Alrighty! How are you fine people doing today? Or tonight? Or…whenever? Hehe. Let's hop to it, then.
Chapter 11: Gonna Fly Now
0600 Hours, October 25, 2015
RNAS Culdrose, Britannia
As the sun began to peak over the horizon, Squadron Leader Donna Duffy and Lt. Ludmila Mijasik grabbed their instruments and headed out to the parade grounds. This week was their turn to do the morning call. It being a Sunday, Dee Dee and Ludmila decided to play a hymn.
As the Union Jack was raised, the sounds of bagpipes and snare drum filled the air with "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", magnified throughout the entire base with microphones and loudspeakers. Those who haven't yet woken up stirred from their sleep, and those already outside stood at attention facing the flag.
Soon, the flag was at full staff, and Dee Dee and Ludmila finished off the last note. They headed back to their barracks.
Meanwhile…Near the hospital
Utari Jarumah Putri ran as fast as she could throughout the base. She and Dewi had just been told that the 815th JAW had made an unscheduled return to Britannia, and they were in fact right here in RNAS Culdrose. So she'd been asking around, trying to get their whereabouts; an extremely tall order when your born mute.
She would stop a person, and show them the question, "Can you please point me to the 815th JAW?" written on her notepad. Unfortunately, up until now, nobody could tell her where she could find the 815th. She was beginning to lose hope. But this is for Dewi, she thought to herself, if the 815th's healers are as great as I've been told, then I have to keep trying. She said a silent prayer to God, and kept going.
Suddenly, she spotted a couple of women in witch uniforms, and ran up to them – one had a snare drum strapped on, and the other had a strange instrument Utari had been told were called 'bagpipes'. Tapping the one with the curly ginger hair and bagpipes, she got their attention, and showed them the question on her notepad. To add urgency to her question, she put on a desperate face. The two looked at each other and smiled.
"You're in luck, lass," said the ginger-haired lady; Utari now noticed that she also had freckles. "Ludmila and I just happen to be a part of the 815th. Squadron Leader Donna Duffy, RAF. And this is Lt. Ludmila Mijasik, Orussian Air Force."
Utari shook hands for both of them, breathing a sigh of deep relief, and then signed her own introduction in response.
"Ah, I'm sorry, lass," said Donna, "But neither of us can understand sign-language."
Utari tore out the page on her notepad with her old question, and instead wrote out her introduction on the next page. 'I'm Kapten Utari Jarumah Putri, of the Indonesian Air Force.'
"Huh. Well, hello, Capt. Putri," said Donna, "Why are you looking for the 815th?"
'It's for my sister. Neuroi-infection,' Utari wrote.
"Hmmmm…Neuroi infection, you say?" said Donna, "You must be looking for Lt. Cdr. Kaminari and Lt. Clostermann."
Utari perked up and nodded with a bright smile.
Donna and Ludmila looked at each other, and then back at Utari. "Lass," said Donna slowly, "I think you'd better come with us."
Utari nodded again, this time less perky, and followed the two witches back to the barracks. When they all got there, Utari was directed to a Captain Daigneau, who sat her down in her room. "Ben….euh…how should I say this," said Maia, unsure of herself, "There was an incident with the planes carrying some of our witches, and we have lost contact with them. I'm sorry, Capt. Putri. But I'm afraid we have lost our two only healers."
Utari felt all the hope and happiness leave her, and she broke down crying.
"However," continued Maia, "we do know a couple of young healers who may be able to help you."
Utari felt her spirits soar again. There's still hope that her sister's Neuroi-Infection could be stopped from spreading – she accepted that such an infection could not be completely cured, but as long as her sister wouldn't become a Human Neuroi Loyalist, she was content.
'Can we go get them now?' Utari wrote.
"Bien sûr, mademoiselle," said Maia, "Let's go."
About 15 minutes later…
RNAS Culdrose Hospital
Wendy O'Brian and Mary O'Brian of the 555th JFW, and a girl from the 575th ATES named Aryll, were gathered in Dewi Ayu Putri's room, along with Utari, her sister, and Maia. Mary and Aryll both were fused with their familiars, and were applying their special healing magic to Dewi's Neuroi-infected areas; although Wendy was also a healer witch, her magic was more of the regular kind, while Mary and Aryll possessed Astral Healing – a very special and rare form of healing magic that had only just received its name; it not only heals physical injuries, but also brings body, mind, and soul to mint condition, sort-of like a magic "factory reset". Wendy was just there to supervise her younger cousin, who was just a year-and-a-half.
While Mary and Aryll – Aryll, interestingly-enough, being a descendent of Wendy's – were going to work, Dewi began to stir from her sleep, and she began to quietly moan in a strange mixture of pain and pleasure. Her face soon began to contort into grimaces of pain, and her voice began to match her expressions. Utari grew greatly concerned, and tried to motion for Mary and Aryll to stop – not too easy when you're mute.
"Let them do their work, Capt. Putri," said Maia, sitting next to her, "I know it seems it hurts, but it's helping." Maia placed a hand on Utari's shoulder. Utari nodded and relaxed a little.
Dewi's moans escalated to cries of agony, and she was writhing in her bed. Whatever relaxation Utari had hoped to get now had gone, and she grabbed Maia's hand and squeezed hard. But, surprisingly, Dewi's infection wasn't merely halted, but it was being…cured!
"Incroyable!" said an astonished Maia.
Utari slowly signed, 'Luar biasa,' an Indonesian translation of the same word.
After some more time, not without its fair share of cries and squirms, Dewi's Neuroi Infection was completely ousted, and her body was as good as new. In fact, she felt so good and energized, that she removed the IVs and electrodes off her body and hopped off her bed with a bright smile on her face.
"Golly gee, I feel newer than a television fresh out the store!" Dewi shouted with glee. She walked right over to her sister Utari, and gave her a big hug. "Look, Utari," she said, this time in a markedly-different tone, "I'm cured. It's gone. The Neuroi Infection is gone."
Utari was extremely happy, so much so that she had tears in her eyes. 'I'm so happy that you're better. I thought I was going to lose you.'
"Aw, Utari," said Dewi, "You and I both know we aren't going anywhere. Now, to thank my healers. Where's Dr. Smith?" Dewi looked around.
'Actually,' signed Utari, 'It was those two girls over there.' Utari pointed to Mary and Aryll.
"Them? Really?" Dewi said in slight shock, "Well, judging by the animal parts sticking out their bodies, I'd say they're witches." Dewi walked over to the two, and gave them each hugs. "I cannot begin to thank you both enough for curing me."
"You're welcome," said Aryll.
"I heal!" Mary triumphantly declared.
"So, what exactly does a Neuroi Infection do?" asked Wendy.
"It spreads throughout the body," said Dewi, "And when it reaches the brain, it drives its victim nuts, and turns them into a minion of the Neuroi. Not a fate I want to share with the millions of others already in such a state."
"M-millions?" asked a shocked Wendy.
"Uh-huh," said Dewi, "Anyway, what are we standing around here for? Let's go and enjoy this awesome new day."
"Yes," said Maia, "Plus, since you and your sister have been assigned to our unit, I think it's time I should introduce you to your new CO."
Ten minutes later…
316th CAG Hangar Meeting Room
Flotillenadmiral Glacia Locklear looked around at the large group of witches gathered in front of her; somehow, she was to whip this eclectic group of girls into a functioning combat unit, all within the course of just two to three months. She shivered a little at the amount of hard work that was to come, but she shrugged it off, and brought her mind back to the task at hand. Clearing her throat, she spoke up.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, "We've got a lot to get done today, so let's all pay attention. First up, I'd like you all to welcome in our final two additions: Kapten Utari Jarumah Putri and Letnan Satu Dewi Ayu Putri, both from the Indonesian Air Force."
"Hey, everyone," said Dewi, "I'm Dewi, and this is my sister Utari. She's mute, so she uses sign language and a notepad. I translate for her."
A wave from the crowd got Dewi's attention, and she said, "Yes ma'am? What is it?"
The waver stood up, and gave her question in sign language, '1st Lt. Zhu Lijuan of the Republic of China Air Force. I'm also mute, so would you be willing to translate for me, as well?'
"Sure thing, no problem," said Dewi.
Lijuan motioned her thanks and sat back down.
"Awesome!" said Glacia, "Now, I'm sure you're all aware of the Time-Jump Incident that brought the 555th Joint Fighter Wing to the modern era from 70 years ago. According to their records, they are an experienced combat unit, despite their age. However, the skies in which they fought are much different from the skies that we modern witches fight in, so the task has fallen to us to reequip and reeducate these girls up to our standards and tactics. Aside from that, the 575th Air Test and Evaluation Squadron is entering the combat-testing phase of the VYWEE Project, so we must also get them prepared for that, as well.
"As such, we only have two to three months to complete this task, so Maia and I have come up with a way to try and complete this in a timely manner. We have decided to reassign all of the younger witches, and pair them up with one of us older witches. The older witch will act as a mentor and teacher, and teach their charge everything they need to know. Maia will read the assignments, and they will appear on the projector display behind me."
Glacia stepped aside for Maia to announce the reassignments, and a projector powered up overhead. Maia cleared her throat and began announcing the new pairings. "Major Diana Evans of the 555th and Lieutenant Zelda Jablonski Morris of the 575th will be put under the care of Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Guerrera."
Behind her, the screen displayed Lucy's name next to Diana's and Zelda's. Quiet chatter arose from the 555th group. "Jablonski Morris? Could that mean…?" Maia continued.
"Colonel Latonya Evans Morris of the 575th will be paired with Lt. (JG) Kenzie Pelletier."
Again, the screen displayed the names, and again, more chatter. "Latonya Evans fucking Morris? What, is that other fucking unit full of our fucking great-grandkids?"
"Sergeant Tracie Osborn of the 555th will be paired with Sr. Lt. Vera Choibalsan."
No chatter this time. But Tonya and Tracie did sigh sadly, since it seemed they wouldn't be paired together.
"Sublieutenant Melodia Cenni of the 575th will be paired with Major Nagase Miyuki. Sgt. Latonya Morris of the 555th will be paired with Capt. Raina Moreau. Sgt. Susan Garibaldi will be paired with Lt. Cdr. Juliet Lemay. Captain Aryll O'Brian Cummings will be paired with Lt. Ludmila Mijasik."
Maia was a little surprised inside that she got through all those names without hearing any chatter, so she kept going. "Now, since the O'Hara quadruplets of the 575th possess their Mind Link abilities, the CO and I felt it was best to keep them together, so I assigned them all with Squadron Leader Donna Duffy. Will that be okay with you, Dee Dee?"
Dee Dee nodded and smiled. "Ah, don't worry about me, lass," she said with confidence, "I'm of age to find a good man someday. What better way to practice my motherin' skills?"
Maia smiled, and got back on track. "Sgt. Lynn Kim of the 555th will be paired with Major Bella Guerrera."
"Guerrera? Didn't we already hear her get two young witches?" This time, the chatter returned. "Maybe it's her sister, or something."
Maia ignored it, and continued. "Capt. Megan Wilson and Cpl. Cindy Jablonski of the 555th will be paired with Captain 1st Rank Nina Dina Denisova. That wraps it up for the 815th pairings, so, everyone else, pay closer attention."
In the crowd, Nina glared and put a piece of gum in her mouth.
"Sgt. Anne Heikenin of the 555th will be paired with 2nd Lt. Sun-hwa Kwon of the 413th. Lt. Caroline Jawarski of the 555th will be paired with Sr. Lt. Marisha Putin of the 413th. 2nd Lt. Medli Jawarski Lewis will be paired with 1st Lt. Connie Lampert of the 413th."
"Jawarski….Lewis? Does that mean…?"
Maia kept on. "Wing Commander Tetra Orca Tennant and 2nd Lt. Shinozaki Sadako will be paired with the Putri sisters. Technically, it would be one young witch to one older witch, but since Utari is mute, she'll need to stay with her sister to help Wing Commander Tennant understand her instructions. Now, last but not least, Capt. Wendy O'Brian of the 555th will be paired up with Lt. Maritza Kaufman of Marinefliegergeschwader 0. That's the assignments, ladies. And now, a word from Air Chief Marshal Maloney."
"Thank you, Captain," said Maloney, stepping forward, "Now, you young girls, treat your mentors with the utmost respect and courtesy, even if they may be of lower rank than you, is that understood?"
A "Yes, ma'am!" resounded from all of the 555th and 575th girls.
"Good," continued Maloney, "As for the 555th's Gamma Flight, I will arrange to have them train up right here with 736 Naval Air Squadron, and the Lysander crews will train in operating helicopters with 705 Naval Air Squadron in RNAS Shawbury. As for the team of UPASRC engineers attached to the 575th, I want you to start working on jet Strikers properly sized for the 555th girls. Have them ready by the time we complete their training, got that?"
"Understood, ma'am," said a teenage-looking girl with a nametag that read 'Darla', "We'll hop right to it. Oh, uh, before we go, um…."
"Oh, right," said Maloney, "All 555th girls must report to Darla Evans, the Chief Engineer of the UPASRC team, so that she could get your measurements for your new Striker Units. That'll be all now. Dismissed."
As Maloney left, the witches and airmen milled about the meeting room, and others began to file out. The 555th girls proceeded to see Darla to get their measurements taken; needless to say, it was quite a surprise to see an older girl who seemed to be the spitting image of the Darla they knew. The possibility of whether or not she really was their Darla was raised, but then quickly dropped since the age difference wouldn't make any sense; when they asked this modern-day Darla if they knew their Darla, she smiled and said they're…related, but gave no further answer.
Sun-hwa Kwon, whom everyone calls just Sun, also decided to help with the measuring and plan-making, even if she also had to mentor Anne. While taking Tonya's and Tanisha's measurements, she took notice of their polio-stricken legs. "Hey, how would you like to not have to sit in a wheelchair all the time, or carry crutches?" she said.
"That would be nice, I guess," said Tonya, "But I don't see how we could just get up and walk around. We're…lame…"
"Never stopped me," said Sun, and she held up her mechanical robot arm, a replacement after an accident with sheet metal severed her original arm, "My dad makes these for me; he's an engineer, and real handy with stuff. If you want, I could call him and ask him to make you some leg braces. And not just any old pair of leg braces. These won't merely help you stand, oh no; with these new braces, you could walk!"
Tonya and Tanisha stared wide-eyed at the suddenly-excited Sun.
"So, what do you say?"
Thinking for a moment, both girls said, "Yes."
"Al-right! I'll take your measurements now, and then make the calculations, and then call up my dad, and then, you'll be walking again."
"Walking…"
Meanwhile…
Just outside meeting room
Nina had stepped out as soon as Maloney dismissed everyone. She immediately began briskly walking out to the flight line. Why? she thought in her mind. Why must you come back to haunt me, Eva? She needed to clear her head. She then heard the meeting room door clicking open, and then the shuffling of feet.
"Um, excuse me. Hey, Captain 1st Rank Denisova. Um, we're supposed to fucking report to you for training."
Nina stopped, and turned around to face the two little girls calling for her. Giving them a quick once-over, she glared and said, "No, you are not." With that, she turned around and kept walking.
"Yes, we fucking are," said the taller one; she could hear them trying to catch up with her.
"God dammit," said Nina, turning around. She stared at the two girls with creased brows. A few tense seconds of silence passed, and then, Nina said, "What are your names?"
"I'm Captain Megan Wilson, and this is Corporal Cindy Jablonski."
"And your ages?"
"I'm 5, and Cindy's 2 and ½."
"And I take it you've seen 'combat'?"
"Yes we fucking have. Cindy's got 11 kills now."
"Yeah, me kill aw Neuwoi fo' Daddy," Cindy said.
Nina chuckled snidely. "Huh. So you must think you got it all figured out, eh?"
"Yup!" Cindy stood proudly.
Nina stared back at them, still with a frown. Then, she sighed, and said, "Do as you're told. Don't get too close to anyone." With that, Nina stuffed a piece of gum in her mouth, and turned back to head to the hangar.
Megan and Cindy still stood there, alone in the hallway. "What the fuck is her problem?"
As if on cue, a voice rose up, saying, "Do not worry about it." Megan and Cindy turned around; it was Ludmila, with Aryll in tow. Ludmila continued, "She and I came from the same unit, the 279th Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment, Orussian Navy. She had seen things that left a pretty big impression on her. Do not ask what they are, and pay attention to what she says. Will you do that for me?"
"Okay," said Megan, "But she better not fucking be mean to me. I may be fucking young, but I have combat experience."
"Me too," said Cindy.
"Do not give her any trouble, and you'll survive," said Ludmila, "Oh, also, the Air Chief Marshal wants all the 555th members to the hangar, so follow Nina out." With that, she headed out with Aryll.
Megan and Cindy looked at each other, and headed out to the hangar. There, they saw all their squadron mates – both witch and pilot – along with Glacia and Maia, in a neat line facing the hangar's closed main door. Outside, they could hear the sounds of jets whining and roaring away. Once Megan and Cindy joined them in line next to Nina, Glacia began to speak.
"Forget everything you think you know about combat," she began, "How you fought back then, how many kills you have, how others think of you, how you think of yourselves. None of that matters. Because here, things are different. You will fly at speeds you could never think possible, at altitudes you never thought reachable, in places you never thought plausible, fighting enemies you never thought could crawl out of whatever hellhole they crawled out of. If there is any among you who does not wish to do this, you can walk out now, and we won't think any less of you."
Every witch and pilot in the line stood fast, albeit a little taller to really show that they weren't going anywhere. At that moment, the hangar's main doors opened, revealing the neat lines of the 815th, 413th, 575th, and MFG 0 all fully equipped. Their Striker Units hummed and roared, and they all had the blue magic circles rotating beneath them. Behind them, Hawk trainer jets and Strikers were also lined up. All in all, it was a sight to behold.
Glacia smiled. "Good. Then let's see what you've got."
[End of Chapter 11]
*Humming Rocky theme*
Oh, ah. Sorry. Now, the title song is…the Rocky theme. Yeah, you know how it goes. Also, the hymn in the beginning is a pretty old hymn, and it sounds absolutely wonderful on bagpipes.
Anyway, that about wraps it up here. I might visit the girls stuck in 1940 with the 507th sometime soon, so be ready for that. Now, you all have a wonderful life.
K bye now.
