Dust Devils - A Girls Und Panzer Story

Chapter 23

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

At campus, the garage was filled with the usual crowd. The team was mingling about, though there was a vehicle that was noticeably absent. The Puma. Its parking space was empty. The armored is the first among the team to begin the trek toward the convention. It has been loaded on a freight train toward Texas and will meet the team there come race day. The Puma crew, along with other members of the team who were designated as the pit crew, felt that did they did everything they could to prepare for the race. For everyone, they didn't have much to do in regards to their vehicles. The purpose of today was not to practice but to finalize all preparations for tomorrow's flight to Houston. They're due at noon.

"I'm going to ask again. No one has a fear of flying, right?" Redwood asked.

"How do you know if you're afraid of flying if you never flew before?" a student questioned.

Redwood stared blankly at her before responding,

"I guess we'll find out tomorrow."

In the garage office Valarie, Ray, and Buchanan were having a private discussion. Now that Valarie was cleared to return to the team, it was now time to inform her and Ray of the current situation.

"I don't want to spoil the upcoming fun of the convention, but, there is a situation that you two have to know about. At every convention, there is a rules committee that convenes. They hear all rule proposals by the ATA and decide whether or not to implement them. For this year, a proposal is up for consideration regarding tankery instructors. If it passes, it would mean I can no longer be an instructor due to the much stricter requirements."

Ray and Valarie exchanged worried glances.

"What can we do about that?" Valarie asked.

"Tankery captains can voice their opinions on proposals that the committee takes into account before their vote. Now, I've written up some arguments against the proposal. You both will read and add-on as necessary."

Buchanan passed her notes to both of them.

"Valarie, you will voice the school's formal objection. Ray, you'll act as a supporting role and help her out when needed."

They both nodded.

"So, when is this rules thing going down?" Ray questioned.

"Friday, the last day of the convention. So we got some time to prepare for it."

With that, the conversation ended and Ray and Valarie returned to their respective crews. Buchanan remained in the office for a few more minutes to use the relative solitude to contemplate. For most of her life, weeks seem to go by with nothing happening worth remembering. Next week, she anticipates that it'll feel like a year. One week absolutely filled with things to do. And that is all the things she is aware of that is occurring. Who knows what else could pop out seemingly out of nowhere.

Sunday

It was 7:30 in the morning. The sun, at this time of the year, was above the horizon so early morning weren't dark at all. The team was out in front of the school awaiting the bus that would take them to Ontario International Airport. Alongside the students were all the bugs they were carrying. All the clothes and other necessities, and some luxuries, to last them the week. Valarie was among the last to arrive. She got out of the car along with her mother.

"Be safe, alright?" her mother reminded.

"You told me to be safe a thousand times. I'm not even kidding."

"And I'll say it a thousand times more. Don't go anywhere remotely sketchy."

"Alright, I'll be smart and safe. It's not like I'll be alone anyway. I'm going to spend most of my time at the convention."