//------------------------------// // Starting a New Team // Story: Steel, Explosions and Ponies // by doorcf //------------------------------// It was a perfect day to have a picnic, go to the beach or just plain relax. BOOM But none of this things was on Pipsqueak’s mind right now, in fact the only thing on his mind right now was –How the hay I ended in this position? – now looking sown at his map once again, while standing at the commander’s hatch, he lost himself in thought once again. It have started easy enough with his tanks in formation, then it rapidly went to tartarus, he and his crew were saved when the team’s Jagdpanzer IV had taken a hit aimed to his tank after it lost it’s gun. His tank had manage to retreat while destroying a KV-1S and a M5 Stuart that tried to flank them and finally stopped behind a bush to remain hidden. Now he had three options, go for the road behind the tank squished between to mountain ranges, with plenty of cover but without maneuvering options, go thought the road between the mountain lines and the lake, or go to the city. BOOM Suddenly he felt the tank shudder and heard a big roar, sign of the main gun firing. Without wasting time Pipsqueak closed his map, entered the tank , seating in the commander’s place and closed the commander’s hatch. Inside the Pz.Kpfw. IV the things were in a controlled state. Dinky was sweating while reloading the Panzer’s main gun with a High-Explosive shell; it seemed that the battle had taken a toll on her. Featherweight was in a similar position, sweating lakes and with a face that irradiated anger and frustration, Rumble was at the driver’s seat also sweating, taking a small rest from all the driving he had done. Even Twist was sweating, the nerves of everypony were that high. Hey Feathers –called Pipsqueak– at what did you shot at? A M18 Hellcat –replied Featherweight with an obvious frustration on his voice– he got out of the city an lined up a shot but it went wide and the bugger managed to retreat to the city Then to the city it is! –said Pipsqueak finally deciding where to go– Rumble! Go to the city and try to keep us behind cover or hidden while in route. The Maybach HL 120 TRM roared and the tank started to move towards the city. While outside many would have thought that the crew was silent it was the complete opposite. So guys, ready for a last chance? You know that we’re doing this no matter what, don’t you? I know Rumble –deadpanned Pipsqueak Colts, the last thing we need id you two snarking –said Dinky barely controlling her laughter Yeah, it’s true –said Featherweight supporting Dinky Oh yeah –replied Pipsqueak with one of his eyebrows up and a smirk adorning his face– and when are you two going to make it official? Yeah it isn’t like it is obvious, no? –added Twist not soon after, Rumble was just laughting his flank off, while trying to keep the Panzer IV in straight line. It isn’t like that! We’re just friends! –shouted both Dinky and Featherweight both with their cheeks completely red Yeah, sure, whatever you guys say –said Twist in a deadpan way Okay guys, it was funny and all that but we’re nearing the city –said Rumble At those news everyone sprang to work, Rumble’s face grew serious slowing the tank to a crawl and keeping his eyes to the roads, Dinky took one of the shells ready to put it on the main gun, Featherweight put his eyes in the sights of the gun ready to blast the Hellcat as soon as it showed itself and Pipsqueak got up and opening the commander’s hatch he starting to check the environment so the Hellcat didn’t flank them. A few minutes passed strolling through the streets giving a look to every place the Hellcat could be hiding until … Hellcat! Right in the front! –shouted Pipsqueak Pipsqueak felt the turret turn to face the enemy Hellcat, the last thing he saw was the Hellcat firing his 90mm gun open fire on his tank at the same time his crew fired their own gun. 10 Months Prior the Battle It was a sunny day; ponies were going on with their lives, some happily chatted with friends, foals were studying in school and a certain pinto pony was at complete loss. You want me to WHAT?! Inside the house inside the kitchen while eating lunch with his parents and a certain princess, a young pinto stallion shouted I want you to make a new team for Ponyville for the new tankery season –answered Princess Luna without delay, smiling like it was her happiest day But, isn’t there already a team? –Asked Pipsqueak, really hoping that he had a way out of this he really didn’t want to lead a tankery team Young Pipsqueak, I know there is other team –answered Luna while her smile grew– is that now more than one team is admitted per town and we thought that is was a good idea to form a new team for Ponyville Pipsqueak just face-hoofed, he should have known by this time that when Luna asked him a favor there wasn’t a way out. Mom, Dad … you knew this would happen, no? –Pipsqueak interrogated, in a very frustrated tone, the two Bat Ponies at the side of the princess Well, yes –answered the mare with a simile, obviously trying not to laugh while the stallion just made a nod not breaking his facade although he was in a similar position. Pipsqueak just face-tabled Okay I accept, I will do it –said Pipsqueak with resignation, knowing he had been outsmarted still having his face on the table– still, how I’m going to start the team I have no money even to buy a Tier I tank! –saying this last part while facing the three ponies in the same table That’s no problem Pip –said Jasmine, Pipsqueak’s mother– when a new team in formed they receive some funds You even get better luck because we are giving you a new tank for free –continued Pipsqueak’s father Night Slash Okay –answered Pipsqueak– so how do I do now? First get a crew for the tank –answered Night Slash– then you can buy a new tank or tanks depending on how many ponies you get for the new team Also remember you can get up to Tier V Tanks and you need four tank to enter the league –supplied Luna After that the conversation changed to other topics and after a few hours the group went back to Canterlot. Meanwhile Pipsqueak went to examine the specs of the tank and how much money he had got. Ponyville Team 2* (Name Change Pending) Current Funds: 1,000,000 Credits Current Tanks: Pz.Kpfw. IV Then finally Pipsqueak was hit by inspiration, he knew perfectly who were going to be his crew. A few hours later YOU WHAT US TO WHAT?! Exactly what I said –said Pipsqueak with a huge smile– I want you to be my crew in the next tankery league The words were so surreal that none of the four ponies would believe that Pipsqueak got a tank for the new league season … if it wasn’t for the fact that there was a Panzer IV right in their faces with Pipsqueak sitting in top of it So what do you –Pipsqueak wasn’t able to finish the sentence thanks to the answer of his friends YES! It took a few hours but the ponies finally managed to get the positions they liked the most (in a way) As such the crew was divided in: • Commander: Shadow Sun “Pipsqueak” • Gunner: Featherweight • Loader: Dinky Hooves • Driver: Rumble • Radio Operator: Twist After deciding their position the whole crew was now sitting in front of the panzer Now that we have our positions we will need more tanks –said Pipsqueak Why? –asked Dinky, clearly not knowing the real mission of the group– We could join the Ponyville team right now Twist, Rumble and Featherweight nodded, they weren’t aware of Luna’s instructions. Pipsqueak, remembering his friends didn’t knew about Luna’s Instructions he explained the current situation. So, we need to MAKE a NEW team? –asked Rumble and by its voice it was painfully obvious that he was thinking it was a completely terrible and crazy idea. That’s crazy! –shouted all the ponies except Pipsqueak while throwing their front hooves in the air We’re going to get mauled in this thing! –continued Twist– Haven’t you seen the monsters the high tiered teams use! Yeah! –shouted Rumble, Dinky and Featherweight supporting Twist Guys –started Pipsqueak– I know that this is crazy, but you seem to be forgetting that was PRINCES LUNA who gave us this mission, so let’s do it, even if we don’t win it could be fun The four other ponies could trump that logic, even it the lost all their matches they would have a lot of fun together. So, now we need more tanks? –asked Featherweight Yep, and I know where to get them Leading them further inside the hangars that would house their tanks, Pipsqueak showed his friends the crew quarters that came with a comfortable beds and places for personal objects, a very well stocked kitchen (yes most of teams start to live together in the hangars so they can practice together more easily, is very common) and finally the “Tank shop”, that was an office with a desk, a chair and a small computer. Pipsqueak sat in the chair while his friends got around him as he started the computer, entering the code needed he accessed the tank store. Once there they started to decide what tank to buy. First we need to decide the crew number for the new tank –said Pipsqueak– that way it would be easier to find a tank if we know the crew number. Make it four –said Dinky with a very cheerful voice– the Crusaders would like to get into the team That true, an knowing them we will need a speedy tank with heavy firepower –added Rumble What about this? –asked Twist while looking at a light tank– it seems that is what we need You’re right Twist! –exclaimed an exited Pipsqueak– This tank when upgraded is one of the most deadly scouts we could get, but … But, what? –asked all the ponies at the now frowning Pipsqueak … in its stock configuration, is very slow and the gun is terrible! It could take a lot of time to get the funds we need to upgrade the tank! Still buy it –countered Featherweight– we could upgrade the engine first and then continue from there The face of Pipsqueak showed it reservations but he accepted and bought the tank Tank Bought: Pz.Kpfw. II Luchs Tier IV Light Tank Cost: 155,000 Credits Credits Remaining: 845,000 Credits Now the dilemma, who was next? They had two tanks and they needed another two. Let’s ask Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon –said Pipsqueak, at this all the five ponies looked at him with a look of confusion in their eyes– don’t give me that look, even if we hate each other, they will not want to lose and if you have a better idea then tell me. After a lot of shouting they agreed and bought an AT2 for them Tank Bought: AT 2 Tier V Tank Destroyer Cost: 425,000 Credits Credits Remaining: 420,000 Credits The last tank that was bought was a T49 Tank Bought: T49 Tier V Tank Destroyer Cost: 400,000 Credits Credits Remaining: 20,000 Credits Now it was time to get more crew.