While Merimetso, Brave and Storm Witches takes care of Aigaion II, second group attacks Gleipnir. And this chapter will be about this second group.
Without further ado…
Chapter 23
,,Dragon Hunt"
November 21, 2021
11:33
Arisneri Lake District
–Check everything one more time—Ida said to her squadron and Witches.
They were flying over the Arisnerian Lake District, the biggest lake district in Europe. Under them, they could see numerous lakes, both small and big. Many Witches were impressed by the number of lakes in the area.
–I never saw so many lakes in one place—Geena said.
–Really? Suomus have the same thing—Eila pointed out.
–Yeah, but I never seen so many lakes myself. I only saw photos and pictures in books—Geena replied.
–Okay, stop talking about the lakes. Everything checked?—Ukko asked.
–Yes, it is—Minna replied.
–Everything's ready—Rosalie said.
–Okay, form up and follow us—Ida ordered.
Rohkea Team Nosferatus then reformed into four fingers formation and Witches reformed into two keys, flying on opposite sides of Rohkea formation. In that way, they assured protection from enemy attack from the side.
–Anything on radar?—Ida asked.
–Nothing yet—Sauli replied.
–Keep looking. They have to be somewhere in the area.
Ida was fully right. Gleipnir was in the area. Even closer, than she expected.
At the same time…
Gleipnir bridge
Gleipnir captain was standing over the radar console, watching the incoming objects. His radar officer told him about them and there were no doubts, that these were enemy fighters, hunting for them.
–Another group of idiots?—captain asked.
–Probably. It would be around tenth—radar officer replied.
Since the events in Helsinki, there were ten squadrons hunting for the airship. Some of them were smarter than others, but much of them got caught by SWBMs and were quickly taken care of. And it seemed, like INA haven't learned anything at all.
–Fire SWBMs. I have enough of this—captain ordered.
Weapon control officer saluted and turned to his console.
Back outside…
Unaware of Gleipnir's presence, Rohkea and Witches continued their flight over the lakes. Some Witches started to get bored and simply flew, with their weapons on their backs.
–Nothing is happening—Lucchini groaned.
–I know. Are you sure, that it should be there?—Erica asked Ida.
–Files were clear. It should…
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a group of missiles materialized in the air. They turned in the direction of Rohkea and Witches.
–What the hell?!—Isabelle exclaimed.
–Where are these coming from?!—Marian shouted.
–Who cares! They're SWBMs—Ukko replied.—DIVE, DIVE, DIVE!
As he said it, everyone dived, right when missiles exploded and sent numerous shockwaves around the sky. Everyone watched it in horror. Few seconds and they would be blown up from the skies.
–That was intense—Adriana stated.
–Yeah, but where these missiles came from—Lynette asked.
–I think that Gleipnir is closer than we expected—Ida stated.
And her words found their confirmation in giant black shape appearing over them out of nowhere, like the missiles did. It simply hovered over the area, not making anymore moves.
–How couldn't we notice?—Shirley asked.
–Simple. It's not only thanks to it's optical camo—Ukko said.—It's not appearing on radar.
Everyone looked in direction of his fighter.
–Not appearing on radar?—Heinrike asked.—How?
–Probably, during the rebuilding process, they used a lot of Stealth sheathing. They knew, how dangerous Stealth airship can be—Sauli guessed.
–But something else is appearing on radar—Ukko said.—Enemy fighters incoming.
–At least, we won't be bored—Ida stated.—Shoot down all enemies!
Soon after, enemy fighters came into view. As Ida noticed, there were several Si-40, along with F-G Hawks.
–I see, that Halborians are still taking their parts in someone's war—she stated.
–Why do they even fight for ICCU? What do they want?—Jennifer asked.
–I don't know—Ukko said.—But as long, as they are shooting down our planes, I don't care.
He then dropped behind F-G Hawk and fired his gun at him. Bullets easily took care of the Halborian plane and sent it flying down in flames. Geena and Carla shot down two more Hawks, while Lucchini managed to take care of Si-40. Ida fired missile, which took out another Si-40.
–Incoming more fighters—Ukko said.—Designated as F-C Talon and FZ-23 Stinger.
–How many types of planes does Halborians have?—Rosalie asked.
–A few, mainly from their "F" series—Ida replied.—Side note: Stinger is the only Halborian plane, which has it's number.
She then found first F-C Talon and sat on his tail. She aimed her gun and sent wave of bullets towards enemy plane. Not long after, it was flying down. Sauli managed to strike F-G Hawk from the top and killed the pilot, when his bullets hit the canopy. Raimonds used his gun to damage stabilizer of Si-40, which was then taken care of by Sakamoto.
More Halborian planes started to appear then.
–Just how big is Halborian air force?—Isabelle asked, shooting down Stinger.
–They have over six hundred planes, including three hundred fighters. But after what we did to them up until now…—Ida replied.
–Okay, I have a plan—Minna said.—Some of us will take care of enemy fighters, while the other start to hit the Gleipnir.
–Sounds good to me—Ida agreed.—Proceed.
–Alright. Noble Witches—Minna turned to Rosalie.—Take the Gleipnir.
–We're on it—Rosalie replied.—Let's do it, girls.
Noble Witches then broke from the fight and turned towards the giant airship flying around.
–What do we have to do?—Kuroda asked.
Rosalie thought about it for a moment, while looking at the giant shape in front of them. Finally, she knew.
–Destroy the silos and engines. Without them, it won't be so dangerous—she ordered.
–It can be done—Adriana agreed.
And the plan was set in motion.
Liberion Witches then broke formation and turned towards the engines, positioned in the back parts of the Gleipnir wings. They approached them at the safe distance and locket onto them.
–Fire missiles!—Geena ordered.
Witches did what she said and missiles flew to meet their targets. Soon after, Witches saw explosions, indicating the destruction of the engines.
–Sir, engines one to five destroyed—main engineer on the bridge said.
–Damn it! These Halborian idiots are as dumb?—captain exclaimed.—Are enemies still there?
–Yes—engineer replied.
–So shot them down.
Outside, Witches were still looking at the destroyed and smoking engines. Geena nodded her head in satisfaction
–Okay, now…—she wanted to say, but was cut off by Jennifer:
–Look out!
Geena looked in the direction Jennifer was pointing and saw around ten hatches opening in the airship's armor. When they fully opened, witches saw ten multi-barrel guns appearing it them. With horror, Geena understood, what these thing are.
–Everyone, evade!—she said.
And did it in the last moment, as guns started to fire at them. Witches were flying around, as bullets blazed through the sky.
–I thought, that this thing have no defenses!—Geena said to Ida via radio.
–Well, when you rebuild something, you can bring several changes!—Ida replied.
She then evaded missile and performed Cobra, to land behind F-G Hawk. Halborian pilot tried to evade the Arisnerian Ace, but couldn't and Ida quickly shredded the fighter with her gun. Enemy pilot didn't even noticed his death.
–Better focus on not getting shot down and get out of that AA field—Ida replied.
Geena and other Witches nodded. They quickly turned and left the AA field of Gleipnir. Next, they rejoined with their squad.
Rosalie evaded fire from Si-40 and quickly bounced left, to fly behind him. Witch then fired her gun and managed to destroy it's stabilizers and damage one of his wings. Fighter started to fall down. Isabelle did the same, taking care of another Si-40, while Adriana and Kuroda managed to 'sandwich' Stinger, which tried to shot down Jennifer.
–Thanks!—Jennifer said.
–Always helpful!—Adriana replied.
Next, Witches focused on another pair of targets. Halborian fighters tried to evade them, but were falling from the sky one after another.
–Gleipnir prepares another salvo!—Ukko warned.
–You know the drill—Minna said.—Dive!
Everyone quickly dived, right when the airship fired it's missiles. They detonated in the air, sending another shockwave through the sky, this time catching several Halborian planes.
–Poor bastards—Sauli stated.
–Not so poor—Ida stated.—Why did they even decided to fight in this war? They could just sit in their quiet country.
–I think we will never know—Ukko stated.
He then dropped behind F-C Talon and fired his gun at him, mowing the fighter down. He then turned his attention at Si-40, which chased Raimonds. Ukko was about to turn in that direction and help his teammate, when suddenly, Raimonds decelerated and let Talon to overtake him. Next, he locked onto him and took him down with missile.
–You can do it like that—Ukko stated.
Next, he bounced left, to look for new targets.
Meanwhile, Ida looked at Gleipnir, still hovering in one place, with it's AA guns looking for any potential targets.
–We need to finally take care of this thing—she stated.—These AA guns must be destroyed.
–Atstājiet to man (Leave it to me)—Raimonds said.
Before Ida could say something, Raimonds turned towards the airship and aimed at the AA guns. Next, he fired his gun and with one series, he managed to destroy four guns. He had to evade then.
–That was nice—Eila stated.
–Yeah—Carla agreed.
They then evaded fire from Halborian guns and quickly followed the planes, trying to shot them down.
–Raimonds, can you do it few more times?—Ida asked.
Instead of responding, Raimonds again turned towards Gleipnir and fired another series, taking care of remaining guns on left side.
–Left side cleared—Ukko said.
Raimonds then flew under the airship's ion cannon and landed on the sond side, where he fired another series, this time longer, destroying all AA guns.
–Iznīcināti AA ieroči (AA guns destroyed)—Raimonds reported.
–This is why we love you, Rai—Ida stated.—Always reckless, always brave, always able to help us in some way.
Raimonds, traditionally, didn't answered. He simply broke off from Gleipnir and engaged Si-40.
–Now, we need to take care of these missile silos—Ukko said.
–Somebody want to do it?—Sauli asked.—No? So let me take care of that.
After he said that, he turned in the direction of airship and activated his ADMM, locking onto the silos. Next, wave of missiles flew out of his fighter and turned towards their targets. Soon after, Gleipnir was decorated with number of explosions on top of his hull.
–What was that?—captain asked.
–Sir, our missiles silos were destroyed—weapon controller answered.—We can't use SWBMs.
–Damn it!—captain exclaimed, taking off his cap and throwing it on the floor.—So better, if these Halborian dumbasses try harder!
As he said that, a number of Halborian planes just fell from the sky and around five parachutes appeared.
–Leave them alone—Ida said, seeing some Witches wanting to not let the pilots escape.
–Why?—Barkhorn asked.—Since now, you had no objections before.
–I know. But these guys aren't guilty of anything. They just chosen the wrong side—Ida replied. And then added:—And I think you don't want to become war criminals, aren't you?
Witches looked at each other, don't knowing what she was talking about.
–Why would be become war criminals now?—Carla asked.
–Because five days ago, UUN issued a statement, that every bailing out pilot, is gaining immunity and can't be shot down. And whoever will do it, become a criminal—Ukko explained.
–What made them do that?—Shirley asked.—From what I know, they didn't had any problem with that earlier.
–Yeah, because earlier, it was something, that everyone knew. But since the war started, number of bailing pilots being shot down increased by three hundred percent. So you know. This is why we stopped doing it—Sauli answered.
Some Witches looked at each other. A number of them now felt guilty. They had a number of shot down pilots on their accounts too. Rohkea members felt guilty too, as they were doing the same since the Messina Strait.
–So, if we don't want to feel guilty anymore, let's stop shooting bailing pilots down—Ida summed.
–Understood—all Witches replied.
–Okay, so let's focus on the enemy fighters. We leave Glipnir at the end.
Others confirmed and started chasing more fighters.
Minna and Mio landed behind F-C Talon and managed to shred it into pieces with their guns. Ida landed above Stinger and destroyed him with her missile. Sauli and Raimonds 'sandwiched' F-G Hawk and then started to pursue another two. Shirley used her ability to overtake Si-40 and aimed her gun at it's cockpit, painting the canopy in red. Rosalie fired at wing of Stinger, damaging the stabilizer, what made fighter turn around and fly down.
Carla evaded missile from Si-40. But didn't let the missile go. She grabbed it, used all of her strength to turn the missile around and returned to the Halborian pilot.
When he saw what was going on, he managed to scream and his plane was hit by his own missile.
Others, both Halborians and INA, simply looked at this in awe.
–Since when can she do that?—Jennifer asked.
–I don't…know—Isabelle simply replied.
–Damn, I should have try this—Barkhron stated, destroying Stinger with her Panzerfaust 3.
–But Trude—Erica said.—You can grab a whole fighter. Isn't that the max of your power?
Barkhorn looked at Erica if sighed.
–I didn't tried to grab any cargo or bomber plane yet—she replied.
–Oh, you will do it one day—Erica provided.
She then evaded missile fired by Stinger and quickly returned fire, taking the fighter down. Barkhorn followed her, destroying two F-G Hawks with her GAU-8. Minna dropped behind Si-40 and managed to shred it's back stabilizers with her gun. Fighter started spinning and falling towards the ground. Sanya used her Fliegerhammer and nine more Halborian planes fell off the sky. Shirley and Lucchini 'sandwiched' Stinger and managed to get two more kill on F-G Hawks.
–How many enemies are still left?—Rosalie asked.
–I can detect around twenty more—Ukko replied.—We're winning this shit.
–You know what guys?—Ida asked.—I'm a bit tired by them. Let's finish this with ADMMs, shall we?
–Sounds good to me—Sauli stated.
All Rohkea fighters lined up and activated their special weapons. Missiles started flying out of the missile tubes, flying towards Halborian pilots and causing havoc between them. Soon after, before any enemy could orientate, sky over the lake district was lightened up by the numerous explosions of Halborian fighters.
–Radar is clear, no enemy in sight—Ukko reported.—Only Gleipnir left.
On Gleipnir's bridge, captain simply watched the destruction of his whole defense force. He looked at his weapon control officer.
–Do we have anything to defend ourselves?—he asked.
–No, sir—officer replied.—All weapons and missile silos destroyed. We can't use nor AA guns nor SWBMs.
–Damn it!—captain shouted.—We need something to get out of here alive!
And right then, an idea popped in his head. Idea so stupid, that could actually work. Or not. But he hoped it will work.
–We use the Shock Cannon—he stated.
Weapon officer looked at the captain, as if he looked at madman.
–Sir?—he asked.
–I want you to fire Shock Cannon at them—captain confirmed.
–But…This cannon is against ground troops. It can't be used against aircraft!
–It will be used against them, because I say so!—captain exclaimed and turned to pilot.—Set us up in vertical position! Aim Shock Cannon at them! NOW!
Pilot, don't wanting to meet captain's evil side, decided to do this order and airship started to set itself up in the vertical position.
Outside, Witches and Rohkea Team watched this strange event with confused looks on their faces.
–What are they doing?—Yoshika asked.
–I don't know—Ida replied.—But I don't like it.
Finally, Gleipnir stopped and the blue disc on it's belly started to light up. Then, Sauli understood, what enemy's plan is.
–They're trying to use the Shock Cannon!—he exclaimed.
–What?!—everyone else shouted.
–Is it even possible?—Eila asked.
–No—Ukko replied.—But he is still deciding to try.
–And he just gave us a chance—Ida stated.—Let me take care of this.
And without anyone else word, she turned towards the Shock Cannon and locked onto it.
–Sir, one of enemy fighters is flying towards the Cannon—radar officer said.
–If that pilot wants to die, then yeah, why not—captain replied.
Right then, Ida fired her missile, which hit the Gleipnir's Shock Cannon straight in the middle. Explosion caused by connection of missiles explosive warhead and energy accumulated in the Cannon turned into a giant explosion, which simply went from down part of airship to it's top, breaking through the armor and ripping out the ship's back.
Gleipnir then started to spin, falling on it's back, with numerous parts, and not only, falling out of it through giant hole, that appeared in back's place.
Next, it started to fall down, until it crashed into one of the lakes, where he ultimately exploded, destroying it.
Pilots and Witches watched this with great satisfaction on their faces. Not long after, they erupted with cheers and Witches started to do various air stunts.
–That's right!—Erica exclaimed.
–Go the cave you came from!—Lucchini joined her.
–Command, this is major Lilnatar—Ida said to her radio.
–We hear you, major—command replied.—What is it?
–We scored confirmed kill on Gleipnir—Ida replied.
There was a short silence on the other side, but Ida could hear excited voices coming from there, but very quiet ones.
–Great job!—command replied.—Second group just confirmed the destruction of Aigaion II! Operation turned out to be a full success!
–I never counted on something else—Ida stated.
Sauli and Raimonds were celebrating with everyone else. However, not long after airship fell into the lake, they got the message. From the same person, which called them in Szczecin. Message was short:
–It's time.
–Understood—Sauli said and turned to Raimonds.—We can start.
Raimonds replied with nod and started clicking buttons on his console. Next, he pressed the green one.
Suddenly, two new contacts appeared on Ida and Ukko's radars. What made them feel shivers coming down their spines, was when they noticed, who these contacts are.
–Sauli, Raimonds! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!—Ida shouted to her squadron members.
Sauli and Raimonds didn't responded for a while, until Sauli finally said:
–What should be done. Ending this war for us. Farewell, Ida.
Right then, Sauli fired missile in Ida's direction.
–Missile! Missile! Ida, evade!—Ukko exclaimed.
Ida didn't had to be told twice. She quickly made turn and dropped flares, evading Sauli's missile.
Sauli and Raimonds turned around and flew South. Witches, seeing what just happened, wanted to follow the two, but Sauli gave them warning:
–If you even try to follow us, I promise, that all of you will be going down. And trust me. I don't want to have children blood on my hands.
Hearing this, Witches stopped and watched, as two Nosferatus disappeared on the horizon.
Everyone were simply shocked by what just happened. Sauli and Raimonds simply betrayed them. They tried to kill Ida and now, they simply flew South.
–They…They really did what they just did?—Lucchini asked.
–Unfortunately, yes—Ida said, with bitterness in her voice.—They did what you saw.
–But…why?—Shirley asked.
–I don't know—Ukko said.—But unfortunately, we have to report this. Let's get back to Turku.
–Right—Ida simply replied.
They all turned around and flew in the direction of Turku. Ida still looked South, in the direction her two most trusted squadron members just flew.
13:02
Turku Air Force Base
Rohkea Squadron and Witches already approached the base and were allowed to land. Witches landed first, with fighters following them. All of them were still in bad mood after what happened.
Soon after, Merimetso, Brave Witches and Storm Witches appeared too. After landing, Oona and Sorja quickly found Rohkea Team in their hangar. They were a bit confused, seeing only two fighters there.
–Is everything alright, Idie?—Oona asked.
–I would like it to be alright—Ida replied.—But it isn't.
–What happened there? Why there are only two of you?—Sorja asked.
Ida sighed and started explaining everything, from the appearance of Gleipnir all the way until the thing that Sauli and Raimonds did. After hearing about all of this, they simply couldn't say anything.
–Why did they betrayed you?—Oona asked.
Ida only spread her arms.
–I have to know?—she replied.—But if I find them, I will ask them everything I want to know.
–With missiles, of course—Ukko added.
Sorja wanted to ask one more thing, but was cut off by the speakers:
–All pilots, be in the briefing room as fast as possible!
The four looked at each other and quickly left the hangar, running to the briefing room. On their way, they met Witches.
–They are calling us right after finished mission?—Lucchini asked.—I wanted to get some sleep.
–Whatever it is, I don't like it—Marseille stated.
–We all don't like it—Rall said.—But whatever is happening, we have to get any answers, right?
Everyone nodded and went to the briefing room.
13:43
Turku AFB briefing room
After reaching the briefing room, pilots and Witches sat down on the chairs and waited for base commander to appear. They were all stressed about what they were about to hear.
Ida started looking around and noticed Wolverines sitting there as well. She didn't see the mercenaries since that they, when she arrived to Turku to inform Bella about Aurora's death. Wolverines' leader was devastated by these news and swore to herself, that she will avenge her friend. Ida then put her hand on Bella's arm and said, that she will do it for both of them. Sauli, in the meantime, was informing Aurora's family.
Rohkea leader came up to Wolverines and sat down next to them.
–Sup?—she asked.
Bella looked at her and smiled.
–Could be better—she stated. Next, she asked:—Where are the other two of yours?
Ida was about to answer, but then, the base commander entered and started the briefing. He looked at everyone.
–Welcome—he said.—As you know, operation to destroy Aigaion II and Gleipnir was a full success.
Everyone nodded.
–However—commander continued—I have some bad news. According to major Lilnatar's report, Rohkea 3 and 6 gone rogue.
Wolverines and some Witches looked at Ida. She just hung her head.
–But this is not the worst news—commander said.—We also have this.
He then turned on the screen in briefing room.
On it, they could see an Arisnerian TV presenter and the belt with information at the bottom of the screen: 'LATVIALAND AND ESTONICA DECLARES INDEPENDENCE'. All Arisnerian pilots in the briefing room widened their eyes.
–Today, at 11:00 AM, the governors of Latvialand and Estonica met in Tallinn, Estonican capital. The two made agreement and declared independence from Kingdom of Arisneri—the presenter said.
–So uncool—Shizuka stated.
–Parts of Arisnerian military made up mainly of Latvialandian and Estonican troops went rogue and joined the newly independent states, declaring themselves neutral both to INA and ICCU, not wanting to participate in the war. ICCU forces in Latvialand and Estonica are still stationing on occupied territories and were allowed to keep them—presenter continued.
This information only made Arisnerian pilots even more furious. Soldiers from Latvialand and Estonica were making 1/3 of whole Arisnerian forces. Now, when the remaining forces were occupied by pushing Linesatrians back, Latvialand and Estonica could do whatever they wanted, even start playing pirates.
Presenter then heard something in her earphone and said:
–We just got breaking news, as newly declared Latviandian president is about to give speech to both his people and Arisneri. Our cameras in Tallinn are going to broadcast the speech.
Then, the view changed on that of cameras in Tallinn. It showed a giant hall, with numerous chairs occupied by reporters and officials. In front of them was a small stage with rostrum on it.
Soon, a man entered the podium. He was probably in the middle of his 50s, with completely bald head. He whore a black suit, with red tie and white shirt. He approached the rostrum and stood behind it. Belt on the bottom of the screen said, that he's named Linas Onickis.
Then, he spoke:
–Today, I stand here as the leader of my people. What we did today is a great step on the way to our future. We suffered too long under the Arisnerian rule and finally, the time has come for us to go separate ways than them. Arisneri is falling, everybody sees that. And if we don't want to fall with them, we need to care for ourselves. ICCU showed, how weak Arisneri is and gave us chance for something our ancestors fought for centuries: freedom. This is why I want you to stand against all odds, that awaits us in the nearby future. Arisneri will not leave it all just like that. They will come for us. For us all, trying to extinguish the spark of our freedom. And they will be brutal and full of bloodlust. We can't let that happen.
The man then turned around, walking off of the stage, chased by questions asked by the reporters.
–Currently, we don't have anymore information, but we will inform you about everything up-to-date—the presenter ended.
Base commander turned the screen off. Silence hung in the air between everyone, with both pilots and Witches not knowing what to say.
–Well then—base commander finally said.—I call you when command will come up with something to take care of this situation. Until then, you're dismissed.
Everyone started to stand up and walk out of the briefing room. Once outside, Ida reached her pocket and took her phone.
–How do you feel?—Ukko asked, standing next to her.
–Could be worse—Ida replied.—Now forgive me, I need to make a call.
–Sure.
He then turned around and walked away, leaving Ida with her own thoughts. She looked at her phone and sighed.
She turned the phone on, pressed the contacts and went all the way to the 'H' category. There, she saw just one contact: 'Hely'.
Ida pressed the contact and put the phone to her ear. She waited for a few minutes, with sound of connecting sounding in the phone.
–Come on, Hely. Pick up—Ida whispered.
And her wish was listened.
Soon after, there was a sound on the second side and not long after, Hely's voice could be heard:
–Yes?
Ida sighed, hearing her friend's voice.
–I'm so glad you picked up—she said.—You heard about everything?
–Unfortunately—Hely stated.—But listen, if you're calling me to ask about my loyalty, I will answer you, that I'm loyal to my superiors in Turku, not to these rebellious bastards in Tallinn and Ventspils.
Hely was born in Estonica. Her father was Arisnerian and mother was Estonican.
–No, it's not that—Ida replied.
Hely was silent for a moment, before she asked:
–Huh? Then what is the reason you called me?
–I…wanted to thank you—Ida answered.
–Thank me? For what?
–For being my friend. I'm glad to be your friend, especially in times like this.
Again, there was moment of silence.
–Idie—Hely said, using Ida's nickname.—I should thank you. You're the one, who saved me from the bullies, right?
–Right—Ida agreed.
The day Ida and Hely met in the academy, Hely got pinned to the wall by a pair of bullies. They were about to beat her up, when Ida showed up and, much to everyone's surprise, literally kicked their asses. Bullies ran away and Ida helped Hely in collecting things they thrown out of her bag.
–Anyway. I'm really glad to have a friend like you—Ida said.
–Me too. I just hope it's not a farewell?—Hely asked.
–No. Not yet, at least. And hope it will never be.
–True.—Hely laughed on the second side.—Idie. Just be careful out there, okay?
–You too, you Drunken Sailor—Ida replied and laughed too.
–I told you to stop calling me like that—Hely said with false irritation.
Then, she ended the call. Ida turned her phone off and hid to her pocket. She turned around and went to her room.
14:12
Ida's room
Ida entered her room and first thing she saw, was Ukko standing in front of the door, with two glasses of wine in his hands. He was giving one to her. She accepted it and smiled.
–Wine? Where did you even get that from?—she asked.
–Let's say, that I have some contacts—Ukko replied with blink.—But is it really that important?
–No.
They sat down on the bed and drank a sip of the wine.
–Wonderful—Ida stated.
–Bordeaux 1879—Ukko explained and quickly added:—The guy that gave me it told this to me.
–Whatever you say.
They drank another sip and Ida looked at him.
–So…Now there are only you and me—she said.
–I know—Ukko agreed.—Honestly? This makes me a bit…sad, when I think about it long enough.
–I know what you're talking about—Ida agreed.—Sauli and Raimonds…Why did they even did that? Sauli isn't even Estonican or Latvialandian.
–People have their motives, that's all—Ukko replied.—And you know what? I'm gonna ask them about their motives…
–…once we find them—Ida ended.
Ukko nodded and drank the glass of wine. Ida did the same. He poured once more. Ida smiled, seeing this.
–You're not trying to get me drunk, so you could…?—she asked.
Ukko was thinking over her words, when he finally got it.
–Of course not—he said.—I would never do something like that.
The Whitecen smiled.
–Now I regret we haven't told them earlier. I really wanted to see Sauli's face.
–And I wanted to see Raimonds' reaction.
–Probably it would look like this.—There, Ida made emotionless face and threw up her arms.
Ukko laughed seeing it.
–You're really good at imitating Raimonds—he stated.
–He was better at it—Ida said.
She then looked at her glass.
–Listen. I haven't said that earlier.—Ida then hiccuped.—I have really weak head when it comes to alcohol.
–Me too—Ukko said.
Next, they put down their glasses and smiled. Soon after, they kissed and started taking their uniforms off.
16:52
Ämari Air Base, Estonica
Base was now filled with aircraft from newly created Estonican National Air Forces and Latvialandian Air Defense Corp. Aircraft and helicopters of ENAF had new roundel in form of blue-black-white triangle, while LADC roundel was a dark red circle with white ring inside it.
Most of the fighters in the base were Texas F/A-18s, while helicopters were some Apaches and Black Hawks. There and there, you also could see some CFA-44 Nosferatu and older XFA-36As. After declaring independence, all Texas A-10's in the base and Siberian MiG-35s were requisitioned and their pilots were put in prison.
Sauli and Raimonds were looking at all the pilots and soldiers around the base.
–I still wonder, how our friend managed to convince the politicians to start and open rebellion against Arisenri?—Sauli asked.
Raimonds just threw up his arms. Only thing that truly mattered for him was that Latvialand was finally free.
–Anyway. I'm sure we finally get any orders—Sauli continued.
Raimonds just agreed with nod.
In that moment, a soldier in Arisnerian uniform, but with Estonican flag on his arm, approached them.
–You're the former Rohkea Team members?—he asked.
–Yes, we are—Sauli replied.—What do you need?
–General wants you to meet with him. And tell you about your new allocation—soldier explained.
Sauli and Raimonds looked at each other and nodded.
–So lead—Sauli said.
Soldier nodded and walked in the direction of base's mane building. Two pilots followed him.
XXX
And here is the plot twist. Raimonds and Sauli turned against our heroes and now, Arisneri have problems with not only ICCU, but also their own citizens. But how will they handle this situation? This will be the topic of the next chapter.
To it, I wanted to say, that the roundels of Estonica and Latvialand air forces, are actually the real ones used in Estonia and Latvia. Because, why not? Estonica and Latvialand are Estonia and Latvia of this universe.
Anyway. See you in the next one!
