Hello again, friends! Another chapter is here for you! Last time, we saw Ida and Ukko, mainly Ida, revealing everything to the leaders of INA and ICCU. After that, doctor Arragocchi helped them in going to Larotso and now, the two are on their way to arrest people, which started this war.
So, without further ado.
Chapter 30
"3rd Battle of Sevastopol"
January 19, 2022
03:12
Black Sea airspace
Two fighters were soaring through the sky over the black sea. One of them, colored in fabric metallic color, while second colored in deep red, which gave the squadron it's other name, The Red Devils. Both were flying in the direction of capital city of Larotso, Sevastopol, to bring people responsible for starting this war to justice. They were closer and close to their target.
–Any allies in sight?—Ukko asked.
Ida looked at her radar and sighed.
–Nothing. It seems like we are alone—Ida replied.—Should have expected that.
–It seems, like your communicate didn't reach anyone—Ukko stated.—But say…What was you planning to do, when we reach Larotso?
Ida just threw up her arms.
–I dunno. I didn't think we will come that far—Ida replied.
Ukko sighed.
–You know, now I wonder, why did I even…—he tried to say, but stopped.
Suddenly, several radar spikes appeared on their radars. Ukko looked at his with surprise and fear.
–Three enemy signals—he said.—I think they detected us.
–Wait…—Ida said.
Ukko waited and after few seconds, much to his surprise, three enemy signals changed to three friendly signals. Not long after, the two were joined by what looked like three MiG-21s with what looked like double crescent moon painted on their hulls.
Soon, Ida and Ukko heard:
–This is captain Oguz of Orsanian Syndicate Volunteer Air Service. You are the Rohkea Team?
–Yes—Ida replied.
–Good. We received your signal and came to your aid—Oguz explained.
–Nice to hear that, captain—Ukko replied.
–Sure. If what you say is true, I make Larotsans pay dearly for this—Orsanian said.
–And you will—Ida agreed.
The five planes were flying for few more minutes, before they were again contacted by someone:
–Wait for us.
Right then, squadron of four F-16s joined the formation of MiG-21s and Arisnerian fighters. These planes, had a red-yellow roundel.
–Sergeant Tamar Sekrelipis of Spartan Air Force reporting—lead pilot said.—Let's get this going, shall we?
–Wait for few minutes—Ida said.
And she was right. On their way, they were joined by two Panavia Tornados from South Balkania, three Mirages from Caristonia, three J-10s from Arisinia and two Gripens from North Balkania.
–Well, now I start to like it—Ukko said.
–Yeah, I didn't expected that—Ida agreed.
–It's not over yet—familiar voice said.
More friendly contacts appeared on the radars. This time, however, Ida knew, who it was.
–Girls?—she asked.
Witches joined with the already existing formation and were now flying alongside them. Now, the force grew significantly larger.
–Sorry, that it took us so long—Minna said.
–We just had to persuade base commander to let us go—Rosalie said.
–And what about us?—another familiar said.
Formation was then supplemented with one F-16, one MiG-29 and one XFA-36A with Pomeranian markings. Everyone smiled, seeing them.
–Even you took your time?—Ukko asked.
–Hell sure we did—Sebastian said.—Crimea was always the place, where Pomeranian armies fought. And it's not gonna be different with us.
–Besides, we have to avenge Głowacki. If it's Larotsan fault, then they should pay for it—Roma stated.
–Well, still, thank you very much—Ida said.—I think that's everyone.
–Nope—Rall said.
In that moment, a squadron of transport helicopters appeared just below the formation and joined them on their way.
–This is major Rogers of 24th Texas Marines Battalion—a voice said.—Hope you are right. We had to knock out our commander to join you.
–Wait, aren't you the guys stationed in Turku Naval Base?—Ida asked.
–Sure—Rogers replied.—This is why we took someone else, too.
–Never forget about us—Miles said through the radio.
–Now, that's a force—lieutenant Grabikov from South Balkania said.
–I like it—captain Logianni from Arisinia said.
–It's still not over, it seems—Ukko said, looking at his radar.—And this time, we have allies on the sea.
Everyone looked under them and saw it. Five giant shapes, soaring through the water of the Black Sea, looking like some kind of planes.
–Shit…What are those things?—Shirley asked.
–Ekranoplans—Ida replied.—Designed to move by floating over the water. Armed with cruise missile launchers and equipped with compartment for carrying troops and vehicles. Machine used to naval invasions.
–And these are not any ekranoplans too—Ukko said.—Four Lun-class led by Caspian Sea Monster himself.
–I guess, that this one is yours?—Ida asked, turning to Caristonian pilots.
–Yes—sergeant Porokrevko from Caristonia replied.—Our Caspian Sea Monster. Siberia can have most of them, but we are proud of having at least one.
–There are also Lun-class from Rakian and Orsanian navies—Ukko said.
–Now that's what I'm talking about—Ida said.
–Well. What are your orders now, Ida?—Jane asked.
Ida looked around at all the planes and other units that were now alongside them and smiled.
–We go to Larotso and arrest some people—she said.
–Yeah!—everyone replied.
With these words, entire force turned towards Sevastopol, Larotsan capital city, and started preparing for battle, which surely will happen.
04:25
Larotsan destroyer LNS Kerch
Duty aboard Larotsan Navy only Sovremennyi-class destroyer was pretty simple and boring. Larotso was neutral during the last war and nobody ever thought about being ready. However, just few hours earlier, command told the destroyer to be on standby and patrol the territorial waters of the country. Nobody knew why, but they did what they were told.
But now, it was about to change.
–Captain!—radar officer said.
–What is it?—captain asked, coming up to the operator.
–Please, take a look.
Captain leaned over the radar and took a look at it. He also noticed the same thing, that the radar operator did. A large number of green dots on the radar. He looked puzzled for few seconds, not knowing, what to say.
–Are you sure it's not a malfunction?—captain asked, with fear in his voice.
–No, I made last diagnostic few hours ago.
Captain gulped.
Right then, the bridge was filled with sound of the alarm. Radar operator looked at the radar again and pales, seeing what was approaching them.
–Multiple missiles inbound!—he exclaimed.
–Every man, get to your battlestations! We're under…!
Before captain could end, bridge was fully engulfed by flames, as several missiles collided with it. Soon, fire spread to the ammo storage and giant explosion ripped the destroyer in two. It then proceeded to sink in the sea.
–Was that needed?—Minna asked.
–They were going to inform their command about us—Ida replied.—If we didn't sunk them, then we would have harder job to do.
–And how long before we reach Sevastopol?—Pokryshkin asked.
–Should be just few more minutes—Ukko replied.
And he was right. After few more minutes of flight, they could see the target city in the distance. Sevastopol, the capital city of Republic of Larotso. It managed to escape the destruction during war, but now, it was going respond for what this country did, by starting this war.
–Detecting some enemy fighters over the city—Ukko reported.
–Not for long—Ida said.—Everyone, engage!
–On it!—everyone replied.
With these words, the fight was on. The planes of mixed INA-ICCU force started engaging the unexpected Larotsan fighters and soon, sky was filled with traces of missiles and explosions.
Ida sat behind Larotsan MiG-29 and fired her gun at it. Bullets simply demolished the enemy plane, not letting him go. Ukko managed to destroy enemy Su-27 with his missile, after which he helped Hikari to shake enemy Su-25 off of her tail. Witch then dropped behind another MiG-29 and fired full magazine at it, making it's engines explode. Other witches followed suit and few more enemy fighters were falling from the sky.
Meanwhile, the Texan Marines moved to the streets of the city. Their helicopters touched down and both them and Tank Witches left, securing the perimeter around the landing zone. Fortunately, there was none Larotsan soldier in the area. For now.
–This is Rogers, no enemies in the area—Texan major said.—But I'm sure it won't last. We're moving on the parliament and presidential palace. Can we count on you watching our back?
–Sure thing, Rogers—Ida replied.—Gabrikov, Porokrevko. Go and watch any and all approaches to the city. We don't want enemy reinforcements in here.
–Yes, sir—Gabrikov said.
–Will do—Porokrevko added.
Squadrons of South Balkanian and Caristonian fighters then flew in different direction, to watch over the approaches to the city, to not allow any reinforcements to come here.
Meanwhile, on the city's beaches, ekranoplans already hit the coast. Their fronts opened, allowing soldiers and vehicles they carried to leave the transports and started securing the area. Whatever Larotsan troops were near the beach, were quickly taken care of. Soon, the troops started pushing forward to join the Texan Marines. Ekranoplans, in the meantime, fired several cruise missiles, to soften up the defenders.
–I still think we're doing bad thing—Yoshika said, evading fire from Larotsan MiG.
–It's their fault—Barkhorn said.—They shouldn't start this war then.
She then grabbed Su-27 with her Super Strength and simply threw it into the ground. On it's way, plane hit passing MiG-29. Both burning wrecks fell on the ground and exploded once more.
–That was nice throw, Trude!—Erica said.
–Thanks—Barkhorn replied.
She then fired at another passing MiG, taking him down. It seemed, that Larotsan forces were about to lose the air war. Besides, on the ground, it was no better.
Marines were still moving up the street, now engaging Larotsan forces in the city. Larotsan soldiers were not expecting any kind of attack in the slightest, so they were not ready to battle, although they were doing their best and now, streets were filled with fire fight between M4s and AKs.
–They're trying at the very least—Rogers stated, as he dropped another squad of Larotsans.
–But they won't last long—one of his soldiers said.
–Exactly, we'll…—another soldier wanted to say, but was cut off.
There was a blast and explosion rocketed the street behind them. It threw some Marines in the air, while tearing others apart. Rogers quickly hid behind the cover. He looked from behind it and widened his eyes.
Driving in their direction, was a wedge formation of three T-80U tanks. These tanks were older than the best Siberian tanks like T-90 or T-14, but still were as dangerous and Larotso had some of them.
Three barrels blazed again and street was again shaken by the explosion. Marines tried to fire back, but T-80Us were unmoved.
–Get off the street!—Rogers ordered.
Marines quickly followed their leader to the nearby alley. T-80Us, seeing this, started driving faster. They reached the alley and stopped. Turrets started to turn around, preparing to blast the Marines out of existence.
It would happen, if T-80Us were not blasted themselves. Suddenly, several high caliber shots came from the roof and penetrated the weaker upper armor of two T-80Us. Engine of one of them started burning, while another one had his ammunition explode and fire was now gushing from it's upper hatch.
Marines looked at it with surprise.
–Who…?—Rogers asked.
–Us—girly voice said.
Rogers looked up and saw Miles, Matilda and Louis standing on the edge of the roof with their barrels smoking.
–Oh, so that's where you were gone—Rogers said.—Thanks for saving our asses.
–No problem—Louis said.
–But there still is one 80—another Marine noticed.
–Not for long—Matilda said.
Last T-80U, seeing the demise of it's two companions, tried to reverse and get out of here as fast as it could. However, what he didn't expect, was that someone just awaited this.
Four shots came from behind the last T-80U, penetrating it's back armor and making it's engine explode. Tank tried to turn it's turret around to face it's attackers, but another salvo scored hits on the tower, destroying turning system and optics. Last salvo penetrated the armor and reached ammo, making it explode and leaving T-80U as a burning hull in the middle of the street.
Soon, Aurora, Marilyn, Marta and Kitano joined the Marines.
–I must say, that was impressive—Rogers said.
–This is what we usually do—Aurora said.
–So, can we continue our assault?—Kitano asked.
–Of course—Marines commander said.
Right then, Miles, Matilda and Louis joined them, jumping off the roof of the building and using their shields to absorb the landing impact. After that, they continued to take street after street of the city.
Back in the air, Sebastian evaded fire from MiG-29. After that, Julia came into action and shot the enemy fighter down.
–Don't you think, that we recreate history?—Sebastian asked.
–What do you mean?—Roma asked.
–Well, back in the day, our armies fought in Crimea too—Thunder leader explained.
–Yeah, true—Julia agreed.
–But I guess, that we won't be taking Crimea like then—Roma stated.
–Nope—Sebastian confirmed.—So now, let's focus on these guys.
With that said, he shot down another Su-27.
Heidi evaded machine gun fire from enemy fighter and quickly returned fire herself. MiG-29 blew up into pieces, falling towards the ground. Shizuka followed, bringing down two enemy Su-27s. Other Witches were doing their best too and sky over Sevastopol was constantly filled with explosions and burning wrecks.
Meanwhile…
Sevastopol airbase
Pilots and ground crews were constantly running from one plane to another. Currently, almost 68% of base's air wing was in the air over Sevastopol, while reinforcements were coming from other airbases around the city. However, as the battle progressed and Larotsan military was clearly the loosing side, everyone started doubting, that Sevastopol could be defended.
In one of darkened hangars, Ohto, or rather Black Knight, stood and observed all the crews running around in hurry.
–Seems like Ida really went for it—Ohto said to person next to him.
Yjo just nodded.
–I expected her to do it—Bat Master 1 said.—She's my daughter after all.
–When do we have to come into the action?—Knights' leader asked.
–When Master gives the order—Yjo replied.—You really can't wait for fighting so much?
–You know I'm completely boiling inside when I'm off the field.
–Understandable.—Yjo then looked behind him.—I think I'll make some check ups on my plane by the time we're not needed.
–Sure.
Bat Master 1 then walked away. Ohto, in the meantime, continued to watch the battle taking place afar.
Back in Larotsan airspace…
–And die!—Ida exclaimed.
Her machine gun simply shredded the MiG-29 and sent him to join the rest of it's siblings. Ukko sent Su-27 flying after the MiG. Orsanian fighters were also doing quite a good job. Larotsan air forces were lesser in number by every second, what everyone really liked. While on the ground, soldiers and vehicles, which disembarked from ekranoplans, pushed in the same direction as Texan Marines and Tank Witches.
Larotsan troops, on the other hands, were being blasted out of existence left and right. Even large numbers of their precious T-80Us were no match for advancing enemy units and soon, streets were filled with burning tank wrecks.
Civilians, on the other hand, were sitting in their homes, trying to do nothing and don't move, so nothing would happen to them. Bullets were flying near them and piercing their homes walls, but most of them came unscratched from this. Most.
Meanwhile, all of this madness on the outside, did not escape the attention of a certain 'person'…
At the same time…
Presidential Palace underground
General Grodiev ran into the Master's chamber, red on his face and barely breathing. After hearing about everything that was going on in the city, he really needed to consult it with Master. He wondered, what he would tell him about what is happening right now. Because he had to have a plan, right?
–Master!—Grodiev exclaimed.
–What do you want?—Master asked.
–It was just as you thought—general said.—INA and ICCU…They are here…You need to help me…
–Do I?—Master asked.
Grodiev looked at the red line on the screen with surprise.
–Of course you do!—he stated.—It was part of our agreement!
There was a moment of silence, as nobody said anything. Grodiev just looked at the red line, which now laid flat on the screen. It lasted for about two minutes, so Grodiev thought, that Master probably just went through a system crash, what was one of his more irritating ailments.
But after these two minutes, chamber was filled with nothing more, than maniacal laughter. Red line was waving so hard, that it disappeared behind the edges of the screen. Grodiev only looked, irritated.
–What is so funny?!—he exclaimed.—My men are dying there and you are just laughing, you piece of junk?!
–No, Grodiev—Master replied.—I'm laughing because of your stupidity. You really did not fully read the agreement, did you?
–Wha…What do you mean?—Grodiev asked, more worried.
–I wrote with little letters—Master explained.—'I will help in defense of Larotso and Sevastopol, but only when it's not INA and ICCU.' And here are INA and ICCU. So I can't help you. But before I leave…
–Leave?! I did not…
–SILENCE!—Master shouted, almost deafening Grodiev.—Before I leave, I need to do one more thing…
With that, he started changing his frequency, until he found the appropriate one.
–INA, ICCU and Witches!
Back in the air…
–What?—Ida said, as strange voice addressed them all.—Who are you?
Voice appeared in everyone's communicators, so everybody had to listen to the mysterious speaker.
–For you and almost everyone here, I'm nobody—the voice said.—But for the Witches, especially 501st…They know me very well.
–Oh, yeah?—Barkhorn asked.—Then tell us something, what will allow us to recognize who you are.
Voice laughed.
–Well, allow me to think about something…Oh, right. Remember who destroyed Neuroi Hive in Gallia? Because I'm sure this wasn't you—he finally replied.
Witches started thinking and came back to that memorable day of 1944. And when they did, light bulb in their heads lighted up. And when they did, a shiver came down their spines.
–You are…—Shirley said, unable to end.
–…Warlock—Minna ended instead of her.
Another wave of, this time maniacal, laughter filled their ears. It continued for good two minutes, until it finally stopped.
–Good! So you actually remember me!—Warlock exclaimed happily.
–You know who that is?—Ida asked.
–Unfortunately—Mio said.
–Warlock was secret project of Trevor Maloney, air marshal in Britannian RAF. Built using Neuroi's core, it was supposed to be the new ultimate weapon against Neuroi, made to replace Witches—Minna explained.—However, something went wrong and it got Neuroified.
–Basically, turned into a Neuroi—Barkhorn added.
–It turned against us and, fortunately, Miyafuji destroyed him—Sakamoto ended.
Ida nodded inside her plane.
–Okay, then how is he here now?—she asked.
–Oh, that's simple—Warlock said.—You know what happens to Neuroi after they die?—He got no answer.—Just as I thought. Allow me to explain then. Core is not only the heart of a Neuroi. It's also the place, where Neuroi source code is stored. And after it's destruction, source code is free to wander whenever it wants. Including time and space. So I traveled time and space for some time, until I got here and installed myself on a computer of general Grodiev, leader of Larotsan military junta. It was pretty easy to manipulate him.
–You know I stand here, right?!—Grodiev shouted towards Warlock.
–And what about it?—Warlock replied.—Anyway. By the time I spent here, I did some things in this world.
–Things like?—Rosalie asked.
–Well, for you, it was a year. For me, it was six years. I had plenty of time to…well start a few wars, like War of Jestrelia—Warlock explained.
Everyone went silent hearing this. Memories of War of Jestrelia were still frech in their minds, because the war ended just three years ago. It was a pretty large war, which saw the fall of Communist regime in Caucasus Federation, followed by the country leaving ICCU.
–You're saying, that you started the war?—Ukko asked.
–Yes—Warlock said bluntly.—Few previous wars too. And all of that, to make my special project, using stolen materials and plans.
–What project?—Rall asked.
In that moment, everyone a number of radar spikes suddenly appear.
–What the…?—Ida said.
–Where did they come from?—Logianni asked.
–Allow me to introduce my children—Warlock said proudly.—ADF-11s.
Soon, an air fleet of black flying machines appeared over the city and made their way towards Witches and pilots. Immediately, they started firing their guns, because it seemed, that it's their only weapon.
–Holy shit!—Ida said, as wave of bullets fell on them.
Some people were not so lucky and several INA or ICCU planes got hit by the bullet wave. They started falling towards the ground in balls of fire and crashed in several buildings.
–Wait, I think I recognize these things—Julia said.
– Of course you do—Warlock said—You met ADF-11 prototype, ADFX-10, in Sudety Mountains.
–So it was your drone?!—Sebastian asked.
–Yeah. Now, have fun!—Warlock said and disconnected.
Everyone was left with wave of drones coming at them. Gunfire filled the air, as ADF-11s started choosing targets, while INA and ICCU pilots and Witches tried to evade them. But drones were more ferocious that expected, giving up only after they were destroyed. And looking at their numbers, the situation might have turned bad, if they did nothing with it.
–Holy shit, these things are fast!—Shirley noticed.
–Look out!—Takami exclaimed.
Shirley quickly activated her shield and deflected the fire coming from another UAV. Liberion Witch returned fire, scoring several hits on the ADF-11, what fortunately was enough to bring it down to the ground. Other Witches also got to work on the drones. Lynn fired at another drone, which exploded into a fireball. Perrine struck another with her lightning. Hikari managed to evade the drone fire and returned it, bringing another one down.
–Did anyone notice, that these drones are especially focused on us?—Rosalie asked.
–Now that you mention it…—Rall said.—I can't disagree.
–Oh, I forgot to mention one thing—Warlock came back on radio.—Each drone is equipped with copy of my consciousness. What means, that they have the same hatred for Witches as I do and prioritize you as their targets.
–Well, that sucks—Erica said.
–I have to agree—Barkhorn said.—It do sucks.
She then grabbed another ADF-11 with her Super Strength and threw it into another UAV passing by. Both drones vanished in fireball. Ida fired one of her remaining missiles at the UAV and scored a kill. However, according to her radar, there were still around thirty of them.
–Where did they even took so many of them?—she asked.
–You know, while ICCU and INA were too occupied with tearing each other to shreds, I had free hand in gathering materials needed for the project—Warlock replied.—Shipping to Larotso was still the same as before the war.
–Shit—Ida said.
She then fired another series at the ADF-11. Drone disappeared in a fireball. Ukko followed, destroying another. Sanya and Edytha fired their Fliegerhammers. However, from all missiles they fired, only seven found their marks.
–In that way, we will faster lose our ammo and fuel—Roma stated.
–And we will just lose our magic—Jane said.
Right then, she fired a missile at the UAV, easily dispatching it. Rest of 508th was also doing good and all of them were scoring kills on the drones and although everyone's worry, their numbers started depleting relatively quickly. Soon, ten more drones were falling down, leaving only twenty still operational.
–You think this will be enough?—Ukko asked.
–I think so—Ida said.—Eila?
–I think so too—Witch replied.
–Okay—Rohkea Team leader said.—Line up.
One Nosferatu and one Witch lined up. Next, they opened their flaps on hulls and Strikers. Everyone knew, where this was going, so they quickly cleared out of the area.
–Fire ADMMs!—Ida ordered.
Soon, wave of missiles flew out of the pods on fighters and Strikers, making their way towards the large group of ADF-11. And because they were grouped in such way, it was easy to hit them. Some missiles even hit two ADF-11s at the same time. Explosions almost covered the sky, as drones started to die, reached by missiles. Soon, they were almost all falling down towards the ground.
–How many are left?—Ida asked.
–I can see only five—Minna replied.—We can handle that many easily.
–Okay, keep you by word.
Ida then looked in the direction of Presidential Palace. She decided to contact the ground forces.
–Miles, how are you doing down there?—she asked the Tank Witch.
–Surprisingly good—Miles replied.—These three T-80Us were our only problem back there, but we took care of them.
–Good to hear that. How long will it be, before you reach the Presidential Palace?
–Maybe around fifteen more minutes. Resistance is weaker in this part of the city. And what about you?
–I guess the air is clear, so we could…
–Something's happening at the Presidential Palace!—Ukko exclaimed.
Everyone looked in the direction of the said building. There, they saw a hatch opening in the ground in front of it.
–What is that?—Kuroda asked.
–I don't like it—Shinzo said.
Right as the Witch said that, a black object shot out of the hatch and flew into the air. It was aircraft with pretty exotic design and without any cockpit. It was black in color and seemed pretty agile although it's size.
–What is that thing?—Julia asked.
–Well—Warlock said.—How do you like my new body?
–It's you?—Sakamoto said, surprised.
–Hell yeah it's me. ADF-11F Rven—Warlock explained.—Better, bigger and faster than normal ADF-11. And one thing I like about it the most…
Warlock then targeted one of the Witches on the side. He aimed his guns at her and fired. Fortunately, Jeram, because she was the target, used her shield right when projectiles fired by Warlock reached her and just did no damage. But everyone noticed one thing about these projectiles.
–Lasers—Sebastian said.—This thing have freaking lasers.
–Always preferred them over standard bullets—Warlock stated.—Now, sorry, but I think I leave now.
–Leave? I thought you would fight us—Kanno said.
–I would, but let's be honest. You are almost out of everything. Ammo, fuel, magic. If I have to be honest with you, I want you to have any chances for defeating me. So me and my friends will just disappear for the time being and come back when it will be needed—Warlock explained.
Everyone frowned.
–What friends are you talking about?—Ida asked.
–Us—Ohot said.
–And us—Yjo added.
Ida immediately looked on her radar and noticed, that there are new enemy aircraft approaching them.
–You…—she said.
–Yes, us—Ohto said.—The Knights and Bat Masters.
Immediately, Ida tightened her grip on her pilot stick. Her blood started to boil inside and she wanted to just go there and bring all of them down. But then, she looked at all her instruments and saw, that she's actually low on fuel and ammo.
–I guess we're easy target for you, huh?—she asked.
–No—Yjo replied.
–We're gonna do exactly, as Master said—Hanna said.
–You really are calling this thing your Master?—Perrine asked.
–Well, he said, that if we don't, he will kill all of us—Cyan Knight said.—It's more a demand, that our choice.
–Okay, enough of these talks—Warlock said.—Knights, Bat Master. Let's leave this forsaken place.
–Of course—both squadrons said.
They all turned in unspecified direction and proceeded to leave the airspace. Everyone just could watch them leave and due to low level of basically everything, they just could watch as their enemies leave the city.
–This is Rogers—voice on the ground said.—We're entering the Presidential Palace.
–Proceed with target—Ida said.—And find general Grodiev of Larotsan junta. We need to ask him a few questions.
–Of course—Rogers replied.
–What about us?—Jane asked.—I think we should land, but where?
–I have good news—another voice said.—Sergeant Makrat, Orsanian Army. While most of the teams cleared the city, we decided to clear the airfield. Took us some time to reach it, but after all, we did it. So you can come here.
–Thanks, Makrat. Highly appreciate it—Ida said.—Okay, guys. Let's get there.
–On it—everyone replied.
With these words, all aircraft and Witches started making their way towards Sevastopol Air Base.
That evening…
Siberian An-124 slowly came for landing at Sevastopol Air base. Giant machine started taxing in the direction of place, where it was supposed to stop. All around, INA soldiers were guarding the base, while INA and ICCU planes were standing in the hangars. Nothing seemed out of ordinary, only that it was base in non-aligned country, which was forcefully taken over just few hours ago.
Antonov slowly taxied to it's place and stopped. It's back ramp opened, allowing it's five passengers to leave.
–Here we are—general O'Haller said.
–Yeah—Galland said.—Now, we need to find everyone.
–Should be easy—Lebranche said.
–Let's go then—King Timo said.
President Waters just nodded.
The five made their way to the base's main building, which was also guarded by INA troops. Texan and Caristonian guards saluted, seeing such important people in front of them. The group entered inside and proceeded to look for Ida and others.
–Your Highness—familiar voice said.
Everyone turned around to see Ukko standing there and saluting.
–Corporal—Timo said.—Good to see you.
–The same here—Ukko replied.—I guess, that you come because of what happened here.
The five looked at each other and back at Ukko.
–You could say it like that—O'Haller said.
–We would like to talk with major Lilnatar—Galland said.—Can we know, where she is?
Ukko nodded.
–Of course. She's currently in the interrogation room—Ukko replied.
Everyone raised their eyebrows.
–Is she being interrogated?—president Waters asked.
–No.—Ukko shook his head.—She is the one interrogating.
Still, the five had confused looks on their faces. Who could be interrogated by Ida? And why?
–Can you take us to her?—Lebranche asked.
–Of course, follow me—Ukko said.
Next, the group made their way to the interrogation room.
Meanwhile…
Sevastopol Air Base interrogation room
Ida sat in front of a man dressed in Larotsan Army uniform. General Grodiev looked at her from time to time, waiting for what will happen. After he and some of his subordinates were captured, they were brought here for interrogation and Grodiev was the last one one the list.
–Okay, so let's sum it up—Ida finally said.—Six years ago, a program, which you thought was a virus, appeared on your computer.
–Yes—general confirmed.
–You tried to remove it, but the virus spoke to you.
–Exactly.
–What did that thing promised you again?
–That he'll build me an army powerful enough to change Larotso to new modern empire and superpower—Grodiev explained.—I personally wanted to only rebuild the Khanate, but his proposition turned out to be more tempting than expected.
–So you agreed on it?
He nodded. Ida did it too.
–Okay, he also promised you some sort of new army, yes?
–Yes. He promised me the army of ruthless machines, which had to be controlled by his copies. He first wanted to do it with air force, then ground forces and finally, even navy. I really thought he wanted to help us in bringing glory back to our country.
–Yet, it only used you, so it could be ready for revenge against Witches—Ida stated.—And I guess, that he started all these wars, only to weaken INA and ICCU?
–Indeed.
Ida looked at Grodiev for few more seconds, before nodding and standing up.
–I will take ma leave then—she said.
–And what about me?—Grodiev asked.
Ida pretended to think.
–Well, because you're co-responsible for starting one of the biggest wars this world has ever seen, you and your buddies will be judged by International Court of Justice in Hague. Simple—the Whitecen said.
Grodiev immediately stood up.
–And what about the country?—he asked.
–Easy, Siberians agreed to take over until new government is elected in place of your military junta—Ida explained, as she made her way to the door.
Grodiev wanted to protest, but before he could, Ida opened the door and walked out. Outside, she sighed.
–Hard nut to crack?—King Timo asked.
Ida almost jumped, hearing the monarch's voice. She looked up and saw the five standing in front of her with Ukko.
–Your Highness—Ida said, saluting to them.
–Major—Timo said.—Honestly, I now should court marshal you for going AWOL two times in a row in a short period of time.
Ida sighed.
–I understand, sir. I will…—she wanted to say, but King stopped her with her hand.
–I said I should, but I won't do it—he said.—Because as corporal here—he pointed at Ukko—explained, that you have some information we might want to hear.
–You could say it like that—Ida stated, glancing at Galland.—Please, follow me to the conference room.
Everyone agreed and followed Ida to base's conference room.
Sevastopol Air Base conference room
Ida, Ukko, O'Haller, Timo, Waters, Lebranche and Galland made their way tot he briefing room. There, they sat at the table and allowed Ida to tell everything what happened during the 3rd Battle of Sevastopol, as soldiers already started calling the event. And everyone actually just listened to her words, paying not much attention.
At least, until she reached the part about Warlock. When she came to this, everyone listened closely.
–Wait a minute—president Waters said.—You're saying, that by last six years, all wars that took place, were started by an artificial intelligence from another reality?
–Yes—Ida nodded.
–And it's artificial intelligence from not any another reality, but their reality—O'Haller asked, pointing at Galland.
–Exactly—Ukko agreed.
Everyone looked at Galland.
–Could you explain this to us, Adi?—O'Haller asked.
–Adi?—Ukko asked.
–After working together for over a year, we decided to go more by name—Galland explained.—And yes, I can explain. Minna reported everything to me after the even in 1944. Warlock was created by Trevor Maloney to replace Witches. But because it was made using Neuroi core, everything backfired, Warlock turned on us and it had to be destroyed.
–And now it turns out, that this thing was not destroyed, but traveled through space and time, taking control over Larotso—Timo summed.
Everyone nodded.
–Well, I guess that we now have to find them—Waters said.—I'll contact Gregorov and oothers. I'll tell them to also search for super advanced drone.
–I'll do the same with Grodiev and other ICCU leaders in Europe, Northern Africa and Middle East. It must be in one of these places—Lebranche said.
–And what about us?—Ida asked.
King looked at her.
–I want you and Witches to get back to Arisneri. You have to rest and be ready in case, if Warlock, Bat Masters and Knights will strike again—he explained.
–Of course, sir—Ida and Ukko replied.
With these words, Ida and Ukko left the conference room to inform Witches, that they're going back to Arisneri.
XXX
Surprise! I bet you did not expect Warlock to be the big bad of the story, did you? Anyway, I hope the chapter. And as I said, after almost three years, of writing, we're coming closer and closer to the end. But before that, there still are few things that need to be closed and now, with Warlock, Bat Masters and Knights on the loose, these things might not be so easy.
Okay, but enough of that. See ya in the next chapter!