The New Commander of St. Gloriana

Chapter 5: Between Strategy and Emotion

Adrian gripped the controls tightly as the Cromwell maneuvered into position, his crew following his commands with precision. The sound of the engine roared in his ears, but his focus remained razor sharp. Darjeeling's Churchill loomed ahead, its heavy frame slowly turning to adjust for another shot.

"She's adjusting her turret again," Clara reported, her voice steady but urgent through the radio.

"She's fast for that kind of tank," Rachel added, keeping her hand steady on the loader. "Almost like she's predicting our moves."

Adrian had no doubt about that. Darjeeling's mastery of tankery wasn't just in her control of the vehicle, but her ability to read her opponent, to anticipate the next move before it even happened. It was like a chess match—one where each move revealed not only skill but insight into the opponent's mind.

"We need to break the pattern," Adrian muttered, his thoughts racing. "She's waiting for us to make a mistake."

Nina's voice crackled over the comms, her typical grin audible even through the radio. "Well, we're not gonna give her one, right? We've got speed on our side."

Adrian nodded, formulating a plan. The Cromwell had a crucial advantage with its speed and maneuverability, but Darjeeling was using her heavier armor and strong positioning to force them into reactive play. He couldn't afford to stay on the defensive for long.

"Alright, change of strategy," Adrian said. "We'll draw her out."

"How?" Clara asked, already adjusting the radio dials to keep track of the situation.

"We'll split the terrain—move toward the ridge, then circle wide to the right. She'll either follow us or leave herself exposed. Rachel, keep an eye on her movements. Nina, when I give the signal, take the shot."

"Got it," Nina replied, ready at her station.

As Adrian steered the Cromwell around a sharp bend in the terrain, he could feel the tension in the air. Darjeeling wasn't one to be easily fooled, but he hoped the sudden shift in tactics would catch her off guard—if only for a moment.

The Cromwell surged forward, darting between the ridges as they attempted to flank Darjeeling from an unexpected angle. Adrian glanced at the terrain map Clara had marked out earlier, noting the choke points and natural cover they could use to their advantage. The element of surprise was critical now.

"Target spotted," Rachel said sharply, her eyes fixed on the Churchill's slow but deliberate movements. "She's moving toward us."

"She's closing in," Clara added, her voice tense. "But not fast enough. She doesn't know where we are yet."

"Hold steady," Adrian ordered, watching the distance narrow between them. His heart pounded, but his mind remained clear, focused on the timing.

As they crept around the far side of the ridge, Adrian saw his chance. Darjeeling's Churchill was still turning, its heavy turret struggling to keep up with the Cromwell's speed. For a brief moment, the rear of her tank was exposed—just long enough.

"Now, Nina!" Adrian shouted.

With a sharp crack, the Cromwell's cannon fired, the shell streaking across the field and slamming into the Churchill's exposed rear. The impact sent a shudder through the ground, and for a split second, everything seemed to go still.

But then, to Adrian's surprise, Darjeeling didn't retreat. Instead, the Churchill shifted gears, moving forward with a sudden burst of speed—almost as if she had anticipated the attack.

"She's charging!" Clara called out, her voice tinged with shock.

Adrian's mind raced. Darjeeling wasn't retreating, nor was she playing defensively anymore. She was coming straight at them, using her tank's bulk and armor to close the gap. It was a bold, calculated move—and one that caught Adrian off guard.