Unable to get two AWUS036NHV's to ping in IBSS mode

[WilliamBaltus]

I have plugged both into separate pi's and out the box they are recognized as described here: https://docs.alfa.com.tw/Support/Linux/RTL8188EUS/. However I want them to communicate in ad-hoc manner. So I began configuring a la ifconfig and other command line tools. I had an operation not permitted for setting the channels. So I installed and made this repo and was able to set the channel. I can clearly see I am in ad-hoc mode and configurations are set (essid, channel, mode, ip, netmask). But the moment I try to ping between the two the destination host is unreachable. Do we know if this library allows for IBSS mode truly or if those NHV's are unable to be in peer-to-peer? I thought both of the last questions are yes and yes but maybe I am wrong. Let me know if you have advice to debug please.

[WilliamBaltus]

I am using Raspberry pi 4's. OS is Ubuntu 22.04. Linux headers are raspi-5035 I believe.