Another ICCU superweapon is destroyed. Now, another operation to destroy more enemy superweapons started. Both enemy air fortresses become target now and their destruction is crucial for continuing the war effort.

Anyways.

Chapter 22

,,Assault on Aerial Fortress"

November 21, 2021

09:42

Turku Air Force Base, Arisneri

The day at the base was calm and quiet. Since the destruction of Chandelier, Linesatrian attack on ground, sea and air decreased, but not stopped completely. This let Arisnerian and INA command, to set up a plan. Plan to destroy only things able to stop approaching counteroffensive to reclaim lost Arisnerian territory: Gleipnir and Aigaion II.

Currently those two airships were everything, that ICCU had in Europe. Only things able to stop the counteroffensive. And that's why they had to be destroyed as fast as possible.

–Do we even know, where these things are?—Lucchini asked.

Witches and pilots were sitting in the base's mess hall. It was filled with sounds of talks and plates hitting each other. Smell of food being prepared was good too.

–From what intelligence said, one of them is somewhere over Arisnerian Lakes—Jennifer said.

–And second one flies over Baltic Sea—Geena added.

–Adding two to two, Gleipnir is over the Lakes and Aigaion II is over the Baltic—Inagaki said.

They were sitting at one table. Since their arrival to this world, the four of them became actually pretty close companions and spent more time with each other, than with their own squads. Even Lucchini, which almost always wanted to be close to Shirley.

Lucchini ate some of her puree and again looked at her companions.

–Anyway. I'm sure we'll shot them down like the others. We're INA after all!—she exclaimed.

–Actually true. We can do it—Geena agreed.

–And, if TV was right, Witches sent to the Pacific Front managed to destroy the ICCU airship—Jennifer said.

–And we can again say 'Screw you ICCU'!—Lucchini stated.

Four Witches started laughing.

Meanwhile, Shirley was looking in their direction. She actually felt jealous about new friends Lucchini made. They were partners since they joined Strike Witches and it was strange for her to see Lucchini spending so much time with someone else.

–What is it, Yeager?—Barkhorn asked.

Shirley stopped looking at Lucchini and the others and looked at Barkhorn.

–Nothing. Really nothing—she replied.

Barkhorn looked in the same direction Shirley was looking and smiled, seeing the table, where Lucchini, Geena, Jennifer and Inagaki were sitting.

–You're jealous about Lucchini's new friends?—she asked.

Hearing this, Shirley looked at her with fury in her eyes.

–No, I'm not jealous!—Shirley exclaimed.

Barkhorn only replied with smile.

–If you say so—she said.

Shirley only waved her hand.

Colorado-Mikolas Josef

As the song from base's broadcasting system played, Rohkea Team sat down next to Shirley and Barkhorn.

–What's up, girls?—Ida asked.

–Nothing. Yeager is just jealous about Lucchini's new friends—Barkhorn replied.

Liberian Witch once more looked at Barkhorn, which had bigger smile on her face. This angered her more.

–Where is your new sense of humor coming from?—she asked.

Karlslander simply threw up her arms.

–You always make jokes of me, so now, it's my turn—she replied.

Shirley wanted to use some repartee, but didn't. She only nodded her head.

–Fair game—she stated.

–Because with my rules—Barkhorn stated.

Rohkea Team members smiled, seeing two Witches tease each other. It made them remember their first days as a team.

–And yeah, I'm maybe a bit jealous—Shirley admitted.

–Why?—Ukko asked.—Making new friends doesn't mean, that Francesca will stop liking you. Let her have it.

Shirley nodded.

–I know, but…I feel a bit alone, when she's with someone else—she said.

Barkhorn patted her arm.

–Easy. She won't forget about you, that's for sure—she said.

–Why do you think so?—Shirley replied.

–Well.

She then looked at Shirley's breasts. Liberian Witch looked down too. Then she nodded in understanding.

–Right. She still didn't found anyone who would have bigger, so she still likes mine the most—Shirley said.—So maybe I can be calm actually.

–You can be calm for sure—Ida said.

Right then, music stopped. Instead, familiar voice sounded in the speakers:

–All available flight personnel, to the briefing room!

–You heard that, guys—Ida said.—Let's go there as fast as possible.

With her words, everyone stood up and walked out of the mess hall, going to the briefing room.

10:05

Turku Air Base Briefing Room

When everyone entered the briefing room, base commander was already inside, waiting for them. He looked around, wanting to know if this is everyone, and nodded.

–Good to see you all today—he started.—Without extending too much. We found the current positions of Gleipni and Aigaion II.

Everyone in the room smiled.

–How did you done that?—Nikka asked.

–We managed to intercept encrypted transmission from Linesatrian command. We decrypted it and well. We got this—commander replied.

The, the map of Baltic Sea, with all countries surrounding it, appeared on the screen. Two points were marked on them.

–According to this transmission, Aigaion II is gonna be near Bornholm Island, where he has to do refueling operation. In addition, Gleipnir is currently en route to the frontline in the Arisnerian Lakes, where he has to help in breaking through our defenses—commander explained.—It's our only occasion, to take care of these things once and for all.

Next, the screen showed photos of the flying warships.

–For this, you're gonna be divided into two groups—commander continued.—Rohkea Team, Strike Witches and Noble Witches will take care of Gleipnir. On the other hand, Brave Witches and Storm Witches are gonna take down Aigaion II.

There was a moment of silence.

–We have to take it down…by ourselves?—Marseille asked.—No, thanks.

But commander shook his head.

–Nope. You're gonna get help of one of our top squadrons—he said.—Merimetso Squadron.

After hearing this, Ida barely stopped her jaw from dropping. Ukko pocked her with his elbow.

–Your old squadron—he whispered.

–I know—Ida replied.—I didn't saw them in years.

Base commander turned the screen off.

–Well then. They have to arrive tomorrow, so we have to wait one more day. That's all. Dismissed—he ended.

Everyone started leaving the briefing room. Once outside, Ukko noticed, that Ida's face is lightened by giant smile.

–You really are excited to meet Merimetso Squadron, right?—he asked.

–Hell yes! I told you, that I didn't seen them in years?—she replied.—I just wonder, is now in charge of them, since I left them?

–And who would you like to see in command of them?

Ida thought of answer, and then she replied:

–Oona. She was the third best pilot in our squadron, after me and Timo.

–So you can hope she's the one—Ukko said.

–I know. And I'm sure she's the one.

However, Ida didn't knew, that the new Merimetso Squadron leader is more surprising, than she thought.

The next day

10:31

Turku Air Base runway

Rohkea Team members were watching the formation of seven F-18s extending their landing gear and landing in the base. They taxed down the runway and to the hangar they had to station in. They were painted in purple-navy blue mix, with the cormorant painted on their tails.

–Shouldn't they have six members?—Sauli asked.—After you left?

Ida simply threw up her arms.

–Probably they hired a new member—she said.—Come on. I want them to meet you.

The squadron followed their leader and they entered the hangar, where the pilots from newly arrived squadron already came out of their planes.

Ida's eyes were scanning the hangar, until her eyes didn't stopped on a woman, around her age, with short brown hair and green eyes.

–Hey, Oona!—Ida said.

Oona turned and saw Ida approaching her. Before she could say anything, Whitecen came up to her and hugged.

It was looking strange, as Oona was about twenty centimeters taller that Ida. But she returned the hug.

–Long time no see, Idie—Oona said, when they stopped hugging.—So good to see you.

Ida eyed Oona from top to bottom.

–You're taller than last time I saw you—she stated.

–This is how it is. I just grow fast—Oona replied with smile.

And then, the two started laughing. In that moment, Sauli grunted. The two looked at them and Ida palmed her face.

–Where are my manners?—she asked herself.—Please, meet Sauli, Ukko and Raimonds. They're from my squadron.

Oona nodded.

–I know, I know. You think I didn't heard about what you did from the very beginning of this war? Your fame overtakes you—she stated. Then, Oona noticed one thin.—Aren't there should be six of you?

Rohkea Team members looked at each other.

–Yeah…We lost two members—Ida said.

–Oh. Sorry to hear that—Oona stated.

But Ida waved her hand.

–Easy. We already made it through—she said.—Tell me what about you? You're taking care of this bunch of idiots?

Oona then scratched back of her head and covered one leg with another. Unsure smile appeared on her face.

–Yeah…I was taking care of them. But…I'm not in charge anymore—she replied.

Ida sent her surprised and shocked look.

–How is it possible, that you're not in charge anymore?—Ida asked.

Oona pointed at the tail of her plane. Ida looked at it and saw a number two painted on the back stabilizer. Then, she pointed at another plane, which had number one on the tail. She threw her arms up.

–Someone turned out to be better than me—Oona explained.

–Who, except of me, could be better than you?—Ida asked.

–Me, surprisingly—familiar voice said.

Ida then felt the greatest shock in her entire life. When she looked in the direction of number one plane again, her jaw almost dropped.

A woman was approaching them. Her age was around 43 years old. She had long black hair tied up in a ponytail. Her eyes were in color of grayish blue. On her left wrist, she had a green bracelet. Ida knew who it was, not even looking at her.

–Aunt Sorja?—she asked in disbelief.

Everyone looked at Ida with surprise and shock.

–She's your aunt?—Oona asked, even in bigger disbelief.

–Sure I'm!—Sorja said.

She came up to Ida and hugged her.

–So good to see my favorite niece—she said.—Just don't tell this to Nea and Lempi—she added with blink.

Ida once again eyed her aunt from top to bottom, don't believing that it's actually her.

–But…you was in police, didn't you?—Ida asked.

–I was, but well. Lins came and there was a need for pilots. So I thought, that I'll sign up and maybe one time fly alongside my niece—Sorja replied with smile.

Then, Ukko asked the question everyone wanted to ask:

–How can she be your aunt?

The two looked at him.

–I mean…You are a Whitecen. She's not. Then how?—Ukko precised.

–Oh this!—Ida replied.—Right. She's actually my mother's stepsister. Grandparents adopted her.

–Yeah, I spent a lot of time in orphanage—Sorja added.—I made a lot of friends there. That's a pity, that most of them ended as criminals.

–What actually came in handy—Ida stated.

Sorja nodded.

–True. Because when I ended police academy, my contacts with them helped us in many cases—she said.

–And because aunt was so good in what she was doing, thanks to her contacts, she was promoted and moved to Main Police Headquarters in Turku—Ida ended.

But then, she again looked at Sorja.

–But still—Ida said.—How did you got command over my old team?

Now, Sorja scratched back of her head, like Oona did few minutes earlier.

–Well…Sometimes, I talked with Yjo about it. I really became interested in air combat. He told me how and what. And when I signed up for accelerated training several month ago, I simply used all these things he thought me years ago—Sorja explained.

Ida nodded.

–Good, that you have such a good memory—she said.

–And I will always have—Sorja stated. Then, she asked:—Anyway. Since Battle of Helsinki, I can't contact Tuula. What is going on with my big sis?

Ida bit her lip. She didn't knew, what to say.

–Mom and girls…stayed in the city—she finally said.

Smile disappeared from Sorja's face. She looked at Ida.

–No kidding—she said.

–It's true. Unfortunately—Ida replied.

Sorja turned around and kicked the wheel of Oona's F-18.

–Damn it!—Sorja exclaimed.—If these Linesatrian dicks did something to Tuula, Lempi or Nea, they'll be falling from the sky like rain! I will take care of this!

She then started to breath deeply.

–Just calm down, just calm down. Everything is gonna be alright.

Sorja turned back, to see surprised looks of Ida, Oona and members of both Rohkea and Merimetso squadrons.

–Sorry—she said.—I just sometimes can't control myself.

Ida patted her aunt's arm.

–I know, I know. But at least, you're calm now, right?—Ida asked.

–Yeah—Sorja replied.—So. These all important guys told us, that we have to help you in some important mission. Can we at least know, what mission is it?

–Of course.

Ida then quickly and shortly explained Sorja and Oona what mission are they gonna take part in. After listening to it, they both widened their eyes.

–So we have to take down that giant thing, that helped Lins in taking Szczecin?—Sorja asked.

–Alone?—Oona added.

But Ida shook her head.

–Nope. You're gonna have help of Witches—she said.

There was another moment of silence, before Sorja and Oona managed to understand, what they just heard. When they did, smiles appeared on their faces.

–You mean Valkyrias?—Oona asked.

–Exactly—Ida confirmed.

Bigger smile appeared on Oona's face.

–Finally! I can meet them!—she exclaimed.\

Ida looked at it with amusement.

–Why is that?

–You don't have a chance to talk with real magic users. I need to ask them about so many things—Oona replied.

–You're gonna have a chance, really. Bot now, let's come with me. You have many, but MANY, things to tell me.—Ida put her hand on Oona's back.

The two then left the hangar. Suddenly, they erupted with laughs. Sorja and others looked at it with smiles on their faces.

–It's so nice to see old friends meeting again—Sorja said.

–I know. But not always—Ukko sated.

Sorja nodded in agreement.

–True. And I know this too well—she said.

Ukko looked at her with asking look.

–What do you mean?—he asked.

–You see. As Ida said, my contacts with old friends from orphanage helped me several times. But also almost cost my life sometimes.

Ukko nodded in agreement. Old friendships not always turn out to be good. Especially in cases of police officers and criminals.

–Wanna go drink something?—Sauli proposed.

Sorja looked at him and coquettishly narrowed her eyes.

–If you want, handsome—she said.

Sauli looked at her and then on Ukko. He simply threw up his arms and Sauli again looked at Sorja.

–Sorry, I have a wife already—he said.

Sorja only threw her arms up.

–That doesn't matter, you know?—she said.

Man simply looked at her and turned around to leave. Ukko followed him, leaving Sorja with the rest of the squadron.

Woman turned around and looked at the pilots.

–Okay, guys. Let's go have some fun before very important mission, shall we?—she asked with blink.

In response, all squadron members showed the thumbs up.

11:03

Turku AFB, Mess Hall

In the mess hall, Oona and Ida were sitting surrounded by some Witches, listening to their stories. Oona was in the middle of talking about one of battles their squadron fought in.

–…and then, I made a turn and before that MiG-17 pilot could notice, he was a pile of burning garbage—she ended.

Witches gasped with recognition.

–You really are as good as Ida—Eila said.

But Oona simply waved her hand.

–Nah. She still is on the higher level than me or anyone else in my squadron. If we would fight her one on eight, we would still lose—she said.

–I don't think so—Ida said.—You would probably hit me five or four times each, before I would shot you down.

And again, the two started laughing. Witches only smiled.

–You know what? If someone would ever asked me about my two best friends forever, I would always say you and Hely—Ida stated.

Oona took a sip f her tea and looked at Ida.

–Old Anniken?—she asked.—What's up with our Drunken Sailor?

Ida and Oona then smiled. They still remembered that day, when Hely earned this nickname. It was back in academy, during a birthday party of their friend. Hely drunk too much and soon after, everyone saw her dancing on the table, only in her underwear. It was the subject of conversation and jokes for almost three weeks.

–Pretty good—Ida replied.—Since the Strait of Messina, her Carrier Fleet managed to inflict heavy damage on Arisinian Navy. And probably as we speak, she's doing it again. So in short, she still does, what she does the best. Hitting hard.

–That's what I was expecting from some fleet trash—Oona said.

–Fleet trash?—Geena asked.

Two pilots again looked at Witches.

–Ah, you see—Oona started.—There always was a some kind of conflict between Army, Air Force and Navy. Although we fight for the same country, we like to make jokes of each other and sometimes do some fights.

–Like that bar fight with navy pilots in Helsinki?—Nikka asked Ida.

Oona then sent an asking look to Ida.

–What bar fight?—she asked.

Ida patted old friend's back.

–This is a good story. I will tell you after we destroy those giant airships—she promised with smile.

In that moment, the rest of Merimetso Squadron entered the mess hall. Sorja noticed Ida and Oona sitting with the Witches and approached them. She sat down and smiled.

–What took you so long to get there?—Ida asked.

Merimetso sat down at different tables, with Sorja sitting next to Ida.

–It's been some time since we stationed in Turku, so we get lost a little—Sorja replied.

She then noticed Witches sitting at the table and smiled at them warmly.

–And who are they?—she asked.

–Oh, they? They're Witches—Ida replied.

–You mean these famous Valkyrias?

Ida nodded in response. Sorja looked at Witches with curiosity. And, of course, she asked the first question many people were asking:

–Aren't they too young? The one I saw during her interview looked a bit older.

–You mean Minna?—Ida said.—Yeah, she's one of the older ones. But well. As they were saying, their powers are at their highest points at ages from 10 to 20.

–So soon, our powers will start to fade away—Nikka stated.

–So uncool. I heard what you're doing in battle thanks to your powers. It will be a shame, when they disappear—Sorja said.

–That's our reality—Eila replied.

Sun Comes Up-Rudimental ft. James Arthur

Sorja then grabbed Oona's drink and drank some of it. Her 2IC simply gave reproached look to her.

–Couldn't you get one for yourself?—Oona asked.

–Your was closer, you know?—Sorja replied with question.

Before this situation could escalate into something worse, Ida entered the stage:

–Hey, guys. It was just a drink. Nothing more.

–But I ordered it for myself—Oona continued to argue.

And before anyone could say anything else, Sorja grabbed Oona's hand and put it wide open on the table. Next, she reached her knife and started to stab the table between Oona's fingers, faster and faster.

–Okay, okay! You won!—Oona exclaimed.

Sorja put the knife back at her belt and smiled again.

–What was that?—Eila asked.

–I don't like to argue. And this is my way to stop any arguing from escalating—Sorja replied.

–A bit drastic—Nikka stated.

–But it works—Oona said.—I prefer to give her rights, instead of loosing fingers.

Right then, they heard voice coming out of the speakers:

–All available combat personnel! Prepare for sortie! I'm repeat, all available combat personnel! Prepare for sortie!

Oona and Ida drank the rest of their drinks.

–I think that we're about to start the big thing—Oona stated.

–You're right as hell—Ida said.—Better let's go and prepare.

As she said that, every pilot and Witch in the mess hall started to leave.

12:00

An hour later, Merimetso Squadron was quickly debriefed on the operation details. When they heard what they have to do, their jaws dropped.

–We have to take down the Heavy Command Cruiser?—Merimetso 5 asked.

–It's impossible!—Oona exclaimed.

–Not impossible—Ida stated.—One of them was destroyed over Osaka.

Pilots looked at each other.

–Okay, maybe they can be killed—Sorja said.—But how we have to do it?

Ida only threw up her arms and walked away, leaving them alone. Merimetso Squadron pilots looked at their leader and asked:
–What do we do then?

–Simple—Sorja said.—Just let's do it and take this giant monster down.

–Okay. Hope we don't get killed—Oona stated.

Next, the squadron went to the hangar, in which their fighters were. They quickly put on their helmets and entered the cockpits. Next, they turned on all the instruments and fighters started to taxi towards the runway.

Once outside, they saw two groups of Witches preparing to take off.

–It seems like Valkyrias are going up already—Merimetso 7 said.

–Yeah. I hope their help will be useful—Merimetso 5 replied.

–Of course it will be useful—Sorja said with confidence.—Ida told me a little about them before the briefing.

Right then, the squadron drove to the runway and few seconds later, they heard a voice in their communicators:

–Merimetso Squadron, you're cleared for take off. Form up with Brave and Storm Witches and turn towards Bornholm Island.

–Copy that, tower—Sorja replied.—Wish us luck.

–I don't have to—tower replied with joking tone.

F-18s then started to tax down the runway, until they finally took off and hid their landing gear. Next, they flew towards the Witches, with which they formed up.

–This is Commander Gundula Rall of Brave Witches—Rall said in the radio.—How's your status, Merimetso?

–Sweet and jazzy, Rall—Sorja replied, without formalities.—Ready to beat some ICCU asses.

–The same with us—Marseille said.

–Good to hear that—Oona replied.—I hope Ida wasn't been talking big about you and you're as good, as everyone says.

There was a short laugh coming from Keiko.

–Girl. We took down Megalith. Of course we are as good, as everyone says—she stated.

–Don't let the fame make you crazy—Inagaki pointed out.

Keiko simply waved her hand.

–Anyway. Let's take care of this mission and bring down that Heavy Command Cruiser for the third time—Sorja said.

All Witches turned their attention at her.

–Third time?—Krupinski asked.

–First time was during War of Jestrelia, over Caspian Sea. Second was over Osaka. And we have the third one for us—Merimetso 3 explained.

Witches nodded and returned to their flight.

13:26

Five miles to Bornholm Island

Witches and Merimetso were flying over the Baltic Sea. Far in the distance, in the South, they could see Pomeranian and Justran coasts.

–It was pretty nice in Pomerania—Hikari said.

–I have to agree—Nikka replied.—People were pretty nice there.

Oona flew closer to them.

–What are you talking about?—she asked.

–Just remembering our time in Pomerania—Hikari replied.—It was not so long ago and we were there for short time, but still. We liked this place.

–Yeah. Pomerania is nice place, full of nice people—Oona agreed.—I have to visit it one time.

Sorja looked in their direction. Smile formed on her face.

–True. Especially their night clubs. You can drink vodka and other alcohols there all night long—she said.—But you can fall into financial troubles with the night clubs bosses.

–Where is this knowledge coming from?—Rall asked suspiciously.

Merimetso Squadron leader threw up her arms.

–Someone said it to me once—she replied.

Of course, she couldn't tell about that one time, when she was in Pomerania. She was then drinking a lot in the night club and pulled a giant debt. The boss of the club even staged a bounty for her head, if she won't give that money back. Because of that, she had to work as an exclusive "special girl".

She still thought, that these were the best vacations in her life, but preferred not to say it to anyone, because people would start talking.

–Bornholm Island in the sight range—Merimetso 4 reported.

And he was right. Far in the distance, the Lekortian island was visible as a thin dark line, a bit higher that the water level. Everything seemed to be normal.

Everything, except a giant black dot hovering over the island.

–Strange, that Lekortians aren't doing anything about ICCU superweapon flying over their island—Krupinski said.

–Lekortians simply don't care. As long as they are not attacked, they can even let ICCU troops station in their country—Sorja said.

–I see something else on radar. Five objects—Merimetso 7 reported.

–Probably the tankers—Rossman said.—What do we do then?

–Simple—Sorja said.—Break their fun.

Other squadron members nodded in understanding and changed for the long-range missiles. They locked onto the tankers and said:

–Fox 1!

And then, all missiles flew towards their targets.

Meanwhile…

Aigaion II bridge

Aigaion II's captain was sitting in his chair, overlooking the work of other crew members. Everything was going good. Even though war in Pomerania was lost, Aigaion II still could harass INA troops and countries.

One of crew members approached the captain. In his hand, he held the table.

–How is refueling going?—captain asked.

–Everything is going great, captain—crew member replied.—We've refueled 87% of fuel. Just ten more minutes and we can go.

–Good—captain replied.—Continue. We have to…

–Incoming missiles!—radar officer suddenly exclaimed.

Captain looked in his direction and shook his head.

–Where?!—he shouted.

In that moment, they heard several explosions and felt, as something hits the HCCs hull. Captain turned to the chief engineer.

–What the hell was that?!

–Missiles hit the tankers, sir—engineer replied.—Two wrecks hit the hull. Major structural damage.

–Damn it!—captain exclaimed.—Send the fighters! I want INA to be shot down!

Fight control officer nodded and turned back to his console. He pressed several buttons and said to the microphone:
–All available flight personnel, prepare for battle! I'm repeat: all available flight personnel, prepare for battle!

Back with attack group…

Merimetso and Witches saw as tankers explode and fall off of the sky. Two of them hit Aigaion II itself, probably inflicting severe damage.

–Enemy fighters are coming towards us—Merimetso 5 reported.

–So I think they now know about us—Sorja stated.

–You don't say?—Marseille asked, checking her weapon.

Next, all fighter in Merimetso Squadron got radar spikes and saw enemy fighter coming towards them.

–Okay, take them down and then take care of Aigaion II—Sorja ordered.

Soon, everyone started to engage.

Merimetso 6 and Inagaki engaged MiG-29 and fired their guns at him. MiG pilot tried to bounce right, but was followed by them. Before he could notice, he was falling towards the sea, changed into ball of fire. Sorja dropped behind Su-27 and fired gun at him. Bullets collided with the back stabilizer and shredded it into little pieces. Fighter tried to even the flight, but Sorja ended it with another series from her gun.

–That was nice—Marseille stated.—But I can do better.

She flew behind Su-27 and fired her weapon. Enemy pilot tried to do Barrel Roll to evade her gunfire, but sever bullets scored hit. Marseille then accelerated her Strikers and caught up with the fighter, now flying over him.

Pilot looked up and saw her, what made him wide eye. But before he could do more, Marseille fired her gun at him. Pilot's head was splashed all over cockpit and plane started to fall down.

–That was nice, too—Sorja said.—We should hang out some time.

–Maybe—Marseille replied.

Rossman, in the meantime, aimed her rocket launcher and fired a salvo at enemy fighters. Some missiles didn't collided with target, but much of them hit straight into Linesatrian planes.

–I need to get one of those mounted on my plane—Merimetso 7 said, looking at Rossman's Fliegerhammer.

Witch heard him saying it in communicator and nodded.

–Maybe I can borrow this technology to your engineers. Maybe they build something like that as fighter equipment—she said.

She couldn't see the big smile appearing on Merimesto 7's face.

Gundula and Krupinski 'sandwiched' another MiG-29 and started to engage MiG-29 and Su-27 respectively.

–How many fighter can this thing carry?—Rall asked.

–Around thirty—Sorja replied.—But who knows, if they haven't modified that.

As she said that, she evaded missile fired by MiG-29. She then performed Cobra and found herself behind MiG-29. She locked onto it and fired missile. Soon, enemy fighter was changed into ball of fire.

–Never come to me from behind—Sorja warned.

She then noticed, that one of Su-27s is chasing Oona. She turned in that direction.

Oona tried to shake enemy fighter off of her tail, but was unable to. Sukhoi pilot was just too keen on shooting her down.

–Begone!—she exclaimed.

And right then, Su-27 was hit by Sorja's missile. Merimetso leader joined with Oona.

–Everything's okay?—Sorja asked.

–Yeah. Thanks—Oona replied.

–Great. I don't think Ida would be happy, if you died.

Oona just rolled her eyes and bounced left, to engage another enemy. She dropped behind MiG-29 and fired her gun at him, easily taking him down.

–And good—Sorja said.

Hikari found herself behind MiG-29 and fired her gun at him. Pilot bounced left, but Hikari followed him. She aimed at the engines and fired another series, taking the aircraft down. Nikka followed her and shot down Su-27. Krupinski and Sadako 'sandwiched' MiG-29 and managed to shot down two more Su-27s.

–Warning, Aigaion II prepares to fire Nimbus missiles!—Merimetso 3 reported.

–So you know the drill! Dive!—Sorja ordered.

–You heard her!—both Rall and Keiko said to their Witches.

All INA units dived, trying to evade the incoming Nimbus missiles. They did it right in time, as missiles appeared few second later and exploded. Balls of fire appeared in the sky, some of them even absorbing ICCU aircraft.

–That was close—Raisa stated.

–Too close—Kanno agreed.

Witch then evaded fire of Su-27 and quickly returned it, taking the ICCU fighter down.

–Some of them were just taken down by their own missiles and they still want to fight?—Georgette asked.

–Never try to understand the commies—Oona stated.

Another group of Su-27s appeared and locked onto Merimetso and Witches. They fired missiles, but Merimetso dropped flares and Witches used their shields, easily taking care of the incoming missiles.

–Let's get back to work—Merimetso 6 stated.

He then flew towards Su-27 and decimated it with his gun. Others quickly joined him and the sky was again filled with burning and falling wrecks.

Georgette dropped behind MiG-29 and fired one of her missiles at him. However, pilot dropped the flares, countering the missile. Next, he bounced left, trying to lose her.

–To remember: if you survive, leave the military—pilot said trying to catch breath.

And he didn't survived. Suddenly, something hit in his plane, turning it around and making him fall down.

Kanno looked at it with satisfaction, as she deactivated her ability.

–I'm sure he felt it—Georgette said, flying next to Kanno.

–That was my goal—Kanno replied.

She then grabbed her riffle and quickly fired at another MiG, taking it down. Next, she followed another.

–How many of them left?—Sorja asked.

–I see around fourteen—Merimetso 7 replied.

–So just few more minutes and we'll be done—Marseille said, shooting down another Su-27.

At the same time, on Aigaion II's bridge, captain was watching the ongoing battle, with disgust on his face.

–What is going on there?—he asked.

–We're loosing—the radar officer replied.

Captain rolled his eyes.

–I see. But why?

Radar officer looked at the flight controller and main engineer and threw up his arms. Which only irritated captain even more.

–So better find a way to turn it all around!—he ordered.

–Of course, sir—radar officer replied.

He turned around and whispered:

–Find a way to turn it around, yeah. If it was so easy.

But he remembered something. Something, which can actually turn the tide of battle. He turned to the flight controller.

–Send them—he said.

–Yeah, I was about to do it—flight controller said.

He turned to his console. He pressed several buttons and then smiled.

Back outside, new signal appeared on INA planes radars.

–I detect new contacts coming from Aigaion II. I confirm them to be drones. Ten of them—Merimetso 7 said.

–Great. Because it's everything we needed—Sorja replied.—Alright, people. Take down the drones.

When she said that, she almost got hit by a red laser, coming from the drone. She quickly sat on his tail and fired her gun at him. Bullets took down the drone quickly. Sorja turned to the rest of her squadron and Witches:

–Look out, they have lasers.

–We noticed—Keiko replied, evading drone laser.

Marseille was flying to meet with the drone and aiming her riffle at him, but before she could pull the trigger, drone fired it's laser at her.

Witch activated her shield and defended herself from the laser. However, when it hit her shield, it bounced from it and hit the Linesatrian fighter flying by. Marseille noticed this and smiled.

–But we can use our shield to deflect these lasers and take down some more enemies—she said.

–Hey, that's really good idea—Keiko said.—I don't believe I said it to you.

–There always have to be the first time—Marseille simply said, throwing up her arms.

Hikari then found herself targeted by the drone. She decided to use Marseille's advice and used her shield to deflect the laser. Laser flew towards the HCC and pierced it's armor, inflicting internal damage.

–What the hell is wrong with these machines?!—captain shouted.

–I don't know. It seems like Valkyrias are able to deflect the lasers and use them against us!—the flight controller replied.

And it was last thing he did. Seconds later, captain pulled out his gun and fired at flight controller's head.

–Give me new flight controller, now—captain ordered.

Other crew members looked at each other and quickly started to do, what captain ordered. Mainly because they didn't wanted to end like the previous one.

Back outside, fight was more and more coming onto INA's side. Sadako and Georgette 'sandwiched' another drone and took it down. Merimetso 5 helped Raisa in taking care of Su-27 and then bounced left, taking care of second drone.

–And one last fighter is going down—Nikka said, taking last MiG-29.

–So that means, that only drones left. Sounds good to me—Krupinski stated.

–Edytha, do the honors—Rall said.

Rossman nodded in response and aimed her missiles at remaining seven drones. She fired and saw as the missiles collide with their targets.

However, two more drones left alive.

–Two left—Oona noticed.

–Leave it to us—Kanno and Raisa said.

Two Witches then launched forward, aiming their guns at two remaining drones. Witches pulled the triggers and sent waves of bullets towards two machines. Bullets pierced through their armor and send the two flying down, with them additionally crashing in mid-air.

–Enemy air force eradicated—Merimetso 4 reported.

–So now, there is only that giant thing left—Nikka noticed.

–Yes—Sorja said.—So now…

–Incoming missiles!—Merimetso 6 shouted.—Aigaion II just fired Nimbus missiles!

–Damn it! Everyone, dive!—Oona ordered.

Fighters and Witches immediately dived, preparing for incoming hell in the skies. Soon after, missiles appeared and numerous explosions appeared in the air.

–Damn it, that was close—Marseille said.

–So better make sure, that they not use it again—Sorja said.

Everyone, including Merimetso pilots, looked at each other and then back on Sorja.

–What do you mean by this—Rall asked.

–I mean, that we need to destroy these missiles silos—Sorja replied.

–You think it's gonna be so easy?—Merimetso 7 asked.

–We destroyed all of their defenses, so yeah. It might be that easy—Sorja stated.

–Hope you're right—Keiko stated.—So I'm in.

Others quickly followed her and agreed on Sorja's plan. Merimetso leader nodded her head and turned towards the Heavy Command Cruiser.

She locked onto first of missiles silos and fired her missile. It collided with it's targed and shook the whole airship.

–What is happening?—captain asked.

–Enemy is targeting the missiles silos!—engineer replied.

–What about another salvo?—captain turned to the fire control officer.

–Missiles are loading, sir—FCO replied.

–So make them load faster!

In that moment, five more explosions shook the airship. Captain almost fell off of his chair because of that.

–We have only three me silos operational—FCO reported.

–So do something!—captain exclaimed.

Back outside, Sorja and the rest observed with pleasure, as the HCC burns, after the destruction of the missiles silos. She turned to Witches:

–You can do the honors.

–With pleasure—Rall replied.—Hikari, Sadako and Krupinski. Take down the remaining three missiles silos. Rest. Let's take care of the cockpit.

–Understood!—Brave Witches replied.

Hikari, Sadako and Krupinski lined up and locked their missiles. They saw a green lights on the missiles, which signaled, that they are locked onto the targets and fired them. Missiles flew towards their targets and eliminated them.

Meanwhile, the rest of Brave Witches lined up and locked onto the cockpit of the HCC. When they were sure, that missiles will hit their targets and fired all they still had.

Aboard the Aigaion II, the captain and the rest of the crew watched all of this in fear. Captain pointed at the main elevator, leading on the lower decks of the airship.

–Leave the ship!—he ordered.—NOW!

But it was too late. Missiles hit the cockpit and flames covered everyone. Soon, whole cockpit was just a pile of burned bodies and destroyed instruments.

Witches and pilots watched as the giant warship turns down and fall into the sea. It hit the ground with it's nose and then, it's tail fell too.

Everyone erupted in cheers, seeing this. Especially pilots, which finally scored another major victory for Arisneri, after the Battle of Ones Bay.

–Get back to the hole you came from!—Oona exclaimed.

–Yeah, burn bitch!—Kanno exclaimed.

Everyone looked at the Fusoan Witch.

–Without such words, please—Merimetso 6 asked.

–Why?—Kanno replied.—Aigaion II was bitch, wasn't he?

Rall just waved her hand.

–Let her have it—she said.—She always cheers like that.

–I wonder, how others are doing with Gleipnir?Raisa asked.

–Let me check—Oona said.

She then changed frequency, trying to find the correct one. Soon after, she managed to find it and connected with Ida. She sent the frequency to Witches and other pilots, which changed it.

–Hey, Idie, how…—she asked.

–Sauli, Raimonds! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!—Ida asked on the other side.

Everyone became silent and looked at each other.

–What should be done—Sauli replied in the radio.—Ending this war for us. Farewell, Ida.

–Missile! Missile! Ida, evade!—Ukko shouted.

–What the hell is going on there?—Kanno asked.

–I don't know. Better let's go back to base. Maybe we'll find some answers there—Sorja stated.

Fighters and Witches then turned back and flew towards Helsinki, still unsure about what did they heard.

XXX

And here it is. Aigaion II sis burning and going down. But what happened over the lake district? What Sauli and Raimonds were doing? Why did they do that? Did Ida survived? You can guess, that all of it will be answered in the next chapter.

Until then, see you!