After liberating Szczecin, Rohkea Team and Witches are ordered to stay there for a while. Next mission they have to do, is just celebrate their victory with everyone else. But, of course, ICCU is not gonna make it easier for them
Without further ado…
Chapter 21
,,Operation: Great Escape"
November 18, 2021
23:21
Ida's temporary room
Ukko was laying on his back, covered with sheet. Ida was next to him, cuddling into his body. She was warm. Soft.
Hes was still thinking about what just happened.
–Did we really did it?—he asked himself in mind.—Well. You lay here. With Ida next to you. And you're in one bed. Yeah, It happened.
This also led to interesting discovery. Ukko noticed, that Ida speaks, when she sleeps. She was moving her lips and Ukko heard some words, mainly 'mom', 'dad' and 'Timo'. But other words were just too quiet.
–Everything okay?—he asked involuntarily.
And immediately bit his lip. He didn't wanted to wake Ida up, but he did. Her brown eyes opened and looked at him.
–What do you need?—she asked.
–Nothing, I didn't wanted to wake you up—Ukko replied.—You speak when you sleep.
–Really?—Ida asked, giving him surprised look.—I never knew that.
–Now you know—Ukko said with smile.
Next minutes passed with them not saying anything. Finally, Ukko couldn't stand it and started talking again:
–So…you really want to be with me?
Ida sent exhausted look to him.
–Man. We just had sex. I'm sure it says something, right?—she replied.—Or maybe you thought, that I just can change man after one night?
Ukko immediately started to shake his head.
–No, I never thought about as simple…—he stopped, realizing, what he was about to say.
–Girl for rent?—Ida proposed.
–Yes. You can say it like that.
Right then, they heard knocking to the door. Ida immediately covered Ukko's mouth and turned around.
–Yes?—she asked.
–Sorry, if I woke you up—Sauli said from behind the door—but we have to do a night flight over the city.
–Why?
–Because Lins can try anything anytime. Better to have someone in the air, than on the ground.
–Okay, I'll be ready soon.
–We'll be in hangar. By the way, you saw Ukko somewhere?
Ida bit her lip.
–No—she lied.—Why are you asking?
–I couldn't find him in his room. If you find him, tell him to come to hangar.
Next, they heard him walking away and Ida uncovered Ukko's mouth.
–Sorry. I just want to wait with telling this to them—Ida explained.
–I understand. But now, let's get dressed—Ukko said.
They both stood up and started to dress up. From time to time, the looked at each other, until they finally left the room and went to hangar.
23:54
Szczecin AFB, Hangar 2
When they reached hangar, Raimonds and Sauli already were standing next to their planes. They looked at them.
–Where have you been?—Sauli turned to Ukko.
Ukko gulped.
–I was just…wandering around the base—he replied.
–In middle of the night?—Sauli continued.
–I always do it. When all of you sleep, I walk around the base—Ukko justified himself.
Sauli wanted to ask more questions, but was stopped by Ida:
–Just let's get this over with. I still want to get some sleep this night.
With these words, Sauli gave up. The four entered their fighters and closed it's canopies. Next, they taxied on the runway, where they saw several Witches taking off.
–I see, that Witches are also going on a night patrol—Ukko noticed.
–Yeah. More precisely, Sanya, Heidemarie and Rosman. So the Night Witches—Sauli explained.
Ida nodded. Next, she connected with control tower:
–Control, are we clear for take off?
–As always, major. We have Witches and Thunder Squadron in the air. And there is celebration planned for the night, so I can wish you nice view—tower said.
–Thanks—Ida simply replied.
Nosferatus then took off. Soon after, they caught up with Thunder Squadron and Night Witches. After short welcome, they paired with them.
–So, how are you doing?—Ida asked Sebastian.
–Good. Night is quiet, sky is clear. In other words, we can't complain—Sebastian replied.
–And it's gonna be the first night patrol, where we won't meet Neuroi—Heidemarie noticed.
Other two Witches agreed with her.
–Good for you—Ukko agreed.
–It's starting—Julia noticed.
After she said that, everyone saw nothing more, than fireworks flying in the sky. They started to explode, enlightening the are under them with lights in various colors, from red, through purple and green, ending at blue.
Everyone was just absorbed by this. This was how they imagined the end of whole war. But seeing this now, was something as wonderful.
–Beautiful—Sanya stated.
–Yeah. Only real Aces, like us, can afford for such a view—Roma added.
She then changed on open channel and everyone could hear the music.
Dabrowski Mazurka
Orłowski just growled. Ida noticed, that he's somehow more quiet, than he usually is. And during the war times, this could mean only bad thing.
–Is everything okay?—she asked him.
–No—Orłowski simply replied.
He once again looked at photo in his cockpit. From it, his wife and daughter smiled to him. He was happy, that nobody could see his face, cause if they did, they would see tear coming out of his eye and going down his cheek.
–I just got news from Medical and SAR teams. They confirmed, that they found my wife and daughter—he said.
–Than why are you so sad?—Julia asked.—You should be happy.
–Happy from their deaths?—Orłowski shot back.
Now, everything became clear. Ida knew, how Orłowski loved his family, although she never met them. But knowing from what he said earlier, he really loved them.
–Maria always wanted to go visit Iberia. I promised her, that we go there for next vacations—he said, reminding the smile of his wife.—And Ala? Damn it, she was just six. What kind of pilot am I, if I can't even protect my own family? I'm not an Ace. I'm nothing.
Now, he didn't wanted to cover his sobbing. Everyone heard it. Next, they heard him screaming:
–HOW COULD I EVEN LET THIS HAPPEN?!
There was a moment of silence, until until Roma didn't broke it:
–You couldn't do anything. It's not your fault.
–Yes, I could. I could be faster—Głowacki replied, with breaking voice.—I'm going to leave the military. It was nice flying with you.
–If there's nothing able to change your decision, then I can say the same—Sebastian stated.
Right then, they got orders from control tower:
–Command wants you to make flight over the harbor. They want to show you something.
–Sure thing. We're going there—Ida agreed.
With her words, planes and Witches turned towards the harbor, where Pomeranian and Justran fleets still were present. Warships were lightened up by exploding fireworks and shanties could be heard.
Roma again changed her frequency, to hear the shanties coming from the ships:
…Łajba to jest morski statek,
Sztorm to wiatr co dmucha z gestem,
Cierpi kraj na niedostatek
Morskich opowieści.
–Nice song—Heidemarie stated.—How is it called?
–"Morskie Opowieści"—Sebastian replied.—Or "Sea Tales" in English.
They listened to the shanties, until, suddenly, ORP Pilsudski opened it's missile tubes and missiles started to fly out of them.
–Wait, what is going on?—Ida asked.
She didn't had to wait long for answer. Missiles flew higher and higher, until they finally exploded, revealing them to be just missiles changed into fireworks. Soon, everyone could see Thunder Squadron and Rohkea Team's emblems on the night sky.
–Wow—Ukko said.—They know, how to honor us.
–We should thank the one, who ordered this for us—Julia stated.
Right then, they hear a voice of ORP Pilsudski captain:
–It was your AWACS. Both, if you want to know more exactly. They ordered us to change few missiles into fireworks, to make these emblems.
–Ha! This time, Heaven Demon beaten all his ideas—Sauli stated.
–The same as Falcon Eye—Roma added.
–And what to be happy about?—Głowacki murmured.
Others looked in his direction. For a little moment, they forgot, that he's actually in mourning now. But the sound of shanties and their emblems made of fireworks in the air simply were too beautiful to not pay attention on them.
–Sorry. We forgot for a moment—Julia said.
–No, no. You should celebrate. I just…don't want to—Głowacki explained.
Julia nodded in her cockpit. She knew he won't see her, but it was a kind of reflex.
They continued their patrol by next few minutes, still looking at fireworks and listening to songs sung on the ground and transmitted by radio. Avalanche proposed Głowacki to do a joint flight over Dąbie estate, but the latter refused to.
–Why he wanted me to join him?—Głowacki asked.
–You know. Avalanche is a…specific man—Sebastian replied.
It took Głowacki few seconds to understand.
–Oh. Then I should tell him, that it's not gonna work—he stated.
Ida was flying next to Sanya. The Witch was not talking much and Ida wanted to know why.
–Why are you so quiet?—the pilot asked.
Sanya then turned her eyes on Arisenrian pilot flying next to her.
–I'm just listening to music. I managed to catch frequency of some radio station—she replied.
Ida nodded. She knew how Magic Antenna works, because she once asked Sanya about that.
–And I'm also enjoying the calm night—Sanya added.
–Enjoy, enjoy. Tomorrow, we're going on another mission—Ukko said.—Bombing retreating Lins.
–At least, we have the best view—Julia said.
But their calmness was stopped by sudden call. When they answered, they heard voice of Heaven Demon:
–Thunder Squadron, Rohkea Team and Night Witches!
–What is it?—Ida asked.
–We're detecting several fast objects coming towards the city! They're fighters and cruise missiles!—Heaven Demon replied.
–Wait, what?!—Sebastian exclaimed.—Where are they coming from?!
–Our radars show, that missiles are coming from the White Sea. From the area near Arkhangelsk.
–Those damn Lins—Roma exclaimed.—They can't just let it go, aren't they?
In that moment, everyone got radar spikes and multiple objects appeared on their radars. They all bit their lips.
–Okay, just don't let them damage the city—Ida ordered.—Sauli, Raimonds and Julia. Take care of these missiles. Rest. Shot down enemy fighters.
–Yes, sir!—everyone said.
Soon, they got first missile warnings.
Everyone dropped flares and turned towards the enemy fighters and missiles. Raimonds managed to shot down first missile, while Ukko evaded the gunfire of MiG-23 and responded with the same, scoring hits on enemy. Ida dropped behind Su-30 and fired her gun at fighter, destroying it. Sebastian and Głowacki 'sandwiched' another Su-30.
–So it seems, like I have to stay in military for few more days—Głowacki said.
–It seems like it—Sebastian agreed.
He made Immelman Turn and landed over MiG-23. Next, he turned down and fired his gun, killing enemy pilot and sending the pilot-less aircraft into the ground. Roma performed Cobra and managed to evade being shot down by Su-30, landing behind him. However, when she was about to pull the trigger, she got missile warning.
–Wow!—she exclaimed.
At last minute, she evaded the missile and turned around. Much to her surprise, new dot appeared on her radar. It was marked as Si-40.
–Oh, cool. Si-40—she said.
–Okay, so let's try to shot them down—Ida stated.
Meanwhile, new Olen 1 watched Rohkea, Thunder and Witches shooting down the pilots and missiles. He shook his head.
–Sometimes I wonder, how is it possible, that these morons came through training—he asked.
–Me too, Artem—new Olen 5 replied.
–Anyways. Let's better take care of them—Olen 1 ordered.
Julia, in the meantime, managed to destroy another cruise missile. She was followed by Raimonds and Sauli. However, more and more missiles were coming in their direction.
–How do we have to stop all of this?—Julia asked.
–Wait for us—Avalanche said.
He flew next to Julia with his squadron.
–And us—Windhover added.
His squadron joined Julia, Sauli and Raimonds too.
–Good, that you're here—Sauli said.
–If Lins want to fight more, we can give it to them—Avalanche said.
–Exactly. Now, let's shot these missiles down, people—Windhover ordered.
With these words, the anti-missile team started to do their task.
Roma again evaded gunfire from MiG-23 and performed Cobra to land behind him. Next, she fired her gun and fighter was soon falling down in ball of fire. Głowacki managed to overwhelm Su-30 with his gun and brought it down.
Meanwhile, Sebastian landed behind Olen 5 and fired missile at him. Enemy pilot dropped flares and tried to perform Cobra, but Pomeranian pilot didn't let him to and performed Cobra himself.
–Let's try this—Sebastian said.
His finger went towards gun button and pressed it. Bullets lightened the way in front of him. He saw sparks, when bullets managed to collide with the armor of Si-40. Linesatrian pilot tried to evade his fire, but was unable to.
Finally, after scoring many hits, Si-40 started to fall down in ball of fire.
–And here he goes—Sebastian said, watching this.
–We've lost Olen 5—Olen 2 reported.
–Then try to not end like him—Olen 1 ordered.
However, when he said that, Ida appeared behind Olen 2 and overwhelmed him with her gun.
–Damn it!—Olen 1 exclaimed, when he saw that.—Okay, let's try to do something effective. To the work!
He then turned towards Ida and dropped behind her. He used his own gun, but Ida manged to easily evade his fire. Olen 1 watched as his bullets bypass Arisnerian pilot and was just furious. He already knew, who he was facing.
–How is she doing this?!—he exclaimed.
–You know, she's the best pilot in her country—Olen 4 said.
–I know, but come on! I want to hit her just once!—Olen 1 replied.
In that moment, he scored a single hit on Ida's wing.
–Really?—Olen 1 asked himself.
In that moment, he got missile warning. He quickly dropped flares and flew up. Then, Ida flew up and aimed her gun at his belly.
–Got you—she whispered.
She pulled the trigger and bullets flew towards the Olen 1's Si-40. Armor was easily penetrated by the bullets, which reached even the fuel supply and changed into the ball of fire.
–And he goes down—Ida said.
–Fuck!—Olen 3 exclaimed.—Artem is dead! Let's get out of here!
Two remaining Olen planes then turned and started to flee the battlefield.
Meanwhile, everyone got call from Heaven Demon:
–Radar shows, that remaining enemies are on the run. Great job, everyone.
–It wasn't been as hard as I thought. But I hope, that damage is not very big?—Julia asked.
–No. Several building were hit by wrecks, but much of them fell on the streets. There are also no civilian victims—Heaven Demon reported.—But we're gonna talk about it tomorrow. Now, get back to base.
With complete silence, everyone turned towards the base. Soon, they all touched the ground and taxied to hangars.
November 19
15:31
Szczecin AFB, Briefing Room
The next day, everyone was called to the briefing room, where Heaven Demon and Falcon eye were already waiting on them. When everyone sat down, they started:
–Good to see you all here.
–Well. You called, so we came—Roma replied.
Both AWACS nodded. Next, the map of Eastern Europe appeared on the screen. Next, it closed on the White Sea.
–Let's start then—Heaven Demon started.—We tracked the trajectory of those missiles. Without doubt, they're coming from the White Sea.
–What fired them? I thought, that almost all of Linesatrian Navy was destroyed in Ones Bay—Minna noticed.
The two nodded.
–Yes, it was—Falcon Eye agreed.
–However, this case have second bottom—Heaven Demon replied.
–What do you mean?—Lynette asked.
In response, the two looked at each other and nodded. Next, a photo appeared on the screen. When everyone saw it, they just became silent.
The photo showed giant construction on the water. It was made of a giant corpus and one long barrel, supported by several supports.
–We found it in some encrypted files of Linesatrian base commander—Heaven Demon explained.—According to these files, this thing you're looking at is called 'Chandelier'.
–Interesting choose of name—Ukko stated.
–True. Very interesting—Falcon Eye agreed.—Anyway. Chandelier is a giant railgun, just like Balaur. But it's floating.
–So, where it is currently?—Geena asked.
–Somewhere in the Strait of Gorlo. From there, it has range all the way to Vienna—Heaven Demon said.
This made everyone drop their jaws.
–It's also equipped with the cruise missiles bays, but you saw it last night—Falcon eye said.—It also, like Megalith, have built airbase. And as you probably guessed…
–…command wants us to destroy it—Ida and Sebastian ended at the same time.
Heaven Demon and Falcon Eye nodded.
–That's right—Heaven Demon agreed.—Operation name is Operation: Great Escape. It have to be again performed in the next morning.
–So we want you to be awake as early as possible. Understood?—Falcon Eye asked.
–Understood!—everyone replied.
–Good. You can leave.
After this was said, Witches and pilots started to leave the place.
On the corridor, Głowacki was thinking:
–Maybe this will be my redemption. Something, which will let me forget my failure in protecting my family.
He then felt someone's hand on his shoulder. When he turned, he saw Julia.
–Everything's fine?—she asked.
It took him few seconds to understand, that question was directed to him. He nodded in response.
–Yeah. I'm okay. Why are you asking?—he replied.
–You seem a bit worried about something—Julia explained.—Is it about your wife and daughter?
Hearing this, he shook her hand off his shoulder. Next, growling, he simply walked away. Julia wanted to follow him, but was stopped by Roma.
–Give him a rest. He needs to get through this—the woman stated.
–But…—Julia tried to say, but stopped, don't knowing what to say herself.
–Trust me. Loosing all people you love is one of hardest things you can possibly imagine.
–How do you know?
Roma looked in Julia's eyes. There, the younger pilot could see something resembling…sadness?
–I lost my husband during Five Year War. During final assault on Fraducia, his squad was surrounded and killed. After that, I landed in a depression—Roma revealed.
Julia was clearly surprised by what she just heard. Roma was often seen as the most cheerful pilot in their squadron and she never would suspect depression from her.
–Then why are you so happy?—Julia asked.
Roma threw up her arms.
–I just finally reconciled with it—she simply replied.
After that, she simply walked away. Julia threw up her arms too and walked back to her room.
16:42
Ida's temporary room
Ida was sitting on her bed and looking for song in her iPod, when Ukko entered. He sat next to her and kissed in cheek.
–So? You think we're gonna take down this Chandelier?—he asked.
–We were destroying big things, aren't we?—she replied.
They were sitting in silence for next few seconds. Finally, Ida broke it:
–Would you like to have a child with me?
Ukko looked at her, not covering surprise.
–Isn't it…too fast?—he asked and then said:—Right. Fast is your second name.
–No, not now. We just started—Ida said.—I wanted to know, if you would want it somewhere in near future.
–If you're putting it like that, then yes—Ukko replied.—How would we call it?
–If it would be a girl, I would like to call her Tuula, after mom. And if it will be a boy, you can call him—she said.
–Hm. Then I would call him Lari, after my grandfather—Ukko stated.
They looked at each other, with smiles appearing on their faces. Next, they simply laughed. Ida put her head on Ukko's arm.
–I don't know, but I'm feeling with you better, than with Timo—Ida confessed.
–The same with me. I prefer you more, than Carita—Ukko confessed too.
Ida sent asking look to him.
–Who?
–Carita. My ex from academy. We were together for two years and then, I found her with my biggest rival. There was short arguing and I finally broke up with her—Ukko explained.
–She didn't knew, what she lost.
–Timo too.
Next, they kissed and laid down on the bed.
Sauli simply watched them, standing in the doorway. He saw it in Ukko, but didn't knew, that he'll actually say it to Ida.
–Good job, kid—Sauli thought.
Then, he walked back to his room.
November 20, 2021
05:42
On the way to Chandelier
At now, Heaven Demon, Witches, Thunder Squadron and Rohkea Team were flying over occupied part of Ataria. They didn't met any resistance from Linesatrians and Halborians, which let them to save more ammo.
–Check everything once more, before we get there—Ida ordered.
–I can't believe, we actually managed to fly undetected through their radars—Julia said.
–Better for us. We can surprise the Chandelier—Sebastian stated.
–Then, we can be worried—Minna stated.
All leaders agreed.
Flight was passing by in actual peace. Linesatrians still hadn't detected them and there were no signs of enemy in the area.
–So…—Ukko started.—How are the research about sending you home are going?
–Pretty good—Minna replied, knowing the question was directed towards Witches.—Arragocchi contacted Commodore Galland few days ago. She then contacted me and said, that everything is going forward.
–It will be a little shame, when you finally leave our reality—Ida noticed.—It's gonna be so boring.
–Hey, we can say the same about you—Shirley stated.
Everyone started laughing.
–Yeah. Sometimes, world is really unfair—Julia said.
However, all of this fun was destroyed, when pilots got radar spikes. Everyone started to look around.
–There!—Geena exclaimed, pointing down.
Everyone's eyes followed her hand and saw the source of the radar: a Sovremennye—class destroyer berthed on the waters of White Sea. His missile tubes opened and missiles flew towards them.
–Evade!—Ida ordered.
All planes and Witches evaded the cruise missiles. Shirley, Barkhorn and Rossman turned around and destroyed the missiles with their weapons. Meanwhile, Rohkea Team and Thunder Squadron fired their missiles at destroyer.
Ship's point defense cannons tried to shot down the missiles, but were unable to. Missiles hit the ship, with one of them reaching missiles storage and making the destroyer explode.
–I think, that now they know about us—Kuroda stated.
–Well then—Ida stated.—If our cover is gone, then better let's do it quick.
Everyone agreed and the strike group flew towards Chandelier.
In the same time…
Chandelier main command room
Chandelier's commander was sitting on his chair in the command room, with other members of the crew walking around and checking everything. The news about failed night attack on Szczecin already reached them and command ordered to prepare to defend the base from INA retaliation attack.
One of radar controllers came up to commander.
–Sir, we have message from our radar destroyer—he reported.
–What is it?—commander asked.
–It seems, that INA is already sending strike group to destroy Chandelier.
Commander nodded.
–How big is this force?—he asked.
Radar controller scratched his neck.
–We don't know—he replied.—Destroyer was sunk.
–Well then. Tell everyone to prepare for battle—commander ordered.
–Yes, Sir!—radar controller replied and walked away.
Back with strike group
Chandelier was already visible on the horizon. The massive structure looked like simple island, a stop between two lands on opposite side of the strait. Witches tightened the grip on their weapons, while pilots did the same with their pilot sticks.
–Why are we so stressed?—Shizuka asked.—We dealt with such things before.
–True—Minna agreed.—But you never know the day…
Suddenly, everyone again got missiles warnings. Fighters dropped flares and Witches used their shields. Missiles were countered and now, everyone got signs of enemy fighters on their radars.
–Now the fun begins—Ida stated.
She immediate dropped behind MiG-17 and overwhelmed it with her gunfire, changing it into a burning wreck. She was followed by Ukko and Julia. Shizuka and Heidi 'sandwiched' Su-30, while Barkhorn used her Super Strength to literally rip MiG-23 in half.
–Okay, people—Heaven Demon's voice sounded in coms.—According to these files, Chandelier have one generator, but it's covered. We have no access to it, if we not destroy all main units.
–Can you send us copy of these files?—Sebastian asked.
–Of course.
Soon, every pilot saw a downloading bar on their HUDs. It quickly came to and end and Chandelier's subsystems appeared on the radar.
–Got it!—Ukko exclaimed.—Whoa.
Everyone saw a big cluster of small points on Chandelier. Ukko quickly counted the ones they were interested in the most.
–According to it, we have: seven shielding control units, six cooling units and one final generator. Which is…—Voice stopped in Ukko's mouth.
–Well. Where is the generator?—Ida asked.
Ukko lifted his head and looked towards the giant railgun.
–…inside the barrel—he ended.
All eyes turned in the direction of the giant barrel of the railgun.
–Oh, now it's some kind of sick joke!—Roma exclaimed.
–No, it isn't—Ukko provided.
–Well then—Ida stated.—Better let's destroy these subsystems and quickly take care of generator itself.
–Then let's get to work!—Sebastian agreed.
He fired a missile at MiG-23 and brought it down. Roma fired her gun at MiG-17 and also sent it flying towards the earth. Julia and Marian managed to shot down Su-30 together, but had to evade the missiles from MiG-23s. Lynette destroyed another Su-30 and helped Yoshika in destroying MiG-23. Kanno and Hikari shot down two MiG-17 and Rosman managed to hit seven Su-30 with her rockets.
–I think we're winning this—Erica stated.
–We take care of subsystems, when we take down all of them—Minna said.—So let's continue.
However, when she said that, everyone saw nothing more, than a cruise missile flying out of Chandelier.
–We've got confirmed missile fire! They flying towards Szczecin!—Heaven Demon exclaimed.
To it, the main railgun fired.
–Railgun shell was just fired towards Szczecin—AWACS said.—The time to impact is five minutes.
–Will they manage to evacuate civilians from endangered area?—Rosalie asked.
–Negative—AWACS said.
–Damn it—Ida said.—Okay, so let's take care of this thing as fast, as possible.
Meanwhile…
Chandelier's runway
Five HAL Tejas fighters slowly moved down the runway, preparing for takeoff. They were painted in full gray, with their symbol presenting quilting eagle on their tails.
Khar Saran Air Armada
7th Air Division/72nd European Contingent/9th Air Superiority Squadron
Eegal Squadron
–Eegal Squadron, you're clear for take off—tower reported.
–Copy that, tower. Wish us good hunting—Eegal 1 said.
–Of course, major Roshan. Don't let them take down the Chandelier—tower said.
–We won't. You can be calm about that—she said and disconnected.
Then, she changed on her squadron's channel:
–Okay people. Are you ready for our first REAL fight?
Everyone replied with enthusiastic whistles and screams.
Before they were assigned to the Chandelier defense, they were tasked with bombing enemy positions and striking convoys. It's true, that they were fighting fighters too and managed to shoot down enough to get the titles of Aces, but it wasn't still enough.
Maybe if they could win this, command will start to take them serious.
–Okay. Let's get started!—she exclaimed.
Fighters then turned their engines on and started to lift off.
Back with the INA pilots and Witches…
–Guys, I'm detecting five more enemy contacts coming from the Chandelier—Ukko reported. Then, he lifted his eyebrows.—They appear to be Khar Saran HAL Tejas.
–Well then. It's shouldn't be bad—Ida stated.
She then locked onto the MiG-23 and destroyed it with her gunfire. Next, she changed on Su-27 and destroyed it too.
–Wait, Durga—Eegal 3 said.—Are those CFA-44s?!
–We didn't thought we'll engage those here!—Eegal 2 exclaimed.
Eegal 1 bit her lip.
–How could I know they'll bring these ones here?—she asked.—Just shot them down and we're done.
Right then, she evaded missiles fired by Lynette and Nikka.
–Oh, great!—Eegal 4 said.—They have Valkirias too!
–Doesn't matter!—Eegal 1 exclaimed.—Just shot them down, damn it!
After she said it, she dropped behind Isabelle, but Witch used her shield to block the bullets and bounced left, to escape the Khar Saran pilot.
Then, Ukko appeared behind her and fired his gun, scoring several hits. Eegal 1 bounced right, to evade enemy pilot.
–Coward!—Ukko exclaimed.
Meanwhile, Sauli and Raimonds were fighting Eegal 3 and 5. Khar Saran pilots were trying to evade Arisnerian fire, but few bullets managed to hit HAL Tejas' sheathings.
–Shit!—Eegal 3 said.—How do we have to take down these things?
–I have to know?—Eegal 5 replied.
And it distracted him long enough, to let Raimonds lock on him and fire short-range missiles. They collided with Eegal 5, changing him into ball of fire.
–Shit!—Eegal 3 exclaimed, seeing death of his comrade.—Sir, Eegal 5 just been killed.
Eegal 1 simply shook her head.
–So maybe try to do it better, huh?—she asked.
Right then, Adriana and Geena dropped behind her and started to fire their guns at her. But she managed to evade the fire and again bounced right.
Ida landed on tail of Eegal 3 and opened fire with her gun on him. Several bullets made impact, but Khar Saran pilot performed Cobra and landed behind her, now firing his gun at her. However, Ida was able to evade all of them.
–Hey! I want to shot you down!—Eegal 3 exclaimed.
He tried to perform various maneuvers, at the same time firing at Ida, but Arisnerian pilot was still faster and evaded every shot. Then, she herself performed Cobra and landed behind Eegal 3 again.
–Maybe in the afterlife—Ida said.
She fired her gun, this time aiming at the engines. The nozzle exploded, changing Eegal 3 into ball of fire.
Sauli and Raimonds took down two more MiG-23s and then, changed on Eegal 2 and 4. Khar Saran Aces tried to escape them, but Arisnerians were still following them. The two cursed under their noses.
–Any idea how to get rid of them?—Eegal 2 asked.
–Let's fly in spiral. Maybe this will provoke them to crash into each other—Eegal 4 proposed.
–Hope this will work.
Eegal 4 nodded.
–Oh, I'm sure it'll work.
The two the started to fly in spiral. Sauli and Raimonds started to do it too. Eegal 2 looked behind to see if their plan will work, but, much to his frustration, two CFA-44 were still flying, not even closer to each other.
–Damn it. Any other ideas?—he asked.
–Let's try helix—Eegal 4 proposed.
Eegal 2 was confused by this.
–Helix?—he asked.
–Yeah, like DNA. You don't remember from school?—Eegal 4 asked.
–I grew up in Panaji slums, I never attended school—Eegal 2 reminded.
Eegal 4 bit his lip. Everyone knew about Eegal 2s hard childhood in city of Panaji. His parents had not enough money to send him to school, so they taught him at home. At least, he could write and read.
–Okay, I'll say it easier then—Eegal 4 stated.—Fly in slalom.
–Couldn't you say it earlier?—Eegal 2 asked. With reproach.
The two started to fly in helix shape. Sauli and Raimonds simply watched it.
–Which one do you take?—Sauli asked.
–Tas, kurā ir četri (The one with four)—Raimonds replied.
Two pilots locked onto them and fired their missiles. Eegal 2 and 4 got missile warnings and freaks came through their backs.
–Flares!—was the only thing Eegal 2 exclaimed, before he and Eegal 4 were changed into burning wrecks.
Eegal 1 simply watched as her squadron gets shot down. Knowing that she won't have a chance to win this alone, she quickly turned back and flew South.
Ukko noticed this and wanted to chase her, but Ida stopped him.
–Let that one go—she said.—He's not a threat anymore.
–Okay then—Ukko replied.
Next, he connected with others.
–How is the clearing going?—he asked everyone.
–Sky is actually clear—Minna replied.—Just few more enemy aircraft and we can go after the Chandelier.
As she said that, Barkhorn fired at one of MiG-23, taking it down. Rall and Krupinski destroyed two Su-27s and Shirley managed to take down MiG-17.
–Sky is clear—Rosalie reported.
–But we detect more enemy fighters coming from the South. So, better take care of this quickly and let's return to the base—Heaven Demon added.
–On it—Ida said.—Let's end this, people.
On her words, everyone started to take care of main Chandelier's units.
Ukko fired his missiles, hitting and destroying one of shielding control units. Ida and Sauli fired missiles at another shield control units and cooling unit. Rall used one of her Witch missiles to take care of shield control, while Adriana took care of cooling unit. Sebastian fired his gun at cooling unit, destroying it. Julia and Roma also fired their guns, taking care of two more shielding control units. Raimonds and Sauli took care of remaining two shield control.
–Shielding control units destroyed—Heaven Demon reported.—Take care of remaining three cooling units.
–You can be sure about it—Ida said.
As she said that, she fired her missile at cooling unit and saw it exploding. Then, she used gun to destroy the second one.
–Only one remaining—Ukko said.
–And it will be zero in no time—Ida replied.
She was flying towards the last cooling unit. On her radar, she saw as her missile locks on the cooling unit. He finger already went towards the fire control and she was about to press it…
–Stop the approach immediately!—Heaven Demon shouted.
Ida bounced left, don't knowing what he was talking about. Others simply waited on the explanation from AWACS' side.
–What is it, Heaven Demon?—Keiko asked.
–Our analysts in Szczcin managed to decrypt the rest of files of base commander! They say, that we cant destroy the last cooling unit, if we not destroy the backup one!—Heaven Demon explained.
–Because what will happen?—Marian asked.
–If not, me might cause a nuclear explosion, which destroy everything in range of one hundred kilometers—AWACS explained.
Other simply became silent.
–Okay, I didn't expected that—Shirley said.
–So, where is this backup cooling unit?—Isabelle asked.
–Exactly at the base of construction—AWACS replied.
There was another moment of silence. Everyone looked towards the giant cannon and it's base. On the fighter radars, a number of AA guns appeared and started firing.
–Nobody would be so crazy to go in there, between all of this AA fire—Sadako stated.
–There is one—Głowacki said.
Before anyone could say something, Głowacki flew towards the Chandelier's base.
–Głowacki, what the fuck are you doing?!—Sebastian exclaimed.
–I didn't managed to save my family. But if I manage to save you, by destroying this backup cooling unit maybe I'll get my redemption—Głowacki replied.—Goodbye.
–Głowacki! Stop!—Sebastian said.—That's an order!
But Głowacki was not listening anymore. He continued his flight, until he flew into the niche under the Chandelier's barrel. There, he was greeted by AA fire and felt as the guns hit his plane.
But on his radar, he could see the backup cooling unit on his radar. He was closer and closer to it. Finally, his missiles locked onto the target and he pressed the fire button. Missiles flew forward, to meet with their target, while Głowacki pulled his pilot stick up and flew up.
Missiles collided with the backup cooling unit and destroyed it.
–Backup cooling unit confirmed destroyed—Heaven Demon said.
–That's something—Sebastian said.—Głowacki, what's your status?
He saw a pile of smoke following Głowacki's aircraft. And to it, he was loosing altitude pretty fast.
–I'm loosing thrust—he replied.
–Damn it. Okay, listen…—Sebastian tried to say, but Głowacki stopped him:
–No. I don't need that thrust. And I don't need to bail out.
–What are you talking about?—Sebastian asked.—You need it to survive!
–No. I already did my part in this world. And finally…it's time for me to join my family. It was a honor to serve with you.
When he ended, his aircraft collided with water.
Everyone looked at it in shock. Especially the members of Thunder Squadron. Sebastian tightened the grip on his pilot stick.
He turned his radio and started to call Głowacki:
–Dariusz! Dariusz! Answer, damn it!
–That won't help. He's gone, captain—Heaven Demon stated.
–No! I'm sure he's…
–Nobody could survive this crash. I'm sorry—Ida said.
Sebastian only hit his console with fist. Next, he looked at the Chandelier. He tightened the grip on pilot stick more.
–He opened our way to the main generator—he said.—Don't let his sacrifice to be wasted. Let's end this.
–Copy that—Heaven Demon.—Destroy the main generator!
–It's your honor, Sebastian—Roma stated.
Pomeranian pilot nodded. He turned towards the Chandelier's main gun and aimed the aircraft straight on it. Then, he flew inside the barrel.
Inside, he saw the main generator appearing on his radar. He locked onto it and fired missiles, which collided with the target.
Sebastian then flew over exploding generator and flew outside, through the back of Chandelier. He quickly joined the rest of Witches and pilots.
Everyone watched as various parts of Chandelier start to explode. Finally, the main generator exploded, collapsing the main gun. Soon after, the whole construction exploded, raining it's parts all around the surrounding waters.
Soon after, pilots and Witches erupted with cheers. Another ICCU superweapon was destroyed and the communists had less trump cards.
–I love to look at burning superweapons—Marian said.
–Me too—Shirley agreed.—Me too.
Meanwhile, Sebastian started to circle over Głowacki's crash site. He was joined by Roma and Julia.
–He did what he thought was right—Roma said.
–Yeah. But still…—Sebastian tried to say.—Damn, I'm gonna miss him.
–Everyone will. But he managed to save us from a hundred kilometer radius nuclear explosion—Julia said.
Sebastian nodded.
–Hope he got his redemption—he said.—Let's get back to base. We should drink something in his memory.
As he said that, the remaining members of Thunder Squadron joined the Witches and Rohkea Team on their way to Szczecin.
08:44
Szczecin Air Base
After destruction of Chandelier, everyone in the base started to celebrate it, like a national holiday. All pilots and ground crews came out of the base to greet Witches and pilots returning from the mission.
When all thanking and laughing was over, everyone simply opened the bottles of beer and other drinks and started to drink.
–So, what are we going to do now?—Isabelle asked.
Witches were sitting among other base crews and pilots. Everywhere around them, music was playing and everyone were having a great fun.
–I don't know. Whatever the command says—Rosalie replied.
Meanwhile Thunder Squadron was sitting at separate table. They took bottles of beer and made a toast.
–For Głowacki—Sebastian said.
–For Głowacki—both Julia and Roma said at the same time.
They all drunk the beer and put the bottles on the table. In that moment, Rohkea Team members approached them and sat at the table.
–How're you doing?—Ukko asked.
–Could be worse, but…—Sebastian said.—Damn it. Hard to believe, that Głowacki's gone.
–Yeah. I worked with them for just two months, but I already started to like him—Roma said.
–Hope he's with his family now—Julia added.
–Yeah—Ida said.—I would like to be with mine too.
By next few minutes, they were sitting in silence, listening to music. Finally, after that time, Sebstian asked:
–So. What are you going to do now?
–Well—Ida started.—We have to be moved out of there.
Thunder Squadron members looked at each other.
–Moved? Where?—Julia asked.
–Back to Arisneri—Sauli replied.—Command is preparing some super important operation, which have to help us in kicking Lins out of our country.
–You know what kind of mission it is?—Roma asked.
Rohkea members shook their heads.
–We only know, that it's important. VERY important—Ida replied.
–Well. Such Aces like you should get only important tasks—Sebastian stated.
–Agreed—Ida said.
Next, they looked at the Witches.
–Well. Good that you have them to help—Roma said.
–Yeah. I'm sure they will be dragged into this—Ida said.
–Well. So, let's do toast for our successful co-operation—Ida proposed.
Thunder Squadron immediately agreed and did a toast. Next, by the rest of the morning, they took part in the party. And the same day, at the night, they departed from the base and flew towards Turku.
XXX
And again, after a long time, another chapter is ready. So. I can only say, that in the next chapter, again attack on ICCU superweapon will take place. Not only one, but two at the same time.
So, see you later!