Author's Note: I have a confession to make... I am absolutely HORRIBLE at writing first encounter scenarios... such as the encounter between the Nagato and the witches. To be honest, I feel as if the entire time I've been trying to get the first part over with. That, and university caused an almost year long writer's block on me... Sorry about that.

A slight warning on this chapter: This chapter will not have much appearance of the witches and will instead actually focus on the political and military aspect of the world of Strike Witches so far – aspects which will have significant impacts later on in the story.

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Chapter 4

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IJN Nagato Captain's Log

Captain Hitsumiro Noyuki

Date: June 12th, 1944.

Weather – Fair.

Things on board have fallen more or less into a regular routine now. The crew has gotten used to the presence of the witches, and the witches have gotten accustomed to life on the sea. For the most part, Admiral Takano's orders for us comprises mainly of patrol in the Atlantic sea. On the few times Neuroi do appear in our assigned airspace, the 501st eliminate it with ease – very rarely are we needed to directly open fire, which is a help in ammunition conservation. Replenishment of Sea Sparrow missiles will be impossible in this world, and it is possible we will have to resort to using this timeline's inferior 46cm ammunition for our main guns.

On the topic of the witches, seeing as it has been some time after they have come on board I believe that I have had enough time to evaluate them as people. My notes are as follows:

First and foremost, Wing Commander Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke.

Hailing from Karlsland (Germany) and commander of the 501st witches, when not interacting with the witches she is often seen in her office doing paperwork. She is an extremely diligent officer who puts the needs of her subordinates above her own, and from what Lieutenant Kinoshita informs me she seems to view them as family. She gets along with the crew well, but some reports of her telling men to stay away from the witches concern me. While the protective feeling is understandable, it is a bit disturbing to see that my crew are occasionally thought of as paedophiles.

Major Sakamoto Mio

The second in command of the Strike Witches Squadron, Mio is among the very first people of this world we have met face to face, and as such many see her as among the most trusted. It helps that the manner in which she conducts herself and dedicates herself to her duty is on par with the standards we of the Imperial Japanese Navy strive for. Many from even our crew looks to her as an example. The Major seems to get along well with Lieutenant Kinoshita, with both of them having been first contact between our worlds. The Major is often seen in the mornings jogging around the deck of the ship, and Lieutenant Abasaki is often seen sparring with her in the exercise room. One thing I have noticed, however, is that my second in command refuses to inform me of the outcome of such spars. That silence alone is enough of an answer for me.

Flight Lieutenant Gertrude Barkhorn

Hailing from Karlsland like the squadron leader, the witches on board tell me with admiration that she is one of Karlsland's three "triple aces" - apparently meaning she holds an extremely impressive record of over 300 Neuroi kills. That alone is enough to astound us, but when one examines her manner it is not hard to see that there are few others more deserving of such recognition: she carries herself with utmost discipline both in and out of the battlefield and is most often seen in the training room.

Flying Officer Erica Hartmann

Also hailing from Karlsland, Erica Hartmann serves as Lieutenant Barkhorn's wingman. Although her general conduct is much less praiseworthy than her superior officer she has proven herself in combat to be equally capable. She appears to have a complete lack of disregard for any form of neatness whatsoever and I am often warned to stay away from her room to avoid an outburst at any time

Finishing his log for now and deciding to write the general impressions of the rest of the witches later, Noyuki put down his pen and stared out into the sea. Around the Nagato, several other ships of various classes and nationalities were part of the fleet. It was to be expected – this was the first airborne carrier force that was to comprise entirely of witches and supposedly an international effort. They had to at least put up an effort.

More ships meant that the Nagato herself would not have to enter combat as often, and that meant a conservation of ammo. To Captain Noyuki, this was a good thing – the less missiles and ammunition they used here, the more they would have to fire at the BETA once they returned home.

If they returned home.

Noyuki continued staring out the window, having found himself having this certain discussion with himself a lot more often now. The prospect of reaching home seemed further and further with each passing day they spent as a part of the Fuso Fleet. Sadogashima was still in BETA's grasp. Japan was still under the BETA threat. Yet, here they were, in some alternate world. Each day, Noyuki stared out the window, wondering if the mysterious fog would come and whisk the Nagato away back to her formation in the first fleet. There was even some talk among the crew of staying in this world permanently, helping a united world fight against the neuroi threat. While such sentiments were understandable, he had been constantly forced to remind them that they were sailors of Japan, not Fuso, no matter how similar the two nations seemed.

"Captain," a voice interrupted him. Turning, he was greeted by a communications officer. Exchanging a crisp salute, the officer held a message. "Telegraph from the IFN Akagi."

"The Akagi?" Noyuki asked.

"Captain, isn't that the ship Admiral Takano is using as his flagship in the European front?" One of the officers asked.

"That's right." Noyuki mused. Could it be that Fuso had something planned for the battle-group besides simple sea patrol? "Read the message."

"Yes sir!" the officer cleared his throat. "To: Imperial Japanese Navy Officer Captain Hitsumiro Noyuki"

The use of the designation "Imperial Japanese Navy" did not escape the attention of the Captain nor the crew. There was some quiet muttering about why they were suddenly referred to as "Japanese" instead of the "Fusonese" identities they were supposed to have taken.

"Request for participation of an international meeting on board the IFN Akagi, to be held at 1200 hours tomorrow. The captain's presence is requested. Command also requests the presence of the commanding officers if the 501st strike witches joint fighter wing. Transportation to be arranged at own disposal. The Akagi's co-ordinates will be as follows..."

The rest of the message was simply filled with details about the formalities about the event – details of non-consequence to the captain. His main concern was the fact that this was an international meeting – and he was expected to represent Japan, not Fuso.

"From: Imperial Fuso Navy Combined Fleet Commander in Chief Admiral Takano Isoroku."

Noyuki was silent for a moment, contemplating just what this could mean.

"Could it be, sir," one officer suggested, "that the rumours of a major counteroffensive are true?"

Noyuki nodded. "Perhaps." he agreed with his officers, willing to go along with gossip for once. "Officer!"

"Sir!" the communications officer who delivered the message snapped to attention at the captain's call.

"Send a reply back to the Akagi." Noyuki ordered. "We are all attending."

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June 13th, 1944

Minori sat in the cockpit of her treasured Sea King helicopter, waiting for the officers she was supposed to escort to arrive. As she waited, she thought back to the witches who were now on board the ship with her. They had gotten along as well as one could possibly hope, eagerly asking questions about her world and the future that she came from.

It was then that she looked out and saw three officers approaching. From their drastically different uniforms, she could tell that they were Captain Hitsumiro, Wing Commander Minna Wilcke and Major Sakamoto Mio. Behind them, she could see Lieutenant Abasaki, no doubt accompanying the captain to the flight deck. Stopping outside the helicopter, the captain turned to his second in command.

"Have a safe trip, Captain." the Lieutenant bowed despite his age superiority over Noyuki. Noyuki nodded. "Remember," he said to his second in command, "you have full authority while I am gone."

"Understood Captain." Abasaki nodded, knowing that while the captain was gone he would be in charge of the ship. It wasn't that long of a period – a few hours at most – but even then it was still important. The Neuroi could attack at any moment, after all.

Nodding in satisfaction, Noyuki smiled. "Well then, I'll be off." and with that, the three officers attending the meeting boarded the helicopter.

"Good morning, Dolphin one." Mio smiled as she took a seat. "It looks like I'll be in your care again."

"Don't mention it, fly-girl." Minori smiled as she finished her pre flight checks.

"From what I've seen," Minna spoke up, "This aircraft doesn't seem to have wings. Are you sure this will fly?"

"This is your first time on a helicopter, isn't it, Wing commander?" Noyuki asked in response, a small smile on his face. "Do not worry – our helicopters are just as air worthy as any aircraft in the world right now."

Minna was about to express her concerns again when Minori spoke into her radio. "Command, this is Dolphin-Lead. Clear skies, pre-flight check complete. Requesting permission to take off."

"Dolphin-Lead, this is command. You have permission to take off."

And with that, the rotor blades began spinning and they were in the air, quelling any concerns the Wing commander had about a helicopter's ability to fly.

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Of the many airfields, helicopter pads and ships she had landed on, Minori had not once considered the possibility that she would ever be landing on the Akagi. Taking care not to damage the wooden landing deck, Minori landed her Sea King. With the rotors slowly stopping, she looked out the cockpit to see that a crowd of Fuso Sailors had gathered around, no doubt eager to see what kind of aircraft the mysterious land of Japan held.

Opening the doors of the main cockpit, Noyuki stepped off of the helicopter, holding the door open for the two witches to follow as he did so. With all three off of the helicopter, Noyuki turned to see a Fuso officer approach them. The officer stopped and saluted, prompting Noyuki, Minna and Mio to respond with salutes of their own.

"Captain Hitsumiro Noyuki, Wing Commander Minna Wilcke and Major Sakamoto Mio, correct?" the officer asked as he lowered his salute.

"That's right." Noyuki nodded.

"Welcome aboard the Akagi." the officer said. "Commander in Chief Takano has asked me to escort you three to the meeting."

Walking along the halls of the Akagi, Noyuki took note of the interior of the ship, examining it's design. So this was a warship of the same era the Nagato was in previously... he thought with fascination. To his surprise, the interior was not really that different, although it couldn't be helped – the Nagato was a refit battleship from the same era.

Approaching the meeting room, Noyuki guessed that they were a bit early. There was a small gathering of officers outside the door, and Noyuki could see from their uniforms that they were all from various nations. One in particular, however, stood out.

This particular officer, Noyuki could tell, was from the Britannian Royal Air Force, but for some reason this man was giving a dangerous glare his way. Noyuki rattled his brains, trying to remember a moment when could possibly have insulted a member of a nation he had not even seen yet. However, moments later he tracked his gaze and realized that it was not him that the officer was glaring at – no, it was Wing Commander Wilcke, who was right next to him.

Do those two have bad blood between them? Noyuki wondered. However, when the Britannian officer noticed Noyuki's concerned look he immediately replaced his glare with a smile, this time actually directed at the Japanese officer, and approached him.

"Good morning. I am Air Chief Marshall Trevor Maloney of the British Air Force." he introduced himself. "Captain Hitsumiro of the Nagato, correct?"

"Yes." Noyuki said cautiously, immediately sensing something... off about the officer.

"We have heard quite a lot about your ship and her exploits." the Marshall explained. "Come, please, leave those two children and make yourself at home in the presence of real soldiers."

Noyuki could feel hostility coming from the two witches behind him and it suddenly hit him.

There were those types back home too. When the age limit for the military was reduced and women and children were being admitted into the Imperial military, there were those stubborn, conservative old men who refused to acknowledge that, even in the face of possible annihilation a woman could have a place other than a kitchen. They were the men who believed that war was a male business and those of the female gender should stay out of it. Noyuki had met some of those men before, and those men had always, without fail, earned Noyuki's instant hatred within mere seconds of greetings.

Within mere seconds of Maloney saying "Good Morning," Noyuki instantly hated this chauvinistic officer before his eyes. "I thank you for your offer sir," he said coldly, "But I am already in the presence of two very fine soldiers."

Maloney's smile did not disappear, but it did falter for a moment – and in that moment, Noyuki felt the same hostility that he felt from the British Officer's glare at the two witches earlier. Behind him, the two witches smiled, thankful that the Japanese Captain was not as closed-minded as the Air Chief Marshall.

"You will do well to remember your position, Captain." Maloney said, a threat hidden behind a veil of friendliness. "You will need to know people to make your way in a world in which you have no home."

Just then, there were footsteps and everyone turned to see Admiral Takano approach. The cold feeling that had taken the air due to the hostilities between the Japanese and Britannian officer dispelled instantly in the presence of the Admiral. "I apologize for being late." he said with a shy smile. "I admit that the aircraft called a helicopter was just so fascinating I lost track of the time examining it. Come, let us learn from my mistake and not dawdle any longer."

With that, the officers filed into the meeting room. The first thing that Noyuki noticed was that there were name cards detailing an officer's rank, name and position. Looking around the table, Noyuki found his spot and sat down. His name card read as such:

"Captain Hitsumiro Noyuki, Commander in Chief, Imperial Japanese Navy 1st Atlantic fleet"

Commander in Chief Hitsumiro Noyuki? He had to admit it had a nice sound to it, as did the idea that the Imperial Japanese Navy had a European Fleet. He supposed it did at the moment. Yes, a fleet, one battleship strong. Definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The host of the meeting stood, and to Noyuki's surprise it was a Britannian officer. For a brief moment, he feared it was Maloney but looking closer at the figure, he realized that was not the case. This man wore a Britannian Uniform, yes, but it was of the Army, not air force. Reading his name card, Noyuki read: "Vice Admiral Lord Lewis Mountbatten, Allied Operations Commander."

"Gentlemen," he said – and Noyuki noted with distaste that not only had he refused to acknowledge the presence of two witches in the room but also that he had glanced coldly at them while he did so – a glance that was full of challenge; a taunt of 'I refused to acknowledge you two. Problem?' - "I am Lord Lewis Mountbatten. I thank you all for attending this meeting. Most of you may already understand, but we, the allied nations, are in dire need of a counteroffensive."

Noyuki frowned as he heard that. A counteroffensive? Could the rumors be true?

The Lord Vice Admiral continued. "It is of the opinion of the respective governments that the first counteroffensive should be launched here – at the Gallian port town of Dieppe." he said, pointing on a wall mounted map. "We are gathered here today as commanders of the forces that Allied Command has committed to this counteroffensive, and we are here to discuss the details of the operation."

So it was a planning session. Figured. Noyuki kicked himself mentally for not asking sooner.

A naval invasion. Noyuki could understand why the Nagato was being committed – not only was it the only ship capable of withstanding a neuroi attack, Noyuki knew that the witch wing on board would be a valuable asset as well.

"Do you have a preliminary plan drawn up?" one of the attending officers asked.

"Yes indeed." Lewis nodded. "Our plan calls for a mass bombardment on the shores of Dieppe, to be carried out by a fleet of four battleships. At the same time, a dedicated force of air witches will keep airborne Neuroi at bay while a squadron of Lancaster bombers, under witch escort, will further soften the landing beach. Once the initial bombardment softens the Neuroi's forces on the beach, we will deploy a conventional armored battalion as well as a battalion of tank witches to eliminate any remaining opposition and secure the beach against the Neuroi counteroffensive."

Noyuki could not believe what he heard. To think that such a plan had been conceived against the neuroi by supposedly intelligent people was beyond him. "...Vice Admiral, if I may," he spoke, surprising some of the attending officers, "...have you any experience planning a counteroffensive against Neuroi?"

"None." the Vice Admiral said proudly. "No one in the Allied forces do. If we succeed, this will mark our-"

"Your plan is doomed to failure." Noyuki interrupted him, shocking the entire meeting. Admiral Takano narrowed his eyes at the young captain.

"How dare you! What experience do you have-!?"

"Vice-Admiral," Takano's calm voice cut through the British officer's outburst, "Please, let us hear the captain out."

Lewis stopped talking, and Noyuki shot the Fuso Admiral a look of gratitude. However, he could feel that all eyes were on him and he was receiving some rather cold looks, particularly from the Britannian staff who he had a feeling were the main architects of this plan.

"Four battleships is not enough of a bombardment group to commit against an enemy such as the Neuroi." Noyuki explained. "In my homeworld, we have experience fighting against a... similar enemy. I can say from experience that, if you only commit four battleships, not a single shell will hit the enemy."

"Are you saying the Neuroi will avoid the shells?" a Liberion Admiral by the name of Nimitz asked.

"No, I am saying that the Neuroi will shoot the shells mid-flight, detonating them harmlessly mid-trajectory." Noyuki explained, causing murmurs among the gathered officers.

"...now, now," another voice said, causing the murmurs to stop, "I am sure that the captain has the plan's best interests at heart. However, I must assure him that as fearsome as he may have come to believe the Neuroi are during his short time here, we are still more than a match for them."

Noyuki turned to the officer who had spoken – Air Chief Maloney. He had a feeling he knew what was going on – the Britannians were going to push this plan to save face. "I assure you, sir," Noyuki said, refusing to stand down in the face of a foreign superior officer, "My statements are backed by reasoning and experience."

"I know not what sort of enemy you fight back in your world, and certainly, they would be quite formidable if they are still so feared even with such powerful weapons at your disposal." Mulroney snickered. "however, I assure you we have much more experience fighting Neuroi than you have, outsider."

There would be no friends here. Noyuki could feel Admiral Takano ponder his words, but he knew that the Fuso Admiral's hands were tied. The British command were going to force this on the allied force, but for reasons Noyuki could not understand. Why were they so insistent on forcing on operation?

"...What of the Orussian command?" Admiral Takano spoke up at last, causing everyone to turn to him and finally be released from the duel of will that Noyuki and Mulroney had gotten engaged in. "The Orussians have experience fighting such a force – their counteroffensive operations Typhoon and Barbarossa were major successes, were they not?"

"The Orussians!" Mountbatten exclaimed as if they suggested that they receive reinforcements from the Neuroi themselves. "How could we possibly accept help from the Orussians!? Do you want the European powers to bow to-"

"Enough, Admiral!" Mulroney interjected, and it was then that Noyuki instantly realized what this all was.

A massive ego stroking competition. Of all the things Noyuki could have gotten involved in, it was a massive ego stroking competition. The Brittanians were refusing experience and expertise out of what basically amounted to pride. They reminded him of the Imperial Army back home; always looking to prove their strength and power, no matter how unreasonable they became. Sensing that the Japanese officer had arrived at this conclusion, Mulroney immediately began to try and convince him otherwise. "The Orussians are still in the midst of their own operations, Admiral. Even if we were to request aid, they would not have much to offer."

Noyuki clenched his fists, knowing that that was definitely a falsehood on the part of the British Admirality. Mountbatten had said too much. Mulroney may have tried to stop him, but Noyuki had heard enough to confirm his suspicions. They were refusing Orussian help out of pride.

What idiots.

"...I don't suppose you are going to assign the First Carrier Group to this operation as well?" Noyuki asked slowly.

"Of course." The Britannians scoffed as if they had an indisputable right to order his ship around, "Your ship carriers technologies far beyond our own. I am certain that we will be able to direct the battle much better from there."

Noyuki took a moment to process the full meaning of what he said. "...do you mean..."

"Yes." Admiral Takano spoke up, causing Noyuki to turn around. "Fuso Naval Command has offered the IFN Nagato as the flagship for the operation."

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END OF CHAPTER 4