STATION 01: Engels airdrome - Training flight

May 31, 2024 11:07 am

588th Regiment

[ +- ] HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The following summary should give you enough context to get started with Night Witches.

WOMEN AVIATORS

The Soviet Union was aviation crazy between the World Wars. Aviators, including all-female aircrews, were celebrities and Socialist folk heroes. Countless young women eagerly learned to fly. The Soviet constitution granted women "equal rights with men in all spheres of economic, state, cultural, social and political life," and across the Soviet Union, young women joined flying clubs, eager to follow in their heros' footsteps.

Despite a predictably sexist reception, many not only proved themselves capable but also became excellent pilots and even instructors. But in the thirties and forties, the dream of equality started to fade, as the Soviet Union enforced a rigid gender binary, both socially and legally. After 1934 deviation was literally illegal. It was widely understood that a woman’s obligation to have children was an essential component of political consciousness.

For women who fought, the perils were obvious. Everything they did defied society’s expectations of how a sane young woman should behave. Men not only doubted their ability and resented them, but had been taught that they were defying everything that made them good Communists. To be too masculine was to court derision, suspicion, and possibly even institutionalization for "lesbianism." To be too feminine was to demonstrate inherent unworthiness in the profession of arms, a hypermasculine arena with no tolerance for the "weakness" of traditional feminine values and approaches.

THE GREAT PURGE

Throughout the thirties, the totalitarian Soviet Union had been gripped by a paroxysm of paranoid madness and calculated violence known as the Great Purge. No one was safe from accusation, incrimination, and execution. Hundreds of thousands died, and the purges touched everyone. Every citizen was touched by the insanity, many personally. Everyone knew someone who was stripped of their party membership and job, imprisoned, executed, or disappeared. Outspoken intellectuals, the religiously devout, anyone out of step with Stalin’s brand of Communism were under intense, and often lethal, scrutiny.

One echo of the Great Purge was the political officer - the Politruk - who was a part of every Regiment. Answering to the dreaded NKVD secret police, the Politruk was always alert for spies and wreckers, even finding them where none existed. In many ways, their own totalitarian state was as big a threat to the women of the 588th as the Germans were.

GERMAN INVASION

The military officer’s corps was especially hard-hit by the Great Purge. Three of five Marshals of the Soviet Union were purged, and the officer corps was trimmed down through bureaucratic terror at every level.

When Germany invaded on June 22, 1941, it faced a gutted, demoralized, inexperienced Soviet force. Several million German troops launched a massive attack that Stalin had stubbornly refused to prepare for.

Hitler made plans for a parade through Moscow in August. At first, things went very well for the invaders. The Soviet forward air bases, along with their planes on the ground, were demolished, assuring the Germans air superiority. Hundreds of thousands of Soviet troops were enveloped by German armor and mopped up by Wehrmacht infantry. Across a battlefield that stretched from Estonia to the Black Sea, the Red Army was in full retreat, battered, confused, and demoralized.

1941 - OCTOBER-DECEMBER
The call goes out for experienced female aviators to form three new Regiments. Two will be well-funded and equipped with the latest Soviet aircraft. The third will be the 588th.

The siege of Leningrad begins on 8 September 1941.

1942 - JANUARY
Volunteers begin to arrive in Saratov, to be greeted by Marina Roskova, onf of the famous female pilots and navigators who was made a Hero of the Soviet Union in 1938 when they smashed a distance record aboard the experimental aircraft Rodina.

The Battle of Moscow has been won and the nazis kept from conquering the city!, but the offensive halts in 7 January 1942 due to low army reserves.

Training stations are in green, German targets in red and Dasha Bobkova's hometown (under occupation) in blue

588th Regiment

May 31, 2024 11:13 am

588th Regiment

1942 - FEBRUARY-APRIL

You have arrived at Saratov, a city at war. The darkened streets are filled with soldiers but you are still civilians, in your best clothes. Patriotic marches in celebration of the 24th anniversary of the founding of the Red Army and impassioned speeches by Comrade Stalin and Marshal Zhukov fill the air.

"The day is not far distant when the Red Army will thrust back the brutal enemy and the red banners will fly again victoriously over the entire Soviet land."

With a Red Army Air Force transit voucher in hand, you board a ferry across the Volga with a hundred other hopeful, enthusiastic, and confused young men and women.

One woman stands out in the crowd - dressed in a splendid uniform with sky blue shoulder boards with a medal pinned to her chest. You haven’t yet learned to know either her rank or what the medal signifies, but you know you want to be just like her.

OOC:

What do the other recruits see when they look you?
You're not in uniform, what sort of clothes do you wear?
Did you bring any luggage?
What sort of shoes do you have?
What can we tell about you from your demeanor?
What feelings do you get when you realize this is really happening: you have been accepted as a volunteer to the Red Army.

Jun 2, 2024 3:09 pm

Lari realised that this was her opportunity to finally define an identity for herself, one that was recognised by the state, an unequiocal declaration of who he was, or they were, or she was. She wasn't about to admit that she was a Cossack, at least not immediately and overtly, not during these volatile times. Why some of her own people had chosen instead to side with the Reich, siding with Hitler's vision of what greater Europe ought to look like.

That was a betrayal of the motherland, so Lari thought. That the notion of mother was an overarching, diffused concept for an orphan like her, home being a series of state-run orphanages which drilled into her the notion of family and state, and how the two was inseparable.

Today she was pretty. She did the curls of her hair herself; it took hours to set and too well set to be stuffed under a beret (which she did carry in her handbag). The rouge she borrowed from Veyla, the overcoat was a hand-me-down, but the shoes, the oxblood red leather shoes with the suede bows, those were her own, and they were new. She did not want to think about the rubles, she just knew that she had to put her best foot forward, literally. Now all she needed was a Red Army uniform to match it.

Jun 2, 2024 3:11 pm

Galya looks out on the Volga and fights tears of patriotic joy. She recalls lines of sublime poetry that praise Mother Russia’s mighty river.

Other recruits on the ferry see a small, smiling woman dressed in her best clothes. A prim dress, fashionable hat and well made shoes.

She carries two cases. One holds her clothes, the smaller some sausages, vodka, black bread and salt that are her collective farm’s gift to the squadron. A letter to this effect accompanies the gifts in case she is shot as a black marketer. She also carries a single volume of Russian verse, pens and a pad of rough paper. She will keep these things secret if she can, in case the squadron leaders disapprove of her poetry. In case they do not understand that it is the people’s poetry that is the final weapon to sweep away fascism from Europe.

As she looks at the other volunteers on the ferry, she flushes with pride and sisterly emotion.

Jun 5, 2024 1:03 am

Dash is a lanky, yet pretty woman with calculating eyes. Pale skin with blonde hair, a thin nose and a wide mouth. She always seems to be assessing everything, judging everything, looking for danger. She is often unknowing on just how much that calculating look makes others uncomfortable when it lands on them.

She was there when the Germans came to her hometown. When the bombs hit and the guns fired. When her husband was killed, she grabbed his gun and kept firing until she ran out of ammunition. Then she grabbed her son Maksim and fled.

That scars of war settled into some deep-rooted trauma, which left her constantly scanning for danger - they didn't really have a word for it then, but in the future it would be called hypervigilance, one of the symptoms of PTSD. The other thing it gave her was a thirst for danger. A need to find that exhilaration and that dose of adrenaline. And a desire to get revenge on the Germans. She wasn't that patriotic, she didn't really care about the cause. She just wanted to kill the men who took her husband from her and left her son fatherless.

Now, arriving at the training base with her seven ten year old son, she was wearing simple clothing and soft padded shoes that were at least clean and not covered in blood. It was all she had left. She had to trade for new clothes, trade for food, trade for passage, trade to get on the roster to become a pilot again. All of her jewelry was gone, her bracelets, necklaces, and even her wedding ring was gone (though the tan line is still there), it was all traded away. And when it was all gone, she traded with the one thing she had left. Men were easy, and a simple favor opened doors that would otherwise not have been opened. It was a classic move that men did to take advantage of women who were desperate, "do me a favor, and I will see you and your son safe." She wasn't afraid to do whatever she had to do to get what she wanted, especially not if it meant that her son would be protected and safe.

What she really needs right now is a good cry. She hasn't been able to do that since Zhelenogorsky. It's just been too busy, too dangerous, too everything. The stress was too high. The risk was too high. She had to stay strong for Maksim. She had to do when she needed to do to get him safe. And then she had to get here. It's been a blur, these past few weeks.

So that is what Dash is as she arrives - a pent-up bottle of anger and trauma precariously balanced on the edge between revenge and mental breakdown. And the only thing keeping her going is the thought that she needs to be strong for her son.

OOC:

Thought about this some more, and I think if we say her son is 10, he can be put to work. Maybe helping out the mechanics (small hands can reach places), fetching tools, cleaning up the motor pool, etc... That way it's a lot easier to justify why he's allowed to stay.

That's also the 'favor' she was granted, as part of the question I chose. How she repaid it was based on the character options listed in the Hawk playbook.

Last edited June 5, 2024 7:29 pm

Officer

Jun 6, 2024 9:12 am

Officer

As the ferry starts to cross the Volga, the woman in uniform wanders around. She makes her way towards you, stopping to check Larisa's well-kept hair and carefully chosen clothes. Then she eyes Galina's two cases. "Here for holidays is it?" she scoffs as she shows her hand. "Let me see your transit vouchers."

While the other two search for their papers, Dasha's son moves from behind his mother, catching the officer's attention. "Whose kid is that?"

Jun 6, 2024 3:36 pm

Galina nods. Since she is not in uniform, she knows that she does not have the right to salute the officer.

She carefully prepares the vouchers and explains that she has brought a gift, properly sanctioned, for the squadron.

She accepts the officer’s sharpness without a trace of rancour. It is the officer’s role to chide recruits , and hers to accept the fact.

Jun 7, 2024 12:10 am

Dash has a slight look of disbelief as the question about a kid is asked. It's obviously hers, he's standing right next to her. Still, she speaks up, pulling him close to her as she speaks, as if to both claim and protect him, "The boy is mine. We were promised a place for him here, ya?"

Jun 7, 2024 2:10 pm

Larisa stood a little straighter when she sensed that the woman in the impressive uniform was nearing. On close-up, she could see the well-pressed fabric, the starched lines, the glint of the epaulettes, all held aloft by the sharp demeanour of the inspecting officer. This is what I want to be wearing! I shall look even more - impressive, more commanding. She kept her outward facial expression utterly neutral so as not to betray the wilder innermost fancies dancing in her head. Such foolishness solnyshka, she could hear the voice of the kindlier matron tut-tutting at eight year old Lari braiding their hair with wildflowers. That homely stint in Lyubinka was all too shortlived, before they were moved to somewhere in greater Oblast where the workhouses were, where Lari was expected to earn their keep.

That work ethic remained; Larisa was ready to earn her keep, in the most glorious way possible. That the woman paid her no heed meant in Larisa's own head that she had passed the first imagined test, one of many that would surely come her way.

Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva

Jun 9, 2024 3:52 pm

Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva

"The army is no place for a child" the woman scolds Dasha as she starts to check her papers. The officer's expression changes quickly as she reads through the documents. Mouth open, she returns the transit voucher to Dasha.

"As you know, the war situation is bad. So bad, in fact, that even Comrade Stalin says as much. Our winter might have stopped the Fascist scum fifty miles from Moscow, but the spring muds prevented our glorious counter-offensive. Things are very uncertain and I personally aim to change that. I'm sure we'll find something the child to help with. We need all the hands we can get."

After suddenly changing her mind about Dasha's son, the woman takes some more time to inspect everyone else's documents in silence. "I see you all have been assigned to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment." She adds in a friendlier tone than before as she gives Larisa and Galina back their vouchers.

"I’m Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva, Chief of Staff for the 588th. We're one of three regiments being formed by Major Marina Raskova, the air hero who probably inspired most of us to fly. But we are the only all-female regiment." She adds the last part proudly as she turns to Larisa. "You've got some impressive flight hours on your records. I'm glad to have competent new recruits. We're going to need the best the Motherland has to offer to get the germans out of our soviet land"

OOC:

just to have an idea… What did Larisa lie about on your Regimental intake form? Was it her ethicity, her flight records (she has a -2 skill after all), something else or all of these?

Jun 10, 2024 2:30 pm

Larisa straightened a bit more when Captain Lobodeva complimented her on her flight records, not quite daring to exhale in case she let on something. She had a number of secrets she much preferred if they remained buried: her gender, her ethnicity, for starters. But in particular she seized when her hours were brought up. A slight adjustment on the flight logs here, an unrecorded absence there, extra time spent in the hangar on pre-flight checks and repeated routine maintenance that delayed take-off. All these added up to a substantial amount that she had hoped would be under the bottom of the bookkeeping pile.

But she wasn't about to undermine her chances in front of the captain to get into the 588th regiment. She'd just have to find ways to make sure she kept up whatever facade was necessary.

OOC:

Happy to play along and see what remains hidden and what might get dug out over time!

Jun 11, 2024 7:51 pm

Dash has a slight smirk on her face as the Captain's tune quickly changes. It's as if to say, "Yes, I know an active air base is no place for a child, it didn't bring him here because I wanted him to be here; i was left with no choice." But those words would be damning if ever spoken aloud, and instead, she said, "Thank you, comrade."

Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva

Jun 12, 2024 9:36 am

Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva

The ferry bumps up against the dock in Engels and suddenly everyone is all business - shouting, pushing, rolling trucks and equipment off. "Time to get moving!" Captain Lobodeva points out the way as she reaches for Galina's "gift case". "I can help you with this one. The Squadron is very grateful for your this contribution. Please send our thanks to the collective for their loyal effort comrade."

OOC:

She takes the food away so it's a good time to introduce moves. You don't have to, but if you want these supplies, you can step out of your prescribed role as a demure, obedient soldier by acting up.

Act up is "actually 3 moves in one": You can be manly/hooligan (but you need luck) or more feminine/lady (but that takes guts), both carrying their own associated dangers (woman aviator context). In addition, you can act patriotically (but you need the medals to show for it)

Across the Volga, Engels Airdrome is still 4 kilometers away. While a truck is waiting for Captain Lobodeva and the other soldiers in uniform, you are told to walk. Hopefully some of you wore sensible shoes...

The skies overhead are filled with airplanes - sleek new Pe-2 bombers shining in the sunlight, stubby, aggressive-looking Yak-1 fighter planes, and some plodding old Po-2 biplanes. These look ridiculously out of date, and their tiny engines sound for all the world like sewing machines, but you all flew them and know they are great for basic training.

OOC:

While we wait to see what Galina decides about the gifted food, there's some walking time for the character to interact now that you know you are all in the same regiment. If you did not take proper shoes for walking you take 1-harm.

Jun 12, 2024 2:13 pm

OOC:

Intuitively, I feel that contesting the grab would be a huge challenge to the officer's authority (I don't know if the mechanic has mods for difficulty). She also assumes that the commanding officers will at least share the food among themselves, which would not be a complete waste of the present.

But she might half-consciously place a small check against its misuse... should I roll 2d6?

"I will write to the collective as you say, Comrade Commander. Our Commissar will be delighted to hear our small gift has been put to use in the Great Patriotic War."

Rolls

Acting Up (kinda) - (2d6)

(13) = 4

Jun 14, 2024 9:33 am

No trucks! Larisa shouldn't have assumed that there would have been vehicles to transport them from the dock to the airbase, She hadn't known what to expect, but she had somehow imagined that pilots, even rookies like them, weren't likely to be marching from destination to destination. Nonetheless, if this were a test, this would be the least of the hardships she would expect to endure, a four kilometer walk was nothing.

Except for her pretty pretty leather shoes, what a waste to break them in like this. And oh how her feet would hurt when she was done ...

OOC:

1 harm for vanity!

Jun 14, 2024 12:48 pm

Galina’s shoes are not pretty. But neither are they strong enough for a march. She winces as her feet’s chafing becomes painful.

OOC:

Also -1 harm!

Military policeman

Jun 14, 2024 4:27 pm

Military policeman

As you near the Airdrome, footsore and hungry, you see for the first time how massive and busy it really is. There are hundreds of planes here... and hordes of training aviators - many of them women. At the main gate of Engels Airdrome, a Fourth Air Army military policeman reviews is reviewing everyone's papers and you wait in line as you wait for your turn.

Once you finally approach the man at the small table, the military policeman quickly looks at you and checks your papers. "Report to Sergeant Kataeva in Logistics Area Six. Request the following items: 1. Service uniforms, 2. flight boots, 3. one week’s rations and 4. directions to the 588th’s trainee barracks. Repeat what I just said." he adds in an annoyed tone, clearly spending most of his time repeating this.

Jun 15, 2024 12:37 am

By the time Galina reaches the policeman she has heard his order —or a variation on them—several times. She takes care to memorise the words and repeats them accurately.

"Understood, Comrade Officer."

Jun 16, 2024 2:44 pm

"Logistics Area Six. Sergeant Kataeva." Larisa flashed the MP the slightest of smiles. It cost her nothing, but maybe it would make a small difference to the man, for it wasn't too early to start making friends. She rattled off the item list in the exact order, and then added, "Thank you," with a final curl to her smiling lip.

Jun 17, 2024 2:33 am

Dash's simple shoes have been worn for kilometers already on her long walk to the base. A few more kilometers didn't amount to much.

They patiently waited in line as Maksim occasionally complained that he was hungry or bored, but each time she shushed him.

When they finally got to the officer, she repeated the words dutifully, with a hint of a smile, "We are to report to Sergeant Kataeva in Logistics Area Six to request service uniforms, flight boots, one week’s rations, and directions to the 588th’s barracks. Repeating what you just said."

Entrance military policeman

Jun 17, 2024 8:30 am

Entrance military policeman

"Report to Sergeant Kataeva in Logistics Area Six. Request the following..." The man pauses as often Dasha shushes Maksim, checking the boy curiously. Despite the minor interruptions, the MP mostly ignores the women as long as they half repeat what he told them.....Though he might have taken a few extra seconds to greet Dash after Larisa's left.

He also doesn't provide any information on how to find Logistics Area Six so you are left on your own to figure that out.

588th Regiment

Jun 17, 2024 8:30 am

588th Regiment

OOC:

How are you going to find Logistics Area Six?

Dasha: Before you find Sergeant Kataeva you walk past the supply depot. Keep in mind that The Engels Airdrome is a major center for flight training. Support is ubiquitous and resources are abundant.

Larisa: Describe the general lay out of the Engels training Aerodrome? Anything particular about it's arrangement or position you were not expecting? (in person we're actually supposed to draw it!)

Galina: You are going to pass by the flight line. Why and what do you see? (describe it)

[ +- ] Another opportunity to introduce more moves

Jun 17, 2024 5:39 pm

Despite her chafing feet, Galina is drawn to the bustle of the airfield’s flight line.

A squadron of Yaks are being armed and fuelled by a swarming ground crew. Fighter pilots swagger like heroes on the tarmac near their machines. She notes with pride that small red stars have been painted under several of the machines’ cockpits. Each denoting a downed fascist aircraft.

She watches a Pe-2 bomber taxiing from a hangar, marvelling at the noise of its twin engines. She has heard comparison with the Nazi’s wretched ‘Stuka’. But the fascists’ dive bomber, see sees, is inferior in every way to the ‘Peshka’.

Finally she catches sight of the area where the Po-2 trainers are parked. She smiles at the familiar sight of the gentle little planes. But, while mechanics swarm the futuristic-looking Yaks and Peshkas, nobody attends the biplanes. Their fuselages appear almost ragged from exposure to wind and rain, suggesting that they seldom find shelter in the hangars.

As she looks a burly mechanic passes her and smiles briefly.

"Comrade technician, can you point me to Logistics Area 6?"

She offers the fellow a Belomor, from a packet of cigarettes that she keeps only for the purpose.

OOC:

If he is friendly, she will press her luck and ask for a handful of petroleum jelly, to share with her sister flyers and rub on their injured heels.

But the conversation will reveal her uncertainty and homesickness. As well as her concern that the trainer planes appear to be ignored.

Last edited June 17, 2024 5:41 pm

Jun 17, 2024 9:10 pm

Dash spies the supply depot and says to her son, "Come, let's see what they have." She couldn't actually buy anything; she didn't have any money or anything to trade - not until she was able to complete a few missions. But she could look. And ask for some directions. If she was lucky, she might run into that officer who promised some safety and work for her son.

Jun 18, 2024 1:33 pm

The aerodrome was massive if it were merely a training facility, Larisa thought to herself. Even from the main gate to the nearest row of buildings was still another stretch of walking. The main runway bisected the entire airfield right across the centre, beyond which were the hangars for the various flight craft. Larisa barely made it past the garage before she realised just how many more clusters of buildings there still were to navigate. Common sense dictated that operations would be centred around the traffic control tower, barracks much further away towards the least busy section of the airbase. Still, even with elimination, that left so much more ground to cover.

A brainwave hit Larisa. There were so many fresh faces arriving at Engels. They would all have to report for supplies. She would simply follow the new recruits as they made their way to Logistics Area Six! She looked for all those who reported to the MP and were directed to collect their uniforms.

OOC:

I fleshed out only as much as I thought Larisa would be initially exposed to. I can describe more along the way. As for Larisa's plan to follow the rest of the newbies, would that require a Reach Out roll?

Jun 18, 2024 6:51 pm

BedzoneII says:

I fleshed out only as much as I thought Larisa would be initially exposed to. I can describe more along the way. As for Larisa's plan to follow the rest of the newbies, would that require a Reach Out roll?

OOC:

@BedzoneII, reaching out needs some level of trust/intimacy because it tries to make a personal connection. In this case it doesn't look like you're even trying to interact with the new recruits. I'd saw following them is more sizing up a person/situation so an Eyeball move (2d6 + skill) asking the question "where is logistics area 6"

Since were rolling @OrangeTree, finding something is a Scrounge roll. In this case you're asking for a favor so it's not through the appropriate channels (2s6+luck)

We'll see if Dasha is tempting fate after I post :D

Jun 19, 2024 1:06 am

"Just a handful of petroleum jelly. The stuff you use to clean your hands of oil…"

Rolls

Scrounge roll - (2d6)

(63) = 9

Jun 19, 2024 5:09 am

With the crowd of people arriving, and Larisa not being the sort of person who typically followed the crowd, it was hard for her to simply go up to someone and ask for directions, preferring to figure it out herself while projecting an exterior appearance of confidence. This time though, it wasn't going to be that easy to cluelessly find Area Six in this vast facility. She was lost, and decided to head for the location with the most number of people heading towards it.

OOC:

Edited to narrate the roll as well!

Last edited June 19, 2024 5:11 am

Rolls

Eyeball - (2d6-2)

(31) - 2 = 2

Burly mechanic

Jun 19, 2024 11:48 am

Burly mechanic

As you are given the permission to enter the airdrome, you all try to figure out where to go on your own. Galina is immediately drawn to the bustle of the airfield’s flight line, marveling at the Yak-1 fighters and the Pe-2 bombers, the latest and best available to the soviet airforce.

She walks past the bustling flight line, proudly noticing the small red stars have been painted on them, which she can only assume mark small victories over the germans. Her attention is caught by the outdated Po-2 which most of you are probably familiar with from flight training or agricultural school. She approaches the one mechanic who seems to be assembling one of the planes.

OOC:

Keep in mind that the war and economy are going really bad, so it is generally hard to find anything. Small luxuries like cigarettes are very valued in this game

The burly woman looks up at Galina, her eyes widening at the sight of the packet of Belomor. "I haven't seen one of those in quite some time, comrade." She smiles as she picks one. "New around here is it? That's Logistics 6" she points you to the right supply depot, not too far away from the hangars.

OOC:

This game has a lot of back and forth after the rolls, so once we are used to it, feel free to pick the consequences on the same post as the roll.

9 is a partial success, which means you get what you want and add 1 to the mission pool (we'll get there, but I updated your sheet). However, you have to pick two:

* You attract unwanted attention
* You get poor quality stuff
* You incur a debt

Let me know which you pick and if you have any idea how that may cause trouble

Officer

Jun 19, 2024 11:59 am

Officer

OOC:

2 is a fail. For eyeballing the GM might offer a straight-up lie, honest mistake or tragic misunderstanding.

Larisa follows some of the other women in hopes they will lead her to the Logistics area 6. "Hey you! What are you doing here?" One of the women from inside the building shouts. "Are you the new member of the squadron?" she asks as she measures up Larisa, unsure about her skills.

Depot officer

Jun 19, 2024 12:15 pm

Depot officer

As Dasha enters the supply depot she immediately notices a very angry woman behind some half-opened crates screaming at a hapless man. "What do you mean they took it! How am I supposed to fix those damn planes without those?" Before she can hide, the woman turns back, her eyes fixed on Maksim. "Who the fuck are you? " She doesn't give you the time to answer before she continues "Scratch that - I’ve seen your type come and go. You’ll be down in fucking flames in a fortnight and I am not going to get to know you. What do you want?" she corrects her questions but, as you start to answer, she talks over you "Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you skinny bitches - I am not your mother and I don’t have any boots or fucking field rations, so go choke yourselves."

Jun 19, 2024 6:39 pm

OOC:

Quote:

Keep in mind that the war and economy are going really bad, so it is generally hard to find anything. Small luxuries like cigarettes are very valued in this game

I'm a bit confused on this, considering earlier you said...

Quote:

resources are abundant

Was this earlier post a mistype?

Jun 19, 2024 8:45 pm

OOC:

Bookrat says:

Was this earlier post a mistype?

I guess comparatively abundant--and only for the 'favourite' squadrons? We're going to be co-GMing here, so we have to help each other out to make the story work:).

Quote:

9 is a partial success, which means you get what you want and add 1 to the mission pool (we'll get there, but I updated your sheet). However, you have to pick two:

* You attract unwanted attention
* You get poor quality stuff
* You incur a debt

Let me know which you pick and if you have any idea how that may cause trouble

I appreciate your spelling things out and doing my sheet for me this time. I'll try to become more independent as we move on.
I'll pick:
* You get poor quality stuff
* You incur a debt

Galina is disappointed at the dollop of sludge that the mechanic dumps into her handkerchief. Is it soft--or clean--enough to help her chafed heels? She will apply it sparing first before offering to other pilots.

She senses the mechanic may one day require some recompense for his act of kindness. Some female attention perhaps, or some part or other from the training area. Hardly worth giving up one her precious ciggies for!

But at least she able to walk to Logistics Area 6 in reasonably good time.

Jun 19, 2024 10:25 pm

As she meanders though the supply depot, Dash keeps a lookout for anything that could feed a hungry boy. She will go with hunger herself, but she wants to make sure that Maksim is fed before she heads off to check in.

Jun 20, 2024 1:15 pm

"Yes I am!" Larisa snapped to and instinctively replied in the affirmative, not even knowing whether the officer in question was referring to the training squadron or the 588th as a whole. Best to always put one's best foot forward with a show of enthusiasm. Even if she were utterly mistaken, hopefully she would've exhibited confidence and assertiveness. "I am required to draw supplies from Logistics first. Is this not the correct location? I was directed here."

Burly mechanic

Jun 21, 2024 9:55 am

Burly mechanic

OOC:

Let's say it's poor quality, so you can't use it for long, but it does the job of removing the harm :)

"Some jelly to clean your hands?" she pauses, considering the request. "Sure, sure. Here, have some. Anything for a comrade, right?". As she lights the cigarette, the mechanic looks at Galina's hat and shoes for a little longer than the newcomer is comfortable with. Though disappointed with the sludge she was given, Galina knows times are tough. She thanks the mechanism for the help and directions, but the way she said "right" let Galina know that something would be expected in return.

Depot officer

Jun 21, 2024 9:57 am

Depot officer

Her feet now feeling a bit better from the coolness of the jelly, Galina arrives at Logistics area six to notice a very stressed officer calling out Dasha.

"Hey you! Yes you there! I'm talking to you! What do you want? Get this kid away from here!"

OOC:

Finding food sounds like another + luck Scrounge roll. Fail and you have to deal with the angry officer :D

Lieutenant Lydia Litvyak

Jun 21, 2024 10:08 am

Lieutenant Lydia Litvyak

OOC:

Larisa just introduced herself to the wrong regiment! We might have do split the party 🤣

The officer looks surprised as Larisa mentions the supplies. "Hurry up getting into your uniform then. We are leaving soon"
As the officer mentions leaving, Larisa can see that there are 5 women fully dressed and equipped and ready to fly. "I'm Lieutenant Litvyak. Welcome to the 586th. What's your name and rank?"

Jun 21, 2024 3:55 pm

Galina thanks the mechanic, but tries to indicate that favours will not extend to anything immoral or unpatriotic. She also considers that she is an officer of the Red Army--this man an NCO at best.

OOC:

I'll remove the harm from my sheet. Mmm, nice petroleum jelly. Bet it smiles nice. Not.

She watches the officer calling out Dasha and feels sorry for both women. But she indicates that she is ready to accept orders and does not reveal any emotion.

Last edited June 21, 2024 3:58 pm

Jun 21, 2024 4:28 pm

Dash quickly looks around, trying to see if there's anything she can grab for Maksim before that officer traps them into an unwanted conversation.

Rolls

Luck - (2d6+0)

(66) = 12

Jun 22, 2024 8:46 am

"Private Lari Rostov, reporting for duty sir! I've only just been deployed to Engels and was not briefed that there would be a flight mission straightaway. If I could get directions to Logistics Area Six I shall prepare myself immediately and then return for further orders." 586th! Larisa had chanced upon the wrong squadron heading out! Best to remain professional and excuse herself the moment she could. There would be time later to make amends to Lieutenant Litvyak.

Depot officer

Jun 24, 2024 9:22 am

Depot officer

OOC:

Success! You get what you want a add +1 to the mission pool (for later)

The officer barely notices Galina as she walks up to Dasha, trying to figure out what she wants. She is clearly not going to be ignored for much longer... "What you're looking for, Private! Let me tell you what we’ve got and you can fucking pick from that, all right? We’ve got some nice used men’s uniforms that won’t fit. We have a God-damned airplane in a packing crate and no time to assemble it. We’ve got endless fucking shovels for some reason. Anything else you want? good luck with that! " She is so focused on complainin about the lack of equipment that she doesn't notice Dasha spiriting away a few rations and a bottle or vodka.

Galina recognizes the woman with the kid from the ferry, but stays quietly waiting for an opportunity to talk while a new finds her way to the Logitics area.

OOC:

@Shorty: We can skip the other bits and just say Tanya went through he same and finds herself now next to Galina also looking the stuff the MP man told her.

Lieutenant Lydia Litvyak

Jun 24, 2024 9:27 am

Shorty Inactive for 4 months

Lieutenant Lydia Litvyak

"Private?" Lieutenant Litvyak looks surprised as Larisa tells her rank. "Well, I guess we are going to make sure you earn your rank then. Go hurry then! Tell Masha Lydia need you ready fast." The officer gives you all the directions you need to easily find Logistics Area Six and the others.

Jun 24, 2024 8:42 pm

I a bit scrawny and timid, a young woman enters the depot. Standing nicely in line behind the others.
She seems quite small in figure, her hair looking tidy, but her clothes are stained with oil and grease. She is looking at the floor.

She breathes out for a moment longer than normal as she whispers under her breath.
"Service uniforms, flight boots, one week’s rations and directions to the trainee barracks. Service uniforms, flight boots, one week’s rations and directions to the trainee barracks."

Jun 25, 2024 4:37 am

OOC:

Dasha:When did you get a favor because of your gender, and how did you pay it back?
Her son is 10 is allows in the military base. Who was the man who did her this favor? Pick one of the higher ups whenever you find it suitable. Who do you know in the 4th Air Army Logistics and Supply Commissariat, and what favor do you owe them?

"Captain Rashkov," Dasha said in surprise, nearly bumping into the tall logistics officer that had helped her back when she was fleeing her home town.

"Hello, Dasha. Maksim," the officer said, a half smile adorning. He was surely remembering the night Dasha had slept with him - the favor she paid to get her son on base. She wasn't ashamed of it; but she did feel a little guilty considering how recent her husband had passed in the war.

"I- I was just looking for you," she said, only half lying. In truth, she didn't know where to find him. She thought he'd be with the 288th, and she had intended to go there next, after getting something for Maksim to eat. Her own stomach growled, but she ignored it. "You said you would find a place for Maksim, yes?" She asked, hesitantly.

"Oh, yes! Of course! Of course. I have already secured a bunk for him, and a job!"

"A.. a job? He's only ten, sir."

"Yes, well, we need all the hands we can get, and his hands will work wonders on some of the engines we have to repair. Small hands like his can get in places others can't. And he'll be learning some valuable skills, Dasha. Think of all the help he'll provide Mother Russia, and he won't be better protected than in the heart of the base. And as a bonus, you can come see him - and me," he said with a smile and a wink, "- any time you want. Now, why don't you come with me, son, while your mother reports in to her commanding officer."

Dasha hugged her son goodbye, and quickly left to report in, following the directions Captain Rashkov gave her.

Sergeant Masha Kataeva

Jun 25, 2024 9:23 am

Sergeant Masha Kataeva

Sergent Kataeva stops as she notices Captain Rashkov entering the depot. "Sir! Anything I can hel..." Again, she is ignored as that new private with the child seems to talk out of place. As she knows better than to interrupt Captain Rashkov, she turns back infuriated, trying to figure out who is the new girl asking for uniforms and whatever.

Walking up to Tanya and Galina, the frustrated woman explodes. "Before I find you suka’s some nice lady boots, I think I’ll focus on acquiring a couple of Shvetsov M-11 engines and all the shit that breaks on those fuckers - cylinders, heads, gaskets, pumps - Jesus and his whoremonger apostles - gages, canvas and canvas dope, control wire and surfaces, wheels and struts, bomb release mechanisms, I could go fucking on, sister. I don’t have shit." She turns to point at some boxes behind her. "Go on! Take what you need. Make it fast. I have better things to do.

What you find there is exactly what the Sergent described: oversized second-hand men’s uniforms, mismatched pair's of boots and just about enough food for a week, if you're on a diet.

"And when you're done, you better go see Senior Lieutenant Petrova. Ask for her in the 588th’s barracks—just keep walking that way until you see the shitty place no decent woman in her right mind would call home."

Larisa shows up after running for awhile. She is just in time to see where Sergeant Kataeva is pointing to and notice the supply boxes.

OOC:

One of you will be missing a boot. But that can be decided later. Everyone is left alone to take what they need, and you have directions to the 588th’s barracks.

What is your reaction when you see the poor quality of the things you were given? Do you stop to talk with the others or just go to the barracks? If the later, Shorty, can you describe them?

Galina will notice Larisa, who she met on the ferry, going the "wrong way" if she waits for her.

Captain Rashkov

Jun 25, 2024 9:30 am

Captain Rashkov

Captain Rashkov takes Maksim by his hand, even going as far as giving the child a little chocolate. Dasha might feel a little guilty about all this, but she knows Maksim is in good hands... and she already knows can handle those some hands herself when the time comes. Before leaving, Captain Rashkov leave a box of supplies for Dasha to take. A box containing a uniform tailored for her size, sitting boots and even some extra luxuries on top of the rations.

OOC:

Dasha get all the proper supplies she needed and can follow the others to the barracks. She already spirited a bottle of vodka, what is the other "little luxury" she got as a gift from Rashkov?

One of the consequences later one for a roll will definitely get some rumors circulating about Dasha and Rashkov after this.

Jun 25, 2024 1:04 pm

OOC:

I wrote that late at night, but I had originally intended to gift the vodka to the captain as a thank you. Whoops.

I'm not sure what the extra gift would be. Let's roll for it! These are some things that may have been considered a luxury back then:
1: Extra soft toilet paper
2: Small box of fresh fruit (strawberries?)
3: Dancing shoes
4: German chocolate
5: Good writing pen and some paper
6: Transistor radio

Along with the standard set of equipment, Captain Rashkov had slipped in a nice writing pen and some paper - something to allow her to write with and send letters to Maksim on those days when she couldn't see him. "What a thoughtful man," she thought to herself, and she smiled as she made her way to the training center.

Last edited June 25, 2024 1:09 pm

Rolls

Small luxury - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Jun 25, 2024 3:53 pm

Larisa didn't know whether it was wholly appropriate or not, but she proffered a quick salute to Lieutenant Litvyak before dashing out the same way she came, glad not to have to keep up the pretense for longer than necessary, but making a mental note to come back when she could, after sorting out the mess with the 588th. But first, supplies!

With the directions she found her way quickly to Logistics Area Six, blurting out as she entered "Private Lari Rostov, I'm looking for Masha!", but not yet sure which woman in the room she was addressing. "Lieutenant Litvyak of the 586th sent me for supplies." And waited to see who replied.

OOC:

Not sure at what moment Larisa barges in.

Sergeant Masha Kataeva

Jun 26, 2024 8:46 am

OOC:

Feel free to barge in at any moment :D

Sergeant Masha Kataeva

Masha sighs and waves towards the boxes where the others are getting their uniforms, too busy to even care.

OOC:

"after sorting out the mess with the 588th" means you're joining them now and leaving Litvyak and the 586th waiting?

Jun 26, 2024 10:24 pm

Galina waves to Larissa, anxious that she should catch up.

In the meantime she gathers what supplies she can. She is petite, so the male uniforms are especially huge. Determined as she is to show a brave face, she accepts the shoddiness of the equipment with good grace. But she is exasperated that the boots are not attached together*. What carelessness! She collects what cans and packets of food her short time allows.

She is now tired. She heads to the 586th 588th with her armfuls of shoddy gear.

OOC:

*I can believe it, though. In James Herriot’s autobiography, he describes a WW2 British Army depot where he was ordered to store left and right boots separately in large boxes.

Jun 27, 2024 11:30 am

OOC:

Little correction. It's getting a bit confusing as it's too early in the game to have all the different regiments, but Galina is heading to 588th.

She also waves at Larissa! @BedzoneII What does Larissa do?

Once this bit is sorted, I'm assuming Dasha and Tanya follow Galina to the barrack. Let me know if now

Jun 27, 2024 1:09 pm

OOC:

Yes, Dash is headed towards the barracks, and I'm assuming that Captain Rashkov gave her directions. :)

Jun 27, 2024 1:35 pm

"Thank you Sergeant Masha, Lieutenant Litvyak sends her regards." Litvyak of course said no such thing, but it didn't hurt for Larisa to make nice with Masha. Who knows, they might always need the help of logistics one way or another.

"Hello, I'm Lari! You must be one of the new conscripts here as well!" Larisa greeted the friendly wave by marching up to Galina and introducing herself, and joined her in digging through the stores. Apart from what she was told to acquire, she looked out for something, anything that would give her an advantage to impress Litvyak; perhaps there was something the 586th might need that she could unearth.

Once she found all that she wanted, she would head back to report to Litvyak first, before heading to the 588th.

OOC:

Going to go with returning to the 586th first. I'm thinking to use the Scrounge move, Misanthropes scrounge well.

Jun 27, 2024 2:03 pm

BedzoneII says:

Going to go with returning to the 586th first. I'm thinking to use the Scrounge move, Misanthropes scrounge well.

OOC:

Not asking anyone so not going throught the channels, roll + luck. Any idea of what help the other regiment and/or impress Litvyak? (she is will be the White Lily of Stalingrad, so maybe there's some ideas there)

Jun 27, 2024 2:30 pm

Larisa found a suitable ill-fitting uniform very quickly, as well as the boots. The rations were stacked haphazardly along one wall; she grabbed a whole carton, intending to bring all of it back to the regiment, when she spied a small box, tucked away where it shouldn't be, behind the row of rations. She opened them to see, a couple of pairs of brand new leather gloves! She quickly opened the ration box to dump away half of the rations in order to hide the glove box within, fully intending to bring them back to Litvyak and her crew as gifts.

And that's when she saw it as she exited the storeroom from behind, the massive crate of an unassembled airplane. She tried to read the imprint on the crate to find out what model it was. This news was more precious than all the vodka in the world. Surely Litvyak would want to hear of this, perhaps the lieutenant would be interested to make a play for this aircraft.

She hurried back, exiting quickly past Sergeant Masha with a big thank you. She owed the depot sergeant, and would have to make it up to her someday.

OOC:

7 is a success but with a cost. May I choose 'incur a debt' to Masha? Also I'm thinking gloves, if that's appropriate. And also the news of the airplane.

Last edited June 27, 2024 2:38 pm

Rolls

Scrounge - (2d6+1)

(42) + 1 = 7

Senior Lieutenant Petrova

Jun 28, 2024 9:28 am

Senior Lieutenant Petrova

You take you new uniforms and head for the barracks. After some fumbling around and vague directions from harried, impatient mechanics, you manage to find the 588th’s barracks and understand why Sergeant Kataeva described it as "the shitty place no decent woman in her right mind would call home."

A woman no older than any of you is waiting to greet you at the barracks. "I’m Senior Lieutenant Petrova. I see you got yourselves some nice men uniforms. Time to put them on. We have things to do." The woman shows each one of you a cot where you will be sleeping. "I’ve reviewed your files and you are quite a mixed bag, aren’t you?" she comments as she looks at some papers. "Alright then. Name and place of origin."

OOC:

She is asking everyone in the barracks. @Shorty How bad does it look? Anything in particular catching Tanya's attention?

Sergeant Masha Kataeva

Jun 28, 2024 10:00 am

Shorty Inactive for 4 months

Sergeant Masha Kataeva

"I see you found yourself something nice didn't you?" Masha ominously shows from behind some crates as Larissa hides the glove box. "Tell you what. The men will survive without those, but you are not going to survive without oil. Why don't you tell Lydia to talk with the men and get them to give me back some oil? I've seen how they look at her. I'm sure she will know how to get me some, no?"

OOC:

You can take the gloves, but you need to find some oil for Masha

Once Masha made sure Larissa understood the deal, she moves away from the 588th barracks and makes her way to join Lydia and her squadron. She has to make it across the busy flight line where a male squadron is preparing to fly. "Hey guys, look at that! What’s your hurry, babe? No need for you to run away, now is there?" Some of the guys turn to watch Larissa. Having been a bit more careful about making herself presentable, she has to endure some cat-calls from leather-jacket-clad male pilots on the way.

OOC:

Time to answer that question: What happened the last time a crowd of brother airmen wolf- whistled in your direction?

Jun 28, 2024 10:02 am

CESN says:

OOC:

She is asking everyone in the barracks. @Shorty How bad does it look? Anything in particular catching Tanya's attention?

OOC:

I'm sorry. I bit into a few more games than I can chew atm. I haven't been keeping up on this one at all. I'd better not delay it further. :(

Jun 28, 2024 3:47 pm

Shorty says:

I'm sorry. I bit into a few more games than I can chew atm. I haven't been keeping up on this one at all. I'd better not delay it further. :(

OOC:

ahah yeah tends to happen to everyone when they join. @Bookrat,@OrangeTree, anyone of you can describe the barracks (and gossip about Lari not beings there 🤣.

Jun 28, 2024 11:37 pm

OOC:

I’m finding it hard to follow why Lari is going back to other squadron. To ask their squadron leader to ask logistics to give our squadron oil? I’ll place the confusion into Gali’s IC post.

Galina watches as Larisa marches away. What is wrong with her? First getting lost and now heading away again.

Her heart sinks as he looks at the barracks. Many of the bunks are stacked with engine parts, manuals and files. On one, a large bomb has been placed. The mechanics clearly see the place as a dumping ground for their unwanted gear. The bathroom has been ruined by similar tipping . Sinks broken or full of sump oil. None of the showers seem to work. A covered latrine trench, some distance from the barracks, seems to be the only option for ablutions.

The lack of concern for the new pilots is so complete it seems almost deliberate.

Marx, she reflects, considered that a society’s level of development could be observed through its treatment of women. But the logical conclusions of this thought trouble her.

She struggles not to show her disappointment and to help to clear a space where she and the other new girls can lay down their gear.

Jun 29, 2024 1:51 pm

Larisa froze in her tracks, turning around with a deer-in-the-headlights look when called out by Masha. She opened her mouth to defend herself, and was about to say something about how surprised she was to discover such a precious find amongst the older stuff in the store, when she saw that Masha wasn't about to give her any grief about it.

"Lieutenant Litvyak is certainly very -" She caught herself before she said the word 'attractive', and wondered for a moment whether she possessed the same male gaze as the majority of the airmen in this camp. "Yes Sergeant, I will make sure your stock of oil will be replenished. It is not right for the men to hog the supply for themselves." She had no idea that that was the situation, but made her promise, intending to find some way to keep it.

With that she dashed out with a quick step, before Masha could change her mind. So intent was she to hurry to the 586th (so that she could then try to reach the 588th), that she hadn't realised she had swished past a bunch of pilots doing their pre-flight inspections, not until she heard the catcalls above the aircraft engine noises. The last time such a thing had happened was just last year. In one of her nicer dresses, and with proper make-up, she had swiveled in the direction of the wolf-whistles with a curtsy and a winking smile, before turning away girlishly to trot off without looking back.

This time she hadn't expected it, with her pleasant form concealed under an overcoat that had kept her warm during the long march here. But perhaps it was the pretty shoes that framed her calves and ankles, or perhaps it was the curls that still peeked from under her hat. But mostly it was because she was carrying the gloves inside the rations box which she did not want to reveal which kept her hurrying on without looking back. Still, she couldn't help making the smallest of curtsies with a slight bend of the knees as she walked faster away; if any of the airmen were truly checking her out they would notice her feminine gesture. Who knows, the more sincere among them, if there were, might just follow up on their machismo.

OOC:

Answered another question!

Last edited June 30, 2024 4:30 am

Jun 29, 2024 3:20 pm

"Dasha Bobkova," Dash says, announcing herself. "I am from Zhelenogorsky." She lets the words hang in the air. Everyone should be aware that the city was just lost a few weeks ago to the Germans. And by the way she's dressed, she likely walked the whole way to the recruitment center.

Last everyone saw her, she had her son, Maksim, with her. She didn't explain why he wasn't with her now. The words made her think of her home town, of her old apartment. The last time she saw that apartment, it was being bombed. The windows were blown out. She had been at the playground with her son. She knew coming here would mean that she would never be able to have a funeral for her husband, but it also meant that she would have a safe place for her son and be able to work a job that could support him.

OOC:

Question: Who's funeral did you miss by volunteering?

Jun 29, 2024 6:56 pm

Galina sighs as she realises that Bobkova--a mere private--is to be placed in the same barracks as herself, a commissioned officer. In this place, clearly, there will be no recognition of ranks. Not of women's ranks, anyway. But how is a squadron to operate with a proper chain of command?

It is another indignity she will just have to get used to. She addresses Dasha without reference to their differences.

"Comrade, this place is a mess. It looks like we are going to have to look after ourselves--and each other. Shall we do what we can to make some bunk space for the new recruits?"

Jul 1, 2024 11:53 am

"Yes, let's get this place cleaned up, comrade. I don't enjoy living in a dirty house."

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

Jul 1, 2024 2:54 pm

OOC:

@Bookrat,@BedzoneII luck points for the questions answered. Also, remember that to make things easier (thought not as realistic), we went with no one being an officer officially yet, though you might expect to be soon. You need to graduate by passing a pilot and a navigation test

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

Three other women introduce themselves as the Senior Lieutenant demands to know who they are. "Tanya Komarova, Moscow. Vera Gromova, Vyzama. Anastasiya Samsonova, Leningrad". Petrova looks surprised at the last one. "Samsonova?" The girl nods remaining silent.

After a while the Senior Lieutenant turns to Galina. "Yes comrade, there's some work to be done here before you can call this place home., But we need to get you to the planes now. We are already late. Name and place of origin."

OOC:

Each squadron has six women. Since My character needs to be out of it, I made a new one and put the other 2 "PCs" in there

218th pilot

Jul 1, 2024 3:02 pm

218th pilot

As Larisa turns to make the smallest of curtsies, the men fall silent, clearly not expecting such a feminine gesture. They exchange some comments between themselves, trying to figure out how to reply to that until one of them shouts louder "Hey, if you're looking for some fun, we're at the 218th!" noticing that sounded bad, he quickly added "We have cards!"

They look at each other, unsure Larisa heard them or not as she quickly made her way out of there...

OOC:

We're free to report to Lydia now. What do you do?

Jul 2, 2024 12:22 am

Galina gives her details and shows a friendly face to her fellow flyers. She is glad to see the makings of a real squadron.

"A formidable name," she says smiling, at the final introduction.

She is nervous at the prospect of the training flight, but fights the sensation of butterflies in her stomach.

Jul 2, 2024 10:22 am

Larisa peeked at the one who had called out, who knew if their paths would cross again. But only with the briefest of glances without giving the game away as she hurried back to where the 586th was.

"Lieutenant!" She called out smartly, "Sergeant Masha was very helpful, I can be dressed and ready to leave immediately. I bring the squadron a gift!" She continued proudly and whipped out the box of gloves and placed it in front of everyone. On a quieter note she half-mumbled to Litvyak, "Sergeant Masha asks that you help her get some oil back from the male squadrons. With your influence."

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

Jul 3, 2024 1:13 pm

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

"Bobkova, Komarova, Gromova, Samsonova and Malinovskaya" The officer looks around for a moment. "Where is Rostovich? She should be here by now" She storms out of the barracks door and looks back. "Well, you girls will have to teach her about the planes. I'll have a chat with her later."

Without waiting for the missing recruit, Senior Lieutenant Petrova leads you all to the just outside the main runways, where Galina caught sight of the old and under-maintained Po-2 airplanes. The biplanes are in formation on the flight line, each fragile craft lovingly tended by a pair of mechanic-armorers.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYQYqghP8w8r_P6sTLKUe9EZvzhHqicTBYfQ&s

"Alright ladies. The mission of the 588th is one of constant and unrelenting harassment. For that, we will use these" She puts her hand on the side of a Po-2 before continuing to explain how they work. "As you can see, your airplane holds two people. We’ll be dividing you out into pilots and navigators based on aptitude, but you will both be qualified for either seat. Pilots in front, navigators in back." She points at the two seats to show you where each one goes.

"These airplanes are simple. Fuel and oil are gravity fed, so don’t go flying upside-down. An air cooled engine. No oil filter, just a mesh screen. Open cockpits." She climbs up the wings, barely waiting for you to catch up. "Memorize your cockpit layout. Down and to your left: Throttle, fuel mix lever, fuel cutoff switch, carburetor heat and elevator trim. Left dash switch bank: Pitot heat, master battery, panel lights, two magneto switches. Gages—Fuel, altitude, airspeed, heading, attitude. Climb rate and engine RPM. Oil pressure and temperature. Fuel pressure gage. Cylinder temperature."

Turning away to the tail she adds. "Barring special circumstances, it has no machine gun. It won't help you against the Germans so they are nothing but extra weight. You fly too low for parachutes, also extra weight. You have neither radios nor radar." She turns back to face you all. "Good news: we’ll be flying the biplanes under cover of darkness in all weather conditions. Bad news: flying at night is strange and challenging. Many things can go wrong. Officers are issued Tokarev pistols. Remember, if you crash behind enemy lines, save the last bullet for yourself."

OOC:

Ok, brief stop for reactions. You just found out you were assigned to the crap planes which are used for maize crops and were probably useful in the first world war...

@BedzoneII This whole thing sounds like tempting fate and that's + guts

Jul 3, 2024 10:17 pm

Galina struggles with disappointment. She thought the planes would be training aircraft at worst. But as bombers!

She looks for some happier angles on the discovery. The planes are at least simple in their design and should be easy to learn to use. As biplanes, they will be slow and stable, good for bombing. The new pilots will be able to fly missions in the same machines they trained in. And they will fly under cover of night.

But, beneath these thoughts run less pleasant reflections. They will be slow, defenceless against any kind of Nazi fighter. And night flying, night bombing, will be disorientating and hazardous.

She blinks, struggling to master her emotions.

Last edited July 3, 2024 10:18 pm

Jul 5, 2024 2:50 pm

Dearest Maksim,

I hope the work they have assigned you is going well. I cannot wait to see you again, but I must wait until my additional training is complete. They have given us old crop dusters, which, fortunately, I am well experienced in flying.

We are going to be flying at night, which means your mom will be well protected. They won't be able to see us.

Soon, we will be able to return home again.

With all my love,
Dasha

Jul 6, 2024 3:09 pm

It crossed her mind whether Litvyak would continue to buy the enthusiastic facade. It would be a hell of a first impression even if she didn't. And the gloves were to her credit. Maybe she could leverage that. Or if not she would quickly fade away from here.

Rolls

Tempt Fate - (2d6+1)

(66) + 1 = 13

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

Jul 9, 2024 9:05 am

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

After giving you time to take in the information, particularly the importance of keeping the last bullet. Seeing the women's reaction to the Po-2, SLT Petrova turns to Galina. "You there, from Bratsk is it? I noticed on your record your male flight instructor failed you a few time. How did that make you feel?".

Then she turns to Dasha. "Zhelenogorsky? Sorry to hear that. Know anyone west of the Dniepr?"

OOC:

time to explore some of the questions

Lieutenant Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak

Jul 9, 2024 9:26 am

OOC:

Lari's lucky day it seems!

So tempting Fate is the default move for any hairball situation well above and beyond the normal dangers of life near the front lines. Keep in mind this is a special move that can be used both day and night.

Lieutenant Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak

"Thanks... I" Lydia takes the box and looks inside. "These are nice. They will be useful to keep our fingers from freezing up there." She tries one of the gloves to feel the fit. "Masha wants oil from the men? I'll see what I can do." She smiles and turns to the brand new Yakovlev Yak-1 fighters. "Time to go for a ride"

OOC:

I'm going to skip this "mission" and just ask for a pilot roll. We'll get in more detail during the training but pilots do the attack run move which is 2d6 +guts.

Jul 9, 2024 1:38 pm

"No," Dasha says, "No one that far west. Most of my family moved to the Oblast when it was created for jobs, and I was born there. I met my husband there and we had a son. My son is still with me."

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

Jul 11, 2024 9:45 am

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

SLT Petrova turns to looks at Galina waiting for her answer before she continues.

OOC:

just a quick bump to get the game running again :)

Jul 11, 2024 12:20 pm

Larisa gaped at the Yakolevs, and hastily tried to recover her composure before blurting out anyway, "Bozhe moi! They're beautiful." She wanted to clamber aboard the single-seater straightaway, but observed decorum to see which of the planes the others headed towards first, before picking the last one to board. This was her chance to show them why she was here. And even if they booted her back to the training squadron, she could proudly say she first flew in one of the Yaks.

OOC:

Sorry for the pause! Didn't expect that crazy Tempt Fate roll either! Anyway, this roll has consequences. Because we're not playing it out, I'd be more than happy if you want to decide the consequences.

Last edited July 11, 2024 12:23 pm

Rolls

Attack Run - (2d6+1)

(52) + 1 = 8

Jul 11, 2024 5:43 pm

Galina nods at the SLT’s question.

"I would not like to imply that my instructor was less than fair. Surely he must know the importance of our role, in this time of Mother Russia’s need."

But Galina does not really believe this. Some men are threatened by the possibility that women can achieve success in fields formerly reserved for men. This Great Patriotic War was an opportunity to prove that women could work alongside men as their equal partners. A little war, against chauvinism and backwardness, within the greater war against Fascism.

OOC:

Sorry, I wasn’t really clear what is happening. Are all the pilots taking the Yaks, or just Larisa with Lydia? As a result of Larisa’s roll? ( I didn’t realise any female pilots could access the fighters).

Should I roll for an attack run?

Jul 11, 2024 10:36 pm

OOC:

I guess I'm also a bit confused on what's going on and where we are. I thought we were just answering some questions. But we're also doing a flight run? Have we decided who is a pilot and who is a navigator?

Jul 12, 2024 9:02 am

Bookrat says:

I guess I'm also a bit confused on what's going on and where we are. I thought we were just answering some questions. But we're also doing a flight run? Have we decided who is a pilot and who is a navigator?

OOC:

No only Larissa is flying now. That's because she ran off to a different (Lydia's) regiment. She will be back soon.

@BedzoneII looks like I can offer you a worse outcome, a hard bargain, or an ugly choice. We'll get there when the NKVD is introduced...

OrangeTree says:

Are all the pilots taking the Yaks, or just Larisa with Lydia? As a result of Larisa’s roll? ( I didn’t realise any female pilots could access the fighters).

OOC:

Sorry, the roll only apply to Larissa... There are 3 regiments with women at the base (586th being the one I introduced to answer on of the questions). Only you, the full-women 588th, fly old bi-planes. The mixed-gender regiments get good fighters and bombers and all the media attention for propaganda. I'll need to organize the NPC thread to get all their posts and regiments included.

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

Jul 12, 2024 9:39 am

Senior Lieutenant Polina Borisovna Petrova

STL Polina looks at all the new recruiters. "Well... fair as he may have be, this is the time to proof yourself. And remember why you are here and why we are fighting. We are fighting for all the husbands, to get them home!" She doesn't sound as convincing as she would have liked to though...

"Ah! Look, quick, everyone in order now." she interrupts her improvised speech and forms the recruits into rough order. "Attention everyone, Major Bershanskaya is here." she salutes the stern older woman with gold shoulder boards.

Rolls

1-Galina 2-Dasha - (1d2)

(2) = 2

Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

Jul 12, 2024 9:48 am

Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

Next to the Major, you recognize Captain Lobodeva, who you met on the ferry - her Chief of Staff - along with several other officers. The Major looks you over. "Comrades, welcome to the regiment. I am Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya, your commander. I will expect you to comport yourselves at all times as proper Soviet airwomen. I see you have already been told we will fly these", she nods to STL Polina "The Polikarpov Po-2 LNB. A simple two-seat canvas-and-wood biplane has been determined to be ideal for our mission by the great operational minds of the Fourth Army Air Force, and we are certainly not going to doubt their wisdom in this matter."

The Major move closer to the biplanes, appraising them. She turns to look at the recruiters, stopping in front of Anastasiya Samsonova to silently adjust her uniform. She then stops by Dasha, and inspects her for a moment before talking again. "What’s your name? Did you train with a Comsomol flying club or a glider school or as part of an agricultural technical academy?"

Jul 12, 2024 11:56 am

The flight mission wasn't quite the opportunity Larisa had hoped for to impress Litvyak and her squadron. The good thing was that she flew well, surprising even herself. The Yak felt smoother than anything she had ever flown, and being up in the air was a pleasure in itself.

But she was still notably only a private in the midst of the others. Perhaps she had overreached. She landed, and assembled right behind the rest, waiting the lieutenant's next pronouncement.

OOC:

A hard bargain I guess? We can wait until the NKVD appears before this happens, yikes

Jul 12, 2024 3:53 pm

"Private Dasha Bobkova," Dash says as ordered. "I am from the Kursk Oblast, and I have never left my home town of Zhelenogorsky until the Germans invaded."

"I learned to fly on crop dusters, not unlike these. I have always wished to fly something more, something powerful, commander, but I will fly these for the motherland and to strike back at the Germans! We will drive them back!"

Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

Jul 12, 2024 4:19 pm

Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

"Agricultural school was it? They have some good instructors and you get some good hours practice on those field." She turns to show you the modified "crop dusters".

"The mission of the 588th is one to unrelentingly harassment the Germans. Mother Russia is quickly rebuilding its airforce but we don't have the resources or firepower to do serious damage to the German war machine. Wwe will make up for it in persistence and the imposition of maddening uncertainty. When out there you make sure to keep them up listening for your little motors, you keep them wondering when you are coming next. she proudly explains the mission of the regiment you have been assigned.

Then she turns to get Dasha's attention. "Since you know these already, you will notice some changes we made. The Po-2 is not a fighter but a bomber. Each wing has six attachment points for FAB-50 fragmentation bombs. The release mechanism for these bombs is unreliable. In the event of a hanging bomb, you navigators need to climb out on the wing and release it manually. When FAB-50s aren’t available, we will drop sawed-off railroad ties or anything heavy enough to keep the Germans looking up." Everyone, not just Dasha, can notice see the improvised attachments for the bombs, which were not there when you flew the training Po-2 before.

"These bombs are heavy. And there's six of them. Our mission profiles will rarely have us flying above 1200 meters and weight is at a premium, parachutes are not standard equipment. There is no radio. Individual aircrews communicate with hand signals or by using a speaking tube, and communication between planes in the same section is by flashlight, flare or hand signal. You will work together so closely, this next 6 months of training, that you will be able to read another plane’s intention by instinct. It's not going to be easy. We will be flying in 4 months and 3 years of training to be done."

After she mentions how intensive your training will be, she turns to the Po-2. "First lesson: There are three places you can put a bullet that will break the Po-2: The small fuel tank, the compact engine, or the pilot. Anything else just passes through and you keep flying. And, honestly, the pilot doesn’t count because you have a spare. Any questions?"

OOC:

Big wall of text from the introduction, so I''m leaving it to clarify anything about the mission (which is the setting for the game) or any technical question you want to roleplay about the planes?

Jul 12, 2024 5:48 pm

"One question, Major, Dash piped up.

Everything here - everything about this sounded terrifying. They were flying shit planes, half the time using fake bombs. There'd be no communication, no safety, no rescue if they failed.

Her heart was pumping. This would be absolutely exhilarating.

"When can we get in the air?"

Jul 13, 2024 2:44 am

Galina listens carefully to the briefing.

She is interested to hear something of Dasha’s training history. Crop dusting , she has heard, is no mean feat. Flying close to the ground, ensuring coverage of the farmland below. How brave these women were! She would strive to be worthy of their sisterhood!

Last edited July 14, 2024 12:18 am

Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

Jul 13, 2024 4:11 pm

Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya

"That's the spirit, Private Bobkova" Major Bershanskaya clearly appreciated the motivation. We have no time to wait. Formation drill, tomorrow at 1700; I expect you to be crisp. But before that, it is my pleasure to administer the oath of a Soviet soldier and induct you into the Red Army Air Force Fourth Air Army.

[ +- ] Those taking the oath must repeat this

Jul 13, 2024 5:09 pm

Dash repeats the oath, truly meaning it in her heart."I, Dasha Bobkova, promise to rise to the defense of my Motherland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as a fighting man of the Worker’s and Peasant’s Red Army, I promise to defend it bravely, skillfully, with dignity and honor, sparing neither my blood nor my life itself for the achievement of total victory over our enemies."

588th Regiment

Jul 16, 2024 8:49 am

As Dasha finishes making her oath to the Motherland, the officers move to the next trainee, each one of them repeating the same words. Then they stop in front of Galina, waiting for her to take her oath.

588th Regiment

LT Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak

Jul 16, 2024 9:01 am

LT Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak

As they get out of the fighters from what turned out to be a training mission, not a real fight mission, Lydia congratulates everyone on their performance. "We'll fly a few more times to get used to the fighters and practice the maneuvers. I think we are ready to hunt down some germans soon." She stops by Larissa for a little long. "Not bad. We need to go through some specifics. Was it your first time on one of these?"

While they are talking, another woman shows up, reporting for duty and apologizing for the delay. It seems Larissa might have stolen this woman's place.

OOC:

Well, I'll give you freedom to sort this out :D
Of note, Larissa is not taking the oath.

Jul 16, 2024 10:03 am

CESN says:

As Dasha finishes making her oath to the Motherland, the officers move to the next trainee, each one of them repeating the same words. Then they stop in front of Galina, waiting for her to take her oath.

Galina takes the oath, relieved that she is at last a fighter for the Soviet Union.

Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva

Jul 17, 2024 12:33 pm

Captain Evgeniya Lobodeva

Happy with everyone's oaths, Major Bershanskaya dismisses you as Captain Lobodeva congratulates you personally "Well done, let's make the Motherland proud and show those germans who they are messing with". The captain points the way to the mess tent "You can get some chow after the busy day. Classroom instruction begins at dawn, in Classroom F. Be sure to be on time. Captain of State Security Olga Barsukova does not like to wait."

OOC:

Ok, free time. The entire squadron is free to get some food and then sleep. That includes the NPCs: Tanya Komarova, Vera Gromova, andAnastasiya Samsonova. Larissa might or might not be joining tonight.

Where do you go? Do you talk to someone in your squadron or an NPC you have came across? Will you write home with news? How are your character feeling after such an hetic first day?

As a note "of State Security" means NKVD officer. Your character might or might not figure that out now.

CESN sent a note to BedzoneII

Jul 17, 2024 1:39 pm

It's been a long, tiring day, and Dasha is ready for sleep. But there are still things to do. The barracks still need cleaning. She wants to visit her son before he goes to bed. So these are the things she will do. She will start with cleaning the barracks for a while, while there is still daylight out. Then, near dusk, she will visit her son and tuck him into bed. Then she will return to the barracks for sleep.

Jul 17, 2024 2:02 pm

"No I haven't," Larisa replied affirmatively, barely able to contain her excitement. "Only the Polikarpovs. This was a different experience altogether. I hope I have managed to impress you lieutenant, enough to serve on the squad." There, she said it. It was up to Litvyak to reject her if she found her unsuitable. If she did Larisa would tuck her tail between her legs and try to make her way to the 588th, whom she hadn't even met with yet.

The arrival of the new woman struck Larisa with horror. Was her deception so quickly exposed? Or did she want to brazenly continue to pull this whole thing off and pretend it was all a terrible mistake? The risk was that sooner or later the NKVD would come knocking: sooner if Litvyak raises a fuss, later if Larisa continued to impress her.

OOC:

It looks like Larisa may not make it to the 588th to take the oath, unless Litvyak calls her out there and then as part of the 'hard bargain'. Which means she would remain impersonating until the NKVD came for her, which could be tonight, or tomorrow.

BedzoneII sent a note to CESN

Jul 17, 2024 4:24 pm

Galina helps Dasha arrange an area of the barracks so they can rest more comfortably. She evens offers to help clear a little bunk for Dasha’s child.

Galina’s views on Dasha’s son are mixed. One the one hand, she wonders whether a Soviet fighting squadron should be saddled with a child. On the other, she considers it only fair that all Soviet citizens — fathers, mothers, unmarried folk— have the opportunity to fight in the Great Patriotic War. She decides that the latter is the more Soviet position.

While clearing the space for their beds, Galina is careful to make sure that the objects being shifted are carefully organised and displayed on another surface. She knows what men are like— they’ll dump stuff thoughtlessly, then criticise anyone daring to tidy their stuff as ‘messing things up.’

She writes a short poem about the barracks. Reconsiders in case it appears defeatist, then destroys it.

Jul 18, 2024 4:10 pm

OOC:

Note that Dasha's son is not with the squadron. He's currently with the logistics officer she met up with earlier. Maksim will be staying with the men and likely put to work, either doing something with logistics and inventory, or with the mechanics. Or both!

Jul 18, 2024 5:24 pm

OOC:

i can see Galina not having realised that and offer to help all the same if OrangeTree wants to use the opportunity to make the PCs interact, which would force dasha to give an explanation/excuse 🤔

Jul 20, 2024 11:24 am

Galina tries not to show her sadness that the little boy will be staying in the men’s barracks. But it is not her business. Perhaps not even the business of the Party.

SLt Polina Borisovna Petrova

Jul 23, 2024 10:30 am

OOC:

Sorry for the wait. Busy week. I'll be away a couple of days as well, but I'll try to keep this running :D

You clean up your barracks as well as you can. Given their state, you might need a few more days to finish the job, but at least they are usable now, and you can get some sleep. Anastasiya goes around for a while, keeping everyone awake with small talk as she is too excited to sleep. Vera turns to the side and tries to focus on reading her book, but gives up after Anastasiya's constant questioning. Tanya seems to be as interested as Galina in making her space as comfortable as possible.

There is however, one bed that remains unoccupied all night...

SLt Polina Borisovna Petrova

The following morning, you are awakened by a loud knocking at the door. You can see it is still dark outside just before the door opens, "Hurry up girls. We have training to do." SLt Petrova walks, checking the place. "You might want to clean this a bit better in case there are inspections." She looks at the empty bed for a moment and then continues. "See you outside in 10."

OOC:

How was the first night? Did you talk with anyone before sleeping? How did being awakened this early and this abruptly make you feel?

Lt Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak

Jul 23, 2024 10:50 am

Lt Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak

Lt Litvyak nods as Larissa mentions she was hoping to have impressed her superior. "It's not an easy transition from those crop dusters. I can see the need for more practice, but it's looking promising."

As she finishes encouraging Larissa, a new woman shows up, dressed in a nicer uniform that the one given to Larissa. "Yekaterina Budanova, reporting for duty. It's my pleasure to be flying with the 586th." se salutes Lydia Litvyak. Next to her, it's another woman who signals for Lydia to join her in private. Larissa can easily notice that this one keeps eyeing her as the two of them talk in private.

After a moment, Lydia returns. "It seems there has been a little misunderstanding. Lieutenant of State Security Sheremeteva is here to accompany you." She tells Larissa pointing out the woman she just came from talking to.

Without saying a word, Lt Sheremeteva escorts you to a secure building where you are ordered to sit on an uncomfortable chair and wait.

OOC:

That's one of NKVD officers. Does Larissa tries to talk with Sheremeteva on the way? What is she doing/thinking as she waits? It's going to be a few hours sitting there before anyone else shows up.

CESN sent a note to BedzoneII

Jul 23, 2024 7:08 pm

OOC:

How was the first night? Did you talk with anyone before sleeping? How did being awakened this early and this abruptly make you feel?

It had been a long hard day. From the travel to the base, walking around the base, almost getting caught in the commissary, running into the man who helped them, flight training, walking back to find where her son was sleeping, and then cleaning the barracks - she slept soundly. Not because she was comfortable. Not because she was unburdened by worry or anxiety. But simply because of sheer exhaustion.

Getting woken up before dawn didn't help. Being rushed out of the barracks, criticized for not cleaning enough when they gave them the most horrendous barracks to begin with, demanding they clean it and also get ready in only ten minutes - it made her wake up in not the best mood.

But she kept her mouth shut, only eyeing her fellow recruits to see if they had the same emotionap reaction as she did. She had to keep her mouth shut - she needed this place for her son.

After the SLt. left, she said, as she got dressed, "One day, I will out rank her and I will order her to clean all night, and then tell her she should clean some more because it looks like a mess."

Rushing outside, she couldn't help but feel a pang of worry that she wasn't there to get her son breakfast.

Jul 23, 2024 10:06 pm

Galina spoke to the other girls as much as possible, chatting about their home towns and trying to put everyone at ease.

She found it hard to sleep, despite her tiredness. This being the Army, she knew they would be awakened at dawn by deafening noise. The prospect made her nervous. In the night, fears—of crashing, being shot down, tormented by Nazis— took shape. She wept briefly, quietly, to relieve the tension.

The morning wake-up was as unpleasant as she expected. Galina was disappointed by the officer’s comment about the barracks. They had worked miracles! Without direction from any officer. She saw Dasha’s anger and smiled briefly at her.

Anastasiya Samsonova

Jul 24, 2024 2:48 pm

Anastasiya Samsonova

Vera silently gets ready and leave the room as soon as she is ready. Dasha notices Tanya looking down at her feet to avoid eye contact as SLt Petrova mentions the cleaning but it is Anastasiya, who did the least cleaning last night, who replies.

Bookrat says:

"One day, I will out rank her and I will order her to clean all night, and then tell her she should clean some more because it looks like a mess.".

"Can you believe they actually expected us to clean this? Shouldn't they can some servant or something to do that? Next thing they expect us to cook for ourselves!"

Jul 26, 2024 12:58 pm

"I have a bad feeling about this. We might just be on our own here, while getting yelled at for not doing it all. Come on, lets go.

SLt Petrova

Jul 30, 2024 7:55 am

OOC:

quick check with @BedzoneII

SLt Petrova

Senior Lieutenant Petrova returns before the 10 minutes have finished, silently watching you as you finish the preparations. She pays particular attention to Anastasiya who seems to have brought an entire shop of beauty products with her. "Samsonova! Taking long are we?". The girl rushes through her morning routine without saying a word, but is allowed to finish it.

Once everyone is out, standing in an unpracticed line. SLt Petrova inspects everyone and corrects their posture to make sure the squadron looks professional. "Looking good girls." she glances Anastasiya "In the mornings you are going to have classroom lesson to learn all you need about being an airwoman in the Soviet Army. In the afternoon, we'll see who can fly." She turns around and walks away, expecting you to follow.

Vera Gromova walks closer to Dasha as discreetly as she can and whispers the long waiting reply. "I bet that witch is just using us for a promotion". Petrova looks back and Vera moves away, unsure if she was heard.

After a few minutes, you find yourselves in a crowded tent configured as an improvised classroom. "Alright. First class: political consciousness for aviation troops. The NKVD officers will be here soon to go over some rules. "

Already sitting in the classroom is Larisa, who you haven't seen since yesterday...

Jul 31, 2024 11:15 am

"Likely. Do what you have to do, you know?" Dash whispers back. She herself isn't above using others to get her way, so she's not going to condemn the SLt for it. But she is going to keep an eye out and do what she has to in order for her and her son to survive.

Jul 31, 2024 1:25 pm

Larisa sat at the back, looking a little paler than anyone's prior impression of her from the day before. She kept quiet, much of her previous enthusiasm knocked out of her. She knew how to disappear into the background from her formative years, perhaps that was the tack she should've taken on arrival, rather than try to boldly wing it with the 586th.

But oh how wonderful that first flight was! She would have to find a way to meet with Litvyak again to apologise for her seeming error and hopefully find some other way to impress her. But for now she was rightly where she belonged. The night had not been easy: Lt Sheremeteva was as cold and penetrating in her questions as would have been expected from the NKVD. Because Litvyak had put in a good word for her, Sheremeteva did not press much further into Larisa's murky past, but dismissed the entire incident as over-enthusiasm and a lack of respect for command and for failure to follow instructions. Still, it was a black mark on her record as far as the NKVD was concerned, something Larisa would probably have to work doubly hard just to erase.

She saw the rest file in, they seemed to have settled in to the 588th already, leaving her with some catching up to do. It was time to keep a lower profile for now, and then stick her head out again when the time was right.

OOC:

So sorry for dropping the ball on my thread for a bit. Thanks for fast forwarding through the NKVD interrogation scene. Am good to go from here!

Captain of State Security Olga I. Barsukova

Aug 2, 2024 9:58 am

OOC:

@Bookrat Describe the classrooms
@BedzoneII, I guess it's clear "Why does the NKVD already have a file on you, and how did you get around that black mark to join the Regiment?" you can get the luck point for that

Captain of State Security Olga I. Barsukova

You find yourselves in a crowded tent configured as a classroom. The pungent smell of aviation gasoline permeates everything, and the roaring of aircraft occasionally as you wait for the two women in the grey tunics of NKVD officers to come in. You all have heard of the NKVD, the Soviet secret police associated with the great purge. You know that these officers are not to be trifled with.

"Good morning Trainees, " says the ranking officer, "I am Captain Olga I. Barsukova and this is my Deputy, Lieutenant Svetlana Sheremeteva. Our job is to encourage your continued development as politically conscious and socially engaged Communists." she glances at Larissa. "But we must never forget that we are also military officers with security responsibilities within the regiment."

Lt Sheremeteva walks around to give each of you what is obviously propaganda pamphlet. "Our first class is on political consciousness for aviation troops." her eyes quickly screen through the regiment, resting on Galina. "What’s your name, Comrade? Where are you from? Would you say that enemies of the people - the bourgeoisie of course, but also aristocrats, religious figures, social parasites, eggheads, nationalists - are these dangerous elements any less a threat than the Fascists?"

Aug 2, 2024 12:31 pm

Galina is pleased that the NKVD are in attendance. Only the very worst traitors and cowards were purged by Comrade Stalin, she has heard, with the vast majority being sent for re-education. What if she herself were found to be wanting in political and moral fibre? It would be to everyone’s benefit if the officers detected this during their interrogation.

For a moment a doubt enters her mind. She has always imagined party enforcers to be flawlessly knowledgeable and fair. But what if they were like everything else she has seen here? She had imagined that the airfield would be a paragon of Socialist efficiency and fraternity. But she recalls the leering mechanic, the shambles of the barracks, the obsolete planes. She blinks.

Under NKVD interrogation, her confidence returns. The interrogators are so stern, professional and thorough! When asked about anti-Socialist elements, she offers a clear response. They are grave enemies, she responds. But the level of current strategic threat in comparison with the Fascists can only be determined by the Party’s political specialists. The NKVD know, but she can only guess. She recalls a Party adage that a coward, traitor or fool in the wrong position can be worth an Army of Fascists.

OOC:

One descriptor of the Pigeon is ‘ridiculous’, so I am playing up Galina’s naive belief in Communism.She’s smart, so she sees the problems, but will always struggle to resolve them in favour of her world view.

Aug 3, 2024 2:07 am

The classroom, if it could even be called such, was an old run-down garage for repairing old farm equipment. The garage had been here since before this area was turned into a military air base, standing here for years unkempt. With the newer buildings being used for classes or offices or bunkers for the men, this all-woman squadron was regulated to the unused and unseen buildings. Of which this was one. The place still smelled of old oil and gas from years of mechanical work. It actually smelled familiar to Dash, as it was just this sort of place that she learned to work on and fly the old crop planes for the farms outside her old home.

Capt of State Security Olga Barsukova

Aug 4, 2024 10:45 am

Capt of State Security Olga Barsukova

"That is true comrade. Fascists are not the only enemy for Mother Russia. That's why we need to work together, you and us, the NKVD." she says showing herself and her deputy to make it clear. "When I find a counter-revolutionary I will arrest her. If I find someone undermining or weakening the external security of the USSR by means of slacking or wrecking, or parasitism or aiding the enemy, well that is treason, my friend. Section 58-1B clearly states that treason by military personnel incurs an immediate death sentence. Should the offender run away, the same statute allows for the imprisonment of her relatives for five to ten years she stops to take a breath. "If anyone plain is lost, we are going to need its location. If we don't find you or your body, we will assume you ran away."

She turns to Dasha, who seems somewhat lost in her memories. "What does the Marxist-Leninist struggle against the forces of reaction mean to you personally?"

Aug 4, 2024 3:03 pm

Larisa saw that the rest of the trainees were not spared the relentless grilling from the NKVD officers. In some way she was a little relieved she did not suffer through what Captain Barsukova had in store for them, although Lieutenant Sheremeteva was no less thorough the previous night. She would need this chance to prove herself again after coming under their scrutiny.

Captain of State Security Olga Barsukova

Aug 6, 2024 8:49 am

Captain of State Security Olga Barsukova

You can see Olga getting impatient as Dasha takes her time to think about her answer. After all, these are simple questions every good Soviet should know. As she waits, she goes around to each of the other members of the regiment, giving Dasha some extra time to answer as she engages with the others.

She stops in front of Larissa, checking her for a moment. "What would you be doing if they didn’t let you fly?".

After she is satisfied with Larissa's answer, she continues asking each of the other girls some ideological questions, until she reaches Galina. "So, tell us, comrade, what did the Germans take from you?"

Aug 7, 2024 8:00 am

"I will serve in any other capacity as required by our motherland, but it will be a terrible disappointment should I not have the opportunity to fly." Larisa straightened as she spoke, both to convey the earnestness of her aspiration, and to change whatever impression the KNVD might already have of her.

Last edited August 8, 2024 2:27 am

Aug 7, 2024 8:27 pm

What did the Germans take from me? Galina thinks for a moment then answers.

"So many young men have been taken from us by the war. In my collective alone, almost half of them now at arms. My cousins, my uncles, killed or missing in action. I long to complete the work their sacrifice has started. To carry the war out of Russia and the western Soviets. I wish fervently to be present on the battlefield when we strike at Germany and the Fascists drink the bitter cup of invasion!"

Her voice shakes with emotion.

Aug 8, 2024 8:30 pm

OOC:

She turns to Dasha, who seems somewhat lost in her memories. "What does the Marxist-Leninist struggle against the forces of reaction mean to you personally?"

"What?" Dasha startles, coming to from her memories. "I.. I don't really know. I don't follow politics. I'm just a pilot, comrade. I'm here to fly and kill Germans and do my part for all."

Dasha was being serious; she really didn't know what Marxism was. She knew Lennon was one of her country's leaders. President? No, that was America. Chairman! That was it!

It's obvious to anyone watching her that's she's struggling with the question.

Captain of State Security Olga I. Barsukova

Aug 9, 2024 10:25 am

Captain of State Security Olga I. Barsukova

Seeing the confusion in Dasha's answer, Captain Barsukova takes on a more materialistic tone "Listen, I want you to have success here. That's our job, to make sure everyone here understands the Marxist-Leninist struggle. It's important, it's essential to the Motherland that everyone can identify the counter-revolutionary forces. So I will warn you about section 58-14, which deals with counter-revolutionary sabotage. Conscious non-execution or deliberately careless execution of defined duties, aimed at the weakening of the power of the government and of the functioning of the state apparatus, is subject to at least one year of imprisonment, and under especially aggravating circumstances, up to the highest measure of social protection: execution, with confiscation of property. I burn for the opportunity to hang a saboteur. I hope we understand each other."

As the Captain warns you about section 58-14, Lieutenant of State Security Svetlana Sheremeteva handles out some inspirational literature.

"I understand we’re all here to protect the regiment, but think carefully about "helping your friends", comrades. Military personnel who fail to report treason are themselves subject to ten years imprisonment. Captain Barsukova continues to lecture you mostly on the counter-revolutionary dangers than on actual ideology for another hour or so before dismissing you.
"And that is it for today. You are to meet with Senior Lieutenant Petrova in thirty minutes for your instruction in land navigation, so go get yourself some to wolf down some kasha before.

OOC:

Ok. Keep in mind the Section 58-1B and section 58-14 (I'll need to update the notes). These are basically plot hooks to get you (or any NPC) in trouble with the NKVD.

I'm going to say NKVD has a file on Larisa, Dasha and one of the NPCs (well, on everyone, but they are keeping a closer eye on these three). Dasha and Galine get 1 luck point for their answers.

Aug 9, 2024 10:33 am

OOC:

So the idea of the tutorial up to here is to make you feel how intensive the training is (three years of training are compressed into four months) and how little time you have. It also introduces some important NPCs and your mission. With that done, we will skip a week of classroom lessons and move on to actual flight training!

This is also another opportunity to think about your routine during the training and flesh out your character and her interests a bit better. What did you do during this week? Who did you meet? Can you tell me something about one of the NPCs in your squadron? Feel free to make anything up

Aug 11, 2024 12:05 am

OOC:

It looks like you added my LP, so I haven’t adjusted my sheet.

Galina spends the week immersed in training, encouraging herself by remembering how privileged she is to have this opportunity to be a flyer.

She takes an interest in her glamorous comrade, Anastasiya Samsonova. Galina pretends to herself that she is concerned about the woman’s bourgeois proclivities. Her attention to Moscow fashion, the cut of her uniform and ability to transform her appearance with a quick touch of make-up. But she is secretly fascinated. These things in life— fashion, poise, beauty— are they really just wicked fripperies? Or is it the case that men do not really understand or value them. Even though they are the most easily affected!

Ana no doubts regards Galina’s intense obedience to Party belief as rather ridiculous. She also fears the young woman slightly, after the NKVD interview, as a potential informer. But she helps Galina to brush her hair a certain way and pay more attention to her ‘look’. Galina convinces herself that this attention to ‘smartness’ is part of her role as a Soviet airwoman.

Aug 11, 2024 4:31 pm

OOC:

Nice, I think Galina deserves a hold to act up like a lady after that :) Can still mean trouble, but feels like she is getting a confidence boost

Aug 14, 2024 12:48 pm