James is now part of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing. Looks like he'll have to be accustomed by the girls and the aspects that are different from his squad.
Chapter 2: Welcome to the 501st
501st Base: Petersburg, Orussia
The long flight from London to Petersburg has been a long one. Already I've suffered from lack of sleep due to different time zones. My God my eyes are as red as the Karlsland flag. We've landed as I took a look at the 501st's new base. It's not that different from their old bases, I usually see a giant angel statue or a tall piece of a building. As I stepped down from the Ju 52, I was greeted to the sight of a large hangar and the insignia of the 501st, a blue circle with fighter contrails and five brooms connecting itself as a star. "Guess this is my new home then." I thought as I went inside. The inside of the base was not that bad, though the good news is that it has a central heater. Least I won't be shivering throughout the night. Minna told Yoshika to escort me to my room. When we entered, it's like a standard room arrangement. One bed, night table, closet and coffee maker? I decided to not pay attention to what a coffee maker is doing here and settled in.
"Commander Dowding, Minna also told me that she wants you in the command room tomorrow." Yoshika said
"Thanks Pilot Officer. You can just call me James, or Church. Whichever one you like." I cracked a smile at her and she noticed it
"Sure thing. You just call me Yoshika or Miyafuji." She yawned "I better go to bed. Night Church."
"Goodnight Yoshika." I settled down as I put on my night wear. I put my bag on a chair as I'm being lazy now. The uniform I wore was a standard BRAF officer's uniform. It's almost identical to the Royal Navy in color. My dad wanted a different outlook in attire. He chose me to make a different appearance, so it's all black but the officer's hat, it's white. He told me that's my personal design. I settled into bed, which is surprisingly much more comfortable than the beds back in Britannia as I drifted off.
I was sleeping soundly as morning came up to view. I usually wake up early but Minna told me to take a rest for the time being, until the patented 501st revile played. My eyes were bloodshot red and I completely hate waking up via alarm, or early (pick your poison). Since I'm up, better go to breakfast. I headed towards the dining room when I heard someone yelling in one of the rooms.
"Hartmann get up! It's morning!" I could tell someone doesn't like waking up early.
"70 more minutes." She complained.
"70 more minutes my butt. Get up!" the other said
"Can you wake me up in 40 minutes then?" she asked. The other girl gave up and headed for the door.
"You better get up before I get back. Breakfast is ready also." She said
"Bye Trude." She said as she went back sleeping. The girl closed the door behind her and sulked.
"Quite the sleeper your friend." I said. She jolted and looked up and saw my face.
"You have no idea." She said sternly "Frau is a slacker and a lazy type. Though she is a great dogfighter, she needs to learn discipline."
"You're from Karlsland, aren't you?"
She raised an eyebrow "How did you know?"
"I studied in Karlsland for four years. The last two was pilot training with their pilots. Though I found it difficult to fly a He 162."
"It is a new jet in the air force. Unlike the jet striker unit." She said "That thing was a pain unlike-Hey, didn't I see you before?"
"I don't recall." I answered
"Aren't you that Spitfire pilot who unleashed a pulse on the Neuroi?" I had that flashback again, that night when it all happened. That pulse triggered the events what are happening right now.
"Guess I am. I am this so-called first male witch. Who has this hidden ability I didn't know." I said. That girl made a little bit of a smirk.
"Of course you are. My squadron helped you guys out during that Neuroi blitz. You want to talk while heading for the dining hall? I heard that Yoshika is preparing something good." I accepted what she's asking. "First let me get Frau out of her sleep." She went back in and she's carrying the Hartmann on her back with that cold look on her face. "Can't believe I have to carry her again. Come on then Spitfire pilot." She said jokingly
"I have a name too you know." I complained. The three of us headed to the dining hall where we see Yoshika and another person in the kitchen.
"Morning Yoshika." I said
She looked at me and smiled. "Morning Church." She said happily
"Church?" The girl asked
"That's just a nickname when I was with my old squadron. My name is James Dowding by the way, Wing Commander of the 29th Aerial Defence Squadron." The girl looked at me a bit before speaking.
"Minna didn't tell me that the Air Marshal had a son." She said
"Well, I'm his younger incarnate of his own self. Though my dad usually refers to me as his successor. What's your name luv?" The girl turned red for a moment before turning back to me.
"M-my name is Gertrud Barkhorn, Flight Lieutenant of the 501st JFW and JG 52. Oh and the one I'm carrying, her name's Erica Hartmann." I heard Erica just mumbling something. I think she's saying 'Hi' also.
"You're right about one thing, frau's a sleeper." I gently patted Erica's head "Don't worry Erica, you'll sleep when training's over." Though Erica's eyes are still closed, she gave off a small nod.
"Hartmann still needs a lot of discipline in order to function properly. From what Karlslander soldiers do, discipline always comes first. Second one is also discipline. Including third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth." she said. For me, it's hard to come by since, after all, Britannia's military is also based on discipline. Then I asked something what Erica usually asks.
"What about the tenth one?" I jokingly asked. Barkhorn's mouth was all agape. She returned to her usual expression and looked at me again.
"Dowding, you already know what the tenth one is."
"Discipline. Yes I've already know that. While I was with Britannia's military before I came here, it's all about discipline. Not much more or less disciplined than your Karlsland military." She soon gave off a grin and answered
"Well. That's good to hear. So, Yoshika, Lynette, what are we having?" The two girls from behind the kitchen looked up at the three of us.
"We've made scones along with miso soup and green tea." Lynne said "We're waiting on the other girls but I guess you three can help yourselves." Though Erica was sleeping, we got our foods and started eating. The both of us are talking while still Erica is about to open her eyes.
"Hey Trude." She said sleepily "Who's the new guy?" Barkhorn mentally face palmed herself and introduced me again to Erica.
"Hartmann, I know you can hear while you're asleep but you didn't hear the Wing Commander talking?"
"Calm down Barkhorn." I regained my composure and talked to Erica. "I'm James Dowding, Erica."
"Good to meet you, Dowding." Erica said. She began to wolf down the scones.
"Now that that's out of the way, do you have any siblings?" Gertrud looked questionably whenever her sister came up
"I do. Her name is Chris. She's my sister and I have to do my best in order to ensure her safety. But I didn't do well." She has a saddened look on her face
"What happened?"
"When the Neuroi descended on Berlin, much of the city was already engulfed in flames. I remember shooting down one Neuroi bomber but the next thing I heard was my sister crying. She was unconscious as a result."
"I'm sorry to hear that." I have the same expression as Gertrud's.
"But she is recovering well, and I usually take leaves once a month to see her." She then leaned in and told me something in secret. "Between you and me, Chris looks like Yoshika. But she's cuter."
"Show me an example if you don't mind." Gertrud went back to her room and grabbed the photo of her and her sister. "That's your sister?"
"Yes Dowding. She's the best thing in the entire world I have now." After shifting my eyes back and forth between Chris and Yoshika, I have to admit, she does look like her.
"If you want I can tell Yoshika that she has a big sister."
"Ha-ha. I'll tell her when chances come. She's the only one that's left now." I raised a questionable look as she went from a happy look to a shocked sadness
"What happened to your family?" Gertrud just looked down at her food until Erica is done her meal.
"Trude, I'll see you in the hangar." Erica stood up and ran for the hangar
"Okay Hartmann." She looked at me again "Sorry Dowding, it's just…"
"Don't worry. If you don't want to explain it then it's okay." That gave Barkhorn a small smile on her face.
"Thank you, Commander."
"Would Wing Commander James Dowding, report to Commander Minna's office. Say again, would Wing Commander James Dowding, report to Commander Minna's office." Well, I was going to meet Minna after we touched down. I wonder what for. If I think it's one of those harem styled romances… Okay better get that out of my head. Still, wonder what it is.
"Better go now Barkhorn. Guess I'll see you later?"
"Uh… Sure Dowding. Though we're on flight patrol in the afternoon. We'll talk later when we're in the air." I smiled back at her before I headed to Commander Minna.
Gertrud's P.O.V.
After James left, all I can do right now is gaze down at her my and alone with my thoughts. The picture of Chris is still there, which comforts me every time I seemed troubled. It was kind of Dowding to talk to me whenever frau is either sleeping or just, sleeping. But something about him makes think a bit. I knew he was a Wing Commander, he did commit a pulse that disabled the Neuroi and other than my dad or my relatives, he's the first boy I've ever spoken to since. There's an atmosphere around him, just like I have Yoshika as another little sister. What was I thinking, I've already known Dowding since I exited my room. And why am I feeling warmth on my face? I can't tell that I'm blushing.
"Barkhorn-san." I heard Yoshika calling "Are you okay?" I only perked up a small smile and answered her.
"Yes Yoshika."
"You're not eating your food." Lynne said
"Ah. You can save it for now. When everyone else is here, I'll eat the rest."
"Barkhorn, you're flushing red." Lynne said. To be surprised, I am blushing.
"Wh-wh-wh… I'm going to do my training now." I immediately rushed out of the dining room and headed for my room. That left Yoshika and Lynnette baffled, as they didn't see me in this state before. I went to the room Hartmann and I were sleeping. "Something about him makes me think that… I don't know." I went into training and do my daily reps but the fact James is asking something wrong, I wouldn't mind it. But at least I have Chris. I'll have to talk to James some more, asking him does he have any other relatives. Okay I'm at 26 reps, just a few more to go.
James' P.O.V.
I know that Gertrud is disturbed with what I just asked, but she'll come out of it. I know that Barkhorn and I are part of the patrol later today. I knocked the door to Minna's office and I heard a 'Come in' answer. "You wanted to see me Commander?"
"Yes James. Have a seat." I know this sounds like I'm going to get lectured again. My dad used to teach me about dogfighting tactics and squadron leadership. But this is different than the ones my dad taught me. Standing next to Minna is Mio. Okay, I'm getting nervous is this ordeal.
"So, what's this about commander?"
"Major Sakamoto and I have been talking about your position as Wing Commander of your former squadron." I know where this is going
"If you two decided to demote me to either Pilot Officer or Flight Lieutenant, I don't mind being in those roles at all." Major Sakamoto soon spoke up
"Iie. Actually since you're about the same rank as Minna's, I decided that you should be second in command of the 501st." A sweat mark showed up at the back of my head.
"Are you sure Major? You have been under Minna's leadership since… Since the squad has been formed."
"No, it's fine. Just don't mess up like what I did for the past two years." I kind of felt bad since I'm taking over Mio's position as second in command. Since it is agreed that the both of them would try and make me a good secondary Wing Commander, I'll do my best.
"I think it is about time we introduce you to the rest of the squadron." Minna said. Wait, there's more?
"Yes Commander." The three of us headed out of the office and headed for the meeting room. I've already met Yoshika, Minna, Mio, Gertrud, Erica and a brief glimpse of Sanya, though I heard Lynne but not seen her yet.
501st Meeting Room
Members of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing are present to see me for the first time. Yes they are all girls but that didn't distract me a lot. I looked at all of them, they all look friendly. Minna was the first to speak to the girls.
"Everyone, this is James Dowding. He was just transferred here yesterday under Air Marshal Dowding's orders." They all looked at me. Most were smiling at me, the rest were just skeptic. I raised a shy but firm salute, which the girls replied by their salute also. "Since he met Yoshika, Mio and I, take your time to know him."
"Commander, I've already met Barkhorn, Hartmann, and Litvyak. Though, yeah, better let me mingle with more of them."
"We also have two new members that are now part of the squadron." I soon saw two more girls walking into the room and standing next to me. "Meet Shizuka Hattori and Heidemarie W. Schnaufer. Girls, this is James Dowding." I snapped a salute to the Karlslander and bowed to the Fusoan girls. Soon enough, the girls approached me and introduced themselves since they already met the two.
Yoshika approached me with two girls flanking her. "Dowding-san, these are my friends, Lynette Bishop and Perrine Clostermann."
"Pleasure to meet you both."
"At least I have another Britannian to talk with." Lynne said. I nodded in response.
"You should be fine with Lynette here. Since your both from Britannia, that can ease her. Perrine H. Clostermann, by the way. Flight Officer."
"Nice to meet you Perrine." Two more girls showed up.
"My name is Charlotte Yeager, Captain of the 501st, but you can call me 'Shirley' if you want. And this is my partner, Francesca Lucchini."
"Hi Wing Commander." The thirteen year old girl said
"You seem bright and cheerful. Though I… I…" I feel like I'm being distracted, mainly by Shirley's breasts. I think I needed to be lobotomized to get that image out of my head. Two more approached me. One is carrying the other because she's sleeping.
"My name is Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen, I'm a Flying Officer of the 501st. The one I'm holding, her name is Sanya Litvyak. She's a Flight Officer and residential night witch, along with Heidemarie." Sanya woke up and saw me.
"Hello, James." She said softly "Sorry I didn't wave to you yesterday. I was just busy with the night and I didn't get the chance to see you."
"It's okay Sanya." She smiled then went back to sleep. "Sanya?"
"She's like that. Whenever she does patrol during the night, she sleeps during the day." Eila said she held Sanya. When the girls were done talking, Minna came over and told me something.
"James, since you're new here, it is best that your father and I that you are equipped with a Striker Unit." I tilted my head slightly at this revelation. "Follow me to the hangar. Your dad is waiting for the both of us." Without answering, I just followed her to the hangar.
Minna's P.O.V.
James and I are heading towards the hangar. Turns out James' dad was present where the striker unit is. I raised a salute to one of my oldest friends in the BRAF. "Air Marshal Dowding."
He answered with a salute as well "Wing Commander Minna Dietlinde-Wilcke. Pleasure to see you this morning."
"Likewise sir." I noticed James tilting his head again. "You okay James?"
"I just wanted to know that um… why is there a Mitsubishi A6M Zero in the hangar?" James was surprised to see an A6M Zero in the hangar.
"Oh. During Operation Mars, the Major lost her magic after activating the Magic Dynamo to a Neuroified Yamato. That and a Neuroi core attached itself to the Major."
"So she's restricted to flying aircraft instead?" he asked
"Seems that way. Though she mainly uses the Zero as a primary weapon. So, Air Marshal, care to show your son his present."
"Yes, Commander. James, now that you are now part of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, best we should introduce you to your new units." James walked towards the sheet that covered his Striker Unit. He opened it and uncovered his version of his Spitfire. I began running him through his Striker Unit.
"It's your version of your Spitfire IX, the one that you flew during your time with Disciple." I saw James look in awe, seeing that the aircraft he flew in, is coming back to him now, this time in the form of a Striker Unit.
"Feels like home already." He said. He looked over at a table and saw two weapons. "What are these?" Hugh then spoke to his son.
"The one you're holding is a Lee-Enfield No .4 MK. 1. Our main standard rifle in our armed forces. And the one lying down is a Charlton Automatic Rifle. Developed in New Zealand, they just give the guns to us for the frontlines." Hugh looked at Minna, who then nodded. "James, the Striker Unit that was built for you was built by a joint development project between Britannia, Hispania, Romagna, Gallia and Karlsland."
"The thing is, the developers put something hidden in your Striker Unit." I said "But they told me and Dowding to keep silent until an important opportunity."
"Like what?" he asked
"When it comes James, when it comes." Just then an air raid siren went off.
"Well, this day keeps getting interesting now is it?" The three of us knew that it was a Neuroi, we better get ready.
That's the second chapter. Third chapter is now in development.
Easter egg: The Eurofighter Typhoon was a joint development project between England, Spain, Italy and Germany with France dropping out of the project to design the Dassault Rafale.