Girl und Panzer: The Yankee's in Tank

Chapter 6

"FIRE!" Houston shouted.

The six Sherman tanks of his convoy lined up, synchronizing their shots. The tank rounds either missed or ricocheted off the thick armor of Erika's Tiger II. The Shermans waited for Houston's next command, while he kept his eyes on the spot where Erika was concealed in the snow-covered bushes.

Inside the Tiger II, Erika calmly touched her radio and issued her orders. "Driver, make ready. Load anti-tank round," she commanded.

As the Tiger II began to emerge from its hiding spot, Houston took a deep breath. This was the first time he had faced a Tiger II. He had managed to take out Muller's Tiger I tank back home in the Semi-Finals, but this was a new and formidable challenge. Clearing his throat, he spoke through his radio with determination.

"Alright, all tanks move forward!" Houston yelled out.

The Sherman tanks roared to life, moving forward in unison. The snowy field churned under their treads as they advanced towards the Tiger II. Houston knew they had to close the distance to stand a chance against the powerful enemy tank. As they moved, the crews maintained their focus, ready to fire at a moment's notice.

Erika's Tiger II, now fully visible, presented a daunting sight. Its massive cannon was aimed directly at Houston's advancing convoy. Houston, undeterred, continued to lead his tanks forward, knowing that teamwork and strategy would be key to overcoming the Tiger II's superior firepower and armor.

"Stay sharp, everyone. Keep moving and watch your flanks," Houston instructed his crew, his voice steady despite the tension.

The Sherman tanks roared forward, engines growling against the cold air. Houston's heart pounded as he kept his eyes on Erika's Tiger II. The gap between the two forces closed rapidly, each tank crew fully aware of the stakes.

"Stay sharp, everyone. Keep moving and watch your flanks," Houston instructed his crew through the radio, his voice steady despite the tension.

The Tiger II fired first. The powerful 88mm shell tore through the air and slammed into one of the Shermans. The hit was devastating.

"We've been hit! We've been hit!" came the panicked voice over the radio from the stricken Sherman.

"Tank 3, report status!" Houston demanded.

"Engine's out! We're stuck!" the reply crackled back.

"Hold your position and return fire! The rest of you, keep advancing!" Houston ordered.

The Shermans continued to advance, their own guns barking in response. Rounds ricocheted off the Tiger II's armor, but some found their mark, shaking the massive tank.

Inside the Tiger II, Erika was unfazed. "Driver, pivot right. Gunner, target the lead Sherman. Fire when ready," she commanded.

The Tiger II began to turn, lining up its next shot. Houston saw the movement and knew they needed to act fast.

"Grant, load HE! Scott, aim for her treads! We need to slow her down!" Houston called out to his crew.

"On it, Commander!" Grant replied, quickly loading the high-explosive shell.

Scott adjusted the aim, focusing on the Tiger II's vulnerable treads. "Target locked!" he shouted.

"Fire!" Houston ordered.

The Sherman fired, the HE round striking the Tiger II's treads. The explosion sent up a shower of snow and debris, and the Tiger II lurched as the treads on one side were damaged.

"We got her!" Machine cheered from his position.

"Don't celebrate yet, boys. Keep up the pressure!" Houston reminded them, glancing around to ensure his convoy maintained formation.