Okay. The war has begun on almost all continents. Witches and Rohkea were sent to the USS Sea Devil. And of course some mysterious figures planning something bigger than this war. So, what will happen?
Now, to the chapter…
Chapter 3
,,Road to Africa"
July 15, 2021
09:19
Unknown location
The same mysterious men entered the huge room. A red line again showed on the screen.
–Any news?—the line asked.
–Yes, Master—the men replied.—The war was already flared up. ICCU and INA have already started several offensives.
–Good. Soon, my revenge will be done.
–Of course, Master. As you wish.
–You can leave, general.
The men left the room. And the red line disappeared.
10:01
Over North Sea
Rohkea Team and Witches woke up early, and flew straight to the North Sea, the Meet Point with Sea Devil. All Witches had their new Striker Units.
–Wow, Yoshika. Your Striker look's really nice—Lynette said, looking at Yoshika Shinden II Striker.
–I know. But…It feels different with it—the Fusoan Witch replied.
–Hey! After all, we all received new Units!—Nikka said, looking at her CFA-44 Striker Unit.
–Alright. This is it. Extend the landing gear—Ida ordered to her pilots.
Rohkea Team begun to extending landing gears. Witches were confused about this sight. After all, they were in the middle of the sea.
–Ida. Are you sure that this is the meet point?—Minna asked.
–Yes. This is the meet point. Besides, you see in a moment where we are have to land.
–There is Sea Devil!—Ukko announced.
Then, the water under them began to undulate and foam. Few seconds later, they saw something that they did not expect. It was a giant submarine, which upper part of the deck was rebuilt to the runway. At the end of the runway, there was a hangar under the additional storey which was about 45 meters long. A dozen airplanes and unspecified airplanes stood on the runway. Its length was 3.8 kilometers. There were several anti-aircraft turrets and anti-ship guns on its sides. By the way, even though the runway was exposed, it did not look damp, because…water ran down in the air. Witches were amazed.
–What the…—some Witches said in shock.
–This is awesome!—Shirley shouted.
–Dear ladies! Meet the USS Sea Devil! INA Joint Fleet flagship!—Sauli said.
–And I though, that the biggest ship I've ever saw, was Yamato—Shizuka said.
–Allied units, this is admiral David McGregor of the USS Sea Devil. You have permission to land. We will leave the shields so that you can do it—an admiral voice sounded in all communicators.
–What does he mean by ,,shield"?—Heidemarie asked.
Then, the air above the runway split into hundreds of small octagons that began to disappear quickly.
–Wow.—That was only thing, what Heidemarie could said.
–Okay. Land—the Sea Devil fly controller said. In his voice they could sense boredom.
The seven fighters and Witches landed on the runway. The positions for planes were ready. Witches let the crew to take their weapons and Strikers to the armory.
–Major Ida Lilnatar?—a women asked, when Ida get off of her plane.
The women had long brown hairs and green eyes. She wore a Texas Navy pilot officer uniform.
–Yes, it's me. And who asking?—Ida replied.
–Captain Tess Roosevelt, 9th Naval Air Division / 25th Air Regiment / 8th Fighter Wing. Admiral wants to see you, and the commanders of the Witches—the women said.
–I see that the news is spreading fast.
–Yes, it's true. What should I tell to him?
–Tell him, that we will come in a moment.
–Yes, sir!
Tess run to the bridge, to inform the admiral about it. In the meantime, Ida walked up to the Squadron Leaders of the Witches.
–Girls—she said to them—come with me. We have a meeting with admiral McGregor.
–Lead us—Rosalie said.
And the five went to the bridge.
10:46
USS Sea Devil bridge
When the five entered the bridge, they saw a giant room filled by crew members. Several screens hanged on the walls, and controllers were sat in their stations. Every controller taking care of different affair. One controlled AA guns, one controlled torpedo launchers, another one controlled a VLS system.
The five approached the middle-aged man wearing a TN admiral uniform. He had short blond hairs and purple eyes.
–Hi, ladies—he said.
–Good morning admiral.—Ida and Witches saluted.—You wanted to see us?
–Yes. Can you introduce yourself?—he turned to the Witches.
–Of course. I'm Lieutenant Colonel Minna Dietlinde-Wilcke of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing ,,Strike Witches.
–I'm Lieutenant Colonel Gundula Rall of the 502nd Joint Fighter Wing ,,Brave Witches".
–I'm Lieutenant Colonel Rosalie de Hemricourt de Grunne of the 506th Joint Fighter Wing ,,Noble Witches".
–I'm commander Katou Keiko of the 31st Joint Fighter Squadron.
When the all know each other, the admiral get to the bottom:
–We have orders to move to Africa.
–Africa? Really?—Keiko asked.
–You don't like Africa?—admiral asked with little surprise.
–No, that's not it. I just…Let's say, that I spent a lot of time in Africa since the beginning of the war with Neuroi. And I have enough of this sand—she explained.
–Good to know. But now, let me explain the situation on the continent.
They came up to the huge round table. Admiral pressed the button, and a map of Africa appeared in the air.
–What's is it?—Rall asked.
–It's a hologram—Ida replied.
Witches still don't know what is it.
–I forgot to mention. During the construction of the ship the latest technical developments were used to equip it. So we have a laser system of internal defense in the event of boarding, holo-maps and a system of artificial intelligence straight from "HALO"—Ida explained.
–Artificial intelligence? What is it?—Keiko asked.
–I'll show you. Harald. You can show yourself—admiral said.
A moment later, a green AI in the uniform of Texas Marine Corps showed himself on the table. Witches were impressed by this technology.
–Introduce yourself—MacGregor ordered the Marine.
–Of course—AI said.—I'm Harald, the AI of the USS Sea Devil. Nice to meet you.
–The same here. How is it working?—Minna asked, trying to touch Harald, but her finger only passing through him.
–Hey don't do that!—Harald said. Minna immediately stopped this. Then he said:—Okay, I'll tell you how I work. My core is placed in the lowest deck of the ship. The core for AI is like brain for humans. There are my thoughts, information's and log about everything what happens on the ship. Besides.—Harald turned to the one of crew members—Withmore! I saw how you swapped the plates on the toilets when Jason wanted to use!
–So it was you!?—Jason shouted.
–Hey, hey, buddy. It was a joke—Withmore wanted to explain this.
–Because of you I went on the pervert who is watching the girls in the toilet! Now every girl is running away from me! I WILL KILL YOU NORMALLY!
–Hey, easy men! Do not do something stupid…
Withmore begin to run from Jason, who started to chasing him.
–And—Rosalie back to talking with Harald—why are you looking like a soldier?
–Well. It's all admiral fault. He ordered that the ship AI has to look like TMC soldier. More precisely, like his son—Harald replied.
Everybody looked at admiral.
–Eh. My son died in Syriaq during the Battle of Mosul five years ago. I was depressed when I ordered the ship AI. Only thing that I was thinking about, was my son—the admiral explained.—But now, I reconciled with his death. Unfortunately, there was no way to change the AI look. So, Harald stays as he is.
–Let's back to the subject—Ida proposed.
–Yeah, right. Coming back. Our orders are simple. We have to move to the Republic of Oparturia. Then, we will begin the invasion of Hazanian Union—there admiral stopped talking for a while. Then he continued:—The biggest number of communist states are in Africa. If we take them out and took full control over the continent, we'll be able to win the war.
–And if I can ask—Rall said—how many of them are in Africa?
–Seven—Ida replied and started counting:—It's Hazania, Ravora, Luanda, Kilvia, Joduna, Symatra and the most powerful of them: Narania—she looked at the last country on map with disgust.
Minna noticed this.
–Are you don't like Narania?—she asked.
–Let's say…No Arisnerian likes Narania—Ida replied.
–Why?—Rosalie asked.
–Narania is a former Arisnerian colony. It gain independence after the war in years from 1964 to 1968. No one from Arisnerian East African Company survived this—the Arisnerian pilot explained.
–Horrible—Keiko said.
–It is. But…It's the soul of the communism. Never save enemies.
The map changed, and showed ICCU members painted in red.
–This is the situation. Hazanian Army just begun attack on Oparturia. We have to get there quickly and help in defense. We also have some info about invasion on Garatra. Our fronts are not stabile enough. That's why they need us there—admiral said.
–So…Africa is the most important front—Rall stated.
–There are the weakest members of INA, and some of the strongest members of ICCU. Chances are not aligned.
–Okay, admiral. Thank you for information—Minna said.
–No problem.
–And how long it take until we get to Africa?—Keiko asked.
–Sea Devil can swim with speed of 59 knots. It take 4 days until we get to Cabo Bojador, the capital of Oparturia—Ida said.
–Okay. For this time, you can leave, and do whatever you want. But don't damage the ship!—the admiral raised his finger threateningly.
–Of course we don't—Rosalie provided.
Witches and Ida leaved the bridge.
11:03
Runway
Meanwhile, Shirley and Lucchini watched the unknown to them aircraft. They had the propellers on the top, not on nose. It was the most interesting in it.
–Can I help you with something?—someone suddenly asked.
When the Witches turned, they saw a middle-age man with dark brown hair and purple eyes.
–No, we just watched those aircraft—Shirley said.
–You are those Witches that everyone's talking about?—the man asked again.
–Yes. I'm captain Charlotte E. Yeager of the Liberion Air Force and 501st Joint Fighter Wing ,,Strike Witches".
–And I'm ensign Francesca Lucchini of the Romagna Air Force and 501st Joint Fighter Wing!—Lucchini said.
–Nice to meet you. I'm lieutenant Jeremy Duster of Texas Navy 26th Helicopter Squadron—Jeremy introduced himself and saluted.
–,,Helicopter Squadron"?—Shirley was surprised.—What is it?
–We fly this.—Jeremy pointed to the aircraft behind the Witches.—It's called AH-64S Apache, the naval version of the AH-64 Apache helicopter.
–And, how this is fly? The propeller should be on the aircraft nose, not on top—Francesca noticed.
–Because, thanks to this propeller it can fly upright. It also can brood in the air—Jeremy explained.
–Aircraft that can brood in the air?!—Shirley said.
–Yeah. You are surprised by this?—Jeremy asked.
–We don't have something like this back in our world—Francesca said.
–Strange. I though that our worlds are really similar.
–What do you mean?—the Liberion Witch asked.
–The first helicopters appeared in 1941. They were produced by Bugurdia, and from what I have heard from several other pilots, Bugurdia has a lot to do with your Karlsland—Jeremy explained.
–Wait. You saying that helicopters existed in 1940s?—Lucchini asked.
–Yes. The first series produced helicopter was Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri.
Shirley once again took a look at the Apache helicopter.
–Probably flying something like that is cool—she said.
–Yeah. It's cool.
–Thanks for a talk—Lucchini said.
–No problem.
And everyone dispersed in their directions.
11:22
USS Sea Devil hold
When visiting the ship, Sanya and Eila reached the hold of the submarine. There was everything! From Texas M1 Abrams, Siberian T-90 and Fraducian AMX-56 Leclerc tanks to Irish FV Warrior infantry fighting vehicles, Arisnerian Str-103 tank destroyers and Pomeranian wheeled armored personnel carrier (WAPC) Rosomak.
–This is a lot of equipment—Eila said.
–Yeah. I've never saw so many tanks. Despite the fact that Orussia had a lot of T-34 or KV-1—Sanya replied.
Then they heard tinkle.
–Cholera!—Someone shouted.
They turned, and saw a young man with long black hair and green eyes. He wore a mechanic uniform. He massaged his foot and an unarmed missile lay beside him.
–Are you OK?—Sanya asked.
–Yes. I hate when something fell on my foot—he replied.
–Lubber—Eila said.
–Don't call me that! It was an accident—the mechanic said.
–Things like this happens. And what's your name?—Sanya asked again.
–I'm Dominik Strzelski. Mechanic of the Pomerania Ground Self-Defence Force 7th Armored Brigade—the mechanic introduced himself.
–Dominic S…What?—confused Eila asked.
–Call me Key. It's easier for those who don't speak Pomeranian—Dominik said.
–OK, Key. What are you doing with this missile?—Eila pointed on the missile.
–I have orders to mount this Spike on the Rosomak, the Pomeranian-made wheeled personnel carrier. It's good that this was unarmed, or they would be scrape us from walls—Dominik explained.
–Yeah, it's probably true—the Orussian Witch said.
–Strzelski! Come here!—Dominik boss said.
–I'm coming! See you later.
Dominik said goodbye to the Witches, picked up the missile and went to his boss.
–Nice guy—Eila said, when Dominik disappeared behind the WAPC.
–Right—Sanya said.
–Now go. I want see more of this ship.
–OK.
And they both go towards the corridor.
11:28
The gym
Barkhorn and Hartmann just stood in the door of the gym.
–Nice gym—Barkhorn said, seeing all this training equipment.
–Yeah—Erica said.
–But why is not anyone here? I thought that someone would be practicing in the gym.
Then they heard voices from a nearby room. When they got there, they saw four Texan soldiers watching a football match on TV. One of the soldiers noticed them.
–You are those Witches that everyone now talking about?—he asked.
–Yes. I'm captain Gertrud Barkhorn and this is lieutenant Erica Hartmann—Barkhorn said.
–I'm major Todd Toiller.—The soldier introduced himself.
Then, Barkhorn noticed the device standing on the table in room.
–What is it?—she asked.
–It's TV. It's allows you to watch movies, TV series and other such things—he explained.
–And what are you doing?—Erica asked.
–Today is the finale of Major Soccer League between LA Galaxy from California, and Houston Dynamo. We do not want to miss it—Todd explained.
–Can we watch with you?—Barkhorn asked, interested how the match can end.
–Sure, sit—Todd said.
Witches sat on the sofa and watched the match with soldier. Todd gave them a Houston Dynamo scarfs. Erica willingly accepted her, but Barkhorn refused.
One hour later…
The match ended with the result of 5:0 for LA Galaxy. Everyone, including Barkhorn, who honestly began to cheer on Houston Dynamo, was devastated. They never expected such a devastating result.
–We have terminated from LA Galaxy—Todd said in disbelief.
–With the team that is currently 43rd in the MSL ranking. While HD is in place 9th –another soldier said.
–Actually. It's hard to believe they lost—Erica stated.
–Okay, Hartmann. Better let's go—Barkhorn said, and come to the door.
The two Witches left the room.
12:38
Ida Cabin
Ida was watching some old photos. Suddenly, Minna came in.
–What are you doing?—she asked.
–Oh, Minna. Nothing important. I just watching at some old photos. You want to see them?
–Why not.
Minna came up to Ida and she showed her pictures.
The first one was Ida in a school uniform.
–It's you?—Minna asked, seeing the photo.
–Yes. It's me in the first class of elementary school.
–You were so cute.
–Ya, ya. To the next one.
The next photo depicted the whole squadron of eight standing on the background of planes. But they were not CFA-44.
–What are those planes?—Minna asked.
–It's F / A-18 Super Hornet, the second fighter plane used by ARAF. And here is the squadron which I belonged to in Academy. I also have a story related to that period.
–Will you tell her?
–You want to hear it?
Minna nodded.
–Okay. It was a sunny summer day…
Flashback…
June 7, 2017
12:44
Royal Military Academy, Turku, Arisneri
There were some mechanics around the airport preparing planes for takeoff. Today was the day of the exam for class 3a, which is the most talented and trained class.
The instructor stood in front of the class and said:
–Attention!
The whole class stood at attention.
–Today is your checking exam! If you pass him, you will go to the next class! Commander of the squadron, perform!
A young man with short white hair and blue eyes came out of the row. This combination made him look cold and soulless. But he was really taking care of his subordinates and always tried to protect them.
–Captain Timo Holirialren, ready for orders!—the boy said.
–You have to destroy the training targets located 26 miles east of here—the instructor said.
–Yes, sir—Timo replied. Then he turned to the squadron and said:—To the planes!
Before he get in his plane, he approached Ida.
–Hey, Ida—he said.—Thanks for the link to this new Maroon 5 song. I was looking for it since Monday.
–No problem—she replied.—But now past this test, and get to the next class.
–I love your enthusiasm.
He quickly get into his jet, and took off with his squadron.
13:18
Arisneri-Linesatria Dispute Airspace
The squadron just entered the airspace in the place where the training targets should be. They noticed them below. It was the red tank dummy.
–Ok, Merimetso. Fire missiles—Timo ordered.
All planes opened fire, and soon, all of the dummy were destroyed.
–It wasn't hard—Merimesto 6 said.
–Yeah. Get back to base—Merimesto 4 said.
–I have a bad feelings about this—Ida said.
Suddenly, everybody heard someones voice:
–To the Arisnerian aircraft, you are entered the People Republic of Linesatria airspace.
–Linesatria airspace?! It's our airspace!—Merimesto 8 said.
–Those damn instructor send us into the enemy airspace?!— indignant Merimesto 5 asked.
–I told you that I have bad feelings!—Ida said.
Then, hostile aircraft appeared on the horizon.
–MiG-23, Su-27 and some old MiG-17—Merimesto 3 summed.
–Who else uses such scrap metal as MiG-23 or MiG-17?—Merimesto 8 asked.
–Who cares! Shoot them down!—Timo ordered.
Both sides fired the missiles. Only one missile from Marimesto Team hit enemy, which was MiG-17.
–Got you!—Ida said destroying Su-27.
–And you!—Timo said destroying MiG-23.
The other pilots also destroyed several aircraft, until the sky was clear.
–Lock on—Timo said when he get closer to Su-27.
He didn't noticed a MiG-23 sitting on his tail.
–Timo, look out!—Ida fired a Sidewinder.
However, the MiG-23 managed to fire a series from the gun getting the F / A-18 in the engine outlets. Then he fell to the ground as a burning wreck.
–Damn it! I have damaged engines!—Timo communicated.
–Let somebody insure him!—Ida ordered.
–I'll take care of it—Merimesto 5 said.
He flew right behind the Timo plane, but was welcomed by a fuel gushing from the aircraft engines.
–Merimesto 1, you should bale out—Merimesto 8 suggested.
–I'll try—Timo replied.
He pulled the handle, but nothing happened. He pulled a second time and again nothing.
–Timo, why are you not bailing out?—Ida asked.
–Bale out system is destroyed! I can't…!—He then looked forward. He saw nothing, except trees. He contacted with Ida:—Ida. You are the commander now.
–What?!—she asked in disbelief.
–What you just heard. I don't make it. You are the commander now. That's was an order—Timo explained.
A moment later, he's plane crashed into the tree. The whole team watched this and cannot say anything.
–Sow…What we do now?—Merimesto 3 asked.
–Return to base. And salute for the Merimesto 1—Ida ordered.
The seven planes flew over the Timo crash site.
Flashback end
–…and we returned to base—Ida ended.
–And what happened next?—Kanno asked.
Ida just now noticed Kanno, Mio and Krupinski sitting next to Minna.
–When did you came?—she asked.
–When you were at the part with training targets bombardment—Krupinski replied.
–You were so absorbed in story that you did not notice—Mio said.
–Yeah. Sorry. By the way, when we returned to Academy, instructor told us that the fight with Linesatria Air Force was the final exam. Some time later, he was fired on charges of "causing the student's death''—the Arisnerian pilot explained.
–Wait a minute—Krupinski said.—In this story you used the term ,,People Republic of Linesatria". Is that means…
–Unfortunately. Arisneri also bordering an ICCU member. But so far Linesatria has attacked only Siberia. And the Arisneri forces are now on their way to the border. The Main Staff in Turku is already laying out an invasion plan.
–So. For now, Arisneri is safe—Mio said.
–That's right. As long as Linesatria didn't try any moves, we don't have to be afraid of them—Ida said smiling.
–Yeah. Thanks for the story—Minna said.
–No problem.
–Now we have to go. We have training.—Mio got up and left the room.
Soon, the other Witches did the same.
Ida was left alone. She could think about the next few days.
–Africa. From all continents, they had to send us there. God, let me survive this heat—she though.
She looked in the porthole. Black storm clouds approached from the west. The storm was approaching.
XXX
The next chapter is ready. Next time, the Battle of Africa will begin, and INA will try to defeat Hazania and the racial prejudice in Arisneri will come to light.And of course the battle in Sahara Desert will take place.
About Republic of Oparturia. It's based mainly about Algeria and also controls the terrains of real world Western Sahara (Cabo Bojador is the city in Western Sahara). This combination is mainly due to the fact that Algeria demands Western Sahara for itself.
About Hazanian Union. It's the combination of Chad, Central African Republic and Niger. It's also place where famous D-277 Accident took place, when during the nuclear tests in 2001 one of the Quebec nukes fell from the bomber on the city of Ati.
Now then, to the next meet.