Due to the unknown influence, Arisneri now finds itself in the middle of a civil war. Estonica and Latvialand, which were waiting for such chance, rebelled against Turku. Now, remains of Rohkea Team and Witches are sent to deal with them.
Let's get to it.
Chapter 24
,,Breakup"
December 2, 2021
10:20
Turku Air Force Base, mess hall
It's been almost two weeks since the start of the now called Arisneri Civil War. By all this time, both Estonica and Latvialand were not sitting idly in their territories. Their air forces performed three bombing raids and managed to destroy pretty important military infrastructure. Of course, Arisneri tried to respond with with such raids.
But then, Sauli and Raimonds came into action.
Once heroes of Arisneri, now they were real fear of any Arisnerian pilot. Together with their new squadron, they literally ripped all Arisnerian pilots apart. Nobody was brave enough to try and challenge them to battle.
Nobody except of Ukko and Ida.
When they heard of involvement of their former squadron members into the war effort, they wanted to immediately go there and fight them. However, command stated, that because it's too personal for them, they can't do it. This only enraged the two.
And currently, they were sitting in the base's mess hall, with cups of drinks in their hands.
–Too personal?—Ida asked.—Bullshit.
–Yeah. Who cares, that Sauli and Reimonds were our allies not long ago?—Ukko agreed.—They now work with these guys from Estonica and Latvialand.
They both took sips and looked at each other.
–I would like to drink a wine instead of this—Ida stated.
–Sorry, but we finished it three days ago—Ukko remainded.
Ida frowned.
–Yeah, true.
In that moment, Witches and other pilots entered the mess hall. They started sitting at their tables, talking laughing and telling jokes.
Minna, Rall, Rosalie and Keiko sat down with Ida and Ukko.
–Sup?—Ida asked.
–Good, we just came back from the mission—Rosalie said.
Two pilots looked at the Witches.
–All of you?—Ukko asked, looking around at other Witches.
–Yeah—Minna said.—There was a large group of Linesatrian aircraft approaching the city. We were able to stop them, fortunately.
Ida shook her head.
–From one side, Lins.—She took a sip.—And from the second, traitors, that care only about themselves.
Witches commanders looked at each other.
–Arisenrians don't like Estonicans and Latvialanders that much?—Keiko asked.
–No, it's not like this—Ukko replied.—It's just because ICCU is about to take us all out and they decided to simply stop fighting commies, which are the bigger threat, only to start fighting us and probably ensure our destruction BY ICCU AND SOON, BECOME ICCU TARGETS THEMSELVES!
With every word, his voice was louder and louder, until finally all pilots and Witches in the mess hall were looking in his direction.
–Sorry, I lost it for a second—he said.
–You don't have to sorry—Rall said.—I just know, what are you talking about.
–And king wanted to give them more autonomy?—Ida asked.—And this is how they're paying us.
–What do you mean by giving autonomy?—Keiko asked.
Ida took another sip and explained:
–King Timo wanted to give bigger autonomy to Estonica and Latvialand for their contribution into the war effort, so they could work on the same level as Special Korean Autonomy of Tanagawa, having their own army, currency and even their own system of international politics. Soldiers from there became really helpful in war, especially when it comes to fighting in hard terrain. Estonicans and Latvialanders are real masters of forest fight, you know.
–This is why their militias from interwar period made us so frustrated—Ukko added.
–Militias?—Minna asked.
–Yeah, there was something like EsLa Independence Front, extremists, which wanted to gain independence by force—Ukko explained.—They were wiped out in 1936, just before UBSR decided to play with us for a while.
–So yeah—Rosalie said.—I now know, why everyone is so frustrated about that thing. If suddenly Belgica would land in the same situation, I would be frustrated too.
Meanwhile, Minna was rubbing her chin.
–Yet still—she said.—Why Raimonds and Sauli joined them?
–Who cares about it now?—Ida asked—They sided with Estonicans and Latvialanders. I could understand Raimonds, but Sauli? He's full blooded Arisnerian.
–Whatever are their motives, we will find it out, no matter what—Ukko stated.
Right then, much to their surprise, base commander's voice sounded in the speakers:
–All pilots and Witches, report to the briefing room immediately! Repeat, all pilots and Witches report to the briefing room immediately!
Everyone looked at each other with surprised looks.
–Again?—Keiko asked.—We just came back from a mission.
–But I'm sure commander wouldn't call us, if it wasn't important—Ida said.
She drank the rest of her drink and stood up.
–Okay, let's go. I want to know why he is interrupting our lunch time.
Everyone agreed and left the mess hall.
10:42
Turku AFB, briefing room
Pilots and Witches were sitting on their chairs, while base commander entered and stood on the podium.
–Welcome everyone—he said.—Probably you're wondering, why have I called you there, especially Witches, which just finishes a mission.
They all nodded.
–So let me explain. Command prepared operation to finally end this meaningless civil war here and now.
Ukko and Ida looked at each other. If it was the case and they will be sent to the battle, they could…
–We can meet Sauli and Raimonds there—Ukko said.
–If we do, we simply shoot them down—Ida replied.
Right then, the bird eyes views of two cities appeared on the screen. One was signed Tallinn and second was Ventspils
Base commander continued:
–What we're gonna do, is to launch a surprise strikes on capitals of Estonica and Latvialand. Bother are probably thinking, that instead of fighting them, we will focus on the Lins and ICCU. But we will show them we're wrong.
–I hope so—Sorja stated.
Other Merimetso members agreed with her.
–Wait for the details—base commander said.—You're gonna support both operations. Rohkea Team, Brave and Storm Witches. You're gonna help our forces attacking Ventspils. Merimetso, Strike and Noble Witches. You're gonna take care of Tallinn. Others can choose where to go.
–Sounds good enough to me—Marseille stated.
Right then, Oona lifted her hand.
–What is it?—commander asked.
–What forces we have to protect?—she asked.
–We're gonna get help from Texas and Siberian Marines. As well as our Baltic Fleet and Pomeranian cruiser ORP Pilsudski—commander replied.—As well as some bombers, which will soften enemy defenses up.
Oona nodded, satisfied by this response. With so many things thrown at the traitors, they surely take good care of them.
–Anyway—commander continued.—Operation have to start in the next five hours. It's codenamed Stifle Spark.
–Pretty cool sounding—Marian said.
–Because it had to—commander replied.—Anyway. This is all for now. Dismissed.
And he left.
Pilots and Witches started leaving the briefing room. Ukko came up to Ida.
–You think Sauli and Raimonds will appear?—he asked.
–They will—Ida replied.—But I hope they would prefer to fight us, that go and fight Merimetso.
–Agreed—Ukko said.
The two then went down the corridor, thinking.
13:42
Unknown location
The General entered Master's room once more.
–What is it?—Master asked.
–Master. Good news and bad news—General said.
Red line on the screen was straight for a minute, before master asked:
–What are the good news?
–Bat Masters continue to train more and more pilots. We increased the number of fighter pilots by three hundred by now—General replied.
–Good—Master said.—And the bad news?
–We have another delays in 'Warbird' project—General said.
This made the red line on the screen wave furiously.
–What this time?!—Master exclaimed.
–During the last field test, machine attacked our units. Two pilots were killed and one was heavily injured and lost his legs—General expalined.
–Then work more on IFF identification—Master ordered.
General bowed.
–Of course.
–And the Knights?—Master asked.
–Black, Red, Green, Purple, Gold, Silver, Brown, White, Gray and Cyan are reporting full battle readiness and can move out at any moment—General replied.
–Tell them to hold back little longer. I want to see, how situation in Arisneri plays out—Master said.
–As you wish—General said and left.
15:04
Turku AFB
Pilots got info about the beginning of the operation and were quickly preparing their aircraft to take off. Witches were doing the same with their Strikers.
Ground crews were attaching the fuel cables to the aircraft and attaching missiles under their wings. Some were ending smaller repairs and checking the systems.
–How are thrusters, major?—one of mechanics asked Ida.
Ida pressed a button and checked the thrusters' power. She nodded.
–Everything's green—she said.—Good job.
–I just do, what I have to do—mechanic replied and walked away.
In that moment, Ida heard voice of air controller in her communicator:
–Rohkea Team, you have permission to take off. Taxi on runway three.
–Copy that, tower—Ida replied.—Wish us luck.
–I'm always doing that, aren't I?—tower replied.
Ida giggled and sighed.
–I know, I know—she said.—Anyway. We're gonna be back once we take care of Latvialand and Estonica.
–We'll be waiting for you.
Two CFA-44 started taxing towards the runway three. There, they saw five F-18s taking off, followed by three Texas F-15s.
When it was their turn, Ida and Ukko set up their planes next to each other and looked at each other through the plexiglass.
–Okay—Ukko said.—It's time to take care of this.
–Yeah. Let's find Sauli and Reimonds and talk with them—Ida replied, as she started to heat up her engines.
Two fighters started taxing down the runway, until they finally started taking off.
Later, they were joined by Brave and Storm Witches.
–Welcome to the party—Ida said.—Never expected to fight in a civil war?
–Never—Rall agreed.—Especially in alternate universe.
–But you know it doesn't have to be different, but the same universe?—Ukko asked.
Everyone turned their attention and him, not knowing, what he was talking about.
–What do you mean?—Raisa asked.
–Ohto once told me his theory—Ukko replied—that all the worlds we know as 'alternate universes', are actually one and the same universe, but in different galaxies.
–So you want to say—Hikari said—that our world is not truly alternate universe, but our Earth is just in different galaxy, and we all live in the same universe?
–Something like that—Ukko confirmed.—But as I said, it's just theory. I don't know if it's true or not.
–Wow. I never though about it like that—Ida said.—Ohto had really cool theory, I have to say.
–Yeah. That's a pity, that he's gone—Ukko stated.
Ida nodded in agreement.
Right then, squadron of Siberian Tu-160 White Swan bombers passed bu them and flew towards Ventspils.
–These bombers are really impressive, I have to say—Marseille said.
–This is why Siberians are so proud of White Swans. They're the first supersonic bombers ever constructed—Ukko replied.
At the same time, aboard one of White Swans, Siberian crew watched the two Nosferatus and nodded their heads.
–Wish we could have so good planes as Arisneri has—pilot said.—I would really like to fly the CFA-44.
–Maybe you will get a chance, Ivan—his co-pilot said.
Ivan looked at his co-pilot with asking look.
–What do you mean, Vladimir?—Ivan asked.
–MiG Company bought a license on CFA-44s. They're going to produce them as new MiG-50s—Vladimir explained.—And they would need pilots to test them.
Smile appeared on Ivan's face under his oxygen mask.
–Zvezda 4, come in—Zvezda 1 said.
–This is Zvezda 4—Ivan said.—What is it, Zvezda 1?
–We're in range of missiles. Fire on my mark—Zvezda 1 replied.
-Copy that.
Ivan then turned to his console. He pressed several buttons and the bomb bay of his bomber started to open up, revealing twenty four Ch-15P air-to-ground missiles inside. Two missiles fell out of the bomber, as well as other Zvezda Squadron bombers, and flew towards the Latvialandian capital city.
Meanwhile…
15:08
Ventspils, Latvialand
Two Latvialand soldiers were patrolling the beach. They looked in the distance, thinking.
–Well. Another boring day on duty—one of them said.
–It can't be that bad—second one said.—We just have nothing to do, in addition to AF.
First soldier nodded and agreed.
–By the way, why did they closed that beach?
–Just in case. Arisenri will try something, that's for sure. After we finish the war, beaches all around the country would be opened again. So you could go there with your family.
However, their nice talk was interrupted by a sound of jet engines approaching them. They started looking around, wanting to see the incoming fighters. But instead of fighters, they saw something much worse.
–MISSILES?!
–What the hell?!
Missiles started flying over their heads and towards the city. Soon, they saw explosions, as missiles collided with their targets in form of various AA positions and ground forces units like tanks or soldiers. Civilians in the city started panicking.
–Contact the command! Now!
Back with strike group…
–All missiles collided with their targets—Heaven Demon reported—Good job, Zvezda Squadron.
–At your service, Heaven Demon—Zvezda Leader replied.
Bombers then broke formation and flew back to the base, leaving only fighters, Witches and AWACS.
–Okay—Ida stated.—I suppose it's time for us to enter the action.
–Marines report their status—Heaven Demon said.—They're ready. Commence the operation.
–Understood—Keiko and Rall replied.
Three squadrons then hit the afterburners and quickly followed the Marines preparing for an invasion. Ida looked around, seeing the invasion forces under them. Even from this altitude, she could recognize Texas A7Ps and Siberian BTRs. In the distance, Ventspils was visible, with smokes of destroyed military installations in the city.
–Seems like they got our message—Ukko stated.
–They got it indeed—Ida agreed.
–This is colonel Alexei Moravenko of Siberian Marine Corps to Rohkea 1—Siberian commander said.—We're about to hit the city beach. Cover us.
–That's why we're here, Moravenko—Ida replied.—If it comes to air dominance, you can be calm.
–I know, major—Moravenko replied.—Give 'em hell!
–Sure—Ukko said.
Soon, Heaven Demon gave them first information:
–Incoming bandits. Hostile fighters. Marked as F/A-18s and MiG-35 Fulcrum-Fs.
–Copy that, Heaven Demon—Ida said to the AWACS.—Your radar will be clear in no time. Let's take care of that!
–Hell yeah!—Witches exclaimed.
Soon, first Latvialandian and Estonican aircraft appeared in their view. Pilots and Witches locked onto them and fired missiles. Several enemy planes managed to evade, but other were not so lucky, as sky over the city was soon covered by burning wrecks.
–We're on the beach!—Moravenko reported.—Move you icy asses out there!
Siberian and Texan Marines started leaving their amphibious vehicles and opened fire at the defenders on the beach. Latvialandian troops tried to push the enemy back to the sea, but were unable to.
Hikari landed behind MiG-35 and managed t hit it's right wing, which soon broke off and aircraft started falling towards the ground.
–That the trashiest plane I've ever seen—Hikari stated. Then, she reminded, that Sasha has MiG-35 Strikers.—Sorry—she said to her.
–No problem—Aleksandra replied.—At least until I won't end up like the one you shot down.
She then evaded incoming missile by doing Barrel Roll and managed to land behind F/A-18 that fired the missile at her. She them fired her own missile and took the aircraft down. Kanno simply punched the MiG-35 with usage of her ability, next fired a series into the Hornet passing by.
–Latvialanders and Estonicans might be a good groundies—Ukko stated.—But they are terrible pilots.
–Except Raimonds—Ida reminded.
–Except Raimonds—Ukko agreed.
He then performed Cobra and landed behind Fulcrum-F. He fired his gun, which easily decimated enemy fighter.
–Hell yeah, get some—he said, as he started chasing F/A-18.
–Exactly—Ida added, destroying another MiG.
They both then 'sandwiched' Fulcrum-F, which tried to shot down Raisa. When Witch noticed it, she turned to two pilots:
–Thanks.
–No problem—Ida replied.—Just watch your back next time.
–Will do—Raisa agreed.
Witch then noticed MiG-35 trying to take down Marseille. Raisa quickly turned in that particular direction and managed to sat on enemy fighter's tail. Marseille noticed this and turned around, so she was now flying backwards. Latvialandian pilot looked at this with surprise.
Two Witches fired their weapons and easily decimated the aircraft.
–Thanks for help—Marseille said to Raisa.
–Always—Raisa replied.
Two Witches then again departed in separate ways, still shooting down enemy aircraft. Keiko managed to take down another Hornet, when she got message from Moravenko:
–We've been pinned down by enemy tanks! Requesting immediate assistance!
–On it—Keiko replied.
She then flew towards Moravenko's position. There, she saw bullets being exchanged between Siberian Marines and Arsineri-made tanks with new Latvialandian markings. Witch locked her missiles on them and fired, destroying three tanks.
–Thanks…Ma'am?—Moravenko said unsteadily, seeing Witch flying over them.
–Name's Keiko—Keiko replied.
–Thanks, Keiko—Moravenko said.—You just save our asses.
Witch smiled and returned to fighting the enemy fighters. She dropped behind MiG-35, which tried to make a run and bomb Texan Marines. But before he could, his aircraft was shredded into little pieces.
–No bombings are allowed—she said.
Rosman fired her Fliegerhammer and managed to bring down more enemy fighters, while Rall evaded gunfire from F/A-18 and returned fire, destroying the plane.
–Come on, give us a bigger challenge—Rall said.—I'm getting actually bored up here!
–Look out for what you wish, or these wishes can come true—Rosman replied.
–Thanks for advice—Rall replied.
She then used her shield to deflect incoming bullets and returned fire, taking down the MiG-35. Next, she fired her missile at F/A-18 passing by and managed to bring him down. Krupinski used her ability and after overtaking MiG-35, she fired at it's cockpit, killing pilot inside. Georgette evaded F/A-18 and fired her gun at him, easily taking him down.
–Hah!—Moravenko exclaimed.—Come on! That's the best you've got!
Siberian Marines were pushing forward and forward, as well as Texas Marines and Arisenrian Royal Marines.
–Wow, we're actually winning this!—Nikka said.
–There was no other option—Ida said.
She then dropped behind F/A-18 and managed to shred the plane with her gun. Next, she evaded fire from the MiG-35 and returned fire, destroying the plane.
–This is what you get for betraying us!—Marseille said, taking out another MiG.
–If it comes like that, we might be back in base before dinner—Ukko stated.—Which is good for me, if you ask.
He then brought down another MiG.
Suddenly, they heard Heaven Demon saying:
–Detecting new enemy aircraft approaching. Fifteen XFA-36As and two CFA-44s.
–Can you identify the CFA-44s?—Ida asked.
–Wait a minute…—Heaven Demon said.—Damn it. CFA-44s confirmed to be Rohkea 3 and 6.
Meanwhile…
Few kilometers away from Ventspils, the formation of XFA-36As was led by two CFA-44. Now, instead of red paint, the two planes were colored in two shades of yellow, forming a pattern resembling the camouflage. Their emblem presented an bald eagle.
Estonican National Air force and Latvialandian Air Defense Corp
1st Joint Air Division/1st Joint Air Wing/1st Joint Air Squadron
Liberator Squadron
Sauli and Raimonds were looking at the planes around them.
–Hope our friend knew what he was doing—Sauli said.
Raimonds, as always, didn't responded.
–Liberator 1, requesting permission to engage—one of pilots said.
–Permission granted—Sauli replied.—Give them hell.
Next, all aircraft hit their afterburners and flew towards the Latvialand capital city.
Back in Ventspils…
–So it begins—Ida said.
–With atmospheric The Lord of the Rings quote—Ukko added.—Okay, Let's give them, what they deserve.
–Right away—Ida agreed.
Soon, the said formation of fifteen planes and two CFA-44 appeared on their radars. Ida tightened the grip on her pilot stick.
–So this is where we meet for the last time—she said.—Sauli, Raimonds. Why this even had to happen?
–This war made enough people die—Sauli replied.—We just decided, that it's time for us to leave it. And I advice you do the same.
–Never—Ida stated.—I will always be faithful to my country, no matter who I am.
Sauli shook his head.
–So you will die for your country—he said.—Let's finish this here.
Soon, the battle between former squadron members started.
Ukko sat on Raimonds' tail and fired his gun, but Latvialander easily shook Ukko off. Ida tried to attack Sauli from the top, but the older pilot managed to perform evasive maneuver and flew next to her. Ida quickly turned around and tried to sat on his tail, but Suli was still escaping her.
Meanwhile on the ground, INA forces were pushing forward, while Latvialand troops were trying to hold them back. But the invading troops were using their number advantage on their behalf, as well as they used Witches to spot enemy troops.
–Moravenko, enemy troops just behind the turn—Keiko reported to the Siberian commander.
–Understood—Moravenko replied.—Look out for this turn!—he said to his troops.
Soldiers nodded and slowly leaned from behind the turn and started firing at the Lativaland troops waiting for them. Surprised enemy troops tried to return fire, but were quickly mowed down by the Siberians.
–Once again, thanks Keiko—Moravenko said.
–No problem—Keiko said, with red cheeks.
This, of course, didn't escape Marseille's attention.
–Do I see you falling for someone?—she asked.
Keiko looked at Marseille with fury in her eyes.
–I'm not falling for anyone!—she exclaimed.—He's just too nice.
But this only made Marseille smile.
–Maybe he fallen for you too?—she asked.
Storm Witches commander almost erupted with anger, right when MiG-35 flew next to her, so she decided to focus on him, instead of Marseille. Karlslander just waved her hand and decided to focus on enemy fighters.
Back with Rohkea, Ida evaded bullets Sauli was firing at her. Ida was trying to do the same, but Suali was evading her fire.
–Damn you—Ida said.—Just give it up already, Sal! We are the winners here already!
–It's not about me or you, Ida—Sauli replied.—Remember what happened to Aurora in New York? This was enough for me. She wasn't my son's wife yet, but I already treated her like she was my daughter. And then, she died just like that.
Ida bit her lip.
–But it doesn't meant, that you had to betray us—she said.
–I had to—Sauli replied.—And if Master's plan for new world have to succeed, we will fight for it.
This one line caught Ida's attention the most. She gave confused look under her oxygen mask.
–What Master are you talking about?—she asked.
But Sauli quickly shook himself off and tightened his grip on pilot stick.
–I said enough—he stated.—Let's now fight!
He then performed Split-S and managed to land over Ida. She quickly bounced left, to not get hit with Sauli's gun. Then, she turned back to lock on Sauli and fired her missile.
–Fox 2!—she exclaimed.
Sauli countered the missile with flares. He then started chasing Ida and firing his gun and scoring several hits.
–Shit—Ida said, feeling the bullets hitting her plane's sheathing.
–You won't escape so easily—Sauli stated.
Meanwhile, fight between Ukko and Raimonds continued too. Ukko just dropped flares, to counter Raimonds' missiles.
–Man, remember, what we've been through!—Ukko exclaimed.
–I know, we've been through hell and numerous times we almost died. This war is simple bloodbath, nothing more—Raimonds replied.
Ukko tried to reply, but couldn't.
–You…—he tried to say.
–Yeas, I speak English. And what will you do about it?—Raimonds said, firing his gun at Ukko.
Ukko performed Ailron Roll to evade the bullets and performed Cobra to land behind Raimonds. Latvialander saw this and performed Cobra too.
–Damn it—Ukko said through tightened teeth.
Witches continued to engage the Latvialand fighters, as they continued to swarm them. Fortunately, Witches were more agile and managed to take care of enemy units quickly. This only enraged enemy pilots more.
–How those whores are even able to fight us?!—one of Latvialand pilots exclaimed.
–Focus on shooting them down, then you can ask—his commander replied, trying to hit Marseille.
But Witch quickly dived down and soon, she fired her gun at enemy leader from below, changing him into burning ball of parts. Raisa followed her and soon, two more enemy fighters were flying down in flames.
–This is what I'm talking about—Marseille said, seeing the planes crashing into the ground and hitting Latvialand soldiers.
–Moravenko, you can move forward at full speed—Keiko said to Siberian commander.
–Copy—Moravenko replied.—Okay, people, move, move move!
Siberian and Texas Marines started moving forward, killing every enemy soldiers on their way, except of the ones that surrendered.
–Come on!—Ida exclaimed, trying to hit Sauli with her gun.
In response, he just performed Airelon Roll and started evading the bullets like crazy. Right then, idea appeared in his head.
–What do you saw about this?—Sauli asked.
He then broke away and turned towards Ukko and Raimonds. Ukko was too occupied with Raimonds, so he didn't noticed Sauli preparing his gun.
–No!—Ida exclaimed.
She quickly overtook Sauli and flew between him and Ukko. Just when the gun fired and bullets hit her plane.
–Ida, are you okay?—Ukko asked, worried.
–Yeah. I still can fly—Ida replied.
–As expected for couple—Sauli stated.
Ida felt, as her eyes widen, although she didn't planned this.
–How did you…?—she asked.
–I once stepped into your room, when you were doing it—Sauli explained.
If they could, Ida and Ukko would look at each other if not the distance and pilot masks and helmets. Sauli and Raimonds just laughed.
–He told me too—Raimonds said.
–And what do you think that changes—Ida replied.—Yes, we're couple. But it doesn't change, what you've done.
–As I said then, we decided to end this war for us—Sauli replied.—This is your and only your mistake, that you came here.
–We came here, because Latvialand and Estonica were working as pirates and simply bombed Arisneri. Of course we had to work!—Ida replied.
But there was no more response from Raimonds and Sauli. They simply returned to engage their former teammates.
Ida evaded Sauli's gunfire and managed to perform Cobra to land behind him. She used her gun, but Sauli managed to evade it. Raimonds also managed to evade Ukko's fire, but got hit by several bullets.
–Damn it!—Raimonds exclaimed.
He then bounced left, trying to escape from Ukko.
–Don't you fucking dare!—Ukko exclaimed and followed him.
Raimonds saw, that Ukko still follows him on radar. This is why Latvialandian pilot decided to do something, what had to end the life of his former wingman.
When Ukko was close enough, Raimonds quickly pulled up and made a Loop, landing over Ukko and aiming his gun at him.
But Ukko turned out to be smarter, than Raimonds thought. Just when he saw Raimonds doing this maneuver, he hit the breaks and slowed down. This allowed him to lock onto Raimonds and right when Latvialander was performing the Loop, Ukko fired a missile.
Soon, in the place of Raimonds, there was a ball of falling and burning metal.
–Farewell, my friend—Ukko said, seeing the yellow Nosferatu fall from the skies.—Now, Sauli.
He then turned and flew towards Ida chasing Sauli. Two pilots paired behind him.
–Now, it's two to one—Ida said.
–I noticed—Sauli replied.—And you think that this changes something?
He then performed Cobra and landed behind the two. He locked onto them and fired tow missiles.
–Ukko, break!—Ida ordered.
Two pilots flew in different directions, followed by two missiles. When they were far enough from each other, they dropped flares.
–You really thought, that this will kill us?—Ida asked.
–No—Sauli replied.—But I hoped it will make me some space.
He then activated ADMMs and locked onto Witches.
–I really didn't wanted to do it—he said and fired.
–Look out!—Ida exclaimed in the communicator.
Witches then turned around to see the missiles approaching them. They quickly activated their shields to protect themselves. Missiles hit the shields and shook them all.
But this let enemy pilots to finally strike. Latvialand pilots started firing their guns at Witches, damaging their Strikers and making them fall. Fortunately, they had parachutes.
–And Valkyrias go down!—one of pilots sang.
–Damn it—Marseille exclaimed.
She returned fire, shooting down another enemy fighter.
–Who did they shot down?—Ida asked.
–Keiko, Nikka, Mami, Kanno and Krupinski are down. They opened parachutes, though—Rall replied.
–That's good to hear—Ida said.
Next, both she and Ukko again landed behind Sauli.
–That was enough!—Ukko stated.—Come here, you bastard!
He then fired missile. Sauli countered it with flares, but couldn't counter Ida's bullets, which hit his right wing.
–Damn it!—Sauli exclaimed.
–Understand, Sauli. It's over—Ida said.
–It's not over until…
Right then, everyone heard the voice of Siberian Marines commander:
–This is Moravenko! We just got this whole president of Latvialand! He ordered all troops to surrender!
–Was you saying something?—Ukko asked.
Instead of answering, Sauli turned around and started flying at collision course, firing his guns at them, but Ida and Ukko evaded the bullets. In response, they fired missiles, which were countered by flares. Sauli then tried to fly away, but he was cut off by Witches.
–You're not leaving!—Marseille said, firing her gun at him.
Bullets reached Sauli and pierced the armor of his plane, making smoke appear from the holes.
–Damn it!—Sauli exclaimed, breaking left.
Only to look into Ida and Ukko's guns, which started spitting bullets at him. They easily penetrated the armor and soon, Sauli's plane exploded, falling towards the ground.
Ida and Ukko paired, watching the plane of their former wingman falling down towards the ground. It hit it and exploded.
–All enemy forces over the city have been eliminated—Heaven Demon said.—I just got informed, that operation in Tallinn was a full success too. Latvialand and Estonica just been defeated.
–First good news in a while—Ida stated.—Guys. We're going back to Turku.
–What about Witches that were shot down?—Ukko asked.
–They said, that they will be back with Marines, once they take care of everything in the city—Rall replied.
–Good. Now, we deserve some rest—Ida said.
All fighters and Witches turned around and flew towards Turku.
19:43
Turku AFB
After landing, Rohkea, Witches and other pilots that took part in attack on Latvialand capital were greeted with cheers and congratulations for another operation, which quickly put an end to something.
–Just few more missions, and I will need to get a notebook for autographs—Sadako stated, seeing the happiness in the base.
–Me too—Rall agreed.—But now, as we took care of Latvialand and Estonica, we can come back to beating up the ICCU.
Other Brave Witches agreed with their commander.
Meanwhile, Ukko approached Ida, which was walking down the ladder from her cockpit.
–So, we have this affair settled—he said, once she stood next to him.
–Exactly—Ida replied with smile.
But this smile quickly disappeared. Ida hung her head and looked at her hands. She sighed.
–Now, there are only you and me—she said.—This is what left of ARAF top squadron?
Ukko put his hand on Ida's arm.
–Remember, that you are the best pilot we have. People really need someone like you too rely on—he said.
Ida smirked.
–Maybe you're right. But still—she said, looking East.
Ukko followed her sight and immediately understood.
–Your family—he said.
–I want to see them again. Only if I could, I would go there and liberate Helsinki alone—she stated, tightening her fists.
–Me too. But we need to wait for the right moment—Ukko pointed out.
Ida nodded, knowing, that he was true.
–Let's go to the briefing room then—Ida said as the two made their way there.
Briefing room…
Once pilots and Witches reached the briefing room, base commander entered and stood in front of them.
–Good job, everyone—the commander said.—Both Latvialand and Estonica were successfully taken care of. Everyone that put their effort in this rebellion will be judged by the Arisneri National Court.
This jinxed the wave of agrees from the Arisnerian pilots.
–However, because we had to pull some of our troop from the frontlines to take care of Estonica and Latvialand, ICCU managed to push us away from Helsinki again and are coming closer and closer to Turku—base commander continued.
This, on the other hand, started the line of growls and 'BOOOOs' from both pilots and Witches. They won the war with Latvialand and Estonica, but ICCU managed to use it as a way to get through their defenses.
–But still, you did pretty well out there. I wanted to also thank the Rohkea Team for taking down the defectors from their squadron.
Ida and Ukko just nodded.
In that moment, Hartman lifted her hand in the air.
–So that means, that we can rest now?—she asked.
Barkhorn was about to tell something to her wingman, but base commander said:
–Of course. And you know what? What will you all say for two weeks of free time, as well as the free time during Christmas?
Soon, the whole briefing room was filled with cheers and happy yells from both pilots and Witches.
At the same time…
Unknown location
General was reporting to the Master once more. Red line on the screen was till not moving at all.
–In short, our plan with breaking Arisneri apart didn't worked out—General ended.
Master still was silent.
–Master?—General asked.
–It doesn't matter—Master said.—This whole civil war was supposed to be a cover up anyway.
–Cover up?—General asked, not covering surprise.
–Yes. We had to turn the attention for something else. So we could move the King. Now, he's on the way to North Midland—Master explained.
Hearing this, General tightened his fists.
–Why wasn't I informed about this?—he asked.
–Because you're less and less reliable—Master replied.—I wanted progress, yet you failed me too many times.
General wanted to say something, but just couldn't. He turned around and walked away, with defeated expression on his face.
XXX
And here is the end of the Arisneri Civil War. Now, we're gonna leave the Witches and Rohkea Team and move to a little surprise, which probably was not expected in story about air combat. But such variations are always needed, right?
Anyway, see you in the next chapter!