had been a unit under the direct command of Eastern HQ, in reserve until recently, then transferred to the Oder-Neisse defence line and temporarily attached to the special task force. Marai was also a pilot herself, but was temporarily serving as a staff officer on Cottbus base. She would be commanding a unit on the front lines right now, but her MiG-21's maintenance was falling behind schedule, and she had to switch to staff functions.		"M-major?! " Marai, startled, turned around and saw Major Hannibal Hölzer, commander of the special composite air group 'Hannibal', based in Cottbus<ref group="1A"> Note: groups (or wings – depending on the country) are usually led by a more senior-ranking officer, Colonel or even Brigadier General for bigger units; however the NVA’s equivalent (Jagdfliegergeschwader) were frequently commanded by officers holding the rank of Major or even Hauptmann (captain). </ref> . Right now three of its squadrons were in combat, along with the 666th, which ordinarily had been a unit under the direct command of Eastern HQ, in reserve until recently, then transferred to the Oder-Neisse defence line and temporarily attached to the special task force. Marai was also a pilot herself, but was temporarily serving as a staff officer on Cottbus base. She would be commanding a unit on the front lines right now, but her MiG-21's maintenance was falling behind schedule, and she had to switch to staff functions.
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	"Of course, even now we're already losing two squadrons..."		"Of course, even now we're already losing two squadrons..."

	[[Image: ~~Img7~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-7.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	Marai could only pray for a successful hunt - otherwise, the only result of this accumulation of casualties would be a complete defeat.		Marai could only pray for a successful hunt - otherwise, the only result of this accumulation of casualties would be a complete defeat.
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	This time almost no one laughed, but it was a fact that this short exchange did relieve some of the tension after the incident with Annette.		This time almost no one laughed, but it was a fact that this short exchange did relieve some of the tension after the incident with Annette.

	[[Image: ~~Img8~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-8.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	" Canister shot, two volleys! Feuer!!" finally came the captain's order.		" Canister shot, two volleys! Feuer!!" finally came the captain's order.
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	" Bastard!!.."		" Bastard!!.."

	[[Image: ~~Img9~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-9.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	He glanced at the system monitors - it looked like the pressure on the left elbow joint had spiked beyond critical. Not even waiting for the machine to recover from the blast, he changed his posture, anticipating the movements of the grappler, whose left arm was still functional. In the next moment, with another triumphant cry, he dashed forward, slicing clean through the beast's other joint - his blade rent the membranous skin, and the beast's arm was cut off, flailing feebly.		He glanced at the system monitors - it looked like the pressure on the left elbow joint had spiked beyond critical. Not even waiting for the machine to recover from the blast, he changed his posture, anticipating the movements of the grappler, whose left arm was still functional. In the next moment, with another triumphant cry, he dashed forward, slicing clean through the beast's other joint - his blade rent the membranous skin, and the beast's arm was cut off, flailing feebly.
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	The thought that at this point Annette was accumulating a lot of fatigue and stress didn’t leave her mind. The time granted to her was clearly coming to an end, and soon she would be sent back to the base to recover her mental stability. Cases of shellshock were common on this terrible field of battle. What awaited those whose mind broke was a stay in a special military hospital – which, in this country, was little different from a labour camp, where they would meet their end as a human being. The current administration of the DDR did not even want to admit the existence of soldiers whose spirit was broken.		The thought that at this point Annette was accumulating a lot of fatigue and stress didn’t leave her mind. The time granted to her was clearly coming to an end, and soon she would be sent back to the base to recover her mental stability. Cases of shellshock were common on this terrible field of battle. What awaited those whose mind broke was a stay in a special military hospital – which, in this country, was little different from a labour camp, where they would meet their end as a human being. The current administration of the DDR did not even want to admit the existence of soldiers whose spirit was broken.

	[[Image: ~~Img10~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-10.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	''But then if this war ends, and she survives, maybe there’ll be time for her to recover… so I have to keep trying, for her sake!.. ''		''But then if this war ends, and she survives, maybe there’ll be time for her to recover… so I have to keep trying, for her sake!.. ''
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	"Nothing can be done."		"Nothing can be done."

	[[Image: ~~Img11~~.~~png~~ \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 84-85.jpg\|250px\|thumb]]

	" …But—"		" …But—"
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	" Why didn’t you back up Annette during the previous operation? You understood the state she was in. Walter should’ve warned you to watch her, as well."		" Why didn’t you back up Annette during the previous operation? You understood the state she was in. Walter should’ve warned you to watch her, as well."

	[[Image: ~~Img12~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-12.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	" …I realise my responsibility."		" …I realise my responsibility."
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	He got out himself, and standing on the palm of the right hand of his MiG, approached the Phantom’s chest console, inputted the standardised emergency unlocking sequence, and the hatch opened. Several seconds later, the control unit slid forward with a heavy metallic sound.		He got out himself, and standing on the palm of the right hand of his MiG, approached the Phantom’s chest console, inputted the standardised emergency unlocking sequence, and the hatch opened. Several seconds later, the control unit slid forward with a heavy metallic sound.

	[[Image: ~~Img13~~.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image:MuvSch v1 ch1-13.png\|250px\|thumb]]

	Theodore’s heart was pounding, - the grim picture from less than an hour before was still too fresh in his mind.		Theodore’s heart was pounding, - the grim picture from less than an hour before was still too fresh in his mind.

Remotemine: /* Chapter 1 */

2013-06-23T04:16:38Z

Chapter 1

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:16, 23 June 2013
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	Theodore looked around to confirm the position of the captain’s machine – and almost gasped in surprise. Her element stayed in the rear, evidently setting up a firing position.		Theodore looked around to confirm the position of the captain’s machine – and almost gasped in surprise. Her element stayed in the rear, evidently setting up a firing position.

	" Me and Walter will deal with the ones coming from three o’clock – you get all the speed you can ~~form~~ those engines and get to the Lux!"		" Me and Walter will deal with the ones coming from three o’clock – you get all the speed you can from those engines and get to the Lux!"

	''Her, in the rear guard? The commander?!.. ''		''Her, in the rear guard? The commander?!.. ''

Alexpte at 21:30, 9 September 2012

2012-09-09T21:30:38Z

LoliDragon at 13:09, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T13:09:22Z

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	''Not worthy of calling yourself an Eishi'' – these words were something Theodore couldn’t bear hearing from traitorous scum like her. He lost his composure, and didn’t even hear the rest of what she said.		''Not worthy of calling yourself an Eishi'' – these words were something Theodore couldn’t bear hearing from traitorous scum like her. He lost his composure, and didn’t even hear the rest of what she said.

	"Not worthy..?! "– his voice was rising, shaking with anger. – And you..! You call yourself worthy, then?!		"Not worthy..?! "– his voice was rising, shaking with anger.

			"And you..! You call yourself worthy, then?!"

	Those words that drew out his guilty conscience were the spark that ignited all of the fury boiling up in his heart, and his rage finally spilled over.		Those words that drew out his guilty conscience were the spark that ignited all of the fury boiling up in his heart, and his rage finally spilled over.
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	"Yeah! I didn’t care about what’d happen to Annette, big fucking deal! And you’re trying to pin Inghild’s death on me?!"		"Yeah! I didn’t care about what’d happen to Annette, big fucking deal! And you’re trying to pin Inghild’s death on me?!"

	Irisdine was still silent.		Irisdine was still silent.

LoliDragon at 13:05, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T13:05:30Z

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	" Me? Childish?!"		" Me? Childish?!"

	" Yes. You behave like a spoiled brat." Her face and tone were colder than the weather outside, and each of her words stung like an icy dart <ref group="1A"> Note that she uses “kisama” for the duration of this entire passage – to remind you, a derogatory manner of addressing others, but is perfectly appropriate for military subordinates – however, it adds a lot of strength to her lines, and serves to create contrast later. As there is no equivalent in English, I can only use this rather circumlocutory way to express it, and leave the rest to your imagination. </ref>. " Why didn’t you back up Annette during the previous operation? You understood the state she was in. Walter should’ve warned you to watch her, as well."		" Yes. You behave like a spoiled brat."

			Her face and tone were colder than the weather outside, and each of her words stung like an icy dart <ref group="1A"> Note that she uses “kisama” for the duration of this entire passage – to remind you, a derogatory manner of addressing others, but is perfectly appropriate for military subordinates – however, it adds a lot of strength to her lines, and serves to create contrast later. As there is no equivalent in English, I can only use this rather circumlocutory way to express it, and leave the rest to your imagination. </ref>.

			" Why didn’t you back up Annette during the previous operation? You understood the state she was in. Walter should’ve warned you to watch her, as well."

	[[Image: Img12.png \|250px\|thumb]]		[[Image: Img12.png \|250px\|thumb]]
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	" …I realise my responsibility."		" …I realise my responsibility."

	''…and it doesn’t include looking after others'' – he left that part unspoken. He didn’t care what Irisdine thought about it. She, however, turned her piercing gaze towards him, as if finding something she couldn’t allow, and said sternly:		'' …and it doesn’t include looking after others'' – he left that part unspoken. He didn’t care what Irisdine thought about it. She, however, turned her piercing gaze towards him, as if finding something she couldn’t allow, and said sternly:

	" Be honest. You thought it was not necessary to help a pilot affected by shellshock. Or – perhaps you even kept your distance, just in case? Is that it?"		" Be honest. You thought it was not necessary to help a pilot affected by shellshock. Or – perhaps you even kept your distance, just in case? Is that it?"

LoliDragon at 13:00, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T13:00:05Z

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	" Lieutenant Lan! Don’t forget your place!" Gretel shouted, cutting her short. " We’re talking about rescuing a UN troop! There needs to be someone of status on our side, not a second-generation immigrant, lieutenant!"		" Lieutenant Lan! Don’t forget your place!" Gretel shouted, cutting her short. " We’re talking about rescuing a UN troop! There needs to be someone of status on our side, not a second-generation immigrant, lieutenant!"

	Her words were practically dripping with disdain for any and all who immigrated to Germany<ref group="1A"> This is either another historical fallacy, or just Gretel being a bitch and acting out her family name (see translator notes). This would go against the doctrine of internationalism, and would be characterised as social chauvinism, unacceptable in the real-world DDR and all Eastern Bloc countries.		Her words were practically dripping with disdain for any and all who immigrated to Germany<ref group="1A"> This is either another historical fallacy, or just Gretel being a bitch and acting out her family name (see translator notes). This would go against the doctrine of internationalism, and would be characterised as social chauvinism, unacceptable in the real-world DDR and all Eastern Bloc countries.</ref>.
	</ref>.
			" …Don’t worry, I’ll be careful" Irisdine smiled.

			" There are no laser-class left, I’ll be able to simply fly over the BETA."

	~~" …Don’t worry, I’ll be careful" Irisdine smiled. " There are no laser-class left, I’ll be able to simply fly over the BETA."~~
	" …Yes, ma’am, but…" Pham didn’t sound too convinced.		" …Yes, ma’am, but…" Pham didn’t sound too convinced.

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	" You didn’t hear me, lieutenant?" Irisdine said sternly. " Get that ammo, now. We’ll depart as soon as we have it. Schnell!"		" You didn’t hear me, lieutenant?" Irisdine said sternly. " Get that ammo, now. We’ll depart as soon as we have it. Schnell!"

	Theodore, at a loss for words for an instant, managed to squeeze out a half-hearted acknowledgment.		Theodore, at a loss for words for an instant, managed to squeeze out a half-hearted acknowledgment.

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	He pushed the control pedals, increasing the speed of his machine. Below him were once again the shimmering fields of slaughter around the fortifications, covered with human and BETA bodies. Ten minutes of flight remained until their destination.		He pushed the control pedals, increasing the speed of his machine. Below him were once again the shimmering fields of slaughter around the fortifications, covered with human and BETA bodies. Ten minutes of flight remained until their destination.

	~~“Why~~ me?!.. She’d normally take old Walter for this kind of stuff!..”		''Why me?!.. She’d normally take old Walter for this kind of stuff!..''

	Restraining a growl of anger and protest, he glared forward, at Irisdine’s MiG. His heart raced, and for a reason unknown to him he kept on thinking this way, as if something pushed him towards the edge.		Restraining a growl of anger and protest, he glared forward, at Irisdine’s MiG. His heart raced, and for a reason unknown to him he kept on thinking this way, as if something pushed him towards the edge.

LoliDragon at 12:54, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T12:54:35Z

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	"What do you think, Marai?"		"What do you think, Marai?"

	" Sir. Could be a squadron that was engaged in mopping up operations on the Oder, - Marai nodded to the operator, and the projector switched to an image of the former Polish border on the Oder. - When the attack stopped, each army moved a TSF wing to the former border, to confirm that the area was clear and to finish off the stragglers."		" Sir. Could be a squadron that was engaged in mopping up operations on the Oder" - Marai nodded to the operator, and the projector switched to an image of the former Polish border on the Oder.

			"When the attack stopped, each army moved a TSF wing to the former border, to confirm that the area was clear and to finish off the stragglers."

	An area approximately 70 kilometres wide east of the defensive lines practically became the no man’s land in this war. To observe and control it, the NVA, whose ground troops were tied to the defensive lines themselves, deployed the TSFs.		An area approximately 70 kilometres wide east of the defensive lines practically became the no man’s land in this war. To observe and control it, the NVA, whose ground troops were tied to the defensive lines themselves, deployed the TSFs.

LoliDragon at 12:53, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T12:53:18Z

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	"The source is in the former town of Krosno Odrzańskie… I suppose the BETA could’ve reached there. But it’s too far from the UN deployment positions. Could it be one of the retreating TSF squadrons? "		"The source is in the former town of Krosno Odrzańskie… I suppose the BETA could’ve reached there. But it’s too far from the UN deployment positions. Could it be one of the retreating TSF squadrons? "

	" Impossible. We got a confirmation that all units participating in the Laserjagd have crossed the Neisse line, - said Hannibal sharply, turning away from the projector."		" Impossible. We got a confirmation that all units participating in the Laserjagd have crossed the Neisse line" - said Hannibal sharply, turning away from the projector.

	Though the UN and NVA troops were fighting on the same battlefield, for counter-intelligence purposes they did not fully share information, - this was the reason why Hannibal and the others could only wonder what kind of unit was sending a distress signal, and the projector showed nothing except their coordinates. Moreover, the signal was also distorted by the heavy metal clouds, blown away from the main battlefield. There was, in other words, no way to confirm what was happening except direct observation.		Though the UN and NVA troops were fighting on the same battlefield, for counter-intelligence purposes they did not fully share information, - this was the reason why Hannibal and the others could only wonder what kind of unit was sending a distress signal, and the projector showed nothing except their coordinates. Moreover, the signal was also distorted by the heavy metal clouds, blown away from the main battlefield. There was, in other words, no way to confirm what was happening except direct observation.
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	Hannibal was thinking for a few moments, when a voice behind his back said:		Hannibal was thinking for a few moments, when a voice behind his back said:

	- They should be saved, major… This is a unique opportunity to put the UN in our debt. The Party would surely approve.		"They should be saved, major… This is a unique opportunity to put the UN in our debt. The Party would surely approve."

	This quiet voice, previously silent, brought a hush over the control room. Normally, the political officer had no authority to intervene in tactical matters… Marai looked at Hannibal’s stern profile.		This quiet voice, previously silent, brought a hush over the control room. Normally, the political officer had no authority to intervene in tactical matters… Marai looked at Hannibal’s stern profile.

LoliDragon at 12:41, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T12:41:45Z

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	"…I see. Understood, " - Irisdine nodded, bent over Inghild and whispered something in her ear. Then straightened up, took the commander’s pistol from its holster, and pointed it at Inghild’s forehead.		"…I see. Understood, " - Irisdine nodded, bent over Inghild and whispered something in her ear. Then straightened up, took the commander’s pistol from its holster, and pointed it at Inghild’s forehead.

	" All units, attention, " - her voice was clear, without a hint of emotion. – Second lieutenant Inghild Bronikowski has sustained serious injuries, and does not have long left. She will not make it to the base. Therefore, I will grant her mercy.		" All units, attention, " - her voice was clear, without a hint of emotion.

			" Second lieutenant Inghild Bronikowski has sustained serious injuries, and does not have long left. She will not make it to the base. Therefore, I will grant her mercy."

	A coup de grace – the captain would shoot her here, in order to relieve her from her suffering.		A coup de grace – the captain would shoot her here, in order to relieve her from her suffering.

LoliDragon at 12:40, 31 August 2012

2012-08-31T12:40:14Z

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	Inghild was stretched on her seat in the dark cockpit. Her limbs were partly crushed, twisted in the wrong direction, bent at impossible angles. Even the pilot suit was broken, and the damage was particularly severe in the cranial area. Her face was unrecognisable, pulverised from the nose up, and bloody froth was on her lips. Her hair was also bloody – sure sign of a crushed skull… not a picture one could bear to look at for long.		Inghild was stretched on her seat in the dark cockpit. Her limbs were partly crushed, twisted in the wrong direction, bent at impossible angles. Even the pilot suit was broken, and the damage was particularly severe in the cranial area. Her face was unrecognisable, pulverised from the nose up, and bloody froth was on her lips. Her hair was also bloody – sure sign of a crushed skull… not a picture one could bear to look at for long.

	~~“That’s~~ what happens when you get hit by grapplers god knows how many ~~times…”~~ Theodore though, strangely sober. Despite this gruesome sight, he didn’t feel anything – no, rather, he couldn't.		''That’s what happens when you get hit by grapplers god knows how many times…''

			Theodore though, strangely sober. Despite this gruesome sight, he didn’t feel anything – no, rather, he couldn't.

	Ingild’s face, or what was left of it, twisted in a spasm. Every time she took a breath, pink froth bubbled up. Pham took a moment to catch her breath, and gathered her resolve, stepping towards her to ascertain her condition. After a slight pause, she shook her head gently.		Ingild’s face, or what was left of it, twisted in a spasm. Every time she took a breath, pink froth bubbled up. Pham took a moment to catch her breath, and gathered her resolve, stepping towards her to ascertain her condition. After a slight pause, she shook her head gently.
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	A coup de grace – the captain would shoot her here, in order to relieve her from her suffering.		A coup de grace – the captain would shoot her here, in order to relieve her from her suffering.

	"W-wait, captain!.." Annette’s voice was shaking. " She’s alive! So... why? We can get to the base—"		"W-wait, captain!.." Annette’s voice was shaking.

			" She’s alive! So... why? We can get to the base—"

	" You do not want her to suffer any more than this, do you?"		" You do not want her to suffer any more than this, do you?"
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	" …But—"		" …But—"

	- Lieutenant Hosenfeld!		" Lieutenant Hosenfeld!"

	" …Yes…"		" …Yes…"
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	" You’re being a bother. She died quickly. I guess something good came out of her dying pointlessly after all" Sylvia finished coolly. A wave of silver hair framed her noble face that was smeared with something that looked like oil or tar. She looked very worn out by the battle.		" You’re being a bother. She died quickly. I guess something good came out of her dying pointlessly after all" Sylvia finished coolly. A wave of silver hair framed her noble face that was smeared with something that looked like oil or tar. She looked very worn out by the battle.

	" Wha… what did you say?!" Annette’s voice was rising, shaking again " How was it – she was protecting me!.."		" Wha… what did you say?!" Annette’s voice was rising, shaking again

			" How was it – she was protecting me!.."

	" That is exactly what I meant, pointless. We’d rather do without you."		" That is exactly what I meant, pointless. We’d rather do without you."

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 9 September 2012
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	Theodore gave another sigh. He felt the pressure of the coming fight.		Theodore gave another sigh. He felt the pressure of the coming fight.

	In the past several days, triple-six squadron had been mobilised to check a large-scale BETA assault from the eastern shore of the Neisse river, their mission being Laserjagd <ref group="1A"> It's what the furigana says (and it took me a long time to figure out). 'Jagd' being German for 'hunt', naturally.</ref> - penetration deep into enemy territory with the objective of taking out laser-class units that constituted the main firepower and core of the enemy force. At this time, the squadron, using NOE flight <ref group="1A"> Nap-of-the-earth flight, a method of avoiding detection by hugging the landscape (so at very low altitude). Also "flying under the radar". Note that the arrowhead formation is much more difficult to maintain at low altitudes. </ref> and ~~manoeuvring~~ with their jump boosters, was quickly but stealthily proceeding along the shortest route to the predicted objective location, along the left flank of a large group that was advancing west. In the clouds charged with heavy metal particles that had been put in place by preliminary bombardment with AL shells <ref group="1A"> Anti-Laser shells.</ref> , the threat of detection and exposure to laser fire was diminished; however, it was not an ideal method either, something akin to taking about a couple of bullets from the revolver when playing of Russian roulette. The heavy metal clouds brought their own problems for TSFs operating under them: increased communications interference meant that data links through which the tactical information sharing system worked were now useless, except at close range. Pilots were only able to maintain communications with their wingmen, and there was no link with the four rear-guard machines that had been trailing four kilometres behind.		In the past several days, triple-six squadron had been mobilised to check a large-scale BETA assault from the eastern shore of the Neisse river, their mission being Laserjagd <ref group="1A"> It's what the furigana says (and it took me a long time to figure out). 'Jagd' being German for 'hunt', naturally.</ref> - penetration deep into enemy territory with the objective of taking out laser-class units that constituted the main firepower and core of the enemy force. At this time, the squadron, using NOE flight <ref group="1A"> Nap-of-the-earth flight, a method of avoiding detection by hugging the landscape (so at very low altitude). Also "flying under the radar". Note that the arrowhead formation is much more difficult to maintain at low altitudes. </ref> and maneuvering with their jump boosters, was quickly but stealthily proceeding along the shortest route to the predicted objective location, along the left flank of a large group that was advancing west. In the clouds charged with heavy metal particles that had been put in place by preliminary bombardment with AL shells <ref group="1A"> Anti-Laser shells.</ref> , the threat of detection and exposure to laser fire was diminished; however, it was not an ideal method either, something akin to taking about a couple of bullets from the revolver when playing of Russian roulette. The heavy metal clouds brought their own problems for TSFs operating under them: increased communications interference meant that data links through which the tactical information sharing system worked were now useless, except at close range. Pilots were only able to maintain communications with their wingmen, and there was no link with the four rear-guard machines that had been trailing four kilometres behind.

	The blizzard only seemed to get stronger, and consequently the visibility got worse by the minute. The situation was so bad he got a queer, hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach. His nervousness must have shown in his handling of the machine, for moments later a new comm window appeared on his display, from which a pilot's face regarded him sternly.		The blizzard only seemed to get stronger, and consequently the visibility got worse by the minute. The situation was so bad he got a queer, hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach. His nervousness must have shown in his handling of the machine, for moments later a new comm window appeared on his display, from which a pilot's face regarded him sternly.
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	" Roger!!"		" Roger!!"

	All four machines of the lead unit instantly put forward huge assault shields, in a ~~manoeuvre~~ reminiscent of the hoplite phalanxes of Ancient Greece. All the machines of the squadron except one carried the standard load out of the NVA's tactical fighters: a multipurpose assault shield "Shürzen" <ref group="1A"> The assault shields' name remains elusive. Furigana says "scherzen", but that would mean "joke" in German, and unless the shieldfs developers had a weird sense of humour, I doubt this would be its real name. Judging by the fact that they can't into German anyway, I chose the closest possible option - "Shurzen" being armoured side skirts widely used on panzers during WW2. Its kanji also read "multipurpose supplementary armour". </ref> in the left hand, a WS-16C assault rifle in the right, plus an additional weapon on the gun mounts.		All four machines of the lead unit instantly put forward huge assault shields, in a maneuver reminiscent of the hoplite phalanxes of Ancient Greece. All the machines of the squadron except one carried the standard load out of the NVA's tactical fighters: a multipurpose assault shield "Shürzen" <ref group="1A"> The assault shields' name remains elusive. Furigana says "scherzen", but that would mean "joke" in German, and unless the shieldfs developers had a weird sense of humour, I doubt this would be its real name. Judging by the fact that they can't into German anyway, I chose the closest possible option - "Shurzen" being armoured side skirts widely used on panzers during WW2. Its kanji also read "multipurpose supplementary armour". </ref> in the left hand, a WS-16C assault rifle in the right, plus an additional weapon on the gun mounts.

	Infrared sensors showed enemy signatures approximately a thousand metres ahead and behind the unit. As far as they could see on their radars, the snowy plains were crawling with BETA, a picture reminiscent of tsunami waves coming one after the other.		Infrared sensors showed enemy signatures approximately a thousand metres ahead and behind the unit. As far as they could see on their radars, the snowy plains were crawling with BETA, a picture reminiscent of tsunami waves coming one after the other.
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	" Tactical considerations are within my competence. Continue diversion." was Irisdine's cold reaction to Gretel overstepping her authority.		" Tactical considerations are within my competence. Continue diversion." was Irisdine's cold reaction to Gretel overstepping her authority.

	It was clear that she was planning to draw as many BETA as possible to one place, and then quickly ~~outmanoeuvre~~ them, striking at the soft underbelly of the enemy forces and wiping out the laser-class.		It was clear that she was planning to draw as many BETA as possible to one place, and then quickly outmaneuver them, striking at the soft underbelly of the enemy forces and wiping out the laser-class.

	" Right now on the front line, men are dying to buy us some time! The fact alone that you're ignoring that can be considered treason! Do you understand or not that the party speaks through me?!"		" Right now on the front line, men are dying to buy us some time! The fact alone that you're ignoring that can be considered treason! Do you understand or not that the party speaks through me?!"
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	''...Being a target for the lasers kinda seems easier...''		''...Being a target for the lasers kinda seems easier...''

	Making an effort not to curse into the open comm channel, Theodore saw bright dots on the radar - a group of grapplers, only eight hundred metres in front. He pulled hard on a control stick, ~~manoeuvring~~ just in time, managed to swerve and avoid losing speed.		Making an effort not to curse into the open comm channel, Theodore saw bright dots on the radar - a group of grapplers, only eight hundred metres in front. He pulled hard on a control stick, maneuvering just in time, managed to swerve and avoid losing speed.

	''Scheisse, will you ever end?!..''		''Scheisse, will you ever end?!..''

	Another group in front of him - this time, in much closer formation. He was coming in fast, and a crash seemed an all too real possibility, - he yanked the joysticks towards himself, swooping up to perform an extreme breaking ~~manoeuvre~~ over the heads of the BETA, - all in less than 2.35 seconds, which was the maximum time he could stay up before being hit by lasers.		Another group in front of him - this time, in much closer formation. He was coming in fast, and a crash seemed an all too real possibility, - he yanked the joysticks towards himself, swooping up to perform an extreme breaking maneuver over the heads of the BETA, - all in less than 2.35 seconds, which was the maximum time he could stay up before being hit by lasers.

	''Goddamn it, just give us the new MiG-23s already, or some of the western kites!''		''Goddamn it, just give us the new MiG-23s already, or some of the western kites!''
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	Theodore shouted in reply, feeling despair encroach upon his soul. It might have been the same for the others, too.		Theodore shouted in reply, feeling despair encroach upon his soul. It might have been the same for the others, too.

	" Then, on my order, we will begin the breakthrough ~~manoeuvre~~. Do not, I repeat, do not break your element<ref group="1A"> To remind you – an element is the smallest unit of TSFs, two machines. </ref> ! If we stop them, they’re not a threat anymore!"		" Then, on my order, we will begin the breakthrough maneuver. Do not, I repeat, do not break your element<ref group="1A"> To remind you – an element is the smallest unit of TSFs, two machines. </ref> ! If we stop them, they’re not a threat anymore!"

	The trembling of the ground was becoming more and more noticeable, and their TSFs shook.		The trembling of the ground was becoming more and more noticeable, and their TSFs shook.
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	''Dammit, they still haven’t finished?! We’ll get wiped out at this rate!.. ''		''Dammit, they still haven’t finished?! We’ll get wiped out at this rate!.. ''

	From the corner of his eye he could see Annette’s machine, now without assault rifle or even shield, holding her sword with both hands and hacking away, while Inghild still covered her partner – her own ammo count must have been low as well, since she was giving very economical, precise bursts. The BETA were pressing them, but Inghild cleverly used it to her advantage, not letting them get close with a combination of quick ~~manoeuvres~~ and short bursts of fire. He didn’t think it was his job to support them – after all, they wasted ammo themselves, and if he went in, he’d probably end up spending the little he had left.		From the corner of his eye he could see Annette’s machine, now without assault rifle or even shield, holding her sword with both hands and hacking away, while Inghild still covered her partner – her own ammo count must have been low as well, since she was giving very economical, precise bursts. The BETA were pressing them, but Inghild cleverly used it to her advantage, not letting them get close with a combination of quick maneuvers and short bursts of fire. He didn’t think it was his job to support them – after all, they wasted ammo themselves, and if he went in, he’d probably end up spending the little he had left.

	Checking the time again, he realised they had three minutes left, and scowled.		Checking the time again, he realised they had three minutes left, and scowled.
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	''Just like Irisdine predicted!.. ''		''Just like Irisdine predicted!.. ''

	The TSFs were still not in sight, but their presence in the city was a certainty, since the combat was taking place there. They could search the area from the air, but since this was BETA-controlled territory, there was still a risk of exposure to a surviving laser-class, which made any aerial ~~manoeuvres~~ reckless.		The TSFs were still not in sight, but their presence in the city was a certainty, since the combat was taking place there. They could search the area from the air, but since this was BETA-controlled territory, there was still a risk of exposure to a surviving laser-class, which made any aerial maneuvers reckless.

	" We split, and search the area! You take the east, I’ll go west. When you find them, report!"		" We split, and search the area! You take the east, I’ll go west. When you find them, report!"