It shows Houston sitting inside his tank's command seat, recording his own briefing on a tape recorder as he reported everything that had happened in the past few weeks.

"A few weeks after the war game started, we're heading up an all-out assault on our control point. No more waiting around this time. Our mission: take the control point and cripple their supply," Houston said.

He then remembered when the match first started, both teams secured their first two CPs, but as the Americans tried to capture the towns and the third CP, they suddenly came under fire. Muller and Welsey's tank teams were attacked by the Kuromorimine Girls and the Saunders Girls High School. Houston gathered enough forces to push them back but couldn't hold, leading him to order a retreat. They planned an operation to retake their lost third sector from BC Freedom and St. Gloriana.

"At least I'm fighting alongside familiar faces during our tournament, but now we've got fresh-faced recruits who were still nervous when this whole thing started. The older guys like me, Muller, and Graham are known as 'The old breed.' Hell, we're not in our twenties anymore," Houston concluded his briefing.

There was a knock on his hatch. Houston put away his recorder and opened the commander's hatch, seeing Commander Elijah waiting for him.

"What's wrong?" Houston asked.

"We got reports from our scouts about their recent spying," Elijah said.

"Well, what did they find?" Houston questioned.

Elijah then pulled out a small war map of the island and showed it to Houston, with markers drawn on it.

"The main enemy will be punching east, hoping they can outflank us. The New York and Florida tank teams stationed there will be holding them off, while Muller and the California forces stationed near Nomashi are going to meet up with us in the north," Elijah pointed out on the map.

"Sounds like a good plan. So how many guys are we taking?" Houston asked.

"Like thirty or twenty-five tanks?" Elijah responded.

"I'll take ten of my guys, you bring twenty of your tanks, and we might as well bring some of our infantry. Sound fair?" Houston suggested.

"Sounds fair," Elijah agreed with Houston's idea.

"Right, let's move out," Houston said as he was about to whistle for his team.

After a few minutes of gathering a squad to join Houston and Elijah, the 'Lone Star' and Elijah's Panther I 'Reaper' followed Houston's M4A3E8 out of the main HQ.

Upon reaching the front gates of the HQ, one of Houston's men, stationed on the defensive with the M18 Hellcats, saluted him and spoke up.

"Hey, go fuck yourself, Lone Star! You owe me forty bucks," the M18 Commander crew shouted to his Marshal Commander.

"You'll get over it," Houston said, tossing his drink at the man as a joke, making him chuckle.

Still in formation, Houston looked at the sign his troops had posted, giving every tanker a warning: "You are in enemy country. Keep on the alert. Courtesy of the Davy Crockett Rangers Team." Once they left HQ, they were in enemy territory. Sighing with boredom, Houston watched the surroundings from his commander's hatch. He grabbed his radio and checked on his crew.

"How are we doing, fellas?" Houston asked through his tank comms.

"We're doing well, Houston. Found anything interesting out there?" Scott replied from his gunner position, reading a new sports magazine.

"Nothing much, just stay alert," Houston said.

"Roger that," Troy, the tank driver, said as he continued driving the 'Lone Star' M4A3E8.

As they reached the meet-up spot where Muller and the California teams were supposed to be, Houston noticed something was wrong. He grabbed his binoculars and spotted a group of knocked-out California M5A1 Stuarts. He quickly grabbed the radio to contact the other tanks following him.

"All tanks, halt," Houston ordered the tanks and infantry teams.

Still looking through his binoculars, Houston tried to find Muller and his force but couldn't see them. He then grabbed his radio and tried to contact Muller.

"Commander Muller... We're here for you and the California boys. Where the fuck are you guys?" Houston radioed to Muller, hoping he hadn't been captured.

He then heard static until Muller finally answered, praying something in German before speaking English.

"Thank God you're finally here with backup. We've been trying to contact you, but our long-range radio is dead due to the firefight against the enemy. They took out some of my Panzers and mostly targeted the California forces, taking their tanks out," Muller said in his German accent.

"I can see that... Looking at the battle, it could be the work of Kuromorimine or someone else... Any boys out there?" Houston asked.

"Ja, they are blending in with the grass outside their tanks. Any remaining of us are currently hiding to your left with the trees and bushes as our cover," Muller pointed out, showing many North High School Wehrmacht Grenadiers prone on the grass with their airsoft weapons.

"So what's your plan, Marshal Commander?" Elijah asked, turning to Houston.

"Well, we need an extra hand for this operation, so let's get our boys," Houston said.

Turning to the Shermans who came with him, he ordered two M4A1s and three M18s to stay back as snipers to cover the crew of the downed tanks. Elijah did the same, splitting their squad. Once done, Houston grabbed his radio to contact Muller.

"Muller and California Commander, stick with me and Elijah as we pick up your boys. Copy?" Houston said.

"Copy," Muller replied.

Driving to the open field, Houston looked to his left and saw Muller's Tiger I 'Overlord' coming out of the bushes and joining the advance. They carefully maneuvered their tanks, not wanting to run over their guys by accident. Seeing the crews of the downed tanks lying on the ground, Houston shouted to them.

"Fall in! Go to the back, you'll be safe there!" Houston called out to any remaining of Muller's men who were still lying on the ground.

While collecting the remaining infantry on the ground, Houston quickly spotted one of his tanks about to run over a crew member still lying down.

"Hey, 2-3, right stick! Right stick! You've got guys on the ground!" Houston called out to one of his Pershing tanks.

"Fuck! Right stick! Right stick!" The M26 Pershing Commander called out to his crew, quickly moving out of the way.

"GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!!" Houston shouted.

"They weren't paying attention," one of the Rangers said as they followed behind the tanks leading the front.

"Of course, they weren't—" another Ranger started.

Before the second Ranger could continue, he was cut off as machine gun fire hit Houston's tank, ricocheting BBs off the front armor. Houston grabbed his radio while under fire.

 "Scott, take out the L33 tank. Traverse left eight hundred meters," Houston pointed out where the incoming fire was coming from.

Turning the turret to the left, Scott aimed and saw one of the L33 tanks from Anzio High School shooting at them as Grant loaded the shell.

"Clear!" Grant shouted.

"Fire!" Houston ordered.

"On the way!" Scott shouted as he fired.

Missing by an inch, Grant quickly reloaded another shell and shouted again.

"Clear!" Grant shouted.

"On the way!" Scott said again, firing at the tank that was shooting at them.

Seeing the hit, Houston noticed the white flag of the L33 pop up and smiled a bit.

"Cease fire, target destroyed," Houston said, hearing Scott laugh in joy at the beautiful shot he took.

Before Houston could say anything else to the other commanders with him, the sound of a tank shell whistled past Elijah and Houston, drawing their attention to the small forest in front of them.

"Damn! We got tanks out there!" Houston shouted.

As another shell was fired, it hit the side armor of Muller's Tiger and ricocheted off.

"We're good, just a ricochet," Muller said.

Anchovy stood confidently atop her tank, observing the battlefield through her binoculars. She grinned as she saw Houston from Davy Crockett, Muller from North High School, and Elijah from Kansas Chief High falling into her trap.

"Just as planned," Anchovy said to herself. "All units, begin the ambush!"

Carpaccio and Pepperoni, her trusted side commanders, relayed the orders to their crews.

"Let's give them a taste of Anzio's strategy!" Pepperoni cheered.

"Commence the attack!" Carpaccio commanded, her voice echoing over the radio.

The L33s, hidden in the forest, opened fire simultaneously, shells whistling through the air. Houston's forces scrambled to respond, the initial shock of the ambush causing a moment of panic.

Muller barked orders in German to his men, their voices filled with urgency:

"Deckung suchen!" (Take cover!)

"Bereit zum Feuern!" (Ready to fire!)

Houston's Rangers, momentarily stunned, quickly regained their composure.

"Get to cover!" Houston shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

The Rangers scrambled behind their tanks and into trenches, readying their M6 Bazookas. One of the Rangers, a young recruit, fumbled with the bazooka, his hands shaking.

"Calm down, kid," an older Ranger said, steadying the young recruit's hands. "Aim and fire when ready."

Meanwhile, the Anzio tanks continued their relentless assault. Anchovy laughed as she saw the Americans struggling.

"They won't know what hit them," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Elijah, seeing the situation unfold, called out to his men, "Focus fire on their flanks! We need to break through!"

Houston, spotting an opening, radioed his crew. "Scott, take out the L33 on our right! We need to clear a path!"

Scott aimed the turret and fired, the shell hitting its mark. Another L33 raised its white flag in surrender.

"Good shot, Scott!" Houston praised, but his relief was short-lived as more shells rained down.

"Incoming!" a Ranger shouted as another shell whistled past, narrowly missing their position.

"We need to push forward and take out their command units!" Houston ordered. "Rangers, get those bazookas ready!"

The Rangers, now more composed, aimed their M6 Bazookas at the advancing Anzio tanks. With a resounding "Fire!" they launched their rockets, some hitting their targets and forcing the Anzio tanks to retreat momentarily.

"Keep it up! Don't let them regroup!" Houston encouraged, feeling a surge of determination.

Anchovy, seeing her forces momentarily falter, yelled into her radio, "Carpaccio, Pepperoni, flank them from the sides! We can't let them recover!"

"Roger that, Anchovy!" Carpaccio responded, maneuvering her tank to the right.

"We'll crush them from both sides!" Pepperoni added, moving to the left.

The battle intensified, shells exploding all around, the air filled with smoke and the sounds of engines and gunfire. Despite the chaos, Houston, Muller, and Elijah coordinated their forces, determined to turn the tide of the battle.

"Okay, we are dealing with Anzio High School. Let's make this quick so we can head back to HQ," Houston said.

"Guys, I see a Semovente 76! Left front," Elijah pointed out as he peeked out of his commander's hatch.

"Got it! Down 15, Scott. Light them up," Houston ordered his gunner.

"You're clear!" Grant shouted as he loaded an anti-tank round.

"On the way!" Scott shouted as he took the shot.

Firing towards the last known position of the Semovente 76, they took out any trees in the forest. Machine gunners fired dummy rounds with the .38 machine gun towards the forest, trying to spot where the tank was. Finally, Scott's shot hit the target, and Houston and the other commanders heard the white flag pop up.

"Cease fire, cease fire. Target destroyed—" Houston was about to finish.

Just then, another tank fired towards them. Houston cursed under his breath as he tried to locate the second tank hiding in the forest.

"There's another tank! Who's got eyes on it?" Houston asked his other Shermans, Pershings, and the other commanders with him.

Still trying to locate the second tank, it fired again, hitting the ground near Houston's and Elijah's tanks as they slowly advanced.

"I found that little rat! It's a Carro P40, the commander's tank!" Muller pointed out to Houston.

"Well, boys, time to take out the Italian commander! Traverse right six hundred meters, take her out!" Houston ordered Scott.

"On the way!" Scott shouted.

The three American command tanks fired at the Carro Armato's position. Seeing the shells landing close to them, Anchovy, the minor commander, tried to think of a plan to get out of the situation. Just as Houston's tank round was about to hit her, one of the L33 tanks drove up and took the hit, raising its white flag. Realizing the ambush had failed, she ordered her units to retreat.

"Retreat! Fall back to the secondary positions!" Anchovy shouted over the radio.

Carpaccio and Pepperoni acknowledged the order, directing their remaining tanks to pull back. The Anzio tanks began to withdraw under the cover of smoke and return fire.

"They are pulling back, sir! What are your orders?" one of the M4 Sherman tank crew radioed to Houston.

"Let's give them a lesson they will never forget... All tanks, start squirting that tree line. Let's light them up. Clear those bastards out," Houston ordered his tanks.

As Houston and the others halted their positions, they continued shooting their machine guns at the retreating tanks, the bullets bouncing off the armor. Seeing that the remaining forces of Anzio High School were gone, Houston ordered a cease-fire. He took a deep breath, smelling the smoke of battle, and looked at the forest they had ruined with their machine gun fire.

"Good work, boys. Another win for us. Let's head back to HQ so we can launch our operation," Houston said.

"Roger," Muller radioed in.

"Copy that," Elijah acknowledged.

As they left the open field where the battle had taken place, Maho Nishizumi and her units watched from a distance. Maho used her binoculars to observe Houston's tank leaving the area.

"Should we engage the American commander?" Erika Itsumi, standing out of her Tiger II tank, asked.

"Not yet... Houston has something planned, and I want to be ready for it," Maho said, wondering what Houston was planning.

It then cuts back to the American HQ. Houston removes his tanker helmet, holding it under his arm as he walks to the war room where Welsey and Graham are inside, discussing their next move.

"Graham, if we had all our units move together in that frontal assault, it would be suicide! They have Ooarai, Saunders, St. Gloriana, and others. Our third CP is locked down. The only one who can take that risk is one of us," Welsey, with his red beret off his head revealing his dark blonde hair, argued.

"Well, let me and my team handle it. My tanks can take it," Graham pointed out, referencing his M60 tank company.

"Oh sure, Graham, you bloody plonker! You can't expect to charge in with your Marines and your vice commander Joey from the Soviet Division. I mean, is he really Russian?" Wesley retorted.

"Of course he is. He's Russian-American and one of the most trusted people I have. And besides, Welsey, would you be mad if I ordered my boys to dump your tea at the docks just like in 1773?" Graham said with a smirk, keeping his cool and his Hollywood persona in check.

"Ha! You Americans and your obsession with that tea party. You won your revolution, sure, but don't forget who taught you to fight in the first place," Welsey shot back, his accent becoming more pronounced with his irritation.

Graham laughed, enjoying the banter. "Taught us to fight? You mean taught us how to stand in straight lines and get picked off? Come on, Welsey, admit it. You Brits never saw us coming."

"Oh, and I suppose you think you're some sort of international star, don't you, Graham? With your Hollywood charm and that cheesy grin, you probably think you can win this war with just a smile," Welsey teased, rolling his eyes.

"Jealous much, Welsey? Not everyone can handle the spotlight. And speaking of which, how's that stiff upper lip holding up? Must be tough not being able to show any real emotion," Graham replied, his grin widening.

"Emotion? I'll show you emotion when we win this battle. At least I won't be prancing around like some prima donna," Welsey said, crossing his arms.

"Prancing around? Oh, please. You're just upset because you know deep down, you need my tanks and my strategy." Graham said.

"Pfft, you guys are pathetic. My Panzer Division would do it," Muller said as he walked in, removing his German officer hat and revealing his light blonde hair.

"Bullshit, Muller. My tanks would handle them as we charge right down the middle," Elijah countered.

As the four Major Commanders began to argue about who would take on the suicide frontal assault, Houston studied the war map intently. The room filled with the sound of heated debate.

"My tanks have the firepower and the speed to punch through their lines," Graham insisted. "We can hit them hard and fast, just like in the movies."

"Oh sure, Graham. And while you're busy playing hero, my men will be picking up the pieces," Welsey retorted. "A coordinated assault with infantry support is the only sensible plan."

"And what makes you think your precious Commando's are up to the task, Welsey? My Panzer Division has the experience and the discipline to execute this operation flawlessly," Muller said, crossing his arms.

Elijah chimed in, "Look, we all know my guys have the guts to get this done. We've got the firepower and the determination. We just need to go in strong and not look back."

The argument grew louder, with each commander passionately defending their strategy. Houston continued to study the map, quietly analyzing the best course of action. Finally, he spoke up without looking away from the map.

"Me and my team will do it," Houston said firmly.

The room fell silent as all four commanders turned to Houston in surprise.

"What?" they all exclaimed in unison.

Houston looked up from the map, his gaze steady and resolute. "You heard me. My team will take on the frontal assault."

Muller was the first to respond. "Houston, are you out of your mind? You know how dangerous this is."

"Then that's why we are going to confuse our enemy..." Houston said, a glint of determination in his eyes.

"What do you mean?" Welsey asked, puzzled.

Houston grabbed pins representing the logos of various Minor High Schools and Major High Schools. He laid them out on the war map, carefully arranging them as he explained his plan.

"We're going to make them think we're attacking from multiple directions," Houston began. "We'll use the Minor High Schools to create a diversion. Their movements will draw the enemy's attention and spread their forces thin."

As he finished placing the pins for the Minor High Schools, he paused and looked at his fellow commanders. "Remember the Battle of Ia Drang?"

Graham's eyes lit up with recognition. "You mean like in the movie 'We Were Soldiers'?"

"Exactly," Houston confirmed. "We'll be outnumbered, just like in that battle. But our job is to hold the center, the LZ X-Ray, long enough for the Major Schools to launch an all-out assault."

Muller leaned in, intrigued. "So, while your Rangers and tanks hold the middle, the rest of us will be hitting the enemy from all sides?"

"That's right," Houston said. "The enemy will be focused on us, thinking they have us pinned down. Meanwhile, you all will be moving in to catch them off guard."

Elijah nodded slowly, starting to see the brilliance of the plan. "So, we'll be using their own strength against them. By the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late."

Welsey, ever the strategist, smiled. "It's risky, but it just might work. We'll need precise coordination and communication to pull this off."

Graham chimed in, his usual cockiness replaced with genuine admiration. "And we need to make sure our boys are ready for this. We'll have to be at our best."

Houston looked around at the assembled commanders, his resolve clear. "We don't have a choice. This is our best shot at breaking their hold on the third CP. Are you all with me?"

Each commander nodded, their competitive banter replaced with a sense of unity and purpose.

"We're with you, Houston," Muller said firmly.

"Let's do this," Elijah added, his voice filled with determination.

"Alright then," Houston said, his voice steady. "We coordinate our movements and strike hard. Let's make sure this operation is a success. For the sake of our teams and this war game, we can't afford to fail."

With a renewed sense of purpose, the commanders turned their attention to finalizing the details of their plan, united in their goal to outsmart and outfight their opponents.

"Gentlemen, this operation is the most important battle we will ever face or see... We can't lose this one," Houston said, leaning on the table with both hands, his eyes scanning the determined faces around him.

"So what will you be naming this operation?" Graham asked.

"Operation... Stalemate," Houston declared, the name resonating with the gravity of their mission.

A few days later

The field outside the city where the third CP is located was serene, dotted with flowers and filled with the songs of birds and animals. Despite the peaceful setting, Miho felt the strain of vigilance as she stayed on watch with her team, keeping a lookout for any American movements. For the past few days, the Americans hadn't made a move, adding to the tension.

Miho exited her tank and walked into the command tent where Darjeeling and Kay were poring over their war map. They controlled four CPs and the towns around their territory, but the silence from the American side made them uneasy.

"Any reports from our scouts yet?" Miho asked, rubbing her tired eyes.

Darjeeling looked up from the map, her expression thoughtful. "Not yet. They're still out there, gathering information. The Americans have been unusually quiet."

Kay nodded in agreement. "It's like the calm before the storm. They're up to something, but we can't figure out what."

Miho sighed, taking a seat. "We can't let our guard down. Houston and his Rangers are crafty. They're planning something big; I can feel it."

Darjeeling took a sip of her tea, her demeanor calm yet focused. "Indeed. We must be prepared for any eventuality. Our defenses need to be impeccable."

Kay leaned over the map, tracing possible routes the Americans could take. "We need to be ready to respond quickly, no matter where they attack. Flexibility is key."

Miho nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Let's make sure our forces are ready. We can't let them catch us off guard."

Unknown to them, Houston led his high school tanks—Shermans, Pershings, and Chaffees—down the path toward their designated point. Following closely behind the tanks were a convoy of Humvees, carrying the Rangers. Sergeant Dean, the third in command of the Rangers, followed behind Houston and Vice Commander Jefferson's tank division.

"We are two miles out until we reach our point, Boss," Jefferson radioed from his Patton tank, riding alongside the 'Lone Star.'

Houston nodded, taking a puff from his cigarette as he continued looking forward, his eyes fixed on the horizon. 

Miho, Darjeeling, and Kay regrouped with Katyusha and Maho, along with commanders from Minor High Schools, including Anchovy. As they gathered, Anchovy began to explain the formidable challenge they were facing.

"Houston is not like any commander we've faced before," Anchovy said, her expression serious. "His tactics are unpredictable, and his resolve is unbreakable. Facing him in battle is terrifying."

Kinuyo from Chi-Ha-Tan Academy nodded in agreement. "We've heard stories about his strategies. He always finds a way to turn the tide of battle."

Mika from Jatkosota High School added, "He's a master of deception. We need to be on our guard and anticipate his every move."

Marie from BC Freedom Academy looked at the map, her brow furrowed in concentration. "If we can figure out his plan and counter it, we might stand a chance. But it won't be easy."

Katyusha, ever the optimist, tried to boost morale. "We have the numbers and the skill. If we work together, we can defeat him."

Maho, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. "We need to be smart about this. Houston is expecting us to panic and make mistakes. We can't give him that satisfaction."

Miho, determined to lead her team effectively, nodded. "We'll stick to our strategy and stay focused. If we can hold our ground and force him to overextend, we might be able to turn the tables."

The commanders continued to discuss their plans, each contributing their insights and experiences. The impending battle loomed large, but they were united in their resolve to stand against Houston and his formidable forces.

BOOM!

Multiple explosions erupted, catching everyone's attention. In the command tent, Miho, Darjeeling, Kay, and the other's rushed outside, seeing many of their teammates scrambling back to their tanks. In the distance, their defensive units were in disarray. Graham lowered his binoculars, nodding to Elijah.

"You've got their attention, Houston... Good luck," Elijah muttered under his breath.

Following the artillery explosion, Houston's tanks took strategic positions, and the Rangers quickly disembarked from the Humvees, running into the field with their airsoft weapons blazing. They took up defensive positions, firing at perceived threats, until Houston realized there was no return fire. He waved his infantry troops to cease fire, and the area fell silent.

Houston whistled to the second platoon, using hand signals to instruct them to scout the area. Sergeant Dean and his first platoon stayed with Houston. Both Houston and Jefferson dismounted from their tanks, instructing their radio operators to keep them updated on all patrols they had sent out.

As they assessed the situation, one of the Rangers spotted a scout hiding nearby. Dean quickly moved in, pulling the girl, a scout, out of her hiding spot and into the open. The Rangers pointed their airsoft weapons at her as Jefferson stepped forward to interrogate her, speaking in Japanese.

Jefferson stepped forward, speaking to her in Japanese. "何をしている？何の情報を持っている？" ("What are you doing? What information do you have?")

The girl, frightened and unable to speak English, responded nervously in Japanese. "私は偵察をしていただけです。他の情報はありません。" ("I was just scouting. I don't have any other information.")

Jefferson nodded, relaying the information to Houston. "She's a scout, says she doesn't have any other information."

Houston considered this for a moment before addressing the girl directly, his tone firm but not unkind. "君のチームはどこにいる？" ("Where is your team?")

She then pointed to the mountain behind them. Houston turned to look, taking in the looming silhouette. Jefferson, continuing his conversation in Japanese, relayed the girl's information to Houston.

"She said we've stumbled into the area where all the Sensha-Do High teams have gathered, and they're eager to fight the Americans," Jefferson reported.

Houston's expression hardened. "Corporal, tell all platoons to hold their positions," he ordered his radio operator.

Meanwhile, Second Platoon was moving ahead cautiously when one of the Rangers was hit, falling to the ground and pretending to be dead. The Captain leading the platoon immediately ordered another Ranger to grab the radio.

"You, take the radio!" the Captain shouted.

As the second Ranger reached for the radio, he was also hit, collapsing as the fire intensified. The Rangers found themselves under heavy airsoft fire, struggling to identify their attackers.

"Where the hell are they?!" one of the Rangers cried out, raising his Thompson while others lifted their M1 Garands and BAR airsoft weapons. They soon spotted the Federation Sensha-Do women's infantry team, using the trees and tall grass for cover. The Rangers began firing back, aiming at the flashes of movement among the foliage.

"Grab the wounded! Break contact!" the Captain shouted, realizing they were being overwhelmed. The Rangers began dragging their fallen comrades out of the line of fire, retreating as best they could.

"Fall back! Get to high ground! Cover fire!" the Captain ordered, directing his men to a more defensible position. The Rangers scrambled up the slope, firing back to cover their retreat.

"Get the wounded in the middle! Cover fire! Cover fire!" the Captain yelled as they continued their retreat. One of the Rangers was hit in the back, falling with a shout. The team was being pressed from all sides, their retreat path a gauntlet of incoming fire.

Back with Houston, he crouched down, clutching his airsoft Thompson SMG, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene around him. Turning to the radio operator, who was frantically trying to establish contact with the other platoons, he shouted, "What's happening with those patrols?!"

"We're trying to reach them, sir!" one of the operators shouted back, his voice strained with urgency. The air was filled with overlapping voices as they struggled to understand the situation.

Houston moved swiftly towards the operators. "Hey! Hey! Calm down! Understand the situation and communicate clearly!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Just then, a sharp impact on his shoulder sent him reeling—his flashlight had been hit. Whipping around, he saw two Federation women in the distance. Without hesitation, he opened fire with his Thompson, sending a stream of BBs their way.

"Pull the chain on all firepower from our tanks and get them onto that mountain! Alert the other Rangers—we have a hot LZ!" Houston barked, slamming a fresh magazine onto his helmet a couple of times to ensure all BBs were accounted for. He then sprinted towards the positions of Jefferson and Dean.

Jefferson and Dean were entrenched, firing at the advancing Federation forces. "We're getting swarmed, sir!" Jefferson yelled over the din of airsoft fire.

As the dust began to settle, Houston could see movement on the horizon. The girls from the various high school teams were scrambling into their tanks, ready to join the fight. The familiar silhouettes of Ooarai, Saunders, St. Gloriana, and others moved into formation, their tank engines roaring to life.

"Fresh reinforcements are here!" Houston shouted into his radio. "Everyone, hold your positions. We're about to face the full force of their combined assault."

Houston stood in the middle of the defensive line, issuing orders with precision. "I want the Rangers to form a defensive perimeter. Tanks, spread out and take strategic positions. Keep an eye on the flanks. We can't let them break through."

Sergeant Dean and a handful of Rangers quickly formed a protective circle around Houston, their airsoft weapons at the ready. Dean, his voice filled with urgency, shouted to Houston, "Boss, if you don't find cover, you're going down! If you go down, we all go down. Let's go!"

Maho, observing the battlefield from her Tiger tank, realized that brute force alone wouldn't break Houston's lines. "We need to outmaneuver them," she said, her voice calm and calculating. "Miho, Darjeeling, Kay, Anchovy, let's coordinate our movements. We'll create a pincer movement and trap them from both sides."

Miho nodded, quickly relaying the plan to her team. "Ooarai, take the left flank. St. Gloriana, move to the right. Saunders, provide cover fire. Anzio, follow my lead. Let's push them back!"

The girls' high school tanks began executing the maneuver. Ooarai's tanks moved swiftly to the left, while St. Gloriana's Matildas and Crusaders flanked to the right. Saunders' Shermans provided suppressing fire, forcing Houston's Rangers to take cover.

"Boss, they're flanking us!" Jefferson shouted, firing his airsoft rifle from behind his Patton tank.

"I see it," Houston replied, scanning the battlefield. "Everyone, hold your positions! Focus fire on their flanking units. Don't let them encircle us!"

The American tanks adjusted their positions, firing at the advancing high school tanks. The Rangers with M6 Bazookas took aim at the flanking tanks, their shots precise and effective.

Despite their best efforts, the high school tanks continued to press forward. Maho's Tiger tank led the charge from the right, its powerful cannon firing at Houston's Shermans. On the left, Miho's Panzer IV spearheaded the assault, its smaller but agile frame dodging incoming fire.

Houston knew they were in a tight spot. "Dean, I need you to take a squad and hit their left flank. Jefferson, reinforce the right. We can't let them complete the pincer movement."

"On it, Boss!" Dean replied, rallying a squad of Rangers. They moved quickly, using the terrain for cover, and engaged Ooarai's tanks with their airsoft weapons.

Jefferson, meanwhile, directed his Patton tank and a group of Shermans to counter Maho's charge. The tanks exchanged fire, the BBs flying through the air in a chaotic dance of war.

In the midst of the battle, Houston's command tank, the "Lone Star," took a direct hit from Maho's Tiger. The Shell's bounced off the front armor, but the impact was felt inside. "We're still in this! Keep firing!" Houston yelled, undeterred.

The battle reached a fever pitch. The high school teams, despite their coordinated assault, were finding it difficult to break through Houston's stubborn defense. Houston's Rangers and tanks, though outnumbered, fought with a fierce determination.

Maho, watching the battle unfold, realized that Houston would not easily accept defeat. "He's a tough one," she muttered. "But we have to keep pushing."

Houston, sensing the resolve of his opponents, gritted his teeth. "We won't go down without a fight," he thought. "Rangers, tanks, give it everything you've got!"

The battlefield was a chaotic tapestry of tanks and infantry locked in fierce combat. Houston's Davy Crockett team was surrounded by the combined forces of Pravda, Kuromorimine, Ooarai, St. Gloriana, Saunders, and several other minor schools. Despite the overwhelming odds, Houston and his Rangers remained resolute, forming a defensive circle with their remaining Shermans, Pershings, and Chaffees. Jefferson's Patton tank took up position next to Houston's "Lone Star" M4A3E8, ready for the final stand.

Miho, in her Panzer IV, took a moment to assess the situation. "It looks like we have them surrounded," she said over the radio to her allies.

Darjeeling, observing from her Churchill tank, nodded. "Indeed. They have fought valiantly, but it appears their time has run out."

Kay added, from her M4 Sherman, "Houston's a tough nut to crack, but I think we've finally got him."

Anchovy, ever the fiery commander, shouted, "Let's end this! For Anzio!"

Maho, in her Tiger I, watched Houston closely. Something about his demeanor seemed off. Despite being surrounded, Houston wore a smirk on his face, a look of defiance and confidence that made her uneasy. She narrowed her eyes, trying to decipher what he was planning.

"Why is he smiling?" Maho muttered to herself.

Before she could ponder further, a distant, thunderous chant echoed across the battlefield. "Ura! Ura! Ura!" The cry grew louder, and the ground began to tremble with the approach of heavy machinery.

https://youtu.be/DDGu7gaEAo4

Houston's smirk widened as he heard the unmistakable roar. "Right on time," he whispered to himself.

From over the horizon, a new force emerged. Vice Commander Joey from Grand Lake High School led a battalion of T-34 tanks, their engines roaring as they charged into the fray. The tanks were adorned with the Soviet star, and the crew members wore World War II-era Red Army uniforms. At the forefront, Joey rode in a T-28, his voice booming in Russian as he rallied his comrades.

"За Родину! За Сталина! Вперед!" Joey shouted, his voice filled with fervor. "For the Motherland! For Stalin! Forward!"

https://youtu.be/KbBkMG1vFbQ

(For the World at War fans)

A flag bearer beside him held high the banner of the Soviet Union, its red and gold colors shining brightly against the backdrop of battle. The sight invigorated the Grand Lake High School troops, who surged forward with renewed vigor.

The combined forces of Pravda, Kuromorimine, and the other schools turned in shock and confusion as Joey's T-34s crashed into their ranks. The Soviet-themed tanks fired their cannons with precision, creating gaps in the encircling lines.

Maho, realizing the gravity of the situation, barked orders to her team. "All units, hold your ground! Do not let them break our formation!"

Miho, adjusting quickly, called out, "Ooarai, focus on the incoming T-34s! We need to contain this new threat!"

Kay, with her usual enthusiasm, cheered on her team. "Alright, Saunders! Let's show these Red Army imitators what we've got!"

Anchovy, ever defiant, rallied her Anzio troops. "Don't let them through! For Anzio!"

Despite their best efforts, Joey's forces were relentless. The T-34s punched through the enemy lines, creating a corridor for Houston's team to exploit. Houston seized the moment.

"Jefferson, Dean, we're not done yet! Let's push through!" Houston commanded.

Jefferson, firing from his Patton tank, nodded. "You got it, Boss. Let's show them what Davy Crockett can do."

Dean, rallying the Rangers, shouted, "Rangers, move out! Give them hell!"

The combined American and Soviet-themed forces pressed the attack, their coordinated assault catching the Sensha-Do teams off guard. Houston's smirk never faded as he watched his enemies falter.

Maho, her tactical mind racing, realized they needed to adapt quickly or risk losing the battle. "Miho, Darjeeling, we need to regroup and counterattack. We can't let them break our lines completely."

Miho, always quick to adapt, replied, "Understood. Ooarai, pull back and regroup!"

Darjeeling, with her usual poise, added, "St. Gloriana, form up on me. We'll hold the line here."

The battlefield was a chaotic symphony of roaring engines, clashing steel, and shouting commanders. Joey's Soviet-themed T-34 tanks smashed into Pravda High's lines, their airsoft cannons spitting BBs with deadly accuracy. Joey, riding high in his T-28, shouted in Russian to his infantry Shock Army, who responded with fervent cries as they stormed forward.

"На штурм! Давай, товарищи!" Joey commanded, his voice booming across the field.

Katyusha, in her T-34, barked orders to her Pravda teammates. "Don't let them break through! Hold the line, comrades!"

Despite their best efforts, Joey's forces were relentless. The clash of Soviet-themed tanks against Pravda's own created a chaotic melee, with BBs flying in every direction. Just as Darjeeling and her team from St. Gloriana were about to assist Katyusha, one of her Crusader's tanks was hit, signaling a new wave of attackers.

Commander Wesley and his team from Washington Boys and Girls Academy charged in, their Centurion and Cromwell tanks leading the assault. Wesley, in his Centurion, kept a steady gaze on the battlefield. His Vice Commander, Colton, rode alongside in his Cromwell, ready for the fight.

"All tanks, advance!" Wesley ordered. "Let's show them the might of the Washington Boys and Girls Academy!"

Their infantry, dressed in WWII British gear, rushed forward with determination. Each squad comprised Canadians, Scots, Australians, and English-Americans, all united under Wesley's command. They shouted their battle cries as they charged, airsoft rifles at the ready.

"For King and Country!" shouted a Canadian Ranger, his voice ringing out over the din of battle.

"Give 'em hell, lads!" roared a Scottish infantryman, his kilt flapping as he ran.

"Forward, for Australia!" an Australian Ranger cried, raising his airsoft Enfield rifle.

"Don't stop until we've got them on the run!" commanded an English-American sergeant, his eyes focused on the enemy.

As Wesley's tanks pressed the attack, Darjeeling quickly reorganized her forces. "St. Gloriana, reform and support Pravda! We must hold this ground!"

The combined firepower of Wesley's tanks and infantry began to turn the tide. Pravda's forces were forced to retreat slightly, regrouping to mount a counterattack. Meanwhile, Joey's Shock Army continued their relentless assault, pushing deeper into enemy territory.

The battlefield surrounding the third CP was a scene from a nightmare. Smoke and dust filled the air, obscuring vision and adding to the chaos. The crackle of airsoft fire and the booming reports of tank cannons echoed through the urban landscape. Houston's team, pressing forward, was met with fierce resistance from the entrenched enemy.

Joey's tank, a T-34, rolled up beside Houston's 'Lone Star,' and Joey leaned out to speak. "Comrade Houston, Commander Graham, Muller, and Elijah are in the city where the third CP is. They need help. Me and Commander Welsey will handle things here."

"Alright," Houston responded, determination in his voice. "Dean, gather all remaining Rangers and push up with us. Jefferson, you're with me. Let's go!"

As the Davy Crockett team advanced, Houston ordered his forces to split. The tanks sought a different route while Dean led the infantry through a narrow path, navigating the urban terrain.

Dean and the Rangers moved stealthily until they spotted the infantry team from Kansas Chief High, entrenched in an old abandoned base. The Kansas boys, armed with WWII American airsoft weapons, were pinned down by machine gun fire from an adjacent building.

"What's the skinny?" Dean asked as the Rangers joined the Kansas Chief boys.

"Commander Graham and Muller are trying to get their tanks onto the airfield, but it's a nightmare over there!" one of the Kansas boys shouted over the din. "Tojo's holding tight to that building! We're pinned down by the MG fire from the second floor. Any ideas?!"

Dean surveyed the situation quickly. "Yeah, I got one. Rangers, with me! We're going to flank them."

Moving with precision, Dean and his Rangers flanked the building, catching the enemy by surprise. A swift assault cleared the second floor, and Dean motioned for the others to follow as they moved inside to gain a strategic position.

Through a gaping hole in the wall, they saw the chaos of the battlefield. Graham's Marine Raiders and Muller's Wehrmacht infantry were locked in a brutal firefight with the combined forces of Kuromorimine, Saunders, and Ooarai.

The streets were choked with debris, shell holes, and burning vehicles. Graham's Marine Raiders, in their distinctive WWII gear, barked orders to each other as they maneuvered under heavy fire. "Keep your heads down! Suppressive fire on that position!" Graham shouted, his voice carrying over the noise.

Muller's Wehrmacht team communicated rapidly in German, their clipped phrases filled with urgency. "Feuer frei! Zielt auf die Flanken!" (Open fire! Target the flanks!) one of Muller's officers commanded, directing his men.

Erika from Kuromorimine, in her Tiger II, barked orders to her team. "Hold the line! Don't let them break through!" Alisa from Saunders, coordinating with her Shermans, shouted, "Keep them pinned! We can't let their tanks reach the airfield!"

The combined forces of Kuromorimine, Saunders, and Ooarai created a formidable barrier. Their tanks, strategically positioned, fired relentlessly at Graham and Muller's advancing units. Despite the fierce resistance, the American and German commanders pressed on.

"Damn, this isn't going to be easy!" one of the Rangers exclaimed, ducking as BBs whizzed past.

"It never is," Dean replied, determination etched on his face. "But we can do this. Let's go support our allies' tanks!"

Dean led his Rangers into the fray, providing much-needed support to the beleaguered Marine Raiders and Wehrmacht infantry. As they advanced, the sound of battle grew even more intense, a cacophony of airsoft fire, tank shells, and shouted commands.

https://youtu.be/5vy0qMk9KoE

(Play the song on 8:20 trust me) 

Despite Erika's best efforts to hold the line, she hadn't anticipated Houston and his tanks emerging from the flank. The sudden appearance of the American tanks spearheaded a devastating push, throwing the defenders into disarray.

"Go! Go! Go!" Houston shouted, urging Graham and Muller's tank divisions forward.

Graham, his tank moving in sync with Houston's, smirked. "Finally, you show up, Houston!"

Muller's Tiger I rolled up alongside them. "Let's crush them together."

Dean, rallying his Rangers, shouted, "Let's go help our tanks push up!" He motioned his men forward, and the Rangers, alongside the Kansas Chief boys, surged ahead, providing crucial infantry support.

The coordinated assault caused panic among the Sensha Do teams. Inside their tanks, the girls frantically communicated, trying to adapt to the rapidly changing battlefield.

"We're getting overwhelmed!" one of Kuromorimine's girls shouted over the radio.

"We need to fall back and regroup!" a Saunders commander yelled, her voice tinged with desperation.

In her Tiger II, Erika barked orders. "Hold your ground! Don't let them break our lines!" But the pressure was immense, and her voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

Maho and Miho, arriving on the scene, quickly assessed the dire situation. Maho's eyes narrowed as she saw the coordinated attack. "We need to form a defensive perimeter," she ordered, her voice steady but urgent.

Miho nodded, already relaying commands to her Ooarai team. "Stay together, everyone. We can still hold them off!"

Despite their best efforts, the coordinated push from Houston, Graham, and Muller's forces proved overwhelming. The combined might of the American and German tanks, supported by disciplined infantry, was too much for the Sensha Do teams to handle.

"Houston! Keep pressing! We can't let them regroup!" Graham called out, his Marine Raiders cheering as they advanced.

"Jawohl! We have them on the run!" Muller added, his Tiger I leading the charge.

The battlefield became a chaotic mix of retreating tanks and advancing infantry. BBs flew in all directions, and the thunderous booms of tank cannons echoed through the urban landscape. The Sensha Do teams, despite their skill and determination, found themselves unable to hold the line.

Maho, seeing the inevitable, made a difficult decision. "All units, full retreat! We can't afford to lose more tanks here!" Her voice, though calm, carried the weight of a strategic retreat.

Miho, supporting her sister's decision, echoed the command. "Ooarai, fall back! Regroup at the secondary defensive line!"

The girls' tanks began to pull back, retreating in an organized manner to avoid further losses. Houston, watching the retreat, felt a mix of triumph and respect. He knew how formidable these opponents were.

"Push forward! Secure the CP!" Houston ordered, his voice cutting through the din of battle.

As the American and German forces surged forward, the remaining Sensha Do teams executed a disciplined retreat, leaving behind the battlefield they had fought so hard to defend. The tide had turned, and the coordinated might of Houston, Graham, and Muller had proven too strong to withstand.

Dean, moving with his Rangers, provided covering fire for the advancing tanks. "Keep the pressure on! Don't let them regroup!" he shouted, his men responding with determination.

With the Sensha Do teams falling back, the path to the third CP began to clear. The battle was far from over, but this coordinated assault had given Houston and his allies a significant advantage, one they intended to press until victory was theirs.

Seeing them all retreat, Houston ordered a cease-fire as they watched the enemy forces withdraw. Cheers erupted among their men. Graham turned to his Marine Raiders, addressing them with pride.

"Outstanding, Marines! We kicked ass out there!" Graham's voice rang with admiration for his troops.

Houston turned to his Rangers, acknowledging their effort. "That's how it's done. Nice job, Rangers!"

Meanwhile, the strains of old German martial music began to play as Muller rallied his fellow German-Americans. "VICTORY BELONGS TO GERMANY!" he shouted, prompting cheers from the North High boys. In the background, audio speeches of Hitler added an eerie tone to the celebration.

Graham leaned over to Houston and made a joke. "I always knew Muller was a Nazi," he said, trying to lighten the mood with humor.

As Graham continued with his jests, Muller overheard and turned to them, visibly irritated.

https://youtu.be/VqaCXDDQgdU

(This is what Muller's Victory theme is about)