Arrival

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Kimpo Air Base, Korea

July 27th, 1947

One Year into the War in Korea

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When Shirley had heard that the 501st JFW was to be reactivated and deployed to Korea, she had prepared for jungles, exotic animals, and hot, rainy days. She had not expected the breeze of cool air that flowed over and soothed her. As the C-47 that brought them took off, there was a moment of brief silence as she took in all her surroundings.

The breeze that had greeted Shirley was gone, and soon the muggy, humid summer air flooded over her. The Sun, with its bathing light, became a source of discomfort as the humidity amplified its effects. The grass, unconcerned about such matters, fluttered softly in the wind as the sound of distant aircraft engines faded into the background. A flag, bearing the symbol of the United States of Liberion, fluttered from its flagpole.

"It's so humid!" Luchini cried, obviously unprepared for the change in weather. She and Shirley had spent quite a bit of time in Romagna and Venezia since the 501st were disbanded. While the two remained on call for the occasional summons of the Mediterranean and African Theatres, Shirley and Lucchini had largely spent their time exploring, visiting sights and monuments, and eating. When the war in Europe was finally concluded by the liberation of Ostmark, Shirley had made plans to visit Miyafuji in Fuso.

"It reminds me of Washington D.C. in the summer…" Shirley said absentmindedly, while memories flashed before her eyes. Buildings, covered in white and shaped like Greek temples. Parades, full of flags, energy, and weapons of war. The podium, and the speech that changed life in Liberion forever. Washington... The Capital. Strange that I can still remember that school trip… she thought to herself before Luchini startled her out of her dreams.

"Shirley, what's wrong?" Luchini's voice struck Shirley like a dart, and when she gazed downward Luchini was giving her the eyes. The eyes that communicated a mix of curiosity, worry, and compassion.

"Oh, nothing…" Shirley responded with a smile. "Just some memories of Liberion.. You wouldn't believe how hot it can get during those late July months."

"If it's anything close to this, I think I'll pass," Said a voice. This one felt familiar, and invoked a set of new images. Britannia. Romagna. The Neuroi. And most importantly, her sisters.

Turning around, Shirley saw the woman who had called out to her. The woman who for two weeks put her through the toughest training regime she had ever had. The woman who personally called the two to inform them of their summons. The woman whose penchant for training is only matched by the care she showed to her comrades. The woman who was one of the few people on the planet that Shirley felt comfortable taking orders from.

"After all, I'd rather be fighting Neuroi than showing conscripts how to shoot a gun," The woman said as she let loose her trademark laugh. Looking at the senior woman, Shirley noticed that despite her age, Mio didn't look that different from the day she had met her. Her brown eyes still brimmed with the cheerfulness that made her adored by everyone (especially Perrine). Mio's sweeping brown hair and smooth, fresh face illuminated the female grace beneath her occupation. A white naval coat, with it's rigid, organized form, reflected her belief in the importance of military discipline. Her sword, mounted in its sheath, indicated her devotion to Fuso's warrior tradition. The only thing missing from the veteran witch was her eye patch. Since Mio's magic power had long been depleted, she no longer had to cover her magic eye. Though it was only one piece of Mio Sakamoto, she didn't seem complete without it.

"Major Sakamoto, it's great to see you," Shirley said with warmth. Indeed, it truly felt good to be back with old friends.

"Please, call me Sakamoto-san. We've known each other long enough," Mio said, still radiating that cheerfulness that made her such an agreeable person.

"Sakamoto-san, how is Yoshika?" Luchini asked, showing those eyes again.

"She's been doing exceptionally well. I think you two will be delighted to hear that she was recently promoted to Master Sergeant," Mio responded with mirth in her words.

"Oh that's wonderful! They should have done that a while ago, if you ask me," Shirley said, placing her hand on her hip. Yoshika Miyafuiji, despite being one of the most powerful witches known to mankind, had a penchant for disobeying direct orders and violating military procedures that prevented her from being promoted. She was just as bad as Shirley, though in a far different way. Yoshika's disobedience stemmed from her faith in people and her ability to help them. She would disregard every order, every law, and every reasonable standard if it allowed her to save someone, anyone. While this trait can cause Yoshika to act anywhere between blindley innocent and recklessly suicidal, this was also her best quality.

"I'm sure Lynn will be happy to be the same rank as Yosika again," Luchini said with a twirl.

"Well, I'm sure you can ask her all about it once we get you squared away at headquarters. There's a lot to do, and not much time to do it," Mio said with seriousness.

Luchini and Shirley stood there for a moment, stunned. They had been told by the Major herself that only Mio and them were being deployed.

"Did… did you just say Lynn is here?!" Luchini exclaimed with disbelief.

"I thought that it was only going to be the three of us…" Shirley added, just as confused.

The Major looked at them with a surprised expression for a moment. Than she smiled to herself, and let loose another of her special laughs. Luchini and Shirley continued to look at her dumbfounded while they waited for her to stop laughing.

As Mio recovered from her laughing fit, she straightened her back and grew taller.

"I guess nobody told you then…" She said thoughtfully before giving them a broad smile.

"Welcome back to the 501st, sisters."

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On January 26, 1946, the Allied military passed a universal declaration. It was decided that the experience and talent of retired witches would not go to waste (after considerable effort from Adolfine Galland, Erwin Rommel, and other military figures). All witches past the age of 20 would be able to apply for positions in the command and support infrastructures of their respective air forces. Additionally, any Joint Fighter Wings with combat-able witches would have their retired witches attached to them upon request until service is no longer required. This declaration was signed into law with the passing of the Witches Rights bill in the League of Nations.

When the 501st was first deployed to Korea, most of the core older veterans were past the age of retirement. Of the original 11 witches, only 7 remained combat-worthy. The rest were serving various support, advisory, and command functions as a result of League's passing of the Witches Rights bill. Although they were all somewhat disappointed at the prospect of being confined to desk jobs, most were content with being able to stay with their squadron, which had become something of a family to them.

What they didn't know was that combat, with all its glory and horror, would find them, one way or another.

Members of the 501st at the start of the conflict:

Mio Sakamoto, 22 (August 26, 1924)

Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, 22 (March 11, 1925)

Gertrud Barkhorn, 21 (March 22, 1926)

Charlotte E. Yeager, 20 (February 13, 1927)

Erica Hartmann, 19 (April 19, 1928)

Eila Illmatar Juutilainen, 18 (February 21st, 1929)

Perrine H. Clostermann, 18 (February 28th, 1929)

Lynette Bishop, 17 (June 11, 1929)

Yoshika Miyafuji, 17 (August 18, 1929)

Sanya V. Litvyak, 16 (August 18, 1930)

Francesca Lucchini, 15 (December 24, 1931)